Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Dc Universe
Chapter 14
The human mind. What is it? Really? A void between two worlds that can so easily be broken and bent. Smashed like glass and broken like a heart or a cage, that one would hide away there deepest thoughts and secrets. My mind was where I contained part of myself. Jinx. She called to me, appeared before me. Tempting, teasing, haunting and laughing. The need to let her take over and seek revenge on the Joker grew stronger. It was his fault Bruce dead and his fault I bore the same scar's as him as a reminder of who I was, or so Jinx told me. But I blamed myself, knowing if I had never accepted Joker's help that night I kidnapped Barbie, none of this would have happen. Or maybe, it would have just in a different time, place and most defiantly in a different way. Whether or not I was alive or dead, the world would have eventually found out that Ava McKinley was Jinx.
I was snapped from my thoughts by a hand waving in front of my face.
"Yup she's ok" Grumpy said.
I looked around the room and saw everyone seated either on the floor, sofa on a chair. Surrounding a small television. I was seated in between The Joker and Grumpy, Harley latched onto Joker's arm like a lost puppy. The new came on. My eyes widened as I saw the bodies of the people that were caught in the explosion of the restaurant last night.
Suddenly a familiar face appeared on the screen, hooked up to wires and on an oxygen .He was alive! I glanced at the heart monitor on the screen. He was alive, but barely. I sighed with relief, as though a heavy weight had been taken from my shoulders, I smiled slightly, thankful Bruce was still alive, no matter how he felt towards me now. Knowing he would most likely hate me meant nothing, as long as he was alive.
The Joker saw the small smile on my face, he could tell what I was thinking instantly.
"Well we'll soon change that, Bruce wont be so lucky next time" he thought out-loud.
I pretended not to have heard; despite the fact my heart dropped like a ton of bricks.
Suddenly a reporter appeared on screen and began his New's report.
"At 8:00 pm last night, the le póléa róse restaurant was blown up by The Joker and his new accomplices, the new villain on the scene, Jinx. Witness who survived the explosion and doctors at Arkham have provided us with information on the real identity of Jinx. Ava McKinley daughter of millionaire Christian McKinley, owner of McKinley Enterprise has been confirmed as the masked criminal.
Twice sent to Arkham, Miss McKinley was diagnosed with paranoia and Schizophrenia, it is believed the young woman has multiple personalities. She is armed and very dangerous, we would advise anyone with information on her to come forward.
Lt. Jim Gordon has assured us that she will be caught. As of now Ava McKinley, A.K.A Jinx, is one of Gothams most wanted. There will be a full report on Jinx tonight. Where her friends and family reveal the true story behind this mass murderer. Also-"
With a loud crash, the television screen smashed into a million pieces. I kicked at the screen repeatedly until the smug face of that reporter was gone. My breathing was heavy from the anger I felt at the news media, at my family and so-called friends. At everything! They would pay, they all would pay.
" Boss! She just killed the only TV we have in this joint" Grumpy complained.
I turned to him, my whole body shaking in fury " ., you grumpy ass fool, unless you want one hundred grenades shoved down your throat and all fired off at once followed by a purple rocket up your ass. Shut up! " I yelled.
The Joker laughed at my fury.
"Is this the real side of you were finally seeing Ava? I kind of like it " he taunted
I glared at him with pure hatred.
"Shut up clown" I snapped before storming off to my room.
I grabbed the black trench coat and wiped off your make-up. I decided I would go and buy some paint and let my anger out on your room walls, until the real fun began later when I would get the chance to crash that little report on me and ruin the true story behind this mass murderer. I laughed out loud as I looked at my appearance in the new mirror. No make-up, scars showing, normal .
I marched out of my room, past Joker and the rest.
" Where do you think your going?" The Joker yelled
"Out!" I screamed before slamming the door shut behind me. It swung on its hinges before falling off completely.
I heard The Joker sighed in frustration "Ugh! And people say I'm crazy. Grumpy, Trek, Skid. Fix the door" he ordered.
"Aren't we gonna go after her Puddin?" Harley asked The Joker.
"No, she'll be back" He said with a smirk.
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Meanwhile, I was rushing through the streets of Gotham in search of a paint store.
I found one and stormed in. The shopkeeper looked up at me, she realised who I was and opened her small mouth to scream.
"Don't bother girly. I aint' gonna hurt you, I just want some red and green paint" I snapped
She shakily turned away and grabbed two tins of red and green painted from the shelves behind her before placing them nervously on the counter.
"How much?" I muttered
"Huh? Your not gonna steal them?" She said quietly confused
"Do you want me to steal them?" I hissed
"No! That's $30" She hurried
I slammed the money on the counter and ran out of the shop, paint cans in hand. People stared in horror when they saw me; not all of them realized who I was, a few were just repulsed by the terrible scars. I ignored and carried on as fast as I could, the last thing I needed was the police on my back.
I managed to get back to the warehouse without any problems. To be honest I knew that if anyone tried to stop me they wouldn't be going home with all there limbs in tact. Anger pulsed through my entire body, never before had I felt the need to let Jinx out and show the world how cruel I could really be.
