Chapter 12- An Unexpected Reunion

The trip back to the hospital was done in silence. Once the laughter and exultation had waned out of Argent's system, her and the other Titans were left with an all too familiar feeling of gloom. Emptiness weighed heavily on the silver-skinned girl's heart, pulling her back to the horrors of reality.

Letting out her anger and frustration had felt good, even though it only added to the massive pile of problems on her plate. Being able to unleash her ferocious tenacity, a part of her persona she had missed since the kidnapping, reminded her just how much she needed to salvage that crucial aspect of herself before it was diminished entirely.

Because in all honesty, she was going bloody mad.

Anger raged like a frantic storm inside her mind, causing more destruction with each passing day that the search went nowhere. Argent wasn't used to feeling helpless, nor had she found an effective way to cope with it.

Looking back on last week when she had taken charge and swiftly sprung into the position of leader, she had been determined to get Jericho back and set everything right. There hadn't been a doubt in Argent's mind that they wouldn't find him - heck, she had already planned a quick-witted remark to say to the mute once he'd been safely rescued.

But those selfish thoughts and her own naivety had blinded her to the facts. This wasn't some childish game of cat and mouse - this was a matter of life and death. And once Argent had finally realized the error of her ways, her entire being seemed to snap in two.

The Titans knew of Amerston's background and what he was capable of. The more they dug into his past, the more they grew weary of this man who had complete control over their teammate. He was merciless. He was cruel. But kidnapping a minor who happened to mean the world to them had taken things to an entirely different level.

She thought that once the Titans arrived, they'd finally be able to scratch the surface of something and gain a much-needed lead. They'd sifted through the remains of the Tower, interviewed several officers who'd had run-ins with Amerston in the past, visited the police officer they'd rescued, inspected tire tracks imprinted at the scene, and tried to narrow down every known location Amerston had ever operated at.

They turned up with nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Argent knew she wasn't a clever sleuth, which was why she had held onto hope that the other Titans would finally ease her nerves and make a dent in the case. It was when Bird-Boy - the master detective who had been trained by the freaking Batman - faltered in his determination that she finally gave in to despair.

Because if Robin couldn't do it, then no one could.

The helpless feeling inside her chest was downright overwhelming. They were just as close as to figuring out where Jericho was as they had been the moment they found out he was missing.

The only source of news they had came from Raven, who had tried on multiple accounts to reach out and read Jericho's emotions. The connection was vague, explaining that it was equivalent to "hearing someone on the phone as a thunderstorm rages around you, and the person's voice is so distorted you wonder if they're even there." Even so, she managed to report a few lingering emotions that stuck with her. The first few days it had mostly been a mixture of determination and fear, but now his emotions were so disfigured it was hard to pinpoint an exact word for them.

Jericho was going through a grim trial completely on his own, hurting and lonely and scared. It had become all too clear that something had happened, something terrible. Why else would he not fight back? Why else would he not try and find a way to escape? If his determination had long since evaporated, then how much time did he really have before he reached his breaking point?

Argent hated to admit this, but if he really was on his last legs…she wished she could've gotten the chance to know him better. As terrible as that sounded and as terrible as it was to think, Argent wished she knew Jericho; she wished she knew the boy who lay behind the green eyes. If chance permitted, Argent hoped beyond hopes that she would get the opportunity to make more memories with him. To become his friend.

The initial shock of Herald's outburst had long since faded, and after much consideration, Argent had to confess that he was right. None of them - Hot Spot, Kole, herself - none of them were Jericho's friends. They could make pretend all they wanted, but in the end, they had all viewed him the same way. He was their teammate. Their comrade. Nothing more, nothing less.

She could tell that Hot Spot and Kole realized it as well. She wondered if the fact bugged them as much as it did to her. Did they regret taking Jericho for granted? For not getting to know him better?

A wave of despair washed over the silver-skinned girl. If she felt this awful, who knows how bad Herald felt, a teammate who actually had deep ties with the mute. She had come to understand his frustration over the last couple of days - not only with having a friend in trouble and being powerless to stop it, but in leading a team.

Argent always thought she had a knack for leadership. People always seemed to follow her, to trust in her. Maybe because she always seemed so confident, so sure in herself and what needed to be done.

What she learned though was that she was quite the opposite. As of now, she couldn't be less sure of herself. She had no leads, no motivation - she couldn't give a speech to uplift their spirits because her words would only be lies. Everything wasn't okay, and everything wasn't going to be okay.

They say that during times of complete turmoil, a person's true character is revealed. Argent had failed and wanted nothing more than to curl up in a corner and escape her problems. Maybe punch a wall too.

What did that say about her character? Was she really that pathetic? To pack it up and call it quits when things didn't go as planned? Herald would give himself up in a heartbeat before letting anyone lay a hand on Jericho, or anyone on the team for that manner. He was so selfless, so determined to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He wasn't perfect, but his caring nature made up for it.

It brought everything into a new light for Argent, who had previously questioned Herald's leadership. At first, she had been offended when Robin hadn't nominated her as leader of Titans North. Over time though, she learned to brushed it off when she saw the trumpet player's demeanor change and grow.

