Disclaimer: I (obviously) do not own the rights to any Batman characters in this work. I only own Carmel and any other made up characters throughout the story.
Two more weeks would pass quietly before something important happened. At least, very important to me. I'm delighted to announce that I met one of my best friends in the world. I was passing by one of the rec rooms when I saw two big thugs talking to a woman against a wall. Assuming the worst, I decided to use my newfound power status to insert myself into the conversation.
"Hey boys, how about you leave the nice lady alone? She's mine," I began forcefully.
The thugs turned to me. "Just who do you think you…?" He trailed off upon recognizing me. Or my bracelet, I guess. Not sure.
"That's the Scarecrow's bitch!" the other thug chimed in. Not needing any more push, the two bozos lumbered off.
"Well, looks like we got a hotshot here," the woman began. I got my first look at her: reddish brown hair, freckles, and ripped beyond compare. The girl had some guns on her, that's for sure. To me, she looked like a real-life Rosie the Riveter.
"Just wanted to make sure that those apes weren't giving you any trouble," I explained.
"Trouble? No. We were working out the details of a business deal," she replied with supreme confidence.
"A business deal?" I asked confused. What does she do?
"Yeah, I'm the Carpenter. That's what I do," was her matter-of-fact response. I could tell she was just as surprised that I hadn't heard of her.
"The Carpenter? Never heard of you. Are you for real?" I asked with a good dose of skepticism.
"Are your tits for real?" she fired back.
I chuckled. As if I haven't heard that one before. "They are, honey. I'm Carmel Ocean," I said, sticking out my hand. I liked her style.
She smiled and shook my hand. "Jenna Duffy. But like I said, I'm known as the Carpenter."
"So what exactly do you do?" I asked.
"Usually fixing up lairs and hideouts for other villains. Do a lot of honest work too."
I squinted my eyes at her, unconvinced. "Then how did you end up here?"
"Got mixed up with the Hatter. I was part of his Wonderland Gang. Transferred here after the fires at Blackgate. What about you?"
"Well, the Batman busted one of Black Mask's lieutenants while I was in the room. Got me too."
"So you are a prostitute?" she asked, picking up quickly.
"Not sure anymore. I'm working for Scarecrow here." Working is a loose term at this point, but meh, details are whatever.
"Gotta be better than being a cumbucket, right?" Jenna asked.
I laughed. "You got me there."
She laughed as well. Finally, she asked, "So what does Scarecrow want from me?"
"Nothing. He didn't send me to find you. I just stumbled on you myself."
"Really?" Jenna seemed surprised by my honesty.
"Us gals got to stick together, right?"
She smiled again. "Right."
Just then, an armed guard appeared down the hallway. "Please step into the rec room, ladies," he called out. "Dangerous prisoner coming through."
We did as told, stepping just inside the rec room. There were a few randos in there, but it was fairly empty. I wonder who's coming through?
We heard some yelling, causing Jenna and I to exchange glances. "I was framed! Batman set me up! He tricked me!" Being wheeled by on a gurney in a straitjacket was notorious psychomurderer Victor Zsasz.
"There's another one. Streets must be completely empty," I declared.
"I've got no problem with Zsasz being here. He creeps me out," Jenna confided.
"You worked for the Mad Hatter!" I countered.
She shrugged. "He didn't lay a finger on me. Would have drilled a hole through his head if he did and he knew that. Besides, I'm not blonde, so I'm not his type." And that's exactly why I stay away from him. "But you, on the other hand…" She snickered at me. "If you're still into that thing…"
"Gross! Never!" I fired back.
"I think that's exactly what he needs. To get laid," she teased.
I groaned, shaking my head. I knew right there that we were going to be best friends.
After having lunch with Jenna, we headed back to our respective cellblocks. Only Kirk was there upon my arrival.
"Hey there Dr. Langstrom," I greeted cheerfully. Kirk was always very nice to me, although he did have that absentminded scientist vibe. He was definitively a dad though, although he apparently didn't have any kids of his own.
"Hello Carmel," he responded sadly.
Sensing something was up, I asked, "Everything all right?"
