Forgotten Bonds – Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Four
Confusing Events

March 8th, 2009. Sunday, 6:30 pm.

In other news, Richard Grayson, ward of the billionaire and enterpriser Bruce Wayne, was just recently adopted by Slade Wilson. Not much information is known how this came about, but it seems that young Mr. Grayson and Mr. Wilson met in Jump City, where the young lad has been studying in a high society private school – which information has been withheld – and it is said that the two of them hit it off quite nicely. Mr. Wilson seems to be one of the instructors at Mr. Grayson’s school. One can only wonder how much influence the man must’ve had in the young lad’s life to the point of reaching such a momentous decision.

It would appear that Bruce Wayne now no longer has his charity case any more.

The sad tale of young Richard happened almost eight years ago when his parents tragically fell to their deaths. The three of them were part of a circus act, The Flying Graysons, and were trapeze artists who didn’t use a safety net. Tony Zucco, a feared crime lord, tried to extort money from the owner of the circus where the Graysons worked at. When the owner refused, Zucco sabotaged the trapeze wires, which snapped, leading to the deaths of Mary and John Grayson; thus, leaving poor seven year old Richard orphaned. Tony Zucco was later captured by Gotham City’s Batman and two years afterwards, the man was shot and killed as he tried to escape prison.

Now, nearly eight years after that terrible tragedy, it seems that young Mr. Grayson has a second chance at a new family. This Jump City news reporter must say that she is happy for the young lad and wishes him all the best.

Good luck with your new family, Richard. We wish you the best.

“Titans! Main room, now!”

That mental command blared through the entire tower as Raven’s panicked voice flooded through everyone’s minds. She had been flipping through the channels mindlessly, trying her hardest to keep her mind off of things – meditating just wasn’t cutting it at that moment – when she came across the news report. She almost left it until a picture of a teenage boy appeared.

It reminded her too much of someone.

The other Titans rushed into the main room, each looking extremely frantic. Raven pointed at the paused screen of the TV. She had to calm her breathing down – she was losing control. A current of her power blasted suddenly and one of the windows cracked. Raven had to close her eyes, mentally chanting her incantation in the effort to calm herself. She could do this. Calm. Down.

“Raven… What’s the matter?” asked Beast Boy, looking extremely worried. Raven opened her eyes slowly and pointed to the screen again.

“Cyborg, bring up a comparison picture of Robin.”

“Uh…”

“Hurry!” snapped Raven, trying extremely hard to calm the panic in her heart, but failing at it.

“Raven, calm down. I’m on it,” said Cyborg, looking completely unnerved by Raven’s intensity.

Starfire flew to Raven’s side and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. But Raven would not accept the comfort. Not if what she thought was happening was actually happening. No, no, no, no! This couldn’t be happening! That boy, Richard Grayson, wasn’t Robin. He couldn’t be their Robin. There’s no way Robin would be adopted by Slade. What a ridiculous thought! This whole thing was complete coincidence.

Breathe. Focus. Calm down.

Her thoughts screamed at her. Raven found herself trembling. What if Slade had truly adopted Robin? What if that boy really was Robin? Why on Azarath would Slade adopt Robin? What terrible plot was working in that man’s head? Was he trying to control Robin? What did adopting Robin mean for the two of them? Robin would have to obey him. Robin would be completely dependent on him. Any finances that Robin possibly had access to would be in Slade’s complete control.

What did Slade really want?

He must’ve forced Robin to sign the papers. Robin wouldn’t ever actually willingly agree to be adopted by Slade, of all people. Slade must have something over Robin. Perhaps the man was threatening their lives. Or what if the man threatened Bruce Wayne, Robin’s previous guardian? What if—

“Got it,” said Cyborg, breaking Raven’s torrent thought process. A picture of Robin appeared next to the photograph of Richard Grayson.

There was a sharp intake of breath from Starfire.

The two photographs side by side were remarkably similar. Richard Grayson’s raven hairstyle wasn’t spiked back, but hung loosely around his face; bangs blanketing almost over his eyes. He had striking crystal blue eyes that stood out within the sea of black bangs. He held a young look in his face, younger than Raven would’ve imagined. There was a gentle softness to Richard’s features; a kindness there that Robin didn’t usually show. The face structure was exactly like the other photo. The only major difference was that Robin seemed to have an older aura.

