Chapter 3

The following night, a few searchlights, crawling across the sky, illuminated Gotham's grand cityscape. One brightly lit probe, the Bat-Signal, sat perched high on top of police headquarters. As Lieutenant Harvey Bullock and Commissioner James Gordon waited impatiently for Batman's arrival, they speculated - rather argued - on how he would take the latest news.

Their wait wasn't long as the Dark Knight briskly leapt from above. Landing effortlessly behind the bat-shaped searchlight, he made his presence known. "Commissioner, I'm here. What's the problem?" he calmly asked his black cape swaying as he stalked directly to the men roughing it in the brisk altitude of the night air. Nearly jumping out of his skin, Bullock groaned heavily, startled by the Dark Knight's sudden appearance.

"Hi friend," the Commissioner retorted back, ignoring Bullock whom was clenching his fist in anger, "nice night, isn't it?" he started causally, stuffing his hands deep into his wool coat.

Before Batman could respond, Bullock piped up heatedly, claiming there was a riot at Arkham. "While you was screwin' 'round with those goons, and our boys were apprehendin' them, a riot broke out at Arkham. No one was hurt, luckily, just a few startled nurses and doctors."

"He's right Batman," the Commissioner confirmed. "Only it gets worse! There was another escape, Clayface and the Joker. No one knows yet what their plans are, if any. On top of it all our boys found Caesar Vanelli dead at the old Vanelli hideout. And before you ask, there is no sign of Two-Face either."

The Batman stayed quiet and was as still as the statues that decorated his city. The only movement from him was his cape as it danced in the wind. As he stood rigid like a gargoyle perched high on a gothic cathedral, his face was stern and menacing.

"Well what do ya' make of it Bats," Bullock posed as he lit up a thick cigar.

"It's no coincidence that Arkham and Axis shared misfortune in the same night," Batman began. "It had to be a diversion. The only reason their escape was so easy is because neither the police nor I were there to stop it. Weak security has plagued Arkham for years. I'm sure the inmates know it too," he divulged, folding his arms in thought. "I'd even bet that Two-Face and the other escapees are working together. Otherwise, I don't think they all would've escaped on the same night. It was planned. If about three-fourths of the police force and I were busy with Axis, they had the perfect opportunity. If my hunch is right," he grunted, grimacing, "the Joker and Two-Face are probably using Clayface for muscle," he finished.

"Well there's something else," The worried Commissioner continued. "A rare Faberge egg was stolen 3 nights ago from the Gotham Observatory. It was on loan from Metropolis."

"There's one man in the area that has a knack for collecting the rare and valuable. Perhaps, Mister Cobblepot might know something? The Penguin has proven clean since he was released one year ago from Stonegate. But we'll see."

"Good luck friend," the Commissioner said.

"Later Ratman," Bullock sarcastically remarked.

With that, Batman nodded his goodbyes to Gordon and flew over the edge of building, eager to continue his nightly patrol.

Later, at the Iceberg Lounge, one of Gotham's most popular nightspots, the crowd boomed with excitement. Dancing to the latest radio hits, the Dee Jay shifted to a slow song.

With a modern design, the abstract walls were painted in various shades of beige. Everything about the place was classy. The service at the bar was first class, and it was one of those places where every few seconds they would top off your cold drink if you so desired.

In the center of the nightspot was an Italian crafted fountain, with cascading falls filled with exotic fish. Solid ice sculptures positioned precisely inside the pool, bejeweled the exquisite fountain to unbelievable heights of splendor.

In one of the many VIP rooms sat the owner of the place, Oswald Cobblepot, alias, the Penguin.

As a young boy, the stout and awkward Oswald Cobblepot was easy prey for prep-school bullies. Having grown up in luxury, Oswald endured constant emotional and physical abuse from his unstable mother after his father died of pneumonia. Turning to crime as a teen, Oswald became addicted to the wealth and power of organized crime. Eventually growing tired of having his every scheme foiled, the penguin abandoned his criminal persona for a clean life as the owner of this respected nightclub.

Entertaining two of his favorite female acquaintances Oswald kindly offered, "As I have said before ladies, my club is your club. Please order anything on the menu and please, taste one of our finest wines". At that moment Oswald pulled out what appeared to be a bottle of

Merlot '27.

