Chapter 25

"When's Daddy coming back?" A little girl with black hair asked. Her babysitter, Sandra, sighed.

"He'll be home soon Harley, don't worry." She noticed the little girl's still sad face and looked around. Her eyes stopped on the dolls in the boxes on the ground.

Sandra smiled and walked towards them. "How about we open up these gorgeous dollies and play with them?" she asked in a fun tone. Harley's blue eyes lit up as she smiled.

"Okay!" she said taking a seat next to her babysitter. Sandra opened the boxes and slipped out the dolls. She picked up the one that had long, curly black hair. She was wearing a light pink dress with ruffles traveling down the bottom.

"Hey, she kind of looks like you." Sandra said showing Harley the doll. The little girl took the doll and petted her hair. "Does she really?" She asked. Sandra nodded. "Yep, a beautiful princess." she said giving Harley a hug, which caused her to laugh.

Just then the doorbell rang. "Daddy's home!" Harley jumped up and ran to the door.

"Wait, Harley don't open the door." Sandra said picking up the dolls and trying to find her balance. An excited Harley clicked open the locks and pulled the door open.

"Dadd-,"

her toothy smile dropped when she saw a tall man wearing a police uniform. He had a grim expression on his face and rain was dripping down his dark colored jacket.

"Harley, what did I tell you abo-, oh." Sandra stopped seeing the policeman.

"I'm sorry to disturb you ma'am, but I'm Officer Conners from the GCPD." He stated reaching out his hand. Sandra shook his hand and nodded slowly. "No, of course, it's no problem at all." Sandra looked down at Harley, who was staring at the officer in awe. She bent down to Harley's level and smiled.

"Harl, why don't you go and rest in your bed. I think it's almost time for bed anyway." Sandra said. Harley looked at the officer and then Sandra. "Go on honey, I'll be there soon to tuck you in." Sandra said.

Harley took a moment and then nodded running to her room. She climbed into the bed using the sheets and slipped under the covers. She gripped the blankets, blinking back the tears as hard as she could. She then reached over and grabbed her teddy bear.

"I hope daddy comes home soon teddy. I want that big officer to leave." Harley muffled into the bear's soft head. She turned over and closed her eyes, slowly letting sleep take over her.

Sandra shut the door, her hands shaking and her mouth agape. She walked into the living room and dropped on the sofa chair, burying her face in her hands.

"Oh god, oh my g-god!" Sandra quietly sobbed. She shook her head and roughly wiped away tears. "Why? Why to him?" She asked to no one. She looked at the clock which read 1:24 in the morning. Sandra shook her head and turned to look at Harley's door down the hall.

"How am I supposed to tell a little girl that her daddy died just hours after her birthday?" Sandra got up and began to pace the floor lightly.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry Harley. Oh Harley."

"Harley. It's time to open your eyes now Mrs. Wayne." A soft, velvet like voice said. Harley slowly opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times before being greeted by a smiling woman. She was wearing a long white coat and had smooth medium brown skin. She was young and had brown eyes and black hair that shaped her face nicely.

"Someone's finally awake." She said. Harley tried to sit up, but groaned and lay back down. "Please don't force yourself. Your body is still recovering from what happened." The woman said.

"Who, who are you?" Harley asked quietly.

The woman smiled. "I'm Doctor Lawrence. I'm the head of all the departments here at the hospital. You came here about a week ago by your butler. He said you had fainted. I know you might feel very weak, but can you remember anything at all? Even the tiniest thing?" She asked.

Harley shook her head. "No, no I-I can't, I'm sorry." Harley said meekly.

Doctor Lawrence walked forward and stroked Harley's head in a motherly way. "No, it's alright honey, don't worry about it. We ran some test on you while you were unconscious. I'll be right back with the results and we can talk about it, huh?" The doctor suggested with a warm smile.

Harley returned the smile and nodded. "Yeah, sure thing."

"Charlotte do you have the results for Harleen Wayne?" Doctor Lawrence asked.

"Sure thing Doc." A young nurse said going through a stack of files in the shelf. She skimmed through then until she saw the name. "Here you go." She smiled picking up the folder and handing it to the doctor.

"Thanks, I've got to get these back to her immediately." She said closing the folder after reading the test results. She walked down the hallway until someone tapped her.

"Excuse me." The doctor turned around and was surprised to see a male doctor. He was wearing doctor scrubs and a mouth mask. He was wearing a white doctor coat and had dark glasses over his eyes.

"Can I help you?" Doctor Lawrence asked.

