Forgotten Bonds – Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven
Contacting Superior Authority

September 26th, 2008. Friday, 1:13 am.

Cyborg’s fingers were flying across the keyboard as he worked diligently that night. He was filing yet another report for the police department on a criminal the team had just apprehended. Over the past two weeks, Cyborg had done so much paperwork he was ready to explode. He couldn’t believe Robin had done all this work after every capture and never even complained once.

Not once.

Cyborg put a hand to his forehead, rubbing it slightly before he continued. He was almost done. Once he completed the document, off it’d go to the police department and he could then relax – for now, at least; until the next criminal struck again. He saved the document before pressing the enter key with finality.

Sent.

With a deep sigh, he turned away from the computer screen.

Two weeks.

It had been two weeks since Robin had been spirited away in the dead of night from his room. In those two weeks, there had been quite a bit criminal activity, but nothing more than normal. In fact, it had been a little less.

There had been no Slade sightings.

They hadn’t seen one of those annoying robots, no conniving plots to uncover – nothing. It was like the man had dropped off the face of the earth. He had stolen Robin and disappeared.

Robin’s kidnapping had been kept under wraps by the entire team. Whenever asked, they only said that Robin was abroad in an undercover mission and they didn’t know when he’d return.

Well, half of that was true.

They definitely didn’t know when Robin would come back, if ever. Robin’s disappearance had brought a terrible daily gloom over the group. Starfire was finding it harder and harder to fly, Raven’s powers went temporarily haywire at times, and the biggest shock of all – Beast Boy didn’t feel like playing video games or watching TV as much any more.

And Cyborg?

He found himself respecting Robin more and more as each day passed. The job of a leader was a heavy and hard one. Cyborg felt as if he had aged ten years in the past two weeks. He now fully understood Robin’s worry and obsession over Slade. The man had threatened the safety of the team and the safety of the city. Cyborg fully understood the burden that came with being the leader.

No wonder Robin had donned the Red X suit and went undercover without telling them to gain Slade’s trust.

Unfortunately, he seemed to have gained something different. Slade wanted Robin for some reason, but none of the Titans could figure it out. They just couldn’t understand the man’s reasoning – especially since he disappeared with Robin.

Thank goodness for the little footage they had of Robin’s disappearance. If they hadn’t had that, there would’ve been a large possibility that they, including Cyborg himself, would’ve thought Robin had left with Slade of his own free will.

But because of the footage, it was very apparent that this hadn’t been the case.

Cyborg clenched his fist and slammed it once against the computer desk. The helpless feeling inside his chest was overwhelming. They were just as close as to figuring out where Robin was as they had been the moment they found out he was missing.

“Cyborg?” He turned to see Raven walking up to him; setting her hood down to speak with him. “Are you okay?”

Cyborg let out an injured laugh.

“Okay? I haven’t been ‘okay’ for years, Rae. But it’s been even worse these past two weeks.”

Raven nodded. “I know. I can’t stop having trouble with my powers. I guess it shows how important Robin is to us.”

‘How important Robin is…’

Of course, Robin was important. He was a friend, a best friend, a playmate, an accomplice, a mediator, a buddy, an older brother, a little brother, a leader – he was everything to them. He was their rock, their foundation; the glue that kept them pieced together.

He was the one that showed each of them that they could start over – he had given each of them something to live for, something to accomplish.

Something to be.

And now he was gone.

Would he ever come back? Their friend, their brother, their leader? Would he be okay? Would he become withdrawn from his experience? Two weeks with Slade certainly couldn’t be pleasant.

But what if they couldn’t save him quickly? What if the weeks turned into months? What if they were more helpless than they truly ever imagined?

Such a terrible thought nearly drowned Cyborg’s heart.

“I don’t think…” began Cyborg in a whisper. “We’ve given Robin enough credit, you know. I never realized being a leader could be so stressful. The burden of everyone’s safety is so heavy – I can’t imagine how Robin did it for a whole year. Two weeks and I’m already set to pass the job back to him.”

