Chapter 2

Snakes and Knives

Hi everyone! Thanks to the reviewers, I was very glad to read your feedback! I hope you'll enjoy the second chapter!

O o O

Past

Today was a Saturday, and Jerome felt a bit bored. He had first decided to scare off some of the acrobats' kids, they were all afraid of him and it was always funny to make them scream. Yet their parents had taken them for some family time, or some shit like that. It was so hypocrite in his opinion. He wished to annoy Jeremiah, but his stupid brother had left for the library. He could have followed him, sure, but his uncle lived near the library. Uncle Zack hated Jerome, but he had a softer spot for Jeremiah, and if his whinny brother complained to Zack about him, he would be sure to receive one of his uncle's 'lessons'…

"Hey! Jerome!"

The call interrupted his thought and he was surprised to see the kid from last night coming toward him, obviously alone. He wasn't really expecting him to come back. He smiled; maybe the afternoon wouldn't be that boring.

"Bruce? You couldn't resist the snakes?"

The boy huffed in amusement. "I hardly had time to speak with you last night."

"Yeah, we're always busy after the show. The rest of the day can be boring, though. Come, I didn't show you all my friends."

They went back to the snakes and Jerome explained him some things about the job. He also showed him a python: "You can try to hold him if you wish."

"Okay…"

Bruce got the big snake handed. He was surprised the weight, it was really big! He was scared at first, but found himself more at ease. It wasn't venomous, and it was passive as well. It felt extremely exciting to hold a creature who could kill him.

"Wow! It's heavy!"

"Damn right! They are still venomous; not the python of course, but the others, like the cobra, still are. It's rarer those days, a lot of circuses don't let them keep their venom for security. It's a bit lame; it takes all the fun away. It feels like cheating you know? You don't really risk your life, even though everyone believes it," Jerome stated. "I mean, your job is to risk your life for the show."

Bruce was a bit taken aback, but he thought Jerome wasn't talking really seriously:

"Isn't it better though? I mean, if something happened to your mother…"

"Yeah, I know. But she is absolutely sure of herself with her snakes. Oh, by the way, I don't know if you ever heard that joke: a snake says to another: I hope I'm not poisonous. Why? Ask the second snake. Because I just bit my lip."

Bruce laughed and Jerome did as well. He told him other jokes and they also spoke over different things. The older boy explained that the circus company was based in Gotham, they would stay here whenever they would prepare a new show instead of going on tour. They had a fair as well. The boy seemed comfortable speaking of his personal life, and Bruce eventually explained that Alfred was his guardian, and that he lost his parents. Jerome was about to ask what happened, when someone interrupted their conversation:

"Jerome?"

Bruce was surprised to see a boy looking exactly like Jerome but with glasses.

"Here is my twin, Bruce."

"Oh, hello," the boy politely said.

Bruce wondered why the twin in question looked so confused by his presence here. Yet the boy still introduced himself: "I'm Jeremiah."

"Our mother wasn't that inspired when she chose our names, as you can guess," Jerome sighed.

"Well, speaking of mom, she asked me to search for you. She wants you to clean the dishes."

"I'm with a friend. Can't you do it?"

"I already did the laundry today. Look, if you don't want to do it, fine, but you'll tell her and uncle Zack, he is coming tonight.."

Jerome tensed a bit; he was about to say something but Bruce spoke first: "It's okay, I can wait until you're finished."

His new friend shrugged and went back to their caravan, obviously angry. Bruce was surprised; sure, it was annoying, but it wasn't that bad. Jeremiah sighed and turned to him:

"So, you're Jerome's…"

"Friend, I would say."

"I didn't know Jerome had friends."

Bruce was a bit surprised at this and he felt antipathy toward the boy. He sounded like a bully, Bruce already had encountered some. Although he hardly knew the two brothers, he couldn't help but feel already a bit partial.

"Well, apparently he does."

Jeremiah lowered his eyes, understanding he made the boy uneasy.

"Hum, how did you two met?"

"We spoke about snakes yesterday," Bruce replied simply and coldly.

"Yeah, he often plays with those. I never got why. I like to learn about those animals, but toying with those is not really my thing."

"I like both," Bruce stated. He glanced at the book Jeremiah had in hand and noticed it was The Count of Monte-Cristo. He couldn't help but ask: "You read this."

