Disclaimer: Everything is property of DC Comics - all hail XD Author Notes: Hello everyone! This is my very first Batman fanfiction, so please go easy on me. I'm testing out a few different concepts, and pulling things from mulitple storylines in order to give you quite the read! There are so many stories out there that chronicle Harley Quinn's beginnings, but I have yet to find one that actually starts at her time during Gotham University. This is that story. It will show you just how and why she was able to become Harley Quinn, why she was so suseptible to the Joker, and hopefully give you more insight into her character! PS - this chapter was recently revised, thanks to many comments, suggestions etc! I think it works better now :) Your comments, reviews, and suggestions are greatly appreciated and very welcomed! -- Chapter One – Just Another Day
"Harley!"
It was a beautiful day. The sun was warm as it beat down upon the Gotham University campus, a slight breeze rustled the brilliantly colored leaves of the trees, and an earthy scent filled the air. It was fall and with that season, all the trees had exploded in a wide, rich array of reds, golds, and greens. It was breathtaking, and Harleen Quinzel had taken a moment out of her day to simply enjoy it. After a long morning of sitting in stuffy classrooms, listening to professors drone on and on about the complexity of the mind, Harleen just needed a few minutes to herself.
She was sitting on a bench along one of the many cobblestone pathways that wound their way through the large university, her black messenger bag sitting next to her. Her gaze wandered as she took in her surroundings. The University of Gotham was old, the buildings built from dark, red bricks, with smaller towers rising in some of the corners. It looked as though it could have once been a castle. Where Harleen sat, she could see the entire main courtyard, the stone buildings rising up on all four corners, the only breaks were large stone archways that led to other parts of the campus. Multiple trees offered ample shade, and Harleen had chosen a bench under one of the largest of them, enjoying the warmth but not wanting to bake in the sun.
"Harley!" came the voice again, this time a little more insistent, and Harleen finally snapped out of her thoughts.
Harleen blinked and looked around, only to see her best friend, Melissa, standing beside her.
"Dreaming again?" laughed Melissa with a grin on her face.
Harleen chuckled, sweeping a strand of her long, blonde hair from her face. "For once, not thinking at all!"
"I know what you mean," said Melissa as she flopped down on the bench next to Harleen. "I thought I was going to fall asleep in Professor Bennett's class. I know English is boring and it's not exactly like we all want to read all those dusty books, but he could at least try to make it entertaining. Even Professor Gold's math class is better than that! And I hate math."
At the look on Melissa's face, Harleen laughed. "I know!"
"You know what could've been interesting," said Melissa suddenly, grinning conspiratorially.
"What?" asked Harleen, arching an eyebrow.
"Taking one of Professor Crane's classes."
Harleen stared at her friend for a good few minutes, trying to figure out what her friend was thinking. "You do realize he shot off a gun in the middle of class, don't you?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Sure, but at least it was interesting! Now he's at Arkham, looney working with the loonies, ironic!"
Harleen couldn't help but laugh lightly. "You sure have a strange sense of humor, Melissa."
"Don't we all?"
"Just you," teased Harleen, grateful to get back to a lighter, teasing conversation. She had, of course, heard all the stories about Professor Crane and what he had done in his classes, as well as the rumors of the experiments that he conducted on his patients at Arkham Asylum. He had specialized in the psychology of fear, and while his theories had been interesting, he had gone from simply theorems to actually performing fear-induced experiments. It had made Harleen think, about what exactly could have caused that sudden transformation of one of Gotham's most respected, brilliant psychologists. Extreme personalities had always interested Harleen, and it was what she was basing her senior thesis on. Her advisor, Professor Walden, had cautioned her about choosing such a risky and touchy subject, hinting that other professors, especially those on the board, would not view it like he did, and she could quite possibly make a fool of herself. This had caused Harleen to snap, inwardly vowing that she would show all of them that she knew what she was talking about, and she could very well use what happened to Professor Crane as an example.
"Harleen?" asked Melissa quietly, staring at her friend. Harleen's features had twisted into a mask of anger, as if she were quietly simmering beneath the surface.
