Full Moon Knights

Chapter 3: Good Old Everett; Home Sweet Talbot Hall

Gotham

The Batcave

The hideout of the Dark Knight and his partners/allies was a very large cave system… underneath Wayne Manor. It was massive to say the least; bats could be overhead in the darkness and around the place was a lot of advanced equipment, and a small science lab. There was also a trophy room and in the center a very large and impressive computer that Batman was working on. Though his mask was off, as he was revealed to be a man in his thirties, physically fit, short cut black hair and brown eyes. He was Bruce Wayne, the boy billionaire, owner of Wayne Enterprises, as well as the identity of the Batman.

Standing next to Batman near his chair was a stunning Caucasian girl of eighteen, possibly twenty, a slender figure and blue eyes, with red hair that went down to her mid-back and blue eyes. She was dressed in a batman-like costume, colored black with the same symbol as Batman had on his chest. Except she had minor alterations on her costumes, such as yellow boots and gloves, a yellow belt, and a yellow and blue mini-cape on her back. This was Batgirl, or more commonly known on her secret identity as Barbara Gordon.

Working far from them on an acrobatic obstacle course was a young Caucasian boy of thirteen or fourteen, slim frame and messy black hair with brown eyes, wearing gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt with white sneakers. His name was Tim Drake, the young ward of Bruce Wayne, as well as the second Robin.

Barbara looked at the screen as she saw Bruce was looking over Harley's files. She could understand Bruce's weariness… even if he didn't show it on his face. "How long do you think she'll hold this time before she comes running back to his puddin'," Barbara questioned.

"Might be a long time," Batman stated. "Probably never… if we're lucky enough."

Barbara looked surprised at that, as she asked, "I thought you said she'd snap back to him."

"I thought as much myself…" Bruce replied. "Until I did a little more digging into her past." Photos of Harley's old life were shown on screen, as he went through the details. "Apparently, as a child, she was born in Brooklyn, New York, but later moved to Everett, Washington when she was nine. She's the eldest of four children and the only girl of the family."

"No wonder she seemed like a human doormat to the Joker; he must have been the only one to treat her like a girl having to grow up with male siblings," Barbara deduced. "But what does this Talbot guy have to do with her? Why did he stick up for her? I mean… he does know that she was Joker's pseudo-girlfriend, right?"

"He's aware of that, but he also knows what it's like to grow up in a broken family," Bruce explained. "Peter Talbot is the only male heir of the Talbot Family. His grandfather, Sir John Talbot, was a former member of her majesty's MI6 agency, while his father was a rather accomplished stage actor. His mother was also an antiquity dealer."

"Doesn't sound like much of a broken family," Barbara commented.

"I'm afraid it's after he turned six, and when his sister, Jean Talbot, was born, things became hard for him," Bruce explained. "When she was only a few months old, their home had been ransacked, but nothing was reported stolen. More like they were looking for something. Fearing for their children's lives, Lawrence and Katherine Talbot took their children to their grandfather for safekeeping, and then mysteriously departed somewhere else."

"And they never came back after them," Barbara asked, sounding rather displeased. "Sounds like they up and abandoned them."

"I would have thought so as well," Bruce stated, and pushed a button showing a newspaper report. The title read FLIGHT 287 MYSTERIOUSLY BROUGHT DOWN BY ENGINE FAILURE. "But this proves otherwise."

Barbara looked at the news clip, as she asked, "They were on that flight?"

Bruce nodded, but went on, "The reports showed that the jet's engines were in working condition, but there were bullet holes in the windows and frame of the private jet. Indicating that someone was trying to kill them. I'm guessing a few unlucky shots killed the pilot and co-pilot, crashing in the process."

"So how did Talbot and Quinzel meet each other," Barbara asked.

"They met in the fourth grade," Bruce explained. "They befriended one another when Quinzel saved him from a few of the bullies back then. Apparently, Talbot was picked on frequently as a child, but never fought back."

"That's a lot of restraint on him," Barbara complimented.

"Apparently, when she got into trouble, he was always there to help her by speaking on her behalf," Bruce explained, as he pieced together the kind of relationship the two had. "Apparently, the two kept each other company with their time together; and that Peter's family treated her as part of it. In her psyche evaluation with Talbot helping her, she revealed she felt better and appreciated in his family than with hers. Her father being a small-time criminal and always in jail, and her mother always too busy to even notice her children. Her brothers didn't exactly make it easier for her either, especially the eldest son, Scott Quinzel."

"Sounds like this Peter guy was the only good thing that happened to her in her life," Tim replied, as he was walking towards them with a towel, drying off from the workout. "Why'd she leave all that for the Joker?"

"It wasn't by choice on her end," Bruce explained. "When they were both sixteen, Talbot was attacked and mauled by a wild wolf of sorts, that same wolf killing one of the bullies, Roland Zellinski. Her mother had them move to Arkham to avoid any future attacks, being the only decent thing she ever did. They parted ways since, leading to where Harley had started out to this day. Until a week ago that changed."

Tim tapped his chin on that, while Barbara stated the question they both had, "So now that Peter Talbot's back in her life… you think she'll get better? Or will she go back to her puddin'?"

Bruce leaned in his chair, as he pondered on it, looking at the profile shots of Peter Talbot and Harley Quinzel. "It's hard to say."

Tim arched an eyebrow as he asked, "How's it hard? Harley's an A1-nutjob with a penchant for going back to the Joker in about a week."

"I would have probably said that as well…" Bruce admitted. "But after what she said back in Arkham during her competency hearing… even I think she might have a chance to rebuild her life, seeing as how she really wants to."

"Yeah, but Harvey, Ivy, even Victor Fries…" Barbara stated a few of the likely cases that didn't rehabilitate. "They all tried as well, but so far out of the three, two have failed and one's gone missing from the world."

The Dark Knight looked to them, but then back at the screen deep in thought, simply stated, "Even through all those failures, there's one truth I've learned: rebuilding a life is never an easy path."

"Well we still have that bug you placed on Talbot to listen in on his conversations with Harley when they're in Everett," Tim stated, as he pointed out Batman's plan. "The one you placed on him when you went to confront him earlier."

"Either he doesn't say anything or he goes to activate it bringing up nothing," Bruce stated.

