The Heirs of Gotham (IC)

[Mephistophelily]

The nights in Gotham City have a chill in the air, even in the depths of summer. The City still grieves for its fallen hero of years ago; it cries for what it has become. As time has passed, the City attempts to regain its former glory... but at what cost and for whose benefit; those who carry on the name of justice, or those who follow a criminal legacy?

---

Gotham City, 16 Years Ago

"She's looking at me again-!"
"Well, why don'tcha pick her up an' do somethin' with her?!," replied a shrill frustrated voice from the other room, the young girl settled onto the floor staring up at the man sitting in the recliner before her.

As his teeth grit together, he peered down at the child, eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer. "I still don't see the resemblance. For all I know, you could be Nigma's little br-"

"Daddy." The single word cut him off, her wide brown eyes followed up with a smile.

He scowled, tossing the newspaper settled in his lap aside, a pale hand coming to rest on the girl's head. "You want to play with Daddy, Mari?," He crooned, a sudden smirk crawling across his face. "How about a nice story, hmm? About Daddy and the Mean Ol' Bat...."

The girl's smile faded, replaced with widened eyes of fear as her father began to recount his encounters with the Batman; the creature that haunted her nightmares. Why did he insist on telling her these terrible things?!

----

Mari groaned as she tossed the black duffel bag up onto the fire escape, glaring at the red and black tassels of her mother's hooded head as it darted across the rooftop. "Sure, let's not wait up for your kid or anything," She hissed, hoisting herself up and over before snatching the bag up. The white makeup on her face was beginning to run; the sweat from her forehead leaving a slight trail down her cheeks. So this was how she was spending her 18th birthday? What a great mom she had. Letting her anger fuel her along, she caught up to her mother by only a few steps, watching as she ran along the roof's edge... A curious debate coming to Marionette's own mind. If she were to simply throw this overloaded parcel at her, right now; to knock her off this roof and leave her to whatever form of patrol this city had anymore-

"Stop daydreamin', Sweetie, and let Mama have it!"

Oh, so tempting. So damned tempting.

Instead, she simply tossed the bag to her mother, jumping onto the next rooftop in an effort to keep up. Harley insisted that Mari could win over her father by simply following in his footsteps... Showing that she intended to carry on the family name. Marionette wasn't sure that was what she really wanted. At least, that's what she had thought. Joker was adamant on reminding her on what type of life was ahead of her without him in her life; the constant reminder of who she was, others shunning her, hating her, the eyes of every cop and hero that tried to tame this city settled on her...

If they wanted to stare, she should give them a show. It was in her blood. To deny that was simply denying herself, and Joker wouldn't allow his influence over Gotham to simply fade away. "You're the next generation, Marionette! And as long as you can breathe, Daddy will always be there to remind you of your blood... even if I have to show it to you a few times."


Mari had always hated her birthday.

Even now, 5 years later, she turned a bit more sour than usual around that time of the year. August 30th... Her father's side came out a little stronger in her, wanting to cause destruction and her own version of merriment to celebrate as her family always had. After all, traditions were traditions.

She walked from the front doors of Gotham University, her bag over her shoulder as her eyes seemed lost in some distant land, oblivious to those around her. A hand suddenly on her arm jolted her from her thoughts, glaring at the man attached to it. His grin only made her angrier, but she forced a smirk in return. "Helloooo Timmm," She crooned out, trying to keep her voice as sweet as she could.

"Sweeney Todd auditions are next week. I figured we could go together. You'd be a great Mrs Lovett."

She raised an eyebrow with that. "Oh I would, huh? Why do you say that?"

"I dunno. You just... you just have that air about you, you know? That you could do bloodthirsty crazy really well. I bet you could really freak the audience out in full costume."

"Hmmm." Another sickeningly sweet smile. *You have no idea.* "I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or be offended, Tim." Continuing past him, she simply closed her eyes, ending the conversation- at least, on her part. She had more pressing things to worry about... Traditions to uphold.

[Cadeyrn]

Gotham University. The pinnacle of higher education. Where future CEO's of mega corporations are bred, taught the subtle art of stomping on an enemies throat when they're down. It almost seemed too fitting. A college, where the brightest stars go to flourish, teaching what could be construed as nothing more than criminal actions. Dante chuckled to himself. Oh the irony of it all.

He sat, perched upon the highest tower of the campus, staring down at the people below. For a college campus, it was eerily reminiscent of a medieval fortress. High towers, stone masonry, many a courtyard and winding corridors. He could easily see how someone could lose themselves in the vast expanse of this campus. From where he was, he could see everything. Exactly the way he liked it. Every person like a tiny pawn in his game. Behind a large section of bushes, a couple squeezed in a quickie between classes. A group of people gathered around, passing a joint between one another. In a darker, lesser traveled corridor, a smaller student is savagely beaten by a larger one. He pulled the large, bronze spyglass from his eye, a twitch beginning to appear in his face. A twitch only visible when angry.

Flashing back to times forgot, All problems ended with a shot

Gotham, 7 years earlier

"No, no, no, NO, NO!" screamed the Mad Hatter, bringing his cane down violently over Dante's back. He winced, gritting his teeth, holding back a yelp of pain. His back had been reduced to reddened, scarred flesh. Scars on top of scars. He stood on shaky legs, facing the mechanical Batman once more.

"If you can't beat the fake Bat, what makes you think you can best the real deal." he screamed angrily, bouncing around the room in his normal, insane style. "Try...AGAIN!"

Just as Dante reached his feet, eyes stinging as sweat streams dripped into them, the mechanical Batman attacked once more, throwing fist and kick as Batman would, down to the exact movement. He combat rolled behind the machine, sweeping out its legs. Pouncing on his fallen prey, he thrusted his fist downward towards the throat. This was it. He would finally beat this god forsaken machine. He could finally rest.

