It's Employee Appreciation Day for Wayne Enterprises.

Chapter 14: A Poisoned Trip

"You would've been killed if I hadn't shown up in time!" Diana shouted from the bowels of the cave as she poked Bruce in the chest forcing him to take a step back with each poke.

"But you did!" Bruce yelled back in defiance. "Someone has to go out there and protect the city, and I hadn't heard a word at all from you after you left the cave that afternoon. I didn't know if you were even going to come back, so I took it upon myself."

"But you don't think about the consequences before you act Bruce." Diana continued to argue heatedly as they were standing virtually nose to nose, neither giving any inkling of backing off from their stance. "How would your family react if they discovered you were killed trying to fix the entire city on your own? If you intend to go through with becoming Gotham's vigilante, then you need to be more cautious."

"I'm sorry Diana, but I'm new to this." Bruce stated more calmly. The comment about his family seemed to sap some of his anger at her reprimanding of him away. He'd actually not given much thought to that, and it surprised him that he didn't take it into consideration. He'd always kept an eye out for how things he did could affect the ones that he loved before. So why was this so different? How did his alternate self that Diana knew handle it when he first started out? He needed to discover that. "You know me from the other timeline. I'm sure he struggled in the beginning as well. What was it that he did?"

"I…" Diana started but hesitated. She had to think about the question for a moment before choosing an appropriate answer. "I actually didn't come to meet him until after he'd already been established as the vigilante of Gotham."

"But you made it sound as though you and he knew each other well." Bruce responded. "Wouldn't he have shared details like that as you two got to know one another?"

"The original Bruce, the other you wasn't very trusting in the beginning." Diana carefully explained. She knew that she had to tread lightly or risk having to share how and why Batman came to be, and took care in how she worded her response. "It took a serious injury for me to even discover who he was beneath the mask, and even that wasn't by his choice. Only then did I begin to really gain any real concept of trust from him, and even with that he still isn't incredibly forthcoming with details."

"Why?" Bruce asked.

"Kal often referred to it as his paranoia." Diana answered. "As a hero with no powers to rely on, he had to focus on his intellect, his training, and his discipline. He worked endlessly to always be two steps ahead of everyone using only the skills that he'd honed to the highest level possible for a mortal man. He did once explain to me that it was because of his paranoia that he had lived so long, and I believe that he's never been more honest with me than when he shared that."

"So he would try to know what would happen before he reacted?" Bruce continued to question. He was deeply interested in learning how to better help Gotham, and would readily take any notes on how his alternate self succeeded in doing so in order to apply it to his personal crusade.

"In a manner of speaking, yes." Diana cryptically answered before taking a deep breath and delving into it more intricately. "Batman would observe and take in his entire surroundings before he would make a move. For example, he'd never have rushed into the middle of that gang as you did tonight."

"But they were about to rape that woman!" Bruce protested.

"That is very likely true, but you have to understand that there are other ways to stop the criminals without giving your enemies the high ground." Diana countered. "When you rushed in like that, you didn't realize that you gave up any advantage that you could've exploited to not only stop them, but also be able to keep yourself from falling victim as well."

"So then what should I have done?" Bruce asked, still doubting he could've done much better.

"Found a way to get their attention on you and away from the victim." Diana suggested. "Perhaps use a tool to ensnare the one that is most dangerously armed. Dispose of him in a manner that forces the rest to come to you, and force any action to be under your own terms."

"Yeah but wouldn't they just swarm around me in that instance as well?" Bruce continued to ask, looking for an understanding. "I would think a better position would be a point where they couldn't get behind me, but that would in essence leave me backed into a corner at the same time. Plus they just seem to get increasingly violent when they're interrupted. Not even the sound of police sirens cause the criminals to relinquish the control over the city that they feel is theirs these days. It's been that way for years."

"You have to make them fear coming across you by presenting an intimidating aura." She explained as she watched Bruce slipping out of the armored suit. "Batman also told me once that criminals are nothing more than superstitious cowards that prey on the weak. He uses their cowardice and fear against them. By the time that I'd met him that fear was so well established in Gotham that there were even times where an entire gang wouldn't dare to cross paths with him, but instead turn and flee without even firing a shot." She could see the next question on his features and intercepted before he could even ask. "You'll have to find a symbol to instill fear for yourself Bruce. Just as he did before I met him. Once you have that, then you will be able to make a real difference for most of the criminal element."

