Disclaimer: One more time, people! Only DC owns the characters and only does Cartoon Network owns the show.
A/N: Oh my gosh, folks can you believe! I only have one more chapter and then...poof...no more! running around What will I do? What will you read? Argh, this is so strange but that's why I made this one extra long for you. Thanks for all those wonderful reviews for the past couple chapters. And now, in this chapter we see what Robin's hard work all addes up to. Enjoy!
Ch. 33 The last dance
-Justice League Tower, a couple days later-
Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian the Manhunter, Flash, and Green Lantern sat around the massive round table absorbing the story as Batman with help of Green Arrow and a sad Starfire explained Robin's turn. Martian would occasionally add a bit from what he gained from the images he saw in Raven's mind.
Wonder Woman propped her elbows on the table, "So what about this journal? Can we confirm it?"
Batman shook his head, "No. And now that I look at it, the journal is a fake. While up here, I carbon dated the soil and discovered that the soil was from England, meaning Ro-Reaper forged the journal there."
Flash whistled, "Clever kid."
Everyone shot the red-clad hero a dark look and he laughed nervously, "Sorry."
Superman gazed sadly at Starfire, "How are the Titans?"
The alien princess' eyes lit up as she returned to the present. "They are recovering."
Martian nodded, "Raven is healing, Beastboy has just gained consciousness and Cyborg is rebuilding his arm."
Everyone paused, letting the silence fill the room. Wonder Woman spoke first, "What do we do now?"
"Nothing."
Surprise lit the woman's face as she regarded Batman, "You're giving up on him?"
Masked eyes narrowed in slits. "He made his decision. He stated it simply with him attacking the Titans and Superman. Robin is a criminal now and he will be treated as such."
Superman picked up on the distant tone and knew his friend was suffering, but was a proud man and did not show it. "What will we tell the public? Robin was a popular icon."
Starfire shifted her gaze up at Batman. "We will say that he is taking a vacation. I won't destroy everything Robin worked for." The Dark Knight gazed silently back at Starfire and he felt her gratitude. The doors swished opened and Black Canary ran into the meeting room.
"You guys might want to see this."
Green Arrow frowned as his blond partner hit the TV screen showing Lex Luther standing on a platform, a TV screen next to him. "My dear fellow humans. I am here to talk to you about a problem that has reached my attention. I recently was sent video and audio clips concerning the prosecution of an innocent young man from the superhero community. We all know him, a true symbol of human embodiment."
Flash leaned forward, "What the hell is he talking about?"
Starfire began to breathe faster, her green eyes shooting up at Batman. "He wouldn't, he was clean!"
Batman clenched his hand, "Unless it was a new type of bug."
The video shifted, revealing that the beginning was just a recap and now continued onwards. The broadcasting had been airing awhile before the heroes got wind of it up in their Tower. As if on cue, Lex tapped his laptop and a video of a Robin's clear figure appeared with the Titans and Batman questioning the boy. "The Titans and the presence of Batman just show how high and mighty these superheroes think of themselves. They just view us mere things who need protection and cannot take care of ourselves. They destroy our homes without repaying us back, forcing us to pay higher taxes."
An image of Robin, Batman and soon Green Arrow played on the screen.
"Let me guess this straight. According to your logic and I'm guessing pretty much the whole superhero community as well, that a person shouldn't take responsibility of their actions."
"Not all people, Robin."
"Oh, so just superheroes are exempt then? So villains and the average human get blamed for everything." Robin shook his head, as if trying to get his mind to accept the idea Superman charges the villain with theft, traffic accident and a destroyed city block. I can understand the theft and accident violations charges. But Superman being the cause of a destroyed office, a crater in the middle of the road and someone's car on top of a another car, pinning the villain in a cage walks away clean, leaving the average human cop, firefighter left to clean up his mess, for the city to raise its taxes in order to fix the damage on the road and building?"
Green Arrow's voice boomed in the room, "Yes, I confess that in your logic superheroes tend to shift the blame."
