This is the end. Thank you to all of my readers. Thank you to everyone who reviewed. Just thank you. These past couple years that I have been writing this have been wonderful, you are all wonderful. I don't know what else there is to say but thank you.

And now the epilogue...

The wind whipped around and there was the threat of rain in the air as Isabel stood in front of the grave. The small funeral had ended some time ago but she could not leave. Isabel had watched as the men had covered the grave with fresh dirt. They had left in silence, leaving Isabel staring at the headstone.

Jonathan Crane August 15th 1980-March 28th 2045

Twenty-nine years. They had had twenty-nine years together. No that wasn't right. As much as he tried, Jonathan had never given up his life of crime. Jonathan had made her a promise long ago that she and Evelyn were his new life's work but the truth was that he was still in love with his Fear Toxin. A little less than two years after he made a promise to never leave her, he did.

Isabel was cold. She groaned and reached over to cuddle Jonathan only to find him gone. Cracking her eyes open, she looked to the bathroom, the light wasn't on.

"Jonathan?" She called groggily, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. From the room next door, Evelyn's room, she heard Jonathan muttering softly. Tiredly, Isabel got up and walked to the room. She paused outside of the door and peered inside, through the crack, listening.

"...regrets. You are so perfect. I love you and your mother so much but I need to go away for a while."

"Papa go?" Evelyn's tired but sweet little voice asked.

"Yes, just for a few months."

"Go where?"

"Back to Gotham."

"Gotham? Batman!" Evelyn's tone became scared at the mention of Batman. She had been raised with her father and her "uncles" and "aunt" always casting Batman as the villain in their stories to her.

"Yes, Papa needs to go and fight Batman."

"Papa fight!" Evelyn giggled, "Papa win!"

"Yes, I will win," Jonathan reached down and picked Evelyn up, hugging her tightly. "I will win and I will return to you as soon as I can."

Evelyn closed her eyes as her father hugged her and when she opened them, she spotted Isabel through the cracked door. "Mama!"

Jonathan turned, Evelyn still in his arms, as Isabel opened the door and entered. "Why Mama cry?"

Isabel reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Nothing, it is nothing, sweetie."

Evelyn smiled and returned to hugging Jonathan. Isabel stepped up and wrapped her arms around both of them. Jonathan put an arm around Isabel and pulled her tight against him. The family stayed like that for a long while. Eventually though, Evelyn became antsy. "Tired, Papa."

"Okay, my sweet, back to bed."

"Night, night Papa. Night, night Mama." Jonathan set Evelyn back in her bed and the two adults snuck out of the room. Taking Isabel's hand, Jonathan led her down the stairs so they would not wake Evelyn back up.

"You were just going to leave without telling me?" Isabel accused once they were downstairs.

"No, no," Jonathan said, drawing her into his arms. "Of course not, pet. I was just saying goodbye to Evelyn first."

Isabel felt tears rolling down her cheeks. "Y-you didn't even tell me. We didn't discuss it at all."

"I know, Isabel. I'm sorry. I didn't know how to bring it up. Please understand. I don't have a scheme, I just need to conduct some research. I will back in a few months. I promise…"

That had been the second promise he broke. Jonathan had been caught by the Batman and thrown in Arkham, it was not until six months after he left that he returned. It was almost poetic though, he had returned on Evelyn's birthday. Jonathan stayed with them again for a year and half before returning to Gotham. That ended up being the pattern of their life. Stay for a couple years, then leave. All in all, Jonathan missed about 4 years of Evelyn growing up. Four years they would never get back.

The wind was stinging Isabel's cheeks, the pain increased by the tears now streaming down them. Sniffing, Isabel dabbed the tears away. Jonathan had asked her not to cry. They'd known this was coming. Ten years ago, Jonathan had returned to her and officially retired. Five years ago he had fallen ill. All the years of being beaten, by both Batman and other criminals, and of many more years of accidently inhaling his chemicals had finally taken its toll. There was nothing the doctors could have done to help him, and all Isabel could do was ease his pain in any way possible.

