Batman vs The Strangest Spirits of Evil

by Windrises

Batman's becoming a more confident and successful hero. Hugo Strange wants to put a stop to that, so he hires a new professor, who has special and dangerous powers.

Note: Batman is owned by DC Comics and was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Morgaine le Fey was created by Jack Kirby. This story is a sequel to the story, "College At Arkham Asylum."

Batman was getting closer and closer to becoming the hero Gotham needed. He had thwarted several of Professor Hugo Strange's schemes and had dealt with several enemies, who put up a big fight. Gotham used to have to beware the forces of evil, but now, the criminals had to beware the Batman.

Batman entered Arkham Asylum. While walking to his locker, Batman didn't seem scared about anything. He seemed to have everything under control.

Hugo Strange wasn't happy about Batman's progression. Although he found Batman's journey compelling, he was afraid of Batman putting an end to his operation. He wanted to keep that from happening.

Professor Crane, also known as the Scarecrow, was another enemy, who was unhappy about Batman's recent success. Professor Crane was obsessed with scaring his students, so Batman's confidence annoyed him. He was hoping Hugo Strange had a plan, to intimidate Batman.

Hugo Strange was in his office and was examining pictures of Batman, when Professor Crane entered the room. Hugo Strange said, "Greetings, Professor Crane. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Professor Crane grumpily said, "Indeed there is. We need to take care of Batman."

Hugo calmly replied, "Batman has been my greatest opponent, but I am his arch-enemy and nobody outsmarts Hugo Strange."

Professor Crane said, "Strange, I know you're smart and all, but can you really outsmart the Batman? Your mind-games don't seem to impact him that much, at least not anymore. You know I'm the master of evil. If I can't scare Batman, I'll look like a failure."

Hugo replied, "Although Batman is a genius at various things, there's one topic he fails at and I intend on using it, to make his confidence crash into a wall."

Professor Crane grinned and responded, "Sounds scary, which is something I love."

Batman was getting textbooks out of his locker, when Hugo Strange came by and said, "Greetings, Mr. Batman."

Batman got chills from being so close to Hugo Strange, but he retained his confidence and was prepared to stand-up for himself. He said, "Hi Strange. What can I help you with?"

Hugo Strange tried to muster-up a friendly smile, while saying, "Batman, I didn't come to ask you for a favor. In fact, I've come to help you."

Batman raised and eyebrow and asked, "You want to help me?"

Hugo answered, "Of course I do. As a principal, seeking my students succeed is very important to me. You have a lot of improving to do, which is why I put so much effort into helping you."

Batman could hardly believe that Hugo was still pretending to be a well-meaning and friendly principal. He already knew Hugo was a corrupt person, but that didn't stop Hugo from trying to make himself look better than he actually was. Batman glared at Hugo and said, "I know you don't have good intentions, so please stop making stuff up."

Hugo replied, "But my assistance is needed."

Batman said, "I don't want you help, unless it involves you admitting you're a criminal and turning yourself in."

Hugo replied, "That's not going to happen it and it couldn't happen, because I'm as innocent as they come. Speaking of the innocence of life, I was watching the prom. A very pleasant event, despite a few complications. There was one moment, that caught my attention."

Batman folded his arms and asked, "What moment would that be?"

Hugo said, "During your dance, with Poison Ivy, I noticed that she kissed you. It seems you have romantic trouble, don't you?"

Batman realized that Hugo was trying to make things awkward between him and Ivy, just to keep his mind distracted. Batman tried to shake off his feelings about Ivy, while saying, "Strange, your attempt at distracting me isn't going to work."

Hugo asked, "Distract you? My only intention is making you focus on what matters in life."

Batman angrily replied, "You just want me to focus on something else, so I won't be thinking about how to put you out of business."

Hugo straightened his tie and tried to present himself, as a respectable and caring citizen. He said, "I've seen lots of students, who have failed, when it comes to romance. A perfect example is Harley Quinn and the Joker. Those two had such great chemistry and they weren't able to work things out."

Batman rolled his eyes and replied, "Joker was a lying scoundrel, who was cheating on Harley."

Hugo responded, "Yes, his questionable choices ruined their touching relationship. If you keep focusing on this silly, unessential detective work, you'll miss a lot of important things in life. Do you really want your relationship with Ivy to crumble-up, like an old plant? If you want to have someone special in your life, you'll have to water them, with feelings of respect and love. There's nothing respectable or lovely, about trying to ruin my honorable, if somewhat dubious, operation."

