Warped Identity

A Teen Titans Fanfiction

by Anthezar

Full Summary: AU. Robin still hates himself for making the biggest mistake of his life: Red X. The self hate, the self loathing are his constant companions and his self worth as a hero is being threatened by the presence of Slade. Just how much longer could he tolerate his incompetence of allowing this villain loose in the city? Just how many more people would be hurt because of his failure?

But because of his extreme anger and hatred towards the man, he doesn't see the trap that was set up for him. But when Slade attempts to blackmail Robin in becoming his apprentice, the two of them discover something shocking that changes Robin's whole outlook on his identity. As he struggles to figure out who he truly is, he learns that things aren't always as they seem and that sometimes in life there are second chances for everyone.

Will Robin be able to let go of the self hate and let new love fill the void? And will Robin be able to discover the real man behind the mask? Both his own and the one that conceals Slade?

Sometimes people in life aren't who they seem to be.

Genre: Drama, Angst, Friendship, Family, Romance, Hurt/Comfort

Warnings: Rated T for action violence, physical abuse, and light, clean romance. Alternate Universe; thus, not canon compliant – so, don't expect Adeline or Rose in this. Romance pairing is Robin/Starfire and another pairing that shall remain undisclosed. Just will have to wait for it. No slash, at all.

Author's Note: Aha, weren't expecting a new story, were ya'll? Guess what, neither did I. XD

So, this popped in my head while wrapping up Forgotten Bonds. I honestly never thought I'd ever do a second story with Robin and Slade in a different environment, but it looks like my brain proved me wrong. One thing you shouldn't expect is timely updates like with Forgotten Bonds. Just don't… First writing priority is to finish that, then my original novel; but I had to flush this out of my system so I could continue on with FB. Plus, it was helpful to keep me writing when I was stuck on FB. So, since I was able to get a consistent thought process here, I thought I'd share it. No worries, I will finish it eventually – although, I expect this to be a shorter story. A much, much shorter story.

Should be interesting.

On with the story!

Chapter One

Unmasked Obsession

Robin growled. Irritation rose up inside his chest and he ran a fierce hand over the countertop table; scattering the broken remnants of the existence of Slade all over the floor. Self hate, self anger, even self distrust flowed through his entire soul. Why couldn't he capture this man? Why couldn't he lay his hands on this slippery man who was far more oily than a stick of butter?

Robin turned and leaned against the countertop; sliding down to the floor and pulling his legs to his chest. He leaned his head against the wall of the table; turning it to the side and looking through the evidence room. The room was darkened, only a single lamp lighting the countertop and placing Robin into the shadows.

How long was he going to let this madman run lose in his city? How long would this incompetence last? Robin was a skilled hero; this ineptitude that he was displaying with this criminal was just unacceptable. How could he let this man loose? Surely Robin's old mentor, Batman, would be sorely disappointed in him over this. Robin felt the same. He had to find this man. He had to bring him down.

It just illustrated to Robin his glaring mistakes. Just how many more mistakes would he make before he finally made a right choice? Because of his stupid mistake, he had lost the confidence and trust of his team members. Donning the criminal alter ego, Red X had been one of his worst mistakes ever. Slade had easily seen through the ruse all too well.

That was another thing that bugged Robin. Slade was just so irritating about it all, too. His smooth voice, so silky and so smug; like he owned the world and everyone in it – just irritated the crap out of Robin. That voice grated through his nerves so much. What was the most annoying thing about it was the fact that it was so coaxing, so smooth that Robin sometimes felt lost in it – an almost nostalgic feeling. Something his mother had once said. Robin wasn't sure what it was, but there was something about Slade that made him remember the past that he rather have buried.

Like the deaths of his parents. Eight years ago, at the tender age of eight, his parents, Mary and John Grayson, were killed. That was how he, Richard 'Dick' Grayson, came to become the ward of Bruce Wayne, who just also happened to be Batman himself. Tony Zucco was the man who killed his parents. He had felt so much anger and so much hatred towards the man, he probably would've killed him with his bare hands if he landed them on that terrible man. But Batman had taught him otherwise and helped him focus that anger into something more constructive.

