1

BATMAN:
THE END
A DC Elseworlds Novel
By Alexander Beedie.

With thanks to Jeph Loeb and Brad Meltzer, for, in my opinion, understanding the characters better
than any other.

This story stems from current DC Comics continuity, taking place a few months after HUSH, ignoring
the events of WAR GAMES, IDENTITY CRISIS, INFINATE CRISIS and any subsequent story arc. It
is a purely a fan story and was not endorsed in any way by DC Comics and/or any of its affiliates.

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.

Cover art by Sara Dunkerton, inspired by Jim Lee.

PROLOGUE.
May 3rd.
Dick Grayson. Loeb Gardens, Robinson Park. 12:09.
It shouldnt have been her.
Before now those words have never had any meaning to me, and Ive never appreciated before just
how easy they are to say. It seemed to me that people always said it after someone close to them had
died, so much so that it could almost be called a clich, but now the words form in my head and I
understand for the first time why people say this. Good people dont deserve to die, and Barbara? She
was the best.
Coming here today, seeing her body lowered into the ground, was harder than I ever thought
possible. I knew it wouldnt be easy, in fact I almost stayed at home, but seeing the casket lying there,
with her picture framed on top, its made it seem so final. Thinking back it seems selfish to even
contemplate not being here. I guess it was hard for everyone, she was a friend to all who knew her, I
only wish I wish I could have saved her.
And I should have.
What good is being a costumed hero when I cant even save the people I love, and truth be told I
wasnt even there to try. I let her down, I failed her, on the one night she needed me most and I wasnt
even in the same city. Alfred says Im not to blame for my actions, that there was nothing I could have
done, but he says it to comfort me and the words bare little meaning.
My hand reaches into my pocket where I grasp the ring that I never got to give her, fingering the
cool silver band and the tiny cut stones. Would she have liked the ring? It pains me to think Ill never
know, never see her expression as she slid it on her finger.
The torment gets so much that I close my palm around the stones and squeeze harder, and harder,
until I know Ive drawn blood; but it doesnt help. It never helps.
I told myself I wouldnt cry.
Theres a man speaking somewhere in the distance but I barely acknowledge the words. It doesnt
make it better, it brings no comfort, and it doesnt change the past and undo what has happened. I loved
her so much, more than I ever let across, and I wonder that if I had told her every day we might have
had longer together. As Batgirl she was powerful, as Oracle as was invaluable, to me she was
It shouldnt have been her.
Amazingly though, I look around me and suddenly my own grief seems nothing.
Bruce looks to be beside himself. Hes taken this hard, but what makes it worse is I know he wont
talk about it to anyone. He needed her. I know she was more valuable in his fight than any one of us,
and I also know that like me he never would have told her that.
He would have never told anyone that.
Clark How must he be feeling? He was there, he was right there when it happened, but I dont
blame him because if he couldnt do anything, and hes Superman, then perhaps there really was
nothing that could have been done to prevent it. Deep down hes like Bruce, he doesnt like to fail, but
the difference is hes more open about it. Hes got Lois, Jimmy, even Perry White, theyll help him
through it.
I look at Cass and Tim standing beside each other and Im suddenly reminded of just how young
they both are.
Tim, usually so confident, looks so scared, so lonely. I doubt hes even noticed his fathers hand on
his shoulder. For a boy of sixteen he has shown strength and wisdom long beyond his age, but nobody
could have prepared him for this. She was like a mother to him in a way: she always supported him,
guided him, at times when his father could not.
But its not them that makes standing here so hard, and for a long time Im scared to even look in his
direction. What we feel is nothing, we are nothing, nothing compared to Jim. James Gordon a man
who has lost so much, has had too much taken away at gun point. His wife, his daughter suddenly I
dont feel worthy of being here right now, that my relationship to Barbara was somehow meaningless,
because in all honesty this time should be his, and his alone.
Its a wonder to behold that he has found the strength to carry on.
After what seems like an age we finally leave the graveside, and its only when I get in car and my
suit feels wet that I realise it has been raining outside.
Little things. Theyre not worth it.

Bruce is silent, his dark eyes glaring, but its no use saying anything to him right now. To speak to
Bruce Wayne at a time like this, to look into the face that begs to remain hidden behind a cowl, is a
battle lost before its even begun. The truth is hes at his happiest when hes sat in the cave, where
shadows hide all ghosts and memories, and that is when Ill try and talk.
But down there Bruce Wayne doesnt exist, there is only the Batman.
A rumble in the car tells me the engine has been started, and for Barbaras sake a steal one last look
at the gardens. I see Cassandra slink away, Tim and his father drive off, but when the rest of the guests
scatter I almost choke to see Jim collapse over the grave, with his knees in the mud and his head in his
hands.
My heart goes out to that man, it really does.
I glance at Bruce again and see hes now staring out the window. I want to talk to him but for the
first time in years I realise that Im actually scared too. Only recently he thought he had lost a friend,
and although it turned out to be Clayface there was a moment there when he was almost unbearable to
be around. This time he really has lost someone and he knows it, I hate to think what hes like now.
Choosing not to talk, I close my eyes and try to remember how this all started.

PART ONE.
DEMISE.

April 28th.
Five Days Earlier.
Batman. Gotham City, North Bowery. 23:35.
Rain.
I hate working in the rain, have done for as long as I can remember. Rain makes the jumps risky and
the landings awkward, it washes away evidence that might be vital to a crime scene, it drowns out
noise that may need to be heard and in all honesty Gotham City has seen more than its fair share of
rain.
The weather of late has been no exception.
Casting my mind back over the past month I cant remember a night when it hasnt rained, a night
when Ive been out and the job has been somewhat easier. Strangely enough the rain always makes me
think of Clark in Metropolis - a city so different from Gotham it makes my skin crawl. Metropolis is so
much further inland that the people in that city probably dont even know what rain is, at least Ive
never seen even a trace in all the times Ive been there.
Though it is true that I avoid going there if I can help it.
I pull a grapple gun from my utility belt and aim it towards a satellite dish on the building in front. A
soft squeeze on the trigger mechanism and a cable shoots out, with such force that it flies in a straight
line until it finds its target and attaches itself. A single tug to confirm its secure and then I wrap it twice
around my palm to ensure I dont slip. I tell myself it is just precaution; Ive done this millions of
times, in worse conditions than this.
But I pause before I jump I never pause.
The rain hits hard against my mask, a sound not dissimilar to thunder as it hits the concealed
microphones and speakers, and then sliding down the lenses that protect my eyes and thus obscuring
my vision slightly. I dont consider wiping away the drops, not even for a second; Ive trained
intensively in the dark for moments like these, when I have to make a move but cannot see the target.
Lesson number one: know your surroundings.
Gripping the line within my gloved hands I slowly move my left hand up the cord to a more
practical position, allowing me to pull with my right hand in order to change direction. My hands are
starting to feel the cold but I dont give it a moments notice as I leap from the building, leaving behind
the safety of the rooftop and feeling nothing beneath my feet.
Finally my target looms out in front of me: the flat roof of a building opposite a pawn shop. I let go
of the line and instead I grab the ends of my cape, catching the updraft in the fabrics and gliding

smoothly in just like a parachutist, rolling once as I hit the rough surface of the buildings rooftop
before regaining my sense of balance.
Like I said, Ive done it a million times.
No time to linger. I move to take out a pair of binoculars concealed on my utility belt but just as I do
I hear Oracles voice come through on my headset. It sounds urgent, but then it always is with her, so
with my attention on the pawn shop opposite, I connect to the line to hear what she has to say.
Bruce?
Yeah.
I just got something on the police scanner; Jokers broken out of Arkham.
I grunt. Figures.
Think hell make a move tonight?
No, I say. Joker has never made his move so soon after breaking out. Any idea how he did it?
They say he had an accomplice, but not Quinn. Must have been someone powerful, we had Joker
under maximum security.
Luthor, I growl.
You cant be sure, Oracle replies. I mean, he is the
It was him.
She gives an exhausted sigh. Just dont confront him until theres proof, she says. Last thing we
want is for you to make a scene in the White House.
I choose not to reply; instead I lift the binoculars to my eyes and concentrate on the pawn shop. The
windows broken, but there are no tracks leading off which means that whoever broke it are still inside.
Theres time. I turn my attention back to Oracle. Any leads on Elliot?
Thomas Elliot, a child hood friend who returned to me a few months ago only for me to discover
that he wanted me dead. He blamed my father for saving his father when we were young; it stopped
him inheriting his fathers fortune. Together with the Riddler he devised a way to get at me through a
series of carefully planned events with my foremost enemies, including having Clayface pose as a
resurrected Jason Todd.
Nothing, Oracle says. But somethings got to come up sooner or later.
Dont count on it, I say. To the world he is dead, remember?
Yeah, but
Barbara
A man steps out from the shop. He looks around him to make sure everything is clear before pulling
out a radio, and a few moments later a van rounds the corner and stops outside. Two more men come
out from the shop carrying TVs, followed by another dragging a bag behind him, but in the hurry one
of the television sets is dropped.
Idiot! The man with the radio hisses. Yknow what the boss said, no delays! We wasted enough
time ere already. He looks nervously around. I dont like this city.
Oh, leave it out! another replies. None of that Bat crap again!
I almost laugh, but Ive worked in this city for long enough that most of the petty thieves already
know of my existence. To the villainy of Gotham, I am no longer an urban myth. These guys must be
outsiders, and from the sounds of it theyve been hired by someone else.
But why here? And why a pawn shop in the Bowery?
Bruce? Barbara prompts.
Batman out, I say, and switch off the transmitter. Theres work to be done, and Barbara will
understand, so once again I grab hold of the ends of my cape and glide down like a parachutist, landing
on top of the van and taking the element of surprise.
Now to hope they dont have guns.
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 23:50.
God damn it, Bruce.
I throw the headset on the desk and glance up at the clock on the wall. Ten to midnight; my eyes are
closing. I lean back in my chair and suddenly it feels more comfortable now than it ever has done
before. I let my glasses drop the floor, finally giving in to the sleep
I hate this, my father says, cutting an article about Jokers escape from Arkham from the morning
edition of the Gotham Examiner. Whenever we jail him, I think please God, keep him there. Then he
escapes and we all sit around hoping he wont do anything too awful this time. I hate it.
Dad, just once could you leave your work at the office and relax? I set down a tray on the table in
front of him in one last attempt to pry him from his work so that he might actually enjoy the time he
has off. Here, look. I made you cocoa.

Thank you sweetheart, Ill drink it when Ive pasted this latest clipping in.
Its useless, I know it is. Him and his scrapbooks. He insists on keeping record of every little thing
that happens, separate books on all the major players. Its times like this he reminds me of Batman.
Yknow, I found that Catwoman scrapbook you said was missing, I tell him. It was behind the
wardrobe. Thats another thing. Hes forever losing the scrapbooks and Im forever finding them. I
have told him on countless occasions to sort out a proper filling system, I even offered to do it for him,
but he just grunts and says I shouldnt be so fussy.
Theres a knock at the door and Im reminded of my yoga class tonight with a friend across the
street. That the door? dad asks, finally looking up from his clippings.
Yeah, Itll be Colleen, I say. Cmon dad, put your scrapbooks away, we have company.
Another grunt. Look at this one, he says, waving an ancient clipping about Joker and the Batman
in front of me. First time they met. Now what year was that?
I search the back of my head but I cant remember the exact date. Not sure, I say. But I remember
you describing the white face and the green hair to me when I was a kid It scared the hell out of me.
I pause at the memory, but another knock at the door and I remember Colleen is waiting.
I reach for the handle with a steaming mug of cocoa in one hand, but its not the warm face of my
friend waiting on the other side. I dont manage a word as I stare into the bloodshot eyes and the white
face half hidden in shadow beneath a wide brimmed hat.
That smile; sadistic and merciless. The words of my fathers first description of this man fill my
head again, stopping all logical thoughts that tell me to move. Im so focussed on his face that I dont
notice the gun in his hand until its too late and hes fired a single shot to the base of my spine.
I fall back. The mug of cocoa is flung from my hands and I land on the glass coffee table that is
littered in my fathers clippings.
BARBARA! Dads scream sounds miles off.
Please dont worry, comes the voice of the madman, stepping in and stopping my father from
coming to my aid. Its a psychological state, common amongst ex-librarians usually. You see, she
thinks shes a coffee table edition.
Barb Dads voice is weak.
Mind you, I cant say much for the volumes condition, Joker continues. I mean theres a hole in
the jacket and the spine appears to be damaged. Frankly, she wont be walking off the shelves in that
state of repair. In fact, the idea of her walking anywhere seems increasingly remote.
You, dad hisses. You scum. My daughter, Ill
I hear the sounds of a struggle. Joker continues to say his piece but I find it hard to concentrate. I
open my eyes just wide enough to see the Joker in the light and see hes dressed so casually in a
Hawaiian shirt with a camera around his neck. It makes it all the more frightening.
He pours himself a drink of whisky and then bends down next to me. It takes me a while to find the
strength to speak, but I manage to stutter, Why are you doing this? before he begins to strip me of my
clothes.
To prove a point, he replies with a shrug, pausing from his task of unbuttoning my shirt only to lift
his glass in the air and wink at me. Heres to crime.
I dont even begin to think what his point might be that hes trying to prove; in fact I dont want to
think about anything right now. Im powerless against him as he continues to unbutton my top, remove
my bra, my skirt and then he stands, lifting the camera from around his neck.
Smile, he hisses
I scream and my eyes snap open. I look around and it takes me a moment to familiarize my
surroundings. Im sitting in the clock tower, sweat lining my top. My chair hasnt moved; the headset
still lies motionless on the table; in fact the only thing to have changed is the time displayed on the
clock. Just a dream, Barbara, I tell myself. Just a dream.
Barbara!
However frustrated I am at him, Im almost thankful to hear Bruces voice. He sounds angry but I
dont care, anything to take my mind off of the Joker. Im here, I say, although I do a bad job of
hiding the clear tone of frustration in my voice.
Screw it, why shouldnt I let him know how I feel? Decided to talk to me now?
He ignores me, but I could have predicted that. Get Robin here now, he growls, the situations
worse than I thought.
Whats your location?
Sinclairs Pawn! North Bowery! Tell him to hurry!
For the second time this evening, Bruce hangs up on me. That man can really get me in a state
sometimes, enough to make me question why it is I do what I do. I have to keep telling myself that at
the end of the day were fighting the good fight, we do what we do because no one else will.

There are days when I really hate being stuck in this chair. Days like today that could always be
solved by putting my costume on and going out in the city, leaping from rooftops with the wind in my
hair. In my time as Batgirl I felt so free, so powerful and it kills me to know I will never feel that
again.
April 29th.
Robin. Gotham City, West Bowery. 00:03.
Its slow tonight; I almost give up and go home until Oracles voice comes through the transmitter
and tells me to get to Sinclairs Pawn Shop to help Bruce out. She sounds different, not her usual self,
but I look past it and head to Sinclairs. I might get something to do tonight after all, even if it is foiling
a simple pawn heist.
My knowledge of the city isnt as good as Barbaras, or even Bruces, but I think I remember
roughly where it is. I make a u-turn in the Redbird and speed off in the opposite direction, other traffic
on the road being virtually non existent in this part of the city at this time of night. Although my car
doesnt match the Batmobile in terms of speed, it will get me where I need to go without any hassle.
I pass only two other cars on my way there, and even then Im going too fast for them to realise they
have a superhero in their midst.
I get to the pawn shop at a little past twelve fifteen and immediately I see Bruce amongst a crowd of
thugs. Ok, so the situation is a little worse than I expected, theres more men than I thought were
needed for a simple job like pulling off a run down pawn shop, but it shouldnt be too difficult
Unless they have guns. Theres one, maybe two guys with automatics, but too afraid to fire in
case they hit one of their own guys. Looks like Bruce did the smart thing and has kept himself in
amongst the unarmed thugs, no chance of him getting shot at like that. Trouble is he cant engage five
men at once without sacrificing his position, not without my help.
I have to plan this right; I dont want to risk getting shot at myself. I count five men on Bruce,
another two on the sidelines with guns, perhaps one more in the van.
Theyve spotted the Redbird, not that there was ever any cover for me on an open street, but it
means I cant play the element of surprise.
The real danger is the armed goons; theyre the ones Ive got to clear first. Dick tells me the trick is
to keep moving, dont give them an easy target. Jump, dodge, do what you have too just stay on your
feet. Only thing is Dicks the one with the circus training; hes better prepared for situations like this.
Well, Im not Dick. I guess Ive got to do this my own way.
I grab my trusty collapsible rokushakub staff, and leap from the car. As suspected they open fire on
me straight away; itching to press those triggers. I jump out of shot and manage to shield myself by
their truck and immediately they cease firing.
I manage a quick glance at Batman. Hes weakening, but still in control, gives me time to sort out
these two gun happy goons. I climb to the roof of the truck, keeping low. They neither saw nor heard
me climb, means I might just be able to get that element of surprise after all.
I throw one batarang blindly down to where the goons were stood. I dont expect it to hit a target,
but I want to alert them to my presence. It worked, theyre firing, gives me the opportunity to jump
down behind them while their attention is focussed on the spot where I was.
I swing my bo staff into the head of the thug closest to me, but quickly change my direction upon
impact and swing it again to the stomach of the second. Worked like a charm, both are disorientated.
But I hold the advantage for only a second before one of the unarmed thugs jumps me from behind.
Note to self: less gloating.
I fall to the floor but still maintain grip of my bo, allowing me a swing to the legs to take this guy
down with me. Theres barely time to do that before the gun happy duo are firing again, and in a quick
decision I role under the van to give myself protection. Im reluctant to use the same move twice, it
almost feels like cheating, but theres nothing else for it and I swing my bo from under the van and take
out their legs too. This time they actually drop their guns.
I go for the guns first, pushing them away with my staff to ensure theyre not picked up again, and
then in a series of quick succession punches, all three are subdued. Its all about alternating who youre
hitting; never put all your focus on one guy and let his friends get in from behind. Of course, these guys
were the ones with the guns, which means theyre clearly not the muscle of the group, so the fight was
pretty much over as soon as I took away their weapons.
Theyre not unconscious, but theyre weakened, so I leave them to go and help Batman. Between
the two of us its over pretty quickly, although that could be because four of the guys, including the
three that attacked me previously, all ran from the scene.

Thanks, Batman growls at me. And past experience tells me thats the best Im going to get from
him.
So what happened? I ask, curious to know why so many guys were involved in one simple heist.
Why so many?
It looked fine to start with, Batman replies. But I was in a rush to get down here, neglected to
consider there might be more in the van.
Youre lucky only two had guns, I say. But good thinking on getting yourself surrounded by the
others, it was
I know. With that he fires a line to the roof of the closest building, then another until hes
completely embraced by the darkness. I guess I should have known better than to try and start a
conversation with him.
I turn and head back towards the Redbird, collapsing my bo staff so it can be easily stored.
I want to stay out. The best part about being Robin is the feeling I get when I know Ive done some
good in the city, but I know I had best get home because dad will be wondering where I am. Yeah,
thats the worst part about being Robin, I have to lie to my father because he would kill me if he knew
how I spent my nights. Its not that he would object to helping the city, in fact he would probably
support it, but he just wouldnt want me putting myself in any danger.
Nightwing. Bldhaven, South Docks. 00:23.
Theres been a report come in of a couple of thieves hiding out in a warehouse on the docks,
possible suspects to a heist on a jewellery store last week.
I jump a chimney top; vaulting myself over with perfect position. I can see the docks coming up in
the distance, a dozen tall masts sticking up against the skyline, glistening in the moonlight. I jump
another chimney but almost lose position due to the rain we had earlier, but the training from Bruce
mixed with my circus background means I quickly regain control and land perfectly on my feet on a
lower level rooftop.
Running this rooftop I drop to another until finally I can see the water stretch out ahead of me.
Theres a whole line of warehouses running along dockside in the distance, each one a potential hideout
and each one of looking as hauntingly empty as the next.
This isnt even a confirmed lead.
I fire a grappling hook across to the closest mast on one of the sailboats then as soon as I reach it I
leap across to the next. I consider briefly dropping to ground and running across to the warehouses, but
I dont want to risk getting spotted. Despite the time of night, these docks are still active with several
bars and seafood restaurants, and Bruce always taught me to remain stealthy in these situations.
I jump across the line of boats until Im closer to the warehouses and out of main bustle of the
docks. I count one bar with the lights still on. Ive got to be careful, itll be closing soon and I dont
want to deal with the drunks.
I fire another grapple across to the roof of the first warehouse. I drop silently to the gravelled
surface and make my way to one of the skylights. Its empty, but then I never expected it to be first
time lucky. No bother, Ill just make my way across to the next one until I
Dick?
Its Oracle. Whats she doing contacting me here?
Yeah, go ahead, I say into my transmitter. Everything alright?
Jokers escaped from Arkham again, just wanted to give you the heads up.
I groan. Any ideas on how
He had an accomplice. Bruce reckons it was Luthor, Barbara says, sounding exhausted.
Why would Luthor want to break Joker out? I ask, puzzled.
No idea, but well look into it. I just wanted to let you know whats happening.
Thanks, I say, but I dont switch off. Theres something in her voice that I dont like, almost like
fear. Is everything alright Babs? You sound a little
Just tired is all, she replies, quickly.
Im not convinced. That it?
There is something else, shes reluctant to tell me, and after everything weve been through together
I understand why. But then she sighs and starts to speak, and for a moment its like she was waiting for
the opportunity to tell someone. I had a dream, she says, of the night the Joker The night I was
She cant bring herself to say it; its hard for her to remember the night when she was shot and
paralysed. Luckily I understand what shes trying to say. Its nothing, she says. Just shook me up a
little.
Do you want me to?

No, stay in Bldhaven, Ill be fine.

I know better than to argue with Barbara Gordon. Im just checking out a warehouse, I tell her.
Call me in the morning, alright?
She agrees, utters a goodbye, and breaks the connection. I assume shes going to bed. I try and get
my mind focussed back on the task at hand - Ive still got to locate the warehouse - but I cant seem to
stop worrying about her. Its not like her to get scared; I guess I thought she had put all memory of that
night out of her mind
I hear some drunken yelling from the street below and Im snapped back to concentration. I glance
over the edge of the roof and see the lights go out in the bar and crowds of people disappear into the
city. Im about to turn away when I see two men go in the opposite direction, heading towards these
warehouses.
Curiously I follow them, jumping the short gaps between rooftops until finally they come to a stop
outside the third warehouse from the end. They lift up the corrugated shutter over the door and make
their way inside. I head to the skylight and watch the two men sit down around a table, where they are
joined by several others.
Bruce carries equipment which allows him to listen to conversations behind closed doors, but Im
limited to what I can attach to my suit so instead I cautiously lift up one of the panels, just enough to
hear what is being said.
I told ya, says one. Were not doin anythin til he gets here.
My orders come from him, one of the two from the bar says. Were to complete the transaction
ourselves; he doesnt want to be a part of it.
Tough! Get him here; Im not dealing with these guys without him!
Hes in Gotham, he doesnt want to be disturbed, says the other of the bar two.
Im going to call him, another puts in.
He said not to be!
The first speaker pulls his gun out and points it at the two from the bar. Let the man call, he hisses.
The turning to the one with the phone he utters, Tell him were not doing the deal if hes not here. This
is his operation after all.
Seems bigger than the jewellery heist so I decide to stick around. They say the boss is in Gotham,
means its probably one of the major players, but who? Joker? Barbara said hes just escaped, could he
be making his move already?
Several moments pass as the man speaks to their allusive boss on the phone, finally he puts it down
and turns to the others. Hell be here in the morning, only time he can make it. Well see what he says
about the operation then.
They said morning, but didnt specify a time, means I cant go and come back.
I look around me and see a few old boxes stacked on one side of the skylight, full of what appears to
be old newspapers. I position myself against them and do my best to make myself comfortable, keeping
the skylight open just a fraction.
Looks like Im in for a long night.
Clark kent. Daily Planet, Metropolis. 07:10.
Kent! Where the hell have y been, Kent?
Perrys voice can be heard the minute I step out of the elevator, and a quick glance at my watch tells
me Im not even that late. If hes shouting this early it means Jimmys forgotten his morning coffee
again, which would make it the second time this week. Well, no point hanging around, in to the lions
den I go.
Sorry, Mr White, I say, opening his office door and being careful to trip on his bin on the way in. I
guess I over slept.
Make that I did two sweeps of downtown and stopped a mugging this morning, thats why Im late.
And as for the bin, well I make an effort to trip over that bin every morning; in fact Im surprised Perry
has never moved it. Hes a damn good reporter, too good to have not uncovered my secret, but I cant
risk anyone else finding out. Being clumsy is simply a means to conceal my duel identities, but on the
occasion it also helps me distinguish Superman from Clark Kent.
Never mind that, Perry barks from behind his desk. Theres been a hold up, the national bank
down on 2nd. I want you and Lois down there right away!
I utter I silent groan, since it would appear hes forgotten already. Lois isnt here, sir, I remind him.
You sent her to Washington yesterday for that presidential speech. I push the glasses back up my
nose, fumbling slightly with my suitcase. Shell be back later if you want me to call her, have her meet
me there

Get outta here, Perry says. Olsen! Bring me my coffee than accompany Clark to the bank. Any
luck and your pal Superman might just show up!
Was that a hint?
Jimmy Olsen appears from behind me with a steaming coffee in one hand and his camera in the
other. Right away, Mr White, Sir, he says. Then he turns to me and utters his usual, Morning, CK!
before rushing to hand Perry his coffee and managing to spill it all over his shirt.
My clumsiness is an act, I have to if Im going to keep up the charade of being Clark Kent, but
Jimmy? The poor kids just accident prone, he cant help but slip up every once in a while. I almost feel
sorry for him, especially since theres a countless number of interns who do nothing but deliver coffee
all day, but deep down I know Perry relies on Jimmy just as much as he does me and Lois.
That, and Perry hates interns.
Im sorry, Mr White, Jimmy stammers. Ill go get another one
Perry sighs. Just get to the bank! he says.
We leave the office and head across the newsroom towards the elevator. We ride it down to the
lobby and exit out of the Daily Planet before I turn to the kid. Uh, Jimmy, I say. Why dont you meet
me there, I want to call Lois quickly. Ill be right behind you, I swear.
Sure thing CK. He heads off down the road, eager to get the bank. I make sure hes gone before I
round I corner into an empty alley and tear open my shirt and jacket, letting them slip to the floor.
I launch into the air with my tie still around my neck. I loosen it off and let it fall to the floor with
the rest of the clothes before rising high above the city so no one could spot where I came from. In the
distance I can hear the gathering of people outside the bank, then a mass of sirens heading in that
direction. I should be able to beat them there easy enough; itll be getting in the bank thats the
problem.
Im there within moments of leaving the Daily Planet. Being faster than a speeding bullet has its
advantages, especially in a city like Metropolis. I wonder if Jimmys even been able to hail down a taxi
yet.
Theres a large gathering of people outside. Theres a police barrier and a few innocent bystanders,
but its mainly reporters, all desperate to be the first to get the story on whats happened. Ill talk to the
police before anyone else and write up my story later; but right now Ive got to figure out a way to get
inside the building.
I use my x-ray vision to look through the walls to see whats happening. I count four men, all armed,
and a half dozen frightened attendants behind the desk. Theres a small number of victims laying face
down on the floor with their arms behind their heads, but as far as I can see no ones been seriously
injured.
As I watch, another two armed men walk out from the vault in the back, then another figure in a
brown trench coat, though I cant make out who it is. He must be leading the operation, hes not
carrying a weapon and the others seem to be following whatever orders hes giving. If the goons are
taking orders from someone else, does this mean I can rule out Lex, or is he simply pulling all their
strings from up high?
I bring myself down beside a police car, ignoring the cheers from the crowd. Anyone tried going
in? I ask one of the detectives.
No ones been in or out, the man replies. I want to send someone in to negotiate, see if theyll let
the hostages go, but they wont answer me. They havent asked for anything from us, but theyve
shown signs of having explosives with them. I dont want to risk sending anyone in without their
consent.
Is there another way in?
Round back, but I bet theyve got it covered.
I take the moment to think about it. Theres more chance of getting in unnoticed if I go around to the
back, and taking out their guards shouldnt be a problem, but theres something about the man in the
trench coat, makes me feel uneasy. If these thugs have a leader, chances are hes a professional, and he
wouldnt hit a bank in Metropolis without being prepared for me.
Ive got to risk it, I wont let innocents die.
Im going in the back, I say to the detective. Dont send anyone in until I say so, you understand?
Whatever, he nods.
Have an ambulance here, just in case. Oh, and theres a photographer on his way called Olsen, let
him through to the front.
I lift myself into the air, giving a reassuring nod to the crowd below. Rising higher I check the
perimeter of the bank again before locating the back door. I can see two guys outside and another two
inside, but no sign of any Kryptonite. Ill take extra precautions just in case.

10

Nightwing. Bldhaven, South Docks. 07:13.

