The Suicidal Conspiracy – a DC Comic fanfic by Comixfana

The Characters featured in this story are Copyrighted by DC Comics, except for Tiger-Snake/Steven Quinn, the Guards and Doctors which are my creations. This is pure fan fiction, and I receive no pay or other benefit from it. Acknowledgements to my pal Silk Cords who suggested and helped write the scenes with Killer Frost!

Comments?  Feedback?  Drop me a line at comix.fana@gmail.com

Prologue

Feeling upset and tired, the man formerly known as the Snake Bandit walked off the transport platform, making his way to the Watchtower’s living quarters.

“First Mr. Terrific won’t coordinate my time off with Shayera’s, now this…” he brooded, absent-mindedly acknowledging Aztec and Gypsy on his way to the lift.

“Hey Tiger, hold the lift!” a female voice said, getting his attention.

He cracked a smile, as Supergirl joined him. It seemed that no matter his mood or frame of mind, the young Kryptonian’s perky attitude always made him smile.

“Hi Kara, I didn’t realize you were talking to me…I’m not quite used to the moniker ‘Tiger Snake’ just yet!” Tiger Snake said as the lift doors slid closed.

She looked up at him, with an incredulous smirk on her lips.

“Are you sure that’s all it is Steven? Nightwing told Starfire, who told me that you’ve been spending a lot of your vacation time visiting a certain someone in Arkham!” she said, as the lift began moving.

Tiger Snake looked at the ceiling, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply.

“Grayson you stoolie…oh well, Shayera already knows I wanted to be a good cousin…you see, I cling to this notion that I can save and reform her, is that so wrong?” Tiger Snake said, looking at Supergirl, gracing her with a tired smile.

She smiled warmly at him.

“The ties that bind…I don’t blame you.  Though I confess I’m a little confused, you refer to her as Janice Quinn, yet her official civilian name is Harleen Quinzell, what gives?” Supergirl asked, as the lift stopped and the doors slid open.

“Good thing your quarters are on the same level as Shayera’s…anyway, when we were kids, her name was Janice Quinn.  Fast forward a few years, and I’ll give credit where credit is due, Janice worked hard and studied, in spite of gaining a reputation for being rather slutty.” Tiger Snake said, blushing under his mask.

Supergirl giggled and smiled.

“The story of many a teenager rightfully or wrongfully earning a reputation, go on!” Supergirl said, with a wink.

He chuckled and nodded.

“Her father died, and my aunt married an abusive, whoring, boozing bastard. He found out about the Trust Fund our rich plastic surgeon Grandfather had set up for his grandkids. Somehow, he figured a way to lay his slimy mitts on her money, squandered it, and then skipped town. By the time Janice became of legal age, her money was gone, and she was broke.” Tiger Snake said, sighing.

“What an asshole!” Supergirl said, gape-mouthed.

“You’re being far too kind! Thus, the rumor that Janice paid for her University education and the following Doctorate by…excuse my French, sucking the right cocks and eating the right pussies may be factual. She legally changed her name to Harleen Quinzell to erase the memory of ‘Janice Quinn, the girl who graduated in bed’.” Tiger Snake said as they walked.

They stopped in front of Shayera’s quarters, which she shared with him. With a dismayed expression on her face, Supergirl looked at him.

“For all the evil she’s caused with the Joker, heck, the evil she caused you…so help me, I feel sorry for her…I get why you want to save her in spite of everything!” Supergirl said, going on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.

“Now, now young lady, let’s not make Shayera jealous!” Tiger Snake said, with a wink.

“Only a friendly kiss on the cheek! You’re a nice guy Steven, never change!” Supergirl said, smiling as she took her leave.

“Thanks, Kara…” he said, his voice trailing off.

Chapter 1 Delusions?

As he entered her quarters, Shayera greeted him at the door, wrapped her arms around him, and hugged him tightly.

“Hi Casanova…I’d ask you how it went, but I can tell by the look on your face that it didn’t go all that well.” Shayera said, her lovely green eyes fixed on his.

He pulled his mask back and kissed her, before melting into tears.

“I’ve never seen her this bad Shay, she’s rambling, says that she’s part of a secret assault team, that ‘they’ send her on missions where she’s expandable, and that ‘they’ inserted a chip in her neck that will blow up unless she cooperates…I know she’s criminally insane, but at least I used to be able to carry a conversation with her!  Criminal or not, and whether or not she’s been the Joker’s fuck toy, she’s my cousin and I love her!” He said, sobbing.

She held him a bit tighter, wrapping her wings around him in a protective gesture; resting her head on his chest. She sighed, wanting to say something but unable to find the words.

“I…I’m sorry, I’m blubbering like a kid…” he said, moving his right hand from her back to his face, wiping off the tears.

She looked up at him, kissed him again, and released her hug, taking him by the hand.

“Don’t apologize, Steven, she’s your cousin, and you used to be close when you were children.  It’s been said that tears aren’t a sign of weakness, they’re a sign you’ve been strong for too long. And Steven Quinn, you’re the strongest man I know!  Now come with me, after so many wardrobe changes your skin must be chaffing! Let’s get you out of that suit, have a nice hot shower and a nip of brandy!” Shayera said, leading him to her quarters’ bathroom.

Steven chuckled, following her.

“Brandy? Miss ‘alcohol is prohibited in the Watchtower’, did you just offer me some brandy?” Steven said, grinning.

“Medicinal purposes only…you’ve had a hard day, and Bruce says that in small doses, it can help settle the nerves.” Shayera said, with a wink as they entered the bathroom.

“Bruce…I should thank him again for pulling the strings allowing me those family visits…not easy to get an Arkham visitor’s pass, especially with Cousin Harley…and the brandy’s a nice touch I must say!” Steven said in a tired voice, as they got undressed.

“Isn’t it? I’ve had my disagreements with Batman, but I find that Bruce Wayne is a big teddy bear with a kind heart…no wonder Diana loves him so much!” Shayera said with a mischievous grin.

She activated the molecular device on her bracelet, which Ray Palmer had built for her at her request, reducing her wings to sub-molecular size, making them virtually disappear under her skin. With her wings out of the way, she easily pulled her spandex crop top over her head, releasing her shapely B-cuppers from their fabric prison, red tresses sensually cascading on her shoulders.

“You certainly know what cheers me up!” Steven said, smiling sheepishly.

“Don’t just stand there enjoying the show, help me with my boots Casanova!” Shayera said, still grinning.

“Yes, my gorgeous angel!” Steven said, kneeling before her, lust overpowering the upset he felt.

Glad that he was cheering up, she raised her right foot and he grabbed hold of her boot, anticipating the kiss he usually gave her feet when he helped her remove her boots; holding onto his shoulders for balance, breasts dangling in his face.

“Sexy but impractical, lean back against the wall Shay!” Steven said, letting go of her foot.

Giggling charmingly, she complied, once again giving him her right foot. Again, he grabbed hold of her boot, gently pulled it off and tossed it aside with one hand and held her ankle with the other, making her giggle louder as he brought her foot to his lips and kissed it.

“Ticklish today?” Steven asked, as Shayera put her right foot down and offered him her left foot.

“Maybe a little…your lips feel great on my feet mind you!” Shayera said, smiling as he pulled her left boot off and then kissed her left foot.

With a smoldering, lustful look on his face, he reached for the waistband of her tights, and pulled them down, nice and slow, admiring her abdomen, pubis, pussy, thighs, and shins.

“God, you’re so scorching gorgeous…” Steven said, helping her feet out of her tights and tossing them aside.

“Cool your jets Casanova, we’re only getting started! Now you get naked!” Shayera said, taking him by the hands and helping him up.

He observed as his naked lover knelt before him, repaying him the favor. Leaning his back against the bathroom wall for balance, he raised his right foot and watched the fiery redhead remove his boot, toss it aside, and kiss his foot.

“You’re right, it does feel good!” Steven said, putting his right foot down and offering her his left foot.

“Told ya!” Shayera said, grinning, pulling his left boot off, tossing it aside, and kissing his left foot.

She stood up, and unbuckled his Tiger Snake belt, letting it drop to the floor. With a nod, he removed his gloves and also tossed them aside. He then reached for the zipper that his belt concealed, which held the top and bottom parts of his suit together and pulled it, going around his waist, to the small of his back. He reached behind with his other hand and grabbed the zipper, pulling it to finish the loop.

He pulled off his top and mask, while Shayera pulled his bottom down. She helped his feet out of his suit bottom and tossed it aside, their various articles of clothing strewn helter-skelter over the floor.  

“Shower, 41 degrees Celsius!” Shayera said, standing up, wrapping her arms around him as the water flowing from the shower head reached optimal temperature.

As they hugged, they began kissing, tongues slithering against one another, and shuffled their feet towards the shower, giggling as Steven avoided to touch her skin with his bare hands. Shayera blindly reached for the shower’s door handle with her left hand, grabbed hold of it, and opened it. With a satisfied moan, eyes closed, they stepped under the water stream, still kissing. She moved her hands to his muscular chest and broke their lip lock.

“We will make love baby, but let’s make it worth our while! Our schedules have clashed for a while now, and I want real love-making, not a quickie before we get interrupted!” Shayera said, smiling as the hot water washed over their bodies, the beads of water on her skin and her wet fiery mane making her look even sexier.

“You and me both…I’m no conspiracy theorist, but if I didn’t know any better I’d say Mr. Terrific and the powers that be are doing everything to disrupt our relationship!” Steven said, the mention of a conspiracy theory reminding him of Harleen’s words, but dismissing them.

Shayera was now soaping him up; neck, chest, arms, hands, abdomen, groin – paying particular attention to his penis and scrotum short of outright masturbating him – thighs and shins.

“Have you been hanging out with the Question during your vacation time? First, you visit your Cousin in Arkham and then discuss Conspiracy Theories with the Question while I’m away, hmm? Turn around baby, let me do your back!” Shayera teasingly said, snickering.

“God forbid…Q-nut bar creeps me out!” Steven said, Shayera laughing out loud as she lathered his muscular back, buttocks, hamstrings, and calves.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Q-nut bar! Don’t repeat that in front of Huntress, you’ll have a full-fledged knock-down-drag-out fight! I know you can handle her, but I also know you hold back when fighting women!  Rinse off and soap me up!” Shayera said, laughing good-heartedly.

“With pleasure!” Steven said, rinsing the suds off his body, taking extra care that any residual paralyzing gel was washed off his hands.

“You do realize you’ve vaccinated me against your toxin right?” Shayera said, with a smug smirk, looking irresistibly sexy.

“I do, but why take chances?” Steven said, squirting some shower gel in the palm of his hand and lathering her up.

He followed a lathering pattern similar to the one she had used on him: neck, breasts – her nipples feeling perky and hard under his palms – arms, hands, abdomen, but paused at the groin area; meticulously cleaning her pubis, and then soaping up her clit, labia and vulva, deliberately masturbating her, encouraged by her heavy breathing.

“Uuuhhh…Steven you bad boy…” Shayera said, eyes closed, holding onto the shower’s security grab bars.

“I’m sorry baby, I got carried away…I’ll cut it out!” Steven said, with a wicked smirk on his lips as he kept on masturbating her, observing her reactions.

“I’ll break your arm if you stop! I’m close!  S-so c-c-c-close…STEVEEEEEEN!” Shayera screamed, the combined sensations of the hot water washing over her and Steven’s hands stimulating her, pushing her over the edge, giving her an unexpected orgasm.

Breathing heavily, she ran her fingers through his hair and he kissed her pubis, as he lathered her thighs and shins.

“You are one hot lover…” Shayera said, turning around so he could lather her back.

“Well, you’ve rubbed off on me!” Steven said, kissing the nape of her neck, making her gasp.

Using a smooth motion, he lathered her back, firm, shapely buttocks, hamstrings and calves; and kissed the small of her back and each buttock for good measure.

“Mmmh…you’re the best!” Shayera said, smiling blissfully as she rinsed off.

“Same as you!” Steven said in a gentle voice.

Once she had finished rinsing her body of the shower gel, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close.  She closed her eyes and smiled basking in the moment.

“Shower off, dryer jets on!” Shayera said, eyes still closed, never letting go of their hug.

The water stream stopped and warm air jets blew all over their bodies, gently drying their skin. After a minute or so, the dryer jets stopped. Shayera looked up at him, with a disarmingly seductive smile.

“Care for brandy in the buff Steven?” Shayera asked.

“Sexy!  Lead the way!” Steven replied, kissing her.

She opened the shower door with one hand and took his hand with the other.

“Dim lights 80%, window blinds open.” Shayera commanded.

The lights automatically dimmed, and starlight entered Shayera’s quarters, a crescent moon slightly visible from an angle.

“Sit down while I pour the drinks…I understand a little brandy goes a long way?” Shayera asked, opening the bottle that sat on the small table near the bed.

“You’ve probably tasted stronger alcohol on Thanagar, but yeah, and there’s actually a bit of a ritual in tasting brandy, or its cousin cognac…” Steven said as she poured them each an ounce in a shot glass.

“Do tell, my sexy naked man?” Shayera said, handing him a glass.

“Well, my sexy naked woman, I’m no expert by any means, but…I know it’s made from distilled white wine until the alcohol level reaches a higher gravity.  It’s meant to be sipped at room temperature, to let the aromas excite our sensory nerves…” Steven said, gently warming his glass between his hands, holding it to his nose.

“Okay…and I do enjoy Terran white wine!” Shayera said, emulating Steven’s gestures, inhaling the fragrance of the brandy.

“For instance, I’m picking up a fruity smell…apple or pear…” Steven said.

“Yes…I’m also smelling a hint of cinnamon!” Shayera said, intrigued.

“Now it might be my lack of experience or the amber color, but I think I’m picking up a hint of caramel…anyway, first, we take a small sip, let the brandy on our lips, tongues, and palates…don’t mind the sting!” Steven said, with a wink as he took a tiny sip, Shayera following suit.

“Smooth…I could get used to this!” Shayera said, licking her lips.

“Bruce can sure pick a fine brandy…though I suspect Alfred may have been the one picking this particular brand, very tasty!” Steven said, taking a second, longer sip.

He looked at his glass and chuckled.

“Only a drop left now…mind you, what I’m really thirsty for…” He said, taking the last sip while Shayera took in the rest of her brandy in one long sip.

Before he could complete his sentence, Shayera pounced on him, wrapping her arms around his neck, her tongue parting his lips. They dropped their empty shot glasses, which rolled to the floor without shattering. As their tongues resumed their sensual tango, Shayera grabbed Steven by the shoulders and pushed him on his back; indicating that she was taking the lead.

“Let me make love to you baby…” Shayera said, in the husky voice that drove him wild.

“Do me!” Steven grunted, egging her on.

In response, she forcefully resumed French-kissing him and reached behind her, grabbing a firm hold of his hard cock, aiming it at her vulva, and then slid him in, grunting.

“Brace yourself, Casanova!” Shayera said, breaking their kiss with a wicked grin.

Using a modified Japanese push-up motion, Shayera rubbed her breasts, abdomen, and clit against his body, while still impaled on his cock.

“Holy shit Shay…” Steven grunted, surprised.

“Uuuhhh…told you to brace yourself!” Shayera said, enjoying the control as much as the sexual stimuli.

She modified her cadence, first going slowly, but then gradually increasing her speed.

“God, you’re in shape!” Steven said, panting.

“Thanks!” Shayera said, smiling mischievously, stopping in mid-motion, teasing him, and flexing her vaginal muscles for good measure.

“You tease…you wicked tease!” Steven said, teeth clenched.

“Aren’t I a bad girl? Move that pelvis Casanova, let’s both get some exercise, OH YEAH!” Shayera said, shouting the last part as Steven slammed his cock upwards, following her cadence, hands firmly squeezing her shapely ass.

They resumed tongue kissing, letting out muffled moans of pleasure. She stopped her modified Japanese push-up motion and simply rolled her hips, grinding her clit against his pubis as he pumped his cock relentlessly into her, his hands going from her buttocks to the small of her back, then up her back and back down, all the way to her hamstrings.

“Hmmmmhhh!” Shayera moaned, feeling another orgasm budding within her.

He gently ran his fingernails on her hamstrings, buttocks, and then up her back, giving her goosebumps, and obtaining yet another muffled moan of approval. His hands moved back to her buttocks, giving them another firm squeeze, his flesh piston never stopping.

Overwhelmed by pleasurable sensations, Shayera came up for air, moaning loudly.

“Uuuhhh…uuuhhhh…uuuhhhh yeaaahhh Steveeeen! I’m Cuuuummmiiiing!” Shayera shouted, arching her back, wanting to feel Steven’s full length within her.

With her orgasm still shaking her to the core, and her back still arched, she pushed herself up with her hands on the mattress, her lovely green eyes fixed on his dark brown eyes. She squeezed his cock with her vaginal muscles, taking it prisoner, and began wiggling and shaking her pelvis, wanting him to explode within her.

“Oh, Shay…OH SHAY! S-slow down baby slow down…” Steven begged, wanting to last a bit longer.

“No baby, I’m still cumming, cum with me Steven CUM IN ME! CUM! CUUUUMMM!” Shayera commanded, a third, surprise orgasm overtaking her.

“OH MY GOD! Unnngggh!  Unnngggh! Unnngggh!” Steven grunted, losing the battle to delay orgasm to Shayera’s vigorous sex drive.

Spent, she lay limp on top of him.

“I’m no Tamaranian like Kory, but…if I were a cat, I’d be purring right now!” Shayera said, smiling happily.

“You and me both!” Steven said, the cares of the day seemingly off his mind for the time being.

“Thank God Thanagarian women have some sort of built-in contraceptive hormone that’s secreted when they don’t want to get pregnant…the League can’t afford to lose Shay for maternity leave…” he disjointedly thought, as he drifted to sleep.

An hour passed, then two.

“Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl report to the briefing room.” Mr. Terrific’s voice clamored from the intercom, waking them up.

“Damn it…” Shayera said, wanting to spend a bit more time with Steven,

She kissed him, and got out of bed.

“Try to catch some z’s baby, and do yourself a favor? Hit the gym tomorrow, or go to your cottage in New Hampshire, get some fresh air…for your own sanity, don’t go to Arkham tomorrow okay?” Shayera said, walking to the bathroom to pick up her uniform.

“Makes perfect sense…okay Shay!” Steven mumbled, observing her get dressed.

Smiling sympathetically, she came back to the bed, hugged and kissed him again.

“Duty calls…but I’ll be back, text me to let me know where you are okay?” Shayera said.

“Will do…stay safe baby.  Uh Shay?” Steven said with a grin, tapping his shoulder blades with one hand.

