Chapter 50. Hope or murder.
"And you expect me to believe such a ruse. Trigon has no way to come back. I'm not the portal anymore, I severed any connection with him once and for all a long time ago" Raven said, an inch away from a disgusted snarl.
"You might have accomplished that dear Raven, but I wasn't so lucky" Slade said calmly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I am the new portal" this made Raven scuff .
"Don't be ridiculous Slade. The only way for him to come back was thru me, his direct descendant. You on the other hand…"
"Don't you wonder how is it that I can heal the same way you can without any demonic background like you?"
"That was going to be my next question but since you feel like sharing, go ahead, I'm listening"
"All those years ago, when he used you as the portal, he also used me. Not only that but he took my soul. That was the deal. He would bring me back from the dead, since dear Miss Terra had a change of heart at the last minute, in exchange for me to help him lure you in. But, after realizing he would be defeated, I retrieved my soul myself. Your father wasn't happy about it of course and that's why he cursed me with this… every time I heal, I regain the powers he once gave me, but in doing so, he also opened a connection between me and him"
"A connection? While you heal?" she asked incredulous.
"Yes. Of course I never gave it too much thought considering none of you has been able to even touch me, until…"
"Until Meliah hurt you. Then you had a reason to heal" she finished lost in her own thoughts.
"Exactly. Now a second time by your boyfriend" he said as his gaze bore into her. She met his eyes while crossing her arms over her chest. Frowning all the while.
"And how exactly do you pretend for me to help you"
"Simple. You said so yourself. You severed any connection you had with him and now you're out of his reach. I need you to help me do the same"
Raven scuffed "You don't know what you're asking for Slade" she said as she turned around and walked a few steps but what he said next stopped her from leaving the room as was her intent.
"Oh but I know Raven. Answer me this… do you think your father would have any mercy over the ones that betrayed him… I don't think so. You and I would probably be his first targets. Then your friends, then the rest of the world, bringing it down once more"
"If I recall correctly, he had also offered you to rule"
"Lets be honest Raven. I may plot to conquer a city, or even the world but what would be the use if its destroyed entirely. No Raven. Believe it or not, I like the world as it is, and I'm sure you do as well"
"Slade? Are you even aware of what I had to do in order to break free of his control… I died and was reborn from the ashes with no memory of who or what I was. If it wasn't for Robin going down to hell and back for me, I would have never made it"
"And do you know who showed him the way, Raven? Me, I was there. I showed him how to get to you"
There was silence. That last bit took her by surprise "Robin never mentioned that"
"He had no reason to. I'm sure he was ashamed to admit that for once, we were able to work together for the same cause." he watched her face. A trace of uneasiness fleetingly graced her features but she was in control once more and what met him was an stoic stance. "If you don't believe me, ask him" said Slade and nodded towards the door behind her.
"Unfortunately, its true Raven" said Robin coming from the door.
"Robin? What are you doing here? I thought you left with the others" said Raven, unable to conceal her surprise.
"I did, but I came back last night. Beast Boy asked me to come in case you needed help with him which… is he fully recovered?" He said after looking at the villain in the eye for the first time. Raven nodded. "So the bracelet didn't work after all?"
"Oh it did. I took it off"
"Why?"
"I wanted to know what was so important but, now I wished I didn't" Robin raised a questioning eyebrow. "Trigon played a double trick on Slade"
"What do you mean?"
"It means that Trigon is recreating a portal for him to come through again. But this time its through me" said Slade from the wall. Robin's eyes went wide open and couldn't help but let out a tiny gasp.
"Is that possible?" Robin whispered but Raven heard him.
"A last, desperate attempt to take over but…it doesn't make sense" she said almost to herself and walked away. Robin, on the other hand, remained behind and as he watched her go, he asked.
"Why are you doing this Slade?"
"Trust me when I tell you Robin…" he started to say but Raven interrupted.
"Please, don't stop on my account, continue" she said with sarcasm sipping through each word. Slade chuckled.
"I don't want any of that to happen again any more than you do. Besides, I could say I'm cashing in a favor I did to you for helping finding you all those years ago Raven, but I'm not. I'm actually offering something in exchange"
"Yes, you mentioned a so called key component to the cure for Meliah's illness… this is pointless" she said with an exasperated sigh and with a flick of her hand, Slade was back on the cot, on his back, still chained with the rock shackles. Raven, once again, walked away. This time, Robin followed.
