Into the Depths – Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen
Marred Reunion

May 24th, 2009. Sunday, 11:29 pm.

Watching someone cough up blood wasn’t exactly the most frightening of things, but it certainly was unnerving. Slade wasn’t one of the squeamish types, obviously. He’d been through Vietnam and that was the worst place Slade had ever experienced. Blood wasn’t a new thing. He’d seen blood. He’d seen men bleed on the battlefield – he’d even seen children bleed during the war.

It was old news.

But watching his youngest son do such a thing was enough to still even the most stoic of hearts. Having Dick fall into his arms and cough up blood while being unconscious through it all was the most disturbing and frightening thing Slade had experienced in many years. It was downright scary listening to the sounds that the boy made while choking and coughing.

It was right next to seeing the remains of his first born and watching someone carve a knife into his second born’s neck.

Chaos was in the surrounding area. It was in the air. It was in the sounds. There were other frantic cries in the midst of the chaos, but Slade took little notice of it all. His mind was only on what needed to be done for Dick. He quickly scooped the boy up in his arms, noting with disturbance how light he was – it felt more abnormally so than before. Dick was fifteen years old, yet he was extremely wiry and thin. No wonder Wintergreen insisted the boy eat more. Despite being so formidable in a fight, at that moment, Slade was all too aware of just how fragile Dick was.

And it took every strength inside Slade’s heart to not be terrified at that thought.

In just a few strides, Slade had walked the path of the hallway, only vaguely aware that the other three were following after him. He pushed open the door to the boy’s bedroom with his foot and had made it to the bed, when Dick let out a scream.

The chaos only seemed to increase.

Slade had heard Dick scream before. There had been a few nightmares that had sent a scream into the night. Slade had also heard the boy cry out in pain. Slade was very familiar with the various sounds the boy could make, whether in pain, in tears, in laughter, in giggles – the times they had spent had been many.

But never had Slade heard such a scream from Dick at that very moment. It truly curdled the blood and turned the heart by its sound. In his arms, Dick arched his back, his face clenched up, and the scream intensified. It was so loud – so frightening – that Slade thought the boy was tearing his throat.

Slade quickly laid Dick onto the bed, but this seemed to only make things worse. He began to thrash wildly, the screams piercing beyond anything that had been heard before. It continued to get worse. In the wild thrashing, Dick began clawing at his chest, trying to tear apart his shirt; as if something were eating at his heart.

It was happening so quickly. The situation had gone from bad to worse in a matter of seconds. It was both surreal and disturbing. Having never seen this, not even during his days in Vietnam, the feeling of being helpless was ever so apparent through Slade’s veins.

Then, Dick started clawing at his face.

Joey snapped into action and rushed to the bedside, leaping onto Dick in the process. He clamped down on the boy’s wrists and halted further scratching. Small beads of blood slipped down Dick’s cheek where his nails had broken skin, creating trails of the liquid along his face. His body still thrashed beneath Joey as the young man straddled him. It was alarming to see the strength Dick possessed in his delirium.

“Dad! Do something!” snapped Joey, his voice sounding strained underneath his efforts to restrain Dick.

Slade quickly knelt down by the bed and grabbed one of Dick’s hands, releasing it from Joey. Slade could feel the power in the arm as it tried to fight against his hold, but he maintained his grip. His large hand interlaced with Dick’s smaller one. That young hand held on so tightly that if it had been anyone else, it would have left bruises.

It was like dealing with a rabid, wild animal. But it was his son. It wasn’t an animal. It was supposed to be a boy – a special, gentle, happy child. Slade couldn’t see the boy that he had grown to love as a blood son. He placed his other hand on top of Dick’s forehead and tried to calm the boy. But it wasn’t working.

Another scream amplified the tension even further in the room. Sweat was pouring off Dick as he continued to scream underneath some kind of attack. Then, without warning, his body turned over and his head leaned over the bed. Slade barely had time to back away as the boy began to vomit over the bed’s edge.

Blood stained the carpet.

“Will!” cried Slade, his heart falling at the sight. “Get that suitcase of mine. You know where it is.”

