Summary: In the middle of Gotham's Mayoral elections, Batman, Robin, Blackbat, and Oracle must work to prevent the murder of one or more of the Mayoral Candidates by the Joker, Harley Quinn, and their new henchgirl: Wild Card. Slight AU. Sequel to Slender.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but Wilhelmina "Wild Card" Carde and a few minor OCs.

A/N: If you've read my original Batman story, Slender (it's only 8 Chapters long) then you'll have an idea of who Wild Card is. If not then here's a quick explanation. She's the niece of a one-off Batman Villain I created that used the Slender Man meme to commit kidnappings. Wild Card assisted with the abductions because of her unique case of Dependent Personality Disorder where she latches on to a single individual, originally her uncle who died on accident at the end of Slender, and was later broken out of Arkham by the Joker and Harley and has subsequently latched on to the Joker. Thus a new henchwoman was born.

Similarly I have the Arkham Verse versions of most of the characters in mind. Blackbat however uses her Batgirl costume with the "eyeless" mask. As far as the Arkham games are concerned, only Arkham Asylum is considered canon in this universe.

Author's Request: I would like to take this opportunity to politely request that all reviewers refrain from making any comments on current, real world politics. I am deliberately going to avoid making any direct political references so as to remain politically neutral. My own political affiliations are irrelevant to the story so please no political commentary or questions.


Tuesday, November 1st
5:15 PM
Wayne Manor

"Crime, poverty, unemployment. These three things go hand in hand. No jobs means no money, and no money means the average citizen becomes more likely to commit a crime than normal. In Washington I fought against special interest groups pushing to give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, I pushed for additional funding for Law Enforcement, pushed for pro-job growth legislation, and I pushed for pro-Justice League legislation. Now that my time in Washington is done, I want to continue to serve the people and ask for your vote to allow me to run your fair city, Gotham. I'm Congressman John K. Hunter, and I approve this message!" a handsome man with short and well-groomed black hair in a blue business suit with white work shirt and red tie said over a montage of scenes while Stars and Stripes Forever played in the background before ending with a campaign logo that said "John K. Hunter for Mayor!"

"And I don't care." Tim Drake grumbled as he changed the channel. He was seated on the floor with his back against the foot of the couch in the TV room of Wayne Manor, Barbara Gordon sitting next to him, working on her laptop from her wheelchair. Cassandra Cain was curled up on the couch with a book in hand, not paying any attention to the television or anyone else for that matter.

"Don't like his policies, Tim?" Barbara asked.

"It has nothing to do with his policies. I'm just sick of all the political ads." Tim replied as Barbara shrugged.

"Okay, I can't argue with you there. I get sick of the ads too. But I will say that Hunter has my vote. I mean he had an enviable voting record in Congress, vote's non-partisan, and truly did work to stimulate job growth as well as campaigned with a pro-law enforcement agenda. Plus, he's one of the few politicians that is in favor of the Justice League and the Batman especially, so that's gotta be worth some points." Barbara replied as Tim flipped through the channels.

"I dunno. Bruce is always kinda suspicious whenever politicians come out as pro-Justice League or pro-Batman. Probably thinks that voting Pro-Batman gets them some kind of special favors." Tim replied.

"And they usually get proven wrong whenever they cross the line. I mean, remember when Congressman Jenkins voted pro-Batman and was later arrested for human trafficking?" Barbara asked, earning a blank look from Tim.

"No." he replied.

"Oh right, that was before your time. I think that was actually just before Jason joined us." Barbara said.

"What happened with that case?" Tim asked.

"Pretty straightforward. Jenkins thought that if he publically endorsed the Batman's actions, the Batman would turn a blind eye to his own. Well when Batman found evidence that Jenkins had waved a shipping container full of Cuban refugee women through customs with intent to sell them off as sex slaves, Batman confronted him. Jenkins tried to talk the Batman down but all he got was a few broken ribs, a concussion, and fifty years in state prison for his trouble." Barbara explained as Tim shrugged.

