Arkham Days

The rest of the day seemed to pass by in a blur. It wasn't just my introduction to such a strange and frightening character, but Scarecrows sudden proclamation of ownership. Both made me very uneasy. After the uproar, the guards came and removed us from the activity area placing back in our cells, and locking them. The paramedics came and took the custodian away, Roy, a day shift guard, told me Ted asked him to pass along his thanks, and that he would be alright. I didn't get the chance to ask him any questions. Getting a question answered from the guards during the day shift was like trying to find a rare limited edition Captain Kirk action figure in a room filled with trekkies, it wasn't happening. Our meals were delivered to our rooms, which was unusual since we usually ate as a group in the mess hall. I guess that Joker figure spooked the guards as well. I looked around my cell for something to do. The room, like any room, consisted of four walls, the only difference was, three of mine were padded over cement, and the fourth which held the door was glass, which made going to the bath room for me a little awkward. Luckily, the cells did not face each other, so there was no worry about other inmates peering in on you. One the far wall sat a small steel toilet coupled with a steel sink. We weren't allowed mirrors after some of the inmates started breaking them and using them as weapons on guards, other inmates, or themselves. The ceiling was riddled with fluorescent lights, which made the white in the room have an almost blue tint to them. Lastly, I had a small white cot, with thin sheets, and a worn down pillow. Under my cot I had books stashed away that I rented from the "library", which was just a closet on the second floor of the wing that Oswald or "Penguin", Nigma, and Jervis-the "Mad Hatter" had put together a collection of literature they were allowed and traded them out to inmates for a small price. I preferred Jervis's books, he was the only one that had any kind of fiction all though most were out of date.



I heard the click of the lights being shut off, so I put my book away laying back on my cot. Owen usually, came an hour or so after the lights had been shut off. I figured I would use the time to get some rest and think about what had happened. I was used to hostile inmates, after all Croc and Scarecrow had a hand in that, but what was with Crane's sudden declaration?! I couldn't wrap my head around it no matter what I tried. Of course, knowing him that is exactly what he wa------



My head popped up off the pillow, to see Owen wrapping on the glass. He smiled and gestured for me to come, so I threw my feet off the bed and made my way to the now open door.



"What's going on kiddo? You look a little out of sorts." It was strange how at ease I felt with him, just his voice made my shoulders relax and I couldn't help but feel like the entire day was melting behind me.



"You know," I started,"just one of those days." He nodded and turned to lead me back down the hall, passing by the other cells and their sleeping occupants.



"So," he hesitated before going on. "I hear you were the center of a big brawl today. Aren't you just the trouble maker." He laughed, but I could tell he was worried.



"Center?!" My mouth gaped. "I was certainly not the center. I was merely an innocent bystander who got fed up with the overwhelming stupidity."



"Hm," he slowed his pace. "I also hear you've taken up with Jonathan Crane."



"What?!" His hands shot up over my mouth, to muffle my yell.



"Shhhhhh!" He looked around making sure no one had been alerted. "Geez woman, you tryin' to get me in trouble?!"



"Sorry." I whispered, prying his hands from my face. We turned and continued walking down the hall. I could hear the other guards had already started up the game.



"So, I take it that means you are not shacking up with the like of Scarecrow?" I nodded his affirmation. A grin broke out across his face.



"Good." He grabbed my hand and lead me into the room. The room was just a closet with an old fold out table and some rickety old chairs, and a hanging bulb. The room had already begun to stink of cigar smoke.



"Look fellas! I caught one trying to escape!" He pulled me into him, trusting his arm around my waist and hoisting me up on his hip, like some kind of wayward child.



"Put me down!" I kicked and wiggled against him trying to obtain my freedom, causing the other men to laugh. Finally he put my feet on the ground, and I turned and hit him, waving my fist at him like a four year old to remind him what would happen if he did it again. It only made him and the guys laugh harder, and he threw his hands up in surrender feigning an almost sorry look. I took my seat next to him, as they dealt us into the game. I wasn't really good at poker, but this was the one place in this asylum where they treated me like a human being and not some kind of nut. The game went on for hours, and I didn't make any progress, of course I never expected to. The game ended when two of the players shifts were up and they decided to head home. Owen held his arm out, in a mock-gentlemen fashion to escort me to my cell.



"I have a question." I lowered my voice trying to minimize the echoing in the hall.



"Hm?" His mind seemed else where, but that was good for me. It meant he was more likely to answer my questions with out giving it much thought.



"What exactly did this...Joker guy do?" I bit my lip waiting to see if he would respond right away or if he would edit it for my sake.



"You've never heard of him?" He looked down at me a little shocked. He shrugged. "I guess not, I keep forgetting you don't remember anything from out side this place. He did...a bunch of bad stuff. Attacked some people. You know the usual. He's a complete nut case, if it wasn't for the Bat he'd probably still be out terrorizing everyone." He took the keys from his belt, placing it into the lock and opening the door.



"You should be careful." He reached grabbing my hand, holding it tightly. I looked down surprised my how callused and warm they were. "You should stay away from him. If making friends with enemies means it'll keep Joker off your back you should do it."



"Don't worry about me." I put on a smile. "I'll be fine. The guards have my back."



"I guess your right," he fiddled with my hand dropping his gaze. "Can't help it I guess, little crow." We stood there for a moment silent before I decided to say something. I opened my mouth to tell him I should go to bed, but before the word could even form I felt his lips crush against mine. I didn't mean to become so frigid, but it was so sudden I didn't have time to even think. The kiss was hard, but quick and as soon as it happened it was over. I stood there shocked as he bit his lip looking around the room nervously.



"Ya, soooo..." he stuttered before slowly backing out of the cell. "You should probably get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." Then he locked the door and turned to leave. I backed into my cot, sitting down placing my head in my hands. Honestly, this day and taken a pretty drastic turn, and exhausted by it all I feel asleep with out even realizing it.













Author's Notes



I know, no one of any importance pops up in this chapter. I wanted to take time to build on some of the unknown characters before hopping right back in there with the favorites.