Hello everyone! Much love to all my followers and for any of those that have left a comment. Thank you so much. Hope you all enjoy this chapter, it's the beginning of another arch.
NOW ON WITH THE STORY!
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The next morning was uneventful. Luther had spoken with Slade early in the day. He had a team working on deciphering the information that Robin had given them and so far they were turning up empty handed. Except for one minor thing. There was a coding in there that was actually a generic code, but riddled with information on molecules that had been enhanced beyond human comprehension. Had the ben Elohim done some experiments in the past? Most likely. It may explain the supernatural like abilities of the members. But there was other meta humans out there. Yet the Ben Elohim had somewhat of an edge on all them. Were the methods used by the group so unlike the rest of the world? It may be another good reason why they kept themselves so well hidden. They didn't want to share their secrets with anyone.
Robin stared off into space as he pondered about the existence of such things. He had encountered many meta-humans in his life. All of them remarkably strong and powerful. But every one of them had a back story, an event that made them that way. Something was done to them to make them a meta-human, whether it be by design or accident. So it begged the question. What was Aurora, who was she exactly? Or rather who did she used to be? She's definitely not a normal human, if he even could call her human anymore. So what made her what she is now? Maybe... just maybe the Information on the DNA they had found could lead to that.
So many questions and so little answers. But it would have to wait. Slade made sure he was going to drag Robin to this function. The afternoon went by without incident and before he knew it Robin was slipping into his tux. He was slicking back his hair when a knock came at his door and a question that was posed if he was decent.
Robin responded with a "Yes" and the door opened and what entered was the mercenary in a tux himself. Seeing Slade all fancied up was a odd sight. The idea that the mastermind could definitely pull off the stereotypical villain in a spy movie was something that ran through the young man's mind. The eye patch was definitely a give away, honestly he should of seen it sooner when the man was posing as Sergai.
"Ready to go?"
Robin fixed his tie. "Yea." It was odd looking in the mirror with his own blue eyes looking back at him. He knew he would have to keep a bit of a low profile at the event. He didn't want anyone recognizing him after all, for all he knew the newspapers still thought he was dead.
Slade nodded. "Then let's get this over with."
Robin nodded in return. If anything tonight was going to be an interesting night.
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"We need to talk, get the rest of the team together." Cyborg gulped a bit. He didn't know what was about to go down but he did as he was asked regardless.
Soon enough the Titans were all in front of the large screen looking up at the Batman in concern and worry. They were in for it now.
The Batman was stoic as ever and the words that would tumble from his lips were completely unexpected to all of the young hero's present. "I know that you went to Germany looking for Robin... I know that you've been searching for him and disregarding any orders given to you by a member of the Justice League such as myself. Normally these actions would be seen as a great disappointment."
The team cringed, they all felt their stomachs drop and their hearts sink just a little.
"However, it is now clear to me that you all should of been involved from the beginning and... I'm sorry for not including you. Robin is your friend before he is your team lead." The group look around at one another in shock. Did they just hear right, did the ever infamous Batman just apologize?
"We need to work together if we are to find him and right now I need something from all of you."
Cyborg answered for the group. "Alright, what do you need exactly?"
The team could feel the Bats eyes on all of them. "All of you have had incidents with Deathstroke, or as you call him, Slade. I don't believe Robin included all of the details with his or the teams confrontations with him in any kind of proper statement. The reports were simple and to the point. I need a report from all of you on the specifics of your own personal encounters with him and any kind of details regarding Robin and his own, other the the apprenticeship, from your own perspective. The two may be enemies but I have no doubt that if needed Robin could work with Deathstroke for some type of mutual benefit." The team would agree, they all remembered the time Robin and Slade worked together when the world had been turned to stone. Enemies or not, even Cyborg had to admit that the two had some sort of weird respect between them. "We don't have a lot of time left to us. I believe he and Slade are somewhere back in the United States at this time."
Raven nodded and stepped forward. "We came to the same conclusion. We just don't know where."
The Batman nodded in return. "Once you have completed the reports, call me and we'll plan a location to meet. Batman out." And with that the screen went blank leaving behind a very perplexed group of teenagers.
