Yay! Another chapter! I want you to undertaand that once my winter break is over I won't be able to write them up so quickly. Just a heads up! And you guys are still super fucking amazing! Over 200 views! Yeah wow! That feels like a lot to me. Let me have my moment. Anyways another huge thank you to my new follower(this feels cultish) Animefan3250! Whoo! *insert applause*
This chapter isn't about her meeting her dad so 'family meeting' might not mean what you think it means. For those who are wondering why Dahlia's personality flips, it's because she is insane. Yeah the voice is gone but only because she is finally whole. Her brain is no longer split into two persons.
I don't want to be the author who writes a crap ton of shit up here, but I got Arkham City custom design Converse! Yay! It was my X-mas Present! Read on!
Chapter Five: Family Meeting
The "outfit" that Riddler had dressed Dahlia in was the standard prison clothing. She wore orange pants that she tucked into her boots. Her shirt was a black wife-beater. It was all slightly too big, so she cinched her belt tight and pinned the back of her shirt. Her slightly muscled frame, green hair and crocodile eyes suited the outfit well. She adjusted her makeup and put her hair into a high ponytail. Dahlia walked downstairs to meet Riddler, who was ordering henchmen around.
"Well, that took you long enough," said Riddler to Dahlia.
"The clothes were too big, so I had to find a safety pin," hurriedly explained Dahlia. She moved to his side, and Riddler ordered the men to start getting a move on. They walked through Arkham City being bothered by only a couple of criminals. They were quickly discarded by the men carrying guns.
"Why do we have to visit Joker? And why do I have to go?" timidly asked Dahlia. Riddler looked at her briefly and sighed dramatically.
"Are you going to pester me with questions the entire way?"
"But... I only asked two questions..."
"That's two too many."
No one spoke again until they reached Jokers place. The doors opened for them, and several henchmen walked up to take their weapons and escort them to Joker. Some of the men came forward to frisk Dahlia with perverted smiles on their faces. It was obvious to say Dahlia didn't appreciate it.
"Come any closer, and you'll lose more than your fingers," threatened Dahlia in a sweet voice that made it pretty fucking intimidating. Riddler smiled lightly at her threat knowing she had just scared the fuck out of the men. A henchmen who seemed a little more intelligent than the others came forward.
"Joker is waiting for you. Let's go." said the henchmen. They followed him into a room where the Joker sat on a chair in front of a vanity. He laughed maniacally and jumped off his seat. He skipped to Riddler and slapped him on the back like they were old friends. He lead Riddler to a room where there were two couches facing eachother. Harley sat on one and no one else was in the room. Dahlia followed behind the Riddler and Joker and stood near the entry way of the room.
"Oh come on! Riddles don't look so serious! Sit down! Have a laugh, or two! Haha!" Joker laughed at a joke no one else could get. Harley sat up and beamed at Joker then snuggled against him on the couch. Joker roughly pushed her off, so she walked around the couch and leaned forward against the back to watch Riddler.
Dahlia stood there by the door staring at Harley. She isn't into women, but she couldn't stop admiring how beautiful Harley was.
"Joker, I'm here to make a deal with you not to tell jokes. Now, I'm here to talk to you about her," pointing at Dahlia, who was still in awe of Harley," that is Dahlia."
"Why would I care about a little girl? Who cares if she has a rockin' bod'!" said Joker. His comment about Dahlia filled Harley with jealousy.
"That girl is Crocs rape child. He has no idea she exists. Dahlia come here. Dahlia?" he looked over to see her engaged in something she was staring at."
Dahlia!" Dahlia snapped out of it and looked to see Riddler staring angrily at her, and Joker smiling giddily.
"I'm sorry. Did you want something?" asked Dahlia moving closer to Riddler.
"What the fuck were you doing?" asked Riddler. Dahlia blushed.
"Oh! I- I umm..."
"Just fucking spit it out!" yelled Riddler who was losing his patience.
"I was staring at Harley!" threw out Dahlia. Everyone was looking at her with confused expressions. "I never thought she was that pretty, and she looks like a model. I was just- She is really tall," explained Dahlia in an apologetic tone. Harley lost her jealousy and noticed how young and innocent the girl was.
"So, how old are ya, anyways?" asked Harley in her high cheerful voice.
"Seventeen..." replied Dahlia. Harley swung around to look at Riddler with an accusing stare.
"Riddler that's pedophilia. How could you?" said Harley running to Dahlia and pulling the girl against her. Because of the height difference, Dahlias face was smashed into Harley's cleavage.
