fear-is-my-business-blog

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Before I get off, I would like to gently remind all of you that this blog is just a past time for me. I won't be on it all the time so I have to ask you all to try to be patient with me. I am not mad at those of you who send me reminders (I actually like those very much), but I want to make sure you all know I'm not ignoring any of you. 

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

"No, I don't think it's funny at all.." Crane replied sharply, bright eyes narrowly slightly in irrational irritation towards this man. "Nor do I think you are immortal, I think you are... lucky. Somehow, you've managed to slip through the law's hand again and again.." His voice trail off when he became aware how foolish he was being. This man -- if anything -- should be his allies. He had no reason to be raving aimlessly at him.

“What’s in a name, Crane? Ahehehee… name Crane! When I’m so much more now than someone with a name could ever be!”

 His arms were never still; two thin, chalk-white extensions from his torso that went from flailing almost wildly in time with his speech to roaming his surroundings the way a newborn experiences its first touch.

 ”And yet none of ‘em ever pull the trigger. Funny, ain’t it. Here I am, the one man that’s had Gotham on the edge of a blade over a career of must seem like decades to these people. And I’m still around. Forever. Eternal. Immortal. Ra’s ain’t the only way stickin’ around, if you know what I mean.”

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane, for the briefest moment, looked nothing less than shocked. It wasn't because he was offended (not to say that he wasn't completely), but because this man was so bloody blunt. Normally, in a city like this, people watched what they said to strangers -- they'd shoot you as quick as they'd shake your hand.

"You seem like a dangerous man--"

"I -- em..." The lanky doctor began slowly, regaining his bearings before deciding that he would plead ignorance. "I don't know what you mean." He stated.. Crane had to admit, he wasn't upset that this man -- the Doctor -- would watch his mouth about him (actually, he wished more people would do this). What he didn't like was, this man seem intelligent and quick to make observations. Crane couldn't afford to have someone so quick to talk find out what he did. 

fear-is-my-business started following you

The Doctor was cautious to take the other man’s hand, shaking it only for a moment before dropping his own and slipping it into one pocket of his pants. “I’m not sure if it’s a pleasure to meet you, but it’s nice, none the less.” “You seem like a dangerous man, I’ll be watching my mouth while around you.” Sure, he was dangerous, but it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing to have him as an ally.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

"An open book." Crane echoed, not looking back at her as he made his way to to his office. He grinned to himself -- that was just what he needed in a doctor at Arkham these day. Someone who did their job, minded their own business, and didn't keep secrets. She was looking more and more promising by the moment. "That's very good to hear."

Crane stepped inside his small office, waiting for her to enter before closing the door behind her. He took a seat behind his desk, briefly shuffling with the papers before inviting her to sit in the chair that stood before her.

"Judging by your letters of recombination, Miss Knox, you seem mentally prepared for an internship at Arkham." Crane stated factually. "So, I am going to -- if you don't mind -- ask you some personal questions." He wanted to make sure she wasn't a crazy herself... "Such as, what makes you want to work in a place like Arkham? --What interests you in the criminally insane?"

“Who said I was nervous?” she said rather cooly, quietly, but then smiled warmly at him. Her demeanor brightened as she followed him into the office. “I assure you that I am quite serious. But I will certainly answer any questions that might put your mind at greater ease. I guess that you could say that I’m an open book.”

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane offered no more than a curt nod when the woman introduced herself before his eyes flickered to the apartment and back to her. "On the contrary." The lanky man replied to her as he began to slowly move towards the building. "I'd be plenty interest in a business venture." Interest was an understatement. Most of his clients' only interest was to buy a briefcase or two full of the toxin then never see him again. It was quite understandable -- Crane wasn't exactly out of the law's eye. This was a very new concept.

"If you have a more pressing matter to attend to, I would be happy to perhaps reconsider--"

A narrow smirk appeared behind Crane's mask. "I couldn't think of one thing that could be more important than my customers." He uttered, a touch of snark behind his voice. It was kept purposefully subtle though to avoid offending her. He didn't want her to walk out on this before he even found out what it was, but, judging by body language alone, he didn't think she was going to walk out in this for something minuscule.

The thin doctor halted with the woman, eyes sharply following her hand as it dipped into her pocket and un-locked the door. Crane glanced at her briefly as she invited him in before slowly entering. His finger rested on the trigger hidden within his suit that would spray the toxin just in case this was actually a robbery. After swiftly scanning the room and seeing no one else, his posture relaxed -- if not but a little. "Now, let's talk about our sale, hm?"

