The entire team stared at the front door from the kitchen table wondering what it could be. A sense of panic was filling the room and putting them in an uneasy state.
The doorbell rang again.
Robin stood up and began walking to the front door as the team watched. He hit the doors latch and it rushed open.
Standing in front of him was Detective Smith. He wore his work attire. A collared shirt with black khakis and a belt that stowed a pistol in the back and his badge on the front.
"Robin!" He said with a uplifting tone.
"Detective," Robin said in a defensive tone, "I see your suspension has been lifted."
The rest of the team had gotten up from the table and moved to Robin's back greeting Detective Smith in greater numbers.
"Yeah," the Detective said looking away for a moment with intimidation, "they put me back on the force after seeing you guys help the city last night."
"What do you want?" Robin said trying to get to the point.
Smith looked up at the heroes with a warm smile, "I have great news. The mayor wants to hold a rally at city hall to honor you and your team's actions to save the city!"
The entire team's eyes went wide in shock. They couldn't believe it. They did it. They won the trust of the city again and could finally go back to being heroes.
Robin turned to face his team, "what do you guys think? Should we go?"
"Uh... YEAH!" Cyborg yelled with excitement as stars shined in his eyes. He sounded as if that was a dumb question.
The rest of the Titans laughed at his response and nodded in agreement. Robin smiled and nodded back at them but deep down there was something he needed to do and it looks like the time to do it had arrived.
The Titans arrived at city hall where thousands and thousands of citizens had appeared to greet them with gratitude for saving so many lives and the city itself.
The mayor greeted them with applause as the cheers and thunderous applause from the citizens filled the air following the mayors lead.
The Titans had a proud and excited look on their faces. Starfire was waving to the crowd while giggling to herself hovering slightly off the ground.
Standing next to the mayor were Terra's adopted parents who wore the proudest smile on their faces. A smile Terra had never seen from them before. She rushed past the Titans and wrapped her arms around them.
"We are so proud of you Terra!" Lindsey said unable to contain her emotions.
Terra felt so proud of herself for doing some good for a change. She looked up at her father who spoke up with even more good news...
"Detective Smith told us the mayor pardoned all of your past crimes against the city. He's given you a clean slate for a new life!" Carver add looking up at the mayor who smiled at them with a nod.
Terra looked at the mayor and a baffled look of excitement dawned her face as if she thought she were dreaming. But no... This was real. Terra had earned herself a second chance with her new life. She couldn't help but cry tears of joy with the biggest smile on her face.
The mayor wore a tailored suit to his overweight body and short stature. He was clean shaven and balding but he had a professionalism about him that made him seem very trust worthy. He motioned to the Titans to stand next him as he approached the podium to address the city. He raised his hands to the crowd and they began to calm down and silence themselves to hear what the mayor had to say.
"My fellow citizens," the mayor started. His voice was deep and powerful. Something you would expect from a political leader, "never before has our city seen this kind of destruction and violence. In the face of it we were powerless. Weak. Unable to defend ourselves. We faced the end of our beautiful city. If not for these brave young heroes we would have perished completely. I know you have heard the vicious rumors about them... but rest assured we had our best men in the police force investigate their actions and have found them innocent! I find it hard to believe that these heroes would do anything that might damage our city or our loved ones without good reason! After seeing how much they did for us in our most desperate time of need I think I speak for all of us when I say..." he turned towards Robin and the others while leaning over the mic, "Teen Titans, we apologize for doubting you. Most of all... We thank you for everything you do for us and you have our full support from now till the end of time!"
The crowd roared in agreement with the mayor. The whole city was grateful for them. Even with half the city destroyed they could still rebuild their lives in peace, knowing the Titans were there to protect them.
"On behalf of the city, please accept these medals as a token of our gratitude and as a symbol of our continued trust in you!" The mayor continued over the roar of the crowd.
The crowd grew even louder, proud to see their heroes receive some much deserved attention.
The mayor stepped towards the Titans placing a gold medal with a red ribbon around each of their necks. When he got to Robin he motioned to the podium as if encouraging him to say a few words.