Wintergreen left immediately. Rose stood by the doorway, her eyes glistening with tears. Her arms were wrapped around her chest, the fear and helplessness displayed in her features. Slade had to tear his glance away from her, feeling the same things as she were. It was painful listening to Dick’s choking and his screams.

For a moment, there was a few seconds of rest from Dick after he finished throwing up. He was suddenly so still. Alarm shot through Slade. He sat down on the bed, avoiding the sick on the floor, and put fingers to the boy’s pulse. The pure panic and terror had flooded through Slade; one that had the very power to stop his heart.

Please, don’t let it be too late.

Then, the relief rose again in an overwhelming wave. Dick’s pulse was still there, erratic as it was, but still pumping. That was all Slade needed to know.

But Dick was extremely still, even now. There was very little breathing, his chest barely rising up and down with each breath. Slade put a hand on the boy’s back and started rubbing it. He could feel the frail struggle that Dick was going through as he weakly breathed.

“Dad…”

A soft voice croaked out in the silence. No matter how weak it sounded, it was a beautiful thing to hear. Slade carefully turned Dick onto his back. The boy’s eyes were drooped in exhaustion. For a moment, he struggled to lift a hand, but Slade quickly grasped it. His other hand cradled the boy’s cheek.

“Shh,” whispered Slade. “It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.”

“Dad… He’s… He’s trying to…”

Those exhausted eyes that were still startlingly crystal blue through the pain suddenly lost all color, becoming grey in its entirety. Dick’s face scrunched up in pain once again, his body going tense.

Then, new screams filled the air. They were cracking and dying out; the voice being torn and overused. The strength the boy had possessed before was greatly weakened, but he still struggled. His hand ripped out of Joey’s slackened grip and tried to tear at his throat.

Once again, Slade and Joey went to the task of trying to restrain any flailing and destructive limbs. All the while, Slade attempted to bring comfort to Dick. He knew the boy was there and could feel him. It was all Slade could do but run his free hand through the boy’s sweaty bangs and whisper encouragement.

But Dick seemed unresponsive to Slade’s touch.

It was in a few moments that Wintergreen finally arrived with the suitcase. Every movement Slade did next was quick and swift. He took the suitcase and opened it. Inside were a number of syringes with different kinds of formulas. Slade grabbed one and prepared it, barely taking a second glance at its label.

As soon as he was done, he stuck it into Dick’s arm. Once finished, Slade set the used syringe onto the desk and sat back down onto the bed next to Dick. The boy was still weakly fighting against whatever was going on with him. Slade could only hope that the serum would heal whatever was hurting him. Already, he could see the faint cuts – the ones that Dick had made when scratching his face – healing and closing up.

Well, it was a beginning.

However, something strange happened.

The exhaustion and weakness that had fallen over Dick immediately disappeared. Dick’s screaming intensified once again, his flailing becoming stronger than it had in the beginning. Slade had to kneel on the bed to restrain Dick’s upper body. The boy’s screams were no longer scratchy from overuse, but pure once more in their power and volume.

Slade’s mind was trying to figure out what was going on. The serum had obviously healed the boy, but it also increased his strength in the attack. Whatever was going on with him couldn’t be healed with the serum. There was an outside source.

Something else was actually attacking him.

“Will, give him a sedative!” shouted Slade. Just as he said this, he felt Wintergreen come to the bedside near him. A moment later, as Slade and Joey continued their fight against the struggling boy, Wintergreen plunged another syringe into Dick’s neck.

Wintergreen pulled away. For a few moments, there was still some struggling. Then, the sedative began to work. Dick’s limbs slowly weakened. Slade relieved the pressure he had been applying to the boy’s upper body. That grey color which had overpowered Dick’s eyes faded away, leaving exhausted crystal blue behind. Their gaze locked with grey blue. A hand lifted slightly, reaching for Slade. Hands connected; fingers interlaced.

“Dad…”

Slade felt his breath leave his chest once those fingers and that hand went slack in his own. The room went completely silent, only the gentle, peaceful sounds of Dick’s breathing lifting into the air; those eyes closed. Slade couldn’t move. He was rooted to the spot, as if that small hand had the utmost of power to keep him there.