Raven nodded again slowly.

“We’ve been selfish, haven’t we? Sometimes I wonder if it’s our fault that he was kidnapped.”

Cyborg’s jaw clenched.

“Of course, it isn’t our fault! It’s that psycho Slade’s fault. He’s the one that kidnapped him,” snapped Cyborg. He let out a short huff and tried to calm his heart down. Raven only nodded to this. She slowly reached for a chair and pulled it near Cyborg as she sat down. She looked uneasy for a moment before she spoke up.

“I haven’t mentioned my thoughts to the other two because I don’t want them to worry more; to preserve their innocence,” said Raven in a soft undertone. “But I’m really… concerned for Robin’s health and wellbeing.”

“Wh–what do you mean, Rae? You think Slade might’ve… might’ve killed Robin?” asked Cyborg nervously, his heart sinking into his stomach. While Raven was the type to be pessimistic over things in life, she tended to be accurate at times. Fear began to pump through his synthetic veins.

“I don’t think so,” answered Raven with a shake of her head. “Why go to the trouble in kidnapping him at all? But I highly doubt Slade is a kind and gentle person. If Robin resists him, which I have no doubt he will, then I’m sure Slade will do everything he can to suppress such efforts.”

“You mean…” Cyborg trailed off, a chill sliding down his back as his thoughts flashed thousands of scenarios in his mind – all of which included a hurting Robin. Raven nodded lightly.

“I’m sure Slade will physically force Robin’s obedience in whatever he wants,” said Raven evenly; her voice void of emotion – yet the single glimmer in her violet eyes betrayed her intentions. “Perhaps, he’ll even use psychological means as well.”

“You think he’ll brainwash Robin?” asked Cyborg in disbelief. “You think Robin is brainwashable?”

“I think to a certain degree, everyone is,” said Raven; the light in her eyes darkening slightly. “Think about it, Cyborg: if you’re being beaten, starved, caged, tortured, isolated, demoralized daily; wouldn’t you do anything to get away from that pain? Everyone has a breaking point. It just depends how long Robin can hold out.”

Cyborg sighed and leaned back in his chair. Man, it was downright frightening to think all those things could be happening to Robin. Would Slade really do all that? Cyborg wouldn’t put it past the man – but he just couldn’t bear the thought if that was really happening. Robin was going through a terrible trial all on his own. And they, his friends, were completely helpless to save him. Cyborg clenched his fists.

Helpless.

The Teen Titans were completely useless in this. They were of no help to Robin at all. Their leader had to remain strong all on his own. How was he doing? Was he hurting? Was he hungry? Was he lonely? Was he… scared?

A wave of despair flowed over Cyborg. What if their strong, brave leader was exactly that – scared. What if he was terrified of his captor? Robin was always strong, always unwavering – but what if, at that very moment, he had met his ultimate match? What if he was truly frightened in all this? Cyborg wasn’t going to sugarcoat this; Robin was young. No matter the adult aura he emanated, Cyborg knew that Robin was young like Beast Boy in some ways. He was just fourteen; and while, yes, he had faced far more things than all of them combined, he still was young.

Robin could still get scared. He could still get lonely. He was human, after all; and a young one at that. Cyborg was older and he figured he probably could endure things a lot longer than the rest of them, but how long could young Robin hold up?

Because, even though Cyborg had never seen him, Cyborg knew there was a boy behind the mask; behind the hero. Would Slade strip down that barrier? What would happen to Robin, then? Surely he’d be the same without that mask. Cyborg honestly doubted that Robin had two personalities. It wasn’t like he’d been traumatized in his life.

Right?

Cyborg had long abandoned his old identity, Victor Stone. Becoming almost all machine did that to a guy. He didn’t feel the same any more, nor did he feel the need to be the same. He had a new life and he loved it most of the time, even with its bittersweet nature.