He sighed. "Not exactly. Early this morning, Dr. Iverson took some blood to see if the serum was still there. Unfortunately, although Batman produced enough antidote to revert my state, the serum still is there."
"What does that mean?"
"We're not exactly sure. I believe that it means I could turn into the Man-Bat again. But I have no idea what could trigger it."
Well, that's comforting. There was obviously nothing that I could say to make him feel better after receiving news like that. "I'm sorry to hear that," was all I could muster. Trying to be humorous, I joked, "We better make sure to keep you away from the fear toxin tonight!"
"Fear toxin?" A flash of concern appeared on his face.
"It's my treatment night," I explained. "Once a week, Dr. Crane gives me a small amount of fear toxin in order to build up my immunity."
"That's horrible!" he exclaimed.
"Kind of. But it makes sense so I don't have a major attack when I start working with him. Of course, not sure when he's getting out of here."
"Carmel, are you really going to work for him? Surely you've got a life to go back to?" he asked, going into full dad mode.
"Kirk, I'm a prostitute. Do you really want me to go back to that?" That silenced him for a bit. "You get out of here and hire me as a lab assistant and we'll talk," I teased him.
He smiled. "It's a deal."
"Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go lie down and take a nap, since I won't be getting good sleep tonight." I headed into my cell, hopped into bed, and tried to store up on as much sleep as possible.
I awoke a few hours later to find that the whole gang was back. "Ah good, you are awake," the Scarecrow began.
"Good morning to you too," I grumbled, rubbing my eyes.
"I have a job for you to do, child. I've been hearing rumors of something very important. I need you to go talk to someone to see if that's true or not."
I was going to ask him why he couldn't do it himself until I realized two things. One, he didn't move around very well, which could be why he asked me and two, this was a basic henchman job. My first one! "Sure, who do you need me to talk to?" I asked with a grin.
Scarecrow picked up on my smile. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. It's just that I realized that this is my first henchman job. Kind of exciting."
He blinked his eyes and did not respond at first. "Yes, I suppose so," he finally said. "Anyway, you need to go talk to Maxie Zeus. Do you know of him?"
"I've heard that name before." Nope. Never heard of him, in actuality.
"The most important thing to know is that he actually thinks that he really is Zeus. So please address him as such. And tell him Phobos sent you."
"Okay," I responded skeptically. Seems weird, but hey, it is Arkham.
"He's usually found in the East Wing rec room," Scarecrow finished.
So, I set off to find Maxie Zeus. I actually didn't have too much trouble tracking him down, but only thanks to Killer Moth. He was also in the East Wing rec room, so I went over to him.
"Hey there Drury," I greeted. I appreciated Killer Moth primarily for the fact that he was the only one of my cellmates under forty and could actually relate to me in conversation. He also very witty and had the wonderful trait of making me laugh frequently.
"Carmel, babe, what can I do for ya?"
"Scarecrow sent me to find Maxie Zeus. Said he'd be in here, but I don't know what he looks like."
Drury chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?" I squinted my eyes at him, unimpressed by his snark. "Relax, just kidding. Let me tell ya though, you're in for a treat. You see that wacko sitting regally in the recliner? That's your man."
I looked over and saw a guy who kind of did look like an ancient emperor or god.
"The toga gives it away," Killer Moth added with a smirk.
I should have seen him myself. "Yeah, yeah, I'm an idiot, laugh all you want." Zeus had bushy black hair that was complimented by his just as bushy mustache and beard. He certainly had an athletic build. Hope I don't upset him or he'll snap me in two. "Wish me luck."
I approached Zeus and did my best. "Oh great and powerful Zeus, I seek your wisdom," I greeted, bowing.
He nodded. "Rise mortal. State your purpose," he announced in a booming voice.
"I was sent by Phobos to-"
"Ah, a priestess of Phobos," he interrupted me. "Tell your master that I spoke with my oracle and Hermes does indeed have a plan."
"Thank you, o powerful one." I bowed again for good measure and walked away. That was all sorts of fun.
I was preoccupied with mu thoughts and thus didn't notice anything as I bumped into someone. Unfortunately, I had just bumped into the Mad Hatter.