"But not all." Bruce added to her words. "Even he isn't able to remove all crime?"

"None of us have found the answer to that level of peace yet I'm afraid." Diana replied. "One day I hope that we can find the answer for true peace, but until that day comes we all just have to remain vigilant and continue the fight."

There was a small silence when Diana caught Bruce attempting to stifle a yawn unsuccessfully. She too was exhausted from the day's events. Even though she hadn't returned to the cave or the Manor before heading out to patrol the city, she'd still spent a couple of hours seeking out the Joker that night. Her efforts had been in vain though as he was apparently laying low after his attempted attack on the mobsters and those innocent children. With Bruce's questions coming to an end, she put an end to any further conversation that night as she started walking up the stairs to the hidden entrance into the Manor. She needed some rest before going out again to attempt locating John so she could speak with him about the incident with the Joker and the time jumper. She couldn't place it, but had this feeling that perhaps he had some different insight that would point her into the direction of catching the time jumper or the Joker. Either way, there would be one less evil on the streets if her feeling was accurate.

Bruce willingly followed Diana up the stairs and into the study of the Manor. He didn't think that he'd get much sleep though as he was still coming off the adrenaline rush of combating the evils within Gotham. He was learning so much already and was anxious to go out again in hopes of establishing himself as a man not to be trifled with when it came to the innocent lives of the city. He also needed to find a way to establish this symbol that Diana spoke of to instill fear into the minds of the criminals whenever he crossed paths with them. It didn't take a detective to know that his alternate self would very likely have used the symbol of a bat, but the trick was just how to go about designing it. Perhaps he could make some alterations to the suit and make it more bat-like in appearance. He also knew that Diana had been right about the bulkiness of the suit as well. Tonight he did feel like it slowed his reaction down, and he needed to work on slimming it down as well without taking away from the protection it offered him.

Diana didn't waste any time once she reached her bedroom, stripping out of her clothes and dropping onto the bed like a rock. Although her mind was still racing with the thought of what could've happened to Bruce had her enhanced hearing not picked up the scream from the female victim. It was an incredibly dangerous line that he was choosing to walk along, and she knew that it was her fault for having planted the seed. Now she felt that she had no choice but to prepare him with what knowledge she could spare about her Batman. She had to in order to keep this Bruce safe. Suddenly though another sharp pain shot into her head forcing her eyes to pinch tightly shut. She knew this feeling from previous experience, and had to fight in order to accept the unnatural change of what it meant.

~~ Abandoned warehouse ~~

Joker was looking over the trinket that now dangled from around his neck. He gave John one last look before focusing his thoughts and shining a flashlight onto the trinket. Soon he felt himself being pulled away from where he stood, and the next thing he knew he was back inside the chemical warehouse. He wasted little time figuring out what day it was, and instead moved over to the controls where he started punching in commands.

John woke back up from falling unconscious due to being put into shock shortly after the Joker had vanished. He'd been tortured mercilessly, looking down to see the damage that had been done to his right hand as he still could feel the thumping of each beat of his heart in it. The pain was immeasurable to say the least as he took in everything that he could with the one eye that would open, and eventually he looked to the ground where three of his fingers and his thumb were laying in the pool of drying blood. He was almost afraid to look at his left hand, which he knew was even more mangled. He still couldn't understand why his other hand was added to the torture as the Joker hadn't even been asking for more information when he moved from one hand to the other. After all the torture John had been put through already, once the first digit had been lopped off he'd reached the limit of what he could handle and spilled everything about his traveling back in time to justify how there were two of him in one location. By the time he'd finished, the Joker had taken the other two fingers and his thumb of his right hand off.

John thought at the time that the torture was over since he'd already spilled everything he knew, but the Joker started to laugh again as he took a hacksaw to John's left hand, painfully sawing through all four fingers as John screamed in agony before finally passing out. He knew now though that his being unconscious hadn't stopped the madman from having what he believed to be his fun, and eventually was able to force himself to look to his left. He screamed again as soon as he saw what the Joker had done. Seeing that brought the pain back to the forefront of his mind, seeing the hacksaw still stuck in his hand. The Joker had jaggedly cut between the two knuckles which used to lead to his middle two fingers on that hand all the way up to his wrist. He'd in essence basically sawed John's left hand in half. Now any flinching at all and he could feel the blade as it hung there in the open wound. He would've already bled out, but the Joker seemed to want him to live for the time being as there was evidence that the wounds had been cauterized.

