A silent figure sits on the rooftop of one of the tall buildings, looking down expectantly. A gloved hand slips down into the pocket of his purple pinstriped pants, fishing around for something. A cellphone emerges, his mouth cracking into a wide grin as he checks the time.

'Any moment now...'

Things are getting interesting now... Very interesting.

The Batman recently returned from Hong Kong with Lau in tow. No surprise there... Just like he expected, that Chinese accountant's a squealer. After all, hadn't he already told the crime bosses that he knew one when he saw it? They were warned but didn't listen... That was also predicted and kept in mind when forming his plan.

These fools are so predictable.

Despite the clown motif, Joker understands people, and how they work. What makes them tick. Can figure out his pawns and plans accordingly, taking every detail into account. Always a few steps ahead, while everyone else has a hard time even trying to figure out what path he might choose to take in the maze of his own creation.

It's thrilling to watch their fear and confusion as they become lost, while he's high-up on his perch, laughing at their stupidity. The only thing better than that is drinking in their reactions when they realize he led them to a dead-end, not knowing how to get back, or where to turn from there.

Those mob fools are in deep shit, now that Lau's willing to spill everything to Gordon and Dent. All in exchange for immunity, protection, and of course, to keep the stolen money. Wasting no time, Dent has a nice, lengthy list of names—courtesy of the accountant—and started rounding everyone up. Over five-hundred members from the local mob families... Good ol' RICO.

That's all it takes for those schmucks to take the clown up on his offer.

"HehahahhHAHAHA." Everything's playing out just as he predicted... almost.

Joker's smile fades as he chews the rough texture on the inside of his mouth, along where he'd been slit open all those years ago. There's one thing that hasn't gone his way. In moments like these, it's best to go with the punches as they come. A man has to be more-than-willing to go with the flow to get things done, even if they don't go as planned.

'Damn woman...'

Last week, he'd followed the pinkette into a restaurant, trying to get close enough without drawing attention. To blend in with every other moron there, he wiped off the greasepaint and used latex to cover his scars. Easy... Part of him enjoys walking around as another and knowing a single soul has no clue who he really is. A small joke that causes him to cackle at their ignorance.

...

To the other patrons, the clown looks like everyone else, so no one's suspicious. Words can't express how irritating it is having to dress like that. Uncomfortable and bland... The latter is the last thing he is. Wearing a plain black suit, he used a temporary colored spray in his slicked-back hair, making it a dark shade of brown, instead of faded green. He can do what's needed, without causing a scene... Right away.

Good thing he licked his lips constantly, anyway... That's the only thing keeping the latex from falling off throughout the night.

Silently, he watches Sakura from a distance as she glides through the building, looking for her friend. He can't help appreciating how she looks in a dress, with her hair pinned up. Of course, he prefers it down, but either way is just fine...

Walking past a mirror on the wall, Joker stops to study his own reflection. Without hesitating, he can't resist laughing to himself at how normal the get-up makes him look. How... boring.

Glancing back at the pinkette, an ugly little thought pops up... If their lives were different... is this how they'd look? Just a normal couple, getting dressed up to go out to dinner together? If things hadn't gone to shit, would they be sitting at one of these tables, like everyone else? Browsing through the menu, complaining about how much this place charges for a 6-ounce steak. Maybe having a glass or two of wine...

It doesn't matter now. Everything's garbage and their lives are anything but 'normal'. They're both strange and have always been that way. That's the way he likes it.

The blondie never shows up. Watching Sakura's expression, he can tell that she's fuming. It's only a matter of time before the pinkette becomes completely fed up, and just leaves... With him silently following behind, hidden in the shadows.

After his play date with Gambol, there's still room for more fun. It's not enough, he hasn't had his fill. That moron didn't put up a fight at all or at least make it more exciting. He was hoping for a struggle, a fight to the death. When people face the prospect of their own demise, the fight-or-flight response kicks in, leading to some interesting things to see. To the clown's utter disappointment, Gambol just froze, practically pissing himself. Hell, Joker even gave him one of the infamous scar stories to bide time for him to gather the balls to act. That still didn't help. People really show their true colors in their last moments.

Looking back at the mirror, ideas form in his head. A multitude of other ways to put this gaudy disguise to good use. The possibilities... Perhaps he'll walk into her apartment after she gets back home. With the way he looks, it'll completely throw her through a loop. Chuckling to himself, he imagines her reaction to a seemingly 'normal' Joker showing up unannounced, singing, "Honey, I'm home!".

Gazing towards the pinkette, the laughter dies down. His brows pinch themselves together at what he sees. A tall man's talking to his visibly angry little bunny. After a few moments, the two sit down together at a table. They converse as a waitress strolls up to them, who quickly rushes off to get some drinks.

Agitated, he stalks over to a table closer to them to listen in on the conversation. Sakura won't remember what his face without the greasepaint or scars. It's doubtful she'd recognize him as the "Joker" with the way he's dressed up. To her, he'll appear like any other person in the restaurant. Despite that being in his favor at the moment, it still has him seething inside.

Sitting there quietly, he eavesdrops on every word they say... Every obnoxious laugh.

What's the big idea? The text message said that blondie's supposed to be here, not this guy... The bastard hanging around at the hospital...

The longer Joker listens to the pinkette laughing, the angrier he's becoming. The twitching in his face goes into overdrive, as does the knee bouncing beneath the table. It's really getting under his skin. The Joker lets nothing get under his skin that isn't a blade... This guy really thinks he's funny, huh?

