Cat & Mouse

The term is derived from the hunting behavior of domestic cats, which often appear to "play" with prey by releasing it after capture.

Joker's prov.

Penguin struts forwards on to a platform overlooking us.

"Pengers", I smile. "I'd thought you'd gone and done something stupid, like running away". I notice his one eye twitch. "Although, I wouldn't have been surprised. You always did lack back bone".

"So Joker, finally decided to pay me a little visit?" One of his goons pulls out a cigar and places it in mouth before lighting it. Penguin takes a smoke before blowing it out, smiling at me. I glare at him. "I'm sorry my home isn't as up to standard as usual. I had a little problem earlier you see." His smile grows wider. Oh I am kill him. I'll take that cigar out of his disgusting mouth and burn every inch of his body with it. Come to think of it, that could actually be a pretty good experiment, I've always wondered if fat makes you burn quicker.

" A problem?" I ask, putting on my melodrama. "On dear, not a problem, don't tell me you let a little problem ruin your...er... beautiful home?"

"Come to think of it Joker, I didn't". What? Oh yes, I forgot we were talking about Harley. That miserable, worthless dame I trekked all this way for.

Penguin gesturers to one of his men and they bring out... Jesus Christ... is that Harley? She looks like a god damn rag doll. My men gasp and unconsciously take a step away from me. Penguin grabs her hair and kicks the back of her legs causing her to fall to her knees, he pulls harder, forcing her head back so I can see her face. Shit. It looks worse than anything I've ever done. Her once blonde hair is no longer in its pristine pigtails, but falls around her face and is matted with dried blood. Her blue eyes are dark, surrounded by black bruises and the swelling is forcing her to close them. Her nose is obviously broken, the blood mingling with that of her split lips. The rest of her body is hardly recognizable, it looks as if someone has thrown black and purple and green paint all over her. Usually those are my favorite colors, but right now I've never hated them more. The thing that catches my eye is the large blood soaked piece of trouser that has been ripped off to cover what looks like a fucking big gash.

The tightening in my chest returns. What the fuck is happening to me? "Harley", I whisper.

"You see Joker, I am the better man. You've fallen so far by allowing your feelings to get in the way. Though I have to say, its quite nice knowing you have some, all this time I thought you were just a cold heartless bastard. Still, even the best of us sometimes get it wrong". A deep growl begins in my throat. "Just think Clown, during these last moments you can watch your whole reputation crumble. The mighty Joker, fallen in love. I thought it was just rumors when I heard you'd fallen for your doctor. But they're actually true!" He begins to laugh. "I can't wait to let the whole world know your just as much of a pansy as the rest of these god damn chumps". He doubles over laughing. I take out my gun and point it straight at his head. "Go", I shout. I don't shoot, but run to the edge of the ledge. My men open fire on Penguin's crew, but it doesn't take long for them to retaliate. Before my eyes the men I've trusted with this operation fall to the ground, bleeding profusely. As the rain of bullets begins to die away I stroll back into the centre of the pit and shoot the rest of Penguin's thugs. Some of my guys have made it and point their guns to Penguin, who has one hand on his umbrella, pointing it at me and the other has Harley's hair, preventing her from moving.

"Gotta say", I smile. "I had hoped you be more prepared". I put a hand to my head, my drama returning. "It seems a shame it's all over now, and there wasn't even cake".

Penguin turns around and on seeing his men are all dead, put down his umbrella and shouts "Gotcha", throwing Harley, by her hair, down into the pit. I drop my gun and rush forwards to catch her, sliding on my knees just as she's about to hit the floor and catch her bridal style. She looks up at me through her swollen eyes, "Oh Mr J", she sighs, wrapping her arms around my neck so tight I think I'll suffocate. "You found me".

"Yes, yes, yes", I reply. "There's no need to make a scene".

"But he was gonna kill me", she whimpers, tears in her eyes.

"Oh for god's sake pull yourself together, you worthless brat", I exclaim. "We've gotta go bird hunting".

"We do?" she asks.

"Yes. And since your here making a scene and whining, our bird has got away".

"Oh", she bows her head, "I'm sorry puddin".

I pat her on the head. "It's ok toots, hows about a little game of cat and mouse?"

"Oh I love cat and mouse", she squeals. I stand up with her still in my arms. "Think you can walk sugar?" She shakes her head. I sigh dramatically and wave one the surviving guys over. "Take Harley here outside, I'm going fishing".

"Put puddin, can't I come too?"

"You can't walk can you, you stupid brat!" I hand her over to the guy and take his gun. "Don't worry pumpkin, I'll bring you back his head". I then send them out and take off after Penguin.

It's not hard to find him, cooped up in his 'war room'. He didn't think I'd get in, but I am the Joker after all and what's a funny guy without his box of tricks*.

"Just leave Joker, get out", he panics.

"Ah ah ah, Penguin. That's no way to treat a guest". I walk towards him. "Now who's the better man". I begin laughing, I'll get my fun after all.

*Riddle from Arkham city.