A/N- So sorry for the long wait on this. Writer's block, you know. It's a pain. However, on my list, I saw this chapter coming up, so I've been watching a lot of the Joker episodes on my Batman: The Animated Series DVDs. I feel now that I am properly inspired to do this chapter…so on it goes!
Chapter 3- Merry Hermes
Batman and Commissioner Gordon moved swiftly up between holding cells in Arkham Asylum. Batman was as silent as ever, but Gordon was shaking his head and muttering.
"I can't believe this happened again! We ought to have put a bell on her or something! I mean, she's the Joker's kid…he's got a lot of enemies that would use that against him! That is, if he's in his holding cell…if not, that means that he left that note to confuse us!" Gordon said, pointing to a slip of paper in the Dark Knight's hands.
"Oh, he's here. And if one of his enemies did take Jo, they're in for a big surprise. I suspect that he could care a less," Batman replied.
The pair came to a stop in front of a locked metal door. An orderly that was waiting pulled out a key and opened the door for them, with a nod from Gordon. Batman was the first to slip inside.
There, sitting Indian-style on his bed, was the Joker. He was rocking back and forth slightly, ever smiling. He gave a small chuckle as Batman glared at him.
"To what do I owe the honor of this visit, Bats?" he asked.
"What do you know about this?" Batman replied, tossing the note to the Clown Prince.
It came to a rest at the Joker's feet. He bent a little to get it and gave it a quick read through. Finally, with an eyebrow arched, he looked back up at the Bat.
"What the heck is this supposed to mean?" he asked. He looked back down at the letter and, this time, read it aloud, "Dear Hermes, Thou hast taken something of mine. I've come to retrieve it. There's no signature, Bats. Have you finally developed a sense of humor?"
Batman gave a small, frustrated growl. "Clown, I have no time for this. Where's Joanna?"
"What do you mean? She said she was going shopping. I suspect she's at home. If you're looking for her, why don't you go there?" Joker laughed.
Rocking once again, he began to whistle a tune. Batman shook his head. Gordon, clearing his throat, then stepped up beside of him.
"Joker, your daughter has gone missing. She's been kidnapped. And there is a signature…look at the note again," Gordon said.
Joker glanced down at the note still in his hands. This time, he let out a "humph," and laughed.
"This guy must either want to be found or is an amateur. This letter is printed on his stationery. Maximilian Zeus, huh? You think this is the guy that took Jo?" Joker asked, now standing.
The clown crossed his arms and tapped his foot. Sighing, Gordon reached forward and took the note from him. Batman took charge once again.
"What do you know about this? What have you taken from him?" Batman demanded, moving so that he towered over the Joker.
"I didn't take nothing. As it turns out, if you're right about this, he's taken something of mine, hasn't he? Now, if you'll excuse me…I'm tired," Joker said, lying back down on his bed.
Gordon's eyes took on a look of terrible fury. "This is your daughter, man! And you don't even give a damn that she could be hurt or dead, do you!"
Joker shrugged and closed his eyes. Gordon shook his head.
"I guess I counted you as more human than what you are," the Commissioner said.
Joker giggled, turning his head and looking at Gordon. "Aw, Commish, you should've known better than that!"
Batman interjected no points to this conversation. Instead, he merely walked forth and slapped a pair of handcuffs on the Clown Prince. Joker leapt to his feet.
"What do you think you're doing!" he yelled.
"You're coming with me until your memory becomes refreshed and you remember what it is you took from Maximilian. Come on," the Dark Knight said, pushing Joker out of his cell.
"Commissioner! Commissioner! Is he allowed to do this! Stop him! Aren't you going to stop him!" Joker protested.
Gordon shrugged. "Aw, Joker, you should've know better than that!"
Joker's smile turned upside-down as Batman lead him out with no other protests from anyone.
End Notes: Okay, so what do you think? Let me know! Please review!