None of this is fair. Why is this trash able to sit there and have a good time with her, while he has to dress-up just to watch? Nothing's even remotely funny, so why is she laughing so damn much? The Joker knows what a bad joke when he hears it, and this is it.

A. Bad. Fucking. Joke.

'Tch. Let's see how much they really like jokes...'

After two hours of torturing his own ears, the clown has enough. There's only so much he can take before snapping. That he sat there all this time—without acting up—is a testament to his patience and unwavering determination. There's a back-up plan in case the pinkette stayed too long, or pulls something he doesn't like. One that's in the pocket of his suit jacket.

When he has a waiter take over his little greeting, his lips curl up into a sneer at the shithead's confusion. Sakura's pale face turns a lovely shade of pallid, ready to do a death-drop. She can do one, as long as it's on him.

Good... It's bad enough this guy is taking up her time, but Joker's not one to be outdone... by anyone. The clown wants to make sure she doesn't forget who's watching, that she isn't alone. There's no room for this person to get in between them.

Joker's a greedy man with certain things, and this is one of them. He's never been the kind who liked to share, and that isn't about to change...

After seeing Sakura's reaction, the scum sitting across the table has the balls to put his hand on top of hers. It takes everything in the Joker to not pull out the handgun in his waistband and blow his brains out. If the pinkette hadn't pulled away, he would've. The clown's an excellent shot and won't miss. It doesn't matter if it's in front of all these people. He's done worse.

Much worse.

Sakura jumps up angrily to leave, and right away, "Jin" chases after her like a little puppy-dog. It's one of the most pathetic displays the human eye could ever witness.

Without hesitating, he grabs the bottle of liquor—the waitress so generously brought to his table—and launches it across the room, trying to smash the guy's skull in. That'll teach him a lesson...

The bottle misses by a hair, and he yells, looking around for the culprit. Joker lifts a menu, pretending to be scanning it while cackling to himself. How clueless... The people around the restaurant start freaking out and it's hilarious.

To his unbridled anger and surprise, Sakura grabs Jin's hand, and they leave together. It seems she's just as stubborn as ever, hasn't learned her lesson the first time around. That'll be rectified in due time.

Working his jaw in agitation, he bolts up and follows them from a distance, debating on ending their 'little date' himself...

...

That happened a week ago, and since then, the two met up once more. It's infuriating... What the hell is she thinking? Is Sakura's fear of him driving her into the arms of another man? No, that won't happen...

He'll make sure of it.

There's only one reason that man, Jin, isn't dead yet. He wants to observe the situation before making a move.

There's so much to do... Sakura, the mob, the police, Dent, Gotham... the Batman... Things are getting very interesting. This will be the most fun he's had in a while. Nothing's better than a challenge and the chase.

"Hahaha!" If Sakura wants a flush so badly, then he'll show his hand. The chips are all in his corner...

Two men in uniform and an older woman exit the building he's staking out. The smile on his face tugs at his scars, watching them walking towards the street. Janet Surillo, the County Court Judge... The one presiding over the massive case against the mob. 549 criminals all at once. To have a hearing with even a fifth in one courtroom is ridiculous, but who doesn't love a shit-show?

Surillo's arguing with the men as she opens the door to her car. One of them hands her an envelope that she impatiently snatches, climbing in. The two scurry off and jump into their own car. These are the moments he thrives off of. When life is at its most unpredictable and having a front-row seat to sit back and watch it all unfold.

"And. Here. We. Go…" Joker raises his hands, moving them around like a conductor as the car explodes, bursting into flames. Playing cards fly out in every direction of the wreckage, fluttering all over the ground.

"HAHAHAWOOHAHAA!"


Bruce sits in silence when Alfred comes in through the door. The older man carries in a tray of food, despite knowing he's not hungry. How can he be at a time like this?

"Master Bruce, you need to eat something. At least to keep up your strength." The Englishman gazes down at him, always trying his best to take care of the young master. There isn't a time in Bruce's life that Alfred hasn't been there, encouraging and believing in him. Saying the things that need to be said, no matter how brutally honest.

They're staying in a penthouse for the time being. It feels strange not being in Wayne Manor, even after all this time. Alfred almost seems like an addition to the old place, rarely leaving unless there are errands to run. After Ra's al Ghul's men burned down the mansion last year, there was no choice but to relocate for the time being. Somewhere close to the heart of Gotham, just until the manor's finished being rebuilt.

"Sorry Alfred... I just don't have much of an appetite at the moment."

Things have escalated so quickly... The Joker's completely out of control. Before, the clown was mostly been ripping off mobsters and causing havoc, but never to this degree...

The maniac videotaped one of the men impersonating as Batman and murdered him, hanging his body outside a building. The tape is broadcast on every media outlet. The clown promised to kill innocent people every day until Batman turns himself in to the police. This is causing another wave of panic to spread all across Gotham, just as the psychopath intended. He seems to thrive from the chaos and destruction he causes. A true sociopath... There's no rhyme or reason to the acts he commits. It's all just... madness.

Running a hand through his dark hair, the dilemma at hand is weighing down on him hard. Will he throw everything away to reveal himself as Batman, or let the clown continue his rampage throughout the city?

