Note: Batman is owned by DC Comics and was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Ra's al Ghul was created by Julius Schwartz, Dennis O'Neil, and Neal Adams. This story was inspired by Jeffrey Thomas and Celeste Green's Gotham High.
Batman had been going to Arkham Asylum for a few weeks. During that time, he made an impression on several people. He had become friends with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn and had attracted Talia al Ghul. However, he had also become enemies with the school's leader, Professor Hugo Strange. Strange was assisted by Professor Crane, also known as the Scarecrow, along with his pet, Man-Bat.
Batman was determined to stop Hugo Strange's schemes and to have him and Professor Crane fired. In order to get the evidence that he needed, Batman started showing up to school early. He would often go around the hallways and search for mysterious items. However, Hugo Strange and Professor Crane were very sneaky scoundrels, who carefully hid secrets. Batman had his own secret. Under the mask, he was Bruce Wayne, Gotham's richest citizen. Batman kept that secret from the school's staff and students, but Hugo Strange was determined to find out who he really is.
One morning, Batman was roaming the hallways, while hoping to find something suspicious. He looked around and saw a silvery coin. A young man, who was wearing white tuxedo, picked up the coin. Batman had never seen him before, so he asked, "Are you one of the new students?"
The man smiled and said, "Indeed I am. I'm Harvey Dent. Are you the Batman?"
Batman replied, "Indeed I am." Batman examined Harvey's face and outfit and said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you look a lot more normal than the other students."
Harvey had a flattered look on his face, while responding, "Being called normal hardly counts as an insult. I suppose you could say I don't fit in with the others, due to my regular appearance. However, I have a bit of a weird side."
Batman asked, "What could be weird about you?"
Harvey showed off the coin, while saying, "I'm obsessed with this little guy. In fact, he's been in charge of my life decisions."
Batman raised an eyebrow and asked, "Excuse me?"
Harvey explained, "I have a hard time making my own decisions. You see, there's always more than choice, in every situation. For example, I'm facing a guy dressed like a bat. Because of that, I can either mock you or compliment you." He flipped the coin. It landed on heads, so he said, "Sweet outfit, Batman. Very unique."
Batman replied, "Thanks, but listening to a coin is a dangerous mistake. Your mind should be in charge, not a nickel."
Harvey responded, "My mind's a jumble mess, so I need the coin. I'm hoping to become a lawyer."
Batman said, "If that happened, would you let the coin decide who you defend?"
Harvey looked amused, while saying, "Interesting idea." Batman rolled his eyes and walked away.
Meanwhile, Catwoman had been sent to Hugo Strange's office. Hugo Strange usually wasn't very fond of Catwoman, because he didn't think she had as much to analyze, as the other students. However, he came up with an idea that he wanted Catwoman to participate in.
Catwoman walked into Hugo Strange's office, while looking mopey. She had never bond of her principal and she was hoping the meeting would have a quick ending.
Hugo Strange offered her a cup of milk, while saying, "Greetings, Ms. Catwoman. Thank you for coming to this meeting."
Catwoman crossed her legs, grabbed the cup, and asked, "What do you want, Strange?"
Hugo Strange answered, "I wouldn't normally ask for your assistance, but my most intriguing student is also the hardest to unravel. I'm referring to the Batman, a very noble, but secretive species. There's a lot about Batman I must find out, including his secret identity."
Catwoman sighed and asked, "You just want me to be your henchman and find out who Batman really is?" She showed off her claws, while saying, "Meow, do you know how much damage I'm capable of? Your mundane plan could never catch my interest."
Hugo pretended to look offended, while asking, "Mundane? How dare you say such a thing. Ms. Catwoman, I'm suggesting far more than an unmasking. In fact, my goal is to help Batman and you." Hugo thought that pretending to be a caring and responsible principal, would trick Catwoman into going with his plan.
Catwoman had a doubtful look on her face, while asking, "You want to help me and Batman?" She folded her arms and said, "I'm not buying it."
Hugo tried to look and sound like a gentleman, while smiling, and said, "My obsessive desire, to hang around Gotham's most bizarre citizens, isn't just for my own self-interests. I also like to help eccentric people, such as yourself and Batman, find happiness."
Catwoman raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you trying to say?"
Hugo answered, "I can set-up a date, between you and Batman."
Catwoman couldn't deny that she found Batman attractive and fascinating. She took a big sip of milk and said, "That does sound purrfect, but I know you want something in return."
Hugo replied, "Like I said before, I want you to find out Batman's secret identity."
Catwoman asked, "How am I supposed to do that?"
Hugo answered, "Earn his respect. If you work hard enough, you might earn his trust."
Catwoman replied, "Not a bad offer, but I want more."
Hugo sighed and asked, "What else do you want?"
Catwoman smirked and said, "For a long time, you've been trying to get me kicked out of the school. If you don't agree to cut that out, I won't help you."
Hugo replied, "Very well then, but if you fail to uncover Batman's secret identity, you can expect some suspensions."
