Here is my Novella, just keep reading till the end, Prologue first then story, sets you up. Enjoy !
PROLOGUE
DETECTIVE REPORT 9015#GCPD
DATE :11/03/08
INCIDENT : Homicide
STATION : Downtown GCPD
OFFICER AT THE SCENE : Stanley Michael Baker
ACCOMPLICES : Killer Croc – Waylon Jones
WITNESS : John Crue, walking through surrounding area follows Officer Baker after seeing erratic behaviour – Sources 9-16Archive8753/GCPD
PROCEDURE :
10:45pm – Officer Baker arrives at Location A , is seen heading to ‘Betty’s Diner’ to order pie, stays 15 Minutes before heading out to Location B, approximately 27m away from squad vehicle. Takes with him what appears to be a cylindrical vial – SUBSTANCE UNKOWN -
11:05pm – Officer Baker heads towards back-end of secluded alleyway (Location B), is seen talking to Waylon Jones – Alias Killer Croc -
11:13pm – Officer Baker is seen exchanging cylindrical vial for a silver briefcase, this had been checked by Officer Baker before counting of bags of white powder. WITNESS observed Killer Croc’s expression of annoyance with which the Officer was inspecting the evidence.
11:115pm – Officer Baker reaches for his service pistol (Standard 9mm Beretta M9 CODE:0071/SMB) , assailant notices this action and performs punches to head and slamming of Officer Baker into opposite exteriors
11:17pm – Officer Baker is, as described by WITNESS –
QUOTE 71#W “ The Officer was then strung up by Croc after being beaten again and again, onto a overhanging lamp post by his entrails, it was sick !”
ENQUIRY PENDING
11:20pm – Killer Croc was then seen leaving the scene with both cylindrical vial and silver briefcase
MOTIVE : Unknown
Notes : The evidence supported is yet to be clarified, all written and verbal statements made by the WITNESS is granted proof until expelled by further analysis, a full investigation has been acknowledged and the measures are being looked into.
Police Commissioner James Gordon, has also requested the help of “The Batman” – STATUS PENDING
Chapter 1
It was a stormy night, the wind howled and lightning flashed across the sky. Alfred Pennyworth was placing two, not three, cubes of ice in Bruce Waynes Jack Daniels', tailoring the beverage onto the silver tray and circling three times with a tea spoon, he then quietly paced through to the study on the second floor of Wayne Manor.
"Master Bruce I have taken the liberty of preparing you a cold beverage to relax you Sir"
"Thank-you Alfred"
- CHANNEL 5 NEWS -
'Gotham Tonight'
This evening, a Police Officer was brutally murdered by the criminal known as "KILLER-CROC".
Police are investigating with a full inquiry, motive is unknown and is still at large, Police...
"Something of the matter Sir?" says Alfred.
"Oh, nothing Alfred. Jim Gordon has just informed the G.C.U that the DARK KNIGHT will be included for the inquiry"
"I see... well he is the Police Commissioner Sir, he must know whats best"
"Hopefully Alfred, hopefully..."
*
The air stank with the smeel of dead fish and rotten produce. A round bird-like was taking a long puff at a pointed cigarette, eyeing the 'day's picks' through a circular monocle.
"Very well Gentlemen" he squawked.
"You will recieve payment after your final delivery, it is to be carried out precisely at my instructions"
"Yes Mr. Cobblepot" answered a henchmen, a scar running down the side of his face.
"You have just twenty-four hours before the pigeon flies the coop, otherwise you will follow Jimmy Jones' example" added the PENGUIN, pointing towards the slumped figure in the corner. He twirled his umbrella, and walked away.
"Good evening as I hope it shall be" and leaving with a smile, he tipped his top-hat.
*
The lights were dim down at Weatherfield Industries Gotham's newest food industrial, with not a single person patrolling. All was quiet, too quiet it seemed. Batman turned a corner and found a discarded railing. Arching himself he shoots his Grapelling Launcher onto a surface seven-storeys higher andwith fluid movement jettisons onto the wet, cold roof of Warehouse 16. The floorboards creak, but the guards take nake no notice. Powdered bags were being loaded into cases, which in turn were loaded onto trucks each occupying a driver.
"Keep moving! Cobblepot wants this done quickly, you all saw what happened to Jones !"
