WARNING: Character death and some adult situations ahead, read at your own risk!
Chapter 11: Facing Fears part 3
The BatWing whined through the night as it rocketed just below radar on a direct path towards Middleton, Colorado.
"Won't get there faster if make plane explode," Batgirl commented from the seat behind the pilot's, where Robin sat gripping the stick as tightly as he could.
"She can take it, we're not … completely in the red," Robin said glancing at the HUD display which was already flashing a few warning lights. "Look, Joker may still be in Middleton, I'm not going to let KP face that freak alone. He's taken too much already."
"We'll stop him," Batgirl stated soothingly, but Robin didn't seem to be listening.
"If he harms one red hair …" Robin hissed, gripping the stick harder, "Batman will be the least of his worries."A loud beep signaled that the Wing had entered the Tri-City air space, "Ok, let's find a place to set down that's hidden but near a road…" Robin said, glancing out at the ground as the large bat-shaped jet slowed and began to slowly lose altitude. Robin finally saw a moderately-sized break in a forested area and slowly eased the BatWing down into the clearing.
The two costumed heroes exited the jet, unloaded a pair of Batcycles, and then covered the Bat Wing in a camo-net. "Batgirl, head into town and see what you can find out about the Load case," Robin ordered pulling on a helmet before mounting a Batcycle. "I'm going to check on KP, then I'll catch up. Keep your com on."
Robin looked up at the moon. It wasn't yet to the horizon, so he still had some night left. He kick-started the bike and pulled out onto the interstate that connected Upperton with Middleton. As he approached the town, he saw the familiar sign: "Welcome to Middleton. Home of Kim Possible" one thought crossed his mind that he vocalized with a relieved voice. "Home …"
He knew the streets by heart. He knew exactly where he was going, after going there every day of his life up until he moved in with Bruce. He parked the bike in a wooded area before making his way silently in the shadows toward the Possible family three-story home.
He saw a small flickering light in the very top window that was Kim's room. "Please be ok, KP," Robin whispered, narrowing his masked eyes. He took a grappling hook from his belt and fired at the side of the home just above Kim's bedroom window and quickly pulled himself up to the windowsill.
Robin's eyes widened and his jaw went slack at the sight he saw. The shock of it almost made him fall from the side of the house. Robin could see into his best friend's room and her bed. Kim laid on her bed, and the clear, perfect roundness of her uncovered butt and her pale skinned shoulders covered only by her long fiery red hair showed she was naked. Her head resting comfortably on Josh's shoulders, and he too was easily seen to be as bare as the day he was born. Robin didn't have to be trained by the world's greatest detective to determine what had happened.
The whited-out eyes narrowed and his mouth closed into a tight thin line before he silently climbed up onto the rooftop to steady his thoughts. He shouldn't be bothered by this. He's slept with Cassie before, so why couldn't Kim sleep with her... her... boyfriend? But for some reason, he was feeling a sting, not as intense, but similar to that he felt the day his parents were murdered.
"It's better this way anyway," Robin said before gliding down to the lower roof of the house then on down to the ground and swiftly made his way back to his bike.
---
Gotham City
Shego slowly made her way through the graveyard toward the same grave she had visited every day for the past week. She wasn't surprised to see someone else standing there alone wearing a trench coat and dark sunglasses. Shego made her way to stand beside him, and placed the red rose in her hand down on the grave. "Hello, Bruce."
"Shelia," Bruce stated coldly, still staring at the angelically shaped tombstone.
"Tim enjoying his honeymoon?" Shego asked, trying to make some conversation.
"Last I heard," Bruce stated shortly, "I'm not telling you what happened."
"I haven't even asked yet!" Shego snapped angrily.
"You do every year," Bruce said, glancing her way, "Is it too much just to remember how he lived, rather than to focus on how he died?"
"I just want to know," Shego growled, "I deserve to know. Just like you deserve to know who murdered your parents!"
Bruce snapped off his sunglasses, and his blue eyes bore into Shego's making her back step, "Fine." He then stepped toward her, "Jason made a poor mistake, driven by his emotions, he went to rescue his kidnapped mother." Bruce explained emotionlessly, "He tried to beat the Joker."
"J-Joker?" Shego asked, her eyes widening.
