Inspired by Comics and Dark Knight Returns: Animated

Gotham was humid more than usual as the moon began to set. People shuffled around as the humidity was getting hotter-the heat felt like it could be seen. Storekeepers shut down their stores as the humidity burned in the people of Gotham. A storekeeper was shutting his shop when he stopped in his tracks.

"Mr. Elmers."

The shopkeeper turned around- he knew that voice. He knew that voice too well. Salvatore Maroni, his loan shark or really the King shark of Gotham, was here to talk to him.

"Ye-es?" Elmers tried to speak.

"Your time seems up. Don't ya think, pal?" Maroni coldly replied.

"I'll pay back! I'm so-"

"Everyone has a reason-an excuse. Excuse me, while I have to leave you to my friends then."

Elmers's body froze as Maroni's "friends" came toward him as Maroni's car drove away. A hitman laughed.

"That's what you get."

Elmers winced as he was ready for the payback that he deserved. Suddenly, a blast of wind ran past Elmers. Elmers saw two figures amid the wind. The figures stood tall while fighting the men.

The men were soon knocked out while the figures stood around them. The tallest figure walked over to Elmers.

"Don't hurt me!" Elmers yelled.

"I won't" The tallest figure responded in a gruff voice as he helped him up.

"Who are you?" Elmers scratched his head.

"I'm Just. Me." He pulled out a gadget that propelled him to another building as a light shone.

The other figure followed him with their gadget as they both swung into the shadows.

Elmer couldn't see the light. What was so bright? Then he saw it-the Batman signal. Elmers realized that man who saved him was no nobody-He was Batman.

Bruce washed his face as he stood in the Batcave. Every day felt like the slogan "another day, another villain". The scum was coming from everywhere. He had to keep fighting. He just got out of retirement. Jim Gordon was not commissioner anymore. It was just him in his fifties with his new Robin, Carrie Kelley.

"Hey Batman!" a cheery voice called.

Bruce sighed and then yelled in the other room of the cave, "Hey, Carrie.."

"We did it! We stopped Maroni for-'

"For a little bit, Robin."

Carrie nodded.

The intercom shook and seemed to scream with noise.

"Master Bruce and Miss Carrie, you have to see the computer. You want to see this."

Bruce ran to the bat computer.

"Go for it, Alfred."

The news station played videos of people cheering as the Mayor of Gotham, Richard Kip shushed people down.

"Jack Napier, who was once known as the Joker has repented from being who he was...I, the mayor of Gotham here by pardon Mr. Napier.'

"NO!"

Bruce yelled. He knew this guy-, his old foe. Great. Release the JOKER! Great idea. The mayor must be with the Joker or even Maroni. What was happening! Was the Mayor taking his brain for a walk?! Bruce slammed his hand on the desk. Carrie turned her head to Bruce and lowered her eyes. She figured something was really wrong.

"Um, was that who I-"

"Yes. Come on' Robin we have a joker to get before he has tricks up his sleeves. I know he will."