None of the henchmen noticed the shadows move as the final packages were being laid. Then their was the swish of metal as a batarang hit the arm of the leader guard. All at once machine-guns loaded, burst-fire in all corners of the room, a second later a swoop and a punch into a second guards jaw. The fight was on. Batman flew into a frenzy of dives and kicks as one-by-one the guards swarmed after Batman. Luckily for Batman, smoke canisters were provided and he threw them up into the air. The guards were thrown into a state of confusion as all around them the muffled cries for help rang out. As the smoke cleared, a lone figure was standing, his gun tucked at the ready, waiting to defend himself from the fate of the Batman. A tap on the back and the guard fell, Batman was ready for answers.
"Where's the Penguin?"
"I on't k-know!" cried the guard, Batman slammed him against the flor
"Where's Cobblepot!"
"I don't know man!" Batman raised his fist
"Alright! Alright... He's at the Iceburg"
*
Oswald Cobblepot is a fair man. So what if he charges too much for meals?, so what if his personal profit exceeds reccommended wage payment?, if it's his money he'll spend it, not on you, not on me, not on anyone else. Sure, Oswald Cobblepot is a fair man, for a price...
The door creaked. The Penguin spun around reaching for an umbrella, swish, a batarang collected it.
"How did you get in?" inquired Penguin, a frown upon his beak.
"Sleepers on your back guards, you really need a tighter force"
"Well, its not everyday you get visited by a man dressed up as a bat"
"It wouldn't, if I hadn't been keeping my eye on you!"
"By the way Batman, how did you know I was here?" asked the Penguin
"One of your lackey's, not the silent type"
"...and the packages?"
"Anonymous tip. Apparantly, a smell was surfacing from the warehouse that wasn't fish"
"I wish you'd stop medelling, it's getting rather tiresome"
"I will when you do Penguin"
The Penguin strode to the cabinet and took out a large decantor.
"Port Batman?" asked Penguin.
Silence filled the air
" Suit yourself, one day you might sober up and get a real job"
"That's enough Penguin, you know why I'm here"
"Oh really Batman?"
"I tracked you and your men loading suspicious packages into trucks and then shipping them across independent companies for a price. What's the deal Penguin? putting 'drug cartel' on your list isn't your style"
"Alas Batman... if only you knew!"
-CLICK-
Alarms ring out all over the room and gas fills the air. All that Batman could see was the tail of a coat whisk through a hidden door before the World went dark...
*
Batman wakes up, his head spinning. Colours mixed in and out of focus. He moves his wrists
"Hands binded!" scorns Batman
If I could just reach my belt...middle back compartment...
Ahh, got it!
A while later...
"Now, to get out of here. Hmm, polycarbonate re-inforced steel walls, brick floor, two windows... a door. No hinge, indent on wall, a slider ? No. Cobblepot is business, but paranoia? That's Scarecrow. There seems to be some kind of circuitry here, maybe I can re-route through the door?"
Batman pulls out hi sleek, silver 'Universal Tool' and plugs it into the door circuitry. Woosh, the door flicks open. Batman rushes to the nearest door, looks though the keyhole- abandoned. He slips inside, a window ledge is being pelted with rain.
"Perfect" grins Batman.
He opens the window, sprints forward and jumps... Batman fires his Grappeling Launcher and swings off, the roaming storm welcomes his existence.
Chapter 2
Splish-splash splish-splash. The sound echoed through the canals. A hunched, scaly figure dragged himself through the slimy catacombs of Gotham's sewers. A further twenty meters and a ladder is climbed, a pot hole shoved forward.
"My my Croc, even your speed is as bad as your bite!"
"At least I got what you wanted JOKER! Now, are you gonna hand over my money or am I gonna have to take it?" snarled Croc.
"Temper temper Croc! In due time my reptilian friend, but first we have to settle the Bat!"
"Oh yeah? I thought Penguin had it all cleaned up?"
" He did. Unitl Batman intervened and the Penguin had to 'fly the coop'"
"And the Police?"
"Unfortunately for Batman, the 'Men in Blue' were a little too serious, so I left them a little joke, and they laughed and laughed and laughed! That's why Croc, they made the second page. Have you seen a copy Croc?"
"No..."
"No?. Well Croc, it's over there in the corner, the latest issue. Go on...have a look!"
The Joker motioned to the Gotham Times resting on a desk.