Despite his best efforts, Bruce hasn't been able to track down the Joker or prevent any of his plans. Unlike most criminals, this man's completely out of the box. He doesn't think or act like a normal person. Too unpredictable... His games are so unorthodox that it leaves everyone at a loss. How can he stop such a force, if there's no way of even finding him?

Traces of DNA had been found on a Joker card left at the scene of one of his crimes. Bruce and Gordon thought they finally had a breakthrough in finding out the Joker's true identity. After sending it to a lab for testing, three sets of DNA came up. Judge Janet Surillo, Commissioner Gillian Loeb, and Harvey Dent's. The clue they found was planted. The Joker wants them to find it, to announce who his next victims will be.

All three people are involved in the upcoming trial involving the mobsters outed by Lau. Judge Surillo's car was blown up and Commissioner Loeb died from poisoning... All part of the clown's plan. The only one left now is Harvey Dent.

Bruce clenches his fists. He'll do everything in his power to keep Dent alive. That man is the hero Gotham needs right now. A symbol of light and order in these dark, chaotic times... He can't allow the Joker to keep having his way. There has to be something he can do.

Right now, it seems like the only way to stop the clown is to reveal himself as Batman... All the blood spilled from the Joker's madness is splattering onto his hands the longer he sits here.

Leaning his head back against the chair, it doesn't seem like much of a choice anymore. They're all being backed into a corner by a madman. He needs to keep everyone safe. Dent, Gordon, Rachel, Alfred, Tasha, the innocent lives being killed at every turn...

The Joker's trying to make the city as ugly and mad as he is. Gotham needs the hero it deserves, even if it's not himself...


Tasha sighs, walking through the entrance of a brightly lit building. She's already regretting that she even agreed to this.

Ino had called a few hours ago, insisting on meeting up. She must have felt bad about tricking the pinkette into going out to dinner with Jin... after she got chewed out.

'Damn... Dragging me out here. I don't even like going to places like this...'

It's so loud inside the club, the base reverberating off of the walls. Crowded from one end to the other with people dancing or hanging around the bar, having their fill. Laughing, yelling, drinking... Giving her a goddamn headache.

Sliding through the partygoers, Tasha growls in agitation, trying to push past the bodies dancing around her. The bar is in the middle of it all. That's where Ino says she'll be.

'Of fucking course... The one spot in the whole damn place it'll be a pain in the ass to get to.'

Just barely making it through the throng of people, she spots Ino on a stool, talking animatedly to the man sitting beside her.

'Jin!'

Since going out to dinner last week, they met up once. Going out to a coffee shop and walking around the city for a few hours. Nothing serious. The pinkette's able to relax around him, and his ability causes her to feel better about all the craziness going on. Not only that, but he has information... lots of it. He has lots to say about what's been going on around Gotham in the underground and knows things about the Joker that Tasha had no clue about. The crimes he's committed, the constant war with the authority and mafia, the unusual alliance he made with the latter, despite robbing them so many times... All she knew was a few details from the newspapers, but that's the extent of it.

Jin has an older brother who works for the District Attorney, Harvey Dent, and was a part of the Gotham City Police Department, before transferring over. Hearing about the clown from the perspective of someone who's lived here for years and knows more about the criminal activity going on is very... interesting.

Tasha met with him, hoping to find out all that she can without saying too much on her part. Jin sees there's a connection between her and the Joker, after what happened in the restaurant, but that's all she's willing to tell him. There's no need to bring up the notes, the branch, the eyes following her every move... Undoubtedly, he probably senses there's much more to the story, but he hasn't pushed any further, to her relief. Multiple times, he's extended the offer of protection or to get the authorities involved, namely his brother, just to be turned down. She only wants information. Nothing else... No matter how much he goes into lengthy detail about how dangerous it is to be on the radar of a criminal like The Joker. That she should go into protective custody for her own sake...

Tasha refuses. Part of her knows that getting the authorities involved will only make things worse. Hearing how easily they can be bought doesn't help either... Aside from that, if the Joker really wants to find her, there's no stopping it... Something in the pinkette's gut tells her it's true. If the city's top officials are being picked off under the GCPD's protection, then what chance does she really have? That little fact is something Jin can't argue with.

With the threat looming overhead after what's been happening, the police will focus their time and manpower on preserving the top brass of the city. No one wants to waste their efforts on a nobody like her. The note the clown left promises a terrible fate for anyone who becomes involved. The last thing she wants is to be the cause for any needless deaths if someone comes to her aid.

'Maybe he's right... It's not like I can just sit around and wait for him to pick me off, but I really don't know what I can do.'

Despite knowing something's going on with the Joker, Jin doesn't seem to be concerned about anything happening to himself. Not in the slightest. Most people will run for the hills just at the mention of that maniac's name, especially after the string of murders and crimes going on. Every day, these terrible incidents are escalating. If it's not the clown himself, it's his followers or copycats pulling some shit. People can tell the difference right away, between the real deal, and fools trying to follow in his footsteps. The details of the crimes and the scenes themselves make that painfully clear.

It's strange being around Jin... Like a breath of fresh air, after practically suffocating in a smog of pollution. When they hung out together the last time, Tasha can't deny it's a nice change of pace, even if she has ulterior motives behind this. He might too, but if there are any ideas of getting more out of this than friendship, the man's shit out of luck. The pinkette doesn't want a boyfriend or a lover... There's enough going on without the extra stress. His ability is the only thing that helps with the anxiety and paranoia. Day after day of going through it, not being able to sleep properly, she's slowly starting to lose her mind. Never knowing when or where the clown will pop out of his box next.

