Hello everyone. Sorry for the delay.i run into a case of writer's block but here it is. Enjoy.
Chapter 59. Tough Choice.
For a moment, Slade forgot about his anger and run to his daughter. She was knocked out but breathing and gently picked her up and laid her down on a nearby bed. He was no longer angry with her, simply disappointed. He placed his hand over one of hers and glanced over where Cyborg was tending to Leo. Beast Boy was trying to be helpful he could tell but, his worry for the girl was overwhelming him. He turned back and looked down at the unconscious girl in front of him and closed his eyes and whispered to himself "Why Rose…why?"
A gentle touch on his shoulder made him open his eyes again. It was Jericho. His eyes were also sad. "Its all my fault Joey, I pushed her this far" Slade said and looked away almost in embarrassment.
Jericho looked down at his sister for a moment placed his hand lightly over head then turned to his father and gestured his request "He wants you to go help Cyborg and he and I will take care of Rose" Starfire said sweetly when Slade didn't seem to be paying attention.
"Don't worry Slade, Rose will be in good hands" said Robin coming behind them. Slade nodded, thanked Joey and walked towards the others.
Raven was already tending to Leonore's wounds and Slade watched in amazement as the cuts and bruises disappeared slowly in front of his eyes and for a moment, Raven sensed that speck of hope making its way to his heart.
"I can only heal the wounds" she said quietly without looking away from her task "It should help stabilize her but it wont change her condition, I'm sorry"
Slade nodded his understanding and simply sat down on a nearby chair, leaned forward on his knees with his elbows and held his head in his hands. He asked himself how did it escalate so wrong so fast but he could only get to one conclusion, somehow, all of it was his fault and for that he fought back bitter tears.
Three hours ago…
Slade, Jericho and Starfire had come to the cell room to bring Rose her meal. Starfire had agreed to go with them to appease Robin's and Jericho's growing concern. Jericho was happy that he got the chance to spend time with his father and get to know him better than if he had grown up with him but the fact that Slade had picked up sign language in record time only meant one thing… he was starting to remember.
Jericho hoped with all his might that it wasn't dangerous, that perhaps there was a way for his father to remember certain things without triggering others but the doubt was there and as much as it broke his heart, Jericho had to tell Robin and Star, the boy wonder, taking every measure in consideration, asked Star to accompany the young father to visit his daughter down in the cell room.
Now, perhaps he didn't want to accept it or he simply hoped they were overreacting but Robin felt the need to mention their concern to Slade as a reason to explain why he wanted Starfire to go with them. Slade did feel somewhat disappointed in their lack of trust but understood none the less. Not wanting to loose a chance to a different life that hopefully included Leonore because by now and regardless of the short time that had passed, she had become his drive, his motive to remain positive and determined to be different and the one that complimented him in more ways that he never imagined so, with that in mind, he had smiled at Starfire and even offered her his arm to escort her to their destination and Starfire, as optimistic as always, had accepted graciously and taken the gesture as a good sign and walked out of the room followed by Jericho.
Rose however wasn't too keen of what was happening with her father. For a moment she thought and hoped that perhaps he had an ulterior motive but as the days went by and his enthusiasm at life and with the young doctor was becoming more and more real, she was becoming edgier by the minute.
Almost a week had passed and her days had become a routine and that morning was no different. Slade had come down, tray in hand with her breakfast and a smile that rivaled that one of Beast Boy's in his moments of honest happiness and greeted her with a cheery "Good morning baby girl, how did you sleep?"
The question was simple with a touch of tenderness that unfortunately rubbed her the wrong way from the first time he said it. Its not that she despised it entirely but it was unsettling. So unlike her father to call her that on a normal day because in fact, he never even called her by her real name other than to reprimand her, let alone call her "baby girl". She barely remembered that the only other time he ever called her that was when in fact she had been a baby.
"I've told you not to call me that. I'm not a baby anymore"
"Aw, c'mon Rose, I want us to get to know each other. I want us to be friends. I can understand how unsettling it can be for you to think of me as your father but…"
"You understand nothing" she replied with a sneer and looked away.
