As far as Jump City is concerned, this property and everything within its borders belongs to Will Wintergreen, a retired veteran who spends his golden years like a minor Brit noble in a humble early American manor. While this is true, it is only the first layer of misdirection. If anyone were to see him associate with a younger man, the story is that he is the son of an old military friend. His name, concerning government -forged- documents, is Joseph Wilson. Admittedly the weakest of his aliases and a reminder of one of his sons, but he rarely needs use of it. Especially since he won't be staying after his investigation.
He only returned some months ago for rest and recovery after four years of reviving his mercenary name, finding many hunters and warriors who thought they could hold their own against him under the assumption that his absence means that he has become weak. A theory they took their graves. With the sudden drop of mercenaries and assassins, there were contracts aplenty for his choosing.
Contrary to popular belief among the hero population, Deathstroke detests the rot and decay that come with criminal activity. He has little faith in the government and those who find careers as political powerhouses who, in turn, nurture illicit activities that have created this cycle of good versus evil, action against apathy. A person can be kind, caring, and loving. People as a whole are selfish and seemingly elected positions of power take advantage of that trait under the guise of improving society. Under the illusion of safety, the people have become domesticated and ignorant leaving the hard task of keeping themselves safe by supporting the heroes, but these heroes are also bound by the laws of the corrupt government.
The Batman has the right idea in taking matters into his own hands, though his personal code of never taking a life holds him back. Sometimes, evil must be eliminated or else it'll return stronger. It's perfectly alright for a soldier, in the midst of conflict, to take a life of a foreign terrorist and return to the States as a war hero, yet while the country is imploding under itself due to domestic terrorism, it is woefully wrong to cut the source of the evil where it lurks.
Civilians will never understand the dichotomy of their carefully cultivated logic as they are blinded by entertainment and media. Nor do most of the modern soldiers shed these crafted lenses. They are all ignorant of the delicate balance they all live in, unwilling to step outside of their comfortable lives and brunt against the force of reality behind the facade. The truth will test their resolve and many willingly choose to put the rose tinted glasses back on, resuming their previous way of thought- or rather lack thereof. For the rest, they either turn cynical and jaded or become maddened with the sheer weight of the world.
For a few, they take action.
He was once a soldier of war. Now he is a soldier for hire, bound by personal honor and a moral code. Deathstroke is bound by contract, yes, but that is precisely why he doesn't accept every job that comes his way. His targets must be deserving of death.
Much like his initial regard of the Teen Titans. He became aware of the arrival of the Tamerianian princess and the event that triggered the origin for the team as soon as news made it to him. He was aware of how new they all were to working with others, relying on backup or support, and stepping in when needed. Teamwork is something that has to be practiced, but they hadn't developed the hours necessary when the slimy leader of H.I.V.E. hired on a mercenary, 'paying' him beforehand with an experimental concoction. During the young man's fight against the teens, the injection was slowly killing him as it forced all biological systems into overdrive. By the time Robin knocked him out cold, the fight had accelerated the process to the point of no return.
Under the naive assumption that the unconscious gun for hire would be dealt with by emergency services, the Titans left, never knowing that the man was dying. News of the young man's death reached Deathstroke which pushed him to pick up the contract with Brother Blood and resulted in his torment towards the Titans. Of course, it wasn't until he returned from Trigon's hell that he learned the truth about H.I.V.E.
Finding that the Titans were just the catalyst, and not the cause, Slade decided to drop the contract and leave the young heroes be. For four years, he left the city. Admittedly, he simply couldn't stay away even if he wanted to. Aside from needing to let the fire cool on the other coast as he can never resist making a show of things when cocky heroes are involved, -not to mention the lengths he's gone through to gather vital intel for his personal plans- there's this drive to come back that has been incessant. At first, he figured it to be a form of homesickness as he does spend quite a lot of time on this property to possibly consider this home. But he's been home for months now and the drive remains constant.
Despite that, he knows that he will have to return to Gotham in order to meet with Zatanna which means a round trip fairly soon. Until then, he might as well brush up on years worth of Titan intel.
From the numerous sources of media coverage and security feeds, there is a lot to learn. While crime is at its lowest in Jump City, the Titans have branched out to surrounding cities and towns to make up for the ample down time due to decreasing criminal rates. Because of the alien woman's galactic involvement, the team is increasingly finding missions in space. Heroes to those that they can reach no matter the distance.