The sun rises, flooding the rooftop in light. I blink as I open my eyes and it takes me a moment to
remember where I am. I cant believe I fell asleep; the goons said their boss was arriving this morning,
have I missed it?
Cautiously I peer through the open skylight. Good, all the goons are still there, means whoevers job
this is hasnt made an appearance yet. Id better call Bruce, just in case its one of the major players
No, Bruce wont be up at this time, Ill call Barbara instead.
Barbara Why was I dreaming about
I hear a car pull up. Finally I can find out who this mystery player is!
I groan as I get up, stretching my arms. I cant lie; it wasnt the most comfortable of nights.
Making my way to the edge of the roof I glance down at the car. Its a black limo, tinted windows;
this guy has money. The drivers door opens and a stick figure of a man gets out, head held high as he
walks the length of the car and opens the passenger door. Im reminded of just how proper Alfred can
be back in Gotham and its a comfort.
A small, squat pair of legs gets out of the car, followed by a belly so large that it just looks
completely out of place on a person so small. The mans got a smart black suit on, complete with
lapels, but hes keeping his head low and his silk top hat prevents me from confirming who the man is.
He slowly lifts his head, revealing a small, taut mouth puffing on a cigar. I dont need to see the rest,
the long pointed nose or the pentacle covering his left eye, to tell me who this man is. But whats the
Penguin doing here in Bldhaven?
I can never help but laugh when I see the size of this man, especially next to his stick figure of the
driver. I guess I should have predicted this, theres an illegal deal going on then Penguins usually
behind it; but why here, and why now?
The driver waits at the entrance to the warehouse as Penguin goes inside. I take my place at the
skylight, brushing hair out of my eyes as I strain to listen to whats being said.
Ill do the talking, Penguin says. You guys collect the crates.
What time? asks one of the Penguins goons.
The boats coming in at eleven p.m tomorrow; Ill meet you all here. He picks up his umbrella, and
waddles towards the exit. I lean back against the boxes and hear the limo doors close and the
screeching of the tyres and it turns and heads into the city.
I switch my transmitter on to try and get through to Oracle. She sounds groggy when she answers,
so I try and make it quick. Babs, its me, I say. Remember I told you of a warehouse I was checking
out, turns out it is bigger than I thought.
What is it? she asks, although theres still a tone of annoyance in her voice.
Its Penguin, I reply. Some sort of arms deal going on tomorrow night. Thought you might wanna
know.
Thanks. Theres a click and line goes dead. Whats wrong with her lately? Perhaps I should go up
and see her; theres time to get to Gotham today and be back before the operation tomorrow night, I
might even get a chance to talk to Bruce about his theories on Luthor breaking Joker out of Arkham.
Bruce Wayne. The Cave. 07:24.
I open my eyes to find myself sitting in front of the computer in the cave, still dressed in the mantle
of the bat with only the cowl hanging loose. Its takes a moment for everything to come back to me;
how I had stopped the thugs getting away with the heist on the Jewellery store last night and then come
back here to continue my search for Tommy.
Any luck, sir? Alfred asks in his usual dry tone, coming down from the stairs with a silver platter
holding a steaming mug of tea.
I have known Alfred Pennyworth my whole life. He was hired by my father, and continued to look
out for me even after my parents were shot. He has always supported me, cared for me, hes my most
trusted ally in my fight against crime but more than that hes my friend.
No ones heard anything, I reply, still using the hoarse growl I use as Batman. Using that voice
comes naturally to me while Im the cave, especially while Im still wearing the costume. Alfred is
used to hearing it by now. In fact, hed probably be more worried if I spoke in my normal voice whilst
sitting in this chair.
The screen in front of me is vast, every inch of it showing different police reports from the last few
weeks, but not a single one of them showing any signs of Thomas Elliot. Ive been through them again
and again, never coming up with anything different. Its as if hes disappeared completely, but I refuse
to believe hes dead.

11

Bruce, wake up!

Damnit, why is she always around so early? Good morning, Barbara, I growl.
Nightwing spent the night staking out a warehouse, he says Penguins in Bldhaven with some sort
of operation planned for tomorrow night.
Nightwing can handle it, I say. Penguins not top of our priorities right now.
What if its connected to?
Good bye, Barbara.
Sir, Alfred says. Though I agree that finding Thomas Elliot is indeed important, perhaps you
might have been a bit hard on Miss Oracle
Your point being? I growl.
Simply that although it is important to find Master Elliot, let us not forget that Joker has escaped
from Arkham Asylum with the help of an accomplice who may or may not be Lex Luthor.
Was I too harsh? No, Penguin really isnt top of my priorities right now, finding Tommy is more
important. As for Joker, he wont make his move yet, and theres no hope in trying to find him before
he does.
I get up out the chair glaring at Alfred as I pass. I remove the bat suit before wrapping a waiting
towelling robe around myself and head up the stairs leading into the manor. Alfred keeps to several
paces behind me. I turn and say, Im going to take a shower, get the phone if it rings, before passing
through the hidden entrance to the cave and into my fathers house.
Superman. Metropolis First National Bank. 07:29.
Taking out the two men stationed outside the door was easy enough. They were unprofessional,
much too intimidated by my presence before I had even hit them. The two inside seemed not to notice
their partners fall, only becoming aware of my presence as I broke my way through the locked door.
Theyre both armed, though only with handguns. Out of instinct they open fire on me, although they
must have known my skin cannot be penetrated by standard ammo. I grin slightly as the bullets bounce
off me, ricocheting off in different directions. Sometimes its just too easy.
The men look panic stricken when they see their bullets are ineffective on me. I give them a
knowing grin, then run with my super speed to get behind them before they even realise Id gone.
In a flash I knock their heads together and let them crumple to the floor unconscious, then I make
my way round the corner, past the broken open vault, before I have a clear view into the main part of
the bank where everything is happening.
I keep out of sight, checking out the situation. I get a clear view of the man in the trench coat, but it
doesnt help me identify who it is due to his head being heavily bandaged with only his eyes and mouth
showing through. I wonder for a minute if the bandages cover his entire body, but he turns slightly and
I get a view of his bare, scar ridden chest beneath the heavy brown coat.
I cant make a move yet. Just as the detective said, theres a man with explosives strapped to him,
and although I would survive the blast, I cant imagine anyone else would. I have to plan this carefully.
I could get to the man with the explosives first, but I have to be sure not to cause him to detonate out of
fear, or simply spontaneously because of his reflexes.
The others wont be a problem; theyll simply open fire on me which wont do any damage at all,
unless one of the stray bullets bounces of me and hits one of the hostages, but even then it wont come
off me with enough force to cause any lasting injuries.
Lets wrap it up people the man in the trench coat barks suddenly. The cops wont make a move,
theyre too afraid! We can exit out the back, hurry!
Looks like its time for me to make my move.
Wait, whats that security guard doing? Damnit, hes reaching for his gun, he cant seriously think
he can take out all of them Put it away, put it away
Too late, hes up. Everybody freeze! he yells, though his confidence is lacking because he cant
seem to keep the gun still.
The bandaged man whips a gun from inside his coat, spinning to face the security guard. Within an
second he has fired two rounds, and I have no choice but to give up my hiding place in an attempt to
stop the bullets before they reach their target.
Any spectators would have seen a flash of blue and red as I rush across the bank, but I doubt
anybodys paying too much attention to whats going on around them, theyre all too scared at the
sound of gunshots.
Faster than a speeding bullet I may be, but that isnt always fast enough. I jump with my arm
outstretched and the palm of my hand open in a desperate attempt to cover more distance but it means I

12

slow down so even if I do catch the bullets my cover is blown and Ive risked the explosives being
detonated.
A little further, just a little further. I can do it
The first bullet bounces off the tip of my index finger, but at least its been forced off its original
path. The second I manage to catch in my palm, barely feeling the scorch mark it leaves on my skin.
As a result I drop to the ground, but in a flash Im up again and rushing to the other side of the bank
to the man with the explosives. This is risky, theres no telling what hes going to do
I reach the man and grab his hand, squeezing so hard I hear the bones snapping until hes forced to
let go of the detonator. Easy enough, but now to deal with that mysterious bandaged figure.
Superman. I was wondering when you would show up, the man says, his voice gravely and full of
confidence. However I feel I should warn you, you wont be taking me anywhere today
What makes you so sure? I ask him.
The bandages shuffle slightly as the man attempts a grin. I did try and get hold of some Kryptonite
for our little meeting, however the government is holding it and its a real pain to get hold of You
have enemies in very high places, though I suppose you knew that already. No matter, see I couldnt get
hold of Kryptonite, but we both know thats not your only weakness, dont we?
Who are you? I ask.
Theres time for that, the man replies. Right now I want you to greet our guest He heads
behind the counter where he pulls up a figure, a woman, tightly bound and with a hood over her head.
Yeah, the man continues as he pulls the woman closer towards him, a gun pointed at her chest, the
only other weakness for the Man of Steel, that intrepid reporter Lois Lane!
I almost dont believe him, I mean Lois is meant to be in Washington at the moment, but then he
pulls of the hood and I see the face of my wife, wide eyed and gagged. She looks at me, a rare look of
fear and desperation in her eyes, and suddenly Im filled with rage and hatred towards this mysterious
man. If he knows about Lois theres a good bet he knows who I am, or is he simply making
assumptions based on the media relationship that Lois and Superman have developed over the years?
My quarrel is not with you, Superman, the man says. Thats twice hes directly referred to me now,
and he still hasnt called me Clark. Perhaps he really doesnt know my identity. You let me go, and
your reporter here is unharmed.
Negotiations, I hate negotiations, they never do go your way. Ive got two options, and neither
sound inviting. I can either fight and risk Lois getting shot, or I let the man go with the citys money,
praying hes true to his word and frees Lois. And what did he mean by my quarrels not with you? Has
he got a vendetta against someone else in the city?
I dont have time for this.
The mans getting impatient. I guess I dont have a choice; I have to let him go. Ive got to follow
him, out of curiosity if nothing else. He said he couldnt get hold of Kryptonite, means hes probably
not working for Lex, but the question is, what does he need so much money for as to risk an operation
in Metropolis?
Let everyone in there go free, I say. They hold no more purpose for you.
This is a long shot, no guarantee hell agree to my requests, but Ill feel better knowing the
innocents are safe. He considers it for a moment, but then agrees and the hostages are allowed to go
free. I cant breathe a sigh of relief yet though, he still has Lois.
Well done, Man of Steel, he says. Youve won. Now let me go and you get the consolation price
as well.
I give in; I dont like seeing Lois struggle. Let her go and I wont stop you from leaving here
through the back. You have my word.
The word of a Boy Scout, how noble, he says. Goodbye, Man of Steel, let us hope we never meet
again. He throws Lois to the floor and exits the bank through the back, leaving several of the bags of
money he had collected. His goons try and follow him, each with a bag themselves, but I rush to the
door and stop them from leaving.
The deal was for one, I say, hearing as the police enter the building from the main entrance, taking
their cue from the leaving hostages.
You alright? I ask Lois, as the police round up the men.
Fine, she replies.
What happened? I thought you were in Washington?
I was. They grabbed me last night, put the bag over my head, and next thing I knew I was here. Its
a good chance Lex organised something.
I shake my head. I dont think he was working for Luthor, he couldnt get hold of Kryptonite.
Then who?

13

But I dont answer her; my mind is on something that the mysterious bandaged man had said. He
referred to me as a Boy Scout, and as far as I know theres only one man who has ever openly called
me that
Bruce Wayne. Wayne Manor, Gotham Country. 08:01.
Master Bruce?
Can I never get a moments peace? What is it, Alfred?
Its a Mister Clark Kent on the phone for you.
The Big Blue Boy Scout, whats he calling for? Probably some business issue with the Daily Planet,
I dont have time for that now. Tell him Im busy.
It sounds like it might be a matter of some urgency, sir.
My voice switches to the growl of the Batman. Alfred
Very well, sir.
He closes the door and finally I get to collapse on the bed. My eyes close but I cant sleep, my mind
is racing, too many thoughts. Joker and Luthor working together? Penguin in Bldhaven? And still no
sign of Tommy
Alfred opens the door again and I almost yell out in anger. Almost.
Master Bruce?
Yes?
Its Clark, sir.
I told you, tell him Im busy.
I did, but I think it really was a matter of some urgency. Hes on his way to Gotham now, says he
really needs to talk to you.
Great, thats just what I need, a lecture from the worlds Golden Boy. If I have to talk with him, Id
rather not do it here. Id rather be down in the cave with the costume on, at least then I dont have to
put on the nice to see you act.
Guess Im not getting any sleep today after all.
Dick Grayson. Bldhaven. 08:14.
My apartments a mess, needs a clean, but screw it, Ill do it later, Barbaras more important.
I step out of the shower and pull on some old jeans and a crumpled white shirt. Not quite the image I
want to present to Babs, but at least theyre clean, and I really dont have time to iron. Besides, that
woman has seen me at my best and at my worst, I really dont think shes going to care what Im
wearing now.
But I care. I care what she thinks of me.
I grab some more clothes and throw them in a backpack. I grab the keys to my motorcycle, swing
the bag onto my back and head out the door. But I pause before I leave, turning back to the Nightwing
outfit that hangs on the inside of my wardrobe. No harm in taking it, right? I mean the time is for
Barbara, but I might still be able to go out on the streets of Gotham
I shrug, grab the suit and stuff it in the bag. Not terribly inconspicuous, or professional for a
superhero, but I dont have time for anything more. Its not a long ride to Gotham; I should be fine
provided Im not pulled over for speeding.
Even then, am I a cop or arent I? Granted the Bldhaven Police Department is incredibly corrupt,
but even they cant search one of their own without good reason.
I leave the building and get on my bike, racing out of Bldhaven.
Leaving one crime ridden city for another, its not exactly the perfect summer vacation. I keep
telling myself Im doing this for Barbara, that she needs me right now. But in all honesty I think its the
other way round. I think I need her.
I reach the highway and head north. All goes to plan Ill be entering Gotham through the southern
entrance near Blackgate
Wait! What was that? A blue and a red blur just streaked past me, Im sure of it. To anyone else it
would be practically unnoticeable, but my eyes are used to seeing it. Was it really Clark? Whats he
doing in Gotham?
Batman. The Cave. 08:36.

14

Clark arrived a few moments ago, Alfred led him down here. Im sitting at the computer, not that
theres anything on there that I desperately want to share with Clark, but its a means to not give him
my complete attention.
Bruce, are you listening to me?
Yeah. I was listening. Some guy robbed a bank in Metropolis, so what? That kind of thing happens
often in a city as big as that, why he decided to share it with me I have no idea. Better play nice, maybe
hell leave sooner.
Think youll recognise him again, if you saw him? I ask.
I never saw his face, he had it bandaged up.
Ok, now hes got my attention. A bandaged figure? Could it really be Tommy? No, I cant jump to
conclusions; it could simply be a case of bad scarring, or a cheap means to conceal his identity. And
yet
What else did he have on him
Clark shrugs. His chest was bare, covered in what looked like surgical scars. He had an overcoat
on, stretched to his ankles, brown.
His words hit me at a thousand miles per hour; anger buried deep within is surfaced. Its him. Its
Tommy, I growl.
Tommy? Thomas Elliot? Clarks mind is racing; I know hes thinking back to that morning in
Metropolis when Ivy brought us both to blows. That was him? he continues. But that night in the
cave, when I destroyed that homing device planted in your skull
I never mentioned what he wore when he faced me, I realise. I thought nothing of it at the time,
didnt seem too important. I pause, hating myself as I realise the mistake Ive made. In detective work
you can never afford to over look anything. Everythings important.
Ive been too hard on Clark, my selfish judgement made me jump to conclusions. I never even
considered for a moment that he might have information useful for me. Is this what Tommy has led me
to? Ive been so obsessed with finding him that Ive neglected the people who have done nothing but
try and help.
But still I cant bring myself to apologise.
Im going to stay, Bruce, he says. Even beneath your cowl I can read your expressions, your
thoughts. Dont worry, I dont need an apology.
I glare at him, but its no use arguing. From what he told me, Tommy had Lois, this has made it
personal for Clark. Perhaps two heads are better than one when finding him; after all I didnt have
much luck on my own. And I hate to admit it but Clark can be extremely useful to have around not
that I ever tell him that.
Alright, I growl. Well question the guys that were arrested. They were working for him; they
must know what his plan is. Then well
Bruce, he cuts me off. Maybe I should take this one on my own. Youre involvement with Elliot
has already caused you to become obsessed with finding him, theres no knowing what youll do when
youre confronted with him.
I hate to admit it but hes right. I almost killed the Joker as a result of playing his games before, if it
wasnt for Jim I wouldve crossed a line I swore never to cross. If hes making an appearance again it
means hes finally making a move, and theres no knowing what hes got planned for me this time.
What about the Joker? Clark asks. You havent got any leads on him, and hes not one you can
afford to ignore. Though I have to agree with Oracle, if its all connected to Luthor, dont go straight to
him.
He turns to leave, but I feel like I cant leave it at that.
Clark I pause, unable to say thank you. Dont play to his games, I say. Hell make it personal,
dont let him. His weakness may be his hatred towards me, use it against him, another pause. And
check in with me or Oracle regularly. Take this transmitter; youll get straight through to the clock
tower.
He takes it from me, offers a single, I will, and then hes gone, faster than a speeding bullet, down
the access passage I use for the Batmobile. I remove the mask from my face and breathe a huge sigh,
before making my way back up towards the manor. I need another shower.
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 09:23.
Barbara?
I jump and spin the chair around. Who Dick!?
Im sorry, he says; face half hidden by the shadows, his dark hair in a tangled mess. It looks like he
had a rough night. I didnt mean to surprise you. Can we talk?

15

Theres something in his voice that soothes me. Yeah, I say; all tones of former sharpness suddenly
gone. Youre getting better you know, the sudden appearing acts. He taught you well.
We head towards the small lounge area, away from the control room. I have no use for these
couches myself; I use them for when dad comes to visit. I give a soft smile as I see Dick sit down in the
same arm chair that Dad always likes.
For a moment theres silence between us, but theres something bothering Dick that hes having
trouble coming to grips with. Ive learnt to read his expressions better than anyone; hes not as good at
controlling them like Bruce is.
Barbara, he finally says.
The way he said my name then, he didnt call me Babs Whats wrong? I ask.
He smiles softy, almost unnoticeable. I made the decision to come up here to ask you that very
same thing, he says. Then on my way here I guess I had a few revelations.
Dicks opening up. This really must be serious. You know you can tell me, I say.
Last night, when you contacted me on the transmitter, you said you were dreaming of the night
Im strangely thankful that he doesnt say it; I dont need to be reminded again now. I was worried for
you, Babs, he continues. When you signed off I had so many things rush through my head that I
wanted to say to you. Things that, deep down, I have wanted to say for a very long time.
I want to say you can tell me again, but I would just be repeating myself. Hes going to tell me, but
hell do it in his own time. I dont want to rush him.
Barbara, will you marry me?
What?! Okay, that took me by surprise. Is he serious? Is he really I look at his face and I have
never seen him look more serious in all the years Ive known him, but theres something almost
childlike in his eyes. Desperation? Fear?
When I was driving up I saw Clark, at least I think I did, and it got me thinking about how different
him and Bruce really are. I wonder sometimes if Bruce will ever put as much trust into someone as
Clark did with Lois; I wonder if I even will. Then I realised that I already had, and that I had let her
go.
Dick, I
Let me finish, he says, quickly. Ive never found it easy to connect to people for long periods of
time, but I think that part of that is because I grew up with Bruce. Dont get me wrong, Im grateful for
everything he did, but I think about what life would have been like had I grown up with my real
parents.
Is that where the fear has come from? Because he finds it hard to connect? Im reminded of
everything he has been through, how his parents were killed just like Bruces; it makes me think how
lucky I am to still have a father.
For a long time I stood at the bottom of this Clock Tower before I came up, he starts. I was
thinking about everything - about you, about me, about the lives we have chosen to lead. I have no idea
how easy this will be, but somehow Clark has made it work, and when I heard your voice last night I
realised how much I wanted to be with you. He cringes slightly, as though he didnt ever expect to
open up like he did, but it doesnt bother me. My mind is made up.
Dick Grayson. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 09:30.
I dont dare to look at her, scared of what I might see. Have I just ruined things between us
completely? I consider apologising and just getting up and going, but theres also a part of me that
screams at me to stay. But theres no way shell say yes. In fact, now I come to think of it, its a stupid
idea. I mean what, am I going to move into the clock tower, make this our happy home, its crazy, I
So do I get a ring?
What did she say? I look up, slowly, eyes widening with anticipation. I see her smiling, but not
mockingly. Her smile is genuine, warm and loving; Im almost at a loss for words. She looks amazing
in soft glow of the room, light glistening off her long crimson hair. Does this mean she?
Her hand touches my cheek and theres warmth there, and suddenly all my doubts are gone. I love
you, I say; half knowing that it didnt need to be said, but it just sounded right. And I know it didnt
work once before but we were younger then, much younger, I Im babbling now. I dont need to say
anything; I think she gets the picture.
What will you do? Barbara asks. Will you leave Bldhaven, move to Gotham again? You know I
cant leave the Clock Tower, Batman needs me here.
I know, I tell her. Ill talk to Bruce, tell him everything, then Ill see about leaving the police force
in Bldhaven, I may even be able to get a transfer to the G.C.P.D.
Im going to call Dad, get him to come over here now.

16

Will you wait? Let me see Bruce first, he doesnt even know Im in Gotham. Ill be back in a while,
I promise. I get up to leave, but she holds me and presses her lips against mine. Memories come
flooding back, but all thats history now. I just want to be lost in the moment; I doubt there will ever be
another like it.
Finally we break apart but as we do I no longer want to move; I dont want to leave her. She looks
beautiful, stunningly, in fact, and there is not a single doubt in my mind that I have made the right
decision.
She has one hand on mine, and as I stand I feel it slide off and back on to her lap. It must be hard for
her, not being able to stand to see me go. But as she looks up at me I see that her eyes dont look sad,
and Im reminded of just how strong she is having adapted to life in the chair.
I lean down to kiss her forehead and then exit the Clock Tower.
Tim Drake. Louis E. Grieve Memorial High School, Gotham City. 09:43.
I close my eyes and lean back against a tree, basking in the warm sunlight. Dont get many days like
this, especially not with the kind of weather weve been having. There are only a few minutes until the
bell goes for the end of break and it takes a great effort to move from this point. I just want to stay here,
back against the tree, glow on my face, and fall asleep without having to worry about 2 nd period. I love
my life as Robin but I certainly miss being able to get a good nights sleep.
Hey, Drake!
I groan when I hear the voice, partly out of frustration at being disturbed and partly out of
recognition of the speaker. Not now, Tyrone, I say, and not wanting to open my eyes I raise a reluctant
hand and motion for him to go away. I need sleep.
Youre always tired when you come in, man. Whats up with that?
I hear him chuck his bag down at my feet and figure its no use telling him to go. His large shape
blocks the sunlight, casting a shadow on me, so regrettably I open my eyes as Tyrone sits down next to
me, slapping the palm of his right hand on mine in his usual form of greeting.
Whats up? I ask, having fully decided to give up on sleep.
Not heard the news? he asks me. Its all over the school.
Didnt notice it, I reply. Why, what is it?
Field trip, man! He looks excited at the prospect of a day of school. Tomorrow!
A field trip. Better than math class I suppose, though the schools not exactly known for its fun days
out. So what is it this time? I ask, trying my best to sound enthused. The post office? The pillow
factory?
Washington, baby! Were going to the White House!
The White House? Great, thats the last thing I need, a visit to the house of Luthor.
Wait, what was it that Oracle said? Lex mightve had something to do with Jokers breakout? If
thats true than he probably felt pressured into organising a High School field trip to try and make
everything appear normal, itll be a good opportunity to accidentally break apart from the tour group
and take a look around.
Whats up Drake, arent you excited? Were getting a whole day off school, Dude!
Wha? Oh, yeah, its great, Tyrone, Im really excited. Flimsy cover up, but who cares. I need to
get out of this place, check in with Bruce and see what he thinks I should do. Listen, Tyrone, I say.
Im not feeling all that great; I think I might take the rest of the day off. Can you cover for me?
Sure thing, Drake. See you tomorrow?
I nod, then get up and swing my bag over my shoulder. Yeah, Ill be there, just need a good nights
sleep.
Later, I hear Tyrone say as I head out of the school gates.
I hate to think how Im going to explain this one to dad if the school rings up looking for me, but
screw it, Ill deal with that if and when the time comes, this is more important.
Its a fair distance to the manor from here, but luckily I drove the Redbird in this morning and kept it
hidden. Its in one of Bruces safe houses that he built all around the city. After Bane broke his back
several years ago, he swore never to be caught that unprepared again, so he built these places. He calls
them his Satellite Batcaves; theyre full of equipment, or anything else he might need at short notice.
He doesnt know I know about this one; Ive been using it as a car park for years.
Dick Grayson. The Cave. 10:37.

17

The cave is vast and empty but I have never felt scared of being in here. I spent so much of my time
here when I was young that even now, in times like this, when I know Im completely alone, these cold,
rocky walls feels more like home than Bldhaven could ever be.
Although I have to admit it feels weird to stand here without my outfit; I doubt even Bruce stands
here in his casual clothes.
I doubt Bruce even owns any casual clothes.
When I arrived at the manor, Alfred told me to wait down here while he went to get Bruce. Meeting
in this place isnt strange though, in fact I cant remember the last time I showed up and Bruce
suggested we talk in the living room or somewhere. Hell walk down those steps at any minute, already
dressed in the mantle of the Bat, but really, I would be more scared if he didnt.
Im surrounded by deep crevasses, chasms so deep that if you fall, youre a goner. Fortunately I
know this place like the back of my hand; I trained for hours a day in it, for years and years. The only
person who knows this place better than me is Bruce.
Its cold down here without the thermals in my suit. Cmon, Bruce. I wrap my arms around myself
and suddenly all I can think about is Barbara. It helps, already Im warmer.
Across to my right theres a line of parked Batmobiles, all the different ones Bruce has had built for
him by Wayne Enterprises over the years. I asked Bruce to give me one but he never has, hell I wonder
how many of them still work, and if Ill get the chance to go out in one later tonight.
No, not tonight. Tonight Im spending with Barbara.
Dick?
I recognise that growl. Finally, I say. I was starting to think you werent coming.
What are you doing here?
Yeah, its nice to see you too, Bruce. I dont even know why I try and act friendly towards him
when hes in that suit. That man couldnt crack a smile now if his life depended on it. I guess I just do it
to lighten the mood, however pointless it may be.
Hes not saying anything, but then what did I expect? Bruce, I need to talk to you, I say.
About Penguin? he grunts.
Sort of, but well get to that. First I think you should be the fist to know Wow, this is harder than
I thought it would be, and hes not exactly helping with that fixed stare of his. I sigh, and try again. Me
and Barbara are getting married.
Still he doesnt say anything; he just continues to stare at me. Is he angry? Shocked? Disappointed?
Damnit, I wish he would show more emotions. Okay, lets try a different approach. Dont everyone
talk at once, I say, giving what I hope is a reassuring smile. Look, Im serious about this Bruce. I love
her.
Finally he says something. Or growls something, at least. Congratulations.
Is that it? Is that all he has to say on the matter? You know what, I say, my tone harder now. If
thats all you can bring yourself to say then perhaps I should just leave. I thought that you might show a
little enthusiasm at least, but I guess I was wrong, huh? I brush past him, purposefully knocking into
him as I head back up the stairs to the manor.
Dick?
Woah, that wasnt the Batman speaking; that was Bruce Wayne. I turn and see hes removed the
cowl from his face and for the first time I see that he looks exhausted. Therere heavy bags under his
eyes, his skin is pale and his hair is knotted and tangled. You alright? I ask, slowly stepping back
towards him.
Are you sure you know what youre doing? he asks, ignoring my question completely.
Yeah, I nod, my voice suddenly much softer. I actually do.
Whats going to happen?
Shes staying here, in Gotham. Is that all that hes worried about, that she might just quit her role
as Oracle now shes engaged? Just to reassure him I say, Shes not going to leave you, Bruce. Not now,
not ever.
And then it happens, if only for the briefest of moments. The corners of his mouth twitch slightly,
and for the briefest of moments his eyes appear to glisten. In a rare sight, but a reassuring one none the
less, Bruce actually looks happy.
Congratulations, Master Dick, comes the gentle voice of Alfred Pennyworth from the top of the
stairs. Miss Oracle is quite a woman.
I laugh. Its always good to hear what Alfred has to say. Thanks, Al, I smile.
He heads down the stairs with a tray in his hand and offers me a steaming cup of tea. To warm you
up, he winks.
Thanks, but I think Id better go, I say. Barbara wants me there when she breaks the news to Jim.
What about Penguin?

18

I turn, unsurprised to see Bruce has put the cowl on again. Penguin! Damnit, I had completely
forgotten. Its happening tomorrow night, but I cant bear to leave Barbara for that now.
Theres some kind of deal happening, I say. I dont know the details. I was going to stake it out,
but in light of everything that has happened, I
What kind of deal? Bruce asks.
I said, I dont know the details. Something big, Penguins overseeing it himself. Theres a boat
coming in at eleven tonight, the south docks. I pause. Bruce, I really dont want to I mean, cant
you I sigh. I dont want to leave Babs.
Bldhaven is your city, Dick. Theres no escaping the growl now, shouldve known he couldnt
stay happy for long. You have a responsibility to that city. Barbara will be fine.
But Ive also got a responsibility to her! Couldnt you send Tim? Or Cass? Im almost pleading
now, desperate not to go. Im reminded of how I would act as a kid when he wouldnt let me do
something and Im almost ashamed of myself.
At that instant a car comes speeding into the cave along the south passage and screeches to a halt.
The Redbird. Tim.
Robin. The Cave. 10:42.
I had the suit stored in the boot of the car; I know how cold it can get down here without the
thermals on. Im surprised to see Dick standing there; even more surprised to see all hes got on is a
thin white shirt and jeans.
I jump from the car. Theyre all gathered near the computer, and if its possible Bruce looks more
melancholic than usual. Him and Dick seem to be having some sort of staring contest, with Alfred
stuck judging.
Hey, Tim, Dick says.
Hey. Whats going on? I ask.
Master Dick and Miss Oracle are getting married, Timothy, Alfred says, hurriedly.
Woah, okay, thats a shock. Long time coming, congratulations, I offer with a smile.
Well, better than his response, Dick shrugs, glaring at Bruce again. Tim, listen, I need you to stake
out an operation in Bldhaven tomorrow night. Theres a deal going on at the docks, Penguins
involved.
Youre not going anywhere, Robin, Bruce growls, his gaze still fixed on Dick.
Cant anyway, I say. The reason why Im here, theres a field trip to the White House tomorrow.
Thought it would be a good opportunity to check out Luthor.
Well talk about this in a while, Bruce says. Then to Dick he adds, Dick, take Batgirl with you,
thats my final word on the subject. Barbara will be fine, its just one night.
Dick, I assume, figures its no use arguing because he doesnt say anything. He turns to leave but I
call him back, desperate to know more about the situation with Barbara. Dick, wait!
Dick turns, but its Bruce that speaks. Robin, stay here. Dick I expect your complete cooperation on
this, report to me as soon as its over.
Dick heads up the stairs towards the manor, Alfred follows, leaving me and Bruce alone in the cave.
So what do you think? I ask. About the White House, think itll be a good opportunity to check up on
Lex?
Just make sure no one sees you sneaking off, Bruce says. If you come across Luthor, apologise
and exit the room. Keep your head down, do not make eye contact. I wouldnt put it past him to know
who you are, keep a look out for any potential traps.
What should I look for when there? I ask.
Plant bugs as often as you can, Ill give Oracle the heads up, Bruce replies. We need to know
exactly what hes up to, and listening in on conversations is the easiest way of doing it.
Theres something in his voice that sounds almost like disappointment. Has this sudden thing
between Dick and Barbara really affected him? Bruce? I ask, cautiously. Are you alright? Im sure
whatever happens between Dick and Babs, their work wont be affected.
He doesnt reply, instead he sits on the chair in front of the computer and spins around to stare at the
screen. Hes not looking for anything; this is just his way of telling us were done talking. I take the
hint and walk slowly back towards the Redbird.
I pass Alfred heading back down the stairs and I stop. Dont mind him, lad, he says, voice barely
more than a whisper. I think everything thats happened with Joker and Tommy has just got to him a
bit, thats all.
James Gordon. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 11:24.

