Selina swung for the right side of Tabitha's face but she blocked it effortlessly, kicking her back she lunged for her with unimaginable speed, Selina just about managed to avoid her grasp before stumbling over her own feet. For the past few days she occupied her time sparring with Tabitha at the bar. She desperately needed to improve her fighting skills since she has noticed countless times that her moves were getting outdated and obvious. Surprisingly, Tabitha was on board with helping her out since Barbara wasn't around anymore, but by the way Tabitha spoke about her she got a very vivid image on what happened.
Without missing a beat Tabitha caught her stumbles and dashed towards her with rapid speed. Tightly gripping onto her collar she threw her to the other side of the room. For a brief moment all Selina could feel was air before crashing down on the marble floor. Groaning she stared crossly at the ceiling. That was the tenth time in a row that she had lost and it was irking her to no end. She knew Tabitha wouldn't be an easy opponent but she would have thought by now she would have matched up to her. She was better than this but her mind was in a different place.
The clicks of Tabitha's heels came to a halt beside her and her dark eyes stared down onto her. Amusement clearly etched onto her features. "You planning on lying there all day?" She hinted some mirth in her tone and couldn't stop herself from glaring coldly at her. With a scoff she nudged her boot. "Come on kid get up."
"Don't call me kid." She flared up at the word. She hated being called that, it sounded weak, vulnerable, unexperienced, especially after she used to use that word on someone else. On him. Selina momentarily shut her eyes at the thought of him. How when they were younger she would refer to him as kid to get on his nerves, and he would get all defensive and try to prove to her he could be a man. Oh, how the memory burned. It was only three years ago when they were like that but now it felt like a lifetime ago. She swallowed. No, she shouldn't be think of him, not now and not ever again.
"Well if you weren't acting like a moody adolescent then maybe I wouldn't call you kid. What's the matter with you anyway?"
"Nothing." Jumping back onto her feet she nodded. "Let's continue." Brushing off the unexpected feeling she returned back into her fighting stance. Tabitha gave her a long look before doing the same. Without so much of a pause Selina jabbed a punch in her direction but she blocked it. It was weak and not her best but she shrugged it off and tried something different. Spinning on her heel she twirled to the side, raising her other foot forward aiming directly for Tabitha's chest but she caught it with ease. Locking Selina into place, she tried to move be found her attempts futile. It reminded her of when she tried to fight Bruce. How he swiftly captured her foot between his chest with a gentle touch. His eye's pleading almost begging- No! She shouldn't be thinking about him. Before her mind was able to catch up to what was happening she was once again tossed into the air. Rolling over the counter.
In that moment she felt complete and utter rage coursed through her. Stomping back onto her feet she gripped the neck of a wine bottle and chucked it opposite her. She watched as the bottle collided against the wall, finding satisfaction as it exploded into pieces. "You're paying for replacements." Tabitha voiced and she almost forgot she wasn't alone. "You faltered, why are you attacks so hesitant?" Climbing over the counter she ignored her question, returning to her fighting stance however this time Tabitha refused to do the same.
"Come on again."
"No, something's weighing you down and I need to know what."
"It's nothing."
"Doesn't seem like nothing from here."
"Well it is so come on, I can do it this time."
Crossing her arms in defiance Tabitha bore a blank gaze at her. Selina did the same with a challenging glare, preventing any emotion from leaking into her gaze. Neither wavered for a long time and the silence almost seemed deafening until Tabitha's voice pierced through it with an icy tone. "Fine, I guess we're done here." Turning away from her she began to walk away, her heels clicking behind her Selina watched her ponytail swing from side to side. "Hey... wait." She called out before she could even stop herself. Her cry was enough to make her pause, seemingly gaining her attention again. "Something is wrong, but it's stupid and pathetic and I shouldn't be thinking about it in the first place."
"Well, what is it?" Selina fell silent and awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck in realisation at how embarrassing the situation had quickly become. Tabitha gave her a weird look. "Are you hungry or something?" She shook her head. "You on the run? Piss a few people off?" When Selina shook her head again she sighed in frustration. Kids were never her thing.
