Chapter Four: Date Trouble

It was around noon when I decided to try asking Robin if he wanted to come hang out with me, Link, and Starfire in the city on a double date. I looked nearly everywhere in the tower and still couldn't find him. Link and Starfire were ready whenever I was, but I obviously wasn't ready; I couldn't find Spikey anywhere! Starfire mentioned that there was a very high chance that he was alone in the evidence room with the door closed, and that he was doing research on the villains that we were inevitably going to be up against. While I do agree that it is best to be prepared for future battles, he has likely been in there all day, and needs to get out for some air, whether he wanted to or not; and I was girl who was gonna go and drag him outside! Well, I was going to try anyway. I didn't know how long it would take to get through to him, but Starfire insisted that I take my time, and that she and Link would hang out in the ops room until then.

I stood outside of the evidence room, which from the outside was just a plain-looking automatic door, although it did have a small sign placed on it that said 'do not disturb.' It didn't take three guesses to figure out who put it there. Spikey didn't want to be bugged, but I was going in anyway. However, I decided to have a little fun with this, so I turned invisible and then opened the door. Inside, Spikey was standing over a table that was illuminated with only one small light, and the table was covered in newspaper clippings and printed documents. He was so focused on his research that he didn't even notice the door behind him had been opened.

I quietly snuck up to him, until I was right behind him, peeking over his shoulder. He was reading an article in the paper about a sighting of some kind of tentacled monster, most likely Majora. Apparently this thing was beginning to make it's presence known, and right now, while he was still focused on his research, I was gonna make my presence known to him.

"Peekaboo!" I blurted out loudly as I turned visible.

I had expected him to flinch or something, but all he did was raise his head in response, and he didn't even look surprised.

"What are you doing in here?" Spikey grumpily asked me.

I didn't want to tell him about the double date just yet; I knew he wouldn't agree right off the bat, plus I wanted to mess with him a little more.

"I was bored. So I decided to sneak in here and give you the pleasure of my company!" I told him.

"Your company is anything but pleasure. Besides, I'm busy right now." He replied.

"Yeah? Well tough beans, Spikey! Maybe your ex would've beat it if you told her that, but I'm not going anywhere! You're getting my company whether you want it or not!" I snapped.

He looked really pissed right now, but I knew that he wasn't really gonna do anything about it, so I just stood next to him while looking smug.

"You're like a bad itch, you know that?" Spikey grumbled.

"Yeah. And no amount of ointment is gonna make me go away." I joked. "So what was so important that you had to box yourself in here anyway?"

"If you must know, I was doing research on our two newest foes; Ghirahim and Majora. After what they did to us the last time, I want to be ready if they decide to attack again." He told me.

I asked him what happened the last time they encountered them. He didn't want to tell me at first, but I kept asking until he was so annoyed that he told me. The story wasn't a good one: In their last encounter, Ghirahim and Majora had captured all of them, chained them to the insides of giant spires, and drained their energy to revive some kind of wind demon. Maybe I hadn't ever had the energy taken from my body, but I could understand the situation that they had all been in, because of how people had tried using me in the past.

"Whoa. That must've been tough for all of you." I assumed.

"Yeah. Just one of the many things I've gone through that… majorly sucked." Robin told me.

By things that 'majorly sucked,' I assumed that one of those things was Starfire breaking up with him. As nosy as I was being right now, I wasn't going to poke my nose into that. Instead, I told him about how Link, Starfire, and I were all going to go hang out in the city today.

"We were all wondering if you'd like to come with us. You could probably use a little break from… uhh… this." I claimed.

"I appreciate the offer, but…" He began to tell me, but I wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer just like that.

"Oh no, you're not weaseling your way out of this one! Star may have just given up, but I'm getting you out of here even if I have to drag you out!" I snapped.

Robin gave me a very nasty look, and was probably thinking of a counter-statement, but before he could I told him that Star would really like it if he came along. He had figured out by now that this whole thing was a double date between me and him, and Link and Starfire. While he didn't seem to like the idea at first, something in his mind had clicked and a somewhat devious smile appeared on his face.

"Okay. I'll come along." He told me.

"Really?! Err… I mean, alright, that's cool, whatever." I responded, trying to hide the fact that I was glad that he was coming.

Despite my slightly rude response, Spikey didn't seem perturbed by it. He still had a slightly devious look, and something was telling me that he was coming along for a reason other than to just have fun.

Robin and I walked into the ops room to find Starfire and Link sitting on the couch and talking about something. The moment they saw us though, they immediately stood up, both with big smiles on their faces.

"Scarlette! You have succeeded in removing Robin from doing the research!" Starfire said happily.

"Yeah. It was a bit more difficult than I thought, but I did it." I responded.

