Chapter 4:

Batman and the baby bird were still on the elevator. Batman decided to call the baby bird "Robin", because Batman always has a Robin. Batman then picks up Robin, but as they moved, Tamataki & Chamataki showed up. Batman had to run with Robin. Tamataki and Chamataki chased after them. "As much as I'd like to catch up, I'm afraid I must leave now," says Batman. He and Robin then get through a door and Tamataki and Chamataki are now stuck. "Two-Heads aren't always better than one." Batman and Robin then find some buttons on the floor and step on them to open a door. Batman then uses a drone to activate another door, but when he enters, something knocks him out and started dragging him...

...

Batman wakes up and finds he's in some sort of interrogation room. "Listen up, Criminal," says an unfamiliar voice, "that whole act of you being unconscious won't work on me! You're a prisoner now. You'll do what you're told without any questions, understood?"

"Sheriff Toadster, I presume," I said.

"So, you've heard of me, then? Your first task is very simple. I will ask you yes-or-no questions, and you'll answer them. Question one, someone locked up all the criminals in the swamp on the level above. Was that you?" Batman sees a picture of the buckets.

"Yes," says Batman.

"Really," asks Toadster, "impressive. Question two, have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

It was Jumbo Josh. "Yes."

"I'm surprised you're still in one piece," says Toadster, "third question, have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

It was Stinger Flynn. Batman glared. "Yes."

"Adds up," says Toadster, "fourth question, have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

It was a purple and green figure that Batman has not met. "No."

"I thought so," says Toadster, "you must have come from the floors above. Fifth question, have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

It was Nabnab. "Yes."

"That one gives me the creeps... Sixth question, have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

It was Sheriff Toadster. "That's you," says Batman.

"I could tell something about your answers were fishy," says Toadster, "alright, grab your belongings from the back and step out of the room." Batman picks up his remote, utility belt, cape, and cowl. "I saw your face. You're a handsome feller. You don't know how lucky you are."

Batman then steps out. "I'm only here to find the kids," says Batman.

"So, you don't even work here," says Toadster, "well, I can respect someone who fights for justice. Follow me. It's not very safe out here." Batman and Toadster then crossed a bridge. "Careful here. It's not very sturdy."

They're now in some kind of castle like environment.

...

"Welcome to the Kingdom," says Toadster. Batman looked around. It was like something from a renaissance fair. "It's not up to me to decide what to do with you, Partner. We need to talk to the Queen, and when we do, show respect."

"You're a little out of place here," says Batman.

"Says the man in the bat costume," says Toadster.

...

Batman was meeting with Queen Bouncelia and she was huge! "Your Majesty," says Toadster, "I've finished interrogating the new captive."

"And how do you rate the fruitfulness of that interrogation," asks Bouncelia, "on a scale of 1 to 10?"

"Zero," says Toadster, "he won't tell me much about himself, but I think he came from the surface."

"What is your name," asks Bouncelia.

"Batman, but some call me the Dark Knight."

"You don't look like a knight," says Bouncelia, "but I think I might know why you're here. The missing children. I fear you won't find them here. Most humans have ceased to come down to this floor for quite some time now."

"I see," says Batman, "then I'll be going."

"We can help with getting you back up to the upper floors," says Bouncelia, "but allow us to introduce ourselves first. I am Queen Bouncelia, the ruler of the Kingdom."

"I've seen you in the mural," says Batman.

"I fear they don't really do me justice," says Bouncelia, "this is Sheriff Toadster, the protector and only other citizen of hte kingdom. I apologize on behalf of both me and the Sheriff for the rough reception. We've all been a little on edge lately. I'm sure you can understand. How's the elevator back up doing, Sheriff?"

"Not too well," says Toadster, "it's missing some crucial parts. Three to be exact."

"Do you know where these parts are," asks Bouncelia.

"Yes, your majesty," says Toadster, "I was previously too occupied to go and collect 'em."

"The coming hours will be rough for us all, but this is not your battle, Dark Knight," says Bouncelia, "Sheriff, accompany the Dark Knight and go grab the missing parts."

"But your majesty," says Toadster, "we should focus on protecting you." Batman was suspicious.

"You will," says Bouncelia, "once you two get back with the parts in hand."