Even though in a blood soaked mess, John managed to look up at a flash of light that appeared just before him. Seeing things from this angle would be awe inspiringly impressive if not for the immense amount of pain that his body was racked with as the Joker appeared before him. "Well, that was certainly fun." The Joker called out with a vindictive smile laced across his face. "And what a rush! You didn't tell me about that Johnny boy!"

"Wha…what…did you…"

"What did I do?" The Joker mocked in fake disbelief at the accusation. "Not much really. I just made an adjustment here, a tweak there. Oh and made sure that my past self still followed in line so that our special night ended in the exact same way. Can't have my fun ending too quickly with this new toy."

The Joker walked over and grabbed his chair, wheeling it up in front of John before taking a seat. "I just made sure my surprise for some previously invited and uninvited guests actually brought them all a laugh." He explained with a chuckle. "No more green gas to let them know it's coming, and I made sure my gas wasn't just silent and deadly, but odorless and colorless too. Just like a silent fart, no one would be the wiser until it's already hit their noses." The Joker laughed maniacally at the thought of how he'd altered his concoction. Knowing that the mobsters weren't going to accept his offer before that new female hero crashed the party caused him to start feeding his altered gas into the vents sooner than he had originally. He had competition to dispose of after all, and there couldn't be more than one rooster aloud in his henhouse. But to ensure that everything else landed him where he'd receive this wonderful new toy, he simply brought another canister and started pumping it into the ventilation system so that the original would remain. He knew that his past self and crew were already inoculated so the exposure wouldn't harm them, but everyone else was in for a wicked surprise. Doing this would ensure that his past self would still be able to escape when the new hero saw the green gas pumping into the building, the only difference being that this time she'd be too late to save any of them.

"Well Johnny boy, it's been fun and all." Joker taunted as he stood and tossed his chair to the side. "As promised you'll get to see tomorrow, but what do you say we shake on it to conclude our business venture."

The Joker reached forward and grabbed hold of the bloody mangled appendage that used to be John's hand. He winced when the Joker squeezed as the psychotic clown laughed hysterically before making his exit, roughly kicking open the door that led to a back alley entrance. John fought off the nausea to remain conscious even though he had no idea whatsoever on how he'd be able to get free. Even if it weren't for the pain he was in, he still had one hand with just a pinky and index finger, and the other only had a thumb. That left him with no appendage that could potentially reach and untie the knots in the rope he was subdued with.

~~ Wayne Manor ~~

The next morning a knock on the door caused Diana to wake from her slumber. She'd only managed to get a couple hours of sleep, and really wanted to get another one or two before she started the day. She swore to the gods that if it was Bruce, she was going to pummel him mercilessly. A second knock on the door forced her to finally answer. "Who is it?"

"It's Alfred Miss Diana." The faithful butler announced through the door. "I apologize for any interruption, but Mr. and Mrs. Wayne have requested yours and Master Bruce's presence."

Diana sat up in her bed wondering just what it could be that Bruce's parents wanted with the two of them. Could it be that they'd been discovered entering through the secret access to the cave? Had they deduced that she and Bruce were the ones going out at night to protect the city? As the questions ran through her mind, soon she realized that she hadn't responded to Alfred's announcement, and there was a silence that had grown. "I…I'm sorry Alfred." She stammered, and then tried to clear a small tickle in her throat. "Let me jump into the shower and I'll be right out."

"Very good Miss." Alfred responded before turning on his heels and heading down the hallway to inform Thomas and Martha of Diana's response, but he paused for a moment when another thought occurred to him. "I don't suppose Miss Diana that Master Bruce is still in your company? I found that the young Master wasn't in his own chambers this morning."

Hearing that caused Diana to wonder just where Bruce was at that moment. "No Alfred." She answered. "I'm afraid that Bruce and I parted ways for the evening last night after returning to the Manor, and I haven't seen him since." She thought to herself that if he was back in the cave already, then she might have to lock him inside his own quarters at night from now on. Even a Batman at his peak still required rest occasionally.

Wasting no more time, Diana quickly showered and got dressed. Finding an outfit she'd already worn before, she realized then that her dressers were still stocked full. The only thing not put away was the clothing she'd stripped out of before crashing for the night and the clothing she was currently wearing. Alfred had obviously been slipping in while she was away and doing her laundry for her. She'd never liked having someone do things like that for her when she was perfectly capable of it herself, but knowing the man that she was dealing with, it would be an argument that she had no chance of winning. Besides, some battles held more importance than others, and this one held little importance in the grand scheme of things. Instead she decided to simply see what Thomas and Martha wanted before heading back out in search of John.

