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I, Ryla Conners have a very confusing life.
First, I am the ward of Jim "How-Is-He-Still-Alive" Gordon.
Second, I have a very weird and unusual relationship with the criminal element of Gotham City. No one seems to really hurt me, and I figure it had something to do with me saving Penguin's ass a couple of years back.
Third, I am a detective to the GCPD, which means being exposed to the almost daily murders, kidnappings, crazy lunatics, and the occasional psycho holding the department as a hostage.
And finally Fourth-the one that mattered the most. My old childhood friend Jonathan Crane was the Scarecrow. Not only that, but he fought against me, and then saved me from his own "Fear Juice". This was the one that also confuses me the most.
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I sat in my "lovely" apartment which if you listen carefully, you can hear the sirens screaming throughout the city, the occasional bank robbery, and other normal city-life noises. It had been a few months since my first meeting of The Scarecrow, and that day has been in the forefront of my mind ever since.
I had so many questions. Why and how did Johnny become the Scarecrow? What really happened to him that night? I've read the report, but I want to know from his perspective.
I dragged my feet to my couch and turned on the TV for good measure, maybe some useless show could get me away from these thoughts. I was just about to get settled under my blanket when I heard a loud crash outside my apartment window.
I froze, slowly turning my head to the window and balcony. I kept the TV on and crept to my kitchen where my knives were placed. Stupidly, I still didn't have a gun. I mean for God's sake! I am a detective for the GCPD and Jim somehow thinks I'm too young to have a gun? Cmon! I slowly opened the drawer and rustled through until I found one of my kitchen knives, it was better than nothing.
I could hear the intruder opening the window to my apartment as he or she silently crept in. I crouched down behind my countertop and waited with baited breath for the intruder to come around the corner.
Breathe in, Breathe out, In and Out, In, Out
I could hear the intruder’s footsteps getting closer as I readied myself to attack. They crossed the threshold into my kitchenette and it was then that I leapt out and raised the knife.
“Woah kid, you sure you know how to handle that?” The intruder quickly dodged and grabbed my wrist and plucked the knife from my grasp.
My eyes widened in disbelief, “Zsasz? Are you serious?!”
“Yeah. Hey kid, sorry bout that, but I had no time to do the thing that people do such as ring doorbells. I'm a busy man, and I have questions for you!”
I sat stunned in silence, Victor Zsasz, although my friend, was a feared hitman and killer, who not only stood in my apartment, but apparently wanted to ask questions!
“Zsasz, what do you want? It is seriously 11:30 at night, what could possibly be so important?”
Zsasz stuck out his hand to help me up and gave me one of his weird “I’m-kinda-crazy” smiles.
“Well, Ms. Conners, I have come here on orders from Penguin who would ask that you meet him at his club tomorrow night at… 10 sharp!” Vic cocked his head toward me, probably seeing the steam start to rise from my head
“10 sharp?” I scoffed angrily, “Who does the “mighty” Oswald Cobblepot think he’s talking to, I’m not some pet to be called and summoned!”
At this Victor took a letter from his jacket pocket and set it on the table, giving it three pats.
“Everything you need to know is in here, as well as the dress code for his Lounge. I can’t force you to come…well I can, but I would highly suggest you do so. I heard it may have something to do with your little boyfriend Bird Boy.”
I froze, of course Zsasz would have found out about the connection to Johnny and me, he’s Victor after all. It still came as a shock to hear someone say it out loud.
I hadn’t seen Jonathan in three months. I still had his letter that he gave me, I admit there were nights that I would reread it over and over.
He called me his little crow, something I hadn't heard in years. I remember why he chose that nickname for me. We were always playing in the fields, and I would never scare away any of the bird, instead choosing to lay down and feed or watch as the flew overhead. He had said it was like I was a little bird myself and someday I would even grow wings and fly away with them, because I was too good for this world.
I remember that day as clearly as yesterday. Jonathan looked so young and happy back then, and then he moved away. I, of course never saw him again until three months ago.
I missed my Scarecrow. I missed Jonathan.
I was lost deep in thought when I suddenly startled myself from my trance. I looked up to see Victor nowhere in sight with my window latched just like it had been previous to our encounter.
The only sign anyone was actually in my apartment was the letter with the fancy envelope on the kitchen counter with Oszwald’s initials and the Iceberg Lounge address.
