Here I go again! I DO NOT OWN Batman Beyond. That's right it ain't mine. I'm using them without permission. (Don't tell anyone!) But Shadow, Harley Jest and Nightshade are mine, mine, MINE!!! All mine baby! So DC Comics (division of Time-Warner Communications) I don't mess with you. You don't mess with me. Kay? (EMPTY threat.)
Mall, Music, Motorcycles, and Memories
Everyone was unloading their unneeded books into their lockers as they readied to leave for home for the weekend when the school television monitors, constantly reporting the news, showed a distorted picture of The Shadow.
The reward for the capture of The Shadow has been increased to one hundred thousand units after last nights theft of a priceless jeweled staff from the Gotham city Museum of history. In other news... Terry looked away from the computerized face of the reporter. It was getting even harder to catch The Shadow now, he didn't even know that she was going after the staff until it was too late.
Someone gave a long whistle, One hundred grand. I never got that much on my head when I was out on my stealing sprees. A female said. Terry turned in time to see Harley in her friends standing beside their lockers looking up at the large screen. Harley smiled. Remember mother is having a tiny party for when she gives me my new bike. You had better be there. Harley said pointing a finger at her friends.
Someone shouted bringing his attention away from the ex-criminal to Dana Tan.
Terry wasn't quite sure what Dana was yelling at him about but no doubt it had to do with his inability to keep his dates with her any longer. I swear it seems like you love that old man more than me! She said folding her arms over chest. So you've got a choice Terry, him or me.
Terry stood in shock, Bruce had warned him he wouldnt have time for a social life. Dana you know how important this job is to me and my family. Terry said.
Dana frowned. Then I guess you've made your choice. Bye McGinnis. She said turning then walked away.
Someone said. So fickle.
Terry turned look across the hall to see Harley reaching into her locker to retrieve her electronic notebook. He doubted for a moment that she had actually said anything until she turned and looked into the direction Dana had stomped off in.
Aren't you one? Terry asked.
Harley smiled as she lend against her locker. Men, motorcycles, and an ex-criminal raised me; I'm just a guy with bosoms and a vagina. Yet I'm one of them and I understand them. You saw the way she walked away? She wants you to see what you've just lost. Not much in my opinion. She wishing for you to run after her right now and tell her how much you care about her and will give up your job for her. Harley said.
You can't be serious; she walks like that all the time. Terry said.
Harley held up her hands. Fine then don't believe me. Nowadays you've got to pay a lot of tention to the body language, it tells everything. Harley said walking away to regroup with the CirCus.
Terry saw something that made him reach out and stop Harley from leaving. He looked over her collarbone at the dark bruise almost hidden beneath her shirt. How did you get this? Terry asked.
Harley snatched away from him. None of your damn business! Harley hissed.
Do they beat you at home? Is Dr. Vanderburg or your mother hitting you? Is that how you got this bruise? He pushed on.
Harley's brown eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. No, that's not how I got this. I got into a fight I thought I could win. Now if you don't mind I have to go to and meet some people at eeck... the mall. Harley said with a shiver then walked away.
Terry ran to catch Max before she left.
Max, I need for you to run a search on Dr. Vanderburg. Terry requested once he found her at the computers.
Though the chances of finding a large number of Vanderburgs are slim do you have a first name? Max asked.
Something that begins with a J. Terry said after some thoughts.
Okay. I'm sorry to hear about you and Dana. Max said.
Terry looked down at her. She just broke up with me less than three minutes ago, how do you know about it? He asked.
Max turned towards the computer before her. News travels fast in this school.
***
Harley still wasn't sure if she was in her right mind when she had agreed to this little after school trip to the mall. She found the place overrated and horrendous. But for the sake of humoring her mother she agreed to associate with her friends' daughters.
Harl-Ly! Come on! The girl named Destiny shouted with glee as she and some of the others rushed down the strip.
Harley only followed slowly behind them; she could never get excited over a mall unless drugged heavily with a hallucinogenic. Even then she doubted she would ever act that way about useless junk.
The group walked by a display of cosmetics and perfumes. She read the label of the first body spray tester on the metal table. Long Island Ice Tea. Why do sane people want to smell like an alcoholic beverage?' She asked herself. She sighed in disgust sitting the bottle down then looked to the peculiar named makeup. Berserk hurricane melon? She asked aloud. But the names of the products did not brother her as much as the nonexistent scents of the body sprays. Kiwimlemon? Mango raspberry, not bad. Ooh honeysuckle!
Harley looked into the outlet to see her companions' inside at a jewelry turnstile debating if they should get a new pair of earrings. Harley wasn't about to step foot in the place, she only tucked her hands into her pockets and leaned against the wall and watched the people walk by silently making jokes about them in her mind.
