Unforgiven: Episode 1: Cold Justice

[The Game]

Yes!!! The 19th is here! I've been waiting for this for soooo long! First of all, today's my birthday- I'm fifteen, the big 1-5.

Second of all I'm tackling the FanFic world with two (2) stories! First is my first crack at a Supes story, and the second is this- the first chapter of the first episode of my Unforgiven Trilogy- which I'm really excited about, so even if you aren't, pretend you are.

The first edition is kinda lame, but I had to get some basic groundwork set for the huge story I'm planning on telling... Well, without further adue...

CHAPTER 1:

A warm breeze blew through the night, the wind chimes jingling softly in the distance. The sky sunset was a forbidding crimson, glowering down upon Gotham city’s bustling citizens. It was late May, the warm glow of a city preparing to relax into a lazy summer was evident. People dressed in skirts and t-shirts chatted on the sidewalks of the early evening, children happily running about. Teenagers partied at the realization they had passed all of their final exams, and the city was preparing to shut down to low maintenance. But there was one citizen who wasn’t shutting down at all.

On the very top of a gothic cathedral, shadows moved. Among the grotesque Gargoyle statues, two figures made their way to the edge, looking down on the busy streets. It was early for them- they didn’t usually grace the rooftops of the city until well after sundown, but this was a special occasion. They stood in a deathly silence as they watched the city they protected, neither speaking until one of them broke the silence, his voice piercing the crisp, clear summer night.

“So what are we doing here?” Robin asked.

He didn’t look directly at Batman right away; he just continued to stare at the streets. When his question appeared not to have procured an answer, Robin turned and looked at his mentor. His eyes began at Batman’s shiny polished boots, scanning up over his body, which was cloaked with his thick cape, drawn over his shoulders as he stood silently. Eventually Robin looked up at Batman’s face, dark, weathered, and gleaming. His head was covered with the dark cowl, pointy ears jutting up at the early night sky.

Batman remained silent, glowering as he ignored his young companion. Robin kicked a small pebble off of the roof before checking his watch quickly. He hated it when Batman gave him the silent treatment. He seemed like he was thinking something “oh-so-important” but Robin knew he was probably thinking about something ridiculously trivial. He just wanted to seem somber. No, that wasn’t right. He was somber. He was one somber guy.

“I don’t even think you know why we’re here,” Robin grumbled as he crossed his arms in a pout.

“We’re following a lead,” Batman said darkly.

“What kind of a lead?”

“You’ll see,” Batman said with a wry smile.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Robin growled. “You know, I really think you need to work of your people skills. I mean- rework your personality and image. You need to become more fan-friendly. More of a people person, a hero for the people. You’d sell a lot of T-shirts if they were marketed right- I mean, every kid in the city would want to be the next Batman. Now you just seem like such a depressed loner,” Robin explained.

“That’s the way I like it,” Batman scowled. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to turn into Superman or something,”

Robin smiled. He looked up at the night sky, admiring the twinkle of the first star of the evening as it shined rather dully down on him. How did that song go? The one for wishing on a star? Oh it didn’t matter- Wishing on stars was stupid. Although there were some things that seemed impossible enough to need to wish for. Like for Batman to act slightly more normal. He was so dark in personality- and ever since Andrea Beaumont’s suicide he’s been like that even more so. Robin looked at the Dark Knight once more, studying his features. His face was gloomy and expressionless. Batman didn’t move a muscle.

“So we’re following a lead? On who?”

“The Joker. One of his men should be picking up a drop-off of chemicals that the Joker seems to want. We’re waiting here to apprehend him,” Batman explained quietly and quickly, in a desolate monotone. His eyes narrowed as he glared down at something, Robin following his sights to see what he was looking at. A small, squat, beefy man stood near the entrance to a small shop. He was perspiring heavily, bullets of sweat running down his forehead as he glanced around, his eyes wide and white with terror. He fumbled nervously with some kind of a small brass key, working to get the door to the shop open before heading into the abandoned store.

“And I think we’ve found our winner,” Robin said with a smile as he looked at Batman. The Dark Knight responded simply by lifting his batgrapple to the sky. With a powerful blast through the night air and a flash of lightning, the grapple fired across the way, clinging to a building with a soft clank. Robin followed suit and wordlessly the two caped crusaders flew through the air after the man.

* * * * *

Dick Grayson hurried across the street; casually waving thankfully to the car that had stopped for him. It was warm out and he could feel his body slowly beginning to perspire as he glanced up. The twilight glare from the beautiful façade of watercolors stretched across the falling skyline of Gotham caught his eye and he had to look away for a moment. He could see Barbara’s apartment clearly, even with the brilliant light shining at him. Her light was on. Good, he thought to himself, as he headed over to the door to the apartment. He pressed #3B without looking, knowing where it was automatically.

Barbara answered the buzz. “Yes?”

“It’s me,” he said casually.

“Jason?”

“No. It’s Dick. Who’s Jason?” Dick asked after a pause. He had tried to keep the overwhelming disappointment out of his voice, but he easily detected it as he listened to the words pass through his lips. He just stared at the speaker that Barbara’s voice came from, waiting for her response. Jason? But I thought… Well you thought wrong, Dick told himself as he tried to get it together. Who knows, Jason might be her milkman or something.

“Jason is… This guy I’m seeing,” Barbara said, as if each word was painful for her to say. It was certainly painful for Dick to listen to.

“Oh. I guess I just… Didn’t think…”

“C’mon up. We should talk about this face to face,” Barbara’s voice droned from the speaker. He heard her press the button, and the door to the building hissed as it unlocked. Dick reached forward and grasped the cold steel of the door and pulled it toward him with a whoosh. He began to walk into the large lobby of the complex, not watching where he was walking. So she’s seeing someone else? Is that really such a big deal? You could be seeing someone, he told himself. But he wasn’t. And she was. They’d been working together almost every night for about four months now. She hadn’t mentioned him once, and he felt the bitter tinge of betrayal in his mouth. But she really hadn’t done anything wrong, he tried to calm himself. The truth was that if she had mentioned it, she would have had no excuse and it would have seemed like she was just flaunting. But still. It was just unfair, he told himself as the doors to the elevator closed with a soft chime.

The wait up seemed like an eternity as the elevator took its sweet time in lifting him to her floor. As soon as its large steel doors parted he bolted for her room, banging on the door, with a hint of both anger and strange excitement. The door opened slowly, but he didn’t wait to be invited before walking into her apartment. He took off his coat and tossed it onto her couch.

“Come right in, make yourself at home,” Barbara murmured sarcastically. “You want something to drink?”

“I’m fine,”

“What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to talk. You know, about things. Maybe see if you wanted to see a movie tonight, but I guess not, huh?” Dick growled, the words flying out of his mouth at a lightning pace.

“Yeah, I’m busy. Not that it’s any of your business though! What gives you the right to…”

“So, going out with Jason?” Dick quipped angrily. Barbara shot him an icy stare.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she growled.

“Well that’s great. That’s just fantastic,” Dick snarled as he looked out the window. It was dark now; the last traces of the bright spring sun had faded to blackness. His eyes slowly scrolled down, falling upon a small mahogany bureau. On it stood two pictures. The first one was of Jim Gordon as his daughter. The other was Dick and Babs. They were embracing. Smiling. But that was a different time. His eyes came level with Barbara’s once again. They stared defiantly into each other’s eyes, and Dick allowed himself to cool off.

“Sorry,” he whispered.

“Me too,” she whispered back.

“So… Dick thought of how he could learn more about this guy without sounding spiteful or obnoxious. “How did you two meet?” he decided on finally.

“At work. He’s a Detective,” Barbara explained. “Detective Jason O’Connell. You’d actually probably like him,” she suggested with a sarcastic smile. Dick returned one.

“Yeah, right. So how do we know that’s his real name?” Dick asked. He was half-joking, half being… Protective. He never liked it when Barb saw other guys, especially when she had hidden it from him… But she didn’t seem to fazed by it.

“I can take care of myself, Dick. I’m not stupid; I can certainly take care of myself. I did a background check, and it cleared out- besides,” she said with a smile, “He’s too sweet to be a bad-guy,” Dick wanted to puke. Too sweet to be a bad-guy? Perhaps it was his overwhelming jealousy, or maybe it was just that he hated it when Barb was right, but he wanted to take out his anger on something… Argh! What had happened?

“So when do I get to meet Mr. Perfect?” Dick snapped condescendingly.

“Not that its any of your business, but…” The door to Barbara’s bathroom opened. “…It might be sooner than you think,” she sighed loudly as she looked over at Jason exiting her powder room. He was tall- maybe 6’3” or so. He had sandy blond hair, and bright blue eyes that seemed to light up the room. That of course, only lasted until he smiled casually at Barbara, at which point his teeth blared a brilliant white. Dick was nearly blinded.

