Chapter 6:

"The thought of what could be happening on the floor above terrifies me..." says Toadster. "Picture hundreds of angry animals finally escaping with only one thing capable of giving them peace, and that's to get you and your friends: their captors. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. We're in big trouble, partner. We can't stay here long. Unless you want to be swallowed whole with sharp teeth making you easier to digest."

"Then we better get moving," says Batman. He then uses his drone to open a door. "There has got to be easier ways to open these doors."

"Sorry, next time, we'll make it more simple for intruders," says Toadster.

They then heard Bittergiggle's laugh. "I really hate clowns," says Batman.

"That's our ticket out of here, partner," says Toadster, "I know a place where we can hold up. It ain't the prettiest, but it should be unoccupied at least."

...

Batman and Toadster were going through this field. It was dark, but the streetlights were on. Then all the lights were off. "Oh what," asks Toadster, "come on. We can't stay in the dark! Let's head to that light over there!"

Ironic. Normally, Batman rules the dark, but this is an instance where he may have to be afraid of it! Luckily, Batman always fights his fears.

...

Batman and Toadster make it. "We should be safe for now," says Toadster, "man, do I not miss this place. This is where I took refuge after being dumped down here by your kind. Many cold and lonely nights have been spent here. Ones that I wish to forget. I was found by the queen and Bittergiggle and a couple of others and was foolish enough to let myself believe that things could get better. But here I am. Back to square one. Like I told you earlier, we need to get the queen's scepter as soon as possible. It's the one thing that can allow us to recontain the Naughty Ones and seal the door behind them. We had it stored in this room away from anyone that could get to it, hoping we would never have to use it again. But here we are. The door opens by activating four switches across the different sectors on this floor. The Naughty Ones despise the light." Toadster gets another look at Batman. "Something you might have in common with them. Anyway, stay in lit spaces. The first thing we should do is find a way to safely get to the other sectors. Let's have a look around."

Batman then takes a look. Batman then sees a room that's way high up. He could use the pipes as stairs to get up there, but instead, he uses his grappling gun to get up there. Upon entering, Batman sees how dark it is. He activates the night vision setting on his mask and watched out for Naughty Ones. Batman then finds something, but then he turns around and saw a strange figure. Whatever it is, it attacks him...

...

Batman then wakes up. He felt strange... He then finds a book but ignores it. He then finds some gears and equips it to his drone. Now it has a light source. Batman then grapples out and regroups with Toadster, but also finds Banbaleena. "Hey partner, do you happen to know anything about someone who tricks others and imprisons them? This dame claims someone kidnapped and imprisoned her for some time, but she managed to escape."

"I may have heard that rumor," says Batman, "as well as the one about the psycho who tries to kill people for skipping class."

"I didn't get a good look at them," says Banbaleena.

"I have a feeling the culprit is incredibly clever and good at what he does," says Toadster, "and that he's very handsome." Batman rolls his eyes.

"I didn't say that..." says Banbaleena.

"My gut feeling is never wrong," says Toadster, "and something tells me HE IS very handsome. But you came to the right place, miss. It should be safe here for now."

"My students are my responsibility," says Banbaleena, "I can't teach without a full attendance list. The principal would be very mad if I did."

"We ought to find the culprit," says Toadster, "but let's make sure we are alive to do so first. How about you head over to the Introduction Sector and look for the first switch. I'll have Stinger Flynn transported here. Mrs. Mason, you seem to have been through a lot, and we need everyone to stay focused. I think you should rest for now. May we get through this alive."

Batman then headed for the Introduction Sector. He uses his drone to light it up. He had to stay in the light. While there, Batman finds a note. Some kid tells his mother they will not talk to the face like Miss Mason said. The face is Zolphius. And Toadster called Banbaleena Mason. Batman then activates the switch. Batman then enters the sector. Batman then opens a door and finds Bittergiggle. He was prepared to fight. "A... Are they gone," asks Bittergiggle.

Batman stands down. "Yes," says Batman.