Luther cleared his throat, "The superhero community think they are mini-gods and do not concern themselves with people who truly need the help of heroes. They degrade the mere humans who make it their responsibility to save others. They have become hypocritical."
Beastboy's voice and face filled the screen, "They were a bunch of strangers. STRANGERS! You don't get mixed up in other people's wars."
"Then what do you think you're doing?"
Beastboy's jaw dropped and his hands fell to his sides. Quickly gathering his wits, Beastboy scratched the back of his head, "Um…yeah…but this is different."
"How? How is it different? Because they're some remote country? Because they're just normal humans living a normal life?"
"Yeah, that's it!"
Luther paused and shut off video, before hitting the audio system. Batman's confession echoed in the room. "They even think they have the audacity to condemn criminals…or in this case, help a criminal. They say how they try to keep criminals off the street, yet here they are immunizing a criminal so he can continue on with his con activities."
Batman's pained voice pierced the air, "He was a criminal, one of the top conmen in world. In exchange for information I had to grant him something. I gave the criminal immunity."
"And not to mention," Luther selected another track and they heard Starfire's weak confession.
"I was gone for years. In my place was a robot replica of me to fool the Titans and everyone else in the superhero community. But, the Titans knew and soon Batman and a couple members of the League did too. Yet, they kept the charade up, right Starfire? You guys continued to fool the public, make them believe that the leader of the Titans was the real one."
Starfire gasped, "Yes."
"You lied to Jump City…to the world…"
"Yes.
"They lied to us, especially you Jump City. They made you believe that Robin was still there, yet it was just a decoy. And while this decoy was running your city, they turned their back on the true Robin, who…" Lex paused, grief playing on his face. "I am sorry to tell you this but this is the true reason why I am prompted to share this with all of you. This man who sent these video and audio clips…he said that Robin's last request was to make it known how far the superhero community has fallen." Lex played the clip
"All those men, women and children…they sent letters to you Justice League members, but you guys did nothing, nothing while the League of Shadows sought to establish total control. Face it, you had all the tools, the right motives and the timing was perfect but you all did nothing."
"His own friends and partner turned on him and innocent people who were in need. They turned on their own kind because he became a threat. Robin realized in his final hours how precious humans are and being a human himself, he supported and defended our species against these metahumans. He stood up for us and helped complete strangers strive for peace. He was a true hero. Robin was selfless and the moment he disappeared, the Titans turned their backs on him. If the Titans can do this, what is stopping the Justice League from doing the same?"
Batman's voice: "The superhero community does have its flaws." An image flashed by of Robin eating food off the floor.
"Or maybe they are already lying to us, deceiving us 'low' humans? Treating us like dumb dogs. Well, I will not stand by and let them think that they are mightier than us!"
Lex's voice continued to get louder and stronger, "I ask of you, for Robin's memory that we stand up for ourselves and begin rescuing ourselves. I have no doubt that another Robin will rise up from the shadows when we need him the most, but until that time, let us show these 'superheroes' that they are worthless, that all they ever do is damage our homes and attract more dangerous villains. Let us tell them to take their war somewhere else. Let us unite against these selfish, arrogant warriors and show them how powerful, how strong our human spirit is!"
The crowd roared with support and Lex nodded, basking in the chanting of his name. The camera shifted and took in the massive crowd on some college green oval. The young crowd chanted and the superheroes watched them pull out off their Superman logo patch off their backpack and light them on fire with their lighters.
Arrow turned off the TV, "We're so screwed."
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Starfire floated into the infirmary and took in her friends. "Hi."
Cyborg was hunched over a small table that extended over his bed. Dressed in a simple white gown, the teenager had mechanical parts strewn across the table, a outline skeleton of his arm taking shape.
Laying in a long bed next to Cyborg, was Beastboy huddled deep into his sheets. Blurry green eyes gazed over the sheet, "Hey, Star."