“Oh, hello. I’m Jason. And you must be Dan. Barb has told me so much about you,” he explained. Dan? Dan?

“Dick. Dick Grayson,” he snarled after a moment. Dick extended his hand unwillingly, shaking Jason’s. “Nice to meet you,” If it had been any other situation, Dick would have found the guy to cool on almost all counts- but right then he’d have given anything to pop him one in the mouth. He was in what appeared to be peak physical condition- rather muscular. He smiled nervously as Dick continued to stare at him angrily.

“Right back at you. So how do you and Barb know each other?”

“We were friends in college,” Barbara offered, jumping in. “Dick, don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“Yeah. Not here,” he growled as he headed for the door.

* * * * *

A gentle breeze fluttered in through the open window, as the Joker hummed softly. He was on his toes as he swirled around, prancing and dancing with glee. It was time. It was most certainly time. Joker glanced in the mirror, observing his own reflection. Yes- the clown prince of crime looked good today. He straightened his tie as he grinned at himself. His lips were just as ruby as ever, shining brightly as he smiled. Another day, another plan. But it was time.

Joker moved his sights from the reflective glass on the wall to his desk, where the large blueprint scroll was stretched out- paperweights keeping it from curling up. He peered over the schematics and illustrations, preparing himself. After all the sick humor, the dark laughs and the vengeance, this one would kill them all… And Batman wouldn’t see it coming. The Joker could practically see the headlines now- PLAGUE OF TOXINS CAUSE MASS DEATH IN GOTHAM. Hopefully that pointy-eared freak would be among them. It was picture perfect.

“Ah Batsy. One more time eh?” The Joker growled as he glanced over at a newspaper clipping he’d had Harley yank of the Dark Knight. “Only this time you’re not walking away from it alive,” he growled. He began to laugh at this, cackling at himself. Certainly not. Not this time. He bellowed with sharp gleeful snickering, which faded momentarily when Harley Quinn walked into the room.

“Hiya, puddin’!” Harley called as she danced in the room. Her tight body was covered with her typical tight red and black clown attire, her cheerful face covered with her typical “harlequin” style make-up. She was grinning widely at the man she loved, but he didn’t return the show of affection. She danced over and stood next to him, admiring the plans the way he was- he was oblivious to her completely. “Puddin’?”

“What? What do you want?” Joker snapped without looking in her direction.

“Nothing, baby. Just trying too…”

“Then get out of my way! I don’t have time for…” Joker spun on his heels to face Harley who looked distraught. She cringed as he came close to her, and suddenly he broke into a wide grin, of grimy golden teeth. “Aw, what’s the matter, Harl? You’re not afraid of me are you?” he asked with a scary sarcastic snarl. Harley didn’t know what to say exactly, and just paused- her lips moving slightly, but no sound coming out.

At this moment he pushed himself forward, his wide grin pressing against her mouth, in a deep kiss she didn’t want put didn’t fight. He groped her quickly, running her hands over her most private areas rather forcefully. She was much too afraid to resist him, but even if she had wanted to she wouldn’t have been able to. He released her from his grip for a moment, stepping away, back to his plans. Just one moment’s pleasure, and he was gone just like before, leaving her dazed, confused, hurt, and violated.

“Puddin’…”

“I’m done with you. Keep your mouth shut!” the angry clown snarled. Harley stopped in her tracks and she could feel the tear trickle down her face. She complied, whimpering softly as she left the room, leaving her love alone with his plans.

* * * * *

The short, stocky man exited from the store, immediately sprinting into the adjacent alley. He made his way as fast as he could- it was lightly beginning to rain now, the soft moisture dribbling down on him. He was slowed slightly by the two large tanks of liquid he was carrying, lugging them along through the alley toward his pickup truck at the end of the alley…

The tanks were very heavy, and he strained to keep from dropping them. It’s simple, Frank, he told himself. Just deliver the tanks to this Joker guy, get the money, and pay off your debts. That’s really all there is too it, no excess baggage. He stopped for a moment and hoisted the tanks up on his shoulder farther with a loud grunt. He really should find his way to the gym more often… He felt the mixture of this fresh rainfall and his sweat make its way down his face and he licked it. Just make sure you’re not followed and you’re home free, he told himself. He suddenly heard a loud clang from behind him and spun in frenzy, dropping both tanks. His eyes searched the dark alley wildly, but there was no enemy in sight. He was panting loudly as his eyes flashed around- he knew it couldn’t be that easy.

“Who’s there?” he called. Nothing. He bent over and snatched the two tanks, lifting them with much effort, turning right into…

Batman.

“Batman!” he cried, he turned to run, but out of nowhere a small swinging figure came down, smashing into his face with its foot.

“Tsk, Tsk,” Robin announced as he landed safely on a large garbage bin. The desperate man stumbled and slipped in an effort to escape as Batman slowly approached. Then, with lightning quickness he reached down and snagged Frank by the front of his shirt, pulling him to eye level with ease.

“I’m only going to ask once: Where’s the Joker?!” he demanded.

[Coran]

Two good stories going at once... this should be very cool. Keep up the good work Game.

[Daughterof_Evil]

I'm so glad you've come up with this second story...the last one I enjoyed very much, and you are obviously very talented.

I liked Robin's comments on how Batman should be more fan-friendly...and Batman's reply that he didn't want to be like Superman. I guess the Boy Wonder's finally figured out some witty things to say, eh?

I'm anxiously awaiting more!

[Batgirl_2005]

wow. That was really awesome. I loved Robin's comment and batman's retort. I can't wait to read more of BOTH stories.

[The Game]

Thanks for everyone who responded! Coran, DoE and Batgirl2005, I love to hear your comments. Well, I won't waste time with this, let's get on to the next chapter...

CHAPTER 2:

All around were hookers, pimps, carjackers, drug dealers, con artists, and members of organized crime. It was two-thirty in the morning, and it was cold for a late summer night, but it didn’t bother him in the least. Red lights blared all over, indicating pawnshops and strip joints at every curve, but he certainly wasn’t rattled in the slightest.

He liked to call it “going undercover” but it was really just an excuse not to wear his costume for a night, to scour the streets of the “bad part of town” as himself, to see the nightlife of Gotham. Dick Grayson walked along the sidewalks of the red light district, but he mind certainly wasn’t on his work. She should have told him out of common courtesy. They were both adults- he’d ended it for Christ’s sake; he could deal with her seeing another guy. Or at least he thought he could. But either way it was the sneaking around that really bothered him. Or was it?

Maybe what was really bothering him was something he didn’t want to admit to himself- that he’d blown it.

Or, of course, maybe that wasn’t it. He hoped it wasn’t. At least when he was blaming her he could blame someone other than himself.

“Hey baby, looking for a good time?” came a female voice. Dick looked over at a scantily clad woman leaning on a car in a rather suggestive position. Dick smiled briefly at the offer.

“No thanks,” he said meekly and continued on his way. And there was something about that Jason guy that really bothered him. He was just- well, too perfect. And he seemed to make Barbara so happy… It made Dick want to go puke his guts out. It just made him sick to think of Barbara with another guy- kissing him, touching him… And even worse, him touching her… And more. He tried to get his mind on something else as he looked around the area for suspicious activity.

Not what would typically be deemed as suspicious activity, however. Suspicious activity for this area was quite certainly something different. Strange looking paranoid guys in trench coats weren’t suspicious and neither were guys surrounded by women, dealing drugs with unconcealed weapons. The streets didn’t actually have as many people as they usually did- many people seemed to have cleared out. A lot of the usuals were still around, glaring at Dick- to this crowd, Dick was suspicious. He checked his watch. He had to meet P.J. in three minutes, a block or two from here. He began to walk briskly- P.J. wasn’t the type to wait, and might bolt if he thought he was being set up. A car or two honked at him as he bustled across the street, turning the corner and heading down into the dark alley.

“God I wish I had a light,” Dick said loudly as he entered the dark canal of the streets, lifting a cigarette suggestively. That was the signal to start.

“I got one. What are you smoking?”

“Virginia Slims,” Dick grumbled, not quite as loud as before. That was the key. P.J. emerged from the shadows looking just as shady as usual, but a little grubbier. His hair was thick, matted, and greasy- his teeth were rotten yellow and he hadn’t shaved in quite awhile. Dick could practically see the waves of stink emanating from his body. P.J. had one of the worst cases of B.O. Dick had ever cared to whiff.

“What’s up?” P.J. asked as he spat at the ground. “You said you needed to see me?”

“Just wanted to check up on things. There hasn’t been a lot going down so I wanted to see what was up- is something up?” Dick questioned.

“That depends on who you ask,” P.J. growled.