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The next day brought on new tasks from the GCPD as well as a call to Jim’s office.
Jim was sitting at his desk when I peeked my head through the door and raised a hand to gice three sharp knocks. Jim glanced up and motioned for me to come in
“Ah, Ryla, just the person I wanted to see. Come in!" Jim shuffled a few papers on his desk then stood up and walked toward me.
" I have a proposition for you, I want you to give Penguin a visit in his lounge tonight. If you hear anything, any rumblings make sure to report directly to me. We've been getting some whisperings that he may be planning something and you are the only detective that I trust who he does not recognize. We also received a tip that he has some weapon,. so if you could try and locate that as well."
I could not believe my honest to God luck. I just so happened to have been "summoned" to go to the lounge tonight. I didn't tell Jim, however, that Penguin most certainly knew me. In fact, most of the criminals in Gotham knew me from quick words exchanged during fights or this newfound fame ever since I met Jonathan.
"Yes, I can do it Jim, but you better be buying me chocolate donuts for the rest of the month as well as my coffee" I finally spoke. Jim gave me one of his "dad smiles" and nodded his head. I shuffled me feet over to give him a hug.
Jim was honestly my father, he has been looking out for me ever since I was a kid, but sometimes he needs to remember I'm now an adult and a detective.
"Be careful Ry, it can still be dangerous in the club, so if you see any hint of danger, you leave. Understood?" Jim released me from he hug and walked back to his desk to look through more reports.
I took this as my cue to leave his office as I got ready for my meeting with the fearsome Penguin.
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At exactly 10 PM sharp I was walking inside the Iceberg Lounge wearing some fancy cocktail dress. It definitely wasn't what I would have chosen, but Barbara Kean turned out to be a fantastic shopping partner. Barbara and I had met a few years ago when she was with Jim. I guess she always had a soft spot for me, not that I minded.
I stepped through the doors to the club and was greeted with a vast hue of different colored lights. There seemed to be a lot of people here, they all seemed the rich, flashy type that flaunted their wealth at any chance they got. I slowly stepped through the crowd and walked closer to the bar,
A young bartender was getting drinks prepared when he looked up and stopped for a second.
"AH, you must be Ms. Conners. The boss'll be expecting you near the VIP area, best you hurry he doesn't like to be kept waiting."
I sighed and turned back around to head to the place I was directed. Of course, Oswald couldn't give me a few minutes of space and maybe a drink or two, because I obviously can't have an easy night.
The VIP box was guarded by two massive men in suits, wearing sunglasses. I mean what idiot wears sunglasses in a dark club? No matter, they stepped aside and let me enter where I was greeted with the smirking face of none other than Mr. Oswald Cobblepot himself, otherwise known as The Penguin.
Oswald was wearing a ridiculous suit with purple edges. As well as his signature cane and slight limp. He honestly waddled over to me and embraced me in a hug
"My dear, dear, Ms. Conners. What a pleasure it is to finally meet you! After I have heard so much from Victor, I knew I must see this young detective for myself!" He chuckled and led me to his table where he ushered me to sit down.
We both sat down and had a tense moment before I finally gave into the curiosity
"Alright, Penguin, you've dragged me out here insisting you wanted to meet me. S what do you want, because I know you didn't just want a cocktail and a nice chat. It's never that simple with you, isn't that right?" I snarked to him. Penguin just smiled at me and took a sip from his glass before speaking
"Well, Ms. Conners, I have heard some interesting news about you. This whole Arkham fiasco and of course The Scarecrow breaking out. It is not usual that one lives to sanely tell the tale after getting a blast of the Crow's "fear juice". So I'll get straight to the point, what makes you so special?"
I paused, as much as Oswald seemed polite, I certainly wasn't going to tell him information he may or may not know, such as my connection to Jonathan.
"Very well, Mr. Cobblepot, how about this, I tell you what you want to know in exchange for me getting a free drink, as well as a look around your club, without supervision."
"My dear, you drive a hard bargain, but what makes your information so valuable that I will allow you to just wander throughout my club unattended. The drink I can do," At this, he snapped his fingers and a server appeared out of nowhere and set down a drink or me," But, how about this, you tell me your connection to Jonathan Crane and how you know him and maybe I'll let you leave unscathed tonight."