Although she outwardly appeared to trust him and have confidence in him, in the days that led up to the kidnapping, her views of him differed. Before everything went to hell, something snapped within Herald. The more she thought about it, the more her mind wandered toward Amerston. Ever since their first real mission, he had changed. Their leader had become volatile, and at times she seriously feared for his health.

He had been reckless, there was no doubt about it. But he had also been driven to keep everyone out of harm's way. He blamed himself for every error, and that guiltiness ate away at his insides - probably still is, even though he's unconscious.

Argent understood now more than ever why Herald resented being leader, and respected him even more for it. The weight of an entire team's safety was a burden unlike any she'd ever experienced before. One wrong move could have disastrous consequences, and the aftershock of it would shudder through their beings for years to come. She wasn't just looking out for herself anymore, and for some reason, that terrified her.

His worried-looks and overprotectiveness suddenly made a lot more sense.

As they arrived at the hospital (which had served as their temporary home-base now that the Tower was destroyed), Argent graciously landed and Kole hopped off her back, appearing less-terror stricken then when the ride had first started. As the trio entered the building's lobby, Argent noticed Raven sitting in one of the chairs. The empath immediately stood up, cape billowing behind her as she greeted them with a frown.

"You're not going to like this," she announced in a soft undertone.

"Great," Hot Spot groaned. "More bad news?"

"It's Herald," said Raven evenly, voice void of emotion. "He's suffered from another panic attack."

Argent drummed her fingers against the end table beside her, biting down on the inside of her cheek. The place reeked of disinfectant, like an unnatural amount permanently infected the air around them. An infant's wails could be heard from the other side of the room, followed by the hushed words of a mother. Although doctors and nurses were bustling about, the waiting room seemed sickeningly still.

Argent glanced towards her teammates, noticing the dark circles under Kole's eyes and the way Hot Spot's fiery hands twitched in his lap. Raven was hovering above one of the chairs, legs crossed and eyes closed as she silently meditated.

According to the dark sorceress, Herald had woken up from his comatose-state earlier this morning and was doing significantly better. After answering his questions, she had left in order to allow him some rest. A few hours later, one of the nurses informed her that their leader had underwent a severe panic attack that took quite the toll on his psyche.

Although the nurse wasn't at liberty to discuss much of the details, discarded IVs and a window were mentioned.

Argent bit down too hard on the inside of her cheek and tasted blood.

Footsteps approached the group, prompting Raven to crack open an eye and for the others to look up. A pudgy woman held a clipboard in her hand, beginning to flip through some of the papers before dully noting, "You here for a certain Herald…" Her impassive countenance rivaled that of Raven's as she continued shuffling through the papers, no doubt searching for a last name.

"Yes," Argent responded. "Yes we are."

She let out something along the lines of a grunt and motioned towards the front desk. "You'll need special visitors passes since you're headed to the third level - that areas restricted for burn victims. The nurse wanted me to inform you that the visit can only be for a few minutes - they wanted to run some more tests." She gave them a pointed look as she walked away.

Argent balled up her fists in annoyance. "You'd think the buggers would know who we are by now." She got up from her seat and the others followed suit. She noticed Kole tuck away something, her hands lingering in the pocket of her skirt. It took her a moment to realize that the crystal girl had pocketed Jericho's communicator. The device had become her source of refuge as of late, as she insisted that no one else be allowed to keep it.

To each her own, Argent supposed.

The four of them filled out the paperwork and obtained their stupid visitors passes, taking the elevator to the third floor. Her team had visited Herald as often as they could, but hadn't spoken a word to him since he became comatose.

As they approached his room, Raven pulled her hood down and spoke. "They've only told me part of the story, but with his injuries and knowledge of the kidnapping, Herald's going through an unprecedented amount of strain on his psyche. Whatever he told you guys is in the past." Her usually impassive eyes softened slightly. "He needs you now more than ever."

Argent glanced at her teammates. She had long since forgiven Herald for the things he'd said, and hoped the others had done the same. With a nod of her head, she turned back to Raven and said, "And we need him."

With a nod that hinted of approval, Raven creaked open the door. Argent and the others followed closely behind, hearing the familiar pulsation of a cardiac monitor. As she neared the bed, she was surprised to find that their leader's eyes were fully open, filled with disconcertion and fear. He didn't look in their direction; keeping his gaze focused on the wall in front of him.

"Herald." said Raven, unwavering countenance boring down on him. He didn't react to the sound of his name, making Argent step forward in concern.

"Oi, Herald," she tried, her uneasiness growing. "It's us."

He muttered something incomprehensible under his breath, further upsetting the silver-skinned girl.

"What was what?" Kole delicately asked, reaching forward in order to put a hand on his shoulder. He flinched upon contact, finally snapping out of his daze. When his eyes bore into Kole and the others, his disquietude grew.

"I…I don't remember," Herald whispered, gulping as his fingers began to twitch. "I don't remember what…what happened."

He looked so ashamed - so lost. It made Argent's heart soften considerably.

