What?

Chapter Sixteen

It takes a long time for one to get used to the humid air in this place. I remember when Slade relocated from his last Haunt, it took both of us a good long while to adjust. While I don't particularly like the fact that the humidity is due to the ever-on-going turning of the gears, now it is only there and something that one is greeted by when they come in. Slade had a harder time because he preferred to wear his armor. Still he never complained and just was slightly easier to irritate.

So much has happened since coming to Jump. Slade has gained much control over the local criminals. (I don't even bother to call them vigilantis, anymore, as Slade would prefer. I wonder why he would even wish to associate with some of them.) He has also gained considerable foes. Nothing that he can't deal with, but still the Teen Titans have caused him considerable grief.

I don't think that anyone has known Slade for as long as I and that has kept in contact with him, let alone seen him as often as I do. I knew him even before he donned that mask of his to give one some idea of how long I've known Slade. Why? I owe him my life and he is a close friend. Nonetheless, I've found it intriguing that Slade would take on a Teen Titan as his apprentice. I don't find it a surprise however that he would wish to take on an apprentice. My reasons range from the obvious to the most obscure, yet they probably all contribute.

Robin is only a human being and therefore has no powers to master. There are only skills that he could master. Slade can do that easily as he has mastered thousands. For a... deeper reason, Robin's qualities are indeed similar to Slade's. Although, I tend to notice the temper the boy can have, the determination and at the same time, an innocence. The innocence and determination may be welcome to Slade because of, well, Joseph and Grant. The temper because Slade's used to go hot and unconstrained as does Robin's now.

The thing that makes him different from those boys: Robin's reclusiveness. Other than to shout out an insult or to answer a question, I have rarely seen Robin say much else. While I may not spend that much time with him, I can see that he tends to want to remain quiet. I assume there's a reason behind it, but it is really not my place to wonder.

Slade is trying to get Robin to warm up to the idea of being his apprentice, but even so I can see where his mistakes lie. I know that the probes are necessary at the moment so I won't argue there, but on other things... germ warfare above all, I know that Slade has all sorts of different ways of inflicting punishment, but honestly. Robin is a boy, not a man in the U.S. Army or any other Army.

Then of course, Slade doesn't ever allow for excuses even the ones that make sense. He asks Robin to poll vault over a wall, but five minutes ago he bruised Robin's leg. Very Brilliant. Lastly, whenever he talks to the boy, it ends with Robin upset, angry, confused or ready to pout. That's sure to make Robin feel right at home.

Perhaps I am being a little harsh on Slade. I do think that Slade subconsciously would want to... raise a child. I also believe that his current occupation doesn't always allow him to do it with a clear mind. The only positive thing that it does is give him is a clever cover up that he probably barely realizes. And in any case, everyone has their own route or course that they wish to utilize to raise children. They want their children to be smart, handsome or pretty, strong, socially active, to respect their elders, or normally a combination. How they get there is their own method. I would go about it a bit differently if it were me in that position, but I am not.

Slade can go about the way he wants. He has the ability to do so. I will merely be there to assist him or offer advice where I can. I've already helped the both of them. I've mended Robin's wounds and I've tried to sooth Slade's temper. I've tried to offer some comfort to Robin and I've given Slade advice. I hear Robin muttering things in his sleep with a short breath, that's small and lost. I watch Slade tear apart his gym room in frustration, piece by piece. The two will have to work it out on their own. I can not do anything more than what I already have and am doing.