Part I: Rebecca Robinson is left to face Gotham's worst Halloween ever. One ex-Robin and one dead-Robin are running loose in Gotham with their own goals and agendas. Rebecca's mind isn't the ideal one to begin with and with a history like she has... Will she be able to survive without loosing her sanity or her life? What will happen when Clown Prince of Crime wants his toys back and even Scarecrow can't stop him? Will Rebecca end up just being a toy to dead man's legacy?
Chapter 4 - Joke is rated M
Romance will be slow burn. (And I do mean slow.)
Contains detailed description of graphic violence, strong language and descriptions of mental illnesses and self-harming.
Broken Toys
Chapter 22 - Tomorrow
Imagine that in one of your friends has mental breakdown, you have to help your old mentor capture a giant crocodile man who eats people and a crime boss that regards penguins more than human life, you are mixed up with assassin soap opera, your ex-girlfriend is kidnapped, then dead and apparently then not dead, your other friend is captured and will most likely be killed along with your ex-girlfriend's dad that you liked, your old mentor has to surrender himself to fear-obsessed lunatic to save said other friend and ex-girlfriend's dad and most likely failing and if that isn't enough you are told that your third friend who was very much like a brother to you that you saw die is now back from the dead and tried to kill your old mentor and has now gone missing. Now imagine that all that happens to you in one night.
It is safe to say that Dick is having a bad day. It is also safe to say that he might have lost it to Barbara when she broke him the news about Jason. It wasn't her fault, Dick knows but even the thought of Jason surviving the Joker feeling so alone that everyone has forgotten him and left him to die… Dick is beyond mad. Mad at Bruce, mad at the Joker, even mad at Babs who didn't tell him immediately but mostly he is mad at himself. How did he give up finding him so easily? He should have looked longer. He should have known. Surely there was some lead that he missed just something that could have helped him find Jay.
Dick couldn't change the past. What is done is done. First instinct after storming out from the precinct was to go look for Jason but after he cooled down for a bit Dick understands it's a bad idea. He is obviously traumatized and doesn't want to talk to any of them. From what Babs said he still cared for hers and Alfred's well-being. His hatred seems to be focused on Bruce. But he didn't kill Rebecca. That gives Dick hope that there is some of the old Jay still left in him.
Dick's relationship with Jason had never been the easiest one. Jason had come into the picture after Dick had joined the Titans, back then they called themselves Teen Titans, and Dick's and Bruce's relationship was at their most rockiest place. Dick half-retired and was half-fired freeing the mantle of Robin that Jason took on. He had always been… troubled. Bruce's actions didn't help the situation. Dick knows that Bruce only meant well, he saw himself in the young man but maybe too much so. Dick had been mostly distant but he had tried his best to take the kid under his wing. Despite their differences and positions he had grew fond of the boy. And then he had disappeared. The Joker blew up a kindergarten causing Jason to snap and run after him, alone, intending to kill the clown. Later Bruce had received the first tape.
Dick had been there. He would remember forever how Jason tried to stay strong, keep his fate in Bruce, he would come save Jason. How the Joker tormented him, how he beat him. And Dick couldn't save him.
The last tape had been the worst. Jason had been so… broken. The Joker had broken him and turned Jason against his love ones and to finish it all off, he shot Jason. They were so sure that he died. They never found the body. That should have been the first sign that something was off. Dick should have known but he was so sure.
Dick has to shake himself back to current moment. Tim and Gordon are in trouble. Bruce most certainly will fail in his desperate attempt to save them. Dick has no idea where he is, he doesn't know where Tim and Gordon are. He is lost.
Dick is forced to admit that there is a change that Bruce will… That Bruce has to retire from the cowl. He knows that according to Bruce, Gotham needs Batman. Dick would lie if he hadn't thought of the idea of becoming Batman before. He was the first and oldest Robin, the first who joined the fight besides Alfred. But Dick is not Batman, he is his own man. Dick has seen at firsthand how Batman changes you. He got his first taste of that with Titans. Being leader of the group had taught him how to make harsh decisions but being Batman… that was something completely different. Being Batman changes you, Dick isn't ready for that. He is afraid that he will not have a choice when the time comes.
