Allow Me to Live Like You
Alexnandru Van Gordon
Wow…it just hit me, this morning, that next month I probably have a total of twelve days of school because of the breaks. Today is the Friday after mid-terms, so no school—next week on Wednesday is Faith Day for all Catholic schools (I'm Ukrainian Catholic), so all us Religion kids don't have school—the next week we have a day off because it's "secretary day" or something like that, and another day off that same week because of Teacher Conventions…Wow. I think I had a heart attack from the shock of Mid-terms being over. We all thought they would be super hard, but, after taking them, I am stunned at the simplicity of them…O.O…Oh well—
You're not here to listen to my school life. If you were, this would not be posted under Teen Titans. Though, I wish I could go to computer school like them…no noise…no classrooms…no gym…that would actually be a bad thing cause I love taekwondo…
Anyhow, I was going to skip to a huge chase in the last chapter, but I realized I forgot about a lot of the characters. Oops…sorry, Cyborg. (Weakly) He he he… Didn't want you to suffocate or anything like that. And someone mentioned that it would be a little hard for only two heroes to watch over Jump City while Beast Boy, Robin, and Starfire were gone. But have no fear! I took that into account way back when I was still finishing the first story. I have that all figured out, so just sit back and relax
But, am I making this too intense? I put it under Angst because I planned to make it difficult for my main characters. But, if it's upsetting a lot of you guys, I guess I could go over my rough drafts (picks up huge book filled with notes). Tell me if it is and I won't be hurt. I got one out of nine people saying it might be a little too much and now I'm confused. Someone wants me to make Robin do some begging at one point or another, and someone else likes the whole "Everyone hate the JL for acting like a bunch of -------" I'm writing this because it calms me and has been on my mind for a while, but I'll make changes for you guys. It's no problem. I'm open to suggestions.
DISCLAIMER: You all know I don't own them so why do I even pretend…
CHAPTER SEVEN: Ups and downs
The plane was noisy now that it had landed, families and businessmen all racing to unload their luggage from the overhead compartments and get off before there was a crowd. He, on the other hand, stayed in his seat by the window and watched as the boy sitting next to him climbed over the front seat to get to his little brother.
"Don't do that!" His mother scolded, stuck in her seat behind Wintergreen, but the little boy ignored her. He ran to his brother and gripped his hand tight, holding onto him as they were dragged away in the crowd, no one bothering to look down and see them.
"Now look at what's happening!" The mother exclaimed, trying to make her way toward her boys. "Excuse, sir—sorry ma'am—I need to get to my sons."
Wintergreen shook his head, waiting for the mother to pass to give her room. Then he stood up and followed the rest of the passengers off the plane into the airport. Glancing at his wristwatch, he noted that he had an hour left before someone was to come and pick him up. He was there on business…business for an old friend…
Once he was off the plane, all luggage collected, he picked up his cell phone from his jacket's inner chest pocket and dialed up the number he was given only a few days ago. It rang a few times to no reply—just as he suspected. The moment the answering machine voice completed its instructions, he cleared his throat. "Hello Wilson, It's William. I know you're there, so pick up."
Just as he suspected, Slade was still cautious of who called him. But he had no reason to be angry or afraid of Wintergreen. They had been best of friends in the military.
"Well, if it isn't the Staff-Sergeant. What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"
"None at all, Sergeant. Just calling to report in."
There was a laugh on the other side of the line. "I didn't actually expect you to come back."
"I owe you for saving my skin. Besides, after Colonel Sampson kicked us out of the army for your stunt, I haven't had much luck getting into any action. Desk work isn't my ideal job."
"Even if you're going against your country? America would be so much nicer if under dictation."
"I agree, I plan to help it take that much needed change into consideration."
"America won't hesitate to comply after I'm through with it. But still, it's not the only thing that needs to change…"
Wintergreen could recall the message he received from his old friend back when Slade asked him if he wanted 'in' on all the action. He said yes, of course, but Slade asked him to wait while he disposed of a little 'trouble'. Later, Wintergreen spoke with Slade again and realized he took interest in the leader of the Teen Titans, someone, just by listening to Slade's description, was quite alike to Deathstroke. Robin, he believed the name was, but wasn't he the Boy Wonder, Batman's kid?
