Hello everyone, just wanted to say a huge, huge thank you to those who have read & reviewed! I'm so thrilled you guys are enjoying it. This next chapter is rather long, I'm sorry, but c couldn't find a suitable stopping point. Hope you'll like it as much as I loved writing it. If you have any notes, please, please feel free, it's really appreciated. This is the part where Amelia wakes up and has to come to terms with her new found memories and how she feels about The Joker. It was a lot of fun to write and I hope I have been true to the Joker's character etc. Enjoy! Cheers again xx
I remember you
Amelia awoke in a cold sweat and when she opened her eyes it was Bruce's relieved face she saw first.
"Thank God," he whispered clutching her tightly.
"Bruce….Oh God, Bruce, I can remember!"
He let her fall back against the pillow. She was pale and looked exhausted.
When Batman had found her out cold on the metal slab in Arkham three whole days ago, another part of Bruce Wayne nearly died that instant.
He couldn't believe that someone else he cared deeply for had been taken by the Joker.
Bringing her back to Wayne Manor, he had his friend Lucious Fox run some tests on her blood. She seemed to have been injected into the spine, with a drug that allowed her to sleep, but yet let her recover, lost or blocked memories. It had been in controversial tests at Arkham, but as Fox had told him, it had been banned because it was deemed too dangerous. The dreams the patient suffered were so real that it was possibly fatal. The mind believed what it was seeing.
In one case Fox mentioned, it was being tested on a rape victim who in order to try to identify her attackers, underwent treatment as she had mentally blocked out the night it had happened. The attack was so brutal that during the test, the young woman was unable to breath, causing her to loose vital oxygen to the brain. She woke up, with severe brain damaging.
Bruce listened for an hour, wide eyed as Amelia told him everything that had happened to her when she was a teenager, something she had never been able to do.
Leaving out the part where she and Jack had kissed in the rooftop ballroom, she spilled it all out, unable to believe the clarity that the memories were coming to her.
"Jack Napier is the Joker, Bruce!" she insisted when he raised his eyebrow at her, "I'm telling you, it's not a dream. It all fits, the book, the music, everything! He wanted me to remember him,"
"But then if that's true…he saved your life!"
Amelia felt her face growing hot and she pulled the duvet up to her chin.
"I don't know what to say Bruce; I know its all true,"
"It does seem to fit," Bruce agreed, "But the fact that he saved your life when you were fourteen doesn't undo the fact that he's killed hundreds of innocent people as the Joker,"
Amelia pulled herself into a sitting position in bed.
"I'm not defending him Bruce…God, he had me held down and injected in the spine! He needs to be locked up, but…"
Bruce felt his heart plummeting. "Don't even go there!"
"But what does he want?" she asked, her frustration building.
"You need to ask? He wants you, plain and simple. If I were a psychotic killer locked up in a mental institution I'd want a companion too. But the Joker tires easily and who knows how long it'll take before he got bored and traded you in,"
Bruce saw her face crumple but he continued regardless.
"Yes, he may be the same guy who you were locked up with when you were a kid, but that boy is gone and you're left with a man you don't know anymore. Who I would like to add is responsible for the death of your best friend,"
Amelia shivered under the covers. "Bruce don't…I can't believe how close I came. He was terrifying and poor Rachel…how scared she must have been of him when he kidnapped her,"
Bruce leaned forward and hugged her tightly and he felt how fragile she was, her slim body shivering.
"I can't loose you as well Amelia," he whispered into her soft hair and she flushed, pulling away, suddenly awkward.
"I think I need to be alone for a while, Bruce," she said, "I'm so exhausted and so much has happened. I think I should go back to my own apartment,"
She saw his face pale but he nodded silently.
Alfred drove her back to her apartment block in the city. They didn't talk for most of the journey and occasionally he glanced back at her in the mirror, worrying at her pale, sullen complexion and dark eyes.
His eyes were misty as he waved her goodbye on the street corner, making her promise to call if she needed anything.
Amelia was relieved to finally be alone. She trudged into the elevator with her case and fell back against the wall as the door closed.
Rubbing her tired eyes she tried to shake herself awake. Bruce's friend Mr Fox had warned that the effects of the drug would take a while to work its way out of her body.
Her apartment felt cold and unfamiliar, and she stared blankly down at the pile of unopened mail on the welcome mat.
Bruce said she'd lost three days but Amelia felt like she'd lost more. She could see again. She could remember and it felt like she'd been rudely awakened from a pleasant dream of denial.
