Chapter 6 Joy

Maybe it was cinderblock I haven't seen him around lately, but cinderblock couldn't off had a child could he is made of well… cement. I heard Slade talk for a moment. And then this giant bug thing came and started at me. "Do you agree to the terms?" the bug asked, Slade laughed. I felt ill.

"Killer moth may I introduce my apprentice Robin." Slade was unhappy I wondered why; beside the fact he is a giant bug. I wish beast boy was here, he would have great fun with his. I mean his a giant bug. I watch my master, but I bowed slightly. Respect must be shown to all of Masters Business associates … even if they look like they evolved so they wouldn't get squashed. The girl frightened me…. Anyone who annoyed Bree must be dealt with strictly no one upsets my Bree, no one! I almost

I was all scared that I called her my Bree…. But why not I'm the only teenager she sees regularly, and I am nice, well at least… sort of nice, I do steal… well I have stolen, robbed and injured… so in my own definition I am a criminal, even though I have only done what I have done for the Titans… but coming back to Slade was my doing, I should of tried harder, If I didn't want to return it is too late now.

The giant bug looked at me. "I require your apprentice Slade to … assist my Daughter Kitten with her homework, if she gets a good grade I will buy her a car." I oblivious had no choice in the matter, I am not sure what kind of hold this insect has over Slade, whether he requires his assistance in something but what ever it is its enough for Slade to do what the bug wants, I look at Slade. Slade shrugged,

"Is twice a month ok?" Slade asked, I look at the blonde girl what was going on, tutor? The blonde girl was scary… she kept looking at me weird through the entire convocation but she gave me a final odd look and then finally left.

"What happened," I ask, Slade smiled softly.

"I agreed for you to be that girls Maths tutor," I couldn't help but notice Slade said Maths tutor very clearly, I smile and slowly very slowly the Moth nodded.
"Is next Tuesday ok?" I was now annoyed, it sounds like Slade wants me to talk to this… girl, actually with her facial expressions she reminds me of the flame throwers in the circus.

At last they were gone, I would have to deal with this issue later, but I did the only thing I could I closed my eyes for a split second and as I turned to Slade I focused on the NOW, I didn't like what has happened but I won't let that affect me.

"Alright" he said in air that suggests nothing has happened, "I will have the slade-bots bring out some boxing bags and we will practice with them," I was upset and surprised, why would Slade not want to mention the girl who requires math tutoring. There was nothing to be ashamed of, that villain what his name killer bug…is it? Should have just said his daughter… what's her name Cat? Has problems with school and required a tutor, it's not like it's a big deal… some people are really good at school like Raven but a bad in other situations like with Raven social situations, it is no big deal I would be happy to help, but I get the feeling she wants to eat me alive and why does Bree and her not like each other.

I watched the Slade bots bring a boxing bag out. I give him a big sigh, Slade looked disapproved but helped me do a correct stance for boxing, "Don't slouch your back remember this will injure it." I nod,

"Yes Master Slade." As I punch the boxing bag my Master directed me on what to do,
"Good Robin, your form is much better than when we first fought, I would not be able to topple you as easy as I did when you first became my Apprentice." I could tell Slade was content… Content but not overwhelming with Pride, I waited for the bit of abuse that Slade calls advice that normally follows one of my less success. "Now next time I expect your shoulders to be more forward, I don't want a hunchback for an apprentice." And their it is, "Now I want you to do ten push ups and twenty sit ups, and then we shall move on." I nod. Push ups and sit ups were not hard… but it WAS hard with Slade breathing down my neck. I don't know why but as he observes me, as he likes to do… I felt like my privacy is being taken advantage of as I finished my 'warm up,' as I am sure Slade would call this, Slade only calls training, training when I am exhausted and I can barely move.
"Very good now please show me how you do a back flip," Slade cleared the floor for me, I nod and as I work very hard very hard, on my simple action… but I did the kneeled low after it was complete.

"Not bad Robin, Now I am going to do some work on the new Slade bots, I believe this will interest you," he extended his arm which I took, he led me to the work bench where I saw designs some of older models and the newer models with upgraded parts, there was also parts of older models of the slade bots, including the ones I fought as a titan and the most recent

"What metal should I use?" I was surprised, Slade has asked my opinion I knew this was important, well not really as I was merely discussing robots that a ten year old with a junior building kits can actually pull them apart… well maybe not the ones with the guns but the basic ones yes… But it was important because I want Slade to know how grown up I am, I am able to make decisions and carry them through.

"I used titanium in my cape it bended to my muscles." I say at once, I wondered how Slade would be at this answer, I Slade smiled, well I think he did… he was wearing his mask so it's hard to tell.. But I like to think he is pleased.

"I was hoping you would say that," Slade said softly, he smiled and then he placed a note, 'titanium' on the work bench, I smile at myself.

I did something and Slade was proud of me.

This makes me very happy.