Like crime fighting. That was when Dick took on the name Robin. It was then that he left his real name behind. Robin never wanted to remember the poor, pitiful boy whose parents were torn from before his very eyes. He didn't want to remember the long lonely nights of tears in longing. He didn't want to remember the anger and hatred that threatened to consume his very soul.

No, he just wanted to be Robin, a bird that was free of all those feelings and free of all the pain; lifting above all those things to skies faraway.

But now his supremacy in crime fighting was being threatened by this man. Even Robin's dreams were clouded by the man. No night was safe from the haunting dreams of taunting and laughter that lifted the man's smooth voice. Like tonight. Once again his sleep had been disrupted by an awful dream. Unable to sleep, he had retreated to the evidence room. And yet, he still couldn't escape the man. His thoughts were flooded with him.

And this merely irritated Robin even more.

This was Robin's city. His city. No way he was going to let Slade think that he can get away with threatening the innocent lives of the people who lived here.

The door suddenly slid open, light streaming into the darkened room and causing Robin to look towards the source. Cyborg stood in the doorway. Robin quickly got to his feet.

"It's Slade," said Cyborg, sounding grim.

Robin's heart tensed instantly. He flexed his hands at his sides. That madman was up to something now. What was he going to try to destroy now? Whose lives would be threatened now? Did Robin have the power to stop him?

Well, he'd just have to have that power.

Robin wordlessly nodded and broke into a small run to the door. In moments, he and Cyborg were in the main room. All five Titans were gathered around the large computer screen. Robin leaned against the keypad and glared up at the two toned masked man that was displayed on the screen; straight into that visible crystal blue eye.

"Well, good morning, dear Titans," said Slade in his smooth tone. Robin tried not to grind his teeth in his irritation. "Oh my, I hope I didn't wake you."

"Maaan, what are you?" moaned Beast Boy, rubbing his eyes sleepily. "An insomniac? Who the heck calls at five o`clock in the morning—ow!"

Raven elbowed him and sent him a sharp look to shut up. Beast Boy folded his arms grumpily and pouted. He began to mumble quietly about crazed insomniac villains who loved to steal precious sleep from heroes.

"What do you want?" snarled Robin.

"Yes, that is the question of the day, now isn't it, Robin?" said Slade, his tone overflowing with silk. "Even with all the clues I've sent your way, you still haven't figured out my plans."

Robin's hands clenched tightly. Newfound hatred poured through his veins.

"I'm disappointed in you, Robin. I expected a bit more from you—"

"As if I give a crap about what you think," snapped Robin. "What are you planning!"

"I never can understand why heroes expect an answer to that question," said Slade in a thoughtful tone. Robin got the distinct impression that the man was merely toying with them and that just aggravated him even more.

"Slade, you—"

"But since it would be boring," continued Slade, completely ignoring Robin, "if I was able to go through with my plans without a little entertainment from the Teen Titans, I thought I'd reveal my plans to you. You all understand the significance of a Chronoton Detonator, I'm sure."

Slade moved aside to reveal a large machine.

Robin's eyes widened beneath his mask as his heart fell into his stomach. This was not good. This was bad; very bad. Of all the plans that Slade had chosen, it had to be something like this. His heart fluttered in panic as he thought of all the people who lived in the city.

Around Robin, there were a collective number of gasps and sharp intakes of breaths. Beast Boy let out the loudest and cried, "Oh no!"

Then, he looked over at Starfire and scratched his head. "What's a crouton detonator?"

"It eliminates all time in a localized area, permanently eradicating that area's space time continuum," said Starfire, fearfully looking up at the machine; her hands clasped over her heart. Beast Boy raised his eyebrow and turned to Raven for answers.

"Subtitles, please? With a translation."

"It stops time. Permanently," said Raven in her deadpan voice.

Beast Boy gasped; grabbing his hair in fear. He went into hysterics and began to run around in circles; screaming that they were doomed. Robin's irritation reached its peak and he sent a glare at the young changeling.