“What on earth… just happened?” whispered Slade, still unable to withdraw his hand. Joey let out a tired huff of air, a mixture of relief and exhaustion prevalent, before he rolled off the sleeping boy. There was a grim expression filling his features as he stared down at the bed. Wintergreen was trying to consol Rose, who was now crying in his arms.

It took a very long moment for Slade to regain himself.

Well, this wasn’t exactly how Slade wanted his reunion with his children to be. And he certainly didn’t want Dick to ever go through something like this again, nor did he fault the poor child. Slade gazed down on his son, the one that had slipped into his heart so easily.

Beads of crimson were still trailing down those pale cheeks in the places where Dick had scratched and clawed at his face. The skin had healed, however. The boy’s brow was furrowed, but his breathing was perfectly calm – nothing about his peaceful demeanor whispering of the frightening episode that had just occurred.

What was going on?

“Come, Sarah Rose,” said Wintergreen, patting the distraught girl on the back. The old man sounded extremely shaken. “Come to the kitchen and rest a bit.”

Slade watched as the old man drew Rose away. She didn’t fight him, didn’t even yell at him for calling her by her full name – as she always had as a child. She just went. Slade wanted to reach out to her, but he found that he couldn’t even speak. Whatever was going on was frightening, there was no doubt about that. He felt frozen in pure shock.

What was he going to do? Sure, he had the boy sedated, but what would happen when he woke up? Would Dick relapse into this again? Was he cured from whatever was going on with him? The serum seemed to only give Dick strength.

Slade collapsed into the desk chair, his hand separating from the limp one that once held life in it. He dropped his face into his hands, his elbows supported by his knees. Never had he imagined this kind of fear inside his chest. He only felt it once before. He hadn’t watched Grant die; thus, he had felt despair and sorrow by his death.

When Joey – gentle, bright eyed, soft, little eleven year old Joey – had been captured, Slade had felt this same paralyzing fear. But he had been arrogant before and had tossed that feeling aside. By doing so, he had cost his son his beautiful voice.

Was he going to fail again?

“Dad?” said Joey softly. A hand rested on Slade’s shoulder. He didn’t look up.

“I’m sorry, Joey,” whispered Slade. “This is a bit of a rotten way to welcome you two here. Knowing Dick, he’ll probably beat himself up over it.”

“Dad, listen to me,” said Joey, and his tone took on a gentle chiding nature. “It’s just fine. I don’t begrudge anything. I want to help in any way I can since Dick is sick.  He’s a sweet kid and both Rose and I agree that he’s the best addition our family has ever had.”

Surprised by this, Slade looked up at Joey. There was such a kind expression on the young man’s face.

“I know that we’ve been separated for all these years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try again. It’s more than obvious that he’s changed you. Oh, don’t give me that look, Dad.” Joey gave him a wry smile when Slade opened his mouth to say something. “You’re a different man now. I want to get to know that man. Accepting Dick as my brother is just the first step.”

“Just like that?” said Slade, the disbelief in his voice. “You don’t even know the boy.”

“All I know is that he changed you. That’s more than enough for me. He’s giving me the chance to reconnect with my father. I want that. I’ve always wanted that no matter how it came about.”

Emotion overwhelmed Slade. He turned his head away, feeling a weight and burden like no other before. Life had gone so wrong before. For awhile, it seemed that it was finally turning around. But now that glimmer of light and hope was being marred by whatever was going on with Dick.

A low sigh escaped Slade’s lips. He glanced at the syringe on the table, the one he had first used, and picked it up. He stared down at it and fingered the glass. One finger slid over the label and the words connected with his mind.

Slade’s heart stilled at the label; his mouth going dry.

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

It took a moment for Slade to do anything. Then, he placed the syringe back onto the desk. He stood up and, avoiding the blood on the floor, sat down on the edge of the bed. He tested Dick’s temperature for a moment, his hand on the boy’s forehead. It was a bit damp from the perspiration, but it wasn’t overly warm. Then, he tested the boy’s pulse. It was slow and peaceful, not anything like its erratic pace earlier. His breathing was also perfectly normal.

The boy was okay.

“Do you have any ideas as to what attacked Dick?” asked Slade, glancing over at Joey. The young man looked unsure for a moment, obviously noticing Slade’s turn of subject. But Slade wasn’t going to mention his concerns about the label. “The only idea I have is from the nightmares that he’s been experiencing for weeks.”