It might be selfish for wanting to use his ability to get a reprieve from the chaotic feelings and thoughts swirling around her head. Despite that, she can't find it in herself to stop the desperate need for some normalcy. To just go back to feeling like a regular human being... His gift grants her that sensation, makes her feel like everything will be okay. That she can do this.

There has more to it than he's letting on. She just can't shake the feeling... Both times the pinkette spent time with Jin and left, something tugs on her mind, urging her to reach back out to him. Telling Tasha that she doesn't really want to leave and tries egging her on to meet with him again. That his company is all she really needs and desires.

'I wonder if he... can influence thoughts too? Unless I'm just really that desperate for a connection with someone who might understand what's going on... or the Joker really is driving me insane. Maybe it's a mix of all the above? Either way, I need to be careful.'

Despite the troublesome suspicions and worries, Jin seems to be kind mostly and is pretty funny. No one has made her laugh the way he has in a long time. Always excitedly telling colorful stories about clients and jobs, where he uses his gift to make money, which is smart. If you have it, might as well use it. Right? It's similar in a sense to the way her ability to learn other languages easily helps to find work for companies as an interpreter.

'If you're good at something, never do it for free...'

Tasha furrows her brow at the thought. That isn't something she'd say...

'Where have I heard that before? Maybe a movie or something... Ino? Bruce? I can't remember...'

Walking up to the bar, Tasha quickly hops up on the only free stool available near her friends. Of course, it just has to be next to Jin, with Ino on his other side. That leaves him smack-dab in the middle of them. With a smile, he turns towards the pinkette when she shifts on the seat, leaning her elbows against the smooth surface of the bar in front of them.

"Tasha! I'm glad you came-"

"Finally! I wasn't sure if you were coming or not! Sorry girl, but we already started without you." Ino raises her glass with a wolfish grin. Smacking her hand down on the counter, she noisily calls the bartender over to order another round of drinks. Her cheeks are already a pretty shade of pink, completely flush from the alcohol.

'Yeah... They sure started without me. That's fine. I'm not a big drinker, anyway. If they're already drunk, that just means Ino won't push me as much.'

"Come on, guys... Let's have some fun tonight!" The bartender places shot glasses in front of each of them, giving the blonde a crooked smile, watching her bouncing animatedly in her seat at the fresh set of rounds. The pinkette cocks a brow in distaste, noticing the man staring at Ino's chest intently as it jerks around with every movement. She's always been generously endowed and damn well knows it.

Tasha shakes her head, looking down at the small glass uncertainly. She isn't sure if she wants something so strong. The harsh scent causes her nose to crinkle up, the smell alone clearing up her sinuses. Getting shit-faced at a club's not necessarily her idea of fun... but it's understood there'll be some drinking involved when she reluctantly accepted the invitation.

Glancing over at the two sitting next to her, they pick up their glasses and toss them back effortlessly. Jin turns to the side, looking at her expectantly. His handsome features are colored with the same pink hue as Ino's from the liquor he's been enjoying before she even arrived.

Sighing, Tasha swallows hard, hesitantly raising the drink. With a shrug, she throws caution to the wind, tossing it back in one go. The harsh liquor burns a trail along her throat. Heat pools in her stomach as it makes its way down.

"Ughhh, that tastes like shit..." The pinkette grimaces, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Smacking the glass down against the bar, she coughs out in disgust.

"Of course! That's not the point though. It's the results you want. Besides, nothing good for you ever tastes great, and the things that always taste like shit. Hahaha!" Ino giggles heartily, waving the bartender over for more drinks.

With a low chuckle, Jin leans in close to the pinkette. "Boy, your friend's a handful... Isn't she? A one-woman party all on her own."

Tasha grins as another shot's poured into her glass. Maybe Ino has the right idea... It's okay to let go once in a while and enjoy life. Right? With the two of them here, can't she just drop everything for at least one night?


"Like-Like I was saying. He's so busy at work, all the time... It's boring. Can't he see that I'm more exciting than that shit?" Ino jabbers on, her hand swaying back and forth, gripping the glass tightly.

They all took a few more shots, without a single care. Something that Tasha normally wouldn't do and definitely over her limit. Soon, the music is nothing more than buzzing in the background.

"You know what, guys? I-I feel like dancing... Best time to do it is when you're drunk!" Tasha reaches out to stop her, but it's too late. Sliding off from the stool onto unsteady feet, the blonde glides off, prancing into the group of people.

"Wow. She's completely wasted..." Jin chuckles as they watch Ino starting to dance, twirling around and throwing her hands up.

"Yeah, she's always like that." The pinkette sighs, putting the glass back onto the bar. Licking her lips, it just might've been one shot too many as her head lulls to the side. This is exactly what happens when she lets other people influence the decisions she makes. Getting drunk wasn't part of the plan for the night... She was just going to have a drink or two, at most.

"O-Oh... Well, then... That guy, Sai, really has his work cut out for him. Huh? She's a lot of fun. Just a bit much all at one time, haha..." Grabbing another drink, Tasha notices he's taking his time with this one.

They sit in silence, watching the people around the bar drinking and dancing around, having a good time. Despite the place being completely crowded, the pinkette feels separated from all of it, like she isn't even a part of this.

