Teen Titans Fan Fiction

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans, its Production Company, affiliates, and sponsors. Everything is fictional and any similarities between the characters and any living person are purely coincidental.

A/N: As always, R&R are appreciated, even if you didn't like the story. Any sort of feedback is much more resourceful than no feedback at all. Thank you for staying with me to this point. I hope you enjoy the story as we move along. Let's get it started!!!!

Legend -

Normal Font: Basic read and insight.

Bold: Change of location or time.

Italics: Individual thoughts and recollections.

SACRIFICE

As Cyborg and Beast Boy begin to explain the past, Robin seeks answers from his mystery caller. Who is it? And can he give Robin the answers needed to save his city?

Chapter 5 - The Past

"Calm down, Robin." The voice stated. There was very little emotion in his voice.

Robin knew who had called him once word of the Joker's presence in Jump City became public knowledge. His own instincts about his mentor's methods were uncanny. Batman had called him, and Robin wanted answers.

Why was the Joker here in Jump City? He's usually in Arkham, if he's not, he's plotting something against Batman, not himself. I've seen what Joker can do to a city. He can cripple an entire city with fear in a matter of seconds. It was never safe for anyone as long as he was on the loose. I should blame you for this, but I know better first hand how nobody understands his methods better than you do.

"I will not calm down until I have some answers!" Robin shouted back. Robin was a bit angry, apparently himself and his mentor had sort of a falling out which led him to Jump City in the first place. What led them to drive apart from each other, only Robin and Batman knew.

"If you cannot calm down, how do you expect to beat any opponents, much less him?" Batman argued back.

He was cold, cruel, and his methods were somewhat questionable, but he always got results when they mattered and he always was able to piece things together before anyone else could and crack the case wide open. Robin had inherited a lot of the same from his mentor, but his methods weren't entirely like Batman's; not entirely, but similar nonetheless. Robin had little room to complain or bark orders, it was through his seemingly unlimited funds that Titan's Tower even stood today, and he still was the source for any major repairs that needed to be done. As long as Robin remained Robin, he would always be in his shadow, and there was no escape from it, even if everyone else saw him as Batman's equal one day.

"Fine." Robin sighed. "What do you know about the Joker's presence here?"

Robin sat down as he confronted his mentor. It was an odd sight, Robin in one chair looking at the screen, the legendary dark knight in the other looking straight back at him. Master and apprentice at odds with the apprentice usually stirring up trouble. Starfire's trip to the future had opened his eyes to a possibility he had in the back of his own mind. Perhaps Robin should vanish back into the night one day...

The caped crusader took a moment before he responded, "At this time not much. I had thought he was still here in Gotham. It was only last week since he broke out of Arkham. I've been scouring his old lairs and hideouts, but had no luck, and now I know why."

Batman punched in a few keys and all the data from all his previous experiences with the Joker was sent over to Robin's computer; newspaper clippings, scientific analysis of Joker gas, Psychological profiles on the Joker and his goons, as well as Harley Quinn's data.

"It still doesn't explain what he's doing here in Jump City. I came here to get away from all that." Robin told him. He was speaking calmly, but his fists were both clenched, tight.

He was still having a hard time grasping that Joker was here, he was really here in Jump City. Joker was Batman's worst adversary. His schemes and plans threatened every person in the entire world, he was ruthless and spared no one. All of the other criminals, Penguin, Two-Face, Clay Face, Riddler, and even Catwoman, had their own personal limits. All they wanted to was either gain power or riches, Joker's plans made sense to himself only. Robin was probably trembling more from fear, than anything, and he wasn't handling it very well.

"I think it's safe to say that nobody on the planet can probably understand what goes on inside that man's head." Batman took his time before saying "I'm coming out there to apprehend him and bring him back to Gotham." It sounded more like a statement, not a request. An order, just like it had always been between them.

Batman reached to turn off the monitor. Robin looked up at his video screen. He thought only for a second before saying, "I wanted this job, too."

Batman stopped where he was. His eyes turned towards Robin, he knew better than to question an order he gave. Still, he wasn't sure why he allowed Robin to speak up and finish. It was something he tried far too many times in the past, and not once did he ever get his way.

Robin continued, "I started this just like you did, so that nobody ever had to experience that kind of pain and suffering ever again. To uphold the law and justice of the world. We never use guns, and we never kill. We do whatever it takes to stop criminals from playing the system and stop the ones who continue to elude the police. We are the defenders of the night. I can handle it without you coming."

Batman put his arm down and allowed Robin to finish. Robin had struck a nerve, but he wasn't about to let him see it as he finished.