Batman saw Poison Ivy walking into the school, so he started walking away from Hugo Strange, while saying, "I've listened to enough of your nonsense, for now."

Batman walked up to Ivy. The two of them hadn't talked much, since the night of the prom. Things had been a little awkward between them, because Ivy had kissed Batman. Batman considered Ivy his best friend and he didn't their friendship to get ruined. He said, "Hi Rose." Batman still addressed Ivy as Rose, the nickname he had made for her.

Poison Ivy shyly replied, "Hi Batman. How are you doing?"

Batman tried to maintain his confidence, while saying, "Pretty good. Hugo Strange is still trying to put up a fight, but I think I've proven myself, to be the better opponent."

Poison Ivy replied, "At the very least, you're the more noble opponent." She took a long pause, before saying, "I'm sorry about that kiss. I probably ruined things between us, didn't I?"

Batman calmly responded, "No you didn't. Rose, you're my best friend. One awkward moment could never ruin that. I always want to be friends with you."

Poison Ivy smiled and replied, "I'm glad to hear that." She hugged him, which made Batman smile back.

Batman said, "I'll see you in class."

Poison Ivy replied, "Okay."

Batman walked back to Hugo Strange and said, "Your attempt to make things rough, between me and Ivy, didn't work. She and I get along as great as always."

Hugo replied, "If that's the case, I'll think-up a better plan, which will guarantee me winning."

Batman responded, "Give up the games, Strange. You aren't going to win this battle." He walked away from Hugo and started heading to class.

During lunch, Batman went into the cafeteria. The cook gave him an egg, which was shaped like batwings. Batman had a confused look on his face, while asking, "What's up with the egg?"

The cook had a goofy smile on his face, while explaining, "I'm giving out eggs, which fit each student's particular theme. That way, everybody will get into the spirit of eggs."

Batman asked, "You made specific eggs, for each student? Wouldn't that take hours?"

The cook said, "You have no idea how long it took. However, I'm tired of eggs being thrown on my head, instead of into peoples' mouths. If I want to crack-open people's interest, I'll have to scramble more eggs." Batman felt weirded-out, which is how he normally felt around the cook, who had been nicknamed as "Egghead."

Batman sat next to Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. Batman said, "Hi Rose and Harley. As always, it's nice to see you."

Harley Quinn smirked and replied, "You probably want me to scram, so you can be with your girlfriend."

Poison Ivy sighed and said, "Harley, I told you not to make things awkward and you did the opposite of that."

Harley had an immature smile on her face, while saying, "I'm good at doing the opposite of commands. However, you guys can't hide your secret love for each other, at least not anymore. I totally saw you two smooching."

Poison Ivy replied, "It was just one kiss. We're just close friends and sometimes friends are affectionate around each other."

Harley folded her arms and responded, "Yeah right. I'm your best friend and you've never kissed me on the lips."

Poison Ivy kissed Harley and replied, "There you go."

Harley asked, "So, you're in love with me and Batman? Talk about a weird love-triangle." Ivy facepalmed, while Batman tried to not look amused.

Meanwhile, Hugo Strange was having a meeting with Professor Crane. Crane wanted to hear Hugo's progress, in intimidating the Batman. Hugo Strange said, "I'm afraid my plan didn't work as well as I had intended."

Professor Crane asked, "What did you try to do?"

Hugo answered, "I tried to distract Batman and make him focus on something that would occupy his time. He and his precious Rose obviously have a crush on each other, so I tried to make him focus on his failure of a love-life."

Professor Crane replied, "That's cute and all, but you know I hate that kind of taste. Plus, young-love is hardly an intimidating threat."

Hugo responded, "Considering how bad romance films have gotten, I'd have to disagree with that sentiment."

Professor Crane was getting frustrated. He felt like Hugo didn't what it took, to come up with the right plan. Instead, Crane decided to suggest his own plan. He had a sneaky-looking smile on his face, while saying, "I think I know how to defeat the Batman."

Hugo started becoming intrigued, while asking, "What's on your mind?"

Professor Crane answered, "Last night, I snuck into your office and did some research."

Hugo replied, "Yes, my most-hidden security cameras caught that. It seems like you're pushing boundaries and rules, wouldn't you say?"

