"Is that so?"
Wells trembled involuntarily as his head hung low, gray hair sticking to his wet skin. Blood and sweat ran down his ghostly white face, dripping onto the floor from his busted chin.
"I-I wasn't...trying...hah..to hurt anyone...jusss aha..dammit...Trying...ha...to fix..it." The doctor coughed out, spit and blood flying out onto the green vest of the man standing in front of him.
"Reeeeallllyyyy now?" Joker walked around the chair, looking at the blood on his shirt and vest with a bored expression.
'Good thing I took off my coat...'
Throwing the lead pipe onto the ground with a thud, it rolled across the floor near the barrels that the henchmen had set up earlier, just for this doctor's appointment.
"Did you really think you weren't hurting anyone? Using people for your little, uh, experiments? Not knowing what was going to happen to them?" The Clown Prince stood in front of the old man, smacking him across the face with a gloved hand.
"Arghhh!" Wells head flew back from the force, hitting the back of the chair. Lurching forward, he coughed up more fluids, his face turning as red as the blood running down his face. A tooth was choked up, hitting the floor as the doctor spit it out.
"HOHAHAHA! I hope you know a good dentist, Doc!" Joker laughed hard, putting a soiled glove against his gut.
"Fucking! Ahh...ha...psycho!" Grey eyes narrowed in pain and anger, trying to stay focused as his head lulled from side to side.
"I'm a psycho? Am I? Are we? Hhahaha! I guess you'd know!" The Clown Prince crouched down in front of the chair, enjoying the expressions of fear and agony on his victims face.
"Yes! You are a fucking psycho!..No...one does this to another, ha...h-human being. If anything...you should be glad I did-argh...shit...it. If I did what that woman wanted...that girl would have never been born in the first place! I..should have just listened..." The smile on the clown's face shifted, turning into a grimace.
"If I knew this was going to happen to me..all over some shitty brat... I would have just done what her mother asked..ha..or left her crazy in the hospital..!...I h-helped her...You're just too mental to see the bigger picture! Too selfish to see what you're doing to people! Just a fucking monster in makeup!" Pushing forward against the ropes, a mouthful of blood and spit shot straight into the clowns face.
"Ughhhh... Getting ballsy in the middle of our appointment, huh?" Wiping the wad off of his face and smearing some of the white paint, Joker looked at his glove in disgust. "I don't mind blood, but can you try to keep your spit in your mouth?..."
"Fucking...monster!" Wells leaned forward, spitting more blood from where his tooth was knocked out, barely reaching his assaulters pant leg. There was nothing left to lose at this point. With it going this far, it wasn't like he would be getting out of this asylum alive. This man had already decided on killing him.
"That's more like it! HAHAHAHA!" Leaning forward, Joker gripped the doctor's hair, tugging his head back roughly. "I'm a monster? You helped? You should have done..what? What was that?" Holding up his free hand to his ear, the clown raised his brows, daring the man to say anymore.
"Ya know, it's you who needs reminding of what you really are..." Yanking the man's head back as hard as he could, a gloved hand reached towards his terrified face. Gray eyes widened as he shook, seeing the hand coming closer.
Wells screamed and fought against the vice grip that was practically tearing the hair out of his scalp, horrified at what this maniac would do next. He'd already been beaten with fists and a lead pipe, had a blade stabbed through the muscles in his thigh... If this psycho was going to kill him, couldn't he just do it already instead of dragging it out? Why did he have to suffer like this? The punishment didn't fit the crime whatsoever...
"N-No! Stop!" Joker grinned as he heard the screams. Gloved fingers circled around the man's socket, pushing in and around the gray eye staring at him in terror. "Please! D-DON'T! Stop, just kill me already!"
"HAHAHAHA!" Blood gushed over the clowns fingers as they dug into Well's socket, wrapping around the open eye as he shook violently.
With a wide grin, he yanked his hand back fast, breaking the optic nerve as he pulled the doctor's eye out.
"AHHH! AHhhh! N-No! Argghhh!" Well's screamed as the clown leaned back, watching the blood flowing from his empty socket. The body beneath him trembled, taking in gasping breaths between the cries of pain. Was he going into shock?
"Hmmm..." Joker twirled the organ between his long fingers, cocking his head as he inspected it. A smirk spread across his scarred mouth as he leaned close to the older man's face, holding it up to its previous owner.
"Now, Doc... Take a good hard look at yourself! HahaHAHAHAHA!" The doctor leaned forward, bile rising up his throat at the sight of his own gray eye staring back at him. The Clown Prince jumped back as it hit the floor where he had been standing.
"Hah... No one really understands my jokes... You have a pretty weak stomach for a doctor... I just thought that maybe you would see yourself in a different light from a better angle HAHAHAHA!"
Giving the organ one last look, he tossed it over his shoulder as he turned away, letting it roll across the floor towards the older man's foot. Glancing at the clock on top of the barrels against the wall, he chuckled seeing the time.
"Well Doc, I guess our time is up..." Walking back up to the trembling man, he put his boot against his chest, tipping the chair backwards. "I'd like to have some more fun with you, but I don't wanna be too late for dinner."
The Clown Prince chuckled as he stepped towards the barrels, tapping a button on top of the clock, starting the timer.
"...W-What's...ha..going to...happen to me?" Wells voice was barely over a whisper, but knew the criminal heard him.
Turning towards him, Joker raised his hands up, cocking his head to the side. "In a few minutes, you'll be just like this old asylum. Gone and forgotten. Don't worry, unfortunately it'll be over in no time!
Stepping towards the fallen man, the Clown Prince gave him a nudge with his boot, checking to see if he was still conscious after he stopped moving.
"Guess he's out...and so am I..." The clock was ticking down, not much time left before the barrels would explode. Any trace of what happened here would disappear. No one knew the doctor had actually show up, he made sure of it.
