J was both annoyed and amused when Penguin did turn out to be alive and was inviting him to his new club to talk. J thought that refusing the offer would just make the bird angry and he didn't need that kind of annoyance right then. So there he was in his Red Hood persona in Penguin's new club. He was still setting the place up and decorating it to his taste since the last one that owned it was Barbara Keen and Oswald hated her taste in decoration. When Red Hood arrived, Zsasz noticed him first.
"Hey Red. It's been awhile." Zsasz said smiling.
"Victor. Always nice to see you." Red Hood said.
Oswald was arguing with one of the club staff about things as he walked in. "Not blue! It needs to be in purple, you imbecile. That shade of blue clashes with everything around it. Change it now!" Then he noticed the red masked villain that he had invited. "Red Hood. It's good to see you. Give me just a moment." Then he went back to berating his staff.
"So how've you been? You haven't been seen much lately." Zsasz asked casually.
"I've been rather busy with a few personal issues. But they've turned out alright so far, so I've been good. How about you?" Red Hood asked as he watched Penguin stab the club employee that had irritated him.
"Same as always. Can't really complain. I do love my job." Zsasz said cheerfully. "And when Penguin went awol for a bit I decided to visit with some family of mine. It was nice. Though when Carmine called and asked to deal with Gordon I felt I had to oblige. Not that it wasn't entertaining. Gordon is a lot of fun. Most people die way too quickly but he's got a lot of fight in him. I'm kind of glad Carmine called off the hit. I like Gordon."
Penguin chose that moment to hobble over. "Apologies. It's so hard to find good help nowadays. How have you been? I saw that your sibling is alive and well. So I assume things are good?"
"Yes. Things are good lately. And I am thrilled that he's alive. You have no idea. But I assume this isn't a social call?" Red Hood said.
"Not entirely no. It is good to catch up with you. But I mainly asked you here about a new...policy I'm enacting with the criminals of the city. Have you seen these yet?" Penguin pulled out a card that looked a bit like a license.
"I haven't. But I admit I haven't interacted much with other criminals lately. At least not organized ones." Red Hood said.
"Indeed. I heard you stepped back from the underworld lately. Anyway, this is a license that I give to any criminal that asks for one. Well, not every criminal. Mostly the ones that are willing to pay. I've worked it out with the city officials. The cops are going to look the other way when they see a crime committed and the criminal has one of these. Now normally I'd make someone pay for this but considering what we shared I felt it was only right that I give you one as a gift. Most of the cops will honor it but I'd still be careful around Gordon. He's not likely to be as on board with it." Penguin said, handing Red Hood the license.
"A license to commit crimes? How interesting. Thank you. This might come in handy." Red Hood said, taking the license and pocketing it. He was a bit amused by the bird's relentless desire to squeeze as much money out of the city as possible. Now he was even demanding money from criminals to be able to commit crimes. Penguin never failed to be entertaining.
"It's nothing. No need to thank me. You helped me have my revenge. That still means a lot to me. I figured that even if you've stepped back from conventional crimes, you could still use that."
"As I have always said, torture can bring people together. So I understand where you're coming from. And I am grateful you've kept my secrets to yourself." Red Hood said.
"As I said before, all of that is none of my business and I don't really care if it doesn't affect me. Anyway, now that you're here, what do you think of my new club? It's almost ready to open."
"I've never really been one to go to clubs but it does look nice. It will be rather popular. I can tell. What a name. The Iceberg Lounge." J was amused that Penguin used the same name for his club as the Penguin from the other world. The other Iceberg Lounge was very popular. So he had no doubt that it would be as well. Not that J really cared.
"I thought it fitting given my nickname. Plus it also fits with my centerpiece. Come over here. I'll show you." Penguin said as he walked over to a column with a sheet covering it. J walked over curiously.
Penguin pulled off the sheet and J saw what had Penguin so smug. It was Riddler. Frozen in a block of ice. J didn't know what to think of that.
"Is he alive?" Red Hood asked, staring at the frozen green suited villain.
"I assume so. Victor...not Zsasz, the other Victor, told me that he's perfected his freezing formula now so he should still be alive in there." Penguin said.
"I must've missed a lot while I've been busy. I had heard you and Edward were at odds. But I didn't know the details." Red Hood said.
"Edward and I had a bit of a falling out. And then he tried to kill me. So I had Victor freeze him for me. Now I don't have to worry about that annoying know it all ever again." Penguin said, acting happy about it but not entirely looking convincing.
J knew that at some point, Riddler would likely get out of his current situation. He still needed to fight Batman someday. But that didn't make him feel all that better knowing that. He liked the Riddler. He was an academic like J. His schemes were always so complex. But it wasn't worth making an enemy out of Penguin at the moment. He had things to do and he didn't need the crime boss after him in some way. Especially since Penguin knew things about him that he didn't want getting out yet.
