"SLADE IS YOUR FATHER!" exclaimed Beast Boy again as he and the others all stood around Apollo. Slowly, she raised her eyes in response to the disbelief in his voice, confirming his question. "Your DAD?"

"Yes, yes, for the millionth time YES!" shouted Apollo, clearly irritated by the shocking reality. As the others continued to stare, her eyes uncomfortably shifted from their faces to the floor and then over to the far corner of the room where Robin stood alone.

"I can't believe it," sighed Cyborg, baffled. "Why didn't you tell us before?"

"You make it sound like that's something I should be proud of," mumbled Apollo sarcastically.

"She's got a point," added Raven before Cyborg could reply. The group continued to stand in silence until Robin walked forward and began to speak.

"All this time, you kept this from us- from me. After everything you did, all the…" he quickly cut himself off and stared at the girl in front of him. "Why?" he asked in a defeated yet angry tone.

"Look, I know you're all confused and upset- and I'm sorry but, my business is my business (whether I want it to be or not)." She rose to her feet looked around at the titans and began to walk forward, "It's clear that I've stayed too long; this is exactly what I was trying to avoid. Once again, I appreciate the help and it was good to see you again," she said turning to Robin, "but I have to go."

"You are still leaving?" asked Starfire sadly. Confused, Apollo turned around and faced the others.

"Why wouldn't I?" she continued to stare as Cyborg approached her.

"Despite all the crazy stuff that's happened up to know, we still can't let you go out there on your own."

"Why not? I've got you're communicator, like I said, I'll be fine."

"So you're still gonna walk out on this?" Cyborg asked, grabbing Apollo's arm as she turned to leave. "You're really just going to leave!" Quickly, she turned to face him and the others- a serious glare in her eye.

"Look I really appreciate your concern, but I can take care of this- myself." She removed her arm from Cyborg's hand and continued to walk away. "Thanks… but no thanks."

"Dude, so you're just gonna face Slade alone?" asked Beast Boy in confusion.

"That was the plan," Apollo replied sarcastically.

"But how are you going to defeat him?"

"Uh, fighting should do the trick." Responded Apollo irritabally. "I know you guys are concerned but Slade's not going to give up without a fight. I have to take him out now before things get any worse."

"But, how can you defeat Slade- your father- on your own?" asked Starfire nervously. "Even you admitted to not knowing his true motifs."

"I know, but if anyone's even close to capable of beating him, it would be me. The man's my dad remember; he taught me everything I know and then some. Besides, the sooner I leave, the sooner I'll be out of your hair. Don't worry, I can do this."

"We know," interrupted Robin as he walked forward. "And we're gonna help you." He continued with a smile. "Forget what happened before; our offer still stands." There was a brief pause as Apollo looked around at the warm faces and thought over the offer.

"Ugh, you guys just don't know the meaning of 'no' do you?" she groaned sarcastically. "I guess I have no choice; fine." she looked up and smiled faintly, accepting the offer.

"New friend!" shouted Starfire as she flew forward and embraced the newest member once again. "We promise to assist you and look past your dark ancestry!"

"Starfire's right," added Robin. "If we're going to take Slade down effectively, we might as well do it together." Simultaneously, the others all agreed and continued to accept and embrace the newest titan.

Soon after the previous occurrences, Apollo was led down a hall in the tower by Cyborg. "Here we are," started Cyborg. "You'll be staying here for now; unless you change your mind and stay- cause if so- this is your room." Apollo walked through the doorway and turned on the light. Overwhelmed by the spacious area she couldn't help but smile and stare in awe. Cyborg himself began to grin in response to the girl's reaction. "Glad you like it."

Apollo turned in response to the remark; slowly her smile faded as she stared at the titan and asked, "Why? Why are you guys doing this? Robin's one thing, but why are the rest of you helping me? I don't deserve this."

"Actually you do," answered Cyborg calmly. "After everything you've been through, and what you've already done for us… I just wish we could do more." He continued to stand in the doorway as Apollo walked toward the large window looking out over the sea.

"Thank you, I just-" she paused as she turned to face Cyborg. "You guys are just too nice" she sighed softly.

"Well what would you expect from a hero?"

Apollo looked on in thought then responded, "Probably nowhere near what you all think of me," she said, shamefully glaring back at the window.

"Well, hopefully those thoughts will be proven wrong," Cyborg replied reassuringly. "Enjoy the room." He continued as he turned to walk away- taking one last look at the girl before closing the door behind him.

After a few moments of silence, Apollo began to walk around the room- studying the new objects around her. Then once she was sure that she was alone, she opened her new communicator and stared at it sentimentally. Still smiling, she began to fiddle with its inner workings until the Titans logo disappeared- allowing a dark image to take their place on the screen. Cynically, she continued to smile as the dark image continued to clarify; and then, behind a sinister mask, a familiar voice spoke: "Hello my dear; and how are we doing?"

"Everything is going as planned," answered Apollo emotionlessly. "They don't suspect a thing."

"Excellent," hissed Slade through the tainted communicator. "And Robin?"

"None the wiser."

"Good work my dear. You have done well; prepare to commence to phase two. You have made me proud."

"Thank you… Father…"

** Uh-oh, what's going on? Only one way to find out; Please RxR, will update soon!