"Don't worry," says Bittergiggle, "I... I'm not going to hurt you. I've done enough damage as it is... I know it doesn't make up for what I've done and trying to take you down and you wouldn't trust me because of who my parents are, but I'm sorry. I truly am. I don't know what came over me. I just... Couldn't hold myself back... I knew the consequences well, and I still went ahead and said that stupid joke! And now the queen's probably dead because of me... I wouldn't blame you if you don't forgive me, but I will be very thankful if you do. Just know I'll do my best to make up for what I did. You're here for the switch to the room where the scepter is, right? It's in here, but it's inside of that locker. I can't figure out what to do..." Batman then begins solving another puzzle, but then an alarm went off. "We gotta hide! Get in here!" Batman then goes hiding in the room with Bittergiggle. "We gotta wait until whatever video is playing outside ends. Don't. Say. A word."

"Hello? Anybody in there? It's your friend, Banban. I need your help..." Batman notices it doesn't sound like Banban.

"He's already out," asks Bittergiggle, "don't even think about opening this door."

"Open up..." He then starts banging on the door. "OPEN UP!"

"The lights are turning back on," says Bittergiggle, "I think the video is ending. It's worse than I thought. And it's all because of me."

"Who was that," asks Batman.

"We should probably go back to wherever you came from. On the way back, I'll think of some jokes that might distract the Sheriff from obliterating me on sight."

The locker opens and Batman hits the switch.

...

"You have a lot of guts showing up here, Bittergiggle," says Toadster, "I should take you out where you stand. Did you really think I would allow you in here? And look who it is, my partner is fighting crime turns out to be working with our most wanted criminal behind my back."

"I don't really trust Bittergiggle myself," I said, "especially after learning where his genomes came from, but right now, we may need his help in cleaning up his mess!"

"I had a bad feeling about you," says Toadster, "I wanted to use you as bait for the other criminals, but the queen insisted we give you a chance."

"Look, we could discuss this now, but I have a question," says Batman, "there was a voice! What are we dealing with?"

"The Father," says Bittergiggle.

"You two should go," says Toadster, "your fate in here won't be much better than your fate out there with the Naughty Ones. I don't need no partners. I'll find Robin, and together we'll rid the world of monsters like you."

Then this large leech monster knocked him and Banbaleena down. "A Naughty One," Batman guesses. It takes Banbaleena away.

"No," says Toadster, "I'll save you!"

Toadster then runs after them.

"Let's get out of here," says Bittergiggle. Batman and Bittergiggle then ran next to Stinger Flynn. "Okay... We're safe for now. So, there's that."

"Oh... It's you two... The duo of destruction. Didn't you cause all of this to happen," asks Flynn.

"I did... And I plan to make up for it," says Bittergiggle.

"And you still have to answer for the kids you took," says Batman.

"Everyone you care to see you redeem yourself is probably already gone, so what's the point?"

"How do you even talk," asks Bittergiggle, "jellyfish have no brain. We should go turn on the other switches of the door. Let's head to the potentiality sector next."

"We're still not finish, Flynn," says Batman.

...

Batman enters and sees a Bittergiggle clone split in half. The halves were arguing with each other. "So, that's what it would look like if Harvey actually rebelled against Two-Face," says Batman. The two then fall off the wooden pole and into the abyss.

...

Batman then finds another Bittergiggle clone. He was probably the craziest. "I will find it! The perfect joke!"

...

Batman then enters a room and finds Banban. "Glad to know you survived the madness happening outside," says Banban.

"I'm just glad to know there's someone I can trust," says Batman.

"So, you trust me, then," asks Banban.

"Only because you're the only one here who doesn't seem to hate me," says Batman.

"I've seen cases escape containment before, but nothing this crazy," says Banban, "so, I assume you're here for an important reason."

"I'm looking for a switch," says Batman.

"I'll come with you," says Banban.

...

Batman and Banban find a door. "This one needs opening as well," says Banban. Batman opens the door, and they step out. "Look at this place. It seems really familiar, but I'm not sure where I could've seen something like this." Batman looks around. This must've been where Banban came from.

