[video]

[ace_of_knaves]

[It's mid-afternoon and the Joker is curled over his NV. He looks as though he hasn't slept the last couple nights and his eyes are dark with dementia. Joker, who normally cackles his way through the worst of times, looks rattled.]

So I see the Network is once again humming with the voices of the Johnny-come-latelies.

[He jabs a finger towards the camera]

Welcome to the Port, sports. In Canada. Happiest place on earth!

Around here we enjoy harassment from the natives, human trafficking, and human experimentation. Or non-human.

[He sneers a bit, his voice humorless]

Whatever.

Oh, and there's a creepy gizmo under the city that doesn't want you to leave so dig in your heels for our neverending urban hootnanny.

[He rises a bit as if he's about to leave, then thinks again.]

One more thing, don't come looking for the dashing clown on the streets. I'm not gonna tell you where the nearest doughnut shop is, so just stay outta my way or I'll have to hurt you.

[A pause]

Second thought, if you see me, stick around enough for me to hurt you a little. Daddy needs to vent.

Comments

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

She did after I killed her. Expressively.

voice;

[awakenings]

[The eyerolling should be audible at this rate.]

Funny.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

[With a note of exhaustion, mingled with the usual pride]

I try.

voice;

[awakenings]

I know you do.

[It's not meant to admonish him. It's just a simple truth.]

You look like hell.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

Très bizarre, 'cuz I feel like crap.

voice;

[awakenings]

Did Batman beat you up again?

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

You think the Bat made me miserable!?

voice;

[awakenings]

How the hell should I know what's gotten you in a knot today? I'm only asking.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

If he were responsible, I'd be elated!

voice;

[awakenings]

So, who did thrash you around?

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

[Shrieking]

NOBODY, YOU DAFT WOMAN!

voice;

[awakenings]

[The screaming does take her by surprise but certainly doesn't deter her.]

You're lying.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

What makes you so convinced I'm hurt?

voice;

[awakenings]

Your eyes.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

I'm fine, Harls! Peachy keen. Never been better.

voice;

[awakenings]

[There's a pause, and when she speaks, her voice is oddly devoid of emotion.]

Joker, I'm not Harley.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

What?

I know that, whaddaya gassing on about now?

voice;

[awakenings]

You just called me 'Harls'.

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

[He'd called Re-l after his wife? Wait...no....creation. Puppet. Girlfriend? Had he been cheating on his wife with her? Did he have a wife?

There's silence as Joker's memories feverishly scramble to arrange themselves.]

Eh?

voice;

[awakenings]

[This...is a problem.]

What happened to you recently?

voice;

[ace_of_knaves]

Some guy jumped me in an alley, so I painted the walls with his innards.