"Can I please go?"

"No, you can't. It's straight to school, then back home."

"It's for a good cause and I want to get out of the house."

"I know it's for a good cause, I helped organized it. That's not a strong argument as to why I should let you. I'll be there, that's enough."

"But Mom, I'm tired of being stuck here. I'll be with you, so I'll be okay. You won't have to worry."

"It's not happening, okay? So stop."

"But Mom, I heard there was gonna be a magician!"

"How did you hear that?"

"From you. You were all excited, telling Dad about it."

"I said no. That's final."

That was how the conversation went when you asked Lee if you could go to the Gotham's children hospital gala. You were by her doorway, asking if you could come along when she was on her way out. She was very stern and didn't show any sign of changing her mind. It was a fundraiser that she had helped organized and despite everything she was going through, she felt obligated to attend this event.

It was taking a toll on your mental health staying home all the time, being grounded. You knew Jim and Lee were being strict because it was for your safety, but still, you wanted to live your life. There's only so many days you could sleep away your sorrows and sulk. You wanted to do something, anything to take your mind off of your reality. You were at rock bottom, and the only way you could get out was if you tried to convince yourself that things were going to get better. You needed to take your mind off the shitstorm that was your life. You felt like you didn't have anyone to turn to, your friends didn't want anything to do with you now so it wasn't like you could go hang out with them.

Jim wouldn't be attending with Leslie because you knew that Jim had been in charge of the manhunt on Jerome. He was searching every nook and cranny in Gotham to find a lead on the maniac. His ways were a little more than unorthodox, he had a temper, and rightfully so. He wanted to make Jerome pay for what he did to you and Leslie, and of course, Sarah Essen. You just hoped your dad would return safely.

"I have to get going now," Leslie told you, putting the final touches on her makeup at her vanity. She still had marks on her face, they were starting to fade but they were still visible so she covered them with concealer.

You crossed your arms and just nodded your head.

"Behave, okay? I'll see you later," Leslie said, grabbing her purse in a hurry. She pecked your cheek before she rushed outside, shutting the door behind her.

You went to school like a good kid, well for the most part. You ended up ditching it after a few hours and decided that your last two classes just weren't worth it. You couldn't take the constant staring or the whispering about you, and also the fact that your friends were giving you the cold shoulder the whole day didn't make you feel any better. You started to think maybe you should just skip school altogether because what was the point? You weren't learning anything because you couldn't concentrate to save your life and it just didn't feel like it was worth your time anymore.

When you came back home, immediately you returned to the solace of your bedroom. You opened your window to get some fresh air before laying down on your back, legs dangling at the end of the bed. You stared up at the ceiling, eyes vacant. You were stuck here. Maybe you could take a nap. Maybe you could watch more TV, anything that wasn't the news. Maybe you could read a book, you had a shelf full of them. Maybe you could re-decorate your room. As you were considering all of these boring activities, an idea occurred to you.

Your lips slowly formed into a smirk.

There was a way you could go to the gala, after all. It involved a risk of course and maybe it wasn't the brightest idea, but there was going to be a magician! You couldn't miss the show.

You pulled out a box that was sitting in your closet. It was filled with costumes, ones that you wore especially for Halloween, but now it was looking like you could use them for something else too; a clever disguise. You found a long blond wig with bangs that you wore one time when you dressed up as Alice from Alice in Wonderland. You picked it up and straightened some of the strands with your fingers. You put a wig cap on and then pulled the wig over your head.

You stared back at your vanity mirror, your lips curling into a smile. You opened your closet, taking out a long frilly blue ruffled short-sleeved dress along with the white fishnet stockings that were hanging on the rack. You slipped them both on quickly and started posing, looking back at your reflection. You swayed your shoulders and giggled to yourself. This was going to be your new persona.

Looks like you found a way to go after all.

You took out your cosmetics bag and sat down in front of your vanity, applying a bold mauve lipstick that you only wore for special occasions. You were going to make sure you weren't recognizable so there was no way anyone could tell it was you. It was a brilliant idea. You had to put your face on, and then you would be out the door.

