Author's Note: Okay this chapter really shows a few of the changes I've made to the story. As I have changed/added parts onto Harleen, there are going to be differences in her relationship with Joker, and therefore the events that follow. I hope I've done some of these scenes justice, I made some decisions for this that I'm not super sure on. Please let me know what you think, I'm unsure of how I've done with this one. Enjoy.
Chapter Fifteen.
Harleen did not spend a lot of time sleeping the night before she was to break Joker out of Arkham Asylum. She lay in her bed, eyes closed, and considered her plan for the next day instead. She had run through as many scenarios as she could, and had come to the conclusion that she would have to do a lot of improvising.
Getting into the building would be easy enough, her duffel bag would conceal all that she needed well enough, and the guard at the front gates hardly even glanced up from his newspaper long enough to check the identification cards, so he would not be an issue.
The next possible issue was the reception, it all depended on who was working on whether they would question her large duffel bag, if they didn't believe the simple excuse of her having spare clothes she intended to keep in her office, then she would have to improvise. Harleen knew that her swipe card opened the door that led behind the reception desk, she was prepared to use force if needed.
The next issue was the guards outside the high security area, she would need their keys to open Jokers cell. She had considered pulling the fire alarm, but in the chaos that would ensue, she could not guarantee that she would have a chance to swipe their keys. That left her only option to be using a fake story to get one of the guards constantly on duty to leave long enough for Harleen to take down the other guard and take his keys.
From there, Harleen would be able to get Joker out of his cell, and give him all of the supplies she had gathered. Harleen had gone back and forth on releasing Wayne and Crane, the distraction they would cause would be enough to allow for an easier escape, though there was always the chance they would just try to murder her instead, Wayne being the real concern there. What was life without a little risk, she mentally shrugged the concern off.
By the time Harleens alarm rang, Harleen had managed to get a few hours of sleep. She showered slowly, and took the time to blow dry her hair, which she left down for the first time in a long time, and applied some make up. Harleen dressed in the outfit she had carefully selected the night before, and looked in the mirror. She looked good, she decided, Harleen sighed as she slipped on her glasses; something about putting them on today did not feel right.
After double, and triple, checking the duffel bag, Harleen slipped her wallet from her handbag, which she had decided not to carry with her. Her wallet contained all of her identification, along with everything else she might need, so Harleen put it into the pocket of her white lab coat as she shrugged it on. Glancing at the time, Harleen realised she was still ten minutes too early, so she made a strong cup of coffee (skipping her usual tea, in favour of the caffeine hit she knew she would need today), and sipped it slowly.
The drive to work felt slightly surreal, Harleen felt a large surge of excitement, and a smaller rush of anxiety. She didn't know exactly how today would go, but in exchange for her new life, and Jokers freedom, it was worth all the risks.
As Harleen had predicted, the guard at the front gate barely glanced at Harleens ID before opening the gates for her. Arkham Asylum had two paths that led from the main parking lot, around the sides of the building, and to the back of the building. The back of the building had another small parking lot by the back doors, which were mainly used to access the large dumpsters.
Harleen chose to park by the back doors, knowing that the back door was much easier to access, so it would provide a better chance at a quick getaway. Harleen gathered her duffel bag, and carefully placed its strap over her shoulder, wrapping one arm around it as securely as she dared, so as to limit the sounds of metal clanking while she walked. Without locking her car, Harleen made her way around the building to the front entrance.
Harleen took a deep breath, smoothed her hair back, and slightly awkwardly reached into her coat pocket to produce her swipe card. Entering the reception, Harleen tried to walk as calmly as possible, as she glanced over to the reception. As it was her luck that Pat sat behind the reception desk. This was good, Harleen thought, Pat liked to talk but she wouldn't question Harleens duffel bag too much.
"Hello Harleen dear! That bag looks heavy, moving in?" Pat joked, smiling at Harleen. Harleen forced a chuckle "Hi Pat. I'm just leaving some spare clothes in my office. You know how many accidents happen here" She said casually.
Pat nodded in understanding, as she opened her mouth to tell what was without a doubt a long winded story, Harleen cut her off gently "I'm sorry Pat, I'm actually late for an appointment. Have a good day!" She called.
"Oh okay. You have a good day too sweetie!" Pat called after Harleen, as she walked quickly to the doors. Harleen swiped her card and swiftly made her way through the halls. Harleen was lucky that most other staff members did not bother to talk to her, as she managed to make it to the hall that led to the high security unit without interruption.
Harleen stopped behind a corner in front of the guard station. Checking that she was out of view, Harleen slid her duffel bag off her shoulder, she took her baton from it carefully and slid it into her coat pocket. Harleen placed the duffel bag on the ground carefully, and tucked it close to the wall. Harleen took another deep breath and adjusted her face into one of panic, before she ran around the corner quickly.
