A/N: (hugs all her reviewers) You guys are sooooo sweet. I know it's only going to be a short while before I start writing Teen Titans again, but I'm gonna miss you guys and your crazy, funny reviews. It was a blast writing these last 25 chapters and you guys inspired me and made me rethink my story and how to approach differently. This chapter is about a sense of closure but with new doors opening for the future. I guess that's how I view this story.

But enough sadness, geez! It's not the end of the world, Dark Austral. I'm ending on my favorite number 25 and…I already know the opening scene for the second part. HAHA, see reviewers, you just can't keep me away.

Also, there is a sequel to this called Death's New Heir.

Disclaimer: Alas, sweet Robin and Slade, adieu, until we meet again have a wonderful vacation at DC headquarters 'cause I got stuff planned for you guys!

Ch. 25: Moving forward

Robin, or Seir, leaned back against the tree, twirling a piece of grass in his mouth. It had been a several day car trip until the foursome had reached the place where it all started. To his surprise, it was on the cusp of winter melting into spring. Deep down in his bones, Robin couldn't help but think that summer would be a long, hot one, especially this year. The clear blue sky wasn't scarred by any clouds, allowing the sun to bask the lonesome teenager in its warmth.

Shading his hand over his eyes, Robin watched a hawk fly overhead. Slade had checked his eyes once more and said that now it was ok to run around without sunglasses or a blindfold. Offering his old mask, Robin shook his head. No longer was he going to hide behind a mask. He didn't care if people knew what he looked like. His eyes were his strength, a reminder of who he was now. No longer, would he hide underneath a figure. Robin WAS Seir and Reaper. There was no difference in the two, except that one appeared at night the other during the day. But deep down, they were essential the same person. Not at all like Robin and Richard, two opposites existing in one body.

Closing his eyes, Robin took in another deep breath. The air was so fresh up here in the mountains. It was nothing like the dead air that plagued the hell he just left. It felt strange to be sitting here alive, no worries what so ever. But those were Slade's recommendations for him. To take it easy before his training began. A distant part of himself warned Robin that it was more like orders but he didn't mind. It was nice for the burden lay on someone else's shoulders for a while. To just take orders was part of his vacation.

A smile formed on his face. Snuggling himself closer to the tree, Robin let his blank mind rest, as his imagination provided entertainment. He saw himself leaping from buildings, the cops right at his heels. He felt the wind roaring through his hair as he booked it down a lonesome highway on a motorcycle. The wind itself began to rustle. Robin snapped open his eyes just to see Durin flying over his stomach. Instincts ordered Robin's limps to leap out and grab Durin. Rolling over, it was Robin who pinned the smaller boy beneath him.

Durin screamed out as his arm was twisted in an awkward position, "UNCLE, UNCLE!"

Robin eased off and stood up, backing away from Durin, "That's what you get, Durin."

Durin rolled over and sat cross-legged on the ground, massaging his arm, "Geez, Seir, are you always this rough?"

Robin smirked, a glitter entering his eye, "Maybe."

Durin muttered something under his breath.

"So, what do you want?"

Childish eyes peered up at the older boy, "Nothing."

Robin raised his eyebrow, showing that he didn't buy the answer.

A sigh escaped Durin's lips, "It's…it's Kumi. We had a fight. He's changing, Seir."

"Such things are supposed to happen, Durin."

Durin watched as Robin sat down beside him, his posture showing maturity too young for a teenager. "People change with time. You and him had a fight; it won't be the last time. You are growing up and Kumi is itching to walk his own path. Fighting is inevitable."

"But, I don't want to fight."

The feeble voice caught Robin's attention. Narrowing his eyes, the teenager remembered that Durin was very much a small boy, despite his talents in hacking. "Fighting is a part of life. You can either wallow in it and die or strike back and live."

The child looked at Robin, confusion etched on his face, "You mean fight fire with fire?"

Robin nodded. "Yes. And if worst comes to worst, one must kill. But it is a necessary act to do if you want to protect the ones you care about." A smile softened his voice, "Don't worry though, Durin. If Kumi is truly your friend then this whole ordeal shall pass."