“Well I’m asking you,” Dick snarled. P.J. reached into the pocket of his large green overcoat and pulled out a pipe and a small stash of his own. He had extremely long, slender hands and worked quickly, his bony fingers preparing the weed. He lit it and sucked in the long fragrant smoke sighing as the sweet relief of his newfound buzz calmed him.

“Yeah, there might be something, but I don’t know if it’s for real,” P.J. explained.

“What did you hear?”

“I want the money first,” P.J. demanded.

Without hesitation Dick tossed P.J. a paperback filled with cash. “Talk,” he ordered coolly.

“Well there’s two things- some people are saying that Joker is gonna do something pretty crazy soon, but I don’t know how well backed up that theory is. Something like killing the whole city- but there’s no evidence; just word on the street. He’s gotten guys to run errands for him, picking up this gas and that gas for some kind of biological attack- heck the Bat caught one of them early tonight,” P.J. said with great grief. “But I don’t think it’s anything major. He’ll probably just whack the mayor or some crap. No big loss. The other word is that Rupert Thorne has gone crazy- he’s determined to take out the higher-ups like the Commissioner and Mayor and stuff. D.A. too. He wants to take control and go back to ruling this city- you know, like in the days before the Bat,” P.J. continued to explain.

“So how’s he going about this?” Dick asked, not completely amused. Two hundred bucks to watch this guy tell him stuff he already knew. Great.

“He’s got guys spying on and befriending cops and stuff- trying to get insiders. They’re saying he’s gonna frame them, but I think he’ll find a way to blackmail them and have them under his thumb- you know, run the show from backstage. That’s just my theory though,” P.J. explained. “Need anything else?” he asked. Dick shook his head and simply walked out of the alley, leaving P.J. alone.

Joker. Thorne. All three contacts had given him the same stuff. Well at least that confirmed it was true…

BUMP. Dick looked up, slightly shocked to realize he walked right into someone. It was… It was Jason!

“Jason?” Dick asked, more than just a little surprised.

“Um… Yeah. I’m just here visiting family,” the nervous Jason mumbled as he looked around nervously.

“You have family here?” Dick asked, far from convinced. As cool as the guy had seemed at Barb’s place he was the stark contrast here- he was frightened, nervous, and distant- Dick could smell the alcohol on his breath.

“Yeah. Just visiting,” Jason murmured, and walked right past Dick, into the night. Dick looked back, watching him leave as he weaved in and out amongst the shady characters so abundant in this part of town. What was he doing here?

* * * * *

“Are you sure this is it? I mean, that guy could have been lying from here to China,” Robin mumbled with skepticism. His eyes stared out over the dam. It was a long way down- perhaps several hundred feet to the powerful rushing water, which roared with an undying ferocity bellow. His eyes scanned back up to the dark night sky, lit up only by the glistening balls of gas so very far away…

“The Joker will be here,” Batman stated simply. Robin wasn’t convinced.

“He could have been lying though. Guys- particularly Badguys I might add, lie often,” Robin groaned as he looked down at the rushing water. The plan was like the Joker- to poison the water supply of Gotham with his Joker Toxin chemicals, but here they were- no Joker in sight. Robin yawned loudly, letting Batman know he was bored.

“He wasn’t lying. I could see it in his eyes,” Batman explained coolly.

You could see it in his eyes? What the hell was that? Robin thought angrily to himself. One thing was for sure- he better not have been out here in the middle of the night for no reason- Joker had better show up. That was one thing that was particularly unnerving- Joker wasn’t usually late. He was certainly all fun and games, but not late.

“In the eyes, huh?” Robin asked, trying to convey how unimpressed he was.

“Something I’ve picked up working on the job so long- I can tell when people are lying. A little trick I know. Watch which way they look- you can tell whether they’re using their memory or their imagination,” Batman explained, recalling a line from the movie The Negotiator. Actually it was all about instinct, but he liked messing with Tim.

“Oh really? Try me,” Robin insisted.

“On Saturday night when you came home at one in the morning, where had you been?” Batman asked quickly.

“I… Umm… Well I was out… Over at my friend’s house… Hanging out and doing homework,” Robin mumbled quietly. He’d been caught- he thought he’d made it in unnoticed, but you could never assume that with ‘Batman’ himself.

“Somehow I know you’re lying,” Batman growled.

“Yeah, but you knew beforehand. It’s different,” Robin whined.

“Let’s just wait until Joker shows up to settle this,” Batman suggested coolly to his young colleague. Robin nodded slightly in acknowledgment. There were times that Bruce felt bad about bringing Tim with him on these late night excursions, but he needed back up. Besides- he knew the kid loved the fighting once it all got started. A kid after his own heart in that sense. He was here for other reasons though- after all he was just a kid. A kid. There were even times when he felt slightly guilty about bringing the kid into this- but the kid came to him.

The place was dark and shadowy, and Robin decided to check the area out. He stood up and began to walk down the way.

“Don’t wander to far now,” Batman snapped with a hint of sarcasm.

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Robin called back scornfully. He continued across the ledge, casually glancing down at the water as he went. It was so powerful in its crashing motions- he didn’t want to fall down there.

“He better show up soon…” Robin murmured to himself as he meandered down the dam.

“I wouldn’t want to disappoint you- bird boy!” came a horrifyingly familiar voice.

* * * * *

It was warm in the room, as Rupert Thorne propped his feet up on the brown leather ottoman. He kicked off his Gucci Loafers, sending them flying out onto the small rug in front of the television, which was blaring with the late rerun of the news. Thorne was practically getting to the point where he got only a few hours of sleep a night- he was wrapped up in his business. Summer Gleeson- with the aura of a goddess- sat before him reporting once more about the tireless efforts of Batman to save the city- his most recent run in with the Mad Hatter or someone. Batman.

“If I could have any one wish granted, if I could have anything in the world, it would be that man’s heart in a case on my bureau,” Thorne said slowly and clearly. He pursed his lips gently as he tried to stare down the beautiful Ms. Gleeson, knowing she couldn’t see him. It had been another long day, in another long week, in another long month. The past year or so hadn’t been a good one for organized crime, and Thorne was fed up. He lifted his small glass of Gin and sipped it slowly.

“If you could have anything in the world, why wouldn’t you want to have infinite wishes?” Candice asked as she walked over next to him. She was dressed in her usual attire- a tight skirt suit and matching pumps as she stood by his side, staring at the TV. He looked up at her face- it was bearing a look of uninterested contempt, with a slight mix of boredom.

“I’m making a point, sweet cheeks,” Thorne growled. Candice smiled.

“I know you are, sir,” she grinned.

“Be a doll and go get me another drink,” Thorne added as he continued to glare at the television. Candice stalked over to the small bar on the left side of Thorne’s lounge and he watched her leave. She was so… Sumptuous. If he didn’t have the constant inkling that she was going to stab him in the back at a moment’s notice he’d probably get intimate with her- no woman could resist and offer from Rupert Thorne. Still, she was certainly the item, very curvy, the way he liked it.

“Candice, where’s this inside guy? I thought he was meeting me here!” Thorne called. She came back into the room; drink in hand, swinging her hips as she went. She placed the glass on the small mahogany table next to his brown leather chair, seating herself on the edge rather casually.

“He’ll be here. Trust me- I know this guy,” she insisted.

“Don’t forget the incident,” Thorne snarled. “I don’t think you should be telling me to trust you quite yet,” he added as Candice decided to keep her mouth shut- the boss was in a bad mood, and when the boss was in a bad mood, it was a good idea to keep your mouth shut. She shifted her body weight and crossed her legs trying to get comfortable.

He wouldn’t just let it go. Sure she’d tried to kill him- but he just wouldn’t let it go. There were times she wished her were crazy- she always read about these lunatics that Batman drug up to that hellhole Arkham Asylum. Their minds worked in mysterious ways, and they did strange things. Perhaps if she’d worked for the Joker or someone he would have been impressed with her cunning, going behind her back and all. But no, Thorne was very sane. And that’s what made him really dangerous. She was more than thankful to hear the soft beat of knocking on the door.

“See. What did I tell you?” she said with a smile as she got up to answer the door.

“I’ll be impressed when I see results,” Thorne growled. He got up from his chair with effort, straightening his tie and jacket out of common courtesy. He wasn’t looking to impress this guy but he didn’t want to look like a slouch. Organized crime might have been in a slump but that was certainly no reason to seem unprofessional. He watched as Candice let in a man- he was pretty big and fairly muscular, a good looking guy. He and Candice hurriedly whispered between each other. Great, she’s probably brought him hear to kill me, Thorne thought to himself. What good was an assistant that you couldn’t trust? He asked himself. Why do I even keep her around? Because she’s attractive? Well, yes, he admitted. When people said men thought with what’s between their legs they weren’t always that far off, he thought to himself.