Jericho walked around the force field and gestured with his hands until he got her attention and signed his displeasure asking her to stop being so rude and not be a jerk but the last word she didn't understand as it was never a word he would use in his usual vocabulary.
"What did you just called me?" she asked almost offended but Slade intervened "Don't call her that Joey, I'm sure its just too early in the morning to deal with all this" he said as soon as he placed the tray inside the compartment that connected the cell to the outside for her to eat.
Rose narrowed her eyes at him. For someone that didn't even remember who he was, he surely picked up an uncommon language quite easy and deep inside, she felt hopeful that perhaps he was starting to remember.
"Rose, there is something I'd like to talk to you about later today"
"You and I have nothing to talk about"
"Please Rose, its important. Joey already knows and approved but I'd really like your opinion. I'll see you later sweetheart" and walked out of the room into the elevator.
"Why re you being so difficult? He's really trying, why don't you let him in?" Joey reprimanded.
"Let HIM in? how many times do you think I tried for him to let ME in while I was growing up and all I got was punishment for being so weak and sentimental. He might have forgotten Joey, but I haven't"
"He really is different. Give him a chance, think about it" and left her to her thoughts.
But she had a different idea and after a couple of hours, she had somehow disabled the force field and escaped the cell without triggering the alarms. Silently, she made her way to the lab level where she found her father and brother, both talking to the young doctor while she mixed and analyzed the chemicals on the table in front of her. Rose watched them from behind the larger equipment.
"…What do you think Leonore?" asked Slade, his tone was hopeful. Leo took a moment to think about her response while looking thru a microscope gently moving the knobs on the device and turning the sample every which way for a better look. Then, scribbled something on the notepad laying next to the microscope, put the pen down and turned their way with a slight frown.
"I think its risky"
"You don't approve?"
Leo sighed "Its not up to me to approve or not, darling. All I'm saying is that you should give her time to get used to the idea…to get used to…us before anything drastic" she said with a slight blush.
"Us… I like how that sounds" Slade said as he came closer with a playful smile that made her blush even more but didn't look away and even leaned in and gave him a peck on the lips.
Rose frowned then heard heavy steps approach. Cyborg had stopped just outside the door where Jericho had wandered off to give then couple some privacy. Cyborg seemed slightly disturbed by the display of affection and raised his eyebrow before clearing his throat to get their attention.
"Alright y'all, save the kisses for later, the faster we get this done, the faster you guys can get to smooching somewhere where I'm not around" Cyborg said as he walked into the room and pretended not to notice the blush on their cheeks as they pulled apart.
With a quick peck on her cheek and a playful smile, Slade left with Jericho, more likely going down to the cell room. Rose observed the two left behind and listened to their conversation.
"So… you and Slade, huh?" Cyborg said unemotionally while typing commands on the computer.
"Please Cyborg, not you too. Gar already gave me the "What the hell are you thinking" speech. Just let it be"
Cyborg sighed with slight frustration and turned on his chair to look at her.
"Leo, please reconsider. You don't know what would happen if he remembers., anything…"
"Anything can trigger his memories" Leo interrupted. Her frustration more evident. "I know Cy. Gar already warned me about that and even if he didn't, don't you think I know that?"
"Then have you come up with a plan in case that happens?"
"No Cyborg. I try to be more positive than that. Instead of thinking what would I do if he remembers, I try to think on how not to let that happen… ever. And if I have to take him away from all this to accomplish that then, that's what I'll do"
"Don't you think you're taking this way too seriously too soon?"
"Why waste time when we already know what we want?" Leo said sternly and for endless moments, they glared at each other in silence until they heard Victoria cry on the other room.
"Look Cyborg, I appreciate your concern, I really do and I respect your opinion as well as Gar's but, with all due respect… this is non of your business" Leo said and without another word, she walked out of the room. Cyborg could only sigh, shake his head and close his eyes and turn to the computer again but out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move. He got up and an silently as he could, he walked towards the larger pieces of equipment at the far corner but when he went behind it, he found nothing. He quickly scanned the small area but found nothing out of place and with a shrug, he went back to the computer.