"And every day people wonder why politicians rate within the top three of the worst occupations in the country. What do you think Cass?" Tim asked but Cassandra quietly held her nose, not taking her eyes off her book.

"My thought's exactly." Tim replied as Bruce entered, sitting down in a red wingback chair.

"Gotham's political season always stirs up trouble." Bruce said as he sat down, picking up the remote and switching to the local news, the current report being outside Gotham City Hall, with Summer Gleeson standing in front of the camera.

"With the Mayoral Election only two days away, the candidates are meeting for the final time for a final Town Hall Debate tonight at eight at Gotham City Civic Center. Our latest polls show former Congressman John Hunter by a very slim lead of point oh three percent over incumbent Mayor Hamilton Hill. Mayoral Candidate Alexander Ronson trails Hill by only point oh two percent. Pundits say that that this election is still very much up for grabs as all three candidates have a little under thirty-three percent of the vote each so tonight's debate is the last chance our candidates have to grab the votes they need to pull ahead. Summer Gleeson, Channel-." At this the TV was turned off. Barbara and Tim both looked at Bruce who had a grim expression on his face.

"I know that look. Something's up." Barbara said as Bruce stood up.

"There's been a surprisingly small amount of activity by the criminal element in Gotham lately. Normally election time causes an upheaval but lately all of the major criminal groups have been quiet. Even Commissioner Gordon's been able to focus on some older cases lately." Bruce said as Cassandra looked up from her book but made no kind of communication.

"Hate to say it but he's right. The last big case we had was that Slender Man case a month ago. So in other words, we're due some kind of calamity. The timing's about right." Tim said as Bruce turned and headed for one of the secret entrances to the Batcave.

"That's what worries me. Barbara, I might need you to stay on call for the next few days. Tim, Cassandra, we have work to do." Bruce said as Tim and Cassandra both got up from their seats, following him to the batcave. A few minutes later, the four were gathered around the Batcave computer, the displays showing profiles on the three mayoral candidates.

"We'll start with Mayor Hill. He's been in office for the past three terms and is generally liked well enough. Unfortunately his detractors seem to be that he's too lax on dealing with the crime in Gotham, taking a laisse faire stance on it almost." Bruce explained.

"Which works fine for us to some degree since he's not out to get us arrested." Tim commented.

"Yeah but he doesn't take any legal action on it either." Barbara added.

"Which brings us to Congressman John Hunter. Running as an Independent, contrary to his congressional party affiliations. A solid voting record. Never missed a vote, was willing to compromise on certain issues, unwilling on things like law enforcement and vigilantism which he does support." Bruce explained.

"Which, you would think, would make him a target by every member of the Rogue's Gallery. Yet none of them have attempted anything." Barbara explained.

"That we know of at least." Tim added as Bruce switched over to the third candidate.

"Alexander Ronson. A small business owner campaigning on a pro-small business, pro-job growth, anti-Batman platform." Bruce explained. Ronson was in his early forties but his hair had already turned a shade of silver. Cassandra then started tapping out a message in Morse code.

"Know him. Owns Hardware store. Near St. Jerome's Orphanage. Nice guy." She said with a smile.

"Well we know who Cass is voting for." Tim commented.

"If she could vote that is." Barbara replied.

"So we have three candidates, all three of which could easily be a target for some kind of criminal scheme." Tim added.

"So what's the plan then, Bruce?" Barbara asked.

"I'm going to stake out the Town Hall Debate tonight. I suspect that with the election only two days away, there's going to be trouble. It could be today, tomorrow, or even on Election Day." Bruce said as he got up and headed for the large glass cases where the Batman, Robin, and Blackbat costumes were hung up.


7:57 PM
Gotham City Civic Center
Mayoral Town Hall Debate

The stage in the Civic Center was set and ready to go. There were three podiums on stage in a semi-circular arrangement facing the audience, each designated with the campaign signs of the respective candidates. Mounted up the back wall of the stage was a jumbotron, initially with a waving American Flag decorating it as a default display. A moderator's desk sat front row, center of the audience facing the stage. Gotham Television and Radio personality, Jack Ryder, was already sat at the moderator's desk, having been selected to moderate the debate. The GCPD was out in force providing security. Uniformed and non-uniformed officers patrolled the center while Commissioner James Gordon stood watch from backstage, Detective Harvey Bullock approaching him.

