Chapter 1: First Impressions

Inferiority was not something Jonathan was accustomed to; Scarecrow was a superior and vain being. Thus he was not pleased as he stepped into the empty, laboratory classroom at Gotham University, glass crunching beneath his feet as he followed the lead of his men. Petty breaking and entering was not his style, but one did not simply acquire the chemicals he needed to make his toxin.

Arkham Asylum was on high alert at the moment after his escape and the introduction of the Joker to the family. He had no choice but to turn to childish thievery elsewhere and Gotham University was the only place in miles that held the necessary supplies.

He stared from the confines of his mask as he picked his way leisurely across the room. The smell of chemicals still lingered in the air. It was a scent he knew well, one that reminded him of satisfaction and success. His men busted a rear door and he stepped into it, saying nothing, but when his eyes alighted on the vials and boxes of chemicals and supplies, he grinned beneath his mask. He waved his hand and his men began to gather the appropriate materials. They gathered only what he needed; he was practical, not gluttonous. He wanted only what the preparation of the toxin required and only enough of it to produce it until the Asylum was released from lock-down.

He stood by, allowing his henchmen to do the dirty work, acting as a mere supervisor. He wasn't a laborer, that's what his men were for, so why would he think to help them? He waited until they each began to leave before he moved, but he only made it to the doorway before the man in front of him stopped.

"What is it?" He seethed.

"What's this?!"

The less than pleased feminine voice answered his question. He peered from behind the henchman before him at the woman who would dare interrupt his business. His felt his mouth twitch in irritation.

Her fiery hair was pulled back in a clip and her arms were crossed, but something glittered in her hands. She didn't seem panicked or fearful of the men around her. Jonathan glared at the back of the man in front of him. She was a woman, not a cop. She could have been easily taken down, so why weren't they doing anything? The boxes could have easily been put down and retrieved later. His attention was brought back to her, however. Her hands fell to her side and she smirked as she saw the boxes. This was intriguing. She took a step toward the closest thug, but he didn't react to her. She held no weapon, thus it didn't matter the danger her movements gave off.

"Well, if it's Fear Toxin you want," she stated smoothly, "why didn't just you say so?" Quickly her hand shot up and the previously unknown item was revealed. It was a canister. She pressed the tab down and sprayed the contents into the man's face. Instantly he shrieked and dropped the box. She caught it expertly as he crumpled to the ground muttering in horror. She leaned down and he rolled away in a panic, his cries gaining volume. Her form quivered in silent laughter.

Jonathan stared at the woman. Her gaze caught his like an acidic kiss. He felt himself quiver because standing before him was not a mere woman, but a siren of fear, whose smile only grew with the screams of his fallen man. His mind purred in intrigue at the image supplied. 'Who is this woman?'

I'll give you a hint; she's not an OC, at least in the entirety of the Batman universe. She wasn't in Batman Begins or The Dark Knight, however.

This is a Christmas present for my friend and fellow author Nezzy Crazy Plots Inc. She wanted some nice fluff and had never seen this pairing so I wrote this for her. It is completed and I will be uploading a chapter everyday. I hope you enjoy and this chapter was was brought to you by the prompt: "Mind's Eyes".

Merry Christmas Nezzy,

Amber