A Strangle of Veins

Disclaimer: please look at the first chapter to find the disclaimer.


Hi everyone thanks again for the reviews its really nice to know people are enjoying
it. :-) I'm very sorry that there has been such a long gap between chapter 2 and chapter 3;I've been extremely busy, but I should be able to get them out more often now.

There are two new character introductions, from the Batman Universe so not ones that I've created, but I won't spoil who they are, you'll have to read to find out ;-p. Hope you enjoy this chapter and again sorry it took so long to be written.

Chapter 3 – A Girl Broke My Window

Jim Gordon held Estell tightly in his arms, hurrying back the way they'd came, to reach their previously intended destination, which had been Dr. Arkham's office before this whole fiasco had happened. She was still unconscious but as far as he could tell she was no longer in distress, but he wanted to get her to a secluded part of Arkham away from the patients, so that when she did wake up there would be nothing else to alarm her...hopefully, and Dr. Arkham's office sounded like the best place.

He was furious with himself for being so careless; he new she was already quite edgy and he should have thought to make sure she was ok when it had all kicked off. Now the poor girl had been sent into shock, having encountered the Joker all on her own. He knew he couldn't have physically harmed her but he also knew, from reading Estell's files, that she was highly psychic; the Joker had a knack for getting into peoples' heads and screwing them up, he shuddered to think what it would be like for someone with sensitive telepathic abilities. Estell could have easily gotten inside HIS head and......god he dreaded to think of all the horrid things going on in that man's mind.

He got the impression that Dr. Evans saw it quite differently, she had already voiced the opinion that Estell's condition had most likely been brought on by a telepathic episode, and had sounded quite excited if that was the case. He guessed for a psychiatrist that the possibility of getting direct access into the Joker's mind, or any difficult patient, would be a real break through. Either way her mood had definitely perked up since their arrival because she was no longer scowling, however she had still been storming ahead of them, not really taking any interest in whether Estell was ok. He wondered how it was possible for her to spend the majority of her time apparently helping people overcome serious mental illnesses, when so far she had came across as just cold and abrupt. Surely her job required some compassion?

They had finally arrived at Dr. Arkham's office, which was crammed full with several other doctors, they'd heard what had happened and wanted to know more details. Jim frowned a little at this, he was sure that it wouldn't help Estell to wake up surrounded by people she had a phobia of. He saw that there was a medical bed set up in the corner of the room, which he guessed had been put there for Estell upon her arrival. He placed her on it carefully as Dr. Arkham came over to inspect her, he checked all her vitals, which appeared to be perfectly normal.

“Well she seems fine, but we'll have to wait and see once she wakes up, it appears that the poor girl just fainted out of shock, I think that perhaps its best she's taken home, and we'll arrange another day for her to come in.”

There was a grumbled murmur amongst the other doctors. A young blonde woman, around her early twenties, stepped forward. Jim noted she had a kinder disposition than Dr. Evans.

“Sir I'd like to stop you there if I may? I know this girl has been put through quite a lot today, but I really do feel its necessary that we carry on as planned, I don't think we can have any further delays with the twins' progress, I mean we've pretty much lost Val, but perhaps there is some hope for Tari. Lately she's been more responsive to my questioning and I've already told her she's going to be visited by her younger sister today. I get the impression that I'll loose trust in her if she doesn't and then we'll be back to square one. It might even do Estell some good, after today's events, to be able to see Tari.”

Having blurted all that out, without taking so much as a breath in between sentences, and now struggling to catch it back, the young doctor stood nervously biting her lip waiting for his response; she was new here and even though she was incredibly flattered to be given such a prestigious case, she wasn't sure if she had just spoken completely out of line and she could tell that the rest of the doctors were now smirking not so kindly at her, hoping she was about to get her head bitten off. They were all very jealous that she had been given Tari and Val as patients. She caught Dr. Evans smiling cruelly at her, that women had given her nothing but trouble ever since she started, having been here a long time Dr. Evans had been hoping to be given the twins herself and was very angry when she didn't. All that woman seemed to strive for was fame, you'd think she'd lay off her a bit now that she'd been given the Joker case, but obviously not.

After what seemed like an eternity to her Dr. Arkham finally spoke after regarding what she had said. “Well Dr. Quinzel, I can see where you are coming from, but we shouldn't forget the mental states of our visitors, as psychiatrists its our job to look out for the welfare of all people, not just the ones in our care.” The other doctors began to snigger and he saw her blush a bit at his statement. He sighed inwardly at their childish behaviour and decided to cut her some slack, she had so far proven herself to be an excellent psychiatrist. Clearing his throat to make the others shut up he continued.

