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. Those are some people you just don't mess with! 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.
Demoness Space Pirate: This is for you Neoen.
Chapter 5: Reasons
Red, will you hurry up? Harley shouted as she attached her silver bells onto the ends of her hair braided into two red and black pigtails.
You don't have to shout. Nightshade said as he walked into the garage. Harley could only help but stare at the dashing figure before her. Nightshade wore a pair of leafy green boots with gold trim, and a pair of skintight pants of the same green color clinging onto his strong legs.
Harley quickly recovered. Aren't you going to get cold wearing that? She asked pointing to the open green vest with a dull gold pattern that resembled ivy twisting in large rings, which revealed his well-toned chest.
I could say the same for you. Nightshade smiled looking at Harley's black thigh-high nylons attached to the garter belt beneath her black and red hot pants. Complete with a tight red and black belly shirt and her father's old jacket.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with my outfit, only that it doesn't show all of my tattoos. I went through some pain and trouble to get those. Harley said.
Nightshade only chuckled as he placed a few seeds into his pocket.
Now come on I want you to see what I've been working on. Harley said walking towards her bike. This here is my lovely, my pride and joy, JoyRide. My father was going to give her to me for my tenth birthday. But he died before he could. Harley said flatly.
So this is what you've been working on. Nightshade said not impressed with the two-wheeled mechanism.
You remember that AI device I stole the day we met? This is what I stole it for. And here are the fruits of my labor. She smiled placing her finger to her earring. JoyRide say
The motorcycle revved twice at Harleys command. Nightshade stared shocked for the moment while Harley only cried out in joy. Ooh I'm a genius. She squealed with delight.
Are we going to be taking JoyRide tonight for a test drive? Nightshade asked.
Of course not! Tonight is our robbing spree; everything we use except for our weapons will be stolen! Harley smiled walking towards the door.
Does the fact that we might encounter Batman again have any effect on your decision not to take your Nightshade added.
That too, now c'mon we can't be late. Harley's lips covered in black lipstick curved into a fierce grin.
***
Jordan Fletcher looked around the highly decorated warehouse. Tell me why did we have to come here for the party? My office building would have sufficed. Fletcher said.
Mr. Fletcher do you want us to capture this crazy femme fatale or not? A rather large man asked.
Yes, she's a danger to my business, but I had no intentions of putting my life on the line Robert. Fletcher said.
Call me Bobby. The man laughed as he placed his loaded gun into its hoister. Mr. Fletcher you hire me because me and my boys are the best in the bounty business. We'll have this Harley girl locked away in juvey and you will relaxed at home with your love interest once this night is over. Robert said.
But why here? This place is too big to cover completely. Harley could easily get in without being noticed. Fletcher said.
Bobby pulled a cigarette from behind his ear. Lighting it and taking a few puffs he pointed out the numerous men by the doors and windows. As I said we'll catch her.
You had better! Fletcher hissed through clenched teeth. I have friends here, if any of them are harmed because of your failure I will have you out in the street on your back quicker than a bitch in heat. Fletcher said walking off.
No wonder the dame wants to do him in. Robert said walking in the opposite direction.
He placed his hand onto his earpiece. Okay boys keep sharp, we're going to catch that psycho bitch and cash in on the ten grand Flect promised.
***
Harley and Nightshade stood over the unconscious bounty man. Okay boys keep sharp, we're going to catch that psycho bitch and cash in on the ten grand Flect promised. Robert's voice said from the earpiece in Nightshades hand.
Harley dramatically placed her hand to her chest. Oh my. Harley said feigning surprise.
Nightshade gave Harley a smirk as he brought the mouthpiece to his lips. Hey boss-man are you sure this Harley chick can't get in undetected? He asked.
Not a chance in hell. We have this place covered from top to bottom, every door and every window. Bobby said.
We might have a tiny problem getting in. Harley said pushing the body into the shadows.
No we'll just use the service entrance. Nightshade said pointing to a catering/entertainment van.
Harleys black lips lifted into a fiendish smile, What a clever little clover you are. Harley laughed ruffling his red hair.
