Chapter 3

The titans rushed outside to see who was attacking the tower. What they found was what looked like Slade's robots. Seeing this froze Rose and Jericho in their tracks.

Cyborg: Somebody must have bought these tin men from the villains market and tried to sick them on us.

Hearing those words gave Rose and Jericho a little comfort because maybe these robots were working for someone other than Slade. The brother and sister rushed into battle but as the battle went on it seemed like more robots showed up. Soon it was like they were fighting an army. Jericho felt like he was nothing but dead weight since his powers did not work on robots. Now he had to rely on his combat skills alone. They fought for what seemed like a few hours. There were no robots left . Rose then suddenly looked around.

Rose: Where's Jericho?!

Meanwhile elsewhere in the masked man's underground base, which was right outside the city, Jericho was out cold on the floor. He had been knocked out by one of the robots, and the same robot sneaked away with him on his back while the other titans were distracted. Jericho started to come too. His head was sore from where he got hit by the robot. The blond haired boys green eyes opened slowly. As he slowly got to his feet he asked himself several questions. Where was he and where were the others? Where they alright? Why does he feel like he is being watched?

All of a sudden a dark voice spoke behind him. "It's been a long time hasn't it?" the voice asked. Jericho recognized this calm yet evil sounding voice. He didn't want to turn around. He just couldn't accept the fact he knew that cold malicious voice. Something inside him made him muster up the courage to slowly turn around. Then when saw the masked man, chills ran down his spine. He started to breathe heavy as his heart pounded hard and his eyes quickly filled with overwhelming fear. The boy was all alone with the masked man, the man called Slade. Poor Jericho was chilled to the bone when Slade let out a low wicked laugh. The boy wanted to run or at least look away, however he was so scared he couldn't move.

Slade: Yes it has been such a long time Joseph or perhaps I should call you Jericho.

Slade slowly walked toward Jericho .With every step Jericho felt more afraid. Soon enough Slade stood right in front of the boy looking down at him in a way that seemed almost mocking.

Slade: You're not going to even greet your father?

All of a sudden Slade's knee coves shooting up and crashes into Jericho's stomach with unbelievable force. All the wind is knocked out of the boy. He falls to the ground gasping for breath.

Slade: Did you honestly think you could get away with it my boy? Faking your own death and changing your name just to try to get away is so pathetic, clever but pathetic.

Jericho rolled over in an attempt to get up and run. Slade however was not about to let that happen. The cruel man kicked the boy across the floor.

Slade: Still I must admit you did manage to make me think you were dead. You had fooled me which is not a simple thing to do. Perhaps if you had used some of that brain power for me instead of against me you would not be about to face such a gruesome punishment.

Slade thin grabbed the boy and picked him up by his throat, making Jericho wince in pain. His father then held him there, his feet dangling above the ground. He stared at him with a hateful look. Jericho however could not bear to look at his face. Fear always overwhelmed him when it came to his father. Slade's fist then hit the boy's face repeatedly, which left multiple bruises on Jericho. After purposely giving the boy a black eye Slade threw him to the ground harshly. Before Jericho could move the masked mad man's foot slammed his head to the floor. There stood Slade holding his own son down with a heavy foot.

Meanwhile back at the tower, the other titans were going crazy with worry for their friend's safety. Raven thought she could use her powers to mentally track the blond boy down. Raven had let out her Black bird shaped soul self to scan the city. When that failed she tried the abandoned power plant right outside the city. That was when she could since his presence, and she could tell he was in pain. As Slade kicked the boy on the floor over and over again, Ravens soul self appeared behind the evil man. Jericho's eyes widened as he watched the black soul bird attack Slade. After his father was thrown against the wall, Jericho himself was picked up by Raven's soul.

Raven hurried as fast as she could to get her friend back to the tower, and her soul back to her body. Raven did not have much time. She got weaker every minute her soul and body were separated. Finally her soul made it back to the tower. Jericho was dropped on the sofa, while Raven's soul returned to her body. Raven hit the floor exhausted. When the Titans saw how beaten and bleeding from his head, they rushed to his aid.

Cyborg: Whoa!

Beast boy: Dude you look awful!

Starfire: Oh dear friend you had us so worried!

Robin: Jericho what happened to you?

Jericho couldn't even sign any words, he was too overwhelmed by the fear Slade put in him.

Rose: Bro are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Raven: A ghost would be an improvement.

The other titans turned and looked at Raven.

Raven: It was him. It was Slade!

The other titans gasped. Robin clutched his fists and gritted his teeth. Suddenly Rose gave out a second gasp when had looked over at her brother. Jericho was passed out from lose of blood.

Cyborg: We need to get J to the infirmary!