"Alright, you heard the lady," says Toadster, "let's head to the station, Partner." Batman then left with Toadster. Protect her from what?

...

Batman finds Robin. "I was wondering what happened to you," says Batman.

"So, what do you do for a living," asks Toadster.

"I'm a crimefighter," I said.

"Well, I hope you won't be competition for me," says Toadster.

"What are you worried about," asks Batman.

"We're in trouble," says Toadster, "a lot of trouble, Partner. The Queen's jester has gone rogue. No matter what happens, he must not make the Queen laugh. Otherwise, what's in her pouch escapes and we all die."

"I've had experience dealing with someone's who's obsessed with trying to get a laugh," says Batman, "would he be the green and purple figure you showed me?"

"That's the one," says Toadster.

...

"The three parts of the elevator are scattered across three stations," says Toadster, "which we can get to using this old transport system. I believe it's two tickets per rider. Two for me, two for you, and two for Little Beak here. There should be some scattered around here."

"I named her Robin, actually," says Batman.

"Not sure if you got her bird species right, but okay."

Batman finds the tickets, but he sees something in the shadows watching them. "I got the tickets," says Batman, "let's go!"

...

"So, why do you serve the Queen," asks Batman.

"After I was thrown down here by your kind like I was trash, I was hopeless, aimless, cold, and miles away from the promised surface. Long story short, I was found and accepted at my lowest. It was then that I declared myself the ultimate protector of the queen. It's a cause worth fighting for. Good-hearted individuals deserve protection."

"Respect," says Batman.

"So, why are you fighting crooks in a bat costume," asks Toadster.

Batman looks away. "My parents were killed by a crook," says Batman.

There was a pause.

"I'm sure you're doin' them proud," says Toadster.

...

They arrived in their first stop. Batman sees a mural of the jester. "Bittergiggle says nothing is as precious as smiles! Tell a joke wherever you walk!" Batman looks at the mural and glares. Batman then uses his drone to open a door. There was a very dark room. As Batman enters, the door closes.

"What's happenin'," asks Toadster, "you stay in there and don't move. I'll figure a way to get the door open."

Batman looked around. Then some lights were turned on. "Hi! I'm a hungry snake. Do you have any food?" Bittergiggle then reveals himself.

"Bittergiggle," I said.

"Hello, Batman!"

"How do you know me," asks Batman.

"Let's just say... you're a friend of the family," says Bittergiggle, "now, shall we dance?"

Batman and Bittergiggle then fought. There was something familiar about his moves, but Batman wasn't sure why. The door opens and Toadster throws something at Bittergiggle, causing him to run. "These Toadstars never disappoint, Partner." Batman watches as Bittergiggle runs away. "You okay?"

"I... just think I might have known him somewhere," says Batman.

"He now knows we're not at the kingdom," says Toadster, "let's grab the part and get out of here."

...

The three then enter this hallway that's full of vents. "Wait," says Toadster, "I know my enemies. We're being stalked. These vents are interconnected, they make perfect traps. I'm sure there's a way we can tell which ones are rigged. We just need to figure it out."

Batman then sees some chalk drawings on the wall. "Robin," says Batman, "she can sense danger!" Batman then picks up Robin. Batman and Toadster then go through the hallway, unharmed, thanks to Robin. "Any idea what was in them?"

They then see a disappointed Nabnab.

"Ask a silly questin," says Toadster.

Batman and Toadster then find the part.

...

Batman and Toadster then place the part back in the elevator. "I'll stay here and put everything together," says Toadster, "for now, maybe just hang around the place and talk to the queen when you're ready."

Batman then finds a report about Toadster. It says that he's watched a lot of western media, which would explain a lot. He's grown to believe that anyone who's not a part of Banban's gang is a criminal, including inanimate objects with human features, the facility's staff, and most likely children. It also says his methods have become too violent. Batman then looks at Toadster. So far, he seems alright, but Batman's still going to be cautious.

...

Batman then meets with the Queen again. "Welcome back," says Bouncelia, "I hope your journey was worth it, and the elevator a little more usable. I wanted to let you know how much I respect the things you are doing to save the children. Putting your life on the line and fighting forces far more powerful than you like that is just... Admirable... As a token of my respect, please accept this blue keycard. While not much, it is what we consider a symbol of trust. I am proud to announce that you are officially a citizen of the Kingdom. Feel free to stay as much as you like, even after you save the Children."

