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Post by Cheshire on Jun 5, 2014 3:31:44 GMT
August 25th
It had been a few days since her run in with Talia al Ghul and Jade had spent her time since planning and preparing for whatever was to come. She really had no idea what to expect so Cheshire had to prepare for anything and everything. Preparing for anything and everything thou meant keeping her little princess at arms length until things had quieted down. She hated doing it but it was what was best for her daughter, thou, Roy had a hard time seeing that.
Jade had left their daughter with Roy when she left for Metropolis, it was only supposed to be for a week or two but since her encounter Jade had decided that for the foreseeable future it was better for Lian to be as far away from her as possible. Something that had caused many a fights between her and her husband when Jade had broke the news to him. For days the two of them had yelled and screamed at each other, argued about how irresponsible she had been, how selfish she was being. Jade did not stand for it thou. If Roy had been more put together in his life, if he had stopped wallowing in his self pity and had actually been there for his family then she wouldn't have had to do what she had done. She wouldn't have had to taken the jobs she did and wouldn't be in this mess to begin with and she had made her opinions known. It hadn't helped their current situation but she was not going to shoulder all the blame for this when it was equally both of their faults.
Days went by and after a few particular fights and some decisions Roy and Jade had decided to do what they could to make things work and if that meant Jade had to stay away until the heat died down on her then so be it. It was bittersweet but it was what was best. Before she went however, Jade wanted to spend one last day with Lian before she left since she didn't know how long it would be before she saw her next.
She arrived at Roy's apartment that morning and picked up Lian for their mother daughter date. Jade had a busy day planned. The Zoo, the park, she had even planned on getting her daughter a pet. Something that Roy would just have to deal with. The girl deserved something to love. Jade and Artemis were never allowed pets when they were children and all she had ever wanted as a child was a pet cat of her own and she was going to give that to her daughter.
After spending the better part of the morning and early afternoon at the zoo Jade had brought Lian to one of Star Cities many public parks. The two played on the swings for a bit, the merrygoround, went down slides and Jade had even helped Lian across the monkeybars. Holding the girl up as she 'swung' from bar to bar. After a few hours of play Jade needed a rest; give her sneaking into a high security building, running along rooftops, fighting 10 men and she was fine but chasing a toddler around was a different kind of challenge. Setting Lian down in the sandbox to play with some of the other children Jade sat herself down on a park bench that was nearby and watched. She watched as her daughter made quick friends with a young boy that looked to be around the same age and how the two started digging and building in the sand, something that had brought a smile to Jades face. Lian already was making friends and the mother hoped that it would be a trend that continued.
Jade's motherly pride bubble was quickly popped however when she saw a familiar face approaching and she sighed while straightening her back and readjusting the black ball cap she was wearing. It could never be just a normal day with her could it? I suppose this isn't a unlikely coincidence? she asked flatly as the person approached. And just when her day had been going so well...
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2014 15:58:18 GMT
Slade Wilson was a man who liked to keep track of all of his acquaintances, whether they be enemies or friends. It simply was not in the assassin's nature. He preferred to maintain tabs on people, particularly the dangerous ones. Sportsmaster, for instance...and by extension, his family. Especially those daughters of his...they were quite the special cases indeed. Deathstroke had personally trained and instructed Tigress at one point, when she was a member of the Light. She had shown promise, but she had turned out to simply be Artemis in disguise. A traitor. A disappointment.
Cheshire was a different case. At times, she seemed to be working with her father...at times, she served the League Of Shadows. And at other times, she appeared to care about nothing other than herself. She was a dichotomy in many ways, a contradiction to herself. Slade intended to find her, and determine her true alliance in the grand scheme of things. She had been taking freelance work, and Deathstroke now approached her on the behalf of the Shadows and the Light. He wanted to know where Sportsmaster was, and she was the most likely source of information.
He was dressed in a black trench coat, and he wasn't wearing his mask. In short, he was out of uniform...for the time being, at-least. When Cheshire saw him approaching and said that she supposed it wasn't a coincidence, Slade's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "You are correct on that count," Slade confirmed. "You've been busy as of late, Nguyen. Freelance jobs, taking care of a kid." Slade glanced at little Lian distastefully. "Where is your father? He and I have...unfinished business to complete."
