Disclaimer: Hmm, what to write instead of don't own the Titans…that should do.

A/N: Once again, your reviews were a booster! So yay, watched the latest LOST episode. Let me tell you, season 3 is a great season and Henry/Ben is awesome. He knows how to do mind games; it's so wonderful. He helps me come up with some twisted things Slade would do. You know when you write too much fanfiction when everything makes you think 'oh, I wonder if I could do something like that…'

Yeah…sad, I know…

Ch. 5 First appearances are always important

Feeling refreshed with last night's deep sleep, Robin awoke with confidence setting his eyes into stone. Slade recognized that confidence and constantly praised his apprentice on it. It was funny cause when Robin would walk through the camp with his mind set on something, his men thought that his confidence or stubbornness would mean the end of them. Sliding into the casual clothes of jeans and a black shirt, Robin got ready for the day and headed out.

He knew that today, he would have to ask Slade about Kumi's proposition. Truth be told, Robin didn't feel like going to Gotham. Going back to Gotham meant opening up old wounds and that somehow that brought a shudder skimming down his back. It would be worse than going to Jump City. Robin paused in his steps; dread filling him.

"No, you're over this, remember. Your old selves are dead, you're Seir and Seir is not afraid of Gotham." The booster did little to help him, his sound confidence flickered away. But it did focus Robin back on the present. He would face this task like any other he had faced before his awakening. Banishing all thoughts and emotions, Robin marched to the chamber where Slade was yesterday. He doubted Slade would be in the same spot—he wouldn't be here—but it was worth a try.

"Slade?" whispered Robin into the main chamber. Glancing around, the teenager soaked in the room. The man wasn't here anymore; he had moved somewhere else. But where? A smirk formed on Robin's face. He loved these games with Slade. Hide and Seek had always been his favorite since he was a child.

Slightly treading through the halls, Robin made his way around the mansion, working upwards towards the surface, where the newer house stood for all to see. Noticing how one of the doors was slightly ajar, Robin ventured closer and peered through the crack. The room inside was unfurnished and completely dark. The perfect place Slade would love to hide in. Opening the door a little more without any sounds, Robin darted into the room and repositioned the door back to its original position.

A familiar buzz sounded into his mind as Robin's body began to feel the tingling of an adrenaline rush. But after his months with Slade, Robin automatically eased the rush, letting it pour into him in tiny droplets instead of a roaring river. Waiting for his eyes to adjust, Robin shifted his mind to that of a criminal, instead of a normal teenager. He knew already that Slade knew he was in the room, his eye focused on the door. So now it was a matter of where he was in the room and who would strike first.

Not a sound echoed in the room, the breathing of Robin kept to an absolute low. This was a battle of wills and Robin was starting to lose his patience. He could wait for hours. One time, Slade and him had been in a room similar to this and neither had budged in over five hours. But today, he was not in a patient mood. He needed to ask Slade's view on going to Gotham and any new missions. Shifting his left foot a little hard to rustle up a small sound, Robin's body tensed for Slade's attack.

Nothing came.

Frowning, Robin took three more steps to stand in the middle room. He made sound in the beginning but eased up as he neared the center. Arms hanging at his side, Robin glanced around, trying to look for any shapes in the dark. Gritting his teeth, the teenager fought back his rising urge to whisper his master's name. Minutes trickled by and his patience was beginning to wear very thin. Maybe he was wrong and Slade was not in the room.

Robin kept his gaze focused on any movement from his sides or behind. From past experiences, the teenager learned that the master criminal loved to attack from those angles.

"Wait!" Just as realization hit him, Robin heard a tiny scrap of metal.

Spinning around, he barely blocked the punch that was aimed at his chest. Skidding a few feet, Robin ducked a kick, a whip of wind hitting his neck. Shifting, he raised his arm to deliver a punch, yet once again Slade was a step ahead of him. Knocking the punch away, Slade drove another fist at the chest but Robin flipped backwards onto his hands, sending his feet into the man's chest. Slade danced away and Robin finished the flip. Regaining his footing, Robin dodged a couple more punches. He knew that Slade was driving him into a corner. Dodging a punch, he bolted to the right while sending a kick at Slade's ribs. His foot met the cold steel of an armband. Scraping against it, Robin did a cartwheel and found himself back in the center of the room.

