Chapter 8: Restless

None of the titans had slept much.

Cyborg had been able to get the most, hooking himself up to his conduit charger effectively shut off over half his body, making it easy for his organic side to fall into sleep. The other three had gotten less. Starfire had been deathly worried for her friend but had been soothed by Robin's words. The titan leader himself had lain in bed, incredibly aware that a member of his team was rampaging out of control somewhere and there was nothing he could do about it. Meditation had taken up a portion of Raven's night and the rest had been spent in restless shifting and turning over, unable to get the image of Beastboy roaring at her out of her mind.

And so, four worried and sleep deprived titans found themselves at noon back in the common room at the kitchen table discussing what to do. Beastboy had not reappeared at the tower and even with Cyborg running multiple internet searches, there was no sign of him anywhere. He had even hacked into the national police network to see if he had been apprehended without any media coverage.

Nothing.

Robin breathed out slowly. He was in one of those rare positions where he didn't know what to do. And it wasn't because of an abundance of options. He genuinely had no idea of how to track or find Beastboy. He didn't like being in such a position.

"Alright, we put the word out," he stated in what he hoped was a confident tone, "Contact Titans East, inform them of the situation. We might want to consider informing the Justice League as well-"

"You really think it's that bad?" Cyborg interrupted, "I mean he's only been missing like sixteen hours, I think we should see what we can do first and then go for help if we need to."

Robin's eyes quickly moved to Raven before returning to Cyborg equally fast. He didn't want to get into another fight/discussion about his concern for Beastboy hurting people. "It's imperative we find him as soon as possible. He could be injured and exhausted, vulnerable. There's always the chance of him running into an enemy as well. In his state, he could be danger to himself and his attacker."

Ravens mouth was open and Robin was wondering if he'd gone too far when the main titan supercomputer started bleeping, indicating an incoming video call. With the thought 'saved by the bell' running through his mind, Robin quickly moved over to the monitor to see who was calling. He quickly translated the code the name was written in. Then sighed in exasperation. This was the last thing he needed. Still, no one refused a call from him.

"I'll be back soon, I need to take this" Robin shouted over his shoulder as he turned for the room exit, not so much running not so much to answer the call, but to avoid his team.

As he walked slowly down the corridors of the tower towards his room, Robin wondered what the call was about. He had never once supplemented the required annual video call and Robin had felt no inclination to ever instigate a communication. In fact, now that he thought about it, he had never once contacted anyone from his previous…employment in years.

Robin sighed as he remembered leaving Gotham. It had been a cold send-off he remembered.

Robin set his large suitcase down with a relieved sigh, feeling his shoulder twinge as he reached down. The gunshot wound had healed well over the past three months; the advanced medical technology available and his overall health and fitness had sped his recovery time considerably. However, it was still not completely healed and he really should have it in a sling but he was damned if he was going to look weak in his dramatic exit.

Things as Batman's sidekick had been going great until the Joker had gotten lucky. Robin graphically remembered the red hot agony as the bullet had entered his shoulder and shuddered; he would never forget that. He was lucky to be alive but had thought everything would go back to normal once he had healed. The Dark Knight had had other ideas.

Robin fought down familiar anger as he remembered being called to Bruce's study, and the subsequent meeting. Apparently his adopted father was scared for him. Scared he would get hurt. Convinced he couldn't cut it as a crime fighter. He hadn't said that directly but Robin could see it in his eyes, hear it in his tone. He didn't think he was good enough and had decided to end his protégés crime fighting career.

Robin's fist clenched as the image of Bruce's pitying eyes ran through his mind. He couldn't believe it. One injury, one mistake and he was cast aside like a broken batarang?! It was insulting, demeaning and most of all it hurt; because deep down he doubted himself a little bit too, though he would never admit it. His fiery pride had won out and he had decided to head out on his own as Robin to fight crime solo.

Bruce had been far from happy about his decision and had spent a full week trying to convince him to abandon his mad scheme. Robin had stuck it out though; the raging side of him slightly happy at seeing his mentor squirm a little. He had not expected Bruce to suddenly have a change of heart, offer him supplies, money and resources should he need it. Not a fool, Robin had accepted it as a favor that he could call in if he was in dire need. But he would never be in dire need.

Barbara Gordon had almost convinced him to stay. As Batgirl, she and Robin had had their fair share of adventures, both in battle and in private. But things had gotten messy lately and getting away from her was an unexpected silver lining to the whole situation.

Robin shifted his feet uneasily, trying to get his mind off of her. He immensely regretted the way things had turned out and felt both guilt and shame over what had transpired. In his heart of hearts, he would admit that he was as much running away from her as he was striking out on his own. But he refused to think like that. This was a new beginning, a new era for him. To make his name. To become the best. He didn't need any ties to his past holding him back.

Now, he stood awaiting a taxi to take him to a commercial flight out of Gotham. Normally he would have asked Alfred to take him to the private jet, but precautions had to be taken to preserve the identity of the Batman. Robin's resolve wavered at the thought of the Butler. He had been a second father to him, always there with a wise word or large, delicious meal. He had hugged the manservant briefly, holding back a tear before saying the final goodbye and turning to leave. He had then turned to Batman, unwilling to let his anger go and announced he would hear from him on the tenth of January, before turning to leave.