She chuckled to herself as she thought of everyone's surprise if it turned out that the mall was truly a trap made by a cult to recruit new disciples. Better yet it was an alien observation area.
But no it wasn't that, it was hell. Dante described hell as having seven levels; Harley's had five with four escalators transporting her from one level to the next. The mall, her own personal hell, with a poisonous air of greasy fried food floating from the food court, and the sickening smell of mixed fragrances from the many body shops. Then there was the many stores playing different music and it all floated outside to mix in a horrendous racket so that when you actually did hear something you liked it was jumbled with four others songs you didn't.
With the walks lined with women with spray bottles full of perfumes and bodysprays that they somehow managed to get into your eyes. Harley had a theory that they did that on propose so that when you went to try on clothes you couldn't tell how bad it really looks on you until you were home.
Then there were the stores. Oh how she dreaded the clothing stores. It was like each store had it out of her. Each clothing outlet only had clothing for people of a size that couldn't possibly exist, everything wasn't of her taste, or when it was it was either too small or too big for her, never in her size.
Harley watched as a girl with flaming red hair walked by. Excuse me. Harley called running after her.
The girl looked perhaps a year or so older than her, that didn't surprise her everyone was always older than her. She asked. Whoa. You look like that Harley Quinn girl.
Harley discreetly rolled up her sleeve revealing her three black diamond tattoo on her left forearm. She watched as the girls eyes grew wide. You are her, shway! I'm Vise by the way.
Harley asked wondering how she earned that name, that was until she noticed her muscular tattooed arms. What kind of dye did you use in your hair? She asked hoping they would have her color in the permeate dyes.
This is Firecracker Red by Busuzima. They have the best stuff. You look like you need the Crimson Cherrybomb. Vise said inspecting Harley's hair.
It isn't at one of these prep stores is it? Harley asked jerking my thumb back. If it is I'll hang myself before I step in.
Vise laughed. Naw, you can find it at Experiments one floor up next to the vid game store.
Harley looked back to see the others where heading into an outlet consisting of pink and white colors and pitched voiced boy bands from the radio. If I run now do you think I could make it to freedom? Harley asked.
Vise laughed. On behalf of the sensible females in this place run for it.
Harley practically ran up the escalators shoving people out of her way. Hey watch it girl! Someone before her said refusing to move so that she could pass.
Harley gave them a desperate look. For the love of all humanity and what little of my sanity I have left move out of my way! Harley screeched. The man looked at her wide eyed as he moved closer to the rail letting her by.
***
At 5:26 PM Harley walked into her mother's penthouse with her hair pulled up into ponytails held up by spiked leather bands. In the folds of her elbows and in her right hand she lugged her colorful shopping bags into the large living room. I NEVER want to do that again. Harley moaned collapsing onto the soft sectional sofa.
Emily walked into the living room dressed in a garnet cocktail dress that accented her smooth skin. Did you have a good time? She asked as she placed her diamond earrings in her ears.
Harley kicked off her shoes. No. It took me an hour to get away from those dead brain fashion-freaks. They tried to put me in some frilly stuff. But hey I got this shway red biker suit, everyone in the store said I looked superb in the red. She laughed as she made her way towards the baby grand piano.
Her fingers graced across the false ivory keys as she sat down. The first smooth notes filled the room.
Emily looked down on her daughter as the classical music poured from the black glossy piano. I didn't know you could play. She whispered.
Papa taught me in hopes of making me more feminine. Harley said closing her eyes as she played on.
Emily looked at the sight of the rough tomboyish looking teenager playing such beautiful music. What is it? She asked.
Chopin's Raindrop. His music is so soft and gentle, it makes you relax. But I like Beethoven better, Said Harley changing to Beethoven's Far Elisa. His music has so much emotion, so raw.
Vanderburg walked into the living room smiling at the sight that the lovely music was coming from Harley. I hate to interrupt you but shouldn't you be getting ready Harley?
You are right Jonas. Oh my friends will be joining us tonight, mother. Harley said as she went on playing. Emily held back her grimace she had seen her daughter's choice of friends.
Harley, seeing her mother's face, abruptly stopped her mini concert and causally walked by her mother on her way to her room. If you so much as frown at my friends I will jump out the window and you know I will.
Vanderburg followed Harley into her room. You are a very surprising young woman. Who knows, maybe deep down inside that rough exterior of yours is the prefect debutante. He teased.
Harley growled, Sorry I already made my debut as a criminal, nothing can change that. She said removing her shirt revealing her various bruises Oh I suggest you keep your hands to yourself for awhile; people are starting to notice my bruises.
Vanderburg moved as if to strike her when Emily called. Lisanette our guest are on their way.