Starfire smiled at Beastboy, "I am so glad that you are awake now."
The boy nodded softly, croaking, "Yeah. Good to be alive."
Cyborg dropped his screwdriver, "Beastboy…"
"Don't Cy." Raising himself slowly onto his elbows, the sheets fell away revealing Beastboy's chest covered in bandages. "It's not your fault. I forgive you."
Sending a grief stricken gaze at a man he considered his brother, Cyborg could not help the single tear that fell down his cheek. "If I had only shot earlier, if I could have prevented the blast from firing at all…"
"You didn't know Robin would use me as a shield. Cy, man, if I was in your position I would have done the same thing, you saw a clear shot and took it. It should be Robin that should be feeling regretful."
Cyborg rubbed his eye, "Yeah and how did you come to that solution?"
A grim look fell over Beastboy's face, "Cause, he was a coward. Instead of facing you straight on with that blast, he hid behind me." His green fist clenched the sheets tightly, "We've got to get stronger to capture Robin…to make him realize his mistake."
Cyborg frowned, "Even after everything he's done. Beastboy, not long ago you wanted to rip him limb from limb."
A sad look befell the changeling's face, "But now I know a reason why he sided with Slade. He said that I embarrassed him during the whole Brotherhood of Evil fight. Robin's a proud man, I knew the moment I saw him and I know that it must have hurt him deeply when he was captured and had to rely on me of all people to save the day. I…I just want to tell him that I'm sorry and work out this whole mess and tell him that it was a group effort, not me alone. I want to correct whatever assumptions he made or what Slade told him." A determined look hardened his eyes, "I won't lose him forever, like I did Terra."
Starfire felt new tears well up in her, at Beastboy's new perception. Cyborg grinned, "I'm with ya all the way."
Beastboy flashed a toothy grin, "Thanks, dude. How about you, Star? Despite everything, you still want to go after Robin?"
Tears dripped down onto the floor as Star let her head drop. "There is something you should know."
And so, the alien princess recapped everything she saw on the TV and how Robin used their interrogation against them. She spoke of how Lex had denounced the superhero community and the people who were now cheering him onward. Lastly, she talked on how Lex had said that Robin was dead and how they must work to preserve his memory.
Cyborg smashed his fist into the table, sending a screwdriver across the room. "That little…How…Grrr!"
Beastboy collapsed back into the bed and stared at the ceiling. "What will we do?"
"We continue…on-onwards."
The hush whisper sent the three Titans to bolt up straight, their faces scared half to death. Turning stiffly, they looked upon dull violet eyes set upon an ashen face. Raven frowned softly, "Like Lex and Batman said, Robin has a legacy that we must continue. I saw…things…horrible things. Robin…R-Robin fell because he felt that he-he was doing the right t-thing." Coughing lightly, Raven blinked a couple times to regain her bearings. "He thinks that b-by becoming a villain, he can s-save more people, bring justice to…to the world. He, he was sick of everything…of w-waiting…and…with n-no one else but Slade to turn to…R-Robin l-let himself fall…"
"Friend Raven," Starfire walked to the demon witch and grasped her hand.
"We…we have to prove him wrong…by staying together…show h-him that we do make a difference…that we are pr-protecting people and invoking ju-justice."
The three Titans nodded, her words seeping into their brains. "So it's final," proclaimed Cyborg. "The Teen Titans stick together and continue Robin's work."
"For his memory," added Beastboy.
"For his memory," whispered Raven, smiling weakly at the changeling.
"For his redemption," muttered Starfire so quietly that only Raven heard her soft voice, her only indication was to squeeze the tanned hand to show her support.
-Gotham City-
Slade turned off the TV and placed the remote control on the bed. Gazing out the window, he took in the wailing of cop cars amongst the glittering city. Gotham city was alive and soon the whole nation would be buzzing. Luther had done it; he had tainted the superhero community. When more footage would be released, people would pour over his words and kick the superheroes out of business.
