Falling Inside the Black

Robin landed on the ground in an abandoned warehouse; he looked around, scanning for anything suspicious.

“Robin, how nice of you to join.”

Robin looked up and saw Slade leaning against one of the empty drums, his foot resting on the railing.

“You know why I’m here.” Robin said, standing up and removing the Red X mask.

“Yes.”

Slade got up and jumped down, landing with a giant thud. He stood and held his hands behind his back, staring at Robin.

“I’ve thought about your offer…”

“And?”

“He’s not taking it.”

Robin looked in the corner behind Slade and Raven walked out. She still wore the S shaped bindi and her uniform was the same, but her demeanor and the way she walked were different. Slade extended a hand and Raven held onto it.

“What? Raven…”

“Raven has agreed to willingly follow my orders. She doesn’t want to leave.”

Robin looked at Raven, trying to read her face but it was still and cold. He stepped forward and looked up at Slade.

“I’m not leaving without Raven.”

“Are you now? Raven?”

Raven extended her hand the blasted Robin back against the wall.

“Just leave, Robin.” She said calmly. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I said…” Robin grunted and got up, holding his side, “I’m not leaving without you.”

“So be it.”

Raven lifted herself up and grabbed onto a large drum, hurling it at Robin. Robin dodged the attack and jumped up, hitting Raven in the stomach and falling to the ground. He rolled so he would break her fall.

“Please…Robin.” She whispered, looking at him.

“I’m not leaving.” Robin replied.

Raven stood and threw Robin at the wall, putting pressure onto his body. He yelled in pain but refused to give in.

Slade watched the scene unfold and brought his hand to his chin.

“Raven, stop.” He commanded and Raven ceased her attack. “I have a solution, Robin.”

Robin got up and coughed a little, trying to regain his breath. “What is it?”

“I’ll take you as an apprentice…”

Raven looked at Slade and he looked down at her. “And I’ll keep Raven as well.”

“That’s not part of the deal…” Robin snarled.

“No, but since you want to be by her side…this is your chance. If you don’t take the offer, I’ll have her dispose of you.”

Raven shook her head at Robin, pleading him not to. Robin nodded, “Deal.”

Raven looked at him, she extended her hand and blasted Robin.

“RAVEN! NO!” Slade shouted at her.

Robin yelled, feeling every bit of him being torn from his body. He fell to the floor, slumped over, dead. Slade raised his hand and slapped her, sending her flying to the ground. He looked at the body of Robin, his eyes were still open, blood trickled from his mouth into a puddle on the floor.

Slade bent down and picked Raven up, throwing her into a metal beam.

“YOU KILLED HIM!”

“You were going to anyways…” Raven said, wiping her mouth as she stood. “I’m just doing the job for you.”

Slade raised his hand again, Raven didn’t flinch but she just stared at him. He settled his hand down and walked off. Raven walked to Robin and picked him up, crying, holding onto his lifeless body.

“I had to…I’m sorry…”

The Titans broke in and saw Robin. Raven quickly dropped him and backed away.

“ROBIN!” Starfire flew over to him and cradled his body in her arms.

“Raven, how could you?”

Raven bowed her head and disappeared in the dark. Terra looked at Robin then the spot where Raven was and frowned.