Catwoman playfully scratched a hole on Hugo's desk and said, "If you try that, you'll get to see what my claws can really do."
Hugo calmly said, "Don't worry, Ms. Catwoman. Things are going to be okay. In fact, I'm going to uncover the greatest of secrets, which will lead to things ever be okay." Catwoman wasn't so sure about it. After all, she felt things never were okay, when Hugo was around.
Meanwhile, Talia al Ghul was getting a ride to the school from her father, Ra's al Ghul. Ra's al Ghul had Talia bring a flyer, that advertised his ninja-training classes. He said, "Make sure that Batman gets the flyer."
Talia had an uncaring look on her face, while saying, "Whatever."
Ra's al Ghul sternly replied, "Talia, listen to what I say. The Batman is a fascinating gentleman and I want to see his fighting moves. I think he has a big future."
Batman opened his locker, while getting ready for class. Hugo Strange walked by, with a friendly smile on his face. He said, "Hi Batman."
Batman angrily asked, "What can I help you with, Principal Strange?"
Hugo Strange put his arm around Batman and replied, "I like helping people. In fact, I want to help you. Do you have any after-school plans?"
Batman responded, "Not really, although I might do more detective work."
Hugo replied, "No, if you put all your energy and time into such things, you'll become tired and weak. If you are to become a successful detective, you must take breaks."
Batman thought about what Hugo Strange was saying. Although he usually didn't trust Hugo, it was hard to argue that he needed a break. He had been obsessing over his detective work, for several days. He asked, "What should I do?"
Hugo answered, "Go out and do something fun, after school. It'll be good for you."
Batman replied, "Okay then, but don't think I won't still be investigating you."
Hugo smiled and said, "My school wouldn't be the same, without your detective work, Batman." He had a suspicious look on his face, while walking away.
Catwoman purposely tripped over some books, to get Batman's attention. Batman caught her and held her in his arms. He looked concerned, while asking, "Are you okay?"
Catwoman had a sly smile on her face, while replying, "You could say that. After all, I did fall for you."
Batman smiled and responded, "I'm glad you're okay." He helped her stand-up.
Catwoman rested her head on Batman's shoulder and said, "I do have a problem."
Batman asked, "What is it?"
Catwoman walked around Batman, while saying, "I was planning on going on a fun adventure. I'd shop around, see a movie, and have a great time. I haven't had enough chances to hangout and have fun in recent weeks, thanks to my stressful and questionable school-life. You can relate to that, can't you." Batman nodded. Catwoman said, "I'd have a great night, of glamour and antics. However, I don't have anybody to accompany me."
Batman replied, "Speaking of that, I was planning on hanging out and having some fun, after-school. I haven't really made any plans, so can I join yours?"
Catwoman lifted up Batman's chin and said, "Sounds perfect. Our date starts at four pm."
Batman had a surprised look on his face, while asking, "Date? When you say date, could you clarify the meaning of that?"
Catwoman kissed Batman's cheek and said, "I'll see you later." She winked at him and started walking away.
Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn walked up to Batman. Batman said, "Hi, it's nice to see you."
Poison Ivy looked flattered, while replying, "I'm used to hearing that. Anyways, were you just chatting with Batman?"
Batman responded, "Yeah, we're going to hangout after school."
Poison Ivy raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean?"
Batman nervously scratched his neck, while saying, "I barely understood what happened, either. I suddenly got the desire to take a break and Catwoman suddenly wanted to hang out with me. She called it a date, which surprised me. To be honest, I don't know what this get-together is."
Harley Quinn looked amused, while saying, "The bat plus the cat equals love."
Batman stuck his hands in front of Harley and nervously replied, "Hold on there, Harley. That's not what's going. To be honest, I didn't even think Catwoman and I were friends, but I think this event will make our friendship grow."
Poison Ivy sternly said, "Be careful, when it comes to Catwoman. She likes to be playful, but she can also be dangerous. Professor Bubbles quit the school, because Catwoman scratched his classroom."
Harley smiled and said, "She also shredded Professor Bubbles' silly bubble collection."
Poison Ivy put her hand on Batman's shoulder and said, "I just want you to be careful."
Batman calmly replied, "I will be."
Batman was about to walk to class, but Talia came by and tapped his shoulder. Batman turned around and asked, "Can I help you?"
Talia sighed and put the flyer in Batman's hands. She said, "My dad wants you to try out his ninja classes. He keeps bugging me about. He's an obsessive, stubborn jerk."
Batman thought of Hugo Strange, while saying, "I've dealt with similar people."
Talia replied, "Anyways, my dad has a bunch of lessons and you're welcome to try them out."
Batman looked confused, while asking, "What are his lessons like?"
Talia answered, "A bunch of violence-loving jerks beating each other up and using ninja skills and weapons, to make their fights even more intense."
Batman replied, "Wowsers, that sure seems wild."
Talia responded, "Not the fun kind of wild." She frowned at Ivy and Harley and walked away.
