SUMMARY:
Cindy Tremaine has just moved to Gotham City, having been encouraged by two of her wealthy friends to leave Metropolis and escape her dysfunctional step-family once and for all. Her friends, one a journalist and the other a secretary at Wayne Enterprises, insist that Cindy interview with Bruce Wayne for a job as a maid in Wayne Manor because they both want the inside scoop on the mysterious man's life. While waiting to interview for the job, Cindy stays in a hotel in the most sketchy part of town because she's practically broke. Her second night in Gotham, she's attacked by a well-known serial killer and saved just in time by the legendary Batman. Now intrigued by the masked vigilante, her curiosity takes over and she eventually finds herself in a dark and exciting world that she never could have imagined before.
Meanwhile, the month of October has just begun and Batman already finds himself up against Gotham's spookiest criminals. As well as the usual suspects, he also faces a barrage of new, twisted characters that all share a theme: being inspired by fairy tales. Coincidentally, Bruce Wayne seeks information on a pair of twin brothers who have recently brought their large corporation, GrimmTech, to Gotham. Bruce believes that it's a business built on crime, so Batman decides to take it upon himself to investigate the Grimm brothers and their activities. Along the way, he'll meet a fleet of imaginative bad guys that Wayne's business rivals send his way.
A crossover of Disney and Batman: The Animated Series, but mostly inspired by the Arkham game series and The Long Halloween story arc, with some references to other Justice League members.
Enjoy!
...
Chapter One: The Epilogue
Cindy Tremaine stepped cautiously into the rain-slicked road once the light turned, offering her safety to cross the street. Not that the safety was guaranteed, due to the hectic and bustling nature of Gotham City. She'd just made the 45-minute hike from her hotel downtown to reach the fancy cafe in the wealthier side; She didn't have the money for the cab. But the friends she was meeting with didn't seem to understand- or care- about that. Neither of them would be caught dead near the neighborhood she was temporarily taking refuge in. So, she'd had to stumble blindly around the winding streets of this city- which she'd only just arrived to yesterday- to come find them at this ridiculous cafe. She hadn't had the forethought to get a map, figuring that this city couldn't be harder to navigate than Metropolis, her previous home. But now she figured that was okay; wandering around with a map in front of her face would have made her look like a tourist and invited some kind of harassment. And she'd already been advised by her friends not to speak to anyone on the streets, so asking for directions was a no. Her two friends had just given her the cafe's address and left her to her own devices.
Cindy glanced around at the snooty uptown people strolling around her, a stark contrast to the dingy area she was staying in due to her financial situation. She adjusted the off-white beanie she wore atop her strawberry-blond head and rolled her blue eyes up to the sign of the cafe. She sighed and mumbled to herself, "The food better be really good... Or one of them better be paying." She put on a pleasant expression and pushed the gilded handle on the glass door to the cafe, immediately greeted by faint, pleasant smells of parisian delicacies wafting over her, and soft, classical music playing overhead.
"Cindy Tremaine!" A young woman's voice cheered from the window nearby, and Cindy turned to smile at two of her closest friends from her childhood: Aurora Brightwood and Ebony Applegate. The two of them screeched excitedly and stood up to greet her with open arms. Cindy laughed as she walked over to hug both of the squealing girls while everyone else in the little cafe ignored them. She went along with them both as they jumped excitedly up and down and squeezed the life out of her, all the while practically screaming in her ear. Eventually, they released her and she pulled back to look them both over. Each girl was dressed quite nicely, and in their signature colors, as would be expected. Ebony wore a cheery yellow dress shirt with a bright red vest that hugged her lean torso, and a royal blue pencil skirt and red patent-leather flats. Her recognizable red ribbon adorned her curly black bob. She looked like her typical self: flashy but still modest. Aurora, on the other habd, was girly and extravagant in her light pink off-the-shoulder blouse that looked to be squeezing her waist uncomfortably tight, and a baby blue pleated skirt that flowed about her knees. Her already toned calves were accentuated by her pink pumps and a darker pink rose was pinned to her shirt, drawing attention to her plunging neckline. If there was one thing Aurora wasn't, it was subtle.
