Chapter 8: Family Reunion

"Joseph…" Jericho shuddered as he heard the voice murmur his name. He'd known this was coming since he heard that man's voice. But that didn't mean he had to accept it.

I have nothing to say to you.

"Listen then." Slade said. Jericho supposed he had no real choice, but slowed down, dropping behind the others in the procession. Slade had directed them to a run-down area of Jump, several miles from the tower, and his input wasn't necessary until they neared the location of the base.

"I know you don't want to hear this, but for what it's worth, I'm sorry."

I don't believe you.

"I don't expect you to, nor do I expect you to understand. But ever since your mother took my eye, I have done all I could to keep you and Rose safe."

And how have you done that?

"Leaving you on that mountain was a difficult decision, Joseph, but one I had to make. You would never have chosen the life that Rose took. You take after your mother in that respect." To the casual listener, Slade sounded as if he were discussing nothing more important than the time of day.

And how is Rose, since you bring her up?

"Showing great promise. She grows stronger by the day."

You haven't answered my question.

"Indeed. Leaving you on the mountain kept you alive and as intact as you could be. Once the Titans started to increase their ranks, I knew it was a matter of time before you were discovered. Keep them close, they will be a far better family than I could ever provide."

Jericho was conflicted. This was the closest by far that Slade had ever got to showing compassion, and Jericho didn't know what to do about it. On the one hand, he did not like this feeling of anger- after all, who wishes to hate their own family- but equally, he was painfully aware that the man was duplicitous in the extreme.

Why should I trust you?

"I'm not asking you to. I just want you to know that I'm proud of you." And with that, Slade increased his pace, directing the group into the mouth of an alley, leaving Jericho very much confused.

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"It's here."

"Here? There's nothing here!" Killowat, being less versed in the field of supervillainy, had not yet grasped the concept of secrecy in secret lairs.

"Nothing you can see. Look over there."

Killowat grudgingly followed the villain's gaze to a small doorway in the warehouse opposite, and was surprised to see an armed guard exit, cigarette in hand.

"Security's a little tight for an abandoned warehouse, wouldn't you say?" Killowat merely nodded in response.

"Alright, so here's the plan. Jeri, I need you to take control of that guard."

Nothing simpler. Jericho was glad to have a distraction from his thoughts, and ran towards the guard, whistling to catch his eye. A brief flash from his eyes later, and the guard suddenly spat out his cigarette and walked over to the group.

"Alright, I'm in control."

"Does this guy know where our friends are?" Beast Boy had a steely glint in his eye that would have startled his casual acquaintances.

"Yes, but security's tight around them. I can't see a way to free them on my own."

Beast Boy was silent for a moment. "Then we need to know more. Jeri, you and I are going scouting. I'll investigate the more heavily guarded areas, while you stay by the prisoners- try to get word to them without attracting too much attention."

"I know just the thing." Jericho smiled. It felt good to talk again, even if it was in this sandpaper growl.

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Starfire and Killowat were not happy, for several reasons. Firstly, they felt like they were useless, sitting in the alley with a notorious criminal while their friends risked life and limb. Secondly, Starfire was beginning to worry; Jericho and Beast Boy had been gone far too long for her liking, and Killowat was beginning to get anxious- this was, after all, the most important mission he had ever gone on, and performance anxiety was kicking in with a vengeance. Starfire was about to suggest going after them when a guard walked over to them, with a green bird on his shoulder. Suddenly Jericho materialised, and the guard dropped to his knees, unconscious.

"Friends, you have returned! What did you discover?"

The cages are protected by several highly advanced and lethal security systems. We can't get close.

"However, these systems rely on a generator, deep underground. If you can get to it, Kil' could you drain its power?"

"Not a problem, honorary boss man. But how am I gonna get to it? It's gonna be pretty heavily guarded."

"That's where Star, myself and Slade come in. We're gonna act as a diversion, drawing as many of the guards away from the halls as possible."

What about me?

"First thing, you're gonna possess another guard, and stay near as you can to the prisoners. Dude, you're gonna be our secret weapon. Everyone got that?" The others nodded. "Alright, let's go."