"Sorry, but once I find the kids, I'm leaving this place," says Batman, "no offense."

"I understand," says Bouncelia, "you have been through a lot, Dark Knight. By the way, a friend of yours showed up while you were away. He was in a damaged state, so I told him to stay in the infirmary. He asked for you, so perhaps you could speak with him when you have the time?"

Batman then takes the blue card and walks out.

...

Batman arrives in the infirmary and finds Slow Selene and Banban there. Batman then enters Banban's room.

"When the Queen mentioned a man in a bat suit, I knew it had to be you," says Banban, "not many dresses like you. Listen, whatever happened to me... Whatever I tried doing to you... Just know it wasn't actually me."

"I get it," says Batman, "I have a... friend with a similar problem."

"I tried communicating with you from afar for a reason," says Banban, "now you know the true reason why. Still, I want to make it up to you. The queen filled me in on the situation with the elevator. I want to help with that."

"Can you stay in control," asks Batman.

"Yeah," says Banban, "I got it! I just need to rest for a little bit, and I'll meet you at whatever that station is." Batman then exits. He wondered who else was here.

...

Batman entered a room and saw the last creature he wanted to see there. "Flynn," says Batman, "you've gotten smaller."

"I'm too week to do anything," says Flynn, "by not listening to me and leaving when you had the chance, you've made a great mistake."

"Sorry, next time, I'll let the psychotic monster hold kids against their will," says Batman, sarcastically.

"Finally, after managing to keep Josh under control, you just had to come around and anger him," says Flynn, "look where your arrogance got us now; a position where neither of us can get to the children."

"Enough," says Batman, "all of this is because you took them in the first place just to fulfil a fantasy! Do you realize your plan makes no sense! I'm going to find the children and I plan to make sure you never get your tentacles on them again!" Batman then attempts to walk away, but Flynn puts him in another mental world...

...

Batman's now camping out with Banban, Nabnab, Stinger Flynn, Captain Fiddles, and Opila Bird. Then a train monster came... but what was really odd was that Batman's old friends, Shaggy and Scooby were riding it. "Hey, like, are you guys gonna share those marshmallows?"

...

Batman's back in reality. He then exits the infirmary.

...

"Where have you been," asks Banban, "I've been waiting for a while."

"I... had a chat," says Batman.

"The next piece that we need should be at the second station," says Banban, "the feeding sector."

...

Batman and Banban were on their way to the feeding sector. "I feel now is a good time to introduce ourselves," says Banban, "which we haven't done up to this point if you can believe it. I am Uthman. I worked here before everything came crashing down, literally and figuratively." Batman remembered what he read about Banban believing himself to be his own progenitor. "I can't imagine the stuff you've witnessed down here. My coworkers and I should've spoken up sooner. Perhaps all of this should've been prevented then. But then again, my coworkers weren't really friends in those last couple of months anyway, so it would've needed some good planning. You ever had those friends who suddenly turn on you for no reason?" Batman then thought about the friends he's had that became his enemies. "To say mine turned on me would be an understatement. They suddenly stopped talking to me. They looked at me like I was some sort of monster. Sometimes I lose my temper, sure, but it seemed excessive. I was and still am confused, to say the least." The transport then stops. "We're here. Let's get going." As they're walking, Batman notices a kabob man on Banban's back. "Wait, get down!" Batman and Banban then crouch down and Jumbo Josh appeared. He was eating something, but then something dragged him away. "That must've been a trap that the Sheriff set up earlier. Poor Josh... I can't imagine how confusing this has all been for him..." We then stopped at a door. "That wasn't locked the last time I was here. Can't be too hard to get it open, tough, right?"

...

Batman finds Bittergiggle's room and finds a clue to open the door, as well as weird creatures that look like Bittergiggle.

...

"Before we grab the elevator piece, there's something I need to do first," says Banban, "I need to hand this imposter to someone very close to me. You do the honors. He must've gotten lonely; a new friend might do him some good."

Batman then places the kabob man down, but Nanban takes it and leaves. Batman and Banban then leave to find Nabnab.

...

Banban and Nabnab then have an epic fight, but after that fight, they were both too tired to continue. "I can control it, I know I can," says Banban, "I have a few things I need to do around here; you go without me." Batman then leaves, feeling sorry for Banban.

