Legal stuff (forgot to do this earlier): I DO NOT OWN Batman Beyond. That's right it ain't mine. I'm using them without permission. But Harley Jest and Nightshade are mine, mine, MINE!!! Soooooo DC Comics (division of Time-Warner Communications) I don't mess with you. You don't mess with me. Kay?
Be cruel to your fellow schoolmates
Harley sat at her seat with her legs lazily crossed before her as she entertained herself by reading the graffiti on the desk. It was easily to say that she wasnt listening to the lecturer; she found no reason to. What good was knowing outdated theories of government going to do her in the future?
She could feel the stares on her back; they were all probably wondering what she, an iniquitous villainess of Gotham City. If she were to turn her head ever so slightly to the side they would all look away from her as quickly as they could.
She hated school; she hated the social status held strongly by her many peers, very few of which were her friends. She hated the way some of the teachers thought of her as a stupid student who if unable to get the answer right on the first try was a hopeless case or just mentally slower than the rest. She just hated everything about school.
She looked at her watch Emily had given her to wear along with the confining black pants and blue shirt that kept her adored tattoos hidden beneath the fabric, all of which suffocated her body. She had two more classes before lunch and fifteen minutes until she was free of the dull drone of Mrs. Feeling's voice. She watched her watch slowly changed by one minute. Welcome to one of your many personal hells, enjoy your stay cuz you ain't going nowhere for a loooooooong time.' She mentally told herself almost ready to laugh if her head was tingling with signs of a headache.
Buzz! Everyone closed their electronic notebook and began to head out the door. Harley's first instinct was to slip her earphones into her ears and runaway, her second instinct was to look around for at least one familiar face. The feeling of loneliness crept into her making her yearn for someone's company. Harley mentally slapped herself. She thought she was over that little schoolgirl in need of company bit.
Old habits die hard, Harl. She said to herself. She was always the underdog or outcast of school, not quite fitting in with any particular group, the person no one noticed. The one who was marked as the stone cold biker who would easily ram her fist down your throat if you looked at her the wrong way. Well she didn't do that very often only on days of extreme PMS.
Harley walked through the oddly bright halls looking from one person to another making a startling discovery. She quickly retreated to her locker, placing in the keycard she opened the metallic door and began looking for her French book and replacing the History book. Yep, definitely one of her many personal hells, thankfully not the worst of them.
Hey Biker bitch. Someone said.
Harley looked over to see a purple haired teenage girl two inches taller than herself smiling at her with black and purple lips. Her pale skin covered over with a lilac laced belly top and a black miniskirt. Amethyst lace fingerless gloves reaching up to her elbows. She had her long nails painted black. Her right eyebrow was pierced with a white gold hoop matching the row of earrings in both ears and the one hoop in her navel. Complete with dull black combat boots tied loosely on her feet.
The purple piercing princess! Hey yourself Rayven! Harley cried hugging her dear friend. Rayven returned the hug with full strength.
Rayven leaned against the locker. I thought you had escaped this flagging place for good.
Something came up. Mother dear took up my custody papers, put me in juvy, and so on. She said taking another look about the hall. Tell me Rave does all the insignificant people wear blue? She asked referring to the small discovery she had made moments before.
Rayven looked around. Good so I'm not the only one who notices. She said.
Creepy. Do you still carry spare clothes with you? Harley asked the need to change from looking like the rest apparent.
Rayven opened her locker handing Harley random bits of clothing.
A little ways down the hall Terry, Dana, Max, and Blade watched as Harley and one of the school's cliched goths chatted happily to themselves. How in the world did she end up back here? Dana asked not in the least bit happy that the ex-criminal was once again attending the same school as her.
Didn't you see the report a few days back? She's been completely rehabbed and she's living up with her mother and a doctor. Terry said.
Nelson joined the little group when he noticed Dana and Blade. Knowing her she'll need it. He said.