Harleen rushed up to the guard's station, who both looked at her in surprise "Oh you have to go quickly, the patients in the medical ward are causing trouble, the nurses are in a panic!" Harleen said loudly.
The guard's exchanged a glance "I'll go check, you keep an eye on everything here" One of the guards said, hurrying off. Harleen waited a moment, till he was out of earshot, before she slipped her hand inside her pocket subtley. The guard remaining turned to Harleen to say something, but was cut off by Harleen swinging the baton viciously at his head. The man dropped like a stone to the floor, though Harleen swung at his head once more to be sure he would stay down.
She ripped the keys from his belt, before leaning over the man "Good night" She whispered, feeling a bubbling mix of excitement and nerves in her stomach. Harleen wasted no time in running back to grab her duffel bag, which the guard had thankfully not noticed in his hurry.
Harleen rushed through the doors to the high security ward, glancing through the small, barred cell windows for a flash of green hair. Harleen froze at one of the cells, inside was Waylon, his cell was bigger than the others, a small trench in the floor full of dark water was a tell tale sign that the cell belonged to him.
Harleen hesitated for a moment, before unlocking the door. Waylon looked at Harleen in what seemed to be surprise for a moment, before he growled deeply at her. "Shh, there's not much time. I'm uh, I'm resigning I guess you could say. So this is your chance to get out" Harleen explained hurriedly. Waylon looked extremely suspicious as Harleen leaned forward slowly, she held up the keys for him to see, as she carefully unlocked the muzzle on Waylon's face.
"I have to go, give them hell Croc'" Harleen said, turning to the door before Waylon could change his mind about not eating her. Harleen paused slightly at the door as she could have sworn she heard him growl out a thank you, behind her.
The next cell Harleen came across was Joker's, her heart leapt into overdrive at the sight of him. Turning her head slightly Harleen could see Waylon rush down the hall to the exit, she knew screams would be sure to follow shortly after. Harleen unlocked the door quickly, she rushed into the room, and threw her arms around a laughing Joker.
"I have some things for you Mister J!" Harleen said in excitement. She dropped the duffel bag onto the small cot beside Joker. Harleen unzipped the bag eagerly, and pulled out the gun, she presented it to Joker, and grinned up at him.
Joker ran his hand along the gun before grasping it and cocking it in one smooth movement. "Good girl, sugar" He rasped, a wide smile on his face.
"I got you something else, too Mister J" Harleen said quickly, turning back to the duffel bag and pulling out the bag containing the outfit she had brought him. Handing it over, Harleen was slightly nervous as Joker peered inside the bag, he laughed slowly "Brought Daddy a present, Harley? I like it, I like it, I like it" He muttered, flashing his metal teeth at her.
Harleen glanced at the door quickly as the sounds of screams began echoing down the hall "You get changed and load the gun Mister J, I'm going to go let Crane out of his cell. I already let Croc' out and he's providing a little distraction" Harleen said.
Joker grasped Harleens wrist tightly and yanked her to him, he kissed her firmly, winding his hands around her neck and waist. Harleen threaded her own hands into his green hair. After a minute of passionate, rough, kissing, Joker pulled back, leaving Harleen gasping slightly. She turned and hurried out the door, glancing around her eyes fell on Cranes cell. She unlocked the door quickly, Crane looked up with an impassive face as Harleen rushed in, though he did raise an eyebrow.
"To what do I owe the unexpected visit, Doctor Quinzel?" Crane questioned, putting aside the thick book he was reading.
"There's not a lot of time, Doctor" Harleen said in a slight rush. "I'm not coming back, I let Waylon go, this is your chance to go too" Harleen said. Crane raised his eyebrows further, standing carefully from his cot. "I have to go now, Doctor, go cause some hell" She said, repeating what she had told Waylon.
Harleen didn't wait for a reply as she rushed back to Joker's cell. Joker was slipping his jacket on, his head hanging back as he laughed. He looked incredible, Harleen noticed, her eyes glued to him. He held his arms out to Harleen, who rushed forward and threw her arms around him tightly, revelling in the contact.
Joker pulled back slightly as he reached for the duffel bag, he loaded his gun, and then threw the bag to Harleen "Hold that for Daddy, Harley" he said, cocking his gun once again. He pulled Harleen into another long kiss, his hand firmly on the back of her head, he pulled back loudly "Let's go cause some chaos, baby" He growled, letting out a maniacal laugh. Harleen smiled at him, she knew she had made the right choice, no matter what happened.
Harleen grasped Joker's hand tightly as they left the cells, the screaming and sounds of panic were getting louder with the addition of Cranes presence, to the terror Waylon had spread already. Harleen was focused on Joker as they walked through the halls.