...

On the way out, Batman finds Zolphius. Batman then leaves.

...

Batman adds the next part to the elevator. "That's two of three," says Toadster, "great work, Partner."

"It costed Banban something," says Batman.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be fine," says Toadster.

Batman then walks away.

...

"We're very close to having that elevator fully fixed," says Bouncelia, "I pray for the safety of the children you're looking for. When you do find them, can I ask a favor?"

"What," asks Batman.

"Could you try and occasionally come visit," asks Bouncelia, "it's been so long since we've had a visitor that isn't trying to harm us. Please do consider my request. Other than that, I don't want to keep you any longer."

"I'll consider it," says Batman.

"Also, it appears more of your friends have arrived if you'd like to go check on them," says Bouncelia.

Why does Batman have a feeling these aren't superfriends?

...

Batman enters the infirmary. He sees Slow Selene is still there. Batman presses a button on a speaker. "Criminal number one, the snail, was captured near the front gates of the kingdom while I was on patrol. The snail was captured while hiding in her shell and has remained hidden since. It was initially thought to be an empty shell husk, until quiet crying was heard coming from within the shell. All attempts to convince the snail to leave her shell have failed. The reason for this extreme distress has not yet been determined, but I have a theory. This criminal is not from around here, so it is possible that this foreign hostile environment is what's causing this unnatural behavior. More updates soon." Batman then looks in another one and sees Banbaleena. He then presses the button. "Criminal number two, the teacher, was captured near the elevator that goes down from the third floor, where a human in a bat suit was also captured earlier. Unlike the snail, the teacher was extremely hostile towards me, citing a missing student from her class as the reason she is even down here. Numerous failed attempts to escape were recorded, but it appears she has finally given up. Numerous objects were introduced in an attempt to calm her down, with only a few excess bowling pins seeming to do the job. The teacher has been sitting in a corner since calming down, repeating the sentence, 'I can't be late' to herself over and over. Truly an interesting case. More updates soon." Batman then finds Opila and Tarta and presses the button. "Criminals number three and four, the birds, were captured by being lured in their current holding cells. Their sudden and unannounced appearance within the walls of the kingdom took me by surprise, but they are now safely contained. They seem to be very territorial as they did not exhibit any hostile behavior as long as I kept my distance from their cell. It also seemed that they were frantically looking for something, although I am not sure what exactly. Since containment, they have remained completely still. I think they might be trying to trick me into getting in to check on them. I'm not falling for that. More updates soon." Batman then looks in a room and sees Jumbo Josh. He was shackled to the floor. Batman presses the button. "Criminal number five, the green gorilla, was captured by falling victim to an intricate trap that was designed and set up in the feeding sector by yours truly. So far, the green gorilla has been chained, so not too much information has been retrieved. So far today, we have received seven cases in only a few hours. It's very unnatural. Something up above has happened that's causing these cases to end up down here. It hurts seeing familiar faces in this state, but I cannot risk my health to help old friends that may have gone mad." Batman then leaves. The whole thing made him think of Arkham.

...

Batman arrived at the transport and got to the Ventilation Sector.

...

Batman observed the area. There was a tree Poison Ivy would probably like. Batman had to play another game to move on. Batman also found a report about Bouncelia. It talks about whatever it is in her pouch. It says that any and all Givanium-grown bodies experience a lot of difficulty leaving the pouch once inside, and especially more so if Bouncelia chooses to hold the pouch shut.

...

After finishing the game, Batman moves on. Batman then enters a room and finds someone he should have expected. "Bittergiggle," says Batman. He then leaves the room. Batman tries to go after him, but the door shuts. Then a creature that looked like a cross between a cat and a dinosaur shows up. It came after Batman, so he had to run and activate some switches on the floor. Batman also tricked it into hitting its head a lot. Eventually, it was knocked out. A door opens and Batman goes through.

...

After Batman gets out, he sees a mural of that creature. "Kittysaurus says Meow at friends! Roar at the face of enemies!" Batman then finds a note that was left by one of the scientists. Batman then enters another room. This one had the Queen Bouncelia challenge. Batman had to collect eight crystals. Batman gets them all and gets another card. Batman then exits.

...

