Dr. Joan Leland, head of psychiatry in Arkham Asylum sat at her desk in her office. With now the most infamous criminal, Gotham City has ever known; the Joker sitting across from her. But, she had known the now terrorist by a different name; Jane Doe. Her patient and if it didn't go against professional standards, she'd say; her past friend as well. Dr. Leland used to be so proud of the progress she had seen Jane make since the abnormal looking woman first arrived in Arkham Asylum. Could see the potential for greatness when others thought Jane was just another loony in a insane Asylum. Sadly, now the only thought anyone would have regarding Jane Doe is how she murderer hundreds upon hundreds of people with a devastating virus.
The weeks that followed Jane Doe's re-incarceration was volatile at worst and dangerous at its best. Jane was even more prone to violent mood-swings than she ever used to be. Often times attacking both fellow patients and staff alike. How insistent laughter would be heard during all the hours of the night from her room. Pictures drawn; in blood of disturbing imagery that would turn a weaker person's stomach. Dr. Leland didn't want to admit it out-loud, but she was concerned that her long time patient would never recover. Another part, wondered if that might be for the best. Because, how could Jane process all the lives she took if she was ever pulled back from the insanity that consumed her? What would become of her if that ever happened? Could she learn to live with herself or would it cause her own self-destruction? Sometimes, as wrong as it feels, maybe, it's best to leave things as they are.
As a psychiatrist however, that wasn't a mindset she could act upon. Not when she suffered her own guilt for all the actions Jane inflicted upon people when she first left Arkham. After all, she had sign the release papers herself. At the time, she felt that Jane was ready to step a foot back into society. That she could adjust to living outside the Asylum's gates. She was mistaken. Didn't have the foresight to notice the red flags ahead of time. Couldn't predict that another staff member was already manipulating the other woman under Leland's own nose. And, that miss judgment has cost so many Gothamites their very lives. Destroyed countless families. That was such a crippling regret that would haunt her for years to come. Blood would forever be indirectly on her hands that could never be washed clean.
On the topic of blood that was the very reason why this emergency therapy session was taking place. An orderly was murdered on the premises tonight. The killer was the woman who her brown eye gaze upon this very second. Jane sat there; her short green hair still soaking wet from the forced shower to clean the blood off of her. The scene had an elegance of brutality behind it that Dr. Leland had never seen before. Like Jane was trying to create artwork with the man's organs. All in the shape of a known by all symbol in Gotham. The Bat. How her patient even got hold of a knife, she didn't know. Or, what led up to Jane taking a staff member's life. As part of protocol, she was determined to find out, before Jane spent even more weeks in solitary confinement. However, it seemed like her patient didn't want to speak to her and that was making the process even more difficult.
"Jane, we need to discuss what happened," Her tone is one of authority, but gentleness as well. Jane however just ignores her. "Listen, you know I can't help you, if you don't discuss what you're feeling." More silence followed. "Was it something Mr. Schafer did that caused you to lash out?"
A beat passes between them. Then acidic green eyes glance up at her slowly. She doesn't speak, but she gives a small nod. It's not much. But, it's progress. Dr. Leland was used to having to wait out her patients. Especially, so shortly after incidents like this. With cases like Jane Doe, if pushed to far then the patient could disconnect from the situation all together. Shut down and not be able to be reached.
"I'm aware you two have had a bad history since you've gotten back," She glances at her notes. "In the past you haven't had a kind word to say about him in our sessions due to an altercation between Miss. Quinzel and Mr. Schafer. Was that the reason for what transpired earlier in the break room?" She expects that to be the case, is pretty positive that is the answer to everything. But, when Jane shakes her head no, all she can feel is even more uncertain. That perhaps, Jane isn't being as honest with her as she normally was.
Dr. Leland leans forward in her chair. Looking Jane in the eyes. Showing her clear disbelief on her features.
"Jane, what have we talked about regarding dishonesty during these sessions?" Dr. Leland starts to speak only for Jane's eyes to narrow at her.
"Joker," was the first word she spoke for close to twenty minutes now. Her tone sending a chill down Dr. Leland's spine. She pauses for a moment as she shifts in her chair. The restraints limiting her movements. Jane always had difficulty with staying still. Always prone to fidgeting or getting agitated without some form of constant movement. "If you want to talk about dishonesty, then let's get one thing straight. It's Joker, now. We both know Jane Doe has been gone for some time. Murdered, more accurately speaking."
Leland wishes she could write down that this start of communication as progress being made, but not in this case. Not when Jane wanted to be called by her chosen namesake. A title that only seemed to bring misery to the citizens of Gotham.
"I would much prefer to speak with Jane," Dr. Leland says, but only receives a slight darkening glare in response. "But, if this will get you to talk about previous events, then we will do things your way." She concedes her argument. Knowing this is the only way that Jane will speak to her about anything.
"As long as we're on the same page. Don't want either of us to be dishonest here, right?" Jane states. Her tone colder than usual. Resentment ever palpable. Even, if not all of it seems directed at her doctor, but more at the situation at hand.