Lost years rushing back at her, forcing their way in, making her remember what had happened to her Mother. It felt like loosing her all over again.
A pink envelope stared up at her from the mat and she leaned to pick it up.
Groaning she realised what it was.
It was an official invitation to the yearly Gotham Charity Costume Ball, held each year for a charity handpicked by the Mayor. This year it was Gotham Zoo and Jenny Maddle, Amelia's therapist had made her promise to go, as it was something that she was involved with.
The theme was birds and Jenny had come with Amelia ages ago to find her costume.
Amelia sighed placing the invitation on the kitchen counter, knowing that it would be hard to wriggle out of this one.
Besides she knew that she shouldn't give in to what she was feeling. People were expecting to see her there and she knew there would be interest when she didn't show up.
There were sixteen messages on her answer phone, most of which were from work trying to find out where she was.
She was relieved that Bruce and Alfred had called work for her and she had a curt message from HR, telling her that she wasn't expected back until she had completely recovered. It had turned out that JJ, her boss, had nothing to do with what had happened at to her at Arkham, he was as mystified as everyone else. He was under the impression that it was a genuine lead from the mental institution.
One message was from her Father, he sounded frantic, but Bruce had also called him to tell him what had happened. The second from last was from Bruce, left only ten minutes before she stepped in the door, telling her that if she needed anything to call immediately.
She smiled sadly to herself, remembering how crushed he looked when she told him that she wanted to go home. Perhaps Bruce did feel something for her after all these years of friendship. She had to admit they had grown close in the last few days.
Amelia skipped forward to the last message.
"Hello, Ballerina, glad to see you got home alright…" the voice filled the room and Amelia jumped, her heart racing.
Her hand flew to the pause button and she grabbed the gun Bruce had presented her with before leaving Wayne Manor. She went into every room and switched on the lights. She pulled open cupboard doors and only when she was satisfied that she was alone, did she return to the answer phone.
Trembling she pressed play.
"I had every intention of being there when you woke up…but the Batman ruined our date, as he has a habit of doing….so I was thinking rain check. Now that you're awake and I'm sure all those lovely memories have returned, perhaps we could reschedule? Have a look at your calendar and tell me what you think!"
The message clicked off and Amelia swallowed. She turned and glanced over her shoulder.
The Calendar on her kitchen wall was staring at her and she saw in horror that a date had been circled in bright red pen.
He had been in her home, again. It sickened her to think he'd just walked straight in, leaving no traces he was even there. It reminded her of how he'd disappeared that last night Napier had butchered her Mother. How was he doing this? She stepped towards the calendar and took it from the wall.
In big letters he had circled the date and scrawled a message by the side of it.
Steeple Park 2am. I'll be wearing purple.
"Tonight," Amelia said, her stomach churning.
It was a brisk walk downtown to Steeple Park. Amelia knew that Bruce would absolutely kill her if he had any idea what she was about to do.
She'd tried to make her voice bright and cheery on the phone when he called, trying to hide the anguish she felt.
The air was thick with fog and Amelia huddled tightly into her green velvet coat, steam escaping her lips.
It was eerily quiet, and she checked her watch, ten minutes to two in the morning. Her hand in her pocket was grasping the Gun Bruce had given her.
She took the long root to the park, not wanting to get caught down any alley ways that served as short cuts.
Glancing over her shoulder, she could have sworn that someone was right behind her, a shadow constantly disappearing out of sight.
She stood completely still in the darkness and strained her eyes.
"Is anyone there?" she called, her voice surprisingly curt.
Amelia hadn't actually expected anyone to reveal themselves and she rolled her eyes at her own silliness.
She rubbed her arms, pushing the feeling of dread to the back of her mind.
She arrived at Adams Street, and saw the huge metal gates for Steeple Park, across the road.
Trying to steady her heart she nipped across the street and saw that the gates were open.
Amelia kept telling herself that she wasn't coming to see the Joker; she was coming to see Jack. And despite Bruce's words earlier that morning, she was convinced that some small part of Jack lived and breathed under that clown façade.
Why else would he have gone to all this trouble? Was it because he wanted to change?
Amelia doubted that, but if she could appeal to any part of the Jack she remembered, then maybe she could convince him to go back to Arkham, or to a place that could really help him.
The fact that The Joker had kissed her and she could still feel Jack's mouth on hers, like it happened only moments ago, was still ringing in her head, but she tried to ignore it.
Jack, the boy she had been attracted to when she was a girl, no longer existed.