Meanwhile in the next room, Rose had managed to enter without being noticed but to her surprise found her father holding the baby very carefully and Leo smiling up at him while she held a little hand. They were talking softly and Rose moved like a shadow in the already dark corner to get closer but she wasn't prepared for what she heard.
"…but when our turn comes, I'll be lost" Leo said almost in dismay.
"Don't worry sweetheart, when that happens, I'll be right there next to you, besides… rumor has it I've already done it twice. I'm sure instinct will kick in a third time and I'll know what to do" Slade said with another smile until the Red X came back which surprisingly was without his mask. Slade left after giving the thief the baby and Leonore simply smiled at the infant but Rose had only one relevant issue to dwell with.
"Is that little whore already pregnant?" Rose thought to herself "because if she is, she wont be for long."
Rose came out of her hiding spot. Something had snapped and now she was blinded with rage.
"You stupid, little whore. You think you can replace me?" she said and launched at Leonore who was caught by surprise and hit the ground hard. Michael had covered the baby with his body but quickly replaced her in the incubator when he heard glass break. He turn in the direction of the noise and saw Leo getting up while Rose recovered and was getting off the ground as well.
"What's the matter with you, Rose?. How did you get out of the cell"
"You think you're the only one with tricks, doctor? You forget who raised me, who taught me. Who trained me"
"What is going on he…" came the thunderous voice of Cyborg from the doorframe but stopped when he saw Rose, broken glass in hand, ready to launch at Leonore and was ready to shoot his cannon when Michael stopped him because just behind the two women was Meliah, still unconscious, oblivious to the confrontation just a few feet away from her.
Rose used the distraction and with a twist of her body, launched a kick in the direction on Leo's stomach but the young doctor was not one to be caught by surprise twice in the same day and with both hands, blocked the assault then just as fast, turned her whole body to the ground and with a kick of her own, hit Rose's other leg and made her loose her balance and Rose fell hard with a grunt. With quick glance at her face, Leo noticed the other girl had not expected a counterattack.
"And do you think you're the only one trained in combat?" said Leo as she got back on her feet. "Did you think I was going to be scared of you Ravager? By the way… how's that knee?" Leo taunted.
"How did you…"
"After our first encounter I asked Mento from the Doom Patrol to train me so don't expect me to go down without a fight"
"Ah doctor, but you will and that bastard of yours will never see the light" Rose yelled but before she had a chance to get to Leo, Michael blocked her second assault rather than attacking.
"What are you talking about Rose?" asked the thief in the first chance he had.
"Get away from me you idiot"
Rose was able to escape his hold and managed to push him against a wall but he teleported before hitting to hard surface and Rose's punch only met the wall. Meanwhile, Cyborg had called everyone else and a few minutes later, Robin rushed in thru the door and threw explosive bird-a-rangs at Rose which she managed to escape from but the explosions were too close for comfort and made the baby cry even more. Robin was more than surprised when Michael knocked him down and grabbed him by the neck with all the strength he could muster.
"Are you insane Richard? My daughter is here. Listen to me very carefully kid, I will make sure you become collateral damage before she does, are we clear?" the thief whispered with anger.
Robin managed to get rid of the thief and rubbed his neck "I know what I'm doing Michael" and with a fast assault of his own, Robin pushed the thief to the ground "And don't ever call me that again in public" and run towards Cyborg and Star who were trying to capture their attacker but Rose was determined to get to Leonore no matter what.
Leo on the other hand was already growing tired but what nagged at her mind was Rose's words. what had she meant? she asked herself before blocking another assault.
"Rose, stop!" yelled Slade as he run thru the door, Jericho close behind. Leo used the distraction and moved away, edging closer to Meliah's bed.
"Rose, why are you doing this, what's going on?" demanded Slade.
"You betrayed me father, in the worse way possible but don't even think I'll allow it"
"Rose please. There is no ulterior motive, there is no plan to get rid of you. Why are you so focused on revenge?"
Rose didn't answer and only glared at the ones surrounding her. She was panting, exhausted and thirsty.