Vanderburg took a firm hold of Harley's shoulders as he looked into her willful eyes. Don't test me Harley. He said before he left.
***
A/N: Okay everyone the party will be told from Harley's POV. ~DSP
Social interaction with large groups of people I don't know is not my idea of a party. The problem about the group was that they were my family, from Emily's side. For eight long years I was under the impression that the only one I could think of as family was Miss Q, and now all of these strangers want to accept me with open arms.
Funny isn't it? I laugh to myself at how a year ago all of these people, who are my blood, mind you, were possibly denouncing me because of my criminal activity. But now that I'm tamed they come to me, hugging me, telling me how I look so much like my mother.
HOW I HATE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE!!!!
I quickly return to my friends, my mental sanctuary, and my salvation. Harley you owe us big. Loup said pointing his drink towards me.
I didn't want to be here either but you guys already promised to stick with me on this. Look Em has to show me off to my grandparents when that's over we can make an escape. I said. If you want you guys can hide out in my room, I have enough vid games and CDs to keep you entertained til this party is over.
The CirCus all nodded their heads just before they vanished into the only part of the house I claimed my privacy.
As I watched them leave I felt a small twinge of desertion. I didn't really mean for them to leave me, I thought they would feel guilty and stick it out with me. WRONG! Great now I was stuck with the sane cuckoos called family'.
I stood in the corner hoping against all hope that I'd vanish from sight. No that was the old me, I stood in the corner scowling daring anyone to come close enough for me to bite their heads off. But no life was cruel to me yet again, probably my punishment for my days of armed robbery; for one of my relatives' tread the dangers of my bad temper and pulled me out to observe how much I looked like my mother or my father. Or asking me why I kept my hair dyed red and black if my past as a criminal was behind me. I gave them all the same look of confusion and asked. What dye?
Emily called out to me. Lisanette come and play the piano for us.
Oh no, I'm not that good when playing in front of people. I lied; did she have any idea how personal playing the piano was to me? No, of course not she knew nothing about me except that I was female and she gave birth to me.
Come on Harley. Jonas said smiling at me. You play so beautifully.
I sighed and sat down at the black and white keys. It had been so long since I last played the piano for papa and my uncles'. Why does Emily have this thing anyway?' I began to wonder as I cracked my knuckles loudly enough to make everyone in the hushed room flinch. Ha ha! Emily doesn't know how to play and neither does Jonas.'
The first thing that came to mind to play was Moonlight Sonata No. 14 in C sharp by Beethoven. I closed my eyes and let it all flow out of me. I closed my eyes and let the memories come back. This had been papa's favorite song to play. I remembered he would take me to Uncle West's house all the time and he sat me down on his lap and play. Those strong fingers that use to fix and make those magnificent bikes hurriedly stroked the ivories' creating beautiful music. I use to close my eyes as he played and imagine the image that best went with the music.
What beautiful music my dear papa could make. How I long to be seated beside him observing him play, to take my lessons from him once again, to give a small recital of playing by ear. And now I play in memory of my papa, but no body knew that. No one knew me well enough to know. Back then I was a daughter, I was loved unconditionally. To Emily I wasn't her daughter; I was just a doll for show. Had I not made that stupid deal with Vanderburg and Emily I would have unloaded a healthy dose of Joker venom on these hypocritical stuff shirts.
How I longed to be back to my old life of living with what little I had, I was so happy then. Red was right that day on the street I was, am miserable.
I opened my eyes and looked around me as I my fingers with a mind of their own continued to play. I saw the CirCus with their heads poking out of my bedroom door staring at me and making faces in hopes of making me laugh. I held back my laughter and only stuck out my tongue at them in responds. Loup took that as an offer and made a disgustingly perverted gesture in reply.
Everyone else stood as if frozen in time. Oh if I were the old me I would rob these fools blind before I left them with one of my many dangerous toys!
My eyes drifted to Emily. She sat a bit aloof from everyone; her eyes were soft and glassy as if she were about to cry. Why was she crying? Was it because of the song? Papa did tell me my mother loved to listen to him play. Did she remember how my beautifully my papa played? Did she know this was his favorite one to play?
The last notes rung from the piano as I ended my mini recital. Everyone clapped shouting out their comments. No, none of them understood it.
***
I longed to join the CirCus in the confines of my room but Jonas said that I should say and mingle with my family and my mother's friends. Hello Lisanette, do you have any idea which uncle I am? The large balding man asked almost spilling his drink on me.
My spine jerked at the name Lisanette. Why did they have to call me that? Lemme guess, the alcoholic? I asked innocently as I walked away from my new uncle.