“However, considering that both the twins were un-responsive when they first arrived at the asylum, it is quite remarkable that you've come this far with Tari, so I do trust your judgement on the matter and I am willing to let today's schedule continue, ON the condition that Estell is ok to do so, if I feel that she isn't then I'm afraid we will have to re-schedule.”

Dr. Quinzel was a little surprised by this sudden praise, thinking that he was going to continue by telling her off for interrupting him, and beamed at the possibility of continuing with her sessions as planned. She didn't want to put Estell through any un-needed stress either, but she believed she'd reached a crucial point in her discussions with Tari, and she couldn't really go any further now without Estell's involvement. Hopefully she'd be ok to continue.

“Thank you Dr. Arkham, I really appreciate your support.” her smile grew bigger, even though Dr. Evans was now glaring daggers at her.

“Maybe it would be a good idea to talk to the Commissioner about what you actually want to gain out of Estell's involvement today, he looks a little concerned, you can use my office, everyone else, I believe there are patients to be seen, they won't cure themselves.”

Everyone began to file out, a little disappointed that they didn't get to find out any juicy information. Dr. Evans hesitated at the door, glancing at Estell's peaceful form, Dr. Arkham looked at her impatiently.

“Is there something important Dr. Evans? If not the girl really needs some rest and Dr. Quinzel and the Commissioner have some confidential matters to discuss.”

“Well actually sir there is something that I believe requires some urgent attention, regarding the Joker case, I believe this girl's shock was brought on.......”

“Yes yes, I know what you're getting at, that her shock was brought on by creating a telepathic link with the Joker, which I doubt he had any knowledge of. Dr. Evans we have no expertise in this field, and I know that there have been rumours going round, ever since the twins' arrival, that it would be a good idea to use mind reading on some of the more complicated patients, namely the Joker. Well I can tell you now that I don't approve of such things seeing as we know absolutely nothing about it and that the only two people with the ability to do so are patients. Its dangerous and frankly I feel its unethical.”

“But sir, this girl, we could use her, she's already apparently read the Joker's mind.”

“Yes and look where that has got her, for all we know there could be some serious mental repercussions, I can't allow it, I'm sorry.”

Dr. Evans was now beyond exasperated by his objections. “You could at the least allow me to interview the girl and find out what she saw, it could be useful for my work?!”

Jim didn't like the sound of that, Estell was here for a simple visit nothing more. “I'd like to interject here if I may?” He looked at Dr. Arkham for approval who nodded silently for him to carry on, “I don't think its fair on Estell to probe her over what happened, she's already unhappy about being here and doesn't particularly like any kind of doctor. The treatment and abuse she received at the military labs would lead me to think that she wouldn't want to be involved and I don't like the idea of making her feel pressured into talking about it.”

Dr. Evans rolled her eyes in annoyance, she couldn't believe the ignorance of these people, but saw no point in pursuing it further, maybe after her first session with the Joker, she'd bring it up again, but for now she was getting nowhere. “Fine, It's disappointing that neither of you see the opportunity we've been given here, but if the answer is no I'll be on my way.” she turned curtly aiming one more scowl at Dr. Quinzel and stormed out of the room.

Dr. Arkham shook his head at her behaviour and stood up from his chair, ready to leave the room,

“I'll leave you two alone to talk,” he began to leave the room and with an after thought turned to Dr. Quinzel, “Harleen, try not to let Dr. Evans' behaviour towards you get to you, over the years I've discovered she's a very competitive person, sometimes I feel she's in this job for all the wrong reasons, that's why I didn't give her the twins, she doesn't care enough. You however show a gentler demeanour towards your patients and I believe that's why you get good results. Just remember its not wise to get too attached and involved in them.”

“Don't worry Dr. Arkham I won't I just want to help them, they've been through a lot, and they need to be given a chance, that's all I want to help them achieve.”

Dr. Arkham smiled, he knew she had a kind spirit and an urge to actually listen and cure people, most of the other doctors here had lost that, years spent in this place surrounded by the criminally insane can tear away at a person's soul. It wasn't easy to keep up the urge to want to actually help these people. He just hoped that he hadn't made a mistake in choosing her to treat the twins, their history alone was enough to damper a person's spirit.