Cindy suddenly felt underdressed in her blue t-shirt and brown leggings and sneakers. Her smile wavered only slightly, though.
"Honey, it's so good to see you!" Ebony said in her sugary-sweet soprano tone.
"Yes, it's been ages!" Aurora exclaimed, grinning like a Barbie doll and ushering Cindy to the third seat at their table. "Come on, sit down! You have to tell us everything that's been going on in your life!"
"Well, of course." Cindy chuckled as they all took their seats and Ebony thrust a flimsy menu toward her. But, honestly, what was she going to tell them? It had only been about a year since they last actually saw each other- when they all graduated from the University of Metropolis together- and since then they all still kept in touch over the phone or through email, quite regularly. They pretty much knew everything about Cindy's life since college... Especially at this most recent point, since they were pretty much responsible for it.
"Oh, and don't worry about chipping in on the bill, sweetie. We know you can't afford it." Aurora added a little too loudly for Cindy's taste.
Although Cindy had kind of been hoping for the offer, hearing the words- especially the way that Aurora put them- still stung. But she kept her cool and smiled politely at her friend. "Oh... Alright. I mean, if you insist."
"Darling, it's the least we could do. Get whatever you like!" Snow assured her in a bubbly tone. Then, she eagerly leaned closer and quietly asked, "So, how are you liking Gotham so far?"
"Oh, uh..." Cindy couldn't honestly come up with an opinion on the spot. She hadn't been here very long, and most of what she'd seen so far was not worth praise.
"Isn't it great?" Aurora cut in smugly. "We told you you'd love it. So much more activity here than in boring old Metropolis..." She winked playfully.
If you mean criminal activity, then sure, Cindy couldn't help thinking sarcastically. But out loud, she laughed airily and replied, "Yeah, Superman's got the place pretty cleaned out..." Cindy had to admit, there was very little action over there any more. It could seem dull to anyone who was used to attacks by dastardly villains. A part of Cindy regretted leaving her little safe haven, and wished that she'd just found a place of her own over there instead of running to Gotham with no way of knowing what lied in store. But a deeper, less explicable part of Cindy- the thrill-seeker in her- was excited for the possible adventure, and probable danger, that Gotham offered. She was just too adventurous for her own good.
"Ooh!" Ebony squeaked. "Speaking of Metropolis, how's Giselle?"
Giselle Duvall was the fourth addition to their tight-knit group, and the one who Cindy actually felt the closest to. She was far more humble and genuine than either of the girls Cindy currently sat with. And, unlike Cindy, she'd opted to stay in Metropolis, because she liked her security. And her cushy job in journalism at the biggest newspaper in the city ensured security. As well as the nice apartment she shared with her hunky boyfriend. Giselle had actually invited Cindy to live with them many times, but Cindy always politely turned her down. She didn't want to be a burden.
Cindy smiled and nodded. "Giselle's doing well, as always."
"Is she still dating that Kent guy?" Aurora nosily pushed.
Cindy nodded. "Yeah. She and Clark are still living together."
Aurora smirked. "Good for her. He's such a hottie."
"Yeah, he's a good guy." Cindy commented quietly, feeling a little uncomfortable.
"Well, I'm sure that you'll find plenty of excitement around here once you land that job with Bruce Wayne." Aurora continued, brushing past the awkward moment like it hadn't existed.
Cindy chuckled. "Well, guys, we don't know that I'm gonna get the job..."
They were briefly interrupted when a stuffy waiter came by to get their drink order. Aurora ordered a round of mimosas for the table, (even though it seemed that she and Snow had each had their fill already, and all Cindy wanted was a cup of real coffee), and before he even walked away, carried on the conversation.
