Arkham High

Chapter 16

"This is an incredibly serious accusation, J," said Principal Leland sternly, her arms folded across her chest. "Are you sure?"

"I have it straight from the horse's mouth!" chuckled Joker, shoving Nygma forward. "Tell her what you told me, Eddie!"

Nygma winced. "I...I was told to rig the election so that J would win."

"Who told you to do that, Edward?" asked Principal Leland.

Nygma looked at Joker, and winced again. "H...Harvey Dent," he stammered.

Principal Leland stared at him in shock. "Why...would Harvey want J to win?" she demanded.

Nygma looked at Joker. "He...he was furious about J running against him, for challenging him. So he wanted revenge. And he thought the best way to do that was to let J win the election, which was obviously impossible. Everyone would know he cheated somehow, and he knew the powers that be would make him forfeit the title. So Harvey would still be class president anyway, but not before humiliating his rival. He...he also knew that it would drive a wedge between J and Harley since...since Harvey threatened to influence the scholarship committee against Harley if J won."

Principal Leland looked from Joker to Nygma. "If J was telling me this, I wouldn't believe him," she muttered. "But I don't think you'd lie to help out the man who gave away your cheating method."

"That's right, I wouldn't," said Nygma, hastily. "You have to believe me – it's the truth! Harvey pretends to be all nice and friendly, but he's a good politician, and that's what they do! They lie to make themselves look better! But you can't let him win! You have to give the class presidency to J, just like the votes said! And you have to make sure Harley's scholarship isn't affected by Harvey's vengeance!"

Principal Leland nodded slowly. "I'm going to have a little talk with Harvey," she murmured. "And we'll get this all sorted out. But there's no need to delay this announcement - I've recounted the votes, and I see no reason to argue with their validity. Which means, J, you're now class president of Arkham High."

Joker laughed hysterically. "Best joke ever, ain't it, Leland?" he chuckled. "But I promise I'll do a good job. Can I tell Harvey, or will you?"

"Just come with me to the cafeteria, both of you," muttered Principal Leland.

The chaos of the lunchroom instantly fell silent as Principal Leland entered, followed by Joker and Nygma. "I have recounted the votes," she said, calmly. "And I would like you all to join me in congratulating your new class president – J."

"That's not possible!" roared Harvey Dent.

"Harvey, I'd like to see you for a moment in my office, please," said Principal Leland, softly. "Congratulations, J. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job."

Joker surveyed the stunned cafeteria, beaming. "All right, underlings – my first order as class president is that you all get down on your knees and chant 'Hail Joker' fifty times."

"J!" growled Principal Leland, warningly. "You're not allowed to do that. You don't have unlimited power, and you can't abuse the power you do have."

"Aw, but where's the fun in power without abusing it?" demanded Joker.

Principal Leland sighed. "We'll have a little talk about your responsibilities as class president after I'm through with Harvey," she muttered. "Until then, don't give any orders."

"Fine," sighed Joker. "But what's the point of being class president if I can't make people do stupid things?"

He strode over to Harley, who nodded at him. "Congrats, Mr. J," she murmured.