This was better than releasing their secret identities. Kill the fans and you don't have the support to continue onwards. The Titans were good as dead and the rest of the superhero community would limp forward. The hotel door creaked opened and Slade turned to watch Robin walk in quietly shutting the door behind him.
"Well…"
Robin glanced up before frowning, trying to dig dirt from under his fingernails with his broken arm still in a cast. His nose was no longer bandaged but still was swollen; the red cut a testament of what the boy went through. "The cemetery needs better maintenance. I'm going to take a shower."
Slade nodded, "Before you go, tell me what you did in Titans Tower?"
Robin paused on in the doorway, his eyes narrowing with weariness. "I simply took away what was most precious to them. I wanted them to feel the pain of what it was like to be left alone in the dark."
"And how did you accomplish this?" Slade already knew bits of information from the robots but he wanted to hear straight from the horse's mouth. He had felt proud when he saw the pictures inside each of the Titan's rooms.
Robin sighed, made his way to his single bed and plopped down. "I infected Sally with a virus. Cyborg will have to rebuild her from scratch. I broke Raven's mirror, so she will never be able to confront her emotions head-on like she use to. Starfire's pet Silky I killed so she will no longer have a companion. And Beastboy, I destroyed all his keepsakes involving his only successful relationship with Terra. His heart will never heal anymore."
Slade bent down to pick up a box near his suitcase. A twisted smile graced his face in response to the sick joy he felt towards Robin. The boy did indeed have the mind of a criminal. Terra would have never thought of such things, even he himself had not thought of hurting the Titans in such a manner, thinking the betrayal of their leader was enough. He let Robin know, making his voice purr with dark delight. "Crippling them spiritually, I could not think of a more perfect way. You have a creative streak that I think you should not be afraid to show from time to time." Laying the box next to Robin, he motioned for the boy to open it.
Shock and caution flashed on Robin's face. "You're giving me a present."
"You act as if you never received a gift before. I thought that you deserved one because despite the risks, you followed through with the plan. And...not to mention the fight with Titans and that brutal battle you had with Batman."
The boy shook his head, "Never pictured you as one who hands out gifts."
Slade chuckled softly, "I'm not, and this is a one time deal…a very rare, one time deal."
"Good, cause you're scaring me with this act of kindness." Lifting off the lid, Robin's uninjured hand lowered itself into the box and picked up a metal staff, extending it all the way.
With an expert hand, Robin quickly snapped it in half. "Wow," he remarked sarcastically, placing one of the sticks on the bed
Slade scoffed, "Press the button at the end of each staff."
Robin did as he was told and metal spikes sprung throughout the staff. The young man twirled it, avoiding the sharp microblades. "It smashes and now shaves…sweet." Hitting the button again, the blades snapped back in creating a smooth metal spike. Placing both sticks back in the box, he closed the lid. "Thanks."
The older man nodded. "Welcome. Now go take a shower before we have to fly out."
The younger man rose from the bed and stepped into the bathroom shutting the door behind him. The pair was staying overnight in Gotham, waiting for their flight to Australia that was leaving in the wee hours of the morning. Robin had asked if he could visit the cemetery a couple hours earlier and Slade decided the boy deserved it, while he ran out to pick up the box. Never once did he ask about the boy's past and in return, Robin never bothered with Slade's own past. Staring back out the window, Slade felt himself completely relax for a minute while he heard the powerful jet of water cascade in the bathroom.
-The next day-
News stations, talk shows hosts, radio hosts, newspapers, the whole world was swarming over Luther's statement. Everyone listened intently as other analysists pondered over the clips and each one said that Luther voiced what everyone secretly thought about in the back of their minds.
The popularity of the superhero community shot down. A couple heroes reported to the Justice League how the people they were trying to save turned around and attacked them. Some of them even got kicked out of their own city.