The last year had been the worst. Isabel had done all she could but in the end they both knew his time was up. Then in the middle of the day ,three days ago, Jonathan had been sitting in his chair reading when he suddenly looked up at Isabel who was sitting on the couch.

"I love you, Isabel." He had said, his voice still strong but the tone so much softer than it had been when they were young.

"I love you too, Jonathan," Isabel had replied automatically, not looking up from her book.

"No, Isabel." His tone this time made her look at him. "I do love you and I am sorry that I went back to Gotham all those years ago. I never should have left you or Evelyn. We should have moved across the country far away from Gotham and Batman. I was being selfish and I am sorry. I am so, terribly sorry."

Tears had pricked at his eyes, something that Isabel had not seen often in all her years with him. Smiling, Isabel had gotten up and kissed Jonathan's cheek but then he had grabbed the back of her head and given her a proper kiss on the lips. Not passionate, but even fuller in meaning and intent than the kisses they shared when they were young. Pulling away, Isabel had felt her eyes misting over as well. "Do you need anything, Jonathan?"

"No, pet," Jonathan had said tiredly, "I think I will just close my eyes for a bit."

Isabel had nodded and went back down to read some more. When she had checked on Jonathan an hour later, he had passed on.

"Mom." Isabel was pulled out of her memories by the sound of her daughter's voice. "Mom, it is going to rain soon."

"Yes, Sweet," Isabel sighed. "Just-just a couple more minutes."

Evelyn put a hand on her mother's shoulder. "Okay Mom. Stewart is waiting for you though."

Isabel nodded before turning back to the grave. After her daughter's footsteps had faded away, Isabel heard another pair approaching her. "I am sorry for your loss, Mrs. Crane."

Isabel turned to look at the source of the unknown voice. It was a man, old, but not older than her. Somewhere in his late fifties. Most notably he was huge, not with fat but with well toned muscle. Muscle that could only be earned with years of constant use.

"Thank you." She paused for a second before continuing, "He had been sick for a few years. There was nothing the doctors could do. So many years of bodily abuse led to this. I always thought, one less punch, one less broken rib, one less time exposed to that toxin…but it doesn't matter now I guess."

The other man was silent, staring consideringly at the grave.

"I suppose I should thank you again though, for never coming for us, for him at home."

"I don't know what you mean."

"I'm not a fool, Batman, I saw you one night. Out in the woods, watching us. You knew where we were and you knew where Jonathan was hiding. You could have burst in and arrested him, arrested me, broken up our family, but you never did. Thank you for that."

The man was silent once again.

"I also know what you have done with the other bodies. The bodies of Jervis, Two-Face, and the others who have died so far. I know that you take them so their graves cannot be made into monuments to their crimes. Please, though don't take his body. No one in this town knows who he is. No one will find him. Please, when the time comes, let me be buried next to my husband."

"No idea what you mean, ma'am," the man said, walking away. "Once again I'm sorry for you loss."

Isabel watched as the man walked away. Her attention was drawn away though by a call from a young boy by the road. "Babushka!"

Smiling for the first time all day, Isabel waved at her grandson. Glancing back towards the man, Isabel saw the he had disappeared. Closing her eyes, Isabel looked back towards the grave once more. Bending down near the headstone, Isabel placed her hands on top of it. "Sorry, my love, I have to go now. It might be a while until we see each other again. I love you."

Standing, Isabel made her way to the road where her daughter and grandson were waiting for her. The six year old boy wrapped his arms around Isabel, his pumpkin shaped plastic bucket that Jonathan had given him three years ago on Halloween knocking against her legs.

"I am sorry Babushka," he said, hugging her tightly. "I am going to miss Grandad."

"I know, little ghoul, so am I." Isabel said, patting his straw blonde hair inherited from his father.

Evelyn hugged her mother tightly. When they parted, Isabel looked at her daughter with her blue eyes so much like her father's and her grandson with an obsession with Halloween to rival his grandad's. Doctor Jonathan Crane, the Scarecrow, the God of Fear, was gone, but his legacy would live on.

