go ahead and HUNT ME, huntress | mascha

[VICTOR ZSASZ]

MY FUTURE LIES BEYOND THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

 

“Look at that! Victor Zsasz is finally good enough for the Huntress.” Cameras had been set up all throughout the building and its perimeter. Luckily much of it had already been provided, whatever this abandoned warehouse once held, the owners wanted to keep it locked down. There was only one entrance and she could be seen just off in the distance, heading directly for it. Zsasz had studied such a woman for many months now, waiting for the day they come hand in hand. Her costume had found its own personal space in his mind and stuck itself there. There was no way it was anyone else. And she even came equipped! It was a shame really, that they wouldn’t be fighting today. He was sure she had spent many hours preparing for him, preparing for a fight that only Victor Zsasz could give her. But that would be too easy, it would make the process so much more boring. She would learn to not underestimate him; to not underestimate anyone. Her career was full of avenging victims of mob attacks or trying to make up for some mishap in the past. But she forgets about the most dangerous ones; the psychopaths. The ones experienced in liberating vigilantes just like her. Zsasz began to lick his lips as the woman got closer; the temptation to end things quickly was so very strong. When you are at such a frail mental state such as himself, it is hard to restrain yourself. Even harder when you haven’t heard the screams of helpless women for so very long. It was a process though, it had to be a process. He has not waited this long for nothing, has not buttered the girl up just to kill her quietly in no more than a few seconds.

Zsasz begins to wonder what she is thinking right now. Whether she has read his files, if she knows this is just the second step? In mere minutes he would know the answer to such a question. When the sheer anger would be displayed across her scarred face. This hadn’t been the first time she’s gone into battle, not the first time she’s been the target of sanity lacking men. And yet it hadn’t taken too much thinking, just some merciless killing; the odd phone call or two. He was overjoyed he didn’t have to take one of her family members hostage. It was just so much work, and the waiting; it killed. He admired the structure as his mental clock ticked. It was a shame he’d have to leave so soon, even an insane man knows to be careful. The GCPD are quick, luckily the only belonging he needs are his knifes and the single handgun he possesses; just in case. He’d come back to it soon enough, just enough time for the police to begin to forget about it. He had a few other places like this, some places even more developed. It made things easy; even Batman can be overwhelmed. His thought process was interrupted by a knock. A simple button unlocked it, but the click didn’t invoke an immediate response. There was a brief pause before the doors smoothly opened and Zsasz’ most desired dinner guest arrives.

“So the almighty Huntress finally has time to visit? Not with the intention of killing me, I hope!” Zsasz locked eyes with the woman in question and smiled, this was going to be quite enjoyable. Would she try and attack through the bullet proof glass? Or would she comply? The chances were fifty fifty. He could only kick back, relax; and watch the show. And what a good show it will be.

TAG: HUNTRESS | WORDS: 617 | OUTFIT: LINK | CREDIT: MERCY OF CAUTION!

[HELENA BERTINELLI]

It's carried in the air, the breeze of early morning. I see the land so fair. My heart opens wide. There's sadness inside. I stand where I am. And forever I'm dreaming of home. I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home.

There had been plenty of weird messages painted on the walls down at the docks. At first Helena had thought that it was the mob that had tried to scare her with these written threats. Perhaps they were so desperate that they saw this as a last resort to get rid of the vigilante who had killed several of them already and didn’t show any sign of stopping. But then something had made Helena start wondering who was really behind the notes on the walls. She had seen two mobsters talking about one of the written threats and obviously wondering who had written it. Of course she had killed them anyway, but it meant that someone else was behind. Having finally figured out that it was a lunatic who had written these messages, Helena decided that it was time to stop it. So far it had of course been annoying not to know what or who was behind and especially with these bloody threats. But nothing that Helena had wanted to deal with. She had so far figured that if she just ignored it, whoever had written it would eventually stop and find someone else to bother. But that wasn’t the case. So when Helena finally decided to confront the writer of these threats, she was ready for anything. Helena entered the building with a hand on one of her pistols that were ready in her belt. As soon as the door opened and Helena stepped inside, she drew her pistol and pointed it at Victor. Yes she had noticed that he was behind a huge pane of glass and he would have been a fool if he hadn’t made sure it was bulletproof. But Helena still didn’t lower her weapon. Just because he had managed to get her here didn’t mean he would get her to submit to his every wish. She was here for answers and once she had gotten those she would leave him to rot in his own insanity. “Cut the dramatic intro!” She said in a strict tone. “Obviously you want something from me… Start talking before I decide to leave you to yourself again!”

