Revving Amelia's car to a start, Jerome skidded out of the parking lot of his quarters, made his way down the gravel path and onto the road. "Where did it look like they might be?" Amelia questioned, green eyes flicking to Jerome.

Red eyebrows furrowed a bit as he made his way now into the city, taking a couple of turns. "I have no idea," Jerome admitted, in a dry chuckle. Something about that laugh however seemed entirely wrathful. "But, there are usually only a couple places those two; Kip and Aaron," he clarified, with a nonchalant wave of his hand, "seem to go. Generally they are seen over at Aaron's place, that'll be my best guess... in hopes they ain't too bright," he smirked a little, turning his eyes to Amelia momentarily.

Soon they reached a dingy looking, blue and white little house. There was another car parked nearby. "Look," Amelia motioned towards the vehicle, pointing out that their targets were sitting inside, discussing something. "Guess they aren't too bright after all," Amelia's red lips spread into a smirk of her own. "Could also be the curse causing things not to work too much in their favor, too." In that moment however, the other car was revving up and taking off. Jerome booked it after them, trailing them all the way back into city. Jerome cackled loudly as he forced his way past a few cars, earning several agitated blares from their horns.

"What's the rush, Kip?!" Jerome shrieked out of his window, cackling again as he slammed into their car. Jerome sped along, ungracefully, as Amelia steadied herself with one hand on top of the car. An elated grin seemed to be stuck on her face as adrenaline coursed through her.

"Yeah, we just wanna chat for a moment!" Amelia shouted out of her own window, threatening them. Jerome flung the car after them, turning into a random alleyway that consequently led to a dead end. As the others attempted to turn around and zip past Jerome and Amelia, their car engine abruptly exploded, their car halting and rising in flames. As the targets scampered out of their car, Jerome and Amelia stalked after them, past the flaming car, each with a blade in their hand; Amelia's more so resembling a short katana. Jerome edged Kip against the wall whilst Amelia took Aaron; she shoved him against the brick wall, blade against his neck while Jerome stood parallel to her.

"So," Jerome sent on in a growl, "d'ya mind telling us where you were headed in such a hurry?"

Amelia groaned, and rolled her green eyes. Jerome was so the type to play games and beat around the bush. When she saw that they weren't talking, she leaned closely to Aaron's face. "We know that you're plotting against Jerome," she said, blatantly. "So you might as well just come clean," she tilted her head, voice softer now, though still taunting.

"Wh-what are you even talking about?" Kip asked frantically after a moment, trying to act innocent, his dark eyes flicking to his friend.

"Now is not the time to lying," Amelia hissed, plunging a decent portion of her blade into the area between his neck and shoulder. Aaron wailed, as Amelia fumed, her teeth clenching as she said, "If there's anything I hate, it's a liar," she twisted her blade, eliciting another howl from Aaron. An almost euphoric grin tugged at Jerome's lips as he witnessed just how violent Amelia could be. It seemed, he was right about his hunch that she had quite a bit of darkness within her. And was indeed a bit curious about where it all came from... more than anything it filled him with glee. Oh, if she truly did help him eliminate these two, she would certainly be gaining a spot next to him and before his growing legion.

As soon as Aaron saw the opportunity however, he moved, whacking Amelia in the face, causing her to tumble backward. She'd caught herself quickly however, tackling Aaron onto the ground now and pinning him. "Kip!" Amelia shrieked, eyes wild and never leaving Aaron, blade held steady above him. "I suggest you come clean to Jerome now, or else I am very prepared to tear your little buddy's heart out!"

Jerome grinned at Kip, who struggling against him hopelessly, darkness dancing in his hazel eyes. "You should listen to her, you know... You won't be getting very far, after all," he tilted his head to the flaming car. "That incident was just the beginning of your curse. Even if you do escape, your little plan is sure to fail," Jerome explained, tone mildly mocking.

"A curse?" Kip asked, struggling to understand, looking hopeless after a moment. One way or another... it seemed there truly was no defeating Jerome. And now with this inky-haired weapon of his at his side, it seemed Kip and Aaron were destined to fail. Kip grunted, his wacky brown hair falling into his face as he made one final attempt to struggle out of Jerome's grasp.

"So persistent," Jerome tsked, pulling forth an electronic, spinning hand blade of sorts, plunging it into Kip's stomach. "It is more fun when worms like you struggle a little, though."