“Rupert Thorne, I’d like you to meet Jason O’Connell, fake Detective for the Gotham Police department,” Candice announced as the two men came together. Thorne warmly shook Jason’s hand. He seemed like a good guy.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jerry,”

“You too, sir,” Jason replied with a smile. He was truly a little intimidated by Thorne, even though he stood a good few inches above him. When dealing with organized crime, Rupert Thorne was a legend, so to speak. Every thug that had walked the red light district of Gotham, who had broken a leg with a baseball bat, who had sent someone of a drink in cement boots, or who’d taken a car to the crusher no questions asked, once hoped to work for Rupert Thorne. And here he was, in the presence of the king of the underworld.

“So tell me, Jerry- how exactly do you think this is going to work? Candice tells me you have gotten yourself into a relationship with one of the important folk at the GCPD. Are you going to spy through her?” Thorne asked. He was willing to pay to get as much information and leverage as he could with the police, but he needed to know this kid was capable of anything worth his while.

“Yeah, I got a fake girlfriend now. It’s not so fake to her, but get this- not only is she the Commissioner’s daughter, but she’s the head computer specialist for the force. She has complete access to the police computer files from the PC in her apartment for Christ’s sake. I’ve been intercepting the phone conversations she’s been having with her girlfriends- she thinks I’m perfect,” Jason stated, very pleased with himself.

“You’re dating Barbara Gordon?” Thorne said with a long pause. “That is one relationship that could be very beneficial to me. Welcome to my world, Mr. O’Connell. Welcome to my world,”

* * * * *

Robin didn’t have much time to react before a fist smashed into his face, sending him flying back. She hit the ground and rolled slightly, trying to get his feet before the next attack could come. Mo, one of the Joker’s henchmen, came flying at him, his large muscular arms swinging. Robin dodged one blow, and hit a leg sweep, sending the big galoot to the cement on the top of the dam, but Lar, another henchmen came flying in, hitting a brutal body charge to the young crimefighter. Robin was lifted clean off his feet, and he would have clutched his side in desperate pain if he hadn’t been falling down toward the water. He only fell whistling through the air for about a second before he felt himself caught, strong arms swinging him to safety.

Batman landed softly on the ledge, letting Robin down softly.

“I thought I told you not to wander too far,” Batman growled sardonically. Robin sneered at his mentor as he pulled out a sleek black batarang, turning his attention back to the three thugs of the Joker approaching.

“Fine. You win. I wasn’t paying attention, and you can tell whether people are lying or not by looking into their eyes,”

“See. Things just work out better when you admit I’m right before hand,” Batman said with one of the weak smiles he was able to muster about once every two weeks. He pulled out a batarang as well, ready to fight.

The big bull who called himself Cur came flying in, but went flying back just as quickly after a kick to the gut and an uppercut from the Dark Knight stuck him before he could blink. Batman sent himself flying through the air, cape trailing as it wailed in the wind. His foot came down first, plunging into Lar’s face with a loud snap of breaking cartilage. Mo got up, only to see Batman’s flying elbow smash him in the temple, sending his skull cracking into the stonewall on the side of the dam.

“Give yourself up, Joker!” Batman called, looking around to see where the Clown Prince of Crime might be hiding.

“Yeah, right, Batsy!” Joker cried as he came flying out into the night. His gruesomely demonic grin seemed to gleam in the pale moonlight, his garish purple attire looking as horribly mismatched as ever. He toted in his white-gloved hands, an automatic machine gun, which was blaring bullets, the continuous gunfire piercing the night. Batman could barley move, and felt himself barley move as the bullets seemed to be whizzing closer and closer to him. Suddenly the shape of a batarang came smashing into view, and Joker’s gun was knocked from his possession.

“You may be right about everything, but everyone needs a little help sometimes,” Robin whispered as he flew by Batman. His foot smacked right into the middle of Joker’s chest, sending the clown flying back across the cement dam. The Joker seemed to growl as he slid to a stop on the rough surface. He quickly got to his feet though, and drew a pistol from his jacket. The charging Robin didn’t see it coming as the Joker pistol-whipped him, bringing the gun crashing into Robin’s temple. He was out cold before he hit the floor.

“Robin!” Batman cried as he lurched forward, charging to help his young comrade. Joker reached down and grabbed the limp boy, bringing him up and placing a pistol to his head.

“Not one more step bats- or the kid gets it,” Joker cackled.

“Leave him out of this- this is between you and me!” Batman snarled. Joker seemed to ponder this proposition sarcastically.

“No, I don’t think so,” Joker snickered. Batman’s mind raced as he deliberated over the possibilities. Joker’s crazy but… But nothing, he’s the Joker and he’s capable of anything, Batman told himself. His eyes narrowed with a fierce ferocity, and he balled up his fists as he continued to glare into the eyes of a madman… BAM. He never saw it coming as he felt himself clobbered over the head with something large. He lost his balance and stumbled, falling off the edge. He grabbed the ledge- his grip was the only thing keeping him from plummeting to the rushing water so many feet below… He was reeling from the blow, too.

Cur placed down the small tank of Joker toxin he had used to bash Batman over the head with and leaned against the wall of the dam as he caught his breath. The Joker dropped the boy and stepped forward, a wide ruby grin stretched across his face as he approached the distressed Bat. His shiny spats glistened next to the black-gloved hands of the Dark Knight.

“Well, it’s been a blast!” Joker cackled. And with that, he raised one of his feet, ready to crush Batman’s fingers and send him to his death.

[Coran]

Awesome, awesome, awesome, and if you don't mind my saying it just one more time... AWESOME!

[Sweetdreams]

Poor Babs! But, it kinda serves her right. She should have told Dick about Jason. But... using her might be little over top. Am I confusing anyone? Because I am sure confusing myself !
Ok, let me recap this: I feel sorry for Babs, but not as much as I would have if I thought she wasn't hurting Dick. Poor Dick! His heart must be breaking, but he has every right to be suspicious. You will never find a perfect guy in a million years. That brings me to another point, Jason deserves to die. What he said was SOOOO MEAN! But, I just know he will get what he deserves. Right? oh, well! Anyway, I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait until Dick finds out what Jason is up to. So, PLEASE continue it soon!!!
I want to know what happens next.

Sincerely, Cathy

P.S. Dick & Babs forever ! I just had to add that.

[Panther]

Yah Sweetdreams! Dick and Babs 4 ever!!!!

I don't like this Jason...grrr.. >mutters to self< something bad better happen to him. >looks around and sees people staring.< Uh, yes well, GREAT STORY game! So many good bits, like:

“He could have been lying though. Guys- particularly Badguys I might add, lie

LOL!

opps, gotta go, more thoughts later - I promise

[BatKid]

Love the story so far, thegame8866!

One question, in part 1 where Dick first talks to Barb, and she says if it was Jason at the door, why would she ask that if Jason is already in her bathroom?

That's all I have to say, and I hope the new chapter comes soon!

[The Game]

Thanks for all the repsonses- Coran, Sweetdreams, Panther and Batkid.

Yes, I'm trying to make Jason a purley evil character, as you will see in the next chapter, he's also a pervert.

Batkid- Er...uh....Crap, you're right. Okay, since I'm too lazy to rewrite anything, we'll go with this- Jason showed up right before Dick did. Jason and Barb were flirting over that buzzer thing right before she let him up. After he went in, Dick showed up, and she thought it was still him talkig. Jason was on his way up. He went to the bathroom as soon as he arrived at Barb's. DIck showed up and viola, Lame, yes, but that's not my problem.

Well, here we go, Chapter 3, I hope you all like! (And if you do, reply. If you don't, pretend you do, and reply)

P.S. This chapter is rated higher than the others, maybe R or something, because of extensive man on woman violence.

[The Game]

CHAPTER 3:

Joker’s foot came down, but not fast enough. Batman watched as a petite figure came flying in from the side, it’s sharp kick sending the Joker reeling. The Clown Prince of Crime tumbled along the roof of the dam grumbling as his beady black eyes looked back to see what force had struck him- to see a grinning Batgirl, hands on hips, ready to take on the world. Joker glanced between Robin, Batman, and Batgirl.

“Two’s company…” he growled, before whipping a pistol out from the lapel of his purple sport jacket. He leveled the weapon’s barrel at the girl and fired two shots, but the ever-agile Batgirl flipped backwards, dodging the bullets as if they were in slow motion. Batman took advantage of the situation quickly, using all of his upper-body strength to hoist himself up with one motion, cape fluttering as his feet landed on the dam. He turned to the Joker, and his eyes narrowed menacingly- in one motion he whipped out a batarang and it sliced through the air, smashing full force into the Joker’s gun. It was knocked away- sent flying as it skidded across the stone surface of the dam.