“What?  Oh!” Shayera said, snickering, pressing the button on her molecular device, returning her wings to normal size.

The doors slid open and shut again as she left.  Steven sighed and tried to fall back to sleep.

Chapter 2 – The Plot thickens

“Shayera’s right…I’m on vacation, after all, I need a change of pace. I’ll transport to my apartment, and then make use of my Corporate Gym membership…” Steven thought, slipping into his Tiger Snake suit.

“First I’ll grab some breakfast from the galley, maybe have a chat with Green Arrow, Supergirl, or Zatanna…then hit the gym; maybe spend the afternoon at the cottage by the lake…” He thought, with a subtle smile on his lips, as he slipped his boots on.

He pulled his mask on, buckled his belt, and slipped his gloves on.

“Breakfast first…” he mumbled as he stepped out of Shayera’s quarters; nearly colliding with Huntress.

“Oh hi! Just the man I was looking for!” Huntress said, blushing a little, embarrassed that she had nearly slammed into him.

“Well hello to you too Huntress, I’m heading to the galley for some breakfast, care to join me?” Tiger Snake said, grinning.

“Yeah, I could use some food and a cup of joe…” Huntress said, with a sigh, following him to the lift.

“Something’s on your mind Huntress, and you said you were looking for me?” Tiger Snake said as they walked.

She nodded.

“Q’s passed out in bed, I spiked his coffee with a sedative a few hours ago…he worries me…but what worries me even worse is that his logic is flawless, even if his theories can be outlandish.” Huntress said as the lift doors opened.

“Well, Batman does seem to rely on Question for intel.  Where do I come in?” Tiger Snake said as they entered the empty cab.

“You’ve been spending a lot of your spare time in Arkham…” Huntress started.

“Sweet Baby Jesus, does everybody know?” Tiger Snake said, rolling his eyes as the lift moved downwards.

Huntress giggled at his reaction.

“You’re surrounded by Crime Fighters and Detectives, Tiger Snake! Secrets are hard to keep!  Anyway, at Batman’s request, he’s researched a black ops cell with roots going all the way to Washington…” Huntress said as the lift moved.

“Damn…” Tiger Snake mumbled.

“This was before your time, but you’ve heard of the attack on the Watchtower, the one with Supergirl’s clone?” Huntress asked.

“Indeed I have.” Tiger Snake said.

“A covert government agency, CADMUS, was behind it. Q thinks that CADMUS splintered and reformed…and in its new form, they’ve taken it upon themselves to recruit incarcerated ‘super-criminals’ to do their bidding.  He seems to think that you have information he needs, and perhaps he has some information you may be interested in.”  Huntress said.

Tiger Snake looked at her, gape-mouthed.

“Let me get this straight, I visit an inmate in Arkham and all of a sudden I’m suspected of wrong doing? Hasn’t it dawned on him that I might be doing some investigating of my own? He is aware that Shayera would tan my hide if I ever turned to crime again, right?” Tiger Snake said, feeling offended.

“Don’t shoot the messenger Tiger Snake, I wish I had more details for you…Question means well, but he’s paranoid. We can go after breakfast, he should be coherent by then!” Huntress said.

“Oh, I can’t wait!  Look, I’m not mad at you, but I’m having a shitty vacation time so far; Shay and I keep getting separated and this…this takes the cake.” Tiger Snake said, with a sigh.

The lift stopped and the doors slid open.  They made their way to the galley. They picked up trays, and Tiger Snake selected a bowl of oatmeal, a plate of ham and eggs, some yogurt, and a cup of coffee with sweetener while Huntress chose half a pink grapefruit, an egg-white omelet, and a coffee with two creams.

“Big appetite! Agreed, I’m one to talk…” Huntress teased, looking at his plate.

Tiger Snake chuckled.

“Yeah, with the calories we expand on a daily basis, gotta keep the protein high, the complex carbs moderate…fats and simple carbs low! Otherwise, we won’t fit in the damned suits!” Tiger Snake said, as they picked a table and sat down.

Huntress laughed along, sitting down in front of him.

“God I needed this! Don’t get me wrong, I love Charlie and he’s a sweetheart in his own way…but this, you know, just shooting the shit over breakfast; not always talking Government conspiracies…thanks, Steven!  I know I was coming to get you to discuss a Government covert black ops cell…but Charlie’s in deep sleep at the moment and I can use a break!” Huntress said, smiling.

“Amen to that, don’t we all!” Tiger Snake said, taking a spoonful of yogurt.

A familiar buzz from his belt got his attention. Smiling, he put his spoon down and pulled a compact cell phone from one compartment.

“Shayera checking up on you?” Huntress said with a wink, as she took her first spoonful of grapefruit.

“Yeah…she’s like you, she worries about her boyfriend!” Tiger Snake said, returning her wink.

He chuckled, reading the incoming text.

“Mission’s almost over Casanova, everyone’s safe, I should be back in a few hours.  What are you up to?” Her text read.

With a nod, he typed, as Huntress now had a bite of omelet.

“That’s awesome my love, I’m in the Galley having breakfast at the moment. I was planning on going for a workout and maybe spend the afternoon at the Cottage.  I ran into Huntress who says that Question has some info for me…I’ll see what he has to say and I’ll wait for you; we can spend the rest of the day together!”

He took a sip of coffee, awaiting her reply.

“Must be one boring mission if she has time to text you!” Huntress teased, between spoonfuls of grapefruit.

“They’re just wrapping up and will be back soon. Texting keeps our…intimate conversations private. Oh, wait I’m getting a reply!” Tiger Snake said.

He took another sip as he read her reply.

“Sounds wonderful baby, in fact, I’ll ask Superman to step on it so you and I can make it a full day together! I’ll text you when the Javelin docks see you soon!”

“Looks like I’ll be spending at least part of this vacation day with Shay!” Tiger Snake said, smiling as he returned his cell to its compartment on his belt.

He picked up his spoon and attacked his yogurt as if he was in a hurry.

“Hey slow down bucko, eating faster won’t make the Javelin come in sooner!” Huntress said, raising her coffee to her lips.

Tiger Snake laughed.

“You’re right…as if eating faster would make time go quicker!” Tiger Snake said, now focusing on his oatmeal.

“Mind if I make an observation?” Huntress asked, now focusing on her omelet.

“By all means!” Tiger Snake said, making a dent in his oatmeal.

“You bring the best out of each other, and I envy that. You’ve fully reformed thanks to her, because you love her. And Shayera? She’s calmer around you, cheerier, not as temperamental…unless you’re in trouble that is, then stay out of her way! Remember when you were kidnapped? Harley Quinn, Giganta, Star Sapphire, Catwoman and Poison Ivy…Shayera was on the warpath until she found you!” Huntress said.

Tiger Snake nodded, but blushed at the memory. To avoid him getting tortured, and in hopes of clemency, Catwoman had suggested that they fuck him into submission. Harley had unmasked him, and her twisted mind decided that Catwoman’s idea was wonderful – she would finally get to fuck her handsome cousin Stevie, on whom she’d had a crush since they were kids.

“Thank God Wonder Woman was part of the rescue team…she erased my secret identity from their minds and the fact that they’d…for lack of a better term reverse-gang-raped me…I testified in Catwoman’s favor since she was trying to avoid getting me tortured, but Janice…dear Lord have mercy on her! Fuck you Thomas Drake, you rat-bastard stepfather, and fuck you Joker, you both made her this way!” Tiger Snake thought, repressing a shiver.

“Yeah…I really need to do something special for her once she’s back!” Tiger Snake finally said, realizing his oatmeal bowl was empty.

Meanwhile in the Javelin

Shayera returned her compact smartphone to its compartment on her belt.

“Okay…looks like Steven’s gonna spend part of the day with Question…and I’m kinda leery about that guy, Superman could you step on it a bit?” Shayera said, looking genuinely concerned.

Smiling, Superman increased the Javelin speed.

“Understood Shayera, stepping on it! Though if I were you I’d get on the horn with Mr. Terrific and pull rank. You deserve that time off and it sounds like Steven needs you.” Superman said.

“Do it my sister, I can sense the unease you feel!” Wonder Woman said.

Shayera nodded, bringing her Justice League communicator to her lips.

“Hawkgirl to Mister Terrific, do you copy?” Shayera said.

Chapter 3 – Q & A

As the Javelin raced back to the Watchtower, Huntress led Tiger Snake to Question’s quarters. Huntress knocked, hoping that he was awake.

“Yeah, come in…” a tired voice replied from the intercom.

“Brought you coffee and a bagel baby-doll, that pseudo skin mask of yours better not be on your face!” Huntress said, grinning as they stepped in.

“Is that one spiked too, baby-doll?” Question asked, flatly.

“Now, now Question, you never take a break, she made you take one! Can’t blame her for that can you?” Tiger Snake said, grinning.

“Who? Oh yeah, Quinn…take a load off while I shake the cobwebs…and thanks Helena!” Question said, cracking a smile.

“You’re welcome, knuckle-head!” Huntress said, bringing him his breakfast.

Question stood up from his workstation’s chair, dressed only in a bathrobe, hair wet, beads of water still showing on his face as he had just showered. The man who stood before Tiger Snake and shared a kiss with Huntress looked nothing like the crackpot he had imagined him to be.

Tiger Snake pulled up a chair and looked around.  Questions’ quarters were for the most part orderly, save for his workstation: a desk covered with file folders, paper clippings, various newspapers, and magazines. And then, on a wall, the fabled conspiracy corkboard, linking various secret societies, corporations, politicians, dictators, and other men and women; Lex Luthor and a certain Amanda Waller prominent among them.  

Question sat back down, took a bite of bagel, and a sip of coffee to soften it up.  He gave Tiger Snake an appraising glance, nodded, and put his plate on the desk.

“Okay, let’s get this out of the way, I’m an asshole. They say you have to earn Batman’s trust, let alone his respect; I’m worse. For the past few years, you’ve proven your worth to the Justice League, Hawkgirl is less of a pain in the ass thanks to you…” Question said, matter-of-factly.

“Charles!” Huntress snapped, frustrated with his lack of tact.

“No, no Huntress, he’s right…he is an asshole! Since we’re having the direct approach, I might as well take my own mask off.  Now then, Charles, you were saying?”  Tiger Snake said, pulling his mask back.

Question laughed, spreading some jam on his bagel, and took another bite, followed by another sip of coffee to soften it up. He swallowed and looked at Tiger Snake.

“Guilty as charged!  I like your style Quinn, no bullshit, no-nonsense and to the point!  Like Batman! I too have similarities to Batman:  like him, I have files on every Justice Leaguer and Watchtower staff member. Except for you. Only Hawkgirl could get any background on you…because you’re in love with her and shared said information, which she was able to validate. I on the other hand, couldn’t get anything on you and I hate that.” Question said, now dipping a corner of his bagel in his coffee.

“Need to know basis, Q.  Batman himself said it best, we wear the mask not to protect ourselves, but to protect those we love. If I’ve had enough tech savvy to help upgrade the Watchtower’s firewalls, don’t you think I’m capable of hiding my own background?  I’m fine with most of the League knowing my name, and that I’m romantically involved with Shayera.  But only Shayera knows everything. Batman and Nightwing are privy to some information…because I can count on their discretion and respect.” Tiger Snake said, sternly.

Question nodded.

“Alright then, point-blank, what is the purpose of your visits to Arkham, specifically, to Harley Quinn?” Question asked, with a curious frown.

Unimpressed, Tiger Snake looked into his eyes and chuckled.

“So the circle is smaller than I originally thought! Other Leaguers may know I visit Harley but don’t know why, I owe Grayson an apology! The founding members know why, Nightwing and Starfire know why, and Supergirl knows why…but you don’t and it’s killing you!” Tiger Snake said, grinning.

“Oh! Oh! I think I know!” Huntress said, grinning.

She leaned over and whispered in Tiger Snake’s ear.

“Ha! Ha! Yes, you got it!” Tiger Snake said, unable to repress a giggle at the frustrated look on Question’s face.

“Take it easy man, I can be an asshole too! Tell him what you just whispered in my ear Huntress!” Tiger Snake said, smiling.

“Harley’s related to him!” Huntress said, kissing Question on the cheek.

“But…but Quinn’s not her real last name! It’s Quinzell!” Question said, nonplussed.

“Okay, share and share alike…Harleen was born Janice Quinn, my cousin. As kids, we were really close. Her father died, and my aunt got remarried to an abusive, whoring, boozing piece of shit.” Tiger Snake said, feeling his temper rise.

He inhaled deeply and continued.

“We had a wealthy Grandfather who left his each his grandkids a respectable Trust fund…I invested mine, went to School, played the Stock Market…but when Janice became of legal age, her money was gone.  Somehow, her piece of shit stepfather had figured a way to lay his slimy mitts on her money, squandered it, and then skipped town.” Tiger Snake said, looking down.

“Got a name? I’d love to track him down and beat the crap out of him!” Question said, smiling sympathetically at him.

“Not before me baby doll, not before me! Can you imagine how differently her life would have turned out if her biological father hadn’t died?” Huntress said.

Tiger Snake smiled and nodded.

“Thomas Lee Drake…if you do find him, leave me a piece! If Janice can’t beat the shit out of his fat ass, I’d love to do the honors once you’re done with him!” Tiger Snake said.

“You’ve got yourself a deal, go on Quinn!” Question said.

“Now, I confess. I’m guilty of making plenty of jokes about Janice’s loose morals, but she worked her ass off in school, all the while creating an alter ego on paper – birth certificate, Social Security Number, driver’s license, the works.” Tiger Snake said.

“Crafty…” Question said, impressed.

Tiger Snake nodded.

“Like I told Supergirl last evening, there’s a rumor that Janice paid for her University education and the following Doctorate by sucking the right cocks and eating the right pussies…” Tiger Snake continued.

“I’ve heard of girls stripping to pay for their tuition, but that’s a bit over the top! Mind you, given her circumstances…hats off!” Huntress said.

Tiger Snake smiled.

“So…with her alter ego already existing on paper, she legally changed her name to Harleen Quinzell to erase the memory of ‘Janice Quinn, the girl who graduated in bed’…then, Doctor Quinzell met the Joker and you know the rest.  That’s my info, what’s yours?” Tiger Snake said.

Question and Huntress looked at each other, and then at Tiger Snake.

“Okay, respect. Please understand that, after the attack on the Watchtower, I’m leery of anyone close to the League visiting anyone with links to the new Black Ops cell, Harley in this case… thus I had to be sure of your intentions.” Question said as he stood up, walking to his conspiracy corkboard, coffee in hand.

“I think I can piece part of the puzzle together…Huntress told me you were gathering information for Batman regarding said Black Ops cell(s). The original cell was behind the attack on the Watchtower, and the new cell is currently recruiting ‘super-criminals’ to do their bidding.” Tiger Snake said, also standing up, and pacing back and forth as he spoke.

“Very good, anything else?” Question asked, before taking another sip of coffee.

Huntress sat down, watching them.

“Yesterday’s visit was very emotional, to say the least…but suffice it to say that what Janice told me corroborates your facts, moreover, they inject a micro explosive in the recruits’ necks that can be remotely detonated if they refuse to cooperate.  I thought she’d completely lost her marbles…now I see she was genuinely terrified! God, I need a drink…” Tiger Snake said interrupting his pacing.

“Then my theory is confirmed…and there’s a bottle of Tequila in my desk’s top left drawer. Here’s what you’re missing – the puppet master.  Amanda Waller…” Question said, tapping on Waller’s picture on the corkboard with his free hand.

An hour passed. Engrossed by Question’s information, Tiger Snake missed Shayera’s text message, advising him that the Javelin had arrived. He walked towards Question’s desk, reached for the top left drawer but changed his mind.

“Nah, too early for booze…and it looks like Ms. Waller is very well connected and protected…what burns me is that Batman nearly reformed Janice, telling her that he also once had a bad day with dire consequences…but at that point in time, she was still too easily influenced.  Batman gave up, seeing how she couldn’t make a clean break with the Joker.” Tiger Snake said, sitting down next to Huntress while Question was getting dressed.

“They’d been breaking up and making up so many times I lost count…then Harley finally had enough, and kicked the crap out of him, breaking up with Smiley-pale-face for good!” Huntress said.

“Yeah, and in between breakups she had another on and off relationship with Poison Ivy, remember my kidnapping? Still, I refuse to give up.  I have this crazy notion that I can save her. If I could just take her away from Arkham, Gotham, and all the bad elements that keep pulling her back into criminal insanity…if only…and I’m blubbering like a kid again…” Tiger Snake said, repressing a sob.

Huntress put a comforting hand on his shoulder. All were too absorbed with discussing the Black Ops cell to notice the doors sliding open and shut.

“Are you guys making my boyfriend cry?” A second female voice said.

Tiger Snake stood up and smiled, walking towards the door, arms open.

“Shay…do I ever have a scoop for you!” Tiger Snake said, as they wrapped their arms around each other.

“Must be something major for you not to acknowledge my last text! What’s up?” Shayera said, grinning.

“Better sit down Shayera, looks like CADMUS has reincarnated into something new!” Huntress said.

“Oh damn…so Batman’s suspicions were founded…” Shayera said, eyebrows arched.

Chapter 4- Regroup

A few hours later, Shayera and Tiger Snake had reconvened in her quarters.

“So let me get this straight, Question wanted to be sure you were no security risk because you were visiting Harley. Satisfied that you’re not, he lets you in on his top-secret investigation, and it turns out Harley isn’t delusional after all…we did have our suspicions about it amongst the founding members, especially Batman…but now, wow. What a scoop indeed!” Shayera said, picking up the shot glasses from the floor and pouring a few fresh shots of brandy.

“Yeah, my head’s still spinning, and I’ve been needing a drink for the last couple of hours…thanks, Shay!” Tiger Snake said, pulling his mask back.

Shayera handed him his glass. They clinked glasses, and he took a small sip.

“And thanks for bullying Mr. T into giving you the time off, I hate being so needy, but…” Steven said, interrupted in mid-sentence as Shayera leaned in for a kiss.

After the kiss, she also took a small sip of brandy and licked her lips.

“God she’s so sexy when she does that!” He thought.

“Well then, I’m as needy as you are! And I have a hunch you’re about to try something foolish.” Shayera said, one eyebrow arched, looking smug.

“I know…I’m an idiot who should grow up already.  The world’s a harsh place, I ought to know that by now.  The happy ending where I save Cousin Janice and she lives peacefully in the ‘burbs with her private Psychiatry practice ain’t happening.” Steven said, taking another, longer sip of brandy.

“Steven Quinn, I never want to hear you sound this defeatist ever again! Saving people is what we do!” Shayera said, sternly.

