Madness is Like Gravity

Written By Starswim

Disclaimer: I don't own anything that belongs to DC Comics or Dark Knight Trilogy films; except my original characters and plot.

Plot: Kathy attempts to gain back her sanity from the night of terror; but the task becomes difficult when chaos returns to Gotham, only this time, it's caused by a certain clown. Following TDK...

A/N: Here it is! The sequel to Love is Merely a Madness - the remake of Madness is Like Gravity. I remade Book 1 last year, and after reading this story, some parts didn't feel right to me, the same as the epilogue of Book One. If you didn't read the epilogue or Book One in general, I suggest reading Book one before the sequel. You don't have to, I just recommend it. I know nothing about politics, some of the names and info were mentioned in the excellent TV show Gotham and Gotham Tonight, I watched on Youtube. If I misused Gotham news or facts, I apologize; but this is fanfiction. Anything could happen! Right?! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the remake.

OC Cast

Kathryn Knightly - Lucy Hale

Lacey Donaldson - Blake Lively

Jennifer Knightly - Lily Collins

Anyway, on with the story...

Chapter 1: The Story Continues

Armed thugs set up shop inside an abandoned Gotham Cathedral, storing the remaining drugs, money, weapons, and plans to control Gotham. A couple of nights ago, their boss noticed the dark knight chasing his tail in, destroying canisters of the drug at every hiding spot in Gotham. Hopefully, Batman won't find the last one in the church.

A mobster with a long beard approached a bald gangster, who was locking a canister inside an iron cage.

"Just got word that the boss is on his way," the mobster said.

"Got it," the other thug replied, finally locked the cage shut, password protected. "It's a shame that the boss won't rise for power over Gotham."

"What do you mean? You don't have faith in the boss?"

"Think about it, man. Batman tracked down and destroyed every canister he can find. What makes you think he won't find this one here?"

"He has better things to do than stop a new crime boss. Rumor has it that Scarecrow is back and has teamed up with the boss to take over Gotham."

"I heard that Scarecrow made business deals with every crime family!" Another mobster with a red beanie spoke up.

"Has any of you ever seen the Scarecrow?" the bald man asked.

"I have!" a random gangster stated proudly raising one hand in the air, "And he isn't intimidating in person."

The red beanie man let out a laugh, "Be glad that Scarecrow didn't hear you say that. Don't forget that he's the one who put Falcone in the loony bin."

"I heard one rumor about him screwing around with one of the docs in Arkham," a mobster declared with a cross necklace around his neck.

"Oh yeah. I remember. I'm surprised she is still working there. Knowing Crane, he wouldn't let her go without a taste of his medicine. Then again, she is pretty not to let her go."

The bald mobster scoffed a laugh, "Let's not forget that other rumor - her cozying up with that billionaire playboy - Bruce 'freaking' Wayne. His money could influence anyone, especially keeping a girl's job."

"What a slut," the red beanie man declared.

"Tell me about it!" A mobster stated going around a corner of a dark column, "If I have Wayne's money, I would have many ladies begging to su-" His words were cut off by someone muffling his mouth and nose with one hand, then choking around his neck with the other. He struggled until his world turned black.

Some of the thugs looked towards the direction of the unconscious mobster, curious to know why he didn't finish his sentence.

"What was that, Mike?" the mobster with a long beard asked. "Mike? Mike!"

"Keep an eye on the loot!" the bald man instructed, "I'll check on him." The bald man rushed to Mike, while the bearded mobster was alone with the canister in front of him. His heart suddenly started racing. He had a gut feeling that something wasn't right.

"I need some help over here!" the bald man cried, "Mike has passed out!" He thought Mike passed out, but the man with the beard knew better. He arrived, and a lot of Mike's friends will have bruises, bloody noses, cracked teeth, and broken bones. The bearded thug let out a scream immediately rushed towards the door.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" a mobster cried out to him. The man with the beard didn't want to hear it. He needed to get out of here and fast. He reached to end of the aisle near the old seats, only to get tripped. His gun went off with a bang.

His comrades rushed after him but stopped at sight before them - a husky caped-man with pointy ears. The mobster immediately pointed his gun at the figure to shoot, but the caped-crusader was quicker. He pulled out his gun and shot the mobster in the shoulder. He aimed at the locked canister, but the tripped mobster pointed his gun and shot the vigilante from behind. The caped-crusader cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground, clutching to his wound.

The mobster slowly came upon his feet, still pointing his gun at the intruder, "Since when do you use a gun?!" He took a closer look at the so-called dark knight's chest pad. It wasn't like his buddies from jail described it.

The mobster narrowed his eyes at the vigilante in confusion, "Is that football pads?"

Meanwhile, the mobster with a red beanie on his head was moving one direction to another constantly. After the screams and gunshots he heard, he was trembling a bit. He heard stories of how Batman would take down each thug one by one. He didn't want to be Batman's next victim. Who would take care of his kids? Who would support them, if he's in prison or a coma?