At the sound of Melissa's concerned voice, Harleen blinked, snapping out of her dark thoughts, and beamed at her friend. "Oh, don't worry! I was just thinking about my thesis, that's all. So much to do, not enough time!"
"Oh… okay." Melissa still looked unsure, but she offered her friend a smile. "By the way, there's a party tonight over at SigNu, up for it?"
Harleen took a moment on that one, thinking about her massive exam in one of her hardest psychology classes the next morning. Of course Gotham University professors wouldn't care that it was only a few weeks into the semester, or that the weather was so nice that no one would be caught dead studying inside. Besides, it was a proven fact that no matter how hard she studied, she always did poorly, and so she might as well have some fun this time. She had a few months to make it up. It only took another moment for Harleen to shrug it off – she would study in the morning – and say with a grin, "I'm in!"
"Awesome! I'll swing by around 10 and we'll head out!"
"Sounds good."
"I've got to run to my next class, but I'll see you then!" said Melissa as she stood, giving Harleen a wave before running off.
Harleen smiled and stood, shouldering her messenger bag. Time for food, she thought to herself and headed towards the Student Center.
--
The day seemed to fly by, and soon Harleen was headed back to her dorm room from her last class. However, her earlier cheerful mood had quickly soured after receiving her test back in her Science of Illusion class.
I studied for hours! she thought angrily as she walked along the sidewalk, her furious gaze causing people to sidestep around her. Not thorough enough, he said, not well-balanced enough essays. Your theories on the illusions of memory and judgment are too out-there, not scientific enough, needs more development, he said…. You better watch it, buster, she added on a darker tone. Then her eyes widened slightly and she shook off her thoughts, slightly disturbed at how angry she was. It had happened before, and it would happen again. All of the professors, it seemed, were against her, and no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't make the marks.
I've only got a year left…I came here on a gymnastics scholarship and I do love gymnastics. It's a good way to work off stress, and competition is where I thrive. But I'll never do anything more than college-level competition…the Olympics are out. That's one dream down the drain. I managed to get into the Psychology Department, something extremely difficult to do, but my high GPA helped a lot. I worked overtime during high school so that I could get into the school I wanted. Like that helped. It's like… every year my grades get worse, and I'm sick of studying all the time! I just want to have fun, is that so horrible?
Harleen sighed, running a hand through her hair. Her gaze drifted to the bleached strands that ran through her fingers. Damaged…probably should get some more conditioning treatments, she mused. Releasing the strands, Harleen walked to the bus stop by the Student Center to take the bus to her dorm. As she stood there, waiting, a flyer hanging on one of the glass walls of the bus stop caught her attention.
ATTENTION PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS
Want the opportunity of a lifetime?
Looking for work after college?
Want a challenge?
Look no further!
Apply for an internship at the renowned Arkham Asylum
See information and guidelines below.
Arkham? thought Harleen, arching an eyebrow. I've heard of that place, my Criminal Psychology prof mentions it a lot in class. It's where all the criminal psychopaths are put, and the most dangerous criminals are held. I've heard of those lower floors, the high security, and all the rumors of how doctors never last very long in Arkham. Probably why they're doing an internship. I wonder how many people will actually apply?
"You want to work with the crazies?" asked a voice next to her and Harleen looked up to see a good-looking guy with short black hair standing beside her, wearing a black SigNu shirt.
Harleen chuckled. "What, you don't think I would last?"
"Cute chick like you? They'd probably eat you alive," smirked the guy.
"Hey, you never know, I might pack more of a punch than you think," teased Harleen, glancing back at the flyer. Arkham Asylum…if I could score an internship there, that would be amazing. I've heard all the rumors about it but it's not something that scares me. More like… entices me, something along those lines. I don't know, maybe it's the idea of working so close with such dangerous people that gives me that extra thrill. Maybe I'm just weird. She chuckled at the thought andthen she sighed. But I'd have to graduate top of my class if I want to even have a shot at getting that internship. I'm sure it's highly competitive.
The sound of the bus pulling up snapped Harleen out of her thoughts and she realized the guy had left. She had probably looked like an idiot, staring off into space as she dreamed of stardom. Oh well, not the first time. She began walking towards the bus, and then paused, glancing at the flyer. She hesitated only momentarily before snatching the flyer and climbing onto the bus.