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 9, 2014 17:04:45 GMT
"Is that any way to treat an old friend." Jade did not hide her distaste in her voice at him being here. It was one thing to come to her professionally, it was another thing to come to her when she was with her daughter and in full view of the public. She couldn't help but think that something big must be going down soon. First Talia and now Slade...it seemed the League of Shadows was starting something big and it was apparently side with them or die and if she wanted to keep on living there was only one option.
"You've been busy as of late, Nguyen. Freelance jobs, taking care of a kid."
Jade followed his eyes as they landed on Lian and her own narrowed into snake like slits. If any of the league made any kind of move toward and or Lian Jade would personally see to it that they received a very long and very painful death.
"Where is your father? He and I have...unfinished business to complete."
How should I know? She and her father had not spoken since they had raided Black Mantas submarine and she wanted to keep it that way. If you were as good at your job as you say you are you shouldn't have any trouble tracking him down. Do me a favor, when you find him kill him for me. She spoke in her regular 'neither here nor there' tone as she turned and looked back at her daughter, as far as she was concerned this conversation was over.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2014 18:25:39 GMT
Slade simply arched an eyebrow when she referred to herself as a friend. He knew that it was not sincere, of course, so he would let it pass. They were both professionals,and they treated each other as such. There was only business between the two assassins, nothing more. They had the capacity to tolerate each other and work together at times, as well as the capacity to turn on each other in an instant. But most of the time, they were indifferent to each other. Cheshire was just another piece on the chessboard to Deathstroke. And of course, he knew that he was the same to her.
Slade noticed Cheshire's eyes narrow as he glanced at Lian, and he resisted the urge to smirk. Had the great. Cheshire grown soft with the emotions of a mother? "Your daughter will remain safe...as long as you don't oppose us," Slade assured her coldly. The League Of Shadows did not tolerate opposition, as Jade knew well.
When Jade told him that he should find Sportsmaster himself and that he should kill him, Slade issued a stern gaze at her. "Sportsmaster isn't an easy man to locate. If you don't know where he is, then that is one matter resolved in this encounter. The second matter that concerns you is quite simple," Slade proclaimed. He casually took out a wicked-looking knife and examined before looking back at her. "You can take it as a proposition or a threat...whichever suits you better. Since your betrayal, you have been on very bad terms with the Shadows and the Light...so I recommend that you take this to heart." Slade twirled the knife in his hand before continuing. "I am aware that the Demon's Daughter discussed this with you earlier, but I have a new condition. You either rejoin the Light and regain your place within the League Of Shadows...or I hunt you down and gut you like a pig," Slade said. "You're going to have to decide now. We're already pushing the time schedule. And a job that is under time constraints has a higher chance of bringing about...collateral damage." Slade turned his head to Lian again before turning back to Jade.
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 9, 2014 19:45:28 GMT
Jade could have only hoped that their business here had finished once she told him that she didn't know where her father was. She didn't think she had to explain to Slade that if she did know that she would be the first to shout it from the rooftops. Jade hated her father and while she had maintined a professional attitude with him in the past she really could care less what happened to him. In fact, his death would be a weight lifted from her shoulders.
But, it seemed that this was not going to be that simple...When was it ever?
She listened to his words and she knew the deadly meaning behind them, something that was only furthered by the brandishing of a knife. The noose was quickly tightening around her neck and there was only one way to loosen it. "Talia already knows where my loyalties lie." She said bluntly "I am a servant of the League of Shadows and by extension The Light." Her gaze was stern, she was not going to show him fear or that his threat had hung low on her. Lian was her everything and she would do anything and everything to make sure she remained safe.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2014 23:03:42 GMT
Slade did somewhat admire Jade's resilience and mental endurance. She was a person that knew not to be manipulated, and not to back down. And that was something he could respect. Still, he was not here to admire or respect. He was here to ensure that there were no loose ends, and that the Light's plans could proceed according to schedule.
The mercenary stowed away his knife into his coat, patting the pocket where he placed it. "Right...that is good," Slade responded in a cutthroat manner. "And should your loyalties ever waver...you know what happens." Slade narrowed his eyes (well, eye). He then put his hands in his trench coat pockets, continuing to issue a stern gaze to combat her own. "That will also require you to cut off communications and interactions with the archer. Red Arrow. He is not one of us." Deathstroke waited for her reply, to see if she would refuse, comply, or do something else.