"Yes, the Joker," Bruce stated without a blink. "Jason held his own when it was fist to fist, but then, the Joker brought in a crowbar. He struck him first in the upper arm, splintering his shoulder blade, thus giving Jason a useless arm. He came around with the crowbar's sinking its pointed end in between his right number 8 and 9 ribs. He pulled them all the way out of his skin. He didn't stop, he continued beating him with it, anywhere, everywhere, until Jason could not be recognized even without the mask. Then the Joker drug him, still alive, still conscious to his mother's side, and set an explosive device. Jason Todd and his mother died at 11: 52 PM on this very night."
"Oh god … Jason …" Shego collapsed on her knees before the grave, trembling and unable to control the flood of tears. "We … It was supposed to be his last night … he was going to quit, then we'd be together, me, him, his mother … we were going to be happy …"
"I know," Bruce said, turning his back on the girl, "You had my blessing. Now honor his wish."
"What?" Shego looked up at the man.
"You planned on being happy together," Bruce said, starting to walk away, "then if for no one else than him. Be happy."
Shego watched him retreat before glancing down at Jason's grave in deep thought.
---
Mrs. Possible slowly walked into her office and sat down at her desk. She rubbed her eyes, the long night wearing on her. She then rolled up her sleeve on her shirt, to look at the acid burns she received from the Joker eighteen years ago. Now the smiling fool has left scars on her daughter that probably ran as deep if not farther then the ones he gave her.
Mrs. Possible prayed Kim wouldn't fall down the path she traveled. And she knew of only one thing that could keep that from happening, who she knew was already in the office with her. "You can come out now 'Robin'. If you can't tell, it's just me."
"How did you …" Robin squeaked, before returning the gruffness to his voice, "I mean... we have some questions."
"Oh come on, Ron," Mrs. Possible smirked, "you can cut the act. You know I know."
"Sorry …" Robin said, his voice returning to that of Ron's.
"So you checked on Kim first," Mrs. Possible mused, "Is she ok?"
"She's fine," Ron said quickly, "Anything you can tell me about what happened to Wade?"
"It was smilex," Mrs. Possible sighed, "Apparently brought in by an explosive box."
"I see," Ron said reverting to Robin again, "I'd pick up the Tweebs and go home …after your shift lets up. And get Mr. Dr. P, Joker seems to be targeting Kim for some reason."
"Why is he doing this?" Mrs. Possible sighed, frustrated.
"He feels like it," Robin said, easing back into the shadows, "That's the only reason he needs."
"So what now?" Mrs. Possible asked, rubbing her face with her hands, but received no response. "Ron? Robin?" she asked, looking up to find herself alone. "Figures he'd teach you that…"
---
"Holy shit!" Josh groaned as he arched his back, before collapsing on Kim's bed breathing heavily. "Good morning to you too …" He breathed, looking down at the redhead.
Kim chuckled, wiping the 'leftovers' from her chin. "I tried to wake you normally, handsome, but you harder to wake up than … you're hard to wake up."
"I could go for wake up calls like that more often," Josh grinned at his girlfriend, "And don't worry, I think it's an honor to be compared to a guy like Ron."
"Thanks," Kim said impishly before gasping as Josh pulled her close, "Easy, cowboy, my parents are due home any time now, and I think you'd be better off facing Batman than my dad if he caught us like this. Trust me, I've seen both, and Daddy's just a tad scarier than the Bat at times."
"Point taken, besides, I put in a call to Gotham before I brought you home," Josh said, "Ron's supposed to arrive today."
"WHAT?" Kim gasped. She quickly jumped out of bed and quickly began dressing herself, not even giving her boyfriend another glance. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"That Ron was coming today?" Josh asked, sitting up to watch her bounce across the floor trying to get back into her pants. "Because you were kind of … well, out of it for a while, and when you finally did come out of it … we got distracted."
"Ok, point to you," Kim nodded, "And why are you watching me dress, pervert?" she snapped as she quickly grabbed her bra.
"Kim, we just had sex," Josh said slowly as if he was addressing a three year old, "There's not a part I didn't see or touch if you recall?"
"Smartass," Kim smirked, before grabbing for her Kimmunicator on her desk, "I'll just call Wade and see if Ron's …"
"Kim?" Josh asked worriedly when he saw her freeze up completely, "Kim, talk to me."
"I forgot … I almost completely forgot …" Kim whimpered, staring at the small, blue, handheld computer in her hand. "It's not possible. Wade … he can't be gone … it's just not possible…"
"Kim … I understand …" Josh said soothingly, but it had the opposite effect.