The years have been kind to each member. The leader has graduated from being a bird brat to a fully fledged Nightwing as he calls himself now. The uniform change is certainly welcome and fitting for such a serious man. His relationship with the princess is littered throughout the Web and they don't seem to hide it very well. A misunderstanding on the alien's part as her race are openly sensual beings aside from their warrior practices. As a hard-headed noble, she is unlikely to change much in that regard.
Changeling, as Beast Boy is now called, also has a uniform change. As the youngest, most impulsive of the group, he seems to be filling into adulthood rather nicely were it not for the bruise in his heart for a certain blonde. He is also aware of the morphling's involvement with the Doom Patrol, having lived long enough to see them rise and fall, but the things a child might have seen leaves a mark for decades. Slade can tell that in the face of the young man's physical maturity, the moment his emotional insecurities break what mental fortitude he developed over the years will be devastating. Were he still after the Titans, Slade would relish in pushing him over the edge.
But now, he feels for the young man.
His friend, the metal man, is something of a force to be reckoned with, until he isn't. What Cyborg has in technological advancements, sheer power and will, and intelligence still falls short to Deathstroke. Granted, there is a reason why he has started to see the man shadow League members and why he's already gained the favor of Superman. Cyborg is hero enough to fight for justice and strong enough to prove good on his word. Because of his time spent with the Titans, he is well prepared to adapt to the fighting style of anyone he works with. He is an excellent man to have watching your back.
Outside of crime fighting, the team has been increasingly active in events within the city. Most notably of the list are the three men's scholarship involvements in Jump City's University of Technology Research and Development. Nightwing and Cyborg are expected components while the morphling was not. Then again, if one is capable of being a modern 'Gamer,' one would have to keep up with advancements in technology.
Interestingly enough, they've begun being a part of parades, festivals, charity appearances, any possible formal or informal event that the city could possibly squeeze from the Titans. Presenting these newly adult heroes like show ponies… questionable.
However, the main point of his investigation is the second youngest of the team. Being the introvert, there's a significant difference in media coverage between the team and Raven. Unsurprising to say the least. When one has to maintain constant control over their emotions or else the world will end, it almost isolates them from the population and being an empath on top of that would be maddening. Not only would she have to contain her own emotions, she also has to block out others. Being attacked from within and without, for every minute of every day. It's a wonder that she hasn't gone over the edge.
But she remains ever vigilant because if she could defeat her father, the embodiment of pure evil, then she can stand in the face of emotional torment for the rest of her life as a prize. Quite honorable to shoulder such an unending task, uncomplaining and so accepting.
None of it is worth taking her life.
Whatever Zatanna is afraid of, Slade isn't seeing it. If it's a matter of Raven changing by the time the deadline dawns, then he wants to know why and how and if she will ultimately fall or rise above. Either way, if the world is at risk Slade is going to be present to pick up where the heroes may come short.
The magician gave him a deadline for a reason meaning that she has information regarding this entire ordeal. Which begs the question, what is going to happen to Raven?
The prophecy for Trigon's coming has already been resolved and while under the demon's employment, he didn't hear of any other involvement that Raven may have. Unless this is something apart from her demon heritage. Perhaps something to do with the monks of Azarath or something deep in her human mother's heritage. He'll need to figure this out so he can better plan his approach.
Of course, he is also considering coaxing Raven to falter in her status as a hero. A trick he pulled on young Robin who became Red-X in order to get close to Slade. Should she give him a reason to consider her a criminal, it'll be a quick death for her mercy. He may be jaded that she could ragdoll him with little effort, but he won't stoop to a cruel death. Quick and near painless for a near perfect woman.
As far as being able to overpower her should he need to, his findings show that she hasn't developed any new powers. On the chance that she hasn't spent these years bettering herself, then he may find himself on an even playing-field. He'll have to brush up on his occult knowledge, though there may be texts he'll have to 'borrow,' be it from other magic users or museums. Raven might also have knowledge that would be beneficial in gaining an edge over her specific brand of magic energy.
After combing through hours of footage, Slade finally leaves the monitor room, striding into the rest of the modified bunker fit to suit him and his needs. One of many hidden throughout the city, out of the countless others located around the world. In this particular one, Slade has the means to manufacture a broad range of items, including wiretaps and transmitters- courtesy of Slade's best client, Lex Luthor- like the one he's already planning out to fix into the Titan's system. Seeing as years have passed, there's a high likelihood that Cyborg has done a deep sweep of the Tower and rejected all invading hardware/software. Any links he might have had inside the Tower will be long gone, so he'll need a new one.
