Melissa woke up strapped down to a rock hard cot, with a rough blanket pulled over her. Since she was strapped down she couldn't really explore her new surroundings but she didn't have to. Just staring up at the light above her head she knew she had ended up in Arkham Asylum. Head pounding, she turned her head this way and that trying to find a window as a way of telling the time only to be greeted by rough gray walls and a reinforced window that faced the halls.

The door probably reinforced titanium was somewhere behind her, off to the side.

There was no window. No way for her to tell the time.

Oh, the irony she thought bitterly to herself.

The sound of quiet voices and jingling keys reached her ears, growing louder. She started counting in her head by number five, the door was opening and the voices were inside her cell.

"I see you're awake"

The face that loomed over her was that of a doctor not much older than her with crew cut red hair and silver-blue eyes that were hard, almost lifeless.

"Are you sure it's safe to be taking these off?"

Now, there was a nurse, mousy, and nervous shakily undoing the restraints.

"She'll be fine and if she isn't we have Joe"

Once able to sit up and turn Melissa saw that Joe a surly orderly built like a tank was stationed silently at the door.

When Melissa stood, the blanket fell away to reveal the gray prisoner jumpsuit she now wore. She made no move to near the trio before her instead, fixing a cool detached gaze onto the doctor.

"I don't think I've seen you before," she said calmly, "You're new?"

"I'm Doctor Greenway; you're under my care, Melissa"

"Okay"

The doctor proceeded to lay out the schedule Melissa already knew. Breakfast and morning medications. A visit with a psychiatrist, 'free time', lunch, another visit to the psychiatrist, dinner, evening medications, 'free time', lights out.

When Doctor Greenway finished he and the others left Melissa to get adjusted as they put it. Adjustment meant we're going to set your routine and then come get you.

With no entertainment to occupy her, Melissa dropped and started a round of push-ups.

…...

"Lissa, please, please, please tell me this is a prank," Harley begged when she spotted Melissa in the halls a few days later.

"Nope," Melissa deadpanned as she was marched past for her psychiatrist appointment, "First time I've been out of the box"

"Red's not going to like this," Harley mumbled watching Melissa turn the corner.

As luck would have it, Harley encountered Ivy upon entering the common room. The redhead seemed to be in a good mood having earned her back privileges just so she could watch TV.

"Harley? What's the matter?" Ivy questioned as the blonde dropped onto the couch.

"Melissa's here"

"She is? Why haven't they-"

"No!" Harley cried, "Here as in, locked up!"

"WHAT?"

"Watch it ladies or you'll be headed back to your cells," the guard snapped his fingers, "Like that"

For an hour, the two stared numbly at whatever garden show was on the TV.

"Hey," Melissa suddenly dropped between them, looking tired.

"Melissa!" Ivy threw her arms around her, "What happened? How?"

"Jenny's witch of a mother"

"Jenny's mother?"

"Florence, she doesn't like me at all"

"How could anyone not like you?"

"Hm," Melissa tapped her chin, "Reputation precedes me"

"But sending you here?" Ivy questioned, "What did she do to pull that off?"

"I don't know but I do know it was her"

"How bad is she?"

"Well," Melissa whispered in Harley's ear and then Ivy's.

"She called you a-"

Melissa nodded, "Several times"

"I wanna punch her," Harley declared.

"Not the thing you want to say right now," Melissa nodded to where the guard stood, "Besides if Mom's found out you'll want to get in line"

…...

"SHE'S WHERE?" Carmen yelled.

She wasn't on the screen. She stood before Batman, hands on her hips with barely contained motherly rage.

"We're working to get her out," Batman replied calmly.

"I can think of a much faster way-

"Legally"

"Legally, there's nothing wrong with her that would allow them to keep her there"

"True but with her upbringing and tendency to deal with her feelings violently it's been hard to convince anyone"

At that moment, Dick walked by pulling on a coat.

"Where are you going?"

"To visit my girlfriend"

…...

Melissa lay on the floor of her cell, legs propped up on the bed and arms crossed over her chest, lazily watching the occasional flicker of the overhead light.

"Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

Oh, I'm begging of you please don't take my man

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

Please don't take him even though you can"

This was how she entertained herself, only stopping when the door opened, Joe stepping inside, "Let's go, you have a visitor"

Popping up like whack-a-mole, she marched to the door. Maybe Jenny or her mother had come? For some odd reason, they hadn't been allowing Jenny in to see her so maybe that had finally changed? But when Melissa got to the visitors' room she was surprised to find Dick sitting in the place she was used to. The visitor side of the table. While she was cuffed to a chair.

"Bird Boy," she smiled brightly.

"Hey, Firecracker," he started to stand only to be stopped by the guard, sitting back down he asked, "How are you holding up?"

"Okay, I miss the sun though"

"You aren't allowed outside?"

"They think I'll climb the fence"

"But it's electric!"

"I know! Anyway, are you taking care of Jesse for me?"

"Of course!" Dick nodded, "I wasn't about to leave him in the house with the woman who put you in here!"

"She's still there?"

"Jenny's been so focused on you; she hasn't kicked her out yet"

"Poor Jenny!"

…...

Jenny cleaned the house. Over and over again. Until it smelt of lemons and bleach. Every surface gleamed and sparkled. Clothes were freshly washed, ironed, and put away. It was so clean one might think an OCD germaphobe lived there but for Jenny, this was the only way to relieve the tremendous stress on her. Now, she stood in Melissa's immaculate room, surveying her work.

When Melissa came home and she WOULD come home she'd have quite possibly the world's cleanest bedroom to come home to.

Thinking of Melissa caused Jenny's proud smile to falter. Peeling off her rubber cleaning gloves Jenny fell to the floor. Melissa would be okay. She would be home soon. She had to come home soon.

She had to.

…...

When Dick returned home he found that Bruce had hacked, Arkham's surveillance, more specifically, the camera in Melissa's cell.

"Now, we can keep an eye on her," Bruce said.

"Good"

…...

Two weeks.

Three weeks.

How long did it take to get her out of here? That's what Melissa wanted to know. She currently paced her cell, bored out of her mind.

Feels like they're intentionally keeping me away from my sisters.

Or, Doctor Greenway was the one keeping her separated. But, why?

Did he think that would get her to open up? Their sessions were merely mental circles at this point. For every truth, she told there were six lies knotted up within it.

Sitting back on her got she let her head rest against the wall.

The door creaked opened and Doctor Greenway pushed a medicine cart inside.

"What's that?" she arched an eyebrow in question, pointing to a red liquid in a large syringe.

"Your medication, Melissa"

"That's not something I take"

"It is now"

"So you cleared it with my usual doctor?"

"As long as you're in here I'm your only doctor, now sit still!"

Alarm bells ringing, Melissa stood, pushing off the wall and vaulted over the syringe wielding doctor. As soon as her feet hit the hallway floor actual alarm bells sounded signaling her escape.

…...

"WHAT is she doing?" Dick questioned, standing from his chair.

"Surviving," Bruce deadpanned.

"Come again?"

"Trust me"

…...

Midway down the hall, laser beams meant to trip or trap her but Melissa laughed like a child on Christmas morning, over-under duck and roll. The only thing caught in the laser beams were the orderlies sent after her. Swinging a sharp left, she could see the bars just before the exit doors.

Why did her ankle choose then to give her problems?

….

Carmen knew something wasn't right the moment she stepped foot in Arkham. Alarm bells had gone off far too close to her entry point. Ducking into a shadowed corner she waited for answers. As it turned out, Avalon had been the cause as she came tearing down the hall a team of orderlies on her heels. Why was she running? Where was she headed? There had to be a reason. Avalon wouldn't risk a peaceful release.

Carmen watched with pride as her daughter successfully wove her way out of the laser beam trap only to stifle a cry when she hit the ground, cradling her ankle. In seconds she was tranquilized, out cold being carried roughly back to her cell.

Following in the shadows Carmen watched them strap her daughter down and inject something into her arm.

What?

Why?

…...

Melissa woke cursing her ankle. Once again restrained with no hope of getting loose the teen stared at the light hoping for freedom. The Calvary was yet to come. Taking their sweet time about it.

"Everyone is born but not everyone is born the same" she murmured, missing movie night, the smell of popcorn, and the warmth of her favorite blanket.

There was something ominous about the gleam of the liquid in the syringe Melissa recalled no longer pounding with adrenaline. It's color her favorite but evil, wrong. Its purpose unknown and Melissa realized with dread that it was undoubtedly snaking through her system now.