Batman…he remembered the news—JL takes down Deathstroke. That gave him a heart attack, but he took a couple of breaths and waited, knowing that Slade had survived worse. True. No more than a day later, Wilson called in to say hello and laugh at how pathetic those damned heroes acted. They thought he was dead. Well he was…in a manner of speaking…
Batman was part of the JL, the one to deliver the first shot in the chest—the news neglected to tell the public that, but Wilson told him everything. The security guards blew the bloody pulp out of him with their own projectiles, but Batman had been the one to deliver the killing blow. Deathstroke would have died anyway, regardless if those foolish policemen shot him or not. Slade knew he hadn't reached his end, but the thought that someone actually killed him must have driven him nuts.
"That kid, Robin?" Wintergreen sighed, switching ears with the cell phone. It was a bad habit of his. "This wouldn't have anything to do with that little incident with his mentor, would it?
"As nice as it will be to see the look on that man's face, no…well, it's not exactly the whole reason why I'm after him. You should see him fight. If he had his heart in the right place, he could have devastated half the state by now. Young, no powers, excellent skill and agility, brains far beyond his brain, no living relatives…I'd say fate handed him the past he has just to catch my attention. He's original to all but one."
"A fierce little brat with a bad temper and a lot to make up for it—sounds a lot like you, indeed. But then comes the question of why he is on their side and not yours…"
"Thank you fro your compliment…but you are absolutely right. Why is he on their side? Well, we both started out differently, I just have to make sure we're on the same track in the end. I know his mind as well as I know my own. I can make him see my ways."
"Make him?"
"With motivation…"
"What, you have his girlfriend or someone like that tied up with you right now?"
"As a matter of fact…"
-RX-
"Run and get security." Red-X ordered Bruce Wayne. "There's no way I'm going down to the station to take these guys."
Bruce was hesitant.
Red-X turned his head toward him. "I know you've got guts, but now is not the time to play hero!" He snapped and threw an X at the Joker blindly as he spoke. Turning his attention back toward the villain, he saw his X was whipped away with a twirl of the criminal's staff. It stuck to one of the walls.
"Nice try, kid." The Joker laughed. "I've learned form our last encounter, so you're going to have to come up with some new tricks before I get bored."
Red-X frowned behind his mask. Hey! No one insulted the way he fought no matter who the heck they were. He didn't care if this guy was the King of Scotland—there was no way he was going to get away with this.
As he instructed, Mr. Wayne finally left—but not after carrying his fainted secretary out of the closet and down the hall with him. Red-X had almost forgotten about her.
"Let's get this over and done with this." He growled, pulling out another X.
"Agreed—"
The Joker lunged forward, swinging his staff horizontally at X's waist. Red-X bent forward and nearly avoided the blow, jumping back a step when the Joker swung instantly again. A third swing came toward him and he flipped backward, hands touching the ground and using his arms to push upward to complete the flip. He landed on his feet, one hand on the ground just before dashed headfirst toward the criminal, an X still in his hand. This one was sharp, and when he threw it, it skimmed past the Joker's face and embedded itself in the side of the helicopter just as the goons filed out into the room.
The Joker backed away with a frown on his face, a hand held up to the deep gash across his left cheek. "You'll pay for that." He growled…
Two of the new goons came forward, one with just his fists and the other with a bat in his hands. Standing at least seven feet tall, Red-X actually had to pause for a moment to think of what moves to do. He didn't have much time to think though when the brute with the bat stepped toward him and tried to bash it down on his head. He dodged to the left, right in-between the two men. Stupid as the brute was, he tried to make up his miss by swinging sideways toward Red-X who ducked—and hit his buddy square on the side of the head. Splinter rained down on Red-X and he didn't even bother to see how the man faired after that hit.
Muttering a prayer, he lunged toward the tall man's legs and wrapped his arms around his knees to push them back. The man fell and X landed on top of him.
"Get him!" The Joker shrieked in fury.
