A/N: That was undoubtedly the longest space between chapters so far, and I can't apologize enough for the long wait. I would rather have had a door slammed on my head than take finals, but I guess the choice isn't up to me. Well, I hope everyone had a happy holiday, and whatnot. Happy new year! Now read, dammit!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything!


Chapter Seventeen: Road Trip!
Raven hadn't said a word since Slade had left, but Gar understood. She refused to talk about Slade with him. So, he was stuck with the impossible task of explaining to his parents what happened without mentioning Richard or Danny in the story. Mark and Marie didn't point out any of the holes in his story, they were just glad that for the most part Gar and Raven were okay.

Finally, the long, tense silence was broken when a doctor walked in carrying x-rays. He introduced himself quickly and then got straight to the point. Holding the x-rays up to the light he mumbled something to himself, then he clipped them onto the viewer and flipped the light on behind them.

"It would appear that this isn't just a simple fracture. The medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus have been almost completely shattered," he stated as he pointed at the x-rays. "The talus also recieved some major damage, without the malleolus to hold it in place. Without the talus holding the foot to the leg all the strain is on your tendons. See this bone right here? The fractured fibula has actually pierced the skin creating what we call a compound fracture. I suggest immediate surgery to reposition the bones and to keep the compound fracture from becoming infected."

"Whatever you think is best," Marie spoke up.

"There's nothing to worry about, it's a rather easy and safe operation. I've performed several like this, though I must say this is one of the worst ankle cases I've seen..." He titled his head slightly as he examined the x-rays. "It looks like the compound fracture occurred after initial fracture, and by the severe swelling around the joint it looks like there was some extreme stress on the ankle after the injury..." Garfield doubted that the doctor would believe him if he explained that she had been running on it after it had been broken.

Looking back at Gar's parents the doctor said, "There are a few forms that need to be filled out before the operation. I'll have my nurse prep the O.R. while you finish those." For the first time since he entered the room the doctor looked at Raven. He stared at the large bruises on her throat for a moment until she finally looked up and the doctor quickly turned away. He cleared his throat and turned back to Gar's parents, "Please come with me." Then, the three left the room.

"I don't like that doctor," Raven said harshly.

"Well, I'm sure we can find you another if you want," Gar replied quickly.

"No it's fine." Raven smiled slightly until she saw the expression on his face. "What's wrong? You look nervous."

"I just want you to be okay, Raven. I can't help but feel that this is all my fault."

"Your fault? Tristan is always going to be my father, you had nothing to do with that," Raven answered.

"Yeah, but I just think–"

"If it weren't for you I would be dead right now. If there's one thing you're guilty of it's saving me on several occasions, so just stop it," Raven interrupted with irritation dripping from every word.

"Sorry," Gar smiled sincerely. "I really don't understand how you can stay so calm all the time."

"I'm not calm.. Truthfully, I'm scared to death right now. If Slade found me here already then Tristan must be soon to follow. I think I'd rather deal with Slade than my father, especially after what I said and did. The devil himself is probably more forgiving than my father at times," Raven said quietly as she stared down at her hands.

"After the surgery we're getting out of here, alright?" Gar said as he squeezed her hand.

"Yeah."


It was ridiculous how easily Slade broke into Tristan's house. Sure, Slade had some practice with break-ins, but this was supposed to be a "high security" mansion. He was mildly disappointed with Tristan, although he knew the hard part hadn't even begun.

Unfortunately, Slade couldn't just run in with guns blazing. This was a much more delicate operation which would involve lots of information gathering most of which would take place in the mansion's ventilation system. Luckily for him, Slade was used to spending hours in dark, cramped spaces. After finding the perfect spot, Slade situated himself in the vent right above Tristan's office. This was really too easy.


"Okay, we're ready for her," a nurse announced. Raven was taken to the operating room and the Logans waited outside. Marie tried her best to distract Garfield from his current anxiety.

Raven laid on the stretcher as two nurses shuffled around the room. One of them came over and put a mask over Raven's mouth and nose and turned up the gas. Raven knew she was too trusting at times, and although her trust had been exploited several times, Raven was right when she trusted Gar. Despite what the boy thought, he had never let her down once. Gar was a sign that there still was hope for this world. Then, Raven fell into a hazy sleep.

Once again her sleep was plagued by nightmares, except this one was different. Raven was the same age as she was now, and this time she held the smoldering gun over a bloodied, fallen body. Unlike the other nightmare this time it wasn't her mother bleeding on the kitchen tiles. No, it was the large corpse once belonging to her father, although now it was nothing more than an empty shell.

