Judge of Character

[witness]

Click.

"Today, a free man walks among us. That's right, folks, the Mad Hatter, a long time foe of Batman has been given a clean bill of health and was released this morning. Hopefully, he won't go back to brainwashing people to do his dirty work for him again.

In related news, another criminal is still out there. The Joker, Batman's arch-enemy, is still at large. He is believed to have died after supposedly falling into a smokestack while battling the Batman.

In other news......."

"Master Timothy? What are you doing?"

"Awww man, I never get a break," he said to himself.

"Master Timothy, have you finished your homework?"

"No......"

"Have you even started on your homework?"

"Well no, but........I just wanted to watch the news!"

"That is not news, that is just plain rubbish. They are simply talking about the latest gossip this city has to offer. Now hand me the remote and get upstairs."

"This just in......"

"Wait a sec, Alfred."

"We are receiving a report now that yet another one of Gotham's worst has just escaped. Our sources say that Two-Face escaped from Arkham Asylum at excatly 2:22PM this afternoon. We'll have more on this breaking story later on the news at five. This is Summer Gleason reporting for Inside Gotham."


Click.


"See Alfred? It pays to watch rubbish every once in a while."

"Yes, well. It won't do you any good if you are not finished with your studies, young man. Now go on upstairs."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going."


::later that night::


"Finally."

Tim closed his books, put away his homework, and headed downstairs for the batcave. Once he got down there, he realized that no one was around. He began to look around when he noticed the batmobile was missing. He heard Alfred coming down the stairs.

"Where did he go?"

"He decided to run a couple of errands. He also told me to tell you that you should get some training done before he came back."

"Great. Another fun night."


::across town::


Gotham Arbors was a terrible place to live for some. It was a low-rent apartment building located in a seedy part of town. To Jervis Tetch, however, it was home. He was in the process of fixing up the place. He wanted it to look its best in case he got any visitors. Little did he know that he would get one so soon.

"Tetch."

"AHHH!"

He whirled around to see Batman standing in front of his open window.

"You! Why are you here?"

"I'm here to give you a message. Make sure you don't screw up Tetch. You know what will happen if you do."

"I realize that, Batman! That place was dreadful! I don't ever want to go there again." He turned away from Batman.

"That's good to hear. But if you make one wrong move, I'll put you right back in Arkham."

"Well, it'll never happen. I'll be sure to stay on the straight and narrow! You can count on me............Batman?"
He turned again towards the window, but no one was there.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Now what?"

He opened the door to find a man standing there.

"Yes?"

"Telegram for a Mr. Jerivs Tetch."

"That would be me."

The man handed him the telegram. Tetch turned around and slammed the door. He opened up the telegram.

It said:


Congratulations on becoming a free man! A small party will be held in your honor tomorrow night at midnight. It will be held at the Iceberg Lounge. Can't wait to see you!

Penguin

"A party? For me? Curiouser and curiouser!"

[Daughterof_Evil]

I have to agree with Hatter, curiouser and curiouser...

I liked the beginning, the mini-battle between Tim and Alfred over homework. And it seems like Tim might get involved in this Two Face thing, which is even more intriguing. I've got to say, enticing. You've got me wondering where you're going with it...

[Batgirl]

Mad Hatter! That is sooo cool! I can't wait! That was very interesting... Wonder what Pengy has got up his sleeve? Maybe it's a going legit party like in Joker's Millions... Loved the homework thing... Poor Timmy... Always got evil homework :sigh: I know how he feels. Great job, please keep it up! And the 2:22 thing for Two Face, very nice touch indeed. Can't wait to see more- uh, one more thing, will we get to hear any verse from the Hatter? Just curious.

[witness]

DoE:

Yay! I'm so pleased that you replyed! It's good to hear from other talented people! If you liked the beginning, check out the preview. That is if you haven't already. I intend to go all over the place with this story. I like stories that have a lot of twists to keep the people guessing.


Batgirl:

I hadn't thought of the Penguin for the preview. That was a good guess. I just never heard of Penguin ever being in Arkham. For Two-Face, I had to do something with his m/o. The time thing seemed to be the most logical choice. I don't know what I'll do about that for the future. As for Hatter, I don't really know his m/o either. He won't be quoting much because I've pretty much been exposed to Batman through the animated series. I may just actually have to do some research for this story.