I stormed into the warehouse and snapped at everyone "I'll be in my room"
"What's with the paint cans?" I heard someone mumble.
Slamming my room door shut, I pulled the closet, desk and bed away from the walls. Yanking open the paint cans, I suddenly realised you didn't have a paint brush." Paint brush! I need a paint brush!!!" I screamed crazily, running out of the room.
"Hurry up, Get off your asses and get me a paint brush" I shouted at the Jokers henchmen.
They rushed up and ran around the warehouse looking for a paintbrush. If I hadn't been to angry I would have been surprised they listened to me.
Finally one of them came rushing back and handed me a large paint brush.
"It's about time! Thanks" I snapped loudly before retreating back to my room.
"Is she always like this when she gets mad?" I heard someone ask.
"You haven't seen anything yet!" I shouted back to him.
They heard a loud thud of your room door being shut, and then there was an awkward silence, strangely though The Joker had a smirk on his face.
SPLAT
Green painted covered the first wall of my room, splattering my face. I pressed the brush against the wall and began doing long strokes up and down the wall. When I had finished painting one wall green I proceeded to paint another wall red, then green, then red again. With each wall newly painted my anger slowly fading. Until I felt happy at my work. Pushing the closet against a green wall, with what red paint was left, I painted it completely red. Then painted the desk green. Soon everything except the bed (which had red and green striped sheets on, ironically) was painted green and red.
The floor was a dark green and I was tempted to paint the carpet but that would just be strange even by my standards. So I decided to have some fun with the remaining paint. I walked past everyone who was still sat talking and playing cards, there eyes following me as I stood by the door, covered in paint. I smirk and called "Harley! Harley come quick look!"
She raced over and looked outside " I don't see nothing'" She said but finished with a shock scream as I pushed her roughly outside.
Quickly I placed the two paint cans above the door and opened it pushed the door open with an angry look on her face only to be replaced by a good dose of red and green paint all over her body. She screamed in frustration and lunged for me only to slip on the puddle of paint on the floor. I stepped back and admired my work. I burst into insane laughter as Harley glared at me, her eyes full of hatred.
"You have a little paint on you Harl" I mocked clutching my stomach, which ached from the laughter.
Joker and his henchmen laughed at what I had done. But Harley didn't look so amused.
"MISTA J!!! Look what she did!" She wined
He didn't reply just continued laughing. Pleased with myself, I headed off for a shower.
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I stepped into the steamy shower, I felt calm and yet excited about the fun I would have tonight. My thoughts drifted to the people who had been my closest friends. Lucy. Brittany and Ace. Ace was my best friend; she knew about my time in Arkham and that my mind was a little… off balanced. But she never knew I was Jinx. I wondered how she would have reacted when she found out and what she would say tonight.
"Guess where gonna find out" I thought happily washing my hair, watching the painted go down the drain.
About half an hour later, I stepped out of the shower, I felt completely fine now, no longer wishing to brutally murder and disembowel everything in my sight.
I wrapped a towel around my body and left the bathroom. Across the hall was my room, I entered and walked over to the closet. The room reeked of paint. It made me slightly dizzy.
Giggling I picked out my undergarments and clothes for tonight. I decided upon my half red, half green skinny jeans and a matching halter top and stilettos. After putting the clothes on, I blow dried my hair and straightened it.
About to put the make-up on, I stopped and saw Jinx standing next to me.
" What do you want now?" I snapped
"Look at what he's done to our pretty face" Jinx whispered.
She circled me like a predator stalking its pray.
"I told you....kill him before he kills you." she said referring to the Joker.
"Shut up Jinx....Everything is perfect now I don't need you. I'll never let you out again" I replied calmly.
"Oh but you see, you did let me out again. Want to you knows I escaped that damn mirror?" She asked
I nodded curiously; she laughed slightly and said "It was because you grew weaker Ava, you grew. Feelings for him"
"Who?" I asked confused
"Oh come on Ava isn't it obvious?" She yelled
"Bruce…" I murmured sadly
Jinx laughed manically "No! Not Bruce Joker..."
My heart pounded, she was right. I cared for that murdering clown just as much as I cared for Bruce. I sighed sadly. Or was it happily? I could never tell these days.
"Kill him Ava...he's made you weak. Kill him before he kills you" She whispered into my ear.
" Go away" I hissed
Jinx grinned " as you wish"
And just like that she was gone...for now.
I began applying my makeup and peered at the time on my cell phone. That stupid report about me would be starting soon.
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"Can we go now?" I wined excitedly.
"Feeling better?" The Joker inquired with a grin.
"Yep. Come on!! I want to go see my friends!" I cried jumping up and down.
"Jesus you're like a child" The Joker moaned before walking out of the warehouse with his henchmen, I ran out in front of them.
"Where's Harley?" I let out a cruel laugh
"Washing that paint off" Grumpy snapped
"Ha-ha oops" I muttered innocently
Everyone hopped into the van and off we went, to Gotham news station.
"Joker...." I chimed
He looked at me and snapped "What?"