"North and East Quadrants have reported in, Commish. All clear." Bullock reported.

"Good. I don't want anything happening that could cause a problem tonight. Has Montoya reported in yet?" Gordon asked.

"Not yet." Bullock replied. Gordon didn't respond but instead returned his attention to the stage.

"So who're you supportin' chief? Hunter?" Bullock asked, earning a soft glare from the Commissioner from over his shoulder.

"My politics are my own business, Bullock, and I'm going to keep it that way." Gordon said as Detective Renee Montoya approached.

"South and West Quadrants clear sir." Montoya reported.

"Good. Oh, one more thing. Any sign of our winged friend?" Gordon asked, Montoya shaking her head.

"Nothing."

"That doesn't mean he's not here though, or that he's not watching. In fact I'd bet my life on him being here. Alright, here we go. Order the men to keep on guard. The Candidates are taking their places." Gordon said as the Mayoral candidates emerged from backstage to a rendition of Stars and Stripes Forever, starting with Candidate Ronson, followed by Candidate Hunter, and ending with Incumbent Mayor Hill. As Jack Ryder made the opening remarks, cracking a couple jokes in the process as he was known to do, high above the audience, hiding amongst the darkened rafters knelt the Dark Knight, watching from above but so far there was nothing out of the ordinary. The crowd was full of supporters and protestors from all sides but all were fairly well behaved. Finally they got to the first question and Candidate Hunter was up first.

"Congressman Hunter, our first question goes to you. 'During your time in Congress, you openly supported the Justice League and fought for pro-Justice League legislation. If elected Mayor of Gotham City, would this sentiment also apply to Gotham's own resident meta-humans? Specifically, the Batman and his team of vigilantes, colloquially known as the Batclan?" Jack asked as Congressman Hunter merely smiled, straightening his tie.

"Absolutely it would still apply to the Batman. I am a firm believer that Gotham City needs the Batman. As Mayor of Gotham, I would personally see to it that Batman be given even greater leeway in dealing with Gotham's criminal element. At the same time, I am not placing my faith squarely on the Batman. No, our own Police Force should receive the same amount of support if not more so than the Batman. That is why, under my leadership in City Hall, the Gotham City Police Force will see at least a one-hundred percent increase in their overall annual budget, starting day one!" Hunter said amidst cheers from the audience and even several of the police officers watching the crowd, Bullock and Montoya included.

"Well said, Congressman. Candidate Ronson, your question, also pertaining to the Batman. In your campaign ads, you've condemned the actions of Commissioner Gordon for allowing Batman to run free and for not enforcing the law by giving Batman free reign. You've also vowed to re-activate Gotham's former Vigilante Task Force in an effort to track down and capture the Batman. Gotham Voters would like to know-…what the heck?!" Jack Ryder stammered as the crowd started murmuring amongst themselves in confusion as they saw the jumbotron starting to flicker a little before cutting out and going to static.

"Sorry about that folks, looks like we're having some technical hick-ups. Let's keep with the-…" Jack Ryder said before his microphone inexplicably cut out. At this, Gordon was reaching for his radio.

"I want eyes in the control room, now!" Gordon ordered, suspecting trouble.

"What's going on? What's happened to the equipment?" Mayor Hill asked one of his aides who shrugged, clueless as to what was happening. Up in the control room, the techs were scrambling to figure out what was happening just as Detective Montoya burst in.

"What's happening up here?!" she asked.

"We don't know! Something's gone wrong!" one of the techs replied before the static on the monitors and jumbotron faded away to reveal an American Flag again.

"Is it back?" one of the techs asked.

"It's not us!" another one replied. Suddenly they heard what sounded like Hail to the Chief start to play only on a pair of kazoos.