Raven just stared down at him numbly. One of the kitchen knives jutted lifelessly just above her hip as blood leaked out casually from her side. Raven rested the muzzle on her temple. There were no bitter tears, no confusing emotions, there was nothing. Yet for some reason her finger hesitated on the trigger. "I just want you to be okay, Raven." She pulled the trigger. Her body fell into a pile on top of her father's. One corpse with a gaping hole through its head and the other with a hole through its heart. Finally, they were at peace with each other. All former grudges were lost, old wounds were forgotten, and past mistakes were forgiven. Death truly was the great equalizer.

Despite her dream Raven woke up peacefully to find Gar hovering over her. "Hey, Raven," he spoke gently. "It's time to go they're waiting for us." She tried to sit up, but it hurt to move with all of her injuries. "Be careful, I don't want you bursting any of the stitches." Garfield looped a sling around her neck and her arm to keep her from using the shoulder she had dislocated recently. Then, he scooped her into his arms and set her in a wheelchair by her bed. She seemed to get lighter every time he lifted her.

"Act natural," Gar commanded with a sly grin before pushing her out of the room. "If we can sneak out of a guarded mental institution I'm pretty sure we can get out of a public hospital just fine."

Near the front of the hospital Mark waited in his car for the two. Gar pushed the wheelchair up next to the car and lifted her into the back seat and jumped in next to her. They sped off abandoning the empty wheelchair on the sidewalk.

"I don't know if I should be angry or proud," Mark said over his shoulder. "You've really turned into a delinquent this summer." Gar just grinned sheepishly in response.

Raven kept replaying that dream in her head, the whole way back to his house. She decided that she wouldn't tell anyone, at least not until she figured out what it meant first.


"How do we keep losing him?" Richard asked with frustration.

"Don't look at me," Danny replied. Danny's nose had been slightly bent from when Slade had broken it and it was clear it was bothering him. "It's getting late, Richard. Can't we rest?"

"No. We have to find Slade," Richard said forcefully. "Now let's see, where would he go...?"

Danny sighed and collapsed onto the cold cement of the sidewalk. Amazingly Danny fell asleep on impact while Richard talked to himself.

"What did Slade want with Raven anyway? What could she possibly have to do with all of this? Slade said he was 'just taking orders,' but orders from who? And he said Raven was going to get tangled up in something with someone named Tristan...? Ugh, this is all too vague. It looks like we're going to pay a visit to Raven, maybe she'll be able to straighten this stuff out for us. Come on, Danny." He lightly kicked the sleeping boy in side and Danny followed after him.

When they finally reached Raven's hospital window they didn't see Raven inside, they saw something much more interesting. There two men tearing apart the room, and each of them carried a gun.

"Who are they?" Danny asked curiously.

"I'm not sure, but they're obviously looking for something... or someone!" Richard took off running and Danny tried to keep up.


"We've searched the entire perimeter, Sir. We only found a bloody, torn piece of cloth that must have snagged on some brush, but we didn't find her. I have men out searching the city right now," the man reported.

"That's impossible. How could she have reached the city?" Tristan was still angry, but he had calmed down a little bit.

"Sir, do you think she had an accomplice?"

"Undoubtedly. The real question is who. Who would help her run away?" Tristan asked though the question was mostly directed at himself.

"Does she have any good friends or close relatives?"

"No, she's never met any of her relatives, and I would never permit her to have friends," Tristan answered quickly.

"Just because you didn't allow it doesn't mean she hasn't made any friends," the man mumbled under his breath.

"That's it. She's must be with that doctor from the hospital. Send people to his house immediately. We can't let her slip away again, do you hear me? This chase has gone on long enough, and I'm getting tired of this."


"Why are we back at the mental hospital, captain?" Danny whispered.

"Because we're going to break back in," Richard whispered back.

"What?! We just broke out, why would we go back?"

"Don't worry we're just going in to steal some records and then we'll leave. If we find Gar's address then we'll find Raven," Richard explained.

Sneaking past the night guard wasn't very difficult since he had fallen asleep in the booth. Every door on the building was constantly locked, and for an amateur they were extremely difficult to pick, but Richard had some skill in that area. Once they were inside they knew exactly where to go, and it took only moments to find the information in Mark's office.

"Hey, I know where this is," Danny said after looking over Richard's shoulder.

Sure enough Danny led them right to the house. There were two cars in the driveway that the boys recognized, but there was also a third car parked in the street in front of the house. "Wait, Danny. Get down." They ducked behind the manicured bushes on the lawn of the house across the street.