Batgirl had not been present.

The taxi pulled up in front of him in the cool, evening air. Raising his chin and stiffening his resolve, Robin put his suitcase in the back, got the car and left his life as a member of the batclan behind.

Six years. It had been six years since that day. It was the first time he had examined the events leading up to his dismissal, preferring instead to bury the memories. Six years since he had talked to Alfred. Robin cringed, knowing how much that must have hurt his old friend. He had been ruthless in his quest to leave his old life behind. Too ruthless, too extreme. That may also describe his reaction to Batman's dismissal. Through the magical scope of hindsight, Robin realized he may have reacted to the situation quite badly.

An image of Barbara flashed through his mind and he quickly fought it back down. He had enough to feel bad about with this whole Beastboy fiasco. He didn't need to dwell on his past screw-ups before navigating the elaborate minefield that was a discussion with Batman.

But still…

There was no time to consider that now though as he entered his room, locked the door and approached his private computer. He did, however, make a mental note to get in touch with Alfred. It had been too long.

Adjusting his mask and steeling his face and mind, Robin answered the ringing call.

Framed in darkness, the face of Batman appeared on the screen. His rugged, chiseled chin was the only sign of flesh as the rest of his face was, as always, concealed by his signature cowl. A graveled and serious voice filled the Boy Wonders ears.

"Robin."

"Batman."

"You look like hell, what's happened?"

"It doesn't matter, I'm in the middle of something here, what do you want?"

"Lost something?"

"That none of your-" Robin stopped short before his eyes narrowed, "What do you know?"

"I know that you're missing a member of your team."

Robin tried with all his might to keep his body language unchanged but couldn't stop his jaw clenching slightly. This was just what he needed. 'How the hell did he found out so soon?'

"I'm not in the mood. What do you know and how?"

"It may be simpler to show you."

The image of Batman's face cut to a wide angle shot of a containment cell. Drooling and sprawled out on the only bed in the room was a fast asleep Beastboy. Robin couldn't keep astonishment from flitting across his face before regaining his composure.

"Explain." Batman stated as his face reappeared on the screen.

Robin turned his eyes away. He had no intention of explaining his failure as leader of the titans to his former mentor. "How did you find him?"

"Explain." Batman repeated, his voice unchanged.

Getting annoyed, Robin replied, "I can't explain without knowing how and where you came into contact with him."

Batman considered a moment before replying, "Your teammate was observed falling from the sky just outside of Gotham city at approximately 6:20am this morning. He was in a very bad condition; I estimate he fell just under a sixth of a mile before hitting the ground. He was taken back to the batcave for medical treatment, but upon arrival his injuries had healed substantially, no longer leaving him in a critical condition. As you can see now, he is still recovering. Now, explain."

Robin absorbed this information quickly. Batman had made no comment regarding Beastboy's physical appearance, implying that the green titan had reverted back to his normal form before being found. Ravens comment about his ability to heal quickly was apparently accurate as well, although Robin had assumed that capability was only accessible as the Beast or Changeling. Batman was still waiting for an answer. Robin decided to come clean. After all, he had done nothing wrong.

Starting from their very first encounter with the white monster, Robin told his adopted father the barest facts of the events that had unfolded, none of which cast Beastboy in a particularly good light. He had reached the part about Beastboy's abandonment of the team to pursue his perceived Terra when Batman interrupted.

"This being the earth manipulator? The one that betrayed your team to Slade?"

"Yes, she- How the hell do you know that?" Robin angrily barked, although he already knew.

"I conducted research on Beastboy this morning; she came up in my findings."

"You hacked our database and read our reports! Those are private!"

Batman didn't reply and Robin sagged back in his chair in defeat. He knew Batman cared nothing for privacy or boundaries. He had needed information so he had retrieved information. It was that simple to him.

"So this girl with geokinesis?"

Robin sighed and continued his story, telling Batman of Beastboy's disappearance, subsequent entrance at the recycling factory in his Changeling form and fight with the white monster. He neglected to inform the Dark Knight of what Raven had revealed about the changelings mental state, considering it too personal to disclose. He glazed over the team's confrontation with Beastboy, but admitted that he had been the one to cause the degeneration back into Changeling.

Robin averted his eyes while retelling this, but when he looked back he thought he saw a tinge of something in the face of his former mentor. He decided to call him on it.

"What?" he aggressively said.

Batman examined him for a moment before simply saying, "You've grown. Continue."

Blinking the shock from his eyes and trying to keep his face steady Robin mechanically recounted the rest of the tale, ending with Beastboy vanishing into the ocean.

"At what time was that?"

"Just before nine."

"So in approximately nine and a half hours, Beastboy traveled from Jump City to Gotham. That's quite an impressive feat."

"I'll say. It seems he can do some pretty incredible things in that condition."

"This form you've described to me, it doesn't fit the description I have of the first time an event of this nature occurred."