I froze, as the air seemed to drop a few degrees. I tried to keep a straight face as I looked at Penguin's face, which had suddenly gone quite cold. I quickly rose from my chair,
"It has been wonderful to meet you, but I must be off. If you'll excuse me." I tried to leave but those two guards blocked my entrance
"My dear, we weren't done with this conversation. Now sit down before something bad happens." Penguin's voice spoke from behind me.
There was a tense silence while I debated all of my options:
A: Kick Penguin in his... well, you get what I mean, and then defeat his guards and rush away into the night. Probably not the best idea
B:Curl up in a ball and sob, because how did I deserve this.
C: Play nice until I can find a way to escape.
Or D: Find a massive distraction and leave with that.
Just then, Victor Zsasz walked through the door. Bingo.
I grabbed my glass from the table and splashed it in Penguin's face, Distraction 1 Check
Rushing out of the VIP area I grabbed the coattails of the guards and flipped their jackets over their eyes, whilst kicking them in the back of their knees, Distraction 2 Check
Lunging for Victor I pulled him aside as I grabbed on of his many "hitman tools" from his belt. This one happened to be a smoke grenade, which I promptly used as a thick gas began to fill the lounge. Patrons began panicking and rushing and stumbling over themselves as they tried to get to the exits. Distraction 3 Check
"Kid, you know I like chaos but what the hell is this?" Victor asked as I kept a firm hand on his jacket and dragged him away into a somewhat quiet area of the bar.
"Shut up," I snarled," In my apartment, you never told me that Penguin doesn't like Crane, and that he knew about us. So how did that happen, huh? Did you tell your boss because it would get you more money? Is that it? You were the only one who knew about my connection with him." I was honestly tired of this day, it couldn't get any worse, right?
"Look, Ryla. I did a job for Penguin, getting you here. That was it. But I will tell you that about a month ago, I was approached by a Mister Crane who asked that I keep my eye on you-which I have been doing might I add."
At this Victor's words grew into a hushed whisper, "Everyone's been getting jumpy these past few months, even the Underworld. The breakout at Arkham wasn't just a coincidence, and Cobblepot fears that someone might be working in the shadows against him. I assume he already knew about you and Crane, that little man has a funny way of collecting information. Your scarecrow came to me and asked that I keep an eye on you, gotta give the kid some credit, he's pretty smart and he probably knew how Cobblepot would want to try and talk to you to use you as bait."
"Stop, just hold up. You're telling me that Jon- that Crane can somehow talk to you, but not even face then one person who is involved in this mess because of him!?" I glared into empty space as I processed the words I had just hear from the hitman.
Of course Jonathan would have something upon his sleeve, he was always thinking three steps ahead of everybody else.
"Alright kid, you've heard everything I know, now I need you to come with me because correct me if Im wrong, but there appears to be a very angry Penguin coming over here."
At this I turn my head so quickly I though I got whiplash, and there he was, Oswald Cobblepot looking none to happy in his wet suit.
"Yeah, best get going, c'mon kid" Zsasz speedily pulls me away from a murderous Cobblepot and into a back alley. "Alright, listen there are probably going to be people coming after you, so when I say go, I need you to run. Run as fast as you can until you get to the Backstreet Alleys."
"The Backstreet Alleys? Zsasz are you kidding? That is the most dirty, crime infested place in Gotham! Are you trying to kill me?" I choked out. Those alleys were known for their lawlessness and filth. I had only been there once, and it was when I first met Zsasz. I had promised to never return after what happened there.
"I know, I know. But once you get there, you'll be safe. There's a new boss of the place, and they will take care of you. Now hurry, we don't have much time. They are already coming!" Zsasz pulled out his gun and motioned for me to stay put.
Shots all of a sudden rang, while Victor dashed for cover, I was left in the corner, in a tattered dress frantically searching for something to defend myself. Zsasz and Penguin's bodyguards traded shots, when Zsasz threw a grenade which came out of nowhere, at this Zsasz shot his head towards me and shouted for me to go now!
"Ry, go! Now! I'll meet you once this is cleared up, I'll have some fun." Zsasz then turned back and began shooting rapidly at the bodyguards.
He didn't need to tell me twice, I bolted from the alley and headed to the one place that was like hell on earth.
It honestly took forever to get there, I didn't even have my phone. I must have dropped it in the chaos of trying to escape Penguin's stupid club. Besides that I was very jumpy. The shadows seemed to jump out and drunk men leered at me.
