Disclaimer: Batman Beyond and all related characters, names, and indicia are DC Comics, a division of Time-Warner Communications, and are used without permission. All rights reserved. Making it perfectly clear that I do not own it. But Harley Jest and Nightshade are mine. Anyone else in this story I made up you can steal and do whatever you please with them, just not those two. I had to do a lot of imaging (drawing) and working on history and character to just give them up.

Chapter 4:

The Plot Thickens

Terry carefully removed his notebook from beneath a mold-infested container of what use to be macaroni salad, or so he thought was macaroni salad. There was only a few student left in the hallways daring the timing of the tardy bell.

Any slower and you'll grow mold. A voice said with a halfhearted laugh.

Terry looked over to his right to see Harley resting her forehead against the cold painted metal of her locker. Hey Harley didn't notice you there. Terry said.

Tell me somethin' new. Harley sighed.

I thought you were suspended. Terry said looking over Harley. Harley was one of the students who didn't follow fashion trends as he noticed looked at her torn faded jeans covering her powerful thighs. She wore an old green long sleeve belly shirt with notched ends. Terry's eyes darted over Harley's taut belly and her attractive curves. If it were for the constant down curve of her lips from the frown she wore Harley could actually be considered attractive by many.

I was suspended, but I had just cause. Those jocks were defiling my bike sitting on it; I only thought it fair if I defiled their faces with black eyes and bloody noses. Harley stated flatly with closed eyes.

When are you going to toss that...that thing? It's starting to make my locker reek! Harley went on turning her head so that she could see him through the corner of her eye.

Where would I toss it? Terry asked closing his locker imprisoning the moldy macaroni once again inside. He leaned against his locker next to Harley.

On Mrs. Shepard's car. Harley smiled at the malevolent thought of defacing her algebra teachers car.

The bell rang leaving its echo in the empty halls. Neither one moved. What's the matter Harley? Terry asked.

Harley turned with her head still resting against the locker door until she was facing forward. You know you're the only person who actually cares. She chuckled as she sunk down into a sitting position. Merv got fired two weeks ago. The jerk finally got caught cutting corners. He just started working again yesterday. But the pay won't be as good, meaning we're gonna be livin' on a budget. Harley said slowly running her fingers through her dark brown hair. Merv and Simone says I'm costing them too much money, so instead of Merv cutting back on his cigars and wine, and instead of Simone getting her cocktail butt up and get a job they are gonna to sell my baby. Harley said.

JoyRide? They're selling your bike? Terry asked.

Yeah, they already have someone interested in it. Harley's face disappeared into the shadows of her folded arms.

But I thought you said that your dad gave you that bike before he died. Terry said.

He did, and it's all I have left. Harley said bringing her head up so that her eyes were peeping out from out of her folded arms.

They can't do that. Terry said.

They could, but I won't let them. Harley said standing. I'm skipping the rest of the day. Need to clear my head, or what's left of it. She said walking off with her helmet tucked under one arm.

Where are you going? Terry called after her debating if he should join.

To talk with my papa. She said not turning. Oh if you go to class and your teacher nags at you for bein' late tell em...um, tell em you were convincing a suicidal classmate to see the consular. It's a surefire excuse. Harley laughed waving good-bye.

After that day no one ever saw Harley again, not that many people noticed the girl's absences.

***

Hey Ter. Earth to Ter! Wake up! Max said lightly smacking Terry's forehead with her palm.

Uh? What is it? Terry asked as they began to walk home from school.

You sound friendly today. What happened? Max asked.

Some plant guy covered me in spores last night. Stayed up all night sneezing. Terry yawned.

Plant guy? Now what are you in to? Anyhow I think I've found something for you, not much but it's something. Max said handing Terry a piece of paper.

What's this? Terry asked.

Just read it. Max said.

-Monday May 22, 2023 disaster struck during the Paxton charity motorcycle show and races. Small motorcycle shop owner Marshall Jest, taking the place of his usual driver was killed in an accident when his front wheel fell off during an obstacle jump. He and his bike flipped, Jest was said to have been kill upon impact of his first fall. Jest left behind his business and his only daughter Harley Lisannette Jest, who will be looked over by friends of Jest until further notice.

Is that what happened? But what does this have to do with Jordan Fletcher? Terry asked.

Max pointed to the picture that came with the article. You see those men comforting the crying little girl? Well the girl is Harley and the younger man is Fletcher. Max said. It seems Fletcher was close to the Jest family. Max said.

I've got to show this to Bruce. Thanks Max. Terry said running ahead.

***

Dressed in a pair of faded cut-off shorts and a blue and purple striped tank top Harley laid relaxed on the slanted portion of the roof. Summer was on its way yet it was already beaming hot.

Harl, you up here? Nightshade shouted from below the moon-roof.

Harley answered removing her shades.

Nightshade's head popped up in the widow. Nice view up here. He said looking around. I've just made a cup of my mother's famous brew. He said to Harley.

Goody goody! Now we can talk longer than 15 minutes and make out on the couch for hours. Harley said crawling towards the window.

Nightshade's green face turned dark in the cheeks. Harley looked Nightshade in the face until they were nose to nose. Are you blushing? She asked.

Nightshade scoffed as he ducked back down. I'm going to enjoy makin' that boy sweat.' She laughed to herself.