"No, you don't understand! You can't understand," Kim said strongly, turning her now tear-filled eyes to Josh, "you can't possibly understand, you can't understand the relationship the three of us had. I trusted him completely, I put my life on the line just on the knowledge that Wade had told me everything about the sitch. Ron … he's the one who can understand this. I'm sorry, Josh, and I do love you, but … but I need Ron right now. He's the only one … one who knows what I'm feeling right now."
"I … I understand," Josh nodded, disappointment showing on his features, "but can I do anything for you? Name it, and I'll do it."
"I … I just need some time alone right now …" Kim said still staring at the Kimmunicator. "I'm sorry …"
"It's ok, and it's understandable. Call me if you need anything at all." Josh said, giving Kim a quick hug and kiss on her forehead.
"Love you," Kim kissed his cheek, "Just give me time to get my head around this, ok. Thanks for last night …"
"Love you too," Josh nodded, giving Kim a small smile, before exiting her room, leaving her alone.
Kim sat there for several moments, but was greatly startled when the Kimmunicator beeped to life, playing the sound for an incoming communication.
"What the?" Kim blanched and waited for it to beep again.
It beeped a third time, and Kim slowly carefully pressed the receive button, "Um … uh … hello?"
"Hey there," came a female's voice, "Nice to finally get to speak to you, Kim. I just thought I'd give you a small heads up to tell you to keep yourself indoors for a while. With the Joker, that's the only thing you can do 'til he moves again."
"Um … who is this?" Kim asked skeptically.
"I'm a friend of your father's," the woman said, "Most call me the Oracle."
---
Josh sighed as he climbed into the driver's seat of his car. That night was, despite Kim's inexperience, one of the best nights of his life. To say Kim was a wild cat would be an understatement. "I can die a happy man now," Josh sighed, before gasping as a gloved hand grabbed his shoulder.
"That's nice to know, Joshy-boy," came a chuckling voice behind him. "Makes my fun so much more fun!"
Josh turned to see an evil, pale, grinning face and a .45 handgun pointed at him. "Drive, boy, I'm not joshing you," the Joker stated, before breaking out into giggles "Joshing you, HAHAHA, I crack myself up!" Joker then turned deadly serious, "Why aren't we moving?"
"R-Right!" Josh gulped fearfully, putting the sports car into reverse, "Where to?"
"That would be telling!" Joker chimed, "Just drive, I'll tell you when to turn." He then rolled down the passenger side window, "BUT FIRST! Let me see your hand for a second. You might feel a small sting …"
---
"Find anything, Batgirl?" Ron asked through the radio as he packed his cape, belt, gloves, and boots into a hidden compartment on the kamikaze motorcycle under the BatWing.
"Not yet, still looking." He heard as he pulled on a pair of baggy cargo pants over his green tights.
"You'll have to give Bruce the hourly update for a while," Ron responded as he pulled a black shirt, followed by a red jersey over his tunic. "I'm going to head towards KP's again."
"Hey, I made contact with Kim, by the way," Oracle's voice broke in on their communications.
"Barbara," Ron jumped in surprise, "what if we were talking about something personal, like your cup size?"
"I doubt you'd be talking with Cassandra about that," Oracle chided, "Anyway, Kim seems ok, but I can tell she's just hiding her emotions. Guess she gets that from her dad."
"How do you know Mr. Dr. P's good at hiding emotions?" Ron asked, blinking in confusion.
"Um … you better get a move on if you want some time, just the two of you, the other Possibles are en route home too." Oracle covered quickly.
"Right, um, on my way. Robin out." He said, putting the mini-radio in his pocket, hopping on his bike, and heading toward Kim's.
---
"Here goes nothing …" Ron said as he slipped off the bike and started toward the house, but stopped suddenly at the scream that came from inside.
Ron barreled into the house full speed and almost right into Kim. "KP, what's wrong?" He asked surprised at the pale horrified look on her face.
"I can't talk now, Ron," Kim said, giving him a quick hug, "I have to go, like now. I'll explain everything when I get back. Just stay here, where it's safe."
Kim?" Ron asked, but she just dashed past him on out to the street and down the sidewalk.
Ron went in to see if he could get more info and found the equally horrified Mrs. Possible, Mr. Possible, and the twins. "What's going on?" he asked his voice showing seriousness.