"No tricks Joker!" growled Croc
"Wouldn't dream of it!"
Killer-Croc slowly made his way over to the desk in the corner. He picked up the paper and the turned the first page... He let out a SCREAM of fear and dropped the paper to the floor, with the crudely pinned-up face of the Policeman staring up at him with a horrifying scarlet smile...
"HAhaHaHahAhaHAHAhahAhaHaHAHAhaHahAhaHA!!"
*
All was quiet in the Bat-Cave, except for the whirl of machines and the tap of typing.
"Master Bruce your back! How were your escapades this evening?"
"I just don't get it Alfred. What has the Penguin got to do with the Killer-Croc? Both had secretive meetings and both had packets of white powder. The question is, why would both the Penguin and Killer-Croc aquire drugs? They have no use individually as well as no previous record of any consumption, but what did the Penguin mean?"
If only you knew...
"Alfred, is the substance analyzer repaired?"
"Just this afternoon Sir, may I ask of your suspicions Sir?"
"Alfred, I gathered a sample just as I left the warehouse for Penguin and if I'm correct then the chemical composition of the powder should be higher than a regular form of Cocaine or Heroin, with a trace or an unknown substance sourrounding the source of the compound"
"Shall I bring up the database Sir?"
"Excellent idea Alfred"
"...The computer is searching through now Sir"
BING
"A match. Just as I thought Alfred, a sample of Cocaine and another substance which appears to be...JOKER VENOM! Alfred, if I seperate thsese two substances individually and then, in their pure forms bring them together with a drop of Hydrochloric Acid, they should react"
Batman seperates the substances into two test tubes, he then places a drop of Hydrochloric Acid in a beaker. He adds the substances and the compound starts to fizz and evapourates into the air.
"Alfred turn on the fans!"
"Air-Con Sir"
"Yes, to remove the venom from the air. I've got to tell Jim Gordon about this!"
"Master Bruce. Before that Sir, Lucius Fox is requesting you immeadiately. He says it's something about the Joker"
Chapter 3
It was early morning when the limosine of Gotham's most elgible bachelor arrived at the entrance to Wayne Enterprises.
"Mr. Wayne your late!"
Silence followed...
"Bruce ! It's good to see you ha-hah"
"It's good to see you too Lucius"
"I'm glad you got my call, because I've got something for you..."
Bruce and Lucius headed towards the door which read :
President CEO.
LUCIUS FOX
"Now Bruce, I've noticed your collection and arsenal is already overwhelming, but I couldn't help tinkering. You know me Bruce, I was born with a spanner in my hand!" chuckled Lucius
"And so Bruce, I'd like you to take a look, at this..."
A button pressed, and a click , the bookshelf holding antiquated volumes of finance dissapeared, revealing the wonders of Lucius Fox's 'Midas Touch'.
"Two new types of Batarang. Firstly, Titanium plated, diamond-edged cutters which when connected to the circular apparatus to its left can cut a perfect circle.
Adjustable to size and can cut through any surface up to four inches of steel, twenty-five for Polycarbonate Plastics or Fibreglass and three inches of concrete. The only drawbank is the duration of seven minutes for the maximum of each of these materials, otherwise it is silent, practical and completely indestructible.
Now secondly, a gold-tipped version of a 'listening bug' device. It acts like a normal Batarang except if tapped on each tip, it will activate its tracking system, dual flashbang and my all-time personal favourite, the listening device.
Stick this in the wall and you will be able to hear a pin drop from seventeen meters away.
But of course, that's not all! When connected to the golden circlets on the sides of your belt, it will react to the grasping motion of retrieving it.
This will release the Batarang from its magnetic strip allowing you to quickly access them from your belt."
"Cool!"
"See? Told you you'd like it! Now Bruce, there's one more surprise. I'll show you..."
Another button pressed with a second click and the wall split into two sections springing outwards. A centre folded forwards, revealing a Dark Knight's Armour.
"The Batsuit?"
"Yes Bruce. Exactly as your current one but with a few more...'features'.
The cowl now has a double lining of Kevlar, each 0.2 milimeters thick, enough to crack a skull but be careful with anything heavier. Your cape is now both chemically and fire retardent and can sustain the usal rips and tears. It weighs about seven grams lighter too. Still scalloped with lead endings though along with micro-filament Kevlar.