Raven’s heart fluttered in her chest; falling at the implications. She was right. She was right! Fear, sorrow, and despair rose so high in her chest that she collapsed back down on the sofa. She could feel the intensity of her powers going haywire; her hair lifting slowly to fly wildly in a torrent.

Richard Grayson was Robin.

There was a crackling sound as the crack in the window furthered in spider like webbings from the uncontrollable power that was spiking out. Raven dropped her face into her hands. Slade had actually adopted Robin. Something was terribly wrong. They’d never get their friend back now. What was Slade planning? Would Robin become like Slade? Was that what the man wanted; a child or a son? Was he trying to get a partner or something? Why’d it have to be Robin?!

“Raven!” cried Beast Boy.

Raven felt something collide with her body. Thin arms wrapped themselves around her shoulders in the attempt to hug her. Raven turned to it, accepting the comfort, and wrapped her arms around the boy’s neck; burying her face into the nape. The arms moved to wrap around her waist. Her shoulders began to shake with silent, dry sobs. She felt Beast Boy rubbing her back gently. Somehow, those arms around her began to calm her emotions down; her powers slowly losing their wild nature.

“What’s this supposed to mean?” asked Cyborg in a low whisper. Raven could only shake her head slightly, unable to find her voice.

“Raven?” whispered Beast Boy in her ear; his voice ever so gentle. “Tell me, what happened?”

Raven tightened her arms slightly, but soon she was able to unlock her voice. She had never realized just how soft and comforting the changeling could be; and she was so thankful for it at that very moment.

“There was a news post,” whispered Raven. She was sure only Beast Boy could hear her voice. “It said that Richard Grayson was adopted by Slade Wilson.”

Raven felt Beast Boy’s body tense. His arms tightened briefly around her waist.

“Robin is Richard Grayson. Which means that Slade Wilson is our Slade,” continued Raven, still in her low whisper. “Slade adopted Robin!”

It was then that Raven broke down into pure sobs. Beast Boy continued to rub her back in a soothing motion. She heard him relate this to the other two, but all sounds were drowned out in her ears. She couldn’t think; she couldn’t feel; she was falling into a deep pit of despair – something she had never experienced before in her entire life.

Raven wasn’t one to hope. She wasn’t one to think in idyllics. Starfire had been the one who had been sprouting out things about hope and such all week long. Cyborg had seemed to have taken some comfort in it, seeming to be at a quiet peace about things. Beast Boy had latched onto the advice and Starfire’s words like a small puppy. But Raven was more logical. She couldn’t believe Starfire’s words of peace and hope, no matter how hard she tried.

But somehow, she had always assumed they would someday save Robin.

But now her world was crashing down before her very eyes. The hope of saving her friend was shattered completely. Slade held Robin right where he wanted. Perhaps this was his way of saying that Robin was officially his and his alone. It’d been seven months, after all. So much could’ve happened during that time. Slade could’ve very well brainwashed Robin. Even if they did meet now, what would Robin’s condition be? Would he be like Slade? Would his heart be clouded with evil?

What had Slade done to reach this point with Robin? Had he hurt him daily; tortured him to insanity? How did Slade break down the barriers? How much darkness now resided inside Robin’s heart?

Where was the hope that their friend would be all right?

“Raven!” cried Beast Boy’s voice, bringing Raven out of her falling despair. Beast Boy pried Raven from off himself. He held her at arm’s length and Raven looked into those deep green eyes. There was a serious look in Beast Boy’s features; one she hadn’t ever seen before.

“Everything is going to be okay!” cried Beast Boy. “I promise!”

Raven nearly morbidly laughed at that. Beast Boy promising that everything was going to be okay? What power did he hold that could guarantee that? He was the youngest out of them all. There was no way he could promise that Robin would come back. There was no way he had the power to save them all from this trial. Where’d he come off even saying that?

