"I'm sorry I had to put you guys through all of that," said Apollo shyly. "But it was the only way to make things as convincing as possible." Apologetically she smiled at the rest of the team, though it was clear they still weren't sure how to react.
"So, you mean that whole battle between you and Robin was all part of your plan?" asked Beast Boy as he enthusiastically reenacted their dispute. Tentatively he rubbed his headin confusion and continued, "Dude!"
The others all continued to stare at one another in mutual uncertainty until Apollo spoke again. "Uh... yeah; pretty much... I mean, no offense," she giggled softly as she looked around at the others. "But if there's one thing I learned while spying on you in the past, it's that you guys definitely aren't the best actors. If any of this was going to work it had to be as believable as possible-"
"And what better way to do that than to not tell us at all," interjected Robin as he thought back on everything that had happened within the last few days.
"Exactly."
"So let me get this straight," sighed Cyborg as he rose to his feet, walking towards Apollo. "Your plan was to devise a plan to get us to all be a part of your plan to take down Slade who thought that your plan was to lure us into a plan that would eventually lead to our doom when actually your plan really was to take out Slade all along?" Calmly, Apollo nodded at the distressed cyborg's over-analyzed logic.
"Basically, she used us to use him," said Raven, easily clarifying the confusion.
"Dude," sighed Beast Boy. "And I thought Robin took things too seriously." Happily, everyone smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Yes," cheered Starfire. "You certainly do shove the boundaries!"
"Uh, push the limits?" corrected Cyborg as he shook his head in response to the bubbly remark. He then directed his attention to Apollo and stared at their newest member. While he wanted to smile and feel happy about her joining, something was suppressing this feeling. Though everything was over and had been changed for the better, it seemed like no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop the flashbacks that continued to replay in his mind; not just of their recent victory, but of his first encounters with Apollo. His first time fighting her at Wayne Enterprises, the initial belief that she was the one behind Robin's time as Slade- her father's- apprentice, her break-in on the tower that night, even her perfectly executed plan back at the warehouse; no matter how many times he told himself it was all a plan, even after countless attempts at ignoring and forgetting it, it seemed like he could not get her off his mind; he couldn't forget, and thus, was secretly unable to forgive. 'What's wrong with her… what's wrong with me?…She did nothing wrong. She's already done so much- been through so much, why can't-'
"This calls for a celebration!" cheered Starfire again as she sprung into the air and flew toward the kitchen. "Come friends, let us feast! You all have yet to try my galorfian egg pudding! Taste!" she cried as she joyously whipped out a spoon and scooped up a dollop of the furry purple-orange substance; holding it out to anyone crazy enough to actually taste it. Disturbed, the others all stared at the hairy concoction- frozen in fear.
"Uh, thanks Star," said Robin, clearly forcing back a gag reflex caused by the sight (and smell) of her 'delectable' dish. "Maybe we should just go out for pizza?"
Later that night, after an afternoon in town, the titans- tired- all proceeded to retreat to their rooms for the night. Upon entering the main lobby, Robin stood and watched his team complete their typical rituals before turning in. He looked around and smiled at the usual four faces he had grown accustomed to, he then looked toward the observation windows and saw the reflection of a shadow climbing towards the roof. Slowly he followed the shadow's trail until he reached the roof; sitting at the edge he found her, sitting silently, enveloped in the light of the moon.
At first, he proceeded to walk toward the lonely girl, intent on sitting at her side and supplying whatever form of comfort was needed, but then something made him stop. He thought back on the day, back to the night they met; the first time he encountered this strong, self-servant, determined being. He stared at her figure in the light of the full moon, trying his best to imagine what it must have been like, everything she'd been through, what it must have been like today; to look him- her father- in the eye and do what she had done- what she had to do. While his bruises would heal and the memories would eventually fade, he knew as well as she that- for her- it wouldn't be as easy. Such a transition would take time, a time best spent amongst those who were- are- willing to help. Smiling, he walked forward and silently sat down beside her. Without a single exchange of words or looks the two sat in silence and looked out at the moon; no words were needed, as they shared the silent night sky with one another, teammates, partners, friends- now and forever.