They watched in shock as Harley removed her blue top revealing her black bra and replaced it with one of the goths purple belly shirts with pirate skull and crossbones on the sleeves. She vanished into the girls' bathroom with a pair of pants in her hand then returned moments later wearing a black pair of pants with suspenders.
A boy with all of his hair shaven away so that all that remained were his green bangs joined the two girls.
Let's go over there and met her. Blade said walking off before anyone could stop her.
The three stopped in the middle of their conversation as they approached them.
Oh look it's the circus. Nelson teased.
The boy looked over at the others. I was thinkin' the same thing. He said.
The girls laughed. Jox, leave the normal people alone. Rayven laughed.
Nelson grabbed the boy by his green army jacket ready to show off his strength. Let him go. Harley said.
Nelson released Jox as he sneered at Harley. What are you going to do? You're on probation one fight and you end up back in juvy. Nelson said pointing a hand at Harley.
It angered her that people wished to test her limits, to see if they could get away with trifling with the once criminal. Harley smiled as she grabbed his hand and bent his fingers backward almost to the breaking point. Just because I gave up my life of crime doesn't mean I can't kick your ass so hard that you'd have to take your shirt off to take a piss. Harley said releasing him.
Nelson backed away before walking off mumbling something about payback. Look at you Harl, barely in school a whole day and already you're making enemies. Rayven joked her silver gray eyes changing to an ice blue.
Do you know contacts are out of style? Blade asked. Everyone knew that Blade had a tendency of putting down her lower classmates for what reason other than her popularity gave her the right no one was sure.
That comment had upset Harley, usually she was use to pushing people off and keeping a wall about herself only befriending those who had a emotional wall of their own. It was wise to do so, because when you did their wall joins with hers and the two walls become stronger and no one could break it. It also meant sticking up for one another. Which one is bigger Blade your I.Q. or your bra size? Harley asked in a mocking sweet tone.
Glacial Harley. Jox said.
Rayven laughed. If you didn't know my eyes naturally change color depending on my mood or what I wear. She said her eyes changing from blue to a light green.
Harley looked into Terry's face with a look of wonder. Um, you look familiar. There's something about your eyes. She said resting her chin on her fist. But I just can't place it.
Terry arched his brow. Well slap my monkey if it isn't the man himself. Harley smiled.
Terry cringed with fear that she may actually recognize him as her adversary during her days as the criminal Harley Jest. Terry McGinnis. Harley said. The only popular person who knew me before I became a crook.
Hey Harl see you at lunch or in SH. I'll tell the rest of the guys you're here. Jox said walking away.
Everyone still has study hall? Harley asked Rayven.
Yep our little CirCus is still running. Rayven giggled disappearing around the corner.
They watched as Harley closed her locker then vanished to her next class.
We have a study hall? Max asked.
What does she mean the only person who knew her? Dana asked folding her arms before her chest.
Terry quickly held up his hands in defense. She and I had lockers next to each other. She had a lot of interesting things to say.
***
Harley's classes went as follows: American History, French, Physical Education, lunch, Study hall, Algebra, English, and finally mythology. American History was nothing more than learning some trivial facts and pouring them back out to on a test, French interested Harley and therefore came easy to her. Physical Education was easy for her since she usually went through her long routines of gymnastics, compared to what she did everyday for two hours PE was a cakewalk. Gymnastics and swimming had been the only sports she was good at; everything else was a pain she rather not deal with. Yep PE would be a breeze, except for the fact Nelson and some of his jock friends were in the same class as she.
Harley stood patiently by the pool edge. What a recluse. Harley heard one of the girls say as she adjusted her black swimsuit in the room reeking strongly of chlorine.
Jest, get your cap on! The coach shouted.
Harley shouted. She positioned herself to pull the elastic cap over her head when she felt someone knock into her. She barely had the time to shout her surprise as she was pitched forward into the water.
Nelson said laughing. His laughter was joined by a few heartless others leaving the tiled walls of the pool to echo the harsh laughter even after everyone went silent.