Your gloves are now inter-woven with Kevlarm with an added ratio of two parts leather three parts Kevlar, tipping the scale with 3.2 grams more weight, improves punches though.
Boots are flexi-soled, it is locked with a detachable heel filled with supplies and is activated when print-studs are pressed in sequence of left-to-right, alternating so as not to open during a landing or in a fight.
Now Bruce, I know the symbol is important to you, to us all in fact, so I have enlarged it by 1.2 centimeters. Thid allowed me to apply a fourth layer of re-inforced Kevlar plated to your chest area, in case of unexpected surprises.
Your belt has been upgraded to include the new features with the new Batarang being stored on both sides of the belt. Also the aparatus included is found at the back, the slightly 'biggish' rectangular compartment.
The gold-tipped Batarang has been linked up to your receivers in the cowl, This allows optimum hearing. Your belt also has an upgraded remote for your Batmobile allowing you to secure, summon and navigate all from over two kilometers. That's all Bruce"
"Fantastic job Lucius"
"Well, I thought you could use some extra power, especially with that Joker out and about"
"Really...what's it this time?"
"After the Penguin job you paged about, the G.C.P.D got in contact with Weatherfields in an inquiry with the late night shipping and of course your tip-in. They investigated the scene and found the guard you had a 'talk' with. He was uncontrollable, rocking back and forth whispering:
'He's here...He...He's here'
Then the Police found this card from the Joker...
You 'Men in Blue' are always so serious!
Why not relac and have some fun?
The party's already started!
HahHAhAHAhahaHahAHAHahahAhAHAha!
The Police called for back-up but when they showed up an hour later, they found the Policemen and henchmen dead with scarlet faces"
"This is interesting...Why would the Penguin and Killer-Croc be transporting cocaine-laden 'Joker-Venom' while the Joker kills off Policemen and more importantly the Penguin's own lackey's? What has got the Penguin and Killer-Croc so loyal?" questioned Batman.
" I don't know. But I do know that when the situation arises, Batman will be able to handle it."
" Your right Lucius, and thankyou"
" Where to now Mr. Wayne?" said Lucius.
" Commissioner Jim Gordon. Hoepfully he can point me in the right direction"
Chapter4
The Bat-Signal hung low against the silver opaqueness of Gotham City's skyline. Jim Gordon is the G.C.P.D's longest serving veteran, with plenty of stories to tell. He was standing on the rooftop balcony, overlooking Gotham City when he heard a rustle.
"You came" He said.
"You asked" replied Batman.
Jim Gordon faced Batman and began to talk
"There has been several muders all linked to the Joker, including the investigation I volunterred for, and argued, to place you on. You were placed on to investigate why the cop was dealing with Killer-Croc, and more importantly, why he was there in the first place! And yet, we still don't know anything about it or the related murders"
"I know that the Joker is behind this. I know that both the Penguin and Killer-Croc are enlisted with the Joker. But I don't know why the Penguin and Killer-Croc are transporting coacine-laden 'Joker Venom' to independent companies, or why even that both the Penguin and Killer-Croc are so loyal to the Joker"
"Well you better start finding out Batman, because there is going to be a lot of people affected if this doesn't wrap up soon, and what's with this 'Joker Venom' I've been hearing about?"
"The Joker has constructed this 'Joker Venom' which you know, when absorbed, sends the victim into an uncontrollable spasm of laughter causing death, which also features a scarle rictus grin, much like that of the Joker. What's new is the addition of cocaine as atransporting package. This means the Joker has access to unparalled control of inserton of the 'Joker Venom' into any known substance. The question is, how and why modify it so numerously into cocaine-laden packages?"
"Maybe its gang related? Wasn't he orignally some sort of petty thief?
"Yes but that was a long time ago..."
"Well Batman, scpe out and report . As soon as we can stop this freak, the easier I can sleep!"
"I understand Jim, I'll be back with more answers. Keep your eyes open"
*
"Steady, steady, steady...GOTCHA! That little number gave me another reason to smile! HAhahAhaHAhaHaha!"
"What are you so happy about? sniggered Croc, as the Joker tossed another white powdered bag into a pile.
" I'll tell Croc. You see, Batman thinks we're shipping off our little goodies to addicts and lonely businessmen"
"Well, aren't we? questioned Croc.