"Ellory, thank you. It's an honour and a privilege, Doctor Crane." She nodded her head, and quietly gestured to the apartment's door. Squinting at the keypad that was fastened to the wall next to it, she tapped out a four-character code and stepped back as she welcomed the doctor inside.

"I hope I'm not bothering you, Doctor, but I was asked by my employer if you would be open to a business venture. I'd rather not discuss it until we get to a less conspicuous place--nowadays, people have gotten to be more tolerant towards eavesdropping. I am not one of them." She strode down the hallway at a moderate pace, frequently looking at a small slip of paper held tightly in her left hand. 

"I'm sorry if it's taking longer than expected to find our meeting place, Doctor Crane. If you have a more pressing matter to attend to, I would be happy to perhaps reconsider--" The woman stopped dead as something caught her eye and turned quickly to the left, facing another door similar to the ones they had passed. Drawing out a small keycard, she slipped it through the slot allotted for things of that kind and the entryway to a dimly lit sitting area was revealed. To the bare eye it seemed innocuous enough, but things had been discussed there that would make grown men cringe in disgust and horror.

"After you, Doctor," Ms. Ellory said quietly, inviting the man in.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

"The Doctor?" Crane uttered, his brow quirking upward in confusion with perhaps a hint of condemnation on his face. He had to assume this man was very haughty -- assuming Crane knew who exactly he was. The lanky man didn't call him out on it though. He had enough enough enemies on his hands and certainly didn't need anymore.

"Well, Doctor, it's a pleasure." The fellow doctor replied, offering a tight (most likely forced) smile as he took a small step towards the other. Slowly, he rose his hand offering a shake. "I am Dr. Jonathan Crane."

fear-is-my-business started following you

Surprisingly, the Doctor was more than happy to meet a man from Earth. He needed a friend that wasn’t a woman— they seemed to get too emotional, and he was lousy with comfort. However, he wasn’t sure if this man in front of him was the type of person to befriend. “Hello,”  He peered around curiously. “I’m the Doctor. Who’re you?”

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

It wasn't until the young woman was still fifteen to twenty feet away did Crane hear the gentle footsteps echoing up the alleyway walls. Instantly, his brow furrowed in suspicion. This wasn't exactly the greatest part of town, especially not at night. Now one who was up to anything good would be merely taking a stroll down it. So, Crane, who had just finished up a little business of his own, pulled the burlap sake that was his mask over his head. He rested his pale finger on the trigger that would shoot the toxin from the sleeve of his suit.

Carefully, Crane treaded in the direction in which the faint sound was coming from to see the thin silhouette of the figure. His guard didn't go down. He noticed she was wearing a mask and, in this city, it seemed if someone where to put on a mask, it means not to toy with them. The mad doctor didn't always follow these rules, but it was better to tread the waters and be sure rather than put yourself in a dangerous position. "Pretty late to be out taking a walk, isn't it?" Crane called out, keeping a care ten feet between them.

+Fear-is-my-Business

Valetta had only recently become more bold with wandering the streets in uniform. She was on the backstreets now, black venetian mask covering her face, blonde hair tied to the side in a tight ponytail, footfalls light even while in combat boots. She’d been planning a heist for a little while, especially now that her alarm-disabling skills had started slowly improving. Moving along many sharp twists and turns, her movements were slightly erratic—wild, even—as she came to a sudden hault. There was someone else near… but who? To call out, or not to?

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane appeared completely oblivious to the fact that he was being watched by the masked man. What reason did he have to be on guard though? This part of town was largely un-populated -- enough so that cops didn't regularly patrol it. They would only arrive it they were called first and, unless that person wanted to get beaten to a blood pulp by the thugs, no one would dare do that.

The doctor's eyes scanned the building, eventually resting on the figure of a man, raising his hand to grasp the other's attention. Instantly, he moved towards the apartment, finger resting on the trigger that would shoot the toxin out of his sleeve. He didn't fully trust this group yet and his tension only grew when he entered the seemingly abandon apartment building.

Within the building, there was more than merely the group of thugs he was use to, there were five people kneeing on the ground, bound and gagged. Crane's bright eyes flickered to fist the gang members before they fell to those on the ground. One of the members, probably the leader of the group, was the first to speak. "Got 'em three hours ago, all from their own houses. They won't be reported 'til tomorrow, noon, at the earliest.." The doctor's eyes slowly trailed back up to  him. "And they're all perfectly healthy. Just like you asked. Now," He moved a step forward, outstretching his hand. "Your share."