He came across a dirty stain glass window with his back facing it. He looked up at the gargoyles above him, making sure that the Batman wasn't up there. The blinking red above assured him that the explosives had been planted. Any weight on one of the creepy birds will blow up.

He breathed out too soon; however, the stain-glass shattered behind him. His neck was locked in a deep, rear-naked choke. He screamed then dropped his gun, struggling against the guy's grip from behind. He lowered his eyes at the man's arm around his neck that was covered in a black. Could it be him? He noticed that the man was wearing an elbow pad. Does the Batman wear pads? He could've sworn that he wore razor blades on his arm that could cut someone's throat clean. Refused to be knocked out and become another one of Batman's victims, he flipped the man over the shoulder, earning a yelp from the guy. They eventually started tackling, fighting over the gun.

Armed thugs scattered all over the church to find and capture the intruders. At the end of the aisle, another dark knight stood by the canister, attempting to open the iron gate. The only option he had was to shoot the cartridge through the bars. It's dangerous, but if that's what it took to stop this operation, it's worth it. He took out his long shotgun and placed its barrel through the bars.

Before he had a chance to pull the trigger, a gunshot already fired, and the third vigilante felt a piercing pain from behind. He grunted and collapsed on the ground before he could complete his mission. The guy who shot the Batman imposter was a man dressed in white with a black skull-like, wooden mask over his face - Black Mask.

Black Mask's men managed to tie up and unmask all three men who claimed to be Batman. They had the imposters on their knees in the front aisle of the church. The first and third imposters were suffering gunshot wounds, while the second one's nose was bleeding from the whack of the red beanie thug's gun.

"Well. Well. Well," Black Mask began, pacing back and forth casually with a silver handgun in his gloved hand. "If it isn't Batman... or should I say, Bat-men. I have to say; I am a little disappointed. I expected a better performance. A part of me was hoping that the real dark knight would show up to stop me."

"We are here to stop you, you son of a bitch!" the third imposter hissed out, then screamed when the bald mobster squeezed the wound on his shoulder.

"Yeah, and you and your Batman want-a-bees succeeded beautifully," Black Mask retorted sarcastically. "As you can see, my plan to take over this damn city will come to play." He examined the shotgun in his hand.

"What are you going to do with them, boss?" the bald man asked enthusiastically, squeezing the first imposter's wound tighter, causing the fake Batman to bite his lip, holding back more cries of agony.

"Normally, I'll shoot a man who dares waltz into my operation, but I'm in a... generous mood. I'll let you gentlemen have a choice." Black Mask turned his attention to the three imposters, "Gentlemen, how do you want to die? Option one: I'll let my boys beat you to a pulp."

His men laughed eagerly, while some cracked their knuckles.

"Option two: I'll throw each of you off the bell tower," Roman pointed at the ceiling with his gun. The imposters couldn't help but picture how high was the cathedral. Black Mask laughed at the fear, clearing his throat to continue.

"Or option three..." Roman aimed his gun at the second imposter's temple who whimpered in fear, "I'll just blow your brains out myself."

Neither of the imposters replied, only stared at Black Mask.

"Well... I'm waiting..."

They still didn't respond, letting Black Mask choose for them. He pulled the hammer back of his gun and aimed again at the second imposter, "Option three it is."

All three vigilantes closed their eyes, refusing to meet their murderer's gaze. They waited for the sound of death.

Black Mask finally pulled the trigger. All three imposters let out a squeak and curses, expecting to meet their God in heaven. After seconds of waiting, they felt no pain. Life didn't flash before their eyes. Their maker didn't make his appearance. Were they in hell? Was death painless?

The first imposter took a risk and opened his left eye to see what's happening.

Black Mask looked at his gun in confusion. He repeated the trigger four times; no bullet came out.

"What the hell is wrong with this thing?!" Black Mask cried in frustration, before he snatched a gun from one of his men, "Give me that!" The Batmen imposters resumed their frightening position, knowing that this was it.

Black Mask pulled the trigger from the weapon, but somehow no blood had been shed. He checked to see if there was ammo inside. There were bullets inside, so what was wrong with the gun?

"Men! Shoot your weapons!"

All his men complied, no sound made, and no bullets came out. Everyone asked themselves why. The scream in the chapel answered their question. They looked over to see the mobster dragged across the church and hung upside down. His leg was attached by a rope at one end, while the hook grappled to a gargoyle nearby. Even with the man's scream of protest, the rest could hear three beeps from the explosives that were attached to the sculpture. After the third beep, the dark bird statue exploded, letting the man fall back to the ground, hitting his head on the ground, knocking him out instantly.

The men aimed their light to see if anyone was up on the gargoyles.

"Look!" the second imposter cried, looking over his shoulder.

Black Mask and his men turned towards the entrance of the church to see someone hiding in the shadows.