"Of course not Cro Don't be so narrow-minded, think of the big picture here. I can now place my brand of 'Joker Venom' into ANY known substance and no one would know! I've only placed my goods in cocaine so that when the time is right, I can sneak off and calmly place my extracted 'Joker Venom' in various big..."
"Joker! Joker! We're ready to go. Blank has secured the area, security are subdued and the perimeter is surrounded. Thought you should also know that also, the Batman has been bought onto the G.C.P.D Investigation"
"Very good, well! You've reminded me of a very important lesson I learnt one day in School. Do you know what lesson that is?"
" no Joker...I don't"
"The lesson was... MANNER'S-MAKETH-THE-MAN!"
BANG
A single shot to the head. Blood on the floor.
HAhahAHahahHAHaaHAHAhahahAHhaHAhAHAHha!
Chapter5
The Pink Diamond is Gotham's finest jewel, estimated at a $1.3 million dollar net worth. This diamond generates its fair share of thieves, but none more seductable than the fesity CATWOMAN. It was the pefect night for a theft.
Late at night with no one about, Catwoman easily disengages the alarm and with a quick flick of her tail, somersaults to the plinth where the diamond lay. Where it was just...in...reach...
"SELINA!
Crack
The Bullwhip swings wide, the sound of it echoing across the hall.
"Bruce, I didn't know you stayed up at this time, how dissapointing! All well, looks like the Cat's out of the bag"
Batman rushed over to Catwoman. Both executed a series of kicks, blocks and punches, Batman wrestles with Catwoman but eventually grabs her and slams her against the wall.
"Meowww!" Purred Catwoman.
" That's enough Selina. The Joker, Killer-Croc and the Penguin have got something planned and it could endanger millions!"
"And why should I care?" Purred Catwoman
"People will die!"
"Fine... the Gator's in the swamp. Freak-boy is a no show, and birdie flying loose. Last time I play rough with you!
"Thanks Selina... I owe you"
Batman sprints off, leaving Catwoman to sigh
"Bruce... be careful".
*
The water-way under the Batcave was rushing steady and fast.
"Alfred, Killer-Croc is hiding in the sewers, I need you to be on BatCom"
"Yes Master Brucem I'll get right on it"
Batman hurried over to the Bat Boat.
"All systems go. Engine - Check. Fuel - Check. Alfred, are communications and radar running?
"Yes Sir, Killer-Croc is loacted seventeen kilometers due west of your position, twenty-seven knots should be adequate speed Sir, good luck"
"Thanks Alfred, I'll be available on frequency 4050"
Batman grabbed the controls and the Bat Boat lept forward, cutting the water with ease. Two minutes later Batman was cruising trhough the mariner.
"Alfred, what's my position?"
"Almost there Sir, four kilometers out of target continual pursuit, head towards outlet four Sir"
Batman pressed at the controls, turning left and right until the blip on the radar was directly in front of him, he could hear Killer-Croc roaring with fury of the Dark Knight's pursuit. Batman readied his net launcher. There was no-where for Croc to hide, until suddenly...Croc dissapeared, the blip on the radar had vanished. Batman killed his thrusters.
"Alfred, where is he?"
"I believe Sir, that he is under you"
At that moment, the blip suddenly flashed slowly across the radar, with the depth meter sinking even lower.
Batman pulled a concealed lever at the base of the cockpit and instantly Batman jettisoned himself into the Batsub. Batman dived towards the opening that was Croc's lair, the jets whirling Batman into the dark abyss.
*
Batman emerged into damp, dark cold caverns. A silent and ominous base for a reptilian recluse. Batman opened the cockpit and jumped onto the strip of land, Croc's latest victim lay cold on the floor as still as the water, the smeel of fish filtered the nose.
"BATMAN!" hissed Croc
Croc leapt from the ceiling, Batman rolled over to avoid Croc's gaping jaw by mere inches. Batman was thrown by Croc into the corner, Batman felt the chill of steel as his body hit the wall, it was then, that Croc advanced. Picking up Batman as if he was a toy, he slowly clasped his claws around the neck of Gotham's Caped Crusader. Batman was gasping for breath, the menacing stare of Waylon 'Killer-Croc' Jones was upon Batman, rasping voice of Killer-Croc rang out in mocking tones
"oooooh the Batman! help me M-Mommy I'm scared HA HA HA !"
Batman reached around his belt and slowly grasped a compartment.