"Such a dramatic centerpiece. How are you going to explain it away to the public?" Red Hood asked.
"My dear friend had a dreadful illness and this was the only way. He begged me to display him in public so he wouldn't be alone." Penguin said mockingly as he stared at the frozen Riddler.
"Clever." Red Hood said.
"Thank you." Penguin said smiling. "Anyway, I mainly brought you here about the license. But also to show him off a bit too. I'm sure we're both busy so I don't want to keep you from whatever you are doing at the moment. Though you could have a drink before you go if you want."
"Thank you but there's no need to be hospitable. As you said, we are both busy. I'll leave you to your preparations for your grand opening. It was nice to catch up. With you as well, Victor. Take care." Red Hood said before leaving.
Penguin stared after his masked ally as he was leaving. He still wasn't sure what he thought about the pale as death twin brother of Jerome. He honestly seemed more of a wild card than Jerome if that was even possible. He just hoped that the man wasn't going to try anything too destructive or Gotham city might not survive it.
J saw on tv that Penguin's grand opening went a bit badly. What intrigued him however was what the thugs who crashed the party used on Penguin. It looked an awful lot like fear toxin. His suspicions were confirmed when he heard through his contact at Arkham that a patient there who had been broken out not very long ago, broke back in wearing a costume and caused havoc. The young man, named Jonathan Crane, was wearing a terrifying Scarecrow costume. Scarecrow. How fascinating. The boy hadn't even had a chance to go to medical school and already had the title of Scarecrow. J very much doubted this version of Crane would ever go to medical school at this point. The other world's Crane had been both a professor and Arkham doctor before he went nutso and became a villain. J was always fascinated at all the differences between worlds. Scarecrow was subdued, by Gordon unsurprisingly, and Arkham returned to normal, or as normal as a madhouse could be.
It was only a matter of time before Jerome would get out and start looking for his brother. J knew this. But he was growing impatient. He decided that the best course of action was to speed things along. So Jeremiah Valeska would have to come out of hiding. Jerome would not be able to resist.
Zachary Trumble POV
Zach had it good now. After his sister was murdered by his bastard of a nephew, Zach decided to leave the circus and move to Gotham. He thought he might be able to play the victim card with people there. He had just lost his sister in a tragic way after all. He was right. A few news channels and newspapers approached him to do a few interviews. He made enough from them all that he had enough to buy the diner he always wanted. His life couldn't really be better but he always had the niggling feeling that it might not last forever. Jerome was alive again. Jerome would definitely want him dead. He was broken out of his musings by an odd sound. He got up startled. No one should be in the diner. They had just closed for the night. So what was that?
"Uncle." said a voice from behind him.
Zach whirled around and saw the shadow of someone sitting on a bar stool. He couldn't see their face but he knew that voice. "Jerome? How did you get out of Arkham?" he asked nervously. He needed to get to the kitchen where there were knives he could defend himself with.
"No. Sorry. Not Jerome I'm afraid." the voice said.
"Miah? What the hell? Where have you been? I thought you were dead." Zach said a little relieved but also confused. Where had Jeremiah been? The school contacted his friend, Edgar Wilde, and told him that Miah had run away. Edgar had searched the city but never found him. It was like he vanished off the face of the Earth. And now suddenly he's back after years of no trace of him? He fumbled for the light switch and turned on the light. And what he saw chilled him to the bone. It was clearly Miah. But his face was like nothing Zach had ever seen. He thought at first that it was makeup. But it didn't entirely look like makeup. He had seen enough clowns to know what makeup should look like. "What the hell happened to you?"
"It's a long story. And no, you aren't imagining it. It's not makeup. How've you been? I see you are doing rather well for yourself." Miah said, smirking arrogantly at his uncle.
"If that's not makeup then what is it? How did you get like that? Telling me that it's a long story isn't telling me anything. Are you in trouble, Miah?" Zach asked, confused. "Tell me what happened to you."
"I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you where I was until I was fifteen. But during that time, I was tortured and tormented by a madman and then dumped into a vat full of chemicals. This is a chemical burn." Miah said calmly.
Zach was unnerved by the slightly crazed look in Miah's eyes. And rather shocked by what Miah claimed. Miah was tortured? "Who did this to you? Tell me so I can hunt him down. The strongman is in town too. We can all go after the guy together."
Miah laughed. It sounded a bit too similar to Jerome's laugh for comfort. "Please. Don't pretend to actually care. Your treatment of my brother was likely not all that different from the torture I experienced. So getting all indignant that someone tortured me is a bit hypocritical."
"What I did to Jerome wasn't torture. It was discipline. There's a difference." Zach said, a little irritated that anyone would imply otherwise.
"You can keep telling yourself that all you want. It's still not going to make it true. You forget that I was there for the incident where you put Jerome's hand into a boiling pot of chicken stock. Can you honestly say that was not torture? He was only nine years old. And that was only one incident. There were countless others and I have no doubt that they got worse after I left."