…...

"Are they ever going to take the restraints off?"

"Not for a while, Dick," Bruce sighed, "She attempted escape"

"But why?" Dick pressed, "It's going to be that much harder to get her released now!"

"I think she had her reasons"

…...

Hours passed at a snail's pace. Not once did anyone come to get her. Not for a scolding. Not for a session not even to release her from the bed. Her stomach in knots she stared unblinking at the light above her. Where was she again? Why did her arms feel numb? She was sleepy.

The door was opening...

…...

Dick watched continuously. Barely moving from his post in front of the computer screen. It was a good thing no one had forced him to either. He wasn't going to leave unless he was visiting Melissa and since he was unable to he would stay put.

Something strange was happening to Melissa.

He squinted, cursing the odd camera angle.

Wait...

"BRUCE!"

"What's the matter?" Bruce asked, in the middle of pulling on the cowl.

"Melissa's seizing!"

"What?" he moved to the computer.

There it was plain as day. Melissa was having a seizure but there was no medical alarm nor was it stopping. Even though the footage was black and white they both knew Melissa was turning blue as the minutes ticked on yet everyone who passed her cell acted as if it were normal.

Except for one nurse.

…...

Carmen was angry, frightened, and, frustrated as she burst into Melissa's cell. The doctor had been there. Had seen what was going on but left, scribbling something on his clipboard. Undoing the restraints, Carmen worked to turn Avalon on her side, getting oxygen back into her lungs.

Seizures happened in phases and if she was right, Avalon should've been coming out of hers.

Forget legally, I'm getting her out of here NOW!

…...

Melissa was immensely surprised to wake up in her own bed after losing consciousness.

I have to be hallucinating again.

Doctor Greenway had been there.

"Good," he'd said.

Help me! She'd wanted to scream unable to speak or swallow, body movements out of her control fear gripping her heart.

But he'd simply shut the door.

Riddled with confusion, Melissa sat up, regretting it when she was hit with nausea. She lay back down, turning away from the wall in time to see her bedroom door open.

Jesse bounded inside before seeming to realize she didn't feel too good and sitting down next to her.

"Hi, Jesse,"

"How are you feeling?" Dick asked poking his head inside.

"Sick" she groaned, "Am I really here?" she honestly didn't know.

"Yes, Bruce finally managed your release after what that doctor did"

"Huh? I don't follow"

"The story is he gave you the wrong medication by accident which caused your seizure"

"I don't think it was an accident"

"I agree with you"

"Is the spawn of Satan still crashing on the couch in there?"

"Yeah"

"Why?"

"I'm not too sure but Jenny got a call earlier that ended with her saying I'll make sure to wait"

"Where's Jenny now?"

"Stress cleaning" Dick laughed, "With some help"

"Help?"

"The gang's here"

Melissa tried to sit up again only for Dick to hold her down, "Rest now, visit later, okay?"

"Fine"

…...

Scooby plodded through the house, observing the others. Fred and Daphne had tag-teamed the windows in the dining room while Velma dusted shelves. Shaggy was helping Jenny with the welcome home dinner.

"Giddy-up!" Anya laughed, bouncing on his back.

He was on babysitting duty.

That amounted to keeping Anya out of Melissa's room.

Letting out a mock neigh, Scooby trotted another lap around the house ignoring Florence when she referred to him as a flea-bitten mutt.

She'd get her comeuppance, Scooby was certain of it.

…...

After an hour and a half, Melissa no longer felt like she'd been on the world's worst roller costar. Sitting up she looked at Dick. Crossing her arms she declared: "I want to sit somewhere else"

He stood from the desk chair.

"No, I want my favorite spot back"

The left side of the couch. The one with the throw pillow that read: Awesome in swirling letters. Next to the wooden end table with the lamp and the dog costar. That's what Melissa wanted but that didn't stop Dick from trying to talk her out of it by reminding her who was taking up residence there.

"So?" Melissa grinned weakly, "She's just been evicted"

"You're in Disney pajamas"

"I noticed," Melissa glanced at what she wore, a black oversized shirt Scar in the center the text below him reading I'm Surrounded by Idiots! "But they're villain themed"

"I'm not going to win?"