"Correct," Dr. Leland writes down in her notes as it seems they'll finally be making some leeway in getting to the heart of the matter. "Will you tell me what caused your outburst in the break room?"
"He was rude to me. So very rude. I needed to.. uh.. rectify that behavior." Jane says, but doesn't continue.
"In what regard was he rude?" Dr. Leland prompts her to continue to speak freely.
Jane tries to throw her hands up to illustrate more of her frustrations with the topic, but her cuffs prevent her. The sound of metal clanging against metal distracts the woman as her green gaze cast downwards. Seemingly lost in thought for close to a minute until her head snaps up. An eager look on her countenance.
"Does, Bryce Wayne still come to visit Arkham?" She asks so suddenly that the change of topic almost gives Dr. Leland whiplash. "She funnels a ton of money in this place right? That means she has to come here to at least sign the checks." Jane nods her head as if she answered her own question, but still looks at her psychiatrist for confirmation.
Her momentary lapse of bewilderment, doesn't last long. Her mind trying to figure out of how Jane Doe found out anything about Bryce Wayne's recent joining of the Arkham Board in the first place. She knows about Jane's deep rooted obsession with the billionaire. An obsession that almost cost Ms. Wayne her life in that twisted fun house dinner party Jane set up. It was one of the few restrictions of gaining any knowledge about Bryce Wayne, that Dr. Leland felt necessary of putting on Jane as the most important measure enacted. Even on a higher caliber than keeping Harleen Quinzel away from her.
Although, former psychiatrist Quinzel had a previous short time romantic relationship with Jane Doe. Had manipulated the woman to join a terrorist group, as well as convinced her to kill hundreds with a deadly virus. Dr. Leland had come to learn that despite the toxic relationship that both women shared together, Jane only had one obsession. A delusion that she held onto strongly and was the catalyst to everything that has transpired since Jane's release from Arkham. Bryce Wayne, CEO of Wayne Enterprises was an addiction for Jane that Dr. Leland was determined to put a stop to. And, perhaps when that happened then Jane could finally heal mentally.
"Jane, you know I can't confirm or deny that particular subject. That I can't discuss any of that information with you," She lets out a heavy sigh, "Now, please. No more distractions. Let us get back onto the topic at hand." Her tone has a level of finality to it. Shooting down that conversation as fast as possible. However, Jane seems to have other ideas.
"We still are on the same topic. You just assumed it changed." Jane reasons as if it's clear as day.
A feeling she can't describe accurately enough starts to gnaw at the back of her mind. Like she's missing something obvious. As if there's a hidden meaning in Jane's words. One that for the life of her she can't figure out. But, deep down has the inkling suspicion that she's one on to something huge. All she needs to do is get a little bit more information and she'll know.
"Perhaps, I have. Enlighten me then." She responds; her mind still distracted with her own musing.
"First tell me, does Bryce come to Arkham?" Jane is adamant about getting the information she desires. And, against Dr. Leland's better judgment, she gives in.
"Yes," is all she'll say on the matter. At least Jane understands that and accepts her answer as it is.
"Thought, so," A pause, then adds. "I knew she couldn't stay away. Not from her best enemy," Jane lets out a happy laugh at being proven correct. Even if Dr. Leland doubts that's the very reason why Bryce Wayne donates money to the Asylum. If she had to take a wild guess, then she'd bet her degree that it was because of Ms. Wayne's own guilt over her parents criminal history. However, she refuses to bring this most likely the case theory up with Jane.
Regardless, there's something about how Jane describes Bryce Wayne in that regard. She was already made aware of their obvious falling out, but something just didn't settle well within her with the wording. A curiosity that needed to be sated.
"Yes, well. Let's get back to discussing about Mr. Schafer's earlier's provocation?" The feeling of missing something won't go away as she tries to focus on the reason this therapy session was needed.
"Like I said, he was rude to me. Took my favorite doll away from me. Do you know how long it took me to make that?!" Jane snaps suddenly. Venom dripping from her tone. Hatred coating every word. For a few long minutes of silence after her outburst, she takes deep breaths to try and calm herself down. Her scowl turning into a small hopeful smile. "It's all I got to hold onto while I wait until I see Bryce again." Jane replies. Not taking into the account of the actual likelihood of her even seeing Ms. Wayne again at all. Like the possibility of that never happening couldn't cross her mind. How delusional she had become into believing it.
"Jane, you know violence isn't the answer to dealing with your problems. What you should have done is come to me. Told me what had happened and I would have dealt with the situation accordingly." Dr. Leland chides her softly. Hoping her words actually get through to her patient.
"You know, I used to believe that," says Jane in a whisper. "Or at least tried to. Until I met her. Then she showed me a better way," a few bursts of humor filled laughter escapes her lithe body. "As I watched her. I learned the truth, Dr. Leland," toxic colored eyes gleam brightly under the overhead flickering warm lights. "Violence solves a lot of problems," She exclaims excitedly and proudly. As if it was a lesson everyone should learn. "And, you know what the best part is?!" Her body bounces in her seat. No longer able to stay still. Ready to explode with proclaiming the answer, but wanting to be asked the question first.