SilentBob, I know you're still out there. Waiting to hear what you think! Hope to hear from you at least once in a while!


Thanks for the feedback you two! Next chapter will be up in a couple of days!

[Panther]

I agree with everything Batgirl and D of E said and i cannot wait for Peguin's party. Interesting stuff just seems to happen at the Iceburg Lounge. I hope we see more mention of other inmates of Arkam sprinkled throughout. Oh and by teh way - yes the Penguin has been in Arkahm, i can't remember which episode but i definitly remember one where Batman comes and asks Penguin some questions at his cell window.

later

[witness]

::Arkham Asylum::


Batman roamed the halls of the asylum. He paid no attention to the screams, the laughter, or the sobs. He was on a mission. He wanted to find out how Two-Face escaped. There was only one man that could tell him that. Dr. Arkham himself. He stepped into the office that belonged to him. Dr. Arkham was inside looking over some videotape.

"Arkham."

"Geez! Don't sneak up on people like that! Especially around here!"

Batman just stared at him waiting for him to continue.

"I've been looking over Two-Face's interview files from the past month. The tape that I'm watching now was of an interview from a couple of weeks ago."

He played the tape for Batman.

"Harvey, it's time for another friendly chat."

"The name is Two-Face."

"Of course. Two-Face, how are you feeling today?"

Two-Face flipped his coin. It came up on the good side.

"I'm feeling just fine."

"Would you like to tell me what you've been thinking about lately?"

Again, he flipped the coin. This time it came up on the bad side.

"I've been thinking that I shouldn't tell you what I've been thinking."

"You know, Jervis is going to be leaving in a couple of weeks. Wouldn't you like to make an effort to do the same?"

He flipped his coin again. This time he let it land on the floor in front of the doctor. It came up on the good side.

"Yes, I guess I would."

"Splendid! I'll be back later to talk to you again."

Dr. Arkham turned off the tape. He looked at Batman.

"After that session, he didn't put out any effort to become compitent once again. I didn't realize that he was planning to escape. As you know, Two-Face broke out of here earlier today. There was a false alarm at 2pm. It took the security team twenty minutes to comb the place and make sure that no one was missing. Two minutes later, the second alarm went off. We soon realized that Two-Face was gone."

"How did he escape?"

"He was in the recreation room. He took down a guard, took his gun, and held another guard hostage until we let him go. I'm sorry Batman, we had no choice."

"I'll find him."

Batman turned to leave. He went to the special wing where Batman's foes were kept. He wanted to make sure that the others wouldn't try to escape as well. As he walked down the corridor, He stopped briefly at Two-Face's cell. None of the others dared to say anything. They just looked at him. Some, like Killer Croc, menacingly. Others, like the Ventruloquist, a little fearful. He knew that he wouldn't find anything more. He decided that another visit to the Mad Hatter would be the best thing.


::Gotham Arbors::


Jervis was so excited. It was almost time for his party. He wondered if anyone was going to be there. Then he realized that no one was going to show up. They were all locked up in Arkham.
For a second, he didn't want to go. But then again, why let a good party go to waste?

He almost didn't want to even put on his suit. That suit would be the first thing to go, he thought. It was part of his past, his namesake. He would wear it for the party, one last time. He put on the bottle green coat, took his top hat, and headed out the door. When he got outside, he found out that there was a car waiting for him.

"Amazing! The Penguin is going all out for me! I wonder if he wants something in return."


::Iceberg Lounge::


"Wonderful to see you again, Hatter!"

"Likewise, Penguin."

"May I start out with offering you something to drink?"

"I would love some tea, if you don't mind."

"Certainly not! Waitress, go get us some tea!" He turned to Jervis. "So, what's your scheme this time?"

"No scheme! I've finally figured out that the best way to get out of there is to just learn from my mistakes and move on to a better life for myself."

"Really? Well then, I guess we should celebrate the fact that you've been reinstated as a member of society once again! Where's that waitress?"