19

I pull my car up in front of my daughters home. I will never understand why she decided to move
up here, I think a part of her just wanted to feel more secure after Joker broke into our old home and
shot her. She wont tell me but I know she has somehow built a series of defences on this place to
prevent it ever happening again.
I push open the door and start the long climb up the stairs. Finally I knock on her door and she
opens, her face glowing. You wanted to see me? I ask, bending down so able to greet my daughter
with a hug.
Ive got some great news, she tells me.
What is it?
Do you mind if we wait? Dicks on his way over, hell want to be here.
Okay, now shes sparked my curiosity. Good thing Im a patient man, I joke.
We head to her small living room and I take my usual armchair. Barbara watches me and if its
possible her smile becomes even bigger. Usually I would ask if something was wrong, but its been a
long time since Ive seen her this happy.
So hows life in retirement treating you? Barbara asks.
Its slow and its boring, I jokingly reply.
Do you miss the force?
I take a moment to consider her question. Do I miss my life as Police Commissioner of Gotham
City? Yes, I do. Do I regret retiring? No, I dont. I grew too old for the job a long time back, it was time
that someone else took the reins. Every day, I reply, truthfully. But I wouldnt go back to it.
Cmon Dad, youll never truly leave the force while theres still air in your lungs, Barbara says.
Its what I admire about you, your determination to do whats right, despite what the odds may be.
Im working closely with Harvey Dent now, I tell her. Though he hasnt been allowed his old
position of District Attorney back, I believe he really is trying to reform himself after everything that
happened with Two Face. Hes really come through.
Its good that you havent given up on him, Barbara nods. But can you trust him?
Harvey Dent was a good friend, lost when acid was hurled into his face resulting in the creation of a
murderous second personality who came to be known as Two Face. But even as a criminal, his crimes
always had a sense of justice to them, in their own sick way. I dont think its about trust, I finally say.
I think its about giving a broken man a second chance.
Dick Grayson, orphan turned adopted child of Bruce Wayne, walks into the room at just after twenty
to twelve and upon seeing me he greets me as he would a father. I have known this boy since the day
his parents were killed, I watched as he grew up under the guardianship of Bruce and I felt a small level
of pride when he chose to become a police officer in the crime ridden city of Bldhaven.
Dad, Barbara says suddenly. Me and Dick, were getting married.
I hear her words, yet somehow Im not greatly surprised. I have always known of the love that these
two have shared for each other, and though their past has been somewhat rocky, theres something in
Dicks face that makes me believe this time its genuine.
When my wife was murdered by Joker, Dick was quick to offer his support to Barbara, despite what
may have been going on between the two of them then. Ultimately it was her choice to be alone at that
time, but I never doubted for second thats Dicks intentions were honourable.
Similarly, when Dick proposed to her, it was ultimately her choice. Shes always been able to make
decisions for herself, always known what she wanted. No father could ever be more proud of his
daughters accomplishments, and I will continue to show my love and support in whatever she chooses
to do.
And she has chosen to marry Dick Grayson.
I stand up and shake Dicks hand. I know youll always look out for her, I say, just loud enough so
I know that he can hear me, and in what I hope is an acceptable tone of voice. I know that, whatever
happens, youll look after her even when I am gone. Congratulations for the both of you, I know youll
make me proud.
Superman. Arkham Asylum, Gotham Narrows. 18:13.
I really, really, dont want to be here.
Ive got to, I promised Bruce I would take this case for him, I just wish I was more of a detective
when it comes to matters like this. Truth be told, Im not even sure what Im going to ask when I get in
there. I dont want to ask Bruce for help, hes got enough on his plate with the Joker still at large. I
know that those two have a complicated past.

20

The Riddler. Thats who Im here for. If I want to find Thomas Elliot I have to look at everything
that came before, every detail that drove Tommy last time. And last time it all boiled down to the
Riddler.
The building before me is something from a nightmare, gothic towers reaching high into the cloudy
sky. Its really only early evening, and not that dark in the city, but here it already feels like night has
fallen, and its going to be a long one.
The guards lead me straight through the first cellblock where the less dangerous of the prisoners are
being held. First impressions of the rooms? Well the outside is apparently just the beginning of the
nightmare. An innocent man living in these conditions for too long will lose all happy memories, and
will become as insane as the patients that this place claims to try and help. Of course, the people who
wind up here dont actually have any happy memories to begin with.
Usually I walk into a prison and the prisoners get over excited and make as much noise as they can,
here though it is all eerily silent. All the prisoners seem to do as I pace slowly past their cells is sit and
stare. Unblinking, haunting. Even the armed guards posted at each end of the room remain completely
still, their eyes flitting in my direction but offering no signs of joy or appreciation that I have come to
expect from the guards at the Metropolis institutes.
Im happy when we pass through.
I dont like this. This is Bruces territory, not mine. I have to keep reminded myself that Im doing
this for him, for a friend. To fight the good fight sometimes means doing what you usually would not,
but when this is done Im never returning to this place again.
Riddlers cell is located on the tallest tower. Its a round room, dimly lit, with one small window in
the top left hand corner; well out of reaching distance. Its a basic cell; the only objects to be seen are a
small, rickety wooden table and chair, a toilet, a sink and a bed.
Riddler himself is lying on the bed starring up at the ceiling, arms placed casually behind his head
and his legs folded. On the floor next to him is a tatty book of crosswords, each completed a hundred
times; his only form of entertainment.
A huge grin spreads across his face as he sees me, his masked eyes dancing. Well, well, well, he
says. This is the last place I would expect to see you, Superman.
I decide to cut my losses and get straight to the point. I need your help, I say, confidently. You
worked with Thomas Elliot, the man you came to call Hush. Im looking for him.
Question, Riddler says. Bruce warned me on this, that Riddler turned everything into a simple
question and answer game. I have no choice but to play along. Just how far is Superman willing to go
for a friend? he continues. Answer: Arkham Asylum, the pure embodiment of Supermans nightmares.
For that is why youre here and not Batman, isnt it? Youre taking this case for him because dealing
with Elliot became oh so personal last time.
Are you going to help me, or not?
Question. Whats in it for me?
I can make sure you get a shorter sentence, I say. And transferred to a minimum security wing
where you may be allowed more luxuries in your cell.
Interesting, he says. But why me?
I told you, you worked with him before.
And I bet countless others have worked for him since. Did I not read in the papers about his recent
exploits in the bank of Metropolis? Of course, they never referred to him by name, but there was talk of
a bandaged man in a trench coat. So, question: What does Thomas Elliot need money for? Answer: He
doesnt.
Then why
Nuh uh, I ask the questions round here, pal. What you need to do is start thinking about what Elliot
could possible be doing in Metropolis, your city.
There was something in the way he sound your, like he hissed it to bring more emphasis on it.
Does Riddler really know what Elliot has planned, or is he simply making accusations going off their
past exploits?
I turn to leave, but Riddler calls out in a casual, almost songlike tone. Oh, Superman? Hes here,
you know, in Gotham, this very moment. Dont play the detective, thats Batmans tune, just do what
you do: get out there and catch the bad guy.
Im confident he knows a lot more about whats going on, but I doubt hes going to tell me. Hes
been dropping clues at me; but hes right, detective work is not what I do. Perhaps the best thing for me
to do is simply fly around and look, after all, I can see into places that most people cant.
I leave the room and guard leads me back down the winding stairwell. However, when we reach the
bottom were met by sounds of rapid machine gun fire coming from the next room. Knowing it cant

21

hurt me I burst into the room to see a full scale war amongst the convicts and the guards, each of the
cell doors having somehow been opened.
Several men lie dead, both guards and convicts. I start to help fight but the door to the next room is
flung open and in rush another cellblocks load of prisoners. Thinking quickly I fly to Arkhams main
entrance and quickly get all the locks in place. At least now the war is contained, but who programmed
all the cell doors to open?
By the looks of things only the minimum security prisoners have been lat out, but why do only half
the job? I need to check, I need to make sure theyre all still secure, trouble is Ill get lost in this place.
Ill have to start with Riddler.
I rush through the cellblocks without anyone noticing. The guards have got it contained for now, but
it wont last long if the others are released. I fly up the stairwell this time and Im up the top in a
second. Riddlers door is still locked, but for how much longer?
Bruce knows these walls better than I do, but I cant open the main doors and lock them again
behind me. Theres got to be another way out of here, something the prisoners dont know about. I need
to get to Bruce, need to tell him, but how
Wait! The transmitter Bruce gave me. Perhaps he cant help me, but theres certainly someone who
can
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 18:45.
Dicks been here every since dad left, but hes been distant. He told me he had to go down to
Bldhaven for the stake out tomorrow night, but doesnt want to believe that Ill be fine. Its just one
night, I say. Ive survived living alone in this place for years; one night is not going to make a
difference. Besides, no one can get in without me knowing, I have this place under heavy security. The
only person who can break that is Batman.
I know, he says. I just want to know youre safe.
I dont need you to protect me, Dick. Im not a damsel in distress.
He nods, and goes to hug me, but the chair makes it difficult. He positions his arm around the back
of my head and I lean back. We sit there for a moment in a comfortable silence and me eyes start to
close. Its not until I hear Clarks voice come through transmitter that I remember my duties as Oracle.
Barbara! It sounds urgent.
I glance at Dick and he removes his arm. For a second Im reluctant to move, but Clark yells again.
I wheel myself to my work station behind the huge clock face of the tower and grab my headset.
Oracle, I say.
Theres been a breakout at Arkham! Clark yells. Clarks yelling? Clark never yells.
A breakout? Dick mouths behind me.
Who is it? I ask Clark.
Uh, everyone! he replies. So far two cellblocks of minimum security. I need to check the
maximum security wings, but I dont know where they are!
I place a hand over my headset and turn to Dick. Get changed, I order. Ill contact Batman and tell
him to meet you at Arkham. Go! Then turning my attention back on Clark I say, Tell me exactly
where you are!
West Wing stairwell, Clark says in response. Riddlers cell is still locked.
I open up one of several Arkham blueprints on my computer. Okay, head down the stairwell and
take a left at the bottom. Youll come to a door, head through and keep straight ahead. I open another
map which had the last locations of the prisoners, but that was before Jokers breakout. The first cell
on your right should be Freezes cell. Before long youll come to another door, but before that youll
see Jervis Tetch, the Mad Hatter.
There still good. Now what?
Go through it, the door. Youll be at the bottom of another stairwell. Theres no point in checking
up there, that was where Joker was being held but itll be empty now. I glance round quickly to see
Dick, now in his Nightwing outfit, leave the Clock Tower. Hell head to the roof and work is way roof
top to roof top to get to where he needs to go, Im sure of it.
So where next?
Youre in the East Wing. Killer Crocs cell should be around a corner to the left. You should then
pass a couple of
Crocs rampaging, Clark interrupts. Hes bashing himself against the door, but hes contained for
now.
Okay, I say. Youll pass a couple more cells then youll get to Scarecrow.
Got it. Hes sleeping.

22

Good. Last one on my list is Victor Zsasz, the serial killer. He should be just past
We got a problem, Clark says. This entire line of cells has been opened.
Damnit, I hiss. Clark, I need to contact Batman and tell him whats happened, then Im going to
need to hack into Arkhams security system and overwrite it. Find Zsasz and get him back in his cell,
quickly!
The line goes dead and I immediately find Batmans frequency. Bruce, theres trouble at Arkham, I
say when I hear his grunt of a greeting. A riot, someone opened the minimum security cellblocks.
Supermans there, Nightwings on his way.
Call Batgirl, tell her to get there now.
What about Robin?
Cant risk his dad getting suspicious. Ill be there momentarily, tell Clark to keep it contained.
Already done.
Good. Bruce signs off and Im left in silence once more. Im beginning to miss Dick already, but I
cant let my emotions get the better of me now. Ive got to concentrate. Ive got a war to stop.
Nightwing. Arkham Asylum, Gotham Narrows. 19:03.
I can see the Asylum in the distance growing ever closer and for the first time in years Im scared of
it. Oracles voice came through a couple of minutes ago and told me Batmans on his way, but she also
told me Zsasz has got out of his cell. That man makes my skin crawl.
Clarks got the door heavily bolted from the inside, but theres more than one way into Arkham. The
prisoners dont know about it, and the guards and wardens are probably clueless, but Batman told me
about it in my days as Robin and I have never forgotten anything he taught me.
Theres an access tunnel in one of Bruces Satellite Batcaves, leads right under the south wing and
comes up in the basement. There must be other ways in, the way the Joker keeps using for a start. But
this has got to be the safest, because even if someone does find it, theyre only going to end up in the
Satellite Cave, and not even Oracle could crack Bruces security codes to those places. That is. if she
didnt already know them off by heart.
The cave in question is actually a sectioned off bit of the underground system, buried by the
cataclysm that started No Mans Land and never repaired. The only way in is via an upturned train
carriage that was forced off the track and now lies half buried under fallen rubble.
The passage to Arkham is dark, but my mask is fitted with infrared lenses. I walk for what seems
like an age, preying that Zsasz hasnt found his way down here, until finally I reach the foundations of
Arkham Asylum.
As I climb up into the cold basement of the building I can hear the commotion above. I take one
glance around the basement. Its packed full of old files and restraining devices, but appears to free of
desperate convicts. I make my way up the stairs ready to join the fight. God, I hope the maximum
security cells are still holding up.
I almost dont see the figure lunge at me from the shadows. I dodge to one side at the last second as
a huge cleavers knife comes striking down. Its dark, but I get a glance at the knife wielders arm and
see its covered in a tally of scars. Victor Zsasz, mass murderer. Each time he takes a life he adds one
more scar to his body. Hes cunning, ruthless and quick, but hes only second best compared to
someone like the Joker. And that is my only saving grace.
See, now youve gone and ruined it, I hear him say. It would have been over nice and quick, one
simple slash, but now that youve gone and moved means we have to start all over again.
Victor Zsasz is psychotic; he kills purely for pleasure.
I dodge out of his way again as he lunges forward with the knife, but this time I get my own hit in
on the rebound. Who set you free, Zsasz? Who organised this? I figure its a long shot that he might
actually know who did it, but it should at least keep him talking, might distract his attention for a
second, giving me an opening.
Who cares, Zsasz hisses in response. Now if youll just stand still this time
He swings his knife, but I leap and kick him in mid-air in a personal favourite move left over from
my circus training. He stumbles back, but apparently unhurt. Hes got a strong physique, he has to in
order to withhold the pain he inflicts on himself when tallying. Itll take more than a circus move to
bring him down, but Im good to go all night, Im not even tired.
We play the same routine for a while. He lunges, I jump, he lunges again, but Im not going to beat
him by wearing him down. His weakness is his knife, without it he has no confidence. If Im to win, I
need to unarm him.
He gives me my opening when he attacks slightly to my left, with his knife arm stretched out. I
manage to twist my body and grab his arm just as he realises he hasnt hit his target. He roars more out

23

of anger than pain as I attempt to break his wrist. As it happens the bone doesnt break, but he does at
least drop his knife in the shock of what happened.
I kick it away, but just as Im about to administer my attack, he surprises me by an uppercut to the
jaw. Okay, didnt see that one coming. I should have known that loosing his knife would make this
more personal for him. Rule number one: never assume you know what your enemy is planning.
Im better than this; I know I am. I was trained by Batman after all. Its Barbara, Im still thinking
about her and its clouding my judgement.
And Zsasz is about to take advantage of that.
He jumps on me, waving his knife. Thats better, he says, gleefully. Like a good boy, thats it.
Now I wouldnt worry, this wont hurt too much. He raises the knife. I try to move but hes pinned my
arms and legs. So this is it, huh? This is how I go?
Zsasz goes flying off me as a powerful red blast hits him square in the chest. I dont need to turn my
head to know that Clark has just saved my ass. He helps me up. Thanks, I say, pulling a dislocated
shoulder back into place. Is he?
Hell live, Clark tells me. Come on, we have to get him back into his cell before Oracle gets the
system back online. Any idea on who did this?
I have about as much as an idea as you, I say.
Joker, perhaps?
I shake my head. This isnt Jokers work; its not personal enough. These days he wouldnt do
anything unless its a direct hit at Batman. Unfortunately, hes yet to come.
We drag the unconscious Zsasz back to his cell, but theres still no sign of any power returning to
the locking mechanisms. Think its safe to leave him? I ask.
The blast I gave should keep him out for a while yet, Clark says. What Im more worried about is
getting the minimum security prisoners back in their cells.
Uh, no, I shake my head. Thats not the least of our worries. I nudge Clark to make him turn. I
point to down the corridor where a huge shape of a man with genetic deformities comes moving slowly
into sight. He is!
Superman. Arkham Asylum, Gotham Narrows. 19:27.
Its barely possible to call this a man, but Ive read Batmans files, and that is exactly what he is.
This is the one they call Killer Croc, and with good reason as well. His skin is mutated, rubbery, and
green. His jaw is more like that of a reptile. Jagged teeth, sharp tongue, glaring eyes If it werent for
the fact he walks like that of a man, I wouldnt believe that he ever was one.
Nightwing is posed, ready for a fight, but I cant let him face a monster like this. Leave him to me,
I growl in a tone that almost matches that of Batman. Get to the cellblocks; help the guards with the
prisoners.
He moves off, and I turn my attention back on Croc. I dont know all the details, I know Bruce
doesnt tell me everything, but Im sure Croc played a part in the exploits of Thomas Elliot last time,
its how he ended up in Arkham. Could this be linked? Could this whole thing be because of Croc?
I fire a blast from my laser beams in my eyes but it barely scratches him. I give another; powerful
enough to almost kill a normal man, but it barely tickles him. Okay, time to try something else. Lets
see how reptiles respond to the cold.
I rarely use my arctic breath, its the least affective of all my abilities and stands only as a last resort,
but if my laser sight doesnt harm him then I am forced to try everything.
He howls as the sudden cold hits him, but shakes it off and lunges for me. His punches are more like
violent swipes with several sharp blades due to his claw like hands, but I have Kryptonian skin and can
withstand it.
He swipes and I can feel my torso start to bleed, but it was barely a scratch. In return I give him one
of my own punches, then another, and another. Hes angry, but my blows are weakening him, they must
be. Im about to hit him again when Oracles voice comes into my ear.
Clark?
Kinda busy right now, I tell her. Croc got out, hes
I know, I can see you, Ive managed to get into Arkhams surveillance system. Scarecrow has been
let out, but Freeze and Hatter are still contained. Bruce is on his way. Listen, I need Croc back in his
cell, youve got to draw his attention away from where you are.
And how
Youve got the chance to hit him again, an uppercut. It wont hurt him too much, but hell be forced
back giving you the chance to get to his other side. Hes angry at you now; hell follow if you run.
But

24

Do it! Now!
I hesitate before I execute the move. For as long as I can remember, Ive never hesitated on a simple
move like that. This place must really be getting too me, Im doing things I usually would not. The near
fatal blast I gave Zsasz, the growl when I told Dick to leave, the hesitation to take out a known
criminal I dont do this, this isnt me. Riddler was right; this place is a nightmare to me. I need to get
out of these walls, get out of Gotham
But I cant. I promised Bruce.
At the last minute I do as Oracle said and bring an uppercut into his crocodile like jaw. His head is
forced back, but as I leap over him his claws grasp at my cape and I feel him take hold. Im pulled
backwards momentarily but my cape tears loose in his hands and Im free to make a run towards his
cell.
Am I running to make Croc follow, or running because Im scared? The exits not far, it would be so
easy to
A quick glance behind tells me Croc has given chase, but despite his strength being a match to my
own, I doubt he can run faster than a speeding bullet. I only hope Oracle knows what shes doing.
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 19:41.
I let my attention focus on the surveillance monitors for a minute to check Clark does the right
thing. Hes handling Croc pretty well; they appear to be a match for strength. Im reminded of the time
Clark fought Doomsday and actually died, but thankfully Croc isnt as powerful as that monster.
Satisfied that Clark can handle it, I turn my attention back on what I was doing. The Arkham
security system isnt as easy to hack into as the surveillance system, but Ill break through soon
enough. When it comes down to it, I really have no choice. If I can get the systems back online then Ill
have Arkham in my pocket; Ill be able to get the cells locked and if I get the frequency of the guards
radios then Ill be able to give them instructions in how to handle the remaining prisoners.
And lets not forget about Scarecrow. He needs to be found and so far the security monitors arent
showing anything.
Breaking into Arkhams files turns out to be much easier than I expected. It shouldnt be this easy,
but someone has already done it so far this evening and theyve paved the way for me. Im trying to set
up a trace programme to find the computer that organised the release, but so far theres no such luck.
The hacker is either really smart and set up a block, or theyve destroyed the computer they were
working from. If thats the case then we have no worry about more being released, but Im left clueless
as to why he, or she, didnt finish the job.
Was it perhaps Lex? He could certainly have people to do the job for him, and it would be
impossible to track a computer signal that came from the White House, but this isnt his style, its too
high profile for the President. And if it really was him who had a hand in Jokers breakout and hes just
come back to finish the job, why didnt he do it all in one sitting?
Joker? No, when he makes his move, it will be much worse than this. And much more personal.
Thomas Elliot? Hes perhaps the strongest lead, but what has he got to prove by doing this? His
attack will be on Bruce, and Bruce wasnt anywhere near Arkham when it happened, only Clark was.
Clark Hes stopped an awful lot of crimes in his time; hes picked up a long list of enemies. Could
it be one of them trying something new? But why Arkham, why now? I have a bad feeling that this is
simply the build up to something big, and whatever that something is, its going to happen soon.
Finally! Ive broken through to Arkhams security codes; the system is now under my control. First
things first, get the convicts back in their cells.
To my left is the monitor showing the image outside of Crocs cell, and one glance at that tells me
Clark succeeded in getting him back in. It appears Clark managed to get some sort of netting around
him to hold him until the power comes back to the security. Smart thinking, its the kind of thing Bruce
would have done.
Croc was released, and so was Scarecrow and Zsasz but why were Hatter and Freeze left behind? I
cant see any pattern
Wait! It cant be just a coincidence Croc and Scarecrow were used as pawns in Elliots exploits a
few months ago. Add that to Jokers break out and Elliots sudden reappearance Is someone perhaps
trying to finish what was started? But that leaves Zsasz; he played no part in Elliots plan, why was he
released as well?
Unless
Quickly I check Arkhams last list of inmates. Now that I have access to everything, I can get a
more updated list than the one I had to guide Clark on before. That one listed only Zsasz in that

25

particular cellblock, but this new one includes the name of another rogue stationed a couple of cells
down from Zsasz. Pamela Lillian Isley, now known only as Poison Ivy.
I find Dicks frequency immediately. Weve got a problem, I tell him. Ivy was in the same
cellblock as Zsasz, and shes nowhere to be seen.
Bruce and Cass have just arrived, well find her, Dick replies.
Scarecrows out there somewhere as well. Is Clark with you now?
Yeah, hes here. Were just finishing with the minimum security cellmates.
Good. Im going to broadcast myself on the guards frequency and get them to join the search. I
want to say goodbye, but I need Dick to concentrate so I end the transmission. Despite what his
happening between the two of us, we still have job to do, and it would be foolish to let the two interact,
despite what our impulses tell us to do.
As soon as Im out of contact with Dick, I rapidly search for the frequencies the guards radios work
off. This will be a shock for them, but it saves Batman from telling them all individually.
Attention Asylum guards, this is Oracle, I say when Ive sorted the connection. You dont know
me, I work for the Batman, and right now I need you to work for me. I have the security system in
operation again, in my control where it will remain until the remaining two prisoners are returned to
their cells. Pamela Isley and Jonathan Crane, also known as Poison Ivy and Scarecrow, are still loose
somewhere in the building. I pause, giving them time to acknowledge my words. These two are
considered extremely dangerous. Repeat, extremely dangerous. Do not travel alone and keep all
communication open. You will travel in four groups, each group lead by either Batman, Nightwing,
Batgirl or Superman, and each group will cover one section of the building. Oracle out.
Okay Bruce, Ive done my part. The rest is up to you.
Batman. Arkham Asylum, Gotham Narrows. 20:26.
The guards look nervous, but their nerves are probably out of being in my presence than the thought
of two known psychopaths on the loose. Few of them have ever met me before, to the others Im
merely the stuff of myths and legends. They probably doubted I even existed before tonight.
Weve taken the North Wing, starting with a sweep of Scarecrows cell and continuing backwards.
The building is still locked at the main entrance, but theres every chance they know of secret passages
leading out of here. Passages that even I dont know of.
Batman, theres something up ahead.
Its Oracle. Nice to know shes keeping watch on everything. If we beat this tonight, if we get
Scarecrow and Ivy back, it will be because of Oracle. Shes my second set of eyes and ears, and more
often that not she spots things that I dont. It makes me think of the years I started out. Before she was
Batgirl, before Dick was Robin, before I really knew what I was doing. How did I survive without her?
She is invaluable to me now, and yet I have never told her that.
Shes right, there is movement ahead. I tell the guards to keep back, but remain alert.
I can see the outline of a thin man in the shadows in front of me. I dont need to see the scraggy
clothes on his body or the sack that hides his face or even the pointed straw hat to tell me who this man
is. Scarecrow! I growl, just loud enough to alert him to my presence.
Doctor Jonathan Crane, psychiatrist turned psychopath. He preys on the innocent; the weak and the
fearful. Hes created various toxins that invade the mind, make your worst fears surface. So far Ive
been unable to find an immediate antidote, except that of time and plenty of sleep. By now he has
surely broken into Arkhams storage cupboards and recovered his belongings.
The guards each have gas masks built into their helmets, they wont feel the effects if Scarecrow
should spray his toxins. I on the other hand have got to remain cautious; he could release his poisons
into the atmosphere at any given moment.
He steps out of the shadows and behind his mask I can see his eyes dancing. Hes enjoying this,
theres fear from the guards and he knows it. The Bat-Man? To what do I owe this pleasure?
Give it up, Doctor Crane, I say, making a point to refer to him by his proper name and title. The
doors are locked, the security system is back online, weve got you surrounded. Theres nowhere for
you to run.
The moment I say it I can predict his response. There will be a split second in which he will spray
his gas and make a run for it, simply to prove a point. Unlike someone of Jokers calibre, Crane still
has some level of rational thought left in him. I can use that to my advantage; I can predict his every
move because people like him dont ever change.
I whip my cape up to protect my mouth and nose as the gas is pumped into the atmosphere from
concealed places on Cranes suit. Behind me I can hear one of the guards yelling to set their guns for
stun but I ignore it and burst through the cloud of green gas to confront Scarecrow myself.