Tapping her nails against the counter she stared hard at the girl. Almost expecting the answer to jump out and reveal itself to her. Even though she tried to keep her face neutral Tabitha could still make out small details on her face. Her jaw was set and despite keeping her eyes blank she could spot a slight loss in them. She looked completely drained. "Is it a... boy?" She asked unsure of herself, but when her gaze broke averting to the ground she knew she answered correctly. "You're distracted over a guy?" She repeated, her tone raising slightly at how simple it sounded. Any other time she would of laughed but a horrific thought crossed her mind and she scrunched up her nose in discomfort. "I don't need to give you the 'talk' or anything do I."
Selina's eyes widened at her implication. "No, no! It's not like that." She assured her face flushing red. "It wasn't anything like that at all really, we kinda just... split apart."
"Oh, you broke up."
"We weren't dating."
She frowned. "So what were you."
"We were..." Trailing off she stopped herself. What were they? Friends? No, at least not anymore. But before friends didn't randomly kiss each other, friends didn't look at each other like that. "It's complicated."
Tabitha hummed, stalking closer towards her, folding her arms she quirked her brow curiously. "Does this guy have a name. Is it one of the street kids from the narrows."
"Not exactly. It was... Bruce Wayne." She muttered the last part to herself but Tabitha heard it clear enough. Another long silence smothered the air and this time she did laugh. It was a smooth cackle, so foreign coming from her lips. A scowl spread across Selina's face.
Noticing Selina's somber expression she composed her laughter. "You were serious." Thinking about it now it did make sense. She recalled a time at the bar where they hosted a party she saw the two leave towards the rooftop. She didn't think much of it back then. "You had Bruce Wayne wrapped around your finger and you let him go." She said incredulously. "He's a billionaire!"
Selina rolled her eyes. "I know. But he's more than that, he's a... good guy." Selina sighed. The harsh words they shared from their last encounter still echoed in her mind. What he said to her and how he said it, simply disregarding her like she meant nothing. After everything...
You don't get to walk back into my life.
You wouldn't understand.
You don't care about me. I know you better than that.
She thought he did know her better than that but clearly she was wrong.
Moving closer towards the couches by the large window she collapsed into them, swallowing the bile that threatened to come. She shouldn't get so worked up over this. She didn't notice Tabitha move but as the couch dipped low she turned to the side. "He's an arse." She muttered.
"Ok, he's an arse, what's the problem."
"I did a stupid thing and got to close."
"You fell in love." she said matter-of-factly.
She tensed at that word. Love. No, she never loved him, she couldn't. Loving him meant that she cared, and according to him she doesn't.
Whipping her head back at Tabitha she looked at her in pure astonishment. "No! I didn't love him. I could never, we're too different for that, too young even. I just got... attached." She chose her words carefully.
Nodding her head, Tabitha voice went into a slow gentle whisper. Almost like a secret that should be kept between the two. "The night you came to the bar for help. You weren't the only one with a broken heart." A dark look crossed over her eyes. "Which is why we cannot allow those emotions to overpower us, they make us stronger."
"I don't feel strong, I feel the complete opposite actually." Selina huffed. She couldn't do anything right with her mind infested with the thoughts of him. No matter how hard she tried to fight it, no matter how much she wanted to deny it, she missed him. She missed everything about him. She missed his boyish smile, she missed how he said her name, even his smell. The scent of pine that gave her such comfort and calmed her down whenever she was angry or upset. It was reassuring and safe. "Don't you ever wish you could forget and move on."
Something clicked in her mind and Tabitha slowly rose from her seat, a far away look in her eyes as she muttered to herself. She began to study the girl in front of her and Selina glanced up in confusion. "What?"
"Maybe you can forget." That only made her even more confused.
Skipping over to the counter she tossed Selina her jacket. "Come on, I'm taking you somewhere."
"Where?" But her question was left unanswered, leaving her to trail after Tabitha out the bar.
The entire journey was quite. Selina didn't bother ask anymore questions as she knew she wouldn't get a decent answer, so she allowed Tabitha to lead her to whatever it is she needed to go. She didn't want to seem too curious. Curiosity always did kill the cat. She smiled to herself at the overused phrase.
She drove up this steep hill, almost going into a spiral. It felt familiar to her but she couldn't place in her mind if she'd been there before. Finding nothing she brushed off the nostalgia, she glanced over at Tabitha who stared immensely ahead at the road. She could basically see the clogs in her brain spinning. Where ever she was taking her it better be good.
The gates of Arkham rose before her and she straightened in her seat. "What are we doing here?" She swallowed. The ominous build of Arkham towered over them, so tall it could break through the dark swirl of clouds from above. Everything about the place gave her an unsettling feeling.