PB: ODETTE YUSTMAN . PLAYER: MASCHA . TIMEZONE: GTM+1 . BEE AT CAUTION .

[VICTOR ZSASZ]

MY FUTURE LIES BEYOND THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

 

“Start talking before I decide to leave you to yourself again!” Such an ambiguous statement was one of many that truly made this night special. Zsasz thought the woman would have learned the proper etiquette by now. You do what the petty little psychopaths say and you might just exit without the thick blood on your hands. Whether it’s yours or some helpless little girl, it’s really all up to you. Isn’t it? If only you had your knife ready to slice; if only you had known. Because then, bringing out a shiny little handgun would have stolen a life. Then she would’ve learned her lesson. Victor Zsasz continuing to find ways to liberate; through random acts of murder and a few halved necks. Fortunately for him? He had been used to such lack of patience. Even Batman had attempted to rush him once or twice. But knowing the so called vigilante, there was no doubt he had scheduled more than a few appointments. Anyone who had been in the same room with Victor knew he didn’t give exceptions easily, but at least he was fighting more than just brainless brawn. No, he was protecting Gotham. He was saving thousands of people while measly little Huntress maybe saves a few. Who cares about the odd person who didn’t pay their drug money or got on the bad side of a particular gang? They were going to die anyway, all little Miss Serious is doing? Is delaying their fate.

Why so quick? He had many topics available, really. First they’d discuss their relationship, then the present crime scene in Gotham and maybe even touch on the upcoming Heart themed celebratory meet. Of course, he hadn’t ever considered her taking this long to give in. He may have to take a few things out, but he’d have to clear her schedule first. The first step was not letting her leave early, that would just be too rude. All it took was one simple button for the padlocks on the single entrance to click and that one button to ensure his plans weren't unnecessarily cleared. “Is my delightfully delusional Huntress on a busy schedule? I only ask that you equip yourself with a low level of patience, I’ve even provided you with a padlocked door to assure your obedience. I do wonder if you have yet come to the realization that it is your only exit to the real world.”

The real world; ha! As soon as it came out the twisted mouth of Zsasz, he realized how odd it sounded. Of course, he had never been quite normal since that little accident. It may have been easier for someone with a commitment to absolutely nothing but living. The things he had seen through his terrorized pupils, it made Gotham almost impossible to view as real. It was no better than a dream, and it may have been, with the lies of magic and spirit. He began to wonder what Gotham was like for the woman some could say he was holding hostage. Never had he graced the same technological prowess as Mr. Nigma but it had been obvious she was no more of a liar than her vigilante counterparts. The reminder only made this more entertaining, and added only more topic to the daily agenda. This was to be a fun conversation, he’d make sure of it. “But before the first topic of conversation is brought up in a way only Victor Zsasz could supply; I shall need to prove just how easy it would be to kill, if you don’t comply.”

He had many options for just the perfect amount of fear. Large supply of gas supplied in the ceiling; a controllable grenade slot; and knives ready to fly out from a dozen gaps in the walls, all aimed at the entrance. Everything controlled by a multitude of buttons. In a city like Gotham, finding heavier equipment would not have taken too much of a search. But when you’re looking simply for fear, you do not wish for any more. A single button is pressed without hesitation and a single throwing knife whizzes just over the victims head. He had never been quite worried about direct impact. Even if it connected with the side of her delicate little skull, it would leave a considerable scar and maybe even a miniscule amount of bone damage, but death would have been the farthest possible. He let out a small cackle as the direct emotion of fear spreads across face, all in one rapid motion. He had never seen knowledge fill a persons mind so quick! “Do you find yourself liberated enough for obedience? After the beautiful little scar that shiny blade could’ve made, you indeed owe me. Have you at least come to that revelation yet? I do remember that fear is quite a traumatic experience, the clock is ticking my carnivorous friend.”