Right now, Crane was having a rendezvous with some Falcone men and the Chechen. It hadn't been hard to find out what was going on... There were eyes and ears all over the city that he could tap into as he pleased.
These gloved hands had a tight grip over the city that was only increasing with each and every day. More and more men were coming to his side as the mob families and cops were taking hit after hit from his plans. Those in the underworld flocked to wherever and whoever they felt wielded more power. His shadow was casting far over Gotham, blocking out the sunlight. Soon, it would be a total eclipse...
"HAHAHAHA!" No one gets his jokes, but to him...they were hilarious.
Turning to leave, the Clown Prince almost stumbled as a hand grabbed on to his ankle. Looking down with a raised brow, the doctor was staring up at him from the floor, gritting his teeth.
"What do you, uh, think you're doing?" His dark eyes wandered passed the bleeding one-eyed man to the chair where he'd been bound.
'He untied the knots, huh? Knew I should have done it myself...' Sighing, he went to yank his leg free, but the older man was hanging on for dear life.
'Got some strength left after all that? Tough old fart..'
"If...if I'm going to die here... I'm taking you to hell with me!"
Dark eyes widened at the absurdity of this guy. Did he really think that he could hold him here long enough to do that? Turning his head, there wasn't much time left on the countdown.
Pulling his free leg back, he swung forward, smashing a boot into Well's face.
"Arghhh!" The older man screamed as swing after swing came at his already broken face. Holding on to the clown's leg with shaky hands, he gripped as hard as he could, refusing to leg go. This was his determined last stand...He was going to die either way, but not alone.
Looking towards the clock again, Joker growled out angrily. This was getting too close for comfort. If he wasted anymore time, he would end up as a pile of ash along with the man determined to kill him.
"Fuck! Let go you stupid shit!" Reaching down, he punched the doctor in the face as hard as he could. There was no way he was going to be taken out by a man like this.
"Ahhh! Dammit..ha..haha. Jokes on you now...We can both get first class tickets to hell at half the price." The Clown Prince seethed with anger seeing the man's swollen bloody face grinning at him despite all that he went through.
Standing back up, a grin of his own tugged at the scars in the corners of his mouth. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a blade.
"Not bad, Doc... Unfortunately there's only one Joker in this city and its ME! I'll cut that hand off if I have to." Snarling like a wild animal, he plunged the blade into the man's hand over and over again, blood pooling around his boot.
"Ahhh!" Wells let go, unable to hold onto it any longer.
Spinning in the direction of the clock, Joker cursed under his breath as he ran towards the door. Only a few seconds now... If he didn't get out fast enough, he would get caught up in the explosion...
Not bothering to even glance at the man on the ground and grabbing his favorite purple coat, he ran across the cold stone floor and kicked the doors open with his boot. There was no way in hell it would all end here... The major parts of his plan for Gotham's soul hadn't even started and he finally just got his woman back who was waiting at home for him to return. Had it been a few weeks ago, he would have laughed as he drowned in flames of his own creation...but not now.
'Not yet...'
Running out front of the asylum towards the broken path that led towards the street, the clown heard it before he felt it...
Boom.
The sides of the building were blasted outwards as the buildings roof burst into the sky. Flames roared in every direction as what was left of the asylum collapsed in on itself.
"Shit!" The force of the explosion sent him flying forward, his eyes losing focus as the bright lights took his vision. His body was sent through the air, not having anything to hold on to.
Crashing into what was left of the brick wall that, the air was knocked out of him from the impact. Hitting the hard surface, his head spun as he landed in the dirt below.
"Ugh..." Shaking his head as he slowly sat up, he groaned in annoyance knowing he messed up his ribs. it was definitely going to leave his side all bruised up.
"Dammit!" Sakura was going to be pissed...
Dark eyes looked up as he brushed the dirt off of the front of his vest, still gripping onto the coat in his bloody gloved hands. The asylum was completely demolished... The flames were dancing high above where the building stood, black smoke billowing up into the night sky.
'Beautiful...'
"WOAHAHAHAHHOAHAHAHA!"
It was a sight to behold... The shades of red and orange, the loud explosions of when it went off, and the total destruction it left in its wake. Utter chaos in its most raw form... There was only one other thing in this world that could make his black heart skip a beat the way it did...And she was waiting for him to come back...
Standing up and admiring his art, he swung his coat over his shoulder and turned away. That had been a close call...first time in a long time. He couldn't afford to be careless...not now.
"Couldn't die peacefully getting blown up by my own bombs meant for someone else..."
'Man...it's late..' Looking at the clock, an involuntary yawn let itself out as she stretched her arms a over her head.
'I'm just gonna go to go to bed...' She'd already eaten dinner and sat reading the book from the coffee table for the last hour. Glancing at the now empty plate, she sighed running a hand through her pink hair.
'I guess I'll do some dishes before I lay down...'
BAM!
Sakura jumped up out of her seat as the door to the apartment flew open.
"What the-?!"
The man who kicked her door in stood rooted to the spot as the pinkette's eyes widened at his appearance. Taking a few steps forward with her mouth open in shock, the tall brooding figure closed the door with his boot, locking it without saying a word.
"Jack...what happened? Are you okay?"
From head to toe, he was covered in soot and blood splatters. The paint on his face was smeared with a mixture of other things, making it one colorful mess. There were tears on his pant leg and the arm of his favorite purple coat...What happened to him?
"Jack?" Dark eyes stared at her intently, making her worried. There wasn't even a hint of a smile on his face... Was he...angry?
Taking a few large steps forward, his dirty gloved hand reached out, burying itself into her pink locks. Before she realized what was happening, her head was being tugged backwards as his mouth was hungrily attacking hers. Moving forward, he guided her back against the table, pushing his tongue passed her lips and invading her mouth.