'Why is it always this way? No matter what I do, it's the same…'

Tasha's eyes fly open when a hand rests on top of hers against the surface of the bar. Craning her neck back to glare at the man next to her, his dark eyes studying her intently, making the pinkette feel uncomfortable. What the hell is he doing?

"Sakura, I have to tell you something..."

The pinkette slowly nods, wondering what he's up to. Usually, he just says whatever's on his mind.

"Wait- What did you just call me?!" Her stomach lurches when it dawns on her. The memories resurfacing brought that name up constantly. Even if she ignores it, tries to deny it completely... That's her real name. Something deep down just confirms it, telling her that it's true...

It has to be. That's the only thing that makes sense. It's not like she'd recall someone else's memories. Whatever happened in the past is the past. She doesn't want it to affect this current life. The only problem is that the past is now calling, and there's no other choice but to answer. If only there's a way to turn it off... But that's just asking for too much.

Jin shifts on the stool, turning to face her. The way he's acting is only making her anxiety worse than it already is. He holds her hand tight like she'll try to run off, even when the pinkette tries to pull away. The serious expression on his face makes everything feel uneasy. Whatever he wants to say, she doesn't really want to hear it.

"I know more about you then I let on... I know what happened when you fell... How you lost everything. I—We knew each other. Very well, actually... Right now, you probably don't remember, but maybe someday you will." Jin grabs her other hand, keeping them between his own. The pinkette's so surprised by what just came from his mouth, she barely registers the small action... How could he possibly know? She's too stunned, staring at him in disbelief. Her mind goes blank, unable to string together anything coherent. Everything going on around her suddenly melts away into the background. Nothing's real anymore as she slowly sinks into a daze.

Tasha's at a loss for words. This doesn't make any sense. Not at all. If only she can think straight, maybe... No. This has to be some kind of joke or con. The pinkette's face twists into a grimace, trying to stop the room from spinning around her. Sucking in a sharp breath, her eyes dart from Jin's face towards the bar, not knowing what to do. This is completely unexpected. If anything, she thought he would say he likes her—again—but that's already been said... A few times.

"What? H-How? Did we go to school together or something? That happened back when I was seventeen..." Despite trying to reject the past and everything that comes with it, the budding curiosity's too tempting. Perhaps this man possesses a missing piece of the puzzle that can answer for all the things happening.

'Maybe he can tell me if I pissed off the Joker off or something...'

"Well... We grew up together... After my family moved here from Seoul, we lived in an apartment in The Narrows... right next to yours. We used to hang out all the time, even as kids..." His head cocks to the side, as a crooked smile playing on his lips.

"I, uh... I even built a door between our rooms." Dark eyes shift away, embarrassed. He lets go to scratch the back of his head nervously.

'No way... How could he know about that? It's impossible ... unless that's true.'

The pinkette's about to fall from the stool as she sways, the only thing keeping her in place is the large hands clamping down on hers. That can't be true... Is she just that drunk, or maybe this is some weird-ass dream? Perhaps she's imagining things?

The faceless boy... Can that really be Jin? Is he the kid that she grew up with? The one who built the door between their rooms? All the pinkette really know for sure that her name's Sakura, and she grew up in some shoddy apartment in a poor area, likely The Narrows... The charm's a birthday present from her father before he died. There are more pieces missing that need to be found, despite not wanting to. Even if she doesn't go looking for them, they're finding their way back, anyway.

An odd sensation spreads through her... Edging its way into the pinkette's mind. Telling the small woman things in a soft whisper, revealing all the truths that she secretly desires. That everything coming from that man's mouth is facts she can no longer deny, even if she tries. Not only is everything as he says, but that she's thankful to finally have the stray pieces handed over so willingly. Everything will be okay. She just has to trust him.

The corner of her mouth tugs up into a grin, almost like it's attached to a string as she stares at him. Yes... This is what's been missing all this time. Right? After all, the memories only started coming back the moment she met him.

"Everything... Everything makes sense now... You're the person I'm looking for. I understand now..." Small hands tremble in his larger ones as relief washes over her. Originally, she didn't want to remember any of it, but after hearing what he said, everything's so incredibly close to being complete. Maybe the past doesn't have to change everything... She can still be the person she is now, just with a little extra... Only a few memories resurfaced, but it's more than enough and now she has a face to add, instead of a dark shadow.

'My mind's telling me this is right, but something still feels... off. Is it because I'm drunk?'

"I know, I know. It's a lot at one time, but we can take it nice and slow as you get them back. There's no rush. I'm not going anywhere... When I first saw you, I wanted to tell you so badly, but it didn't feel like the right time. Didn't want it to be overwhelming, but I just knew... You're definitely the Sakura Haruno I grew up with." His bright smile's reassuring, telling her everything will be all right.

'Sakura Haruno, huh? That'll take some time getting used to...'

Long arms wrap around her waist, pulling the pinkette closer into a hug. It's the most comforting thing in the world at the moment. Safe and secure. Just under the surface is everything she's been looking for. All the answers to the questions plaguing her for the last seven years are right here. Who she really is and what happened... and this man has them all. She doesn't have to be a blank slate anymore. One with no past, no true identity, nothing to grasp onto. Bruce always dodges everything or says he has no idea. It's frustrating, but after a while, she just let it go. Molded into the new person she was being pushed towards. There weren't many other options.