It's okay to cry, I teared up writing it. This may be the end of the story but this isn't the end of Jonathan and Isabel. As I mentioned to a few of you in PM conversations I have many ideas for them that did not fit into the main story line. Therefore, I will posting extra/bonus chapters after this detailing Jonathan's and Isabel's life together. Some might be what if's but most will probably just be firsts, like first birthday, first Xmas together etc...and some smexy times. Haha.

I will be posting the extra chapters here so don't delete this from your alerts or if you are reading this once it has been completed then add it to your alerts still.

Once again thank you everyone.

Now for a sneak peak at the first chapter of my next Scarecrow story 'The Gilded Lily' (title up for debate). I will be posting this in a few months so keep in eye out around the beginning of Winter.

Doctor Crane,

I am writing to you because I am interested in attending Gotham State University next year to pursue my graduate degree in Psychology and I had a few questions if you would not mind answering them.

Firstly, I was wondering if you were taking students next year under your advisement. I know that you are a new professor with this being only your first year, however, after reading a summary of your previous work I cannot find someone with whom I am more interested in working with. Forgive me, I do not mean to flatter, it is simply that in my research into graduate schools I cannot find anyone with as much interest or knowledge about the psychology of fear as you.

If you could not tell my area of interest is also the psychology of fear. During my undergraduate schooling my independent research focused on the intersection between the disgust factor present in seeing somewith unfavorable circumstances (like homelessness or illness) and fear (of being in that situation). Though I am currently taking a year off from schooling I have kept up with the research within the realm of psychology of fear.

Which leads me to my second question. I cannot seem to find any of your current research interests on the university webpage or your faculty page. Though I know your publications are recent I am simply wondering if you are still study the same concepts or have moved on to other hypotheses.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for responding.
Sincerely,
Lily Taggart

Miss Taggart,

Thank you for expressing your interest in working with me next year. I will indeed be taking on students to work with me and in my lab. Space is limited however and I will only be taking on a maximum of two students; though you are the first to contact me as such, therefore I do not believe there will be much competition for the positions.
My current research is delving further in depth with my previous research topics. My work this year is a more concentrated focus on the coping mechanisms after a fear incident. However, with students I will be able to broaden my research to include other areas. By your description we do have similar areas of interest and I encourage you to apply to the program. If your academics and references are good enough for the reviewing board to accept you I would most willingly take you on as a student.

If you have any other questions about my research or would like any of my research to help you keep up to date feel free to ask. If you have any questions about the program in general please direct them to Bill Pigeon as he is the current head of the department.

Regards,

Jonathan Crane Ph.D

Doctor Crane,

Thank you for the quick reply. I am glad that you will be taking on students next year and I hope to be among them. As for you offer I will take you up on it. I unfortunately cannot seem to find your most recent paper "Fear as a Control in Media" anywhere that is not behind an expensive paywall. I would be most appreciative if you send me that so that I may read it. Just looking at the abstract I can tell it is an interesting topic and paper.

Thank you,

Lily Taggart

Miss Taggart,

Naturally, so far this topic has been one of my favorites to experiment with and learn about. Please find the paper linked below. I have also attached the current write-up of a similar topic that is still undergoing peer review for you to read as well.
Regards,

Jonathan Crane

Dr. Crane,

Thank you very much. I will be sure to read them as soon as I have time. As you probably know, applying to graduate school eats up a lot of freetime. Both look fascinating, thank you for your consideration.

Thank you again,

Lily Taggart

The late summer air in Gotham was thick with humidity, even in the morning, and the stench of pollution permeated the streets near the river and harbor floating up towards the higher elevations with every passing minute. It was in this urban hell that Lily Taggart awoke. She stretched as she sat up in her old sinking bed. Through the rickety white blinds the sun peeked, shining its rays on the dust floating in the air. The sleepy silence of Lily's morning was suddenly broken by the sirens outside. Another day in Gotham.

This day was very special to Lily however, this was the first day of her graduate school career. Getting out of bed Lily smiled to herself. After a year off from college so she could pay back some of her students debt she was ready to get back to the grind. Gotham University was her dream school and she was going to be studying under her dream professor: Doctor Jonathan Crane. Not only was he going to be her advisor but to subsidise her tuition she was going to work for him as a lab and teaching assistant.