"Mhm!" The pinkette's back ran into the edge of the table, unable to say anything as he kissed her hard. Leaning back panting, his dark eyes looked away towards the smooth surface behind her. Without hesitating, he swept the book and plates off of the piece of furniture, making them crash loudly onto the floor.
Clamping his hands onto her slim waist, Joker picked her up, shoving her trembling body onto the table...making her cry out in surprise. Staring down at her, his dark gaze roamed up and down her body, hungrily taking everything in.
"J-Jack..." This was exciting...and so sudden.
Clenching his jaw tightly, the clown put a gloved hand into his torn coat and pulled out a knife. Sakura's eyes widened as she tried to squirm backwards, not knowing what he was planning.
Grabbing roughly and pulling her back to the edge of the table, he stood between her legs as he yanked at the clothing shielding her from his view. Gripping the fabric of her shirt, he put the knife at the top of her chest, cutting through the top and bra in one go.
"Ah!" The cool air made her skin prickle with goosebumps as he pulled it to the sides, exposing her breasts to his smoldering glare.
Putting the knife down, filthy gloved hands palmed her breasts, making her nipples harden as she cried out to him. Black and red spread across her pale fresh as he roughly kneaded her delicate body. Back arching off of the smooth surface, he pushed her back down with a grunt.
Joker stood between her legs on either side of him, pulling her closer to the edge, grinding against her. The pinkette gasped feeling how hard he was through his pants as he rubbed himself against the thin fabric of her shorts.
"Oh...my...God.." Sakura could feel the heat between them, getting wetter with ever movement against him.
Growling out, the Clown Prince let go of her breasts, taking hold of the knife again. Yanking at the shorts covering the rest of her from his gaze, the blade slid through the thin fabric covering her like it was nothing. Pulling it from beneath her, he tossed the shredded fabric with the knife onto the carpet.
"Goddammit!" His deep voice was hoarse as he ran his hand up her body, smearing blood and soot along her pale skin, tainting her.
Sweaty strands of faded green and dirty blonde hair stuck to his painted forehead and the side of his face as he panted. The swollen sides of his mouth puffed out with each harsh intake of air. Licking his bottom lip and scars, he stared down at her as his chest heaved with the ragged breath. He looked like a complete mess and she couldn't help finding it turning her on even more.
Harsh breaths left his scarred mouth as he yanked at his belt, pulling it from around his hips and tearing at the top of the pants that were in the way. Sakura gasped as he pulled his throbbing member out, shivering.
'I'm going to die tonight...'
"Ohh!" The pinkette cried out, clawing at the surface of the table as he roughly shoved himself into her.
Biting down on his bottom lip enough to draw blood, the Clown Prince hissed through clenched teeth feeling how wet she was for him. A gasp left his mangled lips feeling how incredibly tight she was around him as he surged forward, forcing her trembling body to take all of him.
"Ahhh! J-Jack!" Sakura sucked in a sharp breath as he slammed into her hard, her eyes widening feeling his large girth invading her small body. Slender legs wrapped around his hips, tightening around him as he groaned.
Not wasting another moment, he pulled out and rammed up into her, sending shockwaves throughout her entire being. Usually they fooled around before going to it, but this was more than a welcome change of pace.
Joker rocked into her hard, grabbing onto her legs and digging his gloved fingers into her soft skin. Sweat ran down his face as he leaned over her, cursing and growling like a wild beast.
"Oh my God!" Sakura couldn't even think as he pounded into her, making the table shake with his movements. This wasn't like how it had been for the last few days, where it was both gentle and rough. This was different...desperate and angry.
A gloved hand ran up her body as her hips rose off of the surface, reaching up and wrapping itself around her slender neck. Toes curled against the back of his ruined coat as he leaned over, staring down at her intently but not making contact. The grip on her throat was tight, holding her down as he furiously slammed his cock into her tight body.
This wasn't like before. Not like Jack who could touch her tenderly but make her come as he pushed her up against the headboard. It was more savage, a different side of him...
It wasn't Jack making love to her... It was the Joker fucking her senseless...
"AhhHHhh Oh my-AHHHH!" The pinkette shook against his assault, loving the way this felt. It was primal, careless... Exciting. Throwing her head back, her green eyes rolled up as heat coiled inside tightly, waiting for release.
Lifting her leg onto his broad shoulder, Joker leaned back, dark eyes staring intently down as he pumped in and out of her. Transfixed...
"Sakura...you feel so good..."
A bang on the door made Sakura jump, startled. Looking up to the large man above her, her eyes widened. The angry growl that reverberated from his chest and throughout her body made her cling to the gloved hand lightly pressed against her neck. He didn't stop, still holding her down and trying to power through the interruption.
The banging continued as an unwanted male voice yelled on the other side of the door.
"Fuck! Can you guys try to keep it down?! I've been listening to this shit for days now!"
"Rrrrgghhh!" Letting go of her neck, Joker pulled his gloved hand back and shoved it into the inside of his dirty purple coat. Sakura's eyes widened as pistol with a silencer attached to the end came out, pointing towards the door.
"N-No! Stop Jack!"
Bang. Bang. Bang.
A loud thump could be heard as the man's body hit the floor.
"JACK!" She was in disbelief as she stared up at the grinning man as he slid the gun back into his coat.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" Joker laughed as he leaned over her frozen form, kissing her gently. Gloved hands ran up the sides of her face and into her pink hair, massaging her scalp tenderly.
Breaking off from the one sided kiss, he looked down at her with a confused expression. Raising an eye brow, he ran his thumb over her cheek, smearing soot along her skin.
"Sakura, what's..uh...wrong, sweetheart?" Cocking his head to the side, he genuinely looked like he did nothing wrong and couldn't understand why she was upset. It wasn't the first time he'd killed someone in front or her and didn't seem like it would be the last.
