The Joker was furious. He had just gotten his Harley back when she had been snatched up again. They weren't just going to let him get away with breaking her out after Task Force X. He needed her back. At first she had merely been a burden, always following him around like a beaten but loyal puppy. Now, after going through so much; he wanted her back. He knew how to get it…..
Bruce Wayne sat atop the building, scanning the area. It was a quiet night; not that much ever happened anyways. The Joker had been motionless in action for a month now, and he knew something was up. That was the only thing keeping him out as Batman, freezing in the chilly autumn air.
A shadow moved behind him, and he spun around. A group of twenty of so men stood surrounding him, the edge of the building the only place left open. Rather than fight, he jumped. Just as Joker had planned. As the figure fell, his cape holding his pace to a steady glide, another figure jumped onto him. This was a surprise, and he found himself for the first time ever, unable to do anything as the unwelcomed traveler forced him down. He threw his hands out to slow the fall, but the person atop him bent over and looped his hands together right before they collided with the ground. Trying not to panic, Bruce went to get up, his attacker standing next to him. Before he could however, the men who were atop the building with him were onto him. The stun-gun got to him, bur the last thing he thought was, "How did they get down so fast…?"
Maxine Anderson stood in her room staring at the TV. Joker and his gang were plastered on every channel. By now, everyone had heard about his capture of Batman. No one knew what he wanted yet, and the tape was merely repeated many times for those who hadn't seen it. Suddenly, a new video appeared.
"City of Gotham," the King himself spoke, his signature grin stuck onto his pale face. "I've gotten your protector, in case you haven't noticed." He laughed. The screen panned to Batman himself, unconscious and strung up to a wall. "I address the poor government now." His expression changed. "You know who I want." The screen went black, and Max stood at it staring. It was obvious now what he wanted. She grabbed a small bag and ran out of her room, pushing aside the front door to the building; St. James's Orphanage.
She caught a bus with some spare change, and soon she found herself outside the city hall. Taking a breath, she walked inside.
A suited pair of men stepped in front of her once inside.
"Why are you here?" The one on the left asked.
"I-I wanted to speak with the government here in Gotham." She cursed herself for her lack of professionality.
"In case you haven't noticed, they are a little busy with the capture of Batman." The right one spoke. "This isn't a little game."
"I am aware," Max sighed. "I had an idea about that." They raised an eyebrow each.