Chapter 26

Robin leaned back in his chair and tucked his hands behind his head. A grin spread across his face. Tonight was the night. Tonight he would finally take down Slade.

The plan was perfect; airtight, really. The last time he tried to trick Slade had been a disaster and he had sworn off of the idea since. But this time was different, mainly because this time it would work.

It started at Jump City Labs. Raven reported that Slade was looking for Terra. If that was what he wanted, then a Biometric Location System allowing the user to find someone anywhere on Earth based on DNA samples and pre-specified attributes would be exactly what he wanted. Robin had no doubt that Slade kept files with Terra's information and DNA samples. After all, he kept similar files on every one of the Titans, though they weren't supposed to know that.

The only problem was that a system like that didn't exist. Which meant the fake that Jump City Labs created at Robin's request had to be convincing enough for Slade to go after it. So far, their ruse was convincing enough that even Robin would have fallen for it had he not devised it. As soon as the plan was cleared over at the labs, Robin called up an old contact with ties to Jump City's underground to circulate rumors of the device. Then he had the labs lower the security on some of their less sensitive documents, including one detailing the upcoming transportation of the device to Star Labs in Metropolis. Just as he expected, their system was breached and the document was compromised. Robin got the call this morning. He was willing to bet that the culprit was Slade himself.

The final phase of the operation went down tonight, when the system would leave the lab in an armored car on it's way to the airport. If Robin were Slade, that's when he would strike. Unfortunately for Slade, Robin would be driving the car. In fact, he would be the only one; he was all that was necessary for the protection of a fake system. This time, when Slade showed up, he wasn't getting away.

Robin was surprised to hear a knock at the door. Usually when he holed up in his "office" the others let him be. He hopped up from the chair and opened the door to a giddy-looking Cyborg.

"Hey," he greeted lightly. "Do you need something?"

"The musicians are here to set up. Thought I'd come and get you to oversee it," he explained in a rush.

Robin took a few steps back to close his laptop, then moved past Cyborg into the hall. "And?" he asked with one brow raised.

"There's a GPS tracking system in the T-car," he said with a grin.

"To spy on Beast Boy," Robin replied flatly.

"I wouldn't call it spying, more like... checking up on him." Cyborg reasoned.

Well, that made sense as to why he so willingly lent Beast Boy the T-car this morning. As they approached the common room Cyborg gave a warning.

"Get ready man, this place looks totally different."

He wasn't exaggerating. When the doors slid open, Robin stopped in his tracks with his jaw hanging open.

Their common room was gone. The floor was now one expanse of hardwood flooring that stretched from one side of the room to the other, covering the lower level that used to be their living space. On each side of the room was a row of four gleaming faux-marble columns with sheer white valences hanging between them. These were placed a few feet out from the walls, which were now covered in some kind of light purple reflective texture so that they sparkled like raw crystal. Scattered around the edge of the room so as to leave space for the dance floor were tables and chairs covered in white linen. Between the columns on the left side were tables that he presumed were for the food; on the right was a platform meant to be a stage in the center and two shorter platforms for the orchestra on either side.

Robin blinked as he took in all the changes. Then he looked up and discovered the most remarkable aspect of the entire set-up. The entire ceiling was covered with dripping strands of dark purple wisteria flowers. Sporadically hung amongst them were tiny glasses with tea-lights that fell at various lengths like the strands of flowers did. They weren't lit yet, but Robin could only imagine the glow they would give if they were.

"Robin!" Starfire's cheery voice rang across the room. She quickly flew over to where the two boys were standing. "What do you think of the decorations thus far? They are not finished, but very nearly complete," she reported with pride.

"They're, um... it's incredible Star." Robin never imagined that the room could transform like it did.

"Many thanks friend!" she beamed.

Robin stared at her. Her carefree energy washed over him, helping ease some of the tension plaguing him since Slade's return. Cyborg had meandered off to answer someone's question. He thought of the idea he had toyed with earlier, figuring now was as good a time as any to ask.

"Starfire, can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering if—"

"Hey Starfire!" Cyborg called, moving to rejoin them in conversation. "What did BB talk to you about this morning?"

Starfire turned to him and blinked. Damn it. Robin threw daggers at Cyborg for interrupting the moment, but they were lost on him. He was too absorbed in Starfire's answer.

