Before we begin, I would like to let everyone know that I may or may not be doing some story posts in a long while. Probably in a month. It's not 100% certain, but I prefer giving this heads-up early now. I hope you all understand.
Now, back to the story. Since you all asked for more, that is what you get here. The mad story continues!
It's been a good three weeks since I got adopted by the maddest Arkham Inmate of them all. Things have oddly been good. I have never stayed this long with any family before. Granted, Jervis still uses his mind control chips to help us both survive in staying at the hotel without alerting the Batman, but I'm down with that.
One day, Harry had returned home, after a trip to the ATM to get some money. "I'm home."
"Excellent, Harry. Welcome back." Jervis said.
"Great seeing you again, too, Uncle Jervis. I brought a careful amount of cash for us, as promised," Harry explained, handing his uncle the money. "Last thing we need is a mysterious large amount gone and being traced back here."
"I see Catwoman taught you well," Jervis said, nodding his head.
"Yeah...I almost feel bad about her not remembering me after those lessons. Almost," Harry replied.
Ever since I stayed with Jervis, he's been getting me the best teachers in helping me get through Gotham City. And by teachers, I mean Arkham inmates of the Mad Hatter showing me the different ropes. Most of them had hidden chips Jervis planted on either their backs or necks he had placed during his stays in Arkham Asylum. Also, it seemed best not to have the other Arkham inmates be aware of my existence that would get the Batman hearing about it quickly.
However, there are a few teachers Jervis never used the chips on. Especially to one he and I knew was safe to trust in keeping me a secret. I got along with him well enough as another bonus uncle.
"True. At least, Dr. Crane agreed to educate you without my chips." Jervis said.
"Yeah. He is a close friend of yours to help with my studies in different phobias," Harry stated, getting his notebook. "Gives me different ideas that would be beneficial for your tech and my interest in psychology."
"That's good to hear." Jervis said. "But remember, you have to be careful out there. Batman and his pathetic little bat family are everywhere in Gotham."
"I'm aware of that. All the more reasons to lie low," Harry said, nodding in understanding. "One of these days, we don't have to worry about staying in Gotham for long. I'll think of something to help get both of us away from Batman. A place that will be considered our own Wonderland."
"That would be 'Frigis days, colloquale'," Jervis quoted.
Harry laughed when hearing his uncle quote another Alice in Wonderland reference.
I always enjoyed my uncle doing pop culture references from his favorite book. And I seriously meant every word about finding a Wonderland for us.
Later...
"Dr. Crane is coming for your session today, Harry," Jervis said to Harry.
"All right! Thanks, Uncle Jervis," Harry said, getting his journal and pencils. "I can't wait to see what other phobias I get to learn about."
Just then, the door knocked. Jervis hit in front of the door. "Fiend or cop?" He asked.
"Fiend." The voice said.
Then, Jervis opens the door, and he sees Dr. Johnathan Crane, aka Scarecrow. "Dr. Crane, welcome back."
"Likewise, Tetch." Crane said.
"Hey, Uncle Jonathan!" Harry called out, very happy seeing Scarecrow.
"Hello, Harry. Nice to see you again. Ready for your new lesson?" Crane asked.
"You know it!" Harry said, bringing out his notepad.
"Then, I'll let you be, as I go and rob us some tea for dinner," Jervis said.
"Don't forget the biscuits and jam," Harry reminded, waving goodbye. "...And maybe some small ham, if possible."
"I won't. Take care, boy." Jervis said, as he leaves.
Harry then looked at Dr. Crane. "So...What phobias will we be learning today?"
"Today, we'll be learning about... People's fears of hypnosis." Crane said.
"Fear of hypnosis? I didn't know people would have that," Harry admitted. "Then again...I have heard of other peculiar phobias. What's the shortest name in calling that phobia?"
"Hypnophobia. Some are scared of falling into a deep sleep by the power of hypnosis." Crane said. "It's like going into a coma."
"Hang on. Isn't that Somniphobia?" Harry asked.
"Exactly." Crane said. "Most people fear something terrible happening to them when they sleep. Like they're thinking of death, or sleepwalking like an illusion. Some people fear that, when you fall asleep, you may never wake up again."
"Huh. So, Somniphobia and Hypnophobia are about the same," Harry noted, writing this down in his journal. "What would cause that? And how can you tell if someone has that fear?"
"It's quite simple," Crane said. "The fear of sleep can be caused by anxiety and panic. It gives them so much stress that their bodies act on impulse when sleepwalking. Too much anxiety would even cause a stroke or a breakdown."