“Just trying to be realistic…” Steven said, puzzled at her reaction.

“Never give up Steven. Agreed, Harley’s situation is tricky…and she will need some serious psychiatric care of her own if we are to…for lack of a better term, transfer her to a kinder facility.  But she’s also entangled with Amanda Waller…this is going to require some careful planning.” Shayera said, taking another sip of brandy. 

Steven looked at her gape-mouthed.

“You…you’re actually willing to help me?” Steven said, smiling before finishing his shot glass.

“Remember the deal we made? How I said that if you ever crossed me in any way, shape or form I’d save the cops a trip and personally rip your lungs out?” Shayera said, her green eyes probing his as she finished her shot glass.

“Yes…that’s why I’m so surprised!” Steven said.

Smiling, she took his empty glass and carefully put both empty glasses on the small table near her bed.

“Well, I’m in love with you, so all bets are off. I don’t think I’d be wrong to say that we’ve been in love from the day we made our deal.” Shayera said, hugging him.

“I believe you’d be right!” Steven said, smiling sheepishly.

“So don’t look so surprised, where you go, I go, we need a plan though…tell you what, transport to your apartment; change into your civilian clothes and go pay Harley her daily visit. Let her know that you believe her, and try to get more info from her but be careful, the walls may have ears.” Shayera said.

“Walls to Waller’s ears I bet…what will you do?” Steven asked.

“I’ll track Batman down, try to pick his brains about our friend Amanda…the more we know, the better prepared we’ll be.  Then we meet at your place?  I’m getting tired of recycled air.” Shayera said.

Steven hugged her a bit tighter and kissed her long and tenderly.  After a few moments, they came up for air.

“I absolutely adore you…see you in a few hours at my place, you still have the keys?” Steven said, smiling.

“Right back at you, and yes I do!  Stay in constant radio contact!” Shayera said, grinning.

“Will do!” Steven replied.

They left her quarters and headed towards the nearest transport pad.  Steven rematerialized in his living room, while Shayera rematerialized in the Bat-cave.

“No one here…Batmobile still there but…the Batwing’s gone…I guess I’ll try to find Alfred.” Shayera thought, walking around the Bat-cave.

She brought her Justice League communicator to her lips.

“Batman’s flown the coop, Steven, I’ll go look for Alfred. Let me know what you find out in Arkham.” Shayera said.

“Will do, quick wardrobe change and I’ll be on my way there!” Steven replied.

“Great…all the same, I’m getting a bad vibe about this, keep your Snake suit in the trunk of the car, just in case.” Shayera said.

“Copy that baby, in fact, I’ll use my minivan in case I need another quick wardrobe change, my suit’s chameleon device will do the rest. Keeping this channel open, TTYL!” Steven said as he began changing outfits.

“TTYL baby!” Shayera replied, smiling.

She pulled her compact smartphone from its compartment on her belt and dialed Wayne Manor, to give Alfred a heads up.

“Yes Miss Hol, what can I do for you?” Alfred said, answering the phone.

“Okay, that’s creepy, how on earth did you know it was me?” Shayera said, walking towards the service elevator.

“It is no big mystery Miss Hol, the Bat-cave sensors advised me of an incoming transport from the Watchtower, call display told me the rest!” Alfred said, smiling.

“Call display, of course…don’t I feel silly!” Shayera said, giggling as she pressed the elevator’s button.

“Is Mister Quinn also visiting?  Shall I prepare some refreshments?” Alfred asked, pleasantly.

“No, I’m on my own, Steven is visiting his favorite cousin…I guess Batman’s kept you in the loop? “ Shayera asked entering the elevator cab.

“Indeed he has Miss Hol…how is Mister Quinn handling it?” Alfred asked.

“Some days are better than others. But he refuses to give up on her…and I admire him for it.  In fact, it’s the purpose of my visit…since Batman isn’t here, and I know he confides in you…there is some information Steven and I require to hopefully avoid stepping on a hornets’ nest as it were. You’re probably sworn to secrecy, but if you could…” Shayera said, as the elevator cab stopped and the doors opened.

“Absolutely Miss Hol, I will gladly share what I can.  I shall wait for you in the living room with tea!” Alfred said, courteously.

“Thanks, Alfred, it’s much appreciated, I’ll be there soon!” Shayera said, hanging up and returning her smartphone to its compartment on her belt.

“Sweet man, he was the first one to offer me words of encouragement after Thanagar’s failed invasion…the first one to believe I could be rehabilitated…maybe that’s why I want to help Steven rehabilitate Harley…I was a spy paving the way to an invasion, she was an abused child who became the Joker’s pawn, if anyone deserves rehabilitation…” Shayera mulled pensively as she walked, her mace dangling from the strap around her wrist.

She arrived in the living room, Alfred already had a tray of tea and biscuits laid out on the table.

“Please Miss Hol, have a seat!” Alfred said, pouring her a cup of tea.

“Alfred, you’re far too kind!” Shayera said, smiling as she put her mace down on the carpeted floor.

“Not at all Miss Hol, in fact, with Master Bruce’s schedule, I hardly ever entertain these days, so I appreciate your visit. You strike me as a honey and lemon person!” Alfred said, with a courteous smile.

“Honey and lemon tea sounds wonderful Alfred!” Shayera said, sitting down on an upholstered chair, which allowed her to sit comfortably with her wings deployed.

“There you are Miss, I hope you enjoy it!” Alfred said, offering her a cup on a saucer, with two freshly baked tea biscuits.

“Thank you, Alfred, now please sit down, you’re making me hyper!” Shayera said, with a wink.

Alfred laughed pleasantly and sat down on the love seat facing her.

“So…how may I be of assistance?” Alfred asked.

“Harley told Steven that she had been, for lack of a better term, recruited by a Black Ops team, led by our old acquaintance Amanda Waller. According to Harley, explosives are implanted in their necks to assure their cooperation.” Shayera said, raising her cup to her lips, and gently blowing on the hot liquid.

“Indeed…Master Bruce would fire me on the spot if he knew I am sharing this information…” Alfred said, as Shayera carefully took a sip of tea.

“Any detail Batman may have shared with you might be useful in dismantling that Black Ops Cell…and, hopefully, transfer Harley to a different facility; away from Gotham City and the criminal elements influencing her…give her a chance to heal and redeem herself…the same chance I was given.” Shayera said, putting the cup on its saucer and picking up a tea biscuit.

“Since Master Bruce also wishes to dismantle that Black Operations Cell…here goes. As Batman, Master Bruce has made it a point to keep tabs on Miss Waller; and so has she. She knows who Batman is.” Alfred said, with a nod.

“Damn…oh, forgive my language Alfred.” Shayera said, taking a bite of tea biscuit.

“Ha! Ha! Think nothing of it, Miss Hol, I have heard far worse, from Master Bruce’s own mouth!  So, there has always been this stalemate between the two, some awkward respect of sorts between them…like two generals of opposing armies.” Alfred said.

“Not an unfamiliar concept!” Shayera said, after another bite.

“Quite…well, a few weeks prior to Mr. Quinn’s vacation, it would seem that Miss Waller was facing quite a conundrum; as Master Bruce found out, the Riddler had figured out a way to disarm the explosive implants. Thus, she needed him silenced. ” Alfred said, as Shayera was enjoying another sip.

“I have a feeling things got messy!” Shayera said, putting her cup on the saucer and reaching for the other tea biscuit.

“Indeed, the assault went awry as the Riddler revealed that he had the key to the team’s freedom. The Joker broke free in the scuffle…and Master Bruce had the unenviable task of pacifying the lot, and gathering a few stray sheep, namely the Joker, Miss Quinzell and Deadshot – Master Bruce is after him as we speak. Master West assisted with apprehending Captain Boomerang and Killer Frost.” Alfred said.

“Did Batman find out how the Riddler disarmed the explosives?” Shayera asked with a curious frown, bringing the second tea biscuit to her mouth.

“Indeed he did Miss Hol; electroshock treatment fried the detonation mechanism.” Alfred said, with a subtle smile on his lips.

Shayera’s Justice League communicator chimed.  She carefully put her cup and saucer on top of the coffee table.

“It’s Steven, do you mind if I take this?” Shayera asked.

“Not at all Miss Hol, please convey my good wishes to Mr. Quinn!” Alfred said, with a nod.

Chapter 5 – We are blood

Steven Quinn was making his way across Gotham City to Arkham Asylum behind the wheel of his minivan.

“Perhaps I should touch base with Shay…” he thought, bringing his Justice League communicator to his lips.

“Quinn to Hawkgirl, do you copy?” Steven said, steering with his free hand.

“Copy loud and clear Steven, what’s up?” Shayera replied.

“I’m a few blocks away from Arkham, getting mentally ready for the metal scanner and X-Ray scanner to make sure I’m not sneaking any contraband or weapons…I swear I could go through the doors naked and they’d still want to frisk me…anyway, any news?” Steven said.

Shayera giggled and replied.

“Batman’s currently tracking down Deadshot, who surprise, surprise, is involved with the mutated black Ops cell…as it turns out, Alfred’s privy to much of the information we need, and let’s face it, more cooperative. Batman might pop a gasket when he finds out Alfred leaked out some key information, so if he asks, the Thanagarian detective figured it out on her own, okay?” Shayera replied, the tone of her voice indicating that she was smiling.

“It’s a deal! Sounds like you’ve had a successful visit! Wish me luck, meet you back at my apartment!” Steven said.

“Good luck Casanova, I’ll finish having tea with Alfred and be on my way, TTYL.” Shayera said.

“TTYL baby.” Steven said, pulling his minivan in the public parking near Arkham Asylum’s gates.

“Got the visitor’s pass… here goes nothing.” He mumbled as he parked.

He locked up his minivan and crossed the street. He smiled as Keisha, a flirtatious yet tough young woman, was on guard duty at the front gate.  He pulled his visitor’s pass from his pocket and clipped it to his jacket lapel.

“Well, well, Arkham’s favorite visitor! Handsomest too!” Keisha said, addressing him with a smile.

“You’re far too kind Keisha, you’re quite attractive yourself!” Steven replied, pleasantly.

“Oh shush! Personally, I’m glad you decided to spend your spare time with Harley…she’s less agitated and less unpredictable after seeing you!” Keisha said, eyebrows arched.

Steven stopped, looking at her, and smiled in genuine amazement.

“Thanks, Keisha, I needed to hear that! Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m helping or making things worse!” Steven said, with a shrug.

“Oh, make no mistake about it darlin’, you’re helping…a lot!” Keisha said, with a wink.

Blushing, he nodded and walked towards the visitors’ entrance. After going through the routine metal and X-Ray scans, he was escorted to the visitors’ hall. Lying on a gurney with a cervical collar, an arm, and a leg in casts, the Joker was being wheeled from the Infirmary back to his cell.

“Oooh, what have we here? Little Harley’s new boyfriend showing up again? You be careful bucko, she’s got crabs you know! Crabs and warts and herpes oh my! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Oh, it hurts when I laugh!” Joker said, looking at Quinn.

“Watch your mouth, Bozo, I broke your wrist and nose before as the Snake! And I know for a fact she doesn’t have crabs or any other STD! Then again, this is good: he doesn’t know I’m her cousin…” Steven thought, teeth clenched.

“Shut it Napier, or you get another go at the electroshock!” the guard escorting the Joker grunted.

“Promise?” Joker replied, seeming to be enjoying himself.

The guard escorting Steven, a middle-aged man named Harold Harris sighed.

“The good news is, Batman returned that creep to our care. The bad news is, nothing shuts him up…not broken ribs, not herniated disks, not a shattered humerus and collar bone that required surgery, and not a compounded fracture of the femur…hell, even loaded with pain killers he runs his mouth nonstop…”  Harold said, rolling his eyes.

“That could get tedious in a hurry.” Steven said, the Joker’s drugged laughter echoing as he was wheeled farther down the corridor.

“You ain’t kiddin’! Harley on the other hand…she really enjoys your visits. We haven’t had to tase or sedate her for the past 3 days…do you mind if I ask you a question?”  Harold asked.

“Ask away!” Steven said.

“Well…and you don’t have to answer if it’s too personal, but those visitor’s passes are hard to come by.  For high profile inmates like Harley, they’re virtually impossible to get…other than Batman and Commissioner Gordon, or maybe Nightwing, no one is allowed near them.  I can appreciate that your visits mellow Harley out…but what’s the deal?” Harold asked.

Steven smiled.

“Fair enough…short version is that Harleen and I were close as children. When I learned that she was Harley Quinn, I was devastated. As an adult, I’ve become friends with Bruce Wayne and Oliver Queen. I pulled a few favors, and here we are.” Steven said, knowing that he was only giving a half-truth, but it was good enough for Harold.

“Man…imagine realizing a childhood friend is the Joker’s pawn…even used your last name for her villain name!” Harold said.

“Sort of, it’s a play on words on Harlequin. Her original outfit was a Harlequin’s suit. And then, she came to her senses and kicked the Jokers balls up his throat!” Steven said, grinning.

Harold laughed, showing him to a table.

“Well, you’re being a very good friend!  Harley should be with you in a few minutes.” Harold said.

“Thanks Harold!” Steven aid, sitting down.

“Call me Harry!” Harold said, taking his place near the door.

The visitor’s hall was empty that day, which suited Steven fine.

“Still, if some of Waller’s puppets are kept here, she might have the place bugged; Shayera’s right, I need to be discreet…as a Doctor, Janice probably knows sign language for hearing-impaired patients…if she does, then we’re in business!” Steven thought, feeling a bit nervous.

The door re-opened, and a smiling and excited Harleen Quinzell entered, hair down and shackles around her wrists and ankles.

“STEVIE!” she yelped in a joyous, high-pitched voice; as she was escorted to his table.

“Hi Blondie, it’s good to see you!” Steven said.

“I hope I didn’t freak you out too bad yesterday…my brain’s like tapioca!” Harleen said, sitting down in front of him as her guard locked her shackles to the table and stood there.

“I’m okay Jan, you took me by surprise is all, I…” Steven said, and then cast the guard at the table an annoyed stare.

“Gee, why don’t you pull up a chair, you look uncomfortable!” Steven said, sternly.

“Procedure sir…” the guard said, defensively.

“Moranis, she’s shackled to the table, they’re surrounded by security cameras and he’s been scanned, frisked, and X-Rayed! If she wanted to hurt him, it would have already happened a few days ago, so cut the power trip and go for a smoke break!” Harold barked from the door.

“Yes sir…” Moranis said, teeth clenched, leaving the visitors’ hall, insulted.

“I’ll be outside by the door, give you two a chance to speak freely.” Harold said, with a nod.

“Thanks, Harry, it’s appreciated!” Steven said, smiling.

“Yeah thanks, Harry, you’re a doll!” Harleen said.

As the door closed she leaned towards him.

“Not like Moranis, he’s one of the slime balls who takes advantage of the female inmates while they’re sedated and helpless…the security cameras usually have a ten-minute technical glitch so they’re not caught on tape…” Harleen said, in a low voice.

“Only ten? Man, they have no stamina at all!” Steven said, with a smirk.

Harleen laughed, a genuine, happy laugh, unlike the Joker’s demonic laughter.

“Aw, you don’t believe me!” she said, with a teasing pout.

“As a matter of fact I do…all of it Janice.” Steven said straight-faced, his tone leaving no doubt that he was serious.

“You…you do?” Harleen said, her voice taking a soft, gentle quality.

“I do, but the walls have ears…Walls to Waller, get my drift? Do you know sign language?” Steven said, accompanying his words with sign language.

“Oh God, you do believe me! And you know about Waller…you got good sources Cuz!” Harleen replied, entirely in sign language, smiling, happy that she finally had an ally.

“I do Blondie, I’m trying to get the wheels in motion to transfer you to an actual treatment facility, away from Gotham City, away from the Joker and Poison Ivy…get you that private practice you’ve been dreaming of!” Steven replied, in sign language.

Harleen rolled her eyes.

“Stevie, either you’re pulling my leg or you’re nuttier than me! I’m a convicted felon, even if your plan worked, nobody would run to Doctor Harleen Quinzell!” Harleen replied in sign language.

“They might if it’s Dr. Janice Quinn, or an entirely different alias; Harleen Quinzell only existed on paper until you legally changed your name.” Steven replied in sign language.

“Good memory Stevie, that might just work…you’d really do that for me?” Harleen replied in sign language, with an optimistic look on her face.

“We’re blood, Janice. I’ve never forgiven your stepfather for what he’s done to you. In fact, I’ve hired a detective to track the bastard down. You deserve better. Your stepdad, the Joker, Poison Ivy…and Waller. They messed up your life. There’s a receipt on its way to them Janice…I’m seeing to it.” Steven replied in sign language.

“Stevie, I could kiss you! I’ve already handled my ex as you know.  Pam and I are already secluded from each other…and I don’t feel the compulsion to be with her since you started visiting me. Tom and Waller though…leave me a piece if you manage to pull it off.” Harleen replied in sign language.

“Tell me everything you know about Waller Janice, even details that seem insignificant to you.” Steven replied in sign language.

Harleen straightened herself up, closed her eyes, and inhaled, gathering her thoughts.

“Waller is either NSA or Homeland Security…or both. The last Suicide Squad I was part of, also had Deadshot, Killer Frost, King Shark – who got his head blown off, Captain Boomerang, Black Spider – who also got his head blown off…there was also KG Beast. He tried to walk away, and Waller blew his head off in front of us, to make the point to the team that she ain’t playin.’” Harleen said, in sign language, and paused.

Steven was about to say something, but she raised an index finger, asking him to wait.

“I overheard her refer to us as Task Force X. She keeps the detonation codes to each team member on her smartphone…but ours were disarmed! The Riddler gave us the cure: electroshock burns the remote circuit without detonating the charge.” Harleen said in sign language.

“Thank God for that, at least you’re safe!” Steven replied in sign language.

“For the time being at least, yeah.  If Waller so wishes, I can be recruited again, and a new micro explosive can be re-implanted in my neck…imagine the messy splatter if a new explosive detonates the one that’s already there…” Harleen said in sign language, trying to make light of her predicament.

Before Steven could answer, an alarm siren startled them.  Harry Harris came in a few moments later.

“Alright, there’s a general brawl happening in the cafeteria, I’ll lock the Hall door, you should be safe but…” He said, tossing a keyring to Steven.

“I’ll probably get fired for this, but just in case things get out of hand, and they break in, defend yourselves. You’ve accomplished so much progress with Harley that I’d hate to see either one of you hurt.” Harris said.

“Thanks, Harry, we owe you!” Steven said.