Durin sighed with relief, "Then does this make us friends?"

Something froze in Robin. He didn't know why but for the briefest second he saw Mikhail's face staring up at him.

"Seir, you are ok. You got kinda pale."

"I'm fine."

Yet, the child didn't buy the older boy's remark. Seir's blue eyes seemed to darken and look deep into the air as if seeing something that was not there.

"…I know the answer, Seir."

Blue eyes pulled back into the present and stared down at Durin. The childish voice was replaced with a heartbreak he knew so well. "You'll betray us just like you did the Titans. Deceit is your talent, Seir. Never again, will you know the feeling of true friends and family…are you ready to live such a lonesome life?"

Warning screamed in the ex-hero's mind. Standing up, Robin wanted to take a step back when darkness pinned his body to the tree. Jerking his head to the side, the last thing he saw was Batman's fist driving at him.

Jerking straight up, Robin found himself panting and sweating. The cold, night air did little to calm down his raging mind. The bench he had fell asleep on rocked back and forth. Sliding up to sit properly, Robin stared down at his bare feet. The wooden floor was cold but it felt good against his hot skin. Eyes burden with an infinite loss stared down the gravel road. Slade, Zenari and Kumi were inside. The two older men were probably talking to Hel-Loki, while her apprentice Durin was running around in the kitchen with Kumi. Robin had entertained himself a bit with roaming around inside, taking a rest in the kitchen before heading outside. He liked it out here in the middle of nowhere. It reminded him of those rare nights out in the front lines, where all was quiet and when you looked up there was the Milky Way laid out before you.

Leaning back, the teenager stared up at the sky. He was back in control, any signs of having the dream gone. What had triggered the dream, he didn't know.

"Oh but, you do know, don't you," sneered a tiny voice in his mind.

A frown etched on his face. He did know. At first, he had hoped that maybe now he could catch up on desperately needed sleep with no dreams of his deeds. He had faced them, accepted them and moved on. That included all his experiences except a certain one. The one he had just finished a couple days ago. The fight between the Justice League, Teen Titans and him had a hit a whole new level of self-evaluation that he didn't want to face. He had just gotten out of a civil war, facing the superhero community was too much for him now. But he would never let Slade know, despite this new relationship between them.

The door creaked open. Glancing to his side, Robin watched Zenari lit a cigarette then reach into his pockets for the keys to the car. Turning his head, the conman took in the boy on the bench.

Flashing that slimily smile that Robin hated, Zenari chuckled, "I swear if I didn't know who you were before…Robin—oh sorry, Seir, I would have thought you a clone or his long-lost son."

Not even a blink came from the stony face.

"At least, Deathstroke found his 'chosen' one." Jealously and hatred dripped like venom from his voice. Scratching his stubble chin, Zenari took a long puff and head down the stairs. "See you around, kid." Opening his car door, Zenari turned and sent an air-kiss at the teenager

The teenager's body curled up like a cat. Anger outlined the dark circles that had begun to form under his eyes. For the first time, one could see the physical toll on Robin's body. Premature lines tugged at his eyes and his skin was in need of sun and nutrition, creating a hallow look on the sunk in cheeks. While others might have had a haunted aura surrounding them, the instinct to just to live kept his body working at maximum.

"Shit," cursed Zenari as he watched Robin spring from the bench, vault over the rail and rush at him.

Raising his arms, the conman prepared himself for the attack. Robin leapt into the air, his fist drawn back. Driving at Zenari's face, he hit the arms. Immediately, he flipped back to land on the ground. Zenari opened slightly to deliver a punch of his own, to catch Robin off guard when he landed. In that one instance, Robin saw his opening. With the speed that the Titans knew all too well when Robin faced off against a certain criminal, Robin slide behind Zenari's defense and delivered punch after punch into Zenari's stomach. Staggering against the car door, Zenari tried to position himself to protect himself, but Robin had him pinned against the door. Feeling a fist slam under his chin, Zenari spit out blood, some of landing on the tiny fists of iron.