Lisanette their you are come here and meet your grandfather. Emily said. As many times as I have told her that name annoys me she still calls me Lisanette. I smiled and gave her a look that said I'm going to get you back for that...soon'.
My grandfather Anthony surprised me, he didn't dress richly like the rest of my relatives, and he didn't call me Lisanette. I can't wait to get out of here. He said to me. He didn't fit with this crowd.
You're lucky gramps, I can't leave. I said folding my arms over my chest and allowed my body to slouch a bit.
Call me Tony, I don't want you calling someone you barely know grandpa. Tony said. You know your grandmother didn't like Marshall. Tony said. But your mother was in love with that boy enough to give up her money to marry him.
I looked across the room at my mother with shock. I can never recalled papa speaking ill of her, he always said she just wasn't brave enough. Was this what he was talking about?
Tony smiled watching me as I looked at my mother. What she did that once, was the noblest thing she has ever done in her life.
I asked.
Really. You know you might not like it Harley, but you look just like her when she was defying your grandmother. He smiled. So strong. But you have your fathers soul-searching eyes; no one can tell you differently.
Emily ran up to Tony and me. Come Harley it's time to see your new motorcycle. She said in an over cheerful voice.
The CirCus joined me in the large living room of Emily's penthouse as two men pushed a draped object out into the living room. Here you go Harley. Jonas said snatching away the cover.
Do not think that I exaggerate because what I say is true. Oh my... I gasped placing my hand to my open mouth before anyone came up with the bright idea of tossing something in it to see if I'd choke. A beautiful golden empyreal light fell onto a gorgeous shiny brand spankin' new firestorm red and orange VRSC as a choir of heavenly voices from nowhere sang Hallelujah. Everyone in the room just vanished all that remained was a lovely darkness surrounding the spotlighted bike.
Do not believe me? I don't blame you. Those who did not have a passion from bikes as I did wouldn't have heard it. But I know Jox and Loup heard and saw it for them carefully approached the magnificent art of powerful metal.
I placed my shaking hands on the sleek body feeling it before I got on.
I chose well? Emily asked reminding me that others besides the bike was present.
This is the Holy Grail of bikes. Jox said in a hushed voice as if speaking above that of a whisper was disrespectful of the lovely machine.
Oh no. Rayven laughed as she put her hand over her face.
There they go. Lena said.
5-speed, two-tone cylinders with chrome covers. Loup began to describe the engine.
Loup, don't. They don't understand. Jox said.
Yes it was amazing but it would never come close to my JoyRide. The thought of my beloved bike made me wonder how was Erik? How was Red? Was he still watching me from dark corners? I don't know anymore. It's just all too confusing how I was once strong and free and now I'm a prisoner in a deal.
Why don't you give it a test drive? Jonas suggested already sensing my longing.
Yeah you can ride with us out. Loup offered.
It's easy to say that I agreed almost instantly. This was my chance of escape from the party; I could always come back when everyone or at least almost everyone was gone.
***
I had long since separated with the CirCus and was now riding around on my own.
Oh how I love bikes. The little power trip I get from have the powerful raw metal between my strong thighs. A fast, powerful, engine and slick wheels. So dangerous but I ignore the risks. The craving for pure speed increases as I push the accelerator on and on. The numbers on the dash means absolutely nothing to me; they're only there to tell me that I'm not going fast enough. I love the way my face is so close to the ground when I make those magnificent hard turns. The way a single push of the brake can send me flying off my seat and hurtling me through the air to an almost certain death. But the speed, all I want is the speed. Such a turn on, no?
Freedom! A small taste of it but it was as close I could get to my old life where I was happy making ends-meet by getting transition oil all over myself or stealing. Emily's rich lifestyle just wasn't me at all. Maybe I am insane. I mumble to myself.
My thoughts were interrupted as someone rode up next to me. He was new to riding that much I could tell by the insecure way he handled the machine. He rode on a black classic Harley-Davidson. But you really couldn't call it a classic for it had been modified over and over so many times. That beautiful vantage model could beat the new motor from stoplight to stoplight.
I should know that beauty is my finest work.
As we came to a stop at the intersection we both removed our helmets. Lovely natural garnet red hair no longer short but long enough to be placed into ponytails appeared from the helmet. His green eyes looked onto me lovingly yet hurt. The streetlights above us changed making his green skin glow.
Still gonna be my savior Red? I asked holding back my urge to jump on JoyRide with him.
He frowned as he nodded to me then sped away taking the left turn towards 32nd St.
I pushed back the tears then replaced my helmet ignoring the people behind me wailing their horns. You're right Red. You know me better than anyone and I am completely miserable.'
I'll ride around a few more minutes before I go back to my richly dressed prison.
End o' Chapter 6
Sorry for meaningless chap. I promise there will be more. ~DSP