"W-What? Why?" Was there really a point in even asking? It was suppose to be understood that this is who he is now. There was no hesitation in his actions at all. If anything, he was annoyed to have to stop just to shoot him.
"He shouldn't have been listening...to you." Rubbing his hands down the sides of her face, he leaned in breathing hard. "Pay attention to me...Only me...Forget about that."
Running a hand through his faded green hair, his dark eyes roamed around the room quickly before a grin spread across his mangled mouth. Wrapping his arms around her back, he lifted the stunned pinkette up off the table and carried her against him.
"AHHhha!" There was no more room for argument as he pushed her back up against the wall. Leaning down and hooking his arms behind her knees, the clown pinned her up against the cool surface. Before she could think, he started moving again, thrusting in and out of her.
It was too much... At this angle, she could feel every glorious inch of him. Her head fell forward against the crook of his neck, the smell of fire and gasoline overriding her senses. Nails dug into his back as she desperately clung to him, feeling the tightening in her gut.
"Sakuraaa...ha..." Joker's deep moan in her ear made her body tremble as the grip on her legs tightened. The man's jagged scarred mouth kissed every inch of pale skin it could find as he worked her body over.
"Ohhha!" It was almost there. Sakura could feel it building itself up, threatening to drown her in the ecstasy this man was giving her. The body outside the door was drifting off into the distance as a hot fog clouded her mind.
It didn't matter...Nothing mattered anymore. All that did was that this cold blooded killer didn't stop slamming her up against the wall as he kissed her so tenderly. It was almost ironic...Such a man that ended lives without a second thought was seconds away from forcing to her have a mind blowing orgasm.
Joker held her tightly as she trembled against him, feeling like she was hanging off of the edge of a cliff...all she had to do was left go of it all to be freed. Her eyes screwed shut as desperate breath and cries left her pink lips against his skin.
"LOOK. AT. ME." The Clown Prince growled out as he pulled back from her, staring intently at her face... Always something to that effect when he felt her walls tightening around him. The way his dark eyes burned into her always set her off, barely able to hold that deadly gaze.
"Haa! AHHH! Jack! I-I can't..." The fog was clouding her mind, making her feel high off of the sensations. Sakura didn't even know what she was saying she couldn't do as she looked at him.
Biting his bottom lip, he switched between groaning and muttering things under his breath, low enough she couldn't make out what he was saying.
Leaning in and kissing her hungrily, he put his forehead against hers as his lips hung open, letting out a deep moan. "Can't..you...ha! See how I feel...dollface? Can't you feel it?"
It almost sounded like nonsense as her body tightened up around him, tears running down her face against her will. It was too good...he was too good. Always knew exactly where to touch and what to do to drive her wild.
"AH! J-Jack! Oh my God! Ohmygod!" The legs around him trembled violently, making his hold on her tighten against him as her body squeezed him painfully. The coil in her body snapped as she clawed at his shoulders, crying out loudly.
"FUCK!" Joker clenched his teeth feeling her coming undone around him, walls trembling and fluids coating his cock as he kept pounding into her. Sakura cried pitifully into the crook of his neck as the waves of pleasure smashed through her quivering body wrapped around the clowns hips, shattering into a million pieces.
"Ah! Shit.. Sakura...Arghh! You're driving me crazy!" The Clown Prince sped up, powering through her orgasm, not being able to hold off his own any longer than he already had.
Slamming his scarred mouth to hers and growling out, his fingers dug into the slender legs he was holding onto desperately.
Sakura threw her head back feeling the heat filling her up inside as he lost his rhythm, clinging onto her as he lost his own bit of control.
"Ha! Ahhhh!" Hearing his voice in her ear, she kissed his neck as they both trembled against the wall.
Gasping for breath and sweat running down his face, Joker held onto her as he slid them down the wall. Sitting on the carpet, he brought her down with him, holding her against his dirty clothing. Running a hand through the pinkette's hair as she tried catching her own breath, he kissed her forehead.
"If anyone wonders what drove me mad, it's definitely you sweetheart."
"Is this about...your deal...stay away as far..you can..."
"...YOU...my intrusive...not get caught?"
"Y-You!"
"That's what it is to meee."
"...Bastard!"
"What's so funny? I didn't even deliver the punchline yet!"
"GODDAMMIT!" Slamming his fists against the table, Hyeon yelled out in anger.
Over and over again he played the same recording, hoping to find something...anything...that might have been missed before. Any clue as to why this happened.
'What did he get himself into this time?!'
Jin had always walked a fine line between dabbling with the right and wrong crowds. Where there was excitement or money to be made, he would dive right in. The ability he had was invaluable... Many businessmen and crime lords alike were willing to pay large sums of cash to get him to use it to fix whatever they needed.
If a wealthy businessman wanted to sign a contract with another company or convince them to sell their stocks over, Jin would be sent in to manipulate their memories or put the idea in their head that already had agreed to it somehow. Sometimes, he even made them think it had been their own idea in the first place.
If a kingpin of an crime organization wanted someone from another group dead and didn't want to deal with a gang war, he could be sent in to make the rival head remember that the member had betrayed them and off the person themselves. That way, there was no unnecessary repercussions for the kingpin such as a shootout or someone taking revenge against their men. It was better for these guys to just pay Jin instead of losing valuable men, money, weapons, and attracting the unwanted attention from the police.
Jin was good...no, he was great at what he did. Just standing near him put people at ease enough to allow a quick touch of the shoulder or hand. That was how he was able to get in and out of places easily. He could easily make a bodyguard at the door remember that he had an appointment with the person in question or was even a member of their gang.
"...Are you gonna cut me up?"
"Yeah."
"Dammit, Jin...What did you do? What did you do?"