"Relax." Red-X laughed. "You'll get your turn—"
"Or not."
Even froze and waited…where on earth did that voice come from. But at least Red-X knew the owner of that voice. Bruce had been wise to call in the Bat rather than the police.
Swinging in from the hole in the wall, Batman delivered a powerful kick to the back of the tallest goon. He fell forward onto one of his buddies, landing with and "Oof!" on the ground. Batman then pulled out one of his nets and tossed it down on the two struggling men, now advancing on the last goon.
Watching all this, Red-X didn't notice the brute he tackled down sit up and grab him by the front of his suit, pulling him onto his lap. The brute quickly pulled out a knife and, with Red-X's back to his chest, held the blade to his throat, one arm around Red-X waist to prevent him from moving forward. "Not so witty now are you, kid?" The goon laughed, his breath smelling like liquor. He must have just gotten over a hangover.
"Oh please…" Red-X muttered. Maybe if the guy had X-s arms tied up then he would be in something of a predicament.
Bringing his elbow as hard as he could into the man's ribcage, he listened as the man groaned and released his grip on Red-X. He sighed. This was too easy.
Standing up off the man, Red-X glared at the Joker.
"Perhaps…another time." The Joker suggested weakly. Then his expression changed into that insanely happy look as he pulled out a small smoke bomb and threw it to the ground. "Toodles, then!"
Red-X began to cough, the sound of the helicopter fading as the Joker made his escape. Oh well…perhaps another time.
Once the smoke settled, Red-X found him standing face to face with Batman—the man looking none too pleased about a thief being there. He had a pair of cuffs in his hands—a spare for Red-X.
"You coming quietly, or are you going to kick and scream the whole way to jail?"
Red-X shook his head, upset this wasn't his day… "Not going anywhere, Bats. Not until I speak with Robin."
The hero frowned. "You're not going anywhere near him. Anything you have to say to him you can say to me—besides, Deathstroke is my problem."
"Not anymore, he ain't." Red-X spat, tired of adults trying to take control. "This is something between Robin, the Teen Titans, and him. You had your chance to get rid of him. Step aside for the next generation, gramps."
This caught Batman by surprise. "Excuse me?! What do you know about this guy that we don't!"
"A lot more than you did when you had you're chance—believe me. Now, show me to Robin or I'll just have to get him the hard way…"
Batman took up his fighting stance.
Red-X rolled his eyes behind his mask. "You must just love smoke." He said, pulling out a small smoke bomb of his own. He threw it to the ground and fled as Batman coughed his lungs out. He took the easier route—the hole in the wall, and leapt far enough to land safely on the roof of the next building. After the explosion, people were gathered around on the streets below, and in broad daylight it wouldn't be too hard to spot Red-X if he hadn't been moving so fast. He didn't want anyone to follow him, especially that no, too-good hero who was more like a control freak rather than a guardian of the city.
-St-
She shifted uncomfortably in her position, gag removed for once and her hands now tied in front of her rather than behind. She had finished eating but was still exhausted from all the sedatives Slade had given her to even plan of escaping. He was only keeping her alive because he wanted Robin, then she would be dead. He actually forgot to give her food and water then and again after the first two days of her captivity. She hadn't cleaned from then, but she didn't smell. Well, she did smell strongly of all those dreadful chemicals Slade was always working on.