Batman finds the third and final part. "Like a bug to a zapper," says Bittergiggle, "I won't lie. I thought the dinosaur would finish you off, but if trapping you will get you out of my way too then who am I to complain? I'd tell you a fitting joke, but I know that you have a problem with jokes."

"And how do you know so much about me," asks Batman.

"Take a look at my case file," says Bittergiggle, "it's under that chair!"

Batman then finds it and reads it and is horrified. It speaks of how a scientist snuck into Arkham and gained a sample from one of the inmates. One who loved a good laugh, but when the scientist realized how evil this man was, he had to get a sample from the man's psychiatrist too, hoping she could balance it out. That's when Batman realized... "You're the unholy spawn of the Joker and Harley Quinn," says Batman.

"Plus, the Givanium," says Bittergiggle, "I did say you were a family friend, didn't I?"

"And your moves," says Batman, "that's where I've seen them before! You fight like Quinn!"

"The closest people to me denied me what I was made to do," says Bittergiggle, "people who were genetically programmed to laugh at my every joke! They cited some end-of-the-world scenario where whatever's in the queen's pouch escapes if I make her laugh, but I'm not buying it. I was distraught, and I became dead set on making the ultimate jokester."

"Those creatures that resemble you," says Batman, "you made them!"

"Yes, but after failing time and time again, I realized something," says Bittergiggle, "I AM the ultimate jokester. There was nobody better to be made, even if by me. With the sheriff occupied thanks to you, reaching the queen will be a piece of cake. I will go now, because unlike you, my path to having my family back has never been clearer. Hey, I did what Mom and Dad could never do... I escaped from Batman!" Bittergiggle then left.

Batman then used his drone to activate a switch that opens the door. "Time to show him why his parents have so much trouble with me," says Batman. Batman enters that room where he met Kittysaurus and sees it's gone. "Great, not only do I have to deal with stopping a Joker/Harley Quinn Hybrid clone from making a giant purple kangaroo laugh, but I also have to watch out for a dinosaur/cat thing. Better get moving!

...

Batman returned to the kingdom. Batman stops and looks at the mural of the characters. He realizes something, Bittergiggle, Zolphius, Kittysaurus, Tamataki and Chamataki are absent from it. Strange. Batman then moves on.

...

Batman arrives in the Queen's throne room where he sees Bittergiggle and Kittysaurus have her held up. Robin was with her. "Your majesty, I have finally come to do what I was made for," says Bittergiggle, "and deliver my jokes. This is my best batch yet!"

"I command you to leave and not tell any jokes," says Bouncelia. She then jumped down, but that causes Robin to fall into a vat of Givanium. "Oh no!"

"Robin," says Batman.

"Look at what you have done," says Bouncelia.

Robin then comes out as a bird monster.

"Aww, they grow up so fast," says Bittergiggle, "too bad she's about to get completely crushed."

Robin then attacks Kittysaurus.

"This is chaos," says Bouncelia.

Batman then thinks about how Joker killed his second Robin and attacks Bittergiggle. The two fight. "I'm going to tell my joke," says Bittergiggle.

"It's hard to tell jokes when your neck is broken," says Batman.

Bittergiggle then kicks Batman in his vulnerable area and pushes him off. "I've followed every single one of your orders," says Bittergiggle, "why won't you give me that satisfaction one last time? All I want is to make you laugh."

"But you know what will happen if I laugh," says Bouncelia.

"I do," says Bittergiggle, "and I told myself time and time again that some things are more important than laughter. But I can't wait anymore. I need to make you laugh, even if just for a little bit! I can't be put aside again! I am nothing without a ruler to entertain! I am sorry. Your majesty, tell me. What did the train conductor say to the kangaroo? Hop on!"

"That. Was. Terrible." She then bursted out laughing and her pouch was glowing.

"We gotta run," says Toadster, "the entire floor's going down! The Naughty Ones are escapin'! I managed to get the elevator to work, but only partially. It can only go down, but right now we have to escape this entire floor to anywhere else."

...

Batman and Toadster then get on an elevator that a sleeping Flynn was on. "Everything we worked so hard to build... Just ruined..." says Toadster, "I've let the other prisoners go but grabbed this one. The things he knows will definitely be useful. If we make it down there alive, we need to find the queen's scepter. It's the only thing that can stop this madness..."

To Be Continued