"Harley, you're smothering the kid," pointed out the Joker. Harley loosened her grip and took her to sit on the couch by Joker. Dahlia wasn't scared even though she was sitting between Joker and Harley. She was close enough that her shoulder brushed against his sleeves.
"So what did ya want anyway Riddles? Besides introducing us! Hahaha!" questioned Joker. Riddler looked almost nervous, then his face went blank.
"Like I already said Joker, I want to make a deal. I have information and equipment you need... In return, you have to babysit the kid when I have stuff to do." said Riddler. Joker laughed madly at the proposal.
"Sounds like a good deal of fun! But I don't know if I could protect her 24/7! Does she do tricks at least?" said Joker.
"I'm right here, you asshats,"said Dahlia annoyed she wasn't in on her own imprisonment.
"Alright dear, so do you have any specials qualities?" questioned Joker gettin closer to her."You have his eyes, and your hair is the same color as his scales."
"That's not the only thing me and daddy have in common..." replied Dahlia in a dark tone. Her boldness made Joker and Harley crack up.
"Well, you are just a hoot!" laughed Joker. "Don't worry, Riddler. Little Dahlia will be taken care of! Now about the stuff I get?"
"Give me some of your men to go get the merchandise from a warehouse. It'll only take a couple of hours" said Riddler. Joker got up to leave and Riddler followed behind him leaving Dahlia alone in the arms of Harley. Dahlia looked up to see Harley staring at her lovingly, but in a demented way.
"Did you know my dad?" suddenly asked Harley. "Riddler won't tell me anything about him. Do you... think he'll like me?" Dahlia had a sad look in her eyes. Harley instantly knew this girl loved her father.
"Aww. Sweety, He's gonna love you more than I love my Mista J!"
"Thanks Harley!" Dahlia hugged her tight and Harley hugged her back in an equally strong grip.
"Harley... who is that?" said a new voice. Harley instantly recognized it as Ivy, and she leapt off the couch sprinting to tackle her friend. Dahlia sat staring at Ivy. Yeah Harley was pretty, but the deep green and fiery red was absolutely beautiful. She was proud she had pine green hair when she saw Ivy.
"This is-" started Harley.
"Crocs daughter?" interrupted Ivy. Harley looked at Ivy in shock.
"How'd ya know, Red?" asked Harley.
"She shares quite a few of his traits. Croc never told me he had a daughter." said Ivy.
"He doesn't know about me. Riddler kidnapped me to be a part of his plan, but he promised I would get to meet him," blurted Dahlia. Ivy looked at her angrily, causing her to shrink back. Harley ran over to hDahlia and cuddled her.
"Red! You're scarin' the poor girl! She ain't even eighteen," said Harley then resumed trying to soothe Dahlia. Ivy sighed, then walked over and sat next to Dahlia.
"Sweetheart, I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at the Riddler. I don't trust men. The only one I ever came close to trusting was Croc. Riddler will use you, and your father will kill him for it. Croc is gonna get a tummy ache from eating a stick like Riddler," said Ivy causing the girl to laugh at her little joke.
"Probably, but what do you mean by 'a stick like Riddler'?" asked Dahlia.
"Riddler is skin and bones. He isn't muscular and has very little fat on him," explained Ivy.
"Riddler is really muscular though. He isn't big and buff, but he has a lot of muscle," said a confused Dahlia. Ivy and Harley perked up at her statement.
"What do you mean he has a lot of muscle? How would you know what his body is like?" asked a worried looking Ivy. Harley sat there looking horrified. Dahlia was freaked out by their reactions."Sweetheart,...did... he touch you... sexually?"
"What do you mean? He hit me for ruining his suit once. Today he was being all weird though..."
"No sweetheart, I mean, did he touch you in an innappropriate place?" Dahlia thought of earlier that day when he pushed against her in his room.
"Well... today I accidently spilled water on us and I went into his room to get his wet clothes. When I went in he was only wearing underwear. Then he pushed me up against the wall, and he was pressed against me. It was weird," said Dahlia. Harley started telling Dahlia that 'it was okay' and 'it wasn't her fault'.
"I don't understand..." Dahlia was completely confused.
"Dahlia, he was grinding against you. That is something a person does to someone that they plan on having intercourse with. It is very serious. If he does it again just hit him between the legs and come to me or Harley, okay?" said Ivy.
"Why do you hit guys between the legs?" asked Dahlia shyly.
"Don't worry sweety. Me and Harley will explain this all to you." Ivy and Harley started to explain the basics. They never went in depth on anything. They weren't very embarrassed by the conversation, but Dahlia couldn't stop blushing or hiding her face in Harley's shoulder. When they were done, they walked around the facility. Dahlia memorized all the areas.