"Well, that's great! We could all stand to get a little sunshine today." Link claimed. "So Robin, you… you're cool with me hanging out with Starfire, right?"

As he asked that, Link looked kinda nervous. Seriously? Link was scared of Robin? What could ol' Spikey do to Link? It looked like Link could kick Spikey's butt easily if he wanted to. Regardless, Robin told him that he was perfectly fine with it, though he still had that same devious look on his face that he had when I had convinced him to come along. What was Spikey up to? More importantly, why was I the one wondering this?

We spent a few minutes deciding where we would go, and decided on three places; first the park, then the movie theater, and then the pier. Link had suggested that we visit this one spring located near his hometown, but Starfire quickly suggested against it, saying that it was not only too far of a location for all four of us, but that it was also, currently, a special place for just her and Link. I looked towards Robin, seeing a sour look on his face. I wonder if he was thinking, 'what? I'm not 'special enough for this spring?!' I wasn't sure, but I patted his shoulder trying to cheer him up. It didn't work, but even so, he didn't dwell on the thought for long. Once we had decided on our destinations, the four of us walked to the front door and exited the tower. Robin punched a code into one of the tower's security panels, and a long, straight walkway rose out of the bay in front of us, so we could walk from the tower to the city. That was a relief. For a moment I thought we would either have to swim across, or have Starfire fly the rest of us across.

Once we were in the park, we really didn't have anything to do other than just walk around. Even so, Link and Starfire seemed into it. Star even put one of her arms around his and came really close to him as they walked. Spikey and I though just walked normally, and he had a sour look on his face again as he watched Starfire, who was still walking close to Link. Starfire started giggling, and so did Link, which caused Robin to stop abruptly and just growl in anger. I thought about trying to walk as close to him as Starfire was to Link, but I had a feeling that would be a bad idea. So instead, I just put my elbow on top of his shoulder and gave him a compelling look of sorts. It didn't change anything though, he just stepped to the side, causing me to fall down. I quickly got back up and gave him a look that was just as sour as his. He wasn't paying attention though and just continued walking to catch up with Link and Starfire. I caught up with them soon after, but I was beginning to wonder if this guy would ever see me as a friend.

Next up was the movie theater. Link had suggested that we see an adventure flick, saying that it kind of reminded him of the journey he took in the past. Starfire also thought it was a good idea, assuming that it was something that we could all enjoy. The happy looks on their faces were seriously pissing off Spikey. He suggested that we all see a horror movie. A horror movie? That seemed a little out of place for this kind of trip. I mean, I liked a good shock as much as the next person, but this was supposed to be a fun date. The rest of us weren't sure about it, but Spikey ruled us all out by declaring that he was the leader and that he would decide what we would see. He was seriously using his position as 'leader' to get his way? Typical. I could tell that he wasn't going to change his mind. Whatever. But I told him that if he was forcing us to see this movie, he had to pay for all of us. He growled at the idea, but agreed. Something was telling me that he picked this movie for a reason.

The movie featured this hideous-looking green monster with red eyes and tentacles that attacked people when they weren't looking. Link, Starfire, and Robin all looked kinda frightened. Even I had to admit, this movie was pretty freaky. It was so suspenseful that we had hardly even touched any of our popcorn or soda. Link and Starfire were shivering a little; Robin looked chill, but at the same time he still looked freaked; and I was scared enough that I almost formed a sword and tossed it at the screen (my better judgment told me not to though). At the movie's climax, the movie monster nearly popped off the screen, which was really freaky, even with our 3D glasses. Starfire was so surprised that she leaned over to her left and clung to Link, who blushed furiously (obviously forgetting that he was scared). Robin saw this, and the fear he was feeling now turned into spite. His fists were clenched, almost if he wanted to punch Link. My reaction to all of this was that I merely slumped down in my chair, annoyed from this whole outcome. Now I was beginning to get pissed off.

After the movie, we headed for the pier, but on the way there something less than favorable happened. Spikey still looked pissed off, and the pissed off looks were mainly directed towards Link, especially when he got close to Starfire (or rather, when Star got close to him). I think I had just deduced what was going on here, and exactly why Spikey had even agreed to come along at all. As he was still focused on Link and Starfire and thinking whatever it was he was thinking, I let out everything that I was assuming.

"Hey! Wait just one minute here!" I snapped at him. "Did you only agree to go out with me just so you could make Starfire jealous?! Because in case you haven't noticed… IT ISN'T WORKING!"

My little outburst had caught Link and Starfire's attention, although Spikey was still in the same position that he was before I shouted. I wasn't done yet, though; Spikey was gonna hear everything that was on my mind!