Two men stepped out of the car, they looked very similar to the ones they saw in the hospital room, except these ones didn't reveal their guns so carelessly. Instead of going straight to the front door the men went around the back and Richard and Danny followed them stealthily. They stopped in front of a window that was large enough for them to fit through. The window slid open silently and they popped out the screen with ease. Right before they were about to enter Danny and Richard pounced. Despite the large size difference the men were taken down without much resistence thanks to the boy's advantage of surprise.

The unconscious thugs were left in the backyard as Richard and Danny snuck in through the same window the men had intended to use. It was tricky, but they managed to find Gar's bedroom before Mark saw them. Garfield was out of the room talking to his parents, but Raven was inside on Gar's bed.

"Richard? What are you doing here? I thought you were following Deathstroke... Oh no, he didn't found me here?" Raven asked fearing the worst.

"No. Well, not yet anyway," Richard replied as he walked over to the window and closed the blinds. "But I'm pretty sure someone knows you're here. We caught some guys trying to break in, we left them in the back."

"Damn it! I knew it was a bad idea to come back here," Raven mumbled.

"We're here because we lost Slade, and we think you might have some information on how we can find him," Richard explained.

"That all depends on who his next target will be... I can't believe this is happening. Until a few days ago I barely even remembered who Deathstroke was. He's been in prison for so long," Raven sighed.

"How do you know him? Or more importantly how does he know you?" Richard began to interrogate her.

"Let's just say he worked for my father before he was arrested. In fact, my father is the one that got him imprisoned, and now Slade's back for revenge. Well, that's the abridged version of what happened."

"Who's your father?"

"Tristan Roth– one of the biggest crime lords on earth," Raven replied.

"I've heard that name before..." Danny spoke up.

"Have you ever heard of Roth Inc.?" Both boys nodded. "He hides all of his criminal dealings in the shadow of his huge corporation. He has enough influence to rule this country, and soon he probably will."

"Damn..." Danny said softly.

"I think I know where Slade is now, and I'll take you there, but he's not the one you should be worried about."

"I don't think you're in any condition to take us," Richard noted.

"I'm fine." As if on cue Garfield walked in.

"Uh, am I interrupting something?" Gar asked as he rubbed the back of his neck with one hand.

"They're looking for Slade," Raven explained. "And I'm going with them."

"No way, Raven. Not only can you not even walk, but we all saw what he did to you last time. Who's to say you'll be as lucky next time?" Gar tried to reason.

"Luck's got nothing to do with this, anyway this isn't about me anymore. Don't you understand? I'm the only one who can stop my father, I already have the information and all I need are the files from his office. Soon it'll be too late, Gar... Slade is already there, I know it. If he kills my father there will be chaos, his death could cause an uprising in the entire criminal community. No one else needs to die..."

"But you don't need to die either," Gar pleaded.

"I don't intend to," Raven argued.

"Then I'm coming with you," he insisted.

Raven sighed out of frustration. "Get your parents out of here, to somewhere safe. Then, call the police and give them directions to my house. That's all I ask, Garfield. I've already put you in enough danger, and if anything happens to you now will be my responsibility. I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

"If you're not going to let me come I suppose I'll just have to break your other leg to keep you here." He glared seriously down at her as if to say "just try me."

Raven's glare cracked into a smile first and Gar's followed close behind. In moments like this you had to keep your sense of humor, it was the only way to keep from crying. "You're driving," Raven said.

"As if there was any other option. It's a good thing I stole those crutches for you," Gar grinned.

"Uh, before we leave you might want to the call the cops to pick up those guys in your backyard," Richard said.

Gar carried Raven out to his car while Danny and Richard snuck out behind him. "I can make a splint for her ankle, sir," Danny offered as he took a seat next to Raven in the back.

"There's some gauze in the first-aid kit under the driver's seat, I'll get something to straighten it. Be right back," Gar said as he ran back into the house. He told his parents to call the police and leave the house.

"Garfield, where are you going?" Marie asked worriedly.

"Nowhere, don't worry about me. I'll see you guys soon, okay?" Gar tried his best not to sound too solemn, but his parents weren't stupid they knew something was wrong.

"Be careful," Mark demanded gravely.

"Of course," Gar grinned. The worst sign was when he hugged them both before he left. "I love you." Gar was trying to stay optimistic, part of him was sure he would return, but another part wasn't quite as certain. He would hate for his last words to his parents to be something stupid. Then, he rushed out of the house and resisted the urge to run back inside and cower under his bed sheets.