As Banban walks away, Batman solves this room's puzzle. After completing it, a door opens, and a little naughty one comes out and leaves. "I have a bad feeling about this," says Batman.

"Hey, is that guy over there a friend of yours," asks Banban. Batman looks and sees something that looks like the Naughty Ones but has arms and a tie and lacks the ears. Batman realizes that's the voice! That's the Father! "You can tell him to get down now. It's not like we're gonna eat his pancreas." He then attacks Banban.

"So... you're my liberator. Did you get my warning? You had your chance to escape my mayhem." He then roars, but then Bittergiggle attacks him. The creature then tosses Bittergiggle aside and leaves.

Batman then checks on Banban and Bittergiggle. They're both out cold.

...

Batman was walking, but then Bittergiggle shows up. "Hold up," says Bittergiggle, "let's stay together. My head hurts... Did you see where Sir Dadadoo went after our skirmish? Wait. I know this place. The switch should be on the office above, but getting in there won't be easy. We would have to activate the four locks on the door from down here, but they need fixing first, and they need power. I can fix them if there is power, but I remember the Sheriff rigging the power switch so that it would alert the entire facility to our location if activated. It would trigger an alarm, which is sure to attract some unwanted guests. If you could give me cover from above while I fix these switches down here, we might just be able to get into that office."

"First, you have to tell me who Dadadoo is," says Batman.

Bittergiggle sighs. "Like I said, he's the father," says Bittergiggle, "Dadadoo once saved the queen's life, so she knighted him. He became her right-hand man, and one thing led to another and... the kids were born! Let's get to work!"

...

Batman feels like everyone has some sort of secret in this place. He then finds a report about Nabnab. It talks about a plan to lure him in... basically Nabnaleena. Batman hits the switch and the alarm goes off.

"Don't panic," says Bittergiggle, "that was expected. Keep your eyes on the twelve lights around me. If they turn red, point one of the light poles at them. You can control them. If too many turn red without your interference, we are done for! Eyes on the ceiling too. The light up there needs to be recharged after each use. Here they come!"

"Where's Green Lantern when you need him," asks Batman.

The Naughty Ones keep coming and Batman keeps shining the lights on them.

"Done," says Bittergiggle, "activate the switch and let's head back. I don't want to spend another minute in this place."

Before Batman activates the switch, he finds a report about Case #4, the Surgeon. Batman then activates the switch.

...

As Batman and Bittergiggle were walking, Batman was hearing voices talking about their 'Dada'.

"Hang on," says Bittergiggle, "we need to talk."

"What is it," asks Batman.

"We've been making great progress so far," says Bittergiggle, "and it's really getting my spirits up. I'm in the mood to tell a joke. Ready?"

Batman sighs. "I guess there's no way you could cause this again," says Batman.

"What do you call a toad that's upset," asks Bittergiggle, "Unhoppy!"

Bittergiggle giggles, but so do the Naughty Ones.

"What," asks Batman.

"Did you hear that," asks Bittergiggle, "they... Laughed... Last time I told a joke all I heard was yelling..."

...

Batman and Bittergiggle find Banban. "All we need is one more switch and we're good to grab the scepter," says Bittergiggle, "I guess you could say our day won't be scep-terrible for much longer! Anything happen while we were away?"

"Nothing," says Banban, "it's strange..."

"I agree," says Bittergiggle, "Sir Dadadoo is up to no good."

"Nabnab showed up," says Banban, "although I'm not sure if anyone would be happy to hear this. He tried some of his usual shenanigans, so I put him in a cage. Also, your big cat friend just walked in here like it knew the place. I didn't dare get close to it."

"Really," asks Bittergiggle, "I need to go see her. She's one of the few that appreciate my jokes."

"Stinger Flynn wanted a word," says Banban, "it feels weird being on the same side again after all that's happened."