Cyborg came closer to Robin and whispered "Where are B and Raven?"
"Out on a date. They left their communicators behind"
"What! Are you serious?"
"Don't worry, I'll have a talk with them when they come back"
Cyborg was about to reply when Leo's voice was heard.
"Rose what did you mean earlier?" and tried to come forward but Slade kept her at bay and tried to shield her with his body but unconsciously, one of his hands went over her midsection and Rose noticed this and glared at the gesture. Leo noticed this with curiosity and an idea formed in her head. A possible reason why Rose had said what she said and to prove her theory, she raised her hand to her stomach without anyone else noticing and there, ,the spark of rage on Rose's eyes was very much present and Leo couldn't help but gasp.
"Rose, I promise you is not what you think"
Everyone looked confused but both girls only focused on each other.
"Leonore, what does she think is going on?" Slade asked just above a whisper but Leo ignored his question and walked passed him.
"Rose, whatever you think is going on, its not. You got it wrong"
"Like I'm going to believe that. I heard you two talking"
"I don't know what you heard but I do know you have it wrong" Leo had come closer as it seemed that Rose wouldn't dare a move while she was surrounded and dared to come closer still just to whisper "Rose, I'm not pregnant"
"Liar!" Rose yelled and from behind, tucked in her belt, was a small dagger and with lightning speed and to everyone's surprise, Rose stabbed the young doctor repeatedly. Several times in the stomach, chest and before she was thrown off by Slade, she stroke once more with a shred of glass nearby and stabbed Leo on her chest, very close to her heart.
Jericho launched himself at his sister and made the attempt to use his own powers to stop her but she was faster and kicked him hard and he landed on a table nearby and Leo was left on the ground while Slade made an attempt to subdue his deranged daughter.
Michael made it first to Leo using his teleportation device and found her barely awake and with trouble breathing.
"She's got it…wrong… she thinks I'm…pregnant… she thinks…he wants to… replace her…" and then her eyes closed and her breathing was almost none existent.
…
…
Present
Rose woke up to a pounding headache and a sore body. The last thing she remembered was flying across the room before hitting everything went dark. She was back in the cell room inside the force field and handcuffed.
"You're a real piece of work Rose" came the familiar voice and she glared in its direction while she tried to see beyond the laser bars as it was darker outside than usual.
"What do you want bird boy"
"I'm not Robin" Michael said as he came closer to the faint light of the small area. Rose was confused for a moment until he came into view. His tussled hair seemed dark red and the un kept beard made him seem so…
"Help me understand what did you want to accomplish" he asked with obvious displeasure but she laughed a not so humorous laugh than even she didn't know where it came from.
"Spare me the speech. You're a thief. What makes you think you can tell me anything"
"You're right. I'm a thief, not a killer or a murderer but you're changing the subject. What do you have against the doctor?"
"That's none of your business"
"It is my business when my daughter happens to be in the middle of your cat fight"
"Your daughter?… who's the mother?"
"Now that is none of your business now answer me. What do you have against the doctor because I don't get this obsession of yours. You said so yourself, Slade isn't your lover but your father. What's it to you if he has a girlfriend or not?"
To this her eyes stung but summoned all her will to not break down.
"You wouldn't understand" she finally said.
"Try me"
"That little whore wants to take him away. I heard her talking to that walking trash can"
"And what makes you think Slade would go for that"
"Are you kidding me? He's like a school boy with a crush. Its pathetic and ridiculous and all because he doesn't want to remember. I don't know how the witch's magic work but I promise you I'll get my father back one way or the other and everything would be like before"
"So you do think he wants to replace you?"
"What's it to you and this questions? What do you care?"
"Because Leo was right and you have the wrong idea. Slade doesn't want to replace you. There is no way in hell he would do that"
"What makes you so sure? You didn't hear what I heard. He even told me Joey had already approved and wanted to talk to me about something, I'm sure it was to tell me about that little bitch already pregnant."
