Allow Me to Live Like You
Alexnandru Van Gordon
Okay, I noticed I ended my chapter abruptly—and thank you KaliAnn for pointing that out. I just want to thank everyone for sticking with my story, and please pardon my rude behavior if I abruptly end anything else. I just finished my last mid-term (WOHOO!) and I'll be free to spend more time on my chapters—I promise.
Yes, I know my story is moving at a slow pace, but the plan I made up is long. It would end all the fun if I ended the entire series in just ten or eleven chapters, anyway. No? Also, I didn't forget about anyone if you're wondering. I do know who needs saving…
DISCLAIMER: I know 'em—don't own 'em. Need I say more?
CHAPTER SIX: A few plans
Choking, he struggled for release. It was almost all over soon…his head was light…body growing numb…
Bang!
It sounded like a firecracker on Chinese New Year (Alex: (Rubs head) those hurt if you get hit with them upon explosion), and to follow was a brilliant, but short, flash of light. If he couldn't see already, that light did the trick. He saw stars—and took in a long deep breath, realizing he was sitting on the floor. Slade had dropped him, but why? Hadn't that light belonged to something of his?
"There you are." Slade said, pleased. Cyborg rubbed his eyes and focused on the new figure standing no more than ten feet away. Now with the goggles replaced with a familiar mask, Robin—or Grayson—stood there in a Nighthawk costume, ready to fight. The only difference from this Robin and the one Starfire had seen in the future was the hair. This guy still had his short.
"Can't stay dead, can you?" Grayson asked, frowning. He took up his fighting stance. "Must we go through this again?"
Slade's voice darkened. "Indeed…" He muttered, eyeing Grayson's new suit. "I've been dead for a day… It looks like it may take a few more years to teach you where you belong."
"I belong by no one's side."
"Think what you may. The truth remains the truth."
Grayson whipped out his Bo-staff, prepared to fight. However, Slade stood his ground in his calm manner, hands behind his back.
Cyborg couldn't take it anymore.
Before either one could move or speak, Cyborg raised his cannon, took lousy aim, and fired. Luckily at his distance from Slade, it didn't matter how horrible his aim was. The blue blast hit him all the same and pounded his left shoulder into the wall, supposedly taking Slade out of consciousness once more. After being dead, Cyborg would have expected no less from the man.
Dead men should stay dead.
"You…you…" Grayson was gapping, his masked eyes wide. "You did something I've been trying to do for about six years…"
"Only because he was just dead." Cyborg replied honestly, standing and backing away form Slade. He was afraid he was going to jump up and grab him again. "Which reminds me…how are we going to stop him before he wakes up?"
"We'll kill him again."
Cyborg blinked. Though Robin was a feisty little guy, he would never commit murder! And even if this guy was anything like him, he couldn't see such a mature fellow lowering himself to such a level. The again, he just mentioned something about six years of what Cyborg believed was service to Slade…Time did things to people…
Then another point came to mind.
"Ummm…What? Now? How…this guy just came back from the dead. I never knew he was immortal!"
Grayson shook his head. "He has to die—and yes, the Slade from my time is something of an immortal. I can't say the same for your villain though…But besides that, I've been thinking for quite a while how you would keep an immortal dead…"
Cyborg blinked.
"How?"
-R-
This was unfair. This was just so stupidly unfair! If they hadn't thought he was crazy enough already, he would have begun to swear, but Bruce knew that wasn't in his nature. He had to convince them he was still the same guy—just a little eager to take down a man that (yes) was still alive.
You guys believe me, right?
HW smiled. "Without a doubt."
Speedy grinned too. "Yeah, but…we'll need help to get you out of this one."
"Need you ask, oh fearless leader?" Beast Boy added in, backing him up all the way.
Robin frowned. This hadn't been the first time he was strapped down to a hospital bed. The straps were easy—you just needed a knife, or just enough slack to wriggle your hands toward the buckles. No…Bruce had been one of three men to strap him down personally as he struggled, and his work was tight. Although, that wasn't stopping them from helping them.
No more.
What!?
You kids can't work on your own anymore—and don't even think about sneaking out. Secondly, don't let Robin free or we'll tie you up too.
Hey! What have we done to prove our insanity?
Don't know, HW. You've been to a hospital numerous amounts of time. Electrocution can do things to a person's mind.
Don't pick on her—
And don't get me started, Speedy. And don't you kids dare talk to Robin about you-know-who. Do so much as mention his name and you'll be locked up in your rooms.