"Do not come out here. I will apprehend the Joker and I will bring him to justice. Don't forget that I was trained by the best man who knows his methods better than anyone in the world and I will prove that I am not just your sidekick." Robin finished his hands were clenched to the point where they were bleeding. Robin wanted this job and he was going to take it whether Batman liked it or not.

Batman sat back, took only a second to think then stated, "Win and everyone will be happy. Fail and everybody will die. Batman out."

He pressed a button on his terminal and just like that, he was gone. Robin uploaded the data into the mainframe computer before heading out of his own living quarters and back to rejoin the others. It was time to go to work...

Meanwhile, in the main living room...

Cyborg was explaining the past to Starfire. "Ok, Star, all of us knew who Robin was beforehand because of his adventures in Gotham City. When you first came crashing down on the planet, it was rumored that Batman and Robin had sort of a falling out and that's why Robin was here. Other rumors stated that he was here trying to find his own path, no one really knows what happened except those two." Starfire was nodding, saying she understood.

Beast Boy took over, "Star, Batman and Robin were a legendary team, news of their successes reached all over the world, even to where I was when I was in the Doom Patrol. Batman has proven time and time again that you don't need super powers or super strength to be a hero. To put it plainly, Batman was the super hero and the Joker, was the biggest, baddest nemesis in every shape of the word."

Cyborg nodded then continued, "While Batman and Robin always beat the Joker in the end, there were many times where they weren't able to stop him before he had killed people. A lot of people died once in one of the schemes that Joker pulled off. By the time Batman and Robin found and caught him, over one thousand people died from a new string of Joker gas at the time. The Joker is a nut case, he doesn't understand the basic principals of right and wrong from what I understand about him, and he delights in causing other people to laugh, even if he has to force them. He loves pain, torture and does not care if he has to kill anybody."

Even Raven seemed to understand more about him. Sure, she had been inside his mind, but not long enough to explore every corner, every nook, every crannie. Though she did admit, hearing about Joker's schemes and plots made her quiver. It was one thing dealing with criminals who are stealing or trying to gain power of some sort. Joker was an entirely different case. He didn't care about money or power, what he wanted only he knew.

Starfire still looked a bit puzzled, "But if what you are saying is true, it still does not answer why Robin was afraid."

Starfire had heard every word that Beast Boy and Cyborg said. They had tried to make it easy so that both herself and Raven could understand Joker's methods in a bit more detail. Beast Boy seemed to know more as a former member of the Doom Patrol. From hearing the description of the Joker, however, beating the Brotherhood of Evil seemed like a sideshow to dealing with Joker. Starfire was still worried, their words had not completely comforted her about why Robin seemed different.

"Because I'm afraid of losing all of you." A voice had boomed from behind them. Robin had re-entered the room. He walked over and got in front of all 4 Titans before continuing.

"The Joker isn't just crazy. He's psychotic, delusional, and a sociopath. I know from personal experience, he won't stop killing until there isn't anyone left to get rid of, then he'll simply move on." Robin was almost shouting at this point.

Robin took a deep breath. "Ok, look, there's no guarantee that any of us may make it through this alive. Joker's schemes are ruthless and it's not going to be easy to bring him in. If anyone wants out, I fully understand. You can come back once the heat dies down and there will be NO judgment from anyone in this room, understand?"

All 4 remaining Titans looked at each other, then stood up. Starfire spoke, "As long as we're together..."

Robin finished, "we can overcome anything." Robin was glad he didn't have to face this threat alone. He had his friends, and his mentor's wisdom to guide him. They were prepared to deal with Joker.

The others nodded, Raven's eyebrow raised at the two's unity. Well with that kind of unity, we may actually have a chance at this.

BEEP ... BEEEEEEEEEEEP ... BEEP

Robin spoke up first as he responded, "Man, he sure doesn't waste much time."

Cyborg was already at the computer and started keying in commands. "I'm putting it onto the main screen."

The screen came on. The problem was it wasn't the Joker. The main screen split into two. On the left it was shot of the Pier, the familiar foe to all the Titans known as Cinderblock was attacking the amusement park by the Pier. On the other half, a chemical factory where Plasmus was gushing down barrels of chemical waste. Robin was about to call the Titans, to battle but he was stopped by the same alarm.

BEEP ... BEEEEEEEEEEEP ... BEEP

Robin turned to Cyborg, who was still at the computer and asked, "Isn't it just the same two incidents?"

Cyborg keyed in a few commands, then responded, "No, it's another one, and it's isolated away from the other two. I can't get a lock on it's location though."

What the hell is going on? Cinderblock and Plasmus acting just one day after Joker makes his appearance? It's way too convenient. Slade...are you working with Joker on this one?