--
That evening, Harleen was dressed and ready to go to the SigNu party, awaiting Melissa's arrival, when a news story on the TV caught her attention. She had turned it on as background noise while she was getting ready and cooking dinner, but now she found herself sitting down on the edge of her chair, her gaze focused on the television screen.
Mike Engel, one of the Gotham Cable News main reporters, stood in front of what looked to be a blown-out bank. The entire area was roped off by police tape, and the GCPD was walking around in the background, searching through the rubble. Probably the MCU, thought Harleen absentmindedly. They're usually first to the scene.
" – and money. Will there ever be an end to the Joker's reign of terror?" Mike motioned back towards the bank. "Can Gotham really count on Batman to stop every crime? We see murder after murder, and a path of total destruction that lies in the Joker's wake. It seems Batman has met his match. Arkham Asylum will need to step up their security procedures, or we could very well see more of these criminal masterminds loose on our city. Now – "
Mike continued to talk, but Harleen's mind was spinning in other directions. The Joker…it's minds like these that lie within Arkham's walls. Though if Arkham's security is weak, like Mike was saying, is it really safe? Then again, what's a little danger every now and then, especially if it helps me get to the top. The end justifies the means, after all.
Photos on the television drew Harleen's attention back to the TV, where they were showing pictures of the Joker and some of his victims. Harleen couldn't help but stare at the image before her. It was almost surreal, with his bone-white features, dark-green hair, and vivid red smile split across his face in a wide grin. I wonder what secrets lay hidden within someone like that… I wonder what drives them to do what they do. Graduation can't come quick enough, and if I can secure that internship at Arkham, just think of what I could learn! If I have that on my resume, I bet I could get a job at a top psychiatric hospital, or even move from there to private sessions…I've heard those make you quite a bit of money!
A knock at the door startled Harleen, causing her to jump and her heart begin to race. She took a deep breath and flicked off the TV before standing and walking to the door. She opened it, revealing Melissa.
"Hey, ready to go?" asked Melissa said, grinning.
"You bet!" Harleen grabbed her purse and followed Melissa out of the room.
--
The evening went by in a blur, and at one point, Harleen lost track of Melissa. Now she was making her way through the crowded rooms and hallways of the SigNu house, trying to spot Melissa's noticeable red head. However, Harleen was petite and not very tall, and while that was perfect for gymnastics, it didn't work out in her favour when she was trying to find someone in a crowded area.
"Have you seen Melissa?" she asked one of the SigNu brothers, Frankie…she believed, someone that Melissa knew.
Frankie shook his head. "Not for awhile!" he said, having to almost shout to be heard above the loud music and voices. He offered her a cup of something, grinning. "Here! Why don't you join us over there!" He gestured towards the area of the room where they were playing Beer Pong.
"Maybe later!" she replied, and then slid back into the thong of people, working her way towards the stairs. The stairs were a little less crowded, so she soon made her way to the second floor. "Melissa?" she called again, a note of worry starting to creep into her voice. Where is she? Why hasn't anyone seen her?
"Hey, Harlequin, where you going!" came a voice from behind her, and Harleen turned to see Matt, a SigNu she had previously dated, standing in the hallway, grinning at her. He had a beer in his hand and took a swig.
"Matt," she said, exasperation evident in her voice. He's not that bad when he's not drunk…but give him a few beers, and he just won't stop with that name! "I told you not to call me that."
"Oh come on, honey, it's not that bad a name!" Matt took a few wobbly steps towards her, spilling some of his beer in the process. "Oops," he said, and then laughed.
Knowing that she wouldn't be able to get anywhere with him, not in his state, she just shook her head and started walking away. She had only gone a few steps before she ran into someone walking the other way.
"Sorry!" she quickly apologized and then realized it was Melissa. "Melissa! Where have you been?"
"Harley!" said Melissa in surprise, her eyes widening. "Sorry I disappeared like that, Eric found me again," she added in a quieter tone. "Ever since we broke up, he just won't leave me alone."
"How'd he get in here anyways? He's not SigNu."