Crane smiled behind his mask. These kind of thugs were all the same -- mindless and influenced by nothing but greed. "Alright, Mr. Brytan." He reached inside his open and fished out a silver key which he dropped in his hand. "520 Kane Street. Behind the building there's a garage. Unlock it and your share of the toxin will be there." The doctor said as he advanced towards one of the kidnap victims, tilting her chin upward with his hand to get a look at her eyes. She was panicked -- they all were. He would have to call his own men over here to take them.

Crane would waste no time in infecting them with his new forms of the fear toxin. He had to make sure they were better than the last one developed -- that the antidote did not work on them. 

+ blackcowledbat

The long black cape of the Dark Knight fluttered in the cold dark wind as the Caped Crusader stood atop the rooftops of Gotham, watching as Doctor Jonathan Crane was pulled him away. 

Two white lenses slid down over the eyes of his cowl as his Detective Mode was activated. He searched the building as the lenses searched for a DNA match of Doctor Crane, or a match to the Fear Toxin, manufactured by the Scarecrow. The Dark Knight stepped off of the building and landed on the wet ground of the dark alleyway as he followed the sudden appearance of Crane’s thermal signature on the lenses, showing a orange x-ray of the armed men, a blue x-ray of the unarmed, and Crane was yellow.

He stood against the wall next to the door as he listened to what was being said inside the apartment.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane seemed to be completely ignorant towards the man following after him. His main concern was simply to get out of this area as soon as possible and to the factory of quickly as possible. It would need to be ready for when it finally got the money it needed so badly. Most of it was part set up.. All he need was the money so he would be able to buy the chemicals for the toxin. It would take only a few easy steps before the factory was creating the toxin properly. The idea of having a regular supply of the gas again was shocking -- to say the least -- but incredibly exciting, no doubt.

So caught up in his thoughts, Crane didn't notice the mask man flying towards him before it was to late. He was tossed off his feet, utter what sounded almost like a snarl of pain that halted abruptly when he hit the ground. He was back up on his feet in any instant, bright eyes locking on the man. He didn't recognize the man immediately, but he knew the type. This wasn't one of those phonies that would dress up like the Batman, but turn out to be nothing more than a pansy wanna-be. No, this man had some skill.

Crane eyed the man, attempting to calculate his movement as he angled himself -- prepared to bolt if things got too out of hand. He doubted he would be able to get too far, but he would get far enough to make a call for back up. "Just one reason?" The doctor asked, eyes narrowing slightly behind his mask. He had to assume his plans were revealed to this man. He wasn't going to let it intimidate him. "It wouldn't change anything." A crooked smile creased Crane's lips -- even it was unseen, it could be heard in his voice. He refused to cower to this man. He had gone through hell to get the chance to being the one Gotham feared again and wasn't going to let it be taken so easily. 

shadowrobin started following you

Oh, god damnit, Crane. A million things ran across Tim’s mind as the information brought itself to light. He’s planning on building a factory to make more of his fear toxin, and probably different strains of it so that earlier cures wouldn’t work. Rebuilding always brought bigger, worse, more terrifying things than the last. The man was way too smart for his own good, and it was a lot harder to battle the more intelligent of Gotham’s criminals. It was a good thing that Crane’s ‘customers’ weren’t initially satisfied with the price, otherwise this might have been an exchange that Tim wasn’t prepared for.  The meeting is over though, and Red Robin quickly stuffs his device back into it’s compartment, climbing up to the roof top of the building. Now is his time to hate the rain; he perches on the edge to catch where Crane left and was headed, hidden in the darkness of the clouds. Though he was pretty sure the sun was gone by now, the clouds made the sky more grey than black.  “Alright, Crane,” Tim whispered to himself, eyes focusing on the man in question as he made his way onto the street. “Let’s see what you’re gonna do.” He waited until Crane was about to walk past an alleyway before Red Robin grappled to the building across— and flew down, swinging right into Scarecrow’s side which caused them to barrel down the center of the alleyway.  He quickly shot up to his feet, circling the other man in a way to confuse him as he spoke. “Give me one good reason I shouldn’t bring you to Arkham right now.”  

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

+ blackcowledbat

It was dark — the sun head dropped from the sky hours ago and the moon was nothing more than a sliver in the sky, providing no real light. The only thing that did light the streets were the dim yellow streetlights. Perhaps it was due the crime rate spike, but their were very few people out. The ones that did pass looked rather shady. Doctor Jonathan Crane was among them, the only difference was, he didn’t look as dark as the rest of the crowd.