Just then, a young blonde woman comes out with a silver platter adorned with a steaming teapot, two cups, some cream and some sugar.

"Excellent! Now go and check on the surprise for Mr. Tetch."

"Yes sir."

"I hope you don't mind."

"No! Not at all, Penguin."

"Would you like one lump or two?"

"Just one, thank you."

THWACK!

Jervis slumped over in his chair.

"What's the meaning of this? Young lady, I should have you fired for such an atrocious act!"

"I'd have to actually work for ya' first!"

THWACK!

"Isn't that right, puddin'?"

[Rae]

I certainly wasn't expecting that turn of events. Can't wait to see what the Joker has planned...

[Batgirl]

That was great! I never expected to see her there!

[witness]

(Hey all! I just wanted to get another chapter in before the boards are rearranged once again. Enjoy!)


::Iceberg Lounge::


It wasn't much of a party. Both the host and guest of honor were knocked out cold. The party was just getting started, however, and was to be full of uninvited guests. The first two had already made their entrance. The blonde waitress was holding a mallet. The love of her life had just walked in.

"Another stunning entrance of yours truly, the one, the only, the Joker! And the crowd.......goes.........wild? Geez, there's nobody here! What a waste! Oh well, I have the person I want to talk to here anyway. Harley! Tie them both up."

"Right away, Mr. J!"

Once Harley had finished tying up Hatter and Penguin, she smiled to her beau and waited for her next order.

"All done!"

"Thanks, Harl. Now, why don't you be on the lookout for you-know-who?"

"Sure puddin'!"

She turned around and went into the kitchen.

"Now for the fun part."



::Gotham Arbors::


Batman was standing on a rooftop across from Gotham Arbors, the place where the Mad Hatter was living. He took out a pair of binoculars to see if Tetch was home. After finding out that no one was there, he decided to go in and check for any possible leads on Two-Face.

He entered Hatter's apartment and began to look around. It didn't take him long to find the invitation from the Penguin. Batman quickly called the Batcave.

"Yeah?"

"Robin, I need you to meet me at the Iceberg Lounge. Have Alfred take you and drop you off a few blocks away."

"ALRIIIIIIIGHT!!! I mean, sure thing Batman. Robin out."

Batman found himself smirking at Tim's enthusiasm. He quickly shifted his smile back to a frown and headed for the Iceberg Lounge.


::The Batcave::


"YES!!!!!!! Finally! A chance for some action tonight!"

Tim ran upstairs to find Alfred. He checked the den, the dining room, the living room, the kitchen, practically everywhere. He was about to give up when he met Alfred in the hall.

"Alfred! Batman wants you to take me to the Iceberg Lounge! We have to go now!"

"Master Tim, I'm going to bed!"

"Aw, come on! I have to go! He wants me there!"

"Alright, alright. Just let me get dressed, and then we'll go."

"There's no time for that! We have to go now!"

"Master Tim! I will NOT go outside and drive you around in my pajamas!"

Minutes later, Alfred and Tim were on their way. Tim was changing into his Robin costume in the backseat of the Bentley. Alfred, still in his pajamas, was driving towards the Iceberg Lounge.


::Iceberg Lounge::


"I.....Can't.....BELIEVE THIS!!!! I go through all of this trouble, and no chip!"

The Joker slaps Hatter's face a couple of times. Hatter slowly wakes up. His head is pounding, and his vision is a little blurred, but he could see who was standing before him.

"Wakey wakey, Hatter!"

"Uuuunnnnnnnnhhhhh........What's going on?"

"You guys really know how to throw a party around here, don'tcha? Obviously, someone needed to lighten it up."

"Joker......? What are you doing here?"

"Why I came to see you, of course!"

"What do you want, Joker?"

"Well......."

"Ah. The time has come, said the walrus, to talk of many things."

"There is one thing in particular I'd like to talk about. You helped me out once before with your technology. I thought you'd be willing to let me borrow it again."

"Helped you out??? You stole it from me! Even worse, you put a chip on me!"

"I was hoping that you were the kind of person who wouldn't hold a grudge. Anyways, I find out that you're having a party. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to, um, take those chips again. But, I find out that you don't have any! So, I guess we have to do things the hard way."