26

Take away the weapon and Scarecrow is as cowardly as the people he preys on. Despite our history,
my presence still intimidates him and I dont even need to hit him to know that Ive won. I grab him by
the collar, thrust him against a wall a growl a warning, the same thing Ive done a countless number of
times before.
The gas clears and I motion for the guards to take him back to his cell. I briefly consider contacting
Oracle, but knowing her she was probably watching the entire thing anyway.
Scarecrow is down, only Ivy remains.
Superman. Arkham Asylum, Gotham Narrows. 20:39.
Oracle gets word to us that Scarecrow is back in his cell. Theres a voice in the back of my head
telling me to give it up and leave Ivy for the others. That I should leave Arkham, leave Gotham, that I
should go back to Metropolis and be with Lois. But that part of me that Bruce calls my Boy Scout side
is telling me to stay and do what is right.
Poison Ivy is true to her name, deadly and irresistible. Shes able to gain control of whomever she
likes by simple toxins conducted via a kiss or simply by pheromones in the atmosphere. I have been
under the effects myself, and almost killed Bruce as a result. I had no control over my actions, but I
was aware of what I was doing, which allowed me to mentally fight Ivy at the same time.
Suddenly Im more scared now than I was when I was facing Croc. I dont want to be the one to
come across Ivy, not after what happened last time. If she gets control of me now Im too
dangerous, too unpredictable. I cant bare the thought of me and Bruce coming to blows yet again, and
the way Im feeling right now, I wont be able to fight to regain control. If she managed to get into my
head, it would be a miracle if Bruce survived the night.
Nightwing. Arkham Asylum, Gotham Narrows. 20:42.
The long dark corridors of Arkham stretch out in front of me, each one seemingly just as uninviting
as the last. Scarecrows out of it, but Ivy was the one I was worried about. I know what her effects can
do, and if I get taken under tonight, I just wonder how Barbara would feel.
Cassandra Cain, the Batgirl, comes out of one of the adjoining corridors. Cass has always been
incredibly stealthy in these situations. She was trained by her father to be the ultimate assassin, but
instead became a force for good and with Oracles consent and guidance took up the mantle of Batgirl.
When I first knew her she was a mute, unable to speak or even read and write, but that was just one
more obstacle that she eventually overcame.
Bruce has asked her to come with me to Bldhaven tomorrow night. I have been tempted to bail on
her and remain in Gotham with Barbara, but I know that I cant. Not only is it unfair on her, it will let
Bruce down; and that man is the closest I have come to having a father.
I look at Cass, raising my eyebrows in an inquisitive manner forgetting theyre barely visible behind
my eye mask. Anything? I ask.
Nothing. Her voice is muffled slightly by her mask, which unlike Bruces covers her entire face,
but I can understand easily what shes saying. Think Ivys got out of here?
Id be tempted to put money on it, I reply, trying to cover up a yawn. Ive been out for too long, I
want to go back and see Barbara. Not that theres much point, she wouldnt allow herself to relax until
Ivy is back in her cell and she can hand control of Arkham back over to the wardens. Listen, I say.
About tomorrow night
But she cuts me off, pointing up the corridor in front of us. Out of instinct I almost ask, What is it?
before Ive even taken a proper look. Ahead of us something is defiantly moving, and were in a
sectioned off cellblock which hasnt been used in decades. The only people with any reason to be down
here are us, and I know for a fact that Bruce and Clark took the other side of the building.
The guards behind me are poised, guns aiming directly at the spot. Batgirl cautiously steps forward,
inching ever closer to the spot where Ivys standing. Batgirl, I hiss, trying not to make too much
noise. Be careful
But just as I say it, long green vines seem to appear out of nowhere, whipping through the air and
catching Cassandras legs. Shes caught unaware and the vines continue to wrap themselves around her
ankles before tripping her up completely. She drops to the floor and I hear her jaw smack against the
cold stone before the vines proceed to wrap themselves around her body leaving her left struggling.
I rush forward to try and help her when Ivys soft, entrancing voice rings out. Leave us.
I turn to see the two teams of guards turn helplessly on their heels and walk out of the room. Shes
released pheromones in the atmosphere, aimed solely at them. They are rendered helpless, forced to do

27

what she wills, simply by an uncontrollable infatuation. Ive felt the affects myself; you have literally
no control over your actions.
The vines holding Cass are strong; every time I cut one, another grows almost instantly in its place.
Like a snake they coil around her body, gradually working their way up to her neck. I try and grab hold
to stop her from being strangled, but when I do I feel my fingers slowly beginning to crush. Ivy! I
yell, feeling her presence in the shadows surrounding us. Let her go!
The vines loosen enough to let me pull my fingers out but they remain firm. Just dont struggle, I
say to Cass, nursing my fingers to make sure nothing broke. Itll be worse if you struggle.
Cass chokes. Run, she whispers. Run to Barbara.
Cass, I
Just do it, Dick, before its too late. You stay here and well both be under Ivys control, and I know
thats not where you want to be. Go. Ill be fine
I dont want to leave her, but a voice is screaming at me to run to Barbara. I look over my shoulder
at the direction the guards went in. That corridor will take me to flight of stairs, two floors up is another
of Bruces entrances which will lead me out into the Narrows. From there I could easily work my way
to Gotham central
I put a hand on Casss shoulder. Ill radio Batman, I tell her. Hell, if Oracles watching all this,
shes probably already done it. I glance around for a security camera and soon find one. Oracle is
watching, shell understand what I have to do.
As I get up to go another vine comes whipping out of the shadows but I dart left, flip back and let
the vine pass right over me. It gropes in the air for a moment as it trys to find a host to grab hold of,
but by the time it realises where I am Ive dodged again and pulled a blade out to cut the plant in half.
Ivys not going to let me go, but she hasnt realised the pheromones on me yet so I still have a chance
of getting out of here unscathed.
My mind is racing as I reach the stairwell; I almost trip as I bound up them taking two steps at a
time. I pass the first floor, but continue on to the second and burst through the door. I take the chance to
contact Batman just to make sure he knows what happening, before I locate an old cell with a busted
lock and race inside.
Behind the upturned bed is a section of loose brick, and behind that is my exit into the courtyard. I
fire a grapple to take me to the perimeter fencing, then leap from them to a near by water tower which
stood almost invisible against the ever darkening sky.
From there I make it into the main part of the Narrows, keeping out of sight and leaping across
rooftops. I hardly know what Im doing now; I dont even begin to notice how tired my legs are
getting. Im just so determined to get into Gotham proper, to pass by the busy streets and to reach the
Clock Tower. To see Barbara; to hold her hand; to kiss her lips to watch her as she sleeps.
As I reach the bridge that separates the Narrows from the rest of the city I mange to leap aboard the
top of a passing truck. As luck would have it, it takes me a fair distance into the city, stopping just
before the Wayne Tower. I fire a grapple to the furthest point of the tower and swing the gap between
that and the Clock Tower across the road.
My feet hit the roof of the Clock Tower and I almost collapse. Unlike Bruce my outfit doesnt have
a cape, never needed one in Bldhaven, but every time I come here I find my landings are never quite
as agile. Bruces cape is a parachute, he needs it in a city like Gotham, but home in Bldhaven the
buildings are several times smaller and I can simply leap with such freedom that a cape just gets in the
way.
So that landing wasnt my finest performance, but I dont have time to stop and catch my breath. I
bound down the stairs and into the control room where Barbara is lying back in her chair looking
exhausted, the communications headset is lying on the desk. She doesnt turn or open her eyes when I
enter the room, she simply says, Ivys back in her cell, we won.
Theres nothing in her voice that suggests shes angry at me for leaving, but I feel that I have to
know. I dont want to have disappointed her, not now. Babs, I
Dick, its alright. She turns to me and I see theres warmth in her eyes. She smiles, just enough to
let me know Ive done nothing wrong. I know what youre about to say, she continues. You want to
know how I feel about you leaving.
I dont why I I stammer. Ive never left a fight before, never. I
It was actually me that wanted you out of there, she explains. The way youre feeling right now,
about me, Ivy would have exploited that. You were a danger to the situation. I had already alerted
Bruce, I knew Cass was in no immediate danger so I contacted her via a private frequency in her mask
and told her to let you go.
Why didnt you contact me direct? I ask.

28

Because of that damned hero complex of yours, especially when theres a damsel in distress. I
knew you wouldnt leave if you thought Cass was still in danger and felt there was more chance you
would go if the order came straight from her. She sighs. Dick, Im tired. Can we just go to bed?
I nod, with a small smile. Its still early evening, but she was kept awake last night by her dreams
while I spent the night on the roof of a warehouse. We could both do with a good nights sleep.
Instead of rolling her chair I walk over to pick her up and carry her into the bedroom.
She yawns. Thank you.
I lay her on the bed and remove the mask from my eyes before turning the light off. Theres still a
faint glow coming in through the window from the city lights outside and I use that to remove the rest
of my costume and find my way back to the bed.
You did good tonight, I say softly as Barbara removes her top and positions herself in my arms
before closing her eyes. She murmurs a reply but shes already half asleep. I shift my body slightly to
allow my head to fall against the pillow, not fighting my eyes as they too begin to close. It hurts that I
have to spend tomorrow night in Bldhaven, but I try not to think about that now. I just want to enjoy
the time I have here at the moment.
April 30th.
Tim Drake. The White House, Washington DC. 11:43.
The coach pulls to a stop outside the White House and theres a mad rush to get off. I remain sitting
in my seat until everyone else has gone before reluctantly getting up and following the rest of the class
as they approach the house of Luthor. Im reluctant to go in, to say the least. I know what Luthor is
capable of.
We pass through to the entrance hall, and my heart skips a beat. Theyre checking bags, theyre
checking our bags. Its fine for everyone else, theyve got nothing to hide. Me on the other hand, my
bag has my Robin outfit folded at the bottom. How am I meant to explain that? Oh, yeah, Ive been a
superhero for the past six years and your boss is a criminal mastermind. Can I come in?
Quickly I take my jacket off and stuff it on top of the costume. They dont seem to be taking
everything out, just a quick rummage, so in theory all theyll see of mine is a pile of clothes. That is,
provided they dont notice the detachable metal R and the golden glow of the utility belt.
I had thought about leaving the suit at home, but surely its my duty as a Robin to be ready wherever
I go, right? Ok, Im an idiot. I should have guessed the security here would be top notch, though
theyre being a bit over the top if they expect a bunch of school kids to sneak a bomb past the teachers
in an attempt to blow up the White House.
I get to the front of the queue and hand my bag over. I dont say anything; I just act normal, though
secretly praying in my head. They look through it and are about to let me through when they stop and
stare inside the bag. I think theyve spotted the R insignia as their gaze travels from the bag to me,
without a single blink, but a moment later they let me through with a mere shrug.
Ok, I wasnt expecting that. Unless Lex must know about me, right? Who I am, what I do. He
must have known my class would be visiting today and told his men to expect me to turn up with my
Robin suit Then again, does he know me? If he knew my identity it would stand to reason he knew
Bruce Waynes, and someone like Luthor wouldnt think twice about exposing him
What does this mean? Have I really just hoodwinked the guards with a pile of clothes, or has Lex
got something special planned?
Dick Grayson. Wayne Manor, Gotham Country. 12:37.
Bruce sits in front of me, but neither of us are talking. He called me here this morning, woke me up
as well, and now all he can do is stare. But whats amazing is he wanted to talk here, in the mansion,
where the sun shines bright through the giant windows of the living room and Bruce himself is basked
in it, for once completely out of the shadows.
I wanted to say thank you for everything you did last night, he says at last. And I want you to
know I dont blame you for leaving.
Cass. Is she?
Shes fine. Me and Clark got there straight away, he untied Cassandra while I got Ivy back in her
cell. He pauses. She is going to meet you in Bldhaven at eleven oclock tonight, at the south docks,
just where you said.
I figured it was too much to hope for that Bruce would have changed his mind about tonight; that
Cassandra could take it by herself and I would get the spend the time with Barbara. Ok, perhaps I really

29

am being selfish here, I mean after all Bldhaven is my city, I just cant seem to get rid of a feeling that
I need to be with Babs tonight.
But I want to make my peace with Bruce as well. I can get so royally pissed off with him
sometimes, but hes like my father, and I would hate to leave Gotham on bad terms with him. And as
hes showing no sign to make the first move, I guess itll have to be me.
Bruce, Im sorry. There, Ive said it. Im sorry that in light of everything thats happened with
Barbara, Ive neglected my duty to Bldhaven. I just I wanted to be with her, yknow?
Shell be fine, Dick. If moving back to Gotham is what you want, I cant stop you. But you must do
this last thing while the city of Bldhaven is still yours.
I nod. Hes so much easier to talk to when hes not in the suit; in fact hes almost pleasant. I guess
Ill go back to the clock tower now, say goodbye to Barbara, and return to Bldhaven ready for this
evening. I would want to spend the remainder of the day with her, but she still has a duty as Oracle,
especially while Tim is in the White House with Lex.
Tim Drake. The White House, Washington DC. 15:37.
Ok, Ive spent the day here, and so far theres been no sign of a trap. Ive planted a few bugs at
every opportunity possible, but what will come of them I have no idea. It could still be that Lex is
innocent in this whole affair, that someone else released the Joker and that his security could have
simply not spotted the Robin suit
Yeah, okay, that is unlikely.
Just as were leaving, I spot something happening on a street outside the White House. A bunch of
guys running. Running, it looks like, to get away from something. I think nothing of it until I hear the
wail of Police sirens in the distance and I realise the guys are on the run from them.
I really shouldnt, I mean the bus is about to leave
Screw it, theyll wait for me, and the cops are too far away to catch the guys in time.
No one notices as I duck out of line, I can thank the Batman for that move. Were still within the
grounds of the White House and I choose the closest hedge to change behind. Yeah, Im changing into
my superhero outfit behind a bush in the White House, and I call myself professional. I keep meaning
to speak to Clark about how he wears his outfit under his casual clothes; Ive just never understood
how youre supposed to hide the cape...
Dodging the White House security is easy enough; its getting out of here without being seen by
forty six keen-eyed school kids thats the problem. Eventually I choose a spot just west of the entrance,
and as soon as I can I fire a grapple to the nearest building. Another of Batmans tricks: stay above
ground if you want to remain hidden.
Ok, Im above ground, now where did the blokes go
There! Theyve just turned down a side road, which should make it a hell of a lot easier.
I jump down to meet them, pulling out my bo staff as I do. I hit one in the side of the stomach and
hes down before Ive even got a good look at him. I do, however, get a good look at his two friends as
they come at me, and it takes me a second but I realise Ive seen them before.
The third guy gets up and Im unsurprised to find I recognise him as well. Its the guys from the
heist on the pawn store in Gotham a couple of nights ago, but what in Gods name are they doing here
in Washington?
Dick Grayson. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 16:00.
My Nightwing suit is an all in one, makes it easier to put on. I decided to change here, in the Clock
Tower, before I leave for Bldhaven. Im feeling better about going now, but I still cant shake this
feeling that I need to be with Barbara tonight. Is it simply because were now engaged, or is it
something more, like some sort of sixth sense?
I dont know why Im so worried. Even if someone does break in, Barbara has proven time and
again that she can take care of herself; shes even built a series of defences in this place to stop anyone
getting in.
As I fold up my casual street clothes, a small box falls from the left hand pocket of my jeans. Its
the ring I brought for Barbara on my way back from the Manor this afternoon; I just havent decided
when to give it to her. Ive gone over this in my head a million times, but Im reluctant to give it to her
now. Somehow it doesnt seem like the right moment considering Im about to spend the rest of the
night in Bldhaven.
I put the ring back in the pocket and place the jeans on a nearby chair. Ill give it to her tomorrow,
when I get back first thing in the morning.

30

As I head out of the bedroom and into the control room, I find Babs hurriedly talking to someone on
her transmitter.
Tim, she says, Leave them, theyre not worth it. Ive got a security feed from a nearby building; I
can see your bus is ready to go. Listen, theyre petty thugs, leave them for the police otherwise youll
miss the bus back to Gotham!
I cant! comes the voice of Tim Drake on the other end of the line. I recognise the guys; theyre
the ones on that attack on Sinclairs Pawn the other night. The bus will be fine, theyll see Im not there
and theyll wait for me! Oh, crap! Uh, Oracle? I gotta run; the goons have made a dash for it.
Goddamn it, Tim, listen to me! Come back to Gotham while you know youre safe. If what you say
is true and Lex really was expecting you today, then this could be some elaborate plan of his to to
Tim? Tim, are you? She turns to me. He hung up. Then glancing at one of her monitors she adds,
Oh, and there goes his bus.
Trouble in Washington? I ask.
Tims insisting that hes run into some guys who he recognises from an attempted heist on a pawn
store the other day, Oracle replies. And by the looks of things it has cost him his journey home, the
bus has just left without him.
You seem pretty worked up about this, I say. Tims a smart kid; he wont get himself caught in
anything he knows is over his head. Hell catch a train back to Gotham when hes ready.
I just dont think anyone should be that close to Luthor, not while hes the prime suspect on Jokers
breakout. She sighs. I guess youre right. Ill tell Bruce, give him the heads up.
Babs, Ive got to go.
She smiles. Yeah, the outfit gave it away, she says. Ill be fine Dick, and Ill call you first thing in
the morning.
Promise?
Promise.
I head to the balcony which stands in front of the enormous clock face, but just as Im about to leave
something within tells me to stop and turn. I look at Barbara for a moment, and she looks straight back
at me, then in an instant Im by her side and kissing her like Ive never kissed her before. I want to tell
her I love her but the words dont form, and instead all I can do is let her go and jump off the side of
the building, hoping she was in the moment as much as I was.
As I fire a grapple to the roof of Wayne Tower, then twist my body mid-air and fire another to
Meltzer and Morales law film. I manage one last glance back to see Barbara watching me from the
balcony.
Batman. The Cave. 20:00.
Bruce?
Oracles voice wakes me up and I find myself sitting at the computer in the cave, dressed in the
mantle of the Bat. Its early evening, and Im still exhausted after last night. Is Dick still with you? I
ask, expecting her answer to be yes.
No, he left a few hours ago. Bruce, its Tim, he missed the bus back to Gotham claiming he saw
some guys he recognised from that pawn heist. Im sure hell be fine, but I wanted to let you know.
Tim can take care of himself, I say. If theres nothing else, then
Bruce, wait. I heard on the police frequency of a warehouse in the East End, some guys were
kicked out of it the other day. It might be nothing, but worth a look at least.
The East End is Catwomans turf, I say. I have no reason to go there.
Yeah, ok, so Im stalling. Of late Catwoman, Selina, has been having a go of it on the right side of
the law, even aiding me in my fight on several occasions. A few months ago, during Tommys rampage,
Selina and I grew closer. I even went as far as to reveal to her my true identity, following
Nightwings advice on the matter.
My relationship with Selina as always been complicated, and now it seems that every time I see her
things get more and more complex. I find it best to stay out of the East End completely, at least that
way I can be sure of not having to see her.
Bruce, I know whatevers happening between the two of you right now is none of my business, but
this might be the only lead we have on Tommy. I can contact Clark, have him meet you there.
I try and think of an argument but I cant. Alright, I say. Ill check it out, but Im not sticking
around. If hes there, hes there, if not its Supermans problem now, I gave him the job of finding
Elliot.
Oracle gives me directions and afterwards I hang up without another word. Its strange, but for the
briefest of moments I fell that I should call back and apologise for being so hard on her. Its remarkable

31

that she puts up with me despite the way I speak to her, and for the first time I actually feel that I
should tell her that.
Sir, I have prepared a little supper for you, comes Alfreds voice from behind me. Hes good; I
didnt even hear him approach.
No time, I growl, pulling the mask back over my face and heading to the Batmobile. If I head
south west I can cross the Kane Memorial Bridge, straight on past Sheldon Park and enter Gotham near
Crime Alley. My quickest route to the Upper East Side is past Sprang River, and taking that route Im
less likely to run into Selina.
Of course, Alfred nods. Heaven forbid can you eat something before you go. No matter, Ill just
toss this away along with every other meal I make you.
He thinks I dont hear his dry comments, but Im so used to them I take nothing of it. Alfred is the
most loyal butler, and friend, that I could ask for. Ill eat something when I get back, I cant imagine Ill
be out for long.
Superman. Gotham City Fashion District. 22:28.
Bruce actually offered that I spend the night in the Manor after we were done with Ivy, but I decided
to fly back to Metropolis and spend the night with Lois. Its rare, but every now and then I remember
why it is I still call Bruce a friend, more so than Diana or John or any other member of the Justice
League. Its part of my nature to be friendly towards people, but there are some I connect with more
than others. Strange, then, that the man I connect with the most is the one man who doesnt connect to
anybody.
I left Metropolis early this morning to continue my search for Thomas Elliot. No luck. I
contemplated going back to Riddler, but somehow I just didnt feel up for another trip to Arkham.
Besides, I knew he wouldnt have anything new to say.
I glance at the time, its half nine. Ive been searching all day, scouring each and every building with
yet no traces of this elusive Hush. A nearby sign tells me Im in the Fashion District, and one quick
sweep tells me Im not likely to find Elliot here.
To my left is Miller Harbour, but its too high profile for someone who calls himself Hush. To my
right are the beginnings of the Gotham Central skyscrapers, high class businesses and apartments. I can
search them with the x-ray vision, but everything here seems too upmarket, too open.
Superman?
Im here, Oracle. What is it?
A reports come in of a warehouse in the East End. Batmans on his way, wants you to meet him.
I hear you. Im in the Fashion District, Ill be there momentarily.
I take it youve had no luck so far then?
None. Ill check in with you later. The transmitter goes silent. I rise higher into the sky to find my
best route to Upper East Side, where I should be able to follow the trail of the Batmobile, but as I do I
catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye in Grant Park.
Curiosity peeked I head in the direction, just in time to see a figure dart between the trees and head
towards Turner Row. Its not uncommon for someone to be alone in a park at this time of evening, but
theres something about the figure. I may have been wrong, I mean its dark out, but Im sure the figure
was dressed in a long overcoat.
I glance back towards the East Side. I concentrate and my ears pick up the sound of the Batmobile.
Bruce wont mind if Im late, will he? Besides, it will only take a moment to see who this figure
dressed in an overcoat might be.
I fly down in the direction of Turner Row, but at first glance all appears to be empty. I land just at
the edge of the park next to a clump of trees, but the road, both left and right, looks deserted. Perhaps I
was wrong, perhaps it really was nothing. Perhaps, like Bruce, I have become too obsessed with
finding Elliot
Robin. Washington DC. 22:30.
Ok, so where do I start? First I turn up at the White House with my Robin outfit and they barely
raise an eyebrow, then I change into my outfit in the White House grounds and thirdly I have chased
down three thugs who were last seen robbing a pawn shop in Gotham Bowery.
The cops took the thugs away, but not before I asked them a few questions of my own. I dont have
the interrogation skills that Batman has, and Im nowhere near as intimidating, but I managed to get
one or two answers out of them.

32

The thugs said they were working for someone, and seeing as were in Washington Id bet my
bottom dollar that someone is Lex Luthor. So what? He hired them to rob a pawn shop then escape to
Washington? Doesnt sound very criminal mastermind-ish. And that doesnt answer as to why Im here,
and why his guards chose not to notice the Robin outfit in my bag.
Alright, so lets look at the facts. Joker has escaped from jail, Hush has been spotted robbing a bank
in Metropolis and may or may not be back in Gotham, petty thugs are taking orders to rob pawn shops,
Nightwing is tied down in Bldhaven with an arms deal and theres been an attempted break out at
Arkham Asylum. All mere co-incidences, or is it all somehow connected?
Batman believes Lex to be the one who broke Joker out, and he does seem like the most obvious
candidate, but whats that got to do with the thugs Ive just taken down? Did Luthor bring them here to
distract me, is that why he let the outfit in my bag go unnoticed? If thats so then hes keeping me here
for a reason, and Id bet tonight is the night when Joker makes his move.
I need to get back to Gotham, and fast.
Batman. Gotham City, East End. 22:37.
The warehouse is empty. If Elliot was here then hes long gone by now. I need to speak to Clark.
Hes been searching for Tommy all day and I need to know if hes found anything, but for a man whos
supposed to be faster than a speeding bullet he sure is taking his time getting here.
Unless Oracle failed to tell him to meet me here.
Ive scoured the place from top to bottom, even searched for finger prints in all the likely places, but
Ive come up with nothing. I start to wonder if this is really the kind of place where Tommy might hide
out; did he even know that the East End belongs to Catwoman and not to me? He was a doctor, and a
good one at that. He succeeded in restoring Harvey Dents face, he even fixed me while I suffered from
a head injury, but perhaps thats all I really knew about this man who I once called a friend.
I turn to leave but as I do I spot a figure standing in the doorway. My first guess is Clark has finally
arrived, but a closer look tells me this figure is female. Selina.
I dont think I need to tell you this part of the city is mine, she states.
Selina Kyle is Catwoman, a reformed, or so she claims, jewel thief. I have known her for years and
my relationship with her has always been something of a shade of grey. I have known her to rob from
museums, up market jewellery shops, even break into private homes, but on more than one occasion
she has helped me take down plenty of known criminals. She is unpredictable, to say the least, but
lately she has sworn to have changed her ways.
I was looking for someone, I growl. Thomas Elliot. Remember him?
When Tommy first came back into my life I worked with Selina again to bring down Poison Ivy. Ivy
had manipulated her, made her steal again. I was disappointed when I believed her to have returned to
her old ways, and I remember how relieved I was when I learnt she was not wholly responsible for her
actions.
Perhaps that is why I gave in so easily and let her kiss me. Or perhaps I was just curious.
Selina looks both shocked and angry at the mention of Elliots name. Hes back? she asks.
I nod. Im still not comfortable talking to her, every time I look at her Im reminded of when I By
the end, when the mystery rolled up and Tommy revealed himself, I didnt let things with Catwoman
continue. I told myself it was because I didnt trust her, that she could have been part of Elliots plan all
along, but I know that the reason I ended it was because I was scared.
She moves to sit down. Let me guess, Oracle told you of an anonymous tip that someone was
hauled up in this warehouse and you thought you would check it out without alerting me first? She
sighs. I got that same tip; its why Im here.
A million reasons flash through my head as to why both me and Catwoman received the same tip
from an anonymous source, but I dont feel like sharing them with Selina right now. If someone
brought us here then they want us together, means the best place for us to be right now is apart.
I turn to leave but Selina appears behind me and holds me back. Wait, she says. Seeing as were
both here theres something I wanted to say. That stuff with Elliot last time, I wasnt a part of it. Ivy
used me, I know you know thats the truth, and afterwards it was you that kept me involved. You took
me to the cave, you revealed to me your identity and then you ended it just like that.
I told you, I
Dont tell me its because you dont trust me, Bruce, she continues. Its because youre scared of
commitment, and I know it. You claim to be alone, but I dont know if thats because youre refusing to
look around you or because you just like the idea of not having to watch someones back.
Life with me results in betrayal, and even death. Its too dangerous. Im too dangerous.

33

Ok, look at Nightwing. Robin. Oracle. Theyve never felt betrayed by you, nor have been hurt by
you. If this is all about Jason Todd then you have got to let it go. His death was not your fault, and you
know it. She pauses. Im not some kid youve taken under your wing, Bruce. Im not one of your little
gang. I wasnt trained by you, raised by you. I can take care of myself, and I accepted the risks that this
life holds a long time back.
Selina, I
She moves closer, pressing her body against mine. For the briefest of moments our lips brush
together and I find that I dont want to resist it. Im reminded of the night I stood above the city with
Selina and experienced the rush of her lips against mine for the first time.
Just let it go, she whispers now. And kiss me.
Nightwing. Bldhaven, South Docks. 23:00.
They havent turned up.
Me and Cass are perched on the same rooftop I spent the night on not three days ago. Cass is set up
at the same skylight that I kept watch through, while Im crouched at the edge of the warehouse
looking out over the water.
One glance at my watch tells me its eleven exactly, which is the time Penguin said he would meet
his goons, he would meet them at this exact spot. He also said a boat would be coming in at this time,
but I have a clear view of the docks and theres no sign of one. Did they postpone it while I was in
Gotham; perhaps agree on a different time, or a different night?
Is this all just a complete waste of time?
Anything? Cassandra asks, coming up behind me.
I sigh. Nothing. No Penguin, no goons, no boat. Im beginning to think we shouldnt be here.
What do you want to do?
I guess we should stay, its only just gone eleven. Ive just never known Penguin to be late for
something like this. Theres nothing I would like more than to leave it here and go back to Barbara. Its
not that late, I could easily get back to Gotham within the hour, but Bruce was right when he said I still
had a commitment to this city, if only for one more night.
Lets give it til half past, Cass suggests.
I nod, leaning back against the side and letting slip the infa-red binoculars. So what do you think? I
ask, attempting to make conversation to pass the time. Think this, Jokers breakout, and the
reappearance of Hush are connected?
She shrugs. Could be. I guess we wont know until Joker, or Hush, make a move.
Superman. Turner Row, Gotham Fashion District. 23:03
I saw you come, Man of Steel. I watched you fly down from the sky like a bird stalking its prey.
I spin around to see the man they call Hush to be standing amongst the trees of Grant Park. I have
been searching this area for the past half hour, I was so convinced I had seen him, but only now has he
chosen to reveal himself.
His chest is still bare and covered in scars, his face still hidden beneath rows of bandages. His coat
sways in the wind, mimicking the movements of my own cape. Elliot, I say.
So youve learnt my name, but that means nothing, he says. Oh, and that transmitter in your ear
there Before I have time to react Hush has pulled out a gun and fired a single shot to my face. The
bullet doesnt harm me, it merely bounces off my skin, but what I dont realise in time is that the shot
was aimed at the transmitter.
The broken shards of the radio fall the ground and the bandages around Hushs mouth shuffle
slightly as he grins. I knew the bullet wouldnt harm you, but I dont want you calling for help. Then
his voice grows softer, I have to concentrate a lot more to hear what he says. Not that anyone is
available to help you, of course.
Ok, what did he mean by that? No matter, Batman is only a few blocks away, and I can take Elliot
down easily enough. I already established on our last encounter that he doesnt have Kryptonite, and
Im impervious to harm from standard bullets. Although, perhaps my best bet is to keep him talking, it
would pay to learn a little more about whos pulling the strings on this one.
So talk, I say. Why did you rob the bank, and why Metropolis?
All in good time, Man of Steel. This is not the grand finale, theres a lot more to come. He throws
his gun to the floor. In fact, tonight could be seen as the start, the commencement, though no doubt you
enjoyed my little prank at the Asylum last night. Call it a prelude.
That was you?

34

Oh, please! Even your Oracle figured it out. But of course! Im forgetting, Batmans the detective,
you are merely a pawn. His hand reaches inside his overcoat. Oh, and Superman? he continues,
Our pervious encounter, when I said I didnt have Kryptonite? I lied.
In a flash he draws his hand and hes holding another gun. Though I am at a distance, I can feel a
familiar pounding at the back of my head which tells me Im within close proximity to the shattered
remains of my home planet, the only substance in the world that can kill me. I dont need to see them to
know that gun contains Kryptonite bullets.
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 23:08.
For the fifth time in so many minutes I pick up the radio transmitter and put it down again. I have a
strong urge to speak to Dick, but every time I go to theres a voice in the back of my head that tells me
not to bother him while hes on a stakeout. I mean what if theres a fight, I dont want Dicks attention
diverted which could wind up in him getting hurt.
And yet I just want to hear his voice.
My mouth feels dry and I decide to leave the workstation to get a drink of water. As I reach for the
glass I yawn and steel a glance towards the bedroom where Im tempted to lie down. My gaze travels
across the room; from my bed to the chair next to it where Dick piled his clothes. I groan as I notice his
jeans have dropped to the floor and decide to go pick them up.
I wheel the chair across to the room and bend down to pick up his jeans, but as I do so a small box
falls from the left hand pocket and into my lap. Curiosity peeked I open it, and gaze in awe at the sight
of a small diamond ring. The words I spoke to him when he proposed flash through my mind once
more. So, do I get a ring?
Not being able to resist I slip it on my finger, holding it up and letting the stones sparkle in the light.
He must have brought it earlier today, when he went to the Manor to speak to Bruce. It still surprises
me that Dick remembers such small details as to what ring size I am, but I keep reminding myself that
he was raised by Batman, who would never forget even the smallest of details about something, or
someone.
I put the ring back in the pocket of the jeans as to not spoil the moment for Dick tomorrow, then I
wheel back to the workstation and pick up the headset once more. This time Im determined to speak to
him, to let him know just how much I love him. If there was ever any doubt in my mind about whether
or not we could make it work this time, it has all been lifted. This lets me know just how serious he is.
Im about to switch the transmitter on when I hear something outside. Its soft, so faint Im almost
prepared to say Im imagining it, but I could swear that theres the sound of someone coming up the
stairs.
I spin the chair round and check the security monitors, but each of them have been disconnected.
Okay, this is strange, the only person who could get in here without me knowing is Batman, and he
would never use the stairs. Is it Dick, or Tim? Both have proven themselves to be just as stealthy when
they need to be. But it couldnt be them. Dicks in Bldhaven and Tims in Washington, and again,
neither of them would need to use the stairs.
Its getting nearer. Ok, so lets assume theres a loose cable somewhere and thats why my security
feed is out. Who would be climbing my stairs at half eleven at night? Is it Dad? Has there perhaps been
an accident, he needs my help? But dad would call first, I know he would.
My hand reaches under the desk where I grasp my last means of defence: a shotgun. Im about to
pull it out when at last there comes a knock at the door and suddenly Im transported back ten years to
that frightful day when all use of my legs was taken from me. My fathers words echo in my head again
until theyre drowned out by endless, high pitched laughter. I shake my head but this time I know its
not a dream.
I try for the shotgun again but as I reach a shaking hand towards my desk, the door swings open
with a tremendous crash and I find myself staring into the stark white face and pointed grin that has
haunted my dreams for years. The same wide brimmed hat, the Hawaiian shirt; everything about him is
exactly as it was ten years ago.
Honey, he says, lifting a pre-prepared class of whisky in one hand. Im home.
Superman. Gotham City, Grant Park. 23:18.
I dive behind the closest car as Hush fires another Kryptonite bullet at me. So far none have hit me,
but Im left with a suspicion that hes purposefully spoiling his aim. If he wanted to he could have hit
me ten times over by now, and I would be close to death, but the fact he hasnt means hes holding back
for whatever reason.