He'll need the insight if he's going to perform an in-depth investigation on Raven. However, on the other hand, the fact that Zatanna, who is supposed to be a hero herself, is ordering a hit on another hero. Maybe she deserves his research as well. And if there is no cause for Raven to be targeted, it'd be a crying shame if someone from the League catches wind of the magician's lapse in judgment. It might go against his want to avoid any of the League members, but justice needs to be upheld even if it means finding himself off their radar once more. Though, in all honesty, it might happen regardless if Zatanna is right in that the Justice League is considering a merger with the Titans.
Which poses an issue for Slade. A few members of the League know who Deathstroke really is, from the Batman to Green Arrow. Should the Titans join them, they'll learn who exactly put them in their place multiple times. Nightwing, especially, will devour any information on him as if it'll make a difference during the fight. Not that it will, but Slade doesn't appreciate his past aired out like yesterday's laundry.
"Sir," Wintergreen's voice echoes from Slade's wrist communicator.
"What is it?"
"I'll be starting dinner shortly, will you be joining me this evening?"
"Unlikely, Will."
"Understood, sir. I'll set aside a plate for you when you do find the time to return to the manor."
Lowly groaning at the interruption, he refocuses on the task at hand until the transmitter is ready for programming. Unfortunately, he'll need some time with Cy's new system in order to accurately mask the tap's presence. A quick trip to the Tower can easily remedy that as long as he brings the bulk of the code with him. Certainly not the first time he'll pull off a stunt such as this and it won't be the last.
While waiting for such a chance, Slade might as well dive into the occult and mysticism, the esoteric and philosophical in regards to magic use. Perhaps learning demon seals during the process in case he would need to contain or restrain the dark Titan at any point. Must always plan and prepare for every scenario and this time, he won't hold back.
Slade brushes up on the work of Heinrich Agrippa and his mentor, Johannes Trithemius, for the Western approach to magic. Jacolliot's Occult Science in India and Gewurz's Mysteries of the Qabalah are also texts needing to be glanced over once again, most especially the latter for a better understanding of the Hebrew used in Solomonic demon seals. Having to learn, much less understand the complexity of true magic manipulation, is a Herculean feat by itself. While he is very familiar with the broad sense of most magics used around the world, he's never specialized in any one particular field.
He has knowledge enough in metahuman abilities to have helped the unstable Terra control her own powers, even through the proxy of a telegraphic suit. Such knowledge learned from personal experience over decades worth of contracts and personal curiosity concerning powered beings, including Zatanna. At least he already knows of the binding factors of her use of magic. Prevent her backwards speaking and lose her focus to ensure that she can't cast a spell. It's a matter of defending himself to get to that point of offense.
And while Slade is well-versed in great powers, he is no Constantine. Should that tactless, exorcist Brit also get involved, it would make the investigation more of a challenge. The more he ponders on this task, the more the mercenary is finding that he is in an extremely delicate position on this game board. One wrong move and it'll be a checkmate.
Still, there's plenty of time before Zatanna's supposed deadline. Her claim is that Raven will undergo a terrible change on the new moon in the middle of winter, yet here it is barely summer. Usually, Slade is very timely when it comes to his contracts. However, he hasn't accepted, so he will take his time as there are months ahead of him. It provides plenty of time for espionage and his personal mission. In fact, there might also be time enough to learn another magic skill and, on the chance he'll need it, consider implementing sigils, seals, and runes on both his armor and civilian clothes as added protection.
Slade may be an unstoppable force, but he is still human. Altered, but human. Break his body into pieces, drain him dry, torture him, though he will not falter. The serum and later the resurrection made sure that he doesn't have to worry about his physical form in the slightest. It's the intangible that he has no natural defenses against. Get into his mind and, though he may resist at first using his acquired skills against other Esper types, he is still capable of snapping. The same is said for any attacks to his soul. He could get possessed and have no way of getting free, not without outside help.
Knowing these weaknesses and knowing that this investigation has folks perfect for said weaknesses, it'd be best to treat this as he does with any mission and be prepared for any and every possibility. So, he quietly studies any manuscripts and files he currently has access to for the sake of a refresher course until he consumes everything. None of it will improve his skills, however. Without much else to do, he considers strolling through local shops in Jump City that cater to the magically gifted.