“Yeah, thanks Harry, be safe!” Harleen said.

He nodded at them, and locked the door behind him, heading towards the cafeteria with the other guards.  Steven unlocked Harleen’s shackles and she stood up, smiling, and threw her arms around him.

“Hmm, Stevie…I’ve been wanting this hug for the past three days! Feels so good to be in the arms of a kind man…now don’t worry Stevie, I won’t let anything happen to ya if they do break-in!” Harley said, stealing a peck on this lips.

“Protect me, Janice? Quinn-san, former Bushido Champion?” Steven replied with a grin.

“Oh yeah…former Jiu-Jitsu Champ, I forgot my fave cousin’s a tough guy! You’re gonna need it here!  But Cuz…I ain’t worth da trouble.  I made my bed Stevie…you’re a nice guy, you don’t wanna mess with Waller…” Harleen said, feeling guilty that her only ally could get into serious trouble because of her.

“She messed with me first Janice…mess with my family, mess with me.  Like I said, she’s got a receipt coming Janice…and I have the backup to get it done too.” Steven said, looking into her blue eyes.

“After all, the Justice League has become my extended family!” He thought, as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes.

Speechless, and tears coursing down her pretty face, Harleen hugged him tighter. A few moments later, the door opened.

“Okay, things are stabilizing, but the Director wants every inmate back in their cell, sorry to cut your visit short.” Harry said apologetically.

“No worries Harry, we appreciate your kindness! Now, promise me you won’t give Harry any trouble?” Steven said, first to Harry and then to Harleen.

“I promise Stevie, Harry’s a nice guy like you, I like him! I won’t make any trouble!” She said, releasing her hug.

She picked up the shackles from the floor and slung them across her shoulder, winking at Steven.

“Oh Harry, you might want these back!” Steven said, tossing the keyring back to Harry, who caught them mid-air.

“Thanks, Quinn, you can find your way out?” Harry asked.

“No worries, Harry. Thanks again!” Steven said.

“Awrite Harry, care to walk this young lady home?” Harleen asked, comically batting her eyes at him.

“Young lady, it would make this old man proud!” Harry said.

“Aw go on, you ain’t that old!  Ciao Stevie, I guess I’ll see you when things stabilize in here!” Harleen said, holding onto Harry’s left arm, acting all prim and proper.

“Count on it Harleen, count on it!” Steven said.

“And now…back home to compare notes with Shayera.” He thought, navigating between guards escorting inmates to their cells, making his way to the visitors’ exit.

As he walked towards the gate, he inhaled deeply and exhaled.

“’Night Keisha, enjoy the end of your shift!” Steven said, acknowledging the front gate guard.

“Thanks Steven, good night!” She replied.

Chapter 6- But first…

“Quinn to Hawkgirl, do you copy?” Steven said, steering with his free hand as he drove home.

“Shayera here Casanova, I grabbed some Chinese food on my way over to your place, Alfred gave me a lift in Bruce’s limousine!” Shayera said.

“Shay, you’re my savior, thank you, baby, I’m famished! Living the high life huh?” Steven teasingly said.

Shayera laughed.

“Well, Alfred pointed out that I might attract unwanted attention if Hawkgirl flew over to your place…so he offered me a ride, and also picked up the food for us.” Shayera said.

“Mister Pennyworth, you have my gratitude! See you soon my love!” Steven said.

“I’m looking forward to it…my love! And by the way, I have a surprise for you!” Shayera replied, in her sensual, husky voice.

“I love your surprises! I’ll be up in a few minutes!” Steven said, excited.

He parked in the underground garage, grabbed the gym bag in which he’d stuffed his Tiger Snake suit and gear, and locked his minivan.  Using his electronic key, he entered the building.

“We have a lot of planning to do…perhaps I could try a hack…erase Janice’s existence from Waller’s smartphone and systems…hell, erase the footage where Harry tossed me his keys too, he’s one of the good guys in Arkham, he doesn’t deserve to lose his job…I need to compare notes with Shay…” Steven thought, his mouth feeling dry as he pressed the elevator button.

The elevator stopped on his floor and he walked to his door. He tried the handle and saw that Shayera had left the door unlocked.

“Yeah…I pity the poor asshole who tries to force his way in when Shay’s at home!” He thought, chuckling.

“Shay, I’m home!” Steven said, as he entered.

“Follow the trail Steven…I have an appetizer for you before dinner!” Shayera said.

“You intrigue me, the food smells awesome by the way!” Steven said, noticing Shayera’s mace on the floor near the front door.

He locked the door behind him and noticed Shayera’s boots in the living room.

“Hmm, we might just have to microwave dinner by the time we’re done with the appetizer!” Shayera teased.

“Oh baby, I just found your tights!” Steven said as he noticed Shayera’s tights on the floor of the corridor leading to the bedroom.

Shayera laughed, hoping that the game was arousing him.

“And there’s your crop top right in front of my bedroom door…” Steven said opening the door, pulse racing from anticipation.

Dressed in red lingerie, Shayera struck a sexy pose in Steven’s bed, with a smug look on her face.

“Now, pick your jaw off the floor, get undressed and join me…I want the appetizer between your legs!” Shayera said, in the husky voice that drove him wild.

“And I want the appetizer between yours!” Steven grunted, removing his jacket.

“That’s the general idea, yeah!” Shayera said, sliding her red lace panties off.

“You are too sexy for your own good! Why can’t I resist you?” Steven said, clumsily removing his shirt and tossing it overhead.

“Hmm, let me think…you love me, our sex is magic, I know what turns you on?” Shayera said with a mischievous smile, tossing him her red lace panties.

Shirtless, he caught her panties and smelled them, eyes closed. He kissed them and then dropped them to the floor,

“All of the above…good God if it were possible I’d make love to you all day, every day, whoa!” Steven said, losing his balance and falling on his ass as he tried to remove his left sneaker.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Be careful! Don’t break anything yet, we still have so much to do!” Shayera said, laughing.

“Nothing broken babe…damn those sneakers…there!” Steven said, sending one sneaker flying over his head.

“Agreed, just a quickie…we do have a lot to do.  But I need my daily dose of Steven! While I had a dose last evening, I missed a few because of scheduling conflicts! So haul your naked ass here and 69 me! Your man-cream is like Korschian Oysters without the heartburn!” Shayera said, with a wink.

“You sure know what drives me crazy!  Just a sec…” Steven said, removing the other sneaker, and then unbuckling his belt.

Pants, briefs, and socks came off without a struggle, and, to Shayera’s amusement, he jumped in bed, landing on his stomach next to her.

“Bravo! Lie down on your back Casanova!” Shayera said, seductively.

Smiling, he complied.  She sat up and reached for the molecular device on her wrist, but he put a gentle hand on her forearm, stopping her.

“No baby, keep your wings out! I love all of you, wings included. My bedroom is large enough that you won’t feel too cramped!” Steven said, in a smooth voice that gave her goosebumps.

“You got it, sexy!” Shayera replied, assuming position on top of him.

She gasped, as he firmly grabbed her shapely, muscular buttocks and vigorously kissed her labia, taking her by surprise.

“Oh, baby! You are hungry!” Shayera said, breathing hard as he licked her up and down, clit to anus.

“I thought you were too?” Steven said, temporarily interrupting his lip service.

“I am! I know how passionate you can get when you get started but wow!” Shayera said, pressing her firm breasts against his lower abdomen, and grabbing his shaft with a firm grip of her left hand, bringing the head of his penis to her warm, wanting mouth.

Still licking her, he groaned his approval as she slowly and sensually engulfed half of his length in her mouth, testing her gag reflex.

“Hmmpfff!” she grunted, as he now focused on her clit, teasingly massaging her anus with his left hand’s middle finger.

She lifted her head until only his glans was in her mouth, breathing fast from the clitoral stimulus he was giving her, and licked it; sensually and slowly, tasting him, making him squirm.

“That’s right, Mister, you’re not the only one good with his mouth!” Shayera thought, now bobbing her head up and down on his shaft, sticking out her tongue to give him the impression that she was deep-throating him.

“Ohh Goddamn yeah!” He grunted, about to lose control, using every ounce of willpower not to fire his load in her mouth just yet.

Tasting the love juice trickling in his mouth, Steven awkwardly inserted the tip of his right hand’s index in her vulva, and slid it in up to the second knuckle, still licking her clit and massaging her anus with the tip of his left hand’s middle finger.

“Grrrmmmpf!” She groaned loudly, toes curling and left hand firmly squeezing the base of his cock, as he massaged her G-spot, licked her clit, and massaged her anus.

“Oh he’s good, oh he’s so good! Come on Steven, cum in my mouth already, no way you’re making me cum first!” Shayera thought, feeling competitive as Steven’s G-spot massage was doing its magic.

She focused on his glans, sucking and licking it, making loud slurping noises; stroking his shaft with her left hand.

“Uuuhhhh baby yeah!” He growled, close to the edge.

“That’s it, now cum damn you, cum!” Shayera thought, feeling a squirter about to burst, the fire in her lower abdomen spreading to her whole body, her toes spreading and curling from the intensity of the sensations.

“Oh fuck yeah! I’m cumming!” Steven shouted, overtaken.

He bucked his hips, shooting his load in Shayera’s greedy mouth and down her wanting throat.

“Uh-hmm! Uh-hmm! Uh-hmmmmm!” Shayera hummed happily in a squeaky voice, surrendering to her own orgasm as she swallowed Steven’s man-cream, spraying her own love juice in his mouth which he lapped up happily.

Spent, she slid off his muscular body and cuddled up with him, her wings overlapping the foot of the bed. Shayera sighed, satisfied.

“Dinner now? You said you were famished!” Shayera said, smiling sweetly at him.

“Still am, but there’s no way I’ll turn down sex with you over food!” Steven said, kissing her.

“Good to see you have your priorities straight! Let’s have some dinner and talk strategy!” Shayera said, giggling.

Chapter 7 – Hackers

After a dinner consisting of congee, Singapore noodles and chicken in black bean sauce, Shayera and Steven talked strategy.

“So to recap…CADMUS is no more, Amanda Waller might be NSA or Homeland Security…” Shayera started.

“Or both! Her newest project is officially known as Task Force X, a.k.a Suicide Squad… Squad members are injected with an explosive chip in their necks to assure obedience. Waller keeps the detonation code of each Squad member in her smartphone…” Steven said.

“The Riddler figured out that electroshock disarms the detonator. Harley and the surviving members of the last mission are safe for the time being. And Batman is pressuring Waller to pull the plug on Task Force X, which she refuses to do. Knowing all this, what’s our next step?” Shayera said.

“Looks like my hacking skills are required…firstly there’s some security footage I need to edit…security Officer Harry Harris doesn’t deserve to lose his job for helping me. Next…Task Force X. When I helped upgrade the Watchtower’s firewalls, I analyzed many of CADMUS’s algorithms from their prior attack.” Steven said.

“Huh?” Shayera exclaimed, confused.

“The Watchtower’s mainframe was hacked when the Ultimen proceeded to destroy the Watchtower’s systems, which is why I was asked to assist with upgrading the firewalls when I joined as a consultant. If Waller uses the same CADMUS technology in her current systems…I’ll have a Trojan ready for her that will lock all her files and blow the whistle on Task Force X unless she pulls the plug and releases the Squad members!” Steven said, with a frown of concentration.

“Pure genius! I guess we should get cracking!” Shayera said, smiling as she stood up.

They walked over to his study, and Steven fired up his customized desktop computer. Shayera sat down next to him, curious to witness his hacker side.

“My VPN uses the same adaptive technology I used on the Watchtower’s firewalls. Any attempt to trace me back will send a computer virus to the tracker, sending him or her in an infinite loop. So my location is untraceable. But first…let’s find Arkham Asylum’s online systems…” Steven said, typing a series of commands at great speed.

“That’s my guy, working his small miracles!” Shayera said, smiling as she caressed the nape of his neck while he typed.

“To paraphrase an expression, the possible was done yesterday, I’m working on the impossible today…and for miracles, I need 24 hours’ notice!  Love that neck rub by the way…alright, this is what I was looking for…” Steven said, as the footage of Harris tossing him his keyring played on his monitor.

“Ahem, care to explain this?” Shayera said, feigning jealousy as she observed Harley hugging Steven and stealing a peck on his lips.

“Janice was thanking me for not giving up on her.  Right now, I’m her only ally.” Steven said, copying the clip where he and Harley were using sign language and creating a longer clip by pasting it multiple times.

“Hm, I should be jealous, but I see you weren’t encouraging her!” Shayera said, comically sticking out her tongue at him.

Chuckling, he edited the new clip and pasted it over the part where Harris tossed him the keys, up until the point they were about to leave the Visitor’s Hall, finishing it off with static to cover up the part where Harley was being escorted to her cell arm in arm with Harris.

“According to Janice, some guards sexually assault the female inmates while they’re sedated.  The security cameras conveniently experience a ten-minute glitch so they’re not caught with their pants down…literally…so this last glitch, covering her being escorted back to her cell won’t raise any suspicion.” Steven said, exiting the Arkham system.

“Good grief! Sexual assault on top of everything else? Agreed, she did sexually assault you a while back, along with Poison Ivy, Star Sapphire, and Catwoman…but technically, that was Catwoman’s idea, to avoid you getting tortured. After Wonder Woman wiped that memory from their minds…Harley became so sweet towards you…” Shayera said, still caressing the nape of his neck.

Steven nodded and smiled at Shayera.

“I have my cousin back…almost. The one thing we haven’t thought of is where to have Janice transferred…” Steven said, typing a new set of commands.

“Got that covered, Alfred contacted Dr. Leslie Thompkins asking her for a recommendation suiting our purpose. Tranquil Falls is off the grid, and comes highly recommended for patients suffering from PTSD due to child abuse.” Shayera said, leaning in for a kiss.

“Shay, I adore you! Remind me to get a bottle of Single Malt Scotch for Alfred…I’m not sure what would tickle Dr. Thompkins’ fancy, but she has a gift coming her way!” Steven said, kissing her before typing a few more commands.

He paused, debating what he should do first.

“The Trojan first…got to get the syntax right…” Steven mumbled, putting the program together.

Ten minutes later, the Trojan was complete.

“Okay, this will lock all files relevant to the so-called Suicide Squad, and give Waller 10 minutes to scrap Task Force X permanently, or else all relevant files will be released to all major News outlets. Next…I guess I should petition the Governor to release Janice to my care, so we can proceed with the transfer.” Steven said, typing more commands.

“We should petition the Governor, Steven, I’m in this with you all the way! Do you think Harley will cooperate with the transfer of facilities?” Shayera asked.

Steven sighed.

“I wish I could read minds like J’Onn to be certain, but she seemed to be enchanted with the idea when I mentioned it to her. Knowing her, she’ll be running the place when all is said and done!” Steven said, with a wink.

“Doctor Janice Quinn, Director of Operations, Tranquil Falls Clinic!  Has a nice ring to it!” Shayera said, grinning.

“Okay, I’m in…” Steven said, knocking three times on his computer desk.

“Knocking on wood? I hadn’t figured you as the superstitious type Steven!” Shayera teased.

“Just a ritual of mine…sending Trojan…now.” Steven said, clicking enter.

“I’m not sure how receptive Bruce would be to support our petition to the Governor to have Harley released to your care…Oliver might though if only to annoy Bruce!” Shayera said, chuckling.

Steven laughed along, powering off his workstation.  Since the Trojan required time to do its work, waiting by the computer served no purpose.

“That’s a great idea, Shay, in fact, I should get on the horn with Oliver right away!” Steven said.

Their Justice League communicators buzzed.

“Or not…” Steven mumbled.

“Batman to any Justice Leaguer in the Gotham City area, Arkham Asylum is under lockdown, inmates rioting, guards overwhelmed. Backup requested I repeat, backup requested.” Batman said.

Shayera immediately snapped into attention.

“Hawkgirl and Tiger Snake here, currently in Gotham, on our way!” Shayera said.

“Wonder Woman here, I’m five minutes from Gotham in the invisible jet, on my way too!” Wonder Woman said.

They ran to the living room and changed into their respective uniforms.  Steven showed her to a secret trap door on the ceiling, which led to the roof.  Once on the roof, she hugged his back and took flight.

“Must be one hell of a commotion if Batman’s asking for help!” Shayera said.

“So soon after my hack…coincidence? I have a bad feeling about this…” Tiger Snake said.

“Okay, you’re cut from seeing Question sweetheart! His paranoia is contagious!” Shayera teased, kissing him on the top of the head.

“No complaints baby, no complaints! Looks like Diana’s keeping a watchful eye on Bruce, he has a bad tendency of getting injured more frequently when he goes solo!” Tiger Snake replied, with a grin.

“She probably used her golden lasso to ingrain it into him that he needs to call backup!” Shayera said, with a smirk.

Gotham Nebula Hotel, lobby restaurant, a few hours earlier

“Okay Floyd, I’m here, what do you want?” Zalika asked, suspicious.

“Relax Hack, have a seat. I managed to slip through the police’s hands and Batman can’t catch me.  Hell, I nearly blew Waller’s head off…but my daughter was sitting next to me.  She’s innocent, I want a better life for her, away from crime. That’s why we’re skipping town.” Deadshot said, raising his coffee to his lips.

She sat down, trying to get a sense of what Deadshot had in mind. She sensed deception, but his self-control was so strong, she could not get a clear picture.

“Where is your daughter?” Zalika asked, eyebrows arched.

“Sleeping in our room.  We’re leaving Gotham for a fresh start, but Harley wasn’t so lucky.” He said, knowing it would hit a nerve.

“Harley?” Zalika said, looking worried.

“Oh, she’s back in Arkham…with the crazies and the rapist guards.  Agreed, she can handle herself, and she can be a bit too wild for the general population…but she belongs in a Women’s prison, not Arkham.” Deadshot said.

“What…you…why did you call me here? What’s Harley’s predicament to you?” Zalika asked, tears welling in her eyes.

With a stern look on his face, he gave her a stare that made her flinch.

“We fucked.  As much as I didn’t want to get involved with her, I threw caution to hell and had crazy, sloppy sex with her. She was caught, I wasn’t. My number one priority is my daughter. It doesn’t mean I don’t feel bad for Harley.” Deadshot said.

“You’re being sincere…you’re hiding something from me, but you’re being sincere when you say you care for her.  What can I do?” Zalika asked, tears coursing down her pretty face.

“Well, you’re a hacker aren’t you?” Deadshot said.

Zalika smiled, the flow of tears stopping.

“I am…indeed I am! I have work to do.” Zalika said, leaving the restaurant,

Deadshot held his breath, focusing his thoughts on his daughter.  As soon as Hack was out of sight he exhaled.

