Ello! Minion here! First I would like to once again thank all my wonderful readers and reviewers for gracing my humble yet demented story with your presence-because wow it's been such a stressful week and your kind words give me that electric jolt of happiness that has me grinning like a fool for hours ^-^

To explain further (on my stressful week), I had the 'experience' of using Dr. Crane (mainly his childhood) as the focus of my major, month long, project for English. Originally, I was estatic as I had gotten the 'Batman Year One: Two-Face and Scarecrow' comic last month and have obsessing over it every chance I get-sadly and embaressingly I realize that the comic and my personal backstory I wrote ('Jonathan Crane: The Origin of the Scarecrow') were A LOT different. Of course I didn't have the comic and so I relied on internet research but as I learned, there really is no substitute for comics. Anyway, since Dr. Crane is a sadistic bastard, he first allowed me to write as much as I wanted only to later trick me by lessening the amount of inspiration until I was at the bare minimum that was required for each piece. This made writing every part of the project, especially toward the end, a painful struggle. (I just believe he's embaressed/angry that others will be seeing him at his weakest moments). Yet I finally finished the damned project and learned my lesson in relying on fictional characters (especially sadistic ones) to get me through the assignment that determines if I earn a credit for class.

Secondly in (somewhat) related news, I've had an awesome (ha ha, that was sarcastic) time playing 'DC Universe Online'. I've played other mmorpgs before with no problem but the layout was so strange I'm having a hard time adjusting; although, it's a great feeling to run around as 'Miss Revis' -someone had already taken 'Revis' as a name...*sighs* You would think it's not a common name to pick but oh well.

Now (finally) onto the chapter! This chapter irks me in some ways with Revis' nonchalant manner but trust me that a very sharp reality check is about to arise and the strange, almost *looks both ways suspiciously* upbeat feel of this chapter will not last.

Funnily enough, the first time I wrote this, I had an 'awwwww' moment due to the reasoning behind someone's actions-I don't think it's too hard to find but please let me know if you catch the moment! Although, I would like to say now that while the intensity will grow and the stakes will raise, Revis and Dr. Crane have a complicated series of interactions throughout the story and those interactions are more focused on mind games and torture than anything else.

Don't worry, the story is in the genre of romance for a reason but know that those two have many dark times of questionable motives and behavior which build a complex relationship. I am almost finished writing the sequel to this and while I cannot begin to explain the many twists and depths of their inner growth caused by various events and each other, there is no quick 'hook up' or some other nonsense like that. I garentee an original experience, one that hopefully chills and excites, but this 'romance' is a darker breed than most and needs time to take form. So don't hold your breath just enjoy the the ride.

Also I do not in any way, shape, or form own Batman/ Batman Begins with that in mind, enjoy!


Chapter 10

When I first walked into Dr. Cranes office, escorted by two guards, I had a plan set in my mind. I had a task, one that I would fight for with everything I had. Unfortunately, this fight required more stealth then a simple stab or threat of injury. Sadly enough, I'd have to negotiate with the damned psychiatrist and seeing my previous track record it would be no easy task to endure.

After all, it was nearly impossible to negotiate with a man who held himself so highly he could hardly see over his upturned nose...Then again, he did have a habit of staring me down from his desk so perhaps his nose was only upturned in certain situations? Or maybe he was so uptight because his skin contained his inner being and under such restriction the true methods and motives of humans were trapped.

Hmm, perhaps I'd free him of his mortal, fleshly confinements?

Momentarily sliding the—oh so tempting—thought to the back of my mind, I took my seat, happy to note that I was more aware of my surroundings than I had been in days. This new change thrilled me and gave me a burst of confidence which I used to steel my posture and look him squarely in the eyes. However, if he noted any change from my usual crouched position and flickering gaze, he gave no indication.

I gave him a pleasant smile and by habit tilted my head a few degrees to the right as I prepared myself to start the conversation. Although a bit of tact may be needed...

Subtly, I glanced at his desk only to find the utter absence of a coffee cup or a random article of paper which I could comment on for small talk...

Oh well, I'll just cut into the heart of the matter.

"Revis, today I'd like to discuss your medication," he said in his usual calm and collected tone that barely avoided a monotonic ring.

Shocked, I opened my mouth as my eyes widened.

No, this was not supposed to happen!

Quickly I recovered before smiling once more and speaking in a lilting voice—quite the change compared to my usual quiet monotone, "I'm sure you have much experience in your line of work," Damn, that sounded to much like my previous insult on our first meeting, "but I must assure you that any form of medication is unnecessary."

His expression remained the same, the only difference was the amused glint in his too cold eyes, "And how exactly do you intend to 'assure' me, Revis?"

I straightened my posture while maintaining eye contact as I tried to contain my nerves, "Surely there's no need to fix what is not broken—Ugh I'm sorry, I hate idioms—"

I froze, blushing at my mistake and mentally kicking myself before I faced him again while fighting the hot embarrassment that ran shot through me, "What I meant to say was, there's no need to medicate me when I am in control of myself."