"Why do you even care?" Zach asked. "He treated you like shit. Threatened your life. He was a little psycho and deserved all he got."
Miah got a rather smug smirk on his face. "You would always believe everything I ever said. I never understood how you could be that stupid. Jerome was harmless to me back then. If he had actually been hurting me I would've made sure he truly regretted it shortly after. I am not helpless or a pushover and never was. Jerome was only ever loyal and kind to me. I lied to you and mother."
"You lied? Why? Why would you do that? I saw the cuts and bruises. He lit your bed on fire!" Zach said, confused.
"All me. I did all that to myself. I did want you to believe me. And I was rather desperate. I wanted to get as far away from the circus as I could. And the only way I saw that happening was if you thought my life was in danger. You never would've gone to your rich friend if I just asked you if I could go to school. I had to make it your only option. So I sacrificed Jerome." Miah said casually.
Zach stared at his nephew in horror. Had he gotten everything wrong? He had always thought Miah was the normal one of the twins. But here Miah was, clearly not acting normal and claiming that he had lied about Jerome's violent behavior.
"You are starting to get it now, huh uncle?" Miah said grinning a little and looking even more deranged than Jerome. "Jerome was normal when I left the circus. Or at least as normal as one can be in our family. He was very sensitive and if you treated him with kindness, he would show you kindness in return. But he wasn't treated that way. He was treated like shit. I'm not surprised at all that he snapped after all of that. I know from experience that torture can change a person. You and mother made him the way he is today. He never would've been the psycho he is now if it wasn't for you. So in a way I suppose I should thank you. Because I was never normal and I always thought Jerome would think I was a monster if I revealed how I truly was to him. But now he's a monster too. I have always been able to hide it very easily. But even back then before the torture I think I might've been a bit of a sociopath. So you were half right, uncle. One of the Valeska twins was born a psycho. You just pinned the title on the wrong twin."
"What do you want?" Zach asked, very nervous. He believed Miah. Miah had played them all for fools. Zach never thought he'd actually regret treating Jerome like shit.
"Not much. Honestly, I wish I could keep you alive for now. Jerome deserves to kill you more than I do. But you know too much and I can't afford any suspicion of me at the moment. So you have to go I'm afraid." Miah said, smirking.
"Don't kill me. We're family. Family is important, Miah. I won't reveal anything about you. You don't have to worry." Zach said frantically. Miah didn't seem to have a gun so Zach made a run for it and ran straight into a girl in a black jester's outfit and mask. She restrained him with a surprising strength and Miah grinned madly at him as he approached.
"Uncle Zach, I'd love to stay and chat longer but I have things to do. So I'll have to cut this short. You don't mind do you?" Miah said getting out a knife.
"Help! Someone help!" Zach screamed, desperately trying to get away and not having any luck.
"You are so loud. You have always been so loud. It always annoyed me so much, that bellowing voice. You know how hard it was to read when I had to listen to you scream your lungs out at Jerome all the time?" Miah said with a snarl. "Time to take care of that." He slashed Zach across the throat with the knife and Zach fell to the floor grasping his neck and gasping as he bled out. Miah grinned at him madly as he died. "Goodnight dear uncle. Say hello to my mother in hell, wouldn't you?"
The news was abuzz after they heard about the murder of the uncle of Jerome Valeska. No one knew who did it or why. They would've thought it was Jerome that did it but he was still in Arkham. And almost no one figured Jerome would have a lackey do it instead. The general consensus was that it was a robbery gone wrong. But nothing was taken. The money was all still there. Perhaps the robber freaked out after he killed Trumble? No one had a definite answer.
Jim Gordon POV
Jim was at his wits end with Penguin and was running out of options. The other police didn't want to work with him anymore. They all wanted to look the other way as Penguin did whatever he wanted. That was unacceptable to Jim. He was seriously considering going to Falcone and begging him for help in dealing with Oswald but he wasn't sure Falcone would even see him at this point. The man still probably hated him and he wasn't surprised. He felt so much guilt for shooting Mario, Falcone's son. He kept running through in his head what else he could've done instead of shooting the man. But he didn't know if there would've been any other option. Mario was trying to kill Lee at the time. Jim had needed to act. But now he felt horrible and this Penguin stuff wasn't helping his mood at all. He was looking to see how he could get to the place Falcone retired to cheaply yet quickly, when he heard some commotion near the entrance.
"Don't move!" yelled an officer, rather nervously.
Jim walked over to see what was going on and saw several officers pointing their guns at a man that had just walked in and when he got close enough, he saw exactly why they were so nervous. The man looked identical to Jerome Valeska! But the scars weren't there and the man's choice of clothing and the way he held himself didn't match Jerome at all. The man was dressed in a much more conventional outfit than Jerome would ever wear. A suit and tie that made the man look like an academic. He even wore glasses.