Unfair!
Unjust!
Unhuman!
It's "Inhuman", Beast Boy, and don't you start too. You're kids. You wouldn't understand.
I call upon the Children's Revolution!
I second that!
I third that!
You can't—
Quiet, please. We don't converse with adults upon matters of the Children's Revolution. If you have a comment, please e-mail it to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank-you!
Robin grinned at that memory. Though the JL had been unfair in their actions, at least HW, Beast Boy, and Speedy kept a piece of mind to throw at them. The Children's Revolution—funny! He wanted to fourth that idea, but he was gagged, and now HW, Beast Boy, and Speedy had all been herded away from the Medic room. He had been alone for hours in the dark, curtains shut tight as he was told to get some shut-eye. Yeah right! He had spent every last second of his time in there to break free. He could have reached the buckles around his waist by now if it hadn't been for the cuffs preventing his hands from pulling inward. It was exactly the same as the bed at T-tower…except it hadn't been this dark.
The window was opened—he saw the far curtains flow in the breeze. His head was by another window along the same wall, beds lined up next to his stretching toward the opened window. How it had opened, he could only guess.
In the dark he tried to squint, but he was awfully tired. All his struggling and the weight of his stress was weighing down on him. But why suddenly now? Fear? Maybe…yes… His gut was twisted and he found he was pulling harder at the restraints. One of them had to give way sooner or later…
Though it was dark, he could see the figure of someone step into the room, pushing the curtains aside just long enough to allow what little sun light was outside into the room. It showed his black silhouette, tall, dark, and ominous…a familiar combo…
No… Robin thought. Not now. Why now?
The man closed the window behind him and the curtains fluttered shut once more. The room became pitch black now after Robin's eyes began to adjust to the light. Why did it have to be so dark? Why couldn't the sunlight stream inside?
Go to sleep, Robin. You need some rest.
Damn them! He screamed inside his head. They had rendered him defenseless—they had might as well just hand him over to Slade! How could they…
He heard the footsteps, the stealthy footsteps only made audible to drive a stake of fear in Robin's heart. Well, it was working, wasn't it?
The man sat on the side of Robin's bed by his left hip and a hand was placed on his chest, feeling for his rapid breaths. "You should calm down, Robin. The last time you became this hyper, I believe you spat up blood."
Slade…Why can't you leave me alone…There's so many other people out there…
"Look at where you've put yourself now." Slade continued, much as though talking about the weather. "They've practically thrown you to me—what fools! I could take you now and they wouldn't know until they saw you standing by my side. Didn't I tell you how stupid they are—like dogs…keep coming back, thinking they will win… And you, my little mutt, you ran like I said you would, to heal and prepare to correct your mistakes. Too bad you didn't see this coming. Your futile battle would have been something to see…"
Mutt.
Robin continued to struggled, never ceasing to pray at least one of the straps would snap from all the tension. But none of them did, and Slade only pressed down with his on the chest.
"I can feel your heartbeat, Robin… It's so small, like it should be for a child…and yet it is racing. Tell me why? Are you angry or frustrated? Or…afraid? Yes…afraid…every child has their monster to run from, with a parent or two who tells them they're only part of a nightmare. You already know you're nightmare is coming true…your monster is also real…"
"Leave me alone." He said, voice muffled by the cloth. But there was no use. This was an opportune time for Slade to end it for him.
But he didn't.
There was the sound of angry voices down the hall, softened by the thick wooden door to the room. There was another argument between the JL and the CR (Children's Revolution, hehehe…) and they were headed Robin's. If they were, they were taking their sweet time about it. There was a ZAP! And then silence…If only they came a little quicker…maybe Robin could had back long enough…
"Perhaps another time, Robin." Slade sighed heavily, standing from the bed. Now that Robin could see better in the dark, he could see Slade stare down at him with that apathetic eye of his. "I only really came to warn you—everyone you drag into this will die. If they die by my hands or your hands, it doesn't matter. But you will have to choose between the two unless you run from this place. Alone, Robin. Alone… Come to me alone and open to change and you will save more lives in one day than you have through all these years. Decide otherwise and you will regret ever discovering I existed…"
Robin wanted to curse him—he wanted to see him burn in the darkest depth of the underworld, but that was never going to happen. And he could only listen in horror as Slade leaned over him to whisper one last terrifying thing in his ear…
-HW-
"Stupid!" She snapped and stormed forward, Speedy and Beast Boy on either side of her.