Professor Crane responded, "Perhaps, but you're missing a much bigger point. While in there, I checked-out the list of professors, who want to join Arkham Asylum. One person captivated my interest, Morgaine le Fey."

Hugo tried to remember who that was, before saying, "Ah yes, the sorceress. Why should I place any interest in here? There are several people, who have magical powers."

Professor Crane replied, "That may be true, but nobody in Arkham Asylum has that kind of power. What she can do would scare my students, which would be an absolute delight. However, she wouldn't just benefit my love of seeing frightened students. She would pose a challenge to Batman. In fact, she could easily defeat him, which would show the dark knight who's boss."

Hugo spent several minutes thinking about the situation. He hadn't restored to magical forces before, because he fears it was something he couldn't control. However, he was getting desperate, to be Batman's superior opponent, so he said, "I'll accept her employment. I'm expecting magical things from her, including stopping Batman's rise to power."

The next morning, Morgaine le Fay arrived at Arkham Asylum, while wearing yellow armor and a purple dress. Hugo Strange approached, while being very surprised by her appearance. Hugo said, "I'm not usually one to be a critic of fashion, but the armor is a bit much."

Morgaine le Fey replied, "I fail to see why. After all, you want me to intimidate the Batman, don't you?"

Hugo responded, "Indeed I do. However, this is a school, so we want to appear friendly. Having that armor makes it seem like we want a war."

Morgaine asked, "Isn't that what this is about?"

Hugo sternly answered, "No it's not. I may not be the most heroic or noble of people, but wars are something I've never supported. Batman has been quite the problem and I do wish to take care of him, but less violent methods must be taken."

Morgaine scoffed and asked, "You bring in a sorceress, to handle your problems in a non-violent way? You don't appear to know what you're talking about."

Hugo glared at Morgaine and replied, "I'm the Principal, making me your current boss. I'd suggest following my orders. Lose the armor."

Morgaine responded, "Very well then, Principal Strange." She magically made the armor go away. With the armor gone, her face and black-hair became visible. She said, "I'll go to my new classroom and get to work."

Morgaine looked around and saw Man-Bat flying around the hallways. Seeing a bat-creature fly around would be surprising to most people, but Morgaine casually glanced at Man-Bat and said, "You probably shouldn't be flying around the hallways."

Professor Crane walked by and had Man-Bat fly to him. Crane said, "Man-Bat's my class pet. He often needs to stretch his wings and because of the students' safety, Man-Bat's only allowed to roam the hallways before and after school."

Morgaine looked at Hugo and said, "Your school has the strangest of practices. That's why I specifically asked to join this one. It's the only school in the world, that'll accept the real me." She smiled and walked to her classroom.

A few minutes later, Batman walked into Arkham Asylum. Hugo Strange walked up to him and said, "I have a piece of news."

Batman angrily sighed and asked, "What's up?"

Hugo answered, "You're going to be going to a different classroom."

Batman raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why?"

Hugo answered, "There's a new professor, who will teach the smartest and craftiest students. That includes you, so you can forget about going to Professor Crane's class."

Batman felt comfort, at the thought of not having to go to Scarecrow's class. He smiled and said, "Not going to Scarecrow's class sounds like a treat."

Hugo tried to hold back an evil smile, while saying, "Don't count your crows before they hatch, Mr. Batman. Professor Crane has been a wonderful teacher to you, so I'll make sure you have classes with him, on every day of school." Batman facepalmed.

Poison Ivy walked up to Batman. Batman sighed and said, "It seems like I'm not going to see you during Scarecrow's class. Principal Strange wants me to go to the new professor's class."

Poison Ivy replied, "I've heard about the new professor. In fact, I've seen her. She's very pretty, but she seems rather mysterious."

Batman responded, "Hugo Strange always hires the strangest of people. I'm sure he hired her, because he thinks she'll pose a threat to me."

Poison Ivy looked concerned, while asking, "Do you think you'll be able to defend herself? After all, you don't know what this new professor can do."

Batman tried to make Ivy feel better, by saying, "Don't worry, Rose. I'll be careful and use my detective-skills, to find a solution to this problem." He hugged her and started heading to class, while feeling ready for trouble.