Bruce had just come back in from the garage area into the kitchen to find his parents there sipping on tea and sharing in jovial conversation. He'd not slept at all during the night, his mind racing continuously until he got up and started drawing up designs for various things to help him in his new quest. After coming up with some initial design ideas for transportation and more weaponry to add, he decided a quick trip to Wayne Enterprises was warranted. There he'd pulled some files on projects that were either mothballed or even still active which he felt might be helpful for what he had in mind, and returned home with every intention of mocking up a final design. Only his path to that course of action required getting passed his parents, who were now looking right at him. "You're going to make us late Bruce." Thomas announced to his son after seeing that Bruce was still in his clothes from the day before.

"Late?" Bruce questioned. "Late for what dad?"

"Don't tell me you forgot already boy." Thomas responded in disbelief. "This was your idea after all."

Bruce racked his brain trying to figure out what idea it was that had been his where he could be running late, but came up empty. "What's today's date?" He asked hoping that little tidbit of information would help refresh his memory.

"We're going to the zoo Bruce." Martha blurted out instead. "The whole company and their families are going to be there. I can't believe you forgot about it after all the work you put in."

"The employee appreciation day." Bruce responded with a tone that almost indicated he'd follow with a forehead slap. He'd set it all up months ago and even called to rent out the entire zoo for the day so that any employee and their family could make a day of it. "I'm so sorry mom, dad. I completely lost track of time."

"Well, hurry up and get changed." Martha said. "Diana should be ready any minute, and then we'll just be waiting for you Bruce."

"Ready for what?" Diana asked as she entered the room to join the rest of them.

"We're celebrating with the employees of our company at the city zoo Diana." Thomas explained. "That is if Bruce ever gets moving."

Diana looked at them apologetically as Bruce scurried away to shower quickly and get changed. "I'm sorry Mr. and Mrs. Wayne, but I'm not going to be able to attend."

"Nonsense child." Martha lightly and teasingly admonished. "You and Bruce can share in an adventure with us for one day."

Diana wanted to argue her point, but without willingly revealing her mission and looking like a complete lunatic to them, she knew she didn't have much to stand on and sighed in concession. "What all can we expect to come across in this adventure?" She asked.

Martha lit up instantly at the knowledge that Diana and Bruce would be accompanying them. They only had to wait a few more minutes before Bruce rejoined them, his hair wet and mussed from rushing to get ready. They were still running a few minutes behind schedule though so there was no time spent chatting as they instead quickly climbed into the waiting car, and Alfred drove them straight to their destination.

Diana was once again astonished at the number of people that were in attendance. She stayed back with Martha as the two figureheads of the company moved to the front of the crowd of people and onto a stage. There Thomas took a microphone and offered his thanks to all in attendance before rattling off some of the more impressive accomplishments that the company had achieved in the last year. It was then that he also made the surprise announcement that WayneTech was officially planned to branch out on its own, offering new opportunities for current employees as well as new talent to be brought in from outside the company. He also announced at that time how his son was to lead WayneTech in its future endeavors to the applause of many. Bruce was then handed the microphone while trying and failing to hide the shock from his features as he hadn't expected even an announcement for at least another six months. He thanked his father for the surprise and opportunity and didn't mince words with his vision on WayneTech, but rather went on thanking everyone for all they'd been a part of so far. He then described all the activities that were planned for the employees to enjoy on this day of celebration before ending the speech so that everyone could begin enjoying the festivities.

Diana started to make her way over to Bruce after he'd finished his speech, but her path was intercepted by Bruce's mother. Martha then "encouraged" Diana to walk with her while the boys finished their preparation for the scheduled group BBQ lunch, and once again she reluctantly complied. As they walked over to a nearby exhibit, for the first time in what felt like ages, Diana took in the sheer beauty of her surroundings. Unlike most of her memories, the Gotham sky was cloudless and bright from the sun. There were small woodland creatures scurrying about, dodging the oncoming feet of people as chipmunks, squirrels, and some birds sought out potential food that humans had accidently dropped. The floral arrangements that had been laid out along the walkways were beautifully colorful, and left a pleasing scent to the air as well. She took notice of how Martha seemed to categorize the different breeds of flowers in her mind. Sometimes it was a shared lesson of a particular flower's origin, while with others she seemed content to study for a moment before moving on. It was a meticulousness that she realized Bruce shared with her.

