Red X Returns

Slade's fingers gently tapped on his chair, one by one down the line as he watched the never endng loop of Robin's failures. His eyes were glued to the screen, mesmerized by the small teenage boy. Inside of him, he craved so badly to have someone that skilled, someone that composed by his side, causing chaos and crime to Steel City. He'd had him once. Slade was powerful, cunning, he figured out a way that he could skillfully trick Robin into thinking that he had no other choice. But Robin's mind was braver, his will power for his friends was and still remains stronger. Slade didn't stand a chance. He knew that. And this time. He wasn't going to make the same mistake.

"So, do we have a deal?" His voice was stone cold and menacing. He kept his eyes on the screen, but spoke to the figure behind him.

The boy came into the light, revealing himself. His suit was black as night and his face covered by a skeleton looking mask with a big red X slashed across it. He walked closer. He stood next to Slade now, watching the screen. "I'm not quite sure what you're asking me."

Slade sighed, annoyed. He turned to the strange but brave teenager and talked to him quietly. He was treating him like child. And Red X knew that. "I'm simply telling you that the Teen Titans are to be brought to me." He handed something to Red X in a small tube. "I want them back alive. Do what you must, hurt them if you must. For all I care, befriend them. But I need them by the end of the month. And this will be your reward."

Red X chuckled. "Xynothium. Looks like you've got yourself a deal."