***
Batman, clinging effortlessly on a wall in the dark shadows of the warehouse, watched the events below in silence. One of Robert's men who had been posted among the rafters slowly walked before him unaware of the dark knight's presents behind him. Everyone below looked as if they were enjoying themselves with food, wine, and each other's company unknowing to the present danger they were all in.
Max was right. Batman said in a deep mature voice nothing close to that of Terry McGinnis. This is just a big trap. I don't blame Fletcher, I wouldnt want someone like Harley after me. He said recalling her many fistfights with some of the jocks at school.
Any sigh of her? Wayne asked from the other end.
No, if I were her I wouldn't even try it. This place is crawling with muscle freaks. Batman said.
You keep forgetting her mentor was Harley Quinn there's no guessing what she will and will not do. Wayne said.
Yeah but I knew her before she became a criminal. Terry said.
Okay everyone please take a seat, we are about to receive night's entertainment. Fletcher announced taking a seat in the middle of a very long table. All of the lights in the building dimmed bring with the darkness silence of the party's patrons. Everyone watched with anticipation as all of the spotlights focused on one door. A sound like rolling thunder broke the silence until a woman wearing a skintight gold and blue circus costume with a cap pulled over her hair walked out of the door on a large ball wooden ball. The woman stopped the ball in the middle of the warehouse then slowly performed a headstand. Everyone clapped as she made the green and gold ball rotate beneath her as she stood on her hands. With little effort she flipped back onto her feet. She silently bowed as everyone applauded. With the grace of a queen she motioned behind her as a large three foot cake on a cart was pushed into the room.
The man who had brought out the cake stood before them removing a piece of paper from his pocket. Ahem. A poem for Mr. Jordan Fletcher. He cleared his throat once more.
Hip-hip hooray eight years to today
That you successfully climbed to the top
Regardless of how many you step on or dropped.
You are respected and wise in our eyes. The
man stopped and looked up in the direction of the ball rider.
The woman removed her hat as she bowed. Two braids of her fell forward before her shoulders. Now it's time for one hell of a surprise. Harley said looking up.
Shit it's her! Swarm swarm swarm! Robert commanded.
Oh no you don't. Nightshade said.
The warehouse trembled as a rolling echo vibrated throughout the building. The wooden ball on which Harley was standing on erupted spewing out a large tree trunk. Harley flipped in the air performing a double axial before she landed flawlessly on the table before Fletcher.
The tree continued to grow until it reached the ceiling of the large warehouse. At the top the branches spread about the rafters grabbing hold to the bounty men all preached amongst the rafters. All but Batman that is.
Well watta ya know a tree grows in Gotham. Harley joked jerking her thumb behind her.
Robert shouted removing his gun from its hidden hoister beneath his dinner jacket. The few bounty men that remained followed the actions of their boss.
Oh my. Harley smiled down at the gunmen. Why Uncle, how is this pose to be a surprise when you were expecting me? Harley asked sweetly to Fletcher.
Batman flinched when he heard Harley call Fletcher uncle.
Did she just call him Wayne asked.
Yeah. I think I know why Harley's after Fletcher now. Batman said returning his attention to the scene below.
The men had opened fire. Nightshade dodged behind the cake while Harley sprung into the air back flipping behind the cake landing in Nightshade's arms.
Nice catch. She said standing onto her feet. I don't believe they shot at me! She hissed.
Hey! Didn't your parents teach you how to treat lovely young women? Nightshade shouted to the men as he took off the carters uniform.
That ain't a woman. One of the men shouted.
Oh that's just rude! Harley shrieked pulling off the circus costume. (DSP: They still had their outfits on underneath!)
The gunfire ceased. Jest, you and Nightshade come out willingly and no one has to get hurt. Robert shouted over the whimpers of Fletchers guest.
What do you think about our current situation? Harley whispered.
I can handle these men easily without their guns. You have family business to take care of. Nightshade said reaching into his pocket.