"Get a grip, Beast Boy!" snapped Robin. He whipped his head to glare back up at Slade. "Why are you doing this? Do you really want to put this city into a permanent time freeze? What do you have to gain from it?"

"Those are some very good questions, Robin," purred Slade. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Where is it? Tell me where you've hidden it!"

"Now that wouldn't be as much fun, now would it?" said Slade, his crystal blue eye flashing once with enjoyment. "The game starts now, Robin. You're a smart lad. You figure it out. But since I hold onto the detonation, time is running out for you."

The connection disconnected. Slade's masked face was gone. Only static remained on the screen.

Robin clenched his fists; his body becoming overrun by numerous emotions – fear, fury, hatred, panic, determination, and more fear. He hated feeling that way. He wanted to feel like Batman – cool, aloof, and indifferent; yet, serious and determined. If he could just feel that way, then his body wouldn't be shaking at that moment. It wouldn't be completely terrified for the people of the city. There was a madman loose and it was his fault for not being able to bring him down. Robin had to do something. He had a duty to protect the innocent people of Jump City.

Robin smashed a clenched fist against the keypad, uncaring if he broke it.

"Fan out," said Robin through gritted teeth. "Find it and shut it down."

He whirled around and began to stride out of the room, only to be stopped by Cyborg and Beast Boy; both boys standing in front of him. Cyborg had a raised eyebrow with folded arms while Beast Boy looked extremely nervous. The changeling put a hand to the back of his neck.

"He–hey, maybe you should stay here… and um… m–maybe coordinate the search?" said Beast Boy, avoiding full eye contact with him. Robin narrowed his eyes.

"Excuse me?"

"Look, we all know how you feel about Slade," said Cyborg. "But when it comes to this guy, you've got issues. Big ones. It might be better for you and the team as a whole if you sit this one out."

"Not happening," said Robin flatly, his clenched fists shaking at his sides. "You guys need my help if you come across Slade."

"But Robin—"

"I can handle this, Cy," snapped Robin, trying to hold back his anger. "I can't just sit back here on my butt, twiddling my thumbs, when I know there's a psycho on the warpath."

"Robin," came Starfire's soft voice. It caused Robin to turn, looking back at her. "We have not forgotten what happened before; the last time you faced Slade."

"What happened before was a mistake," said Robin; trying his hardest not to snap at Starfire. He didn't want to offend her or hurt her feelings. No matter how angry he was, he couldn't let himself be angry at Starfire. She was the only one.

"One I'll never make again. I'll be okay with this. I promise."

Robin turned away and began to walk towards the door of the main room.

"Well, you can go on a wild goose chase if you want," said Raven in a dry tone. "Or you can wait a moment and find out where to look."

"What?"

Robin turned back to see the computer screen displaying the Chronoton Detonator. He took a few steps forward as Raven worked on the computer. The others gathered around her as well.

"Slade left us a clue," said Raven. "There's a reflection here."

She zoomed into the image of the machine. A blurred image of a reflection showed up.

"Sooo, anyone know how to read blur?" drawled Beast Boy.

He was ignored by Raven as she zoomed in once more, the image beginning to become clear. Then, she flipped the image to reveal a name: Pier 41.

Raven folded her arms and gave Beast Boy a look, who in return had the good conscious to look guilty and repentant.

"Pier forty-one!" cried Starfire, clapping her hands together happily. Robin smashed a clenched fist into the palm of his hand.

"The docks," said Robin, letting a smile lift the side of his lips. Slade wanted to play a game; well, that's just what they'd do. Except they would come out the winners.

There was no way Robin was going to let this man win.

As quickly as it was possible, the entire team left the tower and went straight to Pier 41. The adrenaline was pumping through Robin's veins. The thought of coming face to face with this man sent electric shivers down his back; a mixture of anticipation, apprehension, and pure antagonism. But deep down, somehow, Robin knew he was afraid of the man. Slade was powerful and it always seemed like the man was playing with them; like a cat with its prey.