Feeling a brief breath of air pass between him, Zenari cracked open his eyes to see Robin grab hold of his shirt and slam him against the body of the car.

"Listen good, Zenari. I'm not going to tell you twice," growled Robin and one remembered that indeed this was the boy who was trained by the one and only Bat. "I'm sick of your little games. You try to con me, black me or go and tell anyone what has happened here, I'll hunt you down and kill you got it."

Zenari laughed, sending droplets of blood on the boy's face from his cracked ribs, "Why do I doubt that?"

Robin pushed the man farther into the car, his blue eyes narrowing and tilting up, turning into black bottomless pits. "Trust me, Zenari, I learned some new moves that I've been itching to try out. If you don't do what I say, you'll be the first to experience them."

While words feel on deaf ears, the darkness that poured out of the boy was taken to heart. Zenari found himself frozen. Slade truly did a number on this kid to make him fall this far…then again, he had heard things that made him think that the child did it all by himself, which for some odd reason seemed more scary.

Robin smirked, knowing he had the man's full attention, and continued, "Oh and don't interfere with Kumi anymore. Let him do his own things. If you try to turn him in again because you can't deal with losing to your own apprentice then I suggest retiring."

Composing himself, Zenari remembered whom he used to be, "Why don't you learn your place, boy."

That smirk bloomed into a full-fledge smile, "Need I remind you of that little contract you have with the other masters. I don't think my master, Deathstroke would be happy if he found out that you turned his apprentice over. If my wrath doesn't scare you enough, can you imagine Deathstroke's?"

Zenari frowned. As much as he hated it, the brat was right. Having Deathstroke on his tail would be a nightmare come true. Sensing his change, Robin stepped back, letting go of Zenari. The conman cracked his neck and wiped the blood from his lip.

"You know kid, if this whole thief, assassin business doesn't work, you should try conning." Sliding into his car, Zenari started the car and closed the door. Peering down the road, the man looked up at Robin, "If anything happens to Kumi…well, I'll be someplace warm."

Nothing else to say, Zenari drove off down the road, sending up dirt in his wake. Closing his eyes, Robin rubbed his face to get rid of the blood. Shoulders sagging, he turned to see Slade standing up on the edge of the stairs.

"Get clean for dinner."

Nodding, Robin made his way slowly past Slade and entered the house. Slade watched Robin with his one eye. Only when the boy disappeared into the bathroom did he allow glee to enter his eye.

Dinner was a quiet occasion. Once again, Hel-Loki and Deathstroke sat at the ends of the table. Durin was to the right of Hel-Loki as was Robin to Deathstroke. Kumi sat across from Durin, if he missed his master, the man did not show it. Tension was in the air and no one seemed hungry. Durin fidgeted in his seat, upset that no one was touching the food he made.

Rolling his eyes, Robin grabbed his plate and leaned forward, "I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm starving for a home cooked meal."

Durin's face beamed with a smile. Leaping up, he reached out and scooped out dumplings. Placing them on Robin's plate, he continued to put a couple slices of pork roast and vegetables next to the dumplings. Finally done, the boy leaned back and noticed that Robin was leaning back slowly. Robin was looking at Slade, sitting back down so carefully that if anything were to happen he would be ready. Finally resting, the teenager sighed with exaggeration, "Thank you master."

"Apprentice."

Robin smirked at Durin, "It's nice to eat dinner in a chair this time."

Kumi erupted into laughter and when the light bulb clicked, Durin joined in the laughter. Robin pouted, "It wasn't that funny, you guys. It hurt like hell."

The two continued to laugh. Hel-Loki smiled as she started to serve the food. Her eyes met with Slade and she could tell that the man was not at the least annoyed at the joke.

"Robin's not the only one who changed," mused Brynja, her Hel-Loki façade slipping.

The evening went off without incident and soon the boys were in the living room playing cards, while the masters were outside. Robin glanced quickly out the window and spotted Slade's form. Something in him spiked a fear that all this was a dream that he was out in the battlefield, bleeding to death. But seeing Slade's form eased the fear away. Robin knew that these nights as these were rare and soon he would be off doing jobs and training, but still…it was a much-needed vacation.

