Slade was not going to allow a repeat of the past. He had already seen what happened when the Titans got their hands on Joey, his own flesh and blood. He refused to let them turn his son into a mockery of a hero. Saving Rose from their clutches once was enough, but three times? That was unacceptable. He would not stand for it. He'd kill them before they even had a chance to take you. For months, he had been silently observing, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That was his way - to seize the opportunity when it presented itself.

His task was to keep the Titans at bay, to prevent them from getting to his client. It was a simple job, one that he had done countless times before. Slade swiftly incapacitated the others before focusing his attention on you; his speed outmatched yours. With a swift movement, he had you pinned to the ground, his boot pressing down on your chest before you could react.

"Too slow, kid," he grunted. Slade's eye narrowed as he removed his mask. "You're sloppy," he remarked. There was no response from you, prompting a sigh from him. "You know why I'm here. Do us both a favor and don't make this harder than it needs to be. Whether you like it or not, you're coming back with me."