"Who knows, but I think I managed to avoid him. I'm sorry if I scared you."
"Don't worry about it," said Harleen with a smile. She glanced over her shoulder, where Matt was now attempting to hit on a short, petite, dark-haired girl. "Looks like we've both managed to run into our other problems."
"I hear you. Wanna head out?"
"Sure."
Harleen and Melissa began walking to the stairs, and they had almost reached them, when shrill screams suddenly erupted throughout the house. They began to escalate, as more and more people joined in from downstairs. Harleen and Melissa both froze, hearts hammering in their chests, and stared at each other, wide-eyed. What's going on? thought Harleen, fear gripping her. She swallowed, and managed to move to the staircase railing in order to see what was going on. People were shoving and pushing as they tried to run from the back of the house towards the front, screams of pain, fear, and the sounds of trampling feet filled the room.
Then Harleen saw it – a strange mist snaking its way towards the front of the house. People started dropping to the floor, frantically scratching at invisible things, screaming for something to get off them. Others were curled up in balls in corners, and others were still trying to find their way out.
"Whatever that is, it's not good! Let's go!" Harleen grabbed Melissa's arm and pulled her away from the stairs – they wouldn't be able to get out that way, and the only other way was a back stair that no one really used.
"What's going on?" asked Melissa as they ran down the hall, screams still filling the air as more and more people succumbed to the strange mist. "This is like one of those freaky movies, I don't like it!"
"It'll be alright Mel, we just need to get out and get the police, or something," said Harleen, trying to sound more confident than she felt. As they passed two windows, a scene outside caused them to skid to a halt, staring open-mouthed. From where they stood, they could see the south side of the university, including the math and science buildings…which were now ablaze, bright orange and red flames licking the night sky. The sounds of sirens could be heard through the open window.
"Oh my god!" exclaimed Melissa, horrified. "What the hell is going on?"
"Come on, Melissa!" cried Harleen, tugging at Melissa's arm. "We need to get out of here!" Finally, Melissa allowed Harleen to tug her away from the fiery scene.
They found the back stair and made their way quickly down to the first floor into an unused kitchen. They ran through a doorway, down a short hall, heading for the door, when something suddenly stepped in front of them. The man was tall, gangly, and dressed in a long trenchcoat. A ragged hat covered his head, and a tattered, burnoose mask covering his face, and a noose around his neck.
Both girls screamed, staggering back as the man stepped towards them. Melissa clung to Harleen, whimpering, and Harleen steeled herself against whatever this guy was. Dressing like a scarecrow, it isn't even Halloween! Harleen tried to keep her thoughts light, in an effort to help keep Melissa from screaming again.
"Well hello!" the man said, his voice thin and reedy, sounding unnatural coming from the terrifying visage he portrayed. "Revenge is sweet, and fear is sweeter! It's amazing what alcohol and a little bit of my newest fear toxin can do! I have a special concoction that I haven't had a chance to try yet, but it looks like my test subjects just walked in the door! You screamed, but what are you afraid of, hmm?"
Who the hell IS this guy? thought Harleen, swallowing as she and Melissa continued to back up. Harleen's back hit something hard and she realized that they had reached the wall. Harleen's eyes darted back and forth along the wall, trying to see if there was anything she could use against this lunatic.
"Shall we test it?! You saw my magnificent blaze outside, isn't it wonderful? The whole university, up in a big fiery explosion, that'll teach them!" the scarecrow continued to rant, waving his hands. "Now now … to you…a face full of this toxin should do it! I can't wait to see how you react!"
This guy is the one who set the university on fire? Who IS he?!
Harleen's eyes landed on a fire extinguisher hanging on the wall, only a few feet away from her. There we go! "Mel, don't move," she whispered, keeping her eyes on the Scarecrow. Then she lunged for the fire extinguisher.
"Take a face full of this!" she yelled, and shot off the fire extinguisher at the Scarecrow. As he was yelling and coughing, Harleen dropped the fire extinguisher and grabbed Melissa's hand. "Come on!" She drug Melissa past the Scarecrow and out the back door into the blissfully cool night air.
--
Thank you for reading! Please review :)