Robin was groggy as he came to- his eyes peeling back to reveal the world to him. He looked out, his slow eyes trying to move quickly- trying to figure out what on earth was going on. The colors were dazed but he could clearly make out the shadowy shape of Batman- fists flying, as he fought valiantly with the Joker. On the other side of him he could make out the shape of… It looked like Batgirl, but he couldn’t tell. She was fighting Harley Quinn, that much was clear, as not only the distinct shape of her hat shone in the moonlight, but also he could hear her high-pitched squeals.

That was one voice he’d recognize any day.

“You meddlesome brat! Can’t you just stay out of Mistah Jay’s way for once!” Harley screamed as she took a mad swing. Batgirl quickly ducked and hit a leg sweep, taking Harley’s legs out from under her. Quinn tumbled to a heap on the floor, emitting a loud grunt as she did so. Batgirl wasted no time as she pounced on top of Harley, bringing her knee down onto Harley’s cheek, pinning her to the floor in a forcefully painful manner.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to spoil your fun, just part of the job you know,” Batgirl explained sarcastically. Harley groaned under the pressure of Batgirl’s knee on her neck… She needed to get free now- there was no way she was going back to Arkham so soon. She shifted her weight as quickly and powerfully as possible, and whipped her head so that the ends of her jester hat smacked Batgirl in the face. Harley was able to get free- well, sort of. Quinn grabbed Batgirl by the neck and pushed her onto her back, trying to choke her.

“You know, little girls like you shouldn’t be out past their bed-time!” Harley insisted. Batgirl was gasping for breath as she planed her knee into Harley’s gut, sending the jester-girl flying backwards with an “umf”.

“I’ll take that advice to heart,” Batgirl grumbled as she got to her feet. She quickly readied herself again, and this time when Harley came at her it was two quick punches to the jaw that sent her battered enemy crashing to the ground. Harley lay barley conscious groaning and moaning. Batgirl pulled out a pair of Batcuffs from her hip-hugging utility belt and approached, ready to take Harley in.

She was shocked to say the least when Harley bolted up- having produced from nowhere a large barreled gun with a cork in it.

“Too bad I couldn’t take you one-on-one like I’d hoped. Oh well, when at first you don’t succeed, use a gun,” Harley recited, as if it was a real saying. She pulled the trigger with a loud click, and before Batgirl could respond, the cork came flying at her with a thunderous bang. It struck her squarely in the chest and exploded on impact- emerging from its remains were thick purple and green ropes, which found themselves wrapped tautly around Batgirl’s torso moments afterward.

The battered and bruised Harley popped up to her feet gingerly- grinning despite the welts on her mouth from Batgirl’s blows. The Dark Damsel struggled lightly, but she already knew she couldn’t get out of the tight, seamless bonds- she was really working on getting a knife out from her utility belt.

“Aw, looks like Batgirl is trying to get free- maybe I could help you out!” Harley sneered, as she reached down and snatched Batgirl’s utility belt from her waist, tossing it over the edge of the dam. Barbara gritted her teeth in rage at this- only to be angered further as Harley shoved her down violently. “Take a seat, kid. Watch a pro take care of this,”

Harley began to prance over to where the Dark Knight was, as Batgirl struggled frantically.

The Joker took one more wild stab, and this time he actually sank the blade into Batman’s arm- and let’s just say the Caped Crusader wasn’t happy about it. Batman sent another fist flying, and this time his black-gloved hand caught Joker in the chin, and the clown almost flipped backwards as he was leveled by the hit. Joker spilled across the top of the dam, laughing hysterically at his predicament. Half an hour ago he was ready to carry out his plan for killing every fool in Gotham- and now here he was being beaten like a piñata at a third grader’s birthday party.

“What’s so funny Joker?” Batman questioned sardonically, his usual deep voice as cruel as ever.

“Oh nothing Batsy- it’s just good to be back to the old ways- you, me, punches, maniacal plots. You can’t honestly say you don’t enjoy these little escapades of ours a little bit!” Joker cackled as she inched backwards with all of his strength- he was weak, he couldn’t have walked even if the Dark Knight wasn’t there ready to pummel him.

“I enjoy seeing you behind bars at Arkham,” Batman growled. With that he reached forward and grabbed Joker by the shirt, dragging him up. He drew his arm back, and with one motion his fist came forward, smashing into the Joker’s nose. Batman felt his knuckles crack- and the Joker’s nose crumble upon the blow. He felt immense pain in his hand, it might have been broken. But still, the Joker laughed. Cackling on and on like a fool. A red crimson river was flowing from the shattered cartilage formerly known as his nose, but he could only see the humor in this.

BAM. Batman hit him again. Still laughter.

BAM. Batman hit him again, harder this time. Still, the same insane laughter.

BAM. BAM. BAM. Batman completely lost control, his fist swinging at will. His fist sank into the pulp that had been Joker’s face over and over, blood streaming all over the front of the Joker’s shirt. One eye was shut it pain, black forming around it. His nose was completely soft, blood now freely gushing from it. His mouth was cut too, trickles of blood emerging from that opening as well, two yellow teeth were missing from his trademark grin as he continued to laugh. Still, the same insane laughter.

Thoughtlessly Batman lifted his arm once more, ready to pound on the Joker until he physically could laugh no more… But something caught his arm.

“Batman! Chill out! What is wrong with you!” came the familiar voice of his thirteen-year-old partner. A confused and discouraged look was plastered on Robin’s face as he looked into the eyes of the seething Dark Knight, who seemed to show no remorse. “Get a grip Batman! He’s just the Joker- he’s crazy. Get a hold of yourself!” Robin demanded.

Batman felt ashamed and angry- but knew most of all that the boy was right. He dropped the Joker, releasing his shirt and just stared into space for a moment, thinking about so many things at the same time.

CRASH. The cinderblock was reduced to fragments over Batman’s head, and Harley wasted no time. She sent her boxing glove gun firing deep into Robin’s head, sending the Bird Boy to the ground as she rushed to Joker’s side.

“Puddin’? Puddin’?” she asked as she propped him up. As quickly as possible she roused Joker’s thugs and they all disappeared into the night, leaving three crimefighters- one bound, and two out cold.

* * * * *

Jason had entered the apartment and begun to undress- the whole time a pair of dark eyes were watching him. He was really cut- so far he hadn’t done anything Nightwing would have deemed suspicious. He came in and changed from his street clothes to a pair of silk boxers and a bathrobe, before sitting down in front of the tube to watch the late-late movie.

Nightwing wasn’t convinced it was all just entertainment. There was something strange about this guy- something that went beyond just being in the wrong place at the wrong time- he had a purpose being in the bad part of town that late, and Nightwing was going to figure it out. The truth was, he really wanted to find out via force. He would have liked nothing better than to go swooping in- smashing through the windows and introducing Jason to his fist… But Barbara certainly wouldn’t react very well to that.

Of course, one would have to question why he cared what Barbara would do. She certainly disregarded his feelings in terms of seeing… This guy. This… Scum. He couldn’t outright call him scum though, although it would certainly only be a matter of time before Jason earned that title. He would… As much as he didn’t want to seem like Batman, he simply had an instinct for this sort of thing.

He continued to peer through his binoculars, adjusting the adjustment knob.

“And what exactly do you think you’re doing?” came a fierce feminine voice from behind him. The truth was she had startled him, but Dick hid it well. He didn’t answer right away- he had to make it clear he was here for a reason. Without looking away from Jason he answered coldly.

“Keeping my eye on potential criminals,” Nightwing declared.

“Jason? What are you talking about? Not only is he a terrific guy- an amazing guy- but also he’s a police officer, Dick. Get a life and go home,” Batgirl snarled as she walked up next to him.

“There are dirty cops. They don’t have internal affairs for nothing,” Nightwing stated in monotone.

“Then let them handle it. Oh wait- there’s nothing to handle,” she sneered. She looked over at his apartment, observing her boyfriend carefully. “Well, I see what you’re talking about. Looks like he’s transgressing the law over there- he’s a regular felon. Watching T.V. after his bedtime. Well slap the cuffs on him and ship him to Arkham!” Batgirl continued to growl, her voice drenched with sardonic fury.

“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm,” Nightwing quipped.

“I don’t appreciate you spying on my boyfriend!” she shot back. For the first time his sights moved from his binoculars to Batgirl. She stood angrily, hands on hips, scowl on face. She glared at him, her blue eyes as ferocious as she could make them- but they were still cute. He almost felt the impulse to shoot up and take her in his hands, kissing her passionately. Almost.

“If he has nothing to hide, why do you care?” Nightwing demanded.

“Because this has nothing to do with him being a criminal, Dick. He’s not, we both know that. For god’s sake, we’re all adults here. This has to do with your jealousy, don’t even try to deny it!” she screamed.

“You think I’m jealous of you? Of him? Is that a joke?”

“Am I laughing?” she snapped.