“Nightmares?”

Slade then divulged the entire story to his son. He spoke about all the nightmares that Dick had been experiencing. While Slade was hesitant to reveal the darkest part of his dream, knowing Dick would be horrified that he had done so, Slade told Joey anyway. All he cared about was trying to figure what was wrong with the boy. He did, however, leave out the section that Dick had lied about it. There was no need to relate transgressions.

During the entire time, Slade carded his fingers through the black bangs above Dick’s brow. It was automatic. After Slade spoke of everything, finding it extremely easy to speak to Joey, he went quiet.

“Do you have any thoughts about this?” asked Slade, staring at the sleeping form in front. Joey was silent for a few moments. It was obviously a lot to take in. Slade could only wonder if this would’ve happened if he’d known sooner. Could he have prevented this if Dick had told him the truth from the beginning?

But even then, Slade didn’t see the true danger of what was going on until now. Those dreams weren’t normal. It was like he had been possessed. That thought alone chilled Slade’s heart. What could be done about possession?

“Well, recurring dreams deal with things in the subconscious. However, they can also be a premonition of things to come.”

“Dick doesn’t have powers, though.”

“It doesn’t have to be inborn power,” said Joey, as he sat down on the desk chair. “I could feel it from the first time I saw him and talked with him. Dick is very special. There’s something about him that can soften the heart. He did in a matter of minutes what I could not for years – he changed Rose’s heart and pulled her back to reality.”

It was true. There truly was something special and amazing about this boy. Could anyone else have done what he had?

“There is one other possibility,” said Joey, sounding hesitant. There was a moment before he continued. “Sometimes, those with such a gift are targeted, since they are a threat.”

Slade stilled, feeling an icy wave flooded over his body. Targeted? That made sense. In fact, that made complete sense. Someone or something had been targeting Dick for weeks. The constant nightmares, the horrible twin like creature that taunted his thoughts – it wasn’t normal. Dick’s nightmares were not normal.

Whoever was doing this had a lot of power. This person could project dreams, could awaken innate fears, could create a dark side to one’s self, and could even attack the inside. Something was harming Dick from the inside, causing him to cough up blood. But not only that, it seemed as if it could even possess him. Dick had been trying to fight it.

Nothing had been as disturbing as that.

“So,” began Slade, licking his lips once. “You believe Dick is being targeted.”

“Yes.”

Slade closed his eyes, the fear rising back up through his throat. Of course. Of course, his son was a target. That meant a lot of things. What, exactly, Slade wasn’t fully sure. Was this person targeting Dick because he was Robin? Or was this person trying to get to Deathstroke, just as Slade’s previous failure had lied.

Would there ever come a time for peace? Would Slade always have to fear that someone would harm his family because of his previous choices? Why hadn’t this someone targeted Joey and Rose? Why only Dick? Was it just Robin? Perhaps the roots went ever further back and Dick was being targeted because of Batman.

Whatever it was, the danger was more than apparent.

More information was needed, Slade decided. He was greatly thankful for Joey’s insight. It was almost a miracle that the young man had come early, for if he hadn’t, Slade might not have known what exactly was going on. Or in the very least, obtained some of the comfort that had come from Joey’s thoughts.

To gain more information, however, there was only one place to go. He would have to speak with a Titan. Something had happened tonight, that much Slade was sure of – Dick had entered the kitchen looking like death had warmed over him. He had been very tight lipped about something as well.

“I need to make a call,” said Slade. “I think the Titans might have some more answers.”

“Okay, then. That’s probably a good idea.”

“Will you stay?” asked Slade, his voice low; his eye on the child in bed. “I hate to ask this of you, seeing as you should be relaxing and enjoying yourself, but—”

“Dad, I was never expecting everything to be picture perfect,” said Joey, his green eyes soft. “I actually thought things would be more awkward between us, but I’m glad it’s not. I’ll be happy to stay with Dick. I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

Slade nodded, overcome. His son had grown into a good man. He had nothing to do with that. He wished he could’ve been a better influence, even just an influence in his son’s life. It seemed that Joey hadn’t really needed him – he had grown so well.