His fist hit into the cold, unforgiving metal, but not of it's throat, but it's palm. He was pulled downwards, his head pounded against the cement floor, a deep gash reopening, blood running onto the floor.

'Keep it together, Dante' he thought to himself, pushing himself back onto all fours. 'Sidestep the uppercut, headlock, break the neck.'. A sound plan in theory. The steel boot of the robot met his ribs and he cried out in pain, his father all the while laughing maniacally.

Dante flashed back to reality, finding himself in a different tower than he last remembered. He shrugged, pressing the spyglass back to his eye. What to see. What to find. He scanned the main walkway, quickly coming to a halt on a particular figure.

"Marionette" he whispered to himself, his breath becoming heavier. Once more, his love stood before him. Beautiful, slender body obscured by her street clothing. Pulling the spyglass from his eye, Hatter jumped from the tower onto a nearby roof, descending the building in a series of parkour moves, holding tightly onto his hat. In a better vantage point, he resumed his surveillance. A male had come into the picture, his hand attached to her arm. He gritted his teeth, scowling at the mere sight of this lesser man with his hands upon her. He knew not who he was, or what business he had with her, but he didn't like it.

He decided tonight would be the night. Tonight would be his ultimate heist, his confession of love to Marionette.

[Zak1000]

13 years earlier.

Cedrick was just a little boy, holding his mothers hand as she took him on a little feild trip. It was to the more industrious area of Gotham. She pointed up to where buildings billowed great pillars of black smoke. The air smelled of chemicals.

He recalled everything. How she'd taught him that day about man and what he was doing to his home. Of how all life would come to an end if someone didn't teach these filthy, greedy men a lesson. Even then he understood. Maybe not completely, but he understood.

She told him someday he'd save the world. Save the animals. Save the pretty green plants especially. How he'd do a better job then even his mommy had done. How proud she'd be of him when that day came.


10 years earlier

A clown lady and a girl a little older then him came to visit their house. It wouldn't be the last time this happened. He got to know them well.

The clown lady was his auntie Harley, and her daughter was named Marionette. He was surprised. He never knew he had an auntie. He tried to be on his best behavior.

The red headed 11 year old walked up to the girl. "Hi there. My names Ceddy."


Now

Those memories seem fleeting. He remembered seeing her almost every other week for the better part of a year. He was ecstatic to find she was not only still in Gotham, but attending the same school as him. A childhood friend, almost a cousin, although he knew by know that there was no actual relation.

Cedrick got up and turned off the computer he was researching on. He felt like a stalker but he knew exactly where she was, and planned on seeing her that very night. He couldn't resist, she wouldn't be a kindred soul, but maybe they could just talk about things. There were too few that could relate to him.

He knew she was a theater student. And some class or something or other should've just ended. If he read the schedule correctly... He would need to hurry. He was glad he lived on campus, the building wouldn't take more then a minute or so to run too. He laughed at how he must look. Dashing down stairs, out of doors.

He saw her! He would have sighed with relief if he still had the breathe to do so. She had just finished speaking to someone and looked as though she was about to be on her way.

"Wait up!" he panted.

[Mephistophelily]

Grab a pencil. Shove it into their eyesocket. Don't stop until you feel-

"Jesus, Ceddie."

Mari's voice was nearly a growl as she finally recognized the redheaded young man running up beside her. Her fingers had already reacted in the natural manner from her father's loving lessons; wrapped in an over and under hold around the base to allow easy release of the writing utensil once she drove the lead into the other person's brain. Instead, she simply tapped her thumb against the well-used eraser, scowling at her semi-cousin as she continued down the sidewalk. "For some reason I thought you'd left Gotham..."

She gave him another glance. Still seemed as out of place as he did back then, back when Mom had forced her to go play with him at Aunt Red's. That woman's place always bothered her. Too... green. Reminded her of Dad's hair.

"Don't you know there's crazies in this city? Runnin' up behind someone like that could get you right into the hospital." A slight warning, disguised in a friendly smile. "According to ol' Tim over there, I'm a prime candidate to be a great psycho." The smile grew broadly with that, only to immediately drop, her shoulders slunking in as she scowled once more. "...We're all mad here," She mumbled under her breath, continuing to walk.

And continuing to have a follower.

"Cedrick? Exactly... WHY... are you following me?," She inquired, turning about on her heels and walking backwards to look at him. Her head cocked slightly to the right, peering at him curiously. "Thinking we should go have some fun like Mom and Aunt Red used to? Hate to tell ya that I've already got some plans of my own for the evening... And besides, I thought you weren't much into that stuff."

[Zak1000]

He listened to her, and watched. She'd always been a little odd, but the way she spoke, and her mannerisms seemed so very off. It wasn't like he could blame her, though. He couldn't even imagine her unbringing...

He naerly luaghed when she gave him her little warning, on his person he carried he was carrying multiple types of deadly toxins. He was so low profile when it came to his criminal activies, he wasn't suprise that she'd thought he left. He'd even thought about leaving. Maybe if he hadn't been accepted to this school he would have.

He just smirked and followed behind her.

"What? Like... Robbing a museum or something? Well as long as I don't have to wear spandex and it's for a good cuase.." He trailed off. "But are you really gonna just walk away? It's been years Mari! Is the clown princess of crime above giving a hug to an old freind?" He wondered if his light hearted tone would be convieved as mocking.

He walked beside her and gave a slightly more serious expression. "I... I just kinda wanted to talk. To catch up, y'know?" It wasn't exacty what he wanted, but it was true enough. He wasn't sure if it was smart to say right away he wanted to disscuss family matters.