Hyeon didn't like what this "gift" was being used for... Instead of using it to just make money or for fun, Jin could have been using it for a good cause. For years he tried to convince his brother to use his ability for either the Gotham Police Department or the District Attorney...to help the city they lived in become a better place. He could have used it to make criminals or suspects feel at ease or convince them to confess to everything they were being questioned for. Even just holding their hand, he could have searched their memories to find out what they had done or if they were lying.
Such a wasted potential... For a while, Hyeon had worked for the Gotham Police before meeting the District Attorney personally. After meeting Harvey Dent, everything had become clear. If Gotham was going to become a better place where people could live without fear, it would be because of the White Knight.
Dent would usher in a new era, one where they didn't need a masked vigilante who hid in a costume to do the things no one else was strong enough to do. The District Attorney stood in front of everyone without a mask and was willing to fight the good fight. No expensive weapons, no fancy batmobile, no beating people senseless in the streets... Just using the laws that were available in the Book and his own genius.
At this very moment, over 500 gang members were sitting in jail thanks to Dent's hard work and dedication. Yes, it had been Batman who brought Lau back from Hong Kong, but it was Dent who used his knowledge of the law to secure a spot behind bars for all of them. If it was in Batman's hands, only Lau would be in jail and that wouldn't last long after paying off the guards and lawyers.
It was Dent who was fighting for the system and used RICO to put all those men away. It was a wave of arrests at an unprecedented number. Batman couldn't have done that...not at all. He beats up a criminal, has the cops arrest him or throw them in Arkham and in no time, they're back on the streets again with the same shit happening. An endless cycle that ends up causing the deaths of many innocent people just because the Bat doesn't want to get his hands too dirty and kill these scum. If he did, they wouldn't keep getting out and causing all this pain and suffering...
Hyeon and the D.A. had very different views on Batman, but that was okay. He believed wholeheartedly in Dent's stance on Gotham and what needs to be done, but couldn't agree on the flying rat. The city didn't need its citizens taking the law into their own hands as they see fit. The rules and laws are in place for a reason, even if everyone didn't agree.
If anything, Batman had made Gotham worse than it already had been. Since appearing, criminals upped their tactics and weapons. Their plans and crimes had become more extreme taking the caped crusader in mind, making it far more difficult for the police to do their jobs properly.
"...I know who and what you are...She's not the same person as back then...Unlike you, I care about her..."
"...even if she does..."
"It was the fear you brought..."
"...Can't be falling asleep...Started!"
It was because the Batman refused to do what needed to be done that the Joker was even out in these streets killing and destroying everything in his path. If he'd taken care of him right from the get go, hundreds of lives would have been saved... His little brother wouldn't have died the way he did...
The recording was shoddy at best. No matter how loud the volume was turned up, there were only bits and pieces that were able to be heard properly. If only Jin had kept the phone on him, maybe in a pocket, then they would know exactly what was said.
Why did the Joker target him? What was he calling Dent to tell him? The Clown doesn't make house visits for just anyone...
This one was personal... That much was clear from the recording and the condition of the body. It wasn't like his usual murders. It was much more barbaric even for the psychotic clown. Since things had gotten so out of hand, Dent and Gordon had been sharing files constantly about the maniac's long list of crimes and murders, dating back for years. While some had been particularly vicious, this one had topped the cake. Just what did Jin stick his nose in or find out? Why did he dare get involved with the Joker? What had he done that brought this on?
"...psychopath...wouldn't keep her safe!...EVER love...like you-"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY."
"Ahhh!"
"Not so pretty now..."
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Hyeon grimaced, holding his head and clenching his teeth. It was unbearable to listen, even with it cutting in and out. To hear his own little brother screaming in agony as he was being tortured to death...and that laugh... It was haunting even you were sleeping. No one could forget a noise like that, even if they wanted to. Day in and day out, he played this tape...trying to put together the pieces of what really happened to the only family he had left.
It had only been Hyeon and Jin for years... Their mother had died from cancer at a young age. Five years later, their father had been hit by a drunk driver. That was the reason why he had worked so hard and joined the police department...to protect his brother and make the city a better place for both of them...for people like them.
Now, his little brother was gone... The last of his family in this country had been killed. Jin may have made mistakes, but he had a good heart inside. He felt sympathy for those less fortunate...tried to make people happy when they were in despair...in ways Hyeon ever could. The tactics he used were often flawed, but well intended.
"Perfect!"
"HAHAHAHA!"
Closing his eyes and running a hand through his black hair, Hyeon didn't know how much more of this he could take. It was torture to listen over and over again...Having to hear his brother's crying and last words... While that maniac laughed, enjoying and reveling in the suffering he caused.
How could someone do such a thing to another human being? How mentally unstable does a person have to become to be able to commit such heinous acts? This "man"...beast...needed to be brought to justice.
"Whhyyyy Heellloooo! How are you today, Mr. Choi? I would put your brother on the phone, but he's a liiittle tied up at the moment...not that he would have much to say anyway. Ya know...it's rude to eavesdrop..You just might not like what you hear! WAHAHAHHOAHAHAHAAAA!"
No...he needed to be ended. Even if Batman catches him by some miracle, it will only be a matter of time before he breaks out again. Something had to be done and Dent was in agreement. They would have to use any means necessary, even if it didn't go by the book.
From the bits and pieces on the recording, Jin had found out something about the Joker...something important enough to shut him up forever...personally. Not only that, but there was a woman involved. What did this person have to do with the most heinous criminal in Gotham? Did he take on a sidekick or an accomplice? Perhaps the Joker had have some interest in this person and Jin found out? Did he have dirt on her and the clown needed her for something? What was it?