He raised an eyebrow then asked smugly, "I suppose then, attacking another patient in the cafeteria with a stick of celery, as you did yesterday, is considered 'in control'?"

I widened my smile nervously and licked at my lips, "It was merely self defense..."

"Would you care to elaborate? After reviewing the surveillance footage it was seen that the woman passed you without incident and you suddenly lunged at her. I hardly call that self defense."

I opened my mouth to answer but remembered the real reason I attacked her...the energy that surrounded her was so strong I was able to momentarily see into her thoughts. It was the sights there that drove me to attack.

I had no tolerance with women who offered themselves up to those in a higher position just to reap the benefits but it was upon feeling her repulsion that caught my attention. I reached out with interest trying to sense more and I stumbled upon a memory.

Her grandfather had molested her as a child, then when he had died she left him rotting in the attic only visiting to burn the skin or further mutilate his body. Whether or not he deserved it was not the question at hand. As soon as his heart ceased he belonged into my realm. I knew there were corrupt people but even those who were sick held reasons which could be understood even if it was only for a moment. I was justified in my actions; however, I wouldn't be able to explain that to him.

"Revis?" he prompted as I fell silent.

I looked up sharply, unaware that I had lowered my gaze, "Oh, I'm sorry I just—I mean, nevermind."

He cleared his throat, "As I was saying before, today we're discussing your medication—"

I glared at him, unable to keep up my front for long, "I'm not taking medicine."

I doubted the 'cafeteria food' was to blame for that man's chemical irregularities and I would not be subject to the same treatment.

"Well you simply don't have a choice, this is for observational purposes. Hopefully, you'll react well with the medicine and make better progress within your treatment."

I shook my head, "You don't know what I'm allergic to or if I have been on any previous medicine. Even if was to take it, nothing would change because it's impossible to determine exactly what the cause of the problem is. Medication simply smothers over everything and is a very risky attempt at treatment. What if the medication caused an imbalance somewhere else and no one knew until the effects were irreversible? Then if somehow I were to be transferred to Blackgate Penitentiary I'd be stuck popping pills regularly, that's a suicide attempt waiting to happen."

He looked at me briefly then replied, "Are you suicidal?"

I scoffed then looked at him, "Why would I be?"

"Revis, let me see your arms," he asked smoothly.

I shifted uncomfortably but said nothing.

"I've read from your file you had deep cuts but I would like to see them for myself."

I swallowed and looked away then replied hoarsely, "I'm not suicidal..."

"As well as that may be, I still need to see your arms."

I shook my head and shrunk back into my seat struggling to control my panic and unease. I was not expecting this to happen. Not at all. I was supposed to ask for my things and perhaps work out some truce until the investigation would conclude and then I was to either be released or have the opportunity to escape yet this...whatever this was, did not bode well.

He sighed audibly then rose from his desk and steadily walked towards me.

I laughed nervously and said, "This isn't very professional, Dr. Crane."

In fact I doubt much of your work is professional.

He smiled tightly, effectively killing any warmth in the expression, "I believe the well being of my patient is well within my profession."

I exhaled sharply and turned away once more wishing I could melt into the chair I was sitting in but I had no such luck and soon saw the smooth material of his suit's pants. I knew this was the warning stage, either I cooperated or resisted...and I sure as hell was not listening to this man.

He didn't even speak, instead he simply reached for my arm causing me to flinch and try to pull back but I had no means of escaping his tight grip. The fabric of the white, long sleeve undershirt that concealed my arms until the ugly orange shirt took over, bothered me but I knew it was better to suffocate in the clothing than reveal what lay underneath. My breath hitched and I once more tried to struggle but he merely pulled my sleeve up then quickly repeated the process with my other arm. Before I could react, he held both my wrists steady as he looked at my bloodied arms.

I tried to ignore the warmth of his hands (although they were in fact cool against my too hot and itchy skin) and fought back his energy as best I could—although, his spike in emotions felt like a dagger to my chest. I tried to breathe through the icy claw that captured my lungs as I felt first his shock then anger. Anger?

I looked down at my arms viewing the scarred skin that I had split open again with my nails. Long marks from my nails trailed along the edge of the cuts in an attempt at secrecy but as the other cuts healed I settled for making new markings.

He exhaled quietly but I was so hyper-aware I heard it clearly. He grabbed both my wrists in one hand (at this point I gave up fighting) and reached into his suit. Occasionally, he'd mutter something but I couldn't make out the phrases beyond the deafening silence of disappointment and cruel words that rang in my head.

Why did I have to speak? Why did I have to do anything at all? It was obvious I had no control in this place, my request wouldn't have mattered, and now I'd never know...

He murmured something too quiet for me to hear then looked at me with sharp eyes I could only meet for a second, "Revis, this is only a diluted dose of...my medicine. Although its effects are greatly dulled, it'll serve its purpose here."

