Summary: Takes place the day after the previous chapter

Disclaimer: I don't own DC

Zatanna was miserable. It had been two days since the team's encounter with Dick, and she hadn't slept a wink since then. She stayed in her room and cried for the most part, Wally and Arty checking on her. She better than anyone on the team knew that Dick would never do something like this, and so she was already coming up with theories as to how Slade had forced Dick to work for him. I have to save him. No matter what. Dick...just hang in there...

Bruce hadn't slept for a second either ever since Dick had been taken, and he was mercilessly searching for Slade ever since the team had alerted him of their encounter with the Boy Wonder. He was absolutely furious knowing that Slade had somehow coerced his son into becoming a criminal, and Alfred and Diana could do little to stop his endless search. He had made a note to check in on Zatanna, but he was far too busy with this to do so. Alfred had taken it upon himself to check on the magician, who seemed to be in even worse shape than Bruce was. She appreciated the comfort that the butler provided, but all she really wanted right now was to see Dick.

Meanwhile, the Boy Wonder wasn't doing much better. He was presently situated in his "room", letting a few tears fall as depressing thoughts ran through his head. That look in her eyes...how will I ever be able to explain this to her? God, what if I don't even make it back? She...she'll think I'm actually evil...I-I can't think like that. I'm going to get out of here, somehow, and I'm going to make this up to her. Whatever it takes. Dick had spent almost 3 days with Slade at this point, and most of that time was spent training. He had to admit, he had learned a lot from the assassin. Slade had taught him new moves that even Bruce hadn't, though they were mostly too...brutal for him to execute on a daily basis. His training had also strengthened him, and he had been getting better at combat awareness. He could almost hold his own against the Terminator for 5 whole minutes at this point, though he was far from being on Slade's level. If the man wasn't a lunatic, Dick honestly thought he would have made a good teacher. But he hated Slade with every ounce of his being for what he had made Dick do to his friends, and for his threats to Zatanna as well as the others. Heartless bastard. If he had any family of his own, maybe he would actually understand why you don't-

Slade walked in just as Dick was recomposing himself. He stood up, doing his best to hide the fact that he had cried a bit, not that Slade would have cared either way. "Get ready. We leave in 5." Dick gritted his teeth as he nodded and prepared for their "mission". Now that they had stolen the anti-paralysis biochip, the only thing they had left to acquire was a specialized stabilizing agent. Without the agent, the biochip was rendered volatile, as it was far too taxing on the human heart. The stabilizing agent was needed to keep body functions at optimal levels while still allowing for the biochip to help the user walk. It was an obvious next step in Slade's employer's plan, so Dick knew that Bruce would be there, or he would send the team. Either way, Dick was going to have to do something he really didn't want to. I either help him steal this chip, or he kills Zee, and then the rest of the team. I don't have a choice. I'm sorry, Bruce...

Back at the cave, Batman had come to the conclusion Dick had expected him to. The team was preparing to leave in the Bioship to defend the stabilizing agent and get their friend back, and Batman addressed them specifically. "I'm coming with you. He's my partner, and you all need serious back-up." Kaldur nodded.

"There is a good chance we will have to face Dick again."

"I know. He's trained for every contingency, and with Deathstroke watching over him, there's no way he won't be prepared to neutralize you all as threats. If it comes to it, I will deal with him. You all need to be at the top of your game to stop Deathstroke. Make no mistake, he goes down tonight. We will free Dick from whatever hold Slade has on him, you have my word. Now go." The team boarded the ship and took off as Bruce followed in the Batwing.

Slade and Dick were on his jet making their way to the research facility. Dick walked up to Slade, who was pacing back and forth as the ship was on autopilot. "Why so tense? Scared Bats is gonna kick your ass?" Slade scoffed.

"Your mentor and his little team of teenagers doesn't concern me in the slightest."

"So why are you so worried?"

"I need this to go well, nothing more." Dick scoffed at that.

"Please, this is just another job for you. God, when Bruce told me you had a code of honor, that you didn't exploit secret identities or personal relationships, I can't believe I actually believed him. You heartless little piece of shit, beat on me all you want, but why the hell do you think you can just go after my girlfriend, or my friends?! If you had ANYONE in YOUR life, you might realize the importance of-"

"Bruce didn't tell you?" Dick was cut off from his rant and he threw Slade a look.

"What?"

"He didn't tell you that I have a family? I'm surprised he kept it quiet." Dick looked at him questioningly, and Slade continued. "I'm not doing this, crossing these lines, for a stupid paycheck. I couldn't care less about money right now. No, I'm doing this for my son."

"Your son?"

"His name's Grant. He and his brother, they're not normal. They inherited some of my powers, their genes have been mutated in different ways." Slade leaned on a wall as he closed his eye. "Grant, he's one of the unlucky ones. He received almost all my powers, but his body, it couldn't take it. He lost the use of his legs, and it's only a while until the sickness reaches his heart and kills him. This chip, with the stabilizing agent, it could eliminate the tumor and let him walk again." Dick looked at him in disbelief.