"Now what are you ladies doing in here?" They turned around to the Joker. Harley ran up to him and grabbed his arm. "Now, Dahlia come on. I have some business with my new pet, Ivy." Ivy huffed angrily and left. Joker held his hand out to Dahlia, but she just stared at it. "I want you to take my hand sweets. I'm not gonna hit ya, unless you don't grab it soon..." Dahlia took his hand and he dragged her back to the room with the couches. He picked her up and plopped her down in the center of the couch. Harley and Joker sat on both sides of her.
"Is your father truly Killer Croc?" asked Joker with a humourous yet curious tone.
"Yeah. We are too similar not to be related," replied Dahlia.
"Well, all you have is his eyes. What else do you have in common?"
"My hair is naturally this green. I have enhanced abilities. My skin-"
"Yes, why is your skin human?"
"I-I can switch it. Like a cameleon, but without the colors. It only has two settings."
"Hahaha! How about that? Would the minicroc care to demonstrate?" Dahlia could feel the scales almost always under her skin, like they were waiting to pop out. She stood up and let them slink out of her skin. Each scale overlapped tightly so you couldn't get underneath. Her ears became holes in the side of her head. Her nose came closer to her face, and her fingers elongated into claws. Her legs stretched and became more animal like. A tail would usually extend from her lower back, but she held it in along with the spikes that sprouted around her body. She let them sink back in, transitioning to her human appearance.
"Aww! Puddin', wasn't she just a sight?" beamed Harley.
"So you have the abilities and look of your dad, but do you know how to have fun like him?" asked Joker with a crazed look in his eyes. Dahlia thought about how she had killed that henchmen, and how she had been prepared to kill the other henchmen earlier today.
"If you mean how delectable it is to slice open peoples tummies then I know how to have fun. In fact, I really love having fun," answered Dahlia with a crazed smile. Joker enjoyed how she looked innocent, but, at the same time, like a fucking psycho.
"Do you have any godparents my dear?" asked Joker out of the blue. Dahlia shook her head no. "Me and Harles here would love to be your Godparents! We are already going to take care of you!" Dahlia was shocked into silence. She had always wanted relatives. This was her chance to have some.
"Well, I do really want Godparents, and you've been super supportive of me..."
"Then it's settled! Come on, Harley! Let's have a little celebration!" Joker yelled for some henchmen to bring them something they could use to celebrate.
"What is it?" asked Dahlia. This substance in her glass smelled like alcohol, but Harley kept calling it 'Fun Time Juice'.
"Just drink it already," ordered Harley. Harley was excited to teach her Goddaughter about the world they lived in. Joker had to leave earlier to help with Riddler and the henchmen. She busted up laughing as Dahlia's face scrunched up when she tasted the tequila."How was it?"
"It has a bad flavor, but it feels kinda nice," replied Dahlia. She drank another when Harley shoved it into her hand. Harley had three and said she was done.
"Here drink another," said Harley handing Dahlia her sixth shot. Dahlia was starting to feel the effects.
"My head feels cloudy, yet it feels like I'm swimming," said Dahlia. Harley busted up laughing pouring another shot for Dahlia and one for herself. Within minutes the bottle was finished, and the girls sat giggling uncontrollably on the couch. Harley laughed whenever Dahlia tried to stand. Dahlia was shitfaced, but Harley was just past buzzed.
"So where is Dahlia?" asked Riddler in the distance. Him and Joker were returning from the storage area.
"I left her with Harley in here to celebrate us being her Godparents! You can celebrate too!" The two men stopped when they saw the girls on the floor laughing and weakly pushing each other. Joker went to the coffee table and picked up the bottle. He handed the empty bottle to Riddler. "That was 3/4 full when I had left!"
"Shit! Dahlia are you drunk?!" yelled Riddler. Dahlia and Harley stopped laughing and looked up at the men. Then they busted up laughing again.
"She isn't just drunk... She is fucking hammered!" Harley couldn't contain her laughter and spoke in between breaths. Dahlia stood wobbly and started to fall when Riddler caught her. He picked her up bridal style, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"It's like floating... I am tired Riddler. I am just gone close my eyes a bit..." Dahlia passed out with her face in the crook of his neck.
"I heard what you did Riddler! Hahah! Grinding against girls who don't even know what sex is. Plus, she is under 18. Naughty, naughty... Hahaha!" scorned Harley. Riddler scoffed and turned to leave when he saw Joker fuming.