She looked a little conflicted at first, as if she was torn between keeping Beast Boy's confidence and helping her friends to unearth his secrets. Finally, she gave in and told them. "He requested a suit of bathing of mine to borrow for the afternoon."

Cyborg let out a snort. "Uh, what does BB want with a girl's swimsuit?"

Starfire lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "He did not say. Although I would make the guess that he is putting it on a girl so she may partake in water-based activities."

"And what girl would that be?" Cyborg asked with amusement.

"Perhaps his girlfriend. Beast Boy has had many in the past, no?" The suggestion sat in Robin's head for a minute. It was true, Beast Boy had had a few flings with girls he had met out on the town. It wasn't inconceivable that he had found another.

Cyborg huffed in frustration, clearly offended at the idea that Beast Boy had a girlfriend and he didn't know about it. "Hey, why don't we have a movie night tonight and interroga—I mean ask him about it?"

Starfire was quick to respond. "I would most enjoy a night of movies, but I still have much work to do here," she said with a pout. "You will have to enjoy your movie without me." Cyborg looked at Robin.

"Count me out too. I've, uh, got some work to catch up on before tomorrow." Cyborg didn't seem pleased.

"Perhaps you could ask Raven to join you?" Starfire suggested. Robin figured he should step in and explain this one.

"Uh, Star, Raven's not exactly the kind of person you want to talk about feelings with." He tried to phrase that as delicately and non-offensively as possible.

"Yeah, I doubt B's gonna start talking about his girlfriend with Raven around. Looks like it's just me and him tonight. Wish me luck," he said with a look of determination.

Robin waited until Cyborg had left them to pick up where he left off earlier. "So, Star, like I was saying earlier, about the gala..."

"Yes?"

"Well, I was wondering if, maybe, you would like to, um, go with me."

Starfire looked confused. "It is customary for a man to bring a female date to such an occasion, no? I had thought that we were already going together. What other female would you be inclined to take?"

Robin couldn't help but grin. It was moments like this that he wanted to forget about the past and just kiss her. "No Starfire, you're the only one I can think of." He gave her a warm smile and she beamed back at him.

"Most wonderful! You may pick me up outside of my door at 6:30. I am very pleased to be attending the gala with you Robin." One of the volunteers stood at her side with a question. "I must go now friend, but I will see you tomorrow!"

Robin smiled as she walked away. Well, that was easy.

Raven let the warm water from the shower head wash away the sand that clung to her skin. She wasn't even on the beach for that long but she still found granules of the stuff in places it shouldn't be. It was funny how she didn't notice it at all until coming here to take a shower. She blushed; actually, it wasn't that funny, it was quite understandable considering the circumstances. She was fairly distracted.

Her whole body still felt a little giddy from her earlier venture and she was pretty sure she'd be blushing for the next week after that. She couldn't believe that she... that she and Beast Boy...

Stop it, she commanded herself. She had to stop acting like a teenage girl. She was twenty years old for God's sake, these kind of experiences were socially considered overdue. Confident in her cleanliness, she turned the water off and began to dry herself with a clean white towel.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Raven knew it was locked, but she couldn't help reflexively wrapping the towel around herself. "What?" she called hesitantly.

"Raven?" It was Beast Boy's voice.

"Yes."

"Good. I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing?"

What did he think she was doing? She was in the bathroom. "I just got out of the shower," she replied curtly.

"Oh." He seemed momentarily at a loss for words. Raven couldn't help but smirk. "So, um, Cyborg asked me to watch a movie with him tonight and I think I kinda have to. I think he knows something's up with us." Raven silently processed the information with a frown. "Anyway, I guess that means I'll be a little busy tonight. I might not see you again until tomorrow." Raven still didn't respond, but hastily shimmied into her leotard. Beast Boy continued talking.

"I'm sorry, you probably didn't need to know that. You probably didn't want to know that. I just thought I would um, come by and tell you though. Just in case you were looking for me. I'm gonna leave now," he rushed. Raven quickly moved to open the door. It slid open to reveal a surprised looking Beast Boy.

She didn't say a word. She just took a few steps into the hallway and pressed her lips into his. Her eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into him, placing her hands on his chest. They pulled apart for a moment but brought their lips together a second time. When they were done she looked up into his eyes and smiled.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said softly. She took a few steps backwards until she was in the bathroom once more. Still smiling, she let the door slide closed.