There was not any harm in letting her have a breather, there was still much to go; he didn’t want her losing energy that quickly. It gave him time to observe his subject. His career was not based on liberating others, but himself too. When you have such a formidable foe in your clutches, it is quite entertaining to watch how they react with the unforgiving feeling of fear. His eyes run up and down her muscular figure, had she truly thought muscles made her better than any insane man? Once upon a time she would learn, and he could not wait for that date. Living in the future was not safe for a man with a known vigilante in his presence, their first interaction had not even concluded yet. And it wouldn’t for as long as he needed.

TAG: HUNTRESS | WORDS: 976 | OUTFIT: LINK | CREDIT: MERCY OF CAUTION!

[HELENA BERTINELLI]

It's carried in the air, the breeze of early morning. I see the land so fair. My heart opens wide. There's sadness inside. I stand where I am. And forever I'm dreaming of home. I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home.

It wasn’t exactly because Helena had thought of coming here a good idea. It wasn’t even a fairly OK idea. It was a terrible idea but something that had to be done. Obviously the notes had kept coming and until resolved it seemed that nothing new would happen in this case. That didn’t mean that Helena hadn’t come unprepared though. Aside from her usual assortment of side arms, she had made sure to carry a spare knife concealed by her cape. As she entered the big room she kept her pistol aimed at the man standing behind the bulletproof glass. She had just told him to start talking when she heard the door behind her lock. She knew the sound well so she had no reason to turn to look. In fact she was happy that she didn’t. It would have looked too much like she was unsure of the situation if she didn’t keep up her aim and focus on the little psychopath who thought he was running this show. “You may lock the door… But that doesn’t really persuade me to talk to you” She said in a strict tone as she kept her aim at the face behind the window. She resisted an urge to put a few bullets into the glass. The freak would probably just find that amusing. Helena hadn’t noticed the small holes in the walls until a knife flung towards her. Helena ducked down just before it reached her and heard it hit the wall behind her. She took a quick look around and decided that the door might not be the best place to stand idle. “Well Victor…” She said as she looked back at Victor still with her pistol raised and ready to fire. “You seem to forget that you won’t get much talk out of me if you kill me…” Helena stood silently for a moment thereafter and simply kept looking at the man through the sights of her pistol. Then finally she lowered her weapon and turned her face to look at the closed door. “Here is the deal, Victor!” She said in a determined and calm voice. “I am not going to talk to you as a prisoner… So unlock the door and open it and I’ll give you all the time and attention that you require tonight. Fair?”

PB: ODETTE YUSTMAN . PLAYER: MASCHA . TIMEZONE: GTM+1 . BEE AT CAUTION .

[VICTOR ZSASZ]

MY FUTURE LIES BEYOND THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

 

“Does the Huntress really want to play fair? Here I thought you were a little tougher than your good friend Batman.” Zsasz spat out that last word in as much pure disgust as he could muster. He had read the many articles from the stunning Vicki Vale; it even proved to be quite an efficient form of entertainment late at night. Nobody quite knew what was going on with such a mysterious figure. She didn’t seem to fit the praising words of the press as fear subtly consumed her. It made her look less like a savior of the streets and more like one of those little girls he’s caged. The only that’s behind the unprotecting costume is a scared little girl. Possibly more evolved or developed; but Victor can still find it deeper than the eye can see. Deeper than a camera lens or the pupils of Gotham. Meaning the pupils belonging to the businessmen and journalists. Even the mobs couldn’t see through her smoke and mirrors. How many had she sweeped away already? Zsasz was never quite sure to be impressed or disgusted at the type of calling themselves mobs nowadays. Letting themselves die at the hands at a glorified female? Pathetic. He could only imagine the frustrations of running one of them. Were their expectations truly that low? Or were there really not that many options? Could be either one.