"This was the easy way?"

"Don't interrupt! As I was saying, I need those microchips. I'll do anything to get them too. Even kill you. But we don't want it to come to that, do we?"

"No."

"Of course not!" said the Joker, smiling.


:: meanwhile, outside::


Batman was waiting for Robin on the rooftop of the Iceberg Lounge. He heard a car stop a few blocks from where he was. Minutes later, Robin was right by his side.

"Robin, I need you to know what you're up against. Two-Face has escaped. I think that the Mad Hatter knows where he is. The Penguin is in there with him and is throwing a party for him. No telling how many criminals are in there."

"Right."

"All I want you to do is be on the lookout and provide back-up if I need it. Got it?"

"Yeah, let's go."

As Batman and Robin went inside, a shadowy figure came onto the rooftop. The figure was carrying a mallet. Hatter's party was about to get REALLY interesting.

[Daughterof_Evil]

"Master Tim! I will NOT go outside and drive you around in my pajamas!"

THAT, my friend, is a classic!

Keep up the good work! This is really getting exciting!

[Batgirl_2005]

ACK!!! that's it!!! why do you people stop right at the most interesting and intriguing parts!? This is fabu, shway, cool, and... in the words of sunshine- slur! write more!

[Batgirl]

"Master Tim! I will NOT go outside and drive you around in my pajamas!" Hahaha! Classic Tim! Poor Alfred. That was great. Please keep it up! Things are 'about to get REALLY interesting'.

[Panther]

Excellent! I'm bet I know who has the mallet...
Keep it up! Great story!

[witness]

(Loving all the feedback, people! batchik, your response just made me laugh. to answer your question, i stop at the most interesting parts so that you'll come back and read the next one! i hope that wasn't a rhetorical question either. DoE, batgirl, and panther, i'm glad you're all enjoying the story! oh, and panther, thanks for not saying anything.....you'll find out who it is soon enough. one more thing, i can't believe the pajamas line got such a response!)



::Iceberg Lounge::



Batman and Robin climbed through the Penguin's office window. Batman pressed his ear to the door to check if anyone could be outside. The one thing he heard was an unmistakable laugh. He grimaced at the fact the Joker was here. Batman carefully opened the door. No one was in the hallway. With Robin close behind him, they quietly made their way into the dining area. The office was located on the upper level. This gave them an advantage. They walked halfway around on the upper level. Batman motioned for Robin to stay there. Robin lay low as Batman walked towards the other side. Batman positioned himself right above the kitchen door. They waited for their opportunity.


"That's the whole plan! Now do you understand why I need your help?" said the Joker.

"I can't help you. I already told you I don't have the technology! Besides, you can only use it at close range," said the Mad Hatter.

"So?"

"So anyone could spot you a mile away."

"Not if I'm wearing a disguise, you dolt!"

"No, I won't help you! I've changed!"

"Riiiiiiiiiiiiight."

"Yes, that's exactly right!"

"Well, I guess you're leaving me with no choice here. I'll just have to scratch this whole plan now because you won't cooperate! Oh, one more thing.....you'll just have to die now."

The Joker reached into his coat to pull out a gun. Before he could take aim though, it was sent flying. The Joker yelped in pain as a batarang hit the ground. Within seconds, Batman was on the floor in between the Joker and the kicthen. Joker whirled around to face him.

"Batman! Who invited you?"

"Help!" cried Jervis.

"Oh shut up!" said the Joker. He turned his attention to Batman again. "You know, we could have a nice little throw-down here, but I don't want to get into that sort of thing. Heh heh. You have a decision to make here. Go a couple rounds with me, or free the captive audience! So, what's it gonna be?"

Batman stood straight up and folded his arms over his chest.

"Robin!"

Within seconds, Robin was standing next to Jervis and a still knocked-out Penguin. He took out a knife and began to cut the ropes.

"Oh, great! You brought a little help. Wonderful. Could you excuse me for just a minute?"

The Joker sidestepped Batman. Batman turned to face him, but didn't move otherwise. The Joker, while keeping an eye on Batman, called out for Harley.

"Haaaaaar-leeeeeey!!!!"