Robin stepped forward and stood in front of the crowd with a stack of nerves.
"Thank you... For believing in us again," he spoke softly into the microphone. Then he looked down as if realizing something, "but if I'm being honest... This attack on your city was caused by us."
The people fell silent in shock as they eagerly waited for him to speak again.
"This attack was staged as a way to get to us by the notorious villan Slade, who we've been fighting ever since we came here." Robin began to speak with strength, "I myself fell into an obsessed rage, trying to stop him from hurting all of you. At one point we defeated him. But as fate would have it he found a way back. Which is why this whole attack is our fault. It's my fault. He came after the city as a way to get us and he nearly succeeded in bring some of my team down."
Robin turned from the crowd and faced his teammates. His family. He couldn't bare the image of nearly losing them. He thought back to what his mentor had told him over the phone...
"I never thought I'd hear from YOU again," Bruce said over the speaker.
"Don't get the wrong idea... I don't want your help. I just need some advice." Robin replied.
"I've been watching the news. Looks like you got yourselves into some deep trouble," Batman shot back.
Robin lowered his head slightly knowing fully well his mentor was right. For the first time since the Titans had formed their team he had no idea what to do.
"How... how do I fix this?" Robins voice sounded full of defeat.
"I told you, you weren't ready to go solo yet. I still don't think you are. That's why when I heard you found a team, I was a bit relieved." Bruce spoke softly as if trying to console his former sidekick, "being in the leadership position you're in was the perfect place for you when you left. I knew one day you'd face a situation where your talent and skills wouldn't be able to help you. Looks like this is it."
Robin glared at the speaker phone taking his words with a gain of salt, "so what should I do?"
"It's not a matter of WHAT. It's a matter of character," Batman sounded like he was speaking from experience, "a leader helps his team however he can. He listens to their concerns, their problems, their struggles and he does everything he can to help. He takes all the glory for his teams success and he trusts them with his life," Bruce paused to let that sink in for a moment, "but a leader also takes ALL of the blame for his teams failures. A leader will never let his team go down without him. Above all... a true leader doesn't hide anything from his team. He tells them everything and he doesn't leave anything out. Trust can only make it so far when its built on intelligence and skill alone. True trust, the trust with anothers life, comes from the deep connection when you know everything there is to know about the person you risk your life for. A leader... a TRUE leader... doesn't prove himself on the battle field. He proves himself in the hearts of the team he leads. When a leader proves himself in the hearts of his team he can do anything."
Robin stared at his team's faces as they watched his every move with concern. He gave them a small but encouraging smile and stepped towards them so he was close and personal. The Titans began to grow worried. They had never seen this kind of behavior from their leader and it scared them. They didn't know what he was going to do.
Robin slowly reached up to his face where he gripped the corners of his mask and gently tugged it off revealing closed eyes to his team. They all gasped in shock not understanding what was happening.
Robin opened his eyes and looked his team in the face. He had stunning hazel eyes that shined like soft emeralds. Starfire covered her mouth in horror not understanding why he was doing this.
"I wanted you guys to know first," he said softly, "my name is Richard Grayson. My parents died in a circus accident when I was a kid. Ever since then I vowed I wouldn't let anyone else feel that pain if I could do something about it."
"Robin..." Starfire said softly, "I don't understand..."
"Call me Dick," Richard replied, "all of you can call me Dick," he said addressing the rest of the team, "that's what my parents used to call me before they..." he trailed off, looking away for a moment, "I don't want any secrets between us anymore." He finished with a smile before turning back to the crowd.
He stepped towards the podium with confidence in his hazel eyes showing his face to the city.
"My name is Richard Grayson," he said loudly, "I am the leader of the Teen Titans. They did everything under my command and I accept full responsibility for my teams actions for the damages and problems the city has encountered over the years. And I will pay the price the city sees fit."
"What?!" Cyborg said frustrated.