“I agree with Beast Boy,” said Starfire, sitting down next to Raven. “No matter what the future holds, I believe that we will be reunited with Robin. I have the good feeling. Do not cry any more, Raven. Your friends are here with you.”

“How can you believe that?” whispered Raven.

“I felt the same sorrow when our lead led to nowhere,” said Starfire, her monochromatic green eyes softening. “But then, I felt something… not normal and it was then I felt peace flow into my heart. I cannot easily explain, but I know Robin is well. You must not despair, Raven. We will find him.”

“Yeah, so what if Slade… adopted Robin,” said Cyborg, hesitating for a moment. “It’s just a piece of paper. We’ll still get Robin back, no worries.”

“How can you say that!” cried Raven. “Don’t you understand what this means? It means Slade has won. This is probably his message to us, saying that Robin is now his. He probably brainwashed him or tortured him or I don’t know! All I know is that this means Robin is lost to us.”

“How do you know that?” demanded Beast Boy. “Come on, Rae. How do you know that?”

“I—”

“I think I rather believe that there’s still a chance to save Robin,” continued Beast Boy, overriding her. “If we give up hope, then everything dies. I don’t think I could handle that yet, you know. Star’s been right – there’s still hope.”

“Yes, you must believe, Raven,” said Starfire, placing a hand on Raven’s shoulder.

“Believe in what?!” cried Raven.

“Your heart,” said Beast Boy before any of the others could answer her. Raven turned her gaze and their eyes locked. She could see a deep depth inside those dark green eyes of Beast Boy’s. Lips trembling once again, she moved closer to Beast Boy and put her arms around his neck once more. Beast Boy returned the hug, rubbing her back gently.

“You know what I say?” said Cyborg in a soft voice. “I say we contact Batman and see what he thinks about the whole thing. He might have some answers that we don’t have.”

“I think that is an excellent idea,” said Starfire, clapping her hands together once excitedly. After a long moment, Raven slowly pulled away from Beast Boy. She looked up at Cyborg and nodded.

“I agree.”

“Awesome, I’ll get up on the communication line right away,” said Cyborg, turning away to the computer. Raven glanced over at Beast Boy. There was a slight pink creeping into his cheeks. He ran a hand through his short spiky hair while darting a few glances at Raven.

“Um… You okay now, Rae?” asked Beast Boy shyly. Raven smiled lightly and gave him a nod.

“Thanks, Beast Boy. Sorry for losing it all over you.”

Beast Boy quickly shook his head and rapidly motioned with his hands.

“No, no!” cried Beast Boy, the pink reddening slightly in his cheeks. “You can lose it all over me anytime.”

Raven raised an eyebrow.

“Wait… that didn’t come out right,” frowned Beast Boy. Raven couldn’t help it; a small giggle broke through her defenses. The instant it left her lips, her eyes widened and she clasped a hand over her mouth. Beast Boy looked shocked that she had laughed. But he smiled.

“You should laugh more often, Raven,” said Beast Boy in a gentle tone. “It suits you.”

Before Raven could answer that, Cyborg interrupted.

“I’m calling him. You guys wanna gather around?”

Raven pulled her hood over her head to obscure her face. Thankful for the distraction from the sudden heat in her cheeks, she stood up. Beast Boy looked nervously at her, as if she were a glass doll. She fought to roll her eyes at the way he was hovering over her; thankful for the kindness of her friend, but that didn’t mean she was going to fall apart again.

The group came to stand around Cyborg as he sat in a office chair in front of the large computer screen. There was a waiting icon that popped up as the call was being put through. Raven closed her eyes for a moment, wishing she could calm her heart down.

A hand touched her arm and she looked towards the source. Beast Boy was looking up at her with concerned eyes.

“I’m okay, Beast Boy,” said Raven. The concerned look faded into a smile, but the hand didn’t disappear. Then, a familiar low voice filled the room.

“Titans.”

Raven looked up at the screen to see the black figure of Batman. Instantly, Raven knew that Batman had heard the same news that she had. The man’s sharp blue eyes were clouded with worry and pain. He still held his normal and what could be considered intimidating stance, but this time his eyes didn’t bury the worry.

“I think I know why you’re calling me,” said Batman, sounding somewhat tired.

