The Bargain

Author's Note: Some time has passed since I wrote last time, so I bring you another fic: Poison Ivy and Scarecrow come to deal in which they ensure that they have a successor that can follow in their footsteps. This plot is my own, and I hope that this is an original idea. None of the characters belong to be, but to Warner Bros and DC Comics. Only the child is my creation. Enjoy!

Sorry for not writing for such a long time: I had certin examinations that I couldn't miss studying for my life. Thanks for your patience.

He didn't know why people made such a big fuss out of love-making. He knew that the body produced a hormone that made a person easily addicted to it, but he never thought much about it.

Now as Jonathan Crane lay in bed next to his sleeping wife, he felt his own body produce a natural drug that clouded his mind and made him feel satisfaction.

He turned his head and looked at Pamela's sleeping form. He liked to analyze people by watching them sleep, for the position a person takes while sleeping tells a lot about the person. She was curled up in a ball under the covers- it is also known as the fetal position. People who sleep like that often have emotional scars and hurt that runs deep. Jonathan Crane himself often slept in the 'army position': lying on his back, his arms at his side- these people do not reveal a lot of their emotions. However he still occasionally let himself curl up vulnerably, especially in the past after being defeated by Batman.

Only a few hours earlier he was kissing Pamela passionately. She would plant her kisses on his unaccustomed chest and trail down until well below the waist level, where she would do such things that made him whimper pathetically and claw at the bed sheets beneath him.

He gradually gained confidence. Sometimes, Jonathan was on purpose a little violent because he would relish the bit of confusion and fear that would appear in Pamela's eyes. He longed to see her pupils contract and leave a pool of toxic green irises behind. He was in bliss when he saw her shudder and take in a nervous breath. So flushed yet pale, she was lovely.

But all this time, they were quiet. They didn't dare to make noise because of Icabod.

Now she was sleeping and still sweaty from the toil.

He ran a thin hand through her burning hair, which was just enough to wake her up. He saw her eyes open, the two emeralds drowsy and confused at where she was. Then she smiled, a tired yet happy smile.

'You are finally awake,' said Jonathan with a smirk on his face.

Pamela yawned,' How long was I knocked out?'

'About an hour, my Pumpkin.'

'Pumpkin?' Pamela gave a small laugh, 'Please do not start associating me with Halloween, my Hyacinth.'

'Hyacinth? You see me as a plant?' Jonathan raised a sharp eyebrow.

Pamela shrugged,' The hyacinth has a wonderful smell, is one of the symbols of love and has a mythology behind it,' she looked up at him,' but I may as well call you Wallflower.'

'Don't,' he said.

The doorbell was ringing downstairs. When Pamela went to get it, Jonathan stopped her, sneaked out of the bed, flung on his dressing-gown loosely and went down stairs.

The person behind the door was ringing persistently. When Jonathan came and opened it, there was the retired Master of Riddles, Edward Nygma. He had not aged much throughout the years, but lines of time had appeared on his face. Nygma seemed to be jumpy and nervous.

'Edward Nygma, a surprise to see you,' said Crane calmly.

Nygma took a good look at Crane.

'Crane, have you been doing exercises….. without your clothes on?' asked Nygma, as usually curious.

'I'm afraid that it is none of your business,' Jonathan's voice became colder. He and Nygma rarely got on well, especially when they were at the Asylum. Even though they denied it, many people saw them similar according to their behavior.

'Well, I have come to tell you that there is a meeting with the former criminals tonight at Penguin's Iceberg Lounge,' Nygma said immediately,' we need to come in costume, not necessarily armed.'

'In costume with the other criminals?' Crane's voice rose,' do you expect me to start committing crime after so many years?'

Nygma rolled his eyes,' Crane, I may have disliked you but one of the few things I admired about you is your intelligence. Now it seems that one more item has been rubbed off the list,' when Crane snorted with impatience, Nygma continued,' we are having a meeting dressed like this because it involves problems with "our kind".'