"It's alright if you're busy though. Could I give you my number to something?" he asked with an innocent smile. "And, if you don't mind me asking, What're you doing tonight anyway?"

[Mephistophelily]

"A little of this, a little of that... Just beware the big black- Well, you know; I'm sure Auntie Red told the same things to you..." Mari finally let slip a little smirk as he pouted for a hug, shaking her head. "What, here in the middle of the courtyard? Now, now... I've got a reputation to hold up. Only a few around here have figured out who I am. I'd rather keep it that way. Thankfully only have some of dad's genes... Gotta rely on mom's makeup skills to compensate for what mother nature left out when it comes to the night life."

Part of her actually wanted to accept more of that life, with the way her current attempt at normalcy was going. Her tries at finding actual love had been blown out of the water numerous times over the last few years... Her understanding of showing affection was rather... different than most mens', and her overwhelming jealousy had led to some rather bad dates.

His confession of simply wanting to talk intrigued her. What exactly could he be wanting to talk about? "Catch up, hmm? It's been awhile, Ceddy-poo... That could be quite a bit of talking. Unless, of course, you want the condensed version- which, if you want to know about my night life, can easily be found in the newspaper..." She grinned rather darkly with that, sending a glance in his direction.

"Tell ya what. Why don't ya stop by my place tomorrow afternoon? I'll write down the address for ya... Just be sure to be there before 7. Busy busy busy..." She hesitated in her steps when he asked about her evening plans, laughing slightly. "Tonight? We're not the same, we're different tonight..." She ripped a page from the back of her book, quickly jotting down her address with the pencil still in hand before holding it out to him. "I've got to get ready. I only have a week... It's going to be my birthday, Ceddy. I want to celebrate it with a bang."

[Zak1000]

"Oh I've heard a thing or two about dark knight." he said with a smile. He had. A lot. She talked about him almost as much as she talked about his 'poor aunt Harl' and that awful man of hers'.

"Oh? You think I'll ruin your reputation? Not as though many people know who I am either." he says in his same playful tone.

"Tomorrow. Sometime Before 7. Got it." he said, obviously cheerful that she'd been willing to talk to him at all. He took the piece of paper out of her hand and stuffed it into his pocket. "When I see you then I'll expect that hug..."

"Are you being cryptic, or are you really crazy?" he asked rhetorically, laughing a little at the strangeness of her last couple of comments. "Bang? If my knowledge of cartoons puns is not failing me, then you're going to blow something up." He sighed and shrugged/ "Just my guess."

He started backing up, a little disappointed she had to go so soon. "Well... If you don't want any help with... Whatever it is you're up to... I suppose I'll be on my way." He begins slowly walking away, giving her just enough time to change her mind. He doubted she would, but a guy can hope.

[Mephistophelily]

"Crazy begets crazy, Ceddy." Mari simply shrugged with that, starting to turn back around slowly, though let her head roll about on her shoulder as she did so. "It just runs in my genes... Fight all we might, family is family."

At his guess on her hinted plans for the evening, she placed her finger atop her nose, giving a raspberry noise back at him. "Blow it up, knock it down, whatever gets it the hell outta my way..." She chuckled with that, her true nature starting to attempt a creeping out from the shell she stowed it inside during classes. "I've got no strings... to hold me down...," She began to sing, giggling still.

She raised an eyebrow as he slowly started to walk off, turning back around and cocking her head. Really? He had followed her across the campus just- to walk away? "Cedrick." Her voice was flat as she called out to him, the humorous tone gone. "Southeast end of town. Crosman Theater."

Marionette turned back around with that, clearing her throat before letting the smirk return to her face. She wasn't quite sure why she had bothered to tell him that. Perhaps it was simply the idea of having an audience; both her theater background and Dad's obsession with others being around to 'catch the joke' made the prospect rather enjoyable. She had intended this evening to be a simple thing for herself... but.. Well, plans could always be changed and adjusted as need be. Improv was always great fun.

[Zak1000]

He turned back as he heard her call his name. Although she sounded serious at that moment he couldn't help but smile. He nods but doesn't say anything more/ He just quietly walks off back o his place.

Within minutes he's suiting up for whatever sort of adventures were in store for him at the Crosman theater. He was wearing an over sized dark green hoodie, with which he could hide his appearance slightly if it came to fleeing. While before he only held a few poisons for self-defense, now he had an arsenal of bio-weapons hidden on his person, along with two small medical masks and a regular handgun. He felt ready.

He looked at himself in the mirror. He felt as though he needed a cool pseudo name but he couldn't come up with anything for the life of him. Maybe Marie could help with that. He smirked. Maybe having an interesting life wouldn't be that bad.

He considered driving his own car, but decided it was too risky, if anyone saw his license plate then his normal life would be over for good. So he casually walked the city until he could hail a cab. He jumped in and only spoke the words "Crosman Theater" the whole trip. He got out and waited for her in front of the building.

[Armphid]

The door to the university president's office opened, two men walking out of it. The President of Gotham U. had the somewhat pudgy, somewhat muscular build of an accomplished athlete now going to seed, his dark hair visibly graying in places. He shook the younger man's hand, "It's good to see you taking an interest in your family legacy, young man, but I assure you, the Thomas and Martha Wayne Scholarship Funds are in good hands."

Brian Wayne-Grayson smiled vaguely. He was handsome; with a lean, graceful body of hard muscle currently wrapped up in a stupidly expensive suit. His auburn hair was ear length, a slight wave giving him a styled look. His blue eyes should have been feigning disinterest, but he hadn't really perfected his part just yet. "Thank you, President Reese. Education's always been important to my family."

"Has it?" The older man blinked, "I didn't think your father had a degree. Or your grandfather for that matter."