Taking a small break, Robin frowned at his own stupidity. He had been so focused on the action around him that he didn't look right in front of him. Slade knew Robin would focus his attention on places he always attacked from; therefore he attacked from an unsuspected region. Gritting his teeth, Robin clenched his fists, his eyes taking in the charcoal eye in the shadows.

"Good, but you can do better." The man's voice echoed in the chamber, the only hint of his departure was his frame being surrounded by the light from the hall when he opened the door.

Robin eyes narrowed at Slade's halted form in the doorway, an unknown coldness settling over them. He still hated being lectured at. But the expression evaporated back into the darkness. No use fighting over something that couldn't be stopped. Closing his eyes, Robin made his way towards the man. Slade merely tilted his head down and stepped into the hall. The simple remark still hung in the air. Robin knew that the fight was over…for now.

Walking down the hall, Slade took in the quiet steps of his apprentice. The boy was mulling over something, the fight had shown him that much. Placing his hands behind his back, Slade began to make his way up the stairs to the house above ground.

"Something is troubling you."

A sigh escaped Robin's lips, "Still need to work on not showing that, huh?"

"You are still young."

"Young? Don't make me laugh, Slade."

Slade frowned beneath his mask. He knew what Robin was hinting at. The civil war had aged the teenager way beyond his years. Robin was an old soul in a young body and how he acted sometimes without conjuring up the cocky attitude showed such a personality.

"Go get some breakfast from Wintergreen and meet me in the formal dining room."

Robin nodded and passed by Slade. But before he got too far, Slade grabbed him by the forearm.

"Seir."

Robin stared back at Slade, his eyes locking onto the single eye. "Yes?"

"Dress appropriately."

Confusion flickered for a second before Robin understood. "Ok."

Letting go of his apprentice's arm, Slade watched as Robin walked towards the kitchen. Usually, the child was chipper in the morning, even if something was on his mind. This meant that whatever was on his mind was something that would not please him or was something Robin himself did not want to do. Deep inside, Slade felt warmth spread in him. The boy truly did care about him on some level, his loyalty to Slade growing stronger every day. Yet, the feeling disappeared with a cold thought. Despite their new relationship as master and apprentice—in a more teacher, student manner—Slade knew that Robin still considered himself only to be his true master. And that train of thought would not make this partnership last as long as Slade wished, for he knew that at a moment's notice Robin would turn on him in order to survive. Slade knew this for certain because it would be something he would do. And him and Robin were so much alike.

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Making his way to the formal dining room in the upper house, Robin adjusted his hood. The clicking of steel boots was softened on the carpet, he began to pick up voices, forming into a harsh debate. Sliding quietly into the large room, none of the people surrounding the large oak table spotted a dark form merging with the shadows in the dim light room. Except, of course one man who sat at the head, but he did not acknowledge the presence.

Feeling a familiar coldness settle in his soul, Robin let his mind hone in on the conversation, his eyes taking in every detail of movement. Seir knew that Slade would want to know everything he observed and any notions that the mastermind might not have picked up on. It was time to go to work, his personal issues put on standby.

A dark-haired woman in tight leather red-dress leaned forward, sliding her tiny black glasses up on her nose. "The Justice League are going to be on our backs now, waiting to see which one of us did the kid in."

"The kid is alive though. I hear he's even back in action," whispered a familiar elder man, his white hair a stark contrast to his ruby eyes.

"I just don't like the odds, ok, Blood. Whatever stupid villain tried to kill the brat got us all under tight scrutiny. Not only that, but even hotshots like Luther are bailing out."

"Roulette, calm down."

"I am calm. Just stating the odds that all," sneered Roulette at the large brained man seated next to her.

Blockbuster just smirked while kneading his fingers on the table, "My dear, let us not get off topic here and be rude to our host."

The five other villains on the table gaze at Deathstroke, who merely watched the events folding out before him.

Brother Blood coughed, "Lex Luther was never interested in our little gatherings. All he cares about right now is promoting that 'good' guy image by helping Gotham back on its feet."

Doctor Light, who snuggled in his chair at one of the corners at the table, chuckled, "That is a hopeless cause. He just wants the money…and the women. I hear Vicki Vale is quiet a looker."

Sighs circled from around the table.

"Doc, you need to lay off the women ok," muttered Firefly.

Light glared at the winged villain, "You need to lay off of the fumes. From I what I know of, electricity and gasoline don't mix well."