I'll distract, you take them out then rob the snobs that didnt run out when these jerks started unloading ammo on us. But be careful the Bat might be near. Harley said kissing Nightshade on the cheek. Luck to ya. She said just before she ran out from behind the cake.
Well I bet you guys think you're all big and tough, scare off poor lil' Harley wit' your big guns. She said with a pouting lip. Well everyone knows it's not the size that counts. Harley removed her large popgun. Then again maybe it does.
The gunmen were too shocked at the caliber of Harley's popgun they could only gasp out when Nightshade's brown stalk began to wrap around their bodies binding them down.
Nice going, Red. Harley then looked around to see Fletcher run out the door. Gotta go, uncle's running away. When you're done looting be sure to meet me on the roof.
Batman was torn between a choice, stop Nightshade or stop Harley. Terry what are you waiting for? Wayne asked.
A loud wailing sounded outside accompanied by a flash of lights. Batman said turning off his cloaking device. With a push of the feet he launched off the wall flying towards the open door that Harley had ran out of.
Nightshade turned at the sound of Batman's boosters. I thought you would be here. Nightshade grinned directing a limb towards the door. Just as Batman was about to leave the door was slammed shut. Leaving so soon? Nightshade asked walking towards Batman ready to fight.
Sorry, but I'm after Harley. Batman said flying into the air towards the roof window. On his way out he tossed his batbolas at Nightshade binding him down for the police to pick up.
***
Fletcher ran down the block until he came to the Museum of Weaponry. The night-watch security guard was about to lock up the doors when Fletcher burst through.
Hey! Wait a minute we're closed for the night! The woman shouted but to no use Fletcher wasnt stopping for anyone.
No, you are just out for the night. Harley said slamming her fist into the guard's jaw; she spun in a kick knocking the woman onto the floor into unconsciousness.
Harley sang as she slowly walked into the museum full of displays of swords, knives, cannons, and guns. Oh Uncle! You haven't been telling everyone the truth about us have you? She asked sweetly walking on her boots giving off a dull thud as she walked across the carpeting.
Harley looked around the room. Hiding out here wasn't a very smart thing to do Uncle. I spent a lot of time learning a lot of things just so I was prepared when I came to face you. Like how to handle the basics of any weapon. Harley smiled.
Fletcher gasped somewhere in the darkness. Harley removed her popgun slowly walking in the direction of the sound. You have only yourself to blame dare uncle. Harley said venomous loathing evident in her voice.
Fletcher cowered deeper into the dark shadows. He had to get away before Harley found him and did who knows what. Thinking quickly her removed his watch from his wrist then tossed it into the next exhibit all the while thinking that a mere two hundred dollar watch wasnt worth his life.
Harley's head snapped in the direction of the sound. Running's no good Uncle. She said walking away.
Fletcher released a heave of relief as he crawled from behind the cannon. Found you. A voice sang. Fletcher rolled onto his back to see Harley seated Indian style on the cannon.
Fletcher scrambled from under the cannon. Harley jumped onto her feet quickly tripping Fletcher.
Silly Uncle. Harley said standing over Fletcher. Her smile grew as she pointed her gun down at the fallen Fletcher.
Harley was knocked off her feet as Batman rammed his shoulder into her. Harley flew across the room crashing into the mannequin of the weapons of the sea display.
Are you okay? Batman asked Fletcher as he helped him to stand.
Thanks to you. Fletcher said his heart beating madly in his throat.
Good. You better get out of here before Harley oof! Batman grunted as a mannequin arm slammed down on his shoulders.
An enraged Harley stood over the fallen Batman. Shut it Bats! I'm disgruntled and I'm armed! Harley shouted holding the mannequin arm like a baseball bat.
Batman rolled out of the way as Harley brought the arm down towards his head as if it were an axe. Batman quickly kicked the arm out of Harley's hands. He kicked again connecting his boot with Harley's cheek. She staggered to the side holding her face allowing time for Batman to jump to his feet.