Currently out of the room, Starfire recalled hearing a phone ring someone else in the dark house. Slade left his experiments and inventions on his desk, still working on those chemicals the future Slade left behind. She wanted to know why he wanted to get out of them, perhaps duplicate them? No. He had already made numerous copies, using many of them to keep Starfire in his captivity. And she was sure not all of them were sedatives. No…he was up to something…
Trying to make her current position more comfortable, she wriggled around to sit straighter with her back against the wall. She had tried to send Robin a message using her mind, when she was interrupted by a strange vision…
A bloody red breast once swollen with pride…
It had something to do with her royal heritage. The rulers of Tamerainia (spelt correctly?) passed on a special power to their offspring, and that why the next ruler was always a kin of the former. It wasn't quite strong, but it allowed for them to send messages from one another by the minds voice in times of dire need. It was quite strenuous on the mind and body, and that was why strange visions sometimes found their way inside one's head. She wondered if Robin heard it…and if anyone else did…
The way Slade eyed her curiously when she woke after the dream…did she accidentally send the message to him too? Oh, she hoped not. That could prove to be more than just disastrous…
Slade reentered the room, sparing Starfire a glance. Before the call he had been out to visit somewhere, only taking time to retie her hands so she could eat and drink what he placed before her. Either than that, he rarely paid attention to her unless to let her use the facilities or to give her her daily dosage of his serum. She was just something there to watch over until she outlived her use. Then he wouldn't pay attention to her unless to do her in for good…
"It seems your friend will be in my hands sooner than later, young lady." He said. Very rarely he would talk to her, either out of boredom or the simply need to reassure himself he wasn't alone. She still believed that was his fear…being alone. Well, whatever he said to her usually wasn't good news to her ears. "I have someone coming down soon who I think might like to meet you."
She wanted to ask who, but thought better of it. Her voice would be hoarse and she didn't want him to strike her, though he had refrained from doing so so-far. She was his blackmail to Robin, and that was why she was so important. But that was all he needed her for. There were others he could kidnap to persuade Robin.
"Do you despise so much as not to bother your breath on me?" He asked simply and she shivered.
She needed to have courage. She needed to show him she was stronger than what he first believed.
"No…" She said, just a hoarsely as she had suspected from not using her voice in so long. "I despise you enough to tell you silence is worth more than you."
His eye flashed with anger and she prepared for the blow…but none came. He still stood there, arms crossed, glaring down at her. Then he began to laugh, and she realized why he was so irritating, so creepy to Robin. That laugh could only be made by a true evil maniac. It was the trademark.
"Don't act so tall and mighty, little girl. Once Robin is in my hands, you will suffer. You won't die, but you will suffer each time he chooses to disobey me or even do something as simply as think back to his past life as a hero. You see, because with the suffering comes an new era, one of new beginnings…"
He continued to laugh and she shut her eyes tight. So he had heard her message, he did know what the vision was. But what did it mean? Did it mean Slade was going to win…
…but only if the ribs break…
No…there was still hope.
"Just watch…" She could feel his eyes burn into her. "Just wait and see…The little bird is about to be caged, and it's all going to be because of you. You should have never followed Robin when he came to the docks. Think of what you've done to him…"
The pain was unbearable. If she hadn't been there, Grayson would have saved Robin and Slade would have fled like he always did. They could have been at the tower right now, relaxing and talking, having a good time with friends. But Robin would never do that again…he would never relax and just talk and have good times with his friends…
Slade didn't like the idea of Robin having friends, and you could be sure they would be the first to go.
-BB-
He didn't look all too well. He was pale—that wasn't new—but he was the serious "I'm so sick I could die" pale, or the "I just saw a ghost" pale, characters on movies turned after a sheer escape from the monster. Beast Boy supposed that was the case for Robin anyway. He could only think of one monster who would want to visit the Boy Wonder and leave him in such an ill state.
Beast Boy reached his bedside first and pulled the gag out of his mouth. HW saw it too—a tear. Beast Boy wiped it away before Speedy came to the bed, knowing how much Robin would despise it if his rival saw him crying. The kid was tough, but Slade must have said something awfully mean to make him shed tears—even if it was just one. Robin just wasn't the type to weep.
"You okay, dude?" Beast Boy asked, unable to suppress the shivers down his spin. "He was here, wasn't he?"
"He was…" Robin said softly. HW was already untying his restraints and Robin looked to her with question in his eyes. "Won't you get in trouble?"
She shrugged it off, finishing with the first. Beast Boy and Speedy began on the ones holding his wrists stiffly at his sides. "So what if we do? We're on strike anyway. And that can't prove it was us if we say you escaped on your own."
"They won't believe you. Bruce has hidden cameras all over the place. He'll know it was you."
Beast Boy perked up. "He has cameras! Does he have any in here?"