First, Batman went with Bittergiggle to look at Kittysaurus. "Fun fact about her," says Bittergiggle, "her genomes came from a normal cat. I think that belonged to a... Selena Kyle!"

Batman looks at Kittysaurus. "That makes sense," says Batman. He then walks over to Nabnab. Batman then walks away and goes to Stinger Flynn. "What do you want now?"

"I wanted to let you know that this is all happening because of you," says Flynn, "never convince yourself otherwise."

"Funny, because the voice in my head still says, 'blame the jellyfish who took the kids'," says Batman.

"If you hadn't intervened with my plan or the queen's, you'd be home on your warm bed," says Flynn.

"Do I look like someone who'd rather be in bed then let kids be held against their will," asks Batman.

"Also, I would be free of my shackles, and everyone you have hurt would not have been hurt."

"While I don't approve of you being free at this moment, you do at least have a good point on everyone else," says Batman.

"And ask yourself this," says Flynn, "if I wasn't hooked up to pipes that drained me of my Givanium and shrunk my size. Could my original size have aided us in our predicament?"

"I wouldn't have had a reason to come here if you didn't take those kids," says Batman, "is your little fantasy worth any of this madness?"

"Because of your foolish decisions, we are even less likely to ever get back to the children," says Flynn.

"Well, right now, I have to make sure the kids don't get eaten by those things," says Batman.

"Assuming they haven't already," says Flynn.

Batman then punches Flynn in the eye. "This conversation is over," says Batman.

"Wait," says Flynn, "there's another thing I wanted to show you! It sure looks like you needed it!"

...

Now, Batman's on a bridge with Banban, Nabnab, Stinger Flynn, Opila, and Captain Fiddles. The wrong bus comes, and Captain Fiddles gets on it...

...

After that, Batman just walks away. He goes to Bittergiggle. "We should have the last switch activated," says Bittergiggle, "I found two of these keycards lying around. Banban... I mean Uthman took one and left one for you. He saw you taking a nap and decided to head there alone. You should be able to catch up with him. He gets really jest-erratic when I call him Banban. Do you know why that is?"

"He thinks he's his progenitor," says Batman, as he picks up the keycard.

"Wow, I bet you're glad that didn't happen to me," says Bittergiggle.

Batman then moves on.

...

Batman finds the destination of the final switch. It's strange, but Dadadoo is another character that isn't in the mural, like Bittergiggle, Kittysaurus, Zolphius, or Tamataki & Chamataki. Maybe they were thought of after that mural was made? Anyway, Batman had to solve another puzzle just to open a door. The door opens and Batman goes through.

...

Now he's in some kind of surgical room. "Hello, Giant."

Batman looks and sees these heads. "Stop! Father told us not to talk to strangers."

"But we need help! Did you see our Father around? He didn't come by today."

"He has more arms than you. More than us as well, obviously... If you see him, please tell him we need him to come back!"

Batman then sees the sign. The Syringeon Mission. Batman has to collect eight lollipops.

After Batman collects them all, a door opens, and he finds a report about Queen Bouncelia. It talks about how she and Case 18 were producing cases of their own. It's talking about how Bouncelia had kids with Dadadoo! Batman then jumps down a hole.

...

He sees where's he's landed. "Quick," says Banban, "stay in the middle where it can't reach you!" Batman looks and sees the mutated Robin. "I was about to set a trap for that thing, but now we gotta get you out! Actually, we can do both. You're surrounded by an electricity trap. But they need a lot of power. Big Batteries scattered in the tents in the corner. Have something do as much noise as possible, and then make a run for it while it's distracted!" Batman then attaches a speaker to a kabob man, and it makes noise, distracting Robin, allowing Batman to get to a tent and he gets a battery. "I don't think it will fall for the same trick twice, but you still need the other battery! Try and distract it differently, even if slightly!" Batman attaches boxing gloves to the kabob man, and it distracts her again, allowing Batman to get another battery from another tent. Using the batteries, Batman was able to activate the trap. "It's activated and a large radius should be covered! Get the bird to dive one more time!" Batman then uses himself as bait. Robin comes for him, but she gets in the trap and then gets knocked out. Batman checks on her. "If we get through this, we should hire you as a safety trainer. I don't know how long we'll be safe for, so let's get out of here. Stay where you are, and I'll see what I can do about that big door."