He flipped the switch on the tracking device for all them to hear… but nothing came out but… static.

Tim arched an eyebrow at that, as he asked, "Is there interference? I thought the new ones were made from the ones the Justice League uses."

"It's not interference. The only reason why it's like this is one way: it was destroyed," Bruce deduced aloud, earning shock from his two partners. "Talbot did it after I left him."

"He figured out where you put it on him," Barbara asked, looking at his profile with a mixture of shock and surprise. "Who is this guy? Your long lost younger brother?"

"Not really. Talbot's a rare case, as he can uses his enhance senses without transforming," Bruce explained, as he deduced it himself. Is this what a lycanthrope at birth is capable of? If Joker regained control of Harley as she is now, everyone will be in more danger than before.

"But that still doesn't answer the question," Barbara asked, as she looked at the profile shots. "You think Harley has any hope in fixing her life?"

"Maybe…" Bruce replied, as he studied Harleen's profile shot. "If they can conquer the demons that plague them, there's a chance. If not… they'll face me again and again."

"So Quinn's a lost cause then," Tim asked. The two looked over ot him, as he shrugged, "What? I'm just saying what we're all thinking."

Bruce turned to look over to Peter's profile shot, but then was in thought, "Perhaps… but where there are people who care for one another, there's hope."

Barbara looked surprised at that, as she looked to Harley's picture, and hten to Peter's back and forth. And then was shocked to asked, "Wait a minute…! Wha…! You're saying…" But shook her head, "No way. Friends, definitely. But that kind of relationship? I doubt it'll go that far with them living in the same roof."

"I don't doubt such a thing could happen Miss Gordon."

At the moment, someone was coming down a stairwell that led out of the cave apparently. He was an elderly fellow possible sixties, gray hair with it thinning on top, a small moustache, and dressed as a butler. He was Alfred Pennyworth, trusted friend of the Wayne Family, former MI6 agent, and trusted ally to Batman/Bruce Wayne.

He walked down with a tray of protein shakes for them, as he simply stated, "Well, it seems to me that the best relationships - the ones that last - are frequently the ones that are rooted in friendship. You know, one day you look at the person and you see something more than you did the night before. Like a switch has been flicked somewhere. And the person who was just a friend is suddenly the only person you can ever imagine yourself with."

They all looked at Alfred in a little surprise at that explanation, though Bruce was a bit more toned down. Seeing the stares at him, Alfred looked at the screen, and deduced of Harley's relationship with the young Peter Talbot, "Though for this case, I'll be praying for success with Sir John's grandson."

Bruce seemed to take interest in what Alfred said, as he interrogated, "You met Talbot's grandfather?"

"We served in MI6 together, right before the time I was employed by your father, Master Bruce," Aflred answered as he explained. "In some cases, he reminds me of you. Although a bit less brooding and stone-faced. But nevertheless, like you he has empathy and compassion."

Bruce turned to the screen and once again looked at the profile shots, as he sighed, "He better be right about helping Quinzel get things straightened out."

10 Hours Later

Everett Airport

By the time the first plane arrived at the Seattle Airport, it was well almost evening at the end of the Louisiana Territory of America, so everything was pretty much dark where the passengers were at the moment. As the plane landed and everyone emptied at the terminal, both Peter and Harley, along with two kenneled hyenas, stretched out themselves to get the kinks out from sitting so long, yawned and continued towards the customs line.

As they grabbed the luggage, Harley had to ask, "So, when we get to Talbot Hall, I gotta ask… is Jean still there?"

Peter was a bit surprised by that, as he turned to look at her, but then smiled, as he looked behind Harley, as he pointed, "Why don't you ask her yourself."

Harley arched her eyebrow in questionable confusion, as she tried to figure out that question. Peter pointed behind her, as she turned around, and nearly gasped in shock of what she saw.

There, walking up to them was a young Caucasian sixteen year old girl, with a slim and slender figure. She had clear skin, and long flowing bright blue hair that went down to her mid-back tied into a lower ponytail, with bangs nearly covering her face, while some on the right were tucked behind her ear, allowing her blue eyes to be seen. She wore a lime green and yellow trimmed sundress with two straps around the neck to hold the dress in place, with a yellow belt around the waist, and a white turtleneck underneath. She also wore black pantyhose and yellow slip-on shoes, as well as a mini green and yellow hooded jacket, with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, and the coat tail ending in a midriff above her stomach. She was Jean Coleman Talbot, Peter's sixteen year old sister, as well as an acquaintance of Harley when she lived in Everett.

She stopped as she smiled to the two, "Hi, Peter. I hope the trip to Gotham was a safe one."

Peter rubbed the back of his head, as he closed his eyes, looking down on the ground, "Well, it was uneventful at best. The examination on the cougars was a good one; they're as fit as fiddles. But before me and my guest could reach the airport, we were nearly mugged. But we took care of that." He then turned to Harley, as he smiled, "Right, Harley?" But he blinked, as he saw Harley gone from his left, and blinked, "Harley?"

"Aheheheheheeheee!" Harley giggled, catching Peter's attention as he turned to see where Harley was. Quickly and without noise, Harley had run up to Jean, hugging her as she swung her in place, with her face in her boobs, as Harley giggled, "Look at ya; you've gotten bigger and way prettier than we last saw one another. Heeheehee!"

Jean, while hugging her back, muffled, "Can't breathe... Harley…"

"You're quite the looker now, ain't ya," Harley giggled like a giddy school girl given a cute puppy. She then pulled away as she smiled, looking at Jean, "Wow, look at ya. The first day I met ya, you were a five-six year old girl who was too shy to show her face. And now you got such a pretty face."

Jean smiled at her long lost friend, "It's great to see you again too, Harley. You look just as pretty as you were when you used to babysit."

Harley pulled away, as she politely waved away, all bashful, "Oh stop. You're making me blush."

Peter rolled his eyes back, as he groaned, "You're making me nauseous with all the nostalgia." He looked to Jean and asked, "You managed to get a cab?"

Jean nodded, "Yeah, it's waiting just for all of us to board it right now." Peter pulled the luggage, and the kennel cages with Bud and Lou first head in, as Jean looked over to Harley, and asked, "You ready to go home, Harley?"

At that question, Harley had to smile, as she graciously took Jean's hand, and nodded, "Yeah. Home sweet home."