"Excuse me. I'm sorry for causing a fuss. I understand my resemblance to my brother might cause a bit of a stir. But please don't shoot me." the man that looked so much like Jerome said with a worried look at the guns, his hands in the air.
"You're Jerome's brother?" Jim asked, confused. He had never heard of Jerome having siblings.
"Holy shit. There's two of them. As if one red headed psycho wasn't enough." Bullock said walking up.
"I'm nothing like Jerome. Can I put my hands down now gentlemen? I'm not a threat." the man called Jeremiah asked nervously.
"Guns down gentlemen." Jim said. None of the cops listened to him irritatingly. "Harvey would you mind?"
"Guns down. It's obviously not Jerome. But we'll be watching you, buddy." Bullock said reluctantly.
"Why are you here Mr. Valeska?" Jim asked.
"I came here for protection from Jerome. I saw that he came back and it worried me so much. I have no doubt he'll come after me. It's only a matter of time before he finds a way out of there. I'm surprised he hasn't escaped already. Please help me. Put me in protective custody. You know what he's capable of. You've seen it first hand." the man said with a desperate and scared look in his eyes.
"He's never mentioned you. We didn't even know you existed." Jim said, confused.
"I left the circus far behind me when I was only ten. That was the last time I saw Jerome. My parents hid me from him, thinking he was a threat to me. That he was hurting me. I lied. He never tried to hurt me back then. I just wanted to get out of the circus and get an education. I have always regretted that decision because I know what it did to Jerome. I abandoned him to a living hell. It's my fault he's like this. And he'll kill me for it."
"You aren't responsible. We already heard what must've happened to Jerome. ...A man told me that he believes that Jerome was tortured for years by a madman. You aren't at fault for any of that. So don't blame yourself." Jim said trying to reassure the rather self conscious looking redhead. He didn't know what to think of Batman or his claims. The man had claimed to be from another version of Gotham several years ahead of his. Years ago if someone had told him that, he would've thought them crazy. But he's seen a lot of weird things in the last few years. He'd believe a lot of things now. But why did, what was clearly a masked vigilante, think Jim would be so trusting of him, like they knew each other and had a friendship? He never pictured himself the type to trust a man in a mask. But even if the man didn't insist they had a friendship in the other world, there was just something familiar about Batman. Whenever he talked, Jim felt he knew him from somewhere. But couldn't think where. The way he talked was so similar to someone he must know. But his brain couldn't make the connection.
"What? He was tortured by a madman?" Jeremiah asked with wide eyes.
"Yeah. My source told me he was held captive by a madman known as the Joker for years. Knowing that...I'm not surprised he ended up the way he did. I never actually thought I'd feel sorry for Jerome Valeska of all people." Jim said. "He must've escaped at some point and gone back home. And the circus pretended it didn't happen. But I suppose the damage was done and he snapped. And your mother paid the price. I'm sorry for your loss."
"I've come to terms with her loss already. It sounds horrible but she was not the best person and I didn't mourn her much. Even if Jerome hadn't been taken by a madman, he wouldn't have had a good life. And probably would've ended up the same way. Because our family was awful and abusive. I'm surprised he went back to the circus after he escaped." Jeremiah said, adjusting his glasses. "Now back to my request. You can help me right? You can give me police protection?"
"I suppose we can look into it." Bullock said, sighing. He obviously didn't trust the man and he didn't blame him.
"Thank you, captain Bullock. I've just been so scared." Jeremiah said with a grateful look.
Bullock assigned Alverez to deal with making sure the supposedly sane twin brother of Jerome Valeska was protected and the redhead let himself be led away by him with a grateful look back at Jim and Bullock.
Jim had no idea if they should trust the man. He seemed to recall that Jerome had a pretty convincing normal act as well the first time they met. But he couldn't just turn Jeremiah away if he really was at risk from his brother. This was happening at a really bad time. The public had no confidence in the police. They were actually looking more to Penguin to protect them. He didn't know what to do. Should he still go and try to bring back Falcone? He wasn't sure he wanted to leave the city when there was an extra Valeska he knew next to nothing about suddenly in the city. Batman hadn't said anything about twins. He had said that he thought Jerome was this world's version of the criminal known as Joker. But had Joker had a twin? He really wished Batman was back but he'd never admit it out loud.
Jerome Valeska POV
Jerome had thought it was odd when the big muscly guy in a bat costume apologized to him shortly after Jerome got detained by him and Gordon at the circus. The man had said "I'm sorry I wasn't able to save you." Why? He had never met the guy before and the only thing he had needed saving from ever was his family and he doubted the man meant that. Did he mean when he got stabbed? That didn't seem right either. It was a mystery to him and he brooded about it endlessly when he wasn't plotting. But then some new information got to him that made that mystery seem a whole lot less important and he soon forgot.