Hundreds of scenarios ran through his head, trying to fit the pieces in this grotesque puzzle...Information was power and that was what they were lacking when it came to the clown. No one knew who he really was, what he planned to do next, or what his goal even was. What was this leading to? Was there an end goal? What was the point of all these horrific crimes? Was he really just a madman trying to drive Gotham into utter madness?
Hyeon sighed, shaking his head as he rewound the tape to the beginning. He needed to find out. For Gotham...Dent...himself...and for Jin. No matter what it took, he wouldn't rest or give up until that clown was either behind bars or preferably...dead.
Sakura sighed as she stepped under the hot water in the shower. There was god knows what all over her and she didn't want to know where it came from...or what it is.
"Ahhhh..." The warm water felt good against her sore body. Jack was still laying against the wall when she got up to get into the shower. They were both filthy, covered in sweat, blood and soot. If someone had just walked it, they probably would assume they beat the shit out of each other during sex.
"Hahaha..." The pinkette didn't know why, but she found the thought amusing. Not that she would want that to happen... Jack never laid his hands on her before and she trusted that he wouldn't not even after al the changes he'd gone through. Yes, he'd wrapped his hands around her throat...but it kind of was exciting. He never squeezed enough that she couldn't breathe properly...
Feeling the soreness between her things and hips, Sakura closed her eyes and let her head fall back, letting the shower cleanse the mess along her pale skin. Black and red mixed into the water, slowly running down the drain on the floor.
Concentrating on the uncomfortable parts of her body, warmth spread down her limbs, healing the sore muscles and making the dark fingerprints fade to nothingness.
"Ha..that's better.."
This..."gift"...was amazing. Little by little she was practicing with it... Seeing how far it could reach, trying to hold it out for longer periods of time, increasing the warmth a bit more each time... It wasn't easy, especially without having actual wounds to use it on.
Just using it to heal Jack's side and bruises had been exhausting... If she was going to help, she had to improve... What if he got terribly hurt and she couldn't help him just because of her body's limitations?
'Can't let that happen... I'll get better...'
The bathroom door opened up, but Sakura already knew who it was without turning around. Grabbing the shampoo, she poured some in her hand and lathered her hair quickly. It was now or never... Better do what needed to be done before there were any distractions.
Letting the water run through her pink hair as the suds washed down the drain, she raised an eyebrow looking at the tall silhouette through the curtain. Why was he just standing there?
After a few moments, the sound of boots knocking around and clothes rustling could be heard over the running water. Closing her eyes, Sakura tried to steady the thumping in her chest as she heard the curtain open and pulled back.
Arms wrapped around the pinkette's waist as a chin rested against her shoulder. Hot breath against her neck sent goosebumps across the pale skin it danced over. Vibrations coming from the small tune the man was humming made her bite the inside of her lip lightly, enjoying the little song.
Despite the sweet fragrances from the shampoo and soaps against the tiled wall, the smell of blood and smoke overwhelmed it. Just like all else, everything this man touched or did, he overpowered it. Whether it was people, situations, even the little things...he had a way of making an impact and leaving a lasting impression.
"Are you mad?" His deep voice made her open her eyeshadow a sigh left her lips. Was she angry with him? Was she disappointed or questioning what kind of man he is? Was she okay with the fact that he open fire in her apartment and shot the neighbor dead?
"Hmm... Mad as in crazy, or mad as in pissed?"
"Hahaha...Well...the first one is a given, dollface. Especially if you're with meee...Are you pissed?" Looking down at the arms around her, Sakura eyed the scars on his forearms and how tough his hands were. They weren't as bad as the ones on his chest, but noticeable nonetheless.
Was she pissed? Should she be? Anyone in their right mind would have screamed and probably cried, hoping to God that they weren't next... However, there was no doubt in her own mind that he wasn't going to hurt her... If he wanted to, that was a different story. Jack wouldn't do that...Joker could have, but doesn't.
'They're the same person...' It felt strange sometimes looking back. The memory that resurfaced of Jack was different than the man nudging his head against her neck waiting for an answer. As the Joker, he did and said whatever came to mind. The seven year gap had really done a number.
Jack hadn't been the kind of guy who liked attention from others, usually keeping to himself. Even on the few and far between times they went to school together, he would sit away from everyone and did his own thing just waiting for the bell to ring and dash out, always dragging her out with him. Never really making friends, getting into fights that others usually started, doing and also not doing things that made the adults yell... He became a loner who just seemed to not want to bothered after being cast aside and forgotten for so long.
The Joker was different... During all the schemes and crimes he committed, the news stations noted how much he liked to show his face off...to let the world know who he was and what he did. Even going as far as taping broadcasts with his mug front and center, usually with some poor sap tied up in the background. Now instead of being alone, there were numerous henchmen and followers willing to do anything and everything he wanted or said. To the low and down trodden, he was a symbol of breaking free of the power and oppression of the rich and powerful elite that ran the city...That's how a few articles described it anyway...
Instead of the dirty blonde boy with wavy hair that just wanted a quiet life to spend with someone who cared whether he existed or not... Now, he was a mastermind who demanded fear and submission from those in Gotham who had originally tossed him away...all the while playing games and having a grand ol' time.
They were the same people, even if they seemed different. One just melted into the other. Seven years would change anyone... He wouldn't have become like this on a whim... The things he saw and endured brought it out.
Perhaps the Joker was who Jack had really wanted to be. Someone who had it all and was noticed after losing everything and having nothing. Everyone in Gotham knew his face and could never forget it. Perhaps Jack needed the Joker in order to survive.
Either way, they were the same man. She always had Jack's back and walked by his side, so would it too wrong to do it for the Clown Prince? Did that make her a bad person? Standing by while the city was being destroyed.
'The city was destroying itself long before he came along...'