“Your vision is blurred. You don’t know what you’re talking about. The only reason you’re with him in the first place is because you are trying to make me jealous. That’s what you really want, to make me jealous. Oh, and by the way, may I be the first to clue you in- it’s not working!” Nightwing bellowed.

Batgirl was enraged. “I’m with him because he’s everything you never were!” she screamed. “I’m with him because I want to know what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone who cares about me as much as himself. I’m with him because I want to know what an adult relationship feels like. I’m with him because I want to be with a man who is strong and sensitive- who understands me…”

“I get it!” Dick said, interrupting her mid-speech. He paused before loosing control. “You can list off all the reasons I wasn’t ‘up to par’ all you want- it’s not going to change my opinion. You’re beyond contradictory- you’re the biggest hypocrite I’ve ever met!” he snarled.

“Oh am I? Please tell me how I’m a hypocrite, Dick, because I’m DYING to know!”

“All you can talk about is how selfish I am- but look at yourself. It’s all about you- you, you, you. I don’t understand you. I’m not sensitive enough for you. I can’t pamper you, or kiss your ass like he can, well you know what- I don’t give a crap!” Nightwing growled.

Batgirl started shaking her head in disbelief. “Our whole relationship was always just a saying you couldn’t understand. A joke you didn’t get,” she whispered softly. Maybe she was talking to herself- Dick didn’t really care.

“And what makes you think you got it?” he whispered back. Maybe he was talking to himself. He didn’t really care.

The two stood there, completely silent. The late Gotham air was deathly still; the only sound reverberating through the air was the soft hum of distant traffic. They both stared at the ground only, each afraid to make eye contact with the other. Soft tears had welled up in Batgirl’s eyes, but she desperately didn’t want to cry. Not now. Not like this. Nightwing breathed softly, almost afraid to make a sound. He needed to get out of there. Away from her. Her and her perfect boyfriend.

“Where’ve you been all night?” he asked. He wasn’t sure what else to say, quite frankly.

“Saving your life,” she remarked.

“What?”

“The Joker was at Gotham Dam. He had tanks of his Joker toxin, and was about to pour it into the river. You know- Gotham’s water supply. The death toll would have been catastrophic- millions dead all with smiles. Batman, Robin, and I were there, saving the day. Where were you?” she asked with a fierce tone in her voice. Despite the situation, Dick really wasn’t in the mood to argue. Not anymore, anyway. “Oh, that’s right, you were here, spying on my boyfriend. Productive night, huh?” she mocked.

“No. I was running into him in the red light district. He may not be a criminal, but watch your back. You never know who’s an axe murderer and who’s not,” Nightwing stated simply. He was gone before Batgirl could jab him with her next cutting remark, he sprinted to the edge of the rooftop and took off, flying over the streets. His wings popped out mid-flight and he glided out of view in the late Gotham night.

* * * * *

“You mind if I just crash here?” an exasperated Barbara Gordon asked. Jason smiled warmly, stepping aside to welcome her in.

“Oh, of course not Barb. You’re welcome at my place anytime,” he remarked with a wide grin. His teeth were pearly white, his smile as sexy as they came. If Jason had committed any crime, it was because it was illegal to be that good-looking. He ran his hands through his thick full head of luscious blonde hair as she walked in.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, purely curious. Or pretending he was.

“Oh nothing… I was just… I didn’t want to be alone tonight,” she said slowly, trying to think of a lie that sounded romantic. ‘I would stay at my place but I was out crime-fighting and I ran into my ex who was spying on you so I decided to ask you to say here’ just sounded a little to crazy. She took off her coat and tossed it on the first chair she saw- with her laptop and bag.

Jason eyed the laptop curiously and grinned to himself. I’m practically in already, he told himself.

“Can I change in your bathroom? I brought my own PJs,” Barbara explained with a grin. Jason smiled.

“Of course you can,” he declared. She snatched her bag from the chair and headed to his powder room… He wasted no time. He rushed to his bedroom and turned on the secret monitor next to his television. Immediately the picture came in- it wasn’t very clear and it wasn’t colored, but it was a secondhand camera he was working with here. He’d installed for just this reason- and oh a sight it was. Barbara stripped slowly- taking off her top revealing a black bra, which held her voluptuous little breasts to her chest. Yes, that’s the way, he thought to himself. She then pulled down her pants, revealing a pair of purple satin panties. Not the thong he was hoping for, but he got a nice view of what he was looking for. He didn’t get long however- she changed quickly into her pajamas- pink with blue bunnies on them. How cute… It made him want to puke.

He darted out from his room, rushing to the living room. With lightning quickness he pulled out the couch- a bed in no time. Barbara came in and smiled warmly at him.

“Got me a bed there, huh?” she asked. He shot her a fake grin.

“Looks like it. Would you like anything to drink? Maybe some warm milk to help you sleep?” he asked politely. The truth was that he was amazed at how kind and generous he sounded himself- he’d always considered himself a good actor, but he could sense the sincerity and caring in his own voice.

“Well that’s an offer this girl can’t refuse,” she said with a soft smile. Jason bolted to his kitchen, and grabbed the carton of milk. Nothing like some warm milk… With a little bit of codeine. He put the drugged milk into the microwave and allowed it to heat up humming softly to himself as it did. Jason- you are a genius. And you’re going to be a rich genius that’s screwing the chick in the other room, he told himself as the beep to the microwave went off.

He brought her the milk and she accepted it gratefully. They chatted and made mindless small talk for fifteen minutes before Barbara went out like a light. With that, Jason helped himself to the laptop of Gotham City Police Department’s Computer Specialist. Oh, the world at his fingertips…

* * * * *

“Puddin’, you alright?” Harley Quinn asked as she looked into the battered and beaten eyes of the Joker. One of them was swelled shut, but the other opened quickly darting around. He stared through Harley for a moment. Then he punched her as hard as he possibly could. He had broken her cheekbone, which much was for sure, as she fell backwards with a scream of shock and pain, tumbling to the ground.

“You idiot!” Joker bellowed, screaming to the woman at his feet. “I’d planned this for months and months, and somehow, you manage to screw it up, none-the-less. It’s unbelievable!” he screamed. He reached down and grabbed her by the frilled collar of her outfit, yanking her violently to her feet. “Do you know how hard I worked toward this caper? Do you? Can you appreciate how hard I work all the time? All you do is sit around here and bother me! You are beyond worthless! You are an anchor, holding me down! And, well, after tonight…”

“But puddin’…” Harley began. The Joker’s open palm came across her face with a lightning quickness, and the smacking sound that ensued echoed through the hideout.

“Shut up, Harley!” he bellowed, his stink-ridden breath blowing across her face. SLAP. He brought his hand to her face again and this time she gasped at the pain slightly. “Can I get one word out without you interrupting me? You’re the biggest waste of space I’ve ever see!” he screamed at the top of his lungs. He slapped her again, this time as hard as he could.

“Mistah Jay… Please…” she gasped. Tears were streaking down her face now; her typical white make-up had smeared, revealing her toned skin. He reached down and yanked the hat from her head; her pigtailed golden blonde locks falling out. That hair… He hated that hair… He reached down and grabbed her by it- each hand grasping a handful of it. He pulled her up to be level with him before shoving her into a wall.

She was wailing now, sobbing uncontrollably.

“You want me to stop? Because all you have to do is ask!” Jokes screamed in her ear.

“Please…” SLAP. She couldn’t finish her sentence as he hit her again. SLAP. And again. SLAP. And again. She might have been able to defend herself. She would never know though- she couldn’t bring herself to lay a hand on Mistah Jay.

He shoved her to the floor, and there she lay, a blubbering mass of confusion, beautiful long blonde locks in a tattered mess.

“You don’t deserve anything I’ve ever given you!” he screamed, and reached down. He pulled a small switchblade knife out from his pocket and with one motion cut her costume right down the side- he might have cut her a little too. Then he yanked it off, her trademark red and black jumpsuit was gone. All that was left was a naked woman lying on the floor crying.

He kicked her, his foot landing squarely in the middle of her ribcage. She screamed in pain and clutched her side, in an agony, both emotionally and physically. Joker marched to the door and opened it, propping the screen door with the small lever used for that. He then came back, grabbing Harley by the hair, dragging the screaming woman outside into the night. He walked back in, slamming the door on the sobbing naked woman- the only woman who had ever loved him, left in despair.

[The Guitar Slayer]

Wow.

Not much else to say....Fantastic details and realism. You nailed the Joker of "The Killing Joke" perfectly. Methinks Nightwing shall nail Jason's butt to the wall. Can't wait for the next chapter.

[Coran]

Why oh why couldn't Dick have come back and seen Jason using Barbara's computer! I'm sure that he would have had a very interesting reaction. I can't wait to see how Barbara reacts when she finds out that Jason is a criminal. Keep up the great work Game, I can't wait to read more!