Roman chuckled, walking down the aisle and twirling his gun around his hand like a pro, "Don't tell me this is another Batman want-a-be!"

The man in the shadows threw something at Black Mask's hand that was holding his gun. Black Mask yelped in pain, dropping his weapon; a sharp metal stuck to his palm. He pulled it out and examined the shaped metal of a bat. He stared ahead as the man in the shadows stepped forward, revealing himself to Black Mask; the real Dark Knight arrived.

"It's over, Roman Sionis," Batman stated in his husky voice.

Black Mask let out a cocky laugh, "Since when do you need help from your so-called army?"

"I don't have an army. I'll deal with you myself. We can do this the easy way or-"

"Or the hard way!" Black Mask finished for him, rolling his eyes in annoyance. "Yeah! Yeah, we know!"

"Quit now, Roman!" Batman warned him, slowly approaching him. "This is your last chance."

"Hmm..." Black Mask turned his head to the side as if thinking about Batman's words carefully. "What do you think, men? Should I quit? After all that time, we've been working our asses off?"

"Yes!" Batmen imposters stated, including one of Sionis's that cost him a bullet in the head.

The rest of his men reluctantly raised their fists, declaring the opposite, "No!"

Black Mask chuckled wickedly, facing Batman while popping his knuckles, "I thought so."

He and his men charged after Batman, who had no trouble fighting against ten men, including Sionis. Batmen imposters were tied to their knees helplessly, watching their hero taking out each man one by one. They were amazed at how Batman was able to fight back a dozen men when he was just one man.

Eventually, Black Mask and his men were defeated, on their knees, tied behind their backs across the front row. They all looked like sinners confessing to the high priest. Roman Sionis's mask was removed, revealing the vertical incision across his eye, from the brow down to his cheek.

"You should've left Gotham when you had the chance," Batman spoke in a roughly strained voice.

"What can I say, Batman," Roman smiled his bloody mouth, the lateral incisor missing, "as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."

Batman narrowed his eyes at the laughing man. He clenched his fist, suppressing the urge to punch Roman's already injured face again.

Roman continued with the smug look, "You know what's so great about you, Batman? Even when I lose, I win. So go ahead - call the cops. They'll lock me up, sure. But my lawyer will have me out on bail before the sun's up. And you know what I'm going to do once I get out? I'm going to dedicate every waking minute to tracking you down and taking you out! And you know what the best part is? There's not a thing you can do about it!" He laughed some more.

"And I will be waiting," Batman stated softly. He walked down the aisle, facing each man who was looking away in fear until he came across one man who claimed to have seen Scarecrow.

The man let out a yelp as the Batman grabbed him by his throat and lifted him in the air.

"Please! Please don't hurt me!" the mobster begged.

"Tell me what you know about Crane!" Batman demanded, before punching the man in the face.

"I-I don't know! I-I swear-"

"Swear to me!" Batman shouted, throwing another punch at the thug's face.

"I-I..." The man gasped for breath, trying to pry Batman's fingers off his throat with no avail. "Sionis a-and C-C-Crane talk by phone. W-We met his men at a - uh - parking garage, but we didn't see Scarecrow! I swear!"

"Who else deals with Scarecrow?"

"The Chechen m-mentioned stri-striking a deal for Crane's d-drugs, that's all I know!"

"I will cut your tongue for opening that big mouth of yours, you idiot!" Roman snapped.

"I'm sorry, Black Mask - Sir! He made me!"

Batman got the answers he needed. He punched the thug again, knocking the man out cold.

"Thank you, Batman!" the second imposter cried, "Thank you! You saved our asses tonight!"

Batman ignored the imposters, making his way to the last canister. He pulled out a device and hacked into the password-protected lock. Once he unlocked the device, he placed a bug on the cartridge, then walked away. He pulled out another device and pulled the trigger, triggering the to explode in flames.

"Don't let me find you here again," Batman threatened the cop vigilantes, before walking towards the entrance of the church.

"We're trying to help you!" the husky crusader cried.

"I don't need help!" Batman snapped.

"What gives you the right! What's the difference between you and me!"

"I'm not wearing hockey pads!" Batman replied, leaving the church.

The men sat there in silence until the bearded said quietly. "So, it's not football pads?" That comment earned a head butt by his companion.

~000~000~000~

The sun was rising; the skies contained the mixed colors of purple and red. It was a beautiful sight in Gotham. The petite doctor walked up the stairs to the rooftop, analyzing her surroundings with amazement.

Typically, this area would be empty, nothing but Gotham's view. Now, the roof was decorated in lounge chairs, pots of beautiful flowers, a table with red cloth over it, along with breakfast - hashbrowns, omelets, a large coke bottle in the middle instead of wine—a perfect place for a romantic date. Standing near the roof's edge was the wealthy hunk dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants. Bruce Wayne didn't seem to notice the woman's presence, at first, only stared at the view.

