STEAL MY HEART

[criminaljustice]

There are a number of cells in a circle around the walls with a set of heavy metal doors interrupting them for one interval. These doors currently cannot be passed. Not all of the cells are full, either. Some are empty and dark--missing something? Or perhaps something else is needed to see what's inside--or perhaps just approaching the cells will do the trick. There are loud speakers hanging down from above. From them, there are chains attached and pulled downwards where they meet up and join forces with links of chains from the ground and walls to keep a battered and bloodied Arsene locked in place. Or more accurately, restricted in movement--only enough slack in the links to allow him to get as far as the cells' doorways.

Next to him is the unbound Joker--or it looks like Joker, anyway. Save for the golden eyes. He also seems unbothered by the three blue guillotines standing tall nearby. In fact, he seems to be puzzling over something while staring at them, but then as you move, he turns toward you… and smiles, looking happy to see you.

Comments

[rollplayinghouse]

There are other ways to help Joker. If someone has pneumonia it might help to cut out your own lung and give it to them, but it's still a really stupid idea.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Like assassinating all the parts of him you don't like.

[rollplayinghouse]

...It was one part. The part that went off without telling us, summoned Asmodeus, willingly got possessed, and would do the same thing again. Are you going to tell me that I shouldn't have done that?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

No.

But I'm also not saying Mars shouldn't have jumped through the mirror.

People make their own choices. Because there is always a choice. And they have to live with the consequences of them.

Isn't that what I've been telling Joker from day one?

[rollplayinghouse]

Sure. But people should also be able to rely on their friends to stop them when they're doing something stupid. Or at least count on them to help them, to figure out the best thing to do together, and not just rush in half-cocked and alone like they know everything.

Which is what Joker should have done, too.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Chuckles at that. Darkly.]

But in the end, the only one you can depend on is yourself. You certainly didn't need Mar's help. Or were you secretly hoping that he'd come fight by your side?

[rollplayinghouse]

...No. But he wasn't there.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Wait a minute.

Wait. a. minute.]

Lying to yourself again?

That's why you're really upset, isn't it? Not that Mars got himself stuck in a stupid mirror. Or not just because of that. But that his recklessness left you all on your own again.

[rollplayinghouse]

That's not why I'm upset!

...I've... got plenty of reasons I'm upset. You can't just pick one.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Perhaps.

But none of this is new. Not the mirrors. Not the killing someone you care about. Not watching your friends make stupid decisions. And certainly not being left to fend for yourself.

So what's tipping you over the edge?

[rollplayinghouse]

How should I know?!

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Your glares don't work on me.

[rollplayinghouse]

[Makes a frustrated noise and fists her hands in his stupid matrix trenchcoat.]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Yes, yes. You're having too many feelings.

[Threading his fingers through her hair and shoves her face into said stupid matrix trenchcoat]

I get it.

[rollplayinghouse]

[She buries her face against his chest like she was kind of planning on doing that anyway. Her voice is kind of muffled.]

I can't right now. We have to deal with this.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Count to ten and then you can make stupid decisions to your heart's content.

[rollplayinghouse]

[huffs]

No more stupid decisions need to happen here.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Perfect.

Then help me guillotine pieces of Joker's soul.

[rollplayinghouse]

[she almost smiles at that, though it's hidden against his chest, before straightening and brushing her hair back over her shoulders.]

Right. That sounds like a brilliant plan.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Of course it is. I'm the one who thought it up.

[rollplayinghouse]

Hm. Well, we can try it.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Okay, babe.

Time to go fight a multi-headed snake. Nice to see you're already acclimating to your new power set]