But then you heard the bush outside your window make a sudden whispering noise, it was perfectly quiet outside so this startled you a little. You started walking toward your window, checking to see if anyone was outside. You looked around, only to find nothing. It was quiet again, nearly silent. Maybe it was just a cat or some wild animal roaming. You didn't have time for this. You closed the window and locked it, not thinking much of it.

You made your way to the gala just in time, despite your Uber driver being a little late. It didn't matter now though, you were here.

You took a moment to take in the beautifully lighted chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the dimly lit stage as well as how full the audience was. Every seat seemed to be occupied and every table filled. It wasn't going to be fun looking for a place to sit. You spotted waiters walking around, offering drinks to the guests. You couldn't help yourself, once a young man passed by with a plate full of drinks, you snatched a glass.

"Thank you, sir," you said with a smile and he nodded his head your way. Nothing wrong with a little liquid courage every now and then. You chugged the drink down and before you knew it, the glass was nearly empty before you even found a table to sit at.

The table was occupied by two chattering older ladies in fancy sparkling dresses, and they glanced at you for a moment, giving you both looks that seemed to say, 'you're not welcome here, but we're not going to say anything about it'. Awkwardly, you smiled at them and gave a little wave. They both flared their eyes and went back to gossiping about something that sounded like rich people problems. Good enough. You were going to need another drink, though. The table was near the front so at least you were going to get a good view of the show.

You were very aware of your surroundings, everyone was dressed so lavishly. You started to question if this was your scene, if this was a good idea after all. These people had money, and lots of it. Your eyes started to wander to the crowd, and you noticed Bruce Wayne standing next to his butler, Alfred Pennyworth. Everyone in Gotham knew their names. You always wanted to meet them, and here was your chance to introduce yourself, but then you reminded yourself now wasn't the time to socialize. Even though you knew your disguise was clever, you didn't want to bring tons of attention to yourself, so it was better to just stay quiet and watch.

It wasn't long before you heard the audience clapping and that was when the announcer came out. Which was Leslie. No biggie. It wasn't like she was going to notice you in the crowd, anyway. She was a in long strapless black dress, looking as beautiful as ever.

"Good evening. I'm Dr. Lee Thompkins. For the past five years, I've had the honor of being part of the Children's Hospital. I would like to thank you all for your support and for coming," Leslie announced, a smile on her face. Over the years, we've had magicians come and entertain our children. And so tonight, we have one of the magicians here for you. Without further ado, please allow me to present to you, the Great Rudolpho!"

The full audience applauded enthusiastically in response and Leslie walked off stage, standing next to Alfred and Bruce.

There was a skinny blonde woman in a frilly pink flashy getup with matching gloves and a masquerade mask to top it off. She was the magician's assistant. She had a big smile plastered on her face as she presented a big blue and yellow checkered box to the audience. She spun around before opening the door to the box. It was empty. She turned around to the crowd, gasping, eyes wide as she covered her mouth in feigned surprise. She had her thinking face on, her hand under her chin and the other on the big colorful box. The assistant then opened the box once again and there was the magician standing. He was wearing his own black masquerade mask and a black and white tailored suit adorned with a top hat. He also had a beard which was the fakest thing about him.

The Great Rudolpho yawned, like he had been there the whole time. Cue the applause once more. He raised his arms above his head dramatically, a smug look on his young face. He made his way onto the stage, all eyes on him.

"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen! I am indeed, the Great Rudolpho!" he bowed deep alongside his blonde assistant, accompanied by loud cheers and applause from the crowd around you. "Please ogle my lovely assistant," he declared and his assistant waved him off with a smile before blowing kisses to the audience.

Rebounding from his bow, he gestured to quiet down the applause he had received. His voice. Being up front you could hear it so clearly. It was dripping with charisma. Almost a low baritone, it sent shivers up the back of your neck at how alluring it sounded. He had this flair to him. There was something familiar about it, and now that you thought about it, the blond seemed familiar too. Her seductive charm, you've seen it before. Maybe you had seen these two magicians before at another show. You always fancied magic shows, so it's possible, yeah that must have been it.

Your mouth was slack in anticipation as you watched him from the front and you simply dismissed it.