The younger man shrugged, "Ah...well, education as an ideal, I mean. And I'm a student here myself."

"Yes, of course." The President was obviously not impressed by that fact. "Which is something I should mention, your attendance record-"

"Please, sir. Attendence isn't everything." He spread his hands. "Have I failed a quiz or exam yet?"

The other man frowned, "No, which is a relief to some of your instructors and infuriates the rest." Seeing an opportunity to preach, he drew himself up to his full height, "You see-"

"Tim, wait up!" Brian was already moving away, "Another time, sir. Oh, and if that donation doesn't come in by Friday, let me know." Brian caught up to his classmate, "Thank for the out, Tim."

"Uh, yeah, sure." The other youth looked a bit askance. "I'm surprised you remember my name though, I mean...you've been to class, what, like 10 times?"

"This semester...and who's counting?" Brian shrugged. Tim had provided a good out, but not he had to get away from him. He was here because the pattern of data seemed to indicate that at least one of the city's many...unusual criminals was related to the university in some way. He needed to do some snooping now that the official visit was taken care of.

[Cadeyrn]

Dante walked along the rooftops of Gotham, a hop in his step. His walk turned to a full on sprint, jumping air conditioner boxes and clearing gaps between roofs. He corkscrew jumped over a sizable gap, landing into a roll, and quickly getting to his feet, adjusting his hat and brushing off his coat. He had arrived at his destination. Walking slowly to the front of the building, he looked over the edge, his view obstructed by the marquee jutting over the sidewalk. The Crosman Theater, the cultural hub of Gotham. The perfect place for his perfect crime. His true devotion to her. He swung his legs over the edge, relaxing for the time being. His training taught him to always stay moving. Never be in one place for too long, or the Bat would surely get him. But the Bat was no more. Other than the occasional wanna-be vigilante, he had nothing to worry about.

His eyes scanned the horizon, the view marred by countless towering buildings and construction projects. The sun was just beginning to dip below the monuments to big business, and his smile grew wider.

For weeks, Marionette spoke of this place and this day. At some point tonight, she would be here, and he would finally have his chance to speak with her, show her just how he felt. Suddenly his eyes grew wide, as if lost in though....

Gotham, 14 Years Earlier

Dante sat under a large tree in the park, fresh bruises all over his body. Passerby's looked at him, some with pity, others with disdain. He had managed to sneak away from training for just a moment, savoring the feeling of the sun on his skin. He scanned the crowd, but one in particular caught his eye. A young girl, about his age, walking with who appeared to be her mother, a blonde woman, hair pulled into pigtails. He watched he walk, fixated on every movement.

"She's so pretty..." he whispered to himself, standing quickly, brushing himself off. Straightening his shirt, he walked over to her, sporting a friendly smile. Her mother walked off for a moment, leaving her standing alone.

"Hi" he said, as friendly as he could muster, holding out his hand. "My name's Dante!" The girl smiled back, lightly taking his hand. "I'm Marie".

Dante flashed back to reality, darkness having overtaken the city. He checked his pocket watch. A little bit after Eight. "Soon..."

[Mephistophelily]

Mari watched as the night sky slowly began to come out over Gotham from her apartment window, letting out a soft sigh and smirk as she meandered back from the sliding glass doors. With as much as she hated all the corny decor that her parents had kept about their home when she was young, to find the numerous clown puppets and assorted playing card decorations on her walls now left her father to cackle in that over-exuberant manner he always held. "Daddy's got your strings, Mari-poo...," he'd tease, pinching her cheek so hard it they bruised.

And he was right. No matter what she did, she found herself drawn back into his shadow, to walk along his path, and fill those shoes. Gotham simply wasn't Gotham without his influence somewhere inside it. She tried countless times to remind him of the opposite end fo the spectrum- The Gotham also wasn't itself without that certain someone else.

"Someone else will fill his pointy little hat, dear. And what threat will they see you as, hmm? You've got my blood, but none of my pizazz. Dear god, you can barely get the laugh out without gagging on it. Practice makes perfect, Marionette. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger- and we need you to be quite strong, don't we? So let's get working on trying to kill ya, sugarkins!"

Father of the year, that was Joker.

Shoving open her closet, she scowled as she yanked out the black zip-up bag, tossing it onto the bed before settling down to open the top drawer of her nightstand. If she was going out for the evening, she needed to make herself presentable. The white greasepaint easily slid over her features, followed by the red stick that flowed along her lips and cheek, then beneath her eyelids delicately. Thank god for the theater department and their open costume room. She'd have run out of this stuff months ago... and the free pass to use their sewing equipment for any snags or tears that could come with her night wanderings was also a great added benefit. No one seemed to care about the happenings in that room... Hell, she probably could have stashed a few of her prizes in with the props and no one would have been the wiser.

Her father had hated the outfit she decided to make her own, though her mother squeeled like a schoolgirl over the oddity. Tight in some places, loose in others, the black fabric moved perfectly with her body- though the tattered lines that fluttered off from it seemed reminders of broken strings. The final piece to it all was her wig... The vibrant red hue that reminded her of one of her father's favorite things; blood.

Various pockets were hidden along the strange creases of her outfit, filled with different objects her parents had taught her to use; some simple, some a little more technical... Her rings were yet another of her own devices. The little silver ball attached to the top of the rings on both middle fingers was attached to the strands of wire wound about the rings. A small magnet inside the balls, a quick twist and flick on her part- they could hurt quite badly, something she discovered on a little trial and error of her own.

Crosman Theater.

Her father had taken her there when she was younger, to show her the theatrics of his own idea of crime. Everything happens for a reason; every action, every minute detail. Even your words are means towards the end. That is the rule of theater, and that is the rule of crime. Once you have a plan in place, every step you take is to get you further along in that task. Above all, you should make sure your entrance is as grand as possible.