35

What do you want? I yell, in a desperate attempt to get him to cease firing.
Its a complicated question, Man of Steel, he replies. See, I dont want anything per-se, its my
employer that wants you dead.
Your employer? So you are working for someone?
Dont give yourself credit quite yet, Superman. Lets see if you can work out who Im working for.
Another grin beneath the bandages, Im sure of it. Hes treating this as a game, he knows how much
control he has over the situation and its almost sickening. Think, he continues. Who wants you dead
more than anyone? Who could I have acquired Kryptonite off?
Luthor. It all comes down to Luthor. The stunt at the bank, where he said he couldnt get Kryptonite,
it was merely a smokescreen; something to throw me off the scent. Suddenly it all falls into place, the
reason why Elliot was robbing the bank in Metropolis. It wasnt about the money, it was about me.
Why? I ask. Why are you working for him? What are you getting out of it? I thought your vendetta
was against Batman!
Me and Bruce have unfinished business, its true, Elliot replies. Its not time for him yet, but lets
get back to the task at hand. So youve sussed whos pulling the strings, but the question you should be
asking is not what does he want, but why is he here?
Gotham, I nod. Ive taken it for granted, and so has Bruce for that matter, but why is all this
happening in Gotham if its been about me all along? And thats another thing. Since bringing her into
the bank heist, which was only used as a bargaining trip, theyve left Lois out of this. If someone really
wanted to strike at me they would do so through her. I need to speak to Bruce; he has a better head for
this than I do.
So let us assume for a minute that this isnt about you, Elliot continues. What if someone were to
break a known criminal out of Arkham, ten years to the day when said criminal shot and paralysed a
teenage girl.
Joker, I say. So Bruce was right, it was Lex who broke Joker out of Arkham.
So what might that criminal hope to achieve? He has tried so many times to play his games, but has
always had his plans foiled by a gang of, shall we say pesky, heroes? So the first thing to see to is
that these heroes arent around to foil his plans this time. Unless, of course, someone he thought of as
an ally turned out be playing his own game and actually sent the most powerful of these heroes to save
our young friend just in the nick of time.
Barbara, I realise. Luthors seen to it that no one is around, he has us all caught in diversions to let
the Joker have free rein Dicks in Bldhaven with Cassandra, they cant get here in time. Tims
stuck in Washington having been drawn there by a school trip and Id bet that something has happened
to Bruce at the warehouse. Its up to me, but why is Elliot letting me go?
Fly, Man of Steel, he hisses. But remember what I said, this is merely the beginning.
My head is full of questions but I have no time to search for answers to them. Without another
glance at Hush I lift into the sky and rise above the clouds racing towards the Clock Tower in Gotham
central. I know little about what happened ten years ago but I know that Joker was responsible for
Barbaras shooting and if Elliots hints are correct than hes out to finish the job. I only hope Im not
too late.
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 23:39.
Hes toying with me. Hes been here for thirty minutes and so far hes done nothing but reminisce
on past events, like I need to be reminded of when he shot me and tried to drive my father insane. It
happened ten years ago today, but I never expected Joker to finish what was started because it was
never me he was after, it was Dad.
His words echo in my head. When asked why he did what he did he replied, To prove a point, and
though I didnt understand at the time, it was all just him making a stand against our legal system. Dad
was still Commissioner of police at that time, thats why Joker went straight to him. I cant help but
wonder if hes got something planned, if hes going to use me to get to Dad.
Or is he simply going to kill me?
He walks with confidence in his step towards my workstation and my heart skips a beat. All my files
are still open, everything which reveals my role as Oracle and every line of communication I have with
Bruce, Clark and the rest of the Justice League; Nightwing and the Outsiders and even Tim and the rest
of the Teen Titans. If Joker wanted to he could dig up every strategy plan that Bruce has ever come up
with, ones which Bruce trusted me to keep a secret, even from Dick, Tim and Cass.
He stops in front of the desk and glances from the monitor, to me, then to the monitor again. He
shrugs. No need to look anxious, he says. I know you help ol Guano-man and Im not here about
that.

36

Then what? I ask. Why are you here?

Well, you know how it is, Joker replies. You strike up a conversation with a known criminal
mastermind whos masquerading as the pres well, someone famous and he tells you of this little
game he has planned and you just have to be a part of it
So it was Lex who broke Joker out. Not that that information really helps me now though. All I can
do now is keep Joker talking for as long as possible and try and come up with a way to get a message to
Bruce, or even Clark. My confidence is draining, but theres still one thing that I have to ask. What do
you plan on doing to me? I choke.
He shrugs, keeping his clown like grin plastered on his face. Ill make you laugh; Ill make you
cry. A pause, the grin widens. Ill make you smile before you die.
Its hard now not to show the fear that Ive been feeling, but I refuse to just give in. He glides
towards me, whipping a gun from his shorts and pressing it up against my cheek. The sexual innuendo
is not lost on me. My, now this does look familiar, he says.
I want so desperately to shout at him, to lash out with my arms, but in his sick way he would
probably get off on it. Instead I keep my arms tightly folded, turning my head so as to not look the
madman in the eye. Lex set all this up, didnt he, I say. First he brings in Elliot, organises a mass
break out at Arkham; then leaves it to you to strike at Batman through me. Well tell him something
when you see him, tell him hes weak. Tell him to stop hiding under his presidency and to take a
showdown directly to Batman.
Oh, sweetie, you just dont get it, do you? Though I cant deny that this will tickle Batman the
wrong way, it was I who volunteered for the job. The look on his face is unbearable; he is so pleased
with himself. I got word to Lex in Arkham when I heard what he was up to and he secured my
release, he explains. True his intention was to hurt the Batman, thats all its ever been, but I wanted
so badly to be here with you on our anniversary.
Youre sick, I hiss.
Joker laughs. You only just noticed? But let us not get sidetracked, my dear. You may notice that
this here gun is the same one that put you in that chair, ten years ago. I thought it fitting, yknow, its
just a shame your father couldnt be here to witness this very special occasion. He grins again. But
dont worry; Ive got something planned for him, too.
Dad, I stutter. No
Yes! Joker exclaims. See it came to my attention that he probably doesnt know of your little
goings on in this place, the Oracle to Batmans hero. Oh, he has an inkling, Im sure of it. Im sure deep
down hes always known that you lead two lives, but over the years, having never followed through on
anything, hes found hes happier living in denial. Joker walks over to the workstation again and
begins tapping away at the keyboard. Now, he would never believe an old crook like me if I were to
tell him the truth, but what would happen if he were to see it all for himself? What would happen if he
were to find your body here, with all this information staring him right in the face? Dont you think it
might finally drive him insane? The death of his daughter, and finding out that he never really knew
her?
Detective Renee Montoya, G.C.P.D. Gotham Central, 23:50.
Im supposed to be off duty, but a report just came in about an anonymous tip stating a break in at
the Clock Tower and I volunteered to check it out as it was on my route home. Its probably nothing,
just some punk kids thinking its funny, but the buildings tenant is Barbara Gordon, daughter of former
police commissioner James Gordon, and Im calling this a favour to an old friend.
I pull my car to a stop on the empty street outside the Clock Tower and a first glance at the door tells
me it does indeed look to be forced open. I lock up my car, pull my gun from my holster, and begin to
walk up the narrow staircase that leads all the way to the top of the building.
I shout out a routine Police! Freeze! into the darkness. If it is kids then theyll probably make a run
for it now, knowing that I come armed, but the more I wait, the more I begin to suspect that this could
very well be something bigger.
I reach the first floor and pull my flashlight out. At first glance I cant see anything, and Im about to
work my way up the stair case again to the next floor when I spot something out of the corner of my
eye. Pinned to the wall next to the hand rail is a playing card, the ace of spades, and as I work my way
up the stairs I realise that theres more. Scattered all over the wall, in what appears to be some sort of
trail, is the entire pack of cards leading upstairs.
Cautiously I take each one in turn, until finally I come to the last one that unlike the others is pinned
face down. A million thoughts run through my head, but as I turn the card around I can already predict

37

what I will see on the other side. Staring up at me is a chilling grin of a joker card, which leads to only
one possible conclusion about who orchestrated this break in.
Im about to turn and head back to my car where I can call for back up, but as I do so Im over come
with a sudden feeling that Im doing the wrong thing, contacting the wrong person. How can I rely on a
Police Department that I have witnessed of being corrupt time and time again? I consider Barbara
Gordon to be something of a friend, and the only person I can count on right now is her father, the
finest man to ever wear a police badge.
I dial Gordons number into my cell phone, but just before I put in the last digit, Im reminded that
Gordon may very well be with Harvey Dent right now, and mine and Harveys history is at best
complicated.
It started a few years ago, when Gotham was struck by a terrible earthquake and turned into a No
Mans Land. Its been said that only the valiant and the insane remained behind, but I stayed with a
select few officers as the city was evacuated to try and keep some level of peace. Still, it wasnt long
before each of the major players had their own territory, with Harvey Dent, still Two Face at the time,
owning perhaps the largest slice of all.
He had power over the city, theres no denying that. I was sent in by Commissioner Jim Gordon to
negotiate with him, come to some sort of an arrangement, I just remember how surprised I was when I
looked into the normal half of his face and saw a man who wanted to do what was right. I took pity on
him, I was kind to him, but my attempt to separate the man and monster failed when I realised he had
fallen in love with me.
I stare at the number on my phone for a moment longer. I have neither seen, nor spoken to Harvey
since his face has been restored, and I wonder what it will be like seeing him again if he shows up here.
But I have no choice. Gordons daughter is in danger and I cant let anything, or anybody, cloud me
from doing what is right.
I press dial on the keypad, and almost immediately the voice of Jim Gordon answers on the other
end of the line. Sir, I say, having never been able to get rid of the old habit, this is Renee Montoya.
Im at the Clock Tower, theres been a break in, I pause. It seems hard now, to tell him who might be
responsible for this break in. After everything that the Joker has taken from him I dare not mention the
madmans name. Sir, I say softly. I think it might be Joker.
Its unclear what Jims immediate reaction was upon hearing the news, but he tells me to remain
where I am and hell be there momentarily. I stare at the phone again and it goes silent, and as I reach
to put it back in my pocket, my fingers brush against the butt of my gun. I cant stay where I am, I need
to do something.
Oracle. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 23:56.
Police! Freeze!
The words travel up the stairs. And though faint, they were unmistakable. My heart skips a beat. On
one hand, this could very well be my rescue, but on the other it could prove to be a fatal mistake. Do
they know that theyre not dealing with petty thugs here, and that the man responsible is one of most
dangerous men on the planet? Do they know that coming in here, guns blazing, is probably not the best
idea they could have had.
And if I heard it, than he would have for certain.
As the voice reaches his ears, his face lights up like a childs on Christmas. Ooo, goodie! Looks
like they got my message after all! See, I needed some way for the news to reach ol daddy dearest, and
hes so much harder to contact since leaving the force. But the answer proved to be in one young
detective who has remained loyal to him even after his retirement.
Montoya. Detective Renee Montoya. I should have recognised her voice. Shes a good cop, one of
the few, but I dont know if shes ready to face someone like the Joker.
Suddenly the door bursts open for the second time this evening and I see Detective Montoya
standing there, gun raised, but face nervous. I wonder if she called for backup, but I know how loyal
she is to my father and would have called him first.
Freeze! Montoya shouts. Drop your weapon and put your hands in the air.
Joker lets out a long laugh. Oh, you officers do make me laugh, he says. Always the same, always
predictable. Im sorry love, but Im afraid Ill have to decline your request. See it was I that called you
here, knowing you would almost certainly contact the ex-Commish. He laughs to himself softly as he
raises his gun into the air and aims it at the startled Montoya. But hey, things are looking up, he
continues as he fires a single shot into the girls chest. At least youre off duty now.

38

The gentle laugh becomes much louder, more sadistic, and then he stands and twirls on the spot,
throwing the gun into the air. Off duty! he cries to himself and the laughter gets louder still. Oh I kill
myself sometimes, he mutters, wiping a tear of laughter from his eyes.
I stare at the body of Montoya and Im overcome with grief and anger at the same time. It hurts to
see her life ended so quickly. Everything shes been through in the past, everything shes ever faced,
its all come to an abrupt finish by one single bullet. Now more than ever I wish I had the use of my
legs, to do to Joker what Batman should have done a long time ago.
If I die tonight than the Joker has won again, and despite the number of times Bruce has put him
into Arkham, he will carry on winning for God knows how long.
I keep expecting to see Dick run in from the door, to play the hero when I need him most. But even
now I know its useless. Ive never considered myself a religious person, but if theres a God then now
would be a good time for a miracle.
May 1st.
Superman. Gotham Central, 24:00.
I dont notice the kryptonite shard that digs into my leg until I see the Clock Tower in front of me
and try to put on a sudden burst of speed. Im weak, but I thought I was still feeling the effects of being
within such close proximity to Elliots custom made bullets, I didnt realise one had actually hit me.
Needless to say its taken me much longer to get here than it should have done, and even as I reach
around and pull the tiny piece of rock from within my ankle I wonder if its too late.
Theres no time for pleasantries, or indeed to use the door. The quickest way into Barbaras control
centre is straight through the huge glass clock face that looks down on the city. I dont even shield my
face as I burst through into the room, knowing I must have gained the element of surprise at least. One
sweep of the area tells me Oracles still alive, but my eyes cant escape the body of a police officer on
the ground near the doorframe.
I hate it when someone crashes the party!
I turn to see Joker sitting at Barbaras workstation. Thats enough, I say, my voice finding its old
strength. Youre going to Arkham and Ill personally see to it that you stay there. No more alliances
with Luthor, no more mindless murders, no more games against the Batman.
Joker pouts. But we were having such fun, he says. And there was so much more to come after
tonight Alright, Ill go quietly, just answer me this one thing. How did you know I was here?
It seems easy, like Ive already won. Sharing information with the Joker couldnt harm now, surely?
In fact it might even help shed some light on the matter because I dont even understand it myself. It
was Hush, I tell him. He confided in me, told me everything about your plan.
Joker giggles. So Tommys playing against Luthor is he? Ha! Gotta admit, I didnt see that one
coming. Oh, this is fun, isnt it? How everyone is turning on everyone else! It might even give you
good guys a sporting chance. Well, you got me. Arrest me on the murder of a officer of the law and the
attempted murder of a cripple. He gets up and sticks his arms out in front of him, as if asking to be put
in handcuffs. But then he stops. Oh, there is just one thing, he says, reaching a bony white hand into
the pocket of his shorts. A present from your old pal Lex.
Joker! I yell, rushing towards him and trying to get his hands out in the open. But as I do so Im
overcome with a feeling that Ive felt the effects of once already this evening. It feels like an invisible
hand is choking me; a powerful force pounding against my head. I try to scream but no sound comes
out, I can feel my heart beating rapidly within my chest.
Somewhere in the distance I can hear Jokers laughs, his taunts. Luthor never expected Elliot would
betray him, but he still prepared me for the worst case scenario. Imagine my relief when it was you and
not Batman that crashed in through that window. See, Ive never yet found a real weakness for old
pointy ears, but you on the other hand have quite a major one, dont you?
Kryptonite, I choke.
Isnt it ironic that the one surviving piece of your home world is fatal to you here on earth, Joker
continues. But I have always been curious, what does it feel like? Does it feel like dying? I mean, after
all, you would know better than anyone having died once yourself. But something tells me this is
worse. Perhaps its that look in your eyes, or the way your teeth are clenched tightly shut, but
something tells me what youre experiencing now is agony in its purest form.
I open my eyes just wide enough to see the grinning face of a madman leaning right up close to me.
I try and push him away as he places the glowing green fragment of my home planet inside my utility
belt. Now, as long as youre just lying there, we can get down to business, Joker says, turning his
attention on Barbara once more. What do you say, mdear? Are you ready to begin?

39

Barbara does nothing, knowing that any single move could end her life right there and then.
I try to shake the Kryptonite off me as Joker moves over to where Barbara is and presses his face up
against hers, but hes wedged it into my belt firmly and tied my hands behind my back. Im powerless
as he pulls a knife out and begins to run it slowly over Barbaras body, just hard enough to make her
feel its presence but not enough to cut into her yet. Hes playing, and it makes it all the more terrifying.
If its any consolation Im actually sad right now, he says. Something tells me that this is it, this is
the end. All those years Ive spent with Batman and at long last its coming to a close. Im going to
miss our games, but I know that this has to be done because quite frankly my dear, Ive tried just about
everything else. He raises his knife above his head and twirls it slightly in his fingers. Now close your
eyes, this will all be over in a minute.
Theres one emotion above all others that I have experienced in the years Ive spent on earth, an
emotion that no one likes to feel and yet everybody does more often than theyd admit. I have
experienced grief, sorrow, and I have come to hate it as everyone has. Strange then that it is the one
basic emotion that I would choose above all others, as it is the one that makes me feel the most human,
even when Im portraying superhuman abilities.
Over the years Ive lost people I care about, but none have been as hard as what I am witnessing
now. Even when Barbara offers one single head-butt of her own and makes Joker stumble back in
surprise I know its all over, and dont need to hear the girls cries to know that knife has finally entered
her body. The only thing I can pray for as her lifeless form falls from the chair that has imprisoned her
for ten years, is that she knew just how strong she has been, right up until the end.
James Gordon. Clock Tower, Gotham Central. 24:11.
I race up the stairs two at a time, ignoring the trail of playing cards pinned to the wall. Harvey Dent
is right behind me, probably worried for Montoyas safety than anyone else. He wont say anything but
I know he still feels something for her, and its hard for him to let go of the fact nothing could happen
between them.
When I reach the top floor I know were already too late and Joker has gone. I dont see Barbaras
body at first for my gaze travels immediately to the figure of Superman, cowering on the floor with a
Kryptonite rock in his belt. I remember Batman telling me once that these fragments of rock were the
remains of Supermans home planet, and that they were the only known substance in the world that can
kill him.
I pull the rock free and give him a hand up. He thanks me, though his voice his thin and raspy. I start
to ask what he was doing here, but I see his eyes are not fixed on me, and rather on a spot near the
computer workstation.
The body of my 27 year old niece turned adopted daughter is lying face down in a pool of blood.
Her chair is lying upturned just a few feet away, and next to that is the knife that Joker used to take the
girls life.
I run to the body, desperately checking for a pulse although deep down I know its useless. I drop to
my knees, barely noticing the tears as they drain from my eyes and get caught on the rim of my glasses.
Barbara, I whisper. Sweetheart. Wake up. Please, just wake up.
I feel a hand on my shoulder and look up at Superman. Im sorry, he says, choking on his words as
he fights back tears. Im sorry I couldnt save her. And then suddenly hes gone. One sweep of the
cape and hes flown from the window and out into the night sky.
I remove my long over coat and lay it over my daughters body, running my fingers softly through
her hair for what I know will be the last time.
I stand and take off my glasses as I turn to Harvey, wiping the tears from my eyes. I want to say
something to him, but as soon as I open my mouth I notice another body in the room, that of the young
detective Renee Montoya. Harvey is bent over her, clutching her left hand with his own, and all words
are lost on me completely.
I pull out my cell phone and dial 911. Corrupt or not, I have to call the police and get them here, but
just as Im about to press send I notice a small flash of light out of the corner of my eye. Curiously I
walk over to the computer workstation to locate the flashing, but as the screen saver disappears Im met
with a sight that I never would have believed.
Starring me in the face is file after file about Batman. Detailed layouts of his cave; his costume; his
vehicles; his weapons. Theres blueprints of the citys main structures, separate files on major villains,
even contingency plans to rid the city of its criminals and corrupts. Good God, I mutter, as I stare at
the information being relayed to me.
I feel Harveys presence behind me as I continue to search through the files, not being able to
believe what Im seeing. Suddenly the screen flashes and the files disappear, but one last document

40

opens up in their place. Its a message, addressed to me from Barbara. When I try to open it, it asks for
a password. I type it in almost instinctively, a word that Barbara and I have often spoken together, and
only we know of. One last piece of security to prove my identity. Theres a flash, the document opens,
and with watery eyes I start to read.
Dad
Theres no saying if youll ever read this, but you always taught me
to be prepared. Im writing this because you deserve to know the truth
should something ever happen to me. And if you are reading this than
you have already seen the files that I have stored on here, and its
only fair that I give you some answers.
I have no idea where to start, or what to say that could possibly
rectify having to lie to you for all these years. Dad, please dont get
angry. Not with me, not with him. I love you, and its because I love
you that I had to keep all this from you, and I ask you now to at least
try and understand that.
Youve guessed by now that I work for Batman, and have done for quite
some time. You see Dad, I was Batgirl once. You have to believe me on
that one.
My name was Batgirl, now it is Oracle. But it has always been Barbara
Gordon.
Youll remember when I first arrived in Gotham; I was 13 years old
and had barely stepped off the train when I was kidnapped by Jervis
Tetch, the man who calls himself the Mad Hatter. You and Batman rescued
me, and I guess thats when it all started. The first time I saw that
masked face step out of the shadows and look me in the eye. I wasnt
scared Dad, I was in awe.
You cant blame me for wanting to help people, for wanting to do what
is right. Call it a moral code, if you want. I get that from you.
I was Batgirl for five years, and in that time I learnt Gotham like
the back of my hand. But youll remember the day I was shot, well that
was the day when it ended.
My legs were taken from me, but I couldnt stop, Dad, I couldnt give
up that easily. I had learnt too much to just let it all go, and thats
why I became Oracle.
And have been ever since.
Im not on the streets anymore, Im not wearing a mask, but I can
still help people and you couldnt begin to imagine how good it feels.
But Im not the one who can really explain this all too you, because
at the end of the day these are nothing more than just words on a
screen. The time has come Dad, and brace yourself, because theres one
piece of information I have been careful not to include anywhere on
this system.
Dad, Batman is Bruce Wayne. Seriously.
In telling you this I am breaking all the rules, but I cant write
this and not tell you everything. You see, his parents were killed when
he was just 8 years old. And on that day he swore to rid the city of
the evil that took their lives.
I cant imagine what it was like for him; to have the ones you love
taken from you right in front of your eyes. But theres one thing that
has always struck me about the two of you, that despite so many
differences youre both so similar.
Dad, I want you to know, he never forced any of this on me. I learnt
the risks, the danger of what was involved, and becoming Batgirl was
completely my own decision.
Just as it was Dicks.
Yeah, Dicks a part of this life too. You already know his parents
were killed, and that he was brought up by Bruce. He became Robin, the
first Boy Wonder, though these days he goes by the name of Nightwing.
I want you to sit down with Dick and talk about this, and for the
love of God, dont get angry with him. This is not his fault any more
than it is Bruces; in fact hes part of what has kept me going all
these years.
I hope youll never have to read this. Im imagining the hurt in your
eyes and I dont want to have to put you through that. But I have to
Dad, I just have to.

41

Perhaps one day youll understand, but for now let me say simply that
Im sorry. Im sorry I lied to you all these years, Im sorry for not
being the daughter that you thought I was. But I want you to know that
there is no one in the world I look up to more than you. Youre the
greatest hero that Gotham has ever known, and the best father a girl
could ask for.
You are the source of all my strength and determination, Dad. You
always have been, and I guess I just wanted to say thank you.

Barbara, I
*
May 3rd.
Bruce Wayne. Loeb Gardens, Robinson Park. 12:02.
Good and evil. Heroes and villains. The fight is never ending. The joyful flight to bring justice, to
keep a city standing.
I have been to too many funerals.
To name a few: my parents, Jason Todd, Sarah Essen and now Barbara. The only person who
must be hurting more than me right now is Jim, and for the past week he hasnt so much as looked me
in the eye.
He asked for a private funeral, outside of Gothams main cemetery. Me, Alfred, Clark, Tim, Cass,
Dick and himself. I had expected Harvey Dent to make an appearance, but I heard about what
happened to Montoya and I guess he felt like he wasnt up for it.
You were a better a soldier than any of us. Despite a joke with a deadly punch line, you battled
through with a smile. A soul based in truth that none can confine.
I even felt like not turning up myself, but had I not I would have just felt selfish. Besides, I felt like
I had to say something about her, though Im confident that everyone here knew just how important
she was.
The voice of reason in our heads, the guiding spark on a dark night. The source of all information,
the invaluable support in a fight.
Dicks looking at me; hes probably worried that Ive taken this too hard since it wasnt long ago
that I believed Thomas Elliot, my friend, to be dead. I cannot deny that Im wishing for this not to be
Barbara, but to be Clayface once more. But this time theres no denying it, Barbara Gordon is dead.
With the confidence in your smile and your incredible love for life, you became an anchor and a
release. A colleague, a friend. Daughter and wife.
As I end the poem I try and catch Jims gaze, but he keeps his attention firmly on the coffin as its
lowered into the ground. I keep wondering if he knows about Barbara, about me, about everything. It
certainly wouldnt be the first time hes come within such close proximity of figuring it out, but if he
had then why would he have wanted me here today?
Cassandra and Tim are here on my invitation, and Tim wanted his father here as well. I know Jim
personally asked Dick to come here today, but he left my invitation with Alfred. As for Clark, well he
offered to write a peace about Barbara for the Planet though in truth he cared about Barbara just as
much as anyone did.
Clark. Could he have saved her? This question has gone through my head a million different times
since I heard what happened. How he was right there, had Joker within his grasp but that weakness.
That damned weakness that his enemys exploit every time. He could have saved her. He should have
saved her
We leave the site at around 12:30 and its a time of complete silence. Everyone goes in their
different directions. Jack Drake takes his son; Cassandra slinks slowly out of sight; Clark goes to meet
Lois, who I know is waiting by the car. Everyone leaves, all apart from Jim who is left standing at the
grave side unable to think.
Alfred drives me and Dick back to the manor, and for the whole journey I just know that Dick is
itching to say something to me. Throughout the years, through everything weve faced, Dick has
always spoken to me without fear. I embrace it, because hes one of only three people to ever do so.
One is Alfred, the other was Barbara.
I gaze out the window in the car, but Im not watching the scenery. I stare at the reflection of Dick
that is cast upon the glass and Im reminded once more of the remarkable strength he shows when
faced with sorrow. I saw it first in the eyes of a boy who had just witnessed his parents death, and I see

42

it now: in the face of a man who has just lost the one thing he cared for most. And the more I look at
him, the more I see the young boy who turned to me for help almost twenty years ago.
Ill look after you, kid. I promise.

PART TWO.
DENOUEMENT.

May 6th.
Batman. The J.L.A Watchtower. Earths Moon. 03:22.
The Justice League. Thats what we call ourselves, the Justice League of America.
I dont feel comfortable here: the Watchtower. I belong on the ground, in Gotham City, not a million
miles above it in outer space. So why did I ever become a part of it? Because they need me, and
despite everything I believe in doing what is right.
Theres seven of us, eight, if you include Green Arrow, but one can never predict what mood Oliver
Queen will be in. For now he stands as a reserve member, which means he isnt exclusively in the
League but if we need him, hes there.
It was Clark that called us all here today, and while Im usually quick to comment on his persistence
in organising these meetings, I have to agree that this one was necessary. If there was ever a need for
the Justice League its now.
Theres a table, and gathered around that table are seven seats which each show a symbol relating to
their corresponding member. Clark stands proud and tall at the head, with his S shield glaring
ominously from the chair. Immediately on his left is Diana, princess of Themyscira, Wonder Woman.
Next to Diana, leaning back in his chair with his feet on the table and his arms behind his head is
Wally West, the Flash. The way he sits, so casual, I start to wonder if he even understands the severity
of what has happened. No, of course he does. He must do. The posture, the smile, thats just his way of
saying hes not scared. I admire that about him, how hes able to burry all emotions under a wide smile.
But sometimes I want to know what he really feels. Fastest man alive but bravest?
John Stewart stares at Clark. So thats it? he asks. Do you have any idea how long weve got?
John is the Green Lantern, a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern
Corps, chosen by the Guardians of Oa to be Earths protector. But hes not the first. Originally there
was Hal Jordan, fearless test pilot for the United States Air Force, who sacrificed himself to save Oa
from an evil known as Paralax: an evil he helped bring about. My relationship with Jordan was, at best,
patchy.
Two days, maximum, Clark replies.
At the other end of the table, directly opposite Superman, is the Martian Manhunter. Similarly to
Clark, Jonn Jonzz is the last survivor of his home world and is gifted with an endless array of powers.
Flight, strength, shape shifting and even telepathic abilities, Jonn is perhaps the most powerful person
in the League and yet he acts, moves, even sits with a rare kind of grace. Even now, as his dark eyes
remain fixed on Clark, I can tell theyre still dancing around the room, taking in every little detail there
is.
Can I ask how this all started? asks Arthur Curry, ruler of an underwater civilisation known as
Atlantis, the aptly named Aquaman.
Bruce? Clark calls out, turning to where I stand several feet away in the shadows. I know youre
here, Batman. You want to take this one?
Without a word to Clark I emerge from the shadows and approach the table. It began with the
Joker, I growl. On the night of Barbara Gordons death. I choke as I saw her name, but I refuse to let
my grief get in the way of the job. As I speak I address the League that sit at the table, but not Clark.
Ever since Barbaras death Ive refused to look Clark in the eye.
She wasnt the only person killed that night, Clark continues. A young detective by the name of
Montoya was shot trying to save her, for what end we dont know. It could have simply been another
one of Jokers games.