As they walked down the corridors of the lower parts of the monastery, silenced reigned. Raven had pulled the hood over her head again. A sign of decision, determination and confidence that only her garment gave away as her features never revealed much of anything. Robin eyed her from time to time. Not pestering her with questions but giving her space. Whatever she had in mind, would be revealed eventually. Or so he hoped. But after a few more feet without a sign of sharing, he ventured and asked quietly "Where are we going?"
Raven's speed never faltered, her cloak swaying with every step as they approached the unknown destination. "I don't believe him… what he wants me to do is not clean cut"
"What do you mean"
"Do you remember what happened to me after I became the portal?"
"How can I forget. I found a small little version of you" he said with a faint fond smile at the memory but Raven's expression remained stoic and just as cold, continued.
"What else do you remember?" to this Robin frowned and had to turn to look at her. She could feel his gaze on her but she remained looking straight ahead. "You barely remembered who I was" he answered after a moment.
"Not only you but everyone else… even myself, and even after I remembered, it took a painful incentive to regain my powers"
"But you did and you defeated him all on your own, but, I failed to see what does that have to do with any of this"
"Trigon had been right in one thing Robin, I was still alive only because he had allowed it with the only purpose of showing me how much power he had over me"
"No Raven" he said and grabbed her by the shoulders to stop her and turned her around to face him "Your will to live, your will to do good, that's what kept you alive and the rest of us"
"Robin you don't get it"
"Then help me understand. What does that have to do with Slade?"
"In order to cut any connection with Trigon is by dying"
"But you were reborn"
"Exactly, but that only happened thanks to Trigon's powers. Some of those powers I was born with but the rest…"
"Some? Like what?"
"Levitating, healing, empathic abilities, but specially traveling in between dimensions. Those are my traits, but everything else came from him, his demonic influence"
"So, is that why he used you as a portal? Because he cant travel in between realms on his own?"
"Exactly. But in Slade's case, if he dies, it would take a great deal of black magic to bring him back. To be reborn, is not exactly natural."
"So… if he asked you to helped him, does that mean he knows what's going to happen?"
"I'm almost sure… as sure as that those events were also on those paintings"
"Paintings? What paintings?" he asked with an arched eyebrow as they resumed walking. For a moment she thought about reprimanding him on his bad memory but then she remembered it had been Michael who had seen the paintings before instead.
"Long story, all I can tell you is that I noticed some of them missing when I came back looking for Cyborg, but I don't recall what was on them."
They walked in silence once more as Robin's head went around all he had learned so far. He thought to himself that there was much to talk about with Michael once they had some kind of hold to this entire ordeal. When they reached their destination, it was an old, dusty chamber. Smaller than the others but packed with rows and rows of books along the walls. The smell of old, perhaps ancient tomes filled their nostrils. It was darker saved by a few candles and a dimly lit chandelier above a small table.
Raven looked around them first, then approached a shelf and as she read every title on the spine of the aligned books, she also run her hand inches away from each one. Robin noticed her actions.
"What exactly are you looking for? Do you need help?"
"I'm not sure of what it looks like"
"Then how…" Robin's incredulous response, but he stopped himself from finishing his questioning. This was Raven and anything pertaining her nature was, for the most part, dark and unknown but he trusted her judgment.
"Back in the temple where I grew up, there was a book that contained the purest black magic to ever exist, but it would only show itself to true demons. That's how I discovered what I was, it was because I ventured in their library and the book started to glow when I was near. I had heard of such book before but never expected it to exist. When I told Azar what I found, she had no other choice but to tell me."
"And you think there is one of those here? What does it look like?"
"There should be. The monks have to know what they are up against in order to protect it. The symbols on the outside of the walls came from that book. As far as what it looks like, I only had a chance to see that it had no title. I never read its contents" she said calmly as she kept searching row by row. Robin nodded once and headed to the bookshelf behind him.
Looking for a nameless book at first, seemed easy enough, but after coming across more than one, two, three… seven… it became tedious. He would bring it to Raven but sometimes, even before he got the book completely out of its place, she told him it was not the one. After half hour of fruitless results, Raven felt a pull. Like a magnet pulling on its opposite counterpart. She went back a few rows and saw a dim reddish light coming from in between a dusty corner. And as soon as she placed her hand above the book, it flew to her hand in a flash, making Robin jump back as well as Raven once the book was on her hand.
Her eyes glowed red for a moment and she felt the warmth then cold chill run down her spine as if electricity was running through her. The fake cover of the book disintegrated and revealed a bright red, engraved cover and opened itself in her hand. And for a moment, a malicious smile spread across her face and a second set of eyes made their appearance.