[BatKid]

Whoa! That ending was tense. I've never really seen Joker act like that in my life! What a great characterization of everyone in the story. Loved how Bats went crazy there, beating Joker with his punches. What I can't believe though, is how Joker stayed conscious with all those punches, doesn't Bats hit hard?

While I was reading the story, I had everyone's voice from TNBA, doing the voice acting. Joker's maniacal laughter, Bats monotone voice, everything! And I also had everything in animated form. Dang, it looked like I was watching an episode of this. It just shows that all these great fan-fics would make great episodes. Man, I love my imagination.

Everything in that story has surprised me so much! Please post your next chapter ASAP.

By the way, where do you get all those pics for your avatars?

[SilverKnight]

Whoa. Dig it. >drools over her keyboard< ...Ew. >wipes the drool off< Oh, well, anyway. >ahem< I like. I like very much so. And, dammit, you got me drooling over my keyboard...>sneers<...so that's gotta say something. I look forward to more. Please? ...Pfft, fine then. Be like that.

[Panther]

Jason is very very very very very very very very very very VERY bad! How he dare he mess around with Babs like that! And Nightwing is so gonna kick his butt!

Also, that was a great fight scene between Joker and Batman as well as Batgirl and Harley. Harley got some great lines in this post, one of my favs being:

“You know, little girls like you shouldn’t be out past their bed-time!”

Haha!

Very intense descriptions here, can't wait for more!

[The Game]

Whoa! Five replies. What did I do to deserve this?

Thanks everyone- Yes Jason is a sick bastard. I want to make him into those badguys you really hate... He will probably get what's coming to him... But who knows, right?

I really want this story to feature a purley evil Joker, so he took the purley evil way of relieving his rage- he took it out on Harley.

Well, I won't bore you a moment longer, here we go- Chapter 4!

[The Game]

CHAPTER 4:

“He’s acting weird. Really weird,” Tim explained thoughtfully as he looked over his cards. “Hit me,”

Barbara slid the next card to Tim. “Well he’s not exactly a normal guy. Weird how?” she asked, as she gave herself another card. Her eyes flashed over them quickly. Twenty. Not bad. She wasn’t exactly sure where Tim was going with this, Bruce never acted like ‘one of the guys’. He was always a little weird. That’s what made him so…

“Darker than usual,” Tim elaborated.

“He’s a pretty dark guy, Tim,” Barbara said skeptically. “What have you got?”

“Twenty-one,” Tim replied, showing her his cards. A Jack, an eight, and a three. Damn. “I know he’s dark, the darkest guy I know, but I mean, strangely dark for him,” Barbara paid attention to Tim’s words as she gathered the cards together and began to shuffle.

“What has he done that is so much darker than usual?”

“Mostly just minor stuff. Well, like last night he went crazy on the Joker. Like crazy mad, he just kept beating on him and beating on him. He just pounded Joker’s face in, no remorse. I mean, it’s not like I’ve never seen him beat the crap out of a badguy or something, but he… He seemed like he’d lost control of himself or something. And when I mentioned it to him afterwards, he…”

“He what?” Barbara asked impatiently as she dealt the cards.

“He shrugged it off like it was nothing. But I saw the look in his face after I called him on it in the first place. He knew he’d crossed the line… But he wouldn’t admit it. I don’t know, it’s just a little scary,” Tim explained. Barbara continued to nod as she listened intently. She had been to busy being tied up to have seen Bruce go on this rage, but she could picture it pretty easily.

“Well give him some time to cool off. He probably just had a bad day or something, had to burn off some steam. I mean, come on Tim, it’s not like there could be anyone better to use as a punching bag than the Joker,” Barbara suggested as she inspected her cards. “Hit or stick?”

“I’ll stick,” Tim groaned. Barbara glanced at her cards.

“Me too. What do you have?”

“Eighteen,” he sighed.

“Me too. Tie goes to the dealer,” she said. She had been listening to Tim, giving him honest feedback, but the whole time her voice had been on something else. Jason. And Dick. Jason was such a great guy… But she couldn’t help but to admit there was something strange about him. It was simply that he was too perfect. I mean- he understood her so well it was… Well, sort of scary. Dick wasn’t right though- he wasn’t a criminal. She could tell. Call it a sixth sense perhaps. But he was hiding something and she didn’t like it. Not one bit.

“No it doesn’t!” Tim said forcefully.

“What?” Barbara asked.

“Tie doesn’t go to the dealer. It goes to me,” Tim declared. Barbara looked at his suspiciously.

“I don’t think so,” she murmured, gathering the cards once again. And after all of that, last night seemed weird. She’d just showed up, completely unannounced and he took her right in. He practically had the bed set up already. And warm milk? Her dad wasn’t even that caring when she was seven. There was something about that milk too… Made her slightly… Well, drowsy, but heck, it was supposed to help her sleep, wasn’t it?

Suddenly she was mad at herself- here you are in the relationship of your dreams, and all she could do was wonder whether or not he was a criminal. What was wrong with her? Perhaps Dick had forever scarred her into thinking all men were selfish jerks. Nah. She was just always on her toes. The aware type. Well, she could tell herself that all she wanted, but she wasn’t quite comfortable with him. Not yet.

“That brings my lead to…” Barbara crunched some numbers off of a small yellow legal pad. “Well let’s just say I murdered you,” she declared after deciding she was just a little to lazy to figure out how much she beat him by.

“Yeah, well Blackjack isn’t my game,” Tim offered as he scratched himself.

“What is your game?” she asked, making conversation.

“I don’t have a game,”

“Why not?”

“God hates me,” Tim declared. Barbara laughed out loud at this as she placed the tightly packed deck of cards into its small cardboard case. She looked at her watch. It was getting pretty late, the Gotham sunset fading to blackness through the window. She should probably have gone, but… The truth be told, she had no interest in meeting Jason tonight. After last night she felt…

She reached for her cell phone, ready to call off the date.

“Who are you calling?”

“Jason,”

“Ooh, gonna talk dirty?” Tim teased. She reached over and slapped him in the back of the head.

“No. I’m canceling our date for tonight. You’re so cool I just have to stay here with you,” Barbara remarked as she punched the numbers into the device. She waited patiently as Tim gave her a devilish smile.

“Hey, you don’t need to tell me I’m sexy,” Tim replied with an edge. Barbara shot him a look, waiting for Jason to pick up. The phone rang, a bored Tim holding his head in his hands as he stared at her.

“Hello?”

“Jason? Hi it’s Barb,”

“Oh hey. How are you?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I was just calling to let you know I’m not going to make it to the restaurant tonight. Something came up- work you know,” she said. She hadn’t even fooled herself- Barbara had a lot of redeeming qualities, but she wasn’t a very good liar. He was also a policeman- he could easily have offered to assist her in her escapade. He responded, however, in the best way she could have imagined. The perfect response, one might say. Perfect…

“Oh, well that’s too bad. I understand though- No problem. We’ll reschedule for another time then?” he proposed. She smiled at this. She was crazy to be avoiding him like this. She almost changed her mind…

“Sounds great. Sorry about this- Friday then?”

“Friday it is,” he responded warmly. She hung up the phone- and despite how well it had gone, it was strange. Very strange. She felt empty. Angry… Confused as well. Jason was just too understanding. But hey, maybe he was just the guy for her, right?

* * * * *

Jason O’Connell walked down the alley, glancing behind him. It was pitch black, the animals of the night stalking the red light district. The area was terrifyingly seedy, the horrible creatures who stalked the darkness whispering, plotting, and violating the law. Jason was gruffy and unshaven- when that police brat cancelled the date he’d figured to hell with it. He smoked the cigarette delicately, holding the tobacco smoke in a moment of release. God that felt good. He looked behind him once more, to make sure he hadn’t been followed. As soon as his vision turned back to where he was going something moved in the shadows, darting after him.

He continued on his way, marching down the alley, the scent of the nearby sewer reeking though the area. Small rats and other nasty animals scurried at the sound of Jason’s clicking footsteps, their long, gangly yellow teeth chattering. Jason was tired- really tired. He’d been up since the night before, staying up on the brat’s computer. He’d gotten some stuff, but not enough. He felt the vanilla folder in his coat, reassuring himself he had remembered the information for the sixteenth time. He was actually more than grateful that the brat had cancelled their “date”. He couldn’t deal with being the perfect boyfriend on this little sleep- and for Christ’s sake he hadn’t even gotten into the little noun’s pants yet!

He walked up to the large wooden door at the end of the alley, and knocked on it three times, quickly and crisply.

“Who’s there?” came a saucy feminine voice.

“Let me in Candice,” Jason mumbled. “I’m not in the mood for this crap,” Jason spun suddenly- he thought he’d heard something. His eyes darted suspiciously around the darkness, his eyes wide and white. He couldn’t make anything out… But he’d heard something. Eh, probably a rat, he thought to himself as he turned back to the door.