Scarecrow is live-podcasting his final showdown. His voice is taunting the whole Gotham. Bruce is tied to a chair. Gordon is forced to remove his mask. Batman's identity is out. Dick is too late to save him.
Jason's mind is at war. He has a mission, to save old man's ass one last time. He would only prevent Scarecrow from killing him and that's it. No more favors. Rest is up to Bruce. That's it. That's the only thing. Rebecca is right, it was the Joker who turned Jason against Bruce, not that he was innocent but she has a point. He can't live his life as only influenced by the Joker. He will always be there, at the back of his mind waiting for Jason's weakest moments but Jason wouldn't let his ghost to control everything he does.
Funny, Jason has never given a thought regarding his life. His only goal has been killing Bruce and nothing else. And now he is on his way to save the old man. Seems like fate is playing a practical joke on his life.
Jason glances at Rebecca sitting next to him inside their stolen car. She looks pale, shaken but overall she is doing far better than Jason was expecting. Rebecca hasn't passed out, thrown up or randomly started screaming and panicking. She even helped Jason to get inside the Panessa Studios as ridiculous as her plan was proving herself to be somewhat useful and definitely stronger than Jason thought.
Jason has successfully tracked the vehicle that Crane got to transfer Bruce. As he suspected, Scarecrow is moving him into abandoned Arkham Asylum. Long time no see.
The abandoned mad house is on the other side of the city. Jason is driving as fast as the car moves but he still has too much time to think. He glances Rebecca again. She sits quietly, clearly not knowing what to do or say. Somehow she has stuck with him like a glue. Especially after banishing Rebecca from the airships Jason was sure she would die before the night was over but here she still is. Nearly killed and definitely in bad condition but still alive.
"How do you have BatCom?" He blurbs out without thinking.
"Oh, Batman gave it to me. I, um… met him earlier tonight. Mmm… Nightwing helped me out a big time when he was still relatively unknown so I guess I was a memorable case." She says carefully.
So she is friends with Dick. Or close enough that Dick knows her full name. This was news to Jason. She is way too young to be one of his girlfriends turned friends. She looks like she hasn't even hit twenty years yet although her small size could be throwing Jason's estimation off. Then again Dick has always made fast friends. A talent that Jason never mastered. He wonders if the replacement is also familiar with this odd girl.
Asylum's gates are already flown open when Jason and Rebecca arrive. He drives the car near the main building, hiding it into the bushes. He doubts that anyone will even notice it or that he will need it later but just to be safe he covers it up anyway. Rebecca stands away, waiting for him. She seems to have gain some strength being able to stand properly but she is still too weak to be useful. Jason wants to lock her inside the car but he somehow knows it wouldn't stop her from following him He has to think of something else.
"You can't follow me forever." Jason picks the direct approach. He could always just knock her out if needed.
"I know." Rebecca answers. Still he walks at his heels when Jason moves towards the main building.
"I am serious. This isn't a game. I'll have to do this alone." He stops to think for a moment. "Wait five minutes and call the cops. You'll need ride to a hospital."
Rebecca looks like she wants to argue but nods anyway, defeated. Jason turns to leave, checking his ammo as he moves when he hears her again. "Knight?"
Jason turns around to show that he heard her.
"Thanks." She looks so shy that Jason can't help but smile. He is lucky that his mask covers his face fully.
Jason takes off to the building. Using his grappling hook, he can easily get around the place. He checks for guards but the asylum is truly abandoned. Scarecrow didn't prepare for backup, he doesn't seem to think that anything could go wrong. So sure of his victory, amateur mistake.
Moving around the asylum brings memories to Jason. He doesn't enter the abandoned wing where the Joker held him before his escape but the environment is similar to enough. This isn't Jason's first time coming back to the mad house. Scarecrow hosted his meetings here with other rogues in preparation for the Halloween eve. The asylum hasn't changed since.
Finally he reaches Scarecrow's main stage. He finds the perfect position where to shoot at. Bruce is already unmasked, the replacement is on the floor and Gordon is trying to help him. Scarecrow is going on and on, monologing to the camera while Bruce seems to be under the toxins control.