Crane's hearing sharpened at that,' With whom?'

Nygam lowered his voice, 'It seems that the Joker's back in town and trying to stir up trouble with us again.'

'What trouble?' asked Pamela, joining them. She also wore a dressing gown.

Nygma slipped off the point an stared at her. He looked from one person to the other exclaiming,' Don't tell me you two just had…….eugh! Pamela how could you do that!'

Crane clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the insulting comment, when Pamela came to his rescue.

'So we have to come to this meeting?' Pamela asked carefully.

Nygma nodded,' Bring the child too. You don't want to leave him alone now that Joker's running around.'

Pamela crossed her arms angrily,' I don't want to take my child to a night club!'

Nygma shrugged,' Suit yourselves. I'm taking my girl: can't take the chance for that green-haired cretin coming for her.'

With that he left. Jonathan looked at Pamela.

'We ought to bring him with us,' he said.

'Fine. But we should come back as soon as possible. You and I have to go to work tomorrow and Icabod should go to school,' Pamela gave in reluctantly.

'It's the summer holidays Pamela,' Jonathan corrected her.

'I knew that,' she replied defensively.

Night came sooner than they thought. They had arrived altogether at the Iceberg Lounge, when a guard at the entrance stopped them.

' Pamela Isely and Jonathan Crane?' the guard growled.

The two nodded. Icabod stood behind them and watched the guard.

'Follow me,' the guard said, leading them to a side entrance.

'Where are we going?' asked Icabod softly.

'We are currently being led to Penguin's private rooms where we all had private discussions with him before.' Pamela informed him.

The guard came to a dingy black door and slid a key inside. With a small click, the door flew easily open. They were pushed inside, and the first thing Icabod noticed were icy blue walls which had large glass tubes filled with bubbling pale water in them. It was a large room which was occupied by the white marble table that stood in the middle of it. Seated at the head of the table was none other than the Penguin in his trademark tuxedo.

'Pamela, Jonathan,' he said in his aristocratic accent as he got up to meet them,' I'm glad that you could make it. There are the changing rooms,' he motioned with his hand to a corner which was covered with curtains,' I hope that you have brought your costumes.'

Jonathan motioned to the package he held in his arms. The Penguin's smile widened.

'Excellent,' he said,' why, it would be just like the good old times when-'

'We are not going to crime, but are only here to discuss our problems with the Joker,' Pamela cut in strictly.

'Of course, of course,' said the Penguin a little more seriously.

'Ladies first,' said Jonathan to his wife.

She gave him a small smile and went to change.

'Icabod Isely-Crane, I was hoping you would come,' came the well-spoken voice behind Icabod. He turned to see Aurelius, also dressed in a tuxedo like his father.

'How are you?' Icabod shook hands with him. Aurelius seemed to like the polite gesture.

'Not too bad, just having a chat with dear mother over there,' Aurelius motioned towards the corner of the room. There, isolated, stood a lone dark figure in a cat suit. The person was staring at them for some time, but when Aurelius motioned to her, she immediately turned her head.

'Is that Catwoman?' asked Icabod in wonder. He had only heard tales of this skilled cat burglar who won Batman's heart, but he never got to see her in person.

Aurelius nodded,' And my mother, of course.'

Icabod felt uncomfortable,' Well, it must be rather difficult for you to talk to her…… after she left you and so. I don't mean to pry in your personal life.'

Aurelius gave a small laugh,' Most people do not really know the true story about my mother and father.'

'True story? I thought that your mother was betrayed by Batman and she married your father as a sort of, well, revenge.' Icabod said.

Aurelius raised an eyebrow, 'Do you think that my mother would be that foolish to do such a thing?'

'Then what is it?' asked Icabod.

'You're too curious for your own good,' said Aurelius, 'but I feel that I can trust you. You may not have blue blood, but you certainly didn't pick up the nasty habits of the low scum of this city.'

He paused, then asked,' Do you know why we are here?'