Kathy smiled as she ran her hands through her white dress, dusting and smoothing out wrinkles the best she could. She approached Bruce in small, quiet steps with her high, black sandal shoes.

"Hello, Bruce," Kathy greeted him sweetly.

The handsome man whirled around to face her in shock. He didn't expect her to come. He thought that she was going to wait a while before she arrived.

"I changed my mind," Kathy explained.

"Nancy," he breathed, offering his hand to her; Kathy accepted with a smile. "You look beautiful," Bruce looked down and stared at their entwined hands until Kathy lifted his chin for eye contact.

For the first time, Kathy felt something was going right for a change. After a few dates, she knew he was the perfect guy. Bruce had the package; every girl wanted for a man. He was sweet, generous, intelligent, thoughtful of others, durable, not to mention handsome.

Bruce pulled her into an embrace, and Kathy closed her eyes in content when she felt his lips on her head.

Kathy felt a cold breeze through her arms and legs, giving her chill bumps. But that's not all, Kathy opened her eyes and frozen still in horror at the sounds of wicked laughter and slithering snakes. She heard those sounds in her dreams - no, nightmares. They're the kind that made her afraid to fall asleep at night.

Kathy thought she was safe in Bruce's arms. She couldn't be any more wrong. His grip around Kathy tightened, becoming more aggressive. This wasn't Bruce's usual gentle hugs. She wasn't embracing Bruce Wayne anymore. Kathy struggled to get out of the stranger's grip, squeezing every ounce of air she had left. She felt his cold breath against her ear, listening to his whisper.

"And at the end of fear... oblivion."

~000~000~000~

Kathy woke up with a gasp and wide eyes. She put her hand over her chest to control her breathing and fast-beating heart. It happened again; she had another nightmare.

However, this time it was peaceful at first with another man of interest. Bruce Wayne. Who would've thought that a woman like her would be socializing with a billionaire like Bruce? People say how big a player he was, or how he was a backstabber for stealing back his own family's company from another. As it turned out, he had a heart of gold for people, especially for her. After what happened with Crane, Bruce tried every trick in the book to make Kathy feel better. Being with Bruce made her feel 'safe' physically. The mental aspect was the challenge.

Just because Jonathan or Scarecrow had left Gotham, didn't mean the fear had gone as well. She imagined herself back down in Arkham's basement, while he performed experiments on her, played with her worries, and stole a bit of her dignity.

She hated him. Why couldn't the crows eat him alive, when they had the chance?

Trying to push the thoughts out of her mind, she resumed her routine with a smile on her face. When someone says, 'How are you?', she will respond with a simple 'I'm fine, thank you.'

She expected her blonde roommate to be asleep groaning at the noises and lights flickering whenever Kathy gets up early for work. Instead, she found Lacey on the couch, eating her cereal and drinking her latte while watching GCN on TV.

"Hey," Kathy greeted her friend with a smile. "You are up-"

Lacey shushed her without taking her eyes off the TV.

On the small screen appeared the pantsuit dressed woman, standing tall and proud, ready to address the people of Gotham. Kathy wasn't fond of the woman, but only because of her former lover. Now the two have mutual respect between them. They weren't exactly best friends, but not enemies either.

"Hello. My name is Rachel Dawes, I'm an Assistant District Attorney for Gotham City, and I work with Harvey Dent."

Harvey Dent. An attorney of Gotham in line for the title of District Attorney, along with two other candidates - Dana Worthington and Roger Garcetti. The competition was fierce, but the women in the living room knew who to pick.

Roger was a fraud, a corrupt. He even wanted to put Batman behind bars for doing something right in this city. They couldn't let Roger be the new DA. There were rumors about him being a part of the mob. The last thing Gotham needed was a corrupted DA. If the girls had to be pick, it would come down to Dana or Harvey.

Dana Worthington worked as a victim's advocate, representing the people in Gotham. As far as Lacey could tell, she's okay with the Batman on the streets, fighting crime. She knew that desperate times called for drastic measures.

Same with Harvey Dent, who was currently wiping the corruption from the police department. A shame that Arnold Flass missed his turn of prosecution may he rest in peace above or underground. That being said, the women's vote was on Harvey. They weren't the only ones that agreed on the ballot. According to Gotham, he was the White Knight - strong, brave, charming, and handsome. He's like the blonde version of Superman.

Lacey cheered for her best friend and boss, "Yeah! Go, Rachel!"

Kathy rolled her eyes, suppressing the giggle.

"I know first hand," Rachel emphasized, "the integrity which Mr. Dent brings to his job. He commits all his energy to fighting crime, and the corruption, and making the city a safer place."

"Seriously?" Kathy asked, "Are you watching the tape again?"

Lacey shushed her roommate once more.

"Now, a group of individuals attempted to smear Mr. Dent's reputation."