“She bought it…now I wait”. Deadshot mumbled, leaving a few dollars on the table and heading back to his Hotel room.

Chapter 8 – Bedlam in Arkham part 1

Hawkgirl, Tiger Snake, and Wonder Woman arrived around the same time, landing near Arkham’s front doors.

“I thought you were using the Invisible Jet!” Hawkgirl said, with a teasing smirk.

“Nowhere to land in the area, so I used the nearest landing pad.  Good thing I can fly on my own for short distances!” Wonder Woman said with a wink, sporting her Amazon sword and shield, just in case.

“The nearest landing pad being at Wayne Manor, right?” Hawkgirl whispered, with a knowing smile.

Wonder Woman shrugged with a coy look on her face.  A few moments later, Batman joined them, accompanied by the Front Gate Security team.

“Thanks, everyone, your help is appreciated.” Batman said.

Tiger Snake repressed the urge to say “Are you feeling okay? You’re being grateful!” clenching his jaws to avoid giggling.

“A computer virus unlocked all of the inmates’ doors, sealed certain exits, and unlocked some strategically located others. With the help of the Front Gate Security team, those doors were all chained and padlocked, except for one.” Batman said, pointing to the front door.

“The Security team is armed and ready with tranquilizer guns, but will not have enough ammo to handle everyone should the inmates move en masse through the front doors, not to mention the meta-humans, on whom the tranquilizers will have little to no effect.  That’s where we come in!” Batman concluded, indulging in a tight-lipped smile, his eyes fixed on Wonder Woman’s.

“Well then, enough talk, more action!” Hawkgirl said, with an excited smirk.

“Tiger Snake, if you could make use of the chameleon device of your suit, make your way to the Main Security control room, and try to counteract the virus? Everybody remains in radio contact. And Security, padlock that door behind us. We’ll let you know when it’s safe.” Batman said as they made their way through the front door.

“Works for me, but still, everybody be careful in there okay?” Tiger Snake said as they followed Batman, entering the asylum.

“Amen to that…” Batman said in a low voice.

“May the Fates smile upon us.” Wonder Woman said, in quiet prayer.

Hawkgirl resisted the urge to steal a kiss from Tiger Snake, but instead decided to give him a teasing slap on the rump.

“Please, not in public!” Tiger Snake mumbled as Hawkgirl repressed an urge to laugh.

The doors slammed shut behind them. As they walked through the reception hall, they could hear the sound of mayhem echoing through the corridors.

“Main Security is through the front door up ahead, going into camo mode…watch your backs, guys!”  Tiger Snake said, tapping the camo button on his belt, a slight visual distortion left where he was standing.

Batman slipped his electrified brass knuckles on both hands, Hawkgirl raised her mace like a baseball player about to hit a home run, and Wonder Woman assumed a defensive stance, shield up, sword at ready.

“Hard to believe this place was originally built to only hold Joker and Two-Face. Anyway, if any of us come across Medical Staff, proceed with great care. The guards are trained to handle the inmates when they get out of hand, as are some orderlies. The Doctors and nurses aren’t.” Batman said.

“Tiger Snake to the team, copy?” Tiger Snake said.

“Batman here, what’s the status?” Batman replied.

“Looks like the Control Room staff flew the coop when they saw what was happening.  Based on the screens, the computer virus is corralling the inmates in one single direction. The alternate exits that you padlocked from outdoors were only a diversion, they are once again locked from the inside. Based on this, the only exit the hacker wanted all along was the main entrance.” Tiger Snake said, disabling his chameleon device.

“Alright, that way we don’t need to divide and we can face them as a team!” Wonder Woman said, smiling.

“And if they try to force their way to the front door, they’ll have to go through us first!” Hawkgirl said with an excited grin.

“Here’s something else, as I’m going through the virus’ syntax, I recognize the signature.  This virus has Hack written all over it.” Tiger Snake said, typing away, analyzing the virus.

“Damn…Hack has kept out of trouble for a while now…she’s been a hard-core Harley Quinn fangirl for a long time, but if her aim is to break Harley out of Arkham, why now?” Batman wondered.

“Got the syntax analyzed, writing a prototype antivirus…” Tiger Snake said, noticing a shape moving closer in the main screen’s reflection.

“We’ll keep them busy, work your magic!” Hawkgirl said as they moved in.

“On it!” Tiger Snake said, hitting the camo button on his belt as the intruder took aim at him.

“What the hell?” the intruder, Killer Frost exclaimed, wondering where her target had disappeared to.

Moving slowly and quietly, Tiger Snake circled her, removing one glove.

“Transcutaneous paralyzing gel coming up…worked on Shayera, first time trying on a Meta…” Tiger Snake thought, gently grabbing Killer Frost by the nape of the neck, so the venom would reach her brain quicker.

“GASP!” Killer Frost exclaimed, startled as she collapsed to the floor.

Tiger Snake slipped his glove back on and disabled the chameleon device.

“Didn’t your Mama tell you it’s not nice to sneak up on people and try to kill them?” Tiger Snake said, grabbing her by the ankles and dragging her back into the corridor.

“What…did…you…do…” Killer Frost said, slurring her words.

“Alright, the paralyzing gel partially works on Metas…disables them down to 10% capacity from the looks of it…it’ll have to do. Now be a good girl, keep quiet and let me finish my work.  I promise I’ll carry you to the infirmary myself once the systems are back up.” Tiger Snake said.

“Fuh-ck y-you!” Killer Frost stuttered, frustrated that every move was a struggle, and her cold blasts were disabled.

“Business before pleasure my dear! Now behave yourself!” Tiger Snake said, returning to the control desk, this time closing the door behind him and locking it, just in case.

“Tiger Snake to the team, Killer Frost tried to Pearl Harbor me, but I’ve neutralized her. Getting back to work. How are things on your end?” Tiger Snake said.

“Fun and games, Man-Bat dive-bombed us a few times, Hawkgirl just knocked him into next week. Looks like Frost gave Clayface the cold-shoulder treatment before getting to you, and he got smashed to bits when Diana pulled Mad Hatter off the back of one of the orderlies and slammed him into Clayface…and I’m giving you a status report as I have the Riddler in a sleeper hold, trying to restrain him.” Batman said.

“I’ll leave you to it then!” Tiger Snake said, rapidly typing commands, putting together the antivirus that would hopefully, restore Arkham’s systems.

“We can handle it Tiger Snake, just keep a pair of eyes at the back of your head, Frost can’t be trusted.” Hawkgirl said.

“Roger that Hawkgirl, I’m almost done.” Tiger Snake said, pausing to turn around and look through the glass door.

Killer Frost still lay there on the floor, squirming, trying to roll on her side and get to her feet, and unable to do so. Satisfied, Tiger Snake focused his efforts on the antivirus, engrossed in his work. So engrossed, that he missed security guards Moranis and Serrano sneaking up on the incapacitated Killer Frost, picking her up from the floor and carrying her away.

“Snake man! Snake man!” She tried to shout, her voice still too weak and slurry, but the adrenaline rush slowly restoring motor function.

“Okay team, entering the antivirus now. The systems should be back up in a few minutes and you’ll be able to return the inmates to their cells.” Tiger Snake said.

“Great work Tiger Snake, we already have a bunch of restrained inmates, and are moving deeper into Cellblock B…Joker, Bane, Killer Croc, you get the idea.” Batman replied.

“I’ll make sure Frost is restrained and I’ll come to lend a hand.” Tiger Snake said, leaving the Control center.

He stared through the glass door gape-mouthed, realizing that Killer Frost was gone.

“Mother fucker!” he cursed, unlocking the door and getting to the corridor.

“Son of a bitch! Let me go!” a female voice screeched, farther down the corridor.

Tiger Snake ran in the direction of the screams and stopped near the custodian’s office, from where more angry screams could be heard. He pushed the ajar door wide open, and found Killer Frost, stripped naked and handcuffed to the ceiling’s water pipes, while security guards Moranis and Serrano stood in front of her with their pants off, casting Tiger Snake a deer caught in the headlights stare.

“You filthy pieces of SHIT!” Tiger Snake growled, kicking Serrano square in the balls.

Serrano’s feet left the ground as if Tiger Snake had punted a winning field goal, and dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes, clutching his crotch trying to catch his breath with a loud wheeze. Moranis took a swing that connected with Tiger Snake’s jaw, who rolled with the punch. Rubbing his jaw, Tiger Snake shot Moranis a cold grin.

“Not bad Moe…but I’m no Curly!” Tiger Snake said, feigning a right jab to the face, but aiming for the solar plexus all along.

Moranis let out a loud “OOOF!” as the wind got knocked out of him, dropping to his knees.  Tiger Snake grabbed him by the hair and pulled his head back.

“Now Moe, here’s what going to happen. You and your little buddy here are going to go back into the hole you just crawled out of.  Once we have all the inmates back in their cells, you will both go home and write letters of resignation. Tomorrow, you will tender those resignations. I have spies everywhere Moe. If I find out you two shit heads still work here, you’re gonna see my smiling face again, and I won’t be so nice.” Tiger Snake said, letting go of his hair.

He rummaged through Moranis’ pants pockets and pulled out his keyring. Tiger Snake threw Moranis’ pants in his face.

“NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! AND STAY OUT OF THE WAY!” Tiger Snake yelled, sending Moranis and Serrano stumbling out of the Custodian’s office, pantless.

Tiger Snake looked at Killer Frost, unable to repress a sense of guilt.

“Sure she would have killed me…still, she didn’t deserve to be raped.” Tiger Snake thought.

“What’s the matter, never seen a real woman naked before, or are you just trying to work up the nerve to finish what they started?” Killer Frost snarled.

“Gee, you’re welcome. I don’t know what kind of guys you hang around with… scratch that, I have some idea… but real men don’t treat a woman like that.” Tiger Snake replied with a roll of his eyes and a shake of his head.  

“I stopped believing in knights in shining armor a long time ago! Besides, I see how you’re looking at me.” Killer Frost growled. 

Tiger Snake shook his head again.

“I won’t deny you’re gorgeous, but I’m taken on top of not treating women that way.” Tiger Snake said as he moved behind her to undo the cuffs and free her. 

“Here…get dressed.  Even a villain like you deserves her dignity.” he said, tossing Killer Frost her costume.

“If you were so concerned about my dignity, you’d turn around…” She retorted. 

“Just because I’m a gentleman doesn’t mean I’m an idiot. Now finish getting dressed so I can figure out what to do with you.” Tiger Snake replied. 

“Going to tie me up again so some other pig can repeat what just happened, or did you plan on just handing me over to another guard?  Even if you get lucky enough to find one that’s still in one piece, most of them are worse than the convicts”. Killer Frost said, with a derisive snort, slipping into her costume. 

“Yeah, a fact I’m fully aware of…” Tiger Snake replied. 

“That’s why I volunteered for Task Force X just to get away from those animals! Not that you’d know what I’m talking about. But as you saw, raping the female prisoners is just a fringe benefit to half of them!” Killer Frost vented, the look of murderous rage in her eyes catching him off guard. 

“That is something my team will make sure to put a stop to. And by the way, I am aware of Task Force X” Tiger Snake said, with a scowl. 

“Smarter than you look! And I’ll believe it when I see it.  That still doesn’t answer what you’re going to do with me.” Killer Frost quipped, slipping on her right boot. 

Tiger Snake rubbed his sore jaw, thinking. 

“Well I clearly can’t leave you here… and there’s only one guard I fully trust in this joint.  On the other hand, it’s not like I can take you with me.” He mumbled. 

“It’s a better option than being left here, if you’re serious about protecting me, I’ll help you.” Killer Frost replied, slipping on her left boot. 

“I have Batman, Wonder Woman, and Hawkgirl policing the Asylum as we speak. I was on my way to help them when I found those two shit heads assaulting you…and you barely have any powers to speak of as your body processes the paralyzing toxin. You’d be a danger to both of us. Not to mention that I’m not so sure I can trust you to have our back against your friends.” Tiger Snake replied. 

“None of these goons is my ‘friend’.  You look after number one in this hell-hole, I thought that last scene would have made that quite clear. As for the Task Force, they’re a means to an end; a chance to cause some mayhem and be free of the wonderful social life here.” Killer Frost replied. 

“Cold…then again, whatever floats your boat…or glides your sleigh.” Tiger Snake replied, repressing a chuckle. 

“Oh, you’re hilarious! And here I thought Nightwing was bad with the wisecracks! Even with your friends, you’re drastically outnumbered here, the four of you will need all the help you can get.” Killer Frost replied, rolling her eyes. 

“Agreed, the odds aren’t great but that’s never stopped me yet, and the team could use an extra pair of hands…fine, you can come.  You get cute though, and I’ll chain you up somewhere myself, with a second dose of toxin that’ll put you in a coma.  As far as Task Force X goes, after this is all cleaned up, your puppet master will find herself neutralized and disgraced.” Tiger Snake said. 

“What do you mean?” Killer Frost asked. 

“Let’s just say I have a personal bone to pick with her and leave it at that.  Let’s get out of here.” Tiger Snake said, wanting to assist the team.

Chapter 9 – Bedlam in Arkham part 2

In Cellblock B, the scene of chaos was even worse than what had previously happened in Cellblock A. Bane and Killer Croc were trading blows, swatting like flies any guard or orderly foolish enough to try to separate them. Two-Face was pushing the Joker’s wheelchair until he noticed one of the guard’s batons on the floor.

“Hee! Hee! Hee! We have entertainment! Oh Harvey my dear boy, please fetch some popcorn! Hee! Hee! Ha! Ha! Haaaa! Ow, laughing still hurts!” The Joker said, laughing like a mad man in spite of the pain of his mending broken ribs.

“Does your yap ever shut? I’ve had enough of prison pallor, I’m blowing this joint while they’re all busy fighting.” Two-Face said, picking up the guard’s baton from the floor.

“Party pooper! You’re messing up the pure beauty of chaos and mayhem!  PVVVTT!” the Joker said, blowing a raspberry at Two-Face.

Two-Face turned around, livid, menacingly raising the baton above the Joker’s head.

“WILL-YOU-SHUT-UP!” Two-face screamed, frustrated at the unimpressed look on the Joker’s face.

A Bat-a-rang whirled in the air, knocking the baton out of Two-Face’s hand.

“OW!” Two-Face yelled, fully aware that the odds of him escaping had gone from slim to none.

“And the party goes on! Hee! Hee! OW! Hee! Hee! Hee! Oh, my ribs! Please stop Harvey boy! Stop being so hilarious!” The Joker laughed, amused by Two-Face’s annoyance.

Batman closed the distance between him and Two-Face, who massaged his right wrist as he cast Batman a heinous look. Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl exchanged a knowing glance and targeted Bane and Killer Croc.

“Everybody stand clear while Hawkgirl and I handle Bane and Croc!” Wonder Woman barked, swinging her shield in Bane’s face.

Bane staggered backward but stayed on his feet as the guards and orderlies scrambled out of the way. Hawkgirl landed on Killer Croc’s back, using her mace as a makeshift baton, putting him in a chokehold.

“On your knees and behave yourself stinky, then maybe I won’t choke you unconscious!” She growled as Killer Croc swung his arms aimlessly, unsuccessfully trying to reach behind, grab her and throw her off his back.

“GRRRAAAAHHH! GET OFF ME CRAZY BIRD GIRL!” Killer Croc screamed, frustrated.

“You again…I owe you a spanking for nearly crushing my spine last time we tangled!”  Bane said, wiping the blood trickling from his nose with his right hand, left hand clenched in a fist.

Wonder Woman chuckled.

“You can try! But you seem to forget that the last time we tangled you were packed to the gills with venom toxin and I still broke your ribs trying to give you a hug, remember? You seemed to want my Amazon tits so badly that I gave them to you, still you’re complaining! There’s no pleasing some people!” Wonder Woman said with a cold grin.

“Shut up!” Bane replied, both fists clenched.

“Agreed, I was still dressed in my Amazon armor, but I wanted to give you a taste of what you put Batman through. Didn’t feel too good did it?”  Wonder Woman said, her grin turning into a mocking smirk.

“¡CHINGATE!” Bane screamed, throwing a punch that connected with Wonder Woman’s shield.

“¡AY!” Bane screamed, the knuckles of his left fist bruised, frustrated that Wonder Woman hadn’t moved an inch, and was now laughing.

Meanwhile, Batman and Two-Face squared off, with the Joker egging them on.

“Bat-punch to the jaw sends former DA Dent a-reeling! Hee! Hee! Dent stays on his feet, fakes a jab to the jaw blocked by Batsy but followed by a kick to the midsection doubling the big bad bat over! Ha! Ha! Ha! Haaaa! Ow, my ribs! Double ax-handle to the back of Batman’s head bringing him to his knees, but what’s this? Batman was playing possum and follows through with a leg-sweep bringing the two-faced Attorney flat on his back! Ooh! Hoo! Hoo! Ow, damn those ribs!” Joker said, describing the action as if he were an MMA commentator.

Livid, Two-Face got to his hands and knees, facing the Joker’s wheelchair.

“For the last time, SHUT THE HELL UP!” Two-Face said, about to take a swing at the Joker.

Batman caught Two-Face’s wrist and swung him around, delivering a knock-out punch to the jaw, Two-Face falling unconscious to the floor.

“And Two-Face is down for the count of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10! He’s out Hee! Hee! The winner of this bout by knockout, Batman!” Joker said, enjoying every second of the chaos.

Batman looked at him, shook his head, and chuckled, pulling a pair of Bat-cuffs from his utility belt.

“Now that was terrifying!” Joker said as Batman restrained Two-Face.

Bane tried to grab Wonder Woman’s shield and got another shield shot to the face for his trouble, as Wonder Woman used his own motion against him, adding her own force to it.  This time, Bane fell flat on his ass, more blood trickling from his nose and mouth.

“Bah, I wasted too much energy fighting that half-wit crocodile man, you have me at a disadvantage!” Bane hissed, humiliated by the fact that he was being bested by Wonder Woman for the second time.

Wonder Woman rolled her eyes, sheathed her sword, and grabbed her Lasso of Truth with her right hand, lassoing Bane.

“Enough of your bruised Latin ego. I defeated Aries, you were never any match for me even loaded with venom. Now the lasso compels you: go to sleep!” Wonder Woman commanded.

Bane collapsed, as if in a deep coma.

“Need a hand, my Sister?” Wonder Woman asked, retrieving her lasso as Hawkgirl’s tactic seemed to have little effect on Killer Croc.

“No…but it looks like I need to take drastic measures!” She said, getting off Croc’s back and landing on the floor a few feet away from him, mace raised above her head.