Batman walked into the classroom of Morgaine le Fey. Batman was instantly getting bad vibes from her. She had a sneaky smile on her face and appeared to have lots of tricks up her sleeves. He tried to not be intimidated by her, because he knew Morgaine was a part of Hugo Strange's latest plan. He tried to have a confident, but distant look on his face, while sitting down.

Batman was hoping Morgaine wouldn't pay much attention to him, but she directly looked at him, while talking to her students. Morgaine said, "Greetings, my new students. I'm Morgaine le Fey. I know you've had a lot of professors, but none of them are like yours truly. I'm more magical, more powerful, and even more dangerous than anything you've seen before."

Batman sarcastically whispered, "What a lovely-sounding teacher."

Morgaine smugly smile and replied, "I have many special abilities. One of them is the ability to hear people's whispers, no matter how quietly they try to speak." She stared at Batman and said, "I heard your little comment and I assure you, that your sarcasm is not appreciated. It'd be wise to compliment yours truly and avoid any form of mockery."

Morgaine was sneakier than Batman was expecting. He put his hand on his chin, while wondering what Morgaine's powers were. From what he had seen for far, she seemed to be a sorceress. Batman had never dealt with a sorceress before and he was a little worried about fighting such a thing.

Morgaine faced her students, while saying, "Since this is my first day, it's going to be harder to tell, if all of my students came to class. When I say your name, you better say you're here. Otherwise, I'll mark you as absent." She spent a few minutes going through the list. As the list was reaching the end, she said, "It appears Riddler didn't come to class."

A moment later, the Riddler burst into the classroom and said, "Riddle me this: Who's the least-early, but smartest classmate of all? Answer: the Riddler!" He did a goofy-sounding laugh.

Morgaine faced the Riddler, while looking angry. She folded her arms and said, "Mr. Nygma, you're late for class."

The Riddler grinned and replied, "Riddle me this: Who's so brilliant and eloquent, that he never has to come at the correct time? Answer: the Prince of Puzzler, the comedian of crime, the jester of games, the Grinch of cheerfulness, the Knight of Teddy Bears."

Batman raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you talking about?"

The Riddler paused and said, "I'm not sure. I have a tendency, to ramble-on, when it comes to giving myself a proper introduction."

Morgaine sternly replied, "Instead of trying to come up with the right introduction, you should be trying to arrive at the right time."

The Riddler had a smug smile on his face. Since Morgaine was brand-new, Riddler was excited about getting to brag about himself, to another person. He tap-danced around the room, while saying, "You don't seem to know who I am and what I have accomplished. You've seen lots of students, who are smart, get good grades, and are respected by teachers. However, I'm so much more than that. I'm the smartest student, that there's ever been. No student is as clever or impressive as the Riddler." He did a silly laugh.

Morgaine grabbed the Riddler and said, "You claim to posses a lot of special abilities, but you're only good at wasting my time. Because of that, you're going to receive a punishment."

The Riddler looked panicked, while replying, "You shouldn't give me a detention. That would waste time, that I could spend on being the smartest and smuggest guy ever."

Morgaine responded, "You're not going to be getting a detention. I have a much more useful punishment." She used one of her hands, to blast Riddler out the window.

Batman ran to the window and asked, "Is the Riddler okay?"

Morgaine coldly said, "Whether or not he is, isn't something worthy of my concern."

Batman was about to run out of the classroom, while saying, "I need to check on him."

Morgaine replied, "Hold on there, Mr. Batman. Are you actually attempting to leave my classroom?"

Batman responded, "Yes, but I have an understandable reason. The Riddler could of been seriously hurt, by your overly-harsh punishment. I need to make sure he's okay."

Morgaine replied, "You're not going to be doing that. Sit down and start paying attention to my class."

Batman responded, "I don't think so."

Morgaine grabbed Batman and said, "Then you're going to receive one of my punishments." She blasted Batman out the window.

Batman landed in the garden bushes, next to the Riddler. Batman looked at him and asked, "Are you okay?"

The Riddler had a goofy smile on his face, while saying, "Riddle me this: Who's always the best, even after getting blasted out the window?"

Batman rolled his eyes and asked, "Aren't you in pain or something?"

The Riddler said, "I might be, but that's not something to be concerned about. Did you see how I got punished in style? I'm the smartest of all students, so I earned the most painful of blasts."

Batman raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're glad you got blasted?"

The Riddler answered, "More or less."