"Hah ha ha ! Haha...huh WHAT?!"
Batman gripped a handful of spheres and threw them head high in the air.
"The force of the flashbangs should slow him down"
Immediately Croc let out a howl of pain, dropping Batman into the freezing water. Batman sunk deeper and deeper into the chill. Suddenly a burst of light sprung from the deep and a whirl of motors could heard as quickly Batman was thrusted into the Bat Boat which sped off towards Wayne Manor, with the shouts of Killer-Croc slowly dissapearing.
Chapter6
Batman woke up lying on a stretcher, with Alfred washing instruments.
"Alfred, what happened?"
"Easy now Master Bruce don't strain yourself, you will undo the stitches"
" Stitches Alfred?"
"Indeed Sir, and quite the bruising too I might add"
"But what happened Alfred? How did I end up back here in the study?"
"Well Master Bruce. I being, as today's youngster would say 'A computer whiz', I single-handedly piloted your Bat Boat towards Killer-Croc's lair as soon as your Communications Interface broke down"
"Thankyou Alfred, for saving my Life"
"Sir, I have been in service to your Family for years. Do not expect me to be a mere butler, especially to the Batman"
"Well, thankyou Alfred. You really are my closest ally"
"All part of the job Sir, all part of the job. By the way Sir, did you gather any information regarding the Joker or his plans?"
"No, but I have an idea. Last night, when I was confronting Croc, there was a strong stench of rotting fish.
The same two nights ago when I investigated Weatherfield...Alfred, what services other than Fishmonger do Weatherfield Industries provide?
"Apart from Fishmonger Sir? Well, there is Nationwide Shipments and Exports, as well as Food Produce.
It also controls independent food companies, their stocks and factories.
But it has only been opened for four months, why do you ask?"
"Because that's where the Joker is, I just don't know why Alfred"
"Sir, I can prepare an addrenalin supplement in ten minutes..."
" Good thinking Alfred"
Ten minutes later, Bruce Wayne looks out of the window that had smashed, giving him the inspiration to become what man fears and fear itself. That one moment of terror as a bat crashed through the study window, inspiration had come.
Bruce Wayne ran towards the hall with the grandfather clock.
The hands turned towards the time of 10:47, a time of horror, the time of death. One fateful day BANG BANG.
The clock swings open, revealing a twisted path leading to the greater darkness. An instance of light, and behold - The Batcave. Momentos dotted throughout the cavern, a giant coin, a Tyrannasarous Rex and Thomas Wayne's beloved 'Bat-Man' party costume.
"Logging-in to central computer - 241991EB. This is Batman, Oracle assist!"
"Oracle here, what's the buzz B?
"I need the car!"
Lights flashed in the circular stage as a portion slid out of view. Steam rose up, a black shape of the night rose, its front glaring menacingly underneath its torque of power - The Batmobile!
Batman jumps in and turns the ignition.
"Alfred, BatCom is up and running, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear Sir"
"Alfred... On the night of my Parents death I made a vow. A vow to avenge their deaths by following justice, and confronting the very villains who threaten it. I just hope I don't fail"
"Master Bruce. I have known you since you were a little boy. I have seen you grow into the man you are today. I also knew your parents, Thomas and Martha would have been so very proud of you Sir, as I am today. Right now Sir, Gotham needs you. Gotham needs Bruce Wayne...Gotham needs BATMAN!"
"Thankyou Alfred, I understand. You will be able to hear and see everything through the receptors in my cowl, make sure Barbara is connected"
"Oracle is connected to your system Sir, she is ready and waiting. Sir?"
"Yes Alfred"
"The Joker has always got something to laugh about and he will always leave something with a bang. Good luck Sir"
"Thanks Alfred"
Batman ignites the thrusters.
"Green light to go B!"
"Thanks Barb"
The Batmobile sprints forward passing row upon row of covern until it bursts through the light, shielding the highway sign which reads 'GOTHAM CITY', the shrill of bats hit the moonlit sky.
Chapter7
CLICK-CLACK CLICK-CLACK
"ahh the printing press! Such a triumphant humanalistic attempt to recreate unity, too bad that I know how to use one! HAhahAHahahAhaHAha!"
"Joker Sir, Stage One is complete"
"Positively Fantastical my dear fellow! Please alert Mr. Oswald Cobblepot that we are ready for Stage Two. Now, any sign of the Bat?"