"Honestly! Here I am, trying to get you to have some fun, but all you can think about is trying to get the attention of a girl who's no longer into you! She dumped you, she's done with you, GET OVER IT!" I continued complaining. "You'd think that with her coming along that maybe you might actually chill, but nooooo, you're more interested in researching criminals and closing yourself off from everyone like some Batman wanna-be or something and…!"

"SHUT UP ALREADY!" Spikey screamed angrily at me, right in my face.

Starfire gasped at Robin's hideous display of anger, and Link looked really nervous, as if he was afraid that Robin's anger would lash out at him. I wanted to respond to him just as angrily, but even though I wanted to, something within me was keeping me from doing so at first. It was as if he wasn't just telling me to shut up now, but to shut up forever. It's like his words were a sword, and that sword was thrust through my heart.

"…Fine! I can see that it's obvious that I'm not wanted around here! I'll just go back to the tower! I'd rather be there than here, being yelled at by a big jerk!" I shouted towards him.

Tears were beginning to form in my eyes, but I turned and began walking off before anyone could notice. I bet even if Spikey had seen me in tears, he wouldn't care at all; not even a little! All he cares about is getting his way!

I contacted someone at the tower and asked them to raise the tower walkway for me. Once inside the tower, I was greeted by Beast Boy, who almost immediately noticed something was wrong. He asked if I was alright, and I told him I was fine. That was a lie though; I was anything but fine. I decided that I would go down to the basement and find the farthest, darkest corner, and just sit there for the rest of my life. A basement is where you keep everything you don't want, and I'm clearly not wanted around here.

Once in the basement, I sat in the darkest corner of the room. It was all dusty, but what did I care. What did anyone care? Especially Spikey. All I did was try to be his friend, and all he does is use me to try and get his ex jealous. It wasn't as bad as when I had been used by criminals for my powers, but it hurt just as bad; if not worse. I sat there for nearly two hours, trying to hold back the tears and failing, until I heard someone coming down the basement stairs. They turned on the lights and called my name. It was Robin. What was Spikey doing down here? Why was he looking for me? Probably to take back the communicator that Starfire had given me. After a few minutes, he found me in the corner.

"Scarlette?" Spikey asked to get my attention. "What are you doing down here?"

I just sat there with my head down, trying to ignore him. I didn't ignore for long though, and after a few sniffles, I responded.

"I could ask you the same thing." I answered.

Spikey sat down beside me and told me that he had been looking all over the tower for me, and that he was concerned. Concerned for me? I found that hard to believe.

"Starfire wasn't too happy with how I treated you earlier. She gave me a good scolding. It, umm… wasn't pretty." He told me.

"She shouted at you?" I asked.

"Shouted at me?! Heh. That's an understatement. She practically exploded in anger in front of me!" He replied. "She told me about everything. How she had arranged the double date, and how she wanted you and me to get along. Something's telling me that she's trying to act as a matchmaker."

I giggled softly at the whole concept, mainly at the fact that Star had scolded him. I wondered if anything she scolded him about had sunken in at all.

"You know… maybe I have been too harsh on you." He told me.

"Well… I can't blame you that much. After all, I am an ex-theif." I admitted.

"Even so…. it doesn't really justify how I've been treating you. I guess I could ease up a little bit." He responded, smiling afterwards.

I giggled again, and then for a few minutes there was a rather awkward silence between us. I was the one to break the silence.

"You know… I don't call you names to be mean." I informed him. "You know that, right?"

Spikey laughed a little, and claimed that he had a feeling that the name-calling had been more than just a way of teasing him. He asked me if the reason I did it was because I liked him. I denied it at first, but he kept smiling at me, which made me blush. I liked his smile, even if it had to be under that creepy mask he always wears. Practically an instant after I had denied it, I re-answered his question with a very soft 'yes,' but it was loud enough that he could hear it. Even so, he decided to change the subject. He was curious as to how I knew about Batman, despite the fact that I had amnesia. I simply told him that I read about him in newspapers and magazines that were lying around the hideout of the gang I used to be in; I may have amnesia, but I didn't forget how to read.

"Y'know, now that you mention Batman, I've noticed that you look a lot like that kid who used to hang around him? You even have the same name. Are you like, trying to mimic him or something?" I asked him.

"Uhh… no. I am him. I'm Robin. I used to be Batman's sidekick." He answered, albeit in a unenthusiastic tone.

"Really? Cause from what I heard, the Robin who hung out with Batman seemed a whole lot more amusing." I questioned.

"Things… changed. I'm not that little kid anymore. Ol' Bats didn't wanna admit that though. I got fed up with him and left." He told me.

"Whoa. Does Starfire know this?" I inquired.