Harley starred wide-eyed at Batman. Batman narrowed his white eyes on her. Without warning she ran in the opposite direction. Springing into the air she climbed onto a Civil war rifle display case then scaled onto the second floor. With one last amazing jump Harley climbed onto the beams that keep the aviation models suspended in the air. Harley looked down at Batman. Well aren't you coming? She asked running along the beams.
Batman stated spreading out his arm. The boosters in the soles of his boots rocketed him onto the ceiling rafters.
Batman landed in front of Harley. Harley frowned holding up her fist ready to fight again.
In the distance the air was filled with the sound of car tires screaming. Both Harley and Batman looked down out the museum's large glass windows to see Fletcher had ran out and were driving quickly away.
Uncle go bye-bye. Harley sighed. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to wait a little while longer. My vengeance will be sweeter then. Harley said keeping a happy disposition.
What vengeance? Batman asked.
Harley smiled as she swung her arms back and forth playfully. I'm not tellin', I'm not tellin'. She sang. You're the Batman now, the dark knight, the detective. I'm surprised at you, you knew that I would be here but still you haven't figured out my motives. Harley said placing a hand to her hip.
I know that you are after Fletcher. Batman said.
So does he, if you didn't notice the multitude of guns shooting at me. Harley said raising her eyebrows. C'mon Batsy, figure it out, find out why this lovely is after Uncle. Maybe I am crazy or maybe there's more to this.
You were traumatized at the sight of seeing your father killed before you, and you blame Fletcher. Harley give up, you need help. Come on let me help you. Batman said as though he was coaxing a child.
Help me? Harley asked a hysteric grin growing on her face. Help me, he says. She laughed. I've already been helped. Her smile dropping from her face. Anger and sadness took the place of the grin as she starred hands clutched into fist by her side. Helping me means taking me back to that hospital, the Arkham asylum for teens.
I was in that damn place for five years. Do you have any idea what they do to trauma patients like me in that place? First they drug you up so to prevent and I quote depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, rage, flashbacks, intrusive memories, inner voices, amnesias, numbing, nightmares, recurrent dreams, and to keep you from harming yourself and others. Then they put you through therapy. Personal sessions, groups, family therapy using the current family, oh that could have worked if I had a family left! Psychoeducation, and pharmacotherapy, meanin' more drugs.
And worst of all they made me revisit' the trauma through hypnosis. Do you know what that does? It releases pain and allow the trauma back into the normal memory track. All the while do you know what they were trying to prevent? Exactly what I've become. I am what I am because they always talked and when they actually listened to me they heard what they wanted to hear not what I had to say! I am what I am because of Fletcher! Oh and after the good doctors believe that you are cured they toss you into a home where nobody thinks of you as a person, just a case that gives them a hefty check each three weeks. That what helping me means! Harley's voice echoed in the empty museum.
Batman stared at her taken aback; he was far from prepared for that.
Harley calmed down. Now look what you've done, you made me angry and talk about my past. Gotta hand it to ya, you know how to get under the skin.
Batman began again.
No! No more talkin'. I need to have some fun and cheer myself up. I can't be a Harley frowning now can I? Harley asked.
I've got it! She exclaimed snapping her fingers. We'll place hide and seek. I hide you seek. Harley shouted. She reached into her boat and removed a joker card. With a flick of her wrist the card vanished, she snapped her fingers causing the card to reappear.
Another toy? Batman asked.
Yep, knife edged cards. She spun flinging the card at the power box. We don't want you cheatin'. She said.
The lights of the museum flashed on and off until finally the power died out. In the darkness Batman could hear the sound of Harley's boots against the floor as she ran off in the opposite direction somewhere in the display area of the museum.
Give it up Harley, your partner is already in police custody. Batman said turning on his night vision.
Harley laughed. You think those goofs can actually capture him? Harley's voice asked somewhere in the museum. That Nightshade is smart. I mean really smart. He came up with this schway idea to set up these ferocious plants outside, very deadly. Harley laughed in the distance.
Harley I don't want to be your enemy. Batman said walking in the direction he had last heard Harleys voice.
Batsy, you should know by now that I torture my enemies. I rather enjoy playing with you.