"Hello, Seir, your turn."

Durin's voice sparked the dream in Robin's mind. Turning, Robin started hard at him. He would betray them that was for certain. Yet, looking at Durin and then focusing on Kumi he realized that they were criminals in training. Betrayal would be a common game between the trio and because of that, their friendship would deepen into a trust that was rare in the criminal world. They wouldn't be hurt by the betrayal and that made the nightmare seem just that, a senseless dream born from a fear that he figured out in the warmth of the fire.

Robin looked down at the floor, and smirked.

"Watch and learn."

There were times in life, where Green Arrow could gloat about his gut instinct and how it saved his neck every time. He would have staked his bow that Reaper was Robin, that there would be some flaw about the imposter at Titan's Tower. Yet, staring straight at the boy, he couldn't find it.

The imposter was Robin. His mannerisms, the way he talked, body language and appearance. The only thing slightly off was a bit of his personality, but anyone could change after defeating the Brotherhood of Evil.

The red-hair alien named Starfire was floating over Kole and Gnarkk. "Friend Kole are you alright? Your face is damaged!"

Kole touched her broken nose softly. The swelling was still there but had gone down, considering before her face look like a grapefruit. "I am fine, Starfire," giggled Kole softly, "We just ran into some trouble."

Beastboy was buzzing around Kole, concern on his face. "What happened? Who did this to you?"

Kole sighed, her eyes traveling up to the Justice League members. Black Canary nodded, annoyance on her face that Green Arrow's attention was on Robin.

"His name is Reaper. We ran into him when trying to track down another criminal. He is the same one we sent you on the tape."

Green Arrow's attention shot over to the group. "You have a tape with him on it?"

Robin marched forward, "Why wasn't I told this?"

Arrow narrowed his eyes at the boy. "He's acting like he didn't know about the tape. Why would the Titans hide this…unless…"

Cyborg laughed, "Didn't want to bother you, Robin. Hey, lets go work on the T-Car!"

Robin snapped at Cyborg, "I don't want to work on the car, Cyborg. Something is up, something you are not telling me!"

Kole took a step back. "I do not wish to cause any trouble, I just thought that since you guys told us other Titans that if anyone looked like Robin to report to you."

A silence fell on the group. Green Arrow felt hope rise in him. Eyes flickering over at Black Canary, he saw confusion dance across her face. "What do you mean, Kole?"

Cyborg placed himself between Kole and Canary, "Nothing, Black Canary. It's an old request that I guess other Titans still think needs to be carried out. Hey, did I say it's a great honor having you guys here!"

Green Arrow smiled. The child was sure trying hard to hide something. Taking a deep breath, Arrow ventured to ask, "You're looking for the real Robin aren't you." It wasn't a question but a statement that rocked the Titans to the core.

Gnarkk growled in confusion. Kole stared up at Starfire, "What is he talking about?"

Robin stepped up to Cyborg, "I'm right here, Cyborg."

Cyborg couldn't bear to look upon the boy's face.

Robin raised his voice "I'm the real Robin!"

"No, you are not."

Raven's monotone voice pulled the group's attention to the screen. Raven typed in the commands and began to play the video. She paused up at the close of Reaper. "Is this him, Kole?"

Kole nodded, "Yes, his name is Reaper."

Green Arrow walked up to the screen and stared at the face of Reaper. He could see it now, the blindfold covering his eyes acted like a mask. Guilt swelled him. "What have I done?"

Raven peered up at Arrow.

But a lost voice broke the silence. "…He looks like me…"

Raven turned and stared at the imposter. "We still do not know for certain where the real Robin is, but you are an imposter."

Robin glared at Raven, his fists shaking in anger. "I'm the real Robin, Raven. I was there when we fought and defeated the Brotherhood of Evil, I remember when I went to save you from Trigon!"

Raven sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. "I sensed it immediately after the fight. Robin and I share a mental bond. I use to feel him…but with you, I cannot."