"Yeah," she heard him say unsteadily. "See you tomorrow." Raven bit her lip in a grin as she turned to the mirror to finish getting ready.

As the common room was otherwise occupied, Beast Boy and Cyborg had set up camp in the room that housed the Titan's mainframe. While it really wasn't meant for recreational purposes, it was perfectly capable of functioning as an entertainment center until the whole party thing was over with. Cyborg had even dragged in the crescent-shaped couch. Beast Boy sat stiffly at one end, trying to pre-conceive some conversation topics that didn't involve himself and Raven before Cyborg returned with the popcorn. He had a considerable list by the time the door slid open to admit his friend.

Unfortunately, Cyborg wasn't interested.

"Hey Cy," Beast Boy called casually with a grin. "What's up?" Cyborg didn't answer. He set down the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and turned towards Beast Boy with an inquisitive stare. Beast Boy's smile faded.

"'Whats up?' You're asking what's up with me? Man, what's up with you? First you're disappearing all the time, then you ask to borrow the T-car, twice, then Starfire told me you borrowed a bikini from her. Mind telling me what that one's about?" Beast Boy blushed at the mention of the bathing suit.

"Well, um..." he realized his mistake. While he was thinking up conversation topics he should have been thinking of an alibi. "It's funny you ask actually, because, uh—"

"Save it."

Beast Boy was startled. "Save what?"

"That BS answer you're thinking up right now." Cyborg's face relaxed. "Dude, I thought you and me were tight. What secret are you trying to keep? Starfire thinks you have a girlfriend," he suggested with a snort.

Oh, if only he knew the truth, Beast Boy sighed. He had to give Starfire some credit; she was more intuitive than he had thought. The more Beast Boy thought about it though, he realized her spot on guess might just be the way to divert Cyborg from the truth. He let out a big, dramatic sigh before speaking.

"I'm sorry Cy, I wanted to tell you but she didn't want anyone to find out we were dating."

"I knew it!" Cyborg shouted, pleased to have finally discovered the truth. Or so he thought. Beast Boy felt a little guilty for lying to him, but it didn't come close to outweighing the consequences Raven would have in store for him if he exposed their relationship. "So, who is she? What's her name? Where did you meet her?"

Beast Boy grinned. This plan was working too easily. "Her name is Rachel, we met at this place called Ree's, and she's a... a humanitarian," he decided on. Cyborg raised a brow.

"A humanitarian?" Beast Boy nodded confidently. "So what's she like?"

"She's smart, she's a little shy, but she's really nice once you get to know her," he rambled on. "And she's beautiful."

"Tall and blonde?" Cyborg asked with a knowing grin. That was his usual type.

"Nope. Short with long black hair."

Cyborg looked impressed. "She doesn't sound like your type at all. How did you get to date a girl like that?" he teased.

"Ha ha," he responded flatly. "The truth is I still really don't know how." That was for sure. Every minute of the day he wondered what alternate universe he got sent to where Raven was actually his girlfriend.

Cyborg studied him. "You really like her, don't you?" he asked with a grin. "When are we gonna meet her? Is she coming to the party tomorrow?"

"No, she's not." He tried to feign disappointment. "You'll meet her someday." He hoped it was true. Beast Boy was already over lying to his friends. It was worth it for her, but he still preferred that they come out and tell them what's been happening.

"Well, it better be someday soon. I want to see what kind of girl's got you looking like a lovestruck puppy." He took a big handful of the popcorn and threw it in his mouth, returning his attention to the movie. "Now, what are we watching?"

With all of the insanity going on around here lately, it was nice to kick back with his best friend like everything was normal. Beast Boy grinned. "Surprise me."

The streets in this part of town were barren this late at night. The moon was neatly tucked away under a thick cloud cover, flickering yellow streetlights offering the only illumination. The wind was warm and blew heavily; Robin expected a storm within the hour.

He sat perched on top of a roof across the street from the lab, surveying the premises for any suspicious activity. Just because he assumed Slade would strike when the truck left didn't mean he could let his guard down now. Any minute now he would have to move inside and take his place behind the wheel of the truck. Robin's body tingled with excitement. This experience was as nerve-racking as it was thrilling.

