Disclaimer: All characters belong to DC, with the exception of Magda, Jim, and Danny. I am not an expert on lore, so this story will be a mix across many timelines, stories, plots, ect. Enjoy!
In the morning I woke up, and made my way to the shower. I was on my way to running late, so I made it fast and brushed my teeth. Last thing I wanted to do was leave a bad impression while being in Jim's presence. I quickly dressed in my henchmen issued uniform. It consisted of a dark purple long sleeved sweater, black jeans, combat boots, and a black hoodie with four red diamonds in a pattern. Grabbing a rifle from the armory, I headed to the locked entrance of the building. Jim was already there looking rather hung over. "Hey, you finally made it! Here take this." He handed over a thermos filled with coffee. I cracked open the top and took in the glorious smell.
"I can't be that late." I poured some out into the cap and took a swig. I made a face and quickly finished the contents, then screwed the lid back on. A tad bit strong for my taste.
"No I guess not. Be prepared to greet everyone with smiles, and good manners." I gave an inconspicuous giggle when I heard that.
"That sounds a little too chipper for you Jim. I guess you've been here too long." He let out a low growl, and the first car pulled up. There was a white van following close behind it.
"Just because Gotham thinks we are on the wrong side of the law doesn't mean we need treat each other in a shitty way. We are human after all, and a good first impression still applies. Always keep that in mind kid." A thin man of tall height stepped out of the first car. His eyes were an icy blue, and he wore wire rim glasses. He had on a dark blue suit, and carried a briefcase. "Good morning Dr. Crane! Should I call for someone to gather the goods?"
He approached with a serious face. "That sounds good Jim. And how are you this morning? It's nice to see a familiar face." His glance panned over to me, and he gave a devilish smirk. "And who might this be?"
"Oh. This is eight. She's new. The boss is being more open minded in the hiring sector."
I felt him looking me up and down intensely. "She sure is new. I never forget a face. And what's your name dear? I never understood Jokers reason for giving you numbers. Then again he is very impersonal."
I said cautiously, "My name is Magda." He got uncomfortably close, very quick.
"What an intriguing name." His voice became a little lower while he grabbed my hand. "And what do you fear the most...Magda?" Jim gave a little cough that broke Dr. Crane's trance. He cleared his throat and let go of me. "I'm sorry. That was a bit abrupt. My apologies. I should be heading in. Your boss gets cranky when I withhold his goods for too long. I hope we meet again." He continued into the warehouse, as two goons came out to unload the van.
I let out a breath I must have been holding in. "Thanks for that save Jim. It was getting weird."
"No not really." I looked at him dumbfounded. "That's normal. He is a psychologist whose life's work is studying fears effects on the human body. He tends to throw that question to every new person he meets. Just don't get caught in an empty room with him. He might take the time to test you." He looked uncomfortable. "Like he did with me once."
"And what happened?" This had to be good.
"I found out I had a deep seeded fear of balloons. I had nightmares about balloon animals for weeks." After hearing this I tried my hardest to control my laughter. "Yup thats the reaction he had too. The only time I heard him even chuckle. That shit can fuck you up." He gave me a nudge to shut up. "Anyway, he provides the tear gas, sleeping gas, and nerve toxins. Usually anything chemical related."
Another hour went by and another car pulls up. This time no one bothers getting out. They just roll down the tinted window. "Hello, Mr. Falcone! Come on through, and tell your men to pull the vans around the back." He wasn't one for talking and just passed Jim some money and rolled the window back up. When the car was safely pulled ahead, Jim turned to me. "He's our prefered arms dealer. Likes to tip us. Can't tell if its meant as an incentive to switch sides. Never cross him. His crime family feuds with Mr. Cobblepot. There is a power struggle in that kind of sector. It makes me glad we don't deal in that kind of crime."
"You said it was going to be a busy day. So just how many more can we expect?"
"Three, maybe four more visitors. This is a business after all. Villains like to help each other surprisingly. Except for a select few. And everyone has their reasons, and some just play the game for themselves." The day went on and sure enough Jim was right. We got three more visitors that provided everything from organic food to computers and new tech gadgets.
There was one day to go. Everyone was training in a frenzy. There was a symphony of gunfire while they were trying out the new guns. I guess the more hype the better. Jim offered to do some sparing with me, and I figured it couldn't hurt. We took it to the back of the warehouse, so we wouldn't be disturbed by anyone else. "Ok take your place girl." We stood seven feet apart. I did as I was told, but didn't know how to stand. I just stood still with my hands in my pockets. "Oh come on now! You've never fought a day in your life have you?" He put up his fists in an old boxing stance, legs spread apart slightly.
"You're exactly right." I didn't know what to do so I just ran full force at him. I tried to go for his legs, but he was quick to react and caught me by the shirt. I was lifted off the ground, and he gave me a death squeeze. I couldn't breath, then I blacked out. I came to with Jim hovering over me. The bastard had the biggest smile on his bearded face. I began to get up, and stopped when I felt a pain in my side.
"Don't get up too fast. And before you ask, no it is not a broken rib. There was no pop. I know how to break ribs. You'll get a nice bruise." That smile never left his face. We kept up the session for another couple hours and he told me I had improved a little. He advised that for now I stick with guns and knives. He had a theory that tomorrow's rebel rousing would be a very easy affair. "We go in. Give everyone a good scare. The Boss makes it into a big theatrical show. Tells a joke or two. The Bat shows up. Half the men get their asses whipped. Then we go back home, or to Blackgate prison. Sometimes the Boss gets caught, and sometimes he gets away."
"Are you sure it's going to be simple?"
"No worries kiddo. You'll be fine. The pattern is usually the same. And the cops. They take things easy on the women. You'd be out before any of us."
"And what about the seven women before me?"
His face looked serious. "I'll be frank with you. That had nothing to do with the cops. Some of those gals may have gotten on the bosses bad side. Just don't give him a reason to kill ya."
"Maybe eight is a lucky number." I gave him a grin.
He lets out a chuckle. "If you were more lethal in training, then maybe I would believe you. You're just a scared kitty cat."
"But I'm sure you know what happens when you back a feral cat into a corner."
"That is true. You might actually be able to even give the Bat a couple scratches. Wouldn't that be a sight. You should go take a nice hot shower and rest for the big day tomorrow." And that's exactly what I did.
I let the steam fill my lungs, and slowly slid down the tile to the bottom of the shower. I was sore after that beating and the hot water felt good. I took my time washing every bit of myself, making sure to remember where all the bruises and scratches were. This was my life now. A constant reminder of my life choices present on my body at all times. I had to constantly remind myself that I was still a neutral contender. I had that one kill, and it was only to save myself. I was hoping I would never have to do that again. If I could save some money then run. I would. Or maybe find Danny. Thinking about him lifted my spirits. After the shower I had some much needed food, and drifted off into dreamland.
AN: I apologize for any misspellings, grammar errors, ect. Please feel free to comment, review, like, or favorite. I'm looking for any feedback you have on how I can improve the story. Thanks for reading! Next chapter I'll try my hand at an actual fight scene.