“So, it’s true, then?” asked Cyborg. “Richard Grayson is Robin and he’s been adopted by some guy named Slade Wilson?”

“I’m afraid so,” said Batman; those blue eyes flashing once with pain. “Nothing I tried to do could stop the papers from going through. Everything seemed to override my protests.”

“How could anyone fight against Batman, though?” demanded Beast Boy, as if the very thought offended him. “I mean, who’d dare to?”

There was a soft sound that escaped from Batman’s lips. It wasn’t exactly a laugh; it wasn’t exactly a chuckle; more like a scoffing exhale of air.

“If Batman got involved, it would reveal Dick’s secret identity and my own. It would put him into even more danger than he already is in now.”

Beast Boy looked over at Cyborg, who in turn looked at him, and mouthed, ‘Dick?’ in questioning. Cyborg gave him a shrug and looked back up at Batman. Raven rolled her eyes beneath the safety of her hood.

Boys…

“But how?” demanded Beast Boy.

“You didn’t see all of the news post, then?” asked Batman.

“I did,” said Raven. “I’m assuming then that you’re Bruce Wayne. Since Batman was in charge of Robin and Bruce over Richard. Makes sense.”

Beast Boy and Cyborg spluttered. They darted looks between each other, to Raven, and then finally to Batman.

“You’re Bruce Wayne?!” the two of them cried incredulously at the same time.

Batman shifted uncomfortably for a moment before his eyes took on a sharp light.

“Yes, I am and you’re to keep that information to yourself, you got that?”

Beast Boy and Cyborg looked appalled.

“Yes, of course,” said Cyborg.

“Like duh,” cried Beast Boy. “Everybody knows to keep the secret identity of heroes a secret.”

Your mouth doesn’t know that, though, thought Raven.

Seemed like Batman thought the same, but he didn’t say anything.

“So, what does this all mean?” asked Cyborg. “Why would Slade adopt Robin?”

There was a long moment where Batman merely watched the group. Raven got the impression that the man was trying to decide whether or not he should reveal some sort of knowledge that he had. Raven narrowed her eyes. The man knew something they didn’t know.

“What do you know about Slade that we don’t know?” asked Raven. She could see the man lift an eyebrow through the cowl that covered most of his face.

“Why haven’t you figured it out?” asked Batman, his tone cold. Raven stiffened; unable to hold back the wave of injured anger that flooded through her.

Why hadn’t they figured it out? Why couldn’t he just offer the information up? If they hadn’t told him in the first place, he wouldn’t have even known that Robin had been missing. He wasn’t watching over him. He wasn’t thinking about him hourly, minutely, secondly; wishing, wondering, even praying that Robin would be alive; let alone fine, well, content.

“You didn’t even know he’d been kidnapped if we hadn’t alerted you,” snapped Raven in her monotone voice. “We shared our information with you. You should do us the same courtesy.”

“Raven’s right,” whispered Cyborg. “It’s not like we’ve been sitting here on our butts doing nothing.”

“Yeah! We infiltrated a criminal academy for information,” piped up Beast Boy.

“But I am afraid that the lead we received was not helpful,” said Starfire, her voice quiet and soft. “We have tried. We are always trying to figure what we must do next. Please, if you know anything, I implore you to share with us.”

Two hands touched Raven’s arms; one from Starfire and one from Beast Boy. If was as if each were telling her that they were there for her and that she wasn’t alone. Somehow, the anger in her heart began to lessen. Raven took a deep calming breath. She had almost thrown her control right out the window.

But when it came to the safety of her friend, it seemed that all bets were off.

Batman observed the group silently. Each of the Titans stared back; not one backing down from their resolve. The air of the group was united in their feelings – tell them; tell them what the man knew about Slade. Then, for a brief moment, Batman looked to the side before looking back at the group.

“Slade’s the world renowned assassin and mercenary, Deathstroke the Terminator,” said Batman. “I have no doubt that Slade kidnapped Dick because of his abilities. I believe Slade wants him to be his apprentice.”

Horror poured through Raven. There was a double set of gasps and sharp intakes of breaths from Beast Boy and Cyborg. Only Starfire looked a little confused, but she didn’t speak up.