The magician started off with a basic magic trick, pulling out a red cloth from a pocket in his black coat. After a few tugs, he lifted it up and presented it to the audience before him, revealing a red rose. It wasn't anything too exciting but everyone was already getting a kick out of it. He gave it to his assistant who then threw it to the crowd. One of the older ladies next to you caught it and she laughed with her other friend.

The next trick involved the red cloth again, he swayed it around, before uncovering the white dove that he was hiding. He showed it off to the crowd and they ate it right up, their cheers even louder this time. The magician let the bird fly off across the stage and everyone's heads turned in response.

"For my next feat, I will cut a woman in half. You will see the blade pass right through her! But I need a volunteer from the audience," the magician grinned sheepishly. "Let's see, eeny, meeny, miny, moe," he started and he wasn't even looking at the audience as he wiggled his finger. "Catch a tiger by the toe, if he hollers, let him go, eeny meeny, miny," he paused for dramatic effect before he finally said, "moe!" again.

The crowd settled down with a murmur of anticipation and looked amongst one another to see who was chosen.

His finger was pointed directly at you.

The spotlight was on you.

You could feel a prickling sensation creep up on your neck and your blood ran cold.

"Me?" you mouthed the words but you weren't sure if they even came out.

You pointed to your chest, eyebrows raised and shook your head, politely declining with a wave of your hand.

The magician shook his head with a laugh. "Don't be shy now! Come on down!"

You could hear some of the audience offer words of encouragement while others simply applauded.

This was not a good idea after all.

You didn't want to be in the spotlight. That was the last thing you needed. Oh god. You were going to be sick.

"Okay, fine," you said nervously, standing up from your chair. You walked over, trembling all over despite yourself. He offered his hand to help you onto the stage. He laced his fingers through yours and guided you to the steps leading to the platform.

"Isn't she lovely, everyone?" the magician asked with a grin and the audience once again, which earned a creeping blush up your cheeks.

Suddenly, you felt a hand on your arm and you were suddenly yanked closer.

"I gotta say, doll, you look gorgeous in this little Alice getup, it suits you perfectly. Boy, would I have fun fucking you senseless in that."

A series of violet shivers coursed through your veins.

This was Jerome. That vile little smirk was spread across his face and his signature dark chuckle poured from his mouth right next to your ear. You couldn't believe it. How did he... ? And the blonde must be none other than Barbara Kean.

"Jer-" you started.

"Spoil the surprise and I might have to cut you in half for real," Jerome threatened. "Or I can save that for the doc, but not without humiliating you first."

"You sick motherfu-"

"Shut that pretty mouth of yours, doll, we got a show to perform," Jerome said, his eyes flaring in the light.

"Please don't do this," you pleaded, even though you knew it was in vain.

"I have big plans tonight, so you just hold your horses, doll," Jerome winked at you.

"Just don't hurt her, please," you begged, but Jerome was already done talking.

You looked back at the crowd and they didn't seem to notice how frightened you were. They probably just assumed that it was stage fright and Jerome was calming your nerves. You were fucked.

The stage was empty except for the large box that was placed on a table. The box that you would be entrapped in. Jerome positioned you directly underneath, moving your hands to rest on the sides of the wooden frame and then locked it in place. You wondered again what foolishness had brought you to this moment. Jerome and Barbara placed these black thin boards in as well, one was above your neck and the other at the end of the box. Your heart was thumping rapidly against your ribcage and you couldn't help but wonder if Jerome would really kill you on stage like this, with you being sliced in half for real. You wouldn't put it pass him. It was always like him to make a spectacle of things. If you did die here, it was because you were a fool thinking today would be a fun, easygoing night. You glanced back at the crowd and you could see Alfred and Leslie standing next to each other, whispering.

You looked up and then you saw Jerome holding two very large blades. He banged them together, creating a ringing sound to echo on the walls. You exhaled deep, but it did nothing to calm your anxiety. This was bad, really bad, so so bad. You were going to die for real. You knew it.

"Don't worry, this isn't going to hurt, not a bit," Jerome said, trying to reassure you, but you didn't believe him. He made some corny joke and everyone seemed to laugh on cue. He was loving this attention, the sick bastard.