Robin shook his head sadly, now able to sit up. He began helping them with the ones pinning down his legs. "I know what you're thinking, Beast Boy—I wish he did. But no…Slade wasn't caught on camera."
"No proof that you're not going loco and we know they won't take our word for it." Speedy added painfully. Today was not their day. "Why do things just happen to go from bad to worse and beyond…"
"Kinda reminds you of one of Shakespeare's plays with the tragic hero and all…" HW trailed off in thought, finishing with the last strap.
Robin slid sideways and sat on the bed with his legs dangling over. He took off one of his gloves and began to rub his wrists, sore from all his struggling.
Beast Boy's ears drooped and he stared at his feet. If only they had arrived a moment sooner and in a less noticeable state…maybe then they could have held Slade off until someone from the JL arrived. But no…nothing was going to go their way. Who were they kidding? They were just a bunch of kid, hero wanna-bes.
HW strolled over to the window and stuck her head outside. "Regardless of this chilly fresh…it smells odd outside."
"I've noticed…" Beast Boy replied, wrinkling up his nose. There had been an odd scent in the air ever since they came to Gotham, but it wasn't too apparent. He, being something of every animal in the world, could smell it tenfold and almost always had a headache, but he could dull his scenes. That, he supposed, was why he wasn't in as much of a bad mood as HW, Speedy, and Robin.
"Puts me in a bad mood." Speedy commented. "I've been in a bad mood ever since I came to this city."
"I only started getting angry after Robin showed up." HW sighed, then jumped. "No insult intended, Boy Wonder. I guess someone's burning something out there, and I've been getting a headache from it lately."
"Really?" He laughed. "I've had a headache so long, I can't remember when I last felt absolutely healthy. It came with Slade."
Beast Boy, changing his senses to that of a Blood Hound, sniffed the air once more, wrinkling his nose up tight. It smelt like spilt nail-polish mixed with a jug of good old NH3 (ammonia, which I don't if it is already in nail polish or not). His head surged with pain and he dulled his senses once more. That hurt…
"You okay?" Robin asked, staring at the changeling. "You look like you took a taste of Cyborg's hamburgers."
He stuck out his tongue and wiped off his tongue at the thought of it. That was worse than what he was smelling. "Yeah…I'm fine." And he tried to focus on happy thoughts. All those poor cows…
"Well, we have to get you out of here without being stopped—we need a diversion…" Then Speedy looked to HW, a grin spreading across his face. "Robin…do they always monitor the cameras, or just check on them?"
"At the end of each day unless there's and alarm…why…?"
HW pulled her head back inside and shut the window, latching it tight so it was locked. Then she looked at Speedy, a questioning look upon her face. "Why…"
"Do you remember that one day I was talking about silly little tricks to play on Bruce…"
She frowned. "Yes…why…?"
"Do you remember Plan A?"
She froze, the white eyes of her mask wide with fear. "No way! I'd rather die! If I were caught—"
"Robin, we need you to rest while we get ready." Speedy said, ignoring HW. "We need you in full strength for what we're about to do…"
Beast Boy looked from HW to Speedy to HW again. Robin appeared to be just as confused as he was. What were they planning? What were they going to do to distract the others…
-A-
Cliffy—sorry, I couldn't help myself. I had this idea in the back of my mind for quite some time and I actually decided to use it. This is going to be fun…oh, and Cyborg? I hope he forgives me…
Cyborg: Already said and done.
Alex: EEK! I wish you would stop doing that…O.O so…how's you-know-who?
Cyborg: I can't believe you came up with that idea. Me and Grayson…is that how Robin's supposed to defeat Slade.
Alex: Maybe…you'll have to wait and see…
Cyborg: But he'll never figure it out!
Alex: (Smiling) Yes he will. He's just like Grayson…just younger. And if it was Grayson's idea, than Robin can come up with it too.
Cyborg: O.o? But Grayson's from another dimension.
Alex: I know. That's how I keep the audience guessing. I have to throw in some red herrings with the clues to confuse them. Gets them thinking.
Cyborg: You should be a teacher when you grow up.
Alex: (Angry) I'll pretend I didn't hear that…
-Until next time
-Alexnandru Van Gordon