It was nighttime in Gotham City and Batman swung down onto the police rooftop. He was surprised to see the Batsignal still up considering current events. But thankfully, Gotham citizens did not attack Batman. Most of the city thought he didn't exist despite the evidence in the video and audio clips. But mostly, Batman was the only one who could take down the likes of Joker and the other nutcases in the city. Lastly, the question and prosecution of Batman was not new for Gotham. There had always been criticism since the day he began the crusade.
Batman glanced around and took in the forms of Gordon, Montoya, Bullock, Fox, the new DA and a couple higher up officials. "This is new."
Gordon nodded, "Yeah well last night all of us," he waved at the group, "had a little impromptu meeting."
"Oh?"
Bullock growled and spit out his toothpick, rubbing the back of his neck, "You call getting freakin' knocked out and tied up in a chair impromptu."
Batman shot Gordon a questioning glance.
Gordon cleared his throat, "We all were kidnapped by some person who calls himself Reaper. Despite having a broken arm, the criminal was fast and apprehend us quickly. The room he had us in was dark, but there was enough light to see his outline and his unmasked eyes."
Bullock shruddered, "Gave me the creeps."
The commisioner shot Bullock a warning look, "He got us together to give us a heads up on Luther's little speech."
A pity look flashed on their faces, but it was out of understanding. Gordon continued, "He told us you let a criminal go because he provided information regarding Robin." A small smile, "He made a convincing argument and I am speaking for all us here that we forgive you and support you, Batman."
Surprise lit the Dark Knight's face, "What?"
"We sometimes forget you're just as human as the rest of us. What you did with the criminal proved just that. It showed us that underneath that cowl you are a father who just wanted to find his son and would sell his soul to do just that." Stepping forward, Gordon placed a hand on Batman's shoulder, motioning the others to leave the rooftop. When the last left and the metal door banged closed, the commissioner continued, "From one father to another, I could not be more prouder of you."
Something in Jim's voice snapped something in Batman. Leaning forward he gripped hard on Gordon's shoulder, trying not to break down in front of his old friend. "I failed him. He's gone, Jim. He's gone."
Gordon frowned, scared at how vulnerable Batman appeared at that moment. But he would be strong for his friend. "Then you must continue onwards for him, Batman. You need to be strong for Robin, don't make his death meaningless."
Batman nodded weakly. Gordon patted Batman lightly, "You want to know something else Reaper said."
"What?" chocked Batman.
"He said that the reason he was doing this, protecting your identity, is because the world needs a Batman. He said Gotham needed its' Dark Knight and the Justice League needed an outsider to keep them in line. The people of Earth need a Batman because he is the symbol of how far a human can go without superpowers. Batman is the perfect role model, one who is the living proof of human endurance and spirit."
Batman took a step back and eyed Gordon, "Reaper said that?"
The older man nodded, "Yep."
Silence fell upon the pair but it was a comfortable silence. Batman's mind worked over this new revelation and did not know what to make of Robin's new move. Was it out of pity or was it one more blow? Either way, he was glad that the boy was alive and seemed to be back on his feet. The guilt of attacking his one time son ebbed slowly away. Robin had bought Batman a chance to redeem himself, to continue onwards with his promise to his parents. He couldn't help but think that Robin 's underlying reason to preserve Batman's status was because the boy needed a challenge and what is more perfect than one's old mentor. He frowned mentally but it was a frown that one makes when a challenge presents itself. Robin would continue to grow and as such Batman knew he would have to train harder to outwit his ex-partner. Wonderful.
Gordon's walkie-talkie chimed and the commissioner pulled it out. "Gordon here? What?! Joker just let loose an entire army of toy soldiers in the mall. Wonderful, what is Harley there as well? What? Don't puddin' me, miss!" Snapping it off, he was about to report Batman but the man was gone. Gordon couldn't help but smile. "Well, looks like some things just never change."
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A/N: And yay, Gordon makes a guest appearence, Robin gets a new toy and the Titans are still pushing onward. Well, I plan to update one more time this week before I head off into my busy summer schedule. Untiil then take care!