"No Sir, ain't no sighting"
"Really? How perfectly presumptious!"
There were three large cylindrical vats, bubbling away at a height of seventy-five meters. Dangling above each was a platform. And on these platforms was a large white square, filled to the brim with sickly white powder.
"Gentlemen Cobblepot, Gentlemen Cobblepot. Please waddle your way to Section Five, I repeat, please waddle your way to Section Five. That is all...HAhahAHhAHha!" whined the Joker over the loud speaker.
Oswald Cobblepot made his way to Section Five, a small enclosed office with a red door. He entered and facing him was the Joker, in full army regalia.
"ahh 'Mayor' Cobblepot, it is a nice surprise to see you!" jerred the Joker
"can it Joker! If your going to mock me, I'll take my services elsewhere!"
A spike protruded from the tip of the Penguin's umbrella.
"Oswald,Oswald,Oswald my dear man. Who am I to mock you? I have bought you here because I now can use your services! Now tell me, has the special ingredient been chilled to the approximate degree?"
"If by that you mean 14c degrees? Then yes it has. All ready for placement, haha!" squawked the Penguin.
"Good, now we must add it to th mix. Shall we?" The Joker motioned to the door.
"If you insist, loon"
"You know me Oswald, always one for a punchline"
The atmosphere was tense. All workers stopped and stared as the Joker and Penguin took to the stand.
"Good evening Ladies and Gentle-Freaks! We now move onto Stage Two, the most crucial of the Three, Let the games be..OOMPH!"
WOOSH
The grappelling hook sunk into the wall directly above Joker's head. Batman slams into the Joker and punches the Penguin square in the nose, sending him reeling over the rail. Batman plunges over the railing as guards rip into the wall with bullets.
"STOP! Don't shoot don't shoot ! Kill the BATMAN!"
Batman flings onto the opposite wall, tossing smoke capsules everywhere. Batman sommersualts mid-air when SNAP a cord is cut loose. All of a sudden, seven hands reach out at Batman, binding him into a corner.
"So, you want to play games huh ? Well... WE-CAN-PLAY-GAMES!"
Each word rang out with a punch to the gut as the Joker hammered into Batman.
"You think you know the score 'Bat-Man'? You don't even know half of it!"
"I k-know you enlisted Killer-Croc and the Penguin to do your dirty work for you!"
"HAH! Those two push-overs? They couldn't do anything right, except for keeping you distracted enough until I could pursue my plan!"
"What plan? Smuggling Joker Venom into drugs just so addicts can get a high?"
"no no NO! Wrong idea Batman. Once again the 'World's Greatest Detective' isn't what he's cracked up to be. Let me fill you in Batsy.
It all started with Officer Stanley Michael Baker, a smart guy with low income. We thought 'hey, easy wool to pull over someone's eyes'.
So we gave him instructions, gave him some cash, told him where to sit and stand, just so someone would bring you in.
Unfortunately for Officer Stan, he was too greedy for his own good. Looks like the joke's on him!
HAhahAHhaHahHAhAHAHahAhaHAhAHAHha!"
"So he was a SET-UP? Then where does Croc fit into all of this?"
"I needed some muscle. Someone who can shut up and listen, who won't ask too many questions. Except Croc couldn't handle a simple task such as 'crush Batman' so I had to enlist Oswald Cobblepot. Here is a man who can understand a master plan who wants something in return and will work towards a goal. The problem is HE LET BATMAN GET TOO CLOSE, NOW HE'S STUCK HERE LEARNING!...Not to worry though, it'll all be over soon"
"You still haven't answered my question. Why packages with drugs?"
"Simple Batman. Isn't it obvious! With a criminal like me, it's almost certain you'd figure out my plan, but if I disguise my plan into the form of another, who's gonna guess?"
"But why a freezing storage for the Venom?
"I needed the molecular count to reach a certain...'spike'!"
"And the white powder?"
"I'm glad you asked! The white powder, in Stage Two form, is devoid of any drugs. It is merely a distraction from the main ingredient needed for my
' Joker-Bran - A bowlful of fun, so much fun that it hurts!', hence the printing press!" grinned the Joker.
"Joker-Bran...cereal? Why insert Joker Venom into cereal?"