Diana recalled then how Alfred had always tended to a flower garden at Wayne Manor in the correct time stream, and she recalled one particular rose that was named Martha. Even though neither Bruce nor Alfred made mention of it, there was little doubt that the flower garden was something Bruce's mother took pride and interest in during her time in man's world. Soon though they left the walkway and entered the zoo's aquarium where the lights were dim as all different kinds of fish could be seen in the large tanks as they swam effortlessly and some with a seeming hint of boredom through the water. It was then that Martha's attention changed from their surroundings to the person she was walking with. "So Diana, it seems that whatever issue you and Bruce were having has ended well." She surmised. "You two have been seemingly inseparable these last few days. We haven't even seen much of either of you lately."

"It was just a communication issue that was easily resolved." Diana explained. "When Bruce makes a decision to do something, there's little anyone can do to derail that thought process."

Martha chuckled upon hearing the accurate description about her son. "I'm afraid he's been that way ever since childhood." She replied. "It can be a very endearing quality of his at times, but also astoundingly frustrating at the same time."

"I can certainly relate." Diana warmly added as she briefly recalled all of the times that she'd dealt with Bruce's stubbornness with her own. "But I've been told that I share the same quality a time or two."

"Oh I have no doubt that you're quality is more often endearing though judging from how Bruce reacts to your presence." Martha added with a sweet smile. "Thomas and I knew that it would take an extremely strong and independent woman to keep our son on his toes. We're just happy he seems to have found such a charming young woman to spend his time with."

"It's not hard to be around Bruce." Diana offered while clearing her throat. "We have similar interests for the world."

"I had a feeling that you were someone that was interested in doing good works for the world like philanthropy." Martha assumed. "Speaking of which, I was curious as to if you'd like to take part in setting up next month's charity event. With the success of the last one, I'd like to try and strike while the proverbial iron is hot. Perhaps see if it's possible to get some more outside influence in attendance too. We can't always pull on the wealthy from Gotham, and Metropolis is still attempting to rebuild after the Invasion."

Diana mulled the offer over for a while, wondering just how much time she could or should provide. With the charity event being almost a month away, she hoped there was little chance that her mission wouldn't have ended by then. However the look on Martha's face, so full of hope was almost suffocating. She found that she was glad the original Bruce didn't have that face to use against her, otherwise she'd have to fight herself not to melt if such a request came from him. Knowing Martha's fate though also played a part in making it impossible to say no in this instance, regardless of her reluctance. She eventually offered a weak smile and nodded affirmatively, and saw Martha instantly glow at that response.

Eventually Bruce and Thomas managed to catch up to the women that stole all of their attention away at any given moment. They all traveled through the various exhibits as a small group. Bruce and Thomas were only occasionally stopped to talk to a few random employees, with most simply wanting to thank them for setting up the day. With each thank you that they received, it only further enhanced Diana's appreciation for the type of people the Wayne's truly were. If she looked into Bruce from her timeline, after removing the façade of a playboy, she could see how similar he still was. It comforted her to know that there were so many facets of him that still existed despite the travesty that he would be forced to go through, but it also was accompanied with a sadness that she had to hide from her present company. For she knew that he would have to endure such personal pain.

The rest of the day was quite refreshing for Diana as she enjoyed the company of being with Bruce's parents and him. After the lunch and returning to finish visiting the rest of the exhibits within the zoo, they all went out for dinner at a lovely and quaint little family restaurant that Thomas loved going to. It was well known for the homemade meals, and they all enjoyed the cozy environment that was established there as well. The hustle and bustle of established restaurant chains was exempt from such a place, and there seemed to be no rush at all even though drink glasses were never empty and the food came out piping hot. Aside from Alfred's dishes, Diana couldn't recall a better meal from her time spent in man's world. It was so good in fact that she planned to see if the restaurant was in business once the timeline had been restored.

During dinner, they all laughed as Thomas shared stories of Bruce growing up, trying his best not to embarrass his son too much. Martha didn't seem to mind the more embarrassing moments, easily causing Bruce's face to flush with a redness Diana had never seen before. At first Bruce seemed to grow quiet, but eventually he accepted that there was nothing he could do about it, and chose to joke about himself as well by adding in some mock innocence where he could try and get away with it.