Robin ran over the route to the airport once more. He was taking the long way through back streets, giving Slade plenty of opportunity to strike discreetly.

His communicator beeped softly, signaling that it was time to move. Robin made his was stealthily across the rooftop and, with the assistance of a birdarang cable, dropped into the neighboring alley. He proceeded to dress himself in standard attire: a blue zip-up jumpsuit with a matching hat and sunglasses to cover his mask. Underneath the getup was his standard uniform and utility belt, ready for use at a moment's notice.

After throughly surveying the area he walked casually across the street and right through the front doors of the lab.

Though the lobby was dark, as was a majority of the building, Robin knew exactly where to go. He followed a few long corridors before he saw a shadow waiting at the end of the hall.

"Dr. Redding," he greeted his contact with a nod. The middle-aged man returned his nod silently before swiping a key card beside the door in front of them. He held it open for Robin to pass through.

After another round of navigating maze-like hallways, the two arrived at an industrial-sized double door. On the other side was the garage, where Robin's truck and phony tech waited.

"Doctor, thank you again for your help. It's imperative that this madman is made to pay for his crimes, and you're helping put him behind bars." The doctor, a man of few words, simply held up a hand.

"We owe you a debt we can never repay. Please, feel free to call with anything else you need." At that he slid the card in another reader and the doors clicked unlocked. Robin pressed hard against the massive door and it swung open.

Robin's eyes immediately landed on the truck as he started moving towards it. It was perfectly sized and so painfully conspicuous despite its attempts to appear normal. Robin moved across the expansive concrete garage floor and opened the truck's cab door. A technician tossed up the keys as he climbed in. He got himself settled and buckled in before he turned the key, letting the engine grumble to life.

He turned and found the doctor waiting at a small control panel on the wall. Robin gave him a solemn nod, which he returned. After entering a numerical sequence, he pressed the large green button to open the garage door to the outside world.

Robin was hyper-aware of everything going on around him as the door finished its ascent and he pulled the truck onto the street. He groaned as it lurched a little. Maybe I should have paid better attention when Cyborg was teaching me how to drive a stick. It was too late now. He coasted along the road at thirty miles an hour, moving plenty slowly if Slade wanted to try anything.

He turned from one street to the next, keeping a vigilant watch of his surroundings. As time passed and he drew closer and closer to the airport, Robin grew frustrated.

This was supposed to work, he chided himself. Everything was perfect. He couldn't have sensed something was up. I wouldn't have sensed something was up. What did he need, a neon sign saying "steal tech here?" After all, someone did hack the system and steal the delivery details. Who besides Slade would be capable of doing that? As soon as he thought it a list of other names ran through his mind. Okay, who besides Slade would want to do that? It didn't narrow the list down any. Damn it, if this truck gets intercepted by someone like the Hive Five...

Through his mental lament he almost missed the Slade-bot that dropped out of nowhere to the middle of the road.

Adrenaline coursed through Robin as he swerved to avoid the thing, bringing the truck to a grinding halt. He tried to hide the grin from his face. Lights, camera...

"Action," he whispered, throwing the cab door open. He stumbled out as would any confused driver and watched as more Slade-bots came to surround the car. There must have been fifty of them, but it didn't matter if there were fifty or 500. Robin only had eyes for one person, who at the moment moved slowly from the shadows of an adjacent alleyway.

He walked with pomp and arrogance, clearly thinking this would be his easiest raid yet. Robin tried to keep his head down to both preserve his identity and keep his excitement at finally getting this close to his nemesis at bay. Then, a single word from Slade shattered every bit of confidence he had.

"Robin," he drawled in his chilling voice. Robin's jaw fell slack in shock. How? How could he have known? He tried to piece together the answer as his heart hammered in his chest.

"Ahh, I see you thought you had the upper hand. I do regret having to prove you otherwise, but I was truly impressed by your charade. I had to wonder, why go to all of the trouble, Robin? What is it you so desperately want from me?" Robin drew in a breath. It didn't matter that he had lost the element of surprise. Slade was here, not even fifteen feet in front of him, and he was using this opportunity to take him down.

He ripped off his hat and sunglasses. "Slade," he ground out. "You're Jump City's most wanted criminal. You've endangered thousands of people, stolen priceless technology, and hurt my team more times than I can count. You really have to ask what I want from you?" he questioned menacingly. "I want you to pay for what you've done."