Robin opened his mouth to protest, but quickly shut it, recognizing it wouldn't accomplish anything. Still, he hated it when the Batman did that.

"No, we theorize his first transformation of this kind was due to exposure to chemicals containing large amounts of testosterone and adrenaline, awakening his inner beast as it were. On that occasion he changed into a form we named-"

"The Beast, yes."

Robin gritted his teeth and asked a question that had been on his mind for some time, hoping to catch his mentor out "I heard about the incident involving the Joker last night. How did you notice Beastboy falling from the sky if you were otherwise occupied fighting that bastard?"

"I did not," Batman replied, mentally bracing himself. "His fall was observed by Batgirl."

Robin tensed, his body curling forward. He struggled to maintain his air of nonchalance towards the situation. "How is she doing?" He asked in the steadiest voice he could muster.

"Who?"

"What do you mean, 'who'? Babs. How is she?" Robin asked feeling distinctly worried. Batman did not make small talk. He did not ask rhetorical questions and he certainly did not play dumb. He was being set up for something.

"Barbara ceased acting as Batgirl four years ago. Luckily, I managed to recruit a new one not long after."

Robin was struck dumb.

He felt like he'd been kicked in the gut.

By Cinderblock.

Wearing Doc Martens.

Breathing out heavily, he practically yelled at the screen, "Babs quit and you never told me?!"

"I would have gladly informed you of the team change Dick, if you had displayed any sort of interest." It was the first time he had called his prior protégé by name in years. "You can't ostracize yourself and then expect to be kept in the loop. You haven't even spoken to Alfred in years." Batman's voice was tense and hard; an incredible display of emotion.

Robin picked up on this and forcibly calmed himself. Unbidden, images of the last Batgirl leapt into his head. With effort, he kicked them out again and focused on the conversation. Bending his wounded pride, he spoke contritely.

"You're right. I was planning on contacting him after this Beastboy mess was cleaned up."

"See that you do."

"So, why did she quit?" Robin demanded.

"I'm not at liberty to say." Replied Batman, a faint, indiscernible look in his eyes.

"Oh, don't give me that bullshit. You don't give a damn about liberties and boundaries, tell me why she quit."

Batman was quiet for a moment, staring hard at the Boy Wonder. "If she choose not to tell you about her decision, I'm not going to tell you why she made it." Robin was silent. The man was right, after all. He had never even tried to contact her for all these years. He had no right to force his way back into her life.

Batman went on, "You've been gnawing on your spite like a dog with a bone for too long now Dick. You appear to have matured over the years, time to take responsibility for more than a mistake in the field. Time to realize that your actions have consequences.

Having filled his quota of outward emotion for the next month, and fed up looking weak and vulnerable, Robin's business tone returned. "What's the situation with Beastboy?"

"He is still currently asleep, suffering from exhaustion and severe muscle and bone damage. He appears to have severely shattered both shins before undertaking his journey to Gotham, which exacerbated the injuries. His body is wrecked. I tried talking with him two hours ago, but he was still drowsy from the tranquilizer, appearing to be in little pain. With his unique healing abilities, it shouldn't take more than a few days for him to fully recover for the journey back. Unless you want to come pick him up?" It was the most tentative offer he could have asked. Robin struggled with the decision for a moment. Eventually, he felt it was indeed time to reconnect with his old family, although the very thought sent dread shooting through him.

"…Sure, we'll come pick him up once he's recovered."

"Noted, I'll keep you informed." Batman seemed to hesitate before adding, "It'll be good to see you again." He signed off and screen went blank.

Robin collapsed into his chair, trying to take in all the he had just learned. The Batgirl he had known had been replaced, he was reuniting with the batclan in just a few short days and Beastboy was lying, tranquilised, in the batcave.

'Wait a second, tranquilised? Why would he have needed to tranquilise Beastboy? Oh damn, that is so not good.'

So yeah. Found the dialogue between Batman and Robin to come quite easily surprisingly. I did some research into the history of the two (This being Dick Grayson) and tweaked it a bit to fit.
What do you think?

Review Responses:
Shugokage – Cheers mate!

EX3451 – Yeah I figured that's how his brain would work. Glad you liked it. Never really got the whole harem thing in more serious fics. Can be fun in the lighter ones I guess.

Tsk91 – I tried to do him justice. He is the Batman, after all.

FF8cerberus – I'm so glad someone picked up on that! I was totally going for Sherlock Holmes when I wrote his thought process! I'm glad you're enjoying it, I aim to please.

HereForTitans – Thanks, I find that a lot of authors have unnecessarily long fight scenes and that they get boring and repetitive. Was trying to avoid that

Based Bobcat – Excellent, keep me straight on how batman acts though. Especially in these next few chapters ;)

MarsTwilight – Really happy you think so. Let me know what you think about him in this and the next few chapters. I'd really like to spend some time establishing the characters. I have quite a few ideas about future projects relating to the future of them after this story. I figure setting them up properly would be time well spent.

Thanks for checking out the story and we'll actually be getting some real Beastboy soon!
Have a good one,
CJB