It was rather handy to have fanatics in various places. Jerome had a contact in the GCPD and they would keep him updated on any odd things that the police would deal with. The man would contact one of the other fanatics who would contact his contact in Arkham who would tell Jerome. It was very convenient. But what he just learned through the grapevine left him with complicated emotions. Jeremiah had just crawled out of whatever hole he dug himself and asked for police protection. That little coward. Jerome was actually surprised that Miah had made it so easy for him. He wouldn't even have to search for him now. But it made him antsy. Jerome wanted to teach Miah a big lesson. The bastard deserved it after what he did to him years ago. He was torn between wanting to kill his brother and wanting to make him realize he was just as crazy as him, probably even more so. He even went to Baghead about a possible chemical formula that could bring out the crazy in people. If it could bring out the crazy in Miah, Jerome would be thrilled. He'd love to see what Miah's crazy would really look like. He didn't think that he would be able to stay away for very much longer. Not when Miah was practically asking for it. He had enough allies for now. And didn't that Jongleur guy mention that he had that Red Hood guy as an ally too? Yeah. That guy had helped with his resurrection. He had no idea why a professional criminal cared if he was alive or dead but it was helpful. He knew the guy had a good hideout that maybe they could borrow. It was time to start planning their escape.
"I'm coming for you, Miah. To pay you back for ruining my life. I'll make everyone see the truth about you." Jerome said as he brooded in his cell. "Gotham if you think I'm crazy just wait till you meet my brother at his worst." Jerome laughed maniacally.
It didn't take long to plan the breakout. Both Tetch and Crane were handy allies to have. Soon they were out of Arkham and they didn't even break a sweat. Jongleur made sure to have a van waiting for them not far from the asylum and they piled everyone in and drove away before the cops even knew what was happening.
"Boss, Red Hood said you could use his hideout. He's away for awhile for personal reasons but his lackeys will help us." Jongleur said excitedly as they sped away.
"Great. So helpful. Do we know where the guy's hideout is?" Jerome asked.
"Yeah. We're headed there now. I figured you'd want to get comfortable." Jongleur said.
"Nice. You always know exactly what I want from you. Such a good lackey." Jerome said, patting him on the shoulder. Jongleur smiled at him, looking pleased at the praise.
When they got to the hideout, the three villains and their lackeys got out of the van and saw a few much more professional looking lackeys waiting for them at the door. Lackeys that likely belonged to Red Hood.
"Mr. Valeska. Red Hood welcomes you and hopes you will get good use out of his hideout." one of the lackeys said in a serious voice.
They all followed the lackeys inside and saw the rather spacious lair of the Red Hood.
"Where exactly is Red Hood at the moment? I'd like to talk to the guy at some point." Jerome asked as Crane and Tetch were shown to where they would be staying.
"He regrets that he can't be a part of your plans at this time. He had a personal issue come up and needs to take care of it." the lackey said. "He said he looks forward to speaking with you and will try not to take too long. In the meantime he has offered you free rein over his home. His house is yours."
"Can you tell me about the guy? I have no idea why someone like him would even care about someone like me." Jerome asked. "Last time someone was this helpful to me, they stabbed me in the throat."
"Red Hood likes a bit of mystery when it comes to his identity but rest assured he doesn't want you dead." the lackey said.
"Well that's obvious since he went to so much trouble to help bring me back in the first place. But I don't really like not knowing who I'm allied with. Maybe I should have Jervis have a talk with one of you and see if he can find out what I want to know."
"But then you and Red Hood will be at odds. Is that worth it to you?" the lackey said with a serious look. "Our boss does have his secrets but requests that you don't try to find them out on your own. Red Hood would like to tell them to you himself. He is not your enemy. And as we are nearly as fanatically loyal to him as your cultists are to you, we are also not your enemies. As you said, he would not have gone to so much trouble to bring you back if he was just going to kill you after."
"Alrighty. I'll trust him...for now. He is being very hospitable. So I shouldn't really complain. But tell the guy to hurry up with his personal issue so I can have a word. In the meantime I have so much to do. So it's ok if our host is a bit flaky...for now." Jerome said.
As promised, the hideout was well stocked for their needs. The equally elusive second in command of Red Hood, who as he was told was a rather attractive female named Ecco, made sure that they had all the food, ammunition and weapons, and other useful things they needed. Crane was even provided with all the chemistry equipment and supplies he needed. And funnily enough, Jervis was provided with some very good quality imported tea that made him very happy. It all seemed a bit too good to be true so Jerome was wary. He wouldn't be stabbed in the throat a second time.
Not long after they were settled in, they had a visitor. Penguin of all people had decided to visit and he had two rather interesting people with him. An icy looking guy and a girl with a flamethrower.
"Oswald Cobblepot. Crime King of Gotham. Now what would you be doing interacting with the likes of me, hmm?" Jerome asked curiously. He didn't hate Penguin. He found the bird rather entertaining actually. And when he heard that Penguin blew Theo up with a rocket launcher he was rather amused.
