When death grips you, you don't really know what to do. When you black out, people say you see the other side. Heaven, hell, angels, or demons. I've heard people say they saw dead family members welcoming them into the light before they were pulled back into the physical world. Others say the very fire of hell was searing their faces before they were brought back. What I saw, was pure blackness. Void. Nothing. It was like sleeping without dreaming. You know who you are, but there's nothing around you. I was a little fearful in this endless black hole. I felt alone and empty and nothing about my surroundings made any sense. It reminded me of my childhood, sadly enough.
When my eyes opened, I saw more darkness, but something was illuminating…stone. Like mountains above me. Like I was inside in the mountain. When I looked around, I saw rock walls, a lamp, an IV hooked into my arm, and a heart monitor beeping.
What kind of hospital is this? I thought.
I heard what sounded like rocks moving. The rock wall to the right of me was opening and an elderly man with a thin, neat white mustache walked in. He was wearing a black suit and he didn't look like a doctor to me.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Not to fear," he said in a British accent. "I've been nursing you back to health. You seemed to have an infected bullet-hole wound in your chest and a severe case of food poisoning."
"That's what was happening? Is that why I couldn't breathe?"
"The reason for your difficult breathing was because of a bacterial infection from your wound had spread to your blood. It looks like whoever was working on that wound did not use sterilized utensils. I gave you an antibiotic to kill the infection. You'll notice your skin is much paler, that's a normal side effect from the medication. I've also stitched you're wound to keep and clean and help the healing process. I'm sure you were feeling intense pain throughout your body, also caused from the infection, but any intestinal discomfort was from spoiled food."
I remembered eating over cooked chicken and…coleslaw. I hate coleslaw, but I was starving. I was eating so quickly I didn't really taste anything.
"What happened to the Joker?"
"He's been committed to Arkham Asylum."
"So he's gone?"
"For now. The Joker is quite the escape artist. Although, I find it strange that every time he is committed, he makes his way out. I would assume he would be under close watch due to his unstable condition," he said.
"I know I already asked you, but who exactly are you?"
"I'm not allowed to disclose that information, mister Everdeen. Just know I am able to perform medical procedures and I always used sterilized utensils."
"Where am I?"
"A secluded and very safe area. Not many people know the whereabouts of this place and those very few people are trustworthy and honest. You're in no danger, sir."
I then realized my head starting to hurt. My body was aching all over, but I was lying on a decent hospital bed and I wasn't strapped down. Wherever I was, I'd much rather be there than anywhere with the Joker.
"You'll be able to eat in about three hours. Until then, I suggest you sleep and then sleep some more. Your body is exhausted as I'm sure you can feel," he said.
"When can I leave?" I questioned.
"You're going to be here for quite some time," he explained. "I wouldn't feel comfortable releasing you until that infection is completely cleared and your wound is almost completely healed. Being shot isn't something to take lightly. It's amazing your still alive, to be honest. Perhaps, in a month or so."
"A month?" I asked in shock. "I can't be here in a month…I have things to take care of." I still had to tell Doozie what was up. I knew I would get paid a good chunk of money.
"I'm afraid whatever it is will have to wait. Get some sleep and I'll be back later with a hot meal."
"You really aren't understanding," I said. "I have a job. I could lose it if I don't report back within the week. There's a lot of money at stake, a rent payment. I have to go." I then sat up fighting the pain that came with it and tried to get off of the bed.
"Mister Everdeen, please," he said. "You mustn't be up."
"I have to go. I need my clothes back." I was dressed in one of those polka-dotted hospital gowns.
As the elderly man fought me to get back in the bed when the wall opened again and walked through…Robin. The Boy Wonder. I stopped struggling with the old man and just stared at the…kid. He was just a kid. I thought he at least be graduated from high school.
"Where the hell am I?" I asked again.
"Please, sir. Lie back down and I'll explain everything," the old man said. I met him half way and sat on the edge of the bed. "You must understand my position. I've sworn all secrecy to someone very important. I can't reveal much."
"You're just another freak, huh? Like Joker. You're just keeping here for only God knows why!"
"Hey, bro, chill out," Robin said. "He's just following orders."
"And you!" I said. "What are you even doing here? Where am I!"
"I'll tell you where you're at," a growly voice said from behind me. I looked back and saw a shadow coming forth. "You're a thousand feet underground where no one can find you. That's Robin, the man is Alfred, an uncertified medical doctor, and I'm Batman," he said. Then he revealed himself from the shadows and he was in the suit, with the cape. The whole bit. My jaw dropped uncontrollably.
"You're…You're…Batman…" I said.
"Observant," Robin smiled.
"The Joker poisoned you and was going to kill you," Batman began with his arms in his cape. He was slightly crouched over. He seemed almost inhuman. "I heard you were captured. I started tracking Joker and found his place outside of Gotham. When I arrived you were blacked out on a bed and Joker and Harley were about to leave. They were going to leave you, as well…to die."
"So…you saved me? You brought me here?"
"Ahem! We brought you here," Robin interrupted.
"Until the infection in your blood is wiped out, you'll be kept here. Afterwards, you'll be released to a drug rehabilitation facility where I'll be monitoring you and if you pick up any drug or gang activity after they release you to post-rehab living facility, I'll bring you back here again until you show drastic improvement," Batman explained.
"I don't do drugs," I lied. "There's no reason for the rehab."
"I've already taken blood tests. There was a moderate amount of cocaine in your system. I don't know how long you were with Joker, so it's safe to assume you did a lot before being captured," he said in an un-amused tone.
"What am I supposed to do here for a month? He said I'd be here a month."
"You'll lie down and shut up. You'll do whatever Alfred asks of you without struggle or I'll be forced to intervene." I looked at the old man.
"You can't keep me here!" I yelled turning back around, but he was gone. "…where'd-"
"He does that," Robin said.
"Quite often, in fact," Alfred continued.