Later On

Talbot Hall

The taxi van drove down the countryside from the skirts of Everett. Fields of trees blocked most of the view of the city's lights, which made it a bit eerie in such. The car sped on a dirt road, leading it deeper into the woods, until finally, it came across a clearing, surrounded by a brick wall, with an iron gate, with a stylized T on both doors. The gates opened automatically, as the limo drove in, moving quickly down a lane once guarded by double rows of beech trees, but scavenger maples and tall weeds had invaded their ranks and the trees now looked like a line of become tangles where crabgrass and wild onion ran rampant. Crass shrubberies of a hundred unnamed varieties now clogged the flower beds and upswept piles of leaves lay in rotting dunes in the cobbled turnaround. Even the stone hounds and wolves that stood like gargoyles on marble pedestals along the drive were gray with dust and strangled vines.

The limo-wagon stopped, as it turned towards a fountain, placed in front of the massive castle-like mansion that was Talbot Manor. The mansion itself had an abandoned air about it. Most of the windows were dark, and a few had cracked panes, and fro one empty frame on a top floor, as Peter, Harley, and her babies stepped/hopped out of the car, she could see finches flutter in, one after another, carrying twigs and worms.

As Harley stood to look up at the digs, she had to smile, as Bud and Lou were at her side, giggling as always. "Face it, Harl. I just hit the jackpot."

Peter popped up behind her, as he smirked, "Wait til you see your room."

As they walked up the stairs to the front door, Jean gave the lay down, "Now I should warn you, Harley. The current tenants we have are, um… well, they're very unique and special."

Harley raised an eyebrow, "You mean they're mentally…"

Jean realized she made a mistake in explanation, as she corrected rather quickly, "Oh no, no. That's not what I mean, I mean… well, you see…"

Harley raised an unamused eyebrow, as she sighed, "Just spit it out, Jean. What's wrong?"

Peter bluntly replied, "They used to belong to a freak show on Coney Island in Brooklyn. After they left, I met up with them when I was doing a dolphin check in Florida. They didn't have a place to stay, so I and the others converted Talbot Hall into a Boarding house/workplace." He then opened the door, allowing Bud and Lou to rush in to see their new home, as the trio entered in.

As they entered, Harley was given the showcase of the main stairway that lead to the three other floors of the mansion house. The main stairway nearly took all the main hallway, leading to both a ballroom on the left, and on the right the study room. The stairway was big enough for two rows of people to go up, down, or opposite directions. The sweeping double staircase that led to the upper landing. Between the stairways hung a tapestry depicting strange monsters and heroes from Hindu legend. Before they went up there, Harley studied it for a moment, as fascinated now as she had been as a girl and Peter a boy, both always discovering new parts of the house as they explored it when they were little. She absently clutched her suitcase and her backpack with her fingers, the black band squeezing through her grip.

She sighed deeply, "You know… no matter how many times I come in this place, I'm still a bit creeped out."

Peter nodded, "Yes. This place does carry a rather ominous aura around it."

But Harley then pointed out, "Though it's a bit weird… I remember this place bein' a lot bigger."

Peter chuckled, as he looked to her, "Well, to a pair of ten year olds, this place was enormous. Probably still is." As they went up the stairs, with Bud and Lou following after them, Peter explained the way the building was arranged. "Okay, some things you need to know, which mostly the layout of the building is. The first floor, as you've noticed, has been divided into two sections: the left of the house is still the same, with living room, kitchen, and so on. The right side of the first floor has been converted into commercial. The second floor has a total of eighteen apartment rooms on both sides. I'll introduce you to everyone around here. Most of the occupants work in the establishments on the right side of the first floor, which is both a wax museum and a theater for um… interpretive and artistic shows. Third floor's mostly lumber and storage; it's the work floor."

"Cool," Harley smirked. "Hey I saw a greenhouse on the left side of the backyard."

Jean nodded, "Yeah, but we rarely have enough time to do anything with it."

Harley frowned on that, "Aww, that's too bad. If Red ever rehabilitated out of the crazy hole, she'd love to stay there. It's as big as a cottage. Two stories."

Jean blinked, "Red?"

"Poison Ivy," Harley explained. But she waved off any worries. "I know everyone says she's some kind of psycho killer with poisons and plants, but she's a really sweet girl, once you get to know her."

Just at that moment, once they got to the second floor, they were greeted rather well by someone who called out to Peter, "Hey, Landlord, whaddup?"

"Doin' good, Big T," Peter waved to him. Peter turned to Harley, and the rather curious hyenas, turned to see who Peter was talking to. Peter turned to them, as he made the introductions, "Harley, this is Big Tony, or Big T, as everyone else calls him. When neither me or Jean are present, he's the substitute proprietor in our place. We also chose him because Coach keeps an eye on him along with her dog, Kalibak."

At that moment, the substitute proprietor, Big Tony, appeared before them. Though Harley was a bit taken by the man's… stature. As he was a midget, or dwarf. He was a man of dwarf size, but had a medium build in muscle tone. He was Caucasian with dark brown hair that reached to his shoulders, dressed in a mesh net T-shirt, black leather jeans and boots, and had a black leather jacket.

The little fellah looked up at Harley, as he introduced himself, "Well, hello, little lady. Name's Tony. Big Tony, or B.T. to my friends, which I'm hoping you'll be. Looking for a room to rent here in the house? I'm sure the landlord here can give ya something… close to my room."

Harley arched an eyebrow, as she asked, "So, Tony… you ever done much circus work in your life?"

Big T was a bit taken back by that question, as he quizzed, "And what makes you think I've ever spectated a circus, much less been enslaved by one?"

"I know that a lot of the tenants here were former circus hands," Harley innocently shrugged, as she tried to make amends on the offense that she made to Big Tony. "And I just thought that maybe you would've done..."

"You thought that because I am a person of short stature that the only career I could procure for myself would be one confined to the so-called 'big top'," Big T stated, interrupting her. "You took one quick look at me and decided that you could deduce my entire life." Harley shook her head a little. Both Bud and Lou whimpered, as Peter rolled his eyeballs back, knowing what was coming next, as T went on. "Never would it have occurred to you that a person of my height or looks could have possibly obtained a degree in hotel management." He held up his degree, which he had produced from within his coat.

