When they decided that Rena Rouge will dealing with Riddlers little game, Ladybug and Stinger decided to try something else to find Roger.
"I'm over here, Ladybug." North said. Ladybug and Stinger went up to him. "It was a massacre. Boles came walking in telling everyone to cover the front entrance. Said something about Joker's army coming through the main gate. Two of my guys moved to the front exit and Frank shot them dead. Never stood a chance."
"Was Boles alone?" Stinger asked.
"Thought he was, until I saw Harley Quinn." North said. "She was surrounded by Blackgate prisoners. They were just killing everyone in the room. I had no choice. I got in here, locked the door. I could see it on the security feed. They had someone with them. Looked like the Commissioner."
"Boles is dead." Ladybug said. "They carried on without him. Must've outlived his usefulness."
"Good. He was scum." North said.
Ladybug and Stinger went down the corridor North was in and started searching for any more clues for Roger. They passed what appeared to be showers when a radio was on.
"We apologize for the interruption for our regular broadcast." An announcer said. "Clara Contard is reporting live from the bank of the Seine with some breaking news."
"This is Clara Contard with some breaking news from the Seine." Clara said. "We're getting reports of an armed siege on Arkham Island. Two minutes ago, Joker broadcast to all news channels this chilling message."
"Greetings, Gotham." Joker said. "This is the voice of your new master. Oh, hang on...I've skipped a bit! Joker here! I'm in control of Arkham Island and you can all consider it out of bounds. If I see any lawmen, vigilantes or do-gooders in tights coming this way, I'll start detonating random bombs around the city. What'll it be? A kindergarten? A hospital? A billionaire's mansion? Oooh, choices, choices, choices."
"All access to the Island has been restricted, airspace is closed off, and earlier reports suggest that Ladybug herself is trapped on the island." Clara said. "We'll be right here reporting live on any developments. Back to the studio."
"Well, so much for keeping any of this a secret." Stinger said.
"Maybe." Ladybug said, before walking off.
They kept walking until they entered a vent. They crawled in it until they reached the end. Ladybug kicked the cover off and they exited the vent. They had entered a cliffside and made their way out. Once outside, they saw they had entered the inner walls of the island. They landed on the lower ground when Joker made an announcement.
"Hmm." Joker hummed to himself. "Harley tells me that the Ladybug's car is still parked just outside of the Intensive Treatment building. Now, we can't just have her up and leave us, can we? Every thug, villain, murderer, and kindergarten teacher that isn't carrying out party orders should head there now and smash it to pieces."
"He's not serious, is he?" Stinger asked. Then all of a sudden, Ladybug's mask got an alert saying that the Lamborghini was under attack. "What am I saying? Of course he is."
"Micro, disable the Lamborghini's countermeasure system." Ladybug said.
"I saw the alert." Micro said. "What's wrong? Where are you?"
"Me and Stinger are outside the Arkham Mansion." Ladybug said.
"And Rena Rouge?" Micro asked.
"Dealing with our old friend, Nygma." Ladybug said. "Harley Quinn probably triggered the alarm. If she's still got Roger with her, he could get hurt."
"Ok, done." Micro said. "The Lamborghini is still parked outside the Intensive Treatment in Arkham North. I've sent you the schematics for the entire island. I've marked key locations like your car."
"Thanks, Micro." Ladybug said.
"I still remember when I gave you that car for our 5th anniversary." Stinger said, reminiscing on the memory. "You were practically squealing like you were in high school again."
"Yeah." Ladybug said. "It's come a long way since then. I modified it to the point where it can basically take a lot of punishment, but we need to hurry."
Thinking quickly, they ran to the Arkham North section of the island. When they entered the door they saw guards behind an ambulance. Using their Detective Vision, they saw two gunned inmates on the other side of the fence. Going upwards on the opening on the ceiling, they quietly dropped down and silently took down the inmates.
Entering the next section of the island, they saw a group of inmates hitting the Lamborghini. They ran to the inmates and begin taking them down. Once they were defeated, they took a quick breather.
"So, now the car is safe, somewhat." Stinger said, looking at the damage done. "Now what?"
Ladybug went to the trunk and opened it. They only saw one gadget in it: explosive gel.
"Dammit." Ladybug cursed herself. "Why didn't I pack all my gadgets."
"I literally tell you this every time you go out to fight." Stinger said. "But nooooo, you just rush off, as usual."
"I don't think now's a good time for an argument, Stinger." Ladybug said, pocketing the gadget in her utility belt and closing the trunk. "Harleen damaged the car. Looks like there was a scuffle. We need to search the area around the Bugmobile. There must be clues as to where she took Roger."