"Cindy, you're probably more qualified than any of the other cleaning ladies that have come in to interview."
Cindy nodded. "True, but I'm just as qualified as a secretary or assistant as I am as a maid." She turned to Ebony with hopeful eyes. "Are you sure there are no positions like that available at Wayne Enterprises?"
Ebony shook her head with a sympathetic expression. "No, Cind. I took the last secretary job." She wrinkled her nose in an unconvincing apologetic look. "Sorry."
Cindy conjured up a hollow laugh. "It's fine... Just double-checking." She shrugged. "Being a maid should be fine..."
"Yes..." Aurora sipped her drink the moment it was placed on the table by their waiter. "Especially being a maid at Wayne Manor, hmm?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at Cindy while Ebony giggled.
Cindy gave Aurora a mock-suspicious look. "Why is it so important to you that I land a job with Bruce Wayne?"
Aurora smirked and took another swig of her drink, then set it on the table. "Look... The guy's a complete mystery. True, in the last few years, his exciting exploits as billionaire-playboy-philanthropist-eccentric-party-guy have come to a halt. Now he's all mature, strictly business, keeping a low profile. But that's only made everyone in Gotham more curious about him. Everyone wants to know what the illustrious Bruce Wayne is up to. And, if I could get someone on the inside, I could write the juiciest article on him and make some big bucks."
"So...you want me to spy on him?" Cindy asked carefully.
"Yes. And tell me about everything that goes on in that mansion- report to me on his every move." Aurora smiled and leaned smugly back in her seat. "Now, doesn't that sound exciting?"
Cindy shook her head slowly. "I... I don't feel very comfortable with that, Aurora..."
"Real, hard-hitting journalism is rarely comfortable, Cind." Aurora leaned forward, tapping her finely - manicured nails on the tabletop. "Do you think I feel good about asking you to do this? You think I want to send someone in to snoop on this guy? No. I don't. But he's brought it on himself." She shrugged and leaned back again, lifting her glass. "I mean, why be so secretive- why avoid the press- unless he really has something to hide?"
"Maybe he just wants to live his life privately? I mean, I'm sure he's has enough publicity to last a lifetime." Cindy replied. In her head, she added, Honestly, give the guy a break.
Aurora smirked and shook her head. "No. There's something else. See, his publicity stunting didn't just die out over time. No, it just ended. Kind of suddenly. Like he had some epiphany or something to make him drop the party life and make him focus on work and stay hidden away in his cozy, secluded mansion. Now, everyone wants to know what really caused him to practically become a recluse. And the reporter who reveals the truth will receive a hefty sum indeed." She grinned and leaned forward again, conspiratorially. "And, whoever informs said reporter will get a handsome cut of the profit."
Cindy raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Aurora nodded. "Of course. And if you deliver on this case, I may ask you to help on future stories that could make us both rich. Stories to do with our city's crime rings, the infamous super villains...even Batman." Aurora looked smug as she saw the thoughtful expression on Cindy's face. "Excited yet?"
Cindy hesitantly nodded. "A little."
"Oh, Cindy, you have to do anything you can to get that job." Snow insisted hopefully. "I'm dying to know about Mr. Wayne's life. Believe it or not, secretaries don't really get to be on the inside..." She paused to roll her eyes. "Ugh, well Belle does, but it's just 'cause she's his favorite." Her eyes widened and she placed a pale hand on Cindy's arm. "Do you think you could find out if they're having some kind of affair? I mean, she's always going to the Manor, and when he does go to charity balls or anything, she's his date. I mean, they both say it's strictly a business relationship, but I dunno, they seem a little too friendly to me..."
Cindy frowned and opened her mouth to answer, but Aurora was already jumping back in.
"So, what do you say, Cinderella? Do you want to live the adventurous life of an informant on the inside and get your first taste of true journalism? Or...do you just want to be the maid?" She pouted.