For the sake of the alias, when Slade goes out as Joseph, he makes the extra step of covering the scarring around the right side of his face and slips in a glass eye before settling on a pair of sunglasses to further hide his eye. The prosthetic is decades old at this point and is rarely used as Slade prides himself in his ability in spite of his visual disability and prefers simply wearing an eyepatch. However, as long as he is in Jump City, the less resemblance the alias shares with the villain, the better. Should Nightwing get a wild hair up his ass about finding Slade, he would naturally overlook any civilian with two eyes instead of one.
By the time Slade leaves the bunker, a morning fog rolls between the towering buildings reflecting the street lights with a certain eeriness through the thick of it. Upturning his coat collar as he continues down the sidewalk, the occasional push of air from passing cars mark the beginnings of a waking city. He makes for a few locations he is sure to have some more information. Eclectic book stores, niche occult trinket shops, even grim cafes, all the little places that have a hint of magic. All of them disappointing, so he moves along to chase after any other stores he is unaware of, be it a library tucked away in a dark alley or a portal into a pocket dimension. Morning passerbys barely spare him a second glance while Slade recognizes some faces of the city's most wanted. These people do eye him as if considering whether mugging this well-off man is worth the effort, but a returning glare wards them away just fine.
A rushing car pulls behind it a wave of an intense incense, the scent familiar and often associated with magic users. Like a hound, he follows his nose until he finds an unassuming shop and sidesteps into it needing to blink away tears from how strong the incense is as the store itself appears foggier than the city. The obscene amount of candlelight doesn't help the smoke lazily curling and unfurling in a delicate dance nor the suffocating smell of fire and ash.
Once he regains his bearings, he takes note of the store. It reminds him of his target's personal quarters from the grotesque statuettes that litter the open backed shelves and piles of books along the walls. There are hanging herbs, some dry or in the process of drying. There are bowls of glimmering gems, each one sparkling from the candles as if they can coax him to reach for one. There are also small stands holding jewelry of most kinds and types, each one seemingly hand-crafted and carefully set out for the exact clientele the owner works with. A miniscule grin sets on his lips as he steps forward, nodding his head in acknowledgment to the frail-looking old woman behind the counter.
"Welcome to my shop, most esteemed guest." Her unwavering voice betrays her weak appearance. It's strong, but soft. Just in that one sentence, however, Slade infers that this is the shop owner and she is not to be trifled with.
Her threadbare scarf covers an iridescent brown dress and a head of curly black hair streaked in silver strands throughout. Her slow walk, as she makes her way towards him, doesn't give way for weakness, but a predator circling her prey, Slade feels his guard come up without him thinking about it.
"I was told that it would be a good morning to open up early despite the weather."
"It does seem like good fortune," Slade softly responds.
"I don't recall seeing you here before. Is there anything I can help you with? Anything that strikes your fancy or are you looking for something to give to a special someone in your life?" Those gray eyes search him, peeling back his layers with just a gaze. This is enough to tell him that he has to tread carefully.
"I have no one in my life like that, ma'am. I am only here for some research. I've been visiting other similar locations, but I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for. This place, however, has potential."
The elder brightens, almost unnaturally so as if this age she is presenting is false. Somehow that pleased smile takes decades off her face. "Why, thank you for that kind observation, young sir. I certainly hope we have what you need. The tomes you might be looking for are in the back room, but they are not for purchase, so please enjoy your time while reading. If you'd like food or drink, they will be free of charge."
Slade slightly bows and lowers his head in silent thanks, but chooses to voice it as well. "You're very generous, ma'am. I am afraid that I must say no to your offer, though I am sure you're a fine cook."
"Oh, nonsense, dear. It's just store bought pastries and finger food, but if I can't convince you otherwise, it's no skin off my back. If you need anything, simply holler," she says as she shuffles back behind the counter.
"Will do, ma'am, and thank you again."
With pleasantries out of the way, Slade slips to where the woman directed to find shelves of leather bound books unlike what is stored up front. It is painfully clear why these aren't for sale. While he is not expecting to come across anything about Azarath or Trigon and his human cult followers, he is hoping for anything on the nature of seals and wards. As he leafs through the yellowed pages, he finds very interesting worldly information. An interesting find are scholarly texts from the different regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and Atlantis, not to mention how odd it is to see an entire catalog of UFO sightings or alien encounters within an occult shop. Unsurprisingly, there are the entire works of Shakespeare and other dramatists or plays including the Inca Drama of Ollantay and the Noh Plays of Japan.