"Hey girl, you look a little lonely, how about me and my boys warm you up?"
"No that you, now go away." I continued walking, honestly this is why I hate these alleys. They are always full of drunk, usually jobless, lazy men who have nothing better to do than catcall a girl.
"C'mon girlie, don't be like that." One of the drunk men lumbered over to me and put a heavy arm on my shoulder. "I can show you a good time."
At this I threw the man's arm off of me and shoved him aside.
"Don't you dare talk to me like that, why don't you go save the world some oxygen and crawl away into the hole you came from." I sneered
Obviously, they were still not deterred, even when I began walking at a much quicker pace. Suddenly, one of them grabbed my arm very tightly and yanked me back. Stumbling, I tripped over his feet and fell to the ground where I scraped my knees pretty badly, this flimsy dress did nothing to cushion the fall. The men started to circle around me when a deep, distorted voice came from the shadows,
"You dare touch her! After she told you to stop!"
The air seemed to chill as the men grew uneasy and shifted on their feet. Suddenly, a hissing sound came and one of the men dropped to the floor screaming,
"STOP! THE BUGS! THEY ARE ALL OVER ME! STOP!"
Time seemed to slow down as I recognized the effects on the man. It was the infamous fear gas. There was only one person in the whole of Gotham who used this gas,
Jonathan Crane.
The next few minutes were a blur in my mind. I was still on the floor as the feared Scarecrow began his work as he sprayed the gas and psychologically tortured every one of them. Their screams became drowned out as my own blood roared in my ears. I couldn't think, I couldn't focus. There were millions of thoughts running through my head when they all just stopped as a hand was lightly placed on my shoulder.
"Ryla... Ry... little crow. It's safe now, you can stand up." His voice cut through my thoughts like a laser, it was like listening to a favorite song after years of not hearing it.
I just stared blankly up at him. Jonathan's face was still covered by his mask, however I could tell he was concerned. His mouth was turned down as he frowned at me.
Jonathan abruptly lifted me up and supported my weight with his arms.
"Ry, I'm going to take you to my place, so you can get cleaned up..." There was a long silent pause, we both stared at each other, waiting for someone to do something.
"I think we have some things to talk about, but first rest, you look exhausted and you've had a rough day." Jonathan gently said while my eyes drooped and eventually closed as I felt him carry me to his place.
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I awoke, laying on a bed with the covers pulled over me in a dark room. There was a cup of water on the nightstand as well as some medicine which I suppose would help with the headache that was coming on. The door opened and Jonathan stepped through, now wearing a normal outfit instead of his Scarecrow getup. He gave me a shy smile as I sat up in the bed,
"I got you some medicine to help, I figured after last night you would have one of your headaches." Jonathan spoke softly
" Thanks," I grumbled, "Now, I guess we have some things to talk about." At this, I got out of bed and crossed to stand directly in front of Jonathan. He shuffled a little as he flicked his eyes to mine and back down at the floor. Letting out a sigh, he stood up fully and led me to a living room area where he motioned for me to sit on a couch.
"Well, what do you want to know?" His words were soft and yet punctual, as if he was awaiting a storm's arrival.
"Ok, Jonathan," Johnathan flinched at hearing his first name being used with spite," How about you tell me how, after seeing you for the first time, you left. You promised you loved and you would see me soon, yet you never tried to talk, never tried to show up. DID THAT LETTER EVEN MATTER? DO I MATTER TO YOU AT ALL?!" My voice steadily rose as I faced the man whom I cherished greatly, even if I wouldn't admit it out loud.
"Ryla, you know I care about you! I never meant to hurt you! I swear! I- There were just too many people who were monitoring my movements ever since I broke out of Arkham, especially that Penguin. I really meant to talk with you, why do you think I had Zsasz keep an eye on you?! Of course I care for you! Ryla, I told you...I love you." Jonathan's voice died after that last statement, as his face took on a neutral mask, betraying no emotion, as he studied my reaction. I stood silent, shocked. It was one thing to have someone declare their love in a letter, it was another to have them say it to your face.
"Then why, why did you leave me? I told you to not leave, I asked you to stay!" No, he had left. He was the one who left without a word... he was just like- "God, you're just like your father. Cruel, cold, and most of all, you never keep your promises."