"Oh, yeah. I'm kind of a nerd, I know…"

"I started to read it."

Jeremiah seemed surprised at this: "Really?"

"Yeah, my…My father advised me to read it, a while ago."

His heart tightened at this. Thomas really liked this book, and reading it was a bit like finding him again. Thomas suggested they could read it together, but Bruce had no wish to do so back then. He regretted it bitterly now. Even though he wasn't feeling really warm toward that boy, he couldn't help it, it felt somehow good to speak about the book.

"It's really good, at which point are you?" Asked Jeremiah

"The middle I would say."

"Then don't tell me anything, I just started it."

"No risk."

They had a polite dialogue, but Bruce was still distant and a bit cold. Jeremiah went on: "It's pretty complicated for someone of your age."

"It's not that hard."

Feeling a bit uneasy, Jeremiah left the boy there and went back in their van. Jerome looked at him in a murderous way. There was no love between them, they had never been close but recently Jerome was getting scarier and scarier. He was actually thinking about trying to attend a boarding school, but he still had to convince his family to send him there...

"You know, brother, you should stick to your books. It's much better for you."

Jeremiah didn't answer anything and Jerome left after the last dish. Jeremiah felt relieved. He couldn't help but observe the two boys. Maybe that kid was as crazy as Jerome, or maybe his brother was fooling him, he didn't know. He would still have to keep an eye on them.

O o O

Present

What the maniaxs did was all over the news. Bruce saw it and felt horrified. When he had learned that Jerome had killed his mother, it seemed wrong, but he knew why. Jerome's mother hated him, there was a motive. But those people…To think it was their fingers in the box…He took his phone, and decided to call Jeremiah. It seemed like an eternity to wait.

"Come on…" He muttered under his breath.

"Hello?"

"Jeremiah! It's me."

"Yeah, I thought about calling you. You heard the news?"

"Jerome escaped. I even received something from him."

He told Jeremiah what happened and he heard a short silence at first. "No doubt, that's my charming brother indeed. I hope you're under protection?"

"Yeah, they put some cops to watch over the manor, but you should be as well."

"Don't worry for me, Jerome won't find me."

"How can you be so sure of that?"

"We took care of that a long time ago. My brother can be cunning but he is no detective."

That was true, but to Bruce, it still seemed like a big risk. "I would come to visit you, but those cops won't let me go anywhere. I had that Charity Gala, but it seems I won't be able to attend it."

"I wished we could see each other, but it's better for both of us indeed. It's sad, there is this new project I was working on, it's for school. I wish I could have showed you, it's a physic experiment about electrical power."

"I'll definitely come and see that when this will be over…"

"Bruce!" Jeremiah suddenly interrupted, "Turn on your TV."

"Hum, okay."

He did as such and saw the news teller speaking of graphic image. Then he saw with horror Jerome appearing on the screen. Bruce's breath was cut off. It had been months that he hadn't seen Jerome, maybe a year. And now…He had blood on his face but was still grinning madly.

"Hello, Gotham! We're the Maniacs, and I'm Jerome, the…Psycho leader of our little game!"

Bruce watched in a trance-like state; Jerome was giving his little discourse and he couldn't help but shiver. The madness he had started to see in Jerome before they parted was now completely exposed. And it was deep-rooted, he could see it. He was devastated as he watched the result of all that happened to Jerome, what the boy had transformed into…Oh, was this really the boy with whom he had been close friends? Alfred stepped in the room and saw it as well. Jerome was calling people to be free, to unleash and rebel. Then he added:

"This is only the beginning…oh and there is something I would like to say to someone dear to me…" He approached the camera and looked at it intensely. Bruce tensed: at this moment, it felt like Jerome was directly looking at him. "I'm back, and this time, there will be no running away. Bye!"

Bruce breathed harder and faster, he was afraid, really afraid. This and the fingers in the box…Jerome would come for him.

"Bruce, are you okay?" Asked Jeremiah at the end of the line. Bruce felt two hands grabbing his shoulders and jumped in surprise before seeing Alfred.

"Calm down, Master Bruce. We'll train for this, and I won't let him approach you."

The boy nodded and spoke on the phone: "I'm alright…Just shocked."