Amelia wondered what could have happened since that last time to drive him to become The Joker.
Steeple Park was a huge area and she usually loved to take walks in the ornate gardens, amongst the topiary trees and statutes. Characters from famous children's books had been made into statues and placed all over the park, you followed them through and it led to the Carousel at the south end of the park. Everyone from The White Rabbit to Gulliver was in the park and it had become a popular place to hold concerts and out door events.
Tonight though, in the glimmer of moon light everything had taken a more sinister look. The carvings looked like gargoyles, leering at her in the dark and Amelia hurried towards the south end, knowing that area was better lit.
She had a feeling she wouldn't have to wait long for the Joker to find her and glancing at her watch, her heart beat quicker as she saw the Carousel ahead.
Her watch read two am.
Amelia sat on a cold, damp park bench and waited.
She still had that awful feeling someone was there, watching her.
Ten minutes passed quickly and she began to become annoyed, she stood and walked about to try and warm her cold feet.
The sound of her cell phone buzzing in her pocket made her cry out. She scrambled to find it and saw the unknown number appear on the little screen.
She flipped the lid of the phone. "Yes?"
"Ahh, glad to hear that you didn't stand me up ballerina," the familiar voice chuckled at the other end of the line.
Amelia scowled. "If you have something to say then get to the point and meet me face to face!"
"Now, now, watch that temper. Although I love a bit of fight in a woman," the Joker laughed at the other end, "I'm not that far away…why don't you have some fun and take a little ride?"
The line went dead and Amelia stared at the phone. Then to her amazement the carousel lit up behind her and began to whirl into action.
Amelia spun around to see all the twinkling lights flicker on and the ride start up to the chiming music, sending goose bumps up her arms.
She walked towards it, knowing that this was all part of the plan and she would have to climb on. She found the metal stairs and got onto the carousel, grabbing one of the horses for support.
As it turned, she saw him walking towards her through the centre of the ride. He was wearing a lot more makeup than the last time she saw him and his large coat hung like a tent on his shoulders, making him appear bigger than he actually was.
He grinned manically and pointed to the carnation that he tucked into his lapel.
"Isn't that what you do on a first date?" he laughed, taking her hand.
Amelia was shocked at how calm she felt and she didn't shudder when he took her hand and kissed it. She knew him now.
"This isn't a date," she said stepping away from his grasp.
"Oh don't spoil things princess," he said, climbing on top of the horse and pretending to ride it, "I've been waiting a long time for you to wake up,"
Amelia felt suddenly dizzy from all the whirling about and realised that she still wasn't over the effects of the drugs the Joker used on her.
Stumbling, she got off the ride and dropped onto the grass, keeping her head down. She heard a thump and saw his patent shoes appear right next to her.
"What's wrong?"
There was a hint of concern in his voice but Amelia felt too sick to recognise it. Instead she just felt angry. "I'm dizzy, ok? I'm still trying to get over those drugs you gave me,"
The Joker took her under the arms and hauled her to her feet and for a moment, her eyes were level with his and she didn't break his stare.
"It really is you," she whispered, amazed, "What the hell happened to you?"
Not liking that comment the Joker let her go roughly and she regained her balance.
"Why so many questions?" he chided, "Let me ask you one Ballerina…why do women feel the need to change a man? The minute I meet a woman, they want to analyse me, get into my head, know everything I'm thinking, feeling…"
Amelia rubbed her eyes, trying to force away the dizziness.
"I find it hard to believe there is a woman who would want to get into your head," she replied tartly and he laughed at that, "But seeing as you ask….its called getting close,"
"No, its called control!" he shouted, suddenly beginning to pace manically, "Don't pretend that when you got my note to meet you here, the thought of trying to appeal to my better nature didn't enter your head!"
It was Amelia's turn to laugh.
"I'm confused Jack," she saw him wince slightly at the sound of being called by his real name, "You drugged me remember? You lured me to Arkham, stuck a needle in my back and then asked me to meet you here. A girl could read that the wrong way,"
She saw the glint of metal in the light and shuddered as the pocket knife flashed into view. In seconds he crossed the gap between them and he held her roughly by the back of her neck, forcing him to meet his unending stare.
"What way did you read it, Princess?"
"The way you wanted me to," she struggled against him, "I'm here, Ok? So whatever it is that you really want, get it over with. I don't like games anymore,"
He licked his lips and smiled. "How about magic tricks?"