"Enough."

The two villains glared at each other one more time before shutting their mouths. Deathstroke gazed at each villain in turn: Roulette, Blockbuster, Firefly, Doctor Light, Brother Blood and finally on the smallest villain in the room.

"You have nothing to say, Brain?"

The unfrozen Brain remained quiet for a couple seconds. And then in that monotonic voice, replied, "Too many things are going on in the superhero community. The Titans are busy with Robin getting shot. That means that the Batman is occupied as well with his ward being injured and not to mention getting Gotham back on its feet after the earthquake. He must be desperate to allow aid from Luther."

Blockbuster smirked, "Let me inform you, dear Brain that Luther is the least of his problems. Arkham got hit bad and most of those infamous criminals are running around still. The Batman is a smart one and knows when to allow some villain's goals to come to fruition."

No one disputed Blockbuster, only nodding his or her head. Seir narrowed his eyes at the man. Recalling his time in Gotham, Blockbuster was one of the head mob bosses down in Bludhaven, a tiny island off of Gotham's coast. From what he could assume from the conversation, the villains were planning on something involving Gotham and having Blockbuster as a man from the front lines sort to speak was an essential factor.

"I do not see why we are talking about Gotham. It is not of valuable credit and would not be wise to attack considering the Joker, Two-Face and others rule the city."

Seir fought back a frown at Brain. He still remembered that voice and hated it with a passion. That man had humiliated him and threatened the lives of the Titans…

Squeezing his eyes shut, Seir forced down the tiny shred of longing to see them again. Why should he pity those who didn't try to find him? Who left him alone to fight his demons? They weren't heroes; they were just backstabbing cowards. But the anger he felt towards Brain remained burning within him. The whole Brotherhood of Evil incident had forced Robin to walk this path.

"He'll pay for messing with me. I won't let him play with other lives again." The cold-cut clarity banished all longing and manifested into the dark blue ice-stare that Seir pinned on Brain. He couldn't help but think that it was ok to think of the Titans from time to time. Whatever they did wrong would give him a just reason to attack Brain or any other villains. And if, his own personal motive was geared the same way, it was just a bonus.

Yes.

In the shadows of the room, watching the villains discuss amongst themselves why they should at least establish a base in Gotham, Seir realized that he shouldn't run, deny or repress any connections to the Titans or the superhero community. He could use them to further his quest in establishing control in the villain community and rise above the ranks. He had used the same logic out in the front lines. Everything he did was the betterment of his comrades and to end the war. Why not apply these view to everyone else he knew?

With that otherworldly premonition, Slade peered across the table and stared into the shadows where Seir was standing. He was impressed that Robin was able to remain silent and not attack any of the villains, especially Brain. He spotted the cold pale gaze directed at Brain and knew that something had changed in the boy's mind. Narrowing his eye in glee, Slade watched as those beautiful eyes shifted and locked on him. Oh yes, the boy was ready, his apprentice, his true heir had finally emerged out in the open.

"What do you think, Reaper?" It wasn't yet time for the villain community to know the name behind the mask. But, oh it was the perfect time to reveal Reaper.

The six other villains looked at each other baffled. Firefly jerked and Doctor Light jumped in his seat as Reaper took a tiny step forward. The light barely touched him, but it was enough to give a faint outline.

"Too many villains are interested in Gotham. It's just another Metropolis." Seir's voice was hard and rough, nothing like the rash tone of Robin. Dark blue eyes tilted to the side, turning into black. They mirrored the dark glee of Deathstroke. "Why not go to Jump City?"

Deathstroke couldn't help but burst into a full, wicked smile. It was one of those times he was glad to wear a full mask. Seir had learned when not to use his cocky attitude and when to settle into the emotionless void that he had heard was how Dimitry acted out on the front lines. Slade would have to remind to tell Robin to keep that certain habit he had picked up as Dimitry. Out of his peripheral view and position on the table, he watched each of the villains' reactions.

Brother Blood's eyes pulsed as he seeked to see what the boy's true intentions were. Roulette had raised her eyebrow and was busy assessing how well of a fighter body the boy had. Blockbuster merely looked at Reaper with a blank look. Firefly fidgeted in his chair, still upset that he had been caught off-guard. Doctor Light was glaring, his fists glowing a pale white. And Brain, well nothing could be said about him and that always bothered Slade.