I couldn't help my curiosity as I looked up with eyes that burned and threatened to well up with tears but suddenly a small cloud of something puffed into my face. At first I blinked in surprise and a tear rolled down my cheek but then I coughed a bit on the odd taste until—What was that?

My skin felt itchy, more so that usual. I tried to free my arms which he allowed and moved back a considerable distance. When I looked at my arm I couldn't understand what the cause was. I felt along my cuts and accidentally pulled on a scab which triggered a spark of pain. I closed my eyes against the pain then opened them—Ugh what was that?

There was something crawling under my skin, I saw it moving sluggishly. My eyes widened and I pressed my hand against it and felt it move around the pressure which caused me to yelp and jerk my arm away.

I swallowed looking at my arm in suspicion. In response the hairs on my arms and neck stood up as I felt uneasy all over. I shifted and looked at my other arm then almost screamed. Something was wiggling over there too. It moved its way to a raw cut and seeped out. At this I opened my mouth to scream but stopped myself as I noticed what exactly it was...a maggot?

I cocked my head and simply picked it up then threw it on the floor...Odd, very odd indeed. I was calming down a bit until I noticed more lines struggling under my skin. I shook my my head and my lower lip trembled.

No, there couldn't be more—Oh, but there was.

Curiously enough, they struggled to the surface and began pouring out from my cuts. Of course this stun and burned but the onslaught of insects kept coming. I began to pick off each one carefully but soon the became too much and then began to cover my arm. My heart pounded as I tried to flick them off but I yelped as one bit my finger.

Oh dear, not this...

Soon the rest seemed to crave a bite and began to claw open my skin. I shook my head and stood only to fall as my legs gave out from shaking too much.

This wasn't how maggots behaved, this wasn't even physically possible! Yet somehow it happened...and I couldn't stop it.

They began to devour me alive and I shook my right arm in hopes of shaking the free. Unfortunately one landed on my face and began to eat the skin there as well. I wailed slightly and tried to pick it off but more followed. My breath was coming in quickly and I looked to Dr. Crane with pleading eyes yet he only observed me eagerly, eyes flickering over every movement I made.

I opened my mouth to ask for help, because surely he saw them, how could he not? But instead they jumped into my mouth. I stood on my knees looking at my arms in horror while struggling not to scream while more explored my mouth...

Then I began to laugh.

I laughed softly at first, then harder as I saw them devour my flesh. Somehow, I was beyond the pain and tilted my head enjoying the sight before me. Here I was being consumed by maggots, how interesting! This was such an experience I could learn from. I felt myself become detached and morbidly curious.

I wonder how they would work, how they would interact with each other. Would they fight over food? Burrow into my skin to make a rotting home with an edible interior?

A genuine smile crossed my face as I felt one squish in my mouth, the body turning into a foul paste.

Hmm, I wonder what caused that taste. Was it simply my human taste-buds which rejected the concoction or was it a defense mechanism?

How curious these simple creatures were. Hopefully, I'll live long enough to see at least one full life cycle of these insects.

I sighed happily, caressing some of the bugs before chuckling as they began to devour my hand with eagerness. Oh there goes the outermost layer! Ah, all the way down to the bone—Hmm, maggots disliked bones but these strange creatures seemed to have no aversion to the hardened structure as they drilled into that as well.

I smiled and closed my eyes then laid down on the floor feeling them squirm within me. How peaceful—Suddenly the feeling ceased.

I lay still for another moment then sat up and peered around at my skin. Sadly, it was back to normal.

Where did all the maggots go?

I looked at Dr. Crane who regarded me with furrowed eyebrows.

I stood and stretched slightly, looking over my arms once more, then I looked him in his blue eyes, "Do you have some more?"

He seemed shocked and asked cautiously, "More of what exactly?"

"Those maggots...they were quite curious creatures."

He nodded slightly as if to himself then replied, "I'm afraid not...May I ask how you feel?"

I tilted my head thinking for a second, "A bit off honestly. At first I was panicked, I mean those things were," I broke off shuddering in horror as I remembered them as they were curled beneath my skin. I took a deep breathe then started up again, "However, once I realized I was going to die I found it amusing, almost endearing that I could cater to those creatures one last time. The pain was bothersome at first but that too faded...Although, I've never seen maggots consume flesh so furiously or effectively, let along living flesh—Perhaps it was a new breed?"

He looked at me strangely, "You weren't bothered by the fact you were being eaten alive by millions of maggots?"

I shook my head, "Nope, it shocked me at first but I found myself simply fascinated...After all, it was a curious sight indeed."

"You weren't scared?" he asked almost desperately.

"Scared? Of course I was, that was the most disturbing thing I've ever seen but..."

"But?" he prompted.

"It was quite amusing from a third person's point of view. I mean, I clearly felt everything but from a detached sense it was quite captivating."

"Captivating?" he echoed.

I nodded then sat back down on the chair and lazily regarded the room, "Yep, now about that medicine..."