Revival Chapter 2

Bruce was once again pulling his late hours sitting at the computer trying to figure out what the Jokerz wanted with the macrochip. 'This doesn't make sense he thought. There has to be something more that I am missing'.

He also had other important things on his mind. There would be a formal dinner event next week to celebrate his ascension into the business world for all Waynecorp shareholders to attend.

As he sat at the computer trying to contemplate the Jokerz move, a sensor went off alerting him that someone or something was coming in through the cliff entrance that was used for the various flying machines that were used in the past.

Bruce recognized who it was. An old friend had come to visit, and there was no mistaking his figure. "Welcome back to my home Clark."

Clark Kent, also known as Kal-el of Krypton, or Superman to the people on Earth had arrived to visit Batman. "Bruce" he said extending his hand in friendship. "It's been such a long time." Superman still maintained the physique and dignity that he was known for. His face had shown some signs of aging. There were traces of gray in his hair, and a few wrinkles were appearing around his eyes, but he was still just as strong as he was 40 years ago.

Bruce took his hand. "What brings you to Gotham?"

"An invitation, back into the Justice League. J'onn monitored the news and told us about your situation. We'd love to have you back. We need you."

Bruce had expected this, but he really never considered himself part of the league. He was only in it to protect his own interests. Patrolling Gotham was still his top priority. "Thanks, but no thanks Clark. If you need me, you'll know how to contact me, but I'm still not accepting a fulltime membership into the league."

"I understand Bruce. You will always be welcomed to the watchtower." Superman gave him one more handshake and was preparing to leave the cave when he heard someone else enter the batcave.

"Is that Superman?" Terry's face was in awe at the sight of the world's greatest hero.

"So this must be your partner. Nice to meet you kid. Watch out for the old man, he'll get you into trouble." Superman flashed a smile and left the cave.

"What was that all about?"

"Politics." Bruce muttered as he turned his attention back to solving the mystery.

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The next night, Terry was talking to Dana on the phone before he was getting ready to go to "work." She had seemed very distant ever since the incident with Blight at the pizzeria, as if there were something troubling her. They were talking about finals and the usual teenage social dramas that were going on, but Dana just wasn't her usual perky self.

"Terry, we trust each other right?"

Terry could see the red flag right away and knew that he was walking on thin ice when she asked a question like that. He knew he had to be careful with his answers. "Of course we do babe."

"Then if something were going on in your life, you'd let me know?"

"Like?" Terry asked. He was hoping that she didn't find out about his affair with Melody. He put it in the past. He had cared for the girl, but they were on two different paths and would never meet.

"Well, your job. You are always there late at nights. What do you do at midnight?"

"Just the usual stuff. Mr. Wayne is a night owl, and he likes to do research, so I'm usually there making sure he doesn't hurt himself getting a book from his library. You know how frail old people can be."

"Yeah, I guess." She was disappointed that he had just lied to her. She had wanted to hear him say 'I'm really a costumed superhero, which is why I've been neglecting you so many nights, but I really want us to be together no matter what.' Still, she felt that learning his secret would actually benefit their relationship in the long run, because she admired him even more for what he had become and she now felt that he was truly an honest and brave human being.

"Dana, you know I love you. If anything important happens in my life, you'll be the first to know." They said their goodbyes and Terry hung up the phone. He wished that he could have told her the truth, but he didn't want her to be a target for anyone who might want to get revenge on Batman or Nightwing.

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A few days had passed, but still no leads for Batman. He tried to push down every street punk and clown that he could get his hand on at night, but it wasn't like the old days. Whatever was going on was top secret, and the only thing to do would be to wait for their next move.

It was now the night of the big gala at Wayne Towers. It was in Bruce's honor as he came to make a speech to his shareholders and to the public about what he was going to do with his company. Photographers snapped their cameras crazily as Bruce exited his limo. Terry parked around the side, but had an uneasy feeling. He was wearing his Nightwing costume under his suit in case something was to go wrong.

There were also many dignitaries present, including the Mayor, Commissioner Gordon, and her husband District Attorney Sam Young, all were people who admired Bruce Wayne and all that he had done for Gotham City.

Bruce arrived at the podium on the stage and began to deliver his speech. "80 years ago, my grandfather set out to create an enterprise built on truth and integrity. My father ran the business for 50 years after my grandparent's unfortunate murder, and now I hope to continue where my father and grandfather left. It is my hope that...."

Suddenly, a distinct and familiar laughter filled the air at the gala. Bruce and Barbara immediately recognized it. Their faces were in shock. It couldn't be. He was dead, they both witnessed his demise. "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. Brucie, I'm backkkkkk."

A cloud of smoke appeared on the stage and when it dissipated, the Joker was standing there. Barbara Gordon took action and ran for the stage, drawing her gun in the process. People began panicking as some Jokerz also came onto the stage carrying guns. The crowd dispersed and headed for the exits while Terry ran to another room to change into his costume.

"You? Who are you?" Bruce asked the Joker.

