Harley Quinn X Nightwing: Our Story, Yours Truly

Chapter 25: "Dancin' with Devils and Deception"

The next evening.

After a blissful swim, stolen kisses, and delightfully naughty moments in the pool, I lounged on the deck, mesmerized by the sunset's warm hues dancing across the sky.

Dickie's fingers intertwined with mine, our legs touching. Life was tantalizingly, temptingly perfect. Too perfect. Then, Tim's call shattered the serenity, like a stone skipping across our peaceful lake.

As Dickie ended the call, his apologetic eyes locked onto mine. "What's the case, sweetheart?" I asked, already sensing the evening's tranquility slipping away, consumed by the promise of chaos.

"'It's Firefly, he's torching GCFD. We gotta roll," Dickie said, urgency etched on his face.

"I've got a prior commitment, sweetheart," I replied, forcing a casual smile. (But little does he know, I'm off to the club to uncover the mystery message.)"

Dickie's lips brushed against mine. "Have a good time, baby."

I whispered back, my voice barely audible, "You too, my hero. Come back to me in one piece."

I sauntered into the underground club, scanning the room for my mark. Black Eagle, the enigmatic bartender, caught my eye. 'Who's lookin' for me?' I asked, playing coy.

'VIP suite,' he replied, his expression smoother than the whiskey he poured.

I sashayed to the suite, bodyguards flanking the entrance like stone statues. Inside, the party was in full swing. Black Mask, resplendent in his signature mask, danced to 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'. His eyes locked onto mine, I can imagine his sly grin spreading.

'Here comes my favorite part,' he purred, as the lyrics dripped like honey: 'Nothing ever lasts forever... Everybody wants to rule the world.'

I thought Julius Sionis would be a departure from his brother, Romy. But nope, seems attention-seeking runs in the family.

Black Mask's voice dripped with sophistication. "My favorite supervillain, Harley Quinn. Glad you're here. I owed you a thank-you for paving the way for my...ascension."

I raised an eyebrow, my tone laced with sass. "Livin' under your brother's shadow, huh? Or do you two have a brotherly bonding thing over daddy issues?"

"Very funny, Miss Quinn, have a seat." He signals the girls and unnecessary people to go out, leaving some goons in the room.

"Fear isn't in the mask, but in the darkness it represents. Batman's symbol may command respect, but mine demands submission. You'll soon understand, I am the darkness that haunts Gotham."

"Batman's protectorate will soon crumble. Our plans are in motion, and he'll fall alongside his meddling allies. Gotham will revert to its natural state: chaos, corruption, and mine to command."

No freakin' way! This slimeball thinks he can take out my new family, my Nightwing? Gotta play it cool, get the deets. What's his game? Plenty have tried to take down Batsy, and I should know – I've taken a few swings myself.

But my gut says they might actually pull it off. What's Black Mask's angle? Can't let him hurt my boo. Time to put on my best 'I'm interested' face.

"Ah intriguing, so what's your genius plan to take down Batsy. How do you think you'll succeed where Mistah J, Riddler, and every other psycho has failed?"

"Your curiosity will be satiated in due time. For now, focus on the task at hand: liberating Belle Reve's entire population. Your checkered past guarantees you'll feel right at home. Can I trust you to deliver, Miss Quinn?"

"You know, Mr. Black Mask, Arkham's where my heart is. Can I trade Belle Reve for a little Arkham mayhem?"

"Everyone has a role. Your... sentimentalities aside, Harley, Belle Reve is your objective. I don't pay you to indulge in nostalgia."

"Everyone, huh? So I'm not the only pawn in this game. Belle Reve's gotta be a distraction, and Arkham's the real prize. Those sneaky owls want Lincoln out, don't they? And I can assume Black Gate will be another decoy."

"You're calling the shots, sugar. Now, about that arsenal... and some beefcake to watch my back? And when do we hit?"

"3 days from now, meet at the warehouse, near the pier. Everything will be provided. Show me what you got."

"I sealed the deal with Black Mask and got outta the club, my mind racin' with one thought: what's Joker been cookin' up?

Everyone thinks he's holed up at the amusement park, but they're wrong, as usual. That hospital he blew up? That's his real hideout. Abandoned, forgotten, and perfect for that slimeball.