And that scared Robin.

He didn't like being afraid. He didn't like the unknown; not when the unknown seemed out of reach like this. Robin wanted so much to cleanse himself of such feelings. He didn't want to show fear, let alone feel it.

But at that moment, he was completely afraid for the people of Jump City. They were depending on him for their future. He couldn't fail them.

Once they reached Pier 41, Cyborg lifted his arm, cannon forming, before he let loose a supersonic blast towards a set of warehouse doors. The doors exploded open and the five team members leapt into the warehouse, poised and ready for battle.

It was empty.

Panic lifted inside Robin's chest. They were too late. Slade moved the detonator to another location. How long would the game go on before Slade tired of it and set it off?

"Dang it!" cursed Robin, his grip tightening on his bō-staff. Suddenly, a Slade robot appeared, followed up by many more. Robin's grip couldn't get any tighter. So, Slade left presents behind for them. Wonderful.

"Ah, man," groaned Beast Boy. "Now what do we do?"

Robin prepared a fighting stance.

"We take them down," said Robin in a dark undertone. "Titans. Go!"

Robin bolted forward with fury he hadn't felt in years. He attacked with rage and power. Robots were taken down within a single attack. The only thing that drove Robin forward was his anger – pure anger and hatred towards Slade. How dare the man threaten innocent lives. How dare he come and think he had that right.

The only word that filled Robin's mind was Slade.

He tore through the robots with a vengeance, imagining each time he brought one down as the moment when he'd take down Slade. The man would fall like these robots. Robin wouldn't hold back. He'd take the man down with everything he had.

And it would be enough.

"I knew it," said Cyborg, standing aside with the other four team members. He folded his arms and watched as their leader plowed through the robots like Beast Boy with a tofu sub. "We should've left the little dude back at home. He can't handle this."

"Yeah, and possibly even tied to a chair," said Beast Boy, wincing as another robot landed in forward of them, its masked face completely smashed in. "And I dunno, some duct taped, too."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far."

Beast Boy waved a hand at the ever growing pile of robot carnage. Then, he folded his arms, lifted an eyebrow, and sent Cyborg a dubious look.

"Guess you're right," said Cyborg, scratching his head as yet another obliterated robot fell to its robotic death.

"This isn't good," said Raven, putting a hand to her forehead. "He's completely lost it."

"Oh, friends; I am sure Robin is not doing the losing it," said Starfire, but she didn't look sure. She bit her lower lip. She hated seeing Robin like this. There was so much anger in his heart. She wished he wouldn't be so harsh right now. She wished he was fighting with his team members, instead of taking down the robots all on his own. Each of them had tried to join in the fray, but Robin was just too quick for them; his rage and anger driving him further into darkness it seemed.

Her heart ached for her friend.

"Robin, please; please stop," said Starfire, slowly walking towards Robin. He had completely destroyed all the robots and was still attacking an inanimate one with his staff. "Robin, please." Starfire knelt down and clasped Robin's wrist with her hands. Robin stopped, looking startled by Starfire's touch.

"There is no need to continue. We are victorious."

'We are victorious.'

No, we're not. The madman still has us right where he wants us. We haven't won. We might've passed this point, but we haven't won the game. Slade still is loose.

"You call this a victory?" whispered Robin, dropping his hand. "We're still no closer than we were before. This isn't a victory."

Robin stood up and whirled around.

"The city is still in danger," growled Robin. "Just how is that a victory?!"

With a huff, he strode out of the warehouse. Cyborg sighed, shaking his head. Starfire bit her lip again, looking completely worried; while Beast Boy and Raven were exchanging looks.

As they walked outside of the warehouse, Cyborg looked at his scanners on his arm.

"Well, we at least know that the detonator was here," said Cyborg. "We just need to figure out where it went. It's not like it could've gone far; we arrived here pretty fast."

"We should split up," suggested Beast Boy.

"Oh, yeah; that'll work," drawled Raven. "Let's all just go on a bunch of wild goose chases. Brilliant, Beast Boy."