"Truth, Justice, the American way! It's what we all assume we're voting for whenever we walk into that puny little voting booth every few years. But then one day, life takes a hard U-turn and everything goes upside down spin-a-roony and the next thing you know you're sitting in the corner with drool running down your chin. But don't worry too much about that Gotham, because here comes some real change you can go crazy to!" an eerily familiar voice chuckled before, bursting out from behind the American Flag, came a thin lanky man in a cliché Uncle Sam Costume, complete with the red, white, and blue top hat, only minus the beard, a contrasting yellow flower in his lapel, and carrying a walking cane with a J handle. His skin was a chalky white, lips a rosy red, hair a unique shade of fluorescent green, stained a distinct shade of yellow. It was a face all of Gotham and a good deal of the world knew very well.

The Joker

"Hello, Gotham! It's me, your dear Candidate Joker, the Incumbent Clown Prince of Crime, here to bring you smiles and laughs to break up the monotonous doldrums of these agonizingly boring election seasons!" The Joker announced with a grin, the audience murmuring in fear at the sight of its most notorious supervillain. Batman immediately narrowed his eyes and but a hand to his earpiece.

"Oracle, are you seeing this?" Batman asked.

"It's on every television channel! Running a trace now! Robin and Blackbat are getting suited up as we speak!" Oracle replied as the Joker continued.

"Now you might all be wondering; what sort of campaign promises will I make? Well allow me to es'plain. Every Election Season, it's always the same thing! Months on end of campaigning, endless political ads tearing apart the opposition, kissing babies, glad-handing the constituency! And then at the end of it all, everyone walks into that booth and checks the box next to the name of the candidate they want to sit down in that big easy-chair in City Hall and decide how the city's going to go down the toilet for the next four years! So I thought, why not shake it up a bit?" The Joker asked, the kazoo chorus starting to lose pitch as the players started to get out of breath.

"Oracle?" Batman asked.

"I've almost got it!" Oracle replied.

"This year, my promise to Gotham is that, on November 3rd, the candidate with the most votes, will get a little something extra to smile about, a permanent smile provided by me! To put it simply, Gotham! This year, you're voting on the candidate you want to see dead!" The Joker declared with one of his demented laughs as the crowd's murmurs of fear got louder. The Candidates were looking at each other with a mixture of fear and worry on their face. The Joker then continued.

"Oh and just so we have a nice clean race, any candidate that drops out will be getting a visit from my happy-go-lucky Campaign Manager and her trusty mallet, isn't that right Harley?" Joker asked as Harley Quinn, her cartoonishly large mallet resting on her shoulder, stepped into frame.

"You know it, puddin'!" Harley replied as Joker grinned suggestively towards the camera.

"Contrary to popular belief folks, I did not sleep with this woman. Wink!" Joker chuckled, Harley shifting her hips slightly with a coy smirk in the background.

"And just so you don't get any bright ideas like postponing or cancelling the election, I've picked a very interesting running mate who will make his presence known very soon that will tell you what will happen! Oh, and before I sign off on this little campaign ad, Oh Bat~sy! I know you're watching this! I hope you're ready to have some fun and games! Oh and bring the kids with you! It's been a while since we scheduled a play date and got caught up! Let's do dinner, 'kay?! I am the Joker and I approve this message!" The Joker said before he burst out laughing, a hand off screen holding up a cheaply made sign reading "Joker 4 Mayor-urderer!" for a few seconds before the screen went to static. Batman narrowed his eyes as he glared at the screen.

"Oracle! The trace!" Batman said.

"I've got it! The old Gotham News Station on North Hill Road!" Oracle replied, Batman immediately making for the exit to the civic center.

"Have Blackbat and Robin meet me there! I'm on my way!"


End Chapter 1

Please R&R.

If you would like visual references for Batman, Robin, Joker, and Harley Quinn, you can go by their Arkham Series appearances. Harley uses her Arkham City appearance though, not the nurse outfit from Arkham Asylum and not the one-piece leotard she's most commonly known for. The version of Blackbat that I envision is the same as what the Deviant Artist, Phil-Cho, has in his gallery.

Again, please refrain from making any modern-day political references in your reviews and even any private messages you send me.