"Yes, are you Doctor Lawrence?" He asked.

The female doctor raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Yes, I am. And you are?" She asked.

"I'm Doctor White. Jack White." He answered. Doctor Lawrence tried recalling a Doctor Jake White anytime in her career and came up with nothing. "I was actually sent from the board to take over your patient. It seems they've decided to switch our patients, and don't ask me why, I just followed their orders." He said raising his gloved hands defensively.

Now she was very skeptical.

"The board ordered this? No, that can't be right." She said shaking her head.

"We can go back and discuss it with them. Trust me doctor, I'd be more than happy to." Doctor White suggested.

Doctor Lawrence nodded and let the male doctor lead her down the opposite hallway. When they were near an open door, the man pushed the doctor into the room quickly locking the door. The woman landed roughly on the floor, dropping her folder and board.

"What the hell?!" Doctor Lawrence yelled in anger. She glared up at the man.

"Who do you think you are?" She heard the man darkly chuckle and immediately felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up.

"Oh doc, you really should've just 'switched' patients with me. This could've gone in a more...positive direction." The man said. The doctor's face was contorted between shock and scared. She watched the man pull off his glasses and pull down his mask. Doctor Lawrence's blood ran cold and she looked horrified.

"You're,-you- you're the-the,"

"Joker. C'mon doc, it's easy, Jo-ker. It's really that simple." Joker teased with his hands on his hips. The doctor crawled on her hands away from him, stopping when she hit the side of the hospital bed.

"What-what do you want with-me-me?" She asked frightened.

"Well, I was hoping it didn't have to come to this, but ya know." Joker said reaching in his pocket and pulling out a shiny, sharp blade. He twiddled his fingers on it and smiled. "Oh, don't be so frightened doc! I swear, it won't hurt at all. Bah! Who am I kidding? It's gonna be absolutely painful!" Joker laughed. Doctor Lawrence quickly turned her head and noticed a remote hanging down by the bed. If she could get there quickly enough, she could ring for the nurses.

"But, you don't h-have to k-k-kill me." She said trying to make conversation while inching her way over. The Joker put a finger under his chin and looked as if to be in thought.

"Hmm, no, no I think I have to. You see, if I don't then you'll ruin my plan. And I'm not a very happy clown when my plan is ruined." He said. The Doctor then quickly jumped up and grabbed the remote. But before she could find the button, Joker pulled her hair back and pushed the blade to the skin of her throat. She gasped and stared at the ceiling which was the only thing in her vision at the moment.

"Ooh! So close Doc! And yet, so far." He said wig false sadness.

"That wasn't very nice of you to do. Now if you would so kind to drop the remote." When she didn't, Joker pressed the blade to her throat which caused her to drop the remote. Joker chuckled darkly and smiled widely as he heard the doctor begin to cry.

"Oh, this is going to be fun."

Bruce put the blue shirt on and made sure the wipe down the creases. "Heading off somewhere again sir?" Alfred asked.

"Going to visit Harley. Hopefully, she has to be awakening by now. I can't wait to see her." Bruce answered with a smile. Alfred nodded and returned the smile.

"How about some television?" Alfred suggested.

Bruce nodded and listened whole Alfred switched the channels.

"Have you ever had a symptom-,"

"Come to Gotham City Amusement Park where-,"

"Tune in next time to see-,"

"Joker-,"

"Wait, quickly turn it back." Bruce said immediately hearing Joker. He watched Alfred switch back the channel and saw it was the news with the hospital in the background.

"Reports have said that the Joker has found his way into the Gotham City Hospital. Officials are saying that he disguised himself as a doctor. One of the nurses walked into a hospital room that had to be prepared for a new patient and went to change the bed sheets. She went to get the sheets from the closet and what she found was absolutely disturbing. Please be aware that what we are about to tell you is indeed disturbing and may not be suitable for all viewers. The nurse found the body of doctor, who has been identified as the head doctor, Doctor Lawrence. Her body was found hanging on a hanger by her coat and had multiple stab wounds all across her body. How they identified it was the Joker: the doctor's mouth was sliced up at the both sides in the appearance of a red, clownish smile. Police cars have been surrounding the entrance of the building and many have people have cleared out. But, there are still patients and staff still trapped inside. We are keeping close eyes on this situation and will give you updates as they come in. I'm Kerri Landon with Gotham City News."

Before the news report was even finished, Bruce had raced down to the Batcave and slipped on his Batsuit and weapons.

