Hey guys, sorry about the wait.

EricaDC-ComicsQueen: Don't worry, it's coming ;) Right now I'm building the suspense, but I promise next chapter MM will get a glimpse of his birdie. ^^

Onitsu Blackfeather: I'm so glad you liked it! :D You wouldn't believe how worried I was about giving him a name, and thank you for leaving a review =^u^= And I would love it if this came anywhere close to the level of awesomeness that the Phantom of The Opera has garnered. :3

On another note, who feels worried for poor MM after the last chapter? Because I do!

~O~

He hadn't been quick about it.

Alexzander was lying on his cot shivering in a cold sweat as his body burned off what was left of the "special" tea. He seized, small spasms occasionally clenching his hands as he lay in the dark, his mind drowning in the nightmare that had just occurred.

Moments after Strange's confession the man had produced an oddly shaped black key, and gripping the Meister by his throat he placed said key into the contraction, turning it twice thusly before plucking it from the tumbler. Then with silent conviction the tiny instrumental pieces of metal lodged firmly in his larynx begin to move, and he screamed.

Why, oh why, did he have to scream.

The pain from the small movement was nothing compared to the feeling of euphoria, when his voice, his actual voice, filled the air of the room, grated and raspy as it was, only moments before the feeling of having a knife shoved down his throat silenced him. For several moments he gasped for breath, his knuckles white as he gripped the arms of the persimmon sofa, trying to relieve the pain that reared its ugly head in his throat. He gasped and seized, his body shaking as his choked noises echoed in the tiny white room.

He was right. It did have good acoustics.

Despite the sound of his heart thudding in his ears he heard the Doctors amused chuckle, and through watering eyes he saw bottle cap glasses flash.

He wasn't free, he was wired into a amp that the Doctor could turn up and down at a whim.

The urge to scream and thrash shattered his thoughts, and through the pain he managed to choke out one word.

"…W-why?"

"Why?" Strange's voice was smarmy and mocking in the emptiness of the room, previously vacated only by Alexzander's painful gasps. "Why? Because I can. You, Mr. Miehster, have a very precious skill. One I would like to collect." Alexzander pushed himself to sitting position, the gears in his head spinning with adrenaline and fear. He was aware of the Mad Hatter's unique talent with the minds of others, and though he had never met the man himself he had done some research on the Milliner's background, (as he had done with a number of the infamous Rogues) and was impressed by his penance for…persuading others. It was entirely due to science, and the genius that was locked securely inside the mad man's head would no doubt prove quite the riddle for Strange, unless he had already found a way to coerce the information out of the man. But his own skill, so similar but so completely different…his adept ability at controlling others with merely his voice would prove to be quite the trophy in Strange's plans, and he was planning on cashing in.

The moments after that were better left forgotten, buried with every other horror Alexzander had ever faced, but he couldn't stop his mind from replaying the session. Every memory, every good dream, though few, every nightmare, every possible ounce of information Strange could possibly use to his advantage he divulged, completely against his own will and yet he could not stop his mouth from moving. Strange didn't care for his patient's sanity, or even his comfort as he resolutely ripped everything that the Meister's file didn't already tell him, and anything that explained the man's gift straight from the frazzled miester's brain.

"Like a crazed fisherman reeling in his prized catch," He thought sarcastically.

He had left the room in an icy sweat and shaking, his legs unable to support him as the guards returned, grim faced and silent as they dragged him back to his cell. His fellow rogues were either asleep or attending the Doctors newest attempt at reforming, and no other patients paused to observe their newest roommate. Tendrils of fear gripped his chest, but the silence did not wane and for that he was glad. There was no music in his heart now, no solid beat to give rhythm to each and every one of life's foolish tricks.

He was alone, and the music had forsaken him.

~O~

The bar was completely transformed. The road outside was lined with cars, hummers, flashy sports cars, carriages and sleek limos to drop off their occupants, the rich and famous of Gotham. Blue Bloods.

Lillith watched from the corner, unwilling to have the taxi drop her off amongst the spectacle. She felt underdressed, and her heart beat frantically in her chest as she took in the other women that entered the building. They were dripping with diamonds, pearls and other precious gems as the stepped from the shade of the men that accompanied them. Women dressed in gowns that appeared to be crafted from solid gold and crystal chatted with their escorts, and cameras flashed in a blinding onslaught for the attempt to get the best picture. It was like watching a parade of peacocks, each more beautiful than the next, and she felt like an ugly little sparrow amongst their midst. She held up her head, placing one heeled foot before the other and made a beeline for the door.

As she went to enter, she pushed aside her fear, willing herself to appear just as confident as the people around her she straightened her back, allowing the chauffeur to peel open the doors.

~O~

He was still in a cold sweat when the guards came to fetch him. They were quiet, all mischievousness forgotten and he was grateful for it. They kept a tight grip on either arm, and though he stood over them his head hung between his shoulders. Where once he heard music in all things it was gone, and each step that reverberated down the hall was just that: a step. Nothing more. Not a beat, not a rhythm, nothing.

He was broken.

~O~

So you've probably noticed I'm adding some Arkham asylum/city references, this will be adding up the the total story but appearances will still be largely BTAS based. (mainly because out of Arkham Asylum, City, and the Brave and Bold, I'm most familiar with BTAS)

Thanks reviewers, I've been feeling pretty down this summer, and your feedback is so refreshing.

Thanks for all your encouragement and ideas, I really do appreciate it!

And poor Music Meister is so abused, but don't worry! He'll be up and singing Broadway showtunes in no time!

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