What is it with you and Nightshade? Batman asked.
Are we jealous? Don't worry, you always came first. Harley laughed.
And I thought you didn't like me.
On the contrary Batsy. Harley swung down from above the beam garbing hold of the support buttress. She wrapped her legs around Batman's waist pinning his arms to his sides. You're always my number one main squeeze. She said closing her thighs together.
Batman shouted feeling his ribs giving under pressure.
Harley released him allowing his body to fall to the ground. I've broken my playmate. Harley said jumping down.
She slowly walked around Batman only to stop to stand above him. B-man I really do like to play with you. But you got involved in my business again, so play time's over. She hissed kicking him in the belly.
He rolled from the impact almost falling onto the aviation model. Harley called running across the walkway.
No you don't. Batman stated tossing a vial with transparent liquid in Harley's path.
The vial broke releasing a thick gas. Harley cried out as the gas flooded her sight. What did yooou...just...dooo? She asked slowly swaying back and forth. Her eyelids closed as she began to fall backwards over the walkway's edge.
Batman quickly reached out and grabbed her. Just something to help you to sleep. Batman said.
***
Cuffing her hands Batman left the sleeping Harley at the museum entrance for the police to take into custody. If he had been more conservative he would have notice Harley watching him through cracked eyes.
Nightshade, thank you and your mother for that immunity stuff. She whispered slipping her hands from the cuffs.
***
Batman flew through the air looking from roof to roof until he spotted Nightshade waiting patiently for Harley six roofs down from the warehouse. Harley was right he was too smart to be taken in by the police.
If you're looking for Harley she won't be coming. Batman said landing.
Nightshade turned towards Batman. She'll be here; she wouldn't leave me behind. Nightshade said.
No, she won't be coming; I just left her for the police. Batman said.
You did the same to me yet here I am. What makes you think you could possibly do the same with Harley? He asked charging towards Batman.
Nightshade swung twice the first missing the second landing on Batman's face almost dislocating his nose. Batman swung twice, one hit snapping Nightshade's jaw to the right the other landing on his ribs.
Nightshade ignored the pain; he wasn't about to let this mammal win. Nightshade clutched his fist together swinging upwards. His combined fist caught Batman in the chin snapping his head back leaving him completely off guard. Nightshade kicked out his foot, tossing Batman onto his back.
Batman flipped back onto his feet ducking any further blows from the battling plant man. He quickly brought his fist to Nightshade's stomach lifting him two feet off the ground. Nightshade quickly slammed both of his fists down on Batman's back between his shoulder blades.
Nightshade felt onto the roof holding his stomach as Batman fell onto his. Both combatants silently agreed they were through fighting.
After regaining their breath Nightshade and Batman stood. You shouldn't have stopped her. She may not be criminally insane as the original Harley Quinn but she's just as deadly. Nightshade said.
You know I just hate it when people talk about me behind my back. Harley said. Both men toward to see her seated comfortably on the roof edge watching them.
You do what you came here for? Nightshade asked as Harley walked towards them.
No. Thanks to Bats here Fletcher got any. Ill just have to get him next time. Harley said shrugging her shoulders. Now what were you saying about my sanity? She asked pointing her deadly popgun at the two.
We were just saying how you're dangerous but not insane. Nightshade said as Harley walked closer to the men.
Who says I'm not insane? Harley asked stepping onto the roof ledge.
Harley Quinn wasn't the best mentor to choose Harley. Batman said trying to get her away from the edge. She was insanely obsessed with the Joker. Youre too independent to be Harleys successor. Batman stated.
Harleys eyes narrowed down at Batman. Well at least my predecessor didn't swing around Gotham with a teenage boy dressed in Kelly green tights! Harley shouted.
Ooh glacial. Batman hissed.
Keep in mind always that I'm gorgeous and insane! Harley said waving her gun to emphasizing her point. Red you'll have to get your own ride home tonight if you aren't downstairs in 30 seconds. She said just before she spun around jumping over the ledge.