"What are you going to do sir?" Alfred asked handing him the keys to the Batmobile. Batman took the keys and jumped into the car.

"I'm going to do whatever it takes to stop Joker and get Harley back." He answered.

"Whatever it takes sir?" Alfred asked tensely hearing the man's solid tone.

"Whatever it takes." Batman repeated darkly as the roof of the car closed. Alfred watched the car speed down the ramp and shut his eyes praying for the worse not to come.

Darkness. It was all around her. It was engulfing her and she felt like she couldn't breathe. Suffocating, that's what it felt like. She couldn't see a thing.

'Okay, calm down and just breathe Harls.' She tried reassuring herself. She wrapped her arms around herself and tried to calm down.

"Mama." She looked up and saw a little girl far off. She was wearing black pigtails and had beautiful deep blue eyes. She looked as if she about to cry and her lips were trembling. She doesn't know why, but Harley ran as fast as she could to the girl and wrapped her arms around her. She had this sudden...urge to protect this girl who she didn't even know. She smiled as she buried her cheek into the girl's soft, raven hair. Suddenly, laughter and chucking emerged out of nowhere surrounding her ears. Harley put her hands over her ears instinctively and regretted it when two white-gloved hands came out from the ground and grabbed the little girl's feet, trying to drag her down. The little girl screamed.

"No!" Harley yelled as she tried to hold on to the girls hands. She felt someone pulling her back away and tried resisting, but failing as she watched the little girl get sucked into the darkness. Harley landed on the ground and looked up at who the person was. She became wide eyed when she saw the Joker with that cruel, wide, bloody smile of his looking down at her. He reached behind him and revealed a gun. He laughed as he pointed the gun at her. Harley covered face with her arms and screamed as she heard the trigger being pulled.

Harley startled awake with her body in sweat. She gasped and breathed in and out deeply for a minute. It was him! I remember! Joker! The card! Her memory was coming back to her and she had to tell someone immediately.

The door to the room opened and in came a male doctor with papers in his hands. Harley didn't recognize him, but she had to tell someone.

"Where's Doctor Lawrence." She asked. "I'm afraid the doctor is busy. She's a bit, hung up at the moment." The man chuckled and Harley immediately recognized who it was.

"So, who are you?" She asked crossing her arms.

"I'm Doctor White dear. Doctor Jack White." He answered looking at her.

"Really, because I'm pretty sure people know you by another name, Joker." Harley said roughly.

Joker laughed. "Aw Harls, why'd you have to ruin it?" He whined.

He turned around and took of his glasses and mask. "Surprise!" He said swirling around to face her with a wide grin. Harley glared at him not amused by anything.

"This is the time you laugh ya know. Don't tell me you forgot so quickly." Joker teased dropping his scrubs to the floor. "Did you get my card? Did you like it?I spent a great deal on it." he asked.

Harley sighed knowing a nice conversation wasn't why he was here. "What are you going to do with me this time?" She asked in a defeated tone.

"Nothing bad if you don't force me to." Joker said pulling out his silver revolver. Harley's blue eyes watched as Joker played with the weapon. She shut her eyes. 'Please come quickly Bruce.'

Commissioner Gordon stared at the hospital from afar trying to think of a plan. He was on a small hill away from his other officers. He had to think of some way to get inside without alerting the Joker. Chances are he already knew they were there. There's got to be somewa-

"Jim."

Gordon jumped at the voice and put his fingers on the bridge of his nose.

"I'm an old man now Batman, please, for my old heart." Gordon said letting out a short laugh. Batman nodded and stared at the hospital. Gordon stared back at the hospital.

"This madmen's gone too far. You know who he's targeting right?" Gordon asked.

"Harleen Quinzel. His former sidekick girlfriend." Batman answered with a grimace.

Gordon gave a nod. "He won't stop until the poor girl is dead." Gordon said gravely.

"Or until someone kills him first." Batman added. They stood in silence for a few moments with Gordon processing what the caped crusader had just said.

"What do you-," Gordon saw that Batman had disappeared and shook his head.

"Well I'll be damned."

Batman landed with a soft thud as his feet landed on the white tile floor. He examined the environment around him and saw the place is disorder. There were doors slightly off the hinges, papers spewed all around the floors, and chairs toppled over. The whole place was in disarray and he could imagine with news of the Joker in the same building why it would be.

"C'mon Harls! Stop being so difficult!" Batman quickly hid behind the corner and knelt down listening closely.