The doctor’s appearance by no means affected his plans for the night though. Only a few weeks ago, he received an anonymous note that someone was interested in purchasing a capsule of his toxin. Although he should have been a touch uneasy to go to a location at night from an anonymous letter, but Crane didn’t seem to mind the idea. This was probably because he inhaled his own fear toxins.. That stole every shard of sanity he had left.

Crane took a right down through an alleyway into a part of town with less money. While going through the dark passage way, the man yanked his rag-like mask from his pocket and pulled it over head before he stepped out and scanned the buildings. Apparently someone was going to wave him into the correct apartment where their business would take place.

This buy -- or rather in this case, trade -- better have been worth his time. He didn't like coming down to this part of town without his men to back him up. They were only a few blocks down and could easily be contacted with a simple call. Given the doctors lanky figure though, he was next to worthless in a hand to hand fight.. He could always just his toxin though, but he would much rather save the little he had left.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane examined the picture that he held on display for him. Instantly, his brow furrowed considerably and a frown creased his face. She had been sitting out here all this time to merely draw? It was strange, considering this asylum held the most dangerous crazies in Gotham.. Perhaps not heard of though.

"Miss.. Why are you here?" The doctor asked, giving her the benefit of the doubt before calling her out.

@realityhelix

*She turned the sketchbook for him to see.* “It’s almost finished!” 

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

So basically it makes you see things you don’t want to see?

"Yes, partly." Crane confirmed with a curt nod as he drew his hand from his cup of coffee. He wasn't yet prepared to present any information on the gas beyond that. Whether he seemed to be or not, this boy was still an enemy and he could easily transfer any information back to his boss.

Crane grinned gently at Jim's comment on him being interesting. This definitely wasn't the criminal type, certainly not the type he was use to, at least. At least, he wasn't like one of the mindless thugs that worked for him. It was refreshing to see they weren't all the same.. It was a pity he'd have to send his men after this boy though.. With any luck he'd have enough brains not to come to the meeting tonight.

"Well, I'd offer you a job if I could at all trust you." Crane stated, eyebrows raising slightly. This boy was willing to offer a handful of information from him boss like it was nothing. How was he suppose to trust that he would go off and release his secrets?

+ notquiteconsultingcriminal

“So basically it makes you see things you don’t want to see?” He asked, tilting his head slightly. The more he heard, the more interested he was.

“And no, I didn’t say that. I said that I’ve been willing to help.” He corrected, tapping his fingers on the side of his chair in a subconscious rhythm. “You’re much more interesting than my boss, though… Well, you pay more attention to me, at least.” Way to go, Jim, sounding selfish already. But then, being a criminal was being selfish, right? What’s the motive besides gain? “If I had enough of an offer…” He trailed off.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

For the briefest moment, Crane reached out in attempt to save the papers, but when realizing it wasn't possible, he drew his hand back and pushed away from the table, standing to his feet. His jaw set and his nostrils flared, but he offered the apologetic waitress a tight, forced smile. "It's quite alright, Miss." He replied quietly before leaning forward to see what papers had been ruined... It wasn't the end of the world. He could reprint these files, but this was a waste of the night for at least one pile was next to worthless.

As Crane began to fold the papers that suffered the most, he caught sight of the woman picking up the papers from the ground (papers he didn't even realized fell). Instantly, he dropped the papers he was hold and whirled around to her. "Thank you." The doctor uttered sharply, taking the papers from her hand when he saw her eyes meeting files. He couldn't be sure she wasn't reading them and didn't want to take the chances. There was no way in hell a random woman was going to blow his cover.

"..Thank you.. I appreciate the help." All of these words were said in haste though, giving off the vibe he didn't mean them at all. 

+ felicia-the-feline

Tonight was an extraordinarily slow night. Felicia had been in desperate need of some time away from home — time for the heat on her tail to die down. After all, there wasn’t much thieving she could do from behind bars, was there~ The cat burglar needed a change of scenery, it would seem, and what better place to start than one of those mom-and-pop diners that ran until the ungodly hours of the morning. Felicia tucked a blonde lock behind her ear, her steps measured, stride long, a sanguine figure in the night.

By her looks one could assume she was not the sort that should be wandering the streets at night on her own. A girl like her could be torn apart should she wander down the wrong alley. But oh, how Felicia enjoyed the looks on peoples’ faces when they realized, a few seconds too late, just how wrong they’d been. Appearances were sometimes, after all, the greatest misconception — the deadliest underestimation. Felicia had been the victim once, and she was not about to allow it to happen again.