"Or bad jokes?" she replied and he released his grip on her neck.
Amelia knew she was getting to him. She wasn't the confused one, he was.
He began to pace again, his hands running through his matted, green tinged hair.
How was it possible that the Jack she remembered, the Jack that protected her, had become this monster? Was he still under there?
Bravely, she walked towards him and put a hand on his shoulder.
He turned and stared at her with black eyes.
"What happened to you, Jack?" she whispered. He lunged at her, knocking her off balance and toppling her to the ground, pinning her arms above her head.
"Don't call me that!" he seethed at her, his painted face inches from hers.
Amelia stared helplessly up at him, at his crooked smile and gashed mouth, instantly reminded of the night he kissed her. She blushed crimson and hoped he didn't notice.
Unfortunately he missed nothing. A manic giggle escaped his lips.
"Ahh, having a little flash back are we Princess?" he sniggered, his weight heavy on her, "Perhaps you wanted to be reminded of the real thing?"
She wriggled. "Get the hell off!"
"Don't keep wiggling like that, you're not helping yourself…wait, no forget that wriggle all you like…"
Managing to get an arm free, she slapped him, having the momentary pleasure of seeing the confusion in his eyes.
His grip loosening, she rolled away underneath him, scrambling to her feet. But he was quicker than she imagined, his foot wedging under hers and causing her to fall face down in the grass again.
He hauled her onto her back like she weighed nothing.
"Naughty girl!" he chided.
"Are we going to play this game all night?" she cried, "Why did you ask me to come here?"
"Well that's not a simple answer to give," he laughed, "Maybe I want to kill you? Maybe I want to drive you insane? Maybe I just want a dam good lay?"
Her face flaming at the thought, Amelia twisted but he pinched her face painfully between his fingers.
"I just want my question answered, ballerina!" he said close to her ear, "Why did you come here tonight?"
Amelia stared at him and felt hot tears forming in her eyes and the lump in her throat. It was like being fourteen again, hormonal and out of control. She was lost in his gaze and knew no matter what age, she would always feel this strange pull between them.
She didn't see the clown anymore, or the scars. She just saw Jack and to her horror, she knew she was going to break down in front of him.
"I came…to see Jack," she whispered, "I wanted to thank him, for saving my life,"
This had thrown him and he suddenly appeared uncomfortable.
"And you…" she continued, "What you did to me was horrible…and you need to go back to Arkham…but I wanted to thank you too, for opening my eyes, no matter how awful the things I saw,"
His grip on her arms loosened and his weight on her relaxed a little. She shivered beneath him and he leaned closer, his mouth placing a kiss right next to her lips. His breath was warm on her face and instinctively she turned her head and her mouth found his.
She could taste the red paint on his lips but she ignored it, feeling his body relax into hers. Her heart was searing in her chest, feeling like any minute it would explode. He ran his hands down her arms, allowing her freedom but instead of pushing him away, she gripped him tighter, trailing her hands over his shoulders.
Every single part of her was on fire and she could have quiet easily forgotten who he was, where she was, everything, until she felt his hand on her thigh, pushing its way up her skirt and she stiffened.
They broke apart and stared at each other, out of breath.
Her mouth felt like it was swollen and she saw the struggle going on in his mind.
He desperately wanted more, she could feel it and a part of her mirrored that but it lasted only seconds.
The joker returned that black, hideous look in his eyes.
"Well you really let yourself go there didn't you pumpkin? Anyone would think you were actually enjoying yourself," he flicked his knife to her face and pressed the razor edge against her temple, "Jack has left the building I'm afraid and your going to have to deal with me,"
"Get off me!" she gasped, feeling the blade slip lightly downwards to her neck. There was a brief moment of pain, then the feeling of warm liquid trickling down her neck.
"Opps!" the joker grinned, "Slipped, silly me…let me get clean that up for you,"
His tongue, hot on her ice cold flesh, traced upwards where the blood had run from her cut all the way to her earlobe. Amelia gasped, the carnal, degrading act revolting her and setting her alight in the same instant. She tried to ignore the heat creeping up her legs.
He was distracted and she saw her chance brining her knee up hard into his crotch.
He made a yelping noise and momentarily dazed, he rolled off her. Amelia was faster this time and on her feet in seconds.
But she ran full speed into a dark figure, knocking her backwards.
Batman grabbed her with outstretched arms and she cried out in shock.
"Run," he snarled at her and she didn't stop to look. She kicked off her heels and pelted through the park, her heart hammering in her chest.