“Well let me know how it goes, in fact if she's ok to go ahead, I'd like to observe her interaction with Tari.”

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The Joker was now seated in a very large comfortable armchair still strapped up in the straight jacket, but he didn't mind too much, it beat being stuck alone in a cramped cold cell. Now he had the pleasure of watching Jonathan Crane, who had thus far ignored him, being hassled by another patient while he tried in vein to read a book. The dishevelled looking old woman was trying to climb onto his lap, she had a child's book in her hand and from the crooning noises she was making towards Crane, the Joker could make out that she wanted him to read it to her. He sniggered as Crane, now quite agitated, struggled to pry the old woman off of him since she had practically jumped on him. This frantic writhing continued, with Crane now cursing under his breath and the old woman squealing in joy like a child on a ride, until the weight of them both thrashing about made the chair fall backwards, taking them both with it. All that could be heard now was Crane's muffled anger and the old lady's happy giggling.

Obviously Joker burst into hysterics as this happened, while a female orderly who had meanwhile been pre-occupied with looking out a window, rushed over to both of them, helping the old lady off of Crane and guiding her quickly away, but not before giving him a warning glance that said calm down and stop swearing or else. Crane got to his feet incredibly irate and mumbled under his breath that if she'd been doing her bloody job correctly none of that would have happened. He turned towards Joker, peeved that the insane clown was laughing at him, and stormed over to where he sat, whooping in his chair.

“Oh yes laugh it up, that's right....everything for you is so bloody funny, what are you even doing in here anyway, aren't you too dangerous to be around other patients?” he glared down angrily at the Joker, a little embarrassed at what he'd just witnessed. He truly hated being in this place.

The Joker stared up at Crane, mirth in his eyes, “Awww, you seeeem a little agitated to see me Johnny,” Joker put on a mock hurt face. “Aren't you-ah happy to have someone otherrrrr than the standard vegetablesss to talk to?”

“Like you're any better,” Crane scoffed, “Besides I don't think the idiots who are meant to “watch” over us, like the idea of us talking.”

Joker looked over at a group of orderlies, all staring in their direction and grinned at them, happy to cause a fuss.

“Isn't that more of a reeeaso-na to have a little chat, make them all nerrrrvous cause they'll think we're p-lotting something.” He winked at the female orderly, who's eyes immediately became wide with fear and turned back to stare out the window, trying to ignore the fact that he was in the room. Joker pouted at this.


Crane rolled his eyes at how easily the Joker found his muse, but was secretly glad he had someone who didn't drool in his company, not that he'd let the Joker know this. He noticed the female orderly's change in behaviour, she really wasn't comfortable with the Joker being in this room, in fact none of them seemed happy about, even if he was in a straight jacket.

“Really why have they let you in here? It can't be on good behaviour I've overheard you've been giving your psychiatrists a hard time, not that that surprises me.”

The Joker was still staring at the female orderly, who was in turn still trying to ignore him but he could tell she was a little perturbed by him looking at her, she kept shifting on her stool. He smirked at how easy it was to mess with the people in here. He became aware that Crane was staring down at him impatiently, remembering he'd been talking.

“Oh... a girrl broke my window.”

Crane blinked at him, “What?! Don't be absurd!”

Joker sighed bored now that he couldn't get a proper rise out of her, and shifted in his seat so that he was facing Crane properly, which was some task when his arms were strapped up.

“I'm no-t, a small girl came to my cell and broke my win-dow, she was sta-rangge, didn't make any sense.”

Crane's frown deepened “Much like yourself right now, are you honestly telling me that a girl just happened to be wondering around the asylum smashing up cell windows with a bat!?”

“Yes.....well it was just mi-ne and there was no ba-t, mumble something about visiting her brother and sisteerrr, AND she had no caa-luue who I wasss.”

Crane rubbed his forehead in exasperation it was like playing 20 questions with the Joker sometimes, and to top it all off, you could never make heads or tails of what he was going on about. Sighing, he was about to give up and go back to reading his book, thinking the Joker was just playing games with him, when he picked up on something the Joker had just said.

“Wait, did you just say she was here to visit her brother and sister, they weren't twins by any chance?”

The Joker shrugged, “No, but why would tha-t matter?, she rambled a lot, before I got anything worth while out of her our feeeriend the Commissionerrr turned up and she started to go ca-raazy... then the window exploded, and here I am.”