A shout from the back of the bar causes them both to jump on their stools. Sakura's eyes pop open at a loud bang in the same direction. The music's still playing as loud as ever, but there's a thunderous cracking sound overhead. Pushing off from the chest leaning into her, the pinkette cranes her neck back to see what's going on.

'Something's wrong... Very wrong. I can just feel it in the pit of my stomach and it's not just the liquor...'

Shrill screams ring through the building as the sounds assaulting Sakura's ears finally register in her brain. Her jaw drops when realization hits like a ton of bricks. The haze quickly dissipates, like someone dumped a bucket of ice water on the pinkette, trying to sober her up as panic sets in.

'Gunshots!'

Some partygoers dancing haven't realized the sound isn't part of the music playing, still swaying and twirling. Looking in the direction of the noise, her eyes narrow when something dark sprays up in the air. Ear-piercing shouts and screeches fill the space and people start running. Terror sweeps over the rest of the club when bodies start falling, covered in blood and bullet wounds.

"Fuck!"

Sakura freezes in shock, not even noticing the hand latching onto her sleeve. Someone's trying to pull her attention away from the scene unfolding in the back of the building, but no one's upstairs in her head. When fingers slap hard against her cheek, she finally wakes up, realizing what's actually going on. This isn't some screwed-up dream like she hopes. Jin tears the pinkette off of the stool to get them to safety—if there is such a thing.

Right after he smacks Sakura and rips her from the seat, the shot glass right in front of him shatters as a bullet pierces through it. The two scream in shock, it only being a few inches away from either of them being shot down.

"Holy shit!" Yanking her along, they try running towards the exit t becoming congested with dozens of people trying to escape. Screaming, crying, shoving... Everyone's desperate to save themselves from the madman unloading into the crowd.

Looking around wildly, Ino's nowhere to be seen. Hopefully, the blonde has already gotten out. Sakura turns to look back, gasping out at the sight. A handful of men wearing clown masks come in through the back door with guns in their hands. One by one they pick people off and shooting those who are still alive on the floor.

"We need to get out of here! Those maniacs are going to kill everyone!" Jin yells, trying to be heard over the music still playing. Grabbing onto her tightly, he aggressively shoves through the throng of people crying and screaming, trying to escape with their lives. Getting out of here in one piece almost seems impossible.

Sakura's elbowed and whacked as people push their way through. They barely making it toward the front when the gunmen unload on those in the back of the crowd who are trying to escape through the door.

A redhead grips onto the pinkette's dress in the panic, her eyes wide and shaking. She's clinging to anything nearby in desperation, hoping it'll bring her to safety. Turning to see what's pulling her down, Sakura shrieks when the woman hanging off of her is hit in the head by a stray bullet, the blood showering everyone too close.

The pinkette squeezed her eyes shut as the warm liquid sprays across her pale face and neck. She refuses to open them, afraid of what she'll see when a limp body falls against her, sliding onto the floor. Trembling like a leaf, the front of her dress is covered in red splatters. She sucks in a harsh breath, needing to force oxygen into her lungs from being crushed by the weight bearing down on her from every direction. Everything's happening too fast... Trying to block out the wet sensation soaking through the fabric onto her skin. They have to get out of there before those psychos end up killing everyone. People around them don't hesitate to step on or over each other and the bodies on the floor as they push forward, desperate to save themselves.

The bullet that pierced the redhead's skull was only been inches away... Is it an accident or was that meant her? It's clear who's behind this. So... Did he decide to stop with the games and finally kill her? Why now and not before? When he already knows exactly where she lives? Maybe doing it in such a public space excites the clown too much. He seems to enjoy having everyone know it's him committing such heinous acts.

"Hahh! Christ!" Only a few inches and it could've been her with a bullet in the head... Just knowing that is bringing on a full-blown panic attack. The pounding in her chest gets louder by the second, close to drowning out all the screams.

Jin yanks on her arm, tearing the pinkette through the entrance and out into the bitter night air. The music finally stops playing inside, making the chaos going on throughout the building noticeable even from out front. A flurry of shots ring out, shattering the windows of the club. Glass flies everywhere as people scatter in all different directions, trying to get out of the line of fire.

Sakura's in shock... Never has she seen violence to such a degree. She needs to stay aware and can't let herself faint from the shock. The chill in the air is quickly sobering her up, getting rid of warm fog the alcohol-induced. That's long-gone now. Blood drips down her face and dress, the metallic smell making her want to vomit.

A few of the men in clown masks run through the front doors, shooting at those running away. This makes little sense. The clown's known for being violent, but to kill random people in the open like this? Something's completely off. His whole thing is about 'making a point' according to Jin, so why this? Unless these are copy-cats… It isn't the first time they've gone overboard, and undoubtedly not the last.

Are they going to die here? Is this really it?

The man holding on to the pinkette's arm drags her down the nearest alley. They rush alongside the building, away from the onslaught. Her heart's pounding erratically, completely scared out of her mind, gasping for air. If Jin wasn't here, who knows what would have happened? There's no way for someone of her size to get through those doors without him barreling through.

Running as fast as they can, the goal is to put as much distance as physically possible between them and the goons out front. Her eyes squint to see where they're going, trying to avoid the trash and empty boxes on the ground. It's hard to see down the dark path. They race down a small alley next to the club that leads to the main street. A few streetlights, far and few in between, guide them through the littered alleyway.