Jerome inserted both blades into the box and you heard a rush of air from the audience's collectively letting out a held breath echoed through the auditorium. The box was cut open as well as the table you were on, with a resounding thud that splintered wood. Barbara rolled out the other side of the table and presented it to the audience, proving to them that the magic trick was a success.

The cheers of the audience was deafening and they gave him a standing ovation. You were alive. You were okay. You didn't expect that outcome. But at the same time, you knew you weren't safe. No one was. Not with this maniac in the building.

"Give em a wave," Jerome leaned down and said.

With a shaky hand, you waved to the crowd and so did Jerome as he laughed.

Barbara pushed the other side of the box that had your 'legs' in it back to the one with your upper half. You stood up from the box, fixing your blue dress. You tried to put on a fake smile and failed halfway through. You didn't have it in you to pretend when you knew that havoc was about to abrupt any second. You wanted to tell Leslie, but then he threatened that if you 'spoiled the surprise', he would hurt her. You didn't know what to do. You didn't hear Jerome's stupid pun of a joke because your heartbeat was booming in your ears.

Barbara led you back to the table you were seated at and the way there you worried that your legs would fail you from how much they were trembling. Barbara blew you a kiss before she skipped away. There was a scowl on your face and the older ladies turned to look at you with confused stares. You didn't say anything to them. You were trying to figure out what you were going to do. You couldn't just stand by and let something like this happen, again, could you? What did that say about you?

"For my next illusion, I'd like to call to the stage, the Deputy Mayor Harrison Kane!" Jerome announced smiling.

Barbara guided Harrison Kane to the stage and he waved to the crowd as they cheered. Then she rolled out a long table onto the stage, a sheet covering it. She removed the sheet, revealing several knives underneath it. She spun the sheet in her hand and in doing so, she almost fell over, but not quite, though her masquerade mask dropped to the ground. Barbara winked, and it was at someone in particular, but you didn't catch who it was.

You had to find Leslie. You couldn't let this go on anymore.

You stood up from your chair and ran off in search of Leslie. You didn't see her standing next to Alfred anymore. Where was she? You needed to find her, now. You didn't have much time. You needed to warn her.

"By the way, nobody here is getting out alive."

You halted, completely frozen for a moment as Jerome said those words. Your mouth opened wide with terror. There was a lump in your throat and you were choked up. The crowd responded in laughter. They thought he was joking. No, you had to keep moving. You had to find Leslie. You still had time.

But then you heard it. The sound of a blade penetrating Harrison's chest. It was too late. Jerome killed the Deputy Mayor.

The audience collectively gasped in shock and horror as the man fell to the ground. They were questioning amongst one another, wondering if it was real. But when Jerome and Barbara cackled together and the waiters pulled out guns, shooting the chandeliers, their questions were answered.

You couldn't let the sounds of the guns going off and the blood-curdling screams of everyone around you deter you from finding Leslie. Guns were fired in aimless directions and everyone cried as they ran away from the complete and utter chaos. Jerome's booming laughter echoed loud in your ears, bringing tears to your eyes. You continued through the auditorium in a desperate frenzy, still no sight of her.

There was one place you didn't look. It was behind the curtains. You were able to sneak through them and no one seemed to notice. You looked around but all you saw were props and more props, or that's what they appeared to be. But then you were forced to stop in your tracks when you heard a sudden loud hissing sound. You started coughing and your eyes watered. You glanced about the room and you saw smoke all around you. You covered your mouth with a hand and tried to escape the room, but it was too late. It was knockout gas. You fell to the ground and your eyes started to drift shut despite yourself. Your wig came off from the sudden crash.

You vaguely heard footsteps approach your curled up body.

"Now, what did I tell you about spoiling the surprise? I needed you on your best behavior and of course, you had to misbehave," Jerome made a clicking sound with his tongue, shaking his head in disappointment. He caressed your cheek with his fingers as he stared down at you with a twisted grin. "You're just gonna have to trust me on this one, doll. This is for your own good. Well, gotta go, the VIP is waiting for me!"