"We're here to remove you main distraction." Stopping in front of the gates, two guards in grey stood by her door with stern faces. One knocked on her window obnoxiously and she rolled it down.
"Do you have an appointment Miss?"
With a frown Tabitha scowled at the man. "I don't need to make an appointment." In a swift movement she wrapped her fingers around his tie, forcing him closer. The other guard reached for his gun and Selina tensed. "Does Tabitha Galavan ring any bells through you thick skull." The mans eyes widened at the mention of her name and began to stutter. "Y-yes of course... I apologise."
Just as quickly she swiped her hand away and he wasted no time to back away from them. Signaling the gates to be open they passed through it with ease. "That was impressive."
Tabitha smirked. "I've made a rather unforgettable impression here." She could see that.
No guards bothered to check them once they entered and Tabitha headed straight to the reception leaving her to trail behind her. Selina couldn't help but feel a little powerful. Having armed men cower before her.
The nurse at the reception looked rather stunned at Tabitha's arrival. "I need to see a patient here." It was a demand. Selina marveled at how she could just walk in like she owned it.
"Who do you wish to see, Miss?"
"Jervis Tetch. It's important." At the name Selina gave her a puzzled look. She vaguely heard of Tetch from the streets, the stunts he would pull on Jim and how he was responsable for that wretched virus from getting out. Exposing the streets of Gotham and most likely changing it for the worst. Even though she'd never met him her dislike towards the psychotic man was great.
But why on earth did they need to see him?
The nurse seemed to pause at her request and gave them both a wary look before nodding at one of the guards. Grabbing the chain of keys she assorted them down the hall. Past the many rooms the crazies were confined in. The walk unnerved her as their screams and yells of nonsense could be heard past the metal doors. Selina couldn't stop herself from staring when a tall slim man in chains reached her sight. Muttering to himself, he looked up at her with wild eyes as they made contact, a sick smile placed on his face as was he dragged forward. She hated it here. A part of her was still curious to know what they did with the secret underground lab Hugo Strange kept his monsters.
But her thoughts were short-lived when they reached the end of the hall. Stopping in front of the same grey doors they had, the nurse unlocked it with a hard clunk, heaving it open. A guard opened the gate inside for them. "He will arrive shortly." She addressed before leaving them.
Selina wasn't sure what to do with herself now that they were alone so she stood back into the corner, watching Tabitha as she tried to figure out what was going on in her head. After a few moments of silence her patience blew up. "What the hell are we doing here?" She whispered. She didn't have any reason to whisper she just felt it was appropriate.
"I told you, I'm helping you."
"I know, but I didn't think your idea of 'helping' would be visiting a mad man. Frankly, I would like to know what the hell is going on before making a surprise visit to Arkham." She hissed. She knew Tabitha wasn't the sanest person around, but she was hoping she would ease back her crazy antics with her around. "Maybe there is no issue, maybe I can sort this out on my own."
"Don't be so stubborn. You're weak just admit that."
"I'm not-"
"Yes you are." Tabitha cut her off. "My affections for Barbara are gone and I only have hate for her now. My hate makes me stronger, it motivates me to become something more. But you do not hate him. No matter how much you whine and complain, you don't hate him do you? That's what makes you weak. Your love for him holds you back."
"I do not love him!" She yelled. Suddenly feeling exposed.
"Then what is it!" Tabitha challenged equally. Selina lost her words in her throat, choking on them she backed down. There were no words to describe how she felt for Bruce but she would never say love. Never.
Tabitha began to say something else but was interrupted by a playful voice behind her. "My oh my, isn't this a surprise." With his feet shackled together and hands bounded he was roughly shoved into the room. But the aggressive gesture did not faze him one bit. His eyes seemed to glisten as he gazed at Tabitha. "Tabitha dearest, please do tell if Barbara still has you wrapped up in lies." Selina cringed as he spoke in a rhythmic tone. The way he spoke was childish and silly. As if everything to him was nothing more but a game.
They seated him down to the metal chair opposite them, with his hands restrained he clasped his fingers together.
He was one of those nut jobs. Selina thought.
"Jervis." Tabitha greeted. Taking the seat opposite him. Selina stuck to her corner. "Barbra is no longer important, she's gone."