Harley blinked at that, as she asked, "You carry that around with you?" She shook her head, as she apologized again, "Look, sorry. I didn't mean to offend ya in any way possible."

Tony merely shrugged, as he stated, "Well, then why should I take offense? Just because it's human nature to make instantaneous judgments of others based solely upon their physical appearances?" He then pointed to Harley, as he stated, "Why, I've done the same thing to you, for example. I've taken in your all-American features, your chipper demeanor, your unimaginative hair bun, but rather bland but exotic red and black outfit scheme..." Harley looked down at herself, while Peter was trying hard to stifle his laughs, as Tony went on, "... not to mention the way you're so physically fit would also bring about an indication. In conclusion, you must be a psychiatrist and an athlete."

Harley looked to Peter, who arched his eyebrows in surprise, but smiled indicating that he knew this would come out.

"But do you see the tragedy here? I have mistakenly reduced you to a stereotype," Big Tony stated, as he concluded. "A caricature. Instead of regarding you as a specific, unique individual."

Harley cleared her throat, as she gave him a soft smile, "But I am a psychologist. Formerly at Arkham. And yeah, I took gymnastics, and still practice to keep myself in shape and all. So yeah, you hit the nail dead on for me, B.T."

Big Tony arched an eyebrow, and slowly began to smile, until he turned to his right, profiling himself, as he finally cried out, "DAMN, I'M GOOD!"

Peter shook his head, as he led Harley on, "Okay, catch ya later, Big T."

But at that moment, they were met with the other occupants of the house. Walking down the hall was a young blonde haired goat boy, and wlakign with him was a medium build gypsy woman with dark hair and tanned skin, with brown eyes. She waved to them, "Hey, Peter. Glad you came home safely."

"Thanks, Queenie," Peter waved. He looked to Harley as he made the intro, "Harley, this is Queenie. Costume designer and seamstress for the stage on the first floor." He then looked to Queenie as he introduced Harley, "Queenie, this is Harleen Quinzel; that friend I was talking to you about."

"Harleen Quinzel? As in Harley Quinn of the Joker?" Queen asked. She walked up to Harley… and hugged the surprised blonde, "I'm really sorry for you for what you went through, young lady." And then Queenie pulled her into a crushing hug between her knockers, as Harley struggled to break free, while Queenie remained oblivious, "You poor, poor thing. Being abused by that sociopath with his falsehood of lies playing on your love."

"Yeah. I get it," Harley muffled, as she tried to claw at the air, "Need. Air!"

Jean sweat dropped, "Welcome to my world, Harley…"

4th Floor

After they had managed to pry Harley away from Queenie, they made their way to the 4th Floor, where the more spacious rooms were. The reason they were all vacant was because nobody ever used them at all. Which was perfect for Peter since he had need of a lot of elbow room, but as soon as they got up there, Peter led Harley to the door of her apartment room.

"And here we are," Peter smirked.

Harley nearly plopped on the ground but kept on her feet, as she sighed, "About time. My feet are killing me in these heels. I'm more of a sneaker girl; high heels I wear for two things: work and dancing."

Peter smirked, as he unlocked the door, and opened it, "Well, I think you'll find this room worth the wait."

And they all walked in there, with Bud and Lou running around the very spacious apartment… which stunned Harley as she took it all in.

What Harley thought would be just a two room apartment, was actually quite a large penthouse in comparison. She looked around it and was impressed by it; it was as big as four rooms put together.

Peter and Jean then began to show Harley around the place, giving her the tour and whereabouts of the place. It had one bedroom, with one king-sized bed all for her, going out onto a deck, and it shared a bathroom.

"There's a door leading to a rather large bathtub and shower bathroom area," Peter stated, but forewarned her. "It's connected to my room, so remember to knock if you see lights under the cracks of the door. The last thing you want is for any one of us to catch each other on the toilet. That would be just as embarrassing."

Harley shrugged, "I dunno I wouldn't get embarrassed on it. I mean, it's not like the two of us saw each other naked before."

Peter blushed on that, as did Jean, but kept quiet in the back, as he protested, "We were eleven, Harley. Summer break, deep in the forest, our private swimming lake hole. Nobody knew about it, nobody found out." He noticed the embarrassed blushing stare from Jean, as he cleared it up, "She made it into a dare; I was stubborn back then to back down from it."

"Yeah, but aside from Jeanie present here and now, we're the only ones who remember that day," Harley smirked.

Peter shook his head, as they continued out with the tour.

There was a small workout area, perfectly big enough for Harley to set up a small gymnastics/stretch out area for herself. There was also living room and a small entertainment center, possibly something Peter had put up for her, with couches and chairs for her. The floor was all carpet, so it made it comfortable to lay on the floor and/or walk barefooted.

After the small tour, Harley was still a little overwhelmed. "This is all great...but I feel like a freeloader already. If it's alright with you I'd like to get a job to pay for my own personal expenses. I still want to earn my keep you know."

Peter waved his hand on that, "I already thought of it, and looked up two jobs that would be of some good interest."

Harley arched an eyebrow, as she asked, not certain, "Oh. Does it have anything to do with clowns?"

Peter shook his head, "It's a therapy job. It's not as high-profile as anything in an asylum, but it'll allow you to use what you learned in psychology."

Harley smiled at that, as she said, "That sounds great; I could use something to get my brain workin' in the field again." But then she asked, "And the other job?"

"It's a bit physical, and a little on the underground circuit in sports," Peter replied. "But it pays a lot in the thousands."

Harley lit up at that, as she heard all this. But she was happier in the fact that Peter had done so much for her, as she jumped at him, hugging, "Peter, you're the best." She pulled back, but still had her arms around his neck, and smiled at the stunned Peter, "I mean it. You're doin' all this just for lil' old me to get my life back in the game."

Peter was a bit stunned at the sign of affection, but warmly smiled to her, "I told you, you're worth it."

But the two felt a pair of eyes on them, as they turned, and saw Jean, along with Bud and Lou looking at the two. But Jean's face was more of a teasing smile, as she waved off, "Awww, don't you make an adorable couple…"

Both Harley and Peter blinked at that, as they looked to one another. Seeing the situation they were in, they blushed in shock so suddenly, but finally snapped out of it. They pulled apart, as they looked to Jean, nearly shouting out, "WE'RE NOT A COUPLE!"