"Have you ever had someone with Somniphobia?" Harry questioned, writing everything down.
"Just a few. Most of them do indeed die in their sleep." Crane explained. "I tested up for myself with my fear toxic."
"Good to know," Harry said, not fazed about the answer. "Still...Can Hypnophobia be shown differently to other people on tells? Like what about a pocket watch? Hypnotists use pocket watches for their acts or treatments. Would someone with Hypnophobia try to avoid looking at any type of pocket watch?"
"Yes, even those with special glasses that swirl," Crane said. "Or having weak minds."
"I bet that would be either easy or tricky for my Hatter uncle to control people," Harry stated, writing this down while thinking of something. "Didn't Uncle Jervis try placing Batman in some dream fantasy world one time?"
"I believe so. From what I remember, Jervis used a machine that gave people the perfect dream. Showing the victim their perfect life until Batman broke free and destroyed it." Crane remarked.
"Sounds like my uncle was close to putting the Batman out of commission," Harry noted, already drawing something out. "I have been thinking of an updated idea for the chips. Something that relates to the dream machine, but without the lying around."
Crane was then curious. "Is that so?"
"Yeah. It's just an idea, but I was thinking the chips can leave people in daydreaming states in living out their best dreams or worst nightmares while also collecting certain riches for us," Harry said, turning his notebook around to show Dr. Crane his sketches. "The inspiration came from both Jervis' and your work. And, so it won't be too obvious, the chips can be disguised as a pin or accessory with each one different."
"Wow, I am impressed," Crane said, amazed by the boy's idea. "Combining Tetch's mind technology with my fear tech would've worked on everyone else in Gotham."
"Pretty much. But these are just ideas," Harry said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I don't know if it will work completely. I'm just a kid who is very fascinated by psychology."
"Still, though, this could be something worth interest, if Mad Hatter and I team up against Batman...Someday," Crane said.
"The only problem there is knowing the individual's desires and nightmares either directly or from someone close to them," Harry said, getting his book back to write things down. "For Batman, isn't his will too strong for the chips to see through the illusions? Especially what happened last time?"
"Most likely," Crane said.
"Yeah...that might be a small issue," Harry admitted. "I mean, it's not like we could use the chips on his own Bat Family team and have them do the work for us or anything."
"Maybe that can be arranged," Crane said.
The young boy paused, looking up from his journal from Crane's comment. "Huh? What can be arranged?"
"You'll see soon," Crane said. "Anyways, let us continue with the lesson."
"All right, then," Harry shrugged.
I wasn't sure what use I will get on someone having Somniphobia or Hypnophobia, but it seemed best to cover all my bases, just in case. And I had no clue what Dr. Crane had planned that involved what I just said involving my ideas. But I will...very soon.
Harry had more lessons to learn, and a lot of education. Most of them with mind-controlled villains. Specifically, Catwoman, Two-Face, and Bane. But then, one day, Harry was having a lesson with Harley Quinn, and she was willing to help Harry without Mad Hatter's mind control chip. She taught him about manipulation and deception like Joker does to her, and how she does it to Batman and his allies occasionally.
"Oh, wow, Dr. Harley Quinn! I had no idea you had so much history with both the Joker and Batman," Harry replied, unable to hide his smile. "I hope I earn my own psychiatry degree, one day, like you did. It must be fun getting in the heads of others to understand."
"Indeed. It was fun, until Mr. J made me open my eyes." Harley said. "But that's a story for another day. Besides, sometimes I have no choice but to work with the Batman but I wasn't gonna show that I changed that much. That's what deception is, almost convincing someone they want to change only to show you're not really. And you have to be really smart about it. I tricked Batman a few times with my psychological charm." Harley said as she laughed.
"I bet you do," Harry stated, chuckling a bit. "I know I pulled off some deception in being with the Hatter and away from those orphanage creeps. It left my heart racing the whole time."
"That's just the butterflies in your stomach. It's like one of those 'you can't turn back' moments." Harley suggested. "You got adopted by the Mad Hatter so you can have a roof over your head that's not full of people treating you like an outcast. I'm surprised you haven't snitched on him or told the other baddies about him controlling them with his cards."
"Why would I do that? The Mad Hatter is the only adult who doesn't think I'm a weirdo who needs to be changed as some snobby kid, unlike the Headmaster of the Orphanage and other parents who tried to adopt me," Harry explained. "If anything, I'm surprised you haven't ratted the others about me and what my uncle has done involving the chips."