'Of course. Joker is stirring up trouble and we need to be on our guard,' answered Icabod promptly.

'Ah,' said Aurelius wisely, with the grace of high-classes,' but did you know that before I was born the Joker also was stirring up trouble: he was looking for an heir.'

'But didn't he have Harley Quinn for that?' asked Icabod, trying to pick up the pieces.

'True. However, he didn't want to take the risk of having a child with a- how should I say this- "weak" character like hers. He wanted a confident child, not a dog-like follower.' Aurelius dropped his voice to a whisper.

After a pause, he continued,' The Joker was interested in having children with the more confident members of the female Rogues Gallery. Yes, he was planning to move onto your mother too, Icabod, but since she's unable to produce children, he moved onto Catwoman.

'Catwoman didn't want to have Joker's offspring, and she even put up a fight, defeating and humiliating the Joker. Now the only thing Joker wanted from her was revenge. The Joker made a plan with my father, since they both disliked Catwoman: they would kidnap her, and my father would…… abuse her so as for her to be humiliated as she done the same to the Joker. Little did they know that from this action, my father had made my mother pregnant.'

Icabod drew in a sharp breath. Why was he telling him such dark secrets?

'The Joker used this fact to make an even greater humiliation of my mother, but my father couldn't stand to have his family name humiliated by having an illegitimate child.

'Did you know, Icabod, that penguins propose to their mates? Their "engagement ring" is actually a pebble which will be placed in the nest they build together. My father's "proposal" was threatening my mother. She resisted, but when he captured Batman and was ready to kill him, Catwoman consented. If you would have read early newspaper clippings, Batman had been "missing" in Gotham for exactly nine months, which was enough time for me to be born. After that, my mother and Batman escaped, but left me behind.'

Icabod was breathing heavily. Who knew that such horrendous things were kept in the past?

'Those were dark times, Icabod. None of our parents were innocent. They have committed such to ordinary people that you would refuse to believe if somebody told you that,' Aurelius said darkly, his eyes becoming more cat-like by the minute,' but that was not the purpose of my tale. I want to warn you that the Joker may go after your own mother, for I know that he was the one who tried to kill Jervis Tetch. He is now committing revenge on all of us. The rogues broke apart and he's not the head of the show anymore. This way, he's bringing our parents together again to crime. Old wounds will be re-opened.'

Icabod felt his mouth suddenly become dry. He was saved by the entrance of Edward Nygma.

Nygma, accompanied by his daughter, was now dressed in his recognizable green sit with a purple question-mark tie. He had the sphinx-like smile and his egotistical aura was more prominent.

'What is green and attractive and smart all over? Me!' he exclaimed proudly.

'Ridder, you're loosing your touch,' came the soft voice of Pamela.

Icabod turned and saw his mother dressed like in her criminal days (which he only saw pictures his her photo album). She was dressed in her leafy green bathing suit, wearing thorny green gloves and boots and her slightly greenish-skin tone was now more prominent. Her eyes were more bright and daring and the femme fatale charm returned. She looked like an irresistible dangerous rose.

'Poison Ivy, beautiful as ever,' the Riddler came and kissed her hand.

Ivy's seductive smile returned,' You didn't behave like this before, have you Riddler? You must be rather desperate going on a poisonous flower like me.'

'For you, poison would be worth it,' the Riddler's smile fell,' and now everything has to be ruined when the Scarecrow is back in scaring birds business.'

Jonathan Crane, who was dressed in the rags of a scarecrow, joined them. Icabod barely recognized him. Instead of a skinny man now stood a creature, which seemed to be made out of flesh and bones. The red shirt and brown trousers looked simple enough, but the sackcloth that covered the face was frightening. The straw hair fell framing the face, and two eyes that looked dead stared out from the depths of the mask. If only a scythe was added the image of a person's nightmare would have been perfect.

'None of your riddles can save you from my Fear Gas, Riddler,' the Scarecrow's voice sounded more cruel and growling.