The space between us grew tense, almost suffocating, as Jonathan heard those words. At that moment I knew I had gone too far, but I wanted him to understand how I felt. How deep the hurt was that he left and never spoke. I had tried to bury it deep over these past few months and seeing him here just brought it all onto the surface. I lost him once, long ago when we were young and innocent. I lost him when his father injected him with the fear serum trying to "cure" him. Finally, I thought I lost Jonathan when he vanished, I had gotten him back and he vanished.
Jonathan's head snapped up to me, eyes filling with anger.
"DO NOT COMPARE ME TO HIM! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HE DID, HOW FAR HE WENT. DON'T EVER SAY THOSE WORDS AGAIN!" Jonathan's voice raising to a shout as he released his anger, "I WAS A SCARED AND FRIGHTENED BOY, I AM NO LONGER THAT. PEOPLE FEAR ME, I CURED THOSE PATHETIC FOOLS' FEAR! I BECAME THE SCARECROW!
"And me?" Jonathan's mouth stayed open, closed, then opened again but no sound came out," Do you want me to fear you, Jonathan?"
Jonathan suddenly seemed so tired, as he ran a hand over his face,
"No. No you know I don't"
I stepped closer to him, looking directly into his blue eyes, eyes that I used to daydream about every day. Eyes that if you stared long enough, you could feel like you were in the deepest ocean or on thew highest mountain. Jonathan stared right back, almost unblinking, as he was finally able to take me in without the looming pressure of being rushed or interrupted.
He suddenly gave a smile, as he looked at me,
"Well, you've certainly grown, little crow. I-I'm sorry, for earlier, I just don't...I don't know anymore."
"It's alright, I understand, so now what? What... are we?"
"What do you want us to be?" Came his quick reply.
"Honestly, I want us to be like before, close and maybe now, even closer...but, it can't be that easy can it?"
Jonathan's face was full of understanding, of course it could never be the same. He had changed, and I had too. We were no longer the kids playing together, or even the lovesick teenager trying to meet up under the cover of night. He was ultimently the Scarecrow of Gotham and I was a detective of the GCPD.
"No, it never can, but I would... I would like it to be." A noise sounded outside as Jonathan's head snapped to the side, "You best be going, Take the elevator down and there will be someone to escort you back home, you can trust him."
I must have looked a little hesitant because he gave me a reassuring nod,
"You'll see me again, I mean it this time, I've had time to grow my domain inside the Backstreet Alleys. I promise, little crow, I'll see you soon."
My eyes grew watery, pretty cliche but I didn't want to leave him again. Jonathan's tall frame encompassed me as he pulled me in for a hug. It was moments like these that I remembered it was just us.
The Scarecrow and his little crow.
Jonathan and Ryla.
Time seemed like syrup as Jonathan unfortunately pulled away, everything seemed colder after the hug. He led me to his door and opened it quietly.
"Go down those stairs, You'll see my friend soon enough." I stepped through the door and turned around, Jonathan gave me a wry smile, "I'll see you soon my little crow."
"And I'll see you too, Jonathan, little Scarecrow.." He smirked and shooks his head, as his shaggy hair flopped around him.
I walked down the stairs when I was met with the face I wish I could never see again,
"Zsasz, you're the friend?!"
"What can I say kid, I just have an amazing personality. Now c'mon let's get you back.
The drive to my house seemed to speed by quickly. Suddenly I was back at my apartment door.
"Oh, by the way I have this to give to you." Zsasz rummaged through his jacket pocket and pulled out a letter,"You must have a pretty nice boyfriend."
I scoffed and happily slammed the door shit in Zsasz's face. I turned around to face my kitchen, so much had happened in the last 48 hours.
I once again got ready for bed and sat on my couch while turning on the TV. I glanced at the envelope that seemed to be calling me, so I opened it and read:
Hello once again my little crow,
I wanted to let you know that I'm sorry for everything and I promise to see you soon.
I promise I will always come or you when you are in danger, I will always protect you.
You mean more to me than anything else, even being the Scarecrow. I love you and
promise to see you again
Sincerely,
Jonathan Crane
I smiled and set the letter down, as I got ready for bed.
Goodnight then, Jonathan.
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Somewhere across town, a young man sat down at his table, various chemicals strewn about, a mask laying on one side. He put the beaker down and looked through the window that overlooked the hellish city of Gotham. He thought of the one thing that could make this place better, make his miserable life better- her.
"Goodnight my little crow"