***

Harley walked into the kitchen but stopped short when she saw most of the kitchen and living room crawling with plants. What the...making yourself at home? She asked waving at the Chinese wisteria falling over the kitchen balcony towards the garage.

It looks better this way. Nightshade smiled walking over to the chemistry lab he had set up in a corner of the kitchen.

My right foot it does. You have...what are those...clematis growing on my balance beam! I need that for gymnastics training! And there's a weeping cherry in my garage. Harley complained.

Hey at least I planted the vegetable garden outside. Nightshade said in his defense. Here drink this. Nightshade said handing Harley a mug.

Harley looked at the liquid inside the cup giving off a green vapor. She cocked an eyebrow at Nightshade. It won't kill you. Drink up. Said Nightshade.

Harley took a deep breath and began to drink. Seconds later Harley's eyes grew wide as a aghast regurgitating noise gurgled in her throat. Nightshade quickly grabbed hold of the cup tilting it upwards. No, down it all. He said.

At first Harley struggled but after finding it was no use, Nightshade had an iron grip on her, she drunk all of the liquid.

There that wasn't so bad. Nightshade teased.

Harley ran into the kitchen driving her mouth under the sink faucet trying to get the taste of her tongue. That stuff was foul! She said removing her head from the sink. Ack! I can't get the taste out of my mouth. She whined scratching her tongue with her nails.

The taste is the last thing you should be worried about. Nightshade said walking towards her.

How come? Harley asked.

The side effect should be kicking in soon. Nightshade said.

Side effe-OHMYGAWD! Harley shouted sinking to her knees holding her stomach. You gave me acid! She cried out.

Nightshade kneeled down beside Harley. No I didn't. Nightshade said in his defense.

Yes you did and it's eatin' away my stomach and intestines! Harley cried resting her forehead on the floor.

Go in my room get my popgun from under my pillow and shoot me, please! Harley begged. Put me out of my misery.

Nightshade laughed. You aren't dying. Like I said before it's just a side effect of the formula. You immune system is being changed. Soon you body's resistance to toxins will be heightened so will your natural strength and agility. Although I can see you already have an uncanny agility and natural balance. Nightshade said helping Harley up.

Harley asked as the pain ebbed. Miss Q never told me nothin' about that. So besides my stomach turnin' inside out how do we know that stuff really worked?

You could sit beside me for awhile and see if you pass out or not. Nightshade said.

I'm not a very patient person. I could just do this. Harley grabbed hold of Nightshade's face turning him towards her.

Nightshade's eyes grew wide as he felt Harley's soft lips on his own.

Just as he was starting to enjoy it Harley pulled away. She placed her fingers to her lips. My lips tingle, I feel like I just kissed a 9-volt battery.

Must be the toxin in my skin. Nightshade said.

Yet I'm still standin' so it must have worked. Harley said heading towards the elevator. It's gonna be awhile before we do any serious heist. I'm going out to get some ice cream, do you wanna join? She asked.

***

In the Batcave Terry stood behind Bruce as he read over the article. Fletcher and Harley must have known each other. Terry said.

We can't be sure how well but they must have. Bruce said handing the paper back to Terry. With a few keystrokes a document appeared on the computer screen. It seems Jordan Fletcher started off like many business, small yet with high-quality service. But he had a partner then. Bruce said.

Let me guess Marshall Jest. Terry said. Bruce nodded. I think Batman will be keeping an eye on Fletcher for awhile.

***

Saturday morning Harley laid across the couch watching the usual Saturday morning cartoons while she painted Dark Forest green nail polish over a pair of toe nails.

Are you done yet? Nightshade asked. Harley's head was resting on his chest as his bare foot rested on her up bent leg.

If you'd stop wiggling I would have been done long ago. Harley said trying to keep the paint job smooth.

Well it tickles. Why am I allowing you to do this to me? Nightshade asked.

Harley said turning so that she could see Nightshade. You'll do anything for pretty Harley. She smiled.

Nightshade laughed. Tell me why are we sitting here watching TV? Nightshade asked.

We arent just watching television, Chris. We are waiting for a very important announcement. Harley said pointing to the television.

What announcement is that? Nightshade asked.

Shh! Birthday announcements are on! Harley squealed.

It's time for today's channel 6's birthday wishes, anniversary announcements, and party proclamations. As for today's birthdays Miss Abby Happi is sweet 16. Stone Cartwright is celebrating 24 years of youth. We have one anniversary announcement, Petyr Tallgood and Charlene Tallgood is celebrating 48 happy years of marriage. And for today's party proclamations Jordan Fletcher is celebrating eight years of success of his famous bikes and raceways. Thomas-

Harley shut off the TV. Are you in the mood for a party? She asked smiling sweetly.

***

Not far across Gotham Terry saw the same news as Harley. Is Fletcher whacked out of his mind? He's practically asking for Harley to take him down. He said over the phone to Max.

Maybe he doesn't know Harley's after him. Max suggested.

Well whatever the case Harley's going to be at that party. Terry said.

Max was silent for a second. Maybe that's the idea. She said.

Terry was silent as well as he thought things over. Max can you cover for me with Dana? He asked.

Sure, it's getting harder to come up with excuses for your missing in action you know. Max said before she hung up.

To be continued...

End chapter 4

Hey everyone there's a button down there I want you to use. You see I thrive on reviews so the more I get the quicker I update. C'mon tell me what you like, what you hate, and what you want to read, I aim to please. So review!