Turning on their evidence scanners, Ladybug and Stinger search the area for anything that could lead to Roger. Their attention was drawn to something on the ground.
"Strange." Ladybug said. "This is Roger's pipe. Sabrina gave it to him. There's no way he'd leave it." After scanning the pipe, they calibrated their sensors to track the trail.
"Wild Country." Ladybug said. "One of Roger's favorite tobacco. Roger's smarter than he looks. He left us a trail to follow."
"Micro, we found a pipe." Stinger said. "It has your father's initials carved on it."
"It was a birthday gift I gave him last year." Micro said. "There's no way he'd leave it."
"Exactly." Ladybug said. "He's left us a trail to follow. He's alive, Sabrina."
They continued walking as Joker talked over the intercom.
"Anyone seen a group of costumed women walking around?" Joker asked. "I warn you. They may look like idiots and talk like idiots, but don't let that fool you. They really are idiots."
"There are times I want to punch him until he's bleeding and barely breathing." Stinger said.
"You know that it'll only make him even more crazy." Ladybug said.
"Maybe." Stinger said. "But I still want to punch him with the hardest pair of brass knuckles I can find for what he did to Sabrina."
They followed the trail to a door that was locked. Looking around with her Detective Vision, Ladybug saw a weak point on the wall. Using her explosive gel, she sprayed the weak wall before stepping back. She detonated it and it exploded, making a hole big enough for them to walk through. Going through a grassy corridor, they entered another part of the island. They saw a guard crouching behind a tower and went up to him.
"Ladybug, Stinger." The guard said. "What's going on? The crazies are moving towards the medical facility. What's Joker doing?"
"He's trying to take over the island, piece by piece." Ladybug said. "Looks like the Medical is his next target."
"Has anyone got out of the building?" Stinger asked.
"I saw a doctor try to get out." The guard said. "He was torn apart, thrown in the river. He never stood a chance."
"You wait here. We'll be back." Ladybug said.
Ladybug and Stinger went to the medical building with the front door surrounded by inmates. When they were defeated, Joker was heard on the announcement again.
"I just want everyone to know that I really appreciate all the hard work." Joker said. "You know, watching you guys is like a night in, watching my favorite movie. What was the name of that movie again? Oh, yes. Attack of the stupid bumbling idiots who can't find even bigger idiots running around dressed like a bunch of animals. Now get to it. I'm getting bored."
"Something tells me that those announcements are going to be a constant thing." Stinger said.
"You have no idea." Ladybug said, as they entered the building.
Once inside they saw Harley Quinn, lounging on a chair with her feet propped up on the table and humming. Using their Detective Vision, they saw a figure tied up, which they assumed was Roger. Harley noticed them enter.
"Hey scram, Bugsy and Bee-girl." Harley said. "This is my me time."
"Where's Roger?" Ladybug said, even though she most likely knew.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Harley said.
"Yeah, that's kind of why we asked." Stinger said, as if it was the most obvious thing to say.
"I'm over here." Roger said, his voice coming from the right side.
"Shut up!" Harley yelled, throwing something at him.
"You crazy bitch." Roger said. Suddenly, the TV showed Joker's face.
"Harley!" Joker said. "What are they doing here? It's too early!"
"I'm sorry, puddin'." Harley said. "Don't me angry with me." She kissed the TV.
"Oh, you little minx." Joker said. "I could never stay mad at you."
"Sorry, Bugsy." Harley said. "You and your little girlfriend will have to find another way in. Buh bye, now." She walked off.
"This ways blocked." Ladybug said. "Better search outside for another way in."
"Little does Harley know, you are actually my wife." Stinger whispered in Ladybug's ear as they left.
Once outside, they started searching around the building for another way in. Eventually, they went to the roof to see if they could find something. Ladybug noticed a weak wall they could use and used her explosive gel to destroy it. They saw a door and entered it, hoping to find Roger in the building one way or another.
10 days ago, the DC community was shaken when Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy had sadly died at the age of 66. The voice actor had brought his voice to the role of the Batman in the animated series in the 90s became the most iconic thing that ever happened. Kevin wasn't just another voice actor playing a role others had done, Kevin Conroy was the Batman himself. How things will go on is yet to be determined.
And to make matters even worse, Jason David Frank, the actor who was the star of Power Rangers had died today as well. What is going on lately? First we lose the Batman and now we lost Tommy Oliver? Why must legends die?
But other than that, here's the next chapter. Next time, Ladybug and Stinger desperately try to find Roger as they encounter a fear bringer. Sorry it took so long, but work has been hell for me lately.
Until next time, let me know your thoughts. And pray for my sanity
RIP to both Kevin Conroy and Jason David Frank. Actors who will become legends.