Lacey had a flashback on that day at Gotham City Hall. She wasn't in line to vote, but she was merely helping out - stacking pens, handing out buttons, folding election T-shirts. That night went by smoothly, until three men came to the polling station, threatening people with baseball bats and destroying all of Harvey Dent's posters and signs. That's when Batman tied the three men to a tree, saving the voters and Lacey from harm.

"But rather than discredit him, these lives have only validated his campaign to take back our city, making the criminals and the corrupt both desperate and afraid; that is the greatest endorsement of all. Harvey believes in two things: justice and Gotham City. This is why I believe in Harvey Dent, and why you should too. Thank you."

Lacey cheered, clapping her hands, nearly spilling her cereal.

"Uh, I don't think she can hear you, Lace," Kathy commented. "Though, I'm sure she appreciates the love."

Lacey rolled her eyes, smirking up at her friend, "Where's your spirit?"

"In the afternoon," Kathy retorted. "Why are you up so early?"

Lacey ate a spoonful of her cereal, speaking between bites, "Because I want to be there when Allen announces the winner of our new DA."

"Or paying a visit to your new son?"

Lacey smiled at the mere thought of that boy she encountered at the Narrows. Nathan Machin. The sweet, young lad who lost his dysfunctional parents by that terrifying night. He was currently staying at the St. Swithin's church. It's not just a place to worship but a sanctuary for young, orphan boys like Nathan. Whenever she wasn't interning at the DA's office, she would visit him every week with games, movies, and ice cream. She tried to help him with his homework, but the boy was a prodigy when it came to math, science, and politics.

"Maybe," Lacey teased, sipping her coffee.

The recording ended, resuming back to Gotham Morning News, starting Vicki Vale with her gossip segment.

"Good morning, this is Vicki Vale telling it like it is."

Lacey rolled her eyes, "Not really."

When she said that, a picture of a certain billionaire appeared on the screen. The ladies couldn't help but watch, against their better judgment to turn the TV off.

"Now we all know Bruce Wayne, the hunky playboy who won't stop at nothing to get the best seat in the house, the fastest sports cars, and the hottest gals in town. Bruce Wayne lives his life as a monopoly board, and he's playing all by himself... However, last night is a different story."

A film played for the viewers. A formal couple tried to get to their car, escaping the flashing cameras. Lacey instantly recognized the celebrity couple, dropping her mug and jaw.

Kathy groaned, burying her face into her hands.

~000~000~000~

Bruce was up all night, spending half his time on the monitors and the other half out in the city to catch some criminals and copycats. While he was helping the police apprehend the bosses, he tried to find the most wanted in Gotham.

The former Doctor Crane didn't take responsibility for his actions. He helped a terrorist create a weaponized toxin and used it to hurt his former students, former patients, Gotham, and, more importantly, Kathy. Crane needed to pay for all he had done, instead of hiding like a coward he was.

This morning, Bruce skipped out his board meeting, calling Lucius Fox, the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, to start it without him. Lucius understood and obliged without question.

Bruce remained in the bunker, piecing out critical points to where Crane could be. He zoomed in the dots of where Crane's supposed meetings took place if he's smart enough not to show at any of them.

His Bluetooth beeped in his ear, Bruce took the call, knowing who it could be, right on time.

"Yes, Alfred?"

"Master Wayne, I'm sorry to disturb you, but..."

"Don't worry about, Alfred," Bruce questioned him, "What happened? Is it a matter of life and death?"

"It is a matter of social life and death, Sir."

Bruce scoffed, "Vicki talking about me skinny dipping with the Russian ballerinas, again?"

"I suggest you turn your monitors to the news, Sir," Alfred suggested, not explaining it any further.

As much as Bruce wanted to continue working on tracking down Scarecrow's next drug run, he cursed his morbid sense of curiosity. He changed the big monitor of Crane's mugshot into Gotham News.

"Taken place in the city's famous Italian bistro, Bruce Wayne was there not taking multiple pretty girls like he normally does, but only one."

~000~000~000~

The girls watched the news interview Pascuale, the owner of the bistro.

"Yeah, so we were booked all night. Tables filled, waiters and waitresses running around, customers eating. Mr. Wayne showed up with a pretty lady, demanding a table. I said, 'Mr. Wayne, I know who you are, but I got twenty tables here. I'm booked all night. There is nowhere to seat you. He puts a piece of paper in my hand and tells me, 'You make the best risotto in town. It's time for a little expansion, right?'. I opened the piece of paper - it was the deed to the place next door, and now I got a hundred tables in my name."

Lacey's mouth dropped, glaring at her friend with widened eyes. Kathy shook her head, still upset that Bruce bought the place ahead of time just for a table. People would think it would be romantic and considerate, but it was crazy, snobbish, let alone creepy.

A video camera zoomed in him and his mystery friend. Her back turned, only showing her dark curls and purple dress.

"There they are, seated in the dark building (next to Pascuale's). From the looks of it, this girl really enjoys Pascuale's rolls."

