splicer stuff

[bat_schway]

Oh, come on. Now you're just trying to make me dig myself a deeper hole.

I'm allowed to think it's creepy. But I won't go out of my way to attack them unless they make the first move.


I know what it's like to be more aggressive because of having animal DNA coursing through my body... It wasn't a really pleasant experience, if you recall.

I nearly killed some people, and I still regret it.


There are a lot of impressionable teens out there who want to express themselves and I really don't think the splicing thing is the best for them. Humans don't have instincts the same way animals do, and animal instincts might overthrow a person's willpower.

That's when trouble starts.






... Plus the Cuvier guy was really weird.

Comments

[byebye_mistah_j]

So you're Batman's future student I have been hearing about.

[polyturtle]

But not all animals are aggressive, Terry. I mean...

Look, I understand where you're coming from. But you also have to take into consideration that that scientist probably did other things to the spliced DNA before giving it to you and other people. DNA can be manipulated like that. But otherwise untouched DNA generally isn't bad.

[So says the guy whose own DNA is--er, never mind]

That's why people are sometimes given things like baboon hearts.

[bat_schway]

Uh.



And you are?

[bat_schway]

If it can save a life, then I have no problem with it.

[ He shakes his head. ]

But you don't know Gotham, Donny. You don't know the people there.

[polyturtle]

Well, I...

Wait, isn't Gotham just another name for New York City? I know the people there can be pretty tough, but still...

[byebye_mistah_j]

Oh I guess they stopped showing film of my actual face. My name is Harleen Quinnzel formerly known as Harley Quin.

[bat_schway]

... "Formerly"?

You don't look really old; you quit being the Joker's hired help?

[dragonspooker]

What, it's fashionable to become a chimera where you're from?

[bat_schway]

Gotham and New York aren't the same place, trust me.

No matter the day or time, there are always crooks trying to kill someone to make off with a bunch of creds, and there are kids getting strung up into slag they don't belong in.

New York is Gotham Lite as far as I'm concerned.

[bat_schway]

With different parts of the population, yeah. It's illegal, but that's never stopped anyone.

[byebye_mistah_j]

Well in my universe yes. In yours, I can't say.

But either way, in my timeline the Joker decided he no longer needed me. He and I were alone and he intended to kill me. I will leave my final statement on the matter that I am still alive and there is one less Joker.

[bat_schway]

I'm pretty sure you've bought the farm where I'm from.

...... You killed him, didn't you?

[byebye_mistah_j]

I assumed that much.

Yes, I did to save my own life. Instincts finally took hold and I was able to see him for what he really was.

[dragonspooker]

Geesh. Can't see why - nothin' good comes out of it from what I've seen. Buncha malformed, mashed-up animals and traumatized people... Not quite illegal back home, but it's generally frowned upon.

[bat_schway]

How did you kill the Joker? Sorry, I'm having a hard time believing this.

[bat_schway]

A lot of kids looking to express themselves go into it without thinking, and then they start to forget who they are.

Ever had a ram-man tackle you? I have. It wasn't fun.

[byebye_mistah_j]

He let his guard down. He assumed I would just lay down and die after he revealed what I was to him.

Simply an escape plan that went better than expected. I couldn't take his taunts any more and snapped for a second time.

[dragonspooker]

...I think I have, actually. [She pauses, mumbling to herself.] _{I think there was a ram-man in with Dilgear's group, anyway.}

The actual details are kinda fuzzy, but it was entirely possible! I dunno if he was a chimera or was born as a ram-man, though...

[bat_schway]

... Ouch.

[bat_schway]

.... Huh...



So now who are you? Just Harleen Quinzel?

[byebye_mistah_j]

That's the idea. I contemplated helping Batman out but I couldn't do that to Ivy.

Both Ivy and Batman helped me regain some sort of sense of sanity when I killed Joker. It was a weird situation where the management of Arkham had to place me in the same room with Ivy in case I suddenly had a breakdown.

[bat_schway]

I still find it hard to believe that the Joker would just let his guard down around you, but I guess after meeting him myself, I can say he is pretty cocky.

But those kinds of things just don't go away that easily... I'm sure you're not over it.

[byebye_mistah_j]

No, I am not completely well but well enough to appreciate some of the pardons I got after my psychological evaluation went well.

The people were at least quick to thank me for ending his life.

[bat_schway]

[Frowns a little. Even when he knew how terrible the Joker was... he knew that Batman was against killing.]

I didn't think you had it in you.

[byebye_mistah_j]

I didn't think so either but it was either I died or he did. Batman wasn't there in time to stop either of those things from happening. All he could do was bury the body to avoid any ill-advised sciences or magics to revive him. Even I don't know where he is.

[She is suddenly very uncomfortable.]

Don't think I'm a killer though. I wouldn't do that to anyone else with a good conscience.