“I’ll crush you like a BUG!” Killer Croc screamed, raising both fists above his head.

“GRRAAAH!” Hawkgirl growled, swinging her mace, hitting Croc square in the chest, sending him flying backward for a few meters, and then hitting the floor unconscious with a dull thud.

“You first, stinky!” Hawkgirl said, teeth clenched.

“Batman to Tiger Snake Cellblock B secured, what’s your status?” Batman said.

“Found two stragglers in the infirmary, Crane and Strange, looks like they’re trying to come up with some sort of gas grenade to make their way out…we’re about to secure the premises.” Tiger Snake said in a low voice.

“We? What are out talking about?” Batman said.

“Allow me…NNNNGH!” Killer Frost’s voice said, picked up by Tiger Snake’s communicator as she threw a freezing blast at Scarecrow and Professor Strange’s handiwork.

“You can’t be serious!” Batman replied.

“My paralyzing toxin severely depleted her powers, I caught two guards trying to rape her…I made a snap judgment. This last cold blast seems to have taken a lot out of her…gonna get busy here…” Tiger Snake said, as they entered the infirmary.

“Understood, but be on your guard!” Batman replied.

Killer Frost leaned on Tiger Snake’s shoulder to keep her balance, but immediately let go as their opponents turned around to face them. 

“Frost, you traitorous bitch!  You’ll suffer for that! And who the hell is that?” Scarecrow shrieked.

“Oh get over yourself Crane, none of us were ever friends.  It was look out for number one and survive Waller’s psycho games.  You… you’re a pathetic, manipulative little weasel with delusions of grandeur.  You lusting after me has always made my skin crawl.”  Killer Frost retorted. 

She hiked a thumb towards Tiger Snake. 

“And this, is the man who just saved me from a couple of sickos like you, so yeah… I’ve got his back for now.  I’d kick your ass anyway just for fun though. Unless you want first go?” Killer Frost asked, looking at Tiger Snake. 

“Pretty girls first, besides, you seem to have a lot of pent up anger to vent.  Enjoy!” Tiger Snake said, with a grin.

“Hey wait a minute, you’re not going to let that murderous slut have a go at us, are you?” Professor Strange protested. 

“Right, insulting her is a really smart move! Have fun Frosty!” Tiger Snake said, enjoying the terrified look on Crane and Strange’s faces. 

“You bet Snake man! Kinda ironic that a man who made a career of generating fear and another one who specialized in fucking with people’s heads be pissing their pants with fear don’t you think?” Killer Frost said, with an evil grin. 

“Tiger Snake, you can’t let her do this!” Scarecrow quipped.

“Oh, so you do know my name? Well, tough shit boys, you had it coming.  Poetic Justice as it were. No groping or fondling though, or I’ll get involved.” Tiger Snake said with a derisive grin.

“I’m gonna really enjoy this… probably more than even I should”, Frost said as a cold smile washed across her face sending a shiver down the spine of both villains.

“Just leave enough for the guards to return them to their cells…” Tiger Snake interjected, gently grabbing her by the arm.

Killer Frost snarled and jerked her arm free of Snake’s loose grip. 

“Don’t…” she started in an enraged tone.

“Touch me…” she continued in a more subdued voice.

“Okay then!  Somebody must have really messed her over in the past.  That was a look of pure hate for just a moment.  Glad she calmed down…” Tiger Snake thought.

Tiger Snake raised his hands in an appeasing gesture. 

“Alright, fair enough! I didn’t mean to cross any boundaries there!  Are you sure you’re strong enough to handle them with your powers diminished?” Tiger snake said, using a more subdued tone for the second part.

“Don’t go getting all sentimental on me, Snake, I definitely don’t need my powers to trash these two wimps.” Frost replied with an enigmatic, almost playful smirk. 

“Well, I suppose it’s a fair fight anyway…they don’t have their gear or weapons either.” Tiger Snake said, rubbing his sore jaw, contemplating. 

“Hah! I certainly don’t need my fear toxin to teach you manners, you cold-blooded tramp!” Scarecrow snapped, and then regretted he’d opened his mouth. 

“Then it’s Straw-man first! You stay out of the way chrome-dome!” Killer Frost sneered, walking in their direction. 

“No worries Frosty, I got your back too. If butt-head tries anything, he’ll eat floor tile before he knows what hit him.” Tiger Snake said, arms crossed, casting Strange a warning stare. 

Killer Frost and Scarecrow circled each other, and with angry scowls, went for each other’s throat.  Killer Frost’s knees buckled as if Scarecrow was overpowering her. 

“Die bitch, die!” Scarecrow hissed, trying to crush her windpipe. 

Killer Frost acted as if she was indeed choking, making Tiger Snake feel uneasy. He took a few steps towards them, and Killer Frost howled with laughter. 

“Crane, you’re way too predictable!” Killer Frost said, with an evil grin. 

She straightened herself and raised her right knee into Scarecrow’s crotch, connecting with great impact. Scarecrow uttered a high-pitched wheezing gasp as he collapsed to the floor. Killer Frost straddled his chest, repeatedly punching him in the face. In spite of himself, Tiger Snake breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that Killer Frost had the upper hand.

“As if that wimpy grip of yours could crush an empty toilet paper roll, let alone my windpipe! I know you kissed Serrano’s ass to have me sedated so you could fuck me while I’m asleep, now it’s payback!” Killer Frost hissed, kneeing Scarecrow in the crotch a second time, making him dry heave.

Panicking, Strange grabbed the closest foreign object he could find – the frozen smoke grenade – and tried to sneak behind Killer Frost. Before he could move any further, Tiger Snake grabbed him by the collar of his jumpsuit, pulled him backward, and slammed him against the nearest wall. Strange dropped the frozen smoke grenade, which shattered into multiple fragments on the floor. With his right hand, Tiger Snake held the whimpering Professor Strange against the wall. 

“Didn’t I warn you that you’d eat floor tile if you tried anything? Want a piece of him too, Frosty?” Tiger Snake said, first to Strange, and then to Killer Frost. 

“Actually…I’m feeling a bit winded out, you can have him Snake man…I need to catch my breath…” Killer Frost said, feeling dizzy, sitting on the unconscious Scarecrow’s chest. 

“Very well…” Tiger Snake said keeping an eye on Killer Frost from the corner of his eye, just in case. 

He pulled his left glove off with his teeth and pie-faced Strange with his paralyzing transcutaneous gel-covered left hand.  Strange collapsed to the floor gape-mouthed and drooling.  Hyperventilating, Killer Frost passed out. 

“Frosty!  Oh damn…” Tiger Snake said, walking over to her, slipping his glove back on. 

He knelt down, scooping her up from the floor, cradling her in his muscular arms. He stood up and carried her to the nearest infirmary bed.  He carefully lay her down in bed.

“What…what…” Killer Frost mumbled. 

“Easy Frosty, you passed out. Normally, physical stimuli helps burn out the toxin, but you’re a Meta, so the impact is different.  It’s non-lethal though, your body will process it in a few hours; plus, you’ve been over-exerting yourself.” Tiger Snake said in a soothing voice, gently brushing Killer Frost’s hair from her eyes. 

“Why are you being so nice to me?  I tried to kill you, just for the fun of it!” Killer Frost said, in a whiney voice. 

Tiger Snake shrugged, smiling. 

“You tried to kill me, I acted in self-defence and that nearly got you raped. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Besides, I’m a pushover for damsels in distress, villain or not.” Tiger Snake retorted. 

A tired smile brightened Killer Frost’s face. She reached with her right hand to caress his cheek, but he pulled back. 

“Don’t worry Snake man, I’m so drained right now I couldn’t freeze a fly, I just want to say thanks!” Killer Frost said. 

Tiger Snake carefully moved closer. 

“If her fingers feel cold at all, I’m jumping backward.” Tiger Snake thought.

She caressed his cheek and nodded. 

“You are a handsome man…that mask may hide your identity, but that jawline and handsome mouth…meow! Your girlfriend’s a lucky bitch! You did say you were taken?” Killer Frost said, with a smirk. 

“I’ll let the bitch comment slide, and yeah, I am.” Tiger Snake said.

Killer Frost chuckled quietly. 

“Don’t be so uptight! She’s probably a Leaguer so I won’t press my luck, but…” Killer Frost said, moving her hand from his cheek to the nape of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. 

“Hmmmmhhh?” Tiger Snake hummed, taken by surprise. 

Killer Frost broke the kiss, and let go of Tiger Snake, leaning back on the bed, smiling triumphantly. 

“For a woman with the power to freeze people and objects at will, you sure have one hot set of lips!” Tiger Snake said, straightening himself. 

Killer Frost laughed tiredly. 

“You’d be surprised how many times I’ve gotten that comment before! I’m a criminal, a killer, and a cast-iron bitch…but one thing I’m not is ungrateful!  Maybe I wanted to make your Leaguer girlfriend a bit jealous when the security footage is reviewed…then again, she’s gonna hear what I just told you too!  Anyway, thanks for saving my naked ass, and allowing me to get some revenge against Crane!” Killer Frost said with a subtle cat-like smile on her lips.

The sound of knocking got their attention.

“What was that?” Tiger Snake said, walking around the bed.

“Sounds like it’s coming from the depository…” Killer Frost said in a sleepy voice.

Tiger Snake walked toward the infirmary’s depositary, where the knocking sound became louder, and a muffled “let us out” shouting could also be heard.

“So that’s where the medical staff disappeared to!” Tiger Snake said, chuckling.

He unlocked the door, and two young Doctors, Allison Wells and Teresa Thomas stepped out of the depository.

“Oh thank God you showed up! Arkham procedures has female personnel hide in a safe room in case of an inmate’s riot, in our case the depository…” Dr. Wells said.

“And avoid rape mobs!  Except this time, Professor Strange saw us and locked us in to make sure he and Dr. Crane could proceed with their gas grenade!” Dr. Thomas said.

“They’re both down for the count.  If you help me strap them into the beds, they won’t cause any trouble.” Tiger Snake said.

“We can handle it, what’s the status of the rioters?” Dr. Wells asked.

“Systems back online, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl and I are securing the inmates. Frosty, can I trust you to behave yourself?” Tiger Snake asked.

Killer Frost giggled.

“No promises Snake man, though I’m likely to be shot up with Zyprexa and strapped to this bed pretty soon…” Killer Frost said.

“Then I shall leave you young ladies with the same message I gave Guard Moe Moranis earlier today. I have spies everywhere.” Tiger Snake said, pointing at the security cameras mounted on the ceiling.

“If I find out that Killer Frost was physically abused or sexually molested while sedated and strapped down, I’ll be back. You don’t want me to be back.” Tiger Snake said, sternly.

“Tiger Snake that would be highly unethical!” Dr. Wells protested.

“We are Doctors, I can assure you all patients are treated with more respect than they ever show us!” Dr. Thomas added.

“And yet I have witnessed firsthand two guards attempting to rape Killer Frost 15 to 20 minutes ago. I also have it on good authority that some guards take advantage of the female inmates while sedated to rape them, disabling the security cameras to get away with it!” Tiger Snake said.

Doctors Welles and Thomas looked at each other, flabbergasted.

“Now your hands may very well be clean, but be aware of the fact that those rapes are happening. Undetected and unpunished. Moranis and Serrano are supposed to tender their resignations tomorrow, and I’m gonna make sure they follow through.” Tiger Snake said.

Dr. Wells sighed and nodded.

“Point taken, we will strap Dr. Crane and Professor Strange to beds, and make sure nothing happens to Miss Snow.” Dr. Wells said.

“Tiger Snake to the team, Killer Frost, Scarecrow and Professor Strange are secured, on my way to Cellblock C.” Tiger Snake said in his Justice League communicator.

“Acknowledged Tiger Snake, meet you there.” Batman’s voice replied.

Tiger Snake stopped by Killer Frost’s bed and grinned.

“Snow huh? How appropriate!” He said.

“Ha, ha funny guy! But seriously, thanks again. Not just for saving my butt, but for being so nice to me…you might just make me believe in Knights in shining armor yet!” Killer Frost said.

“You take care of yourself Frosty!” Tiger Snake said, making his way to the door.

“Caitlin.” Killer Frost said.

“Sorry?” Tiger Snake said, stopping by the door.

“My first name’s Caitlin!” Killer Frost said, smiling.

Tiger Snake smiled.

“Take care of yourself, Caitlin!” Tiger Snake said, and then left the infirmary.

Chapter 10 – Catfight

As the sirens wailed and chaos was sweeping Arkham Asylum, Harley Quinn calmly sat on her bunk, reading a book. Among the inmates running back and forth mostly ignoring her, one in particular had decided to pay her a visit.

“Harley? What are you still doing in your cell? It’s jailbreak time! I need sunlight to replenish my spores!” Poison Ivy said, grinning.

Harley looked up from her book, smiled, and shook her head no.

“Nah Red, I’m good right here. Y’ know the drill, we get out, raise some hell and nearly succeed, then Batman et al spoil the party and we’re back to square one. Nah, I’m fine right here Red.” Harley replied, returning to her book.

Poison Ivy looked at her, stunned.

“Seriously? We have a golden opportunity to blow this joint and change the world to our liking, but you’d rather stay here?” Poison Ivy said, arms crossed under her bosom, making it look larger.

“While I’m aware we’re both bi, pushing your titties up to try and sway me does nothin’ to change my mind. Einstein once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Been there, done that, and guess what?  He was right. We belong in here.” Harley said, trying to get back to her book.

“Well Harleen Quinzell, I never thought I’d see the day where you’d give up! I never figured you to be a quitter.” Poison Ivy said, angry that she had seemingly lost all influence on Harley.

Harley closed her book and slammed it on the bunk next to her. She shot Poison Ivy a furious look.

“I wised up! The Joker was an abusive prick, my life got better tenfold after I kicked the crap out of him and kicked him to the curb! Then you come along supposedly to help me emancipate myself from him, but just like him you fucking used me!” Harley hissed, her face beet red.

“Harley, I never…” Poison Ivy protested, but Harley was having none of it.

“And then, Waller happened with Task Force X, and I tell ya what, sometimes I wish she’d detonated the fucking charge and put an end to my misery!” Harley said, panting.

Poison Ivy’s lips moved, but no sound came out of her mouth, at a loss for words.

“But then, Cousin Stevie started to visit me…and I started to get my taste for life back.” Harley said, smiling.

“Cousin Stevie? That pretty boy, who’s been visiting you this week is your cousin?” Poison Ivy asked, derisively.

Harley snorted, shaking her head.

“The pretty boy, as you call him, is an accomplished Martial Artist, winner of several competitions and former world champion in Jiu-Jitsu. He’s also the kindest, sweetest man ever, so watch your yap what you say about him. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish my book. You wanna leave so bad, the exit’s that way.” Harley said, pointing her thumb to the left and grabbing her book with the other hand.

Incensed, Poison Ivy walked into Harley’s cell and swatted the book out of Harley’s hands.

“You ungrateful bitch!” Poison Ivy growled.

“Awrite, that’s it! It’s on now!” Harley Quinn screamed jumping from her bunk and tackling Poison Ivy in the midsection in a textbook spear.

They grappled, rolling on top of each other all the way out of Harley’s cell and into the corridor, noticed by a few scrambling guards and orderlies, too busy to try and save their own skins to notice or care.

“My stepdad, the Joker, you and Waller! I’m FED UP you hear me? Fed up with people fucking me over, ruining my life!” Harley shouted, grabbing handfuls of Poison Ivy’s hair as she rolled on top of her.

Grunting, Poison Ivy managed to roll on top.

“We could have changed the world, made it our own, but no!  The Joker still manipulated you, treated you like his doormat! I thought we’d finally get somewhere when you kicked him to the curb, but now this, Cousin fucking Stevie!” Poison Ivy snarled.

At the mention of the words ‘cousin fucking Stevie’ a repressed memory surfaced in Harley’s mind. Teary-eyed and furious, Harley rolled on top once again.

“NEVER-TALK-MEAN-ABOUT-STEVIE-AGAIN!” Harley shrieked, punctuating each word with a punch to Poison Ivy’s face.

As Poison Ivy lay unconscious on the corridor’s floor, bruised and blood trickling from her mouth, Harley Quinn got to her feet. Sobbing, she re-entered her cell, and sat back down on her bunk, heels to buttocks, wrapped her arms around her shins, and lay her forehead on her knees. She wept.

“Oh my God Stevie, what have I done to you?” She sobbed loudly.

Moments later, Tiger Snake caught up with Batman, Wonder Woman, and Hawkgirl as they approached Harley’s cell, noticing Poison Ivy’s bruised and unconscious body on the floor.

“What the hell?” Batman mumbled as they drew nearer.

In the cell, Harley was still sitting on her bunk, arms wrapped around her shins and forehead on her knees, sobbing loudly.

“I see it and I don’t believe it…she actually beat up Ivy!” Tiger Snake said with a hint of pride, as he was worried Poison Ivy could still influence Harley.

Harley looked up at the sound of his voice.

“I’m sorry!” she said, jumping out of bed and wrapping her arms around Tiger Snake, sobbing loudly.

Stunned, Tiger Snake held Harley, his eyes going from Hawkgirl to Wonder Woman, and then to Batman, mouthing the words ‘Oh my God, she remembers!’ Harley looked up at him, then noticed Hawkgirl. She broke her embrace with Tiger Snake and hugged Hawkgirl next.

“Yeah, she remembers…” Tiger Snake said, with a sigh.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t deserve your forgiveness! I belong in here!” Harley bawled.

Tiger Snake put one hand on Hawkgirl’s shoulder and the other on Harley’s. They looked up and group hugged.

“Shh Harley, calm down.” Hawkgirl said in a voice she hoped sounded comforting, misty-eyed.

“Yeah, I had a criminal background, and I was forgiven!” Tiger Snake said.

“And me? I was spying Earth for Thanagar! You’d think I’d be spending the rest of my life in prison right? I too was forgiven!” Hawkgirl said.

“I’m never giving up on you Janice, never. What you did to me a few years ago? Water under the bridge.  You weren’t in your right mind, breaking away from the Joker and following that creep Slick Garcia’s advice. You’re healing, Blondie, and I want you to keep on healing.” Tiger Snake said in a soothing voice.

“I’m not giving up on you either Harley, you’ve been dealt a bad hand since you were a child. If I could be forgiven, and if Snake could be forgiven, so can you.” Hawkgirl said, smiling.

Sniffling, Harley smiled at them through the tears.

“I love you both so much!” She said in a subdued, mousy voice, first kissing Tiger Snake, and then Hawkgirl, both on the lips.