They both heard a loud crash in the kitchen. The door opened, with Harley's back towards everyone. When she turned around, the Joker growled. She was holding a plate and fork, eating a big piece of cake. Icing was covering her mouth.

"Yeah, boss?" she mumbled while she chewed. "Uh-oh....."

"Harley, can you tell me what's wrong with this picture?"

Harley swallowed the last bite hard.

"Ummm.....Batman's standing right next to you?"

"Go on......."

"Robin's untying the other two people?"

"Exactly! Batman and Robin showed up and you were in there STUFFING YOUR FACE WITH CAKE!!!!!!! Get the car, NOW!!!"

Harley quickly dropped the plate and went back into the kitchen.

"Well, Batsy, it's been fun, but I really have to get going now. Ta."

The Joker quickly hurried through the kitchen door, dropping a bag of marbles behind. Once they hit the ground, they started exploding.

BOOM!

The first explosion woke up the Penguin.

"What? What in the world is going on in here???"

Robin quickly pushed him and Jervis to the other side of the room. Batman was right behind them. A few explosions later, and the chaos was over. The Joker had gotten away. Once the smoke had cleared, Batman looked around to survey the situation. The marbles had caused a lot of damage. Needless to say, the Iceberg Lounge would be closed for awhile until the renovations could be completed. Batman looked up at the second floor. He thought he saw a shadow move.

"Robin, stay here."

He went upstairs to investigate. Batman's hunch was right. He saw the office door close just as he made it to the upper level. Batman raced through the office to find out who else was there. He climbed up to the rooftop. He scanned the rooftops as far as he could see, but there was no one. Whoever it was, was gone. He went back inside to see what information he could get out of the two.

After Batman went inside, a figure stepped out from behind a smokestack. The figure was mainly black except for the top of the head. The person was still holding the weapon of choice. Slowly, the figure made its way down to the ground.

Back inside, the Penguin was squawking at how awful the place looked, how much it was going to cost him, and how much he wanted to stick it to the Joker, fully knowing that it would never happen. The Mad Hatter was just standing there at a loss of what to do.

He couldn't believe it. He wasn't out of the Asylum for little more than a day and already his life was being threatened. He never found out what the Penguin really wanted. If it was just a party or if he had something else in mind. Then there was the Joker. How in the world could he keep himself safe if the Joker wants his microchips? He knew that Joker wouldn't stop until he got them. What then? Should he help Joker out? Or should he leave town? Even Batman couldn't protect him at all hours of the day. Sooner or later, Joker would show up again. He decided that he would let fate handle this one. He just wanted to go home. Since he didn't get here on his own, he just thought that a walk would do. So he began to walk to his apartment.

Batman had re-entered the lounge. He walked towards Robin.

"Where's Tetch?"

"He left. I told him to stop, but I couldn't leave the Penguin out here with his temper flaring."

"You! You two are to blame for this whole mess! Why, if you hadn't shown up, this place wouldn't have been blown to bits!" squawked the Penguin.

"If we hadn't shown up, you would have died. You know firsthand how dangerous the Joker is," replied Batman.

That statement seemed to calm the Penguin down.

"So, where did you go?" asked Robin.

"I thought I saw something upstairs. When I went to check, the office door was closing. Someone else was definately here. I just wish I knew who it was."

[Batgirl_2005]

"Exactly! Batman and Robin showed up and you were in there STUFFING YOUR FACE WITH CAKE!!!!!!! Get the car, NOW!!!"

LOL... I am most intrigued by this! it is VERY interesting... MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

[Panther]

hahaha! LOL! Oh! >let me catch my breath!< Man, /that/ was classic. I could totally see Harley coming out stuffing herself with cake. Loved it! And penguin "squaking" was an excellent touch. I'm very intrigued as to what Joker's got up his slerve. At this rate, who else from the Rogue gallery is going to show up...?



Write more!

[Batgirl]

heehee! That was great! I loved the Harley cake thing. Typical for her. Please keep it up! I thought the mallet bearer was Harley... now I'm really really curious... Please post more soon!