Ron glanced down at the table where set a small note and a plastic bag. Inside the plastic bag was a single bloody finger with a gold class ring on it. On the ring was engraved the name 'MANKEY'. "Shit." Ron said grabbing the note.
'Hi Kimmie,
If you want the rest of your boyfriend back breathing, come to the where we first met, but don't bring your little orphan friend, I have special plans for him later! See you soon, Kimmie-girl!
The Joker'
Ron looked at the Possibles with cold determination. "After I leave, lock the doors and don't open up for ANYONE unless you know them. I'm going to bring them both home right now." Ron said, and, without waiting for a response, turned and dashed toward his bike.
He pulled out the communication device. "Batgirl, get to the Batwing and go back to Gotham, get Batman, and get back here ASAP. Joker's struck again. Victims: Mankey, Joshua, and possibly Possible, Kimberly Anne."
"What about you?" Batgirl asked through the mike as he jerked off his over shirts and pants and slid his cape over his shoulders.
"Payback."
---
Kim's legs and lungs burned as she ran down the street toward the warehouse district. She felt like taking a rest but knew she couldn't, Josh was counting on her to save him. "Kim Possible!" She heard and looked back to see the quiet Batcycle rocketing toward her.
She blinked as Robin came to a stop beside her. "If you want to save your lover, get on." He said emotionlessly.
"The note said come alone." Kim stated hurriedly.
"I know, but since when has Joker held up his end of a bargain," Robin stated, looking forward, "You're good, but the Joker is beyond your skills. You can't fight him alone and win. Now, less talk, more go, the longer the wait, the less chance of finding Josh alive."
Kim looked away for a moment before throwing her leg over the bike and holding on to the Boy Wonder from behind. "Drive."
The cycle made it to the warehouse in record time and the two young heroes dismounted and started toward the building. "So how are we getting in?" Kim asked glancing over the warehouse.
"Your town," Robin nodded, "After you."
Kim gave him a questioning look before nodding and starting forward. "Probably be best to go in-" she started, but ended with a yelp as a hard chop struck her in the back of the head.
Kim fell into Robin's arms as he gently laid her down in the shadows beside the warehouse. "He's taken too much, KP, I'm not going to risk you too." He whispered before sweeping up to enter the warehouse.
Robin snuck into the warehouse easily, sticking to the shadows and saw a single table set up under a series of lights. On the table, Robin saw a figure tied down and he could hear the sound of a liquid dripping to the floor.
"R-Ron?"
"Oh no …" Robin quickly made his way to the table, taking in the sight of the mutilated body that was his friend at a time. "Josh, talk to me!" He said worriedly. The boy's shirt had been removed with several needles and pieces of broken glass stabbed into his body and arms. His face was in even worse shape. His eyes were damaged beyond repair, and his lips and face cut into a horrific smile. "C'mon, man hold on, Kim needs you!"
"No … she needs you … I've always known that …" Josh choked, "thanks … for letting me borrow her for a while …"
"Don't talk like that, you're going to be ok," Robin said, grabbing his friend's hand, suddenly thankful that Kim wasn't here to see this.
"Tell her the truth, Ron…" Josh breathed, "She thinks you hate her … tell her the truth …" He said, his voice drifting off as his breathing slowed to a stop.
"Joker …" Robin growled, clinching his fists.
"Ron, huh?" Joker laughed, "So Brucie introduced you to his pet Bat, huh? This is great!" Joker laughed, "Even though I was hoping to see Kimmie's face when her boy-toy breathed his last breath! But I guess I can just torture you to find out who Batman really is, huh Stoppable?"
"Get down here and face me like a man, Clown!" Robin growled in rage, his anger running through every part of his body.
"Right here, boy," Joker walked out of the shadows to smile at the Boy Wonder.
Robin with a bellow of rage dove at the clown only to have a aluminum ball bat to smack him right in the neck, sending him stumbling backwards. "Batter up!" Joker laughed before hitting the blond headed hero in the stomach with a full swing of the bat.
Robin stood on his hands and knees coughing up blood and spit. "Aw, that hurt?" Joker chuckled, "How about this? Ever played golf with a ball bat, you can send balls just … flying!" Joker laughed heartedly as he brought the bat in a full golf swing up between the still dazed teen's legs.
