Show No Weakness

Gotham was the last chance I had. Everywhere else was too pure and delightful. I needed what Gotham could offer; terror and ignorance so I could go through my miserable life unnoticed and accomplish what I aimed to do. This is a burning city filled with disgrace and horror and it's what I've called home for the past few weeks.

I was born in Metropolis seventeen years ago to Alice and Shane Hales, innocent enough names and sweet enough people, until you knew what they did behind closed doors. They were heavily involved in severe drug trades, sex trafficking and underground wrestling which is where most of their fortune budded from. I was never oblivious to my parents' careers. In fact, by the time I had turned fourteen I was well and truly one of their top wrestlers.

No one would ever suspect that petite and nerdy Livvy Hales was a feared fighter after school hours, especially with her super rich and philanthropic parents that gave her everything she could ever dream of. But then again, no one expected her entire family to be murdered by the Penguin and his goons. Which brings me back to the reasons of why I'm in Gotham with nothing more than a small suitcase full of money and guns and a duffel bag of clothes. Firstly, Penguin has a very large price on my head which has forced me to go into hiding. Second of all, I'm going to kill him for what he did to my family.

I walked along the filthy pathway of Gotham's slums, lengthy ginger curls framing my face as the breeze chilled me to the bone. I fingered my front fringe, the strands beginning to tickle my eyelashes and my honey gaze watched the entire street around me. You can't be too careful in Gotham, everywhere I walked screams and sirens filled my ears while the unmistakeable smell of smoke made me want to gag.

The city had gotten more gloomy and dangerous ever since that new villain came to town a little over a year ago. Mercy, I think her name is? I heard that around about the same time as the massacre happened at Wayne Manor she went bonkers and that hero Nightwing went with her or something.

Ah yes, the Bat family. I've heard from whispers that there is a fair amount of them, but yet I fail to see any appearances here. Even though people have tried to mug me twice and there was an attempted rape. I beat the snot out of them of course, but it would have been interesting to see if a Batgirl or even a Robin to come to a damsels rescue. But turns out a girl has to save herself in this damn town.

I holed myself up in an abandoned apartment building, the rooms smelling like dust and mould and I spent most of my time just sitting still and being quiet. It's not like I can do anything without drawing attention to myself. The street I was on was covered in litter, including condoms, cigarettes and even a lot of syringes. This city is so corrupt, even with the horde of supposed heroes defending it. Do they even know how bad it gets?

I kicked a syringe, the glass shattering on the wall and I hoped no thug had heard it. Yes, that's how common muggings happen here. I could hear a couple of whispers behind me and knew that my hope was in vain. Great, I've caught more attention. Three guys stepped into my path, unfortunately my 'home' still being a fair walk away.

"Shit", I cursed when I turned around and saw another three bulky men behind me. I'm god damn trapped.

"That's no way for a pretty thing like you to talk." They were approaching me slowly, sadistic grins on their faces and I knew this wouldn't be an ordinary mugging. I can't handle this many people at once, I've been away from my training for too long. I decided to do the gazelle trick and run away from the threat, dashing to the left and not really noticing where I was running too. I could hear the voices and pounding feet of the six men running behind me and panic begin to take over as I realise they aren't puffing or slowing down in the slightest.

I distracted myself with panic and didn't notice that I had run straight into an alley until I collided with a wall and fell on my backside. The chuckling of the men dragged my attention away from the pain and I scampered to get up and brace my back against the wall. Literally, I was acting like a typical seventeen-year-old girl would but I can be embarrassed by that later, because right now I was being approached by six huge and horny men that want to take rather than buy me a drink.

They had horrific expressions on their face and a couple were cooing me, trying to calm me down first so I won't put up a fight. "It's alright, darlin'. If you play along, we'll be nice and gentle with you."

