Okay hey guys! Sorry for taking so long, but this time I have an excuse! A couple actually. Firstly I went on vacation TWICE! This is a bloody miracle in itself as I haven't gone on one in 14 years.
I had Internet troubles (again), don't even get me started on this. And finally my beta and I had a lot of trouble to establish a connection.
Sigh.
Excuses aside I have to add a little thank you note to Crisis Project for helping me with this chapter. She gave me some great ideas, helped me with a lot of grammar work and gave the chapter a better outlook I'd say. I had wanted to resend the chapter to her for re evaluation after the first editing, but decided against it.
You guys have been waiting long enough!
So if there are anymore spelling mistakes or grammar faults, it will all be on my head ;)
Wow… that was a lot and now on with the story!
Yours insanely
Gollumfryingeggs
Lies and Deceit
The atmosphere was radiating with a wondrous aroma which cascaded through the sinuses of the many inhabitants of the asylum. The people gathered around, gossiping about nothings and something's, keeping them busy while listening to the magnificent music which filled the night air.
Ariel Oliver smiled sweetly at the many people surrounding her, giving friendly greetings, but politely keeping her distance. Her feet ached, her hands were itchy underneath the white gloves and the tight red gown she had chosen for the night was not agreeing with her earlier pizza munchies. Ariel closed her eyes for a moment and desperately tried to remember why she was here, besides the fact that she was the organizer and was asked to join the blasted party on behalf of her boss.
It was a function to raise some money to fund some project for the Asylum, she couldn't remember what it exactly was at the moment, but she didn't really mind seeing as she wouldn't be the one giving out her money tonight.
She was in no mood for conversing upon this night; it was far, far too tiresome an activity at the moment. After working all hours in the morning, evening, afternoon and any other hour one could think of she was about as energetic as a salted slug.
Ariel took a quick moment to survey the Asylum hall; everyone seemed to be preoccupied and basically not interested in her. Taking a moment she quickly brushed down her raven black hair with a gloved hand, trying to better her appearance. The tight gown was making her boiling hot in the already steaming atmosphere and as a result her carefully applied make-up was starting to give away to the sweat.
"Just great" she muttered.
How she wished to be back in her home, with her fluffy bed, mattress, pillow and duvet. Though some things just had to be endured, no matter how bitter they made you.
"Damn this bloody world!" she growled, deserving her a few strange stares. She gave a sarcastic smile and stomped off, but a few steps further her plastic red high heel gave way and Ariel quickly slowed down to a walk. Ariel gritted her teeth and carefully tried to avoid any people in the next few minutes as her bruised ankle throbbed painfully under the long gown. "Why did I agree to this?" she wondered as she slowly sat down in a nearby chair, the pain slowly dying away. This time she spoke a little softer, "I mean, I'm an intelligent girl I don't need…"
But soon her words died away, her anger's and worries were filtered from her head and the most amazing thing in her insignificant life happened;
Bruce Wayne walked in
Her heart skipped a beat; this was the most marvelous thing she had ever seen walking on two legs: black hair, blue eyes a body to die for and amazingly; perfect. Her stomach made a flip, her knees felt weak, but she stood up sticking her nose in the air, she gave her dress a quick feel over, brushed a stray lock behind her ear and strode over to the handsome young man.
"Mr. Wayne!"
He turned to look at her and she felt herself grow weak once more - how could this gem be single? Well tonight she would make sure he would be good and taken, for herself of course.
"Good evening, miss…?" the handsome devil frowned slightly, but his charming smile somehow still remained plastered on his perfectly chiseled face.
"Oliver," she answered with an air of arrogance. "Miss Ariel Oliver, I am the head organizer for this function," she smiled sweetly, trying her best to seem confident around the billionaire and secretly thankful she was wearing gloves to conceal her sweat palms
"Well then, I must congratulate you," his baritone crooned, "You've done a terrific job."
"Why thank you, Mr. Wayne," she giggled; such a gentlemen!
