I never created Batman TAS.
''It's my birthday. Yes. Yes. Yes,'' the Sewer King said as he stood in front of children. He frowned. His arms were behind his back.
''I remember sending you to the streets a few hours ago. I remember ordering you to obtain lots and lots of pretties for your king. I remember. I remember.''
Children glanced at one another with wide eyes. They wondered if the Sewer King was going to discipline them for returning with very few pretties. Place them in a light-filled chamber for a few hours? Light capable of hurting their eyes.
''You returned with two rings and four bracelets. Yes. Yes. Yes. Pretties. Yes. Yes. Yes.''
The Sewer King still frowned before his eyes narrowed behind round half-shades. ''ALL OF YOU! TO THE STREETS!'' The Sewer King watched while children stepped back. ''Return with lots and lots of pretties this time. You all won't eat anything tonight if you return with few pretties another time or empty hands.''
Children exchanged glances again.
''GO!''
Children ran.
The Sewer King approached two rings and four bracelets on the floor. After lifting the valuables, he wore them. He guessed they were decent birthday presents. The Sewer King tried to remember previous birthday presents. Certain past gifts. A smile formed.
*My parents never had much money. They smiled after they purchased a toy alligator for my tenth birthday. I recall a rare smile. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.*
The Sewer King's frown came back as soon as he heard footsteps behind him.