"No, I'm not..." The choice had already been made days ago when she agreed to live for him... It wasn't like he was trying to drag her into the schemes or tried to make her do anything terrible..or treat her like a henchmen... In fact, he tried to keep her out of the crossfire...just like Jack would have done.
"Well then... Was I...eh..too rough with ya?" Hands ran down the pinkette's sides as she felt him shifting, looking at the pale skin he was touching. If he was looking for any marks, there weren't any to be found. "Quick work, huh?"
"I..enjoyed it...very much. Most of it anyway...and yeah, I'm starting to get better at it." Green eyes glanced at the rugged hands feeling along her waist, watching the soot and blood run down from his forearms and wrists, tracing down long calloused fingers as the warm water sprayed against them.
Joker sighed, grazing his teeth over his bottom lip and over the swollen scar beneath it. Rolling his chin side to side against the crook of her neck, he reached his hands forward under the stream, letting it clean the mess off.
"Hahhh. I know you're not too happy about the fat mouth next door. He'll be cleaned up before we even get out of here..." Sakura turned her head to the side, biting on the inside of her cheek. The clowns turned his head to watch her carefully.
"He had it coming, haha! Always punching the wall and yelling at you...listening to us and interrupting. Lucky I didn't do it sooner... Was itching to for almost two weeks." He laughed, putting his hands back around her waist. Not hearing a response, his mangled lips stuck out in a pout, his brows furrowing.
The Clown Prince closed his eyes, moving closer to put his nose in her hair that hung low over her shoulder. "If you're expecting me to just act like good ol' Jack from The Narrows, I...hate to break it to ya, but it's been a long time. People change... Some things do and other things don't."
Moving his hands up her arms, he turned the pinkette to face him. "I can do what Jack couldn't...I'm not going to pretend that I'm something I'm not. I am who I am. It's too late to change that..." Sakura looked up at him, her chest tightening at his tone. It was almost remorseful...sad.
Part of her couldn't help feeling sympathy towards him...and guilt. If she had been there, he probably wouldn't have had to go through this transformation. It was all the result of this damn world we live in. It had been ruthless and unforgiving.
"I know that..." Grabbing the shampoo and putting a small amount in her palm, she lathered it up. A grin spread across her face as she ran her sudsy hands through his hair, making his eyes widen. "Did you forget what I said the other day? What you asked me? What I told you?"
Running her fingers over his scalp and massaging the shampoo into his head, dark eyes closing as his head lulled back and forth under her touch. A groan left his mangled lips as worked her way through the faded green hair that was starting to show its natural hue in some places.
"Hahaha...Yes. Somethings change and other things don't..." Sakura grinned watching his reaction.
"What?..." Something from the corner of the pinkette's eye caught her attention.
Green eyes narrowed, looking from the scarred pectorals and down his marred abdomen, to his side. A large ugly dark splotch the side of a tennis racket made her gasp. Dark purple, yellow, and shades of pink mixed with red were painted across where his ribs were, making a horrifying picture for anyone who glanced at it.
"What the hell happened?!" Seeing the look on her face, the clown raised an eyebrow watching the array of emotions filtering across her delicate features. A grin spread across his face as he chuckled, laughing harder as she glared up at him.
"Hohahahaha!" Sakura's face screwed in confusion, unable to grasp what was so hilarious. A hand grasped his chest as he threw his head back, still going at it. "Some things really don't change, riiiight?"
'Funny, huh?'
It didn't even seem like he remembered it was there or just didn't feel it. How was he able to toss her around the apartment the way he did with such a nasty injury? Just moving around and breathing should have been painful...to a normal person.
Sucking her bottom lip in, she raised her hand toward him, poking the spot curiously with a thin index finger.
"Yeeoouuuhhhh! What was that for?" Jack jumped back as soon as the finger applied any pressure. Twisting his body, his dark eyes narrowed in on his ribs with a scowl.
"You're ribs are cracked, dummy. Didn't you feel it before?" Stepping forward with a sigh, she raised her hand over his skin. Closing her eyes, the warmth that she was becoming accustomed to spread downwards. It hadn't been long since realizing that it started from the forehead and made its way across to the other parts of the body.
A green light emanated from the tips of her fingers, dancing along the discolored skin.
"Of course! I'm a lot smarter than your average clown, ya know... Had a lottttt worse than this little thing. it's nothing." Watching the colors fade back to the natural pale hue, he peeked up, staring at the pinkette as she worked. "You don't have to do that... It wouldn't be fun if you pass out in the shower...yet."
"Tch... Does everything have to be a joke to you? It... You know I don't like it when you get hurt. What happened?" Voice low and laced with concern, Sakura knew he could hear it. A popping sound from the rib repairing itself and getting back into place made her grimace, hoping it wasn't painful.
"Life is one big joke, dear! If you can't laugh off the little things, all you're left with is...madness. Things like this happen when you play catch with your pooches. Nothing rarely hurts me anymore...I just like to see you fret over me!" Tongue running up his scars, he held his arms out as if unveiling the secrets of the world.
'If you can't laugh off the little things...all you're left with...is madness?' Sakura pondered his words, furrowing her brows as she watched him curiously inspecting his ribs. There was no way he wasn't feeling it, not after all that moving around.
'Unless he's just so used to the pain and getting banged up... With all the stunts he pulls and scars all over his body from God knows what, perhaps pain really isn't much of an issue anymore.' Thinking back to the wound on his side from a few days ago, he had made a noise and facial expressions that said otherwise...
...And would always comment he didn't want her to use her ability on him. 'You don't have to do that... It wouldn't be fun if you pass out in the shower...yet.' Knowing it was draining, he didn't want her to use it unnecessarily. That's why he didn't just come right out and show it. Using this "gift" and bandaging something up were two different things. Band aids were never exhausting...