"Well, she was right about that," Lacey grumbled. "No one can eat faster than you."

Kathy blushed when she saw herself stuffing her face with bread rolls. She couldn't blame herself for being a fast eater, she was hungry, and the rolls were delicious.

~000~000~000~

Usually, Bruce Wayne didn't care for Gotham Gossip even if the story was about him, but the fact they put Kathy on the spot like that and twisted the story around was infuriating. He remembered the friendly waiter coming to their table. The couple thought he was taking their order, but the man warned them about the reporters. The couple quickly fled through the back, only to be surprised by flashing cameras.

"The two were holding hands, enjoying a nice romantic dinner until the paparazzi trashed it. What's odd about this picture is that normally Bruce Wayne enjoys the spotlight..."

That's not true. Bruce hated the spotlight. He liked to live a healthy life in broad daylight, but that's never going to happen. The screen showed Bruce leading Kathy through the crowd of reporters, holding her close, protecting her.

"But now Prince Charming was leading his young maiden away, shielding her from the flashing cameras, putting her in his carriage, and keeping her identity a mystery."

Bruce watched himself, gifting the reporters with angry gestures before getting inside the car. He also watched Alfred's car driving away from the restaurant, nearly running over a few photographers in the process.

"It seems that the Prince of Gotham became a fire breathing dragon tonight. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured."

~000~000~000~

Bruce's picture popped up again, alongside another photo of Kathy inside the car with a jacket over her head.

"Bruce Wayne was willing to do anything, almost kill a few people to save this young damsel in distress. Could it be that the young playboy found his princess? According to one of the witnesses at the restaurant, Bruce specifically called her his date when he requested a seat at Pascuale Caliolo (the owner of Pascuale's Bistro)."

Lacey turned to flushed Kathy with a sly grin, "Did he really?"

Kathy rolled her eyes, "Since when did you believe in Vicki's gossip?"

Lacey raised a brow.

"It wasn't a date, okay! We were going out as friends."

"Yeah, at the most famous and expensive Italian restaurant, where Crane..." Lacey trailed off, immediately regretted speaking the name. "I'm sorry-"

Kathy raised her hand, cutting her roommate off, "Don't worry about it." She picked up the remote, muting the television. Just in time for Vicki to list off the suspects of women who could be Bruce's chosen princess - models, actresses, and ballerinas.

"I think its time that you settle down," Lacey suggested lightly, careful with her choice of words. "You know?"

"Lacey, Bruce Wayne-"

"Likes you! He wants you, I can tell! He expanded Pascuale's for you!"

"Still creeped out about that."

"Kathy!"

"Lace, he is a billionaire. I am sure he does that to all the girls."

"Kathy, Bruce Wayne never hangs out with a model twice. You are an exception. Think about the couch cuddles, the restaurants, the helicopter rides. Trust me.

"He doesn't want someone like me! Okay? Someone who screwed with a madman."

"That makes two of us..."

Kathy shook violently at the voice inside her head. He was creeping in the back of her mind, echoing the truth. The truth that she refused to hear.

"Kathy, that was months ago," Lacey consoled her friend. "You got to move on from the past. No one is talking about it. No one is whispering about it. You need to be happy with a good guy for a change."

Kathy sighed, glaring at her phone, "I need to get to work. Wish Team Dent good luck for me?" For that, she walked back to gather her things for Arkham.

Lacey turned back to the TV with the volume up.

"There is one woman who was close to Bruce Wayne. His childhood friend and assistant attorney - Rachel Dawes."

Vicki showed the picture of the woman on screen, but it was immediately crossed with an X.

"However, we have seen Rachel's support for one of DA's candidates and Gotham's White Knight - Harvey Dent, but recently we saw there was something more."

A video shot the woman and Harvey exiting the cab together.

"When the two were seen each other occasionally with a peck on a cheek and holding hands. Whether Bruce approves... that's hard to say."

The image made Lacey's face contorted slightly, clearly disapproving of the couple. Not that Lacey wasn't happy for Rachel, because of what happened to Carl, but there was that voice inside the DA's intern that wanted to scream. Why did Lacey screw up with the attorney on the first day? Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut about the stupid slogan - I Believe in Harvey Dent? Why couldn't Lacy be one of the lucky girls like Rachel and Kathy to have great guys like Bruce and Harvey? Why couldn't she be happy with a man for a change?

~000~000~000~

"Patient interview #3," Kathy stated after pushing a button on the recorder, sitting across her patient, "this is Doctor Knightly with Pamela Isley-"

"Oh, please, Doctor," the redhead temptress cooed. "Call me, Ivy. That is my name."

"Not according to your records, Pamela," Kathy pointed out. "You know the rules. We must keep things strictly professional."

"Of course," Ivy was taken back by Kathy's attitude but kept her voice calm and sophisticated. She laid her arms on the table, leaning closer to her.

"You know... you seem tense. Mind if I suggest a backrub to soothe your stress?"

