Festered Lulluby: A Jerome Valeska Fanfic

#25- Freaks

7/5/18- edited

A color painted carnival was set up by Gotham's pier, cosily nestled between two tall skyscrapers. The moon's pale light cast dark shadows over the infamous red and white striped tents. This place had once been filled with children's laughter and families making their way to the main act in the heart of the grounds.

Not anymore.

People of all ages with dreadful face paint and demented clown costumes flooded the grounds, using the once happy carnival employees as targets in their own twisted games. The air was thick with maniacal laughter and horrified screams.

A man came running through the carnival, shouting in all different directions: "Spread the word that DollFace is coming to perform for Jerome Valeska!"

Everyone looked around at each other when they heard the news. Those who knew of DollFace excitedly began telling stories of her performances while others shared their delight at her attempted alliance with Jerome.

Jerome Valeska himself ignored the hushed whispers as he gripped Bruce Wayne's shoulders, guiding him through the carnival grounds. He could care less about some stuck up performer wasting his time.

In the back of Jerome's head he was feeling on edge. No one had said anything about Aryion coming back and he was about ready to massacre everyone here, though he could see for himself that his pawns were doing that for him already.

Jerome was soaking up every minute of this: of his return, but needless to say he still felt like a piece of him was missing. He couldn't fully enjoy himself without Ari by his side.

He glanced around the fair grounds and frowned. The crowd was thinning around him and people were making their way towards the entrance.

"Looking for your dead girlfriend?" Bruce Wayne looked at him, testing his patience.

"She's not dead." Jerome scoffed, caving to Bruce's challenge and putting on a fake smile. He had to remember his act.

"She is. I saw it myself. She was killed by Galavan shortly after you were. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news." He didn't sound sorry.

"Why should I trust you, yah twirp?" He whispered harshly in his face.

"You don't have to. Just ask anyone here. It's common knowledge." Bruce Wayne was such a stuck up kid. He never smiled either.

That would have to change.

Jerome Valeska looked up at the poorly dressed freak holding onto Bruce. The guy shrugged apologetically, giving Jerome his answer.

Jerome pulled out his revolver and shot the idiot in between the eyes. He fell to the floor with a loud thud while the other guy on Bruce's left gave out a snort.

Jerome's moment was disrupted when a large crowd in the distance started making it's way down toward him. They were shouting, but he couldn't quite tell what was happening until they got closer.

(:HE'SBACK:)

My groupies and I made it to this said carnival with loaded guns and knives stashed wherever we could fit them. We screeched to a halt and catapulted out, walking right through the large clown mouth which served as the main entrance.

I stood there for a bit soaking in the atmosphere. I breathed heavily and sighed, putting the machine gun over my shoulder. This I could get used to.

"Hey!" I yelled loudly, getting a lot of attention as people turned to look at my unusual appearance. Even in this crowd I stuck out. "Where the freaks at? DollFace is here, fuckers!"

I loud chorus of screams eminated through the air almost leaving me deaf and suddenly I was surrounded by fangirling clowns. Rach dug out her loud speakers and blasted "Freaks" by Timmy Trumpet, sending a laughing fit crawling up my throat. Sometimes my choices in music was just too fitting.

Some people continued to scream my name while others asked for an autograph. I was told that there was a stage all ready for me at the far end of the grounds so I began making my way past the rides and games, fully entertained just watching the scenes before me.

Memories were fading in and out reminding me of who Jerome was. They had been bombarding me ever since I saw him on the tv. I had remembered everything by now- from killing my parents to Jerome's death... as well as mine. I was going to find Galavan and slit his throat... very slowly so I could saver it.

Aryion Gordon was so back.

(:AW:)

"What's going on now?" Jerome asked, annoyed at the fact that people had stopped playing their games of torture to watch the crowd walk by.

A familiar black haired, silver eyed girl led the pack, obviously focused on getting somewhere. Jerome speculated that this may be that performer who was announced to be coming, but he didn't care. He went to pull a gun on her, when she shifted her weight and he caught a glimpse of a most familiar t-shirt. He immediately saw her lip ring and industrial bar, two things he knew Aryion to have.

Is that Aryion?

"Come on!" He dragged Bruce Wayne with him as he joined the crowd curiously. "Change of plans."

(::)

I walked up the stage as the crowd gathered. My desire to kill was intensifying as the night droned on. My heart and stomach ached with anticipation. How would this night end?

"Everyone having a good time?" I asked quietly into the microphone as the crowd cheered joyfully. I inhaled through my nose and closed my eyes soaking in the fame and glory. "Me too." I winked. The crowd went wild again. Wow, these guys were easy to please. Oh, that's right, it's cause they're idiots. "So... before I begin... I'm going to need some... volunteers."

I smiled menacingly as I scanned the crowd. Some people knew what I meant and drew their eyes down instantaneously. Those who I figured didn't know what I was talking about shot their hands up causing a loud commotion. I laughed my high pitched laugh, the one I recieved from my hyena DNA, and rubbed my hands together.

"Oh, choices choices. What a delicious audience." I hummed. "Okay. You can put your hands down. I've picked my prey."

Some people giggled wildly while my girlies finished setting up their instruments. "Are we ready, Rach?" I twisted around as she gave me a thumbs up.