"I am allies with an ally of yours and he requested that I help your cause. Out of respect for Red Hood I have agreed to do so. But know that the extent to which I am helping is providing you with help from my employees here. I don't want to be personally involved." Penguin said.
"Your employees do look impressive. Love the flamethrower. And is that a freezing gun? You two must be so entertaining." Jerome said, impressed and excited by the possibilities. "I accept the help, thanks. I must say, you do have a lot of flair at times, Penguin. And hire the most interesting people."
"I try. Anyway I am very busy so I'll leave them with you and go. I wish you luck in whatever you are planning." Penguin said before leaving as fast as he could.
"Are there any walkin freezers in this place?" the icy guy asked.
A Red Hood lackey walked up. "We've already got the big industrial one in the back working for you and made it comfortable for your use. Red Hood told us to make you both comfortable. We have a place for you as well, mam. You'll find it comfortable as well."
"As long as it's far away from the freezer I'll be happy." the firebug said.
"Can't take the cold?" the icy guy asked, smirking.
"No. I just can't stand you or that awful music you blast at high volume. You aren't the only person in the world. Some of us actually like to get some sleep at night." the girl said, irritated.
"I could help you sleep forever if you'd like." the ice man threatened her with a sneer.
"And the next time you waste my time with pointless arguing in front of me I'm going to set Vanilla Ice on fire and put the firebug in a freezer for the night." Jerome said. "We have things to do so maybe wait until later for the bickering when I don't have to hear it. Ok?"
They both agreed, a bit unnerved by the madman despite being heavily armed.
"Good. Seems we've got enough people on board with this. It's time to have a meeting so we can all introduce ourselves and I can tell you my plan. You'll really enjoy it. I promise. You'll get to use those lovely weapons of yours often I'm sure." Jerome said cheerfully.
A few hours later, after the latest two allies got settled in, Jerome called a brunch meeting and forced everyone to be there. They all awkwardly sat around a long table in Red Hood's rather sizable dining room/plotting room. The lower level crazies served brunch to the villains. Jerome sat at the head of the table and grinned at everyone excitedly. "I'd like to officially welcome you all to our first ever mandatory brunch meeting. It looks like all our allies are here and accounted for. Well, all except the flaky Red Hood but as he is providing the hideout I'll give him a little leeway. Now I know what you're all thinking, why have I gathered this legion of horribles? That has a nice ring to it. Write that down." Jerome said to a random crazy. "Back when I was in Arkham I came up with a plan to turn the city into a madhouse. Now I am on the cusp of making that happen but I need help from all of you. Put all questions on ice until the end, Freeze." Jerome said as Mr. Freeze raised his hand. "Huh. I guess I should introduce those of us who just got here. Jervis, Baghead, this is Mr. Fries or Freeze as he wants to be called now. And the lovely lady is Firefly. They work for Penguin but the bird is a friend of Red Hood and was asked to help. Do you two know anything more about Red Hood that you'd like to share? Because I know very little about the guy."
"The guy always wears a mask every time he goes out in public. And Penguin seems scared of him for some reason. I don't know why. He doesn't seem all that dangerous." Firefly said casually.
"Such a mysterious guy. Now I'm really intrigued." Jerome said thoughtfully. He shook himself out of it. "Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. Crane, where we at with the...you know what?"
"It's coming along dreadfully." Scarecrow said.
"Oh, pun worthy. Excellent." Jerome said pleased. "Freeze, I made sure to learn more about you. I heard you were a scientist. That'll be useful. We need a lab. A big one."
"Easy enough." Freeze said smugly.
"Good. Crane over here is making something for me. Something that'll pack quite a punch. But we'll need it in much bigger quantities and we'll need a real lab for that. Your job, Freeze, will be to find me that lab. I don't care how you go about getting it. Be creative. Do what you do best. Jervis. I admit when I recruited you, I thought you'd be helping me convince people to tell us where my brother was hiding. But that's not needed anymore. I do need your help though. You are quite the persuasive guy and that's always useful. One thing I'm going to need you to do is brainwash a blimp pilot or two. We'll need a blimp."
"I can do that easily." Jervis said tipping his hat.
"And what will I do?" Firefly asked.
"You'll do what you do best. I like you. That flamethrower looks like a lot of fun. So you get to be right there with me as we cause havoc, using that weapon of yours to turn cops extra crispy." Jerome said grinning at the thought.
"Sounds like fun." Firefly said, smirking.
"Will Red Hood be involved at all in our plan? When is he planning on helping?" Scarecrow asked. "I don't trust a man who doesn't even show up when his allies need him."
"Like I said, I'm giving him a bit of leeway. He provided us with all that we've needed. I'm willing to give him the benefit of doubt. If he tries to double-cross me, I'll just find and kill him." Jerome said dismissively. "Anyway, once you get that little surprise perfected for us, we can get all this started. This will be a whole lot of fun! I just can't wait."