Jin abruptly stops in his tracks, causing Sakura to run into his back. The force almost knocks them both to the ground. The pinkette stumbles as the man in front of her holds his ground, planting his feet and gripping her arm tightly.

'Why did he stop? We're almost out of here.'

Poking her head around Jin and looking ahead, her brow furrows at a tall silhouette hanging back in the shadows.

A man stands at the end of the alley, blocking their exit. A chill runs down her spine as he takes a few steps forward, closer to them. The pinkette swallows hard, digging her fingers into the back of Jin's shirt. The figure glides into the beam emitted by the streetlight, revealing himself.

"Hahaha!" The manic laughter makes both of them freeze, turning to stone on the spot. Everyone in Gotham knows that terrible noise. Panicking, Sakura slowly cranes her neck to look back. If they ran in the opposite direction, it'll be right where those cronies are, shooting down people as they flee. If they go forward... their fate will be much worse.

"J-Joker..." Sakura trembles as she clings to Jin, terrified of what will happen. So, he really came to kill her, after all...

"Ha. Ha. Ha. And I thought my jokes were bad." The clown stalks forward, each step carefully measured. Jin pushes the pinkette back, still holding onto her arm, but trying to block the maniac's view of her.

"What are you trying to do, pretty-boy? When did you become such a—such a comedian? Hmm?" Joker arches a brow, dropping his chin towards his chest. The dark pits in his sockets narrow on Jin as his lips curl, scrutinizing the man in between him and the pinkette. "Hate to break it to ya... There's only room for one Joker in this city."

"What do you want?!" Jin's voice deepens, trying to sound more masculine. Maybe he's hoping it might keep the madman at bay, or at least second guess what he's about to do? Had it been anyone other than the clown, they might've hesitated, seeing his expression and stance. Unfortunately, this is the 'Clown Prince of Crime', and he doesn't seem to give two-shits.

"What do I want? Hmm... What do I want? Well first, I'd like to, ah, cut that tongue out... then we can take a look at the list." Joker's tone drops a few octaves with the threat... No—a promise. It's not what he wants to do, but what he plans to do.

The clown takes a few quick steps forward, startling the pair. Leaning to the side with a curious expression, his dark eyes glance towards the pinkette. She's trembling, clinging to the back of Jin's shirt like it's a lifeline. Joker's upper lip curls back at the sight, baring his teeth as a snarl rips out. Sakura whimpers, closing her eyes and burying her face against back in front of her, unable to stand to look at that feral beast for another second.

"Gahh!" Snarling out in frustration, Joker straightens his back, looking around wildly. He's on edge and livid, frightening the man hesitantly watching him, but still trying to keep the lithe woman out of sight. She's small compared to either, making it an easy feat. The action only increases the assailant's unbridled rage, a deep growl reverberating through his chest. To the pinkette, she's in the presence of two wolves staring each other down, waiting for one to make the next move to show who the true alpha is between them.

They all know the answer to that.

A gloved hand slides between the flaps of the purple trench coat, pulling out a pistol from his waistband. Aiming downward, a few shots hit the ground just inches away from Jin's feet, making him jump back, knocking both him and Sakura to the ground.

"Ahh! S-Stop it!" The pinkette screams, grabbing onto Jin desperately. He chokes out a breath, trying not to crush the woman beneath his body as she pulls her legs out from under him. Cowering behind his back, Sakura says a small prayer to anyone that might listen, begging them to intervene in what's about to happen. Neither of them will be able to stop the clown, even without a gun in his hands.

Joker stops in his tracks, his dark eyes staring at her. The fear is all-consuming, causing any sense to fly right out the window. She should try to do something—anything—yet has no idea clue where to start. A sadist will enjoy begging and fighting him won't help. Reasoning with a madman won't accomplish shit. Is this how she'll spend the last few minutes of her brief life? Just when she finally found Jin and a handful of memories buried from long ago?

"Sakura. Get away from him. NOW!" He grinds menacingly, his jaw snapping with the last word. She jumps at the commanding tone in his voice. Is he going to shoot Jin and save the torment for her afterward?

"No!" Without even thinking, she yells back at him. Something's telling her to not let go, no matter what. Pitch-black eyes widen at the blatant refusal, a growl coming from deep within his throat. The expression on the clown's face darkens as his tongue snakes out over his bottom lip, running along the forked scar.

Pointing the gun at them, his features harden beneath the smeared greasepaint. Sakura can feel the rage emanating from him in erratic waves, even with the distance in between them. It's suffocating... coiling around her slim neck, trying to choke the life right out of her.

He's really going to kill them...

"Listen up, dollface. If you, ah, know what's good for you, get your hands off of that man and back away. I don't want to shoot you..." The tone's a hair softer than before, but still has one hell of a bite to it. A moment passes by as he impatiently waits to see if the tiny woman will comply. His piercing gaze bears down on her, the corner of his mouth twitching in aggravation.

Another bullet hits the ground near Jin's shoe, almost hitting him.

A warning shot.

"What? Want to save me for last, so you can cut me up?! Fuck that!" Sakura doesn't know if she just lost her mind or is scared stupid. The words in her head just slip right through her lips, before they can be stopped.

Joker lowers the gun, dropping his head to the side with an exasperated expression. Like she just told the worst joke he's ever heard. A gloved hand slaps against his forehead, dragging down along his face and smearing the greasepaint.

