He had long ago given up the idea of guilt. Some people needed to die, some people couldn't be saved. She would have to die, but guilt would never settle into his heart. Take a life, save another, with that other, save another. Her death might not be necessary, but he couldn't calculate her part in Batman and Harvey's life. To him, she was an obstacle, one that might serve to sever the bond between them. Their mutual love for her would tear them apart should she live, but now; her death would bind them stronger together. The strength of the combined force of the White and Dark Knights of Gotham would save the city in a way Batman alone could only dream of.
He was standing high above the city, higher than the clouds; green eyes gazing into the stars, watching all the pieces come together. His part was to insure that this time, she died, and Harvey didn't. His part was to insure the Joker didn't win.
Two minutes and forty-seven seconds declare, "Show time."
-
"Look for something to free yourself."
"She won't find anything."
"Who-!"
"Hehe, would it make you feel better if I told you Bats chose her over you?"
Harvey breathed a sigh of relief, before realizing that voice belonged to the Joker, the Joker who was supposed to be in prison.
"What did you do you bastard?!"
"I might have gotten the addresses wrong, when I told him. I can't quite recall. You know, my memory's never been the same since I got these scars…have I told you about how I got them. Well-"
"Shut up! Rachel? Rachel! Can you hear me? Try to find-"
"Time's running out. Better hurry up."
-
Ten seconds sigh, "Say goodbye."
-
"What do you want?"
A scarred and painted face smiles nonchalantly, "I want my phone call."
One of the officers reaches into his pocket for his cell phone, but a warm hand wraps around his wrist to take his phone.
A short officer steps forward, arm outstretched, phone in hand, knowing green eyes staring straight into Joker's.
"Just don't hurt him." He says softly, but he's not looking or talking about Stephan, clutched in the Joker's deadly grip.
The Joker takes the phone and starts dialing.
-
Five seconds grieve, "Close your eyes."
Batman kicked the door in and Harvey looks up in horror.
"No! He lied, she's not here! Not me?!"
This time Batman doesn't hesitate, just grabs Harvey and the world is still spinning too fast. Just jump out the window, take the broken ribs, for him, for this chance.
"Rachel!"
"Harvey? Harvey it's okay…"
"Rachel!!"
Out the window, Batman cushioned Harvey's fall with his own body, the dumpster crumpled around his ribs and the breath was knocked out from his lungs. He couldn't breath, but his heart was still pumping, and so was Harvey's as they both stared up as the building exploded.
-
Eternity smiles, "Welcome home."