"I know…Be on guard, okay? I know you're under police protection, but you have to watch out. Also, remember: you still know him, Bruce. If he approaches you, you have to remember that you know him, even if it seems like he had changed. This was always inside him, the only difference is that he shows it."

"What do you mean?"

"You used to hang around him, maybe more than me. You must remember some weaknesses he has, and his strength as well. If he ever gets to you, it could save your life."

"He killed many cops already…What could I do…"

"They didn't know him. You're smarter than him, we're both."

Bruce wished Jeremiah was right, but he wasn't sure. Maybe his brother was underestimating his demented twin. Jerome wasn't stupid at all, but he was impulsive, that was true.

"I'll remember that. Be careful as well, Jeremiah…I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I don't want you to get hurt either."

They hung up and Bruce turned to Alfred. His guardian still had a hand on his shoulder and Bruce suddenly got scared again: "Detective Gordon…What if he got killed as well?!"

"I'm sure he is fine, detective Gordon is a tough one. We'll check up on him and we'll get back to your training after that. Remember: the best way to defeat evil is to be ready for it."

"I'll be ready."

Alfred nodded proudly at him. Still, he hoped that nothing would happen. Bruce was only thirteen, maybe he didn't realize how dangerous this really was. He would do his best to protect him; he was way too young to confront something like this alone.

O o O

Past

"Are the knives blunted in the circus? The one they throw," Asked Bruce to Jerome during his second visit.

"Yes. The point is still sharp though. It's not enough to kill someone, but it can hurt, especially depending where you plant it. I used to train with those."

"So you know how to throw knives?"

"I do, and I'm good at it. You pick up some things living in a circus."

Bruce didn't say it, but Jerome guessed: "Are you going to turn me into a personal teacher?" He said jokingly. "You know what? I accept, but only if I can have you as a target. Dare?"

"You bet!" Bruce replied daringly.

"I like the spirit!"

They got the blunted knives and Jerome installed Bruce before a plank of wood.

"See, it's actually not that easy to throw a knife. You have to held the handle firmly enough; there are several way to place your fingers, it's up to you to choose which one. There is just one, the index, you have to keep it on edge it will control your knife."

Bruce listened carefully and Jerome took some steps away. The boy put himself in position and Bruce stopped breathing as he sent the first knife. It landed right beside his ear. He let out the air, he wasn't hurt. He tried to remember that those wouldn't really hurt him, but decided to push that away. He had to fight fear. He had to imagine that those weapons were for real. That's why when Jerome threw another one, he couldn't help but flinch. He still stood as the boy threw others, still imagining that those were real and he couldn't help but feel an adrenaline rush. He could feel his veins pulsing, energy sprinting through his body; he was more alive than usual. When Jerome was done, he looked at the result. His form was vague, but it was good.

"Well done!"

"Thank you," said Jerome bowing a bit. "Though I maintain there is no thrill without danger." He took out a real knife from his pocket. It was small, but very real. "This doesn't look as impressive as those fake daggers, but at least it can hurt someone for real. But I guess it would be too dangerous."

Bruce looked up at him and straightened his stance. Jerome titled his head slightly and smiled. Without a word, the dark-haired boy went back against the plank with a little daring smile and stood still. He didn't need to speak, his eyes were clearly challenging the redhead. Jerome felt a real glee. Throwing a knife at a real person…He had never done that before…

His arm went up and he threw the blade. Bruce stopped breathing and he could literally see the time slowing for that short moment. Then the knife planted itself with a sound which seemed almost deafening. It had landed beside his head, not too close but not that far either. Bruce breathed hard at this and then giggled without even thinking about it. Jerome went to him, grinning widely: "Feel good?"

"Yeah…I feel great actually! As if I couldn't hold in place!"

"That's the adrenaline, I think. You have much more guts than most of people! But now, it's your turn to throw."

He showed him again how to handle the blades and though Bruce was still a beginner, he found out he was quite good at this. Jerome somehow enjoyed it, the kid was younger but was it important? Teaching someone what he knew felt strangely good. The kid was looking up to him, listening to him…It was an ego boost he really needed.

"When you'll be good enough, I'll let you use me as a target," Jerome promised. "Maybe I'll let you throw the real one at me! Maybe a real dagger, if I can get one."

"You want to buy one?"