"If you don't behave like a good girl, daddy's gonna have to smack." Joker laughed. Batman heard a strong slap and then heard Harley cry out in pain. He became enraged but knew he had to keep his cool.

"I warned you. Should've listened to me." Joker said.

Batman heard Harley spit and then the Joker chuckle darkly.

"Guess I've gotta smack you around some more, eh?" Joker said raising his gun.

"No!" Harley begged.

Just then the gun was knocked out of his hand and landed far away. Joker looked around and saw a bataraang lying on the ground. He chuckled and shook his head.

"Look who finally decided to join the party. Well, don't be a party pooper, c'mon out Batsy!"

A dark figure emerged from the corner and stood tall. Batman met Harley's eyes telling her that everything would be fine. "Let Harley go Joker." Batman threatened. "Now why would I want to do that Bats? Do you know how long I planned this? How much I missed my harlequin? It's been oh so lonely without her around." Joker said stroking Harley's cheek. Harley turned away in disgust and Batman began to walk forward.

"Uh uh uh." Joker said taking out a knife and placing it towards Harley's neck, which caused Batman to stop in his tracks. "We must be careful now. We don't want to hurt anyone. Especially the baby."

Everything in the room froze as the words left Joker's mouth. Baby? Harley processed the word and shot her eyes to meet Batman's. She saw his eyes widen slightly and was surprised just as he was.

'Baby? I'm pregnant? I'm gonna have a baby?' Harley thought. She immediately snapped back to reality and remembered her situation. She couldn't let anything happen to her baby. No. She wouldn't let anything happen.

"Yep, that's right, Harley here is pregnant. What? Didn't know? Ooh what a shocking surprise there." Joker said. "Now, we don't want anything bad to happen right?" He said putting the knife now towards Harley's stomach.

'No!'

Harley immediately began to struggle and Batman saw the best opportunity. He tossed another Bataraang, causing the knife to fall out of Joker's grasp. He then ran forward, but his vision was blurred when Joker tossed something in his face.

"No! Batman!" Harley screamed seeing him fight against unreal entities. "Hey, what do you know? Crow's gas did come in handy. Here Harls, have some!" Joker laughed tossing the rest on her face. Harley's eyes widened as she began to scream and thrash around wildly. Joker forced himself forward and kicked the spellbound Batman to the ground running towards the entrance.

The cops all raised their guns quickly to the sound and saw the Joker with Harley.

"He'll-o officers of Gotham! Well, I do appreciate the welcoming committee, truly. But, I'm a bit on a tight schedule at the moment so if you could all let me pass." Joker said.

"Ha! Yeah right coo-coo the clown, and why would we do that?" Officer Bullock laughed. Joker smirked and put his knife to Harley's stomach. "You should do that, because this lovely woman here is pregnant. And if you don't, well, I don't think you want to be responsible for two deaths today." Joker smiled evilly.

Gordon scowled at the crazy man and signaled his officers to lower their weapons. The officers all put their guns down defeatedly as they watched the clown drag the woman someplace else.

"Remember, don't follow or else...BOOM!" Joker laughed. As soon as Joker was out of sight, Gordon and the other officers ran inside. His eyes searched wildly until he spotted a dark figure on the floor.

"Batman!" Gordon ran forward and crouched down beside the vigilante. He saw his body was stiff and he was shaking but mildly.

"Pock-pocket." Batman stuttered out. Gordon reached into his utility belt and putted out a small syringe and handing it to Batman. He watched the masked man inject himself with the substance and his body relaxed.

"You alright there Batman?" Gordon asked helping him up.

"Where's Joker?" Batman asked ignoring the commissioner.

"He came out and threatened to kill Harley and the baby, so we had to surrender. He went someone towards the back. Batman, she's pregnant. We have to be careful." Gordon said grimly.

"I know." Batman responded running towards the back exit. He smacked open the doors and flew down the steps. He looked at the ground and noticed fresh tire tracks.

'Joker just left.' Batman thought with a growl. He walked further down towards his Batmobile and pressed a button opening the roof. He jumped in and clicked a green button as the roof closed.

"Alfred, hack into the street cameras on Lyndale Boulevard and tell me if you spot a car speeding or driving unusual." Batman ordered. After a few seconds Alfred answered. "Yes sir, there seems to be a blue car speeding down the road ignoring all traffic laws." Batman growled.

"It appears that the driver is-,"

"Joker." Batman finished darkly.

"Genius sir." Alfred answered. "Where on earth do you think he could be headed?" Alfred asked.

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out."