The ride back to the Manor carried with it the same jovial nature. Diana even offered Bruce a small amount of relief as she willingly took on the brunt of sharing some childhood stories at her own expense. After her last story though Thomas and Martha changed the topic by starting to ask some questions about her upbringing. "It seems like you speak of your mother as though she's some form of regality." Thomas mentioned after picking up a few things from Diana's stories.

"Actually…" Diana started before taking a sip of her drink to clear a dry scratchiness she felt in her throat as she thought of how to explain without lying. "Mother is considered the queen of the small Grecian island that I came from."

"So my Bruce is dating a princess?" Martha questioned. "I suppose that would explain your lack of need for searching out employment."

"How is it that you've been without some form of protection like security detail or bodyguards?" Thomas asked, turning the conversation more serious.

"All of our people were raised to remain independent without the need of others for our wellbeing to remain intact." Diana explained. "Our society has remained self reliant based on our upbringing, and not even a princess is held to a different standard."

"Fair enough." Thomas responded in acceptance. "So what brings you out into Gotham if you don't mind my asking?"

"I've been set forth on a mission." Diana answered quickly as she searched for words to better explain without coming off as crazy, but finding nothing. She only hoped that Thomas wouldn't dig too far into the details.

"What sort of mission, and what will happen when it's over?" Thomas asked much to Diana's dismay. "I'd assume that royalty would have to return home at some point."

"My mission is…rather large and complicated actually." Diana attempted to explain. "If I'm successful, then yes I will have to return, but only to visit for a short time. I've also chosen to pursue the realization of a dream to share in the knowledge of my people for those in this world in an effort to help better it with the hopes of providing peace."

"That's….certainly….an ambitious endeavor Diana." Thomas appraisingly stated. "So then I take it you'll have to spend quite a large amount of time away from home then."

"It will take a considerate amount of time however it will be worth it in the end, but I get the sense that only answers half of your question." Diana offered after hinting at where his father's concern seemed to be. "If your concern is of my intentions with your son, I can assure you that I have no intention of hurting Bruce in any way if at all possible and any return to my homeland would not affect the relationship we share."

"And Diana's already informed me of all this father." Bruce chimed in. "She didn't want me walking in blindly without knowing of her situation. The decision for us to spend our time together still is mutual."

"Well…good then." Martha added before returning the conversation to its jovial topics.

When the Wayne's and Diana arrived back at the Manor, it was nearly sunset. They all took notice of the colors that filled the twilight sky with oranges, pinks, and even some purples. At the entrance to the Manor they stood there taking in the view that as Diana would put it, Gaea had offered to grace them with. If only the rest of the day could have continued as gloriously. Not but a few minutes of being into the cave after slipping away from Bruce's parents for the evening, both Diana and Bruce were taken aback by the news reports that began filling the monitor screens. Diana stood there wide-eyed at what she saw as Bruce took notice of her reaction and joined her in seeing what had seemingly frozen her in her tracks as a news report continued to play.

So it appears that the Joker has upgraded his own personal war on the mafia stronghold that has maintained its grip on this fair city for years. Once again ladies and gentlemen, all of the alleged mobsters and children that were thought to have been saved have all passed away this evening, with autopsy results expected in likely two weeks to confirm the belief of poisoning as the cause of death.

Bruce turned to Diana, who was subconsciously rubbing her neck upon hearing the news. She hadn't ended up saving a single person on that night. That thought troubled her greatly as it then donned on her what had caused the familiar sharp pain earlier when she was attempting to get some sleep the night before. Something had once again changed in the timeline that caused her to fail in saving them. At that her eyes welled up with tears that she refused to let fall for all the children that she hadn't saved. The question that weighed heavily on her at the moment though was what change had been made to cause all of these people to lose their lives.

"Diana?" Bruce questioningly called out to her. "What's so funny?"

"Huh?" She responded. "What do you mean?"

"You started to laugh just now while you watched the news report." Bruce informed her, which caused her eyes to widen in realization.

"I was poisoned too trying to save them." She deduced in a whisper. She'd received a dose of Joker venom as well obviously, and her Meta healing had been helping to fend off the toxin, but would it be enough? She had only genuinely laughed up until that point, and if she was laughing uncontrollably now that meant the toxin was still affecting her system. And in this world, there was no Batman to retrieve an antidote from.