Both Batman and Nightshade looked over edge to see Harley catch hold of the fire escape then drop the rest of the way down then vanish into the night.
I agree with her. Nightshade said holding up a yellow tablet. She's cute and insane. He said dropping the tablet. The tablet broke upon impact on the ground and emitted a yellow cloud of smoke.
When the smoke cleared Batman could no longer see Nightshade. I've lost them again. Batman said to the elderly man on the other end of the communication line.
What about Fletcher? Wayne asked.
He got away as well. But I'm going to get some answers tonight. Batman said rocketing off the roof by his boosters towards the Batmobile.
***
Harley and Nightshade ducked into the shadows of the street when they heard Batman take to the sky.
I thought he'd never leave. Harley grumbled tying her hair back with a scarf so that no one would see her bi-colored hair.
What do you think about convertibles? Nightshade asked as he slipped on Harley's favorite jacket.
Harley asked slipping on a miniskirt then pulling off her short. What are you talking about Red? She asked looking up to find Nightshade was no longer beside her.
Harley looked forwards to see Nightshade walking over to a blue Mazda Miata LS top down convertible full of teenagers. Red? Red! Harley shouted gathering her things.
Nightshade jerked the driver out of his seat.
Hey what do you think you are doing? His companions asked.
From the passenger side a gun cocked. I am very sorry, but he isn't a people person. Harley said holding up her popgun ready to fire. But would you all be so kind as to get out. She smiled aiming at the head of the female in the passenger seat.
The frightened teens scrambled over one another trying to get out of the way of the crime duo. Now what do we say Red? Harley asked climbing into the passenger side.
Don't harm innocent plants while you're running away like sissies. Nightshade barked out as he pressed down on the accelerator filling the air with the squeal of wheels.
Close enough. Harley sighed leaning back resting her legs crossed on the dashboard.
The two had only been driving around for fifteen minutes when Harley sat up straight in her seat. Stop, stop STOP! Harley shouted.
What is it? Nightshade asked pressing the breaks down to the floorboard.
Harley jumped out of the car and pointed to the electronics and entertainment store. This place has the Playsation 4! She shouted.
Simple things please you. Nightshade laughed following after her.
***
Jordan Fletcher collapsed in the office in his home. What a night. He huffed.
What connection do you have with Harley Jest? Batman asked coming into sight.
What makes you think her robberies are in any relation to me? Jordan Fletcher asked.
She robs your racecourse, trespassed on your warehouse to crash your party, she called you uncle, and that look tonight proves it's not just your business she wants to ruin. Batman said. What's your connection to her? He asked again.
Fletcher smiled as if in memory as he reached into his desk and removed a picture from beneath a large account book. He sighed as he glanced down on the photograph. See for yourself. He said handing Batman the picture.
In the photo two men stood astride Fletcher who stood before a blue flamed decaled motorcycle. On the motorcycle sat a little girl fighting to lift the over sized helmet from her head.
Is that?
Yes Harley two and a half years old. The man to my left is...was Marshall. Fletcher said. Marshall and I started out our business together. We were good friends then. Then one day I got an offer to go out on my own and start my own business. I took up the offer. Marshall and I were fierce competitors in business but friends first and foremost. Fletcher said. In a way I was sort of a second father to Harley. Why she blames me for her father's death is beyond me.
Who's the other man? Batman asked pointing out the older man in the picture.
Leonard West. Fletcher said.
You've probably heard of him.
He's the one who gave you the grant to build up your business. Batman said.
That's, that him. Harley loved that old kook. He was...odd in a way. He died about six months ago. Fletched said searching in his desk for his cigars.
Mind if I keep this? Batman asked.
Fletcher looked up for his desk drawer. No I have...copies. Fletcher said noticing the office was empty.
***
Terry stood near the computer staring at the picture of the race accident and the crying Harley. From what Fletcher told us and what we gather Harley's attacks are just displaced anger. She blames Fletcher for the accident. Terry stated.
The question is why?' From the looks of things Jest and Fletcher were great friends. Bruce said examining the picture.
Something's missing, something Fletcher left out. Terry said.