Everyone awaited Harley's resurface. It seemed like she wasn't coming back up. How long has she been down there? Kelly Celina, one of the others who were laughing moments before, whispered to her companion.
Maybe she didn't know how to swim and she drowned. Someone else said.
In the rippling surface of the clear water something bubbled. Slowly Harley's head came up with her hair now loose clinging to the side of her face or quickly tangling atop her head. Her eyes were narrowed in anger to mere slits. The water around her shoulders grew dark as she floated there. Harley's head dipped back into the dark water as she began to swim to the edge.
Jest you okay? Swim coach Amos asked when her head resurfaced once again only closer to the edge.
In a moment I will be. Harley said as she climbed up the pool ladder.
With a cool air she walked gracefully across the cement floor towards her towel her wet steps not making a single sound.
Little clown can't take a joke? Nelson asked as Harley walked pass him.
With amazing speed she reached out grabbing Nelson by his swimming trunks and pitched him over five feet into the pool in a merciless back stinging splash.
Harley said the brown temporary colored rinse in her hair running onto her stiff shoulders.
***
No matter how hard you try you can't change some people. Terry said when the rumors of the pool circulated to him. He and the others were heading towards lunch when they noticed a solitary person sitting on top one of the many tables. Her thin fingers rubbing her temples in furious circles.
Terry asked when they walked by.
Harley turned towards them revealing her hair no longer brown but one side black and the other a discolored red. Hey McGinnis, She smiled with her eyes teary.
You okay? He asked as the others came back to see what was going on.
Still the caring type uh? I'll be fine in a moment; I'm just waiting for someone. She said.
Dana asked.
Said a strong voice. Everyone turned to see a handsome golden haired man walking towards them.
You're late Jonas! Harley stated still rubbing her temples.
Harley who's this? Chelsea said eyeing the man in a flirtious manner.
Everyone met Dr. Jonas Vanderburg; he keeps my mental stability in check. Harley said flatly.
Dr. Vanderburg stared at Harley's hair. What happened to your hair and clothes? He asked.
The chlorine in the pool took out that brown gunk Emily put in my hair. Harley snapped.
Temper Harley, I've told you before the more aggression you hold the worst those headaches gets. Vanderburg said handing Harley two pills. Now who are your friends here? He asked.
Harley quickly swallowed the pills without the assist of any fluids. They aren't, many friends neither you nor Emily would approve of. Harley said bitterly.
I'm sure we would. Vanderburg said kindly as if he were Harley's father, which irritated her greatly.
Harley pointed to one of the distant tables. My friends are over there. The boy with the blue hair is Punch, he's a dusk to dawn joker. The pale girl with the purple hair and the piercing is Rayven; she's a goth. The normal looking one is Lena; she started high school two months pregnant. And the last two, Jox and Loup, are my old motorcycle bodies. Together we call ourselves The CirCus mainly because people like you consider us freaks. Harley said.
Harley's words had caused the small group to stare. Harley smirked. Lemme guess you guys didn't know about any of this before now. She said sliding off the table and vanishing to the table were The CirCus sat.
***
After lunch Harley and the rest of The CirCus sat in the empty library which served as the school's study hall. No teacher observed them since not many students really knew that a study hall existed except for six members of The CirCus. Harley sat next to Rayven looking at a small photo album with many pictures of The CirCus gang in action.
When did you take this! Harley asked, as she looked down on a picture of The CirCus minus Rayven asleep on or around an old ragged couch at one of their many haunts. She looked from picture to picture one of which was in a tattoo parlor when she first got the outlines of her diamond tattoos. Then pictures of a month later when she had the money to get them filled in.
I remember that night. Lena said. You were popping those painkillers like they were Skittles.
Yeah and I remember the night you went into labor. Harley said recalling the 12:15 am call to go to the hospital.
And look I found that picture of the Headbangers Ball and we dressed up in those powered wigs outfits. Rayven said pointing to a picture of the girls in ball gowns with a punkish look to them thanks to the spiked collars and dyed hair.