"I'm saving money for it, I do like knives; I had an army swiss knife once, one I found, but my uncle took it from me. I couldn't throw it or anything, but it was still cool and useful."

When Bruce left Jerome to wait for Alfred outside the circus, he crossed Jeremiah. He politely said 'Hi' and was about to walk away when the older boy spoke to him:

"Bruce? Wait."

Bruce looked at him, but didn't say a word. "I'm sorry for what I said yesterday. I didn't want to be mean or anything, I just…We had an argument, Jerome and I."

"Thanks for saying that."

"So, you're going home?"

"Yes, I still have homework to do. We're working on 'How to Kill a Mockingbird' in school."

"That's great! You like it?"

"Yeah, a lot!"

They spoke about books until Alfred arrived. Jeremiah seemed less distasteful to him now. Having a friend who liked to read didn't seem bad at all. His guardian finally arrived, and Jeremiah left them. Bruce went in the car happily.

"You had fun it seems."

"A lot! Jeremiah is maybe nicer than I thought."

"You should still try to make more friends at school, you know. Those two boys are a bit old."

"Not that much. I'm not getting along with the other kids at school, they are either too childish or snobbish. I don't really fit in there."

It hurt Alfred to hear that. He always knew that Bruce wasn't like other kids, and he feared this would really affect his life. If this Jerome and his brother could make him feel less alone, be it.

O o O

Present

In his Penthouse, Theo Galavan was watching the news with satisfaction. Jerome did a really good job. Sadly, he would have to get rid of the kid soon, he was too much of loose cannon, one day, he would turn against him. He only wondered who Jerome was talking about when he was speaking of someone he would come for. Maybe another member of his family? It didn't matter much anyway; the kid could get his revenge if he wanted, for all Theo cared. He could give him that pleasure before killing him. He heard footsteps and saw Jerome as well as some maniacs approaching.

"You did a great job yesterday, not only with the attack but with that little speech as well."

"Well, thank you! That police massacre was truly inspiring."

"Apparently you have followers! Watch."

He looked at the Tv; This morning, people devastated a street of Gotham, wearing strange outfits and yelling that Jerome was their new leader. Seeing this, Jerome felt incredibly satisfied. People were getting his message, that was good. Now, he had to find a way to use this…

"You'll soon have a new event to attend. You'll be the star once again." Theo said.

"Enlighten me."

Galavan had a little evil smile, he went to look at the window and explained: "In some days, there will be a Gala, a charity gala. I'll go there and you'll be there as well. Let's say that Jerome Valeska, the new terror of Gotham, will do another evil deed by taking a young orphan hostage in front of everyone. Put a knife under his neck and threaten him. Then, a hero no one expected will save the day. Now, sure, the psycho will escape, but the orphan will be safe thanks to him."

"I see…You'll be the new pet of Gotham! And who is the little orphan who will have the honor to be saved by the hero?"

"Bruce Wayne."

Bruce? Jerome couldn't help but be stunned at this. Yet he recovered soon, and Galavan hadn't seen his expression. Just hearing the man saying his name felt strange. As if he could reach Bruce easily. It was weird. But it meant he would have an occasion to reunite with him…He remembered their last encounter…Since then, he wished to see the boy again, and now the craving was more intense.

"So, I mustn't kill him."

"No. Bruce Wayne will die, be sure of that, but not immediately. Not before I get everything that belongs to him."

Oh that was priceless! It was too funny! Galavan didn't know about he and Bruce…Of course he didn't! He had no idea what he just did…Barbara entered the room, she would participate too apparently. Theo told him there would be a magician, he would take his place. Bruce never liked magicians, it would be funny to have him in the middle of a magic trick! Oh this gala would definitely be great! Even more hilarious than the rest!

Jerome smirked while leaving Galavan. It felt pretty exciting to have that secret. No one here knew that Bruce Wayne was no stranger to him. In fact, Galavan's plans would go through some changes. He was starting to think about what he wanted, about what he would do. He had ideas. He didn't have much time to prepare, but he should manage. He exited the Penthouse that night without being seen. The News had spoken about those admirers he got, it was time to try to find some of them and pay them a little visit. After all, the best villains always had loyal goons…

We'll hear about Jim Gordon in the next chapter, promise! Don't hesitate to review.