"Nada, nope, not today, Bird Boy"

Dick extended his hand and pulled Melissa to her feet which were admittedly shaky but they pressed on. Entering the living room where Daphne was hanging crepe paper and a welcome home banner.

"You were supposed to keep her entertained," Velma said, catching sight of the duo before Daphne.

"She wants her seat" Dick glared daggers at Florence.

"I'm not moving because some whore wants a seat"

Melissa's eyes flashed with fire but she didn't say anything. Some people just weren't worth the time of day.

Daphne, however, was not okay with this.

True, she'd had a rocky start with Melissa but having worked out their differences they managed to bond, becoming unlikely friends.

Calling for Fred they each tipped the couch forward causing Florence to land on the floor with a thud.

Melissa happily leaped to her spot before Florence could reclaim it. Acting five instead of fifty-five, Florence stomped to the kitchen to heckle Jenny. There she stayed watching the others until Jenny insisted she go change for dinner.

"Okay"

Taking possibly the longest shower of her life Melissa emerged from her room an hour and thirty minutes later feeling more like herself than she had in weeks. Dressed in a Hex Girls top and athletic shorts.

"Well, you look happy," Dick noted when Melissa walked into the dining room.

"I feel better than I have in weeks!" Melissa agreed.

"Then you'll like, be over the moon when you see who's in the kitchen," Shaggy laughed as he and Fred carried dishes to the table.

Peeking into the kitchen, Melissa smiled happily, "Mom!"

Carmen, who was dressed down and without her iconic outfit, turned to Melissa with her own smile, "Hello, Avalon"

Melissa as soon hugging her mother, "I missed you!"

"I missed you more"

"I think you and I are tied, Carmen," Jenny laughed.

When Melissa pulled away she scanned the kitchen but Florence was nowhere to be seen. For a brief moment, Melissa thought Jenny had finally kicked her out only for her hopes to shatter when Florence stepped into the kitchen.

Without a word, Carmen grabbed onto Melissa and held tightly to her as if she'd disappear.

"When's dinner? Honestly, Jennifer, I thought I raised you better than this!" the woman said, "Quit gossiping and get to it"

Jenny was gripping the counter so tightly her knuckles were turning white. Nevertheless, she picked up the final dish and without a word to her mother, took it to the dining room.

"Let's eat!"

…..

Dinner that night consisted of Melissa's favorite foods. Fried chicken, buttery biscuits, grilled cheeses with tomato soup, mashed potatoes, and crinkle-cut French fries. Literally, everything Melissa liked to eat breakfast and snack foods included

Everyone filled their plates or bowls before sitting around the table, chatting happily with each other.

The only unhappy person was of course Florence.

"All this for a w-"

Jenny slammed her glass down, knocking her chair back she let her mother have it:

"THAT'S ENOUGH! Melissa is not a whore! Melissa's a very bright self-reliant, wonderfully artistic girl! Yes, she came from the streets but it doesn't matter! You're just bitter, jealous! Because she has more talent in her toe than you do in your ENTIRE body!" Jenny was seething with rage, "What kind of woman steals her daughter's phone just to get a teenager thrown in an asylum? Yes, melissa's had problems in the past but that doesn't excuse your horrible actions! SHE COULD HAVE DIED because you just don't like her!"

"Jennifer!" but Florence never got to finish her statement.

Carmen stood, "I'm tired of listening to your slander of my child!"

"Child?"

"I was going to wait until the end of the party for Avalon's sake but I've had enough of you and your comments" Carmen hissed, "You're lucky she lived. I have never been a violent woman, despite my profession But I can't say the same for others who love her."

"Like, I think it's time for you to go," Shaggy said what they were all thinking.

Florence sputtered indignantly as the boys threw her luggage to the road.

"Goodbye, mother!" Jenny slammed the door after her.

,,,,,,,,,

Florence dragged her bulky luggage behind her as she walked the deserted streets of the town. There was no bus, no train, and she didn't have money on her for a car rental. Her only hope was walking to the airport herself.

"Need some help, Ma'am?" an accented voice she couldn't place asked from behind her.

"We'd be happy to help you," chimed a second voice.

Florence turned ready to tell off whoever was behind her only to freeze at the sight of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

Both were without their costumes and weapons but they still had their fists and Florence was about to learn who taught Melissa to throw a punch.

"We're going to teach you a lesson you'll never forget"