Opening up her closet Lily's eyes purused the clothing inside. She knew she should have chosen her clothes last night. Now she did not know what to wear. This might be one of the most important days of her life. It was her chance to make a good first impression on Doctor Crane. So far she had only communicated with him by email. During her entrance interview Doctor Crane had been away on a personal emergency meaning today was her first time meeting him face to face.

What should she wear though? Nothing casual, that was inappropriate. But a suit was too formal. Could she wear jeans? Maybe her new dark blue ones but better to wear slacks or a skirt. Not her long skirts though. Maybe she should wear a dress. It was hot out, pants would kill her and seeing how she had just shaved her legs yesterday she did not have to worry in that department.

With the decision to wear a dress or skirt Lily pulled her selection of those items from her closet. She did not have many preferring pants for the most part. One instantly caught her eye however, her family tartan. Though Lily had not been born or raised in Scotland her grandparents had instilled a great love for their homeland in her at a young age. It would be perfect for today. The comfort of it would give her courage and perhaps it could even be used as an icebreaker. Skirt chosen Lily moved on to finding a top.

This was far easier. The mostly dark blue and black pattern only went with a few of her blouses. Seeing how it was summer though she chose to wear the white one with short puffed sleeves and ruffles down the front. The blouse, her tartan, same basic black shoes, and a thick black belt would combine to make the perfect outfit for her first day of graduate school.

Noticing the time she headed into the kitchen. She would eat a quick bowl of cereal before hoping in the shower and then getting dressed. In her kitchen Lily poured herself a bowl of cheerios, added some sugar, and then flicked on the TV to catch the morning weather. According to the weatherman it was going to be muggy all day but tomorrow was supposed to be nicer out with the temperature dropping to the low eighties instead of the nineties like it would be today and had been all of last week. Finishing her meal Lily rinsed out her bowl and took her pills with a large glass of water.

Lily started to strip as she made her way into the bathroom. Turning on the showerhead she brushed her teeth as she waited for the water to heat up. After a few minutes she stepped into the pleasantly hot water and washed herself. She also made sure to touch up her legs with care as bloody or nicked skin would mar the first impression of her. When she was done with her shower she dried off and used the hair dryer to speed along the process. Usually Lily let her hair air dry but she had to arrive at the University earlier than she usually would. The reason being that Doctor Crane wished to meet with her before his morning class to have their first official meeting and get to know each other a bit before the scheduled department welcoming get-together tonight.

Once her hair was dry Lily put on the bare minimum of makeup to hide her old acne scars and the shadows under eyes. Just for good measure she also put a tiny amount of dark blue eyeshadow on and some natural looking lip stick. Makeup was not something she often wore but until she got to know the rules and expectations of how she was to look while working with Dr. Crane, she would wear some. With her face and hair prepared Lily changed into her outfit. The final task for the morning was to go through her bag and ensure that she had everything she needed.

'Books? Check. Notebooks? Check. Writing utensils? Check. Map of the campus? Check. List of classrooms? Check. Wallet? Check. Cellphone? Still charging.' Rushing over to her bed Lily grabbed her phone and charger and shoved them into her bag. Now that should be everything. Double checking once more Lily gave herself a nod. Yes. She had everything she needed. Slinging her bag over her shoulder Lily grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

The psychology building she needed was a brisk twenty minute walk from her apartment but given the humidity Lily decide to take the bus. It was not any faster however, the buses around the University were run by the campus and were therefore nicer than the others in the city being equipped with fans and something that might pass for AC. She waited five minutes for the bus before it arrived. It was fairly empty with just a few students with their coffee staring at their phones already seated. Lily took an empty seat and fifteen minutes later she was stepping off in front of the psychology building.

