[Action | Jump City]

[totwistandturn]

It had been a couple of weeks since running into Slade at the Nexus and things had seemed almost normal when she got back. Ivy had spoken to her about consorting with Apprentice and, though there had been thinly veiled rage in her voice, nothing had come of it. Things had gone back to the way they were, if not busier, and Persephone had followed

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[flipping_bird]

It's over a week before Slade gives Robin his communicator back; longer before they're back in Jump City. Robin's just completed a rather daring theft; adrenaline pumping he's making his way across rooftop, sirens blaring in the direction he's just come from. Robin loves this city.

The message is a surprise. Robin frowns. Another test? It would be like Slade to throw this in his way now.

But if it is Persephone?

It might be the gothamite in him, but Robin couldn't believe she knew what she'd got into, signing on with Ivy. The apple incident proved it. Persephone needed hope -- and what was it Nightwing had said? We try to help.

The message he sends Slade is brief. Making a detour. Got the item, won't be long. Sent, he consults his GPS for Persephone's location and changes course.

It's not that much longer before he's landing lightly in the park, shocked at what he sees. Of everything he was expecting, it wasn't this. "Persephone?"

[totwistandturn]

Even though she's crying, the goddess manages a watery grin. She starts to speak, voice coming out as a hoarse squeak before there's a sickening series of cracks -- that would be the sound ribs make, popping back into place. Good thing to know the lair walls were so sturdy.

She tries again, managing this time, "He told you or you figured it out?"

[flipping_bird]

Robin's only ever heard that sound on the opposite side of it -- it's not any pleasanter knowing that's a healing sound. He hesitates before approaching Persephone and very very gently putting a hand on her shoulder.

"He gave me my communicator back."

[totwistandturn]

Persephone shakes her head and then instantly regrets it, the world spinning. "My name. My real one."

There's a pause as she bites her lip. "I-Ivy wasn't happy."

[flipping_bird]

Robin winces. He knows the importance of secrets after all. That is not something he'd ever take lightly. "I don't know how he found out, but it wasn't through me."

"She did this?" This is -- Ivy's a villain, sure. But Robin doesn't remember her ever being this brutal in Gotham. "Slade didn't have a part in this?"

[totwistandturn]

"Shit," she groans. This raises a whole new set of problems. If she, one of the younger gods, could pull herself through to the future, then it wouldn't be a problem for one of the older ones, say, Hades, to do the same. And with her name out...

"Other than telling her what we have been up to? Would not put it past him to... embellish the truth a little."

[flipping_bird]

"Slade's not likely to share the information without reason," Robin says by way of comfort. "He doesn't exactly give stuff away for free." It's not much comfort but it's all he's got.

He's not surprised Slade made good his threat to talk to Ivy. "He doesn't lie." He doesn't need to. "Sorry."

[totwistandturn]

It doesn't help at all because: "Ivy knows."

Persephone looks down at the mess that is herself, not choosing to say anything. Truth or not, it had to lead to this.

[flipping_bird]

"... ah."

Robin joins Persephone on the seat. There's not really a lot you can say to that. Or at least, nothing he can think of. But sometimes -- well, company's enough, right?

After a moment, he reaches for his belt. Slade is grim and evil, yes, but he's still seen fit to equip his Apprentice with anti-bacterial wipes.

[totwistandturn]

Thankfully, her immune system is fairly good what with the immortal bit, but she appreciates the sentiment all the same. The thought that Ivy would have another fit -- even if it is at the goddess' expense -- knowing that she was out with Apprentice makes a grin curl at the corners of mouth.

"I have had worse... Been on the wrong end of an explosive once." Persephone is trying to be brave, shrug it off, but she's still silently crying. It's not so much the physical hurt as it is the emotional.

"Thinking I may leave for a few days."

[flipping_bird]

Robin's quiet -- he recognises bravado.

"That makes sense. Where would you go?"

[totwistandturn]

"Nexus." She bites her lip again. "I am even considering home."

[flipping_bird]

"Nexus makes sense," Robin says. "You've got the AVF in most places." He'll miss their occasional spar but.

[totwistandturn]

"I just do not want Slade or Ivy to find me, now that they know where it is." She curls up on the bench, retrieving the PINpoint from her pocket.

[flipping_bird]

"Slade told Ivy about the Nexus?" That's -- unexpected. Slade and Ivy's goals are dissimilar enough that Slade volunteering that much information is entirely surprising. Robin really, really doesn't like this.

[totwistandturn]

With another groan, she buries her face in her hands. "I do not know if he told her, but I... she was interrogating me and seemed to be hinting at it and it just... just slipped."