“Deathstroke?!” cried Beast Boy. Raven noticed that he began to shiver. “Slade’s Deathstroke? Oh, my gosh…”

Beast Boy crouched to the floor, putting his hands onto his head; shaking it slightly.

“The dude’s infamous,” said Cyborg, sounding completely distressed. “He’s been the one we’ve been fighting all this time? We never even stood a chance. He… He totally played us every time. We’ve never really won against him. He must’ve viewed us as toys or something compared to his power.”

Raven wasn’t sure of the reputation of Deathstroke. The only words she had heard were: assassin, mercenary, and apprentice.

“I bet this is Slade’s way of saying he’s won Robin over to his side,” continued Batman, his sharp eyes flashing once; Raven recognized the all too familiar sign of pain. “All this time there’s been nothing from him, except a few contract hits. But he hasn’t surfaced with anything that connected him to Dick; until now, that is.”

“Please, what is this Deathstroke? What is the significance of this?” asked Starfire, slowly beginning to look alarmed by the reactions of the two boys. Beast Boy looked up at her from his crouching.

“Deathstroke is like the worst bad guy ever,” said Beast Boy in a quiet voice. “If someone pays him good money, he’ll kill whoever they ask him to. But he’s never been caught and his kills are always perfect. He’s insanely powerful and good at what he does. Even my old team, the Doom Patrol, was wary of him.”

Starfire’s eyes widened in fear.

“And if Slade wishes for Robin to be his apprentice, then that would mean…”

Starfire gasped at the end of her conclusion; her hands lifting to cover her mouth. Her bright green eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, no!”

“Yes, Slade will probably teach Dick to kill,” said Batman; his jaw clenching. “Perhaps he already has.”

There was a sobbing gasp from Starfire and the alien girl turned to Raven; collapsing over her into deep sobs with her arms around Raven’s neck. Raven wrapped her arms around Starfire, feeling the same terrible weight over her heart and briefly wishing that she didn’t always have to control her emotions. What would it feel like to let it all out? Let it all out. What would it feel like to let herself go completely and sob away all the pain? What would it be like to never have to fear that any spike of her emotions would destroy things or hurt the ones she cared about?

“We’ve… all failed,” said Cyborg, the pain of helplessness pouring from his tone; mixed with deep self loathing. “We’ve failed Robin. We’ve failed to save him, to help him. What the freaking heck is wrong with us!?”

Cyborg leaned his elbows onto the desk; holding his ducked head in his hands. Raven looked up at Batman, wondering what the man was feeling. Did he feel the same? Did he feel the same self loathing that each of them were feeling at that moment? Was Robin truly lost to them? Had they really failed their friend? Was he going to be forced to live a life of darkness?

Would he really kill someone?

Starfire suddenly bolted away from Raven, startling her. She quickly wiped away her tears and set a determined, fierce look upon her face.

“I will not give up,” said Starfire, power emanating from her voice. “I will not give up on my friend, Robin. All is not lost. This much I know.”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” snapped Batman in a sharp voice. Raven looked up to see that the man’s eyes were burying the pain again. “Even if by some way Dick was rescued, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be the same person you know.”

Raven couldn’t help but agree with the man. His words, though disheartening, were logical and true. Of course, Robin wasn’t going to be the same when—if he came back. There was no logical reasoning that would say he’d be the same. To survive, he probably lost part of his essence that made him the powerful leader of the Teen Titans. He had to submit to a frightening demon of a man.

“No! I will not believe that,” cried Starfire. “I cannot explain what I am feeling. All I know is that there is more than we think. I know Robin is safe and well. I do not think his heart has changed for the evil.”

“That is ridiculous,” said Batman sharply, his eyes flashing dangerously. “Dick is a strong kid, but no one has that much strength to endure months with a man who would do anything to get what he wants. What are you basing that statement on? How can you even believe that?”

Starfire brought her hands to place them over her heart. There was an overwhelming aura that Raven felt, an almost white brilliance. But the sensation left the moment it had appeared. Starfire lifted her gaze upward and everyone who saw her eyes widened their own.