43

I hate how Clark speaks as if he wasnt there, when the truth is, if he had tried, he could have
stopped either one of those women dying that night.
Renee Montoya meant a lot to Harvey Dent, Clark explains, The man formally known as Two
Face. He closes his eyes as he realises that for the League to understand he has to start from the
beginning, when Tommy first came back into my life. Harvey Dents scarred face was restored by a
surgeon known as Thomas Elliot, he says, But Dent emerged as the man he once was. A good man.
Since that day, former police Commissioner James Gordon has helped reshape the other part of Dent
that was scarred, his faith.
Harvey Dent was my friend as much as he was Gordons; however I neglected to be a part of his
life when he came back to us. After whats happened now I wonder if my support would have made
any difference at all. Perhaps not, but I still regret it.
I believe that everyone took it for granted when Dent came back, and we all neglected to see a part
of him that still ached. Clark pauses. His love for Renee Montoya.
On the day of Barbaras funeral, Harvey Dent heard of the location of Ras al Ghuls last remaining
Lazarus Pit, I say, knowing the League will understand the rest.
The Lazarus Pit restores life to recently deceased, though it is not without its side effects. It is how
Ras cheats death, and will not give up the location to anyone. How it came to Harvey I dont know,
but someone out there knew where it was and knew what would happen. Ras al Ghul has declared war
on Gotham City; one way or another it can only mean an end is near.
Why? asks Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, who has for once decided to grace us with his
presence. What has Ras al Ghul got to achieve by attacking Gotham now?
Dent succeeded in getting Montoya into the pit, I say. But Ras showed up before the process was
complete.
Clark takes over from me and I slink back into the shadows. He got Renee out before she awoke,
but it was already too late for the pit. A Lazarus Pit can only be used once, and Montoya absorbed
enough of its energy to make it useless to Ras.
Oliver nods. Yeah, I get it, he says. It was his last pit, right? Next time Ras dies, thats it for him?
So the attack on Gotham is what, his last attempt at seizing power before his time runs out?
It would suggest that Ras is slowly dying, and now without his pit he can no longer extend his
life, Clark says. His attack is on Gotham in less than two days and its up to us to stop it. What I need
to know from you all now is: are you in?
Jonn is the first to respond. In his calm voice he simply says, Yes.
You can count on me, Flash adds.
This does not concern Atlantis, says Arthur. We do, however, stand here as a team. Should you
need my help, you have it.
Clark turns to Oliver. Youre a reserve member of the League, but we need you right now, he says.
Oliver, please. For old times sake.
Ras takes Gotham and the whole world is screwed, Oliver replies. Whether or not Im a part of
your team here I dont know, but if you need my help than youve got it.
I could contact the Green Lantern Corps, John says. We might get re-enforcements.
It would be appreciated, Clark nods. Well gather here tomorrow to prepare.
Nightwing. Gotham City, North Bowery. 04:45.
Bruce Wayne once made a promise to his parents to rid the city of the evil that took their lives. He
has never gone back on the promise, never stopped fighting. But evil things are still happening.
Innocent people still die.
Eighteen years ago, on the eve of my parents murder, I made that same promise. But for what end?
Where does it all stop? When do the innocents stop dying?
So I was taken in by Bruce and trained by Batman. I became Robin, the Boy Wonder. The rooftops
were my playground, but despite everything Bruce had done for me, I still felt alone. Alone, that is,
until I met her.
Barbara Gordon first came to Gotham when she was thirteen years old. Her parents had died, she
had come to live with her uncle, Commissioner James Gordon, who took full custody of her and
treated her like his own daughter. But it wasnt long before Barbara went looking for another life; a life
of capes and masks and swinging across rooftops.
Bruce actually played very little part in her training, unlike me, and soon enough Barbara became
Batgirl. Bruce had another ally, but more importantly I had a friend. Our relationship was never simple,
and complications only ensued when she was forced to give up her life as Batgirl after the accident, but
there is one thing that I could never deny. Barbara Gordon was always there for me. Always.

44

When I proposed to her there was something in my mind that wasnt there before, a level of
certainty in what I was doing. I felt it once when I put on my Robin outfit for the very first time, like I
knew I was meant for this life; and I was certain of it when I asked for Barbaras hand. I dont believe
in soul mates, Im not one to talk about fate, but just as Bruce has always believed in Gotham City, I
believed in Barbara Gordon.
And I loved her, to no end.
A few days ago, Barbara Gordon was taken from us by a sadistic murderer who goes by the name of
Joker. It was he who once paralysed Barbara and ended her time in the mantle of the Bat. In fact many
have been quick to assume that his crime now was simply to finish what was started, but not Batman.
Batman looks at the evidence, and the evidence points towards an alliance. Joker, Lex Luthor, and an
old friend of Bruce Waynes called Thomas Elliot.
Elliot is a known killer, using the alias of Hush. As a child he was Bruce Waynes best friend, and
now as an adult he is Batmans worst enemy. A lot happened, people died, old faces returned, until
Elliot revealed himself to Batman and they fought. And to cut a long story short, Tommy escaped.
Now hes reappeared, and this time assumptions of to finish what was started would be correct.
So far he has robbed a bank in metropolis, set loose the entire inmates of Arkham, shot Superman with
Kryptonite bullets but also, and this is where it gets confusing, he pretty much told Clark
everything. But are we to assume that what he told us is the truth? Did he really use the bank as a way
to get to Clark, to bring him here? He apparently told Clark everything that was happening at the Clock
Tower, that every action, was leading up to Barbara. Could Hush be playing Lex as well as us?
Then theres the Arkham breakout. Every inmate that made a move that night was a part of Hushs
plan last time, Barbara figured that much out. He told Clark it was a prelude, an introduction. Was it
just his way of introducing himself again, to let us know hes back? Something like that just isnt Lexs
style, so Elliot did it all on his own accord, perhaps that means he really is working against Lex whilst
working for him. A Trojan horse?
Since revealing himself to Superman, Elliot has all but disappeared. I tried sitting at home but I felt
restless so for the last 24 hours I have been out searching for him. Barbaras death has it me hard, but I
dont want to think about it. Now isnt the time to fall apart, and if I have any hope of stopping Lex
then I need to find Elliot.
But dont think for a minute that I have forgotten about the Joker.
Its getting light out and Im still no closer to Tommys whereabouts. I started in Turner Row, the
last place he was seen. I searched the street and others nearby; I turned Grant Park inside out and even
tracked down Catwoman in the East End. Nothing. From there I went to the snitches and low life crime
circuits, but either they know nothing of this new player or theyre too scared to say.
I dont believe theyve heard nothing.
Then it hits me. Why would Elliot stay in Gotham any longer than he needs to? If hes working for
Lex then hes looking to get paid and soon. Its a hunch, but Ive got nothing to lose, so I head to the
Gotham City train station on the off chance I can track him down. Hell be heading to Washington, and
someone must have seen him, right?
And then I hit gold. Thomas Elliot is sitting on platform five casually reading a paper. Hes taken
the coat and the bandages off, but Ive seen his face before and I would recognise it anywhere. Its
early morning, not many people around; means it shouldnt be too hard keeping watch over him, at
least until his train arrives. The sign reads the next one to Washington is in twenty minutes, gives me
enough time to radio Bruce and give him the heads up.
Its me, I say when I hear the click. Ive got Elliot.
Where are you, comes Bruces familiar growl at the other end.
The train depot. Hes heading to Washington, my bet to pick up payment.
Theres silence until, Well take the car.
The car means the Batmobile, and the Batmobile means hell be here within five minutes. I amuse
myself for a minute with images of the car being parked in the car park while Bruce comes inside to
pick me up, but I know better then that and know hell meet me around the back in the most secluded
spot he can find. He means to drive to Washington, means hes ready to take the fight to Lex already,
and his use of the word we means he wants me to come along.
He appears right on time, and barely stops the car as I get in before hes driven off again. Ive
witnessed the kind of speeds the Batmobile can travel at before, but right now Bruce seems to be
pushing it to its limit. Hes in a hurry, his stare is fixed on the road ahead, its like he hasnt even
acknowledged Im in the car. Its a long drive to Washington; will he keep it up the entire journey?
Ever thought about slowing down? I say, half jokingly.
Bruce offers a single grunt.
Worried well get to Washington and it wont be there?

45

Another grunt.
Elliot, I nod. If youre worried about missing him we could get Oracle to track the tra- I stop
myself from completing the sentence, realising what I saying. For a moment there it felt just like old
times, me and Batman working together knowing Barbaras got our backs. I glance at Bruce and see
this time hes actually looking at me. Never mind, I say, my voice small.
When he speaks his voice is different, almost comforting. We dont have that option Dick, he says.
We came to rely on her far too much.
I close my eyes. Yeah, I say, my voice now barely more than I whisper. Yeah, I know.
Then he does something amazing, he reaches up and removes the mask from his face and for the
first time I know Im talking to Bruce Wayne and not Batman. It will get harder before it gets easier,
he says. But we will get there.
Bruce, I say. Bruce, can I ask you something?
This question has been on the back of my mind ever since the funeral, and in a way Im almost
scared of his reply. Where were you? I ask. The night it happened, we were all somewhere, but
where were you? I tell myself Im not going to get angry at his answer, that Im not going to blame
anyone for Barbaras murder, but as he looks into my eyes I know hes keeping something from me
and I cant help but feel its my right to know what it is.
He pulls the mask back over his eyes and suddenly its like the last few minutes never happened,
that his gaze has never once gone in my direction. Something happened to him, something hes not
proud of, and hes not going to tell me what it is so he doesnt have to blame himself for Barbaras
death.
But I know Bruce, better than he thinks I do. He has to blame someone; its what drives him until he
knows justice has been made. Ive never questioned it, I guess it feels easier for him, and all the good
hes done then theres no denying it gets results. But if its not himself, who is he blaming for what
happened?
Superman. Gotham Outskirts. 05:14.
I watch the Batmobile speed out of the city and I know exactly where its headed. Ever since Lex
was elected as President I have flown this route many times. Out through the back of Gotham, a
shortcut past Millers Farm and the new food outlet, up highway 86 and straight on to Washington DC.
Batman is taking the fight to Lex, which means hes either found Elliot or hes tired of waiting.
Goddamn you, Bruce. I know what youre doing, I know youve been tracking me ever since we
left the Watchtower, and I know that you know that Im following you right now. Luthor is my
responsibility, and we will confront him together if or when the time is right. Think what youre doing!
Hes the President for God sake; he cant be taken down just by beating a confession out of him.
I put on a burst of speed and leave the Batmobile behind me. Ive known Bruce for a long time, and
Batman for longer than that. Hes leaving Gotham, in the middle of a crisis, to end this vendetta against
Elliot. He believes this is the right time, but its not. I am grieving for Oracles death as much as
anyone, but what is happening with Ras takes priority over Lex, he must see that! From what I saw he
has Nightwing with him, but with everything Dicks lost I cant trust him to be any more grounded
than Bruce is.
Ive got to stop them, and get back to Gotham before its too late.
Nightwing. Washington DC. 06:30.
The car comes to a screeching halt outside the train station and Batman immediately pulls open the
top hatch and grapples to the roof off the closest platform. I take things slower, first of all making a
sweeping glance to see if the Batmobile will be safe here before pulling a grapple of my own and
joining Bruce. Out of the corner of my eye I catch a now familiar red blur streak past in the distance,
Im unsurprised since I spotted him following us about a mile out of Gotham. Either Clarks losing his
touch or he wants to be seen, but either way if I saw him than Bruce would have certainly.
Shall I tell him, or wait and see what Clark does?
Batman I start, but just as I do Bruce has fired another line and crossed platforms. I look down
and see the morning crowd of business men trying to get to work, add that with the ever lightening sky
and its a miracle he wasnt seen. I have no choice but to follow him, but I take a different route:
leaping across platform to platform freely until I get to where Batman is crouched.
There, Bruce growls, pointing to a throng off people just getting off a train. I spot Elliot
immediately and try and determine which direction hell head in.
What do you think? I ask, forgetting about Clark. Think hell head directly to the White House?

46

Well follow him, but move only on my signal.

Im reminded of when Bruce first took me training as Robin, and every time he said to move on his
signal I would instinctively reply, So whens the day when you have to move on my signal? I smile at
the thought, and Im thankful moments like this because truth be told I miss them. I look at how Ive
grown, how Ive changed; and how, after twenty years, Bruce never has. He still sees himself as the
teacher and in an odd way I embrace it.
We follow Elliot as he hails down a taxi, then grappling from rooftop to rooftop we follow him at a
distance. The city is getting crowded, and in all honesty I have no idea where were heading, if its
towards the White House or not. Ive never had much reason to visit this city; I rarely get involved
with Luthors exploits. I take a moment to reflect, and perhaps being here with Batman, teacher to
student, is exactly what I needed right now.
The Justice League, The JSA, The Titans, The Outsiders. We live in an age of heroes, and theres so
many of us now its hard to remember where it all started. For me and Bruce it started with a promise,
but with his allegiance to the League and mine to the Outsiders, the old life as the dynamic duo has
been feeling more and more like a distant memory.
There has been no doubt in my mind that I will fight for Gotham when Ras and the League of
Assassins attacks, but I can almost guarantee the Outsiders will not immerse themselves in such issues,
in fact I would never expect them to. For now this is about Gotham, and they, like the Titans and the
JSA, will get involved if it spreads any further. I am an Outsider, but first and foremost my loyalties
are to Batman, and I will never forget that.
My arms are tired by the time we finally catch up with Elliot and find him sitting in a park not far
from the White House itself. There are trees surrounding him, and with the day having barely begun
the park is empty of other activity. We crouch in a large Oak not far from where Elliot is sitting, with a
view of both him and the White House in the close distance. So what do you think? I ask Batman.
Bruce stars at the man in below us and I remember this has been the first time hes been face to face
with him ever since he learnt the truth about Elliot: how he held a vendetta against Bruce from
childhood and under the guise of Hush manipulated other villains to work in his plan against Batman.
He stares for a long time before finally speaking to me. Stay here, he says, and glides from the tree.
Batman. Washington DC. 06:42.
I land directly in front of him with my cape draping in front of me and sprawling on the ground as I
crouch. There is a half light from the slowly rising sun, but not enough to illuminate me completely
against the shadows from the tress. My eyes are narrow, my lips tight; Elliot barely flinches when he
sees me.
About time, he grins. I was beginning to lose my patience.
Tommy, I growl.
Yes, Bruce, youve got me, he says. Although I did of course know you were coming. Oh, you
can tell the other bird to come down from the tree, you will not need the element of surprise should a
fight occur.
He knew we were coming; its possible he knew ever since we left Gotham. Nightwings been
watching, he leaps from the tree and lands with precise judgement at my side and neither one of us
decide to say anything.
Elliot smiles at Nightwings arrival. I saw you at the station, he says. I knew you would contact
him and I needed you both out here. He turns back to me. You can stand here and glare all day if you
want Bruce, or you can listen to what I have to say. And when were done, I leave, and it would be
foolish of you to try and stop me.
Every muscle in my body is telling me to strike at the man, to end everything here and now. But
whatever involvement he might have, he wasnt the one to put a knife to Barbara, and I have no other
option than to hear him out. Talk, I grunt.
Another smile. Luthor, he says. Hes the one you want, the one who organised all this. He wants
you all dead, you must know that. He received word from the Joker in Arkham Asylum and saw the ten
year anniversary of the Gordon girls shooting as an opportunity to let Joker to finish what was started.
Joker, of course, saw the joke immediately and couldnt wait to get started.
Im about to ask what involvement Elliot himself had in everything, but then it all comes clear. I
cant stop myself as I lunge at him, grabbing a fistful of his shirt and pinning him to the floor. It was
you! I scream at him. You told them to strike at me through Barbara!
He starts to laugh, even after I give him one direct punch to the jaw. I knew exactly what it would
do to you, he says, wiping the blood from his lips. I admit that it wasnt originally what I had in mind
for you, but in many ways this was so much more rewarding. Then suddenly he kicks back and Im

47

forced backwards into Dick. Youve seen where we are, he says, motioning to the White House. Go
to him, hes waiting for you.
Why, I cough. Why are you doing this?
His cold eyes stare merciless at me as he wipes the smile from his face. Because I can, he says.
Because I want to. And because you deserve it.
Then its Dicks turn to speak, to ask a question I hadnt even considered. What do you get from
turning on Luthor?
All in good time, Elliot replies. Then he nods in the direction of the White House. Therell come
a time for us, Batman, he says. Today, unfortunately, is not that day. Today you go to him.
Then suddenly hes gone, faster than I could have ever given him credit for. I look once at Dick,
then to the White House and one sweeping glance of the area around us. Hush was indeed right, the
time has come to take down Luthor, and I couldnt be better prepared.
I have broken into the Oval Office of the White House on many occasions; I know just where to
enter without arousing security and the best route to the office from each of the floors. There arent as
many cameras around as would be expected, or at least none that work. With everything Lex deals in
he cant risk other people over hearing what he says, as crazy as it sounds but most of the workers here
are innocent people believing theyre serving their country. Like the friend of Clark Kents, Pete Ross,
the Vice President. Im almost certain he has played no part in this affair.
The quickest way in is the balcony over looking Rose Garden. Nightwing goes ahead and takes out
the agent on guard there, while I take out another two on the ground. It seems too easy, especially
considering what kind of traps I know Luthors set up on the ground floor, but it doesnt matter as long
as we get inside. Elliot said hes expecting us, but Ive learnt that with Luthor you are always expected,
our task now is just getting to him.
From the balcony we can get straight into the Oval Office, where were unsurprised to see Luthor
sitting casually behind his desk, fingers interlocked and his face half in shadow. Welcome, he says.
President Luthor, I nod in acknowledgement.
Enough with the pleasantries, Batman. I know why youre here.
You aligned yourself with the former surgeon Thomas Elliot, I say. Together you released Joker
from solitary confinement, staged a heist on the First National Bank of Metropolis, executed a mass
breakout at Arkham Asylum and ordered the execution of Barbara Gordon.
Luthors expression is almost blank, though I notice the smallest of smiles. Prove it, he says.
Suddenly the rush of anger that I had felt upon seeing Tommy again and surfaces and without
knowing it I rush towards Luthor and grab him by his shirt collar. I feel Nightwing try and pull me
away but barely establish his voice as he tells me to let go. It was during Tommys first exploits that I
found myself in a similar situation with Joker, and it was Jim Gordon who talked me down. But Luthor
has inflicted more evil on this world than the Joker has in Gotham City, and at the end of the day I am
not Jim Gordon.
Unhand me, Luthor says, as a dozen armoured guards burst into the room.
I have no choice but to back down. My suit protects me in many ways, but it is not bullet proof, and
not even with Dick here can I engage a strike team of Luthors elite in combat. I stand down, but my
gaze never leaves Lex as he opens a concealed control panel in his desk and disables whatever security
measures he might have in the room.
Do you know the penalty for breaking into the White House? he asks, rolling up his sleeves. Of
course, youve always seen yourself as above the law, havent you? So its not really worth reciting to
you the Homeland Security Act, or what would happen should you lay a hand on the President of the
United States. He motions to the guards surrounding us. Theyll fire on my command, he says, And
believe me they could make it look like the two of you killed each other.
I hear his words but dont acknowledge them. With the security disabled theres a better chance of
getting him to admit what hes done, and honestly I just want to see his reaction when I tell him what I
know. Elliot betrayed you, I say, fighting back a smile. Hes the one that told me it was you, who
told Superman what was happening with Barbara. He wants something more than just your money,
Luthor.
For a moment Lex stops dead and I know hes considering what Ive just said. What happens with
Thomas Elliot is none of your concern, he says.
Are you telling me you didnt know about his history with Bruce Wayne, or the hatred he has
against me? As I speak I hear my voice getting more gravely, and somewhat louder. Dont deny it,
Luthor! I know what youve done, and the rest of us know it too! Your time is up!
You could never prove what you know, Luthor hisses. Face it Batman, I have the world at my
fingertips and though you may not believe it, Elliot and Joker too.
This time its Nightwing who speaks. That a confession?

48

For the shortest of moments Lex stares at him, and that same indistinct smile is back. Then he turns
and marches from the room, stopping only at the door for one last word. His voice is somewhat shaky,
as if his confidence is draining. He wont say anything about it but he doesnt need to, I know hes still
thinking about what Elliot has planned for him. Youve lost, Batman, he says.
He will deal with his problem now in the only way he knows how: to order the guards to fire at
Nightwing and myself. Hes thinking that it seems to easy, and it is, but he doesnt second guess it.
With a click of his fingers as he leaves the room the guards all ready their weapons, but as one figure
leaves the room another enters it through the window.
Clark. I saw you following us in the Batmobile and I felt your presence in the park. You would
never let me take on Luthor by myself; you will always see him as your responsibility. In a blur of red
and blue you will disarm each of the men around us, knocking them unconscious as you do. Then your
attention will be on Luthor, and Luthor only, as you succeed in where you believe Ive just failed.
But Clark, me and you, weve got to have words.
Nightwing. The White House, Washington DC. 07:04.
It happens so quickly Im caught by surprise; I had completely forgotten that Clark had followed us
from Gotham. The speeds at which Clark can reach never fail to amaze me, despite me having seen
them a hundred times before. In a few short moments he has disarmed the guards, and before they even
know what has happened theyre unconscious from a knock-out blow from myself and Bruce.
When the last one is down I turn and see Clark standing in the room, arms folded, but instead of
seeing the usual look of triumph upon his face, all I can see is shadow, and a faint glow from his eyes
which are transfixed upon Bruce. For the first time Im scared of what Clark can actually do, but when
I see the somewhat similar look upon Bruces face I finally understand.
It wasnt himself Bruce blamed for Barbaras death. Its not me, or Tim, or even the distraction that
Bruce had that night. Its Clark. And the way Clarks looking at Bruce right now he knows it. It doesnt
take a genius to know whats going to happen, and despite wanting to help its really something that I
cant get involved with. Whatever Bruce is feeling right now, Clark would never let something happen
to him. I think Im safe to go.
If I leave now I can get to Lex, he would have almost undoubtedly headed straight to the lower
levels of the White House and to an escape route should he need it. Oracle once got blueprints to every
structure of the building, even the additional elements put in by Lex himself but would he run? For
all he knows me and Bruce are dead right now, so has he really got anything to run from?
Ok, heres where my memory is put to the test, as I try and remember Oracles blueprints. I go left I
get to the conference room, and if I remember, not much else. Lex isnt the type to play hide and seek,
especially not in his own home. Think, Dick, think Hes the President of the United States, its
barely morning, which means hell be found
Standing in plain view, in an empty conference room.
The figures in shadow, with his back to the door, but I recognise the posture. Luthor, I say.
Not quite. The figure turns and I see that in fact its not Luthor, but Thomas Elliot dressed once
again in the bandages and the trench coat. The bandages shift slightly as he smiles. Nice to see you
again, he says, and pulls a gun on me. Luthors guards are apparently incompetent of following even
the simplest of orders, but I always figured that if you want something done right then youve got to do
it yourself. For the slightest of moments he does nothing but glare at me and I wonder if hell pull the
trigger. Who are you, really? he says at last. I dont mean to know the man behind the mask; I
figured that one out months ago, I mean what is your position, where do you fit in the larger scheme of
things?
Before I can say anything hes answered the question for me. Youre a nobody, he says, nothing
but a poor mans Batman. Just look at you; standing there in your tights and mask, hair styled so that it
looks un-styled. Do you really think youll be the one who finally takes me down?
Youre wrong, I say, simply.
And its true, he is.
That very speech has run through my head on countless occasions, it has done for the last twenty
years. I have questioned what I do time and time again, and tried so hard to separate myself from
Batman, but in the end none of that matters. Its not the outfit or the hair, the city or my membership
with the Outsiders, it is quite simply the fact that I am not Bruce Wayne.
I asked Barbara Gordon to marry me because I knew, in my heart, that it was the right thing to do,
and Bruce could never have done that. When I became Robin I took the same oath as Bruce, to rid
Gotham of the evil that manifests itself there, but not because he told me to or because I wanted to
please him, but because I knew that I was doing what was best.

49

And I stand here now, with a gun pointed at my head, and I know precisely what Im going to do.
Am I? Elliot says. So who are you then? Robin? Nightwing? Dick Grayson, loving husband? Oh,
I forgot, you never did get the chance to marry.
I tell myself Im not going to get angry, Ive got to remain focussed on the situation. What do you
want, Elliot? I ask. Why did you betray Lex?
Power, he says. He has it, I dont.
But you had power, I say. You were a world renowned surgeon, and you gave it up in an attempt
to ruin the life of Bruce Wayne. You faked your own death, you chose to live life as Hush and not
Thomas Elliot, theres no coming back from that!
I underestimated the situation, Elliot admits. It was a drawback, nothing more.
Im about to ask him why hes here, when all hes ever wanted is Batman, but that last piece clicks
into place, his motive all along is clear at last. Hes already revealed to Superman that the stunt at
Arkham was his doing, and he told me and Batman earlier that he drew us here on purpose. You told
Joker to strike at Barbara so it wouldnt look like your doing, I say to him. You told Superman what
was happening that night for no other reason than to distance yourself from it all, and though you had
originally counted on it being Batman you couldnt have foreseen that those two would switch
positions. I stare at him with wide eyes. All along youve never stopped thinking about Batman have
you? You knew what Barbara Gordons death would do to him, how angry it would make him and
what? You thought revealing the whole thing to Batman would cause him to strike at Lex? You thought
that if he killed Lex then everything would somehow become yours; that you could regain the power
that you once had?
Something like that, Elliot grins.
So what happens now? I ask. Youve failed again. Despite your best efforts Suddenly Im cut
off by the sound of a gun shot, but it takes me a moment to realise it wasnt aimed at me. I turn to see
Lex Luthor holding a smoking barrel of a hand gun directly out in front of him, and the dead body of
Thomas Elliot sprawled across the floor. We both stare at the body for a moment as a pool of blood
starts to gather around the head, then simultaneously our gazes lock on each other.
Youre supposed to be dead, Lex says to me.
And youre supposed to be locked up in jail, I reply. We cant all get what we want.
He smiles, turns, and walks from the room, a new found confidence in his step. You cant beat me,
he says. You must know that by now.
I stare after him until he disappears out of sight. Give us time, I say.
Superman. The White House, Washington DC. 07:05.
Out of the corner of my eye I spot Nightwing leave the room and I know hes gone to find Luthor. I
want to call out to him, to tell him to watch out, but I dont. I cant. Though Luthor is my
responsibility, I have more pressing matters to attend to.
Such as Batman.
Bruce Wayne has just suffered a major loss, the death of a trusted friend and ally. The Joker, having
escaped from Arkham Asylum, ended the life of Barbara Gordon, Oracle, ten years to the day from
when he first paralysed her. It struck us hard, but none so hard as the man who is standing in front of
me. Hes seen death before, perhaps all too often, and it has never got any easier for him.
Which is why is actions against me right now are to be perfectly justified.
Theres something about Bruce which is almost admirable, and yet completely unfair. His thirst for
doing what is right by the world, to get justice on any crime that is committed, by laying the blame on
someone, anyone, until he can put the piece into place. He would never act on anything until he was
sure, in fact he will keep it completely to himself, but there is always a voice in the back of his head.
There are very few people in this world who could make Bruce act the way he is, whose death could
bring about such impulsive actions in him. Needless to say that one of those people was Barbara,
which is why I will not think any less of this man after today, and why I will stand here not as a
challenge, a threat, but a friend.
I trust Bruce Wayne.
He hits me with all the strength he can muster without even a word of warning, but its to be
expected. Theres a second, a third, but I could stand here all day and barely feel a thing. On the fourth
punch I bring my hand up and block it, and on the fifth I grab his wrist and push him back. Feel
better? I ask.
This is not the first time that we have fought, and I doubt it will be the last. It wasnt that long ago
that Poison Ivy infected my mind and brought me and Bruce to blows on, and under, the streets of

50

Metropolis. I was not responsible for my actions then, and Bruce knew it. Everything he did to me he
did for my own good, because deep down he values our friendship as much as I do.
How long can this go on for, Bruce? I ask.
As long as it takes, he growls, hitting me several more times. For justice to be done!
This is not justice.
Listen to yourself! I yell at him, this time bringing several blows of my own to keep him under
control. Think! You dont truly believe I would let Barbara die, do you? I swore to protect the
innocent, and you know that! Bruce, her death will be mourned but this is not the end!
But you were there! he yells back at me, in a tone which brings the most fearful of men to their
knees. You had the chance to save her and you didnt!
If I wanted to I could take Bruce down in a second, but I need for him to get this out of his system.
My powers are beyond anything on this earth, and even I dont know if my present abilities are merely
scratching the surface of what Im truly capable of. I once gave Bruce a kryptonite ring for if I ever get
too out of control. I am pleased to see it hasnt yet made an appearance.
That weakness, he says to me. Were in close proximity, so close I can hear the finer details of his
voice. Theres anger, thats understandable, but fighting its way to the surface is hurt. He could stand
over Barbaras grave and cry all he wanted to, but this is how Bruce Wayne grieves.
That weakness is not my fault, I reply, grabbing his wrists once more and making him listen to me.
Now I am sorry for what happened, I truly am, but I couldnt have saved her any more than you could
in my situation. I know Im getting through to him, but when he tries to swing at me again I am forced
to bring him to his knees. Hes been dealt worse in the past, but hell have a headache later on. Theres
too much happening right now for us to be fighting each other, I tell him. Now I know youre
understanding me, so I just want you to listen. Nobody can control or predict the Joker. Not you, not
me, not even Lex Luthor. If you want to avenge Barbaras death thats fine, but I will be at your side
not taking your blows.
Lex he says, his voice much softer.
The presidency of Lex Luthor is over, I tell him, and I pull several small objects from my belt.
Luthor created diversions for all of us, even going as far as to arrange a school field trip into his own
home. I open my palm and hold it in front of Bruce so he can get a clear look at his own small, bat
shaped devices. You asked Robin to take the opportunity to plant these bugs, I continue. I could only
find a few but I know that Luthor didnt disable every piece of surveillance equipment in this room.
Bruce is silent as I look at him, but then he opens his lips to say, Clark, I
Dont, I shake my head. I know what Barbara meant to you, how much you came to rely on her.
But remember Bruce, somehow you survived for years without her before, and you can do it again.
What is happening to Gotham in a matter of hours will test you, comes a voice from the doorway,
and I turn to see Nightwing standing behind us. In fact it will test all of us, to our absolute limits, but
we can stand through it if we work together. He looks at Batman, then to me. Elliot is dead. Lex
It doesnt matter, I say. Dick, come with us to the Watchtower, weve got an army to prepare.
Nightwing. The J.L.A Watchtower. Earths Moon. 18:22.
In all my years that Ive been a costumed hero, I have never set foot inside the Justice Leagues
Watchtower, in fact I had barely seen it what it looked like before today. We arrived several hours ago:
Me, Bruce, Clark, Tim and Cass, and since then me and Tim have taken the time to search around to
see what it had to offer. Im an Outsider, Tims a Titan, neither one of us expected anything like this.
So who paid for all this? Tim wondered aloud as we walk around the observation deck and look
out across the valley of the moon in which the Watchtower was built. They call it Mare Serenitatis, the
Sea of Serenity.
Wayne Enterprises, Id imagine, I reply. And here I was expecting another Batcave.
Theres no way this was all Earths technology, Robin says. Cmon, Clark would have added
Kryptonian stuff, surely, and Jonn must have put in Martian equipment.
Martian, Kryptonian and Thanagarian to be precise, comes the voice of Wally West, the Flash,
from behind us. He grins. Ten points if you guess where the Apokolips designs came in.
Wally, I nod in acknowledgement. Any excuse to show it off, huh?
He laughs. Cmon, they want you in the conference hall, the others have arrived.
He leads us to the large chamber where a table sits in the middle. Green Arrow, Aquaman, Wonder
Woman and Green Lantern are all sitting in the respective places, but I cant help but notice Batmans
seat is empty. I look around and spot Bruce standing at a distance from the table, almost completely
encased in what must be the only shadowy spot in the whole place. He hasnt said a word since we left
Washington, and I wonder what he must be feeling right now.