Joker was in his element, Harleen could see now why he was the King of Gotham, he exuded danger and confidence. Every guard they came across was quickly filled with bullets, as Joker laughed loudly. They reached the offices, and Harleen let go of Joker's hand, to pass him more ammo, which he loaded quickly.
Doctor Leland came into view, looking panicked, as soon as she caught sight of Joker "I hope you won't be shocked by this" he said, laughing maniacally as he shot Doctor Leland in the forehead, Harleen felt a confusing mix of shock and pleasure at seeing the awful woman drop to the ground.
He began walking down the halls towards the therapy rooms, whistling what seemed to be a made up tune. "I have, uh, one more thing to do here Harley Quinn" He sung, stopping in front of what Harleen recognised as Doctor Leland's ECT room.
She felt a rush of anxiousness at the sight, but walked inside quickly as Joker opened the door with a flourish. He locked the door behind him with a resounding click. The dimly lit room was in disarray, it seemed that a session had been interrupted by the chaos outside.
Harleen turned to watch Joker as he shrugged off his jacket, he threw it over a chair and began unbuttoning his shirt, which he then threw on top of his Jacket. "Now we have, uh, one little thing left to address, Doc'" He sung, walking slowly towards Harleen.
Harleen slipped off her glasses and threw them to the side, she wouldn't need them anymore she thought vaguely, not breaking eye contact with Joker. "See I'm a little, uh, upset about having my brain zapped" He growled, his voice increasing in volume. "So I'm going to, uh, share the medicine" He rasped.
Harleen stepped back slightly, bumping into the steel table behind her. Joker approached slowly, running his hand along her face, before pushing her back onto the table. Harleen made no effort to move as she watched Joker pull the straps across her body, and fasten them tightly. She felt slightly panicked inside at the prospect of the pain, but felt a stronger sense of acceptance; she wanted to know what he had been through, she would do anything to prove that she loved him, that she was sorry.
Joker pulled an overhead lamp harshly over Harleens face, moving to stand behind Harleens head "Now what do we have here" He sung, flashing his teeth at her. Harleen stared up into his eyes unflinchingly "I tried to stop her Mister J, I tried to help" She said earnestly.
He brought his face close to hers, looking into her eyes as he spoke "Ahh but you didn't" He said lowly "So you helped her to erase my mind of what few faded memories I had!" He finished in a shout, banging his closed fists against the table. He ran a hand through his hair, and leaned closely to Harleens face once again.
"Now, you left me in a black hole of rage and confusion. So I'm going to return the favour. I'm going to break down what's left of Harleen" He rasped, motioning grandly around with one hand "I'm going to show you who Harley Quinn really is" He finished in a whisper. He turned and snapped purpled latex gloves on, abruptly pulling the ECT machine next to the table.
"Are you going to kill me Mister J?" Harleen asked, feeling calmer than she should, given the circumstances, she knew Joker would do what he needed to do.
"What?" He asked, as he picked up the two instruments she knew would send volts of electricity straight to her brain, and rolled his around on his neck slowly. "Oh no" He said, beginning to circle the instrument on either side of her head. Harleen could hear the whine of electricity from the machine. "I'm not going to kill you. I'm just going to hurt you, really, really, bad" He rasped, leaning closely to Harleens face.
"I can take it Mister J" Harleen said softly, not looking away from his eyes. Joker reached for a spare strap, laying on a small silver tray, and snapped in together "Open up" He said, placing the strap between her lips "Wouldn't want you to break those pretty, porcelain capped teeth when the juice hits your brain" He growled, pressing his pointer fingers to his temples.
Harleen bit down willingly on the leather strap, and nodded up at the Joker. He picked up the instruments again, and looked into Harleens eyes as he pressed them firmly against her temples.
Harleen could feel her body convulse in a seizure as the pain rocketed through her, her mind felt like it was falling, falling down a deep, black pit. Images, memories, and feelings from her life as Harleen rushed through her mind; it was as Joker had said, a black hole of confusion and despair. But then an image of Joker flashed through her mind, and Harleen clung to it, his memory was the only thing keeping her from sinking all the way down.
Harleen came to awareness slowly, her limbs felt weak and tingly, as a metal roof came into view. Harleen glanced around, she appeared to be in a car of some sort. She glanced around frantically for Joker, and calmed slightly when she caught sight of him sitting in the driver's seat. "Mister J? Where are we?" She asked softly, vaguely noticing that her accent had come back in full force.
Joker laughed "Harley is awake! Good nap?" He mocked. "My body feels like puddin'" she responded, moving slowly to sit up as she regained feeling slowly. "Puddin'" He mocked "I like it, I like it, I like it. Say it again baby" He chanted. Harleen smiled widely, for once not worrying about covering her mouth self consciously, at the thought of him liking her accent "Anything for you, Puddin'" She complied happily.
