Inspired by "Deranged" by Coheed and Cambria off of the Batman: Arkham City album. This is my first time writing a fanfic, so I'd appreciate any feedback. Enjoy!


It was fitting, really. Those same stones he dropped to his knees on all those years ago now ran with his own blood. He vaguely thought about karma and the universe. The idea of it ending where it all began. He felt a laugh rise in the back of his mind. He quickly dismissed it, his attention diverted.

His breaths came in ragged clouds, hanging in the air before him. He focused on his breathing in a vain attempt to silence the searing pain along his ribs. Clutching his side, he kept his eyes on the man in front of him. He wasn't in any better condition. That damned grin still played his lips, but the red went past his cheeks, down his chin, and soaked into the tattered jacket.

"Heh," gasped the man, his bent figure showing the pain he really felt. He spit blood onto the stones in front of him. "You know Bats, I never thought it'd get this far. I mean, I always hoped I'd off you in the end, but I'd planned on being upright at the time," he croaked.

Slow, controlled breaths were the only response.

"We've been through a lot, you know? You and me. Heh, I think I know you better than anyone else! Even more than those bird brains, the bat-chicks, even top cop! Ha ha h-" A coughing fit took hold of him. As he gained the ability to breathe once more, he glanced across the alley, his grin reaching his eyes.

"Admit it Bats - you'll miss me when I'm gone. Every time you protect this city you'll be reminded of me. You'll pass by my old hideouts and think about all the lovely times we shared. Swing by the resovoir, and you'll remember when I tried to poison the city. I'll always be in the back of your mind. You'll never get me out! That's the biggest joke I could think of! HAHAHAHAHA!

"...I do wonder one thing Bats," he winced at the pain in his chest. Those boots packed a punch. "Can you survive without me? I can't live without you! Heh heh... I stand for everything you're against. Without me, do you even have a purpose?"

The question hung in the air between the two men. Snow began to fall, the promise of a clean slate when the fight was finished. The two figures stood straight, every breathe an effort, every movement a fight. This was it. The years of fighting would end. It'd be a miracle if anyone walked out of that alley.

The two men rushed each other, fists balled, teeth gritted. Both ready to accept the eternal darkness.