Beauty and the Bat
Chapter 4: Secrets and Truths
Batman was even more grumpy than usual. He always got this way when Joker escaped. It only made matters worse that Harley went with the madman. It still frustrated him that one of the few girls he liked loved his biggest archfoe.
Batman was at Arkham Asylum at the moment. He was investigating the Joker's cell, looking for any clues as to the whereabouts of the insane clown. Coming up empty, The Dark Knight decided to search Quinn's cell. As he entered her room his bad mood increased. All over the walls was Harley loves Joker's. It made him sick to his stomache or for a better word, jealous. He ignored the stuff written all over the walls and started searching her room. Bruce so far only uncovered red lipstick, a hidden candy bar, and a nail filer. He decided to pull the mattress away, in case there was something under it. What he found shocked him.
What he found first was a picture of the Joker. Only it didn't have I love you's or hearts on it. Instead the picture had the words "Monster" and "Hate" written on it. Joker's face had an x over it, and where his chest should have been were holes, obviously Harley stabbed his chest with something.
This new bit of information startled Batman. So Harley didn't really love the Joker? Or was she just mad at him for the moment? He simply growled to himself. She probably got over and is now licking his boots. Then, the next thing he discovered made him think twice about that.
Carved into the wood under the mattress was another saying. Only this one didn't have the Joker anywhere in it. Instead it said something Bruce never thought he would see: Harley loves Batman. Instantly Batman's dark mood disappeared and he smiled to himself. So Harley did like him! Maybe even loved him. He quickly took out a Baterang and carved out the saying. He stuffed it in his pocket and walked out of the cell. He had to find Joker, but more importantly, he had to find Harley Quinn.
Meanwhile:
Joker lead Harley and his goons to an abandoned warehouse near the Gotham Docks. It was a hideout that Joker used alot after escaping Arkham. Luckily, Batman had never discovered the hideout and Joker never stayed long enough for him to.
Joker paced back and forth, muttering to himself and occasionally cackling. Joker's henchmen and Harley stood off to the side, waiting for the clown to plan their next move. Finally after a couple of minutes Harley spoke up.
"So Mistah J," Harley began, " Want are we going to do now?"
Joker stopped pacing and turned to her, his trademark smile on his white-painted face. He walked over and stood in front of her, and just smiled for the longest. Harley shifted uncomfortably, not really liking how close Joker was to her.
Finally, he answered her, "Well my dear I have an ingenious plan. Instead of waiting for the Bat to go to the trouble of finding us we are going to make it easy for him and lure Batman to us."
"How are we gonna do that boss?" One of the Joker goons asked.
"Easy."Joker replied and stared at Harley,"with some bait."
"What do you mean Puddin?" Harley said, gulping and slowing backing away from the Joker. She didn't like the look he was giving her. As she took a couple of steps back he started slowly walking towards her.
"Do you think Im stupid Harls?" Joker sneered, " I know your feelings for me have changed. I don't see that stupid twinkle in your eyes when you see. I don't even see a smile anymore from you."
"That's crazy Mistah-" Harley countered but Joker continued.
"I have noticed lately that all I see from you is fear. You're afraid of me now. You no longer love me." Joker said, faking saddness, "However, whenever Batman is around I see how you act."
Harley's back hit the wall as Joker's whole attitude changed to pure rage. He looked at her with muderous eyes and that always creepy smile on his face. He pulled out a knife from his pocket and started waving it in front of her.
" I've seen the way you light up when he's around! I've seen you flirt with him like a whore! Admit it! You love the Batman!"
Harley couldn't deny it anymore. She was tired of the clown. Tired of living in fear of him. Tired of having to fake her feelings towards him and hide her true feelings for B-Man. She puffed out her chest proudly and stood up straight.
" It's true." Harley spoke confidently, " I love Batman! And I hate you Joker!"
For a moment there was nothing but silence. Then Joker erupted in a fit of laughter. He clutched his sides and almost doubled over. Nervously, his henchmen also started laughing as well.
" Well I guess the cat's out of the bag." Joker said, finally ending his fit of laughing, " I just hope that Batman feels the same way. In fact, I'm counting on it!"
With a snap of his fingers Joker's men raced towards Harley. Before she could even move they had her held by the arms. One suddenly pulled out a rag, it reeked of some kind of substance. They put the rag up to her face, covering her mouth and nose. She tried to fight them but they were too strong and her vision was starting to get hazy. The last thing she saw before blacking out was Joker waving good-bye.