In his opinion, he agrees with having these available next to these tomes. Such timeless works of literature best illuminate the human condition and our connection with folklore and myths. These artists sought to bring the harsh truth about ourselves as individuals through these characters that we could live vicariously through without suffering lasting consequences, learning through fictional possibilities what could happen should we make the wrong choice or fail to say or do the right thing. This, in turn, relates to magic use as magic is energy and energy without proper handling can be dangerous and lethal.
If one were to think about magic as electricity, it would be unwise to stand out in a storm with a metal rod unprotected just as much as it would be a hazard to channel magic without first understanding the what, where, why, and how. Terra comes to mind once again. She was terribly young and unguided while being victim of a strong elemental connection. Had she thought to first look inward and reflect on her issues before allowing herself to use her power, she might not have been so easy to gaslight into joining his side.
This is exactly why it's constantly documented that there is a large gap between a master and a young novice for any craft from masonry to magic. With age comes hours of self reflection and practice, both of which he has over all the Titans, even the Honorable members. Luckily for him, he has over half a century under his belt and plenty of battles to glean practice, experience, and enlightening brushes with death.
Having been learned in regards to symbols in general, Slade replaces the books before stepping back in the store proper to bid the old woman goodbye. At her wish for him to return and buy something next time, he chuckles and finds himself back on the city streets, senses overwhelmed by the afternoon bustle. He hadn't realized the time spent inside the shop and wonders if this woman might know a friend of his. One that he hasn't spoken to in years now.
But that dramatic woman is a medicine best avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Slade meanders along his path back to the hidden bunker where his car awaits as his mind is in split between autopilot for the body while his brain is already taking the things he's learned into consideration. How should he form the number of seals? Where should he place the protection runes? What kind of sigils work best against either Raven or Zatanna? Can Raven be treated like a demon in the sense that with the right marks, he can trap her in a seal? Is there a rune of silence that he could use against Zatanna?
"Sir," a voice calls into the deep thoughts.
The gray-blue eye focuses on his surroundings. He made it home without thinking. Wintergreen stands before him on the front stoop, kindly holding the door open. Slade gives a soft nod before heading inside.
"Sir, I've made your tea." The sweet aroma kisses the man's senses. Wintergreen once joked that this is Slade's mortal weakness and proof that he might secretly be an Englishman.
"Thank you. I'll take it with me. Take some time to rest, friend."
"I may be older, but I still outrank you." A small grin spreads on the older man's face which Slade couldn't help, but returns it just slightly as he takes the tray and leaves for his study.
He draws out some sketches of sigils and runes for different uses, referring to his mental files of memories for any corrections of the symbols Slade is hoping to use. With these, he should be able to negate most soft to medium magic attacks or activate a sigil to render his presence invisible. He does wonder why he hasn't considered this before for his assassin work. In certain cases, such tools would have been helpful, though… the mission wouldn't have been as entertaining otherwise.
At some point, it's time that he heads to the garden- finding that Will has taken Slade's advice to lay down- and slips into his command center to check up on things. No messages from potential clients or updates from his informants. Not even a word from his favorite client concerning his order. In this quiet lull in between tasks, the heavy pull of that strange drive returns with a vengeance. Now that it's stronger, he can pick up a little more on what exactly this feeling is.
There's a gnawing pain at his heart and a stinging sensation in his throat. There's a sudden want for touchable warmth that nearly drives his system overboard. The thought of laying down without a soft, pliable body next to him is a betrayal. He's done so well to bury this feeling. Why bother him now? He's done what he's needed to do when it comes to his contracts, including seduction though it's not something he enjoys.
For the longest time, he remained loyal to his ex-wife, understanding that he did put their family in danger and there's no one else to blame but him. He understands why she thought to kill him. There are times when he wishes that he didn't survive back then or never be able to walk away from any mission. Every encounter with a superhero or a metahuman, there is a hope that this time, he will finally perish.
But then his self-pity dies as does his love for his ex. She must be long dead by now, so she shouldn't concern him anymore. The only reminder of her in his life besides his children, wherever they are, is the hole in his head.
This feeling, however, reminds him of his youth when he first laid eyes on Adeline. Like his heart is so ready for love, but his mind is too much of a chaotic jumble to truly understand why and how. Which is far beyond what Slade needs or wants. Relationships will get in the way of his work. Aside from trying to either separate his life for them or involving them into his lifestyle, they would still be at risk. He can't lose another family because his heart wants something more to this life.
He ignores this now defined drive and slips into bed for the night.
From this point on are the original chapters, so please don't mind the cringe. I'm editing as quick as I can.
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