"Your not thinking Batman! Everyday I see kids, parents, teens all stuffing their chubby little cheeks with what they call 'breakfast', claiming it to be nutrious or something. But of course with my own brand, the kids, teens and folks will get their essential carbs AND a surprise...my very own Joker Venom! HAhahaHAAhaHAhAHahHAhAHahaHAhaHahHAhAHahHAHAha!"
"No one will but it Joker! You must be more crazy than you look"
"Oh really Batman? Well, you must be more clueless than you look! For as you may have noticed, we are in what is known as 'Weatherfield Industries'. The sole controller of all major foodstuffs, including every breakfast chain in Gotham City and America! And where are all the foodstuffs produced and sold from you may ask?... Why Weatherfields of course! Ahh, the realisation finally sets in... CROC STAGE THREE NOW!"
Killer-Croc made his way to the center console where there lay a giant briefcase. He entered the five digit pin and set the controls.
"Five minutes Joker" he snarled
"And now Batman, millions will die! HAhaahAHahHAhaahHAhaHahahAhahAHaHha!"
"If I could just buy a little more time, almost free..."
"Joker, yu know how you always end with a punchline?"
"Yes Batman..." frowned Joker
"Then how's this for a joke?"
CRACK SPLIT CREAK!
The Batarang cut the three cables holding the sealed square of Joker Venom, dropping them onto the filled vats causing an overflow of cereal.
"KILL HIM!" Screamed the Joker
Batman dived and tapped his gold-tipped Batarangs, programming to hit the nearest heated object. Batman flung it wide, curving it in an arc, it attached itself to the muzzle of the guards gun. Batman tapped again, this time extending the 'Listening Bug' programme to send a high-pitched wail to the ears of the guards.
"TURN THAT RACKET OFF!" oaned the Joker
Batman, now free of the guards and Croc, sprinted over to the briefcase at the center console, unclipping the Titanium Batarang. Using the circular device, Batman would have to defend the position for two minutes as the apparatus calculated the depth. Batman swerved and ducked, rolling over he sent a spray of flashbangs to the eyes of four guards. Climbing a ladder Batman noticed the printing press churning out cut-outs on huge rolls of paper. He pressed the heel of his boot, which flicked open. He selected a thin pencil-like object, he twisted the nozzle, a thin stream of heat issued from the end slicing into the leather straps holding the rolls in place until... SNAP The leather straps snapped, unleashing the rolls onto the guards.
'TEN-SECONDS' the automatic timer chimed out.
Batman vaulted the platform, landing next to the console.
"Oracle, what's the code?"
"Allright allright! It's letter-numerically encoded, here goes 5-6-5-3-7 J-O-K-E-R"
"Got it!"
'SYSTEMS-FAILURE-SYSTEMS-SHUTDOWN'
All around, Batman heard groans of guards and a certain chuckle familiar to the Dark Knight.
"HAHahahAHhaHAhAHAHahHAhAhaHAHahHAha!" chuckled the Joker.
"Your twisted game is over Joker. There will be no more innocent lives wasted to your sick mind"
"Maybe this time Batman, but the last laugh is on me. Sooner or later!
HAHahAHahHahHAhahAHhahHAHhahahahAHahHAhHAhahHAhAHhaHAHhHHAHAhHAhaHAhahAHhAHha!"
*
Sirens filled the air as the Dark Knight glided through the city. His city.
The air was still and silent. Commissioner Jim Gordon is the G.C.P.D's longest-serving veteran with plenty of stories to tell. He was satnding on the rooftop balcony, when he heard a rustle.
"You again?"
"I have news"
"Just so you know, he dissapeared. Escaped jsut as we arrived, right under our noses"
"Killer-Croc and the Penguin?"
"Custody in Arkham"
"Officer Stanley..."
"Listen, we know. Thanks"
"It's my job"
"You saved a lot of people and got there a lot quixker than I did!"
"You could've solved it"
"Yea, but not in time. That's why I believe in you, that's why we all believe in you.
"Jim...Keep your eyes open"
Batman leaped off the building, gliding into the darkness.
Jim Gordon looked up into the sky. The Bat-Signal shined brightly, revealing a thin smile on Gotham City's Police Commissioner.
There we have it. I hope You have enjoyed reading this story, I really enjoyed writing it and exploring the Dark Knight along with some of my favourite villains, notably the Joker. Thanks Everyone!
- Eth -
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