51

Each of the core members have their own seats at the table, but there are a few spare should they
need them. Cass is sitting uncomfortably next to Diana, Wonder Woman, and I understand what it must
be like for her. To be in the presence of such a respected, and powerful, group of people Im almost
nervous to approach the table myself, and Ive been associating myself with these people for longer
than she has.
I sit myself between Tim and Wally and try and catch Cassandras eye, to reassure her everything
was fine. Shes much more like Bruce; she belongs in the shadows, and I know she feels much more
comfortable working alone.
Jonn Jonzz, the Martian Manhunter, comes and sits on Dianas other side, and I realise this is the
first time Ive seen him this close up. In fact, over the years hes been like more of an urban legend,
like Bruce is to the citizens of Gotham. I have only heard tales of what this creature, can do, but I
understand that in many ways hes more powerful than Clark. I watch him until a flash of his red eyes
reminds me that Im staring, and instead I turn my attention to Superman who now stands at the head.
An occasion like this requires a speech of some sort, he says, before pausing and surveying the
room once more. If there is one thing that the Justice League has always tried to do its to fight, he
continues, But more importantly to fight as a team. Over the years weve had our ups and downs, but
somehow weve always come through, and theres no reason why now should be any different.
I cant think of a moment when a single one of you hasnt come into contact with Ras al Ghul
before, so I dont need to remind you how dangerous he can be. He has pushed us to our limits time
and time again, and this time expect for him to go all out. Theres no saying what hell throw at us, but
I know we can defeat it if we work together.
Theres eleven people in this room right now, and it may not seem like a large number compared to
the millions that Ras has at his command, but we have lost one valued member of the team recently
and I do not want to lose another! There will be no blood shed, not if I have anything to
Clark stops dead, staring at the teleporters, the only way for a single person to access the
Watchtower, that stand just a few feet away. As one we all turn to see what hes looking at, just in time
to see the blurred shape of a figure appear out of thin air.
In a flash Oliver Queen has pulled out one of his arrows and loaded it in his bow, and I know that
Bruce would have gone to higher ground to get the drop on if needs be. I glance at Jonn as he starts to
use his phasing powers to seemingly disappear and then as fast as it all happened everything is back
to normal, and I see who it is thats just entered the Watchtower.
Kyle Rayner, freelance artist turned guardian of the universe, steps uneasily from inside the
teleporter and grimaces as he rubs his neck. I forgot how much I hate that, he says, surveying the
room from beneath his green eye mask. His power ring glows bright on the index finger of his right
hand as he runs it through his hair, grinning uneasily at the astounded group of people.
Kyle Clark mutters.
I know little about the Green Lantern Corps, but I know Kyle was selected to be earths champion
after the original Lantern, Hal Jordan, died. For a long time he served as a member of the Titans,
before taking Jordans place at the table of the Justice League. I dont know the details of what
happened, but one day he felt he could no longer serve as Earths Lantern and disappeared into the far
reaches of space, making way for John Stewart, Hal Jordans original partner, to re-claim the power he
had lost when the Green Lantern Corps were destroyed and once more become Earths protector and to
take the place in the League.
Yeah, Kyle nods. Its me.
Wally rushes over to him to greet his old friend before I even notice hes left his chair, but I cant
help but notice that the others are a little more reluctant. What are you Clark begins, moving over
to where Kyle stands.
I contacted the Guardians of the Lantern corps, says John. They said that this was not their
concern, that they would only get involved should the war spread beyond earth.
I know, Kyle nods, But I found I couldnt agree. I may no longer be a part of this team, but I once
pled allegiance to the Justice League of America, and I will always hold the events of earth as my
concern, no matter how far into the galaxy I may be. The Guardians may not approve of my decisions,
but when I took the Green Lantern oath I swore to do what is right by my home planet, and there was
no way I would let Ras al Ghul take control while I still carried this ring. Bottom line is: if you want
me, Im here, and I will be til the end.
You know the situation? Clark asks.
I heard, Kyle nods. So how long have we got?
It would seem, comes the voice of Jonn, That we are already out of time. He nods in the
direction of a flashing red beacon, which I assume feeds of news signals transmitted from nearby

52

satellites. He walks to a work station and within a minute Gothams local news is being broadcast upon
several of the screens scattered around the room.
And reports are coming in of a large number of unidentified terrorists, maybe assassins,
entering the city from Blackgate Isle, Miller Harbour and even as far up as Port Adams and Sprang
River. Police are on the scene however no sign yet of Batman or any of the Bruce switches the
screen off and surveys the room.
We moving? Flash asks.
Clark! Bruce calls. Me and you will take Blackgate, Jonn I want you to stay inland, work your
way to Cathedral Square! He turns to Arthur. Youre taking Miller Harbour, he growls, See if you
can spot how theyre getting in.
What about me? asks Wally.
You and Kyle take Gotham Central, Bruce replies. John I want you above Robinson Park. Tim,
Cass? Youve got the Narrows, should they make their way to Arkham. Diana, start in the East End and
find Selina Kyle, Catwoman, then I want you accompanying Arthur. Oliver, youre
I need somewhere with an open range, Oliver tells him.
Grant Park, Bruce says. Its small, usually quite, but right in between where theyre entering.
Ollie grins and pats the quiver of arrows on his back. Well take em, he grins.
At last Bruce turns to me. This wont bring Barbara back, he says. I need to know if youre
After what happened this morning, I dont need approval from you, I reply. I dont mean to come
off harsh, but I think Bruce understands. Where do you want me?
With me and Clark, but I want you on the west side. Is that ?
I got it, I say, with the same kind of reassuring grin I gave Cass earlier.
Ras will come wherever I am, he continues, speaking again to everyone. You all have assigned
parts of Gotham, I need you to clear them and then join me in Blackgate when youre done. Lets
move!
Theres a bustle to the teleporters, and on the way I overhear Clark talking to Bruce. You alright?
he asks.
I will be when this is over, replies Bruce.
The Martian Manhunter. Gotham City, Cathedral Square. 18:57.
When I joined the Justice League I swore never to use my telepathic abilities to invade the minds of
my team mates, but theres times when their emotions read so strong that I am deafened. Times like
today, with Superman and Batman, when I am forced to enter their minds. I will not tell them that I
know, because it is not my place to, but every time they fight I fear for what it might do to the League.
We are all described as heroes, but none so much as those two. Together they have done more good
in this world then Myself, Green Lantern, even Diana but two such contrasting minds that share one
common goal its hard for them to cope. And on top of that they have a personal friendship with
each other, even more so than Kyle and Wally, and the fact they fight to keep it going is somewhat
admirable.
Bruce took control of the League just now which proves his time of grieving for Barbara Gordons
death has been put on hold, and his mind is purely focussed on what lays ahead of us tonight.
Assassins, thousands of them in many ways this is what the League has always fought towards, the
moment that could decide all our fates.
I pray they dont use fire.
I hover above my station in Cathedral Square but despite not being far from Blackgate Isle it is
quiet. Its a suburban area, though with the reports on the news then most people would be staying in
their homes.
Theres a large bang from somewhere in the direction of Grant Park and I assume Oliver has just let
off one of his exploding arrows. Im about to head more in his direction when I spot a young child
wondering lonely around the houses, crying out for help. I fly down towards him but then I stop. The
child is young, only eight or nine, and the appearance of a green skinned Martian might unsettle him
even more.
I change my appearance to that of a human man, my flowing blue cape becoming a musty brown
trench coat and my boots becoming common trainers. I have used this alias, John Jones, on many an
occasion, though like anybody would I never feel as comfortable as when Im in my natural state.
I land in the shadows so as not to be seen, then approach the boy. In the calmest voice I can muster I
ask if hes alright, and with fear in his eyes he tells me hes not supposed to talk to strangers. I should
have predicted this; but it is hard to not be trusted as both Martian and man. I feel I have no choice but
to reveal to him my true image and to try and guide him home.

53

Please, I say, as my skin turns back to its natural green, Do not get scared. I do not mean to hurt
you, I mean to help you, but I need for you to tell me what happened.
There is still fear in his eyes, but slowly he tells me of how he was walking home through Grant
Park with his mother when they were met with the appearance of several masked men with swords. In
the confusion they ran and lost each other in the trees, and he was too scared to cry for him on fear of
the men with swords returning.
The last place you saw your mother was Grant Park? I ask.
Yes, the boy nods, his voice small.
Did you see anyone else, other than the men with swords? I ask. Its unlikely, but they may have
seen Oliver. The boy shakes his head, but if that was Olivers explosion I heard earlier on then he may
have found this boys mother. Looks like Im heading there after all.
Green Arrow. Gotham City, Grant Park. 19:00.
I found the woman crouching behind a bush when the assassins first made an appearance. Dont
care much what her story is, but theres no way Im letting these assholes harm an innocent bystander,
not on my watch.
I force her to stay behind me as I fire several more arrows into the surrounding assassins. These
ones were a new design, containing small electric charges that should shock the human body enough to
force them into submission, but not enough to kill them. I grin; its nice to see they work.
The womans anxious to move, keeps screaming something about her son, wont seem to listen
when I say its not safe. Keep still, lady! I yell at her, angrily hitting an assassin thats too close for
comfort with the end of my bow before firing a standard arrow into his right thigh. That should keep
him out of my way while I deal with his friends.
At first glance I count thirteen, though theres undoubtedly more. Not being able to resist a trick
shot I pick out four standard arrows and then spread my fingers evenly on the handle of my bow.
Carefully I place one arrow between each finger, pull back and then let all four go in their separate
directions. If my calculations are correct, and they always are, then they should be hitting their
respected targets in four three two one...
Their cries let me know I succeeded, but I learnt a long time ago not to stand and gloat in situations
like this. In a split second Ive got two more guys running at me with their swords and I have no choice
but to spin the bow in my hands, hold the bottom, and swing it around me in hope of hitting something.
Hey, use whatever youve got at hand, right?
Ones down, the other ducks and comes at me with the blade. I lunge out the way but as I do so I
notice the swordsman stop in his tracks. Then suddenly hes lifted into the air, spun around, and thrown
at several of his team mates.
Hey Jonn, I say to my invisible friend.
The Martian slowly reappears and offers a hand to help me up. Having trouble? he asks.
Nothing I couldnt handle, I reply. What brings you into my neck of the woods?
A boy, the Martian replies. Hes looking for his mother.
I glance to where the woman is crouching several feet away and see a small boy cradled in her
arms. Id say hes found her, I state. Now what dyou say we finish these wankers off and get back to
where the real action is, eh?
Aquaman. Gotham Harbour. 19:08.
I dive into the icy water of Miller Harbour on the South Eastern coast of Gotham but barely feel a
thing. Anyone else would feel the effects almost instantly and would rush to get out before the cold
consumes them, but me Im different than other people. Though I spent my childhood years on
earth and look like a man, my birthright was ruler of Atlantis.
I look around, my improved vision allowing me to see clearly in water that to human eyes is murky.
I have become accustomed to it and can see my way around quite easily, though a first glance around
the harbour shows no sign of a submarine.
Perhaps Bruce was wrong, perhaps they arent entering the city via the water
Suddenly a harpoon comes at me from nowhere and I barely have time to dodge it. This is followed
by another, and another, before I manage to locate where theyre coming from and race to the spot.
There are several men around me, each dressed in scuba gear and specially designed infa red goggles
to give them vision even better than mine. From what Ive heard of the League of Assassins before
hand, this doesnt typically seem like their style, but I guess this time Ras is pulling out all the stops.
I count six men, not all of them are armed. Shouldnt be too hard.

54

I am not a tactical fighter like Bruce but I have learned from him, and the trick with these situations
is to take out the strongest threat first: in this case, the harpoons.
Six against one, but Im stronger than them and have better reflexes. My first move is a simple spin
to the left, and Ive brought my index finger of my right hand into my assailants throat before the
others even realise Ive moved. Its a simple move, but effective. I dont want to have to kill these
people, but no where does it say I have to save them. Right now my goal is to save Gotham, and at a
time like this even Bruce would accept that casualties will happen.
The second assassin is to my right, and for him I reserve a simple trick. When Im underwater I
have control over the element and can use it to work my will. Seeing as the target is several feet away I
summon up a powerful jet of water and shoot it at him. It clouds my vision for a moment, but I know
without looking that it hit.
Four more, but as Im calculating the outcome I spot the submarine in the distance. If thats where
theyre coming from, thats my main priority, and if Im going to take these guys down in a hurry I
could do with a little backup.
In someway it could almost be seen as cheating, after all I know I can take these guys on my own,
but I cant see an alternative. When summoning the sea creatures to do my bidding I have to take into
account their feelings as well as my own, and to be sure to send them back where they came from as to
not upset the food chain around Gothams east coast. It shouldnt be too hard; a Great White shark
should do the trick here, just something to strike a little fear into the four remaining assailants.
I have summoned creatures for many reasons before, and time and time again it amazes even me
how I do it. Im honestly not sure how it works, but if I will it they come to me, and every time I see
them I am never in shock but in awe. Even something like a blue whale, the largest of the oceans
mammals, I dont focus on its size but on its grace.
The shark appears out of the gloom almost instantly, travelling at speeds it would never be capable
of under normal circumstances. As it slows it goes straight to the men around me already knowing
what I want it to do. I kid myself if I think its going to look at me, like a dog to its owner, but I know it
understands me and understands the situation. Ill thank it when were done.
At speeds similar to what the shark was travelling at I race towards the submarine. Its large, black,
probably converted military, but Ive taken down many of these things before and theyve never
proved too much of a threat. The trick comes in hitting the right spot, letting the lower levels fill with
water so the sub sinks to the bottom. Theres a high causality risk, but these men knew what they were
getting themselves in for and should be prepared for any eventuality. Should any be prepared to
abandon the sub and face the water surrounding them, theyll be met by a menagerie of animals on my
command.
Years ago my power to control the creatures of the sea was stolen from me by the madman
Charybdis and as a result I lost my left hand to a group of piranhas. Though I do have a prosthetic hand
I decided to attach a specially designed spearhead which I havent used for a while, somehow I just
knew it would come in helpful and as I swim to the underbelly of the sub I know my suspicions were
correct.
I call this the Titanic effect, digging my spearhead into the steel hull and tearing a huge gash. I carry
on ripping as the water begins to flood in, the steel tearing as easily as paper under the power of my
hook. Im not as strong as Clark, but I can do damage where it counts.
I finish with the hole and not checking to see the effects I turn and speed out of the harbour and
head towards Blackgate. Time to see how everyone else is coping.
Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner. Gotham Central. 19:20.
How long can you hold it? Wally asks me.
Not much longer, I reply, already feeling my ring struggling to maintain the huge safety dome that
protected us from the oncoming gunfire from an overhead helicopter. We need a plan.
He raises an eyebrow. Really, ythink?!
I glance up at the overhead copter and for a while the firing ceases. I let the protective dome around
us disappear just before a jungle of tow cables drop from the copter and several armed assassins slide
out. Dressed in stealth gear and equipped with M16s, they look threatening to the bystanders who
have been caught in the middle. Its lucky then that most have run off or taken cover, it makes my job
easier when I dont have to worry about protecting civilians.
Look, Wally grins, Bad guys.
Want some cover? I ask.
Are you kidding? he looks almost offended. Me? Im the fastest man alive, remember!

55

I sigh, and Im about to mutter, How could I forget? before my friend has become nothing more
than a blur of red and yellow as he zips in amongst the assailants, hitting them in various spots as he
goes. Ive got to hand it to the guy, he may not be as strong as Clark or as smart and Bruce, but when it
comes to engaging many men theres no one better for the job.
He hits one and moves on to the next and the next before the first one has even felt the effects, in
fact his skills and determination to the task at hand almost make up for the size of his ego. For a
moment a stand and watch, after all he gets jobs done faster than most, but I realise I have to turn my
attention on the helicopter which I know is just itching to drop out more men.
They call thing ring the most powerful weapon in the universe because it allows me to do so much
more than create simple green objects from my imagination. Without this ring I am a mortal man, but
with it I have the ability of flight and even to survive within the regions of space without support.
My mind races as I try and think of the most practical object I could create with the ring which
would aid me in taking out the helicopter, but before I have time to decide the machine guns on the
front of the copter are firing again and instinctively I create a shield. Not a protective bubble this time,
seeing as theyre only firing at me and Im in the air I could create a more simple police shield which
uses up less energy.
I crouch in mid air protecting myself behind the shield for what seems like several minutes before I
take the initiative to attack. On the ground Wally is still engaging the assassins, one of the drawbacks
of such sped attacks means he cant always get a hit in the right spot, and as predicted the copter is
dishing out more and more assailants.
Ive got to end this, otherwise well be like this for hours.
As another round of fire comes in I leap to one side and immediately get rid of my shield. Im
leaving myself open to attack before they have time to change position of their gun I fire a single
plasmic energy bolt from my ring at the copters front. An attack like that would barely stumble a
human, and would have next to no effect on a machine, but what it does do is give Wally the
opportunity to creature a tornado with his arms and push the helicopter slightly off course.
Out of the corner of my eye I see him grin and hastily nod in his direction as a way of saying thanks
before Ive created a broad-sword from my ring and pierced the fuel tanks attached to the underbelly of
the converted military chopper. They loose complete control somewhere over Robinson Park where I
know John Stewart will guide them in safely by his own ring.
The ground is littered with is members of the League of Assassins and Wally West stands arms
folded in the middle of them. Nice job with those tornados there, I say.
He grins. Well what dyou expect from the fastest
Man alive, yeah, I got it.
We done here? Wally asks.
I shrug. Seems to me like were most needed in Blackgate.
Race you there?
As long as you give me a head start, I laugh.
Catwoman. Gotham City, East End. 19:34.
He swings his sword with a level of skill that Ive seen Bruce display from time to time and Im
forced to duck. From my position on the ground I manage to swing my heel and it connects with his
chest, but I dont have time to stop before another one has come in and snipped me on my shoulder.
Ok, that hurt, I say, and unwrapping my whip from its latch on my belt I start to swing it around. I
dont know who these guys are, or where they came from, but this is my part of the city and I sure as
hell dont want them in it. At a first glance I count eleven, but these guys look serious and I would bet
on there being more.
My whip takes out several but theres a few with Assault Rifles and I dont fancy sticking around
and getting hit. I leap out the way and Im about to do so again when a womans voice calls out from
above. Catwoman!
I turn my head to see whos spoken. Aw swell, its you, I say with an intended level of sarcasm as
the one they call Wonder Woman lands in front of me and uses her bracelets to deflect the oncoming
fire. I dont need your help!
You might not, but Gotham does.
Thats Batmans job, I tell her.
And hes asked for you personally. Hes in Blackgate, hell meet you there. She deflects more fire
and then engages several more in close combat hand to hand. Ive got to admit, seeing her in action is
breathtaking.

56

I dont give her an answer, Batman already knows Ill do what it takes to help, if he didnt he would
have come to convince me himself. He will, huh? I say, more to myself than the Amazonian warrior
to my left.
As she deflects the fire from the assault rifles I do my best to engage several of the sword wielding
men at once. I hold two back by use of my whip, but it doesnt stop another from attempting to sneak
up on me.
Men.
Ignoring the two kept at bay with my whip I spin on my heel and sharply bring my left fist into the
assailants neck. Hes down, but the two who were previously kept back now advance and I take a
flying kick in their general direction. I hit one, but his partner drives his sword forward and Im forced
out of position, instead grabbing a hold of the first one and forcing him to double over. As he does I
launch myself off of his back and produce a spinning wheel kick to the one remaining attacker.
Who are these guys? I demand.
Ras al Ghuls assassins! replies Wonder Woman. Selina, please! Come with me to Blackgate.
Batman needs your help!
Robin. Arkham Road, Gotham Narrows. 19:50.
With my bo staff held overhead I vault over an upturned car and continue running down the
desolate road.
Bruce sent me here to hold back any assailants that might try and get into Arkham but he must have
known that a move like that would never be what Ras intended. He works purely with the League of
Assassins, he would never ask for any other help unless he really needed it, and with the chance that
Gotham could be within his grasp he would never want anyone else involved.
As predicted the area is free of the virus that has begun to spread in greater Gotham but thats not to
say the Narrows isnt without its own problems. With everything thats happened with Barbara, the
recent breakout at Arkham has been swept under the carpet without a proper clear up, and right now
Im tracking the only remaining madman who got free.
His name is Ken McMillan; known to his friends has Mad-Dog McMillan, and was imprisoned for
multiple rape and murder. One look at him and you could see this man belonged in an asylum, and Im
not just talking about the orange jumpsuit with prisoner numbers printed on the chest. A shaved head, a
tattooed neck, and the makeshift machete that hangs from his waist. Though not as dangerous as
someone like Joker the man cant be overlooked, and I plan to get him back in his cell before joining
the others at Blackgate.
I finally catch up with him just south of Arkham road and immediately swing my bo into his
stomach. He doubles over and I connect my knee with his face, though admittedly it hurt me as much
as it did him. The guys big, much bigger than me, and truth be told Im slightly intimidated by it,
which might be why he manages to get a hit in on me and I fall to the ground.
Shouldnt you be in bed, he taunts. Aint safe to be playing dress up in this part of town.
I smile politely, not in the mood to be trading quips with a guy like this, and reach for my bo with a
mind to give him one to the head. I reach, but as I swing he dodges, and faster than I ever would have
expected for someone of his size hes off again down a side alley.
But I dont give chase, because I know whats down there. A moment later and hes running out
again as a dark figure with towering ears and a billowing cape comes out of the shadows. Batman!
McMillan yells, and tries to brush past me but I trip him up.
I watch as he falls then turn to my ally. How many times have you ever been mistaken for
Batman? I ask, grinning.
Too many to count, Cassandra replies, stepping out of the shadows and approaching the thug. She
looks at me. You would have thought guys like him might notice the breasts.
Help me, Mad-Dog cries. Help, its then he stops, and his eyes widen. Hey, you aint the Bat!
he says. You aint nothin but some Bat-chick! He laughs. Heh, to hell with this, a nut like you aint
even worth scr
But he never manages to finish the sentence as Cass slams her boot into his throat and leaves him
gagging. Not one for words she pulls him up only to hit him a couple more times and lets him fall
again, closer to me this time.
The asylums just down there, I tell her. Lets see how Mad-dog likes to be locked up.
Superman. Blackgate Isle, Gotham City. 20:12.

57

His name is Amazo, an android, and Ill bet anything hes a present from Lex. Ras al Ghul would
never align himself with such a thing, but Lex? If he got wind of this fight before we did, and in his
position its possible, he could have easily secured himself an Amazo and activated it when the League
of Assassins came in.
Amazo comes from a long line of models designed by Professor Ivo. Hes highly advanced,
moulded flesh over a metal skeleton and equipped with very specific absorption cells. He looks like a
man, but possesses the powers and abilities of seven members of the Justice League; his primary
function is to destroy us. In short: a whole lot of trouble.
He makes the first move, a side punch Ive used myself time and again, and only then do I notice
this model has been stripped down. Theres no Green Lantern ring or lasso like Dianas, and as were
not in water, Arthurs abilities are useless. So that leaves my heat vision, arctic breath, flight and
strength, Flashs speed, Jonns telepathy and Bruces tactical mind. In his mind this isnt a match up
its a slaughter, and I have a good mind to agree with him.
He hits again, and again. I block the fourth, but misjudge the fifth and Im thrown backwards. I use
my heat vision on him but it barely scorches the skin, and as predicted he retaliates with his own blast
and I have to jump to dodge. I take the fight into the air and come at him like a torpedo, I hit and were
both flung backwards but I keep the upper hand and from the air I slam as both into the ground.
The trick to defeating him lies in taking out his our powers, but thats not easy. Bruce once
said something about his legs, that taking them out will slow him down because he no longer holds
Flashs abilities, but the trouble is Batmans the one that comes with the toys to achieve that, my best
weapon against the android is my strength, and even then his matches it exactly.
I choose to bring a series of fast punches into his stomach and to end with an uppercut, but with the
Martian Manhunters telepathy he can predict my every move. Most of my hits are blocked but I do get
the last one in which gives me a split second to bring in the uppercut before he blocks that too. It
connects sharply with his jaw and at last I succeed in getting him down, but keeping him there will be
hard.
Just as hes about to get up, a golden lasso comes out of nowhere and wraps itself around the
android. He breaks out, but not before Diana has thrown her sharpened boomerang which nestles
neatly in his left leg.
Think thatll slow him down? I ask as the Princess emerges from her hiding place and joins me.
Hard to say, she replies, But two against one are better odds.
Why not make it three? comes the voice of Wally West as he suddenly appears next to us. I mean,
Im the Flash, and this guys no more than a glorified microwave.
Diana shrugs, and the three of us head toward Amazo.
Unsurprisingly Wally is the first to reach but his actions are too rash and Amazo is ready for him.
The blade in his leg didnt slow him down, and with my strength he hits Wally in the jaw and sends
him flying against a nearby warehouse.
I rush to Wallys aid while Diana goes to Amazo. With great speed and precision she gets her lasso
around him again, this time tugging on it so he trips and lands on his left leg. The boomerang which
still sticks out at an angle hits the floor first and the androids leg is pressed against it, the blade slicing
through the moulds which cover the intricate metal skeleton of his thigh. Theres no way the blade
would slice through that, but it manages to scrap a couple of the visible wires which control the speed
at which he can travel.
Hey nice going Wondy Gal, Wally says, nursing a sprained wrist. Now hes no longer the fastest
microwave ali
But his comments are cut off as the huge droid puts on a great burst of speed and rises into the air,
grabbing Diana as he does. Id almost forgotten that he had the ability to fly, and before I have time to
fly up to him myself hes put on one final force of speed and rocketed himself straight towards the
ground again, clutching a helpless Diana before him.
Ive used the move myself, but only ever as a last resort. Hell smash into the ground with Diana
beneath him, and not even a princess of Themyscira could survive that, not with his weight crushing
her. Amazo is an android; hes programmed purely to kill. He cant be reasoned with, he cant be talked
down, our only hope now is that he damages himself upon impact as well.
Green Arrow. Blackgate Isle, Gotham City. 20:27.
Me and Jonn reached Blackgate a few moments ago, just in time to see the Amazo rocket into the
air holding Diana and then change direction completely and head back towards the ground. Jonns
eyesight is better than mine and he tells me Clark and Wally are there as well. At the distance I stand I
cant see for myself.

58

Diana is not invincible, though today wont be the day she dies, not if I have anything to do with it.
I pull an arrow from the quiver strapped to my back and load it into my bow. Ive only got one shot at
this, its the only arrow I have of this kind. Theyre expensive to produce, in fact Ive only ever fired
one before and that was on a practice range if I screw up now
My aim is generally perfect, but my target is usually standing still. Ive got to release at exactly the
right moment, before Amazo is in my sight
I release the arrow; it soars through the air, heading straight towards Amazo and Diana. Im always
open to challenges, but this could go wrong. I could either miss the android completely or hit Diana by
mistake, and unfortunately only a direct hit on where I want could let this arrow take effect. Generally
a weapon of this sort could operate within a specific range, but I had enough trouble condensing it into
an arrow head as it is.
Still, fingers crossed
The arrow hits just below the desired target, nestling itself in Amazos left nostril. I was aiming for
his eye, but I let out a spontaneous cheer of delight because it could still take effect. Watch this, I grin
to Jonn.
The two of us watch as the machine stumbles back in the air; turns, and continues falling with much
reduced power on his back towards the ground. As I hoped, Clark flies up to catch the now powerless
Amazo and me and Jonn race towards them as they land.
E.M.P! I call out as Clark notices the arrow sticking out from Amazos head. Electro Magnetic
Pulse, knocks out any computer system it comes into contact with!
Clark raises an eyebrow. Better than the boxing glove arrow at least, he says.
Jonn helps Diana to get up. Are you alright, he asks.
She nods. He had great power, she says of Amazo. Stronger than you, Clark.
I noticed, Clark replies. Past models have merely imitated the powers of whatever member of the
League it comes into contact with, perhaps this one managed to combine both my strength and yours.
Its possible, Diana agrees.
Any idea where it came from? I ask.
Lex, Clark states with a certainty in his tone. His hold over humanity is slipping and he knows it.
The events of this morning have startled him, but he had this one planned ever since he first got wind
of this attack against Gotham, in fact I might almost put money on it that he was the one to reveal the
location of the Lazarus pit to Harvey Dent. Lex would never let Ras al Ghul take control, thats why
he hired Amazo to take both us and the League of Assassins out.
But I thought Amazo was programmed specifically against us, Wally says, Its why he holds our
powers and no one elses.
He was, Kid, I say, noticing something behind him. He was hired to take out the Assassins.
I point and everyone follows my line, finally landing on the figure of Slade Wilson, the mercenary
and contract assassin known as Deathstroke. Amazo was just the beginning, this is the real challenge.
Nightwing. Blackgate Isle. 20:32
The League of Assassins are merciless killers. Though their greatest asset is their strength in
numbers, it is not to say that each individual fighter doesnt stand to be a true test of ones own abilities
in the martial arts. Like Batman, each assassin is a tactician, and one that uses fear, and the element of
surprise, greatly to their advantage.
At the end of the day, however, Batman is better. As a man, Bruce tested his body to its absolute
limit; he trained with some of the best tactical fighters in the world and then surpassed them. But just
as Batman was once trained by them, I was trained by Batman, and with his training and my
background as a circus acrobat, I have allowed my body to perform feats that not many can lay claim
to. And I get a thrill out of doing so, even now after all these years. I love it so much, in fact, that I can
let any thought of Barbara slip my mind for the time being.
There are three assassins around me, each armed with a twenty-eight inch Katana blade. I have no
weapons; in their eyes I am defenceless. In their eyes, I am no match for them. In their eyes, this is an
assassination. But thats their eyes, not mine. I see the situation quite differently.
Their first mistake is their positioning. They are standing together when their best chance of
defeating me would be to stand as a circle, to cover all my blind spots. With them standing as they are,
facing me as they are, my job is made a lot easier.
First of all I take the one in the middle with a jumping wheel kick to the stomach. He tries to defend
himself with his blade but Im too fast and he is immediately knocked backwards. Barely has he had
time to stumble and Im on the second and third, pushing both back with a split kick catching both in a
similar position to the first.