Robin claimed that Starfire did not know any of this, or about him being Batman's former sidekick. He said that the fact that she only knew him as Robin, and just Robin, was one of the reasons he liked her so much. But then Link came back into the picture, and she wanted to make up for the lost time, and it became apparent that she liked Link more than she liked Robin. Though he also admitted that he may have acted in the wrong ways towards Link, but at the same time neither him nor Starfire wanted him to 'lose it' again. When I asked him what he meant by that, he told me that Link had gotten really jealous before and turned into some kind of demon, and nearly killed everyone. Starfire brought him back to normal, but Link is still afraid that something like that might happen again if he's not careful. Robin also mentioned how he had fared badly against Link when he was a demon, and got his butt kicked… hard. Considering that, I couldn't blame him for not wanting to get the guy angry, but also thought that it was kinda stupid of him to act mean towards Link and risk him 'losing it' again. I expected him to give me a sour look, but he actually agreed with me on that.

"Y'know… I don't think of you as only Batman's sidekick… You're a really cool guy, Robin…" I told him.

He was silent for a moment, thinking of what to say. The next thing he told me was a surprise.

"Richard… my real name… is Richard. Richard Grayson. Err… Dick for short." He told me.

"Ehh… Dick? Hmm… I think I'll stick with Spikey." I replied.

He quietly growled, but quickly got over it. He claimed that he told me his real name because he didn't wanna make the same mistake that he made with Starfire; he didn't want to keep too many secrets. Turns out, Spikey had never told Star his real name. Seriously? After all the years that he had been around her, she didn't even know his actual name?! I guess one can't entirely blame the girl for dumping him. Robin actually preferred that I didn't call him by his real name though. He felt that if people figured out his true identity, that they might figure out Batman's true identity. Spikey thought he was a jerk, but he was still like a father to him. Well, who better to tell all this to than a girl with amnesia. I promised him that I wouldn't go blabbing.

After our conversation, the two of us got up and dusted ourselves off. This had been the best conversation with Spikey I've had yet, but I think that we could both agree that a relationship between us wasn't going to happen, at least not yet. On the way back upstairs, he turned his head towards me and once again told me that he'd still be keeping an eye on me, except this time he told me with a smile.

"I'll be looking forward to it…. Spikey." I responded, also with a smile.

The moment we got back into the ops room, a light on the tower's computer started flashing. Robin went over to investigate, and confirmed that someone was messaging us. He called the other Titans to gather in the ops room so everyone could see this message. Once the others had arrived, Robin pressed a button on the computer and the one messaging us appeared on the tower's monitor, where the TV was normally displayed. The person giving the message was a man that none of us had ever seen before, and he looked terrifying! He wore pitch-black armor and a greek-style helmet that concealed most of his face, save for his two red eyes. He spoke to us in a deep, menacing voice.

"Good afternoon, Titans. A pleasure to finally meet all of you." The man said.

"Who are you?" Robin demanded.

"My apologies. An introduction is an order. You may call me Ares. Although I am better known as the God of War." He claimed.

God of War?! Was this guy for real?! Hold on... was this the guy that Red X had told us about the other day? I couldn't tell if the others believed it either, but they were definitely wary of this guy.

"I have heard of the exploits of the Titans. I hear you six are rather skilled warriors." Ares assumed.

"No kidding!" Beast Boy responded.

"The only thing you're qualified as a 'warrior' in is demolishing tofu." Cyborg told BB.

Beast Boy scowled at Cyborg's joke. It sounded about right though; Beast Boy did eat a lot of tofu. Ares though, did not seem amused.

"I will be arriving in you city very soon. I plan on observing your fighting skills in person, and see if you really deserve the title of 'Titans.'" He informed us, ominously laughing afterwards.

I stepped up to the monitor and stood next to Spikey. I still didn't know if this guy was really a god or not, but I planned on making my presence known.

"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get! They don't call us 'Titans' for nothing!" I told him.

Ares looked upon me strangely, like he was surveying me. His red eyes squinted, making him look even more ominous.

"Oh. It's you. I had been wondering when the Titans would pick you up, little girl. I can now say that this challenge will be a lot more… interesting." Ares claimed. "You had best prepare yourselves Titans; I will not stand for anything less than your best. Especially from you, girl."

Ares had directed that last statement towards me. The message ended after that, and we were all still confused. Was that guy really what he claimed to be? None of us were sure, but both Robin and Raven decided to look into the whole thing. As for the rest of us, Robin gave us an order to start training for this encounter. We had to be ready for whenever Ares decided to show up. One thing was bugging me though; Ares seemed to be particularly interested in me, but why? I had never met anyone like this before, unless… did this have something to do with my life from before I got amnesia? Did Ares know something about me that I didn't?