"What would that be?" Dr. Leland rises to the bait. Knowing full-well she wouldn't like how this rant would end. How concerning it was proving for what became of the woman she once knew.
"In the end. Learning that tiny lesson made everything between us, oh so very right! That what we have now is beautiful!" Jane's laughter is even louder in volume. More crazed than Dr. Leland has ever heard before. The pure joy that radiated off of her would be contagious, if the words weren't so toxic, as unhealthy in their true meaning.
"Jane, I need you to realize for your own well-being that what you have with Miss. Quinzel is not beautiful-" Dr. Leland starts to say only to be cut off by her patient.
"Harley? I'm not talking about her!" Jane sounds offended. As if it was absurd for an assumption like that to be made.
And, just like that the light bulb goes off for Dr. Leland. The last piece of a puzzle that she didn't even realize she was putting together. How everything finally made sense. What Jane had done after the murder. How she displayed the organs in the shape of a Bat. Her obsession with Bryce Wayne and the comments of best enemy made everything become so clear. The biggest question that all of Gotham City ever had. Who was the Batwoman? A hard pill to swallow as it left her in a state of shock. Knowing the truth and unsure of how to proceed. It's not like she can just make that big of an accusation without confirming it first.
"I need to ask you something," Dr. Leland's tone is serious and catches the full attention of her patient. When she receives a small nod, she proceeds with finding out the truth. "Your obsession with Ms. Wayne and what you did with the organs of Dr. Schafer. Are they-"
"Don't!" Jane suddenly shouts, stopping her in her tracks. Cutting off her words by the sheer desperation in her patients voice. Her eyes goes wide at the sudden change of demeanor as Jane moves as close to her as the restraints will allow. Her green eyes in a state of panic. "Please, don't say it. Just stop right there." Her voice is an almost inaudible whisper.
"Tell me why I shouldn't?" Dr. Leland questions; cautiously.
"Because, because if you do," Her shoulders slump. Her gaze casting downwards as she can't look her doctor in the eyes anymore. "If you say it, then I can't forget that you did," her voice is defeated and broken. Showing how this is the last thing in the world that she wanted to happen.
Dr. Leland sits there in the growing silence. Realizing the sheer weight of such a statement. Knowing that her guess had been proven correct, but what that would entail if she ever stated it out-loud. In Jane's broken mind, she needed that secret to be kept. Would go to any lengths to keep it hidden from the world. Of how far the woman would truly go to protect Bryce Wayne. This was the first time Dr. Leland ever truly felt threatened by a patient. Even working in a hazardous place as Arkham Asylum, she never felt in danger until now. Realizing how close to signing her own death certificate she just was. Seeing for the first time how deeply rooted the bond that tied Jane to Bryce went. Although, she also knows, Jane doesn't want to kill her as she's done to so many other, she is not naive to think now that Jane wouldn't. Only would if for one moment Jane thinks that she's a threat to her sick relationship with Bryce. And, knowing that Bryce is Batwoman is the biggest threat anyone could pose towards that dependent bond she delusions herself with. For Jane, nothing comes between the two women.
Absolutely nothing.
It didn't matter anymore of how close they once were as patient and doctor. Or the inside jokes they sometimes shared walking in these halls. Those days were long gone now. Been cast away the moment Bryce Wayne was sent to Arkham Asylum over a year ago. That was the day everything changed. Where, Dr. Leland could no longer trust her patient that despite having admired her, that she wouldn't harm her. She didn't feel safe with Jane anymore. The worst part was she didn't even realize that until now. Thought that she could actually make a difference in Jane Doe's life. How with time and proper therapy she could have been rehabilitated. Those hopes of a future without insanity for her patient were now truly dashed.
She couldn't see an end to this obsession Jane had with Bryce that wouldn't end without either of their deaths. Who knows how many years of bloodshed would follow now for Gotham City, because of these two women? Leland had only known Bryce Wayne for a short time, but could already tell that she wouldn't hang up the cape anytime soon. That it was a need so deeply rooted in trauma that she would never cease her goals to end crime in Gotham. The results creating as Jane called herself, the best enemy to fight against Batwoman until one of them bled out. All other lives would simply be in the crossfire of these two damaged women. Where Dr. Leland would be one of the few to have an easy way out, only because Jane cared just enough to give her one.
"I think that's enough for tonight." Dr. Leland finally says and receives a small nod and a warm smile from Jane.
"Agreed. I'll see you tomorrow, Doctor Leland. Try to have a good night, okay." Jane responds; solemnly.
That night was the first time in so long that she couldn't even remember that Dr. Leland needed a drink to get through her shift. Dreading, any future therapy sessions now with her patient she was once so proud of her progress. She writes down one last note in her personal reports. A reminder that Jane Doe was truly as she had said; gone. And, now only the Joker remained.