Raven turned to to their current leader. "Well?" and the man in question just shook his head. "What else? We do what he asks of us."
Beast Boy however was still in a bit of shock. "Duuudes THE Batman just apologized to us... seriously what world are we living in? Did we switch dimensions?" Raven shook her head. "Things are bad then. Something happened that he's not sharing... I don't know him well, but something was off. He was keeping up appearances and he didn't want us to think anything was wrong but something most definitely is."
"I mean there's gotta be something big going on if he's asking for more reports on Slade. I mean getting further information on the man... and our own personal encounters with the villain? Didn't we give him everything in the reports?" Beast Boy shrugged. "I think most of the reports were made by Robin dude." Cyborg shook his head, that did make sense. Robin would most likely have avoided putting certain information in the file, probably keeping the very important stuff to himself. Everyone here had a run in or two with Slade and in one way or another that man had affected all of their lives. "We know Robin well enough, remember how he would hide away from us all when Slade was around, he kept diving deeper and deeper into reports when-"
Raven nodded in agreement. "When he came across to many dead ends. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Which means..."
Cyborg let out a sigh. "It means we're all in the same boat without a damn paddle."
Starfire looked on at her friends. She was worried anyone could tell. She wrung her hands and she hadn't flown in days. To her everything just seemed to be falling apart. Everyone she knew, even someone she cared for deeply, they all just seemed to leave her in the end. Everything was going so well until all of this. "You still have your friends." she thought to herself and she looked on at the three that squabbled amongst each other. Well more like Cyborg and Beast Boy Squabbled, Raven just stood to the side and frowned and their behavior.
Starfire wondered what Robin would do in this situation and the answer was simple. He wouldn't let anyone worry about him. He would put a smile on his face, he would make jokes with the other teammates and he would never want anyone to worry for him. Starfire frowned. She knew she wasn't in any condition to fight or to help anyone and that is not something Robin would want. "You need to try, for Robin." she thought to herself and she tried to smile.
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Richard Grayson stepped out of the vehicle and looked up at the tower before him. Already there was socialites arriving on the scene, all of them decked out in their finest outfits as they left their equally fancy vehicles and walked onto the carpet laid out for them. It somewhat reminded him of home. Bruce was always a little extra. He always said it was part of the image but Richard always secretly questioned it. Slade was unimpressed by the sight and wordlessly tossed the keys to a valet and the duo walked into the fray.
To Slade this was as much enemy territory as any other and he told Richard to keep alert at all times. Robin was given the reminder of his former life. The mastermind may be one of the five main leaders of their Society, but others may notice who he was and without realizing who he was with... well they may not be so kind. The young man shrugged it off, he could handle himself he knew. It wasn't his first rodeo after all. Slade insisted he wore a communicator however and Robin agreed.
It was like any other function he had ever been to. Politicians, millionaires, influential people of all sorts. And Slade was correct there was some people he did recognize. Lower end so called villains and various faces from the news. People that didn't stand out in the community as a criminal but at this point they obviously has some connection to illegal activities. Robin could laugh. It made sense really. Anyone of any kind of power did something illegal and generally down right bad to gain that kind of wealth. Power and money doesn't come to those that don't look for ways to oppress those around them.
Slade had at some point in time picked up a glass of wine and swirled the contents in the glass a few times before taking a sip.
"See anyone you know?" It was a off hand question, but he could tell Slade was somewhat curious.
Robin shrugged, "A few." Robin eyed some wealthy couples that would always be regulars at Bruce's little get togethers "But I'm honestly not surprised."
"My my, so it is true. The bird has left the nest to fly different currents." Robin knew that voice, it was as slick as it was sharp and heavy with an accent. The former boy wonder turned to greet Ra's al ghul with his most trusted servant Ubu following behind. Robins mind quickly reeled in all the facts he knew about this man and instantly knew that he must be one of the five ruling members of this Society. It would make so much sense for the most part. Other then Ra's al ghul wanting eliminate the human race, but then again one should have control over the population before deciding to obliterate it he supposed. There was also the known fact that the Chief Demon was notorious for manipulating world events. With five leaders it would mean each of the five would have their own organizations, their own little criminal empires. And in times of need they could merge their forces together, just like any other nation when a war broke out. He briefly wondered who the other two remaining members would be.