"Yeah no way dude!" Beastboy agreed reaching out to their leader, "we are just as responsible as you are!"
Richard turned back to his team, "thanks guys, but this is something I've been avoiding for too long. You guys need to keep fighting. Keep protecting people. And keep looking out for each other. This is my last order for you. For all of you"
Raven and Terra looked at each other with a deep sense of worry. What did this mean for the rest of the team? What was going to happen to them?
"But-" Starfire started before Richard interrupted.
"No. This has to be done. I need you all to trust me on this." He spoke softly as if his strength had turned into a plea for understanding.
Starfire stepped back as her eyes began to water. The others watched her and decided to follow her lead. She had the most to lose from this. After all... she and Robin shared feelings for each other that were stronger than any of the others.
Robin smiled once more and turned back to the crowd, "I hereby give up my position as the leader of the Titans but I leave you in good hands," he turned to Starfire while still addressing the crowd, "she's the most thoughtful and caring person I've ever met. On her home world she was born to be a leader. A true ruler of a powerful world. I can assure you she is more than capable of leading the Titans against whatever the city may face. She won't let you down." Robin nod towards Starfire as she began to cry. He turned back to the crowd, "when there's trouble you know who to call!"
The crowd was in shock but they couldn't help but admire the bravery and passion coming from this young man who was accepting responsibility for everything. One person began to clap for him, another soon followed. Then another. Before long the whole city was applauding Richard's character as a man. He didn't have to do that but by taking responsibility he made the city trust the Titans even more.
With that Richard removed his medal, placing it on the podium, and stepped down towards Detective Smith who had a massive look of shock on his face. Richard held out his hands as if asking for hand cuffs. With a sigh of disappointment he placed the cuffs on Richard's wrists and began moving him to a squad car. Starfire began to fly to him but Cyborg grabbed her wrist and held her back.
"Let him go Star," he said softly with sadness in his voice, "he knows what he's doing... I hope."
The rest of the Titans watched in absolute disbelief as their best friend and leader sat down in the back of the squad car. This was the first time they had ever seen his face and as far as they knew it was the last time as well. Robin looked at them one last time through the widow of the car and he smiled with eyes glowing with pride. He knew he was doing what he needed to do and he felt good about it. It felt freeing even though now he was locked away. The crowd continued to applaud him even as the squad car drove away.
Raven and Beastboy looked at each other, buried in sorrow, and wrapped each other in their arms. Terra did the same but fell into her parents arms seeking comfort. They squeezed her back trying their best to give her the comfort she needed. Cyborg held Starfire fire back as her tears streamed down her face.
"This... Is a very unexpected turn of events today," the mayor announced taking his place at the podium, "but I think we can all agree these young heroes hold themselves to a much higher standard than we ever imagined. Is there anyone else you would want watching over us?!"
The crowd roared once more agreeing full heartedly with their mayor.
"Please help me in thanking the Titans once more for their bravery. Their Honor. Their courage. And their sacrifice!"
The crowd grew louder once more as the Titans continued to console each other over the loss of their leader and best friend but from the reaction of the crowd they truly understood what he did and why. They never trusted him more than now. They had never been more proud of him.
They had absolutely no idea what to do at this point. So without saying another word to the crowd, they head home to the Tower. But no celebrations were to be had. They loved Robin like family. The trusted him more than anyone and now there were no secrets between them. Which made adjusting even harder.
At the cities jail Richard walked down the hall of jail cells each occupied by a villain or criminal. Richard wore an orange jumpsuit and chains cuffed to his hands and feet being led by Detective Smith. The detective wore a deep sadness on his face as if his hard work to keep the Titans out of prison was all for nothing.
"Why Rob-," Smith stopped himself before he finished the Titan's former name. If any of the prisoners they were walking past knew who he was they would tear him apart once they got the chance, "Richard." He corrected himself, "why?"
"I don't think you would understand. But it was something I had to do," Robin said with a sense of duty in his voice.
The detective sighed with a heavy heart as they finally reached the former hero's cell. He unlocked it and held the door open as Robin walked in taking a seat on the cold uncomfortable bench.