Jean just ran out giggling, as Bud and Lou ran around, as Jean closed the door, "Well, good night. And remember, you two have a bathroom connected, so don't do anything you won't get caught in."

Later On

Peter's Room

Peter was lying on his king-sized bed, looking over a book to help him sleep. He was wearing a white T-shirt and black baggy sweat pants. His room was rather neat, but a bit messy, due to a few clothes and a towel strewn about. He had a black magnifying glass lamp hung over his head, overlooking the book he was reading. Suddenly, his phone rang, as he stopped what he was doing, and reached for it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Pete, what's up?"

Peter smiled, as he sat up, indian style on the bed, as he replied, "Hey, Mikey. How are you?"

"Pretty good," Mikey replied. "So is Harley back? She's in the house with ya?"

"Yes, but we're not in the same bed, and we're not a couple," Peter reminded him, which he heard snickers on the phone. But then his face grew serious, as he asked, "By the way, while I was gone on that little 'errand', how were things in the city?"

"Nothing much. Me and Tom kept things in control while you were away," Mikey replied. "Though Jean insists on going out on patrol with us. She says she wants to prove herself she's capable with running with the big boys."

Peter shook his head, as he groaned, rubbing the ridge of his nose, "Can't she see I only do this so she doesn't have to? This isn't a game."

"Speaking of games, aren't you a little worried about Harley being back?" Mikey asked on the phone.

Peter arched an eyebrow, as he asked, "What do you mean?"

"I mean what if you two hit it off, and your love life together becomes a distraction," Mikey explained.

Peter groaned at that, getting fed up about the whole couple between friends thing going on, as he said, "Mikey, Harley and I are best friends; I didn't get her out of Arkham simply to start a relationship with her."

"Well, changing the subject: does she know yet," Mikey asked. It earned a huge moment of silence, as Peter had a grimaced and worried face on him. Mikey groaned, "Ugh! You're gonna have to tell her like you told me back in high school when you saved me from those gunshots. I handled it back then, remember?"

"You were also the one to convince me to do this line of work," Peter pointed out.

"Yeah, but at least you had the good nature to tell me who you were, and what choice you gave me," Mikey pointed out. "Harley doesn't even know what kind of life she's gotten now."

"She's just started getting out of Arkham. It's been only one day so far, I just don't want to shock her just yet," Peter carefully argued.

Mikey was silent on the phone, until he droned out, "You have a serious procrastination problem when it comes to stuff like this, ya know that?"

KNOCK, KNOCK

Peter nearly jumped at the bathroom door, as Harley's voice called out, "Hey, Petey. Are ya decent? I'm comin' in."

"Hang on a minute, I'll talk to you later," Peter stated, as he put the phone down, as he replied, "I'm decent, Harley. Come in."

The door opened, as Harley stood at the doorway. She was dressed in what appeared to be a pink and black kitty hoodie set of pajamas. It was a hooded sweater-like shirt that showed a little bit of her cleavage, and her midriff, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, and her pants were baggy pink sweat pants that covered her ankles on her bare feet.

As Peter hid the phone from her, he simply asked, "What's up? Anything wrong with the bed or anything?"

"Oh no, everything's fine," she said as she walked up and leaned in towards Peter… and then kissed his cheek, as she pulled back, "I just wanted to say thanks for everything. Again. And good night."

"Good night," Peter replied, but placed a hand on where she kissed him. Harley turned around to walk away… only for Peter to see that the back could open up… and showed the crack of her butt. "Harley?!" Peter called back, causing her to turn around in question, as Peter started babbling out, "Look, um… if it gets chilly in your room, or if, you know… you ever get lonely… I'm right next door. Okay? Don't hesitate to come over and ask anything."

Harley, a little stunned by all that concern for her, smiled, "Oh, aren't you the sweetest guy I've known. Well, good night." She turned around to leave, giving Peter another gander at her rear, as she closed the door behind her and went to bed.

After she left, Peter crashed onto his bed, groaning at such a thing happened, or without him telling Harley about the mishap. He pulled up the phone, as he asked, "Mikey, you still there?"

"Yeah, that's what I said: a distraction," Mikey deduced, figuring it out, since he heard Harley's voice on the line.

Peter shook his head, as he denied, "Harley's not a distraction. She's a breath of fresh ass."

The two were quiet on that, until Mikey asked, "What?"

"What?" Peter asked, trying to figure out the question.

"You just said, she's a breath of fresh ass," Mikey relied. Though he was chuckling on the other end.

Peter realized his mistake and cleared it up, "No! That's not what I meant, I meant she's not a distraction. I meant to say, she's a breast of fresh air."

The two were silent on that last one, as Mikey was laughing uncontrollably, while Peter groaned at that, crashing on the bed. Mikey replied, "Why don't you go get some shut ass. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Peter clicked the phone off, as he put it on the lamp desk. "Ha. Ha. Ha." And just went right to sleep, as he tried to relax for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Harley was leaning on the door, smiling and covering her mouth to stiffen the giggling. She buttoned the back of her sweatpants, as she smirked, "Man, messing with him never gets old." But she did smile honestly, as she looked at the door, "A nice guy like you are a dime hard to find…" And walked back to bed.

The Next Morning

Outside

At the crack of dawn, Harley had gotten up early, and was on a morning jog. She had left a note on the kitchen table, saying she'd be running around the estate. She had run for about twenty-five minutes, until she stopped at a point in the forest. She was wearing white sneakers and socks, with black underarm long pants that stopped in the middle of her calves, a red and black underarmor tank top with a balck and red sweat jacket on top, and her hair was done in a ponytail. The sweat stuck on her brow, as she wiped it, and looked over the area she stopped in.

The place she had stopped at was a beautiful lake that lay hidden between two sides of a canyon cliff being only five stories tall on one side and dense forests of trees on the other. Moss-covered, rock formations jutted from the water's surface like sentinel statues while a roaring waterfall created clouds of misty white as they cascaded down the deep crevices that littered the cliff's surface. Truly, this place was a little hidden place worth hiding.

Harley smiled, as she reminisced, 'Man… can't believe this place brings back a lot of memories for me and Peter.'