“The whispers of my heart are telling me it is so,” said Starfire, her voice ever so soft and kind. “There is something telling me to keep believing in Robin and believe in him I shall do so. I will not let this despair come into my heart.”

Raven couldn’t believe Starfire. Where on earth did she find that strength? What whispers were telling her that? Was she connected by some unknown magic? And what had been that brief light Raven had seen? What was going on?

Raven glanced at Batman and then at Starfire. The logical, pessimistic side of her believed, or relented to believe, Batman’s words. But the small glimmer of hope that still had a place in her heart wanted to believe Starfire’s words so much more. Raven wanted to believe – no, she needed to believe. If she didn’t, she doubted she’d ever really gain full control over her emotions. She’d never be able to forgive herself if Robin was doomed to a terrible fate. She’d always think what more she could’ve done. The what ifs would eat her alive.

Who would she believe? Her friend who spoke of a fantasy, of something that seemed farther out of reach than the furthest skies of the galaxy or would she believe the man that spoke of assumed truth, yet that brought the deepest of all pains to her soul?

An icy pain clouded over Batman’s eyes.

“I trust in logic and evidence. You can believe whatever you will, but don’t drag your friends down a trail of lost hope.”

The video chat disconnected.

Raven turned to Starfire, her eyes searching for an answer; one she just didn’t believe she would find. Beast Boy slowly stood up; walking over to the couch and flopping down onto it with his eyes glazed over. There was a gloom over the group like never before. The hopeless, helpless feeling of losing their friend to the darkness seemed too much for them to bear. Cyborg didn’t move from his spot at the desk. Starfire glanced over at Raven and their eyes connected. Deep down, Raven could tell that within every segment of Starfire’s soul that she believed that Robin was all right.

Not only that, she knew.

But how did she know?

Starfire’s eyes flashed with strength, before she lifted into the air and flew over to the kitchen. Raven raised an eyebrow as she watched the girl tear open cabinets and pull out numerous ingredients.

“What are you doing, Star?” asked Raven.

“I am making the pancakes for everyone,” said Starfire, determinedly pulling out bowls and pans from the middle island cabinet. Cyborg lifted from his brooding at the desk and looked over at her.

“Star… There’s no need—”

“There is every need!” cried Starfire, looking up at him with a fierce expression on her face. “I will not despair and I will not let any of my friends despair, either. This is the only way I know of to show that I still believe in our friend.”

“You can’t change the facts, Star,” whispered Beast Boy.

“No, you are correct,” nodded Starfire. “I know the facts. But I have facts of my own. I know to trust. We will not let the Batman’s words bring the gloom upon us. He is wrong. Robin will never betray his friends. Robin will never let Slade win. Robin has a good heart. Perhaps there is something we do not know. Whatever it is, I shall believe and so shall you.”

Raven watched Starfire try to gather the ingredients for the pancakes. As usual, Starfire’s knowledge of earth style cooking was completely off. The strength in Starfire was apparent and emanating from her entire being, but there was a moment of weakness as a tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, but another one soon replaced it. Soon, she was fighting multiple tears and struggling to keep them away.

Raven’s heart turned inside her chest. She walked over to Starfire’s side. She pulled down her hood and placed a hand over Starfire’s, which was attempting to pour orange juice in a mixing bowl.

“I’ll help you,” said Raven in a soft voice. Starfire swallowed and nodded; thankfulness entering her glistening eyes. Raven looked at the other two boys.

“We could use some help over here,” said Raven in a flat tone. There was a moment where Beast Boy and Cyborg exchanged glances, before soft smiles began to spread through their faces.

“I’ll get the chocolate chips,” said Beast Boy, jumping up from the couch.

“I’ll get the blueberries,” said Cyborg, standing up from the computer. Raven let a smile tug at her lips as the two boys walked into the kitchen. They were already quietly arguing on whether or not the pancakes should be made with soy milk or not. Even with tears still streaming down her face, Starfire smiled happily at the group. The friends were quiet as each helped in their own way; the unspoken confirmation of a single thought wafting through the air.

The moment of hope still hadn’t died in their hearts.

ooOOOOOoo

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