"Where's the fun in that?" Harley said. "Like your guardian, I, too, am laying low, and making sure the B-Man doesn't find me. Otherwise, if I did tell, they'll all go 'off with your head' on Hatter."
Harry couldn't help but laugh at that. "Fair point. I'm glad to have another Arkham adult figure as part of the family. Is it too soon to call you Auntie Harley?"
"Awww, you can call me Auntie Harley all you want, Harry!" Harley complimented, patting Harry's head. "Next time, I'll be sure to let your guardian know to recommend Ivy to tell you about how to use the environment at your disposal."
"So long as she doesn't try to fertilize me with her plants," Harry hoped, rubbing his arm nervously. "Ivy has had numerous records of poisoning men and turning people into trees involving her environmental cause. Along with many other stories I've heard."
"True, but she is my BFF, so I'll let her down easy next time," Harley said.
"Good to know. Thanks, Harley," Harry said, smiling gently. "I don't suppose you know any extra fighting moves for me to learn? Might come in handy for self-defense."
"I believe I have a few more." Harley Quinn said "Follow me, we're going to the roof."
"Oh, this should be good," Harry said, already following his teacher.
Dr. Quinn is very athletic for a psychiatrist. Especially with the jumps, cartwheels, and hammer swinging. I even questioned what my own weapon of defense will be.
"All right," Harry replied, getting in position before running towards Harley to kick.
Soon, the two made it to the roof.
"Okay, Harry. Try landing a kick on me," Harley said, getting in position.
"All right," Harry replied, getting in position before running towards Harley to kick.
Harley ducked like she's doing limbo, and slide kick Harry's legs; making him land in his bottom. "Try again."
Nodding, Harry quickly got back up and did just that.
Harry fakes another kick attempt and slide kick his other foot to hit Harley's legs. And she landed on her bottom. "Not bad. You learn fast." she said.
"Thanks," Harry responded, smiling while helping Harley back up. "I have very good teachers."
"Now, I'm gonna maneuver you with my surprise attack." Harley said. She ran towards Harry and flips over him, but grabbed him by the shoulders in the air and threw him to a sandbag. "You're gonna try to counter that."
"...I'll do my best, teach," Harry said, secretly thankful for the sandbag breaking his fall.
Harry got into position. Harley ran towards him again and flipped over him to grab him in the air again, but Harry was ready this time. As soon as Harley was in the air, Harry slapped the Jester girl in the face, losing her target and falling towards some dead plants.
"... That's...all folks." Harley deliriously said, dizzy from landing on the dirt and dead plants.
"Oh, dear..." Harry said, quickly going to Harley and checking on his teacher. "Sorry about that. I might have slapped too hard."
"It's fine. I've been slapped a few times by Mr. J. I'm used to it." Harley said. "Besides, you're quick."
"Yeah...It still feels kind of wrong slapping a girl like that for me," Harry admitted, getting the mud off Harley. "Even Uncle Jervis is not that uncivil. He would try treating the woman he loves like a queen...or, in this case, his Alice."
"Not unless it's self-defense. Imagine you take on someone like Batgirl or someone like her and she tries to beat you to a pulp." Harley said.
"...Okay, you have a good point. I'm down with flipping and leg-sweeping. Same with block a dodging fist or kick," Harry stated, raising his hands up in defense while thinking of something. "Although...I should consider asking Uncle Jervis about creating some advanced bow tie or pin for me to keep the increased strength and agility features...minus the mind-controlling part.
"Those would come in handy, but words can also be a good weapon when you know how to use them." Harley said.
"Really? How so?" Harry asked, a little curious.
"Well, since your uncle is basically all about mind control and stuff, maybe have some trigger words and use your words for manipulation as a boost." Harley suggested.
"Oh, yeah...I was honestly thinking something else here," Harry admitted, shaking his head on the thought. "Never mind."
"Oooooo..." Harley was then curious. "Tell me," She said with a big grin.
"Uh, no, no, no! It's nothing!" Harry stated, waving his hands while taking a step back.
"You better tell me, Littler Hatter, or I'll get the answers out of you," Harley teased, wiggling her fingers at Harry before jumping at him.
Harry screamed, not reacting fast enough, and was caught by Harley. He then felt Harley go for his underarms, sides, stomach, and neck with her fingers where his laughter couldn't be held back.