Fear showed on the Riddler's face,' I though you came unarmed.'

The Scarecrow gave a chilling laugh,' I did. I just said that so as to see your reaction. You seem like a fine testing specimen.'

The Riddler turned around and said under his breath,' Bet you aren't so high and mighty without your costume……'

Little by little, the rest of the members came: Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, the immortal Ra's Al Ghul with his forever young daughter Talia……

The last one who came was Harley dressed in her joyful and attractive Harlequin outfit, dragging her two children behind.

They all came and settled down at the table, and the Penguin started.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, I apologize bringing you here an disturbing your day-to-day life, but there is a threat among us,' said the Penguin, staring at them behind his monocle,' this threat is the Joker, who has already made an attack on Mr. Riddler here.'

Everybody turned to the Riddler, who nodded angrily,' Yes! He attacked me in my own home! Threatened that he would kill my daughter if I didn't stay out of his business…… I have not returned to crime, so I didn't know what business he was talking about, but he threatened that if I made one false move, that was the end.'

The others started talking worriedly about this, when Penguin put his hands up for them to calm down.

'As Mr. Riddler said, the Joker is going to start making threats and commig into our homes,' said the Penguin,' now, Mad Hatter is unfortunately not among us currently, but someone shall-'

'Wait!' said Ivy,' The Joker threatened me too.'

Everybody stared at her. Fear momentarily flitted across Harley's face. But the person on whom it had the greatest effect on was the Scarecrow.

'When did it happen?' he hissed.

Ivy realized her mistake, but now that she had spilled the beans, she ought to talk, 'Today, he stopped me when I was coming home from Harley's. He threatened that he would kill me and my husband if we tried to mess in his work.'

'Why didn't you tell me Pamela?' snapped the Scarecrow,' I saw that you were afraid today but you never told me what happened.'

It seemed that the quarrel would have gone on when the party was suddenly crashed. The door burst open and a tall, dark figure strode in. Icabod's breathing got stuck in his throat when he recognized who it was.

The Penguin was calm,' Batman, always a pleasure for you to join us.'

The Batman spoke in a deep, dark voice,' It seems that none of you could resist the temptation to return to life of crime. You are also planning to drag your children into it too. '

'Batman, what we are discussing has absolutely got nothing to with going to crime, but trying to stop from crime getting to us,' the Riddler said nastily.

'Then why are you wearing your costumes?'

'Tradition.' Said Penguin simply.

'We are unarmed,' piped in Harley.

Expressionless, the Batman looked at Catwoman who hadn't spoke yet,' I have to take you in with the charge of the burglary of Gotham Museum.'

Catwoman smirked and purred,' Always a pleasure seeing you, Batman. I don't want this to spoil your evening.'

Batman looked at the other former rogues,' I want you to break up in five minutes. If you don't I will report you for plotting conspiracy against the city.'

No one dared to go against him. As Icabod got up from his chair, the Batman held him down. He turned Icabod around and then with vice-like grip pulled his face up to see.

'So this is the miraculous creation of Poison Ivy and the Scarecrow,' Batman's expression didn't change,' using a miniature Crane and Plant Creation to follow in their footsteps. They should be ashamed of themselves.'

Icabod stared up at him, wondering of Batman was going to break his fragile neck and end his life here. Batman released his face, turned and left like a looming dark shadow. It was then he realized that he was really afraid of the Dark Night.

'Let's go,' said Ivy coaxing him.

'Hey Red, I was wondering if I can take Icky here to you house myself,' said Harley,' ya know, it'd be best for the kids to get to know each other better.'

'Well, I don't know…..' Ivy hesitated.

'Aw, come on!' exclaimed Harley.

Ivy gave in, but was still unsure of this decision. She turned, and was face in face with the Scarecrow.

'We have to talk when we get home,' said the Scarecrow.

Author's Note: I wrote this chapter for a quite a long time, so be happy with it. I told you things would make more sense! Now, please review and tell me if the sexual references were too much!