"Well then our bond is just quiet! Maybe it doesn't work anymore!"

"Then tell me, what did you show us in that briefcase of yours after the race?"

Eyes shifted to Robin. His masked eyes were narrowed, searching for the answer. "I didn't show you a briefcase…"

"Yes you did, Robin. Every known criminal was after that briefcase. Do you even remember how we all met?"

"Of course I do, what kind of silly question is that! We all met at the pizza place."

"No. Starfire was being hunted and we helped her escape from her prison. She kissed you to learn our language."

Robin took a step back, his face turning to Starfire, "I…kissed Starfire."

"Yes." Turning around, Raven put up the recording of their first fight as the Titans from the available surveillance cameras in the city. "You are a robot. Whoever designed you, wanted to fool us and believe we had the real Robin when in reality Robin is missing. Someone wants Robin…"

"No! You're wrong, I'm ROBIN!"

Green Arrow watched Robin back away from the group. Denial and fear was written all over his face. "How could you guys say such a thing? We've been together for a whole year, after the Brotherhood. I thought we finally had reached a perfect balance!"

Starfire couldn't take it anymore. Despite the fact that this was not their Robin, she felt sorry for the robot. To be told that you are not you and to add that you are not even human was not right on any level. Floating towards him, Starfire reached out her hand to comfort him. But the fake Robin knocked it away.

"Don't touch me!" Feeling sick, if a robot could even feel it, Robin darted out of the main room. A few minutes later the sound of a motorcycle roared off into the distance.

Starfire lowered to the floor. "What have we done?"

Cyborg, "We had to tell him one day, Star."

Raven leaned against the counsel and looked up at Green Arrow, "How did you know?"

Arrow regarded the Goth with a deep sadness, "We fought him."

"What?" Beastboy's mouth dropped open. The other Titans stared at him, eyes bulging in shock. Gnarkk smacked his forehead. Kole began to sniffle as she began to connect the dots.

Black Canary walked up behind Green Arrow, "Arrow has known Robin longer than you. While fighting Reaper, he couldn't help but see similarities. I thought he was wrong but Arrow's gut is seldom wrong. That is why we came, to see if this was the real Robin or not. And…I guess it wasn't. And if you fooled us, then…you've fooled the whole League and…"

No one needed her to continue. They had fooled Batman, but now with their secret exposed, it would be mere hours before the Bat found out. And when he found out, the Titans shivered. The wrath of the Batman was well-known and made great scary campfire stories.

Green Arrowed bent forward and ejected the tape. "I'll take this to headquarters and see if I can find out where he went. Reaper—Robin won't stay in the same place for long."

Turning around, Green Arrow began to exit from the main room, trailed by Black Canary.

Starfire's question halted his steps. "Are you saying that Kole's bad man is….this Reaper…is Robin?"

"Yes."

"What made him like this?"

"I wish I knew, Starfire. All I know, is that we have to save him, against his will if we must."

Turning, Arrow took in all their worried faces. These Titans cared deeply for Robin. Robin was their brother, friend and leader. He had binded the group together, made them a family. A cold shudder went through his body. If they looked like this, what would Bruce's reaction be like? Would the man lose it finally to find out his son had turned into a criminal?

No.

Bruce would tear the planet apart to search for his missing son and god have mercy on the soul who took Richard away from him.

A/N: Well, there ya go! The end of part one. Pretty sad ain't it. What? Did you expect a happy ending? Hahaha! Oh, and excuse me for that one word. I'm not much into curse words, but it was the only word that I could think of for Zenari to say. Well, take a break and prepare yourself for the next installment, for there will be: Action, Drama, more Angst, Betrayal, Deceit, Happiness and Sadness, more Titans than you can handle plus the Justice League. And let's not forget about criminal world now…

So yes. Hey, here's vote: Who want's romance? As you can tell, I'm not big into romance, but I'm willing to do it to add to the storyline. And as a parting gift till the next installment I leave you with this snippet. I was figuring out another scene, but thought I would leave that one for the opening scene and besides it wouldn't leave you guys hanging in suspense. I'm evil I know.

