The "SAVE THE ORPHANS" Charity Ball ; part 3/4 (I lied)

[jokerish.livejournal.com]

[the lights in the room abruptly dim, and the spotlight flashes to the stage. there's a drumroll, and then --

The Joker steps out, toting a kidlet - presumably, another orphan - dressed in his likeness with Harley at his side! he gives an exaggerated bow, and when there isn't any applause, he gives a glare to one of his goonies, who stares blankly before realizing his cue and raising his machine gun towards the crowd. "BOSS SAYS CLAP, YA CLAP."

once the applause (or lack of) has died down, he straightens, giving a satisfied smile to his audience.]

Look at all these smiling faces! Why, it's enough to give a clown the warm and fuzzies... [he places a hand on the orphan's head, smiling down at him with mock fondness, before withdrawing it and dusting them off. dirty children.]

Let me extend my most HUUUUMble welcome to Paradisa's first 'SAVE the ORPHANS' Charity Ball! I'm sure you've noticed our aDOOORable, ev~er-helpful little guests... [a gesture with a thumb to little Timmy the orphan, here] And trust me, kiddos - there's loads of 'em in this place! Who would've guessed what a cruel mistress our lovely sentient castle could be? Why, they're simply everywhere!

[he hops off the stage, assisting little Timmy (is that even his name? probably not) down as well. Harley follows after. and now he's on the floor, the spotlight following as he heads to the bat-table, flashing Bruce a great predatory big smile. it looks like he's headed right in his direction...

...before he takes a detour behind him, towards one of the long tables littered with ballot boxes and notecards. he gestures to it, picking up little Timmy and letting him sit atop it, his legs dangling off the edge.]

I'm sure they'll appreciate your BOUNDless generosity, Paradisa - because if you don't start forkin' out... [he gives a mock gasp, placing a hand to his mouth and shaking his head soberly.] The absolute horrors they'll face are just too gruesome to name!

...

[he tilts his head down to Timmy, and then the solemn look on his face disappears in a bright, chipper laugh as he gives the kid a noogie.] Oh, who'm I kidding? I'll name it anyway. Joe! Roll it~!

[a projector screen abruptly falls from the ceiling in front of the curtain; a video begins playing of children huddled in a plain white, dark room, all looking terrified, clinging to one another and tears streaming down their faces as they cower away from the cameraman. the Joker enters and they start screaming; he's flashing the camera a big thumbs up before grabbing one of them by the back of their shirt and dragging them out of the room. maybe you've recognized Timmy without all the make-up?]

It'd be a crying shame if all those poor, poor, lost children were left to suffer... My, there's no telling how long they have left before my Joker toxin inexplicably makes its way in the room! No telling at all!

[he slaps a hand on the table; Timmy jumps.]

So you, Paradisa... yes, you... Are going to give these poor, innocent little kiddies your undivided attention. Now! I know what you're asking yourself. [he clutches a hand to his chest dramatically, twisting his face in feigned concern.] 'How, oh how, Joker, can I assist these lost souls?!'

And the answer is simple, kids!

[his smile becomes predatory as he opens a steel box beside him on the table, patting its side almost lovingly.]

I'm sure you super brats have realized it by now... Every time you go off gallivanting against crime, there's damages. Damages to the poor, poor townsfolk - to houses and businesses, to people not at all involved in your petty squabbles! And sometimes... they even die, leaving their families behind.

So, in effect... it's your fault that poor Timmy, here, is without his Daddy and Mommy! Why... it's your responsibility to offer recompense. And do you know what Timmy wants?

[he sneers, his hand on Timmy's head a little tight.]

Your capes. Your cowls. Whatever you associate with your precious secret identity - it's his, now! And I don't just mean the spandex parade. There're plenty of weirdoes with abilities in this dear ol' land we call Cair Paradisa... all of 'em qualify.

And if you don't have nifty powers? No sweet abilities, or magical, hero-ing tricks up your sleeve? Well, we'll settle for information on those who do. What're their weaknesses? Fears? Favorite food? We want it all! And don't even think about lying - see...

[he hugs the boy to his side with an arm wrapped around his shoulder.]

I don't take well to liars.

[scooping the kid off the table, he begins his slow trip back to the stage.]

Now get with it! Give me everything you've got, kids! Don't be shy - it's all peeeeerfectly anonymous! Your buddies never have to know it was you spilling the means - just slip the card into the box, and BAM! Done!

[a thoughtful pause, he taps his chin as he reaches center stage again.] Well, guess you superfreaks are out of luck. [considers this a sec, then shrugs his shoulder with a laugh.] Oh, well! You win some, you lose some.

And remember, Paradisa. It's... [patting Timmy's head... dropping his voice with a not-so-nice smile, his tone threatening] for the children.

[ooc: GIVE ME A MOMENT TO SET UP SUB-THREADS okay! you can respond to the sub-threads or the post with appropriate reactions as you want.

there is one more post after this one in which chaos will erupt in the club and characters will be ushered outside: THAT IS WHERE THE FATALITIES/GAS VICTIMS will take place. respond here to give up your cowl, your identity, or rat on your friends. the Joker will still be on stage; you're free to talk to him, but you can't approach the stage or else his goonies will threaten you with gunfire and hurting innocent children/and or waitresses.]