Aaron watched in horror as his friend finally gave up. "Gahh! Fine, fine...!" Kip protested, urging Jerome to stop, eyes squeezed shut and face contorting as his stomach was torn into. A soft, dark chuckle rolled from Jerome as he watched Kip in agony, relishing each second of causing him pain. "We were... plotting against you, yes. We were just about go in, when you..." a pant, a pained groan, "least expected it." Kip keeled over a bit as Jerome at last let him go, though had not stepped away. "I... have no idea how the hell you found out," Kip spoke each word through gasps.

Jerome gazed at him, hazel eyes wide and a wild laugh emitting from him. Amelia's plan had worked flawlessly. Now, all that was left to do was to dispose of the two before them. "Oh, it would be too hard to explain, and what's the point when you're about to die?" Jerome chuckled. "Ah, let's just say me and my partner here have our ways..." he twirled his blade a moment, suddenly plunging it into Kip's chest. Aaron attempted to shout in protest, though Amelia broke his nose and shut him up quickly. "Let's just say... it's a method that goes beyond you are I," Jerome yanked the blade out mercilessly, and then plunged it again, this time into Kip's neck, thick blood splaying over them both. "And for that, my friend... Amelia and I are unstoppable," he was whispering his last words, savoring that fact and then emitted a laugh, before going in for the final blow.

Amelia had taken it upon herself to violently stab Aaron multiple times, her breathing heavy and ragged as she at last dropped her blade. The relief that came from killing was something she hadn't felt in so long. Now that she could, it felt nearly therapeutic. She sat for a moment, closed her eyes, and relished in the euphoric feeling that washed over... the satisfaction that came with ending someone's life. Someone who deserved it. Perhaps, her sisters were right to stay away... just look at what Amelia was becoming. For just a moment, a ping of guilt hit her. But she'd buried it just as swiftly as it had surfaced. Jerome placed his blade away, licked his lips and nodded a little as he surveyed the dead man near him. Hazel eyes turned over to Amelia then, noticing she was still sitting upon Aaron's own dead weight.

"You have proven yourself very much worthy..." Jerome sent on as he approached her slowly. Amelia stood, and soon the two of them were headed off. It seemed, anyone who may have passed the ally hadn't batted an eye. If the police were coming however, they would be (as they often were) too late.

-That night-

Back at Jerome's quarters, news had spread about what had happened earlier with the two traitors. Jerome had directed anyone still there inside the main building for an announcement he had in store. Amelia was instructed to wait in the back of the stage, behind the curtain with his logo upon it. She stood waiting, fiddling with the hem of her shirt, not really one to enjoy waiting in the first place. Jerome stepped up onstage, earning an applause from the crowd.

Jerome tapped his microphone, wincing and snickering as an ear-splitting ring of feedback buzzed through. Once it subsided, he spoke into it. "As you all are aware; two snakes have been disposed of. Some of you are probably confused about this. Let me explain a bit; unbeknownst to myself or any of you, these two were under a guise as some of my 'loyal' followers... how I came to find out about their intention will blow your mind a bit," he snickered a little. "The Witch of Gotham... a.k.a. Hex Girl... a.k.a. Amelia Stone. Some of you may have heard of those rumors of curses that had gone around some months back after those saps on T.V. kept getting into some interestingly horrendous situations." A few cult members laughed and roused, indicating they did indeed recall those particular news stories. "Some of you may have speculated about the notion of curses... I was one of those people," he motioned his hands to himself, grinning a wide, devious grin. "But! I can assure you, from a firsthand witness, Amelia is the real deal, folks. She is the one who brought it to my attention that this was even going on. Embarrassing to admit but hey, sometimes even legends can be dooped, I suppose," Amelia rolled her eyes, though laughed from her place behind the curtain. "For that reason," he leaned toward the curtain a bit, "cue," and then back to the crowd as Amelia noted her cue and walked out onstage. "I would like to formally announce Hex Girl as my right hand," he motioned to Amelia, who couldn't help her big grin as the crowd applauded her. Jerome placed an arm around her shoulder, grinning out at the crowd a bit tauntingly. "If you mess with her, you mess with me. Oh, and you'll likely get cursed too," he sent on with a shrug, earning rolling laughter from the crowd and then a few cheers and whistles.