The others also tried whispering soft things to me, but of course I didn't give in. My mind was racing with what the hell could I do, but my time was running out as they got closer at a ridiculously slow pace. There's nothing around for me to grab onto to hoist myself onto the roof, there's no doors, windows... nothing. A flurry of swears swept through my mind and I just had to think of something.

Only one option came to mind and I wanted to groan at the girly response but it was all I had. It didn't seem to help anyone else that I could hear as I strolled down the street, but to hell I was letting my only option go. I opened my mouth and let out a pain-filled scream, the sheer terror in my vocal chords being cast out into the city for anybody to hear.

I screamed three times between breaths before I gave up, realizing no one was going to help me. The closest man went to grab my neck and I braced for the grasp by closing my eyes and turning my head, but it never came. Instead, I heard a whooshing sound and then a cry of pain from one of the men.

I opened my eyes to the sound of a young boy's voice. "You gentlemen wouldn't be here to attack this girl, are you?"

They all swore and one man even ran away at the sight of the lean, muscled superhero grinning down at us. I believe it was the boy called Red Robin? He jumped down and began to fight the men with a metal bo staff and so I took the time to look at him. It's my first encounter with a superhero and all I could do was admire him in wonder. His red suit clung to his very attractively chiselled body, a fabric mask shielding his eyes with a cape billowing behind him. His choppy black hair wisped around his head with every movement, the strands not too long but not short at all. He also had a wide smile as he beat up my attackers. It didn't take him long to finish them off and my breathing was coming out in panicked gasps.

Red Robin noticed my expression and shrunk his staff before putting it away and approaching me. I was looking everywhere, trying to notice any signs of hostility but I found none and soon I relaxed. "Hey, you're okay now. I'm a good guy."

I smiled awkwardly and may have swooned a little at his soft, smooth voice. "T-thank-you. How did you find me?"

He chuckled and stood up straight, his height making me want to drool especially compared to my petite physique. "Well, it's hard to ignore the screams of a damsel in distress. Looks like I got here just in time."

I blushed slightly. "Well, thank you. I'll be going now."

I went to move past him but he tapped my shoulder, grabbing my attention. "Aw, doesn't the hero get a hug at least?"

He smiled a toothy grin at me and I couldn't help but let him wrap his arms around me. My arms snaked around his neck and I buried my face in his chest, my height just reaching his shoulders. He was warm, from what I could tell through the spandex and he smelt really freaking good. This is what I imagine an underwear model would smell like.

I broke away a moment later and smiled before turning on my heel and walking out of the alley. Quickly I found out where I was and began to make my way home. The night was cold, but it didn't affect me as much as leaving Red Robin's embrace had. I shivered to my bones after I let go, my body already yearning for his warmth. I brushed the thought away and huffed whilst quickening my pace.

I could hear someone running above me and I smirked coolly. "You know, it's creepy to follow girls in the Narrows, little bird."

"I'm just making sure my beautiful damsel gets home safe!" I couldn't see him, but I knew he had a smile like a Cheshire cat.

"What if I'm not heading home and going to deal drugs or something?"

"Well..." I heard something that sounded like a muted gun-shot and soon I could feel one of Red Robin's arms scoop me up and I briefly shrieked before gripping onto him while seeing that we were swinging on a grappling hook. "... I guess if you're going to do illegal things, then I'll have to stop you."

"And what if I'm not doing illegal things? Doesn't that make you a stalker?" My arms were around his neck and my fingertips tickled his hair at the nape of his neck. He landed on a nearby building and put me down so his arms were still wrapped around my waist and my arms had slipped to his chest.

"Well if that means that I get to look at you for longer… Then, yes I'll happily be a stalker." I smiled and shook my head. Darn teenage superhero with your sweet talking.

"Too bad, stalker bird. I don't want you around." I broke out of his grasp and went out on a limb by jumping off the side of the building. Thankfully there was a fire escape that I could grab and I swung myself so that I can hide under the stairs with my hood up. I heard Red Robin descend and search erratically for me before cursing under his breath and leaving.