But at the moment, while she reminisced about her childhood and two years through high school with Peter, something caught her eyes and ears. She heard splashing in the lake down below. Looking over downward, she saw a half-naked man coming out of the water, wearing a loincloth. He was Caucasian, but way too peculiar was that he had a tattoo of a blue jigsaw puzzle all over his body, mostly around the head and shoulder regions. He crouched down like a prime ape and started eating a fish he had pulled out of the river, just as Harley watched intently. As he was halfway through the carcass of the fish, he stopped, as he looked upward to see Harley staring at him. Once he saw this, he threw the fish down, and then started off towards the forest.

Harley blinked at that, "Okay… that's somethin' ya don't see every day…"

"See what?"

Harley nearly jumped out of her shoes, as she whipped around, coming face-to-face with Peter yet again. This time he was in a white T-shirt, black jogging pants, and a black hooded jacked with black sneakers. Harley calmed herself breathing, as she finally took it in, but scowled at him, "Don't you know it's hazardous to both people's health to sneak up on someone like that?!"

Peter was taken aback as he calmly stated, "Sorry about that. I was just jogging down this way."

Harley raised an eyebrow, as she didn't seem to believe that, as she pointed out, "Petey, I hate to break ya back in reality… but you've got asthma. You used to break down on your back breathing heavy whenever you try to break a sweat in gym. What makes you think it'll be different now?"

Peter smirked, as he let Harley look at him in confusion… and then sprinted past her back on the trail, as he called out, "Race you back to Talbot Hall!"

Harley blinked, but then smirked, as she ran after him, "Haha! Alright, but when you pass out, I'll be draggin' ya back!"

20 Minutes Later

Back at Talbot Hall

On their way back, Peter was walking to the manor… with Harley leaning on him. Peter seemed well in place, but Harley was sweating up a storm; her clothing nearly soaked with sweat, as she managed to breathe heaving, "Oh God… I could barely keep up with ya." She then pointed to Peter, who didn't seem out of it, "And you… you're not even wheezin', or drenched like I am. What's your secret?"

Peter shrugged, "Well, my asthma pretty much cleared up when I was sixteen. That's what I wanted to tell you that day before you left."

Harley smirked, as they walked to the backway, and smiled, "Well… I'm glad you turned out alright."

But then she stopped, causing Peter to as well, as she looked over to where she was looking at. There, they saw a man in his thirties, with shaggy brown hair and a small beard and mustache, suspended over a vat of hot water, in a straitjacket, grunting and groaning. He started to unbuckle the straps as Peter and Harley walked on over. He then freed himself, and threw off the jacket, taking the key to the chains on his ankles, but looked over to both kids.

"Hey, Peter. This is the new girl?" the guy asked.

Peter nodded, "Yep." He then made introductions, "Harley, this is Dr. Blockhead. Dr. Blockhead, this is Harley Quinzel."

Dr. Blockhead nodded to her, "Nice to meet ya. Just out of curiosity, how many people do you know that can get out of a straitjacket in under three minutes?"

Harley shrugged, "Only the Dork Knight back in Gotham. But other than that, nobody else I know alive and all."

He then unlocked his restraints and jumped down, "Yeah, I'm good. But that guy… oh boy, he's magic." He then walked over to a toolbox and opened it. He then took out a hammer and a nail, but then stated, "But aside from escape artist… I also do astounding acts of body manipulation and pain endurance. Let's see the famous Batman top this off."

He then put the nail in his left nostril and began to tap it into his head, as Peter watched in awe, while Harley was in a mix of awe and horror, as she asked, "I'm guessin' you're one of those guys who um… have nerves that don't register pain, right?"

Blockhead then pulled out a pair of pliers, "You could say that. But it's mostly just training. See, in India, there's this order of Gurus that have learned to master pain in both the physical, as well as the emotional. Me and this other guy, whose name I don't remember, we studied there together, but he dropped out, as he couldn't master the emotional part."

"Tough luck for that guy," Harley commented. But then pointed out in asking, "So have you ever performed this on anyone else?"

As Blockhead was pulling out the nail, he asked Harley seriously, "What, are you sick? I tell my audiences that if they're stupid enough to try this themselves, they'll end up with a slight lobotomy. I am a professional." He finally got the nail out, as he then asked, "Most of this stuff, you're either born with, or you learn it. For instance, did you know that through the protective Chinese practice of Tiea Bu Shan, you can train your testicles to draw up into your abdomen?"

"I did it once when I first saw this when we first met, Doc," Peter commented.

Harley felt squeamish, "Glad I was born a woman."

Suddenly, the man that Harley met that morning, popped out of the vat, gasping for air. Harley got behind Peter as they all looked in shock, while Harley cried out in a panic, "Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God!" She then pointed at the bald tattooed man, "I saw him this morning down by the river; he was eating a fish, and it was still alive!"

Dr. Blockhead shook his head, as he walked behind his friend, as he rubbed the bald man's head, "Ah, he knows better than that. Between-show snakes'll ruin his appetite."

Harley seemed a bit calm after that, as she shrugged, "Oh my bad. Maybe it's another bald-headed, jigsaw-puzzle-tattooed, naked guy I saw." But then Harley asked, "So what? Is he like another body manipulator or an escape artist like Houdini here?"

"Nah," Peter shook his head to answer her question, as he pointed to the Bald Man, "In the classical sense, the Conundrum here is a geek."

Harley raised an eyebrow, "He eats live animals…"

"Oh he'll eat anything," Dr. Blockhead replied, "Live animals, dead animals, rocks, light bulbs, corkscrews, battery cables, steel plates, cranberries..."

"Human flesh part of his menu?"

"Only the Conundrum can answer that question," Dr. Blockhead answered, as he took a jar of crickets. "But he doestn answer questions, he merely… poses them." He then walked over ot the Conundrum, as he unscrewed the lid, "When an audience partakes in the Conundrum's human piranha act, they are left to ask themselves..." He then poured out some crickets onto the Conundrum's head, who ate them joyously, as the Doc finished, "… Why."

The two looked to one another, and Peter and Harley just walked to the back entrance, as Harley stated, "Think after seein' that and back at the lake, I think I lost my appetite for breakfast."