Nightwing’s eyes glowed as he looked upon Jason. He felt like swooping in and beating the guy within an inch of his life. Well, that would have to wait.

“What’s the password?” Candice asked tauntingly.

“Shut up, and let me in. Or will I have to tap that sweet ass of yours? Keep you in line?” Jason growled through the door. He’s the perfect boyfriend! He’s everything you never were! Nightwing would have given his right arm to have Barb here to hear this.

“I wouldn’t let you touch me with a twenty foot pole,” Candice recited through the door. Nightwing could hear the metallic clanking of a deadbolt being slid to the side, and the door cracked open, Jason forcing his way in. The two headed in. Neither of them closed the door, but it closed, a third party following them inside amongst the shadows.

Nightwing watched curiously as they entered another room- he recognized the voice before he heard Jason say the other man’s name.

“Ah, a pleasure to be graced by your presence,” Rupert Thorne announced.

“Of course Mr. Thorne. I’ve got a gift for you,” Jason said with an evil grin as he pulled the folder from his jacket, tossing it down on the desk next to the crime lord. Thorne reached over and thumbed through it quickly, his eyes darting over the small packet of information.

“Not bad for one night kid. I’m always happy to see progress,” Thorne complemented. “How are things going with that sweet little Gordon girl?” he asked with a smile. It took all of Dick’s strength not to go flying through the door, busting all of their heads together. He didn’t however. He just gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes in anguished rage.

“Aw c’mon boss, you know I’m not the kind to kiss and tell. Actually that’s B.S. Nah, She’s the definition of prude. I promise on my life I’ll get between her legs before his is all over though. Or she’ll go down on me,” Jason announced.

In your dreams, dirt bag, Nightwing snarled in his head. You’ll be lucky if you get out of here alive…

“Well, this all looks pretty good,” Thorne said with an evil grin. “Things are going well in the relationship?”

“Things are peachy,”

“Well that’s great. Keep up the good work,” the crime lord announced. Without another word Jason moved out from the room, marching down the hall toward the door to the alley, Nightwing still watching from the shadows. You’re going down, you son of a *****. You are going down.

* * * * *

The room was dark, the only light coming from a heat lamp, which was directed at her babies- they needed the energy. Her starkly beautiful emerald eyes glowed like the gems that they were, peering with glee at her projects- they were her babies and she loved them more than anything in the world. She lifted the small test tube with her delicate green-gloved hands, inspecting the vile quickly before dousing it over one of her plants. It reacted well to the experimental fluid- that was good. Very good. Any substance that could improve the strength of her plants was perfect.

Poison Ivy smiled warmly as the jade-toned tentacles wrapped outwardly, clinging onto something for support. It was so lush and fertile, so innocent and yet powerful, the most beautiful creature- she just loved her babies. Ivy turned and gingerly stalked across her lab, licking her succulent ruby lips as she went. Her succulent, ruby, poison lips. Lips to die for. She lifted the small voice recorder toward those lips, pressing record.

“June 17th. The new Hydrochloride substrate toxin had a positive reaction with my hybrids in test area B. I’ll have to test it against area C to be certain and make sure my control- area A- doesn’t change to confirm the toxin is responsible,” she announced with authority into the tape recorder. She looked around, her emeralds glowing across the lab. Her curvy petite form made its way over to where several sacrificial test subjects were. She reached in, and her elbow length forest-green-gloved hand reached in, clasping a rat by the scruff of its neck.

“I will now test the strength of the plant with the new Hydrochloride substrate toxin against that of a typical laboratory rat,” she announced into the voice recorder, making her way back over to area B. Ivy held the rat out in front of her, the nasty creature writhing in her position. It kicked and scratched- Ivy sighed. Mammals. Simply repulsing.

She dropped it into the small cage where her baby resided, and watched carefully; ready to describe what happened into the recorder. The plant moved quickly- it was sharp, just like its queen, Ivy thought to herself with a happy sigh. The tentacles came flying in, slapping around the rat at key points. With lightning speed the neck and abdomen of the creature was encased with the thick green arms of the creature. They cinched it, the nasty animal squealing in its final moments before its own internal organs began coming out from all points. Her baby tore it apart right after, fur and guts flying.

Ivy reached up and gently brushed her flowing crimson locks away from her eyes. She smiled at the amazing performance of her creation, destroying the rat with such speed and utter brutality, it was amazing. Her pearly-white teeth glistened in the soft glow from the lamp directed at the slaughter.

“The performance of the creature with the Hydrochloride substrate toxin can be classified as,” Ivy paused while she looked for the perfect word. “Optimal,” she finally decided on as she clicked the recorder off. It was certainly good to see how well it had done. This was what Ivy loved the most- just being at lone with her research. Alone with her babies. She continued to walk across toward her bedroom when… The doorbell rung.

Ivy hadn’t heard that chime in so long that she was confused at first as to what it was. Her bright emerald eyes gazed longingly at the door, wondering what to do- she decided to open it. The nymph who referred to herself as Mother Nature’s will pranced over to the door and opened it quickly, ready to respond to whoever was out there.

Harley Quinn stood there, but Ivy didn’t recognize her. She was wearing no make-up whatsoever; her face was pale- its only color coming from the dense black and blue marks formed around the edges. She was dressed in some plain looking clothes she’d picked up at the Salvation Army- T-shirt and jeans. Her blonde hair was tattered in a tangled mess; her sky blue eyes were deep and depressed.

“Can I help you?” Ivy asked. The last thing she needed was some homeless woman trying to get money or something.

“Red- it’s me…” came a voice that Ivy would recognize anywhere. Harley’s jaw dropped and her eyes went white. She was slightly confused, only able to muster out a few words at a time.

“Harl, what happened to you?”

“It’s all my fault really,” Harley stared as she walked into the lab. “Mind if I crash here for awhile?”

* * * * *

Barbara Gordon twisted the key and the door to her apartment opened with a soft click. She sighed as she made her way in, her long red hair pulled tautly into a ponytail. She was dead tired, and felt awful- ugly, awful, and depressed. Mental note, she thought to herself- never stay and watch ‘Must See TV’ with Tim. Ever again. Good kid, but one could get more than tired of his company after awhile. She flicked the light on and closed the door, turning to see a familiar face sitting on her couch.

“Well let yourself right in,” she growled, unimpressed.

“You have to stop seeing Jason,” Nightwing declared. He wasn’t taking no for an answer- not this time. He stared defiantly through his mask at Barb as she glared back at him angrily.

“What?”

“You heard me,” he snapped. “You have to stop seeing him. I tracked him, wanted to see where he was going in the red light district. He’s working for Rupert Thorne, spying on you. You’re Thorne’s inside girl with the cops now,” Nightwing explained quickly. Barbara continued to stare at him, unimpressed. She was angered somewhat, but she expected this from Dick.

“You’re so full of it,” she murmured under her breath as she headed to the kitchen. “Working for Rupert Thorne? Is that a joke?”

“Am I laughing?” Nightwing shot back, recalling her response from the other night. Barbara sneered at this- he couldn’t see her as she had made her way into the kitchen, but he knew she was sneering.

“Tell me, Dick- why should I believe you?” she asked as she emerged back into the living room, a glass of diet coke in her hand. She sipped it delicately as she sat down in the armchair opposite Nightwing.

“Because I’m saying it,” he exclaimed. He knew it wasn’t enough, but it was why she should- Dick wasn’t a liar.

“That’s not good enough. As much as you claim to be a man of your word, you strike me as the raging-jealous type,” Barb thought aloud. Nightwing glared at her. Raging-jealous type?

“Raging-jealous type? I don’t think so,” he growled.

“Look Dick, just admit it- you’d do anything to keep me away from another man as long as you’re alone. You just can’t deal with the idea that I’m seeing someone else!” Barbara screamed, exasperated. She didn’t have the energy to argue with Dick right now, she was just too tired. She wanted him out right now. He’d do anything; say anything to get her away from him.

“He’s working for Thorne, Barb. He’s your pawn- which makes you Thorne’s pawn,” Nightwing murmured slowly. Barb pointed toward the open window at the end of her living room.

“Get out,” she ordered. There was a long awkward pause. Suddenly- wordlessly- Nightwing darted for the window, jumping out into the night, with one swift motion, and was one with the shadows. She stood for a moment, staring at the open window, before walking over and slamming it shut.

[BatKid]

Another nice chapter! Hmmm...can't wait to see Barbara's face when she finds out that Dick was telling the truth all along! I bet Dick will be smirking at the end.

Another o'l Bat-villain, Poison Ivy. Can't wait to see how she fits into the story.

I asked it once, and I'll ask it again...where do you get those avatars?

[Batgirl]

She is so in for in... Then again, so is Jason. Rock on Game!