Slades interest was piqued. "Rumours I suppose that have already begun to spread of Robins betrayal?"
"I suppose you can say that it has, although many are still in disbelief. Many more will not come to accept that the Detectives own student has left his side. They would prefer to think him to be something akin to that of a spy."
The mercenary could almost laugh. "We will have to change that."
"Indeed, if he is truly loyal to you Slade you will have to show the others where he stands."
"And I assure you that won't be a problem."
The Chief demon nodded. "Robins loyalty towards the detective was never something I personally questioned, nor did any of the others. A Hero dropping his mantle is not entirely unheard of. I do not think it will take much to convince them."
Ra's al ghul look at the boy before him and admired how much he had grown since he last saw him. Robin just crossed his arms and looked at the two men before him. "However, with the Leagues Prodigal son abandoning his allies it will prove to be entertaining to say the least." The Demon's gaze then held the mercenaries own. "I believe I will see you in the meeting?" Slade gave singular nod. "Then I shall see you there."
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The Chief Demon had made his point, Robin knew he would have a lot of work ahead of him. He had to not only gain a reputation as Slade's Apprentice, but also find a place for himself in this secret society. "This is going to get interesting." he thought to himself as he sipped on a glass of fanta. The bartender looked at him oddly and just slid him a pop when he asked for something to drink. Made sense, he supposed he was an exception other then a few stragglers. There wasn't really any kids here, nevermind teenagers. He may of perhaps spotted one or two. But again, they were the exception. Also villain get together or not, no bartender is going to simply hand a kid a alcoholic drink.
Slade had left him behind as he and the other higher ups had their little secret meeting. He had hoped it wouldn't be long and he really hoped Slade didn't expect him to mingle as Bruce did. The millionaires showing off their wealth didn't amuse him. Their small talk on finances and the weather or their new yacht wasn't something he wanted to particularly deal with at the moment. So he stood off to the side trying to hide out amongst the plants that took up residency by the windows. It was a clear night and the stars shined brightly in the sky. He thought back to the night he was found by Sariel, after all the work he had done to try and stay alive in that damn desert and the sands still nearly won if she hadn't found him. Ironic when he thought about it. He sat there that night with a evening sky similar to this one, ever so clear and beautiful. And he sat there and debated with her that hero's should be welcomed everywhere. He remembered being somewhat outraged. And now he planned to dismantle the League himself.
The world was truly something.
"Hello."
Suddenly Robin felt a presence behind him. He was a bit surprised since normally people didn't catch him so off guard so easily. The former hero turned around to meet eyes with a child. A young girl who must of been around the age of ten give or take. "Emm Hello?" he responded.
The girl looked at him. "Are you Robin?"
Richards eyes' widened at the mention of his name. How did she know? She's just a kid, he's not wearing a mask. He looked at her oddly and when he was about to say something he noticed she wasn't in normal clothing. She was in kevlar, a uniform.
"Are you going to remain silent?" Robin didn't feel quite right in answering her. Why didn't anyone else see her? The party kept going on as normal. It was as if she wasn't even there.
"Who...?"
"Endora is my name. She wishes to speak with you, she is being courtesy."
There could only be one woman who would wish to speak him. "You can tell her no thanks, kind of tied up at the moment." Slade was in his meeting, he had his communicator but he couldn't use it when this child was right in front of him.
"She will not like your answer, but I will deliver it. However I am not alone. He may be more forceful."
Everything right now was just blown of the water. It went from being a boring night at a party to having a possible member of the ben Elohim making contact. It was not something he needed at the moment. Again like the others he had encountered, the girl was strange. For instance why was a child decked out in military gear?
"He?"
The child smiled and then vanished. "What the fuck!?" was all Robin had running through his head. He looked around only to see the child had re-appeared hovering above a group of the guests. None of them saw here, they all kept chatting as if nothing was wrong.
"You should be aware that she is well, but no longer is she one of yours." the child smiled again and then vanished. Robin scanned the area, he even double checked before he would report anything to Slade. This wasn't good.
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Hey guys, what ya think is gonna happen? Its about to get spoopy!
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Take care all!
-Fangy