I waited another couple of minutes before getting out of my spot and climbing to the ground where I dusted off my blue jeans and left my hoodie up. Finally, I was on my way home and able to think about what I could do. What's the overall goal, Olivia? To kill penguin and destroy his organization.

Now, how do I do that? I need to infiltrate his ranks and wedge myself in and to do that I need to work myself into the slums. What could a girl possibly do to be ignored whilst in public in the underworld of Gotham? Only a couple of ideas come to mind and they are all unappealing. I could either become someone's bitch, be a stripper (which should involve protection by the club owner) or become a prostitute. I scrunched up my nose in disgust at the ideas.

The least detesting job was becoming a stripper. I mean, under all these clothes I did have a nice body; not trying to sound too modest. It's not too late at night, only around midnight which is the equivalent to midday in the Narrows. Which means if I dress cheap and go to a club, maybe they could hire me or I could give them a sample. Oh god, I'm going to be terrible.

I got back to the abandoned apartment five minutes later and shrugged off my hoodie, shirt and jeans. Surprisingly, I had prepared for this situation and I pulled out a lacy black push-up bra, sparkly silver midriff and light blue short shorts and also a long black trench coat to cover my body until I get to the club. The clothing was uncomfortable as I put it on and I finished it with thigh-high black stiletto boots. Oh yeah, I look like a whore.

I left soon after, heading towards where I found a strip club a few days ago. I had some money in my pocket just in case and my mobile phone in the trench coat pocket. It's quite cold tonight and I shivered as my heels clicked on the street. I wonder what Red Robin would think if he saw me now.

I shook my head roughly as I approached the illuminated building and I had to pay to get inside, the bouncer eyeing me off suspiciously. The club was called Illusion and the inside was dimmed with lighting only on the stage and soft pink and blue lights to the sides. Tables were everywhere and the bar was filled with men. On the stage there was a raven haired girl twirling around a pole with no top on and money stuffed in her underwear.

To be honest, I have no idea where to proceed from here. I heard someone clear their throat from behind me and I turned to see a big man with greying hair and a thin nose. "You're not one of my dancers."

Ah, he must be the owner. "No, but I came here to be one."

He harrumphed and took my wrist, dragging me through a door that led to a bright dressing room. Sparkling cloth was everywhere along with make-up and a lot of hair product. Shoot, I forgot to do my make-up. I stood awkwardly as the man assessed me and I tried not to feel self-conscious. "Why do you want to work here, Miss…"

"Uh, just call me Bee." I bit my lip awkwardly. Worst made up name, ever.

"Bee short for anything, sweetheart?" I shook my head.

"My mother was a bit of a spiritualist, if you will. Well, before her and Dad died." Sob stories always get you what you want.

"So, no parents?" I shook my head. "How old are you?"

"I'm 19," I lied.

He put his hand to his mouth in thought. "That's a fairly innocent age. Maybe innocence could be your gig. Alright, show me what we're working with."

I slowly pulled my trench coat apart and let it fall to the ground. I felt my nice cleavage heaving as I breathed and the heated air tickle my legs. It was warm in here, filled with testosterone and feminine sweat. The man moved to analyse me, walking around and gazing at all of my body. "What's your name?"

"Alan Falcone. Yes, I'm related to Carmine Falcone." He brushed my hair from my shoulders. "However, my dear Uncle and I are a part of different… organizations."

I nodded, not wanting to dig too deep just yet. He stepped back and smiled maniacally at me. "You start tomorrow… Honey Bee."

TA-DA! SEQUEL NUMBER ONE TO SHOW NO MERCY!

PLEASE REVIEW, FAVOURITE, FOLLOW AND ALSO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!

Emily_Ascough

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ SHOW NO MERCY THEN DO IT!

SHOW NO RESISTANCE INVOLVING JASON TODD WILL BE UP TOMORROW!