"My pleasure Miss Oliver," he said calmly, "Now if you'll excuse me I need to go and mingle." He took her right hand gently and pressed those soft-looking lips of his on top of her satin glove. If she weren't so damn uncomfortable in the dress she might have actually swooned. The playboy winked and made his way into the crowds. Ariel watched him leave, her head spinning and her legs feeling quite weak.
It took her a full moment to realize he had just strolled off without her! Instinct took over and she dodged into the crowds after the stud muffin. She looked for him everywhere, salad bar, sushi bar, drink bar, snob bar, but no matter where she looked she could not find a trace of the man.
Ariel sighed, her gaze traveling across the many faces, trying to give it one last sweep, but no luck.
'He always seems to take to the shadows when he gets the chance,' she thought secretly while making her way over to the drink bar; she needed something stiff at the moment.
Batman landed on the asylum's rooftop, his white eyes surveying the many windows. He quickly found one which served as a quick 'door' and slipped through undetected. He snuck past the security camera - no problem, they always were a little predictable.
"They've all been in Arkham these past few weeks."
Gordon's word haunted Bruce; if what he said was true then it meant that Joker had been lying to him all this time, but then where did all those bruises come from? You didn't just wound yourself to get attention.
He tried to ignore the little voice in his head which clearly showed proven facts, witnesses, forensic evidence and about five years experiences that proved Joker would do exactly that without thinking twice.
It's not that I don't trust Gordon; Batman thought silently as he studied the doors, 'It's just…'
"You had to make sure."
Batman flipped around, a Batarang already in his hand, but he replaced his weapons when he recognized who it was. The old Commissioner smiled at him wearily. He looked like death, but he moved from the shadows and gave the Batman a tired stare.
"I'd say I was hurt, but knowing myself I would most probably have done the exact same thing in your shoes," he moved a little closer and paused in front of a steel door. He nodded his head towards it and continued, "Penguin, the one next to him is Riddler and the one opposite is Freeze."
Batman eyed him warily, but moved forwards to the cell, his movements slow and deliberate. Inside he really wanted to see that the Commissioner was telling the truth, but even deeper inside in that little part where no light ever reaches, the untainted instinct wanted to believe that Joker wasn't lying.
He couldn't understand it.
Giving the old man one last stare he leaned forwards and looked through the small pane of glass in the door. His heart sank.
Penguin was snoring happily in his cell, his body relaxed comfortably with no bruises or wounds evident. He moved to the other two and both had the same image. Batman pulled away from Riddler's cell he felt the sudden need to scream or thump anything in the immediate vicinity.
He settled for clenching his fists.
"Joker is a devious creature," Gordon said as kindly as possible, "he does things that no normal human would ever do," The cop's voice had taken on a hard edge, he stepped closer to the batman and went to stand next to his partner "Try to remember that."
Gordon turned around and stalked out of the hallway, leaving Batman to deal with the sea of thoughts which was slowly drowning him.
He could feel the hurt, anger burning his throat. How could he have been so blind, so stupid, so…
Human.
He sagged. Yes he'd been human, trying to help someone in need and the Joker had taken advantage of such a small fact. A new wave of anger engulfed him and with that Batman stormed away from the cells. He would confront him… or maybe not… his thoughts burned. He slammed the doors shut behind him, the ripple vibrating the cell doors, making Riddler's pane of glass flicker and distorting his sleeping image.
The Batmobile screeched to a halt and a sleepy Joker perked up slowly from the bed, Batsy was back! The clown carefully stood up, the sudden pain in his stomach making it harder and harder to function normally, but Batsy'll make it all better.
"He always does, doesn't he," the voice replied sarcastically.
"Shut up, Black Jack!" Joker growled. Well at least he'd given the bastard voice a name.
Batman stormed in and Joker stopped dead in his movements; this didn't look goo-
A gloved hand was suddenly crushing his pasty throat and Joker found himself gagging for air.
"Liar!" Batman growled and shouted at the same time, his accusation echoing throughout the Batcave; Joker tried to say something, but couldn't even so much as a whimper. The Bat was showing teeth at the moment and Joker could feel the burning pain in his stomach reaching an impossible peak.
