Group Therapy

Part 4

Therapist: Now now, settle down, patients. I'd say that was refreshing. Now, I want you to go around the room and say something nice to each other.

Black Mask: You've got to be kiddin' me.

Therapist: Just one thing that you can honestly admire. Let's start with Victor. Everyone say something we can respect about Victor.

Bane: He is a profound scientist. And a burning desire to protect those who are close to you, is one most noble.

Freeze: Kind words, Mr. Diego.

Black Mask: Guy's got a cool suit.

Riddler: I second that. The suit is a technological wonderland.

Joker: You can't say the same thing! Hey therapist, he said the same thing!

Riddler: Fine. He is dedicated to his craft. He doesn't let outside negatives take him off track. Always looking for an answer to the question. A reputable quality.

Therapist: Well done. Joker?

Joker: One time I saw Freeze wear a jacket.. hehe.. on top of the suit! Hahaha! Utterly ridiculous! I was keeled over! Now that's comedy. You made my day with that one, Vicky.

Freeze: I suppose I'll accept that.

Therapist: Black Mask is up next. What can we say about him?

Riddler stands up to stretch his legs and exhales.

Riddler: He had his answer sprawled out in front of him, yet insists on blurring the question. An ideal perspective in such a position. Not everyone knows he's Sionis, but they don't ask regardless.

Black Mask: That's real power. That's real respect. By the way, I'll take it as a compliment.

Riddler: 'Twas my intention.

Freeze: You managed to escape and thwart the Bat on multiple occasions with nothing but a pistol. Impressive.

Black Mask: It's 'cause I know these streets. I was in em' before he decided to play dress-up.

Bane: You have maintained a power over men using a balance of mental and physical fortitude. A most desirable trait in the criminal market.

Joker: You use.. the most.. luxurious bed sheets. The faint odor of smoke and hepatitis almost sings you to sleep. I meant to call, I really did.

Black Mask: Ha. You'll never taste my life, Joker. Plus you'd need to get past my men. They like hurtin' circus freaks like you. Gives um' something to do.

Therapist: I like what's happening here, gentlemen. Let's continue with Bane.

Joker: Big teddy bear!

Freeze: A fellow intellectual with a wise mind in science. Was wrongfully overlooked. Understands that the heart is as vital as the mind.

Bane nods in agreement and gratitude. Freeze returns the nod.

Black Mask: Guy knows how to get what he wants. A true go-getter. Won't back down.

Bane nods again. Black Mask gives a nod and looks away swiftly.

Riddler: Well, you utilized the one aspect of humanity I detest, but you are good at what you do. On one hand, you're a brain who decided to hide behind brawn, and on the other hand, you're seemingly good at riddles and sophisticated conundrums.

Bane stares at Riddler.

Riddler: So yeah, compliment.

Riddler gives a thumbs up to Bane. Bane gives a small muffled chuckle underneath his mask.

Therapist: Good, good, very good. I believe Edward would like to hear some positive things as well.

Black Mask: I'll go first. Well, Mr. Riddler, you're probably a dweeb I beat up in high school. But I can't deny you got smarts, kid. You brought the whole thing together that night.

Riddler: It was nothing. Just the inevitable.

Freeze: A savant of sorts, your quest for knowledge is impeccable. As much as I resent you, I admire your objective procedure. But I know, deep down, that your heart motivates you as well.

Riddler: Accurate representation but a questionable conclusion. Thank you.

Bane: You knew your stuff when we needed it. If you ever crossed me, I would not crush you right away.

Riddler grins and folds his arms.

Bane: So yeah, compliment.

Riddler lightly giggles and nods with approval.

Joker: Oh, Edsworth. Where do I begin? With a question? Then something anti-climactic? Maybe.

The room falls silent.

Riddler: Comprehensive.

Therapist: I believe he used a clever word pattern with your passion in mind, Edward. Maybe look at it that way. Consideration.

Riddler: I suppose it was remotely clever. Still lame.

Therapist: Well now the moment we've all been waiting for. Just try your best.

Everyone looks over at Joker and groans. Joker is smiling ear to ear awaiting his compliments. Freeze clears his throat.

Freeze: Joker is a madman, but..

Joker: Stop right there! That's the kindest thing you've ever said to me.

Freeze: Well that counts, then. Who's next?

Bane: I will go next. You're a pain in my ass. A pain in everyone's ass. I will break you when I see you again. But your death will be swift so that I may spare the Earth a few more seconds of your existence.

Joker breathes on the glass and draws a heart in the condensation.

Joker: Just poetic.

Riddler: You're a despicable deplorable with an animal's amygdala, but my thoughts lie within a riddle.

Joker: Ugh, I'm already bored.

Riddler: You can see nothing else, when you look in my face, I will look you in the eye, and I will never lie.

Bane: Your reflection.

Riddler: Antonio strikes again.

Therapist: Perhaps you're insinuating that he is as good as whatever he sees in the mirror. Impressive observation, Edward. We can say the same for any of us, in a way. But I believe our friend Joker is a riddle, indeed.

Joker: I'm right here you know.