"I'll do what i can to ensure your safety in here... But please be careful." The detective said with a concerned tone as he locked the cell. When Richard didn't respond he turned with his head held low and walked away.
The day ticked away as Richard remained in his cell. He lay on his back with his arms folded behind his head on the uncomfortable bench that was also his bed. Even in this dark and depressing place Richard's mind was at ease as if he found peace within himself. Through the window of his cell he could see night had fallen over the city but contrusction vehciles and men busy at work continued to clean up their city and rebuild their lives even in the dark.
Even though he was in a building filled with people who would kill him as soon as they looked at him he had never felt more at peace. But Richard's peace vanished when the clicking of keys unlocking his cell followed by a loud bang when his cell door opened.
He sat up on the awful bed he laid on to see detective Smith standing in front of him holding a small box under his left arm
"Richard Grayson?" He said with an upbeat tone, "congratulations. You made bail."
"What?!" Richard respond in shock. His emerald eyes going wide.
"Yeah!" Smith said excited to set him free, "an anonymous source paid your debt! All of it! He also delivered a package here for you." He said handing the package to Richard.
Richard took the box and continued to stare at the detective in awe.
"I'm sure you know the way out," Smith said with a smirk, "I have a few real criminals I have to find cells for." With that he made his exit leaving the cell door open and giving Richard some privacy to open the package.
Richards hazel eyes looked down at the package and began to open the letter he found tied to the top of it. There was nothing written on the envelope but when he opened it he immediately recognized the hand writing and began reading the short message.
I thought you might need a new look. You're ready. - B
Richard's smile grew wide and he began to open the box. When he saw what was inside his smile grew wider.
Back at the Tower the Titans didn't celebrate. They actually were trying to figure out how they heck they were going to carry on with out their best friend. Cyborg was in the garage alone working on the T-Car trying to distract himself.
Raven laid on her back, across the couch resting her head on Beastboy's lap as she read the book she still hadn't finished since before the first omnidroid was defeated by Beastboy. Her mind was elsewhere though. So much had happened she found it hard to concentrate. She found herself re-reading pages over and over unable to focus on the words her eyes crossed.
Beastboy mindlessly flipped through channels on the TV. His mind was racing with thoughts and couldn't seem to focus on anything the TV displayed.
Terra sat at the table in the kitchen with a hot dinner in front of her. She was starving but couldn't bring herself to eat anything. Instead she poked at her food with her fork as her cast lay gently in her lap. Her parents ate dinner quietly as they looked from their daughter to each other with concern for their little girl's mental state.
Starfire sat on the roof staring at the stars. They always had brought her hope and comfort... But this time... she felt none. She felt alone. She felt like her world had ended. She felt cold from the small breeze of the ocean that washed up on the island of the Tower. Her mind was buried in sadness. How could she lead the Titans with him gone? She felt Dick had made a huge mistake in leaving her in charge. And as if reading her mind she was answered shortly after...
"Don't worry," a voice carried across the air behind her. She whipped around instantly recognizing the voice, "you're going to be an amazing leader."
Starfire found herself staring at a familiar sight. One she hadn't seen since she fought the villain Warp.
A tall dark figure dressed from head to two in black stood in front of her. The only other color on his uniform was a blue eagle spread across the chest and a mask in the shape of a "V" covering his eyes.
"R-Robin?!" Starfire exclaimed.
"I told you to call me Dick," Richard chuckled.
Starfire flew with intense speed falling into his arms as he wrapped his arms around her. She began balling into his shoulder as she gripped him tightly as if she were dreaming and if she let go she might wake up. He pulled away keeping his arms around her waist. They stared into each others eyes and in that moment Starfire knew she wasn't dreaming. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in, kissing him fully and deeply with all the passion she had. They shared the moment for a long time taking in every second before Richard finally pulled away.
"But if we're ever in battle..." He said as Starfire ogled his new look with desire.
"Call me... Nightwing."