"Rose, Rose calm down. Leo isn't pregnant, your father doesn't want to replace you. He loves you, regardless of him remembering what he used to be or not, he loves you and Joey from the moment he found out but now you have him with a sword against the wall. Making him choose between her and his memories or rather you is not right. You didn't give him a chance or a choice"
"He's the only one I have Red X. My brother is already one of them. My mother has never wanted anything to do with me ever since I can remember so I grew up with him. No one wants the daughter of one of the most dangerous criminals. Even Joey had to lie or would have never been accepted by the little hero team. I did what I had to do. I wont be left alone in this life if he thinks he can just forget about me and start a new family with that stupid little twit, they're very much mistaken"
"Rose… the fact is, I don't want to start a new family. I wanted to recover the one I messed up. I wanted for Joey, you and me to start over. To be a family for the first time" said Slade coming from behind the thief. His voice was heavy. Sad .
"I can understand now why you did it but I want you to understand this… I love you. If I never said it before all this happened it was my fault. I know that much but I do, I really do love you and your brother and I always will no matter what, just… don't expect me to forgive you" and walked away without another word.
"Daddy…" but he never looked back. Tears started to run down her cheeks without her knowing and dropped on the floor on her knees next to the small bed.
"He's hurt Rose" the thief spoke softly but his words fell on deaf ears as she was simply talking to herself as if trying to understand what had gone wrong.
"But I heard them talk about when their turn comes… I thought…"
"Rose, they were talking about taking turns to watch my daughter to give me a chance to change and clean up. Your father has been coming to visit my daughter in the hopes of at least remembering what used to be like when you were that little"
"What have I done…" she whispered.
"Help me help him Rose. You're the only one who can save Leo now and not risk your father lose what he's got now. Help him recover his family. Help him to get to you the way it should be"
"Why are you doing this? Why do you care?" she asked with a sniff.
"Because deep down you know I'm right and I know this is not your fault. You can choose Rose, you can choose to be different, just like your father" Michael said softly but she laughed in self mockery at his suggestions.
"And you think you can just… flip a switch and make me forget like he did? I wish it was that simple"
"Perhaps not forget but… making different choices and you have the perfect opportunity now. Please Rose, tell me how can we save Leonore"
"I only wanted for him to be proud of me but most of all, I don't want to be alone" she spoke so softly that Michael struggled to understand. He watched her stare at the empty space on the floor, her expression was vacant and gaunt. She closed her eyes for a moment before speaking again.
"The last ingredient is a compound designed to increase the mutation on organic cells and give them a more prolonged stability"
"Where can I find it?" he said as he opened a communicator. She simply looked away.
"Its embedded in a strand of DNA"
"Cyborg, did you get that?" said Michael into the device.
"I got it but why would it be on a strand of DNA, that could only be used to…" Cyborg stopped and Michael could see how Cyborg put everything together in his head until something clicked.
"Michael get your ass over here right now" Cyborg commanded.
"What? Why?"
"Because there is only one purpose to use a compound like that and is to hold an entire being together when created. A clone and you're the only successful subject" Cyborg said and it looked like he was getting up from his seat. Michael looked at Rose wide eyed but she simply nodded and looked away again then from behind the thief, a black portal formed and Raven stepped out and took his hand and pulled him in and disappeared.
Rose didn't look up and the only sound was that of her shaky breaths until the humming of the force field died and footsteps approached her softly. When she opened her eyes, she saw Jericho kneeling in front of her and signed a simple sentence.
"You're not alone Rose, you have me" and before she moved away, he pulled her into a hug where she broke down in tears.
…
…
Once in the lab, Cyborg grabbed the thief and immediately took samples of his blood and after a few tensed minutes in silence, he found what he was looking for but a couple of issues still remained. They didn't have the right equipment for a faster fragmentation and they were running out of time. Cyborg managed a large enough concentration to be mixed with the formula but the risk was immense as they hay no time for trials.
Now they only had less than twelve hours before there was no more they could do and Cyborg was working slowly as he didn't have that much margin for error when Slade decided to help. At first he was frustrated, none of the formulas on the screen made sense but the more he tried, the more he understood until the moment Cyborg was ready to administrate the serum.