"Do you understand, Gotham?" Scarecrow asks from the camera that he has set up filming. "You have no savior."
Bruce seems to come to. Jason is beyond surprised. He has seen multiple times what Crane's toxin can do. Scarecrow hasn't noticed this new turn of events yet.
"No more hope…" Scarecrow turns around and strikes another dose to Bruce's bloodstream. "No – more – Batman!" He says with a silky voice. "I've won."
"I'm not afraid, Crane." Jason sees that Bruce is telling the truth. He is relaxed, his voice is strong despite having a large amount of Scarecrow's formula in his bloodstream. How that is even possible is beyond Jason.
"Impossible…" Scarecrow denies. He takes a couple steps back, pulls a handgun and points it to Bruce's forehead. This is what Jason came here to do. Fear toxin is different. Bruce dying from Jason's actions is the last laugh that the Joker wanted and Jason will take it from him. He is done playing with Gotham's scum.
"Without fear, life is meaningless." Scarecrow explains. He always was a pain in Jason's flesh. Ruining his grand finale is unexpected bonus to him. This is for what you did to Barbara.
Jason aims and takes his shot, easily shooting the gun from Scarecrow's grip. He reloads and shoots Bruce's cuffs off. He hopes that Bruce understands. They are even.
Scarecrow never had any physical power against Batman. He is easily overpowered by Bruce. Jason doesn't need to stick around to see his final downfall.
As he leaves, Jason realizes things would be forever different in Gotham. Bruce's cover is out, no-more secret identities, no-more Batman and for real this time.
The buss to prison arrived precisely on schedule. I jumped out along with the other visitors and walked with them, following instructions to the waiting room where I was faced with receptionist who was very skeptical of me.
"So you want to meet Harleen Quinzel?" He asked looking down on me.
"Yes." I nodded.
"And you are…?"
"Rebecca Robinson." I said.
"IDs?" He asked. I took my driver's license out to show it to him. He took it to his hand as if to check if it's real, then looked at me, then at the picture and then at me again. Then he documented my arrival, gave my license back to me and told me to wait until I was called out.
The place reminded me a lot from my time at working at the Arkham Asylum and gave me flashbacks on my time at the mental institution after Arkham City. Harley Quinn was such a high lever prisoner that I was allowed to only meet her with a glass between us. That worked fine for me.
Suddenly I realized how ridiculous this whole idea was. What on earth I was going to say to her. Somehow 'hey, remember your abusive dead-ex? Guess what he did during his spare time?' didn't sound like an ideal ice-breaker.
Before my anxiety kicked in properly Harley arrived behind the class. She was back to being blonde, bubbly and excited. The guard pushed her to sit down but she ignored his blunt behavior and laughed happily as if someone had told her a funny joke. Then she turns to look at me.
"Hey, you have his eyes." Harley blurted out. Then she burst into tears. It was a rough way to start a conversation.
When she finally calmed down I opened my mouth. "Do you know me?"
"I have no idea who you are, kiddo." She said swinging in her chair.
"It's alright. How are you holding up?" I asked biting my lip nervously.
Tears filled Harley's eyes again. "Better. But he is just gone. Some mornings I wake up, not remembering he is… that he is…" I wanted so badly to give her a tissue but all I could do was watch helplessly how she tried to fix herself to finish the sentence. "I just, you know, it's been a rough year without my puddin."
Harley didn't deserve him. Harley was genially a good person who wanted to take care of everyone. Too bad that she found a man who twisted those good intentions to something truly fucked up.
"Harley," I had to pause to get out the following words. "I'm sorry for your loss."
"I can't still believe he is gone. He just felt so eternal. My dear Mistah J. He made me what I am today, you know." She said, wiping away the tears. "Without him I would probably still be stuck in that stupid job at the asylum. Humans just don't fit inside these neat little boxes that psychology wants you to believe. Well, that is if you don't blow them up first and then collect the tiny pieces and wrap em up with a bow." She led out a dark giggle.