Hey Harley! Loup said in a thick British accent. Harley turned to see Jox and Loup pushing a rolling computer chair towards them.
***
Terry and Max sat side by side taking their chemistry test. Max, who had already finish, sat quietly looking out the door to the large windows when a blur shoot pass the classroom door. Max nudged Terry and pointed at the door. A second passed when the purple haired Goth from before passed rolling backwards with her hair flowing into her face as the chair picked up speed. Terry and Max looked at each other then back at the door to catch the one called Loup speeding by in a surfing style atop the chair. Harley, Jox, and Punch crept by the door wave their hand frantically in motions for silence. From down the hall came a small noise, not big enough to draw any attention but audible to the two, a split second later six blurs ran by the door abandoning the chairs.
***
The final bell rang for the day releasing the patrons of the school in a large mass of chattering teenagers.
So do you need any help to study while you work tonight? Max asked Terry.
I'm going to need it after my mom finds out about my grade on that test. Terry said as they walked down the front stairs.
Whoohoo! Shake that ass babe! Someone shouted from amidst the circle of assorted students at the bottom corner of the wall. Everyone began to maker their way towards the commotion to find a group of people gathered around three motorcycles and a car with its stereos playing loudly. Amongst the group Harley danced to the loud harsh sounds of Cold Monkey playing Dark Lure. The song was full of bass and incomprehensible words, prefect for dancing. Unlike most of the dancers she moved more than upper body. She gyrated her hips in time with the snares and the deep bass of the music, her arms moved along with the screeching guitar, and her head moved from side to side in time with the words as if she were trying to catch the incoherent words. She could have put a belly dancer to shame.
One of the boys Harley had pointed out as a dusk to dawn Joker stood before her dancing in the same style.
Whoa look at her move! I didn't know she could dance like that. Someone said as they watched. Both Harley and the boy dropped to their knees. She moved her abdomen in a graceful wave like motion as she slowly leaned backwards until her head was almost touching the ground. The boy leaned forward in the same but ungraceful wave motion until his head rested on Harley's up arched stomach.
As the song came towards it's end the brash pulsating tempo slowed abruptly making it easy to understand the last verse.
I'm being led into an chaotic abyss
by you baby.
You scarred my heart with only one kiss.
You are a dark lure baby.
Yes you are a...dark lure.
(You) Gimme sugar coated death
My destroyer wielding a hot blade.
Oh yeah you're a dark lure babe.
You're such a dark lure.
Still got in you Harl. The boy said.
Harley sighed as she picked up her things. Not for long. Hey gotta go, Ems expecting me in by 4:30. She said.
Wanna ride? Loup asked getting onto his bike.
Naw, it's going to start raining any moment now, and you know how I hate riding in the rain. She said walking quickly away.
***
Harley had four more blocks to go before she was home' when the first warm drops of rain began to fall. She heaved a heavy sigh as the rain began to pour down heavily. At least this gets the rest of that stuff out of my hair. She said aloud. As she passed the open alleyway something grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into the dark.
A flash of red and green appeared before Harley when she noticed who had grabbed her. Harley shouted.
Nightshade quickly grabbed her around the waist and pressed his lips to her surprised mouth. Harley, I've missed you. He said once they parted.
Harley stared at him. I can tell. She smiled then just as quickly frowned.
C'mon we have to get out of here. He said.
Harley jerked out of his grasp. No! I'm rehabilitated now, and I'm not about to mess this up.
Nightshade stared at her through soak bangs; Harl you're not rehabilitated your miserable.
I'm not miserable! Harley shouted looking down at her wet shoes.
Nightshade pulled Harley close to him; he grabbed her chin forcing her to look him in the eyes. Harl, I know you better than anyone else in this world. And you are completely miserable, I can tell.
Why are you stalking me? Harley demanded changing the subject.