"All right, all right!" Harry said, panicking while still laughing. "But don't tell Uncle Jervis."
"Scout's honor," Harley said, already stopping her attack.
Sighing, Harry sat down to tell Harley. "Okay...When you said 'Words can also be a good weapon when you know how to use them', I thought you meant being charming with compliments to get what you want."
"Exactly like that," Harley said. "Unfortunately, since Batman stops your uncle a few times a month, people are being aware of how they're being seduced by anything."
"Yeah...I will be sure not to be too obvious in that department," Harry assured.
"Good boy," Harley said. She then looks at her watch. "Well, class dismissed."
"Awww, man! Already?" Harry complained.
"You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun." Harley sarcastically said.
"Guess so," Harry shrugged, grabbing his things. "Hope to see you again sooner, Auntie Harley. I had a great time."
"Same here Harry." Harley Quinn as she takes her bag and jumps to the next rooftop. She then waves goodbye. "Catch ya next week."
"See you next week!" Harry said, waving goodbye to see Harley leave before leaving himself.
Call me mad all you want, but my life feels like Wonderland with Harley as the Queen of Hearts and Scarecrow as maybe the Brown Hare...since those characters are inseparable friends like my uncles in real life. Maybe even cooler with those fear gas canisters. If Poison Ivy is going to be part of my Mad family, then she's most likely one of those flower ladies in the story. Since the flowers of Wonderland reflect the transitory nature of all things in life and the idea that beauty is often superficial and temporary where it is important to look beyond appearances to find deeper meaning and value. At least, that's what I think.
"I'm back, Harry." Jervis said, as he opens the door back to the apartment.
"Hey, Uncle Jervis," Harry said, waving hello. "How did things go with you?"
"It was going okay. I managed to get away from Nightwing. Other than that, everything was fine." Jervis said.
"You ran into Nightwing?!" Harry exclaimed.
"Yes. He was very agile." Jervis said. "Had to use a few bystanders to stall him while I make my escape."
The young boy sighed in relief while having his head up...only to have it back straight in shock. "Wait. He didn't put a tracker on you during the chase, did he?"
"No, I made sure to avoid that." Jervis said. "But, just in case, can you check?"
"On it!" Harry said, immediately checking on his uncle for any bugs or tracking devices on him.
"See anything?" Jervis asked.
"Nothing yet," Harry said, still looking around by checking from top to bottom. "Did Nightwing grab you anywhere? Throw anything near you? Slipped any stuff where you weren't looking?"
"Probably. He's a tricky one, like Batman." Jervis said.
Harry then noticed something on his uncle's right ankle pants. There was something flashing behind. Acting on a fast hunch, the young boy rolled it up to see a small round device with Nightwing's insignia on Jervis' shoe.
"Uh, oh...I think I found the bug," Harry said quietly, getting some pliers to carefully get it out for a closer look. "I don't know if it's also a hidden mic to eavesdrop on conversations or not. We need a plan. And fast."
"If that bird boy finds me, he'll probably take you to child services." Jervis said.
"Shhh! I realize that!" Harry said lowly, going over to a desk and starts messing with the tracker carefully. "I think I can turn it off and reprogram the GPS circuitry from any places you went to. Including here."
"You sure?" Jervis asked. "The bat family is smarter than you think. Even with their tiniest of gadgets."
"It's all about playing our cards right," Harry assured, already deleting every place this tracker has been to and taking out the memory drive with a sigh. Even carefully covering the tracker in a drawer before carefully going to his uncle at a safe distance, despite having the tracker off. "And the Bat Family won't suspect anything if we stage a fake hideout. Or a fake scheme in having them believe you're up to your usual tricks. I'm thinking we'll put the tracker on something or someone else away from here and into a different route. Maybe the docks or abandon teahouse or Joker's old warehouse bases?"
"Good idea," Jervis said. "We just got to make sure it's something not even Batman would suspect."
"Otherwise, he will know something is up," Harry said. "We know mind controlling people is your thing, so..."
Just then, the boy thought of something. He hurried to his notepad and stopped at a certain page.
"I think I might have a few ideas that might work," Harry said, giving the book to his uncle. "Before getting ahead, did you already had some plan going on that had Nightwing chasing you in the first place? Or did he only chased you because you escaped Arkham Asylum?"
"Mostly chased me." Jervis replied. "I haven't started a crime yet."
"Well, you're about to," Harry stated, pointing at a certain page. "Or, in this case, have it look like it's someone else. We're going to need some support."