CONGRATULATIONS TO USAIN BOLT FOR WINNING GOLD, YOHANN BLAKE FOR WINNING SILVER IN THE MEN'S 100M RACE, SHELLY-ANN FRASER PRYCE FOR WINNING GOLD AND VERONICA CAMPELL BROWN FOR WINING BRONZE IN THE WOMEN'S 100M RACE AT THE 2012 OLYMIPICS. I AM JAMAICAN AND I AM PROUD!

Author's Note:

IMPORTANT:

Readers, I need your help, so I saw The Dark Knight Rises and it was absolutely epic, undeniably the best movie of 2012 and the Batman trilogy, but now I am unsure how to end this story. I have two possible outcomes in mind and one must be decided before the TDK part of this story can be concluded and it all depends on whether or not Harvey Dent dies and the story continues on into The Dark Knight Rises. There is a poll on my profile so please vote.

Anyway thank you all for your great reviews, but please remember to review and check out my profile for other stories, outfits and pictures.So here is the twenty-fifth chapter of The Light In The Dark. Enjoy!

Chapter XXV

GENERAL POV

After the Joker's broadcast, Elena and Bruce didn't even have time to process the Joker's violent murder of that innocent civilian, before they headed to the airfield on the outskirts of the city in Bruce's Lamborghini, where a helicopter waited for them for their grand entrance to Harvey's fund-raiser.

After all, they still had an image to uphold, and tonight it would certainly prove much harder to do. The Joker's actions had greatly affected the pair…and instead being surrounded by an air of happiness and content that usually engulfed the two when they were in other's company; they drove to the airfield in a stiff silence and the tension high.

"He's a symbol that we don't have to be afraid of scum like you."

Those were the words of now deceased civilian, Brian Doyle, a Batman copycat, who Bruce had last seen the night he had captured the Scarecrow and now played over and over in Bruce's mind as he drove with both hands on the steering wheel, his grip tight and his knuckles white, filled with guilt, grief and controlled anger.

Brian had died still believing in him and what he stood for and that psychopath, definitely a future resident of Arkham, murdered him for that reason and that reason alone and angered Bruce greatly. In fact, Bruce was absolutely seething in anger at the Joker's cruel actions, but he was also worried about what the psychopath would do next.

Bruce knew that he had put off going after this psycho many times before, Gordon had told him about this guy numerous of times, but in his defense, Bruce had been more concerned of bringing down the mob and hadn't really seen this guy as a threat, but apparently he was wrong and he planned to make it right once this fund-raiser was over.

Elena wasn't sure what she thought about this Joker character. It was clear that this guy wasn't your average criminal. Staring out the car window absent mindedly, watching as the sun began to set on Gotham, filling the sky with an orange, purple hue over city as her thoughts remained jumbled and her emotions were in a thousand places at once.

On the one hand, she understood that this man was absolutely insane and was killing innocent people and he needed to be stop and Bruce had to be the one to do it. But then on the other, she wanted to be selfish and not let Bruce within fifty feet of that maniac. She just didn't understand it, but there was just something in the Joker's eyes that looked familiar.

Elena didn't know what it was or why it seemed she had once seen that demented look before, but whatever the case, for once she wanted Bruce stay out of line of fire all together and to leave Gotham to its own defense, but Elena knew that Bruce would never do that, it was one of the things that she admired about him and only hope that he didn't lose everything like she almost had, when he had already lost so much.

Bruce and Elena continued to sit in silence as they finally pulled up at the airfield, seeing the massive black helicopter that awaited for them as they both exited car, Bruce heading towards the helicopter and spoke briefly to the pilot to make sure everything was in order as Elena stood by the car, making sure her outfit was in order before boarding.

Once Elena was satisfied with her appearance, she began to make her way to the helicopter as Bruce finished talking to the pilot, turning to face her and couldn't help but admire how the dress fit her perfectly, but also could see the fear and concern behind those beautiful brown eyes that he wanted nothing more to take away.

With a small smile, Bruce held his hand out to Elena as she came to stand in front of him as the pilot started the engine and with a smile of her own, Elena accepted his hand as he guided her unto the aircraft, quickly following after her, the access door closing behind them as they got settled in, before the pilot took off heading to Bruce's penthouse as the sun fully disappeared from the sky.