"Cut you up? Is that what you're hoping for? Didn't know you were that kinda lady... Kinky." Barking out a humorless laugh, the gun points straight at Jin this time. Is the clown debating whether to take the shot from where he stands? "I'm giving you, One. Last. Chance. Get away from him. NOW!" The deep voice is harsh, turning into an angry shout as he gnashes his teeth, staring at the couple wildly.

"Just shoot me! Let him go! He has nothing to do with this!" Sakura is shocked at what's coming from her mouth. Something in the back of her head whispers in her ear... Pushing the pinkette's body forward, as if each limb's being remotely controlled. The voice says this is the right thing to do, to not let this psycho shoot Jin. That this man won't kill her the way he will the person she's shielding. As long as she stays here, Jin will be safe.

'I don't understand…'

The Joker's fury resurfaces with a vengeance, breaking the mask he carefully wears to conceal his true thoughts and intentions. A blind rage with hatred fanning into black flames courses through his veins. The corded muscles throughout his body pulse, tense and straining against his clothing. Teeth dig deep into his scarred lip, drawing blood that darkens the smeared red paint. His hand trembles around the pistol, visibly fighting off the urge to unload the clip in his spiraling madness.

"So. Is he that important to you? Hmm?! Enough that you're, ah, willing to die for him?" He's seething, his voice grave as he bites each word out. The gun's still pointed at them, but now the pinkette's in the line of fire.

"Yes! I need him! You just kill and destroy everything! Someone who feels absolutely nothing can never understand... Men like you disgust me the most! Why don't you just leave us alone?!" The words just spill from her lips automatically. They feel rehearsed like she already knows them. The way he freezes like a statue on the spot, tells the two on the ground they're in deeper trouble now. The muscles in his face twitch erratically, his breathing becoming ragged. If looks could kill, the couple would be shredded to ribbons by the sharpness in those large black pools of ink. He's completely unhinged... Teetering on the line between insanity and toppling over to a new level that no one can comprehend. She sees it in his eyes that he wants to do unspeakable acts to them. His thirst for blood's making goosebumps break out along her pale skin.

"Ahhahha" The Joker's sudden laugh is more terrifying than being shot down in a dark alley. A gloved hand runs through his faded green hair in agitation, yanking the mess like he wants to tear it from his own scalp. He starts pacing back and forth, muttering something under his breath. The gun's still held tightly in his grasp, raising and lowering it at different intervals, appearing like he's arguing with himself.

Cocking his head to the side, Joker stares at the pinkette, wide-eyed and wild. It looks like he's losing his mind more than he already has. As if the answer is clear, he stomps forward, faster than the small woman can even react. He roughly shoves Sakura out of the way, pushing her onto the ground. Grabbing Jin by the collar of his shirt, he drags the man up to eye-level with him.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO HER?!" The clown shakes Jin violently as he spits in his terrified face.

"That's enough." A deep, raspy voice calls out from above.

Glancing up, Sakura notices a shadowy image standing on the edge of a roof, staring down at them. The street light barely illuminates a large dark figure with a cape flowing behind him.

"Ah... Batsy. You have such impeccable timing! No one knows how to crash a party like you do!" Jin's slammed to the ground, knocking the air out of him.

"I could say the same to you." The man jumps down under the light, revealing himself from the shadows. Sakura's eyes pop open in disbelief as she realizes who he is...

'Batman?!'

This is the first time she's ever seen him.

"You two. Get out of here. The other end of the alley is clear now. Get to safety." Batman doesn't take his eyes from the Joker for a second, not even to spare a glance at the couple trying to get to their feet. They know what he means without him having to say another word. He must've either taken out the goons or they took off on their own. It doesn't matter which, only that it's now safe to go that way.

Jin coughs harshly as he grabs the pinkette by the arm. Forcing Sakura onto her feet, he shouts they have to run and get out of there. Now. Sakura's legs almost give way from the shock of what just happened, but Jin yanks her up, wanting to get them both out of dangers way.

Out of the Joker's way...

"At-ta-ta-ta! No, you don't!" The Joker takes a shot at Jin, but the Bat pulls his cape out, blocking the bullet from passing.

"Gahhh! Nosey Bat!... I'll just have some fun with you for now..." Growling out in anger at the intervention, the clown's eyes dart from the couple running off towards the man standing in his way.

The two dart down the alley, refusing to look back. Turning the next corner, they try to keep a steady pace, despite the frigid air making each breath turn into a stabbing pain in their lungs. Not until reaching a few blocks away from where the fighting is taking place, do the two finally slow down.

'I... can't... I... don't...'

If Batman hadn't shown up... the Joker probably would have killed them. Sakura can't think about it right now, trying to keep the alcohol from coming up. Nothing makes sense anymore. Why didn't the clown just shoot them both when he had the chance?

The pinkette curses when her phone keeps going off. Slowing down, it takes everything not to just topple over, light-headed, and gasping for air. Hearing the obnoxious tone playing again, she hisses, grabbing the device and wanting to smash it. Glancing at the screen, she realizes it's a text from Ino.

"Ah! Ino's safe! Thank God... I was so... hah... worried about her." She's winded from trying to keep up with him, sucking in a harsh breath and sweating up a storm.

Turning towards her with an incredulous look, he tries to catch his breath as they come to a stop.

"I think you have a lot more to be worried about than her..."