Straightening her hair and clothes Lily centered herself before entering the building. The building was old and the scent of dust lingered in the air. Lily smiled to herself, the scent was that of academia. Checking her watch she saw that she had five minutes before her meeting with Doctor Crane. With quick steps Lily climbed the staircase to the third floor offices. He said he was all the way down at the end of the hall in the corner office. The third floor's floorboards creaked underneath her feet as she walked down the hall. There was a garish salmon coloured carpet with lime green flowers padding her steps and it made the building feel even older.

At the end of the hall she could see another person standing outside the corner office's door. He looked around her age. Perhaps he was Doctor Crane's other grad student. She stopped next to him and peered into the window of the office. It was dark inside. Apparently Doctor Crane was not here yet. She smiled at the other student.

"Are you waiting as well?"

The man raised an eyebrow. "Yes, and you are?"

"Lily Taggart, I am Doctor Crane's other grad student," Lily said sticking out her hand.

A smirk crossed the man's lips and he took her hand. "Doctor Jonathan Crane."

Lily felt herself flame red with embarrassment. "I-I," she stammered as he continued to smirk down a her and shake her hand. "I am sorry Doctor Crane. I knew you younger but I didn't expect…."

"Someone nearly your own age?" He suggested breaking off their handshake. "That happens quite often. The perils of obtaining your doctorate at the age most are entering graduate school."

Lily laughed awkwardly, "I bet. Well it is a pleasure to meet you at last."

"And you. I would let you into my office but I cannot seem to get in myself. The door has a habit of becoming stuck due to the settling of the building and the humidity. The janitors will have to come up and realign it again."

"Ah, I will just come back later then?" Lily asked wanting to be as far away from her embarrassment as possible at the moment.

"No, no," Doctor Crane said running a hand frustratedly through his hair and glancing at his door once again. "They will not show up for at least an hour. There is a cafe down the street, we can have our meeting there, a bit more informal anyways."

Lily gave a forced smile. "Sounds good to me."

Doctor Crane gave a nod of his head and then lead the way down the narrow hallway. It was a short walk that they took in silence. The cafe was small for one nearly in the center of campus but well designed and with a wide arrange of options on the menu. As it was only just after eight am it was mostly devoid of students except for a single feminine looking man, with bright blue hair and wide bright green plugs in his ears, typing away on his high end laptop.

"I will buy," Dr. Crane offered as they approached the counter.

"Oh are you sure? I have money," Lily replied rather embarrassed at offer.

"No, it is fine. An apology for the inconvenience."

"That isn't your fault but thank you."

Dr. Crane gave a short nod before looking at the cashier. "I will have an Cappuccino, large. Miss Taggart?"

"Oh, um," Lily glanced up at the menu quickly, "a small white tea please."

"Alrighty," the cashier said in a tone that was too tired to be cheerful, "that will be six eighty nine would you like to round that up to seven and donate the rest to the Gotham children's fund?"

"I will," Dr. Crane said with a nod handing over a ten to the cashier. The second worker whom had been crouching down doing something stood and began to make their drinks. Dr. Crane's was finished first and he waited for Lily to get her own.

"There is faculty seating upstairs we can talk there, Miss Taggart."

"Lead the way Dr. Crane," Lily replied following him up a set of rickety wooden steps hidden behind a door to the second floor. There were two other professors up here both reading and sipping on their drinks. They looked up when the pair entered and both gave a slight nod to Dr. Crane but did not say anything. Dr. Crane chose a small table with old plush arm chairs for them to sit at in the corner of the room.

Sitting down Lily took off her bookbag and took the first sip of her very hot tea, burning her tongue slightly. She massaged it against her teeth before realizing how silly she must look. With a slightly awkward smile at Dr. Crane, Lily straightened in her seat.

"Now then Miss Taggart, you are not from Gotham correct? How are you finding yourself so far?"

"Good, good, Gotham certainly is different than the suburbs of Vermont but I like the public transport system. I really do not like driving in city traffic if I do not need too."

"I agree, though might I advise caution as to riding them at night. There has been an increase in gang violence on some of the routes recently."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane, I have to admit I am not comfortable enough with the city to go out at night by myself however, so that is not a worry for me. Not that I go out often anyways," Lily chuckled awkwardly.