Amelia's arm had subconsciously coiled around Jerome's waist as he stood with her. Standing up in front of that many people actually made her a bit nervous somehow, though the attention was also pleasant. With curiosity, Jerome silently noted the way Amelia's fingers rubbing around his hip nervously, over his clothing. He hadn't said much about it, merely mentally noted it and lingered on the odd feeling it had elicited in him.

Soon, a large bonfire was going outside the main building. People mingled, whooped, shouted, drank, broke things and danced in celebration. Jerome had gone off on his own in his office for a bit whilst Amelia ventured outside. That atmosphere was so lively, and couldn't help but make her grin. Since her sisters weren't in touch lately, it felt good to have a place to call a second home...

"Hex Girl!"

"Hey, hey, how's it goin' ol' witchy one!"

People greeted her as she came through. It was strange almost, how she'd gained the respect of all of these people when she was simply acting on a whim. Deep down, Amelia knew she was drawn to Jerome... he was thrilling, hilarious... he was... a good friend. Amelia ventured around, over towards the garage where no one really was, to think a bit. Not too long after she'd chosen to hang out there for a bit, Jerome came forward after joking around with some of the others. "I see you," Jerome jested. "Over here all by your lonesome. I thought you'd be the type to y'know... party it up a bit," he tilted his head towards where the bonfire was.

"I do, sometimes," Amelia admitted, lighting a cigarette. Jerome held a beer bottle in his hand, taking a quick swig. "Aren't you a little too young to be drinking?" Amelia jested, sticking her tongue out a little.

"Pff, c'mon, you're talking to crazed killer who rarely follows the rules. Are you 'of age'anyway?" Jerome enunciated the 'of age' part a bit, in a mocking tone, as if mocking rules themselves. In truth, he was curious about her age to a degree; she looked perhaps a tad older than himself. Jerome admitted that he preferred older women, and that Amelia certainly was gorgeous. She was his partner in crime however... and he knew she'd likely try and kill him if he even tried to flirt.

"Almost," Amelia said. "I'm 20. But, that doesn't stop me from having the occasional drink."

"I could get you one?" Jerome offered, lifting his bottle, and his eyebrows.

"Nahhh," Amelia scrunched up her face a little, in mild disgust. "I'm not a beer gal. I like wine, though," she sent on. Jerome nodded a bit, glancing back toward the bonfire and the small crowd of bumbling followers. There was a moment of silence then, and Amelia settled with taking a couple drags of her cigarette. Jerome was an eccentric guy; it was bizarre making small talk with him. Being around him enough though, there were times he sort of dropped his usual persona; times he could hold an actual serious conversation. To a degree, at least. Amelia was afraid of getting too close to him, afraid of the pull he had on her. But now that they had a chance, she wanted to know more. "I've been meaning to ask," Amelia said, Jerome glancing over curiously, twirling a blade between his fingers. She gazed at him, hesitated.

"Well, what is it?" Jerome urged, acting impatient, though was joking.

"There's... a reason I've ended up the way I am; why I don't mind seeing people die. Relishing it, even," she began. Jerome blinked, interest piqued as he took a seat close to her; close enough to bump legs. "I... don't tell many about this but, I've had a bad past. In a nutshell, have been orphaned all my life, met my 'sisters' and bonded over spell crafting... eventually we got kicked out for it and had to make do with being on the streets for some time. The thing that really made me lose it though, the thing that made me not give a single damn if I killed anyone who had it coming... was my ex." The words were difficult to even get out. But she wanted to get it out. Perhaps, if she did, Jerome would be willing to explain how much pain led him to where he was now. Hesitation filled the air again.

"Well, what did the bastard do?" Jerome prodded. The ginger was not used to seeing Amelia this open… Though he admitted he was curious about her.

Amelia sighed heavily. It was always so hard to bring up... "He raped me." Another moment of quiet, minus the hoots and laughing in the small distance.

Something flashed in Jerome's eyes and Amelia caught sight of that fire. The jestful, wily little grin was gone entirely now, the most serious look Amelia had seen now lain on his features. "And... what did you do about it?" He finally asked, when his rage had subsided enough. Jerome knew Amelia could take care of herself. That however sent his blood boiling. The thought of someone, anyone taking advantage of Amelia like that burned him up inside. And he had no idea why. Why he had a single care for even her, Jerome was not certain of at this point. He gave a damn about nobody, not even himself, really…

"I killed him, of course. It was... the best feeling ever. Hurting someone who had hurt me like that; taking away everything. His life, at that. That's why I had no issue killing Aaron. He was betraying you, and so I had no issue with leaving him to rot."

