A/N
Speedy: To answer your questions:
1-How did the enemies escaped if the tower was in lockdown?
A: The same way they came in. The giant hole they made in the wall doesn't just go away.
2-And Nightwing should not be the first to believe in Raven about Slade? Especially if Trigon is involved?
A: I tried to explain this in the story but Nightwing spent so much time trying to let go that the idea of reopening his past, a past he was so obsessed with, is not something he thinks he can handle. Robin almost lost his friends trying to catch Slade. He became so obsessed with Slade that he did nothing but work the case. Now – a father and husband, as well as a leader of a much larger team – falling into this old habit could be dangerous. It is like a drug addict who stopped for eight years and suddenly had drugs placed in front of him, if you get the analogy.
Beast Boy was hanging upside-down from his top bunk bed. Boredom was eating away at his mind. A soft knock on his door caused him to pull himself up and hop off his bed. He pulled his door open to see Jade standing in the hallway. "Can I come in?" she asked. Beast Boy stood aside to let her pass and closed the door.
"What's up?"
"Remember when we talked about my father?" Jade said.
"Yes." Beast Boy's stomach turned over. He should have asked Raven to give him scripted replies.
"Are you sure he is dead?"
Beast Boy just stared blankly at her, his mind searching for an appropriate answer to give her. "Um…" was the only thing that came out. Before yesterday, he would have been able to answer yes but after returning to the tower, Cyborg mentioned that Raven said she saw Slade here.
"So it is possible that he is alive then?" Jade said. Her eyes were large and hopeful.
"As far as I know, he is dead," Beast Boy replied.
"Is there any doubt at all?" Jade asked. The hope was slowly fading.
"Your father and I… hardly ever really spoke. I'm not the one to ask about him. Your mother would know more than I do." Beast Boy frowned, wishing Raven would just be honest.
"She doesn't tell me the truth though. At least you're honest with me," Jade said. Her words felt like a kick in the stomach.
Beast Boy sighed. "Well, the truth is, your father died and he was buried. He had a funeral and everything."
"Did you go to the funeral?"
"No, I wasn't able to make it. Robin and Cyborg were the only ones that could go," Beast Boy said.
"My mom didn't go?" Jade raised an eyebrow.
"Um… she was dealing with some strong emotions at the time." Beast Boy replied.
"Well…thanks. You've been a big help," Jade said. "I got to go but thanks so much."
"Wait!" Beast Boy called. "Where are you going?" Jade didn't answer as she ran down the hallway. "Shit…" Beast Boy mumbled to himself. "What the hell did I just do?"
/\\\/\\\/\\\
Jade fell to her knees in front of a cold stone. Her thin fingers traced the words engraved on the rock:
"Slade Wilson
September 30, 2011
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
23rd Psalm""
Along the side of the tombstone was spray paint. It was clear there were many poor attempts to wash off the paint but the words stood clearly along the rock. "Burn in Hell" and "Glad to See You Go". "Thank the Lord, the devil has left the Earth" as well as many curses and unkind terms. Jade wiped the paint a little but her fingers alone did nothing. She made a mental note to return with something to wash off the writing. She sat for another hour, just staring at her father's name.
/\\\/\\\/\\\
"I'm afraid she is going to go looking for him," Beast Boy said to Raven.
"She thinks he is dead," Raven replied. She glanced up, examining Beast Boy's expression. "I know I saw him yesterday."
"I believe you. That is why I am warning you – you have to tell her the whole truth. If she goes looking for him it could be dangerous," Beast Boy said.
/\\\/\\\/\\\
7am the following morning, Jade was already in town in a black tang top and shorts. Her large sneakers were good for running, which really helped her with her jog. She turned into a maintenance store and picked up graffiti remover before heading down to the graveyard. She spent the entire morning scrubbing the her father's tombstone but the paint was only just starting to come off and her hands were already sore.
"It's no use, sweetheart. That doesn't wash off easily. I've tried." A very old man was limping down the pathway. He knelt down next to her and pulled up the dying flowers, replacing them with fresh ones.
"I never in all my years expected to see you here," his gentle voice came from behind her. "Sad what close minded people do the final resting place of a troubled man. You haven't aged a day, my dear. Much unlike myself, unfortunately."
"You knew my father?" Jade said, ignoring his words. The man's eyes widened with shock.
"My dear girl, I had no idea. You must be Raven's daughter, you look just like her," Wintergreen said. Jade gave a tearful smile and Wintergreen smiled warmly. "You have his smile though. I used to work for your father. He was a very troubled man but he had good in him, don't let anyone tell you otherwise dear."
Jade stood up, holding out her hand. "I'm Jade. Can I please ask you some questions? I have so many about him."
A/N
Thanks for all the reviews and the superhero's children you've told me about. Thanks so much!