Flash sped in front of then yet again and stood with crossed arms. "The Bats gonna have a fit if he finds out you're disturbing Robin."
"We're disturbing Robin?" Beast Boy exclaimed, a strict index finger pointed in Flash's face. "What's disturbing is that you guys lock up a perfectly good hero who has never done a crime in his life…intentionally—but that's besides the point."
"We don't know how many times we have to tell you people, but Robin isn't crazy." Speedy said to support his friend. "We'll be in and out in five minutes."
"What for?" Flash pressed, sliding into Speedy's way when the hotheaded redhead tried to move past him.
HW was sick and tired of this. She needed to tell Robin the rest of what she learned about Slade—or, rather, Deathstroke the Terminator. She had tried to tell the JL, but the moment she said Deathstroke, Bruce was down her throat in a heartbeat. Even without his costume he could look menacing.
That was why they had to talk to Robin now, while Bruce was gone at a meeting. This would probably be one of the few chances for them to make a plan with Robin and get the job done. They only had eight hours, and eight hours wasn't very long when you had to find a villain, hunt him down, fight him, and lock him up in Arkham with all the other daises.
"Move Flash, or I'll electrocute you."
He shook his head. "Like you would—"
Zap!
Speedy and Beast Boy stood with wide eyes as Flash fell to the floor with a light thud. She just stood there with her right hand still extended, palm facing her once standing obstacle.
"Quit gapping." She snapped, not in any mood for a lecture. "He'll wake up in an hour or so."
Neither questioned her and they started once more down the hall toward Robin.
Suddenly Beast Boy halted and shot an arm out to his side to stop both HW and Speedy. "Listen…" He said. "Is it just me, or do you hear talking…?"
"Robin, perhaps?" HW suggested.
"Not likely." Speedy replied, frowning as they started down the hall at a faster pace. "He's gagged, remembered?"
True…and the voice was deeper, or, more accurately, older. It was so creepy…seductive and calculating, heavy with venom yet sweet with victory at the exact same time. That was the voice of a truly evil man…she couldn't picture it belonging to anyone else.
They slid to a halt before the door and Beast Boy grabbed the doorknob, turning it. In an instant they fell into the room, trying to get in all at once, Speedy on top. The instant HW shoved him off, she rubbed her head and gazed around the dark environment…no one was there but Robin. He was awfully quiet, so unlike the last time they say him.
"Let go!"
HW dropped her book and as did her two new friends. They all gazed out the study doorway at a struggling Robin as Batman, Flash, and the Green Lantern slowly half carried—half dragged him down the hall with much difficulty.
She never knew the Titans leader was so strong and unwilling to give up. If it she had been the one to get dragged to the Medic room, it would have been over someone's shoulder and she's be there in a heartbeat. Superman almost stepped in to help, but the other three were too embarrassed to accept. It was shocking that such a young kid could cause so much trouble.
Then she spotted it—the opened window. The curtains were really what caught her attention, suddenly moving in the gentle breeze. Though, and gentle as the breeze was, it was terribly cold inside. No one in their right mind would have left Robin alone with the window open…
She stood and brushed herself off, helping beast Boy to his feet. Then the three of them walked over cautiously toward Robin's bed and stared down at him in surprise. He was silent and still, and even though he had his mask on, HW noticed the single tear that rolled down the side of his face onto the pillow.
Why did he cry?
-RX-(thought I forgot about him, eh?)
Sitting/leaning on the edge of the secretary's desk, Red-X listened until she was quiet in the closet where he had tied her up and locked her away for the time being. As long as she was quiet enough not to alert anyone, he would remember to release her when he left. He had only needed her to call Bruce Wayne in anyway, claiming that there was an important meeting he forgot about. Once she assured him that he was on his way—it was into the closet with her, but still he doubted the gag was doing it's job. Her muffled shouting was driving him nuts.
"Would you shut up already?!" He yelled, his voice slightly warped from the effect of his skull like mask. He was still in costume, but his belt was gone. Oh well. He replaced it with a replica of the original belt save for the invisibility. That was something else he needed Robin for. Damn that kid! Why did he have to stop Red-X the first time they met!
Grumbling, he heard the middle-aged brunette put an end to her attempts of calling for help. Then he heard the doorknob turn. The door swung opened and—
"Sorry if I'm late, Su—"
Bruce Wayne was cut short by the sight of Red-X. X watched with glee as the man's expression changed from slightly confused to absolutely shocked. But Red-X was shocked himself. This guy didn't try to run. He simply closed the door behind him, frowned deeply, and slowly put his briefcase on the ground. Then he took off his coat and threw it down on his briefcase, preparing for, what Red-X believed was, a fight.