Joker POV
Joker was getting impatient with JJ. It had been months and no sign of an invitation. He knew JJ had something he wanted Joker to see. And that he'd find some way to lure him back when he had it ready. But he was taking so damn long! Joker paced frustrated as he thought about how much he was looking forward to seeing the surprise for him. He wondered what it could be. Did he want to showcase a crime? Or find some dramatic way to try and kill Joker? He didn't care. It was too intriguing. But he was getting bored waiting patiently. He hadn't gone out to do anything dramatic in awhile since he didn't want to get caught by Batman at the moment. He couldn't let anything keep him from his protege's surprise. But did he have to keep him waiting this long? It was getting nearly unbearable not going out and doing anything. He was soooo bored! Suddenly, there was a knock at the door to his lair. He spun around in alarm. Who could that be? None of his lackeys would be stupid enough to forget their key. Or he hoped they weren't because he didn't feel like having to replace them. But firing them would be fun. Preferably out of a cannon. He walked over to the door in frustration. Someone was probably going to die soon. He swung open the door to yell at what he figured was a forgetful lackey but it was a guy in what looked like a singing telegram costume looking a bit unnerved at him. Unnerved but not terrified. Which meant they probably didn't know who he was. Interesting.
"What the hell do you want?" Joker asked.
The guy mumbled under his breath. "This job just gets weirder and weirder." Then he shook it off and gave a very fake cheerful smile. And broke into song. "I'm your singing telegram. Your singing telegram. I'm here to bring you a not so fond hello. From someone you really know. Although he hates your guts to be fair, he hopes you will soon be there. He doesn't yet wish to fight you. He would rather invite you."
"Really? That's the best rhyme he could come up with?" Joker said with his eyebrow raised. Though inwardly he was pleased as punch. JJ was calling him back!
"The one that hired me just let me make up the rhyme. They just told me what I needed to say. They said you weren't worth them making the effort themselves." the man said. "Look, I said what I was told to say. People often leave a tip?" the guy said. "Sorry for interrupting your costume party or something."
Joker was angry at what they had said. JJ didn't think he was worth the extra effort? How dare that ungrateful brat say something like that! "Oh you want a tip? Sure. Let me go get you a tip." He said grinning. He turned around and grabbed a knife before quickly whirling back around and stabbing the man in the abdomen a few times. "Here's the tip. I never shoot the messenger but I have been known to stab a few. Nighty night." he said as the man slipped the ground gasping and screaming in pain. Joker got annoyed by the noise and shot the man in the head. "Oops. I guess I do shoot the messenger sometimes." Joker closed the door and danced around the room in happiness. His boredom was over! That had to be his invitation. JJ had even made sure to send over someone that was obviously from his world. Because the guy had not recognized the Joker of all people. He needed to pack. He had so much to do and so little time! He ran off to get packed.
The other world didn't look too different from before. It had been through a few things since the last time he was there but looked to be recovering from it all nicely. Gotham was tough like that. Any Gotham. Jon and his other lackeys had found an open portal rather easily and slipped through. It helped that JJ thought to leave a map to one on the singing telegram guy. Joker couldn't wait to see him. But he would be patient for now. He wouldn't go looking. He would let JJ come to him. He had no doubt that JJ would make sure he was where he needed to be to see his little surprise. He hoped it would be soon because he's waited long enough.
Ivy Pepper POV
Ivy was rather depressed and frustrated lately. She hated that her friend Penguin seemed to be ignoring her. She hated being ignored. She used to be a street kid. Back then she was almost always ignored, even by other street kids. Only Selina, a slightly older very clever street kid, had looked out for her. When Ivy got attacked by that weirdo test subject from Indian Hill, and was suddenly turned into a fully grown adult, she thought people would finally notice her. And they did. At least the men. Men would go out of their way to just give her stuff so she would spend time with them. It was great. She wasn't dumb. She knew they wanted more than just that but she had never had any intention of doing something like that with them. Gross. But she had quickly found ways to get out of situations with men. The perfume she created could make a guy do anything she wanted and they didn't care at the time that she didn't give them anything in return. She had gotten a bit bored of it all after awhile though and decided to do other things. So when she saw that that crime boss, Penguin needed help, she decided to save his life and nurse him back to health. And after he realized her skills in plant based organic chemistry were useful he decided to keep her around. She had thought he found her useful but lately he hadn't had her do anything. Everytime she tried to contribute he told her to go away. It hurt. She had taken to spending time in Gotham's botanical gardens to help her feel better. Plants understood her. Plants didn't judge or yell at her. They were the only friends she could count on. She sat in the shade of some beautiful Prunus Cerasus and cried a little. A cherry blossom fell from one of the trees and landed on her head and she smiled a little, taking it gently from her hair and cradling it in her hands, sniffling a little.