"Jump City is of no interest," stated Brain.

Seir shifted slightly, as if he wanted to say something but held it back.

Roulette spoke, "Actually, this Reaper person has a point. Jump City is ripe for the picking. A lot of the businesses, like Wayne Tech, are placing headquarters in Jump. The economy is booming and thousands of people are moving there."

Brother Blood rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes. But do I need to remind you of those pesky Teen Titans."

Blockbuster smirked, "They're just a bunch of kids. They are no threat."

Before Brother Blood could reply, Brain cut in, "Kids they may be. But, easily defeated was Brother Blood and I. They are resourceful and stubborn till the end. It is quiet annoying."

Seir glanced quickly at Slade. Brain hadn't mentioned Slade, meaning that they didn't know of Slade's dealings in Jump City. He laughed inside, "Clever Slade. I can understand now why you were always careful in Jump. You didn't want anyone to know where you were. The embarrassment of being defeated by a group of teenagers would be too great. And you knew losing to you that I wouldn't report your dealings to anyone outside our group would embarrass me. Once again, you show how you're always one step ahead. You'll have to teach me that trick one of these days."

Slade felt Seir's glance and shifted slightly. The boy was getting distracted and he wanted his attention on the other villains.

Noticing the shift, Seir swept his gaze and spotted the amused looks of the other villains towards Brother Blood and Brain. It seemed that pride was a big issue in the villain. He couldn't help but smirk. Score for him in bringing Brain humiliation. It wasn't at the level Robin had to endure, but knowing how much villains loved to gossip and bring each other down, it wouldn't be long till everyone knew of Brain's defeat.

"I heard you froze Robin, so who was it that defeated you?" Firefly questioned, Seir's unspoken now floating in the air.

Eyes locked on Brain, Seir let joy slither through his body. A jolt of the line, showed Brain was either irritated or angry. "I do not see how this is necessary information concerning the establishment of the society's bases."

Firefly leaned forward, "What Brain, is it more embarrassing than losing to the Titans?"

Brain continued on, "I will not tell. It is not necessary."

Roulette folded her arms, "Repeating yourself, Brain. That's unusual."

Seir had to confess, his own curiosity was peaked now. Who did finish off the Brotherhood of Evil? He never really had a full-report on it. Slade's voice purred, "It is important. We can avoid trouble by-"

Risking another chance, he spoke quietly, "Knowing who had enough guts and foresight in bringing your organization down. It must be someone close to Robin's caliber." Everyone visible tensed slightly. Seir could almost picture the thought that filtered through their minds. Who was this Reaper, his position to be allowed to cut off the infamous Deathstroke and not get punished for it? Nodding slightly, Seir locked this little lesson of theatrics to build up one's reputation away into his mind.

Brain snapped back, "Beast Boy does not have Robin's caliber."

With the name out now, Firefly and Doctor Light burst out into laughter. Roulette chuckled as Brother Blood coughed to stop himself. Blockbuster just smirked. "Beast Boy? The little green one? Pitiful, Brain."

Despite the bizarre situation of Beast Boy taking down the Brotherhood of Evil, Seir found himself frowning. That little runt had succeeded where he had failed? Stepping back into the shadows, he hide from the world the shaking of his body. Slade noticed this and frowned. The boy was doing well with hiding his emotions, but it seemed that knowing of Beast Boy's victory had made him lose control.

"I will discuss the issues of where the next base should be and the furthering interaction of hero involvement with the rest of the council," concluded Deathstroke. "Reaper will go to Jump City and Gotham to see if there is even a possibility of conducting a strike."

Roulette frowned, "You trust this Reaper, Deathstroke?"

"He is my apprentice."

The room fell into a deep silence. Now, all eyes were focused on where a moment ago, Seir's extremely faint outline was, each face a deathly white. Even Brain's little monitor showed some spikes.

Deathstroke stood up, placing his hands on the table, "Meeting adjourned."

The five villains nodded and quietly filed out of the room, trying to get a better look of Reaper. Once outside and back into their territories, the news of Deathstroke having an apprentice would spread like wildfire. In the end, it would catch the attention of the superhero community, especially a certain group who were searching for a lost person.

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A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed that. I didn't know which villains to put in and then thought, why not these ones. Gosh, I should really go to bed but I'm a bit too wired at the moment. Darn LOST and story XD