No one said a word when Gar returned to the car, it was clear he was upset. "Here, it was all I could find," Gar said as he tossed a wooden ruler and a thick, slightly crooked stick over his shoulder to Danny.

"Thanks," Danny mumbled.


A/N: Haha, that ending sounded like they were going on a road trip together, haha, damn I'm tired. Gr, I seem to hate these chapters more and more! Once again, I am so so so sorry for the long wait. I swear I will start the next chapter immediately. The end is near, and I have two ideas as to what should happen, but it's a very hard decision. Well, I'm gonna go think about it. Review if you want or whatever, I probably don't deserve 'em anyway.

Blueyedgirl: Thanks! I don't know, I guess I just wasn't too sure about the last chapter. Haha! I didn't know you were counting. Well, for that joke you get to be top of the charts! Besides, I think you're the only one who really notices. I don't mind reading crazy talk, it's usually actually quite interesting. Hey, I have a little shell just like your's, it's even the same color. :D

Luna Forest: Haha, yes he did. Of course:D

Agent of the Divine One: I never was one for balancing acts, gravity always has a way of crushing me down. Yes, I made it rather complicated and it's going to take some thinking to get myself out of this, but I'll do it:D

Kaos Kraze: Haha! Yay! Candy! Oh and thanks. :D

Beast of Brisingr: Thanks, I enjoyed writing that fight, it was hard but fun. I'm sure you're a lot better at it than you think. Of course:D

Darkness is Bright: Woo, thanks! I'm really glad to hear that you like it. If you need more then you shall get more:D

BbRaeLogan: Thanks! You don't know how glad I am to hear that. I'll try my best to keep it a short wait then. :D

Rainbow-Jess: Thanks! I was just worried I was rambling on that last chapter. Haha, school is so time consuming. Right when you finish one project you get another one that seems more difficult, teachers can be so evil. Of course:D

K.C. Raven: I'll try, but I did end up writing on Christmas a little too. I'm so hungry! The vomit is making my keys stick. My back hurts from sleeping in my computer chair. I need to take a shower. I'm missing school. Ok so maybe it's not all bad, but hey I finished this chapter without leaving. Go me:D

silverxpearls: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! Of course:D

talim9: I love writing gore. I can never leave gore out of any story I write, which can be annoying sometimes. That's good, it means you're getting involved in the story. Thanks! Ugh, it's up to you to decide. Danny can either be a Titan who's name I changed or just some random kid addicted2danny forced me to create. Who knows:D

Snea: Haha, yes it would seem that way. I've never met any mobsters in my life, which I'm quite grateful for, but they don't always seem too bright. Of course:D

Django X: Haha, thanks! I'm so glad you liked it. I'm honored! Of course, I'll do my best:D

chittychittybangbang16: Thanks! I'll update as soon as possible. :D

Marzbunni: Thank you. I'm so glad you like it. I try to integrate a little bit of everything into the story. After all, they are based after superheroes and fighting is what they do best. Haha, I highly doubt that, if my friends' stupidity hasn't killed me yet I think I can withstand anything. Anyway, I'm sure you're a lot better at writing than you think. Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of my story:D

XnvrmoreX: Every story needs some violence! Haha, thanks, I'm glad you did. :D

cheesepuff311: Woo! Thanks, I'm honored! Haha, don't worry you're among friends, be proud. Anyway, I think I'm the real loser for getting all energetic and excited whenever I get a review. :D

addicted2danny: HAHA! Thanks! Maybe... eventually, I have no clue what's gonna happen next. Sorry about the nose, but unfortunately in this story Raven has no magic healing powers, so it'll just have to heal on its own, unless it's broken again by Tristan. :D

World of Nightmares: Thanks! I should be the one apologizing considering how long it's been taking me to write chapters. School is so demanding, isn't it? Well, thanks again. :D

Kirihana: Thanks! I'm so glad you like it. I'm honored to have my story on your favorites. Well, I hope you enjoy the rest. :D

warprince2000: Thanks! I'll do my best:D

moo-like-a-floofy-llama: Thanks! I love adding in some suspense, although sometimes I fear I use it too much. That's frustrating. Eh, like I always say, I'm sure you're better at it then you think. Haha, I'm glad you like him. Don't worry, Danny is the good kind of crazy. :D

Red Panda Bear: Thanks! Truthfully, I have no idea what will happen next either. :D

Mothman X: Thanks! Haha, yeah I had to add that in cause I love the whole half-demon thing. I may have one or two people die in this story, but I'm not sure who yet, although I do have an idea... :D