Suddenly there was a loud noise and the sound of someone falling to the ground with a loud "Oof!" Ivy quickly got to her feet and looked around startled. What was that? She walked nervously to where she heard the noise in a very trellised area and found an odd looking woman collapsed on the ground.
"Oww that hurt. Why did I think this was a good idea?" the woman grumbled from where she lay. Ivy was a bit weirded out by the woman' clothing which was red and black and made her look a bit like a jester.
"Are you ok?" Ivy asked, clutching her perfume bottle nervously. "Where did you come from? And why are you dressed so weird? You look like one of those weirdos obsessed with Jerome."
"Ivy?" the woman mumbled before getting a good look at Ivy. "Oh. Sorry. I thought you were someone I know. I'm ok. Just a hard landing."
Ivy's eyes widened when the girl mentioned her name. "How do you know my name? You just said my name. But I know I don't know you."
"Wha? Your name is Ivy? Ohhhh… You're this Gotham's Ivy, aren't you? You must be. Who else would hang out in such a leafy place? Weird. I thought you'd be younger." the woman said getting up.
"What are you talking about? What do you mean this Gotham's Ivy? Who are you?" Ivy said trying to act tough but failing. She was confused and a bit scared.
"Sorry. I didn't really mean to run into a younger you. You might not believe what I have to say, but it might be easier for me if you save time and just believe me. I'm from another version of Gotham several years ahead of yours. I know a woman named Poison Ivy there. We're friends actually. More than that at times too. I came here because...well it's a long story. And might not make much sense out of context."
"Another world?" Ivy asked, fascinated by the idea but trying not to show it. "You said we're friends? But I've never met someone like you before. Are you friends with Selina or Bruce?"
"Bruce? Selina? Do you mean Bruce Wayne? Why would I know that guy? And is Selina a really acrobatic girl that steals stuff and likes cats?"
"Yep that's her. She's my friend. She looked after me when I was a street kid. And Bruce is friends with Selina. They're like some kind of Scooby Doo gang. Plus I think they're dating now? It's too weird. That rich kid is odd."
"Wait what?" the woman asked with wide eyes. "Are you serious? Him? It's him? But it's got to be if he's hanging out with Catwoman. And dating her. That's just mind boggling."
"Catwoman? Selina does like being called Cat but never Catwoman. Weird. Are you really from another world?"
"Yeah. The name's Harley Quinn. Nice to meetcha younger Ivy. But I have things to do and don't really have time to chat. Something is going to happen soon. I don't know what but it won't be good. I need to stop it. It was great to see you when you were younger, even if you don't look as young as I thought you'd be." Harley went to leave but Ivy grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving.
"Wait. Let's say I believe you. I'd like to help you with whatever you're doing. Please? I can be helpful. I can take you back to the place I'm staying and get you something a little less weird to wear. And my friend, Penguin, can help you probably, if he isn't too busy and I can convince him to help. I'm not promising anything with the latter." Ivy said, determined.
"Penguin? You're friends with Penguin? Why?" Harley asked.
"He looks out for me now. And values my friendship." Ivy said before looking down sadly. "But lately he's been ignoring me. Acting like I'm not useful... Anyway, come on. I'll take you to someplace you can stay while you're here." she started walking away, looking back to see Harley staring at her with an odd look. "What's wrong?"
"Ivy, how old are you? I mean chronologically." Harley asked.
"Why does it matter? I'm an adult. You shouldn't ask a lady her age anyway." Ivy said, confused at why the question was asked.
"You just… you don't sound like the age you look. It's concerning to me." Harley said.
"...Fine. I'm just a teen ok? I only look like this because some weird Indian Hill test subject guy with super powers attacked me with his aging ability. He would've killed me if I didn't fall and he dropped my arm. So now I look like this."
"Woah. That never happened in my world. Not that I know of anyway. So you're still just a kid even if you don't look it. That makes more sense." Harley said with a shocked look. "Ok. You can help me. But I'm not putting you in danger. Leave the dangerous stuff to me ok? That's what I do. I got that covered. You can figure out some plant related stuff to help me along as you always do. Is that ok?"
"Sure. That's ok. I can do that." Ivy said happy to be useful.
"Alright, lead the way to where you're staying." Harley said.
"You'll love it. I have a jacuzzi tub. Well, it's Penguin's house so it's Penguin's jacuzzi tub. But still, it's really nice."
"Uh huh. Penguin isn't like trying to have a relationship with you or anything, is he?" Harley asked concerned, as she followed Ivy.
"No. Eew. We're just friends. And anyway Penguin is totally gay, I can tell." Ivy said, amused.
"Penguin's gay in this world? Wow I guess there are going to be differences in this world. But really who would date that pudgy little guy anyway so who knows? Maybe my world's Penguin is gay too."
"Your world's Penguin is fat?" Ivy asked, interested.
"Your Penguin isn't?" Harley asked.
They chatted about all the differences in both worlds as they left the botanical gardens.