12. Epilogue July 28
"And that pretty much brings us up to now," Crane finished. He looked apprehensively at Bruce.
The latter sighed, letting the air out slowly. What he was about to do would probably make him lose sleep, and he was sure he'd regret it. Eventually. "Okay. I'll let you go. For now. But, you have to stay here where I can find you," he added in a growl.
Crane smiled. "Of course." Then, he looked toward the rest of the apartment.
Bruce looked up, realizing that Jenny had entered the room. She didn't appear to be frightened of him at all. Odd, he thought.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"You're welcome," Bruce replied awkwardly.
"Could I speak to you for a moment… outside?" she asked hesitantly.
His eyes narrowed. "I suppose," he said guardedly. He rose and followed her out onto the stairs. She looked around nervously, then turned to face him.
"Here," she said, handing him a slip of paper.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Information. On the Joker. As payment for letting him stay. Also, I must warn you that Ra's al Ghul is still alive," she said slowly.
Bruce looked at her for a moment. "Thank you. May I ask you something?"
"I suppose."
"Why do you want him to stay with you?"
She smiled. "That is none of your business, my dear. Now, off you go. I'm sure you have some crime-fighting to do. Don't worry. I'll keep him sane," she said.
Bruce sighed. "Very well. Goodbye."
"Farewell, Mr. Wayne."
Bruce smiled a little, then left. He decided he'd better make sure nothing happened to her. Better keep tabs on her and Crane, to ensure they fulfilled their promise. That was, however, the only time Bruce ever saw her. He saw Crane many times afterward, however. But not for a few years.
Five Years Later
Bruce Wayne sat in his living room, reading the paper. The obituaries. He caught sight of a name he remembered. "Oh no," he whispered. "Alfred! Get my coat. I must go right away," he called, standing.
Ten minutes later, he was at the cemetery. He looked around, wondering. Then, he saw a familiar form standing at the far end. Dr. Crane. Alone, of course. He was standing over a new grave, staring down at it with his heartless, and slightly maniacal, blue eyes. He looked up, and spotted Bruce. He smiled his familiar, closed smile. Bruce was silent. He thought of a million things he could say, but none of them seemed appropriate.
"You killed her, you know," Crane said softly. "You, with your fast car chases with other criminals you've created to satisfy your need for revenge," he continued. He didn't say it as an accusation, just kind of tiredly.
"But as long as you're happy, of course. We can't have madmen running around, can we? The black bat has to chase them down," Crane murmured, anger coloring his speech only a little.
Jonathan looked up at Bruce. "It will come back to haunt you, you know. You can't live like this for long. The guilt will eat you alive," he hissed. He turned, and walked away. Bruce watched him go. Then, he looked at the grave. She was only thirty.
Bruce looked back up at the doctor's retreating back. How could this be? What had happened that had killed her? Was it really his fault?...
A month later, Bruce went to investigate an attack on the University. He hoped, desperately hoped, that it was a new psycho he had to take care of. But he'd already heard the report. About the fear gas that was used. He knew who it was. And that he had created this monster. Or at least recreated him.
Still, he had to capture him. Had to put him back in Arkham, where he could be safe from himself. But it would be harder than with the other criminals. He knew that. So, why did he feel glad half an hour later when the Scarecrow was unconscious at his feet? The man was insane. More so than he had been. Grief had not treated his mind well. Bruce sighed, and looked down at him. He removed the mask, and saw a familiar face. He looked almost the same as he had when he had been carrying Jenny gently in his arms.
Jonathan Crane sat tied to a chair, once again wearing a straightjacket. He smiled sadly as he looked around the room. This used to be his little kingdom. Now, it was his prison. Life is odd that way, he reflected. There were footsteps approaching. His smile broadened. No one ever came to see him. Who would want to?"Hello, Mr. Wayne," he said pleasantly as the door opened.
"Crane," was the only reply. Bruce walked in, closing the door behind him. He regarded the prisoner.
"Scarecrow," the latter corrected.
"You don't have to be."
"Yes, I do. Don't be naïve, Bruce," he snapped.
"I'm sorry you find it so distressing," Bruce replied tiredly.
Crane turned away, focusing instead at the wall. When he looked back up, Bruce was gone. That was okay. He didn't want to talk to him anyway. The light above his head flickered, sending bizarre shadows throughout the room. Some taking shape into recognizable objects… "Bats," he hissed, closing his eyes. "Jenny was scared of bats," he reflected sadly. He could see her face in his minds eye, as she was lowered into the ground. She looked so peaceful…
A/N Hope you all enjoyed the ending... I hope I managed to wrap up all the loose ends. Thanks for reviewing!