And here she was, simply walking towards the front door like any other audience member. Her steps were made with a purpose, each bringing her closer to the box office as she stared down the young man behind the glass window.

"Um, ma'am? Y-You can't- The doors are closed, you can't just-"

"I'm part of the show." She smiled, a quick, seconds-long blip on her lips as she stepped up before the small glass pane, resting her hands against the metal shelf jutting out from it.

He simply stared at her, finally shaking his head slowly. "N-No, I'm pretty sure-" His eyes drifted down, noticing the small toy in her hand. "What... what is that?"

"Just a present...," She crooned, letting loose the little windup duck that skitted its way under the small glass opening. As it hopped closer to the man, a light hic noise could be heard from it, Marionette smirking once again as she tapped her fingers on the glass. "Enjoy. Makes everybody smile," She whispered, winking as the curious green fumes began to work their way from the little duck's mouth.

[Zak1000]

Cedrick grimaced. He might not have noticed her if it wasn't for the green smokes filling the small glass booth in front of the theater. That's when he saw her, he'd seen her in costume before, but only in news clips. It would be his first time at a live show. Act I had hardly began and he was already worried he wouldn't enjoy himself.

Sure he killed people, but mostly people who ran at him with guns, and then only sometimes... It wasn't as though he was moral, but he felt uneasy when it came to murder. Especially when the victim is more or less innocent. He felt conflicted. Thing felt so right and so wrong at the same time. His head was spinning

He tried to relax himself. He was jumping to conclusions. Maybe it wasn't what it looked like. Maybe the gas was just supposed to knock him out, it didn't have to be what he thought it was. He walked nearer. It was what he thought it was. He could tell by the huge joker grin already forming on the mans face.

He was standing next to Mari, watching the results of her simple little toy.

"So... He's dead?" He asked, in a way that made it clear he'd prefer it if he wasn't. "You... uhm... do that often?" he tried to sound conversational, and almost did, only a hint of his concern leaking through.

Very soon Cedrick was going to have to make up his mind and choose whose side he was on. But... that would be in a few. For now he'd just follow along and go with the flow.

[Cadeyrn]

Hatter sat in the rafters of the theater, lost in the play. His eyes darted back from person to person, watching their words flow back and forth. If it was one thing he always had a great love for, it was the arts. But blowing them sky high was so much more fun. An actor collapsed on stage, crocodile tears adorning his face as the curtains closed on act one, followed by roarous applause, Hatter's included. He picked up his hat and cane from next to him and, with a flick of the wrist, donned his trademark tophat.

He jumped from rafter to rafter, completely noiseless, his ankle length coat flowing behind him, untill he stood on the rafters behind the heavy, red curtains. He looked down, men and woman franticallty moving to and fro, desperately preparing for their next scene. Feeling an evil smile creep across his lips, he reached into his inner jacket, pulling out a small metallic sphere. Turning his head, he dropped the sphere, a blinding flash of light exploding into the crowd of actors and stage hands, the heavy curtains shielding the crowd from its affects.

Hatter dropped down into the mass of disoriented actors, cane out to his side. Flipping a small red switch, a serrated blade jutted from the bottom. His brown eyes shown a madman. Quickly and swiftly, he brutally maimed each actor. He sunk the blade depe into a woman's throat, pulling it out and spinng around quickly, creating a deep, horizontal gash into the directors face, sliding through.

The curtains could do nothing for the screams and shouts of the mutilated actors, causing the crowd to grow rightfully suspicious. They whispered amongst themselves, trying to figure out what was happening behind the curtains. They're questions were answered quickly, as the lights dimmed, and they returned to their seats. The curtains opened, and the spotlight shined down on a seated Hatter, covered in blood.All around his lied the mutilated corpses of the once revered actors. The crowd stared on in shock, unable to even scream. As if nothing had happened, Hatter reached into his jacket, pulling out a copy of "Alice in Wonderland".

"Storytime, boys and girls" he said, before breaking into a full on, maniacal laugh. His plan was coming together perfectly. The actors were slaughtered, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Marionatte open, pushing open both doors, a meek, horrified looking male behind her. "Ah!" he excalimed, standing from his seat, "The guest of honor has arrived!"

[White_Jade]

The busty redhead raised a hand to the headset she wore. "Say again, 911." She listened a moment, her pretty face serious. "Got it." She clicked a few switches on the board in front of her, fingers flying over her keyboard, "Attention all available units, we have a report of a hostage situation at the Crosman Theater, 82nd and O'Neil. Eyewitness reports multiple civilian fatalities already." She typed in another command, "Special Code: Charlie Alpha Papa Echo Sierra, alert Detective Gordon and SWAT. Eyewitness has identified the Mad Hatter. Second mask reported, identity unknown. Over."

The special code was one that all the cops in Gotham knew by heart and dreaded hearing. Capes. It meant some meta-human activity was involved wherever they were going. It used to mean they might have some vigilante back-up. These days, it just meant the real crazies were at it and they better let the hospitals and the morgue know.

Vicki Kane was gorgeous and rich; possibly the most eligible bachelorette in the city, but here she was, wearing a uniform and working at a regular job like anyone else. Not that being a police dispatcher was a regular job. Not in Gotham City. But she believed in doing her part for the city, public service. And being here put her right where all the information was for her real job.

She glanced up, seeing her replacement coming in. She was late, as she sometimes was for her shift. But this time it was good, Vicki might have missed this otherwise. "Hi, Nene. Got a whopper for you."

The younger girl, cute and sweet with her large blue eyes and lighter red hair nodded. "I heard. Switching data streams and...got it!"