"Harley…"
"Aww, don't get the joke? Don't worry, you will someday. You'll find your way. You are a good kid." Harley smiled warmly at me.
"You don't even know who I am." Or what I have lost, what I have done, who I've hurt.
Harley lifted her face, suddenly with a dead expression and what I assumed was her normal voice. "You are Rebecca Robinson, send to Arkham Asylum by Hugo Strange, delivered straight to puddin to play with. Don't hide your scars, kiddo. They show the world what you have survived, sometimes the worst things you have dealt with will be the only thing that keeps you going. Remember every bruise, every scar, everything that once broke you. It will help you some day, kiddo."
With that I understood her. Harley was not some clueless child out of her depth. She was once a promising upcoming psychiatrist who still hasn't lost her touch no matter what she wanted the world to believe.
"Harley, why do you act the way you do?" I leaned closer.
"My puddin told me that if I wanted to truly be free I would need to forget everything I thought I knew. The moral codes, the social systems, all of it. So I did. When you unlearn everything, you become a blank state. You can be whoever you want, whatever is the most useful for you. Me? I spend my whole earlier life trying to be taken seriously, never giggled, dressed professionally, never had any fun. I gave the control of my life to these stupid social rules. Dump blonde, cute-girl-next-door… I was all of that while simultaneously being none of it. So, when Mistah J set me free I thought, 'this dizzy blond thing seems to be believed by everyone, why not use it'. So I did. I played the part. Mistah J loved it. But not everything is at it seems. I know people think that he didn't love me, they are wrong. Remember, kiddo, often the sweetest things end up being the most dangerous ones of them all." She smiled at me knowingly. The guard told us that the time was up and he guided Harley away. I left, my head full of messy thoughts.
Halloween had nearly arrived to Gotham. The city filled with people playing dress-up, kids and adults alike. Pumpkins and scarecrows watched my way home.
Little did I, know that during the very same evening, a notorious criminal Harley Quinn broke out killing three guards on her way out. Rumors had it she got some help. I didn't believe that. Once I saw the knowing light in her eyes I knew she didn't need any help to get out of there. She survived the Joker, she could survive anything.
I hear the sirens coming closer to my location. I am sitting, waiting for the Knight to come out. I hope he will come out. I did as he said, called the cops after five minutes of waiting and waited some more. The Knight still hasn't come back. I am not worried that he didn't make it. I am not that stupid. I am just worried he doesn't come back for me.
'And why on earth would he do that?' Punchline appears and sits down next to me. 'Why do you even care? You should hate him.'
I look at the delusion that my mind has produced. She looks identical to me during my time at the Joker's plaything, same purple tank top, same messy green hair, same scars and tattoos.
"Long time no see, Punch." I say as I rest my head against the decayed brick wall.
'It happens when you are under stress and don't take your meds.' There is no mock in her tone.
"I was surprised that you didn't pop back up right as when I was gonna die." I say, resting my eyes at the dark sky. Rain has finally stopped.
'You were busy. I have to say, I was pretty proud how you handled that ninja-chick.' She offers me a smile and holds out her fist for a fist bump.
I laugh out loud. "Fine." I return her fist bump. I must be more messed up than I thought. "Are you trying to take control of me now?"
'Naah, figured you need a break. But don't get too comfortable, I'll be right back at your throat tomorrow.' She admits also looking at the sky.
We sit quietly for a moment. 'You never answered my question, B.'
"Why do I care about Arkham Knight or Robin or whoever he is?" I ask looking at her. She nods. "I guess it is because he has gone through the Joker too. Not many people can say that or more importantly understand what it means. Harley of course could be one potential but she is too far gone at this point. She still thinks he set her free and not caged her like a bird. I don't wanna end up like her. Unable to let go. Just look at what she has accomplished in a year after he died and look at what I've done."
Punchline scoffs. 'I can't believe I'm saying this, B, you have accomplished quite a bit. You got out from the asylum, you started exercising, leaving the apartment to go to work. Sure, you still isolate yourself from everyone but you are doing better than most. That's not nothing, B.'
"Why are you being so nice to me? You are planning to knock me out, aren't you?" I joke. She rolls her eyes as a respond. I let out a small chuckle.