59

Fun, but all Ive managed to do is startle them, and my main priority now is to disarm them as
quickly as possible. I start now with the one on the left, leaping again and bringing in a flying kick,
before twisting in the air, landing on my hands and propelling myself into the middle man, arching my
back and hitting him square in the chest with my legs together. So far so good, but the third man is
upon me again, thrusting his blade forward and forcing me to dodge to the side and lose my
positioning.
The trick with defeating three at once is to keep moving, and alternate your attacks between them.
Dont ever stick to just one, do that and youre dead, and dont ever drop your concentration. Armed
opponents rely on their weapons, they dont ever think to use their body until theyre disarmed, and I
use that to my advantage.
Alternating attacks, and alternating between targets, I gradually beat them down. An uppercut to the
one of the right, a elbow jab to the middle, a final wheel kick to the one on the left and theyre down. I
get a rush, but its only momentary, because out of nowhere another seven assassins have appeared
from out of the shadows, each wielding their own katana blade.
Crap.
Without thinking I rush into the fray and with a well-placed flying kick I succeed in knocking the
first one down, but that means nothing as suddenly another four are on me, swinging their blades so
that I have only a second to leap out of the way. It doesnt work: I time it wrong and I misjudge the
landing, twisting on my ankle and slipping to the floor. It doesnt take long for an assassin to take
advantage and pin me with his legs. I twist but it doesnt make any difference; my assailant is already
raising his sword above his head.
Then suddenly theres the crack of a whip and the sword is pulled from his hands. Its pulled back,
the blade released, then with another crack the whip has wrapped itself the assassin and he is pulled
sideways, and when I pull myself up I deliver a knock out blow to his head. A Bruce Wayne special.
Careful, Big Bird, comes the voice of Selina Kyle. I might not be there next time.
Its appreciated, I nod, but say nothing else. My feelings on Selina are mixed, but I cannot share
pleasantries with her.
Were surrounded again, but now theres two of us, and we make short work of them. Its
interesting, fighting side by side with someone who I once considered an enemy and fought with
Batman to bring down on several occasions. Whether or not Selina, Catwoman, is truly reformed is
something that only she can answer, but I have to admit she has been a valued ally more often than not
recently, and she has been there for Bruce when others have not.
As I watch its clear that her speed, her agility, it has improved a lot since my days as Robin, when I
would catch her stealing jewels from Gothams museums. Shes always been impressive, once
considered one of the greatest, most elusive, cat burglars of the world, but I see her now and I wonder
whether or not shes been training with Batman.
But Bruce couldnt have taught her all she produces now. Most enemies are kept at bay from the
bullwhip she carries, and uses effortlessly. Its her weapon of choice, and its a smart one. It takes great
skill to master the use of a whip, there is certainly no other in Gotham who can handle one, and it
means that if she is ever cornered and her weapon is taken from her, her assailant would never be able
to use it against her.
Wheres Batman? she calls to me, as she swings her heal into the jaw of the closest assassin then
just as easily cracking the whip once more and wrapping it around the neck of another several feet
away.
Around, I reply, although in all honesty I dont actually have a clue.
Well when you see him, tell him from me hes a real But shes cut off, because suddenly neither
of us are fighting any more. But we didnt win, last I saw we were surrounded, the assassins kept
coming from every direction. No, all of a sudden they just stopped, and disappeared into the shadows
in such a way even Batman couldnt manage.
Okay, that was strange, Selina says.
I nod. Cmon, lets find Bruce.
Green Arrow. Blackgate Isle. 20:40
Theres me, Clark, Diana, Wally and Jonn. Kyle, I assume, is on his way, and Catwoman and
Nightwing are within close proximity. You would have thought the odds are greatly against him, but
Slade figures that were just about even. Hes a tactician, plans every move in advance; looks for every
bit of detail in everything he does. He could very well be better than Bruce, and unlike others he
wastes no energy trying to prove it.

60

Its been said he possesses the strength of ten men and has reflexes as fast as Wally. Whether these
are superhuman abilities has always been open for debate, but Slade, for a fact, can use up to ninety
percent of his brain capacity and is always a dozen moves ahead.
Whats Luthor paying you, Slade? Clark asks.
Interesting thing, Deathstroke replies, He offered me money, he offered me a lot of money but
this I said Id do for free. Finally, the chance to prove myself against the two greatest leagues the world
has ever known, how could I refuse that chance?
Our time will come, I say. This fight is for Gotham, and you have no part of that.
Lets just see, shall we? His face mask shifts slightly around the mouth. Beneath it hes smiling.
As with countless fights before, Wally is the first to react. So young, so carefree. The kids good,
theres no denying it, but he still has a lot to learn about tactics. And a lot to learn about Slade.
Theres no doubt Slade saw it coming, but he chose not to act against Wally and when the kid tries
to get the sneak up from the back Slade merely brushes him away with the hilt of his sword. He doesnt
see Wally as his greatest threat, he knows a fight like this and hes got to start with the most powerful
opponent first. That, undoubtedly, means Clark.
We all know Clarks weakness, but Deathstrokes not the type to carry kryptonite around. He would
have his own way to take Clark down sorted in his head, but I dont hang around to find out what it is.
Ive already got standard arrow loaded into my bow, and the second I can get behind Slade I take the
opportunity to fire it. Of course, he was expecting it, but as he lets the arrow ricochet off his sword he
takes is focus off Clark which means for the moment were ahead of his plan.
For the moment.
I hoped he would swing at me, and as he does I have time to duck my head, what I dont
immediately realise is that it wasnt my head he was aiming for. The blade slices through the heads of
all the arrows in my quiver, rendering them useless should I try and fire them. I should have predicted
that would happen: cant go for the strongest then take out the long range weapons.
A kick to the stomach and Im forced back, and Diana takes the opportunity to come in. But shes
taken a beating from Amazo; shes not at full strength, and Slade of course will take advantage of that.
First comes the lasso, Slade just slips through it; then comes several throwing stars, but just as my
arrow did they all ricochet off his sword. After several hits in Dianas pressure points, she too is thrown
back leaving only Jonn left.
But I cant stand there and watch Jonn get taken down like the rest of us, and looking around I
dont think anyone else wants it either. Ive always said that the JSA will teach you how to be a hero,
and the Titans will teach you how to be a family, but the Justice League from the very start the
League has always taught you how to fight. It will teach you how to be hero, it will encourage we act
as a family, but it has always been about how to handle yourself in situations like this. If Slade just
walks all over our powers, we defeat him by not using them.
Im the first to run in, jumping on Slades back and getting him in a death choke. Wally goes for the
legs, Jonn grabs his right arm and even Clark comes in and tackles him around the waist. Of course
Slade puts up a fight and refuses to go down, but suddenly both Kyle and John Stewart are with us, one
taking his other leg while the other pulls at his utility belt, preventing any use of whatever tricks he has
lined up.
In his right hand he still grips his sword, but as he tries to swing it at Jonn the Martian just uses his
phasing ability and blade passes right through him. Slade is screaming now, but as its near impossible
to hurt this man his yells are more out of anger. Its an interesting sight, six figures all hanging off
various parts of Deathstrokes physique, but in times like this youve got to abandon the image of a
superhero and do what is necessary to get the job done.
Finally Slade is completely unarmed and forced to the ground. We let him go knowing that any
more would be useless. The man heals rapidly, but he knows weve beaten him and for Slade thats an
end. We let him go with what little pride he has left, and only then do I notice that every member of the
Justice League was involved in that fight.
All except for one.
I look around me and see that the battle is over, that the League of Assassins have withdrawn, but
we all know that doesnt mark the end. But we cant get involved with this next bit; not the League, not
Nightwing or Robin or Batgirl, for as my eyes scan the area I see the tall, dark figure of Batman
standing alone at the citys edge.
This next bits for him, and we cant get in the way. He would have watched this fight with
Deathstroke and a part of him would have wanted to get involved, but its not time for that. Its time
now for him to face Ras al Ghul for the last time.
Batman. Blackgate Isle, Gotham City. 20:51.

61

I stare out across the water which surrounds the city wondering when Ras will make an
appearance. My fingers grasp the hilt of an Arabic blade, the preferred weapon of choice for a number
of the League of Assassins, and one of first types of sword I ever learnt how to use.
I can feel his presence in the air. Ras has been here all evening, waiting for his time.
Show yourself.
Clark, Oliver, Jonn, Wally, Kyle, Diana, Arthur, John, Dick, Tim, Cassandra, even Selina, theyre
all gathered in the distance knowing whats about to happen. One or two might want to get involved
with this, but Clark and Oliver know better and wouldve kept the others at bay. Im grateful; this is
something I want to do alone.
Im impressed, Detective.
Usually I would spin around in an instant, but this time I turn in my own time. My eyes meet his,
but I dont raise my sword, not yet. Hes armed, hell make the first move, and my reflexes are better
than he gives them credit for. Ill be ready.
My League of Assassins has never failed, though I count the same number of heroes standing now
as there was when we started, and each of them working their hardest to prevent any casualties from
happening on either side. Ill assume then that my dead assassins are a result of Deathstrokes games
and that you havent by some miracle started killing people.
Give it up Ras, I growl. Even if you kill me now you cant take Gotham. Youve already lost.
He gives the briefest of smiles, a rare thing for a man like him. Oh you dont really believe this was
about Gotham, do you? he says. I am on my death bed, Detective, I dont really believe I could take
Gotham now, and even I did those heroes over there are only the start of a long line. No, Bruce, this
was never about Gotham, this was about finally answering a life ling question. Whos better?
Whos better? I cant deny Ive wondered it myself every time me and Ras have come into contact,
but the question has never been answered. Weve fought on countless occasions, most recently during
Thomas Elliots exploits a few months ago, but one has never truly beaten the other. Whos better? Is it
truly a case of one man being better than the other when they have so much, and yet so little, in
common? Or are our fates the same, are our lives entwined?
But theres another question, and Ras knows it. His confidence is not an act; hes counting on this
last question to be his saviour. Do I really have it in me to defeat this man, knowing he cant be
resurrected? The promise I made to my parents, to rid he city of the evil that took their lives, wasnt the
only vow I ever made. I swore never to kill, to never become the embodiment of what I am fighting
but there are occasions when choices are never that simple.
We begin to circle each other, like lions to their prey. Our eyes are fixed, our swords are raised, and
all the while theres something in the air that tells me this is the end.
You feel it, dont you? Ras states. One of us dies tonight, Detective. After all those years, it all
comes down to this. It is fitting that it should be in Gotham; a city long protected by a bat in the night,
and now your fair citizens get to watch their protector die. Theres a question running through your
mind right now that not even your mask can hide, and the answer is no, Bruce, you do not have it in
yourself to kill me.
Maybe hes right, but that doesnt mean I cant surprise him a bit. In a flash Ive brought my sword
up and then swung it at Ras. He, of course, blocks the attack with his own blade, but my intention was
never to hit him. I have made the first move, I am willing to fight, and perhaps now Ras can
understand that.
Ras is a tactical fighter like myself, and even before hes made his first straight attack I can tell
what hes wanting to do because I would do it myself. It gives me an advantage, because I can parry,
but of course it works both ways and he predicts each of my moves. We carry on like this for a few
moments, both attacking, both blocking, and all the while Im thinking of how best to break this off
and surprise him.
Sometimes the trick in defeating Ras al Ghul is rage, when theres something more then just tactics
behind each swing. With aggression strikes one tends to swing from above, but doing that youre
leaving your body open for your opponent to strike from below, so when Ras next strikes from the
side I thrust my own blade upwards to catch him in the abdomen.
Both our blades find flesh, but mine is merely a shoulder wound whilst his is frontal.
Lucky shot, Ras hisses. But do you have it in you to let the blade go deeper?
Hes right, I could have ended it there but I didnt. The blade merely jabbed him, barely enough to
draw blood, when truth is I could have delivered a more lasting attack. I have done in the past, in the
past Ive drove a blade right through his stomach so it came out the other side, but that was when I
knew he could reach a Lazarus pit.

62

Rage, he continues. You think you know what it means but you dont. He strikes again with a
similar shot to before but I bring my blade up to defend. As the metal clashes together he continues as
if this were all a lesson. Tell me, Detective, did you feel rage when your parents died, or Robin or
Barbara?
Barbara
Her image flashes through my head and without knowing it my strikes have got harder, faster. Left,
right, left again and then up from above, I can barely control myself. I realise just how much anger Ive
had bottled up, that didnt come out even when I was fighting Clark. As my arm moves I see Ras is
having trouble now keeping up with the defences but I dont bring myself to slow down.
Barbara! I growl.
Yes, Barbara, he almost grins. It just kills you that you werent there to save her, doesnt it? How
well will you cope without, what is it you said, your guiding spark on a dark night? But ask yourself
Detective; am I really the one you want to take it out on?
He quotes the line of the poem I read at Barbaras funeral but it comes as no great surprise that hes
been watching me. Right now my mind is on someone else, and as I say his name I can hear my voice
now is no more than a whisper. Joker.
Hes here, Batman, hes watching us. Hell make his move before the night is out, what you need
to ask yourself is what you will do about it. He brings out two sudden attacks that I barely have time
to block, the image of Barbara replaced by that of the Joker. Will you kill me, will you kill him? Ras
continues. Or will you go the noble route and spare both our lives, to let Arkham house us, knowing
that nothing is ending here tonight after all.
Enough, I rasp.
You made a promise on the grave of your parents, you promised to never stop fighting. But tonight
could be that night when it can all finally stop; you could kill us both and let it be over with. It sounds
tempting and you cant deny it, just as you cant deny that very thought has run through your head.
You dont know anything! I scream at him, attacking now with even more ferocity than before.
I know you! Ras yells back, replying with strikes that are just as aggressive. When, Bruce?
When will you give in to that darkness that has consumed so much of you already and do what must be
done to see true justice? It could end tonight, it could have ended ten years ago, all youve got to do is
kill me and let it be over with!
And then I stop as it all becomes clear. Ras didnt come here tonight for Gotham, and he didnt
come here to see who was better. All hes ever wanted to do is drive me over the edge and with
Barbaras death he saw the opportunity where he might at last succeed. Hes right, it could all end
tonight.
But it wont.
I chose this life, I say. I know exactly what I am doing. I drive my sword much deeper into his
side until I see the blade come out at the back. I could stop at any time I wanted, any day of the week,
but I wont. He drops to the floor. I wont.
But youve done it, he replies, trying to grin as he winces in pain. Youve finally killed me.
It was not a killing strike, but it immobilizes him, and for the first time in nearly five hundred years
of his existence he is experiencing true pain. You died a long time ago, I tell him. Youve just had
trouble letting go.
Now finish it, he orders, as if he didnt acknowledge what I had said. Do not leave me bleeding,
finish it and become the man you were meant to be! I hear his words but choose not to listen. Finish
it! he yells again.
I drop my sword and turn my back to him. I have, I say, faintly, and I start walking away to join
the others in the distance. Im not a killer, Im not a superhero, I am still what I have always been: a
man who made a promise and intends to keep it.
Nightwing. Blackgate Isle, Gotham City. 21:12.
Theres no way he did it, Wally mutters as we see Bruce drive the sword through Ras.
He mightve, replies Arthur, Hes been through a lot these past weeks.
But to kill someone? Wally says. He hasnt got it in him.
Im with Arthur, Kyle puts in. Bruce isnt himself. And Ras is barely someone, Wally.
Enough, hisses Oliver, playing the role of superior that Batman usually holds.
What do you think, Dick? Wally asks me.
I take time to consider the question. Bruce has proven time and again hes capable of killing
someone, but hes always grounded himself enough to not do so. But now with everything thats
happened with Elliot, Luthor, Barbara, I dont want to start guessing what hes feeling within. Hes

63

already hit Clark today, and Ras is someone hes wanted out of his life for a while but still theres
something telling me he wouldnt do it. No, I say at last. No matter what hes going through, he
could never take a life.
Hes right, Tim adds. Look.
Bruce walks slowly towards us, one hand grasping a wound on his shoulder. Clark asks if hes
alright, but to my surprise Bruce comes straight to me. His words are faint at first, the mans weak, but
I listen intently and manage to make out one word. Joker.
Hes here, Bruce chokes. Dick, we must find him, but you cant you cant he trails off and
I look desperately around. Its raining now, but seeing as were in Gotham one could say it was long
overdue; it reduces visibility slightly and unsurprisingly theres no trace of the Joker.
What is it? asks Jonn, but his words are drowned as the sudden sound of a gunshot rings
throughout the darkness. The only people visible are the thirteen of us, and on the chance that any of
the League of Assassins had regained consciousness, the blast was that of a hand held pistol while the
League prefer Assault Rifles.
It comes to all of us at the same time, but when we turn to the direction of Ras, another figure
stands in our way. A long purple over coat, a wide brimmed hat, and a smoking barrel of a vintage
revolver in his left hand. Dont you know its unsporting to leave your opponent alive and bleeding,
the Joker hisses, lightly blowing over the barrel of his gun. Its embarrassing, to say the least; and for
a man who runs around dressed like a winged rat with his underwear on the outside, I would have
thought embarrassment would be something you know a lot about.
When Bruce first said the name Joker, all I could think about was catching him, but as he stands
before me now I dont see the madman that Ive always known, I see a new man, a man who killed my
fiance. I understand now that to really hate him you have to have experienced a personal attack, to
want to kill him you have to see him as Batman and James Gordon see him. In all honesty I never
thought about what I would feel like when I saw the Joker again; the word revenge has had many
different meanings for me over the years, but I see now why Batman and why Jim have wanted to kill
him and suddenly all their actions are excused.
The Joker. He beat a child named Jason Todd, Robin, to death with a crowbar; he shot Lieutenant
Sarah Essen, Jim Gordons wife, while she held a baby in her arms; he has murdered a countless
number of innocent victims for nothing more then to indulge his sick fantasies and mere days ago
he tortured and killed the woman I loved.
He should have died years ago.
I can feel Bruce try and hold me back but I break free of his grasp and grab Joker around the collar.
He complains, says something about an expensive suit, but I ignore it and let my fist fly into his jaw. I
dont understand why Bruce has had so much trouble with this over the years, as I pound away it
seems Jokers face is breaking quite easily beneath my fists.
Stop, he chokes. This isnt how it was supposed to go, its not supposed to be you going nuts its
Batman. I had this whole thing planned out where Hey! Watch the nose, will you?
Shut up, I hear myself say, but when I bring my fist back for another side punch he wriggles free
of my grasp and tries to stand.
Bugger, Joker says, with an air of sudden realisation to his words. You were in love with her,
werent you? He giggles, before turning and trying to run. Gotta admit, I didnt see that one. I felt for
sure the strongest response would have been from Daddy-Bat.
I believe that Joker and Bruce are locked in a constant battle, where one survives because of the
other; and as I catch up with the Joker and force him to the floor I tell myself that killing him will help
Bruce put an end to it all. Im helping him, Im helping Barbara Im helping the world.
And then it stops, and a strong shape has got between us and forced me back.
Enough, says Bruce. Enough now. His voice is calm yet strong, in some ways it doesnt suit his
tired appearance. Weve both gone too far tonight, Dick, he continues, And I dont blame you for
that. You told me that this fight would test all of us, and it has. But think about what youre doing,
really think about it, and ask yourself if Barbara would understand.
Barbara
And then the tears start, and as I stare into Bruces eyes I realise this is the first time Ive cried since
I heard what had happened. Bruce bottles up his feelings until he cant do anymore, and without
realising it I had done the same. Ive tried to be different, to separate myself from this man, but I see
now that Im not, and could never be. I exist because of Batman, because of what hes done for me. I
cant kill the Joker, its not helping Barbara, and if Batman ceases to be then so do I.
I pull my mask off. Bruce helps me up and I look around me at the sorrow faces of the Justice
League. Everyone stares at me, but not because Im mask-less, its because my actions are causing

64

them to see me in a new light, but I dont know what to say to excuse myself. I need to get out of here,
to get away from it all. I need to
The shot startles us all and the silence is broken. It was loud, louder than before, and fired from a
different gun too. I recognise a shot like that anywhere, because Ive fired one myself on several
occasions. Its the sound made from a standard issue police handgun. I look around me and former
Police Commissioner Jim Gordon steps into the fray, his gaze fixed upon the Joker who lies cowering
on the floor nursing a bullet wound in the shoulder.
You shot me! Joker cries out. You idiot, you and then he stops as he sees who it is. Uh oh, he
mutters to himself, Looks like Im really in troub but his words are cut off as another shot echoes
around us. This time when we look the Joker is lying back against the cold stone of the ground, a pool
of blood starting to gather around his head.
Batman is the first to step forward; the others feel that this isnt their place. Its not mine either, in
fact perhaps this whole life isnt for me anymore. I dont know. I need to think some things out. And I
need to be alone.
Batman. Blackgate Isle, Gotham City. 21:17.
Out of the corner of my eye I watch Nightwing disappear but I dont have time to go after him. Just
moments ago my friend, Jim Gordon, ended the life of the Joker without so much as a warning. I cant
process any thoughts right now, I cant acknowledge that the Joker is at last dead; all I want to do is
speak to my friend.
Jim
And then suddenly Jonn has gone, so have Wally and Kyle. Tim and Cassandra disappear and I just
see John Stewart lift into the air. Arthur is at the waters edge, Oliver is slinking slowly out of sight
until finally were left with only Clark. He looks at me as if asking what to do. I nod to let him know
its ok to leave, and then at last Jim and I are left alone.
I put my hand on his shoulder and he turns his head to look at me. Take the mask off, he says. Its
alright I know.
I reach up and slowly pull back the cowl to reveal my face and for the first time in all the years
weve known one another, we look at each other as friends would. When did you? I start.
I think Ive always known, Jim replies, But it was Barbara who told me the truth. When I found
her that night I had access to her files, and there was something she had written for me that told me
everything I needed to know.
Im sorry, I say.
Ive had time to think about it, he says to me, And I want you to know I dont blame you
anymore. Barbara was a strong girl, perhaps the strongest; she would have never done anything in
which she didnt know what she was doing. Then he looks at me, and I see sorrow in his eyes. Bruce,
I I miss
I know. Then I look at the body of the Joker and although I hate to question what he did I have to
get some answers. Jim, weve been in this situation before, the Joker has forever been hurting us and
it seems we are always stopping each other from
From killing him, Jim finishes. I know. I know that in the past we have said some things, done
some things, and I want you to understand that my actions tonight were not done purely out of revenge
for Barbara. I know what Ive done, and I dont resent doing it.
Ten years ago, I start, When he first shot Barbara and kidnapped you he tried to drive you
insane; he nearly succeeded but afterwards, when I got you out, you told me to take him in by the
book, to prove to him that our legal system does work. I heard it in your voice, you truly believed then
that it was the right thing to do and I didnt question it. But
Ten years ago I did believe that, and a part of me still does. But I quit the force, Bruce, I turned in
my badge. Ive told you before I still believe in the policemans oath to protect and serve, and I do, but
from the moment I walked out of those headquarters I started to understand something else: You.
Youve done a lot of good for Gotham City, thats why I always bent the rules for you when I was
Commissioner, because I could see that we needed you. But theres a question I always wanted to ask
of you but never found the time: why didnt you ever chose to come a policeman? In those days I saw
the force from the inside looking out; I had to look at it from the outside in to see it for what it was.
I never felt comfortable
And how could you? You could never have surrounded yourself with people you didnt trust. Its
no secret that cops become corrupt, and you cant even trust your own team members on the Justice
League so you could never he pauses, and I see a smile. You have serious trust issues, he laughs.
We both smile, but it doesnt answer what had just happened.

65

Youre better than the force, Jim says. One of the things I admire about you is that you always
found an alternative to killing. It got hard at times, but when Joker shot Sarah and you stopped me
from killing him then, I saw what kind of person you really are. The trouble is I could never be that.
Youre a better man than me, Jim, I say.
He shakes his head. Since leaving the force I understand what it is that drives you, he says. I tried
to follow that but I couldnt. One of us was going to kill the Joker, and I realised I could never let that
be you. We have tried everything on him, even rehabilitation, but it never stuck. He was going to carry
on affecting us and when Barbara died I figured it had gone on just about long enough.
Ras al Ghul, I start, He spoke to me of the Joker, tried to get me to kill him. I took it to believe
that if either one of them died then it would be over, that I could stop fighting, that Gotham would no
longer need the Batman But its not true, is it? It could never be over, and even when Bruce Wayne
dies the Batman will live on.
Only you can answer that, Bruce, Jim says. Things will change; they will get harder. I understand
how important Barbara was to you, but she was never your driving force. You chose this life, only you
can end it.
Nightwing, Dick, hes struggling, I tell him. I
Dick Grayson will find his own way, will make his own decisions. You are the closest thing he has
to a father, that will never change, but speaking as a father I would ask of you not to get in his way.
You fear he might quit this life - and he might - but it is, as always, his decision to make.
And then theres silence between the two of us and we just stand there in the rain trying to take into
account everything that has happened.
We live in an age of heroes, but that means that our roads are far from smooth. People forget that
just because were considered extraordinary that we dont all feel the same emotions, face the same
problems. But we do. Its not easy, but its life.

EPILOGUE.

May 8th.
Dick Grayson. Gotham City Cemetery. 23:41
I walk through the cemetery hating every step I take but wanting so badly to be with my parents.
When I reach them I do nothing for a while but stare at the names on the gravestone without saying
anything. John and Mary Grayson: circus acrobats, proud parents. I hate coming here, I usually only do
so on the anniversary of their death, but I took the time tonight to come and see them especially.
Mom, Dad I pause, not being able to find the words. Im not one to usually do this, to speak to
the deceased, but tonight just seemed like the right night to do it.
Im sorry I dont come and see you, but if there was ever a time I needed my parents its now.
Another pause; this is hard. A lot has happened recently, and I want to tell you everything but its hard
to find the words, so Ill simply ask this of you I feel a tear trail down my face and land on the cold
slab of stone. Please, take care of Barbara for me, and tell her I will see her soon.
Silence, but then I wasnt expecting a reply.
I said the same thing to my parents last night, comes a familiar voice from behind me.
I turn to see Bruce standing there, dressed not in the mantle of the Bat but in a casual suit with an
overcoat. Its more comforting than I thought to see him again; perhaps thats what spending two days
alone will do to you. Do they listen? I ask.
If you let them.
For a moment after that theres silence between the two of us before I finally bring myself to face
what has happened. Im sorry, I say. Im sorry for what happened with Joker, and for just taking off.
It was hard, I My voice trails off and I find myself starring at my feet like a nervous child.
Are you alright? Bruce asks, the concern in his voice undoubtedly clear.
Ive had some time to figure things out, I reply.
Where have you been?

66

The Clock Tower; I guess I figured it was the only way was I was going to accept what had
happened, I tell him. I never got to say thank you though, for pulling me back, for keeping me
grounded. I didnt think I would act like that.
None of us ever do, but thats what makes us human. He looks at me for a moment, as if
wondering what to say next. But Ive heard this before and he knows it, so the next time he speaks he
doesnt press on the matter and simply says, Theres a room at the manor for you, in case youre not
ready to go back to Bldhaven yet.
Thanks. I manage a smile but I dont want the uncomfortable silence that is bound to follow so I
add, I saw the news, what you did with Lex...
Actually it was Clark, Bruce replies modestly. Those bugs that Tim planted, they caught
everything. I dont think anyone in the Government quite knew what to make of it, but once the
Marshals heard it all they were round there straight away. I believe theyre holding him at Blackgate
for questioning.
How long do you think they can keep him there?
I dont know. We have seen Lex Luthor get out of similar situations on a number of occasions, but
he was the President of the United States and he betrayed his country He shakes his head. I dont
know, but Clark seems pretty confident we can keep him there at least until his trial. Theres a pause.
Have you decided what youre going to do? he asks after a fashion. I mean, will you still
I take a moment. Twenty years Ive been fighting crime, I say. And when I look back I wonder
where the time has gone. It has never been easy, in fact its been harder than I ever thought it would be,
and Barbara was one of the things that kept me going A pause, another tear. I dont know what I
want to do, Bruce. If Barbara were here she would tell me not to turn my back, that so much good has
come from doing what we did, but I honestly dont know if I can continue knowing things will never
be as they were.
I spoke to the League, he says to me. Were thinking about expanding and theres a place for
you
The League? But what happened with the Joker, I
Nobody can blame you for that, Bruce tells me. Do you really think that the rest of them havent
been through similar situations, havent lost control once in a while? None of us are perfect, Dick, no
matter what some of the stories circulating between the Titans and the Outsiders might suggest.
I dont want this to affect your decision, nor should you feel pressured into giving an answer now. I
know what Barbara meant to you, and that this is a scar that could never be healed, but the League do
not make choices lightly and I think that perhaps their judgement on this shows just how much youve
done, and what youre capable of doing.
Im silent as I think about what he just said. For the past few days I havent been able to get that
image out of my head of their faces after Bruce pulled me back from the Joker. They looked like I had
just disappointed them, and it feels refreshing to know they dont think any less of me. But I never
strove to be in the Justice League of America, thats not why I do what I do.
Or did, as it stands at the moment.
Bruce I cant, I say at last. I cant give you an answer, not now, maybe not ever. I need time to
think, time to heal, and Im not sure I can do that in Gotham. I turn to leave, but know I cant leave
things like that so I look back and say, I can distance myself all I want from Gotham, but remember
that everything I am today is because of you. I could never turn my back on you completely, and
perhaps someday I might be ready to come back to all this, but for now I
Someday?
I nod. Someday.
And them Im gone, in a manner of which only Bruce could ever have shown me how. First to the
Clock Tower, then to Bldhaven, and then Ill hit the road to see where it takes me. Ill be alone for the
whole time, and yet Ill always feel Barbara, and Bruce, and Tim and everyone else who has ever been
there for me. They were a family when I needed one the most, and they were friends when I felt like I
didnt.
They were allies.
They were supporters.
They were heroes.
END.

67