"Raven?" said Robin and approached her cautiously but suddenly, she started to chuckle in a not so funny way that sent shivers down Robin's spine while she gripped the open book.
"Raven! Stop!" he yelled and with his bo staff, hit the book and sent it flying across the room. It closed on impact but the dim glow remained. Raven on the other hand seemed astonished. The red eyes were gone and only her two purple, wide open ones remained. She was panting and her hands were slightly shaking, still in the same position as when they were holding the book.
"Raven! Are you alright?… Raven?" he asked, there was worry in his tone. He grabbed her hands to keep them from shaking and the action brought Raven back from her shock.
"R-Robin? Are you ok?"
"I am fine, what happened to you? You looked like when you came out of the snow bank in the mountain ready to hurt Beast Boy"
"That book contains the darkest magic that my demon side craves. Azar warned me about it before, I just never thought it would be that strong" she said almost calm then looked around. When she spotted the book, she made the attempt to go in its direction but Robin was still holding her hands and held them tighter when he felt her hands slip away.
"Raven wait… are you sure that's a good idea? There's got to be some other way. Perhaps him not existing anymore is a better solution…"
"Robin, that would be murder. You cant possibly suggest that. We don't kill no matter how bad the villain is" she reprimanded.
"I know, I know… I'm sorry. Its just that… you having to go through all that for that psychopath its just not at all reasonable to me"
"In normal circumstances, it wouldn't. But, Meliah's life depends on it. Gar would never forgive me if I didn't exhaust every possibility to save her… don't get me wrong. I still don't like the idea of her expecting his child but if I let her die, I wouldn't only be killing Slade but Meliah and a child that has no fault in any of this"
"I know, I'm sorry. You're right but still, there has to be another way"
"There is, but it would take a lot longer and we don't know how much longer we have to perform the incantation safely away from my father before its too late… besides, I have to learn how to control it. Otherwise we're doomed" she said and reluctantly, he let her go.
When she approached the book this time, she extended her hand and as the book flew to her hand once more, it was stopped by a dark aura she had created. The pull was incredible. She could feel its power teasing her very being and slowly, the space between the book and her hand disappeared along with the dark aura. On contact, her eyes glowed red again and the moment the second set appeared, she took a deep breath then let it out slowly. Repeating her mantra softly to herself. When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Robin with his staff in hand, ready for anything that was to happen in case she didn't have full control.
She couldn't find it in her to be mad at him, after all, she would have done the same thing. Being prepared for the unknown was always better than being taken by surprise too late.
She locked eyes with him and nodded once. Robin responded the same way and put away his weapon. Raven walked to the table illuminated by the chandelier and opened the book. Slowly, very gently, turned its pages one by one, trying to just read the titles and not the actual procedures. No need to tempt what was already boiling on the borderlines of her control.
And there, almost in the middle of the tome, was the spell she needed. With a list of ingredients, detailed procedure and detailed results of possible outcomes. Robin watched with wide eyes at the illustrations that appeared on each page. Some were explicit and gruesome, he also noticed that the writing was in a foreign language but he dared not ask as the illustration were explanation enough. After reading through the procedures for a few minutes, there was a sharp intake of air that cut the silence.
"What is it?" asked Robin.
"If I understand this right, there is a way to bring him back, and just like me, he would be reborn. Also, just like me, he would have no memory for a while until he decides to remember"
"What do you mean he decides to remember. If he doesn't know what he's supposed to remember in the first place, then how…"
"Exactly!. I remembered because I wanted to. Because I saw what was happening around me. Because my powers helped and I was back to being sixteen within hours and not remain an eight year old girl. But… he doesn't have that ability, at least, he wont have it anymore, so…"
"So he can remain being at whatever age he returns to?"
"Yes, perhaps he would even have to grow again the normal way instead of instantly…" there was silence again and Robin's eyebrows were raised as high as his forehead allowed when the implications of the information sank in.
"So, you mean we may end up with a very young Slade in our hands?" he said slowly, not sure if he wanted to know the answer.
"it's a possibility"
They walked back to the chamber where Slade was being held captive. The man in question was of course, still laying on his back. A malicious smile spread along his features when he saw them approach.
"So, titans… have you decided to take my deal"
"Actually Slade, I have a better one for you" said Raven and loosen the grip on his shackles to allow him to sit.
"I'm listening"
"Of course something has to be done to stop Trigon from coming back, that's out of the question" Robin started.