Slade merely chuckled. "My boy, trust me when I say that that's the last thing you want." Robin clenched his jaw. Why did he have to be so damn cryptic?

"What are you planning Slade?" he asked in a voice of annoyance, like he was tired of asking this same question over and over again and never really getting an answer.

"Me?" he replied with a slight feigned innocence. "I'm not the one planning anything. In fact Robin, we're both fighting for the same cause, you just don't know it yet." He said it with this low, amused tone. Robin ground his teeth together harder. He must really be enjoying this.

Robin, on the other hand, was not. He pulled out his bo-staff and gave it a threatening spin. "I'm sick of playing games with you Slade. What are you talking about? What do you want with Terra?"

His adversary seemed genuinely surprised by this question. "Terra?" he asked with mild amusement. "Who said anything about Terra?"

Robin's heart seemed to stop. He couldn't trust Slade as far as he could throw him, but the way he spoke... there was only one conclusion to arrive at. Raven had lied.

Slade seemed to pick up on his unsteadiness. "Robin, you're like a dog chasing its tail. Your attempts at figuring out my plans are futile Robin. You simply can't win."

Robin's lips turned up in the corner. "Maybe not, but I can try."

He launched towards Slade, twirling his staff with all of the pent-up anger, frustration, and fear that Slade had evoked for the past week. For the past few years, really. Before Robin could strike, he was intercepted by a few of the Slade-bots. He grinned a wild, almost blood-thirsty smile. Bring it on.

Robin fought with a passion and a skill level he hadn't had to exhibit in a long time. He bashed the robots into their mechanical parts with deft kicks and strikes. Soon sweat poured down his forehead and his body ached from exertion, but Robin didn't even notice. The truth was that he was loving every second of it.

Slade seemed to see his window of opportunity to leave while Robin was distracted. Under the cover of his robotic minions, he made for the back of the truck. Evading a blow from one of the machines, Robin pursued him. He rolled a gold metal ball from his belt behind him and ducked around the corner of the truck just in time before it detonated. That should take care of the rest of them, he thought, turning his full attention on the man in front of him.

Slade stood tall and confident with his arms across his chest, as if daring Robin to strike. Without any words, Robin obliged.

In the blink of an eye Slade's staff was drawn and expertly positioned to block Robin's blow. That was fine with Robin; he had plenty more where that came from.

Slade fought with his usual cunning, utilizing the landscape around them to try and gain the upper hand. Years ago, he and Robin were perfect matches, able to fight one another for hours without the other yielding. Now, Robin had more experience. And in this situation it showed. Robin continued to clash staffs with Slade, metal clinking harshly and echoing through the deserted street until he found his opening.

He struck with all his strength, sending a forceful blow into Slade's side. He didn't give him any time to recover before he was back at it again, striking his legs, his arms, his back, his chest, anything that wasn't guarded when Robin moved to attack. With one final blow to the chest, Robin sent his foe flying across the street.

Like the seasoned professional he was, Robin never took his focus off of Slade. Even in his vulnerable position, he could still pose a threat. Robin held the end of this staff against Slade's neck as he reached down to pull of his mask.

When the metal slid away, Robin wanted to plunge the staff through Slade's neck. There was no face to greet him. Of course there wasn't. All that was there was a black computer screen that came slowly flickering to life.

"Very impressive Robin," the image of Slade on the screen congratulated him. "I would have bet another minute before you got the upper hand."

Robin didn't trust himself to speak. He just stared at the screen and tried to keep from screaming in his boiling anger.

"Since you've done so well, I'll make you a deal. You worry about your little party, and I'll take care of the Church of Blood. Sound fair?"

Robin's narrowed his eyes. Church of Blood?

"What are you talking about Slade? Tell me what you're planning!" he shouted at the screen.

"All in good time Robin. Oh, and tell Raven happy birthday." The screen went blank.

Robin clenched his jaw. He stood up slowly from his kneeling position, never moving the staff from the robot's throat. When he reached his full height, he thrust down, severing it's head in a fit of sparks.

He looked around him at the battered truck, the lifeless mechanical bodies strewn around the street. It was all a waste. Everything he had done was for nothing.

Robin looked up towards the sky and let out a cry of anguish. It was drown in a clap of thunder from the storm rolling in.