"C'mon Brucie, you don't recognize your old friend? We had so many good times together in the good old days." The clown still had the same cocky, demented attitude. This Joker was wearing a black sweat suit as opposed to the purple tuxedo that he donned 40 years in the past. His hair was also shorter and worn straight down.

"No it can't be, the Joker is supposed to be dead!"

"A little gunshot couldn't kill me." Now Bruce knew he was talking to the genuine Joker, or at least someone who knew the events of that evening.

Barbara jumped onto the stage armed and ready, but some of the Jokerz cut her off and created another standoff. Just then, Nightwing came bursting onto the stage to confront the Joker.

"Oh goody, the gang's all here. Now all we need is Birdboy and we can have a full happy reunion. Kids, take down these fools." The Joker commanded.

The Jokerz opened fire on Bruce, Barbara and Nightwing. Bruce and Barbara ducked for cover behind a table that was close to the stage. Nightwing leaped with the help of his rocket boosters and got into the air. He tossed his batarang to knock the guns out of some of the Jokerz hands. The Jokerz that lost their guns decided to go and attack Bruce and Barbara. They jumped off the stage, and Bruce got into a fighting stance.

The clowns tried charging him, but Bruce tossed them aside. Barbara held her gun as a warning to the clowns that they shouldn't attack, but one of them snuck up behind her and knocked the gun away. She threw her fist back and knocked the hoodlum in the face, but her strength had faded with old age. The clown put his arms around her and got her into a body hold. Bruce saw his friend in trouble and pulled the assailant away.

Nightwing fought the Jokerz tough. Their guns were no match for him as he confused them by going invisible with his cloaking device. Soon they were all disarmed. It didn't matter now, because they chose to use brute force as any means necessary to take him down.

Meanwhile, the Joker was enjoying the scene greatly, even though his enemies were winning their battles. It had been a long time since he got pleasure out of a battle with Gotham's caped crusaders. Soon all of the young Jokerz were defeated and left licking their wounds. Nightwing, Bruce and Barbara surrounded the Joker looking for answers.

"Aww, you guys are no fun, but those who live to run away, get to laugh another day." With that phrase, the Joker released a cloud of purple gas and vanished before the smoke disappated.

"What was that all about?" Nightwing asked.

"A bad dream come true" Bruce replied. "He shouldn't be alive"

"I'm as shocked as you are Bruce. We both saw what happened that night." Barbara commented.

"What night?" Terry asked.

"It doesn't matter, all that matters is that he's back." Bruce answered.

"Yeah, but I still need answers so that way I know what we are dealing with." Terry snapped back

"We are dealing with nothing. I'm handling this one solo." Bruce commanded.

Terry was shocked. Barbara's face showed a look of concern. "Please reconsider Bruce. You can't handle this psychopath by yourself."

"I've done it many times Barbara, I can still do it."

"But he knows our secret."

"It's an obstacle that I'll have to pass"

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Terry sat in the batcave wearing his costume with the mask off trying to figure out why Bruce didn't want him involved in the Joker crisis. Terry knew there was a history between Batman and the Joker, but Bruce really never mentioned it. He decided that he had to do some investigating and headed over to the computer. He typed up a search engine and began his quest for answers.

In his search, he came across many articles about the Joker threatening the lives of the entire city before being foiled by Batman. There was one article that listed over 100 people that were killed because of the Joker. Terry realized that this was no ordinary crook that he was dealing with. Unfortunately, Gotham's laws prevented the death penalty, and the Joker kept finding ways to break out of the Arkham asylum.

The last dated article he saw was titled "Joker missing for 2 weeks, is Gotham safer?" Terry clicked on the link and saw that it was from 40 years ago. He read with interest and was shocked by what he had saw. Robin had been out of action for 4 weeks while Batman and Batgirl teamed up. The Joker was also gone for 2 weeks. Was there a connection between what Bruce had told him when he handed him the Nightwing costume? Terry didn't have time to ponder it, because Batman walked into the cave.

Bruce took notice of what was on the screen. It still pained him to read articles like that one "Doing some research?"

"Yeah. There's a connection between Robin and the Joker, isn't there?"

"Yes. It's a long story."

"Well lay it on me. I know it's not my battle, but I know this clown is dangerous, and I can't let you do this by yourself. You had both Robin and Batgirl to help you in the past, now you have me."

"Very well. It all began 40 years ago. Robin, Tim Drake was on his nightly rounds by himself. Batgirl and I waited for him to meet up with us before heading back, but he never showed. Barbara and I searched non-stop for 2 weeks straight, but there were no signs of Tim. Finally, we came across a package. It pointed us to search the old Arkham asylum. When we got there, we realized it was a trap. The Joker and his partner Harley Quinn had kidnapped Tim, and brainwashed him. During his torture, Tim told them everything. They knew all of our secrets. In the resulting battle, the Joker had me down and was about to have Tim finish me, but he turned the gun on the Joker and shot him dead. Harley Quinn was also lost when she fell off a cliff while battling Batgirl. Tim had to go through years of therapy to recover. He never wore the Robin costume again. The Joker was dead, and we had moved on with our lives, until tonight."