Kathy scoffed, "Nice try, Pamela."

"Not from me, silly, though I am touched that I am your top choice," Ivy winked at the woman. Kathy rolled her eyes. "There are a few plants you can use for aromatherapy. Some will make you feel... alive."

"Tempting," Kathy grumbled.

Ivy frowned, "Haven't you heard, Doctor? Stress isn't good for the soul. Why your negative energy is affecting my babies and me."

"You mean your plants?"

"They're not just my plants!" Ivy snapped angrily, slamming her hands against the table. "They are my children, and I am their mother - their protector from killers like your kind!"

"Easy, Pamela," Kathy cooed. "We don't want this hour filled with negative energy." She patted the table, indicating the panic button underneath it.

"You are the cause of the mood change, doctor. Let us not forget. You are worse than the last doctor, who 'tried to help me.'" Ivy smirked at the thought of him. "Ooh, that reminds me. How is darling Stephen doing?"

Kathy frowned, knowing well Ivy was referring to Dr. Kellerman, "Still in the hospital, no thanks to you."

"Whatever do you mean?" Ivy asked innocently, acting like she did nothing wrong.

"You almost killed him!" Kathy snapped, "We found the plant in your cell that poisoned him! How did you get it? Did Stephan give it to you?"

Pamela wasn't showing any sympathy. She leaned back against her chair, folding her arms and pouting her lips.

"Ever heard that a magician must never reveal her secrets?"

Kathy scoffed, "You're lucky that we found him before you did any more damage! He has a wife and child! How do you think the kid feels if he lost his father?!"

"How do you think the plants feel when you trample them underfoot?!" Ivy snapped angrily, asking her question, "The spores, you breathe in and destroys, have children. Why does Stephen deserve anything more than them? You people are ignoring what is happening in front of your eyes."

"So are you, Miss Isley. You are refusing to deal with the man who left you to die in that greenhouse. The place where it all started."

"I did deal with it. I spoke my peace, and he has bloomed. Because of him, my eyes opened to who I was born to be. I am Mother Nature!" Ivy slammed her fist against the table, expecting the good doctor to jump, which she didn't. Kathy wasn't afraid, only frustrated.

"Pamela, I suggest you sit down before I call security."

Ivy's angry expression softened into amusement. She laughed as she slowly sunk on her seat, "You seriously believe the guards would be helpful. All the men here in this facility have an attraction for me, even Arkham."

"Not every man," Kathy whispered.

Ivy heard her statement, smirking wickedly at her, knowing full well who she's referring to, "Ah yes. The naughty doctor. Our status is different, but our past remains the same."

"I am nothing like you."

"We both had men who betrayed us..." Ivy roamed her eyes up and down Kathy's body, then her lips snarl in disgust, making the doctor slightly self-conscious. "You remind me of him. He, too, had this negative energy and seemed so tense all the time. Maybe he is the key to making you into something special... Though not as special as me, but something else. What could you be? I wonder..."

Kathy clenched her jaw and tightened her fist, hearing the Master of Fear laugh heartedly in her mind. Pamela was trying to make her snap. The way that Kathy made her snap when she downgraded her 'babies.' Ivy hit a nerve, Kathy gave her points for that.

"It is a shame that we don't have a toxin in your pocket. We could put the 'goddess' power to the test."

Kathy shook her head, slightly tempted to put the plant lady in her place. But what could she do? Slap her? Threaten her? Acting unprofessional could cost her job. Ivy may be crazy, but sane enough to file a lawsuit.

Kathy took a deep breath as she pushed the stop button on the recorder and closed her notebook, "I think we're done here."

~000~000~000~

Kathy finished her session with another patient. She was currently resting in her office, fighting through the flashbacks by focusing on her current surroundings - all five senses. The doctor was in her dimly lit office, smelling Febreeze tropical spray, tasting the onions from her sandwich, feeling the grease from her curls through her manicured fingers. For a split second, she felt someone else massaging her head down to her shoulders.

"You can't stop thinking about me, can you?" he challenged breathlessly against her ear.

She gasped when a musical jingle echoed through the intercoms of Arkham. The owner himself was about to make his 'important' announcement.

"Attention, all doctors and security in Arkham, I need your help with a critical task. If anyone finds a black Verizon cellphone here, bring it to me immediately. I repeat if anyone finds a black Verizon phone here in Arkham and brings it to me, that person will get a fifty dollar reward. That will be all."

Once the announcement ended with a click, Kathy heard loud footsteps and voices outside her office. Doctors must be desperate to find Dr. Arkham's phone, same with the guards. She wanted fifty dollars in her pocket, another task added to her to-do list.

Her phone buzzed inside her desk drawer. She opened to see a text message from her so-called love interest.

'Saw the news, just checking in to see how you are from last night.'

Kathy didn't notice the smile the crept across her lips. Bruce Wayne was sweet. She could hear Lacey repeating the words from this morning.