'What?' She asks lifting her eyebrows at me.
"It's just, I've been hostage, intoxicated, nearly died couple times, tried to kill some people, switched personalities, more than once I might add all during one hell of a night and now I am talking to my other personality as if we are some longtime friends." I explain.
Punchline laughs. 'It is pretty funny. We getting along. Maybe we could share your body after all?'
"In your dreams, Punch." It is my turn to roll my eyes.
'Kidding. I would never share. But you have to admit, it's been the most entertaining night that we have had in a long time.' Punchline hugs her knees closer to her chest as she laughs. I do the same.
"I guess so. Wow, I really need new friends." I rest my chin between my knees.
'And he is your choice of a new friend?' She nods at the approaching figure. I jump to my feet which is a mistake since I am still having symptoms of blood loss.
'Real smooth.' Punchline giggles. I ignore her trying to stay on my feet.
"You are still here." The Knight says.
"Did you do what you came here to do?" I ask not sure what exactly did he came here to do.
"Yeah, I did. Will the cops arrive soon?" He asks.
"I hope so. Is this the part where you are gonna ditch me?" I ask dryly. Punchline has the nerve to leave me alone for once.
"Yes." He turns. "Sorry, it's nothing personal."
"I figured. Shutting people out is kinda my thing too." I put my hands deep into my pockets.
"Don't think you have me all figured out, clown-girl." The Knight says. He is standing half turned away, half still looking at me.
"Clown-girl huh?" I laugh. Little bit morbid humor for both of my personalities to enjoy. It's really been a long night. "I know it's none of my business…"
"That never seemed to stop you anyway." He mutters.
'Oh you have no idea.' Punchline shakes her head.
I roll my eyes and continue pretending that neither of them said anything. "But what are you gonna do now?"
"What on earth makes you think I would answer to that?" The Knight asks, not taking me seriously.
"Please, who am I gonna tell? My other personality?" I say sarcastically.
'Hey!'
He thinks for a moment before answering. "Scarecrow unmasked Batman in front of entire Gotham, maybe even state or more but the city is still a nightmare, even after this night. Batman isn't here to protect it anymore. Besides he never could do it properly because of his limits. I will do what Batman could not. I guess I have to stick around for that.
I ignore my curiosity about Batman. I am sure I'll get my answers to those questions later. Instead I focus on latter part of the Knight's sentence. "So you will protect Gotham?"
He doesn't answer so I assume it means yes.
"You know, under all that villain tough guy act I think you still want people to stick around. You probably don't want to admit that even to yourself let alone to me. But your actions speak for themselves. I don't claim to know your full reasoning but you went back to your old mentor. Everything may not be fine between you two and maybe they never will be fine but you still went back. And now you are gonna protect Gotham you say? If you stop kidnapping civilians there may be hope for you." I wrap my hands around me.
He actually has the guts to laugh at me. "Thanks for the kind words."
"Kind words are not all that I am offering." I place my hands to my hips.
"Look, I am sure you are a nice girl and all…" He starts but I interrupt him.
"Not like that, idiot. About five hours ago you still kidnapped me and I am not about to develop a Stockholm syndrome. I know my head is fucked up but please, I still have some dignity left." I shake my head.
"Where are you taking this?" He looks at me suspecting an alternative motive behind my words. Maybe he did learn a thing or two from the world greatest detective.
"Because if you truly are going out there, to help this city, 'do what Batman will not' and all, I wanna help." I swallow down all of my shame. As if I had any left at this point.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Even though I can't see the Knight's face I am sure it is showing something similar to a pure shock.
'Yeah, B, what the fuck you are on about?' Punchline agrees with him.
"I'll do it myself if I have to." I threaten.
"Right…" He takes his grappling hook ready to disappear and leave me forever.
That makes me bold. I close the distance between us and grab his arm stopping him. I don't know which one of us is the most surprised: he, Punchline or me.
"I can't go back to barely living, just going through the motions like I am a mindless zombie. I have to reclaim my life and this is the way I'm doing it." I burst of sudden emotion.