It made Slade question whether or not Dick would be better off without him. It was brief, however, as memories rose inside his mind. Each one included Dick’s smile whenever they were together. Dick sought for Slade all the time. The boy enjoyed the quiet moments so much. He wasn’t a little child, yet he had asked for longer time to be together.

And every time Dick did that, Slade couldn’t deny the boy the affection he so needed and desired.

It was humbling.

Before Slade could continue the self deprecating thoughts, there was a gentle rap on his forehead. It nearly startled Slade to see that it had been Joey who had flicked two fingers on his forehead.

“You underestimate your worth as a person, Dad.”

Slade blinked, utterly shocked. Joey’s shoulders lifted somewhat as a sheepish expression crossed his features. He looked almost apologetic, but there was still a serious light in his eyes.

“My abilities can hear thoughts. It’s how you can hear me speak without a voice, except I project my thoughts outward. Yours were projecting quite loudly. I wasn’t trying to hear them, just so you know.”

It took a moment for Slade to remember to breathe. He hadn’t imagined his son to be like this. Little Joey hadn’t been like this at all. He’d been an insecure little boy, who fell beneath the shadow of his older, more outgoing brother. He had been overly sensitive, but a gentle soul. This man that was standing before Slade was someone far different.

This Joey bore a strength within his stance. He had confidence and assurance that hadn’t been there before.

And it seemed that Slade was becoming an easy read.

“A little warning,” said Joey, a smile tugging at his lips. “Rose might be slightly unhinged. I say that in the most kindest way – just don’t tell her I’m saying this. I spent years trying to protect her. She got into a lot of trouble. Before Dick helped her, she was always taking risks and pushing people away. She always seemed older. Now… Well, it’s like she flips from a seven year old to a sixteen year old.”

Slade took a deep breath, trying to rid himself of the whirling emotions that were playing through his chest. He stood up and placed a hand onto Joey’s shoulder. A pained expression began to cross the young man’s face.

“I tried to protect her, Dad,” continued Joey, the pain entering his tone. “I tried to be the man of the house when you were… When you weren’t able to be around. I did what I could. I tried to be strong, really I did.”

The hand on that shoulder squeezed softly.

“And you’ve done… exceptionally well.”

There was a soft exhale of breath, but no sounds came from the damaged vocal cords. What was not seen as the man turned away from his son was the deep relief that passed over the young man’s face at that statement. As Slade left the room, Joey took his place at the bedside. There was a smile on the young man’s face as he gently attended to the blood on Dick’s face.

Slade went to his room with one goal. Within moments, his computer was on and the large screen was calling Titans Tower. He waited the painful seconds for someone to pick up. Personally, he hoped the alien girl answered. She was usually the easiest to talk with and she always gave up information without a fight.

Slade wasn’t in the mood.

As luck would have it, the very Titan Slade would’ve picked last out of all them chose to answer the call.

“What do you want, Slade?” said Cyborg, all respect for adults out the door, obviously, in the teen’s tone.

“What. Happened?” demanded Slade, emphasizing each word with a low hiss. He maintained a glare at the teen, who almost squirmed underneath. Then, the teen returned the favor with a glare of his own.

“What the heck do you want? Why are you even calling us? Starfire said she brought Robin home, so why don’t you—”

“Shut up,” snapped Slade. The boy’s human eye flared in anger, while his mouth clamped down. “Dick came home, pale as a ghost, and coughing up blood. What. Happened?”

This did have some effect on Cyborg. His human eyes widened in surprise. He did look concerned about his friend. But the male ego had a lot of pride – Slade was well versed in this, after all – and that was exactly what showed in the boy’s next expression.

“Well, he was fine when he left here, so it must be your fault,” said Cyborg, the hateful tone in his voice.

Slade wasn’t having it.

He slammed his hands down onto the desk, making Cyborg flinch back in surprise. Slade pointed a finger at him, the fear and fury rising high inside his chest.