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 9, 2014 23:21:33 GMT
The way he patted the side of his coat where the knife was stored made her stomach drop slightly because Jade knew he would use it without hesitation. They were a lot of like, Slade and her in a lot of ways. Both of them were top in their field, both were deadly with their weapons, both were unmatched by most and both of them had the same killer instinct and would do whatever it took. But, unlike the one eyed man before her she did have a heart. A small heart that she kept well guarded but a heart none the less, at least for things that she held near and dear: like her family. Something that the mention of cutting ties with Roy had cut deep with.
Despite their...differences, Jade loved Roy and while the two of them may be separated that didn't change anything. She had left him because he couldn't give his energy to their marriage and the child she knew they were going to have. His obsession with finding speedy had drove him to near insanity. So, she packed her bags and went to do what she knew how to do best. But, she continued to keep tabs on him. Sending a well timed lead his way whenever he seemed to be getting worse and even calling in every favor she had to get information on the real Roy's location when her husband seemed to be hitting rock bottom. That wasn't something you did for someone you didn't love. But, here Slade was trying to bully her into cutting ties with him and Jade was not one to be bullied.
My personal life is none of your or anyone elses business. She defied, her words had a bite behind them. Red Arrow knows nothing about what I do and it will remain that way. He is not your concern.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 0:24:10 GMT
Slade glared at Cheshire, remaining calm as he did so. It was not in the assassin's nature to lose control of his emotions; he had trained extensively to improve his mental state until it had reached the absolute peak. This included his composure in heated situations. The Light's enforcer could not leave loose ends lying around, however, and Cheshire knew this. But she seemed to be too stubborn to comply. "As an assassin, you know the potential dangers of having loose ends, Nyugen," Deathstroke said fiercely. "Red Arrow is a liability. He works as a vigilante, one that has proven to be a nuisance in the past."
Slade stepped slightly closer to Cheshire, making the gap between them a mere three feet. "If you are found feeding any information of any sort to Red Arrow, I will personally ensure that you receive the due punishment. You can talk to him, but you have one strike and you are done; no passing on any intel to Green Arrow's whelp."
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 10, 2014 0:42:35 GMT
At his 'acceptance' at allowing Red to remain in the picture Jades body language changed, she smirked slightly and crossed her arms. A common trait of hers when things had shifted in her favor. It may not be the wisest idea to gloat in front of someone like Deathstroke but Jade couldn't help it, it was who she was. Relax, old man. She continued in the same manner, even as he stepped closer and tried to intimidate her. Red is just a small blip. Nothing that can't be handled. Roy was going to stay out of this one way or another. Even if she had to make him herself she was going to keep him and Lian far away from this business with the Light.
Of course, getting him to switch sides was out of the question even if it would make her life easier. Roy had always been ambiguous when it came to the right and wrong side of the law, it was part of the reason that attracted her to him in the first place so it might not be completely out of the question but, she didn't want that for him because it wouldn't be real.
All of this however didn't explain just why The Light was becoming so interested in what she was doing now. Talia and Slade had all thrown out their threats but had given no explanation and Slade had confirmed that The Light was indeed back in action...but why? What is The Light doing these days anyway? She asked, generally curious I heard they took a pretty savage beating at the hands of the sidekicks. What kind of grand scheme plan are they thinking up now? They all expected her to swear her loyalty but hadn't told her why..well that was going to change real fast.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 4:58:42 GMT
Deathstroke remained collected when Jade assumed a more empowered position, and simply arched a brow when she seemed to be gloating. Not many people had the guts to gloat in front of Deathstroke; it was like a big no-no among criminals around the world. He would let it pass this time, if only for the sake of not generating conflict just yet. It was not a fruitful time to be confrontational at the moment.
Slade narrowed his eye again as Jade remarked on how the Light had been beaten by sidekicks. "Had the Reach not gotten in our way, we would've won," he said. Besides...our current scheme will blow the Reach's metagene research out of the ballpark...you don't get to know what it is until you pass Talia's test of loyalty."
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 10, 2014 5:13:47 GMT
Had the reach not gotten in our way
Jade gave the slightest smirk at that. Failure was failure no matter how it came about, just because something got in their way was no excuse. I also heard that the Martian girl got the drop on you....you really must be loosing your touch Slade. So many slip ups, so many recent failures.... She made a "tisk tisk" sound as she spoke. He thought he could come here and threaten her and she would just lie back and accept it? Well, he had another thing coming.