"Yeah, I had the same thing happen to me when I first saw them do that," Peter replied. "C'mon, we've still got that interview at the therapy clinic. Then afterwards, there's the tryouts at the Roller Derby."

Hours Later

Free Spirit Assisted Living Home

The Free Spirit Assisted Living Home was in actuality a helping and retired home. Mostly it was for old people who needed therapy, or those who just needed help. It was actually a nice working place, as Harley had seen, while given the tour. One Dr. Hertz, who was an African American woman who was just as lovely and cool-headed as Dr. Leland, was giving Harley the tour. Harley was dressed in a black pencil skirt, with a black jacket and blue blouse, black pantyhose, and black shoes. Her hair was done with a high small ponytail in the back, while her hair nearly covered her left eye, which both eyes were hidden behind glasses.

During the interview, Harleen was told that she would have to fill a schedule of patients that equaled twenty sessions per week. It seemed at Free Spirit, they didn't offer any prescription drugs, so she would be working strictly as a therapist, not a psychologist. Which Harley was silently okay, since she didn't want a risk at being drawn into another psycho's so-called 'embrace'. That, and Dr. Hertz stated that the guests were already over-medicated as it was due to some of them being retired from public. Harley had to agree with that, since too much of anything was no good. Though secretly she disagreed, her reasons being her own.

"The main issues of the patients tend to be related to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss and life transitions," Dr. Hertz explained, as they toured down a recreation room for the patients, and sometimes the hired help. "We also believe in activities with our patients helps them feel relaxed and trust us more often."

"Sounds good," Harley smiled, as she looked at the games. But snapped back to the interview orientation, as they went along, "I mean, I wouldn't expect as much, Dr. Hertz."

But then Harley turned to look at a door with one security guard on it, and the sign reading Section C. Harley stopped the tour enough to ask, "Excuse me, Dr. Hertz, but what's that area over there?"

"Oh, that's Section C," Dr. Hertz explained. "Some of our patients are a danger to themselves as well as to others, so we have a special subdivision that can deal with their individual problems."

Harley rose an eyebrow, as she nodded, "Oh, I am very familiar with that type of patient. In fact, you can stay it's been a specialty of mine." Harley then looked the other way, as she grimaced, 'Believe me, I dated one for three years.'

As they entered the exit, where Jean was waiting, the two doctors parted ways with a handshake, as Dr. Hertz gave her the lowdown, "We'll review your papers, but since Dr. Talbot recommends you highly on your credentials at Arkham, we'll get back to you within the week. Nice, meeting with you, Dr. Quinzel."

Harley smiled, as she shook back, "Pleasure to you, Dr. Hertz."

And with that, the two girls left. And just when the doors closed behind them both, Harley got Jean in a comforting but playful headlock, as she smirked, "I think it's a shoe-in, Jeannie!"

Jean giggled, as she hugged Harley once the blonde released the blue-haired girl from the hold, "This is great. I'm sure you're gonna do great here."

Harley hugged back, as she commented, "Yeah, and the best part: no Joker or Arkham around for miles."

Jean smiled at her friend's enthusiasm, as they made their way to the cab. But suddenly, the two were bumped into someone holding a small bouquet of roses. Once they steadied themselves, Harley and Jean saw that they had bumped into an eighteen year old Caucasian girl with Jean's body frame and build, but she had semi-curly bouncy brown hair that went down to her upper back, and brown eyes hidden behind big square glasses. She was wearing a blue long sleeved shirt with a brown winter coat that made her upper body look bigger, khaki jeans, and brown boots.

Once the girl straightened her glasses, she saw jean and immediately went bubbly, as she hugged Jean, "Jean! Hey, how are you?"

Jean recognized her, and hugged back, "Hannah! Funny bumping into you today."

"Ahem," Harley cleared her throat up, getting both their attention. Harley crossed her arms and an eyebrow raised, as she asked, "Introductions, please?"

Jean and Hanna pulled away from a moment, as Jean made the intros, "Oh, sorry about that Harley. This is a senior from my high school, and a good friend. Hannah Borgman. Her uncle, Sy, is a resident in Free Spirit."

"Yeah, I just came over to give him some get-well flowers," Hanna smiled. But then blabbed out, "'Course, he's not ill or anything; in fact, he's fit as a fiddle for a guy his age. I'm just sending the roses since my family doesn't come to visit. I'm pretty much all he's got right now, so…" but then she noticed the two seemed a little bit in a hurry, as she blushed in embarrassment, while shielding her mouth with her left hand, hiding a smile, "Oh, sorry. Did you guys have anywhere you needed to go right now? We could talk later."

"This Sunday?" Jean asked.

"Cool," Hannah smirked, as she and Jean high fived, and were both on their way.

Harley arched an eyebrow, as she commented, "Wonderin' here who's the youngest: you or her."

"Yeah, Hannah's kind of quick and long with talks, but she's a really nice girl, once you get to know her," Jean smiled back.

Later On

SNRD Stadium

After a quick change, Jean and Harley went to the next job application. Though this time, Harley was dressed up well for this job interview. She was wearing a midriff sleeveless tank top colored red and black, with a red and black shoulder pad on each shoulder, with red elbow and knee guards, a pair of red and black short shorts for workout, leg warmers going up to her thighs; the right colored red, and the left colored black, with a pair of red and black skates on her feet, with black gloves. Her hair was in her trademark pigtails, as she and Jean overlooked the warehouse stadium. As they walked in, they saw it was a giant roller derby stadium, complete with ramps and bridges. It was like a cat house for roller bladers. Harley couldn't help but smile like crazy.

"Jumpin' Jiminy Christmas," Harley smirked, as she had her hands on her hips. "This place is a skating warrior's version of Thunder Dome."

Jean smirked, "I'm glad you like it. Peter said you needed something to help balance out the therapy job. Big T talked about this place; says it's a free-for-all underground sport. Something perfect for you to cut loose in."

Harley squeaked out a smile, as she hugged Jean again, this time in a gentle way, but still had her joy in it. "You guys are the best! Thank you, so much."

But then they heard groaning, as they saw a blonde wobble by, with an arm sling and a bandage over her left eye. "Tryouts are straight ahead… it's your funeral though."

Jean and Harley looked at her in a shocked blank facial expression, as Jean mumbled, "Maybe this place is a little too rough."