Robin screamed in pain as he flipped and flopped across the floor in pain. "The Bat's taught ya a lot, Robin, but you're still not good enough to play in the big leagues." He then reared back, "Time to say good bye, birdie!" Joker chuckled swinging, but his smile faded when a green glove shot up and caught the bat.
"Stop … Calling … Me … That …" he hissed in a voice that caused a chill of fear to shoot down the clown's spine, and the look -or lack thereof- on the face of the Boy Wonder caused even more.
"W-What?" Joker blanched as Robin stood to his feet as if the Joker had done nothing to him.
"Never. Call. Me. That. Again." Robin said, floating toward him as if he was a spectre. "You will show respect … and fear …"
Joker back peddled, "Stay away from me!" his escape was cut of as green, glove-covered brass knuckles hit him hard in the sternum.
"I am vengeance." Robin growled, hitting him a second time, this time an inch or two below in his belly, "I am the night …"
Joker looked up in the emotionless face, showing fear that he had only shown for one other person in his entire life. "I... am …"
"JOSH!" Kim gasped from a short distance away, drawing Robin's attention.
Joker took this opportunity to spray a great deal of smoke from his lapel flower and disappeared from the night. But at the moment, Robin didn't really care. "KP?" Robin asked under his breath as he watched the redhead run straight toward the table.
"Josh! Josh, wake up!" Kim screamed gripping his bloodied arm, tears streaming down her face. "Josh, don't leave me! Josh! Josh!"
"Kim … I'm …" Robin said slowly as he approached behind her, reaching for his mask to remove it. But his action was cut off from a hard right cross sending him to one knee.
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Kim yelled, glaring daggers at him, "It's your fault, all your fault! If you had let me come with you in the first place maybe I might not have lost the love of my life, you're just as responsible as the Joker, Murderer!"
Robin back stepped, visibly affected by her words. He tried to say something but no words could be formed from his tight throat. He heard sirens outside and quickly pulled his grappling gun. "Go ahead and run! Only cowards hide behind masks anyway! Go away, I hate you, Robin, I hate you!" Kim shot back, no longer looking at him but at the body of her boyfriend.
Robin stood over the rooftop and watched as a police officer lead the distraught Kim out of the warehouse. His thoughts where cut off by a small buzz on his belt.
"Robin here," he responded, picking up the Titans communicator from his belt.
"Robin! Where the heck are you?" Wonder Girl's voice came through the other end.
"Busy." Robin said coldly.
"Look, we need your help right now, so get your little green and red butt up here!" Wonder Girl said dramatically.
"You guys can handle this on your own." Robin replied emotionlessly.
"Look, I know you're in Middleton, Ron," Wonder Girl shot accusingly, "If Kim's as much the hero you say she is, she doesn't need you there to hold her hand. I know you know what you need to do, so go where you know you have to go." She said, referring to the Titans.
"I am." Robin replied, turning off the communicator.
---
The police car pulled up into the Possible drive way and Kim slowly pulled herself out of the back, thanking the officers for the ride home before taking trembling steps toward her front door.
The door slowly opened. Kim expected to see her mother or father waiting, but instead saw the welcomed sight of a pair of sad, brown eyes, the unique pattern of freckles crossing a defined nose, and a mop of unkempt blond hair. She was in his arms in a moment. She was too busy trembling and crying to notice him favoring sore ribs.
"I'm here," Ron said softly, holding her tight, "I'm right here."
Once she had calmed down somewhat, he led her into the living room where the rest of her family were waiting patiently. Despite her mother's offered hug, Kim remained glued to Ron's side as he set himself and her down on the couch.
The entire family sat in silence with the exception of Kim's soft crying. Even her brothers remained somber and behaved in light of the tragic events of the past couple days.
The silent was knocked by a rhythmic knocking on the front door. "Who could that be?" Mrs. Possible asked as the knock repeated.
"We've got it!" Jim and Tim chimed together, running toward the door. A moment later the sound of gunshots echoed through the house. Mr. and Mrs. Possible jumped to their feet, and Ron threw Kim behind him, as the smiling face of the Joker turned the corner into the living room a gun in hand. He looked at the group. "Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?" He asked, as Kim's eyes widened in horror at the person the gun was pointed toward.
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
Four times the bullets struck Ron right in the chest causing him to fall to the ground.
To Be Continued…
C. Cowboy: there ya go, a longer chapter! Happy now? any guesses on the survivors of Joker's last rampage there?