As an alarm sounded, Oswald jumped in surprise, accidentally spilling the expensive champagne down the dress of his beautiful companion. Instantly, a dark figure kicked in the back door. Standing tall and ominous, the Dark Knight rushed in.

"We need to talk Oswald," he demanded.

"Batman!" the rotund man exclaimed. "It has been a long time my winged friend. What can I do for you," he questioned as he motioned for his lady friends to go away.

As Batman was aware that they were alone, he continued in his usual gruff voice. "There has been a report of a rare and stolen egg from Gotham Observatory and since Catwoman is locked away -."

"Ah, say no more Batman, you suspect me of the theft. Well let me assure you, I just want to be left alone to run my business," he stated dignified, walking to a one-way window that overlooked the whole of the club. "I've spent too much time and money to just throw it away. The Iceberg Lounge is my legacy to Gotham, not the Penguin's foiled rampages. This here," he sighed, his gaze trailing from the fountain to the small probe lights positioned above the dance floor, "this is my new lot in life. And with that stated my dark friend," his voice turned defensive; "you're appearance is not good for business. If you continue to harass me I will have no other choice but to report you!" the man-bird threatened, raising his disfigured hand.

Batman didn't know why, but something inside of him was sure that his former foe was being honest. "I'll leave you alone then, but if anything comes up I may be back."

Batman exited and went to the nearby ally, where the Batmobile lied in wait. He jumped in and drove off. What Batman needed was clues to his latest foes whereabouts. He had been to every run down and abandoned comedy club in and around Gotham. Such locations were the Joker's usual hideouts. He was still unsure about Two-Face teaming up with the newest escapees from Arkham; he remained positive however, that the Joker and Clayface would join forces.

And what of the missing Faberge egg? He could tell Penguin didn't know. Two-Face was a possibility, but this matter remained a mystery that would have to wait. Batman had bigger things to worry about right now.

He glanced at the Batmobile's digital clock. It read 11:45 pm. It was time for him to return home. The Batmobile veered left and merged into Gotham Bowery. As the Batmobile hugged the roughly paved street, Batman noticed a young child, a little girl to the side. The car came to an abrupt stop, the door slid open and Batman quickly exited. He noticed she was crying.

"Are you alright," Batman inquired. There was no reply. She kept crying as if she was scared of something. "Come with me," Batman finally said with the intent to maybe take her to a local orphanage. As he reached for her hand she screamed a high-pitched scream that turned into a low monstrous bellow. Out of the corner of his eye Batman spied the Batmobile covered in what appeared to be mud. Puzzled, he finally realized what was happening.

The girl was gone and in her place was a large anatomically shaped mass of red mud. He reached to his utility belt for a vile of water. Before him stood the ultimate shape shifter, known only as Clayface.

In his younger days, actor Matthew Hagen had come into contact with an unknown alien substance that had been found by his then girlfriend. Once a lab technician working for the now defunct Daggett Industries in Gotham City, she died in a laboratory explosion after trying to bring him back to normal. Over time, he was driven insane. Since then he has become obsessed with murder.

"Batman, keep your pointy nose in your own business. Leave me alone. This is a warning."

"You need to go back to Arkham Clayface. Your much to dangerous to be out," the Dark Knight countered his statements, not backing down.

A few seconds later the monster came at him with full force. Batman quickly doused his enemy with the vile of chemically enhanced H20, as they engaged in unforgiving hand-to-hand combat. Batman met Clayface with an impressive uppercut, as Clayface countered with a blow to the stomach, nearly knocking the wind out of him. He then punched Clayface putting a fist shaped imprint into the monster's left shoulder. Clayface began to cover Batman's legs and as Batman was getting physically pulled into the monster, Clayface, began to feel weak. He threw Batman, forcing the Dark Knight into a collision with the Batmobile. After a few seconds, the formidable foe collapsed into a pile of mud.

As Batman regained focus, he gathered a sample of the substance, for later analysis and returned to the now filthy Batmobile. As the car began to roll away from the scene, Batman sighted Clayface sliding slowly into the drainage ditch, possibly needing to recuperate from the battle. Focusing on the road, he steered the roaring Batmobile away, finally in route for home.