I smiled sweetly and asked "Pleases if I ask nicely can one of my friends join the team?"
He rose an eyebrow at me "What makes you think anyone of them will want to associate with you now they know about all this?"
I laughed and patted him on the back.
"Let's just say you have never met my best friend Ace"
"Alright…but what do I get in return?" he said evilly
I rolled my eyes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Happy?" I asked innocently.
"No" He said clearly disappointed
I laughed but seeced when the van stopped abruptly throwing me into The Joker.
"Can't keep your hands off me" He teased
I pushed him off and shot him a disgusted look, "gross, don't make me puke"
He pouted before shoving me out of the van.
I pulled a knife out of my pocket and held it tightly as his henchmen threw the doors of the new station open guns blazing. I jumped excitedly as I saw my friends and parents sitting on a sofa talking to that annoying reporter behind a desk. They all turned and stared wide eyes at me and The Joker entering the building together.
" Lucy! Brittany! Ace!" I cried
Ace's face lit up, she jumped up as I ran over to her. I jumped up onto the stage and hugged her tightly.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She cried a great smile on her face.
" Sorry, I just... didn't know how you would react" I said shamefully.
She hugged me tightly again.
Lucy and Brittany watched in shock and disgust.
The camera was pointed at me and Ace hugging. Joker's men picked up Brittany, Lucy and both my parents and held them tightly so they couldn't escape.
"What do you think you are doing?" The reporter yelled standing up from his seat behind his desk.
One of the Joker's masked clowns came up behind him and grabbed him.
"What Mister? I only came to see my family and friends" I teased pouting.
"So...ladies and Gentleman" The Joker said point his gun at each of my friends and parents.
"What is the true story behind my little Jinxy?" he said
None of them answered.
"Lucy. Now you know my secret what do you think of me?"
She looked up at me with fear burning in her eyes. " Lucy, it's me Ava, I'm not gonna hurt you silly" I chimed ruffling her hair.
"Ava… why are you working with The Joker? This isn't you. Please don't hurt us" She pleaded
"Why would I do that?" I asked curious as to why she would think that.
"Because. Because you're like him! You're...your-" She cried
"A freak! Is that it?" I yelled
She looked away from me. I looked at the Joker "You know, it's very hurtful when people wont look at you"
He nodded; his expression was like no-shit-Sherlock. I turned to Brittany " and you?" I snarled
"Ava! you crazy bitch! How could you! I hate you. I can't believe ever hung out with a freak like you" She screamed
I grabbed her neck and held the knife tightly against her throat." Is that what you think? eh? Do ya? That little Ava is crazy? I'll show you fucking' crazy!" I yelled before hitting her and drawing a little blood from her neck with my knife. Brittany screamed in pain, causing a slight giggle to escape my painted lips.
I drew back and step aside as the Joker approached them, licking his lips as usual.
" Well hello ladies"
I turned away, there screams ringing through the building. Ace looked at me with sad eyes, "I'm sorry Ace" I apologized
"Ava, its ok! I don't hate you. In fact I…ugh…wanted to ask you something" he said nervously
"What?" I asked
"Can I join your team? I really missed you Ava, it's been no fun without you and well working with the Joker seems kind of cool" She said
See! that's why Ace is your best friend, she always understood that I had a...strange side shall we say even though she didn't know what or exactly how strange. Even now she wanted to stick by me no matter what and was even willing to join the team. She even WANTED to!
I hugged her happily "Ace, you're the best. Of course you can! Ooh this is gonna be so much fun!"
"Hey boss!" I yelled motioning for the Joker to come over here.
He walked over whilst putting his bloody switchblade away, I put my arm around Ace "Joker, meet Ace, Ace, meet The Joker" I introduced
She gave him a slight wave and said quietly "hey"
"I've got to say Jinxy, you've shocked me. When you said you knew of one of you're… Ugh so called friends who would like to join our team, I didn't think you were serious" he said
"So she can stay with me?" I asked happily
He nodded; Ace and I squealed happily and jumped up and down like school kids again.
" Thank you Thank you!!" I repeated
"Come with me Jinxy" He said grabbing my arm and pulling me over to the stage.
I saw the bodies of Lucy and Brittany lying in a bloodied heap on the sofa, both my parents looked on at me in fear and disgust.
" Are you proud of me now Daddy!?!" I screamed
"Am I good enough now Mother?"
They glared at me and mother spat "You're no daughter of ours"
I sighed and turned watching as The Joker spoke to the camera, which was still filming everything " Awww, see what you people have done. You have upset my little Jinxy. Something must be done about this. So… Were gonna play a little game"
"Were gonna play hide and seek. Batman has one hour to find hostage one, Jinxy's daddy. Hostage two, Jinxy's mummy and finally hostage three, this reporter guy, if Batman doesn't find them within the hour, they ' better Jinxy?" the Joker said
I nodded and stuck my tongue out at the camera, before turning to my parents and shouting " How do ya like me now?!?!"
" See? She's feeling better already!"
The Joker laughed loudly, my laughter followed before the camera stopped filming.
All of Gotham would be watching this within seconds including the Batman.
Let the game begin.