"The bargain however, has changed. I'm afraid you're not aware of the implications of what needs to be done so let me enlighten you. You know that you have to die in order to sever any connection with him, correct? Well, I can always choose not to bring you back unless you tell us what important component is needed to cure Meliah"
Slade chuckled at this. "Raven, Raven… you're not a killer no matter how powerful that demonic side of yours is. Besides, you're superheroes, and superheroes don't kill so I know you have to bring me back and that bargain is out of the question" Raven smiled at this, a not very comforting smile at that that Slade didn't like, but he never showed it.
"Exactly, which bring me to the part that you're not aware of. Of course I would have to bring you back. No matter how much I wanted not to. But, when you come back, you wont remember even who you are. You'll be returned to a point in time when no trace of malign thought ever crossed your mind. Now, I don't know how old or how young can that be, which means you can be reborn and remain a toddler. You would have to grow up the normal, natural way again and everything you have accomplished so far, will be lost forever"
"What? You were back to your old self right before defeating your father so I know you're lying"
"That only happened because of my powers Slade. But if you remember right, because I know you do, I was a little girl, hiding behind the rocks, watching how my father hurt my friends and even you. But may I remind you that you will not possess such powers, so it will be in my hands to return you to your adult, criminal self. So again, either you tell us the last component or you will be left to go through puberty again. Who knows. With no memory of what brought you to your current state of mind, perhaps you would even be… I don't know… good?"
"You wouldn't dare"
"Is either that or the alternative. Let Trigon come back thru you. He would take away the burden of killing you and having to bring you back. I defeated him once, I can do it again. Or… do the spell now and bring you back, only after you tell us what we need to know and Trigon wont even have a chance to take advantage of with either one again… what do you say Slade?"
For once, they saw fear in his eye. They could see his mind running a hundred miles per hour at the possibilities, but in the end of his revere, he sighed and said.
"Leonore Umanzor Natovsky. She's a young scientist that created a serum that if developed to its fifth stage, it can be a deadly acid but Its early stages have medicinal purposes A few years ago I was able to… acquire… a sample of it in the third stage. . Its called Dragorian Plomurus"
"Natovsky?" asked Raven.
"Where can we find her?" asked Robin, the name bringing memories of the poacher that not too long ago, had terrorized his friends"
"Last thing I know is that she was under the protection of Dayton's Enterprises…Now, your side of the bargain"
"Not until we verify that" said Robin and pulled his communicator out. Dialed a number and the angry voice of Mento came to life.
"You have some nerve to call me again boy" this took Robin by surprise for a moment but only a name came to mind as the reason for Mento's displeasure. Michael.
"Look, whatever it is you think I did or said, leave it alone for the time being. I have a name I need you to verify. Its life or death" the determination on his voice left no room for argument and Mento only frowned but nodded.
"The name Leonore Umanzor Natovsky. She's believed to be under the protection of Dayton's Enterprises. A young scientist…"
"That created the Dragorian Plomurus serum. I see you're aware of her, well, so is the Doom Patrol. We spoke to Beast Boy and are on our way to the tower with Miss Umanzor with us." said Mento with a smug smile.
"Very well, then I guess you also know that the serum in its third stage was used to come up with a temporary cure.?"
"The third stage? Are you sure?" came the agitated voice of a girl with an English accent behind Mento in the screen. Raven came next to Robin and looked for the source of the voice. She looked into the small screen the moment Mento traded places with her in the console. It was a young girl, no older than any of them. With beautiful green eyes, pale complexion and brownish, reddish hair and right now, a frown slightly deformed her perfect features.
"Please, answer me. How do you know of the third stage?" she asked urgently with a slight frown.
"We have Slade in custody and he said…"
"Slade?… I have to see that… show him to me!" she demanded. The two titans looked at each other then Robin walked closer to the villain. She frowned and tilted her head slightly at the sight of the unmasked man. "Are you su…" she started to say when Slade spoke.
"Hello Leonore. Has that scar healed yet?"
"You loathsome, despicable… miserable…" the rest was a muffled rant of obscenities that she was fluent to spill in as many languages as she could remember. Mento removed her from the sit for a moment while exchanging words they couldn't quite hear.
"She sure hates your guts Slade. What did you do to her?" asked Raven while she crossed her arms over her chest. But Slade wasn't intimidated easily so he chuckled instead.
"We had an impasse I'm sure you'll hear about as I'm also sure that Beast Boy would be pleased to see her again"
Raven growled but Robin put himself before her to stop her from advancing on the man.
"Don't let him get to you. I'm sure he doesn't know what he's talking about" but another chuckle was heard.
"You seem to under estimate me once more, Richard Greyson. Need I say more?"