But what about Robin? Who was he behind that mask? Without the mask, the Kevlar suit, the utility belt, he was just a fourteen year old boy who had been kidnapped by a powerful criminal who had complete control over him.

It brought everything into a new light for Cyborg – one that was far brighter than he had ever imagined.

The Teen Titans were totally out of their league with this.

They needed help – desperately. They obviously couldn’t handle this on their own any more. They needed help; someone who dealt with these types of things on a daily basis. But who?

Cyborg blinked; realization dawning in his mind.

“We need help – we can’t do this on our own,” said Cyborg quickly as his thoughts poured from his mouth. “We need Batman.”

“Batman… That’s…”

“Batman and Robin – the Dynamic Duo of Gotham City,” said Cyborg, trying to hold back the slight excitement at the mere thought of actually getting a chance to talk with the Dark Knight. “Batman is Robin’s old partner and mentor, and the world’s greatest detective. If anyone can help, I bet he can.”

Raven seemed to be thinking it over. Then, after a moment, she nodded. “I think you’re right. Do you know how to get in contact with him?”

“Yeah,” nodded Cyborg, turning back to the computer. He began bringing up the communication line; typing in a number of codes. “I know Robin build in a communication line with him, but he told me never, under any circumstances, to contact him. Batman doesn’t know that Robin connected the line, least that’s what Robin said.” With the final code entered, he turned back to Raven.

“He gave me the codes in case of an emergency. I’d say this is an emergency,” said Cyborg. Raven nodded in agreement.

“We should all be present for the call.”

“Right,” said Cyborg, pulling up the communicator on his arm. “Yo, BB, Star; we need you in the main room.”

Five minutes later and one depressed Starfire and one sleepy Beast Boy appeared in the main room. Starfire held an arm curled below her chest; clasping onto her other arm with her hand and looking very despondent. Beast Boy’s eyes were halfway open as he gave out a wide yawn.

“Dude, it’s late. I was going to bed,” said Beast Boy, another yawn spreading his face.

“Sorry, BB. But this is important,” said Cyborg. Starfire and Beast Boy looked at him with expectant eyes. Here goes nothing, thought Cyborg with a mental sigh.

“Guys, it’s been two weeks,” started Cyborg. Beast Boy’s pointed ears drooped suddenly as his countenance darkened in gloominess. He was fully awake now. Starfire seemed to take a similar stance as well. Cyborg pressed on. “Robin is still missing and we have no clues or ideas on how to save him. We need help. That’s why we need to call Batman.”

Beast Boy perked up at this, the happy nerd completely taking over. The gloominess that had once filled his countenance disappeared instantly. His green eyes sparkled as a wide smile spread through his face.

“We’re actually gonna get to talk to Batman!” asked Beast Boy excitedly. “Dude! This is so cool!” He suddenly lifted a hand to mess with his hair; slicking it back a few times, only for the spiked hair to pop back into its original location. “How’s my hair? Is it okay?”

Raven rolled her eyes.

“This is serious, Beast Boy. This isn’t a game,” scolded Raven. Beast Boy nodded contritely, but his face was still filled with his childlike excitement.

“Please, who is this ‘Man of Bats’ that you speak of?” asked Starfire, looking from Beast Boy to Cyborg.

“He’s Robin’s mentor,” answered Cyborg. Starfire frowned still at this, looking confused. Raven sighed with a shake of her head.

“Something like a K’Norfka on your planet, you could say,” suggested Raven. Starfire’s bright emerald eyes matched with Beast Boy’s in happiness and excitement.

“Glorious!” cried Starfire joyfully. “Robin’s K’Norfka will be sure to know what to do.”

“Right,” said Cyborg, sounding slightly hesitant with Starfire’s term. “All right, team. Gather around and I’ll place the call. BB, try to keep the nerd down.”

Starfire and Beast Boy clustered around Cyborg, who turned in his chair to face the computer.