[witness]

(wow! already up to the fifth chapter! i knew you all would enjoy harley's moment of glory in that last chapter. i figured it would get a laugh or two. a few more bits of humor won't hurt this story at all. Panther, you'll be seeing a few more of arkham's finest. for some reason, it's a lot funnier when there's more than one showing up in a story. some of them will be cameos, of course. since i'm bringing in a lot of villians, i figured i should add another hero into the mix. i just thought of it today too! should prove to be interesting. also, as for the joker's plans, you know whatever they are, they're big. this time it's really big. batgirl, i wanted people to think it was harley carrying that mallet. want to know who it really is? read on!)



The Mad Hatter had walked for about an hour. He was becoming really depressed. His life was being threatened.....not that he had much of a life outside of crime anyway. He decided to go to the one place he felt safe.

He always enjoyed his time here. He found this park when he first moved to Gotham City. Wonderland Park was a beautiful place for people to go. It was unfortunate that his last memory here was of fighting against Batman for the first time. It didn't look like much had changed. Even though the city had refurbished the park, hardly anyone went inside.


::Funnibone Shipping Co.::


"Well, now you've done it!" said the Joker. "You can't even be a lookout anymore! What's the matter with you?"

"Gee, mistah J, are you gonna hold that cake thing against me?"

"You think I should just let it slip? Batman and Robin were right there!!! You almost ruined my entire master plan....even before I could get it started!!!!!!!!"

"Ummm.....what exactly is your master plan again?"

Joker slapped his hand to his face and shook his head in dismay.

"This is becoming too much of a chore. Ok, I'll explain it to you one last time. I get those mind-control chips from Hatter. I place those chips on certain people. Then, with those certain people, I can take control of the city!"

"You think you can pull it off?"

Joker shot her a look.

"Bad question?"

"This plan will work only if Hatter comes through for me! And he better too, if he knows what's good for him! But now, we have to be extra careful. Batman probably already knows that I want his help. I don't know how long he was there, so I don't know how much of my plan he heard. Try not to screw it up for me again, kay?"

"Sure thing, mistah J."


::Wonderland Park::


The Mad Hatter finally sat down at his favorite spot in the park. He was sitting on a leaf, next to a giant statue of a smoking caterpillar. It was his favorite thinking spot. He was thinking if he should help the Joker or not when he heard a commotion over near the entrance.

The noise was coming closer to where he was. He jumped off of the leaf and hid behind the caterpillar. What he saw was a few boys. They seemed to look like they were part of some gang.

"Hey Ollie!" said one of the thugs. "This looks like it'll be the perfect spot!"

"Yeah, we'll show this city that we mean buisness!" said another.

"Guys, I know we're all excited here, but this is just small time stuff. Soon though, the people of this city will fear our gang!" said Ollie.

Hatter snorted at the last statement. If Batman shows up here, this gang will fall to pieces he thought.

"Time for this city to know that the Skulls mean buisness!" shouted Ollie, the apparent leader.

"Yeah!" "Alright!" "Let's trash this place!" responded the others.

Trash the place? Over my dead body.... thought the Hatter. He looked at them intensely. They were shaking up what appeared to be a bunch of spray cans. Hatter was getting ready to confront them when he saw a shadow of someone moving behind them. He stopped. Ha! So much for this gang! Hatter enjoyed watching the scene unfold as the shadowy figure stepped into the light.

His delight turned to bewilderment when the figure turned out to be someone other than Batman. This guy was carrying something in his hands. It was a mallet. He was dressed in a long black robe and had what looked like to be a white wig on his head.

The figure raised the mallet over his head and pounded it on the ground. He did this twice more before he spoke. When he spoke, Hatter's mood turned into a state of shock.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Everyone turned around except for Ollie. Ollie began to cower in fear from the person that was behind him. Then he spoke.

"Court is now in session...."

Ollie slowly turned around. Before him stood The Judge.

[Batgirl_2005]

ACK!!! The judge!!!!!!! I love this story!!!! witness!!! You are one of the best writers I know! I love your writing! and I am flattered that you read my story, and seem to enjoy it.

hehehe... I love Harley! hehehe

[Oracle]

Argh!! Another cliffhanger! Your story is awesome witness. I love how you're working all the villians into it. Oooh, and the Judge! Can't wait for more!