Joker laughed slowly. "I took the liberty of acquiring a car and rescuing the princess" He sung mockingly "Right as Batman himself showed up, I missed out on all the games" He added roughly.
"Thank you Mister J" Harleen said, feeling thankful that J had gone through the effort of taking her with him. Feeling stronger, Harleen clambered over the seat smoothly, to sit next to Joker.
The sound of a motorbike cut through the night, interrupting whatever Joker had been about to say. He glanced in the rearview mirror and rolled his eyes in annoyance "I don't have time to play tonight Batsy" He said loudly.
Harleen rolled down her window swiftly and glanced out, there he was, she thought. Batman was in his iconic black get up, riding a beautiful motorbike, he pulled up alongside Harleens window. She frowned in annoyance, he was interrupting their night celebrating freedom.
She glanced around quickly before leaning out of the passenger window. Harleen felt Batman's eyes on her, she could sense his confusion at the sight of her. She lunged suddenly and pulled sharply downwards on his handle bars. Harleen watched in fascination as the bike began sliding down on its side, Batman moved swiftly to crouch on the side of his sparking bike as it slowed to a stop.
Joker laughed loudly, pulling Harleen in towards him. Harleen moved eagerly, pressing a kiss firmly to his lips as he sped up to weave through the traffic in their stolen car, away from Batman.
"Where are we going, Puddin'?" She asked softly, delighting in letting go of her accent for the first time in years to use his new nickname. He grinned at her "I'm going to take you to your new beginning" He said "I'm going to create you" He added, laughing loudly.
Harleen didn't feel scared, she felt excited. This was the start of her new life, this was the end of being Harleen. Harleen pressed her head against the cool window as she watched the night rush by.
Soon they pulled up in front of what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. Harleen shrugged off her white jacket and stepped out of the car, glancing up at the crumbling warehouse. It was surrounded by a chain link fence, though a large hole in the fence made it's presence redundant.
Joker didn't speak as he motioned Harleen forward, through the gap in the fencing. He picked the lock to the warehouse with an incredible ease, and stepped through the doors, flicking a switch to light up the massive area.
The warehouse was huge, filled with large vats full of a brownish substance. The side of the space was lined with a large metal catwalk. Which Joker led Harleen to. They climbed side by side, reaching a platform above one of the vats.
Harleen moved to the edge of the platform, to look down into the vats, she knew what they were. This was ACE chemicals, this was what had turned Joker into the man he was today.
"Question" Joker drawled from behind her. Harleen turned to look at Joker as he spoke. "Would you die for me?" He asked. "Yes" she responded without hesitation. "That's too easy" He murmured, rolling his head back slightly.
"Would you…" He trailed off, before inhaling heavily "Would you live for me?" He asked. "Yes" Harleen said, with just as much conviction as before, she stared into his eyes. She loved him, she loved what her life with him would be.
"Careful" He growled, raising a finger in the air "Do not say this oath thoughtlessly" He said, moving his hand over her mouth, covering it with the large tattooed grin "Desire becomes surrender, surrender becomes power" He rasped quickly. Harleen was enthralled by him, as she always was when he spoke.
He moved his hand down her face, running a finger over her lip "You want this?" He asked, his eyes burning back into Harleens. "I do" She answered, smiling at him slightly. Joker closed his eyes and twisted his head back and forth.
"Say it" He spoke quietly "Say it. Say it" He repeated, opening his eyes, still moving side to side slightly. "Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty…" he chanted softly, moving his hand to grasp Harleens chin.
"Please" Harleen said in a whisper, her eye contact with Joker never wavering. "Mmm, God you're so... Good" He groaned, twisting his hands in the air around Harleens face.
Harleen walked to the edge of the platform, taking one last glance down into the chemicals as she turned to face Joker. He held his arms out, as though offering a hug, and watched as Harleen did the same. She smiled, and stepped backwards, falling down into the thick chemicals below.
Harleen gasped when she became submerged in the chemicals, they burnt unlike anything she had experienced before, but she wanted this. So she held her arms out and allowed herself to sink.
Joker growled from above, watching Harley fall. He had briefly considered leaving her in the chemicals, but knew he could not. She was his after all. He growled once again, rolling his eyes as he shrugged off his jacket and dove over the edge of the platform, into the chemicals.
Harley felt his arms wrap around her, and gasped as her head broke the surface. She opened her eyes to see Joker's grinning face close to her own. Harley felt free as she began laughing, wrapping her arms tightly around Joker's neck, as his loud, crazy laugh joined her own.
The colour from Harleys Blue shirt, and Jokers red one, began seeping through the chemicals. They twisted and blurred into a purple swirl surrounding the two as they kissed deeply.