'I just like to see you fret over me!' Was it all an act to see what she would do? Or to get her to fawn over or sympathize with him? Even back in the day, Jack would come into her room just to get the littlest things bandaged up, even when he could clearly do it himself... He chose to go to her because it showed him someone cared and he got the attention he secretly craved. At the end of the day, most people just want to know they matter in this world and at least someone would be affected if they were no longer around.
"Hmhmhm..."
The Clown Prince's eyes closed as she took his hand, leading him forward under the warmth of the shower. The pinkette got on her tippy toes, trying to run her hands through his hair to rinse out the shampoo, not wanting him to have to lean down like he always does.
Humming with a sideways grin, the pinkette turned away from him and grabbed her loofah, pouring some soap from a bottle on it. Despite the water making the soot run down his body, he was still a mess.
"Pooches my ass..." Facing him, she ran the sponge over his chest, watching the grim come off of his pale skin. A sly grin spread across his scarred mouth, knowing that the woman cleaning him wouldn't have bought that for a second.
"Ahhh...this feels niccccee.. I missed this." Joker's head fell back as the sponge ran up his neck and carefully around his cheeks and forehead. The soap and spray from the water was taking it all away. All of the makeup, blood, ash... Showing a different person underneath it all.
"And I missed you..." It was true. Now that she was awake and the memories were filing in one after another, it felt like the puzzle was just about complete. It may not be the same one as before, but this one was better. Watching as Jack emerged from under all the mess the Joker left on him, it almost felt like the water could wash away the last seven years... They could just continue where they left off...almost.
'Don't be stupid. Nothing can get rid of that... Things have changed..forever. It was meant to be this way, otherwise it wouldn't have happened...Jack or Joker, he's mine.'
A sigh left her pink lips as the last of his makeup was gone. He really was handsome, scars and all. Before that night when it happened, whenever Jack would smile or laugh, the unique dimples and grooves he had around his mouth always made her swoon. After a knife slit his face open, you could hardly tell they had ever been there in the first place. It didn't matter though...no matter what happened, it was still him.
"Trust me, not as much as I did..." A dark eye peeked down at her from one of his shadowy lids, raising a brow. Always watching carefully for any reaction...
Sakura's smile faded at his words... They were a reminder of who really had it hard all this time. While she was blissfully ignorant of what was going on and living abroad, he had been stuck here to stew in his own personal hell.
"I'm...sorry. I really am. There's nothing-"
"Sh,sh,shhhh! Didn't say it to make ya feel bad." Putting a finger against her lips, he stopped her, already assuming what was going to be said. There was no point on dwelling on or feeling angry at someone for an unintended absence.
Seeing the mood his words caused, Joker moved closer, running his hands up along the sides of her soft face. Nothing can change the past, but they could still enjoy the present.
"Come on, dollface. Don't think about that! Let's just forget it, we're here now? Right?"
Sakura sighed as she put her head against his chest. He was right...but it didn't mean the guilt was gone. It would always linger, just beneath the surface.
A rough hand reached up, palming her breast and a gasp felt her surprised mouth. Kneading gently, fingers moved up catching a hardened peak, massaging the nipple in earnest. He was trying to distract, to take her mind off of the bad things neither wanted to think about right now.
"So sorry, dear. Can't see a damn thing! Must have gotten some soap in my eyes."
Running the other hand through silky pink hair, he tilted her head, putting his lips against hers. Sakura closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his jagged skin moving against hers. Despite what others thought of them, she found the swollen rugged scars attractive on him. While most people were horrified and called him a monster without even knowing what happened or caring, she saw them as proof of him being able to get through anything. He wasn't a monster, just lived through and knew things they couldn't comprehend...
Pulling the pinkette closer, Joker stepped back, bringing her with him. Shifting quickly, he switched spots, pushing her up against the tiled wall. Breaking from those soft pink lips, his breath was ragged as he stared at the tiny woman.
"Didn't get to thank you for fixing my side..." Moving in and tugging the pink locks back in his grasp, mangled lips kissed along her milky white throat, enjoying the racing pulse just beneath his touch.
"I wanna show just how much I appreciate ittttt..." Sakura shivered feeling the hot breath along her neck, teeth nibbling and tugging on her skin. Biting her bottom lip, she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensations. He just always knew exactly what to do to make her heart pound hard against her chest. It was sinful... The way he could turn her into puddy in his hands with just a touch.
It almost wasn't fair. All it took were a few husky words or a caress and he had her in his palms. The thought of seeing him like that was exciting...
A hand ran down from her breast, slithering its way along her body. The pinkette turned her head towards him, letting out a shaky breath that she didn't even know she was holding in. A groan left her lips against his skin, feeling his long fingers reach between her legs, wanting them to let him in.
Joker's eyes widened at the grip around his wrist, stopping him from going any further. Marred lips parted as hot pants left his mouth, brows furrowing in confusion at the woman holding him back.
"If you don't want me to, that's-"
Sakura pulled his wrist up, kissing it gently. Putting a slender hand on his chest, she pushed his much larger body back as she twirled around him, switching positions. Dark eyes widened in surprised and curiosity, watching the sly grin spreading across her lips.
"Ah, ah, ah... My turn, Jack." Eyes stared at her wildly as she leaned forward, kissing down his scarred chest.
Even when they were younger, Jack had usually been the dominate one between them when it came to anything physical... Though it wasn't him who initiated it the first time...she knew how to get her own punches in. It was just kisses and touches here and there...the two of them were just brats who didn't know what they were doing. After it started, things changed. Like lighting a leaf with a match, then watching the whole forest go up in flames.
"Sakura..." Kissing along the dark markings on his abdomen, she heard the sharp inhale, could feel it as the muscles contracted against her lips. A wolfish grin spread across her face as she continued, knowing it was getting to him.
He wasn't the only one who could drive someone mad.