The Cat approached the small diner, taking note of a singular fellow customer, nose stuck in a considerable pile of paperwork. She perked a brow, but only observed. Felicia knew better than to disturb a man at work. She approached the counter, flashed a friendly smile and asked for a cup of coffee as the lone waitress made her way over in a barely-conscious daze. The older, somewhat portly woman just so happened to nudge the man’s table with her hip as she passed and that was all the crooked table had needed to tilt and crumble slightly, sending a wave of once organized papers and a mug of coffee headed for the ground.

The woman cursed and offered apologies before scurrying off to get a towel to mop up the dark liquid that’d seeped itself into some of the papers. After a beat, Felicia sauntered over, crouching to save what papers she could, observing the text printed on them but not really reading it. 

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane took a deep breath when his men's truck didn't pull up in the following seconds, he let his eyelids fall shut a moment before pulling himself to his feet. He inhaled the musty air of Gotham deeply as he treaded so the side. Removing his glasses momentarily, the doctor rose his hand to his eyes, rubbing them thoroughly. He needed to calm himself down.

The doctor moved to the other side of the bench and rested against it, allowing his suitcase to lay their alone. He lazily scanned the area around him. Slowly, his brow began to crease as he put his glasses back in place. For the first time, Crane could feel the weight of someone's gaze. That's what he thought it was, although there was no way to prove it, not unless he spotted the person.. So far though, nothing. Eyes narrowing slightly, the doctor cleared his throat stepping to the side again, frowning thinly. 

Natasha watched the man, noticing the man's facial features. He was attractive, to say the least, but nothing more. She tilted her head in confusion, wondering where she had seen this man before.

She listened into his conversation. Shady deals. Typical. What more can you expect from a psychotic place like Gotham? At least there wasn't explosions..... yet.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

"How am I to know what you should be called?" Crane countered, noticeable venom in his voice now as his profession act began to show it's cracks. "You refused to tell any doctor your true name when you were committed.. You could have changed your name at any number of times."

With a deep exhale, he regained composure. He wasn't going to let this man -- a bloody mad clown -- get the better of him. Crane began again slowly, "I would have thought you went into hiding. The authorizes are after you.. Just about every cop in this city would love nothing more than to put a bullet in your head."

“It’s always been Joker, ol’ Crane-y poo. You should know that. We’ve tangoed more than once.”

 His voice was liquid mirth and fluid mayhem and it bounced from wall to wall in an eternal chuckle that never quite died down. He watched the doctor, emerald eyes albaze with mischief. He smiled and his face cracked open like a shattered mirror. Deep wrinkles and scars littered the chalk white skin around the blood red maw of the clown. Like the very smile he wore was trying to rip his face asunder.

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

Crane's eyebrow quirked upward at the sight of the mad man. He was clearly far from amused. Unlike this man, he didn't wear his crazy on his shoulders. The majority of the time, he could appear to be an average man. "Evening." He replied, drawing out the word dully. Being around obvious crazies like this reminded him of his days back in Arkham and he didn't want to be reminded of Arkham, so, naturally, this man didn't settle well already.

"What is it you go by these days? --Joker?"

fear-is-my-business started following you

Doctor! Doctor! You’ve just got to help me. I have this terrible problem where I… I feel like a pack of cards.

YEEheeehahaaho~

[fear-is-my-business-blog]

The moment Crane's bright eyes laid on the woman, he advanced forward, towards the building in which she was located. Truth be told, he was a bit surprised to see it was a woman. For the most part, his business was with large, well build men in expensive suits. He didn't let the idea bother him though. As long as he still got his money for this sale, he was indifferent towards the gender.

"Miss..--?" Crane greeted when he was just a few feet away, keeping his tone kind and gentlemanly as he would day to day so no one would suspect he was a criminal.. He was doing it now due to the woman's seemingly anxiousness expression. He didn't want to scare away a buyer.. They came so rarely anymore. 

A figure appeared from one of the buildings, their face concealed by a heavy scarf of indeterminable colour. The darkness of the approaching night seemed to hide such details, however the body's owner was obviously female. They noticed the man approaching the apartment and in an action that could be easily seen as a wave, attempted to draw the doctor's attention over towards the sturdy apartment. 

Given a closer look, the woman with the scarf looked a bit nervous as she stepped from one foot to the other, occasionally casting a sideways glance towards the door of the apartment.