But the question not even the lowest of reports can’t help asking; what is her problem with the Batman? Neither could even be caught for questioning and even if they were, there’d be an extremely low chance anything would come out. He had always associated the woman in front of him to be tougher; harder than the Bat. Without so deep of a moral code, willing to kill to save lives. Yet here she was, pleading to play under what she considered “fair” terms. If she was the one they talked about in the papers, the one they couldn’t stop trying to photograph? She would have already brought him to the GCPD. Batman would have already been on the way to the next destination on his schedule. But what he wouldn’t do was ask for fair play, ask for an escape. There had been many things to learn about dealing with such a delicate enemy. One more tally slashed right over his shoulder blade would fill any holes in his education. Possibly a delayed reaction could have done more good than he had previously predicted. Now more work would be needed; another portion of his very valuable time filled. He’d have to track her down again, which could be a piece of cake or near impossible. Or look through his little black book and find a particularly similar looking woman. There was not too much unique about her figure; muscular enough to take down mobs single handedly and certainly possessing some sort of attractiveness. Any vigilante of the opposite sex seem to be that way. Just seems to be the way of life in and around the criminal scene. Bigger breasts, dark hair, more than a little intellect; Zsasz could go on. He may have had even felt his heart swoon as that knife swooshed over her head, if he hadn’t this long to even get her within his tentative grasp. Yes, that seemed to put a stop in things. Before he could even let another sentence or two pour out of his cold and psychotic mouth, he focused a computerized crosshairs on the woman’s head via joystick. Begging to himself that she tries to make a rapid exit, not even knowing what was focusing in on her. “Has the pretty little child finally gotten what its wanted? I assume the silence answers my question, it’s interesting how some people never change. I almost conclude we are not much different. Parents dead? A little family trouble? You poor soul!”

The man says every single word without even a slight smile on his face. Every word brings a new memory, a new image. His parents, family portraits, the bloodied boat; his bloodied parents. It had gotten easy to recognize the extra load of stress only so many people experience. He had never looked deeper into a individual’s eyes than he had now. He hoped to see things that she hadn’t revealed, hoped to extract things masked by her own suit. It had become more than a primer now; more than a stepping stone in the scheme of a murder. They were connected. Not physically, but mentally. They had shared the same pain; lived the same nightmares. Death was not an option anymore. “Yet here you stand, still trying to keep yourself of truth and charity. I begin to wonder how strong you could be if you joined a side more fitting to your style. The things you could do, the things you could accomplish.”

The last words were said just loud enough that they could be heard through the glass. He hadn’t been trying to tempt her; in fact, he would not benefit or falter either way. Look at him, if he hadn’t chosen the shadows and darkness as his home? He’d be labeled as a hero, as a vigilante! He could kill mercilessly and if he was killing the untruthful, he’d be seen as some sort of a savior. Lies. Gotham City lived on lies.

TAG: HUNTRESS | WORDS: 916 | OUTFIT: LINK | CREDIT: MERCY OF CAUTION!

[HELENA BERTINELLI]

It's carried in the air, the breeze of early morning. I see the land so fair. My heart opens wide. There's sadness inside. I stand where I am. And forever I'm dreaming of home. I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home.

“Yeah I want to play fair, Victor!” Helena replied in a sharp tone as Victor seemed to dislike her idea of how to conduct this conversation. “And this isn’t about toughness… My enemy is the mafia… You on the other hand wants to talk… so talk then” She said and looked directly at the man in front of her. “But know that until you do as I just said you are most likely to be making a monologue!” Helena was not the most patient person on the planet; she had to admit that fact. But she could be stubborn when it came to something like this. Helena walked further into the room. Not because she really wanted to go far from the door, but with the knife from before still lodged in the wall behind her she figured that being in motion would be safer. At least it would require a little more aiming from Victor. As he started to talk about family and asking if they were killed, Helena stopped. He couldn’t know who she really was, only one person really knew aside from her of course and he would never betray her. Not to the likes of Victor anyway. “Call it family trouble if you will…” Helena said casually with a shrug. He still hadn’t accepted her terms for a talk so she wasn’t going to give him anything. Then she looked away from Victor and instead started to look around the room. There certainly was a lot of places where weapons could be concealed and surely Victor was the type who would definitely have them installed. Helena deliberately ignored Victor’s next words. Normally she would have defended her ways and her fighting style, but knowing that Victor had been in Arkham a few times, she knew that his mind only saw his own truth. So instead of arguing pointlessly, she’d rather ignore him until he accepted her terms or came up with a counter offer that suited her.

PB: ODETTE YUSTMAN . PLAYER: MASCHA . TIMEZONE: GTM+1 . BEE AT CAUTION .