So yeah, this is my first attempt to write something comicverse and I'm really excited to see how people will react to it. Specially because we're talking about my newest and favorite pairing ever: Joker and Harley. This chapter is clearly just an introduction to the real thing, so I apologize in advance for the size of it. The chapters that are yet to come will certainly be longer. Reviews are very welcome!
JxHQ: Drive Me Mad
Chapter 1: New job, new life.
"Welcome to Arkham Asylum, Dr. Harleen Quinzel." Said the brunette, holding up a hand to the youngest doctor that has ever stepped inside the asylum. "I'm Joan Leland."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Leland." They shook hands as Leland motioned to the blonde to follow her.
"You see, Dr. Quinzel, since you're new here I have to follow the protocol and accompany you into the asylum and show you how everything works here." She said as they walked through the garden towards the main entrance.
Harleen looked at the large terrace. Some inmates were walking there with the respective guards behind them, making sure they wouldn't try to break out or something like that. Now her eyes were back at the huge mansion before her. She was a bit insecure and the sight of it made her feel it could swallow her at any time.
As they entered the asylum, Dr. Leland guided Harleen through the corridors, explaining each hall. "Here is the lobby and right there is your office." Harleen could burst in excitement. New job, her own office, new life! She wanted to squeak in happiness, but no. Not here, not now, she thought. Just be professional.
The brunette pointed to a couple more places. The cafeteria, where patients with good behavior could spend time chatting among them. The gym hall, where the inmates could workout and exercise their bodies. Harleen watched every place carefully, trying hard to memorize all she could.
They walked by a giant corridor that leaded to a staircase. As they were going downstairs, Dr. Leland's voice suddenly got more serious as she spoke. "Now we're about to see Arkham's most dangerous inmates. They are extreme psychopaths, Dr. Quinzel, so you have to be really careful around them."
Now for the real thing!
As Harleen nodded, Leland continued. "I've got to be honest with you. These patients are so deep in their own minds that even our most qualified doctors ask themselves if they'll ever be cured."
"I believe there is no patient that can't be cured." Harleen said with conviction in her eyes, although she was a bit afraid that her tone sounded rude. Dr. Leland just smiled at the statement. But it wasn't genuine, it was slightly mocking.
What? You don't believe it? No wonder this place is full of inmates.
Harleen shook her head and focused in the cells up ahead. She couldn't miss the show.
The place was quiet and the only major thing that could be heard was their footsteps. The blonde was turning her head excitedly to the sides, immediately recognizing some famous inmates. The Riddler, interesting guy. Scarecrow! He is thinner than I thought. Poison Ivy… She's beautiful. Zsasz, creepy guy…
Then she froze.
There he was, the most thrilling and high-profiled patient of all. He was lying on his cot, his back towards her, so she couldn't see his face. His mere presence there was absolutely terrifying, and she could just see his hair! A chill ran through her spine when she saw him shift and turn his head towards her. He scanned her for a second and then moved back to his previous position.
The Joker! I can't believe it!
It happened too fast, she didn't even see his face clearly. But there he was and gosh… She would do anything to have a session with him. Imagine what'd be like been the first psychiatrist to actually rehab the Joker?
Dr. Leland suddenly realized she was walking by herself and looked back just to see Harleen in a trance, about ten meters from her. "Dr. Quinzel?" She simply said and Harleen muttered an apology as she quickly rushed to her side.
They were now heading back to the main entrance. "That's it, doctor. Now that I've shown you the entire Asylum, you can start working tomorrow morning. We'll decide who's going to be your first patient and see how you can handle it." The brunette said with a smile. Harleen nodded and waved a goodbye. "Thank you, Dr. Leland. I won't disappoint you!" She said and walked towards her car, she couldn't wait to get home.
While Harley was driving, she made a quick recap of the day. Ok, garden, cafeteria… I've forgotten all the rest already. That mansion is enormous! But there was something she couldn't quite forget. That hallway. All Gotham's super criminals were there. Just the thought of getting a mere session with any of them was sending her chills of excitement. They were challenging. And high-profiled. In other words, perfect for her. As Harleen's heart began to race, she realized she was driving too fast and was about to run red light. She let out a little squeak and braked abruptly. She could hear the guy behind her curse her. Shit…
She had to face reality though. It would take years for her to get even near those patients.
Three Months Later…
Dr. Arkham was at his office, his eyes travelling through the files before him. He adjusted himself in the chair, trying to get more comfortable. In just three months, all those patients' conditions had improved significantly. And what did they have in common? A doctor.
"Harleen Quinzel…" It was almost a joke. How could this young girl make such a performance in so little time? This girl was good! Really good. She had potential, he knew that. Maybe if…
He froze. Dr. Arkham just might've had the brightest idea of all time. He suddenly got up, the back of his legs pushing his office chair behind him, making it slide across the room. He rushed to his cabinet, clearly searching for some specific files. He ran his thumb through the pages, until he found what he was looking for.There it is.
Dr. Campbell, age 56, PhD.
Dr. Davis, age 49, PhD plus specializations.
Dr. Wright, age 53, PhD…
They were all Joker's previous psychiatrists. None of them succeed. Not a single one. But look at them: old, tons of degrees, professionals… Perhaps there's exactly where his mistake was lying. He's never tried someone new, someone with different methods or a different view. Someone like her.
Maybe he was going insane, but it certainly worth a try... right?
A special thanks to thechokesonyou, who's helping me out with this story :)