“Things are gonna change Jan, mark my words. If it’s the last thing I do, things are gonna change.” Tiger Snake said.

“And he’ll have some backup too!” Hawkgirl said, with a wink. 

Wonder Woman wiped a few tears from her eyes, and noticed that tears were also coursing from underneath Batman’s mask. Rather than teasing him about it, she smiled, gently turned his face towards her with her right hand and kissed him.

Chapter 11 – Checkmate

After the inmates were all returned to their cells and a formal complaint filed with Arkham Asylum’s board of directors regarding certain liberties taken by the guards with the female inmates, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, and Tiger Snake reconvened in the Bat-cave. The Bat-computer’s main screen blinked, advising of an incoming video communication.

“Waller…what the hell does she want?” Batman said.

“Oh, I think I have an idea!” Tiger Snake said, smirking, casting Hawkgirl a furtive glance.

“Yes Waller, what do you want?” Batman asked, flatly.

“Oh as if you didn’t know? All of my Task Force X files are frozen, you threaten me that you’ll blow the whistle to every News outlets unless I pull the plug?  Good job, rich boy, I just tendered my resignation today!” Waller spewed, taking a sip of Scotch.

Grinning, Tiger Snake put a hand on Batman’s shoulder.

“Actually, that was me.  While I agree that Batman has a reputation for being a hard-ass, he’s still much too nice. I’m worse.” Tiger Snake said, his voice cold and calculated.

“And who the hell might you be?” Waller sneered.

“Gee, I’m getting a lot of that today…allow me to clue you in. I’m the dirty bastard who wrote the Trojan virus that infected your systems, copied your files, locked them, and sent you my ultimatum.” Tiger Snake said, pausing to gauge Waller’s reactions.

Waller stared back, nonplussed, shocked that this nobody had managed to slip under her radar. Satisfied, Tiger Snake continued.

“I’m the son of a bitch with spies everywhere who can make your arrogant-ass life a living hell with the push of a button.” Tiger Sake said, with a cold grin.

Waller took another sip of Scotch, grimacing.

“Don’t bluff me scale-face!” She finally said.

Tiger Snake calmly smiled.

“Try me, I’ll finish you for good. Take a long, hard look at my face and see that I’m dead serious.” Tiger Snake said, his tone making even Batman feel uneasy.

Waller scowled, taking a gulp of Scotch.

“Not my first rodeo sonny boy…but I believe you.” Waller said.

“Checkmate Waller. Tread lightly hereon in, I don’t control him.” Batman said, ending the video call.

They looked at each other and burst out laughing, patting Tiger Snake on the back.

“Quinn, I’ve been trying to get her to pull the plug on Task Force X for a while now, that Trojan horse virus…well done. The fact that she actually resigned makes it this much sweeter!” Batman said, pulling his mask back.

“I can’t take all the credit…I came up with the Trojan but would have gotten nowhere without Shayera’s research, Question’s research…hell, had you not pulled the strings to allow my visits to Janice in Arkham, I never would have even known about Task Force X!” Tiger Snake said.

“All the same, great work! Deadshot is still at large and I’d like to have a chat with Hack regarding her handiwork in today’s riot…tomorrow. Diana and I need a long soak in the whirlpool, and I’m pretty sure Shayera and you could use some alone time!” Batman said, smiling.

“Oh, before I forget, I need to petition the Governor to have Janice transferred to Tranquil Falls…” Tiger Snake said, also pulling his mask back.

“Leave that to me Quinn, I owe you that much. Tranquil Falls is a wonderful facility.” Batman said.

“Thanks, Bruce! So Shay, my place or yours?” Tiger Snake asked.

“Mine Casanova, there’s a special massage oil I’d like us to try!” Hawkgirl said, taking him by the hand and guiding him towards the Bat-Cave’s transport pad.

“Ooh, me likey!” Tiger Snake said, making her laugh.

“Hawkgirl to Watchtower, two to beam up!” Hawkgirl said in her Justice League communicator.

They dissipated from view and rematerialized in the Watchtower. Wonder Woman turned to Batman with an amused smirk.

“Will you ever tell him this was your master plan from the start?” She asked, comically ruffling his hair.

“I’m sure he’ll figure it out, he’s as sharp as a tack. He inquired about getting a Visitor’s pass to Arkham to visit Harley around the same time Waller and I were butting heads, so I got the idea. I knew that it would arouse Question’s paranoia, so I asked Huntress to be on the lookout and to hint at Question that he needed to speak with Quinn.” Batman said, sitting at the Bat-computer’s chair.

“Machiavelli couldn’t have done better himself!” Wonder Woman said, sitting on his lap, smirking.

“Thanks…I think? Alfred was instructed to disclose the relevant information, should he be asked. I hadn’t anticipated Shayera would volunteer to help, but so much the better. I’m still not clear why Hack caused that riot in Arkham…” Batman said, his voice trailing off.

Tenderly, Wonder Woman kissed him.

“Enough work for today Bruce, it’s been a long, busy day, even for an Amazon initiate. Let’s go upstairs for that soak in the whirlpool, I’m really looking forward to it…and perhaps something else, tough guy!” Wonder Woman said, whispering the last part in his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

“Hmm, color me intrigued!” Batman said with a mischievous smirk.

Chapter 12 – The Warriors’ reward part 1

He scooped her up from his lap as he stood up from the computer chair.

“Whoa! Excited much?” Wonder Woman yelped, surprised.

“With you Princess? Always!” Batman said, making her laugh charmingly.

“Alright, service elevator or stairs? Can we both fit through the Grandfather Clock doorway when you carry me like this?” Wonder Woman asked, grinning.

“Service elevator, it’s more practical, and I want to save my cardio for making love to you!” Batman said, with a wink, carrying her towards the elevator.

“Naughty boy! Though you know your libido and stamina became greatly enhanced when you became my initiate!” Wonder Woman said, pressing the service elevator button.

“Your initiate, lover, life partner…and I don’t want to waste one precious iota of enhanced stamina on climbing those stairs!” Batman said, carrying Wonder Woman into the elevator cab.

The doors slid closed. Wonder Woman cast Batman an amorous look and gently turned his face towards hers with her left hand, kissing him again.

“Why Mister Wayne, how you do spoil this Amazon Princess!” Wonder Woman said in a gentle voice.

“And you Miss Prince, deserve nothing less!” Batman said in a voice that gave her goosebumps.

The elevator doors opened and Batman carried Wonder Woman into the Study.

“Perhaps you should put me down, so Alfred doesn’t feel awkward if he sees you carrying me?” Wonder Woman said, smirking.

“Believe it or not, Alfred is out on a date with Doctor Thompkins, we have the place to ourselves!’ Batman said, grinning.

“Alfred and Leslie? I’m so happy for them, besides, Alfred deserves a break!” Wonder Woman said, opening the Study’s door so they could get to the hallway.

“Amen to that, and God knows how many times Alfred and Leslie had to patch me up…well that is until a certain Amazon gave me a certain Ambrosia extract elixir to drink!” Batman said with a smirk.

“Hmm, whoever she is, I owe her thanks!” Wonder Woman said, tongue in cheek.

They arrived at Bruce’s private gym, Wonder Woman once again opening the door for them.

“Wait Bruce, put me down, quick wardrobe change!” Wonder Woman said.

He gently put her on her feet and took a step back. Arms extended, she began spinning around, the Amazon magical science changing her attire from her Amazon armor to the Egyptian cotton sundress and leather sandals she had been wearing before her last mission. She struck a pose and winked.

Batman removed his gloves, dropping them to the floor. He unbuckled his utility belt, also dropping it to the floor. Diana reached down and pulled her sundress up, over her head and dropped it to the floor, revealing her magnificent naked body, her raven mane cascading on her shoulders.

“You are so gorgeous…” He said, unhooking the cape and cowl from the top of his suit, letting it slide to the floor.

“You’re pretty hot yourself!” Diana said, purposely bending over to remove her sandals, giving him an eyeful of dangling DD breasts.

“Not as hot as you!” Bruce said, sitting on the edge of his bench press to remove his boots, his eyes never leaving Diana’s sensual body.

She smiled and walked toward him.

“Let me help you with that suit, turn around!” Diana said.

He stood up and turned his back to her.

“You do realize that I can handle it myself!” Bruce said.

“This is more fun!” Diana said with a grin, pulling the waistline zipper that held the top and bottom parts of his suit together.

Chuckling, Bruce pulled his top off while Diana pulled his bottom down.

“Ooh, you went commando! Junior’s already standing at attention!” Diana said, smoothly caressing his shaft.

“With good reason, have you looked in a mirror? You’re giving Aphrodite a run for her money!” Bruce said, grinning.

She chuckled.

“Well, Eros, I think we should make our way to the whirlpool!” Diana said.

Arms slung around each other, they walk towards the private gym’s shower room, the smell of chlorine filling their nostrils. Bruce flicked the light switch, which automatically started the whirlpool’s waterjets.

“The water heater stays on to maintain the water temperature, and the level sensors add extra water to compensate for evaporation. The waterjets on the other hand don’t need to be permanently on.” Bruce said as they entered.

They climbed in and sat down and snuggled, closing their eyes.

“After being on my feet for so long, this is a little slice of Arcadia!” Diana said, her left hand discretely sliding between Bruce’s legs.

“What are you doing, you naughty Princess?” Bruce said, smirking as she once again started caressing his shaft.

“Me? Just showing my wonderful initiate how much I appreciate him!” Diana said, leaning in for a kiss, stroking his cock a bit more firmly.

Eyes closed, they kissed, Bruce moaning appreciatively at Diana’s underwater hand job. He parted her lips with his tongue, which she happily greeted with hers, playing a sensual game of tongue tag. With an excited moan, Diana stood up, turned around, and bent over.

Knowing what she had in mind, Bruce gently grabbed her left knee and lifted her leg out of the water. He pressed his pelvis against her shapely buttocks, teasing penetration.  Aroused, Diana turned her upper body backward, laying her left hand on Bruce’s right shoulder and her right hand on the edge of the whirlpool for balance. She looked into his eyes, enjoying the passionate expression on his face.

“Slide it in me!” Diana said, in a sultry voice.

“Your wish is my command!” Bruce said in his gravelly Batman voice, guiding his shaft with his right hand to her vulva, slowly sliding it into her moist core, making her grunt her approval.

“Yesss…” Diana said in a sultry whisper.

He moved his right hand to the edge of the whirlpool for balance, and looked into Diana’s eyes, as her upper body was still turned sideways looking back at him. He began rocking his pelvis back and forth, keeping a moderate cadence, wanting to savor the sensations.

“Yess, yess, YESS!” Diana exclaimed, enjoying every second.

She changed her position and leaned forward, holding onto the edge of the whirlpool with both hands and allowing Bruce full penetration. He let go of her leg and held onto her waist, keeping the same pace but thrusting harder, obtaining a chorus of pleasured moans from Diana.

“That’s-right-Bruce-pump-me hard!” Diana egged him on, letting go of the edge of the whirlpool with her left hand and reaching between her thighs, caressing her clit with a feather touch.

“A-phro-di-te YES! DON’T STOP BRUCE I’M CUMMMING!” Diana shouted, the combined sensations of Bruce’s manhood plowing her tight pussy, the waterjets caressing her skin and her fingers teasing her clit pushing her over the edge.

Bruce pulled out, turned her around and hugged her.

“That sounded intense Diana!” Bruce said, in a gentle voice.

“It was…and I’m ready for more, let’s add some gravity! I want to try it standing, do you feel up to it?” Diana asked, smiling brightly.

“Always willing to please, wrap your arms and legs around me…” Bruce said.

Giddy like a Schoolgirl, Diana complied. Bruce reached down, firmly grabbing onto her muscular buttocks and lifted her up. Diana reached down with her right hand, grabbed onto Bruce’s erected shaft and pointed the head of his penis towards her vulva.

“Okay Bruce, lower me down nice and slowly…oh Hera that’s so good!” Diana said, loudly grunting the last part as she impaled herself onto Bruce’s cock.

She moved her right hand to her hip, holding onto Bruce with her left arm, Bruce holding her up with his hands under her buttocks. She lay her forehead against his, looking deeply into his eyes as she began to slowly roll her hips, grinding her clit against his pubis, breathing heavily, toes  curling from the intense sensations.

“Uuuhhh…sweet Aphrodite I needed this…duty’s kept us apart too long for my liking!” Diana said, panting, still rolling her hips.

“Agreed Princess…it makes me appreciate the time we spend together all the more!” Bruce grunted, glad that his endurance and stamina were indeed enhanced.

Diana planted her lips against his and hugged him tightly, pressing her firm DD breasts against his muscular chest still grinding away, feeling another orgasm, even more intense than the first, budding deep within her core. It was now her turn to part his lips with hers, and begin another game of sensual tongue tag.

“Mmmh…Mmmh…Hmmmmhhh…” Diana moaned, as her budding orgasm grew in intensity.

Sensing that she was getting close, Bruce began lifting and lowering her on his cock, as she kept on rolling her hips and grinding her clit against him.

“Mmmh…Mmmh…Hmmmmhhh…BRUUUUUUUCE!” she screamed, arching her back and kicking her legs up, holding onto Bruce by the shoulders as orgasm number two exploded.

Panting and trembling, Diana kissed Bruce again letting her legs dangle down, indicating that she wanted to get on her feet.  Bruce bent his knees, sliding out of her.

“Need to take a break?” Bruce asked in a gentle voice.

“Oh we’re only getting started! Let’s explore that private gym of yours!” Diana said, grinning as she got out of the whirlpool.

“Careful not to slip my dear, your pain threshold might be higher than the common mortal’s, but I’d rather not see you injured!” Bruce said, following her out of the whirlpool.

She grabbed a bath towel for herself and tossed one to Bruce.

“Of course we’ll towel off before exploring your gym!” Diana said, sensually toweling off.

Bruce caught his towel in midair and also toweled off, paying particular attention to his feet, to avoid slipping.

“Your gym is covered with shock-absorbing mats which opens up many possibilities…” Diana said, tossing her towel in the hamper and making her way back to the gym.

“What do you have in mind?” Bruce asked.

Diana looked pensively around Bruce’s private gym and zeroed in on the bench press near the glass doors facing Wayne Manor’s garden.

“Alfred’s out on a date, no neighbors for kilometers around, perfect!” She thought, with a mischievous smirk.

“Lie down on that bench press Bruce, this Amazon wants to ride her stallion!” Diana said, excited.

“Sounds good to me!” Bruce said, walking towards the bench press and lying on his back, smiling.

“Easy boy, Diana won’t hurt you!” Diana said tongue-in-cheek, caressing Bruce’s chest as if she were taming a wild horse.

Bruce snorted loudly, playing along, making Diana laugh. He let his arms dangle to the matted floor for increased balance as Diana straddled him. She reached below for his stiff shaft, directed it one more to her vulva, and lowered herself onto it with a pleasured grunt. With a clenched jaws grin, she then lowered her upper body until her firm DD breasts were touching his muscular chest and grabbed onto his shoulders.

“Funny way to ride a stallion!” Bruce said, smirking.

“Shut up and buck me my stallion…buck me fast and hard!” Diana softly hissed, purposely saying “buck “instead of “fuck” to keep within the stallion roleplay.

Bruce snorted again and began thrusting his pelvis upward, hard, fast, and furious.

“Urrgh…urgh…urgh…yes! Yes! Yesss! Fas-ter! Har-der!” Diana moaned, groaned, and cooed, the stimulation from Bruce’s cock in her pussy, her clit colliding with his pubis, and her sensitive nipples rubbing against his chest building up orgasm number three.

Encouraged by the expression of ecstasy on Diana’s face, Bruce doubled the intensity and speed of his thrusts, pushing Diana over the edge and in prey of her third orgasm.

“Oh Bruce, oh Gaia YEEEEESSSSS!” Diana shouted, back arched and toes curling.

She dropped limply on top of Bruce who stopped pumping and began tenderly caressing her back.

“I’m so…satisfied…” She said, her voice a near whisper.

“I’m glad I could fully satisfy you, my goddess!” Bruce said in a soothing voice.

“Goddess? Why Bruce you silver-tongued devil you! Besides, you always satisfy me!” She said, firmly planting a kiss on his lips.

After the kiss, they looked into each other’s eyes, smiling.

“I’m glad I do, I try my very best!” Bruce said.

“You don’t just try, you succeed! Your turn my love, go wild, ragdoll me if you want! I want you to cum as hard as you made me cum! I want to feel it all over my abdomen and breasts!” Diana said with an excited smile.

“Are you sure?” Bruce asked.

While the thought was wildly exciting, he loved her and did not wish to treat her like a barbarian.

“Positive my love, don’t forget I’m a warrior and I don’t mind it rough! Besides, there’s a shower right next to the whirlpool to wash off your hot seed!” Diana said, casting him a sultry look that nearly made him fire his load within her.

“Alright then, stand up!”  Bruce said in his Batman voice, with a lustful look on his face that gave her goosebumps.

Smiling and breathing fast out of excitement, she stood up, the sensation of his cock sliding out of her pussy making her gasp.

“Well look at you! Covered in goosebumps and all excited, you want this bad don’t you?” Bruce said, standing up, looking her up from head to toes.

“Yes, master!” She said, hoping that it would drive him out of his mind horny.

It worked. He firmly grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her face-first into the wall near the bench press, making her gasp out of surprise and delight. He once again grabbed her left leg behind the knee and lifted it, slowly penetrating her as she once again turned her upper body to look at him, leaning against the wall for balance.

They began tongue-kissing, emitting muffled moans of pleasure as he pumped his cock into her pussy with increasing speed and vigor. After what felt like several minutes, they came up for air and Bruce pulled out. He swung her around wanting to face her, and let go of her left leg. 

With a look of pure pleasure on her face, she leaned her back against the wall for balance as he pinned her against it, lifted her right leg, and slid his cock back into her dripping wet pussy. He resumed pumping into her like crazy, grunting loudly with every thrust.

“B-Bruce, on-the floor! F-fuck-me-on the-f- floor! C-cum on my a-a-ab-domen and breasts!” Diana stuttered, breathless.

“Oh, baby yes!” Bruce grunted, letting go of her leg and sliding out of her, on the edge of orgasm.

Panting, Diana took a few steps away from the wall, turned around to face Bruce, and lay down on the matted floor. She swung her legs up and cast Bruce a sultry look.

“Do it!” She said, her voice a sexy whisper.

“Don’t have to tell me twice!” Bruce grunted, teeth clenched.