"You look breath taking." Bruce said, breaking the silence as Elena met his eyes as a smile came to her lips. "You don't look so bad yourself." She teased in reply, her eyes sparkling in amusement, but Bruce could still see the fear that resided within her eyes. "Are okay?" Bruce asked, Elena hearing the concern clear in his voice as she spoke. "I'm fine." She replied with a small smile; that clearly didn't convince Bruce as he gave her a look letting her know he didn't believe her.

"I'm just worried." Elena confessed, her eyes casting down to her hands that rested on her lap as Bruce took her hands into his, causing her eyes to meet his as he spoke. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this." Bruce assured her, the conviction clear in his voice, Elena already knowing what he was referring to as she nodded in acceptance.

"I know you will…just be careful." Elena replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper as Bruce cupped her cheek within the palm of his hand, Elena leaning into his touch; a small smile of content gracing her lips as he spoke once more. "I will." He promised, a small smile coming to his lips as he saw the fear disappear from her eyes, only to be replaced with trust and adoration.

"I love you." He said staring into her eyes, getting lost her beautiful dark pools. "As I love you." Elena replied smiling as Bruce leaned forward and placed his lips on hers in a loving kiss. Elena smiling against his lips as the kiss became heated, her hands entangling into his hair, Bruce pulling her closer as they got lost in each other, when the pilot suddenly interrupted them.

"Mr. Wayne we're about to land." The pilot cut in, unaware of what the couple were doing as they pulled apart, Elena giggling as she smoothed Bruce's hair out, before running her forefinger against her lips, fixing her lipstick as Bruce spoke. "C'mon, let's party…It's time for me to show off the most beautiful woman in the world."

"I think there are some who would disagree with that statement." Elena teased smiling, watching as Bruce wiped the remnants of her lipstick from his lips, before he finally spoke. "Those people are idiots." He said with a smile that she eagerly returned as the helicopter finally landed on the penthouse helipad. Bruce getting out first, before helping her down, both wrapping one of their arms around the other's waist as they walked towards the glass doors, where everyone's attention turned towards them as Bruce Wayne and Elena Gilbert entered the penthouse.

"Sorry, we're late – glad you started without us…now, where is Rachel?" Bruce said as he let go of Elena but still kept her close to his side as eyes remained fixed on the pair, unaffected by the attention as Rachel came closer, stopping to stand next to Harvey as Bruce spoke once more. "Rachel Dawes- my oldest friend." Bruce said with an arrogant smile on his face, that Elena had seen many times when he was in playboy mode as he grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed one to her.

" You know when she first told me she was dating Harvey Dent, I had one thing to say...the guy from those god-awful campaign commercials? 'I believe in Harvey Dent.'…Yeah, nice slogan, Harvey…Well it certainly caught Rachel's attention, but then I started paying attention to Harvey and all he's been doing as our new D.A., and you know what?...I believe in Harvey Dent. On his watch, Gotham can feel a little safer, a little more optimistic. So get out your checkbooks and let's make sure that he stays right where all of Gotham wants him..." Bruce said with a smile, raising his glass to Harvey as he spoke once more.

"…All except Gotham's criminals, of course. To the face of Gotham's bright future- Harvey Dent." Bruce concluded, everyone applauding at Bruce's brilliant speech and soon enough both Bruce and Elena were swarmed by a few people of Gotham's elite as everyone else resumed their conversations and waiters continued to circle around the room, carrying trays filled with flutes of champagne and orderves.

"Natasha." Elena greeted with a smile, spotting the blond Russian ballerina as she tuned out the voices of whatever egotistical airhead Bruce was talking to. "Elena." Natasha replied; her accent coming out clearly as she walked towards to the model, before they embraced each other softly, a lite kiss to the other's cheeks as the pulled apart smiling at one another.

"I'm so glad that you could come." Elena commented smiling as the two walked away arm in arm, a flute of champagne in one of their hands as they moved over to a more secluded corner of the room, so they could talk privately without the prying ears of Gotham's most elite gossipers over hearing as the room was crawling with them.

"Thank you for the invitation." Natasha replied with a grateful smile, her eyes briefly leaving Elena's and scanning over the crowd looking over for something or someone in particular, an action that didn't go unnoticed by Elena as she spoke. "He's still in New York." Elena commented, Natasha's eyes meeting her own once more as a light blush tainted her cheeks in embarrassment.