Cindy resisted the urge to cringe at the sound of her full name. She hated her name. After a moment, she said, "I'll think about it. Either way, I'm going for the job."
Aurora smiled. "Good for you. Hopefully you take my offer..."
"May I take your orders, ladies?" Their waiter asked as he reached their table again.
Cindy nervously laughed. "Oh, jeez... I haven't even had a chance to look at the menu..."
"Don't worry about it, sweetie. This is kind of a regular place for me and Ebony. We know a few menu options you'd like; let me just order for everyone." Aurora spoke quickly, waving away Cindy's concerns, then turned to the waiter and rambled off a list of foods for the table, which he scribbled down with ease. As he turned briskly away, Aurora smiled at Cindy again and asked, "So, how are things with the wicked step-bitches?"
Cindy chuckled. "Ugh... Well, the twins couldn't be happier about me leaving. Never even said a word to me on my way out. But, my step-mom's been calling non-stop, trying to fill my head with doubt and convince me to come back. You know, she insists that I can't possibly make it on my own over here, that I can't handle myself, that I'm nothing without her money... Well, dad's money... But I think she just doesn't know how to handle the house with me gone. I mean, now she might actually have to hire people do handle everything. Crazy, right?" Cindy smirked and took a sip of her drink while Ebony giggled like a child.
Aurora grinned and nodded. "Crazy, indeed..."
The three of them carried on like this for a few hours, dragging through their lunch and into desserts, making idle conversation (which was at times awkward, though Cindy seemed to be the only one who got uncomfortable while the other two didn't seem to notice) and ending their meeting over the most ridiculously tiny cups of coffee Cindy had ever seen. Cindy had to admit, the food that Aurora had ordered was pretty good. But definitely not good enough to warrant the price. Cindy would definitely pick something cheap and greasy from a food truck or cart on the street any day. But, she figured it didn't matter, since she wasn't paying. She did chip in on the tip though, despite the other two protesting.
The waiter was bent stiffly over their table, giving them complementary refills on their coffees while they handled the bill. But Cindy placed her hand over her cup to stop him from pouring more coffee into it.
"No, thank you. I should actually get going." She told him with a grateful smile.
He nodded politely and walked away with their check while Ebony and Aurora immediately made noises of discontent.
"Oh, so soon? We were hoping you could come shopping with us!" Ebony said in disappointment.
"Yeah, Cindy, we know you'd just love all the uptown shops." Aurora added.
Cindy shook her head. "No, guys... I don't really have money for shopping right now. I mean, I've gotta pick up groceries for the week and head home. Sorry, but I've noticed how quickly it gets dark out here..." It was already past five and the sun looked close to setting.
"Oh, alright." Aurora sighed. "We understand. But definitely try to get home fast, okay? Walking around downtown at night is like a deathwish." She hardly seemed concerned, though.
Cindy nodded. "Right. So I've heard." Thanks for offering to keep me company.
Ebony placed a hand on her shoulder. "Just try to get a cab, okay?"
Cindy didn't have it in her to tell them she couldn't afford a cab. She wasn't even sure how she was gonna stretch her cash to feed herself for the next week. But she still smiled and patted Ebony's hand gratefully. "Of course."
"And, Cindy, for the love of God, don't talk to any strangers. Alright?" Aurora told her.
Cindy nodded. "Right. Definitely."
After finishing things up at the restaurant, the three of them went out to have their goodbyes in front of the cafe. After some more small talk and a few hugs, Cindy was free to start her trek back downtown to shop for food at the cheap stores and then hide out in her run-down hotel. It took about an hour just to get back to that neighborhood, traffic and crazy people in the streets being a new obstacle. But she eventually reached a musty little market and made out with two full paper bags of microwave meals and fruit and various junk foods for less than $100. She was proud of herself, but still not left with enough cash for a cab. But, she did have some cash left over to get a bouquet of flowers to bring life to her dingy little hotel room.