"Yeah," Harley commented. But then smirked, as she grabbed Jean by the shoulders, and smiled, "This place is perfect!"

Jean sweat dropped, as she had a half smirk on her face, "Wow. You're really into this, aren't you?"

"You ain't seen nothin' yet, Jeannie," Harley smirked, as she pulled Jean with her to the tryouts.

At the moment, they were walking to the benches to talk to the one in charge. Though it was obvious who it was, as one girl was kindly suggesting to another one. The one advising was a Caucasian freckled face twenty-five year old redhead whose hair was going down to her mid back, had green eyes, and an athletic figure, while wearing a green tank top and jean short shorts.

The person she was talking to was an Indian twenty-three year old girl with dark tanned skin, brown eyes, dark brown hair long enough to reach her mid back and tied into side ponytails, while her bangs were combed to the left, nearly covering her left eye. She was wearing a skin-tight black T-shirt that showed off a C-cup chest, with a Jolly Roger on the front on her chest, black knee and elbow pads, and black workout shorts, along with black skates.

Harley skated up to the two, and looked to the ginger, "Hey, you the one in charge here for tryouts?"

She nodded, "Yeah, name's Summer." She looked up and down at Harley, examining her for inspection, and nodded in approval, "So far, the uniform's a good go, and I like what I'm seeing so far." She then handed her the clipboard with an application on it, as she explained, "Fill out this form. It says we're not responsible for any injuries, any thefts, any anything."

"Sounds good," Harley smirked, as she filled out the form.

"Just sign at the bottom, put on your skates, get on out there, and destroy the competition," Summer smirked.

Harley nodded back, "Oh, I can do that."

"You'll also be trying out with Shona Choudhary, or Shona over here," she said, pointing to the Indian girl in Black.

Harley turned to Jean, who stood by the sidelines to give her a supporting thumbs up. She then turned to Shona, who merely sniffed, and chided, "Whatever, just don't trip me while we're out there."

The three girls skated out there, with Summer leading the way, as she called out, "For you rookies out there, let me explain the game as simple as I can…" and then sped forward, for the others to follow, with Harley and Shona coming after her. "… this is a full contact sport! No holding back! We only have two slots open, so give it your best for the Brooklyn Bashers! You call this Renegade Roller Derby! No crying out here!"

As they skated, Harley suddenly skated faster than before, going past Summer in the process. Summer smirked, as she suddenly smacked Harley on the butt, causing her to jump, as Summer chimed, "Go get 'em, Fresh Meat."

As they circled once around, with Harley almost taking the lead, Summer went back to the sidelines standing next to Jean, as she stated, "Each team designates a 'Jammer' – the person who scores by lapping members of the other team! Each team assists their own jammer, while hindering the opposing jammer!"

Shona managed to catch up to Harley, who was actually slowing down a bit just to get in the middle, as Harley asked, "Any idea what that means?"

"Haven't a clue, Blondie," Shona said, sounding rather annoyed.

"Just so I'm clear, both teams play offense and defense at the same time," Summer explained. "For this tryout, we're going to hire the last two men standing… so go to it, ladies! Show me what you got!"

"YEAH, SHOW 'EM WHAT YOU GOT, HARLEY!" Jean cried out a cheer.

"You block any way possible, changing positions, body contact, or just about anything you wanna do," Summer explained.

But it seemed like the only two girls, Harley and Shona, were taking it the way Summer had said out loud. Harley did so, by elbowing one of the other opponents off the ring and back into the bleachers, spitting out their mouth guards. Shona crouched and grabbed one of them by the legs, tripping them off, and throwing them on their backs hard. Harley stopped, as she elbowed one girl passing her into the stomach, knocking the wind out of them. Harley then elbowed one of the opponents in the face, but one was about to pounce at her… when Shona showed up and jump kicked her in the face with her skates. In truth, it was the Thunder Dome, and only two were walking out. Once the fight was over, the skating floor was littered with down and out girls groaning to get back up from the bruises they took, while Shona and Harley skated towards Jean and Summer.

As they did, Shona smirked at Harley, complimenting, "Hey, not bad out there. Harley, was it?"

"Yeah, it was, Shona," Harley smirked back at her. "Ya know somethin': you're alright, She-Raj."

Shona rolled her eyeballs back, as she grumbled, "Ugh! Why does everyone have to make that Big Bang Theory reference when they see me? I'm nowhere near a nerd."

Once the two stopped, Harley grew a little concerned, as she asked about those limping out of there, "Hey, uh… sorry about all the roughhousing stuff."

Summer shook her head, "Relax, Miss Quinzel. Because this sport offers entertainment, we bend the rules a bit to make the matches a bit more… um… visual. Let's just say our referees are good at looking the other way."

Shona cracked her neck a little, as she shrugged it off, "So, does this mean we're hired?"

"As far as I'm concerned, you both are," Summer smirked. "First game's next Saturday night at seven. We win, you two both get a percentage of the door."

"And if we lose," Harley asked, as Jean gave her a towel to dry off.

"We lose, you two get a few drinks and free medical supplies," Summer smirked. "Deal?"

"Deal," both girls announced.

As the trio were making their separate ways out, Shona handed Jean a card, "Hey, if you guys want to, my family's got a restaurant downtown in Everett. It's a little Indian restaurant; come on over if you can handle spicy foods."

Harley smirked, as she looked to Shona, "Can I invite some people?"

"Sure, bring your boyfriend if you'd like… or girlfriend if you're that kind of girl," Shona shrugged, as she skated off.

Harley grumbled, but then called out to Shona, "Hey, I don't have a boyfriend, alright!" but then she felt snickering behind her, as she turned around, and saw Jean hiding a smile, and just asked, "What?"

"So does this mean you and Peter are going steady for a while," Jean joked around.

But Harley just looked at her unamused, as she mumbled, "Shaddup."

As the two walked/skated over to the taxi cabs nearby, Jean looked a little conferenced as she was thinking in her head, 'Oh man, I learned that Harley was strong and athletic before the bite, but now that's she been bitten… Peter had better tell her soon.'

"Hey, Blue, look alive and hustle," Harley called out as she waved for Jean.

The blue-haired girl snapped out of it, as she ran over to her, "Coming!"

Next Chapter: A Different Dark Knight; Alpha, the Wolf-Man