"Have you heard from him?" Natasha asked reluctantly, unsure if Elena would provide her with information she desperately wanted to know. "No." Elena replied sadly with a shake of her head, seeing the crestfallen look that came over Natasha's brown eyes as she looked down at her Gucci shoes.

"I'm sure he'll call soon enough." Elena reassured her, causing the ballerina to smile as Elena remained unsure of why she was encouraging Natasha's feelings for Lee, while he was still with Vanessa, but then again with the way things were looking, it didn't seem that would be for much longer and Elena just wanted him to be happy, just like Lexi would have wanted.

"Excuse me ladies." A male voice said softly from behind as Elena turned to see Harvey standing behind her with nervous look on his handsome face. "Hi Harvey." Elena greeted with an encouraging smile, watching as some of his nervousness faded from within his eyes as he returned her smile.

"We'll talk later, Elena." Natasha said throwing a smile to the model and the DA as she excused herself. "See you later, Nat." Elena called to her, the ballerina smiling at the nickname, before she disappeared from sight as Elena turned her attention back to Harvey. "So what do you think, Harvey?" Elena asked, taking Harvey's offered arm in hers, gesturing to the room filled with the most powerful and influential in Gotham.

"You and Wayne certainly know how to through a party." Harvey commented kindly, but Elena could tell this really wasn't his scene. "Thank you…perhaps next time I can invite you to a proper party?" Elena replied smiling, Harvey raising an eyebrow at her in question. "Which is what exactly?" Harvey asked cautiously, but still finding she was the only one apart from Rachel that didn't make him feel uncomfortable at this party.

"Well…stronger alcohol and less egotistical people." Elena replied smiling, Harvey returning it effortlessly as he spoke. "Well that certainly sounds fun. I would love to." Harvey agreed with smile, thankful that Elena wasn't like the rest of the rich and powerful in Gotham, causing him to wonder what Elena saw in Bruce Wayne.

"Harvey. Elena." The enthusiastic voice of Ella Sanders' came towards them as Elena went ridged, spotting Ella and her husband, Bill coming towards them as Harvey looked at the pair on confusion, having no idea who they were. "Sorry Harvey. Every man for himself." Elena said apologetically, not wanting to talk to Gotham's biggest gossiper and pain in the ass and her unfortunate husband.

Elena felt bad for leaving Harvey with Ella, but she had enough on her mind and didn't need that woman filling her head with her nonsenses, so with a kiss to his cheek, Elena swiftly walked away in the opposite direction as the Sanders came to stand in front of the DA and went in search of Bruce, only to find him on the balcony…with Rachel

Elena didn't want to feel the way that she did, but she couldn't help the sting of jealousy that grew within her seeing them together. Shaking her head, trying to rid herself of this unpleasant feeling, she downed the contents of her glass in one swift movement and placed it on a passing tray before she walked away to a deserted hallway that lead to the penthouse pool, trying desperately to retreat to the solace of her mind.

Elena knew that without a doubt that she loved Bruce, why else would she be with him, especially considering what he did when the sun would go down, sure Elena understood why he did it, but that didn't mean she liked resetting broken bones and stitching knife wounds, but knowing that he couldn't be Batman forever did give her sense of comfort, so she would be patient until that day and it certainly wasn't for the money, Elena had a lot of that on her own, sure not as much as Bruce, but still had enough to keep her at a comfortable lifestyle with a few luxuries without working two jobs at a nine to five pace.

Bruce made her feel loved, happy, but most of all feel wanted and not for her blood. A feeling that she thought she had lost because of Damon and Stefan, but Bruce had managed to make her feel something that was beyond anything she could comprehend, a feeling that she never experienced with Stefan, which only made her the more of afraid of losing him.

"Elena!" Bruce's voice suddenly called to her frantically, breaking her out of her thoughts as she turned to face him, his handsome face serious and filled with worry as he didn't stop walking, but grabbed her hand and began to pull along as they walked through the halls just adjacent to the party. "Bruce, what's going on?" Elena asked frantically, the concern clear in her voice, matching her pace as he continued to pull her along, saying nothing as they turned the corner, Elena spotting Harvey and Rachel talking quietly up head.

As they drew closer to the couple, Bruce released her hand as he came up behind Harvey and put him in a chokehold, cutting of his air supply. "What are you doing?" Rachel asked frantically in shock as Harvey lost consciousness. "They've come for him." Bruce said in his usual gruff voice when he was in Batman mode as Elena liked to call it as the sound of shotgun ran through the room, startling Elena as she watched silently as Bruce locked an unconsciousness Harvey in closet.