The Knight looks at my face, then my pale hand holding onto his arm desperately and then back at my face finally meeting my green eyes. "I can't believe I am doing this. Fine. I'll help you."
I squeeze from excitement.
"Don't get any ideas. One mistake and you are out. Understood?" His voice is sharp but it can't burst my bubble. I nod at him trying to keep my face neutral.
He takes a piece of paper from his pocket. "Come to this address when you are ready. Tell anyone, I'll kill you for real this time."
"I'll stay silent. I promise." I realize to let go of his arm and bring my hands close to my chest suddenly embarrassed. At least I got what I wanted. Even though mere minutes ago I didn't seem to realize what I wanted. Maybe it isn't only Punchline who is impulsive.
'What have you gotten us into, B?' Punchline sounds upset. Even better.
The Knight starts to take his leave again. At last minute I decide to open my mouth for one last question.
"You know my name. Can I have yours?" I ask shyly. Punchline face palms next to me.
The Knight stops what he is doing. He thinks almost a full minute. I get to count to forty three until he speaks.
"It's Jason." And with that, he is gone just in time for the police cars to arrive to the otherwise empty asylum yard.
Two weeks later
Breaking out of the GCPD was easy for Raven. She only needed to trigger her fellow cell mate's mutated Bat-gene and let him loose. Disappearing in that chaos was easy thing to do for a member of the league of assassins. Leader for the league, Raven corrects herself. Or so she told to Nightwing.
Getting over the shame brought onto her is different. Raven didn't manage to kill her target, got humiliated by that amatory bitch and was captured by the Nightwing-brat. Halloween eve was not a good night for her.
Raven had to break in one of League's old hiding places. Nyssa had pulled everyone out, back to their origin place to fully get control of the League. Raven knows that not everyone appreciated the League's new policy of staying out of Gotham or Nyssa in general. Raven is going to use that against her. But first she needs to lick her wounds and her pride, make up a plan and get her revenge. She just isn't sure how to do it.
Sitting there, fixing her leg, out of her costume she hears footsteps coming closer. Who is it? This hiding place is abandoned, no outsider is supposed to get in. Raven grabs her bow and arrows, aiming towards the footsteps. The unknown visitor isn't trying to cover their arrival. They aren't even trying to sneak up upon her.
"Tt."
At the doorstep, a boy is standing. He isn't tall or bulky and Raven estimates him to be around ten years old. He has short black hair that is defying gravity, button nose, green eyes and very familiar features.
"Who are you?" Raven asks in Arabic.
"I heard you have unfinished business in Gotham. I wanted to meet my father but that bastard killed himself before I had the chance." The boy answers back in Arabic.
"You are Talia's son, aren't you?" Raven deduces. His facial structure is more robust but the similarity is still there, the boy may first not look like Talia but if you know what you are looking for it is obvious that they are related. That very same facial structure looks back at Raven every time she removes her own mask. Seems like the all al Ghul's look the same.
The boy looks at Raven judgingly. She is annoyed by him already. "Hello, half-sister. You are shorter than I expected. After your colossal failure back at Halloween, I thought it was time for son of Batman to step up and take my rightful place as the heir of both of my grandfather's and father's legacy."
A/N: Soooo... Part I is finished. Couple things: first I know that in the comics Dick and Jason weren't that close but fuck it this is my fanfiction so I do what I want and their relationship will be explored more in Part II. Second: Harley is incredibly multi-layered character and even though I wouldn't say she is a good person anymore she definitely at least meant well before the Joker. Rebecca seems to disagree with me in this. She will also show up in Part II. Third: Hehe I left you with a clifhanger *evil laughter*. Next chapter will be timeline and some basic info. I am almost finished drafting Part II and will start writing it shortly so stay tuned for that. If you are interested for more info I would recommend visiting my tumblr, username there is lintsukka. I am way more active in there and even have a tag for this story. I've been thinking to put there some extra stuff such as playlists, etc. connected to this story there so if this sounds right up your alley, head there.
Shoutout to Starlight999 who told me about couple of my mistakes in last chapter. Go check em out.
Please leave a review if you have time. See you all in Part II of Broken Toys.