That seemed to intrigue him more and he leaned forward. "Oh really, do tell."
"This isn't a social visit this is business."
"Business you say." He chuckled. "What could I do for you. And for that fact why? I recall our last meeting wasn't at all pleasant."
"That was on Barbra's orders not mine. Like I said her reign is over and I need a favour."
"A favour?" He repeated and laughed out loud. Looking around at the guards who stood stone faced. "You really do have your jokes my dear."
She leaned in menacingly. "I'm not playing games Tetch."
"Games? I do love game. I especially enjoyed the game I played with Jim Gordan, he was my special little pawn. Obliviously following the path that I lead for him." He ranted with a far away look in his eyes. "Sadly my game is finished. With Jim at least. Tick Tock the bomb went boom! Leaving Gotham dull and gloom. My sister now thrives around the streets, leaving those trembling in their sheets." He smiled sickly at her. "I must say I am rather jealous, I get to miss out all the fun. But i'm sure i'll receive all the updates. One way or another you people will always find your way back to me." He reached up and pulled at his shirt, tugging it down revealing a nasty large patch on his neck reaching to his shoulder.
"Maybe that'll teach you not to play God."
He shrugged. "Maybe." Letting go of his shirt, he leaned back on his chair. "So this favour, I'm curious to know what you want from me."
"Despite your insanity. You have a skill of hypnotism." Selina perked up at this.
Quirking his brow he smirked. "Yes, always nice to meet a fan."
She ignored him. "Can hypnotism alter a person's mind... maybe let's say memories."
He rose his brows at this. "Oh Tabby, Tabby." He smirked. "Are you trying to vanquish a certain someone from your memories."
"This isn't for me. It's for her." Turning to the side, she addressed to Selina in the room who still stood silently in the corner. Watching the exchange in front of her.
"And who is this gem." He greeted gleefully. But she was far from his jolly mood.
"None of your business, nut case." She snarled.
"Oh, isn't she a delight." Jervis chuckled, his gaze never wavered. There was a slight glint in his eye that made her uncomfortable, it was like he could see through her, or at least wanted to.
Slamming her fist against the table Tabitha regained his attention. "Well can it?"
"I'm not entirely sure. I've never tried it myself. Where's the fun in forgetting things it sounds awfully boring."
"So there is no way."
He grinned. "I never said that my dear. The mind is a very tricky thing to figure out. It is the keeper of how a person becomes themselves. Memories, hallucinations, desires, personalities, it's all in there. Through the flesh and past every thick skull is the most powerful part of you're body." He marveled. "I've spend years perfecting the art of being in control of getting those to do as I say, but amnesia is new to me."
"Today's your lucky day Jervis, you're gonna try it. Right now."
He laughed hysterically. A laugh that came straight from his belly, tears of mirth came leaking from the corners of his eyes but his cuffs restrained him from wiping them away. Though he didn't seem to mind. "Tabby... you really didn't think this through." He said breathlessly, attempting to compose himself. "I need my watch, sweetheart." He spoke as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Triumph sticking his sick grin back on his face. This time Tabitha grinned back at him. "You mean this watch?" She showed off the gold pocket watch pulling it from behind her. Hooking the chain around her finger, she swung it tauntingly before him. His eyes followed the device with wide eyes almost hypnotised himself as he watched it jump back and forth, side to side. He jumped forward to grab it, stopping mid-air by his shackles, he growled.
"Give it to me!" Even the guards were stunned. Tabitha's anger disappeared soon replaced with calm satisfaction radiating off her.
With a pout she glanced at the watch. "Lovely little thing, clearly old by design. Tell me how far back has this watch been through. A couple of years, a couple of decades." Swinging it higher the chain slide off her finger flying through the air. Selina could have sworn Jervis' heart stopped then and there but she caught it again with ease.
"Stop that! That watch is precious you need it more than I do."
"That's not how it looks from here. Dear." She spat the last word out like venom. Holding it loosely in her grasp her eyes challenged him. There was a long pause before she silently let it drop. Making a quick descend to the stone floor. "Alright!" He yelled.
Snapping her wrist downwards she caught onto the chain. The watch inches away from a shattering death. "Good choice."
In one quick motion she climbed out of her seat. Spinning to face her again. "Selina." She gestured her to the chair.
