Olivia
A light wind pulled at my hair, swirling autumn's signature leaves at my feet. Keeping a leisurely pace, I followed the sidewalk. Cars lazily padded by, caught up in the comfort of the Saturday's crisp Fall allure. The trees that kept constantly by my side were covered in the rich reds and oranges the season provided. It was unfortunate I had no one to share this day with.
Since the "incident", my name for when I was virtually orphaned, my life has officially gone to hell. Apparently, disgracing Doctor Octopus does come with its benefits. These include being hunted mercilessly by every villain who wants a chunk of the price on your head. When word got out Doctor Octopus despised me, a few villains decided to come after me, figuring I'd be an easy target. They'd sell me to Doc Oc, and all would be right in the world. But then I didn't quite agree, and to survive I'd have to piss them off, making more people hate me and the price on my head grow. The bigger price attracted bigger villains, created bigger piss-offs, resulting in a vicious cycle. It was rather tragic. I bowed my head, quickening my pace. The streets seemed innocent, especially by daylight, but experience said otherwise.
Flash of red caught my attention and I quickly shoved my sleeve down in embarrassment, covering the long, thin scratch. Grimacing at the unwanted memories, I pushed thoughts of past battles form my mind. Whether physical or emotional, each left its scar. Situating my black hoodie, I continued, pacing towards my target.
Today was my day off. No super villain, secret agent, mobsters, nothing. It was a day for me. Out of the things normal fifteen year olds do, I decided going to the mall was least likely to result in violence. Now in Claire's, I began to wonder where a malls appeal came from. I pretended I was interested in a necklace, attempting to get in the mood.
"Excuse me?" someone tapped my shoulder, "You dropped this."
A boy of about seventeen extended my wallet to me. I glanced at me purse, but it was still zipped, yet this was most definitely my wallet. I thanked him and took it, turning around once again. I was very busy trying to like malls.
"Could I buy you lunch?" he had lingered behind me, not leaving when had I turned around, "It's just… you're really pretty!" he blurted out, dark hair falling into his chocolate eyes in embarrassment. No one actually acted like that. And he must have stolen my wallet, what's his play?
I excused myself to go the ladies room, telling him I'd consider it. His footsteps echoed across the marble hall, trailing mine all the way to the restroom. He looked as if he was prepared to wait a while.
I entertained myself for about ten minutes, tracing the cold tiles with my fingertips and staring up at the faded ceiling, before deciding it was probably safe. But how could I be sure? A plump woman with short, white hair waddled inside.
"Excuse me, mam?" I asked in a small voice. Realizing I was speaking to her, she turned around, "I- I just broke up with my boyfriend. I'm afraid he's still waiting for me outside. Would you mind looking for me?"
Her eyes widened in recognition, "Of course dearie!"
She poked her head outside before announcing loudly, "OOPSY DAYS! Forgot my purse!" and rushing back inside. She nodded silently in confirmation, before squeezing my arm in what was meant to be a comforting gesture, then rushing out. So he was still lurking. Great.
-X-
Logan
My eyes darkened as the eighteenth woman came out, saw me, and rushed hurriedly back in. I didn't expect this chick to be easy, but she had been in the bathroom for, according to my cell phone, four hours and thirteen minutes.
My phone buzzed with a text
I've grown impatient
-J
When the Joker employed me, hitting a mall in New York would have been the last place I'd expect to go. But after hearing my part, it began to unfold. He was after Olivia Reynolds. The Olivia Reynolds. I knew she was worth something. Okay a lot of something, but I'd never been insane enough to go for her. Unfortunately, the Joker was. Insane sort of defined him. "I've grown impatient", what could that mean? A loud crunch sounded and my question was answered. The building shook and boys scrabbled out of the men's room. I ran inside to see the Joker had driven his van through the restroom's wall.
"Wrong one," I thought, hitting my forehead with my palm. I turned, just to see Olivia dash out in the confusion, heading towards the exit. Glancing back once, I ran after my prey.
-X-
Olivia
Thoroughly bored, I had sat against the wall, throwing a bunched up paper towel up and down. Without warning, something hit the wall. Hard. I flinched as my eardrums were assaulted with terrified shrieks. Hectic footsteps clanged throughout the mall's poor acoustics, ricocheting harshly. My heart raced at the unexpected change. Amid the chaos, I peeked out. Not seeing the boy, I made a bee line to the door.
I pushed through the door open, relishing the fresh air. The door burst open again, and that same boy dashed out. All of the innocence had bled from his eyes, leaving only a cold hunter. He wasn't slowing down. I turned on my heel, running in no particular direction. As I passed it, a big white van pulled itself from the mall's exterior, and then driving directly towards me. The cause of pandemonium suddenly became clear. Two identical black Volkswagens pulled out of their parking spots and joined in. Now I was attempting to outrun three cars and a guy, none of them who seemed hesitant to run me down. The two Volkswagens swerved forward trapping me in a triangle of automobiles. A man leaned out of the Volkswagen's window. First his head emerging, clad in a rubber clown mask, then a large gun appeared. Positioned on his shoulder, it was aimed directly at me. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the size and ferocity of the firearm. And that mask, where had I seen those before? He fired the weapon, and it I watched in what seemed like slow motion as it imbedded itself in my shoulder. The bullet was much smaller than the normal variety and its end was sharpened to a point. I felt it rip through my skin, severing the tissue, and my body wracked in a convulsion. It was drugged.
Me and drugs? Didn't exactly get along. My body didn't seem to have the normal reaction, requiring a higher dose to reach unconsciousness. After spending six months being chased around by every sort of criminal under the sun, you learn this sort of thing. My body, being so averse to them, also does everything it its power to eject the medication for my system.
I fell to my knees, sweat pouring from my forehead. I could sense confusion coming off in waves from my attacker. That was twice as much as necessary, I should have been out like a light within seconds.
"Hit her again," someone commanded. The voice was hallow, as if hearing at the other end of a tunnel. Darkness crawled into my vision, but I still had the strength to push it back.
I heard the shot fire and tried to roll out of the way, but I was far too weak already. A splash of pain washed over me and the sweat increased, my black V-neck soaked already through. The asphalt was warm under my palms. I tried to keep sane thoughts going. Another of the tiny bullets ripped through my leg, and finally blackness surrounded me.
-X-
Logan
I stepped forward, picking the girl up bridal style and carrying her to the van. I laid her on the ground and took a seat. The Joker sat in the passenger seat, crisp purple suit seeming out of place after the drama that occurred. He seemed completely oblivious to any oddity in the situation. He licked his lips, sending an involuntary shiver ripping through my spine.
"Took you long enough," he glanced back.
I raised one eyebrow but kept my mouth shut. No one in their right mind would go anywhere near pissing this guy off. My gaze wandered back to the girl lying unconscious at my feet. The little bullets hadn't gone in very deep, two had already worked their way out. Trickles of blood flowed from where they once resided, leaving tiny puddles of crimson. My only question, was how she could get nailed with three doses of Xenon and not be dead. An equal amount could put down a rhinoceros, much less a scrawny, fifteen year old girl. He soft blonde curls spilled around her, the tips on one side stained with blood. I'd heard she beat Doc Oc when she was fourteen! Whatever she was, she certainly wasn't human.