"Aww, how sweet."

'Why make fifty dollars ...' Kathy's face slackened at the voice again. His voice. 'when you already have a billionaire wrapped around your pinky?'

"Jealous much?" Kathy argued. Her eyes closed and shivered at the wicked laugh, forcing her to grip the arm of her chair tighter

'Of course not, because we both know that you are not as linked to him as you are with me.'

'Stop.'

'Why? It's the truth, isn't it? You and I are inseparable. Two peas in a pod.'

Kathy huffed, opening her wide eyes at the image before her - the smirking Doctor Crane himself.

"Go aw-"

She was cut off by her phone, buzzing again. A new message.

According to the caller ID, it said to be Jeremiah Arkham, but didn't he just announced that he lost his phone. This wasn't from Arkham, for he regularly emails or calls her, not text. Her body froze with dread at the creepy little message -

Roses are red. My heart is black. If I tore your head, I'd mail it right back - J

"Gee, I wonder who that could be?" Her hallucination circled her desk with hands folded behind his back.

"How could he get a phone?" Kathy questioned. "He was supposed to be in solitary confinement."

"How indeed. Maybe that nutty old woman couldn't help herself and visited the clown with Arkham's supervision."

Kathy suppressed the urge to narrow her eyes at Jonathan's unnecessary remark for Gretchen Whistler, the new head of Arkham. Kathy was happy for Whistler to have a recognition after decades of working with Arkham and his family, though Doctor Arkham had his reluctance considering the woman's age. He required someone with experience and young like Crane. If only the crow didn't betray the family and its foundation.

"Aren't you going to jump for the woman's defense?" Jonathan challenged a brow at her.

"What difference would that make?" Kathy grumbled. "You are not leaving me alone any time soon."

"Yet, you are not doing anything about it because you are afraid to be locked up in a straitjacket."

"A jacket that has your name on it," Kathy hissed.

"Yet, you didn't seem to mind wearing my other jackets when we were together." His smirk deepened, "Maybe we could share one."

Kathy rolled her eyes but jumped with fright at another buzzed message: Come see me some time. I want to offer my share of love advice.

Kathy had her personal experiences with John Doe, not the friendly kind. She remembered Valentine's day when she received flowers and expired chocolate, made her stay in bed for a week. Kathy knew from Crane how deep the clown could dig under her skin. She felt her skin crawl at how John Doe found his way around isolation and continued to creep into Kathy's damaged mind.

"Someone needs to put that clown in his place," Jonathan growled at the single letter in the text message. "I thought the exercises the guards specialized were enough." He grasped the woman's shoulders, tightening in a white grip. Fortunately for Kathy, this was a hallucination, she could hardly feel it the man's rage from behind. "If it were up to me-"

Kathy turned off her phone, standing up from her seat.

"Where are you going?" he demanded, remained standing behind the chair.

"To Arkham. He needs to know what's going on." Kathy reached for the doorknob but stopped at the man's chuckle behind her.

"Arkham? You think Arkham will do anything to help his doctors?"

"At least he doesn't neglect his work - actual work."

Jonathan's lips formed an O, hissing in mock pain, "Ooh. Now there is the fiery kitten I know. I sure do miss her sharp claws..." his smirk deepened, "running down my back-"

"Enough!" Kathy snapped, whipping her head in his direction.

"What are you afraid of, Kathryn?" He challenged. "You put up with my presence for months, still refusing to break. Just like I did."

Kathy scoffed, turning her head to the door.

"Though the rage is building inside you, isn't it? Surrounded by traitors who could be our experiment."

"No!"

Jonathan huffed with exhaustion, "Fine. If you wish to pretend that those people are your 'friends,' play along with the delusion, I am only here to play my part. But if you have to choose one person to snap, it should be the one person that no one gives a damn about. Am I right?"

Kathy didn't reply. She wanted to argue him, but he was right. No one gave a damn about John Doe. She didn't care for the clown's existence. He was cancer that needed to be taken away. She knew that she wasn't the only sane one to think like that.

"No one would care if he lives or dies. If you go to the guards and tell them that you were going to slay John Doe where he lies, they would've been happy to take their seats and watch the show while eating popcorn."

Kathy closed her eyes, tightening her grip on the doorknob. Deep down, this suggestion was a bad idea. Intimidating John Doe was a big no-no. It could create a target on her back. She didn't want to wait for the clown to strangle her with his purple gloves. It was bad enough to have Scarecrow haunting her. Though Arkham, Crane, Cash, and Whistler appeared before John Doe and lived to see the light of day. Could she be one of the lucky ones to survive after sending a threat of her own? It's a gamble with a one percent chance of surviving.

"You are a big girl, Kathryn. Instead of tattling to the teacher, why not put the clown in his place? Show him who is in charge. I did, and look at me."

Kathy didn't look at him. She merely huffed, turning the knob and exiting the office.

It was time to end this.