And I think it has something to do with West. Wayne added.
***
Nightshade and Harley sat down at the kitchen table eating dinner. Tell me why you're after this man. Nightshade said eating the vegetarian lasagna Harley made.
The salad is great. I didn't know home grown vegetables tasted so good. Harley said eating a piece of lettuce.
You're avoiding the subject. Nightshade said.
I know. Harley replied. Her dark brown eyes dared him to push the subject farther.
Harl I can't, no I won't help you unless you tell me. Nightshade said.
Harley downed her glass of orange juice. Chris are you saying if I don't talk you'll walk out on me? She asked with amusement in her voice.
Nightshade said.
Then by all means the door out is down stairs. You know the way. Harley said popping a cherry tomato into her mouth.
Nightshade stood and grabbed his coat on the way to the elevator. Lock the door on your way out! He heard Harley called after him. Good luck! A green man walking down the street, I'm sure no one will notice. She laughed as the elevator stopped on the ground floor onto the garage. Nightshade hadn't intended for it to happen this way. He hadn't expected for her to call his bluff. He sighed and walked out the door.
Nightshade walked around the park before he decided to go back and reclaim his things (what little he had). It was a shame things were ending like this, he did like Harley although she was a bit eccentric. Nightshade returned to see tools out around Harley's JoyRide but nothing seemed to have been done to it. He used the stairs instead of the elevator and stepped into the kitchen to see Harley had cleaned up the table and had put the food away.
Maybe she went to bed. He thought to himself. But he then heard the television in the bedroom. Nightshade expected to find Harley sitting on the foot of her bed eating ice cream from the container and watching an interesting movie not caring weather he had or had not returned. But what he found made him blink with disbelief. Harley sat on the floor with her back against the wall and a box full of pictures and papers at her side. She sat hunched over with her head in her hands.
Nightshade ran to her side.
I thought you said you were walking. Harley said trying to hide the sorrow in her voice.
I was bluffing. He said lifting her chin so he could see her face. He had never seen anyone look so pain stricken with sorrow as Harley did.
When I was barely one my mother divorced my father to be with some rich man. My father didn't let it faze him, so he went on with his business building and racing bikes. I don't remember when but one day Harley Quinn, no longer a criminal, came by and asked for my father to detail a bike for her. She absolutely adored me. Harley smiled for a brief moment. I was only two when my papa befriended Jordan Fletcher and Leonard West. We were all-good friends then, something like a family even. Even when Fletcher went and started his own company we were friends. Years went by and Miss Q was always visiting, teaching me a few tricks' to give me an edge' as she says it. You know like intense gymnastics, building my strength, and working wit my uncanny balance, stuff like that.
I was happy with my life, I thought nothing could ruin it. But then that dreadful day came. My papa raced in the Paxton charity bike racing. I remember I was nine and I cheered for my papa along with Mr. West and Jordan Fletcher in the stands. I remember seeing the wheel fly from beneath papa's bike. I remember seeing him flip over and over. And and... Harley stopped as her tears came down harder and her words were choked down by her sobs.
Nightshade ran his fingers through her bicolor hair pushing it away from her eyes. When he saw her eyes were almost as red as her hair he wrapped his arms around her until her sobs had stopped. I know, I just know Fletcher killed my papa. She said clearly. I know it. And I swore on my father's grave I'd make him pay. That's when I dropped out of high school during my freshmen year and went to Quinn. Harley said. She took me in, the rest I've told you before.
Harl why would Fletcher kill your father? Nightshade asked.
Harley wiped her face clean with the back of her sleeve. She reached into her box and pulled out a picture of herself and her father both covered in grease and holding tools. You want to find out Red? Help me take Fletcher down. Harley said standing up. She tucked the box under her bed. Before she left the room she turned to look at Nightshade. She said then left.
Nightshade stared in disbelief, not only did she open up to him but she just called him her partner.
End of chapter 5
Hey everyone I just wanted to tell you that I'm going on lovely week vacation to torment my family who live upstate so there won't be any updates for awhile.