"Well, if you're so smart, why don't you suggest something better?" snapped Beast Boy with a huff, crossing his arms childishly.

"I think we should stay together," said Starfire quietly. She made a soft gesture towards Robin, who was glaring out over the ocean. "It would be best for all."

Robin tore his gaze away from the sea; glancing towards the other warehouses. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

There was a man.

"Freeze!" shouted Robin, bolting forward.

"Ro–Robin?"

Robin ignored the cry; his adrenaline pushing him forward. The anger was clouding his mind without him even knowing it. In between two warehouses, the man was attempting to escape. Well, Robin was just not going to allow that.

He obstructed the man's escape with a birdarang, his boomerang weapon. The man gasped in fright and before he could do anything, Robin had the man by the collar and smashed him into the wall of a nearby warehouse.

"You're going to tell me all you know about this," said Robin in an icy, frightening tone; holding up the insignia of Slade.

"I–I–I–uh—"

Robin grabbed the man with both of his hands and pulled him back to smash against the wall again.

"Answer me!"

"I d–don't know!" cried the man, his eyes completely fearful. "I've never seen it before in my life!"

Before Robin could answer, Raven's black magic engulfed his body and pulled him away, smashing him against the other warehouse's wall. A moment later, she let him go and Robin dropped to a crouch.

"You said you could handle it," said Raven as Starfire took a moment to apologize to the frightened man.

"That's it," said Cyborg, shaking his head. "Maybe you should go back to the Tower and cool off. This isn't good, man."

"I'm fine," snapped Robin. "We need to hurry. We're just wasting time here."

Robin whirled around and began to walk away.

"Hey, you know," piped up Beast Boy hotly. "Just because we're fighting Slade, doesn't mean you've gotta act like the guy."

Robin froze.

Me? Act like Slade?

Robin whirled back around.

"I'm nothing like Slade," growled Robin in a low, deep voice. His tone turned icy. "Don't you ever compare me to him. I'm trying to save the very city that Slade is trying to destroy. How the heck does that make me like him?!"

There was a long moment where Robin glared down at his younger teammate. Beast Boy stood his ground, glaring back up at the leader. But then, the tension was soon rectified.

Starfire sneezed.

Normally one would think this wasn't a big deal, but since it was Starfire, it was very much a big deal. Her simple sneeze created an explosion straight from her mouth. The other four Titans had no warning and were caught in the sneezefire.

A moment later, the dust settled; leaving four disheveled Teen Titans.

"Gesundheit," said Raven, running a hand through her tousled hair.

"Oh, I am truly sorry," said Starfire, putting a hand to her mouth. "I am allergic to metallic chromium. There must be a source around—"

She stopped, getting a strange look on her face.

"Ah… Ahh…"

Taking this as a warning sign, the other Titans scattered.

"Aaachoooo!"

There was a responding explosion that blasted from Starfire's mouth and nose consecutively. As the dust settled, she sniffled unhappily.

"Ugh… Sorry."

"Well, this is interesting," said Cyborg as he lifted his arm, looking at the schematics that played on the surface.

"Not especially," sniffled Starfire once again. "Such allergies on my home planet are quite common."

"Not what I meant," said Cyborg with a small smile. "I meant a Chronoton Detonator has a metallic chromium core."

Beast Boy's green eyes brightened.

"Which means Star can track it!" cried Beast Boy excitedly; however, Starfire didn't look as excited, sniffling once more.

"Delightful," drawled Raven, rubbing her temple with a finger.

Thus, the group began the arduous task of following Starfire's senses. Unfortunately, every few moments there would be yet another dangerous sneeze, coupled with the eminent explosion. Each Titan did their best to stay away from the… sneezefire.

Soon, Starfire's sneezing led them into the sewers. The air was pungent, assaulting their senses as they walked through the thin layer of water. The only sounds were the tickling of water, the padding of their feet through, and Starfire's sniffles.

Starfire sneezed yet again. She sniffled, rubbing a finger to her nose.