"...But, why me?" Jerome asked suddenly. "Sure, we made a deal at one point... I wanted to see what else you could do... but surely I, mister crazy ginger killer, don't deserve to be helped? Having you on my side, hell, I could very well just be using you," Jerome smirked an evil little smirk. Amelia stared at him, observed him. And she knew that couldn't be true... or at least she hoped.

"That crossed my mind, to be fair. But, to answer your question... there's just something about you," Amelia sent on, blinking, astonished she was suddenly spilling her guts out. Whatever romantic pull she felt towards the ginger-headed maniac near her, she was pushing so, so far away. Jerome furrowed his brows in interest. Something about him? Just what was Amelia speaking of? "What I mean is that, I feel like we have that in common. I can see, behind all the... maniac stuff, I can see that you've suffered as well." Amelia said, looking at his eyes.

A laugh hooted from Jerome briefly. Amelia whacked him on the arm. "C'mon, Jerome, you can't hide it from a witch... what happened to you?"

The laughing died away, replaced by a grim look as Jerome recalled his past. He scoffed somewhat, playing off his carefully buried pain. "I killed my whore of a mother months ago. As for old pops; I'd been under the impression he was dead until Jimbo Gordon," even just the name seemed to vex the ginger, "sent me off to Arkham," he shrugged as if it were nothing.

Amelia looked to him, realizing how close he was; so close that she could see his soft freckles, could see that pain buried carefully within, behind that wily look that often was in his eyes. It was interesting. It also made her quite a nervous wreck. Though she hid it decently. Jerome had his own steel wall in place; just as she had hers. And yet there there were, spilling their guts out to each other… despite being 'mere partners in crime'. "What did she do to you?" Amelia asked, in a whisper, observing him.

"Oh, she beat the crap out of me. She'd bang any clown that crossed her path, always... pestered me. It all just got to be too much, y'know? That and with how my pathetic twin brother used to always frame me, making it seem like I was hurting him when the fact was, he was a lying sack of shit. Always in need of attention," he said in a mock-baby tone, taking a long chug of his beer and then tossing the bottle carelessly off to the side. "Oh, and there was my uncle too, his favorite way of punishing me was to put my hands in a big boilingpot of soup," he nodded, trying to make a joke of it, though Amelia could still tell it pained him; made him extremely angry. Violently so. "I learned a long time ago that I couldn't trust anyone. That even your own 'family' wouldn't mind beating you to a pulp and otherwise making you look and feel like utter shit." Eyes turned to Amelia again, and then his trademark grim resurfaced as he motioned to himself theatrically. "And now, here we are. I feel like I've made do just fine. Who needs family, or parents, all that mumbo-jumbo. Surely not us, hmm?" He nudged Amelia, who merely nodded, still absorbing all of that.

"Well, that is admirable," Amelia admitted, not looking at him. Jerome laughed.

"You are quite literally one of the only people that would say that. Y'know… minus my crew over there."

"The way I see it is, okay, most people try to rationalize painful stuff, try and avoid taking drastic measures to prove their point in fear of getting in trouble, or whatever. But people like us, we won't hesitate to kill those who've hurt us. Maybe some people see that as… deviant and 'crazy' but, killing is a part of life, innit?" She shrugged, snickering a little. "Animals kill each other all the time." The two of them laughed then, drawing some attention from the others over by the fire.

"You do have a point, m'dear…" Jerome smirked darkly. Something was welling in Amelia's chest then; some happiness she hadn't felt in a little while now. Her laughing faded off as she stood. She couldn't get too close. Wouldn't.

"Well, it's been something, Valeska," she sent on, indicating she'd better go home now. Jerome stood too, nodding a bit.

"It has indeed. I have plenty more in store as well. I'll be letting you in on something big soon, so swing on by as soon as you can, compadre," Jerome said, smiling a smile that made Amelia blink in surprise. A genuine smile… no maniacal undertones what-so-ever.

"Er… yeah," Amelia stuttered, "I'll be around." And then, she was venturing off to her car, waving bye to the others, and taking off down the gravel path. Jerome watched until she was out of sight, silver car disappearing into darkness, his hands in his pockets as he lingered on what had just occurred. Jerome was attracted to Amelia, that much he did know… and lust was something he was familiar with. Though, this seemed to go beyond just that. Whatever it was confused him far, far more.