Batman looks at Robin and pets her beak. "I'm sorry," says Batman.

The big door opens, and Batman goes through. Batman then hits a switch and just as Robin was about to attack him again, the door closes. The door then opens and Robin's back to being a normal baby bird monster. Batman then checks to see if she's alright. Robin then runs off. Batman wasn't sure whether or not that's a good idea.

"That is not something I want to experience again," says Banban, "does that usually happen with your 'Robins'?" Batman doesn't answer. "I'll look for the switch where I am, and you look where you are. Let me see if I can open that exit for you."

The exit opens and Batman finds an armless Bittergiggle clone next to the switch. "Go ahead. Press the thing. Nothing bad will happen, I promise." Batman does so. "See? I told you nothing bad will happen." Batman then walks away.

...

After going through another overly complicated obstacle course, Batman regroups with the others.

"When I couldn't find the switch on my floor I headed back," says Banban, "figured I'd get lost trying to find you."

"But you did it," says Bittergiggle, "we can now put an end to the chaos."

"Hold on," says Banban, "first I need to do something. I don't think he'll have Naughty Ones to worry about soon." Banban then releases Nabnab. Nabnab then leaps away. "Let's get this over with." Batman then hits the switch and the door opens. The three then enter the room and they see the trunk that contains the scepter.

"Didn't think I'd be seeing this room again this soon," says Bittergiggle, "the Surgeon is supposed to be in here protecting the scepter. Where'd he go? I doubt he was caught by the Naughty Ones. Everything would be in shameless if he was..."

"Well, we can only look for him if we have the scepter," says Banban, "it seems eerily simple to just click the eject button. Are sure we want to press it?"

Nabnab appears and does so. "No," says Bittergiggle, "Nabnab!" The trunk then opens, and the scepter is revealed. "The scepter... it's missing a piece... That's not good..."

Then Dadadoo came. "So, this is where the key to my prison was stored away," says Dadadoo, "impressive work. All switches activated, the big door opened and the treasure ready to be plundered. I fear this is the part where I come in and take all of your hard work for myself. I can sense I'm not the only one in this room that's good at this. Consider it part of the payback for what was done to me. Plus, I need to make sure history doesn't repeat itself."

"We had no choice," says Bittergiggle, "they were going to destroy us all!"

"You did have a choice," says Dadadoo, "and you chose wrong. Where are the Sheriff and the Surgeon? Surely me coming here and taking the scepter wasn't part of your grand plan."

"I... I don't know where they are," says Bittergiggle.

"I'll tell you," says Dadadoo, "they are hiding like the cowards you all are. But I'll find them, and all will pay. Seems the scepter is incomplete too. Are you going to tell me where the missing piece is or am I going to eat your pet kitty?"

"You won't be doing any of that," says Banban, "forget what happened between us before. You know you've always been my friend. But what are friends for if not for times like these?" He then injects Nanban with something and he becomes a larger more hideous version of himself and attacks Dadadoo. "Run!"

The three then run off.

...

"We need a new plan," says Batman.

"I... I don't think I can go..." says Bittergiggle.

"What," asks Banban, "what do you mean?"

"You wouldn't understand. They appreciate my jokes!"

"Who's they," asks Banban.

"This is my one chance to have an audience, and I'm going to take it! Goodbye!" Bittergiggle then jumps and falls. Batman and Banban continue to run. They get on the elevator. The lights go out and they see Dadadoo with a darker version of almost everyone.

"And this is where they realized that everything, they have worked so hard for was all for nothing," says Dadadoo.

"I'll hold them off," says Banban. He activates the elevator and Batman was going down. "Look for the Surgeon!"

"Uthman," says Batman.

To Be Continued