"S-so that's why you-"

"His mom may have cut me out of his and his brother's lives, but he's still my kid. I'm not gonna let him die, not when there's a treatment for it. I have to do this, and I don't give a rat's ass who stands in my way." Dick looked at him with sorrow. Sure, he was a mercenary, but he didn't deserve to see his son die. Nobody deserved that kind of pain, and Dick knew that better than most.

"Alright."

"Alright, what?"

"Alright, I'll help you get the agent. I'm not gonna let an innocent kid die either, not when I can do something about it. Just...please. I'm begging you right now. Don't go after Ze-Zatanna." Slade sighed before nodding. Yeah, kid's got a point. That's one line I won't cross.

"Sure, kid. Your friends are safe. I wasn't gonna kill them anyways." Dick looked at him in shock. "What? I may be a murderer, but I don't kill kids. And I do have a code of honor, despite whatever you or Batman thinks." Dick nodded before Slade walked to the pilot's cabin to take control. Damn, he has a son? Who's gonna die? Now it all makes sense...he needed my help to save him. This changes things, big time...

Robin and Deathstroke landed at the facility, and Dick sprinted in after him. They approached a laser grid that was far too advanced for even Deathstroke to get past, and Slade turned to Dick, who nodded. His incredible acrobatics allowed him to easily traverse the grid without skipping a beat, and he shut it off so that Slade could get in. Note to self: if the whole hero biz doesn't work out, I've got an exciting possible career as a thief. The two secured the stabilizing agent and exited the facility only to be greeted by the team and Batman. Crap. Knew they'd be here. Deathstroke looked to Dick, who nodded. As much as he didn't want to do this, he had to help Slade's kid. The Terminator took on Batman before he could get to Dick, and Robin jumped in to "fight" the team.

-Subdue him, carefully. We do not want to harm him- Dick flipped over Connor's shoulders, sending him tumbling into the floor.

-Yeah, speak for yourself. He's starting to piss me off- He continued to dodge the other's attacks and act in self-defense, and Zatanna noticed that he was not fighting back at all. I need to know. She cast a spell that brought her and Dick into the astral plane, a dimension beyond the boundaries of the Earth. Dick saw everything, even Wally, freeze in motion as his and Zatanna's souls left their bodies temporarily. Zatanna knew they were ethereal, but she didn't care. She flew over and smashed her lips onto his own. They flew back from the impact, and he stiffened before gratefully returning the kiss. She broke it off after what seemed like forever to them, and she immediately slapped him across the face. Even in their ghostly form, Dick felt the blow and was sent reeling. Damn, she really packs a punch!

"That's for using tear gas on me! You know I hate it!"

"Yeah, I guess I deserved that." Zee brought him into another kiss, and he ran his fingers through her hair as they passionately embraced. Damn, even as a ghost her hair is freaking perfect. They broke off after a short bit and Dick immediately started to explain the story to her. "I'm sorry. I had no choice, I had to help him or else he was gonna kill you." Zatanna nodded as she pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.

"Help us stop him! We can take him together!"

"I...I can't." Zee pulled away.

"Why not?!"

"He-he has kids. Two boys. One of them has paralysis because he inherited his powers. Poor guy could die soon if we don't get him the treatment. That's why he had me steal the biochip and the stabilizing agent. I know it's not right, but I can't just let his kid die! I have to do something to save him." Zatanna blinked at the revelations before hugging Dick once more. He was so selfless, even when given the worst cards. It's what she admired and loved most about him.

"Okay, I'll help you. But you're taking the blame for everything if I get in trouble, and you are so making this up to me!" Dick smirked.

"I can think of one or two ways." She smacked his arm before kissing him, letting some laughter spill into their kiss. They hesitantly broke off, wanting to spend more time with each other, but Dick knew what he had to do. Zee chanted a spell, bringing them back into their own bodies. The moment he regained control of his body, Dick flipped away from the team, and Zatanna murmured a spell to make it appear as if he and Slade had disappeared in a flash of smoke. Everyone groaned and muttered curses under their breath, but Zee simply smirked. Go get him, babe. Bruce noticed her smirk and knew something was up. He approached her as the others made their way back to the ship.

"Why did you help them?" Zee gulped before explaining the story. You owe me big time for this one, Dick. If I die, I'm taking you with me.

Slade was startled when he and Dick teleported to their ship. "What happened?"

"I got my girlfriend to help us. Now quit standing around. Do you wanna help your kid or not?" Slade smirked before getting in the pilot seat and rocketing away. They quickly made their way to the hospital, and Slade snuck into his son's room, only to be met by Batman, who had somehow arrived there before them.

"It's over, Slade." Slade gritted his teeth as Dick ran forward.

"Bats, it's alright. He's just trying to-"

"I know. You want to save your son."