The hotel was only a block away, but Cindy still walked quickly, holding her bags and her purse close and keeping a close eye on her surroundings, but also keeping her head down to avoid making eye contact with anyone who passed. She noticed a group of thugs making a commotion on the sidewalk up ahead, and decided she didn't want to walk past them, so she made a sudden turn down an alley to her left, hoping for a peaceful shortcut. As she delved into the darkened alley, the only sounds were her own footsteps and water dripping, and an argument going on in one of the apartments above her. Cindy sighed to herself, feeling a little more at ease with no one immediately near and walking a bit slower. She held her bags in one arm and fished her phone out of her purse, punching the numbers 9-1-1 and keeping her thumb poised over the call button, just in case.
As she was getting closer to her hotel, she realized she needed to get out her key card and sighed again. Figuring she was safe by now, she stuffed her phone back in her purse and started rifling around for the plastic card.
That was when she heard the footsteps echoing from far behind her.
At first she paid them no mind, ignoring them as she continued to search through her purse. But then she realized that the sound was drawing much closer, at an increasing rate. This wasn't someone just casually walking in the same direction as her. This was someone following her.
And not just following her, but gaining on her.
Cindy quickened her pace, trying to seem casual and remain calm as she hurried toward the street lights up ahead. She could see her hotel from here. Just a few more yards...
There was devilish laughter behind her, much closer than she realized before. And now the footsteps were much faster, and heavier. Whoever it was was running after her. Cindy tossed her grocery bags aside and began to sprint. There was a soft cry of surprise behind her; She was much faster than the criminal had anticipated. She quickly pulled the key card and her cell phone out and then turned briefly to throw her purse into the face of her assailant, who she couldn't identify in the dark. She continued to run toward the open street ahead without turning back, preparing to hit the call button and dial 911 as she ran for her life.
Something large and metallic suddenly crashed against her back and sent her to the pavement. Her phone and key card were knocked out of her hand and sent skittering away. She was temporarily winded, sprawled out on the cold, moist ground. She turned over to see a trash can rolling away from her and teetering to a stop. Then she looked up to see a tall, dark figure beginning to bear down on her. She hoisted herself up on her hands, ignoring her shaky limbs and clumsily crawling backward. She tried to push herself up onto her feet, but kept tripping over herself and falling again, unable to get her balance. She cried out breathlessly as the man jumped onto her, pinning her to the ground. Cindy grunted and whimpered as she desperately threw her hands up into his face, his throat, anything she could hit. He groaned in irritation and used one hand to pin both of her arms over her head and the other to grip the hair at the nape of her neck, forcing her to look up at him.
"What do you want?" Cindy demanded as she gasped for air, refusing to look weak even in this perilous position. "I already gave you my purse!"
"But I already know that there's nothing of value in there, my dear." The man laughed wildly and adjusted himself so that now he sat with his full weight on her torso, then used both hands to wrench her arms out to her sides, where he then held them down with his feet. Cindy struggled all the while, choking slightly because she was still out of breath and now he was basically suffocating her. She kicked her legs up and around wildly in an attempt to throw him off-balance, continually beating her knees into his back. She was startled to a stop when the man took her skull in both of his hands and wrenched her face up toward his. Cindy's blue eyes widened as she got her first clear look at his face...and the tally marks that littered his skin. She easily recognized him from all his wanted posters.
"Victor Zsasz..." She breathed raggedly and began trying to wriggle out from under him again.
He giggled and painfully tightened his grip on her, making her involuntarily whimper and cease her struggling. His lips twisted in a wide grin and he leaned down closer, close enough that they would be sharing breath if Cindy wasn't holding hers.
"See, girly, no one goes in or out of this city without me knowing about it. And I've been keeping an eye on you since you arrived yesterday..." He traced the line of her jaw with one fingertip, then brought it across her slim throat in a sraight line. He scratched her pale skin lightly with his ragged fingernail and she winced in spite of herself. He giggled and continued, "And I must say that the moment I first saw you, I knew who my next mark would be."