“Wait a minute,” said Raven. “Gotham City is on the East Coast. There’s a three hour difference from here. It’ll be too late now.”

“Raven, he’s Batman! He’s nocturnal!” cried Beast Boy emphatically, as if everyone should’ve known this fact. “He’s the Dark Knight that roams the streets of Gotham at night! He—”

“I thought I told you to tone the nerd down,” interjected Cyborg, hoping to cut off Beast Boy before the excitable green boy got too carried away. Beast Boy pouted and folded his arms.

“I’m just saying…”

Cyborg just shook his head before pressing the enter key. A waiting icon appeared on the full sized screen. Please, be available… Please, be available…

The call connected within moments and Cyborg’s breath was taken away as he stared at the Dark Knight in awe and shock.

The man’s presence, even on video chat, was dominating and intimidating. It was completely overwhelming. Cyborg’s brain seemed to shut down in the mere presence of the man. His black suit showed his body’s strength and capabilities; powerful in all aspects. Through the cowl, Cyborg could see sharp, powerful blue eyes that were narrowed as they stared at the group. His complete presence and stance spoke of true power; one that instantly showed he was to be taken seriously.

Robin had to live with this man? Geez, he was just plain scary!

“The Teen Titans,” said Batman. His voice was deep and even; sending a wave of chills down Cyborg’s spine. “What do you want?”

Cyborg couldn’t think. It was just too much.

“This better not be a prank call,” snapped Batman. Cyborg’s brain booted back up.

“No, sir,” said Cyborg quickly. “Um… we… that is…”

“What is it, then?” There was a pause as those sharp eyes narrowed again. “Where’s Robin?”

“That’s just it,” said Cyborg carefully, thankful that the man had noticed Robin’s absence. The terrifying presence intensified and Cyborg found himself leaning back in his chair nervously. He couldn’t even imagine the effect if they were in person. He’d probably just plain faint.

He wondered lightly if he downsized the call window, if the presence wouldn’t be so intimidating. Somehow, he doubted it.

“Where’s Robin?” repeated the Dark Knight again; his tone turning harder.

“We think he’s been kidnapped,” said Raven. Cyborg swallowed at the terrible look in the dark man’s eyes. They had widened briefly before pure anger filled them.

“When? Who?” demanded Batman, leaning forward slightly.

“Two weeks ago,” said Cyborg, feeling nervous. “We think Slade kidnapped him, but we aren’t sure.”

“Yes, we are!” interjected Starfire indignantly. “Robin would never be that furious if it was not Slade.”

Batman took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The look in the man’s eyes was just downright scary. Nothing could scare Cyborg more now. This man was the ultimate in pure fright. Cyborg could take on anything now after his encounter with this man.

Robin actually lived with this daily?!

“Robin’s been missing for two weeks,” began Batman in a low, icy tone, “and you are just now finding the time to tell me!?”

Oh, man; the man was gonna kill them.

“Um… yes?” said Cyborg timidly. Batman’s mouth formed into a deep scowl.

“You should’ve let me know the instant he was missing!” snapped Batman. How the man sounded as if he were yelling without raising the volume of his voice was beyond Cyborg. “You’ve wasted valuable time!”

Well, Cyborg had to agree with the man there. They hadn’t really realized how bad the situation was. They had figured they could handle it on their own like they always did. Two weeks had sped by fast and with each passing day, it was terribly attested to their complete helplessness.

“I want all the information you have on his kidnapping,” said Batman, his voice turning into a commanding, yet business like tone. The man leaned forward and began working on his computer. “Who did you say kidnapped him?”

“We’re not actually sure who kidnapped him,” said Cyborg, bringing up the data, which included the footage of Robin the night he disappeared. He also gathered the data the team had on Slade.

“What?”

“Starfire’s the only one to come to a conclusion,” continued Cyborg, trying very hard not to shrink away from the frightening look in the man’s eyes.

“Yes!” cried Starfire suddenly, pulling forward. “Mr. Man of Bats—”

“It’s Batman.”