Vicki nodded, taking her headset off and standing as Nene took over handling the chatter and orders on this one. She patted her friend on the shoulder and headed out.

Once out of the building, she almost ran to her car. Had to get to the nearest safehouse and change. She felt her stomach churning. She'd never gone into something like this before. This kind of direct intervention, it wasn't her thing, really. She was a follow-up, gather the evidence, find the threads, catch them after operator. Was she ready?

"I guess...that's the question."

[Mephistophelily]

"Dead? Ohhh, of course not...," Marionette scoffed, tossing a hand at him in a dismissive manner as she closed her eyes, that smile growing further still. "I just wanted to give him something to make him grin a little... A tiny smirk to brighten his day-" She paused, peeking back over her shoulder, the smile abruptly falling into a slightly chagrined expression upon seeing what her 'cousin' had already spotted. "Oh. So maybe I did. Ahhh, well. Guess I learned for next time, ha? And at least he's got a big ol' smirk from it!" She let out another laugh, playfully shoving the young man, only to frown again. "Seriously, Ceddie. We have got to get you some better clothes. You just look so... out of place."

Approaching the doors of the theater, she let out a long sigh, grinning once again as she placed her hands against the bronze grips, tugging them open as she drew in a long breath. She wanted this to be perfect. Her words were preplanned, her actions memorized- ever step plotted down to the last detail...

...Which made the sight she found upon the doors' opening even more abhorring.

Destruction and chaos. Pure insanity.
And she hadn't been its cause.

"What... the hell.. IS THIS?!," She hissed furiously, her words lost beneath the shrieks and howls of those attempting to flee the one responsible. She caught sight of him then, sitting in the center of the stage like a ringmaster directing his circus- Calling the eyes towards her as he stood from the chair. Her teeth grated together in anger, almost shaking as she stalked down the aisle. A screaming young woman tried to force her own way past Marionette, only to be grabbed by the throat and simply tossed aside by the infuriated clown.

Her moment of reconciliation.
Her opportunity to prove herself to her father.
Her own damned birthday gift.
Ruined by-

"Who the hell do you think you are?!," she asked crisply, the words slightly marred by the fact her teeth remained clenched as tightly as possible. She looked him over slowly, tilting her head ever so cautiously, taking but a moment to look back at her cousin. "Well, at least he knows how to dress," She growled, scowling for a moment at the semi-relative before looking back at the hatted man.

"Is this some kind of sick joke? Because it's not funny. Especially when it's not caused by ME!"

[Cadeyrn]

Hatter cocked an eyebrow, standing from his seat. "Well...not the action I had expected." he said, standing from his seat. Moving slowly towards the end of the stage, he hopped off, continuining his relaxed stroll up the aisle. His face was contorted into an angered scowl as he moved to her. The audience was simply awful. Moving from their seats, speaking during the performance, leaving mid-act.

Before he could reach Marionette, a large man in a football jersey grabbed his arm, pulling him face to face. Such brutish, former jock all-star tactics. "Who da fuck do you think you are, huh?" screamed the balding man, pulling his fist back. Hatter caught the fist in his hand, a sickening smile creeping onto his lips. "Sir, it's rude to intterupt a performance." he said calmly, reaching into his coat, pulling out two large steel spikes. Thrusting down the fist onto the arm rest, he shoved the spike into his hand, pinning it to the chair. "I must ask..." he said, placing a strong straight into his solarplexes, sending him back into the seat. "For you to please...remain...SEATED!". His last words escaped in a scream as the second spike punctured is remaining hand to the seat.

He turned back and headed up the aisle, standing before Marionette. Straightening his jacket, he removed his hat, bowing cordially before her and her guest. "Hatter, at your service" he said, grabbing her hand lightly, placing a kiss on the backside. "And I assure you, it's no joke Marie. Not caused by you, but for you all the same.". He ferocious brown eyes turned to her accomplice, "And you are?"

[Zak1000]

As she lightheartedly joked about the man who'd just been killed. Certain strings were being pulled. His mind was ready to release a part of him he'd kept bottled up. His, almost, innocent personality took a backseat. He was strating to see the fun, the drama in it all.

He frowned a little. Not dressed right? He thought he looked almost menacing in a 'modern' sort of way... As they walked through the door he put on the hospital mask. Although it wasdn't simply paper, plastic, and string, like most the the sort. It was made to protect him completely from his bio-weapons without being cumbersome like a gas-mask. Anyway he thought he looked a bit better when he put it on as well.

Hm? Things were not going as planned? Poor Mar, she seemed to be looking forward to this...

The man in the hat approached them. While he did so he looked at his kandy work lying on the stage. He had to admit he had his own sort of style.

"And you Are?"
A question he was wondering himself. In a voice that was half to himself he muttered "Don;t know yet. Posion? Toxic? Toxin? Toxins? Gas? No not Gas, too many lame jokes can come outta that one..."

[Mephistophelily]

He seemed so unphased by her fury. That only made Marionette angrier. Was he mocking her?! Strolling so pleasantly up the aisle, acting as if he hadn't a care in the world... Her fingers began to slip into one of her pockets, taking one of her father's cards delicately between the tips. She hated games that she didn't make the rules to.

Interruption. Intermission.
A fat man with an anger problem.

Her own rage was subsided for a moment as the larger attempted to take down the smaller, the hatted one having a rage all his own that forced the attacker down... and gave him a permanent seating assignment. Her lips quirked momentarily with that, slightly amused, but refused to let it linger too long.

Ahhh, but now he was back to task. Introductions and formalities.
Her side already completed. He truly was out to ruin her fun, wasn't he?!