"You were being inappropriate with my goddaughter! Don't let me here about that again or I will personally torture you! Anyway, have a nice day! Make sure she drinks lots of water or your gonna have fun dealing with her hangover! Hahaha!" warned Joker. Apparently he did take being a godfather seriously and it freaked the Riddler out. It made Dahlia feel safe around him knowing someone cared about her well-being.
Dahlia awoke with a splitting headache and little memory of the night before. She could clearly remember everything before she started drinking, but then it all went hazy. She went to the bathroom and started her morning routine. She didn't feel like wearing tight clothes, which is all she had in her wardrobe, so she snuck into Riddlers room and grabbed a shirt. She wore simple skinnies and her prison boots. She put her hair back into a high ponytail and went downstairs to cook breakfast.
"Are you finally up?" asked an annoyed sounding Riddler when she passed his office. He walked out of his room in boxers and a dirty, open dress shirt. His hair was messy and cutely tousled like he would do when he was thinking really hard. Dahlia walked closer to him and more memories of last night surfaced. She wouldn't let go of him and he carried her all the way home. She passed out as soon as she hit her bed."Your head must feel like splitting since you passed out before I could get you to drink water."
"Yeah, I know. Sorry have you had breakfast?"
"Yes. I can cook for myself, you know? I didn't always have a maid who stole shirts." He pointed at the shirt she had on. She blushed and walked towards the kitchen.
"Would you be a little more lenient if I made you more coffee and some crescents?"
"Only if the crescents are extra buttery."
"Yes, sir." She ran off to the kitchen and started cooking. When she was done, she took the food to Riddler, who had passed out on his desk. She was about to shake him when an idea struck her. She set the food down and studied him. He never liked it when she stared, so this was her time to get a good look at him.
Riddler had reddish brown hair that was starting to grey. He had thinking lines between his eyebrows and on his forehead. He seemed peaceful at the moment, but he tended to look more stressed than happy. The only time he didn't look stressed was when he had pushed himself against her yesterday.
His hair looks really soft... I don't think he would awaken if I felt it. She lightly touched his hair, and he didn't stir, so she ran her hands gently through his hair. He made a weird noise, but it didn't sound angry, so she continued petting his head. His head moved more into her hand. Then his body tensed.
"What are you doing? Why didn't you wake me?" asked the Riddler still sounding sleepy.
"Edward?..." He looked up sluggishly at the use of his name." You seem really tired. Maybe... you should go take a nap..."
"I don't need to sleep. I need to work." He was starting to become clear headed. His hands started to tug at his hair showing he was feeling stressed. She put her hands on either side of his face, making him look at her as she sank to her knees.
"I'll wake you up later, but you need to sleep. Batman gets sleep, and so does everyone else. If you don't stay at your best someone might notice and take advantage of it. Come on. You can eat your crescents in bed." She tugged lightly at his sleeve, and he stood up and walked towards the stairs. She picked up his plate and followed him to his room. He stripped off his shirt and jumped into his bed. She sat down on the edge of the bed and handed him food. He sat there staring in deep thought while he ate. When he finished the food, she grabbed a glass of water and gave it to him. He drank it in silence. She got closer to him until she was basically on his lap.
"Why are you thinking so hard? You're already getting stress lines. Just lay down and sleep." He turned to her with a confident, sly smile.
"It's hard to fall asleep with no one next to me. Would you mind joining me?" She was more concerned for his health than she cared about him being sexual. She remembered what Ivy and Harley had said so she wasn't as unprepared this time. She started to get into bed when he stopped her. "No jeans and shoes in the bed." She removed her jeans and boots, leaving her in his shirt and black, lace underwear(he only got her 'sexy' underwear).
"Now can I get into bed?" said a slightly annoyed Dahlia. He nodded enthusiastically. She got into the bed and he pulled her face first into his chest. It was hairless, muscular and pale. She lay there admiring his chest and body. He smirked knowing she couldn't help but check him out. She started to trace his light scars with her fingertip, sending shivers of pleasure down his spine.
"Do you like my scars?"
"I've found scars to be beautiful. I used to hate them because of my own, but they are like little reminders. They represent hardships you've survived."
"Oh, so you have scars too? Are they from when you were slicing carrots?" His smile at his own joke, but it faltered when he saw the utter ferocity in her eyes. He could tell it wasn't aimed at him but at someone she saw in her mind."Who are those all those scars from?"
"From mommy dearest."
^'Mommy dearest' is a movie based on the book of the daughter of a very famous actress. The mom was an amazing actress, but she apparently was insane and did horrible things to her children. Yeah really sad, but wanted to point out the reference.