Author's Note: I am going to begin to put portions of Lynda's and Crane's pasts in the beginning of each chapter which will be shown through italics. Things are getting heated here (and not in the good way). Thank you and please continue reviewing, following, etc. Everytime I get a message Scarecrow laughs maniacally in my head. :D
*God help the outcasts…*
The little girl sighed as she leaned against the red brick of Sunnydale Middle School. Across the cheery playground with the yellow plastic swings and enticing cherry red slides girls and boys played with cartoon-like grins on their faces. Looking away from the girls whispering about their crushes and boys playing basketball on the black asphalt, she once again turned her eyes to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hearing about the deformed man wanting acceptance reminded her of what she had wanted, yet like him never really succeeded. Absorbed in the tale, she did not see the girl's heads turning toward her in laughter. Walking in a pack the lead girl with long black hair and neatly pressed clothes stomped her shined, black shoes against Lynda's bruised legs.
"Oh, sorry I thought I was stepping on dirt!" the girl laughed, urging laughter toward the neatly dressed girls behind her. Lynda continued to look at the book in her lap attempting not to cry. Her foster care provider told her to ignore it, they would get bored and leave her alone. Yet it still continued every day and the tears continued to fall.
Snatching the book from Lynda's lanky arms, the leader glanced at the books cover and sneered, "That thing looks just like you." Her polished hands tore at the pages, every sickening rip tearing at Lynda's heart as her face began to redden and tears began to form. Looking at her cheap, grass stained tennis shoes, Lynda ran to the school's glass doors and quickly ran to the bathroom, and leaned against one of the blue stalls. Across from her, a mirror showed her true form. Her blonde hair was limp and wet from tears, her eyes red and watery, her clothes had grass stains and dirt stuck on them. Bearing it no longer, she went inside the stall and cried, hating that she was not strong enough to hide her emotional scars.
* Back to the asylum*
"Why, hello little piggies! Oh, my flesh is itching with excitement!" Zsaz squealed in delight as he began to tread his callused fingers across his marked flesh. Watching the man in the high security psychotherapy room the kids stared at him in curious terror. Crane gave a slight smile as he noticed Lynda's hands slightly tremor. "Little pigs, little pigs, let me give you my gift. Let me feel my knife cut into you're flesh!" Zsaz struggled against his chained body in elation and he was practically foaming at the mouth seeing all the unmarred, living flesh.
"Zsaz, I ask you to not talk with the children so, we need to continue our session. We have been making very little progress…" Dr. Mallory stated sitting across the monster in a business- like manner.
"PROGRESS!" Zsaz seethed, his hands rubbing his scarred arms in morbid reverence, "I HAVE NOT GIVEN MY GIFT TO ANYONE FOR A WEEK! I NEED TO GIVE THE GIFT!" Zsaz slammed his large fists against the sterile, metal table separating him from the therapy pig, causing the students to jump back in horror. His mind overwhelmed with excitement, Crane's eyes darkened as he snaked his hand to the small of Lynda's back and scratched it slightly,relishing as Lynda jumped in surprise. Quickly placing his hands behind his back, he calmed the rush of adrenaline coursing through him.
What? I was just going to mark her before that freak did! Scarecrow whooped inside Jonathan's head.
That was highly inappropriate! Crane scolded clenching his fists in exasperation. He could hear raspy laughter scratching inside his head.
Oh you know you liked it…
"Patient 567019, known as Victor Zsaz, is know as a sociopath with very antisocial tendencies. He is known to make marks for every person he has killed, he has been estimated to have over 400 marks from his "liberations". This erratic behavior is thought to be caused from his parent's deaths and losing his money through gambling with the notorious patient 178059 the Penguin." Crane's dull, monotonous tone causing Lynda to glare rigidly at him.
"Don't try to break me up into a deranged ZOMBIE! I have a higher purpose ordained by the gods! All these zombies lives are meaningless, repetitive wastes! Only through me can they find redemption! ME!" Zsaz wailed asDr. Mallory called for the guards, "I NEED TO KILL!" he shrieked as the guards inserted a needle into his neck. Attempting to bite the guards, his dark eyes slowly glazed over and a serene relief filled the room.
Dr. Mallory faced the students, her face a rigid mask as she stated with a slight tremor in her voice, "This is not a job for the weak hearted. Zsaz has killed many of his former therapist and I have to live with the worry he may come after me next. This is not a game, if you are not strong enough you will die." With a click of her black heels she quickly exited the cell, leaving the college dreamers abashed and Crane smiling.
"Having second thoughts?" Crane whispered into Lynda's ear in amusement. Lynda crossed her arms defiantly and did not reply. taking it as a yes, Crane looked up thoughtfully at the crowd and asked with a twinge of joy in his voice, "What Dr. Mallory stated is true, this is not for the faint hearted, many people get injured here everyday. Zsaz has killed one of our psychotherapist and many of the security guards and many others would slaughter us like pigs if they could," watching the pale faces of females removing sweat off their foreheads and the jocks looking pale and ill he added a hint of elation to his voice as he looked at his wristwatch, "Oh, I believe it is time for lunch. I suppose the next stop will be the cafeteria." Going toward the front he allowed all the students to pass, except for Lynda who he pushed to the side.
"You just enjoy scaring people don't you?" Lynda demanded bluntly her face growing red in anger.
Apparently I have the same affect on her that she has of me...interesting
"Whatever do you mean by that? There are many precautions to consider when dealing with this profession, I am merely addressing them." Tilting his head in slight confusion he was inwardly delighted at this display.
This piggy is squirming on the inside Johnny!
Eyes darkening, Lynda choked back her emotions. He was such a pompous ass! "When did the crazy work at the nut house?" She gave him a mimic of his cold smile as he glowered at her response. "Why do you mess with me anyway? You know they might start talking. The headlines will read Pompous Psychiatrist Love a Poor College Girl." With a fake laugh she twirled on her heels and began walking toward the door and motioned him to follow her, "Come now, we don't want to be late for lunch do we Dr. Crane?"