Batman, Ivy, and Harley started walking to class. Poison Ivy looked at Batman and said, "You have no interest in Talia's dad's classes, right?"
Batman thought about it and replied, "Violence isn't usually my thing. However, if I'm going to become a detective, I should learn some fighting skills."
Poison Ivy responded, "I told you to be careful and you immediately start considering fighting classes?"
Batman nervously smiled and said, "Sorry about that." Batman and his friends continued walking to class, while Batman thought about Ra's al Ghul's classes. Batman had a lot of rumors about Ra's al Ghul, including good ones and bad ones. He put his hand on his chin, while wondering what Talia's dad was really like and if he'd be a good trainer.
Batman and his classmates were in Professor Crane's class. Professor Crane finished feeding Man-Bat. He walked over to his students and asked, "Would anybody like to explain, why bats are the most interesting type of animal?" Batman gave Crane a disapproving look. He knew that Crane had an interest in messing with and making him feel scared.
Harvey Dent said, "I wonder if I should answer that question." He grabbed his coin and flipped it. It landed on heads, so he said, "I don't feel like answering that question."
Catwoman raised her hand and replied, "I'd like to answer the question."
Professor Crane responded, "Go ahead."
Catwoman had a sly smile on her face, while saying, "Bats are the most interesting type of animal, because they are the most mysterious and alluring. They have a special type of charm." She winked at Batman, which made Batman feel a little uncomfortable.
Poison Ivy looked annoying, while looking at Catwoman, and asking, "If you think bats are the most interesting, why do you have a cat gimmick?"
Catwoman looked amused, while saying, "Meow, talk about someone who wants to start a fight."
Poison Ivy replied, "I don't want to start a fight. I'm just pointing out the holes in your logic and considering how irrational you act, that's easy to do."
Catwoman scratched one of Poison Ivy's plants and said, "Cats are superior to plants, don't you know?" Poison Ivy looked furious. Batman was nervous about Catwoman and Ivy's rising anger.
Professor Crane started walking closer to Batman, while saying, "Catwoman's answer wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I was looking for. Bats are the most interesting type of animal, because there's so many peculiar ones."
Professor Crane pointed to Man-Bat and said, "For example, there's my pet, who has the appearance of a bat, but has a loyalty stronger than any man." He pointed at Batman and said, "You're another example. You're a man, who's battier than any bat. You want to be a bat, a man, and a detective. Talk about a bad trilogy."
Harley Quinn raised her hand and said, "Scarecrow, I have an important question."
Professor Crane used to be annoyed by his nickname, but overtime, it grew on him. He said, "Go ahead and ask your question."
Harley asked, "Can you stop talking about bats and start talking about something interesting."
Professor Crane angrily replied, "I just explained why bats are the most interesting animal and you're getting bored?" He had a smug smile on his face, while saying, "I believe a detention will captivate your interest."
Harley replied, "Oh, come on. Detentions are like the most boring thing ever. Throw me a bone."
Professor Crane put a bone on Harley's desk and said, "I usually just give those to Man-Bat, but I'm willing to make exceptions. Feel free to chew on that bone, during today's detention." He laughed.
Harley was Poison Ivy's best friend, so Ivy was upset about Crane's lack of respect. She angrily folded her arms and asked, "Do you have any respect for your students?"
Professor Crane said, "Respect is nice and all, but it couldn't compare to the power of fear."
Poison Ivy replied, "Well, I don't have any respect for you, because you're a jerk."
Professor Crane had an offended look on his face, while saying, "How dare you insult a professor. You and Harley are immature and out of control. Like her, you're getting a detention."
Poison Ivy angrily said, "Come on, Scarecrow. You're being unfair."
Professor Crane had an evil grin on his face, while saying, "Why should I focus on being a fair professor, when I'm the master of fear?"
Batman whispered to Harvey, "Crane always acts like this. He's corrupted and scummy, but since Principal Strange acts in a similar way, he gets away with it."
Harvey whispered, "That sure sounds unfair. I wonder if should stand-up for Ivy and Harley? Thankfully, I always know how to make tough choices." He flipped his coin, which landed on tails. Harvey raised his hand.
Professor Crane asked, "What's on your mind, Mr. Dent?"
Harvey said, "Your behavior is pretty bad. Have you considered getting some manners?"
Professor Crane angrily replied, "I haven't."
Harvey said, "You should consider it. If I was hired to be your D.A., I'd just give up, because proving your innocence would be a hopeless case."
Professor Crane angrily replied, "You're getting a detention."
Harvey looked back at Batman and whispered, "I'm sure getting ripped off, as well. You know what? I'm thinking about skipping detention."
Batman replied, "Harvey, that's not a good idea. You can get into serious trouble, if you don't show up. You'll probably get more and more detentions."
Harvey responded, "That's probably the case, but I still need to let the coin decide." He flipped the coin. It landed on heads, so he sighed and said, "I'll do the right thing and go to detention."
Batman replied, "I'm glad to hear that." For a moment, things seemed peaceful, but Batman knew there was danger hidden beneath the college.