Nightshade kissed her forehead. Because I love you too much to believe in this hose. He looked lovingly down on her as he tilted up her chin. And you love me.
Harley pushed him away. Not any more! You're still the deadly Nightshade and I'm reformed. She said moving to walk away.
Nightshade grabbed her shoulder once again. Why are you pushing me away? What are you so afraid of? He asked her back ignoring the fact that she had just renounced her love for him.
I don't know what you're talking about. Said Harley unturned.
Nightshade spun her around so that she was facing him once again. You know damn well what I'm talking about! What have they done to you Harl?
She said looking up at him with narrowed eyes. Be the moth and I the flame if you wish.
He looked at her with confusion; she was never this riddling with her statements. The Harley he knew was blunt with whatever it was she had to say. Nightshade asked.
Harley heaved a sigh as if she were answering a foolish question. The moth entranced by the hypnotic motions and the bright light of the flame will fly blindly into its death. All for the love of the light.
Her words confused him so much that it surprised him when She brought a strong knee up into his groin.
Nightshade released her and fell to the wet sidewalk. His eyes were watering from the pain.
Stay away from me Chris. Harley said running out into the rain.
Hey Harley! Someone called. Harley looked up to see Jox passing by on his bike. Sure you don't want a ride? He asked.
Harley ran towards Jox jumping on behind him. Take me to the Shamrock building and leave marks! She said forsaking the idea of a helmet she just had to get away before Nightshade got back up.
***
When Harley entered the large penthouse she was greeted with the disappointed stare of Emily. What happened to your hair?! She demanded.
Harley sighed as she took off her wet clothes until she walked about only in her underwear. A jock threw me into the pool before I got my cap on. She said heading into the kitchen.
And was it you I saw riding here on a motorcycle? Emily asked watching as her daughter poured herself a glass of orange juice.
Emily, give her a moment to explain. Vanderburg said walking into the kitchen. I'm sure- He stopped short when he saw Harley clad in her black silk undergarments.
Harley rolled her eyes as she rushed into her room then returned with a white robe. Listen I agreed to behave myself and drop my criminal activities as Harley Jest but I didn't say a thing about Harley Jest as a person. If you change me completely people with begin to think something's amiss. Harley said with a smug look on her face.
Vanderburg smiled at Harleys cunning. She has a point Emily. He said.
Emily looked at her daughter she looked just like her except for the tough look and attitude. I guess we could use this to our advantage. She said. Yes we will, tomorrow you will go shopping at the mall with a few daughters of some of my friends.
Harley asked slack jawed. Na-ah! No I'm not doing the social stuff that's your department. I'm just here for show.
You will go and you will enjoy yourself understood? Emily asked.
Harley closed her mouth and nodded. And what am I to buy? She asked.
Some new clothes that fit your persona, but if you so much as get anything in the least bit related to your criminal guise I will chose your clothes for you. Also you will get the dyes for your hair to make it stand out a bit more, one of those biker' suits as you might call them and a helmet. I will see to it about getting you a new bike. Is this all understood? Emily asked.
Yes Emily. Harley growled walking away.
Excuse me? Emily called stopping Harley in her tracks.
Yes mother. Harley said through clenched teeth before she retreated to her room where her headaches began to ensue mercilessly. If it weren't for certain things beyond her control she would leave, but they had her and she wasn't going anywhere. She whispered as she drifted into a restless sleep.
***
Nightfall.
Shadow stepped lightly down the metal staircase as usual not making the slightest sound. Coming onto the landing she walked into a faint blue light. "You called master?" She asked staring at the shadowed figure lounging in a large red velvet armchair.
"Yes. I have an assignment for you my dear." He said. Shadow's hooded head cocked to one side."I've had a bad run in with an old associate of mine. He did not like my theories or methods. I want you to give him a sample of how well my methods work." He said.
Shadow lowered her head. "Understood Master." She said before turning and vanishing in the same silent manager.
End Chapter 4 (I think)