Death's new heir:

Lowering the hood, black gloves pulled the all black ski mask off the head. Raven locks flopped down in a mess. With a quick shake of the head, the hair fell back into its normal spiked position. Stretching his back, the figure continued its long walk through the maze of dimly lit halls. Finally reaching the main chamber, blue eyes brightened in anticipation at seeing an old man, waiting his arrival with a silver tray in his hand.

"Hello, Wintergreen." The voice was slightly deep with a British chirp to it.

Wintergreen nodded, "Excellent imitation, sir. The paper and your snack."

A boyish smirk revealed his glee, "Ah, Wintergreen, you didn't need to. Raspberry tea cake, Slade is going to kill you and me when he finds out you've been spoiling me."

A chuckle arose from the man, "Well, Seir. You deserve it, considering it is your longest streak of thefts without getting caught yet."

Seir raised the cake in a toast-like manner, "What can I say, they're all too slow to keep up with me." Finishing the cake in one bit, Seir grabbed the paper and continued on his way.

Wintergreen turned to go back to his chores, "Slade is in the main chamber, looking over some documents."

Seir nodded before coughing. Wiping his mouth clean of crumbs, Seir began to sprint down the hall, his eyes flickering from the hall to the paper. Oh Slade was going to love this.

Reaching the main chamber in record time, Seir skidded to a halt outside before entering. The main chamber was just that a large vast chamber, with some stairs leading up to little rooms. Above was a valuated ceiling, making the acoustics in the place perfect. In the center, was Slade leaning over his desk, paperwork strewn about. Seir made his way quietly to the desk, fiddling the newspaper in his hand.

"What is it, apprentice?"

"I've got some good news."

"Tell me the bad first."

Seir tilted his head and frowned, "I don't have bad—"

"Everyone has bad news in some form."

"Fine." Seir propped his elbows on the table and stared down at the paper. "I won't steal those."

Slade raised his eye to take in his apprentice.

Seir locked his gaze with him, "That's my bad news."

The mastermind went back to stare down at the work, but Seir could tell that the man had found it amusing. Looking down, Seir took a much closer look at the weapons Slade would need if he ever where to build this device. Memories began to surface of him shivering on a cold, metal bench reading over the blueprints of his latest steal on a military weapon.

"…Apprentice…"

Slade's voice pulled Seir out his reverie. The criminal watched as life sparked once more in those dull eyes.

"Just thinking about another life…"

The elder man waited for a continuation, but Seir only shook his head.

"Sorry about that Slade."

"It is alright, Seir. Your old lives as Richard, Robin and Dimitry will always haunt your mind everyday."

Seir, once known as the great Robin the Boy Wonder, gazed at his master, the man who shown him the truth in the dark. He had heard something in the man's voice that was like Slade knew what he was going through from personal experience.

Slade cleared his throat and stood straight. "What is that you wish to show me?"

Seir chuckled, "This." Spinning the newspaper on the table, he waited as Slade read the article.

"Well, it seems that your vacation has been cut short. You must be vigil at all times now. Not only the Titans but the Justice League and Batman will be searching for you."

"Sounds like fun to me." Seir sensed Slade's annoyance at his sarcastic remark, but he didn't care. He might have changed his name, but Robin's cockiness was very much still a part of him and sometimes it liked to sneak out and play.

Slade sighed and resumed his work, "Just don't get yourself killed."

Seir laughed, "Why Slade you made a joke once again."

Slade hissed something but Seir could not pick it up. Turning around, he made his way to his room, whistling. Today had been a good day.

The mastermind waited till his apprentice was gone and waited another fifteen minutes before turning his focus back on the newspaper. Picking it up, he studied the article. Even after the months since the pair had left the eastern part of Europe, he didn't think his apprentice was ready to face his old comrades. To no one really, except to the shadows on his lair, Slade whispered out the headline.

Is he gone?

Robin the Boy Wonder shot in the chest, his condition as to whether he is alive or dead unknown; criminal responsible still at large.

What fools.