"You experienced a panic attack," Raven explained, eyes carefully observing the trumpet player.

Upon hearing such news, Herald slumped in his seat, dread piercing across his countenance. "That's what I was afraid of."

"Hey," Kole piped up, her hand never leaving his shoulder. "It's no biggie. You're okay now and you're going to get better. That's all that matters."

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking in a breath in order to calm his nerves. When they opened, he confessed, "I feel like an idiot."

Argent knew where he was getting at. These panic attacks had been an unwelcome occurrence as of late, and they needed to get to the bottom of this. "This isn't meant to be taken the wrong way, but somethin' is goin' on with you." She sat down on the bed, still facing the trumpet player. "And I think you know what's botherin' you, don't you?"

Herald's eyes widened in surprise, only confirming the silent hunch she'd had. Of course - how had she not seen it there before? The worry and the distress wasn't only just from being leader and the kidnapping. Something much deeper was eating away at Herald, and it was about time he opened up.

"Maybe it wasn't clear at first," Argent proposed, "but I think you've finally figured out what's makin' you so…panicky." His eyes fluttered and the heart monitor began to quicken its pace.

Raven immediately halted all further conversation. "He doesn't have to talk if he doesn't want to; his primary concern should be getting plenty of rest-"

"No," Hot Spot interjected. "I've had enough of this, and I think Herald has too." He turned to face their leader, and Argent was surprised to find that a soft tone had entered the pyrokinetic's features. "Just…let it out, man. None of us will think any less of you if it means these attacks will go away for good."

Her eyes practically bulged out of their sockets upon such a statement; the other Titans appeared startled as well. Even Raven quirked her eyebrow in confoundment.

Herald was at a loss for words, opening his mouth before quickly closing it. Hot Spot had hit a nerve. She had to hand it to the pyrokinetic; she didn't think he had it in him. He definitely didn't strike her as a big softie.

Until now, that is.

After a long pause, Herald finally spoke. "I can't."

"But-"

"I said I can't," he interrupted, tone rising. "Not because I don't want to, but because…" his sentence trailed off, eyes darting back and forth in uncertainty.

"Why can't you, Herald?" Kole gently prodded, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

He calmed down a bit upon the gesture. "I…I don't think I'm ready to talk about it."

"Keepin' it in won't help you either," Argent reminded. "Whatever it is, it's obviously been causin' you a lot of pain." He glanced up at her, looking very tempted to put his cards on the table right then and there.

"We care about you, Herald," she continued, chest rising with sympathy. "You shouldn't suffer alone."

Argent didn't realize how true the statement rang in the ears of her teammates, especially her own.

Their conversation was cut off as the door suddenly swung open, revealing Robin and the other Titans. Argent's eyes widened as she met his gaze; boy was she in trouble.

As he marched into the room, Argent mentally braced herself. By the end of his lecture, he'd probably end up going bloody mad over her and her behavior and start again. She'd never hear the end of it.

Guess it's time to roll up your sleeves and take it like a woman, she mused.

Much to her complete bewilderment, Robin and the others walked right past her. Upon closer inspection, Argent realized that Robin looked angry - angrier than he'd ever been before - but not at her. The realization only confused her more.

"I told you, you can't be in here!" A nurse exclaimed as she rushed into the room, glaring at the new group of Titans. "Only four visitors are allowed at a time! You are completely going against hospital protocol - if you don't leave this instant, I'll be forced to call security!" While the other Titans turned in uncertainty, Robin completely ignored the nurse's commands and fiddled with his communicator.

"Uh, Robin?" Beast Boy sheepishly began. "Maybe we should-"

"No," Robin quickly cut him off. "This is important."

"What's going on?" Argent asked, completely thrown off by the situation.

"We carry the 'bad news,'" Starfire explained, her head lowering in discouragement.

"Ugh, more bad news!" Hot Spot complained. "Can't the universe give us a break already!"

"'Bad news'? More like news that couldn't come at a worser time!" Cyborg exclaimed, clutching his forehead in dismay.

"THAT'S IT!" The nurse angrily yelled, storming out of the room. "I'm calling security this instant!"

Argent didn't have time to react to the nurse's exasperation as Robin pulled up several files onto the television screen. Using his communicator as a remote, he rapidly flipped through the images. The pictures must've been taken from security cameras scattered amongst Jump City, but each photo held the same crucial image. A robot, coated in black metallic steel. Half of its face was colored orange, and an "S" had been etched into its chest.

Their breathing hitched, and Robin vocalized the horrific truth.

"Slade's back."

Author's Note: What's that you say? Why, of course I'm not plotting something absolutely diabolical! *whistles innocently*

There was a lot of self-reflection in this chapter, but overall I'm happy with the result. The plot is finally moving forward, and now that Slade is in the mix, things are about to get a hell of a lot more interesting. I can hardly contain my excitement! Plus, yay, another Argent-centric chapter!

Thanks again to all those who reviewed last chapter. I've been a little stressed out lately, but your feedback and support have really helped me out. Feel free to review again if you'd like. I always love hearing from you guys.

Until next time.