"Stay hidden." Bruce said, turning back to face them, looking in between Rachel and Elena before leaving the two most important women in his life behind, hoping they would stay safe as he headed to his and Elena's room to the safe compartment within that held his armor, so he could protect Harvey and Elena from the psychopathic clown.

Meanwhile, Elena's heart raced faster as she heard a creepy voice that made her cringe. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen…we are tonight's entertainment." The voice said casually, making Elena's blood rang cold as she listened to that chilling voice, the voice that killed Brian Doyle, that was the Joker's voice.

Peaking around the corner, Rachel and Elena watched as the demented clown in the center of the crowd, walked towards them with an everlasting smile on his painted face. Looking the same as he did in the video. The scars, the crazy eyes…his hair, a greasy green-blonde, his suit a mint purple with a jade vest underneath his jacket.

"We have to do something?" Elena in said a frantic whisper, watching as the Joker terrorized the guests, sure they weren't Elena's favorite people in the world, but they didn't deserve to be victimized by this maniac as a bunch of what looked like the Joker's "henchmen" gathering around the crowd, automatic rifles in their hands.

"Ok, stop." A female voice suddenly said, Elena's eyes widening in surprise, finally noticing that Rachael was no longer at her side as she stepped forward and separated herself from the terrified crowd. "What the hell is she doing?" Elena hissed to herself, moving forward and pushing her way through the crowd to get to the assistant DA as she spotted a familiar blond.

"Natasha." Elena called softly, the blond turning to face her as Elena grasped her hand in hers and asked her to help her as Joker turned and stalked towards Rachael, who stood defiant with her arms crossed. "Well, hello beautiful," he said slowly, sloppily slicking his hair back. "You must be Harvey's squeeze." Joker said as he began to circle Rachel, eyeing her as a butcher would meat. "And you are beautiful." Joker continued as he stopped circling her, and stepped closer, inches from her face.

"You look nervous…is it the scars?" He asked, holding up his sharpened knife up, leaning towards her, unaware of Elena moving closer towards them, a bottle of champagne within her grasp as Rachel punched the Joker in the stomach, pushing him away from her. "A little fight in you. I like that." He said, brushing his greasy hair away from his face with an hysterical laughter before approaching Rachel again, knife still in hand.

"Then you're gonna love me." The batman growled out of now where, appearing next to Rachel, before throwing a punch at the Joker's jaw and in a brief moment of pause, causing the Joker to fall to the ground, causing several of his clown goons to converge on the batman, fighting to protect their boss from the caped crusader.

In a moment of panic, Elena grabbed Rachel, pushing her towards the crowd, Natasha in particular as the blond wrapped her arms around the assistant DA and pulled her into the crowd hiding her from view as the Joker stalk towards them, a gun in his hand.

Looking quickly over at Batman, Elena noticed him fighting five clowns at once as the Joker took a step closer to her, she raised the champagne bottle like as a baseball bat, before she swung the glass bottle as hard as she could, shattering it against the clown's head, but the Joker merely raised his head after the blow, and looked at Elena almost with a look of admiration.

Grabbing her arm, he pulled Elena towards him, meeting her eyes intently, his dark eyes filled with an emotion she couldn't decipher as he spun her around so her back was now against his chest as the Batman dispatched the last of the Joker's goon, finally turning to see Elena within the Joker's grasp with his gun pointed at her head.

"Drop the gun." Batman growls, his eyes locking with Elena's, seeing the fear in her eyes. "Sure, you just take off your little mask and show all of us who you really are." Joker replied, Elena shaking her head, her eyes pleading with him not to do it as Joker fired a shot behind them, shattering the window, Elena giving a small whimper as the Joker spun her around and held her out of the window by arm.

"Let her go!" The Batman growled, his voice rough and filled with malice and hate. "Ooh, very poor choice of words." Joker replied, before laughing maniacally and letting Elena fall, a scream immediately leaving her throat as she fell to her death.

CLIFFHANGER!

What will happen next? Will Elena be alright? Will Bruce be able to save her? So many questions.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I will try to update as soon as possible.

REVIEW!

Please remember to review!

- Dark Alana.

P.S.

Happy Birthday Jamaica!

Celebrating 50 Years of Independence!