"You've got guts." Red-X admitted. "And you look different from other business men I've dealt with. Congrats on gathering enough wits to stand your ground. I'll remember you."
"—behind bars." Mr. Wayne added with a low growl. "Where's Susan?"
On Q, the woman began calling again from inside the closet, all her words muffled by the gag.
"She's safe." Red-X sighed, weary with all the waiting. "I didn't hurt her—honest to God. But she'll be freed after we're finished talking. Let me say my part and we can fight until midnight if that's what you want."
Bruce laughed, evidently annoyed with the young criminal. "What would I possibly want to hear from you?"
He sighed. This guy was just like a hero, always cutting away the ideas that some villains lend a hand then and again when they benefited from it. Well, Red-X wanted revenge and he needed to find Robin now that he lost him, possibly Batman too for it was certain he could help him as well.
"Deathstroke ring a bell?"
The man froze, his shoulders no longer tense. His whole figure seemed to relax and his frown lightened up—still remaining. He eyed the criminal and, though Red-X hated it when people did that, he said nothing, holding perfectly still.
Bruce Wayne sighed. "What do you know about him? Are you working for him?"
"I wouldn't work for him to save my mother's life. I want him dead."
Bruce Wayne became suspicious, eyeing Red-X in that annoying way. "Why did you come to me about this? If you haven't noticed, I'm a business man."
"Indeed." But now was the time to cut to the chase. "You know Batman, Batman and Robin work together—I want Robin."
This answer gave the man the surprise of his life. It apparently took him a while to gather enough words to reply to that. "What on earth do you want him—and want makes you think you'll just get him."
"Robin and I were interrupted at our last meeting. I need to speak with him again unless he wants this whole city to crumble to the ground."
"You're threatening?"
"No—Im helping."
"But—"
The man was cut off by the loud explosive that shook the building. Red-X almost lost his balance, but both he and Bruce kept their feet. The wall beside the window was blown away, dust settling in the room as it cause them both to cough.
"Who the hell—"
"I see you don't know when to back out, do you, Red-X?"
Dammit! Why did he have to come now out of all the times in the world! Why was he being interrupted every time he tried to talk to someone? Was it because he was actually doing something good for once? Was he finally paying up for all the trouble he caused in the past?
Well, let's not go that far.
He waved away the cloud of dust in front of his face and turned to face the threat. It wasn't Slade like he had expected it to be, but rather the Joker. They had…crossed paths when Red-X went to spy on Slade. It appeared that the evil mastermind was bringing together something of a small army of villains. Them together, along with all their goons and little assistants, would be quite the handful for the city soon. But Gotham wasn't the only target. It wouldn't even be a target if Robin hadn't left Jump City.
"A clown?" Red-X laughed. "Really, I thought you had had enough of me last time."
"You didn't laugh at any of my jokes during our last little meeting, kid." The Joker growled, not at all impressed. Behind him stood five of his goons waiting on the helicopter outside the hole. "I was so upset, I just had to try again. And why don't you take off your mask so I can see you smile?"
"No can do." Red-X laughed. He pulled out an explosive. "Now, are you going to stand around yapping the whole time, or are we going to get this party started?..."
-A-
Alex: Well, now that that's over… How do I get Robin to come…I need him to pick up Mad Mob and I need to tell him something. How do I invite him…?
Robin: (Suddenly sitting on the bed behind Alex) You mean I get to remember all this? (Excited) Are you going to tell me how to defeat Slade?
Alex: (Uneasy) Err…Sorry, but that would ruin the whole story. I'm just going to prepare you for something absolutely agonizing that's about to happen. I'm sorry to say that things are going to be going downhill.
Robin:…O.o? But why?
Alex: Sorry, it's categorized under Angst. This wouldn't be Angst-like if I didn't make almost minute of your life a living—
Robin: (Shocked, stands up off bed) You've got to be joking me!
Alex: Calm down, you're going to wake somebody up! And don't worry, there are ups and downs. Every story has its initial accidents, before the climax.
Robin: Yeah, but what about the reviewers? Don't they know about this little conversation?
Alex: (Ginning) They're a smart bunch, but no one will guess what I've got up my sleeves.
Robin: If you say so…
-(currently busy)
-Alexnandru Van Gordon