He looked at me confused until a look of recognition came upon his face. "Alice?" he asked.
I immediately took a step back. "No definitely not."
He cocked his head inquisitively. "Are you quite sure?" he asked, taking a step closer to me.
"Yes," a voice called out. It was Killer Moth, who was walking over to us. "Buzz off, Jervis." The Hatter did scurry off, much to my relief. "Let's head back," Drury then said, and I was all too happy to comply. "Did you hear that? Buzz off? My puns are on point," he noted gleefully.
"You got me there, Drury. If I was scared shitless, I would have laughed." We walked on in silence for a few more seconds and then I continued. "Thanks for that."
"No problem kiddo. Not going to let anything happen to you."
I nodded. That's actually really sweet. See, were these guys really so bad?
Upon our return to our cellblock, I saw that Scarecrow had already set up the "lab" for my treatment. "Carmel, Drury. Any problems?"
"Just a run-in with the Hatter, but I flew in and ended it," Drury explained.
Scarecrow nodded, thanking Drury with his eyes. "Keep an eye out for him, Carmel. Did you get the information I requested?"
"Maybe. Zeus told me to tell you that Hermes does have a plan. Does that answer your question?"
Scarecrow frowned. "It does. Very well. Let's proceed with the experiment for now. We will discuss what the news means later."
"May I assist?" Kirk's voice called out. "I'm worried for Carmel."
A chuckle escaped Scarecrow's lips. "Of course, Dr. Langstrom. I will require assistance regardless." Turning to me, he continued, "This should be the last dose. But it's also the most potent one. There's a chance this one could break you," he explained in his monotone voice. It was said so insincerely I nearly laughed at the understatement.
Langstrom came over to Scarecrow's cell. I could tell he was obviously uncomfortable with this. "Are you sure you want to do this Carmel?"
I didn't hesitate. Thinking about it could have caused me to. "Yes, let's go."
I awoke feeling more drained than ever before. I groaned, feeling a massive headache the likes of which my worst weekend hangovers hadn't ever achieved. "How'd it go?"
Langstrom was looking pretty pale, but perked up upon seeing me. "Carmel, you're okay!"
The ever-emotionless Scarecrow stepped in. "You did well. A lot of screaming, but I anticipated that. Had to use this for the first time in a while," he said, holding up a pillowcase that was rolled to resemble a makeshift gag.
"Kinky," I fired back.
I heard Deathstroke laugh. "See, she's fine. Same old Carmel."
"You vocalized words this time," Scarecrow continued. "So I knew exactly what you were thinking of, which is always exhilarating for me."
You look exhilarated. "What did I say?"
"You were calling out about 'the Mad Hatter' and 'stop.'"
I quickly flushed. Shit, that's embarrassing.
"A common fear," he dismissed. "However, we have more urgent matters to discuss. For you see, Zeus refers to the Joker when he says Hermes. This means the Joker is planning a massive breakout."
"A breakout? How would Maxie Zeus know? Does he work for the Joker?"
The Scarecrow proceeded to answer my flurry of questions. "I had heard the Joker was up to something, which I assumed was a breakout. While Maxie Zeus does not work for the Joker, his cell is located very near the Joker's. Thus, he would be a likely candidate to overhear any planning. It appears I was correct."
"But you still don't know if it's a breakout," Killer Moth pointed out.
"What else would that fool be planning? Yet I see your point. This means that we'll have to get confirmation," the Scarecrow responded.
"Do you want me to ask? I know you and the clown don't get along very well," Killer Moth offered. Mental note: find out that backstory!
"No. I don't want the Joker to know that we know. So I'll talk to her myself. We've always gotten along decently," Scarecrow finished.
"Who?" I asked.
Killer Moth chuckled. "Why, isn't it obvious? Harley Quinn."
Hey there everybody, I'm back! Sorry for the long delay on this section. To answer an important question, this story does not take place in the Arkham series universe, although it obvious follows many elements seen in the games. A big shout out to all of you readers and reviewers! You guys are a big inspiration in the continuation of this. We'll see what happens next time! Same bat time, same bat channel!
See ya real soon,
The Mustachioed Academic
