~Nine~ Minyadagniriel

Prologue

She couldn't believe she allowed her friends to talk her into going to another party. Poor Madison Florence, she could never say no to them because they were so close. They'd gone to high school together and then attended university.

After a really bad relationship, Madison found herself pregnant, currently eight months and though she hated the father with a passion, she wanted to keep the child and raise it herself.

So here she was, sneaking out of the Halloween party throw by billionaire Bruce Wayne. He always made sure to have the most lavish events. All attendants were required to wear a costume and if they so choose, bring a homemade dish to add to the potluck. Madison brought her favorite chili cheese dip, though she avoided eating it herself. Pregnancy and heartburn is a terrible mix.

She adjusted her costume as she slipped on her overcoat and quickly snuck out of the office building's front door. Not even the butler Alfred noticed her leaving. The streets of Gotham at night were very cold, October was chilly but the holidays would bring the winter storms. Madison walked down the street, every footstep was a burden but she needed the exercise. Her costume didn't make it any easier and she wished that she chose something other than a black and sheer vampires dress. The fabric was loose around her midsection but the top was tight, allowing her bust to push upwards a bit. It was her best feature at the moment, thanks to baby. She chuckled, it seemed like every guy at the party was staring at her 'assets'.

Madison came upon a bus stop and decided to wait for the next shuttle. She glanced down at her watch, "Shit…" It would be almost a half an hour before the next bus would arrive and she didn't want to stay out in the dark alone. She settled down on the bench, pulling her coat collar a little closer together, enclosing more warmth around her neck. Perhaps the bus would come early.

She waited…and waited…

The bus was late…

Her arms were getting chilled and she pulled them inside her long sleeves, letting the arms of the coat hang against her sides. She put her hands on her belly, the baby was moving around a little bit, probably irritated because she normally went to sleep around eleven every night and here it was passing midnight. It was getting to the point where she may go back to the party and ask her friends to take her home.

"This is ridiculous…" she said angrily, "I'm freezing."

"Perhaps I could be of some assistance?"

Madison, startled, whipped around on the bench to see who spoke to her. It was a man, somebody she's never seen before. She pulled herself up and faced him. He must have been another one of Wayne's party guests because he was wearing a red pinstripe suit and a really creepy clown mask with fluffy yellow hair. His eyes were not very visible through the eyeholes. He seemed to hunch over slightly and didn't look much like a threat. She didn't say anything at first.

"Did you need any help miss?" he asked again. His voice was relatively deep and he spoke with formality.

Finally she felt a little more comfortable in his presence, "No, I'm all right. Thank you for offering."

"You shouldn't be outside alone miss, especially in your current condition." The man said, obviously noticing her large belly.

"You sound just like my friends, sir. Did you also come from Wayne's party?"

"I did, but I find his little activities to be boring so I cut out early."

Madison nodded, "Yeah, they are a bit too ritzy for my taste so I escaped."

"Ah, an escape artist," he laughed, "I've done quite a bit of escaping myself."

Madison never caught the innuendo and she walked around the bench to speak with him properly. "So, do you have a name or should I refer to you as Bozo?"

The gentleman laughed and extended a hand to her. She slipped her hand back through her sleeve and was about to take his hand when she saw him reach up with his other hand to take off his mask.

"You can call me…" he started and yanked the rubber mask away, "Joker…" He grabbed hold of her hand and immediately a large volt of electricity was forced into Madison's body. She cried out in agony and collapsed to her knees. It was the mass murderer, Joker…why didn't she realize? Still, she was in far too much pain to fight back and he refused to let go of her hand. The current streamed down her spine and her whole body was going into shock. Joker finally let go of her and she tumbled to the ground, lying on her side. She struggled to look up at him…those red eyes, crazy green hair bundled into dreadlocks…that pale white face and deep red lips…

Joker knelt down next to the injured woman, "Man, I knew some women were easy, but lady…you take the cake!" he cackled and ran one of his hands along her protruding belly, "Perhaps that is how you got in this predicament." He then climbed back to his feet and grinned at her, "See ya around doll face." He disappeared around the street corner, leaving her alone once again. All she could hear was a distinct maniacal laughter.

Madison cried and held tightly to her stomach. Her organs felt like they were scrambling and tightening, trying to rid itself of the shock treatment she just received. It hurt so much…

She remained on the ground for another hour, letting the pain overtake her and she eventually passed out.

To be continued…

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Greetings friends, this is my first Batman fic…well more of a joker fic because I really wanted to try something new. Please feel free to leave constructive criticism, comments, etc. I appreciate all feedback. Happy reading!