"…Wha…?" Joker at last choked, but Batman promptly dropped him on the floor. Joker hitched at the sudden pain and promptly threw up. Not even giving him chance to recuperate Batman grabbed the Joker by his shirt and dragged him across the floor.
"What are you doi-" Joker tried, but Batman silenced him with a glare. Fear entered his heart, what was happening? Why was Batman doing this? He was tossed into the car, he knocked his head on the side and another wave of pain shot through his stomach. He really wasn't feeling well. His face glistened with sweat, his breath coming out in gasps.
By the time he opened his eyes they were already charging down the streets of the city.
"Where are you taking me, batsy?" he asked softly.
Batman didn't look at him, "Arkham."
"Are being serious!?" Joker screamed; panic entering his red eyes.
Batman gave him a pointed look.
Joker blinked, "Well that was the dumbest question of the year,"
"I'll say!"
"Shut-up!"
The car tore down the streets, screeching as it took a violent turn. Joker held on for dear life as the car skidded across the tar road. The nausea was making it harder to focus.
"Why, batsy?" Joker finally asked in a husky voice and a smile.
Batman paused with this one; he seemed to be fighting some inner battle. "It's where you belong."
Joker swallowed down his vomit, his head was swaying, but a small giggle was starting to bubble to the surface. "Where I belong?" Joker snapped, sweat poured down his pale face, "Is this a joke, batsy?" Joker asked a silly smile playing on the edge of his red lips.
Batman didn't answer.
"Batman?" Joker asked.
Silence.
"Batman! Damn you!" he screeched, he ignored the pain; he ignored the fear and settled for burning anger. "Don't you ignore me!" Joker lunged forward, making a grab for the wheel, Batman simply lifted his right arm and slammed the weakened clown right back down in his seat. Joker hitched for air, the new wave of pain made sure he stayed put, but a bubble of giggles were now turning into hysterical laughter.
"You're… becoming… me now, Batman," Joker heaved between chokes of laughter.
"I am nothing like you" Batman snapped, Joker could see his neck muscles tightening under the mask.
He grinned.
"Then what type of hero throws a friend in need to the wolves?" Joker's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"You're not a friend, you're a liar," The masked crusader barked.
"Touché"
"Whatever makes you sleep at night, Batman" the clown grinned.
The car screeched to a sharp halt and the Knight hopped out, he circled the car, grabbed Joker by his wrists and slapped on the cuffs. The mad clown's laughter echoed across the grounds of Arkham, the pain becoming more and more unbearable, but his laughter would not stop. .
"Face it batman!" Joker screamed above the roar of the rain and the giggles as he was dragged to the doors. "What you're doing is evil!"
"I am doing what anyone would be doing in my place," the caped crusader retorted.
Joker grinned, "Exactly,"
Rain poured from the heavens drenching the clown in icy waters, lightning flashed illuminating the hidden fear in the Joker's eyes. Joker was practically dragged to the doors of Arkham; Batman threw them open as thunder tore into the heavens.
He flung the Joker inside, the clown with wrists bound screamed with laughter as he fell on the tiled floors and skidded to a halt in the centre of the hallway; "You'll be joining us in here soon Batman! Your sanity is hanging by a thread if you start doing things like this!" but the Batman was already in his Batmobile and speeding off into the night.
Joker couldn't move, the pains he had ignored earlier were making collect calls and a few of them seemed to be emergencies. The clown huddled close, the fear and sadness keeping him from throwing up again.
Footsteps fell on the tiled floors, they echoed through the building, but fell on deaf ears of the clown until they stopped right behind him.
"Welcome back."
Joker's eyes snapped open and carefully he tilted his head upwards,
The sadist smiled, "Joker."
Terror engulfed him and the clown did the only thing he could think of at that moment; he screamed.
"BATMAN!"
I hope you guys enjoyed it, like I said thank Crisis Project as well!
And now I order you all to review. Why? I don't know, my muse has left me and that's about as creative as I'm getting today.
Yours insanely
Gollumfryingeggs