"Ugh, I think it is this way," grimaced Starfire, continuing forward through the settling dust. The other four members were tense and wary. None of them really wanted to go to the next life by sneeze. That'd be an interesting obituary.

Robin looked through the group, feeling like a pure idiot. He'd acted so hot headed. His blood had been roaring in his ears, thinking only of Slade; getting to him, stopping him, taking him down. He hadn't stopped to think properly and almost hurt an innocent. If he wasn't careful, he'd cross the line yet again like he had with Red X.

"Um… Guys, about earlier…" Robin trailed off for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. He looked to the side for a moment, before trying again. "I'm so—"

"It's going to have to wait," said Raven, overriding him. She pointed ahead and there inside a boat was the Chronoton Detonator itself. There was a robot working the controls. Once it caught sight of them, the speedboat revved up and started to travel down the sewers.

"Titans, g—!"

Suddenly, the wall blasted open and Robin felt a powerful, oversized hand grab him. He cried out in shock as he was thrown into another corridor of the sewer. Instantly, he felt the hand punch towards him and he quickly rolled to the side. The ground shook from the force of the blow. As the dust settled, Robin saw that his assailant was the large cement man, Cinderblock.

"Robin!" cried Starfire.

"I'm fine!" shouted Robin, engaging his foe. "Get the detonator!"

The other Titans hesitated for a moment before they obeyed their leader. Starfire hung back for a moment; looking worriedly at the fight.

"I can handle this, Star. Go with the others!" cried Robin, managing to give her a small wave of his hand before he devoted all his attention to Cinderblock. He could only assume she listened to him since she didn't join in the fight. Robin's nimble body was too quick of a target for the oversized clunk of animated stone. Robin's mind was focused on one fact, his body pouring with adrenaline as the excitement of the battle fueled his energy; fighting, punching, kicking with his entire soul.

Slade.

That single most thought was in the foremost of his mind: Slade. He would find that man and take him down. He had to protect Jump City. There was no way that Robin would allow the man to roam free in his city; the city he swore to protect with the Teen Titans. The city wasn't anything like his old hardened city of Gotham where he had been partnered with Batman, but this was the city that he had come to make a name of all his own – a name that wouldn't be overshadowed by the Dark Knight.

He'd bring Slade down with his own power.

With a burst of energy, Robin smashed his steel covered boot into Cinderblock's face. Then, with adrenaline raged strength, he lifted the heavy cement man over his shoulders and threw him backwards. With a tremendous tremor in the ground, the cement man landed with a crash. Robin leapt onto Cinderblock's stomach.

"Where is he?" shouted Robin. "Where—huh—?"

Robin stopped as sounds of beeping lifted into his ears. He glanced towards the direction and found a locator in Cinderblock's open hand. Robin grabbed it and stared at the screen. There was a flashing arrow on it with the insignia of Slade flashing as well. The wheels began to turn inside Robin's head and he couldn't help the smile that lifted the side of his mouth.

"Found you."

….….…

Next Time: Chapter Two: A Change in Destiny – As Slade attempts to blackmail Robin in becoming his apprentice, the two of them discover something shocking that changes everything Robin had ever imagined about himself.

Author's Notes: Luckily, my dear readers, you're guaranteed a second chapter at this time. It's just about finished. *sighs* Good grief, what have I gotten myself into… XD

GUESS WHAT? Your girl Anthy has a YOUTUBE CHANNEL. I've been vlogging about writing, featuring my furry assistants, Zelda and Luna. It's really just a bunch of shenanigans and me being crazy. xD There will be some writing tips eventually, too. I'm having way too much fun. Come check it out if you wanna watch my silly face! Hahaha. Just search Anthezar in Youtube and you'll find me! It would mean the WORLD to me if you would subscribe to my little baby channel! Hehe!

If you like my writing, then check out my latest original fiction The Marked Heroes on my FictionPress account (Anthezar). It's inspired by this very story! You can also read it on my Wattpad account (Anthezar), my RoyalRoad account (Anthezar), or my website www . anthezar . com.

Thanks for reading! See ya next time! Comments = much love! ^.^

Anthy