Don't worry, I'll pass Talias test and any test they throw in front of me. Hell, she would pass the test simply for the fact that she wanted to know just what they had planned now. What could the Light have up their sleeve that "blew the reaches metagene research out of the water" whatever it was...sounded lucrative and she wanted a part of it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 5:50:26 GMT
When Cheshire taunted him, Deathstroke gave her a murderous glare, an evil glint in his eye. She had gone too far this time, and Deathstroke wanted her to know it. "Insult me again, Nyugen, and a bullet is going through your daughter's head. And after her, I will skin you alive and make an example of you, before mailing the individual pieces of your body to your mother, sister, and lover." Deathstroke would deliver, too. That was one thing that someone could be sure of.
When Cheshire claimed that she would pass all the tests, Deathstroke resisted the urge to scoff. "They are nothing you have not seen before. You have taken similar tests in your training under the Shadows," He stated.
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 10, 2014 19:37:11 GMT
Despite his looming threat Jade knew she had gotten to him, the great and powerful Deathstroke had a ego problem just like the rest of them. That was useful information to store away for a later date and time, when she might need it again. Jade knew she had crossed the line and frankly she really didn't care but, to keep things at their relatively peaceful interlude as they were now she knew she had to make amends. Bowing slightly in apology the young woman kept her eyes on the man in front of her but her smirk disappeared, even if she was still smiling on the inside.
Once that was done Jade straightened up and casually leaned back on the bench, putting one arm over the back of it and crossing her legs over each other to make herself more comfortable. Then, there isn't anything to worry about, is there? She had passed those test then when she was still 'green' she would be able to easily pass them now.
While the two adults spoke Lian had decided that she had had enough of playing with the boy in the sandbox and had started to walk her way back toward her mother and the scary looking man. When she got closer to the bench Lian reached up at her mother in a 'up' fashion.
Mama, up!
Jade leaned over and picked up her daughter and set her securely on her lap, her motherly instincts taking over and she held on to her daughter in a protective manner. Slade had already threatened her twice and Jade was going to take no chances.
The child, completely oblivious to the tension and the looming danger around her looked up at Slade with wide, curious eyes. She looked at him for a moment before bursting out into giggles. Santa! She said happily while pointing at the man with the white hair and beard that was standing in front of them. Mama, Santa! The girl looked at Jade and then back to Slade, not understanding why her mother wasn't as excited as she was that Santa was standing right there in front of them.
Jade probably would have laughed if this wasn't a serious matter, the fact that Lian thought a trained killer was Santa was almost comical, her daughter did enjoy fighting. Something Roy had pointed out when they had brought her alone to Tibet when they were searching for Speedy but this, this just had bad written all over it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 22:53:51 GMT
Slade narrowed his eye as Jade's kid called him "Santa." That was a new one for sure...not many people could claim that they called the world's greatest mercenary a Santa Claus and gotten away with it. Deathstroke glared at the kid, then at the mother of the kid. "Great parenting skills, Nyugen," Slade remarked dryly, with a hint of danger in his voice tone. He glanced at Lian ruthlessly. "This kid should learn to differentiate between an assassin of the Light and a red-clad flying man from fairytales..." He said bemusedly.
It was indeed a bit odd to hear himself being called Santa Claus. Hell, didn't Santa Claus have both of his eyes intact? How the hell did someone manage to mess that up? Then again, Lian was a mere child...hardly a toddler, from the looks of it. And judging by Cheshire's distinct body language, she did care for this girl a lot. Beyond all the legends of Cheshire's exploits, and her incredible reputation as an assassin...she had a heart, and a motherly nurture.
Deathstroke crossed his arms and continued looking at them viciously, waiting for an answer.
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Post by Cheshire on Jun 11, 2014 4:35:35 GMT
She's two... Jade said bluntly, looking from her daughter to the man towering above them both. Really? Did he expect the girl to know the difference between a man with white hair and a beard to a mercenary? It wasn't like Jade sat Lian down and taught her about the life and she wasn't going to. Not until she was older and if it was what the girl wanted. Lian would get to pick what type of life she lived.
The young girl kept pointing and giggling at Slade and Jade simply put her hand over the girls to bring it down while telling her it was not nice to point at people. Loosen the eye patch, Slade. Children have vivid imaginations. Someone was truly taking this a bit too much to heart in her opinion, there were worse things Jade could think to call him, Santa was a compliment.
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