He injected the syringe into the IV on Leo's hand but the process was painfully slow and they all held their breaths. After a few minutes they noticed the heart monitor was indeed slowing down but a sudden spike broke their hopes.
"Its not working" whispered Cyborg in dismay. They had neither options nor time. Slade was pinching the bridge of his nose in great discomfort and eyes tightly shut.
"We need… a larger concentration… from a cleaner DNA"
"What? From where… who?" asked Cyborg and he and Michael followed Slade's gaze towards the incubator.
"Are you out of your mind? Absolutely not Slade. Take all you want from me, drain me if you have to but you're not touching my daughter"
"If I had the time and resources I would do just that but no. Your daughter is a pure breed. A successful mutation of both, you and Meliah. Her blood holds the real cure" Slade said with certain maliciousness in his tone. Just the way he used to talk before.
"Vicky is already weak Slade, she'll never survive it"
"I don't need to drain her, I just need enough to complement the serum we already have… please Michael. I promise you she wont get hurt… please… I beg of you" Slade said the last with a shaky breath.
"If something happens to my daughter Slade, I will kill you myself"
"And I'll provide you with the weapon that best suits your revenge Michael but, I have to try"
There was desperation in his tone and the once piercing eyes where watering in his pleas. Michael nodded once and right before his eyes, the trace of a scar appeared on Slade's face over his left eye and saw Slade wince at the discomfort but said nothing.
Very carefully, Slade took the samples from the baby stopping every few seconds to check on her vitals. When he was finished, the baby's heartbeat had slowed down but was stable on her own and that only meant she would be ok.
Slade hurried to the nearby counter and mixed the raw material as quick as he could until he had the desired complexion and took Cyborg's place at the side of the bed where Leo laid unconscious but to everyone's surprise, when Slade spoke, after he administered the serum once more, his voice was deeper, emotionless and with the calm resolve he was known for.
"I would greatly appreciate it if I'm left alone with her one last time…please"
Everyone looked at Robin, no one dared to make sound and Robin had no other choice but to accept and motioned for everyone to leave except for Michael who walked towards the incubator to check on his baby and found her asleep peacefully.
"Please, don't worry about her, I'll make sure she's ok just… leave us"
With one more caress on her tiny hand, Michael left the room with Starfire who had also remained behind.
…
…
Later that night in the cell room, Joey woke up to the sound of footsteps approaching. He squinted his eyes for a moment before rubbing them off but when he saw who was in front of him, sleep and exhaustion disappeared instantly. Slade, fully grown was standing at the door of the cell with his arms over his chest, leaning against the small table with the trace of a smile.
Joey had been sitting on the floor, leaning back with his head next to his sister's while she was deep asleep, still chained to the bars. He got up the moment he saw his father but Slade stopped him.
"I just wanted to tell you… I'm glad we had this chance to get to know each other a little more and I'm proud of you" Slade said while reluctantly offered his hand to his son but Joey didn't accept it, instead he hugged the criminal for a brief moment before the noise of the metal handcuffs caught their attention.
"Daddy, I.."
"You got what you wanted baby girl, I hope your happy. Good bye Rose"
Rose and Joey watched their father leave. Many years passed before Rose was able to see and speak to her father again.
…
…
The next morning Leo woke up and found herself laying on a bed near the window. She was sore but after checking her bruises she discovered they were gone and many of the scars she already had were almost faded as well.
She looked around but it was still too early for sunlight and the faint light from the lamps didn't really give much away. She got up and walked to the window and opened the curtain. Dawn was making its appearance when suddenly, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist and she leaned back and smiled.
"I missed you" she whispered and tried to turn around but, her companion tensed and tighten his hold. "Darling, what's wrong?" she asked as she tried again to turn around.
"Please don't" he whispered in her ear and the moment she heard his voice, she knew.
"No… how is this possible? I thought…"
"It was necessary" but her struggles increased and she started to sob. "Please don't look at me… I don't want you to remember me like this. I just wanted to make sure you were ok. Good bye Leonore"
And he pushed her on the bed and covered her face with the covers. When she finally freed herself, the lights were off and Slade was gone.