"Hatter." She repeated the name back, a confused and slightly disturbed look on her face as he claimed her hand and planted his lips upon it. His own hand felt strange as it held hers; slightly wet, something curious against her fingers. The other of the clown's hands stayed in her pocket, still holding that card in case this odd man's odd gestures became more threatening. Oh, sure; he had proven he could be quite threatening to others with that little display moments ago... but that really didn't mean anything about her, now did it?

"For me? What do you mean, for me? How did you even know that I was-" She shook her head, growing more frustrated and confused with each attempt at the question. "The rules, the rules; you've ruined the rules... All of the rules, they're shot..."

She heard Cedrick muttering behind her, but his words were lost from actual meaning. Instead, she simply looked back at Hatter, trying to find words of her own. Part of her wanted to hurt him. Maime him. He... destroyed it.

But another was curious.
So very curious.
What was the reaction he had expected?

"Why." One simple word. It was all she could find.

[Cadeyrn]

A millions expressions graced her beautiful face in mere moments. Anger. Confusion. Distrust. Interest. Curiosity. He simply smiled, holding her fingertips on his. "All in due time, my dear." he said, leading her down the aisle. "As for the how. Well...I have my ways." he said, sounding far more sinister than intended. He back-handed a screaming old woman as he returned to the stage, for no real reason other than she was marginally in his way.

Reaching the stage, he hopped up and spun, seated at the edge of the stage, facing her. "I do apologize if I ruined previous arrangements," he said, reaching into his jacket pocket, retrieving a crimson red rose, handing to her. "But I would be willing to bet money you'll be leaving here this evening...with a smile.". His brown eyes locked into hers, sliding a small remote from under his sleeve.

Some villians used utility belts, some used backpacks and other carrying bags. All Hatter needed was his coat. Inside his coat was a menagerie of weaponry that would turn even the stomach of Josef Mengele. Blades, bludgeons, books, poisons, handguns, explosives, nerve agents. Everything you could possibly imagine and more.

Holding the remote up for all to see, he pressed the first button, causing the front stage curtains, as well as the back curtains to drop. What they revealed evoked larger screams from those yet to escape the carnage of the theater. C4, from the floor to the ceiling, arranged in a crude heart-shape. He placed the remote in the palm of her hand, closing her hand around it. He pulled himself up, twirling his cane as he stood to face his handywork. "It's quite lovely, if I do say so myself. Although, not nearly as lovely as you." He turned again, her expression a mixture of every emotion under the sun, while her accomplice continued to ponder a suitable call sign. "Happy Birthday, Marie. All of the fun..." he hopped off the stage, standing face to face with her. "And none of the labor."

[Armphid]

A small object fell from the lighting racks above the stage; plummeting between the Hatter and Marionette to thump onto the floor of the theater. It was a C4 detonator; not just removed but destroyed, pulled open with the battery removed, now just dead weight. Then more fell in a rush, a rain of wrecked and ruined detonators to form a small pile between the super villains. Without them; the garish and stupendously powerful explosive was just a gaudy and misshaped plastic heart.

From the right and left sides of the room there was hissing and a series of staccato bangs as weaker explosives were triggered to blow open the emergency doors along the sides of the room, lights from outside pouring into the room along with the night air. Leaving several avenues of escape for the trapped citizens that were nowhere near the villains.

Immediately after, a voice came from up in the rafters, out over the audience. A voice that was actuallyc oming from a small recording device set on playback. "Beware the Jub-Jub Bird! Actually, don't worry about him."

The attack came from stage right.

The youth was agile, lean, hard muscle responding fast and easily. His every movement was clean and graceful. The black cape flared out behind him, it's yellow lining casting his outline into sharp definition, the red of his shirt broken by a few yellow bands on the upper chest where it came together, and the stylized yellow "R" on the black oval on his right breast. The yellow utility belt around his waist seemed to gather the tunic, which ended just a the top of his thighs, the dark green leggings tight and flexing as he moved, green booted feet making no sound. A green domino mask hid his face, white lenses over his eyes. His black hair was slightly wavy, parted in the middle and falling to his ears. There was a ghost of a smile on his lips as he sprang.

Green gloved hands flicked out, red boomerang like projectiles flying forth in front of him. "You've got enough to worry about from Robin."

[Zak1000]

As if his 'cousin' wasn't upset enough by this whole serise of events, now a hero had shown up. It'd been a while since heros had really made a splash. He smiled behind the small mask at the drammatic entrence and flawless execution. He was good, even in the incredibly dangerious state of mind he was in, he had to admit that.

He was standing slightly behind Marionette and couldn't see her expression but could be fairly certain she'd be upset. He leaned in and whispered. "Oh well. You've still got my gift anyway." He took a syringe out of a pocket and slipped it into her hand, needle covered by not one, but two caps.. It glowed a brownish tan color, and could not have had less to do with plants. It was from his collection of.... interesting formulas. He hardly had time to wrap it before the show, he hoped she didn't mind.

"It's nothing as big as what your other suitor had planned, but I thought you'd like it." he hinted with a wink in his same hushed tone.

A tiny card hang from the syringe, it looked like it was chirtmas themed, but hey, he had short notice. It read;

To: Mari
From: Ceddy
CRANE'S JUICE

[Cadeyrn]

Hatter's triumphant smirk turned quickly to a angered scowl, as he dropped to his knees, picking up the detenators in his hands. "No, no, no, no, NO, NO, NO!". Hatter's shouted out in anger, jumping onto the stage, facing Robin. As his anger grew, the rhyming started. His defense mechanism. "Ripped my hopes, down from the sky. You dirty motherfucker, NOW YOU DIE !".

Hatter swung his cane wildly, using is as a bludgeon against the Boy Wonder. Each shot, Robin dodged with ease. As each shot missed, Hatter grew more enraged. This goody-two-shoes hack of a hero waltzes in and destroys everything he worked so hard to perfect. Hours of intense labor, gone.