Selina did not feel comfortable at all. The idea of sitting anywhere near the ragged man gave her a bad vibe. She wasn't even sure if she wanted this. Forgetting Bruce Wayne felt impossible to her, he pretty much made a mark in her life. It felt more of a loss then a solution. But she would be stronger, she could grow. That sort of power was what she craved and it was a grasp away. All she had to do was pick him out from her memories and she could have it.
Unknowingly she found herself in the metal chair, with Tabitha come up behind her. "Selina." He greeted, tipping the front of his paper top hat at her. "I must ask why you are so desperate to tamper with your memories?"
Because his memory hurts. Because she was unable to stop thinking about him, because she missed him, she couldn't bring herself to hate him, because she loved him.
She sighed in defeat. She loved him.
"I can't go on in life if i'm being held back. I need to forget him."
"Ahh, young love." She momentarily closed her eyes at the word.
"If this is what love feels like I don't want it... take it from me." She felt herself being dunked in a sea of emotions. A lone tear trailed down her cheek but she quickly wiped it away.
Stalking closer towards him, Tabitha roughly shoved the watch into his hand. Wrapping a firm hand on his shoulder she leaned forward. "If you try anything else I will shove that right down your-"
"Thank you for the vivid imagery. Much understood." He failed to shake her hand off. "Now I need to know the name of the gentleman you wish to forget."
"Bruce Wayne." Once his name left her lips Jervis did not hide the surprised look on his face. Even she had to sometimes think how she and the billionaire became so close since they were so different.
Clearing his throat he stared down at the girl opposite, a serious expression stamped on his face, all amusement and playfulness gone. Flipping the lid open the hands ticked around the circle. He spoke calmly, keeping his voice smooth. "Listen to the watch, the way it's ticking synchronizes with your heartbeat." The longer she stared at the watch the more intense the ticking became, matching the rate of her heart that was all she was able to hear. Thump, thump, thump. Everything felt so slow and so close. "Look into my eyes." He ordered and she slowly did so. "Not above them, not around them but deep into their centre. You are completely relaxed and are becoming weightless" She believed him. Letting her muscles go loose she let out a breath, her eyes half-shut. She felt light. "Now... close your eyes and allow the darkness to consume you. Allow it to drift you into the deepest part of your subconsciousness." Her eyes fluttered to a close and she felt at peace with the darkness. "Think of Bruce Wayne, think of him and him only." An image of Bruce appeared before her, with his boyish grin and warm gaze she moved closer to him. She walked and walked only to see she wasn't getting any closer to him. Picking up the pace she broke into a jog and soon into a full sprint. But she still couldn't reach him, instead he was getting further away. "Bruce?" She called out to him but he stayed put in the same calm stance.
He was too far now, too far for her to see him. And with one blink he was gone, out of sight. There was a pause and the longer she stared out into the darkness her pained expression turned blank. A strong gust of wind blew past her and before she was able to comprehend what was happening a loud voice from nowhere boomed at her. "Awaken!"
Reopening her eyes she stared ahead at the two waiting faces in front of her. The watch ticked in front of her face and with a frown she shoved it away. "Why are you two staring at me like that?"
Glancing at one another Tabitha leaned forward, her stare becoming more intense. In response Selina leaned back. "How do you feel?"
"Fine." She squinted. "Why?"
"Do you feel... emotional?"
"I feel creeped out." Sliding off the chair she took a step away from them. "Why are you acting weird?"
"It's nothing." She gave her one last long look before snatching the watch out of Jervis' hand. "Absolutely nothing."
He merely smiled at her. "Glad to be of assistance. This has turned into a rather interesting meeting." Turning to Selina his smile turned even more broad. Tilting his head slightly. "Good meeting you, Selina."
"Ok... can we go now?" She gave Tabitha a pointed look.
"Yes we were just leaving." Holding her by the shoulders she guided Selina out the room. The guards opened the cell gate for them. "Hope you rot Jervis." She called out over her shoulder.
His smile weakened as he stared after the pair as the gate closed behind them. Two hands roughly gripped onto his arms hoisting him up. "Interesting... very interesting indeed." One thing he learned from this city was that secrets don't always stay hidden in Gotham. He couldn't help but wonder what was in store for that girl. Love will find a way and soon he would be back out on the streets of Gotham and be with his sister. Yes, he just needed to wait.
He chuckled deeply as the guards dragged him out of the room and chucked him in his cell.
Might make a part 2.