"Bravo, a very touching story if I must say!" Batman and Terry turned their heads and realized that the cave had been invaded. "It's a surprise that you haven't changed the security codes to the cave after all these years Brucie."

Terry pulled on his mask and got into a defensive stance. "What do you want clown?"

"To watch you laugh." The Joker tossed a canister of gas toward Batman and Nightwing.

"GET AWAY!" Batman ordered. "That's poisonous laughing gas." Both Batman and Nightwing dove in opposite directions.

"Spoilsports. I guess I'll to do this the old fashioned way." The Joker pulled out a handgun and started firing away at Nightwing. He got off a few shots, but the gun was knocked out of his hand by Batman's batarang. Joker then reached inside the duffel bag he was carrying and threw some live grenades. One of them landed near the batmobile, another landed near the display case featuring the old uniforms, and another landed near a computer that was used for some experimental analysis in the laboratory.

They all went off simultaneously creating a huge explosion and a large smoke cloud. When the dust cleared, the batmobile was destroyed, the costumes were reduced to shreds, and a portion of the lab had been decimated. The Joker was nowhere to be found.

Batman went over to the computer to check the cave sensors and saw that the clown was gone. He then immediately changed the passwords to everything that hadn't been updated in the last 40 years. "He's toying with us."

"What makes you say that?" Terry asked.

"He wouldn't have given up so easily. He's working on something big, and just wants to annoy us before he strikes."

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The next day, Max and Dana were hanging out at the mall. Dana and Max were both friends, and they were both close to Terry, but Dana knew Max and Terry had a strong friendship while her relationship with Terry was more romantic. She felt that maybe Max would know Terry's secret, so she wanted to try and find out what she knew.

Dana was trying to figure out how to break the ice. "Max, do you ever notice Terry acting strange?"

"Of course, he's a regular clown when he wants to be."

"Not that kind of strange. I'm talking about mysterious and how he's hardly around."

"Its just part of his job. He works for the richest man in Gotham. Of course he's going to be busy. He went to Africa with Mr. Wayne last month." Max knew something was going on, but she promised to keep Terry's secret. Still she wondered if Dana suspected something. Max knew about Terry's other relationship with Melody. She was the only person who knew. "What makes you so curious anyway?"

"I just suspect that there's more to Terry's life then meets the eye. That's all."

'Yup, she's on to something' Max thought. I'd better give McGinnis a heads up.

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Batman and Nightwing decided that they had to take a strike against the Joker. They went searching through every known Jokerz hideout to find clues to the Joker's whereabouts. They got into many fights with the clowns who tried to defend their turf, but they were inexperienced when it came to violence and were easily moved aside.

Both heroes searched all night, but nothing turned up. The Joker had concealed his hideout well, and was staying underground while working on his evil scheme. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon was working on her own leads. She got some horrible news when a missing person's report was filed. The name on the report was Timothy Drake. She decided that she had to let Batman know right away.

She didn't need a batsignal to find Batman. She took the easy approach and called his cell phone. "Bruce, it's Barbara." She said solemnly.

"I'm kind of busy right now. I'm staking out a Jokerz hideout."

"I got bad news. Tim is missing."

"What?!?!" Nightwing was also standing on watch and knew something bad had to have happened, just based on Batman's reaction. It had been many years since Bruce and Tim met. They distanced themselves once Tim recovered and moved on with his life. He raised a family and had a career while Bruce struggled to let go of Batman.

Batman knew there could only be one person responsible for Tim's disappearance, he needed to investigate it.

After a brief stop at the Commissioner's office to get the file, Batman and Nightwing went to Tim's last known location – the telecommunications plant that he worked at. Tim had become interested in communications once he learned to open up in his therapy. He wanted to work on satellite signals to make data transfer easier so that way texts and signals could be sent faster through the internet and other mass media. He became very successful at what he did and was a top technician.

Batman and Nightwing moved through the darkness and converged on the gigantic outdoor satellite that Tim was last seen working at. They looked everywhere for clues and came across an empty can. "Knockout gas." Batman muttered. The Joker had definitely taken him captive

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Terry decided to take a night off from the hunt and take his girlfriend out on a date. He had been neglecting her a lot recently because of the Joker situation. They weren't any closer to finding him, and he was beginning to feel like the search was useless. Besides Max had told him that Dana suspects something.

The young couple went to one of Gotham's trendiest dance clubs. They danced together on the floor for what seemed like hours, but in reality was just a half hour or so. Terry was feeling the fatigue from his late hours starting to set in, but he was ready to go after a few shots of caffeine. Little did he know he was being watched.

Elsewhere, the Joker was watching through a surveillance camera, as his plan was about to unfold. He turned around and saw a weakened Tim Drake look on in horror, as a group of terrorists who called themselves the "Cobra" were about to attack the unsuspecting crime fighter and his girlfriend.

"Just like old times, isn't it Birdboy? Who needs kids when I can get snakes to do the job. Now about you..."

To be continued.....

Author's Note: Chapter 3 will be delayed for a few weeks