Robin's hands were clenched. There was too many coincidences for them not to be related. Robin thought silently to himself as Cyborg tried to isolate the new incident.

Cyborg continued to type in commands at the computer terminal, "Last one's coming up on the screen with the other two. I still have no idea where it's coming from though." he reported as he stood up and joined the other Titans who were looking at the screen.

It was in an old abandoned factory. Broken down metal gears were all around, the place looked thrashed. Windows all around were also shattered, broken glass everywhere. In the middle, a dark figure could be seen. It's outline was faint, as if he was waiting for something. Robin's eyes got larger as if he were in shock. He knew where it was.

"Titans, listen up!" Robin had gotten all of their attention. "Raven, can you handle Plasmus alone?"

She nodded. Good thing one of us has a plan.

"Good, Cyborg, Beast Boy, go take down Cinderblock. Raven, to the chemical factory. Be careful everyone, I have a feeling it's a trap. Starfire, you're with me, I know where to go." As Robin issued commands, each Titan understood their own role.

"Titans, as soon as your done, zero in on either my, or Starfire's locations. Titans, Go!" With those words, all 5 rushed out the door to the bottom floor.

Raven chanted and vanished. Beast Boy and Cyborg hopped into the T-Car. Cyborg revved the engine a couple of times and the T-Car sped out. Robin ran over to his bike, put on his helmet and started it. He also revved it several times before he himself sped off in the opposite direction, with Starfire flying right behind him.

As he sped towards the location, the last words he spoke to his team echoed through his mind.

"Be careful everyone, I have a feeling it's a trap."

Robin knew it was a trap. It was an attempt to get him alone. In order to prevent himself from being left alone and another incident where his friends were put in danger, Starfire came with him. He would make sure that Slade was stopped here and now. He reached one hand to his helmet, "Starfire?"

"I am here." she replied, she was weaving through the larger buildings, trying to keep up with Robin.

"You're going to be my protection." He replied. Man I hope this works.

"Protection from what?" she asked as she turned from another large building, but barely avoiding a small flock of birds in the process.

"From whatever trap Slade left for us." Starfire nodded at those words. She understood. Robin was protecting everyone and himself, even now. She smiled. Everything will be ok...

They both soon arrived at an old factory. Robin got off his bike and set his helmet aside. Starfire landed and looked around. She gasped and exclaimed, "But this one of Slade's old lairs!!"

"I know." Robin squinted his eyes, trying to make out any possible traps that were around the area.

I don't think anyone saw us come in, good. He thought. "Starfire?" Robin asked.

"Yes, Robin?" She replied.

"We're going to try a new strategy here. I'm pretty sure that Slade is waiting for me inside. He used Cinderblock and Plasmus to cause those distractions, forcing us to split up. My trump card today will be you." Robin explained as carefully and basically as he could. He pointed at Starfire to re-emphasize.

"I need you to wait 10 minutes. 10 minutes then come in after me. I don't think Slade expected me to bring anybody, and if I go in there alone, he'll think I came alone." Robin explained as best he could. Judging from her own reaction, he was successful in doing so.

Starfire smiled. Robin has actually laid the trap for Slade this time. Robin, you have also learned from our past dealings with Slade. You are not rushing in there like you would have done earlier. I am very happy to see that you have grown right in front of my eyes. It makes you even more wonderful.

"I understand, I shall wait 10 minutes and then come in after you. Robin...?" Her cheeks were turning red.

Robin turned. He hadn't fully turned around before Starfire had kissed his cheek.

"Please be careful." she spoke to him. It was more of a request than an order. That was more than enough to follow. She started looking around for something that would help her keep track of the time. Robin pointed across the street, but Starfire nodded without seeing exactly what he had pointed to.

"I will. 10 minutes, ok?" Robin ran inside, his cheeks red.

Starfire nodded. As Robin ran into the factory alone, a single tear drop fell to the ground.

Meanwhile...inside the factory...

"How touching..." Slade had commented on what he saw outside. Pushing a button on his Palm Pilot, it turned off. He silently laughed to himself and smiled.

Oh Robin, when will you ever learn? I know how you think and how you act. You can not out think me, I have already out thought you.

Slade reached into his utility belt, pulled out a small phone and spoke into it, "She'll be there in 10 minutes, make sure you're ready."

The line went dead with out a response, but it wasn't from Slade's end.

At the front door, Robin knocked it down with one swift kick, breaking it off its hinges. He started running inside, deep into the darkness and the former lair of Slade.

Robin has figured out that a trap has been set. With the Titans scattered, everything seems to have been taken care of, or are they just walking into a much larger trap?

Next time: Chapter 6: Deja Vu

Dreams become reality, and one of the Titans falls. You won't wanna miss it.