Starfire hesitated, looking surprised by the man’s interruption. But she was able to continue more calmly.

“Forgive me, Mr. Batman,” said Starfire, her head nodding once politely to the man. “The video of Robin shows him very angry. I believe he was speaking with his abductor. I think it is Slade. Robin would never show such fierce anger against anyone but Slade.”

Fingers flew on Batman’s end of the video conference. The sharp blue eyes flitted back and forth as they absorbed information quickly.

“Why would this Slade want Robin?”

“Well,” piped up Beast Boy, his eyes sparkling brightly. He was completely unaffected by the intimidation the man held. Cyborg wondered lightly if that was healthy. “Slade’s like the baddest bad guy here. Robin was really set on bringing him down, you know. So, he decided to trick Slade into letting him in on his plans by dealing with him as a partner, named Red X. But it didn’t work. Guess Slade wanted him permanently, seeing how well he did.”

“He did what?” breathed Batman in a low tone. An icy wave of fresh chills slid down Cyborg’s back. The man did not look pleased – at all.

“Um, Robin went undercover,” said Cyborg hurriedly. “He posed as a thief, named Red X, and tried to work up a deal with Slade. But Slade figured it out.”

There was a stony pause.

“That stupid boy!” snapped Batman, slamming his hands down onto his desk, causing the entire group of Titans to flinch in various degrees. “And you let him do this? How could you? He shouldn’t have done something so foolhardy and dangerous!”

“Um…” Cyborg hesitated. They hadn’t let Robin masquerade as Red X. Their leader had done it all on his own without telling them. But right at that moment, Cyborg didn’t really want to let this very angry man in front of him to know that. He was sure Robin was in enough trouble now without having to deal with a furious Batman on top of it all.

“We all agreed to it and planned it out together as a team,” said Raven. “We agreed that it was a good plan. Slade was just smarter. It happens.”

Cyborg was shocked by Raven’s blatant lie. He turned his head towards her for a moment. She appeared calm and collect before the intimidating man. In fact, she looked a little upset.

“It was a stupid plan. You shouldn’t have done it,” said Batman.

“We did what we thought best,” retorted Raven, a hint of irritation rising in her voice. “Slade is a dangerous criminal and we have to do what it takes to protect our city.”

Cyborg could almost see the sparks fly between the two of them. Batman’s sharp eyes glared into Raven’s unwavering ones.

“Robin is our greatest priority now. We are worried for his health and wellbeing with this criminal,” continued Raven firmly. “Slade is capable of many things. There’s a possibility that Slade might force Robin to do things he doesn’t want to do. The man might beat him, torture him, starve him, and even brainwash him.”

Something passed through Batman’s sharp blue eyes. Cyborg barely caught it, but he thought that perhaps it had been fear and worry.

“We do not have time to lament over past mistakes,” continued Raven in her clear, monotone voice. “We need to rescue Robin as soon as possible.”

Cyborg was grateful for Raven’s maturity. She was probably the most mature out of the entire group, if Cyborg admitted it to himself. She was the most calm, the most level headed, and the most wise.

“And I will do so immediately,” said Batman. “I have received your data as well.”

“Oh, thanks, man,” said Cyborg with a sigh of relief. Robin was going to be okay. Batman was going to help them save him. With Batman, they’ll be able to rescue their leader, their brother, their friend quickly. “When you come to the Tower, we’ll fill you in on—”

“Your interference will not be needed,” said Batman, sharply overriding Cyborg. “You’ll be contacted when I have found Robin.”

And with that, the call ended abruptly. A chilling silence drifted over the group. A mixture of confused feelings flooded through Cyborg. A part of him wondered if they had done the right thing. But, of course, they did – Batman was going to help.

Just without their help.

“Dude…” began Beast Boy. “That just totally crushed my image of the Dark Knight of Gotham.”

Cyborg could only nod at that.

ooOOOOOoo

Keep Reading –>