"Yes, I do. And I will kill you, your team, and anyone else who gets in my way."

"We have you outnumbered, not to mention that I could call in the League and they will arrive in a matter of minutes. Plus, even if you could kill us all, how are you going to install the biochip or the stabilizing agent without a medical professional? No, I don't want to fight you. I'm offering a solution."

"What solution?"

"Let Dick go, and give me the stolen goods. I will use it to save your son, you have my word."

"And I'm assuming I would go to prison, right?" Bruce looked him dead in the eye.

"Are you willing to save your son?" Slade paused for a moment before sheathing his sword and handing over both the agent and the chip. Batman nodded before placing him in handcuffs.

"If he dies, I kill you."

"He won't. You have my word, Slade." Deathstroke nodded before turning to Dick.

"Thanks, kid. I mean that." Dick smiled and nodded himself.

"See you around?" Slade smirked.

"Count on it." He was taken away by the authorities without protest, and Dick smiled. I know he's a horrible person, but somewhere in that ugly-ass shell, there's a bright spot just waiting to come out. Somewhere...Dick looked to Bruce, who had already handed the components over to a doctor.

"You know no prison will hold him for long, right?"

"I'm well aware. But we at least have his cooperation so long as his son is undergoing the surgery." Dick nodded.

"Sorry about...all this."

"If memory serves correct, you were a prisoner."

"Yeah...he did kinda threaten Zee. But, even still, I feel bad about his situation." Bruce nodded before staring into the room where Grant was being treated.

"Some people...some people are just dealt bad hands, and they don't have the same strength to work through it that you do." Dick smiled as the doctors started to prep Grant for his surgery and followed Bruce back to the jet. Now, just gotta figure out a way to make this up to Zee...

When Dick returned to the cave, he was met by hugs, a smack on the back of the head by Arty, and a deep kiss from Zee, in front of the rest of the team but neither of them cared. That last one made up for all the chaos he had to endure these past few days, and Dick savored every second of their intimacy before they eventually broke off, slightly red in the face knowing that everyone was watching. Dick grinned as he faced his team. "Sorry about-"

"Water under the bridge, my friend. You were a prisoner making the best of an impossible situation. We are glad to have you back." Dick grinned as Wally fist-bumped him and Zee grabbed his hand. The group eventually departed and Zee pulled Dick to the side as the others prepared for yet another movie night.

"So, how do you plan on making all this up to me?" Dick smirked before wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into a heated kiss, only to be interrupted by Wally and Arty. They both semi-glared at the snickering duo before Zee pulled him back in for another round of their tongues clashing.

The next morning in Belle Reve, Slade was handed a newspaper by a guard. "Congrats. Your kid's pulled through. Bruce Wayne apparently is paying for the surgery and promises to get him a fresh start." Slade smiled as he read the papers before continuing with his push-ups. Damn. Kid really did keep his promise. Grant's gonna be okay. Now, better get some rest before I break outta here.

Sorry if it was a bit rushed, I tried to write it as well as I could but I was really exhausted after school today. I want to continue Dick and Slade's rivalry, but I'm gonna try and space out the major events between them a bit more. I plan on ending it way later when Dick is Nightwing, and I kinda wanna get the two to make amends, similar to Slade and Oliver in Arrow. They will still be on opposite ends of the law, but they will have some level of respect for one another following certain events that I plan on writing, but that's all way later, like after the Titans are formed and everything. I've taken the time to map out my plan for the next hundred chapters or so (yeah, HUNDRED chapters, and that's only up till the end of YJS2, so I will add way more even after that. Well, not like I wasn't gonna write all this), and I'm actually really excited for it all. I am gonna move at a bit of a faster pace to get through this new plethora of chapters, but I will always take suggestions you guys have for fluff or even not-fluff chapters. Plus, we can always come back to these time points later on to add more fluff, since chapters aren't all gonna be in chronological order, so you can suggest a chapter to take place at any time. Keep in mind if your suggestion includes Nightwing or something, you may need to wait a bit before we get to it, so please be patient with that stuff (I'll PM you if that's the case, just to tell you when exactly you can expect to see your suggestion). Rest assured I will write all suggestions you guys have (though I may slightly edit them here and there), it's just a matter of time and waiting to introduce some key elements before writing your idea (if you suggest Red Hood, I'm gonna wait until I actually introduce Red Hood to write it, which may take a while. Judging by my current roadmap, Red Hood is like 150 chapters or so down the line, and that's not taking into account any suggested chapters that I will throw in here and there. But as I've said before, I have no intents to stop writing this book, and I could easily pack it with like 500 chapters if I really tried. We're already approaching 100 chapters, and I have a roadmap with literally 104 more chapter ideas, and I will keep adding to that as time goes on. Needless to say, this book isn't going anywhere anytime soon). Anyways, feel free to leave comments or suggestions for chapters you wanna see. Next chapter up soon.