Grasping his cane tighter, he pressed the button slightly below the handle, a crimson-stained blade shooting from the tip. He flipped backwards, and dashed towards Robin once more, stabbing and slashing, no longer sure if he was hitting or missing. All he cared about was Marionette, and making this bastard pay.
Dropping his cane, he delivered a crushing right hook to Robin's mid-sections, giving him just enough time to jump from the stage and regroup.

[chronicle_tenko]

To say it was a slow night was a bit of a misnomer. There was something happening. James just didn't know about it yet. If he believed the statistics from GNN then in the spare moments he'd be idling the cruiser waiting for his partner in the convenience store, 4 people had been killed, one by a psychotic, 2 kidnappings 3 rapes, an untold amount of robberies, and a convenience store was robbed. As Detective Turturro made his way out of the mom and pop store he'd been in the last 20 minutes, James was sure that the last one at least was correct.

"No I still don't want any." Even with grandpa's stories about the older times, James had never expected the corruption to be so open and rampant. Guys on the force were bought dinner's the moment they made it out of academy, Men in sharp suits with sharper tongues picked up fresh faced recruits before they'd even pounded a beat. And talking about it had only landed him here. Three promotions up and one foot square in his own career casket. Head of Grandpa's oldest joke. Major crimes. It was nice having the freedom to take cases from all over the city. it'd be nice if any of them ever closed. But he'd attempting to follow everything, and anything could land in his lap at any time.

Alligators in the sewer? Call Gordon. Suicide jumper with a suicide bomb vest? Call Gordon. Man in toga with a flamethrower? Call Gordon. Turturro was just about to ask if they were done their beat for the night when the radio sparked, dispatch calling in their fear, another Cape assault.

"Attention all available units, we have a report of a hostage situation at the Crosman Theater, 82nd and O'Neil. Eyewitness reports multiple civilian fatalities already." "Special Code: Charlie Alpha Papa Echo Sierra, alert Detective Gordon and SWAT. Eyewitness has identified the Mad Hatter. Second mask reported, identity unknown. Over."

"We aren't done yet, take us down to the theatre there." Turturro put on the siren and soon they were at the head of a small column of black vans and cruisers. Once at the scene there was a containment a series of blue shirts keeping the public back and waiting for anything. "Is it a hostage situation yet? Are they demanding anything for the release of the theatre patrons"

"No communiques yet and we have men on the roof and at every exit, A little while ago the doors burst and a number of people bega milling out we've done our best to get them out and keep people corralled."

"Good. Alright I want barrels watching every door and I'm taking a team through the main doors. We're going to gas them out. I want Zero casualties. everyone gets to go home tonight is the most important thing." Preparations went through and he watched a good unit began to disperse through the surrounding area, getting in position for better views. James took a deep breath and began to think about how it worked out. The CAPES code used to mean keep the cops out of it for a moment or two, they'll only get hurt now it meant that there were real psychos. It was like calling in for a human bomb code, and it always meant aggressive hostage situations these days. Now what else could he do but try to control things.

(OOC: Sorry it took so long. As for police interference feel free to escape however you would, in any way, they need to get into position so the exits won't be covered completely and of course they suffer from henchmen aim. But try not to kill ALL of them. That only escalates things.)

[chronicle_tenko]

4 days ago Bludhaven

It happened as if in slow motion the dull sickening thud and crunch as a cheekbone began to compress past where it should. Soft tissue bruising even upon impact and and a tooth cracking under the pressure of the blow. She tried to sink to her knees but there was still a massive hand holding her up, wrapped in her hair keeping her standing. The smell of blood and vomit permeated the air, there were pools of both in the small apartment of Dolan Krauser, stoolie, middleman, and wannabe pimp. Dazed whimpers barely coherent enough to called crying the only noises that Tiffani with an I made. Insane pleadings and entreaties for mercy were the noises Dolan made. The shadowy figure had neither. Casually, with barely an arm motion he tossed Tiffani into the wall cracking the cheap plaster landing her on the bed, where after a simple twitch she lay completely still. Dolan screamed out as The bat swooped down on him grabbing him up and shoving him still held out his 4th floor window. Dolan screamed out the same litany of excuses.

"Oh god I already told you I didn't know, I never knew, I never know, why would I ever want to know where that much C-4 goes I don't like dealing with Masks, like you or the other side guy said he had a tea party in gotham to go to, some kind of birthday as opposed to an un birthday. Just don't kill me. Please don't kill me like you killed her. What did she ever do man?"

The corners of his mouth twitched into a little smile and his voice thick and grating, as harsh and hot as any hellfire rushed out. "She's as guilty as you, luring men up here for you to rob and kill, just because she works on her back doesn't make her any less culpable. Now do you know anything more about who bought all that C-4?"

"No man I swear I don't know anything." Tiffani twitched on the bed slowly coming to from the beating "Oh sweet Jesus she's alive. I swear I won't tell no-one what happened I'll turn myself in take her back to her parents anything man just don't kill me." Dolan's pleading began to grate and behind the mask Henri began to mentally grind his teeth, why was it so hard to pick up a good lead?

"Fine you know nothing, guess you're useless to me then. And yeah she's alive it's lucky for her I don't kill women." The Bat smiled one more time and leaned his face close enough to whisper. "Not so lucky for you though." He dropped him. three floors down there was a fire escape and he'd land feet first. it'd likely take weeks and months before he'd walk again but he wouldn't die. Wouldn't be doing much of anything till then. Another job well done in Bludhaven, now for a road trip. Unbirthday was obviously an Alice in wonderland reference and while that didn't exactly spell out to Henri who it was it narrowed the field quite a lot. To Gotham.