Hello!

I've no idea why I'm writing this now seeing as the semester is still at large and I have more than enough of my plate as it is, but here is it anyway.

This popped into my mind after watching the episode Nevermore followed- as usual –by Apprentice (both parts, of course). I then thought, 'Hey, why can't this be a thing?' and Ta-Da…I made it a thing. I'll warn you now though…I'm rubbish as writing for a group of people. You can probably tell that from any of my other stories, but I'll do what I can and you're more than welcome to comment about my lack-of-ness. Who knows…it may help out a bit.

Feel free to ask any questions, but know that I will answer then if you really want me to (given that I can). I also won't be offended by noted mistakes so if you see something, point it out and I'll see what I can do.

Well then, without farther turkey (you know, because they gobble…I'm so sorry), I bring you my newest brain-child: Into the Mirror. And as any of my frequent readers have come to expect:

Read. Review. Enjoy!

Chapter 1- Inspiration

(Slade)

It was after months of planning. As much as he prided his tactical abilities, he had been "beating his brain" so to speak for far too long. His goal: Robin, the boy wonder, leader of the Teen Titans, prodigy of Batman. Too many failed attempts already marred his record, but he refused to call them losses as each one was just another step closer to the boy. Over all this time, he had learned much more about Robin than any police report, newspaper editorial, or educational file could reveal to him. For example, while the teen can be controlled by the lives of those around him, he will still go to any extreme to push the boundaries; even at the risk of his own.

There was also a lesson learned when witnessing Robin speak to his mentor after his theft from the Wayne branch in Jump. Both heroes knew that it was no coincidence and yet they remained completely clueless of the mercenary's identity. Homing in on the cameras he had strategically placed around the titan's gaudy tower, Slade was able to see the mentor and apprentice relationship firsthand; it was only a bit of a surprise. However, it was this interaction- in addition to his finding the mage explaining the purpose of her spelled mirror to the green buffoon on a nearby screen -that brought about his newest idea.

"Robin, report," the black clad hero had ordered.

Swallowing his anger, the boy answered through narrowed eyes and gritted teeth. "I was…accosted by one of Jump's more difficult villains. It has been remedied and we have taken precautions so nothing similar will happen again."

It wasn't enough for the bat. "You were in your enemy's colors." It was more of a question, but worded as a statement as if he already knew the answer.

"Yes," came the growled reply.

"Explain."

"I've already told you. I-"

Batman glared. "I did not ask for a summary nor will I stand for half-truths. Explain. Everything," he commanded.

Robin's voice became clipped as he angrily obeyed. "His name is Slade. During an attack, he led my team to a diversion while I was kept occupied. Using a remote activated beam, he injected the titans with trigger-activating probes. He threatened to take their lives if I did not obey his every command and become his apprentice. I saw no other option. The Wayne building was the first mission I was ordered on and I'm sure you saw the footage of what my disobedience caused when I wouldn't shoot them. It wasn't long after that when the titans discovered the probes and confronted Slade. When I refused to fight, he activated the devices. Unable to go against him quickly enough, I found a way to infect myself with the probes forcing him to either free the titans or kill us all. You can see his choice."

The silence lasted only a moment before several volume levels had to be lowered at the…well it could only be described as a roar erupted from the bat. "That was completely foolish! You are supposed to be these kids' leader and yet you are so easily separated? Yes, I saw the security footage which is why I called, but there were several other choices you could have taken without becoming a villain's puppet. You poor decisions reflect on my teachings, yet I never taught you to be so rash and careless!"

The boy didn't bother responding past his vicious glare. Of course, Batman gave him little time to.

"Are you unable to handle your enemies or is this just a normal 'victory' for you and your team?" His voice hardened on his referring to the group as well as his scoffed claim of their success.

"Shut up!" Robin growled, "You don't know anything about what we do here. We don't need your help any more than we need your criticism. We handled the situation whether you agree or not. The only advice you will offer is for us to give up everything we've worked for because you don't think this team is worth the effort. You just keep you narrowed eyes on Gotham and leave me alone."

With that, he ended the call with a violent attack on the 'disconnect' button. As soon as the bat's face was gone, it was replaced with the research that had been interrupted; one file in particular held a blurry picture of Slade himself. At the sight of it, Robin growled and furiously shoved himself away from the desk and stormed out of the room.

Needless to say, the boy's harsh words towards his mentor caused a smirk to light Slade's face. It would seem as if they shared yet another quality; a quick tongue ready to lash out in whatever way hurt their target most.

A loud shout brought the mercenary's attention to another screen where the mage and the buffoon were arguing in her doorway. Curious, he listened in.

"I said 'no', Beast Boy!" Raven cried angrily. A light busted above them in reaction to her emotions. She took a calming breath, silently thanking her friend for staying silent long enough for her to relax. As soon as she re-opened her eyes, the boy spoke, but refrained from angering her further.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, ears down in response to his worry. "The last time this happened was before Cy and I accidentally got in your head."

Raven offered a small smile. "Yah, everything's alright. Just a bit tired from our mission earlier. I should have meditated sooner."

The changeling didn't seem convinced.

"Fine," the mage sighed, "would you like proof?" Without waiting for an answer, she led Beast Boy into her dark room. After the initial shudder, the boy settled behind her as they approached her desk where a strange-looking mirror sat. Raven reverently lifted it and peered into the glass with Beast Boy looking over her shoulder. After a time, they breathed in sync, setting down the mirror and giving each other space.

"Believe me?"

The changeling nodded quick enough to almost knock his head off his shoulders. "Yah, your creepy dad is still gone."

Raven agreed, "He's being kept at bay by the rest of my emotions."

"Do you want me to go in and help them or can I get rid of him?" At the mage's denial, he continued with a goofy smile. "The last time I was in there I met a part of you who seemed to like my jokes; it would be cool to see her again so I know you still think I'm funny. Plus, that green version of you was kick butt!"

The girl blushed.

Slade soon grew bored of their flirting and mentally distanced himself from the screen.

A mirror that could give one access to another's emotions…Should he use something like that against his little bird, he would be far more easily swayed.

The remainder of the night along with several following, the mercenary buried himself in research regarding this strange mirror. It wasn't until he delved into a slight bit of cultist references that he found something enough to bring a smile to his face.

There was a way to link the connection to Robin. This, of course, would be no easy feat, but it was accomplishable with enough time and patience; he had plenty of both