Dr. Crane gave a short nod. "You focus on your work and studies that is good."

Another awkward chuckle escaped her, "Well more that I am quite introverted. I'd rather read or play my video games than go out with my friends."

"We cannot all be social butterflies. Like you I prefer to be alone rather than with a group," Dr. Crane replied setting his coffee down and resting his hands on the table. "What genres do you enjoy?"

"Oh, everything really, though for me it is more about the writer or story itself than the genre. I suppose I could say I do not like True Crime, Westerns, or Religious Fiction as a rule but other than that it does depend on the author. I do love non-fiction, however, as long as the subject matter is something interesting. Do you like to read, Dr. Crane?"

"Most assuredly, the walls of my apartment are covered in bookshelves. I too have varied interests in reading material. Though I have to say I am surprised that Horror is not a favorite of yours? Psychology of fear after all."
Lily laughed genuinely this time feeling much more comfortable. "I am sorry Dr. Crane, it is just that I get that comment a lot. I actually do not find horror novels scary at all, I do not find them that interesting on the horror front but when combined with a mystery then I love them. That being said, horror video games can really freak me out and scare me. It is just something with the interaction ability of video games compared to books that seems to do it for me. You like horror novels then?"

"No, in fact, I feel the same way about them. Not scary in the slightest. I have never tried horror video games, however, I am not really a games person."

Lily looked at him a bit confused, "then why did you ask me?"

"I wished to know, if you had the same opinion. Most people do not understand my neutrality towards horror novels."

"Same here, they think that just because I am interested in the psychology of fear I love horror and am obsessed with fear. They do not understand that they are completely different. Of course these are the same people that do not realize how much a role fear plays in their everyday lives."

Dr. Crane truly smiled for the first time since they had met. "Though this is not alcohol I will drink to that," he said raising his coffee cup. With a smile of her own Lily knocked her tea against his cup and they both took a sip.

Feeling much more at ease Lily was able to relax back in the chair. The worn plush was actually very comfortable. "I am sorry Dr. Crane but I must inquire or else it is going to drive me mad. How old are you actually?"

"It is alright, since we will be working closely we should be comfortable with each other as well. In answer to your question I will be twenty-six in a few weeks."

"Wow," Lily said amazed, "only three years older. You must be wicked smart to have accomplished a Ph.D so young."

"One could put it like that, thank you. Though I must say I was impressed by your GRE scores. Well above average in both verbal and written exams; and somewhat above average in quantitative. The paper you submitted was solid and came from an interesting angle, too."

Lily flustered a little, though she not the most humble person she had never taken compliments well. "Thank you Dr. Crane, you are really overselling it though. I could have done much better in my research."

"Naturally you could have, but that is why you are pursuing a graduate degree, to hone your skills."

"Well, yes, you are right there." Lily glanced down at her watch. If she remembered Dr. Crane's morning class started soon, they should be heading back.

Dr. Crane said looking down at his own watch. "Maintenance should be finished with my door by now, shall we head back?"

"Yes, I was just thinking that," Lily said standing. "Oh, before I forget. Here, in case you need to get in contact with me. I don't know if the university gave you my contact info or not."

Handing him a slip of paper with all of her info on it Lily picked up her bag slinging it over her shoulder. "Thank you, I will get my information together for you as well and give it to you next time we meet. Do you have plans at noon?"

Lily thought then shook her head. "No, I do not."

"Good, do you mind stopping by my office again? My classes will be finished for the morning by then and we can work out a schedule. I should have a key for you by that time along with my contact info."

"Of course, thank you." Together they left and walked back over to the psychology building. More students and faculty members were arriving now. A few professors greeted Dr. Crane and Lily smiled at the few she recognized from her interviews. In the entrance of the building, before they went their separate ways, Lily and Dr. Crane stopped.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Taggart," he said extending his hand.

"Lily, please, and you Dr. Crane," she replied taking it.

"You may call me Jonathan. I will see you later, remember two o'clock."

"Yes, I won't forget." Lily turned and hurried off to her class. All things considered that went pretty well.