Cindy grunted and began struggle again, and Zsasz began to eagerly shush her.
"It's okay, it's okay, child... You should consider this an honor. In fact, you should be thanking me." He was trembling with anticipation as he pulled back one marred hand to whip a box cutter out of his pocket. Cindy stared fearfully at the blade gleaming in the light of the dim, far-away street lamps and continued to fight to get away from him. He laughed wildly and pointed the box cutter at her face. "No one comes to Gotham without being ruined. I'm only preserving your innocent soul! Now..." He started to lower the blade purposefully toward her throat. "Hold still, and it will be over quickly."
Cindy tried to shake her head, but his grip was too strong. "No... No!" She tucked her chin down in an effort to shield her neck and began to scream for help, struggling even more violently while Zsasz leered over her.
Suddenly, Zsasz's grip was wrenched away and he was lifted off of her by a massive shadow. Cindy sat up to watch the dark shape launch him away into the nearby trash cans. A pair of gleaming eyes turned briefly toward her, and she barely made out a strong jaw, a set of broad shoulders, and two tall, pointed ears. The metallic symbol on his chest shone briefly in the distant light and Cindy's eyes widened in recognition. She was paralyzed.
"Batman." She whispered.
He turned from her and walked over to Zsasz, who was starting to climb to his feet, noisily rattling the trash cans around. Batman reached out one hand and gripped Zsasz by his ratty t-shirt, lifting him up into the air and glowering up at him. Zsasz struggled and lashed out like a wild animal, screaming, "No, Batman! No! I need the mark... I need the mark! "
Batman didn't show any reaction as he silently upper-cutted the screaming man, instantly knocking him unconscious. The alley fell silent as Batman lowered Zsasz to the ground, letting him lie in a crumpled heap and quickly pressing some buttons on a contraption in his glove. He reached to fingers toward his cowl and muttered something that Cindy couldn't hear, like he was sending a message through a communicator hidden inside the hood. He ended his transmission and turned to see her still sitting on the ground. She snapped back to her senses and picked herself up to face him.
He stared at her for a moment, then asked in an incredibly low, calm tone, "What's your name?"
"Cindy." She replied shakily.
He nodded shortly. "Welcome to Gotham, Cindy. You should get home. Is it far?"
She gestured over her shoulder. "My hotel's right there..."
"Good. Get to it."
There were sirens approaching, and Cindy frowned. "Shouldn't I stay? I mean, I'm a witness. Don't the police need to talk to me?"
"No, it's fine. Just get inside." He replied curtly.
She nodded. "Right. Um..." She quickly gathered everything she'd dropped in the alley, including her purse and groceries. She turned to leave, then looked curiously back at him and said, "Thank you."
"It's my job." Was his simple reply.
She turned and jogged away as the red and blue flashing lights began to approach. She didn't stop moving until she was safe in her hotel room with the door locked behind her. She leaned against the door for a moment, releasing a rush of breath that she'd been holding. She slumped tiredly and dragged her aching body toward the bed, dropping her bags on top of the tiny mini-fridge as she went. She flung herself down onto the stiff mattress and laid there for awhile, her mind reeling over what she'd just experienced.
"In town for two days and I've already met a serial killer and the Batman." She muttered to herself. She turned over and sat up to look blankly up at the calender hanging on the wall by the bed, her heart still thumping in her chest, even after the adrenaline having died away. She sighed. "Of course... It's October 1st. I picked a helluva time to move into town..." She hunched over, hanging her head to gaze down at the shaggy, stained carpet. She frowned. "I can only imagine what Halloween's like around here..."
Cindy sat in silence for a long time after that, still processing everything that had happened. Sleep was the furthest thing from her mind, with Victor Zsasz's smile still flashing through her head. Her gaze eventually wandered to the empty vase on the bedside table and she frowned.
"Crap. I left the flowers in the alley."
END OF PROLOGUE.