He knelt between her legs, grabbed her muscular left calf in his right hand and caressed the back of her right thigh with his left hand. Slowly and deliberately, he slid his manhood into her, wanting to savor every sensation, the tightness, the wetness, and the warmth. Especially the warmth. Diana lay her arms above her head on the matted floor, enjoying the extended love-making.

“Gasp…Bruce, you tease! I want you to c-gasp!” Diana moaned, enjoying every second as Bruce began slamming his cock within her fast and hard.

“YES! YES! YES! DO IT BRUCE! CUM ALL OVER ME!” Diana shouted, surprised that a fourth orgasm was about to boil over.

“Oh my GOD DIANA! I’m gonna cuh…UNNH!” Bruce shouted, glad that Alfred was indeed out on a date as multiple salvos of his man-cream adorned Diana’s shapely breasts and chiseled abdomen.

Diana extended her arms, grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him in, hugging and kissing him with a giggle as she smeared his own cum all over his chest and abdomen.

“You naughty Amazon!” Bruce said, after the kiss.

“And you wouldn’t want me any other way! Now let’s make use of that shower!” Diana said, grinning.

“Indeed!” Bruce said, getting to his feet, and helping Diana back up.

Chapter 14 – The Warriors’ reward part 2

Meanwhile, in the Watchtower, an eager couple raced through the corridors, toward a certain Thanagarian Detective’s quarters. Snickering, Shayera led Tiger Snake through her quarters’ door as it slid open.

“Doors lock!” Shayera commanded, the door automatically locking behind them.

She tossed her mace on the floor and activated the molecular device on her bracelet, reducing her wings to sub-molecular size, making them virtually disappear under her skin. With her wings once again out of the way, she pulled her spandex crop top over her head, her shapely B-cuppers sensually jiggling, and her fiery red mane cascading on her shoulders.

She sat on her bed and extended her right leg.

“Boot please!” She asked, with a mischievous smile.

Smiling, he grabbed hold of her boot and gently pulled it off, tossing it aside. He held her ankle, brought her foot to his lips, and kissed it.

“Hmm, your lips feel so good on my feet!” Shayera said with a smile, now extending her left leg.

Obediently, he pulled her left boot off, held her ankle, and also kissed her left foot. Chuckling, he began alternating kissing her feet left to right.

“Hmm, Steven…massaging my feet with your lips? I like it!” Shayera said, with a blissful smile.

“I can’t help it, your whole body is so kissable!” Tiger Snake said, now reaching for the waistband of her tights.

She pushed her pelvis up, allowing him to pull them down. He tossed them aside and proceeded to kiss her shins, knees, thighs, pussy, pubis, and abdomen.

“Hmmm…nice! But why are you still dressed?” Shayera said, getting to her feet.

He sat in bed and raised his right foot, observing his fiery redheaded lover remove his left boot, toss it aside, and kiss his foot.

“Have I told you you’re too sexy for your own good recently?” he asked as she repeated the process with his other boot, kissing his right foot.

“At least once daily Mister Quinn and I don’t object, I quite like it in fact, my sexy man!” she said, using her husky voice for the last part, knowing it drove him wild.

Smiling, he stood up, and unbuckled his Tiger Snake belt, letting it drop to the floor. He then removed his gloves and also tossed them aside. He then reached for the zipper which held the top and bottom parts of his suit together and pulled it, going around his waist, to the small of his back. He reached behind with his other hand and grabbed the zipper, pulling it to finish the loop.

He pulled off his top and mask, while Shayera pulled his bottom down. She helped his feet out of his suit bottom and tossed it aside, their various articles of clothing strewn helter-skelter over the floor.  

“What a lovely arabesque our discarded clothes make on the floor, in the throes of our passion!” Steven said, sitting in bed as Shayera rummaged through her dresser drawers for her massage oil.

“Getting poetic on me Steven? Here, sit up and let me start with your trapezius!” Shayera said, pumping some massage oil in the palm of her left hand and putting the bottle on the edge of the bed frame.

She rubbed her hands together as she knelt behind him, breathing down his neck for good measure before smoothing the massage oil on his neck, trapezius, and shoulders.

“Hmm…very nice!” Steven moaned appreciatively.

“It’s a warming massage oil, ginger, arnica, lavender, and coconut oil. Black Canary swears by it, I thought we’d give it a try! I meant to use it last night, but that pussy massage you gave me in the shower kind of distracted me!” Shayera said, smirking as she massaged his neck and shoulders.

“Is it my fault you’re so sexy? How can I not touch that gorgeous body of yours? Ungh, you’ve hit a sore spot there Shay, it shoots all the way down below the right shoulder blade…” Steven said.

“You’ve been squatting without your weightlifting belt again, haven’t you? Bad boy! Lie down on your stomach muscle man, I’ll relax those sore back muscles!” Shayera chided in mock anger.

She pumped more massage oil in her hand and returned the bottle on the edge of the bed frame as Steven lay on his stomach. She straddled his buttocks and spread the massage oil all over his back. He moaned appreciatively as her smooth, warm hands glided on the nape of his neck, then on his back, shoulders, and triceps.

“Hmm, that warming sensation is amazing…as are your hands, your touch is magic!” Steven said, with a cherubic smirk.

Shayera moved from his rump and sat on her heels to his right. She put her left hand in the middle of his back and applied her right elbow to the sore spot in his back.

“Okay Casanova, deep breath as I apply more pressure…” Shayera said, gently leaning into the sore spot in Steven’s back, gradually applying pressure with her elbow.

“Yeah…keep going baby that’s the ticket…” Steven said, giving her a thumbs-up as the warming massage oil and Shayera’s expert touch did their work.

“Good?” Shayera asked, with an amused smile.

“Better than good! Let me rub you down now!” Steven said.

“Not yet, I still need to rub that gorgeous ass of yours, the back of your legs, your feet…” Shayera said, with a mischievous grin as she pumped more massage oil in her hands.

“You spoil me!” Steven moaned.

“And you spoil me right back!” Shayera said, slathering massage oil on his buttocks, hamstrings, calves, and feet.

The latter part was more of a lengthy caress of his lower body than it was an actual massage, but he did not care. After a few minutes, she gave his muscular ass a playful swat.

“Alright Casanova, my turn!” Shayera said, smirking.

He grabbed the bottle of massage oil and sat on the left edge of the bed. He patted the mattress to his right.

“Sit right here my gorgeous girl, and put your feet on my lap. Let me rub your feet!” Steven said as Shayera sat next to him, leaning back on the pillows.

She put her feet on his lap and smiled.

“Kisses on my feet and a foot rub? If I were an earthling I’d say ‘there is a Heaven!’” Shayera said wiggling her toes.

“To which I’d say ‘you’re my heaven’…I know, I’m sappy…” Steven said, squirting massage oil in his left hand and returning the massage oil bottle to the edge of the bedframe near him.

“I’m not complaining! Actually, start with my right foot!” Shayera said, bending her left knee and planting her left foot on the mattress.

He rubbed his hands together, and going ankle to toes, he covered the top of her foot with massage oil with one hand, and with his other hand, he spread massage oil to the bottom of her foot, heel to toes.

“Hmm, it does feel nice! Warm and tingly!” Shayera said, eyes closed.

He rubbed her foot, also more caressing than massaging, but Shayera didn’t seem to care, enjoying the warm caress.

“That’s wonderful baby, other foot now!” Shayera said, bending her right knee and extending her left leg.

Smiling, she noticed Steven’s hard-on and teasingly rubbed it with her foot.

“Look who came out to play!” She said, as he squirted more massage oil in his left hand and returned the bottle to the edge of the bed frame.

“Patience my love, the orgasms are always extra pleasurable after a long foreplay…this is foreplay right?” Steven said, rubbing his hands together and then basting her left foot with massage oil, sensually caressing it as he did the right.

“The hard nipples, hard cock, and wet pussy aren’t enough to clue you in? Of course, it’s foreplay!” Shayera snickered, sliding her foot out of his hands and rubbing it on his cock.

“Now behave!” Steven said, tickling the arch of her foot.

“Hee! Hee! Stop! Cut it out!” Shayera laughed, raising her foot to his face.

“Okay, I’m stopping, please don’t kick me in the face!” Steven said, acting scared.

“Who’s kicking you?  Kiss it better!” Shayera said with a smug smirk on her lips.

Smiling, Steven kissed her foot.

“Good boy, now do my back!” She said, bending her knee.

She lay on her stomach next to him, smiling.

“Okay Miss Wisenheimer, let’s continue the foreplay!” Steven said, grabbing the bottle of massage oil and straddling her shapely, muscular ass.

He squirted oil in his left hand, returned the bottle to the edge of the bed frame, and rubbed his hands together. She hummed her approval as he applied the massage oil on her skin by sliding his hands from the small of her back to her lats, then to her shoulder blades, and then to her trapezius; exerting moderate pressure.

“Again baby, that felt awesome! More massage oil please!” Shayera said, propping herself up on her elbows and trying to look over her shoulder.

“As you wish!” Steven said, smiling as he reached for the massage oil bottle.

“I feel something hard in my butt crack!” Shayera said with a snicker, as he poured oil in his left hand and returned the bottle to its place on the bed frame.

He rubbed his hands together and repeated his effleurage, starting from the small of her back and ending on her trapezius, using moderate pressure.

“Hmm…now I feel it in the small of my back!” Shayera said, teasingly wiggling her bottom.

Overtaken by desire, Steven flipped her on her back, grabbed her by the hips, and lifted her up until only her shoulders were touching the bed.

“WHOA! What are you d…” Shayera shouted, taken by surprise.

He lay her legs on his shoulders, holding her firmly by her muscular thighs. He buried his face in her crotch, feverishly licking her pussy, teasing her anus, circling her labia, and then suckling her clit.

“Oh yeah don’t stop…” she said, panting, toes curling from the intense pleasure.

She reached behind her back, wrapped her right hand’s thumb and forefinger around the base of his shaft, and gently scratched his scrotum with her left hand.

“Uh-huh…” Steven said, still eating her out as she awkwardly masturbated him with her arms behind her back.

“Oh yeah, baby suck my clit! Lick my pussy! Lick my butthole! I’m so close!” Shayera goaded, as he sucked and licked her pussy with renewed intensity, flicking his tongue on her anus for good measure.

With Shayera’s hands stimulating his cock, Steven darted his tongue in her vulva, bobbing his head up and down, tongue-fucking her.

“Oh yeah…oh yeah! STEVEEEEEEEN!’ Shayera shouted as an orgasm washed over her from head to toes.

He gently lowered her body to the bed and brushed her hair out of her eyes.

“Are you alright Shay?” Steven asked, worried.

“I’m not sure if blood rushing to the head enhances orgasmic sensations…but wow! Let me catch my breath…then I want you to fuck my brains out!” Shayera said, panting.

“Take all the time you need baby!” Steven said, his right hand gently brushing her cheek, her neck, and her left breast.

Smiling, she rolled onto her left side and swung her right leg upward, resting her foot on his left shoulder. She bent her left arm and lay her head in her left hand, looking at him. She reached behind her raised leg and grabbed her right buttock, spreading her cheeks apart. She winked at him.

“Well, what are you waiting for, an invitation?” Shayera asked, smirking.

“No, just waiting for you to tell me you’ve caught your breath!” Steven said, wrapping his hands around her right thigh.

“I’m good, fuck me!” Shayera said, casting him a smoldering look.

He moved his right hand from her leg to his cock, moved his shaft to her vulva, and penetrated her as he returned his right hand to her right thigh.

“Yeaaahhh…deep into me baby!” Shayera grunted, the look of pure pleasure on her face driving Steven wild.

Adding impact to every thrust by pulling Shayera’s leg towards him, Steven pounded away hard and fast, trading passionate glances with Shayera, watching her firm breasts bounce and jiggle.

“You’re so beautiful…I want your tits!” He grunted, letting go of her leg.

She giggled excitedly as he leaned on top of her, wrapped his arms around her, and rolled on his back. She put her hands on his muscular shoulders and pushed herself up, bringing her breasts to his face, grinding her clit against his pubis. He lustfully grabbed her left breast with both hands, firmly but gently massaging it, and teasing its nipple with his mouth, kissing it, licking it, sucking it a bit harder, and gently biting it.

“Oooh…keep going baby, I’m getting close again…other tit please!” Shayera said as the combined vaginal, clitoral and nipple stimuli overloaded her senses.

“Yes ma’am!” Steven replied, letting go of her left breast, and grabbing the right one with both hands, once again repeating the process; massaging it, kissing its nipple, licking it, sucking it and gently biting it.

“Yeah Steven! YEAAH!” Shayera moaned loudly, teeth clenched, shaking her pelvis, surrendering to orgasm number two.

She collapsed on top of him, but rather than catching her breath, she rolled him back on top.

“Doggy me Steven! Keep fucking my brains out, I want you to cum all over my ass!” Shayera said in her sexy, husky voice.

“Only if I’ve satisfied you baby, I’m funny that way!” Steven said as he slid out of her pussy.

In one swift motion, Shayera assumed position on all fours next to him.

“Oh I’m more than satisfied Casanova, you’re an amazing lover! Now go on!” Shayera said, with a seductive wink.

“You got it!” Steven said, kneeling behind her.

“Yeaaahhh…slide it in me nice and slow like that, tease me a little…then go crazy!” Shayera groaned, grasping the bedsheets with both hands.

Still in her, he reached around her, firmly grabbed her breasts, and lifted her up on her knees.

“SHIT! When I s-said g-go crazy you t-took me literally! S-so p-passionate! S-so c-creative! N-n-kneeling d-doggy? Y-you s-stud! F-fuck me hard!” Shayera stammered, reaching behind her for Steven’s head, pulling his face closer, enjoying the sensation of his warm breath down her neck.

“You like it, baby?” Steven moaned in a suave, low voice.

“Yeah Steven, squeeze my tits! Squeeze’em hard! Fuck me! FUCK MEEE!” Shayera howled, reaching between her legs with her right hand, shooting for the elusive third orgasm.

Grunting and panting, Steven lost himself in the multiple sensations he felt – Shayera’s firm breasts and hard nipples in his hands as he squeezed them, her silky red hair tickling his face as she pulled his head closer to hers, the hot wetness of her pussy around his cock as he slammed mercilessly into her, and her firm, muscular buttocks cushioning his groin as they made love.

To top his physical and visual stimuli, there was also Shayera’s loud moans of pleasure, a song of lust, a tantalizing melody that stirred him to the core. As she caressed her clit during their keeling doggy, Steven had a hunch that she was getting close to another orgasm, and wanted her to get there before he fired his load.

“Are you gonna cum again baby?” He whispered in her ear.

“Y-yeah Steven, h-how close are you?” Shayera replied, rubbing her clit faster.

“Close, but I want you to cum first!” Steven whispered in a deep voice, sending shivers down her spine.

“Oh, baby you’re the best! Keep fucking me! I…I…CUMMIIIIIIING!” Shayera shouted, in a voice that would have made an Opera Soprano proud.

“Good girl! Lie on your stomach Shay I’m about to lose control!” Steven grunted, pulling out of her.

Shayera lay face down, wrapping her legs around Steven’s hips and pushing herself up, grasping the bedsheets with both hands.

“All over my ass baby, I wanna feel it! Cum Steven, CUM!” Shayera shouted, egging him on.

“Ah God YEAH! Ungh! Ungh! Ungh! Ungh!” Steven grunted, hot creamy salvos hitting her shapely ass and the small of her back.

He observed gape-mouthed as, out of a scene taken straight from a porn movie, she reached behind her with her right hand, smeared his cum on her butt cheeks, got up on her knees facing him and then sucked the cum off her fingers.

“Tastes just like Korschian Oysters, without the heartburn! Now carry me to the shower please? You wore me out!” Shayera said, with a wink.

“My pleasure!” Steven said, scooping her up in his muscular arms.

Epilogue

A few weeks later, as she was escorted to Arkham’s front gate by guard Harry Harris, Harley Quinn smiled brightly, casting her guard flirtatious glances, arms wrapped around his left arm as she awaited her ride. Dressed in a blue summer dress and sandals that Steven had bought for her, she looked as giddy as a Schoolgirl going to prom.

“I’ve seen your mood improve since Mr. Quinn started visiting you, but today…you’re positively glowing!” Harris said, smiling sheepishly.

“Thanks, Harry! Tranquil Falls, far away from Gotham City and all the crazies…no offense Harry. So of course, I’m in a good mood!” Harley said, beaming.

“None taken, Miss Quinzell. Hell, if it were possible I’d leave Gotham City myself!” Harris replied.

Harley got to her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

“That’s for always being so nice to me Harry…you’re probably the only guy I’m gonna miss from this dump!” Harley said, with a heart-melting pout.

A limousine pulled up near the gates.

“Now who the hell…” Harley said, her voice trailing off.

Steven Quinn came out from the back door dressed in a business suit, smiling.

“Stevie?” Harley said, flabbergasted.

“Hey Blondie, for this momentous occasion I thought that dressing up and renting a limo would be appropriate! Hi Harry, glad to see you!” Steven said, as the gates opened.

Harry tipped his cap with a smile as Harley ran through the gates, dropped her duffle bag to the pavement and hugged Steven.

“You’re so silly spending all that money for little old me! I love you Cuz!” She said in a low voice, noticing the other passenger sitting in the back seat.

“Is that Sha…” She started.

“Yes, Sharon, she came along to wish you well! Come Janice, your carriage awaits!” Steven said, cutting her off before she could say ‘Shayera’ aloud as Arkham’s gates closed behind them.

“Oops, almost did a booboo there…” Harley said, smiling as Steven picked up her duffle bag from the ground.

She climbed into the limousine and hugged Shayera while Steven put her duffle bag in the trunk.

“Thank you so much for coming Red! It feels good to know there are people who care about me with no hidden agenda!” Harley whispered in Shayera’s ear.

“Like I said last time, if I could be forgiven, and if Steven could be forgiven, so can you!” Shayera whispered back, as Harley kissed her on the cheek.

Steven climbed in and closed the door.

“Okay, it’s a long trip to Tranquil Falls. Driver, let’s get this show on the road!” Steven said, handing his cousin a brown envelope.

“What’s this?” she asked, as the Limousine drove away.

“Name, birth certificate, Social Security…when you need it, you’ll be able to live peacefully.” Steven said.

Teary-eyed, she kissed Steven on the lips, and then did the same with Shayera, uttering a loud, comical “Mwah!”

She grabbed Steven’s left hand in her right, and Shayera’s right hand in her left, leaning her head on the headrest, with a happy, angelical expression on her face.  Behind the steering wheel, Bruce was unable to repress a wry smile, happy that at the very least, Harley Quinn could be reformed.

The End