Crane's interest again perked up on hearing that she had been here with Commissioner Gordon. Lately he had been picking up tid-bits of information from former colleagues at the Asylum, boasting about how they had received two new patients, recently used as lab rats for the military. He'd also picked up that it was Bruce Wayne who had requested for them to be put into Arkham, not that he cared about that multi-millionaire pretty boy, the fact that he had, had caused a stir in everyone. And he also wondered why Gotham's richest man was getting involved in ex-military research schemes, it didn't really add up in his mind. Either way he'd been hearing some very interesting stories about a few of the sessions held with these now notorious twins, and if they had siblings outside of Arkham, well that just made it more intriguing. His alterer personality had certainly reared his ugly head and taken a keen interest, pushing him to find out as much as possible about them.

“Hellowaa? Ya seem to have gone into lala lan-d?” It was Joker's turn to become curious now that Crane appeared to have knowledge about his new found interest. “Wanna sharrre?”

Crane didn't see any harm in telling him what he knew, perhaps the crazed clown could help him find out more if his interest in it peaked. “I've heard some very interesting things about two patients recently sectioned, which from the sounds of it are related to this girl you were going on about.”

The Joker leant forward eager to find out more about Estell's background. “Go o-na!”

Crane smirked at the fact that the Joker was actually intrigued by something other than blowing things up. “Well they may not be related, but either way these new patients have caused quite a commotion in the Asylum. They were sectioned by Bruce Wayne,” Joker's interest increased at this, remembering Estell had mentioned him, “for being deemed to violent for society or at least displaying the potential to be. From what I've been told they were groomed by the military to be some sort of weapon, and Gotham's government officials, in their wisdom, see them as too dangerous to be let loose so they've been dumped in here.”

The Joker was now very keen to find out more but was interrupted by two large orderlies, who pushed Jonathan Crane aside, so that they could grab him from either side and lift him to his feet. He noticed that the obnoxious harpy he'd encountered earlier was standing in the doorway, obviously it was time to be introduced to his new 'home'. The orderlies dragged him over to her, were he was met with that sickening self satisfied smile that was constantly plastered on her face. He looked forward to carving it into a more appealing, bloody grin. His happy thoughts were soon interrupted by her piercing shrill voice, and he winced mentally.

“Well Joker, unfortunately for you its time to go back to a new cell, but not before you and I have a little chat about what happened earlier with that young girl.”

Joker smiled inwardly at this, he was looking forward to having a 'little chat' with this particular doctor, especially if the topic was his potential new plaything. Plus it had been awhile since they'd sent someone to 'cure' him after what happened to the last psychiatrist. He chuckled at the memory.

“Is something I said particularly amusing to you Joker.” Dr. Evans glowered at him with angrily pursed lips. Joker grinned openly at her now, she was going to be so easy to play with, his dark eyes glinted at her with sadistic thoughts and he saw her shiver a little, though to most people it wouldn't have been noticeable. She obviously didn't like appearing vulnerable, which would make it all the more entertaining. His tongue snaked out to lick his lips before he replied in a playfully innocent tone.

“I'm just looking forward to having a few worrrrdss with you Dr. its been awhile since I had a chance to cha-t, I've been feeling a little lonely.” he pouted at this in mock hurt, insinuating he'd felt neglected.

Dr. Evans stiffened a bit at his response, not liking the way his eyes stared at her with all the hidden danger and malice he harboured, whcih his words didn't suggest. Swallowing hard and deepening her scowl she swivelled on her feet, posture tense, and began to march in the direction of her office, with not so much as a word to the orderlies to bring him in tow. She was not going to let this patient get the best of her, unlike some of her previous colleagues, oh know, he wasn't going to play mind games with her. An after thought struck her and without turning she called back to the orderlies, who were dragging the Joker after her,

“Before bringing the patient to my office, have his make-up removed and get him into some Asylum issued clothing, I believe after today he will have to earn his right to continue to wear what he wants.”

She knew he wouldn't have liked that, and she smiled in satisfaction at this thought, believing she already had one up on him because of it. Their sessions were going to be through her rules not his.

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So Jonathan Crane aka. Scarecrow has been introduced to the story, and he'll play an important role aswell later on, I also thought it would be an interesting twist to have the Halerquinn introduced to the story as the twins psychiatrist. Her development and how she came to be the Halerquinn will eventually unravel.

Please let me know what you think, the next chapter should be out by next week. ;-)