“I know your identity, Mr. Victor Stone,” said Slade in a terribly dark tone, one that would’ve reminded anyone within its vicinity of Slade’s old potential. Cyborg’s expression darkened at this. “I can play dirty, brat. I have absolutely no qualms about it, despite what Dick believes. If you don’t explain things, you will regret it. There will be consequences, unpleasant ones at that. This is ridiculous that I have to resort to such things right now. My son – yes, my son, blast it! – is sick; deathly sick. I’m willing to chock this up to teenage stupidity, but if it’s not—” Slade’s tone dropped to an even darker one. “—then, I’m going to be very angry. Now, explain yourself! What happened?”

While this didn’t quell the anger that was ever so prevalent in the teen’s face, it did soften him somewhat. Cyborg sighed and nodded, albeit grudgingly. He sent one final glare at Slade, before he proceeded to tell him everything that had gone on at the Tower that night. Slade was silent during the entire time, letting the boy speak. As he heard about the events, he felt sick. No wonder Dick had come home with that tired expression on his face. He’d been through so much.

It also showed Slade just how much Dick was willing to sacrifice. He held everything back, not wanting to ruin the moment that Slade was having with his other children. Once they got through this, Slade was going to have to talk with Dick about being open about everything. Hadn’t they been through this already?

But then again, the boy had been sick. Slade couldn’t be angry at the him. The truth was he felt furious with himself for not protecting Dick. Some father he was. How hard was it to protect one fifteen year old boy – notwithstanding how much trouble that boy attracted.

“Is that it?” asked Slade, once Cyborg had finished with tell him about Dick fainting at the end. From the events, Slade was able to decipher a few things. It seemed that Dick wasn’t the only target. And, of course, Slade had been right about that girl from the beginning, but would anyone listen to him? Of course, not.

However, it still didn’t explain why Dick was coughing up blood.

“Well… Before the attack, Robin mentioned something about a dark feeling. But the rest of us didn’t feel it.”

Those words slowly registered with Slade – Dick had felt something in the Tower. The attacker had made itself known before attacking. Either Dick was beginning to show signs of having special powers or he really was that sensitive to such things. But it all led to one conclusion.

The attacker was still in the Tower.

“Why was Dick coughing up blood?” asked Slade, taking each breath slowly. There was an attacker in the Tower. Someone deadly was attacking these children.

“I don’t know. Only Starfire saw him do that, but it could’ve been from fighting Terra.”

There was no way a simple blow to the chest with a rock could’ve caused what had occurred not moments before. These children didn’t understand. They didn’t get it. Someone with a lot of power was attacking them with the intention of great harm. Dick would never forgive Slade if he allowed anything to happen to his friends.

“Listen to me very carefully,” said Slade, speaking each word slowly; making sure he held Cyborg’s attention. “You are to get out of the Tower immediately.”

“What? We’re not—”

“This isn’t up for debate,” said Slade with a growl. He hated this boy’s obstinacy. There was no time for this. “Whatever attacked you is still there. Get out. Come here. Will can set up the family room for you all. Bring whatever you want and need to entertain yourselves – Dick is still sick.”

“You can’t—”

“Watch me,” snapped Slade with a snarl. “This is an order. Don’t make me come and drag you here – it will not be a pleasant experience. Bring enough supplies for a few days, you’ll not be returning for awhile. This includes clothes, toys—” The older teen’s expression at this was downright comical, but Slade wasn’t in the mood to enjoy it. “—and anything else to occupy yourselves. Don’t bother about food. If Dick felt something, then it’s probable that the enemy is still in the Tower.”

“Look, we don’t need you,” said Cyborg, glaring at him. “We’re the Teen Titans, we can handle this. We’ll find the enemy.”

“This isn’t a game!” shouted Slade, slamming a hand onto the desk once again. “This enemy is dangerous. Whatever the enemy is, know that Dick was coughing up blood and screaming in pain. He would never forgive himself – or me, for that matter – if I allowed you to stay in a potentially dangerous location. You have ten minutes to get yourselves over here or you will face my consequences. Do it for Dick.”

Slade didn’t give the boy a chance to argue any more. He shut off the communication. It would’ve been a great, smug moment to gloat about, seeing the outraged and indignant expression that had crossed the annoying teen’s face when the communication went down, but Slade’s mind was on something more important.

Maybe later he would enjoy it, but now was not the time.

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