Chapter 11
Batman suddenly spotted the Joker dancing past him in a fit of enthusiasm.
"What am I to do Batman? You found me. Oh well I guess my plan is ruined. But you don't have this," he announced to Batman as he held out a small radio detonator.
"Joker, give me the detonator!" demanded the Dark Knight, with fury blazing in his eyes.
"Oh Batsy, you don't really think you'll win do you? Hee Hee Haa Haa Haa," teased the Joker.
"You diseased maniac! You're going back to Arkham," Batman claimed.
"I don't think so. You are a very persistent man, Bats. But I can stop you," the clown declared as he pulled out his Smith Wesson revolver. "I am going to kill you Batman. You are the absolute bane of my reality," he said aiming it towards Batman and pulling the trigger.
BANG!
As the flag came out of the barrel, the Joker realized his trick gun had gone off.
"Damn it. Haa Haa Looks like I forgot my real one," the Joker said as he darted for the elevator.
With that, Batman chased after him. He dove for the Joker knocking him down and landing on him. The Clown Prince punched Batman, and the two began wrestling. Batman was then kicked hard in the gut and the Joker ran as fast as he could to the elevator. The Dark Knight fired an exploding batarang at the elevator and it detonated destroying the detonator that was now in the Joker's pocket as well as injuring the Joker.
"We finish this now," Batman screamed as he slammed the Joker against the wall. "Give it up. You've lost. Your detonator is gone."
"Always carry a spare Batman. Haven't you learned anything that your dearest Joker has tried to teach you?"
"Where is it Joker? Where's the other detonator?"
"Hah like I'm gonna tell. I always thought it was bad to be a rat," he replied slapping Batman, knocking him back enough to escape his clutches.
"You idiot! You destroyed my precious detonator that I triggered for the Square. Now I only get to blow away this miserable tower, and with any luck you as well. Here it is Batsy," Joker told him as he pulled it out.
"Don't do it. You'll destroy the rest of the block and yourself as well," Batman implored him. "Listen to reason."
"Reason… I have no reason for anything Batman."
"You criminal scum I'm finished with your games."
"I'm tired of your name calling," Joker screamed as he hit the button on the detonator.
As it beeped, Batman ran and lunged off the edge as an explosion shortly followed.
The next morning, Bruce Wayne sat in a meeting at Wayne Tower, just two blocks from the explosion the night before.
"And did you see the news this morning people?" Lucius Fox retorted excitedly prancing around the crowded meeting room. "There has been no sign of the Joker since last night. They didn't find his or Batman's bodies."
"I'm sure they'll find something Lucius. Can we get back to business?" Bruce asked picking up his cup of coffee.
"Sorry Bruce but maybe we should start talking about how much money the Wayne Foundation is going to donate to the building fund for the Clocktower."
"That's something for you, me and the city to decide Mr. Fox. Now, back to business if you please!"
"Right Bruce, sorry," his trusted advisor apologized.
As the meeting continued, Bruce couldn't help but wonder, due to his advisor's unruly outburst, what had become of the Joker. The night before just after the explosion, Batman thoroughly examined the remains of the tower, in search of the Clown Prince and found no one.
As the meeting ended, several people left the meeting room.
"Lucius," Bruce demanded. "Please sit down. What was the meaning of your outburst a few minutes ago? That was most out of character"
"Sorry Bruce, really I am. I just got quite excited this morning when I heard the news. I guess with my being captured the other day -."
"It's fine Lucius. You don't have to explain. That was a traumatic time for all of us."
"Yes well, I do apologize," he announced as he hastily left the room.
As Bruce went back to his office, his phone rang.
"Bruce Wayne. Ah yes Mr. Shevers. Well it is up to you when we hold the meeting for the rebuilding campaign. The Clocktower has been the main source of news for the last few hours. Yes, I suppose tomorrow will be fine. Sure, yes that will be okay. No, I agree with you. We need to get this landmark rebuilt as soon as possible. Thank you sir, bye"
Bruce then prepared to leave the office for home, packing up his briefcase and marching to the elevator.
"Are you out for the day Mr. Wayne?" his secretary asked.
"Yeah Margaret I'm off to take care of a few things at home. See ya' tomorrow."
"Okay Sir. Have a good day."
Once Bruce was aboard the expensive elevator, he knew that the rest of his day could be reserved for more important things, without any interruption.
That night, at midnight, the Bat-Signal streamed through the air like a hawk searching for prey.
At a moment's notice, Batman came up the side of the police headquarters building.
The Commissioner greeted him with appreciation. "You know the Clocktower killed most of the Joker's henchmen. We found two of them. They were driven mad by what we suspect was the only word they could speak, bats."
"Still no sign of him yet?" Batman said referring to the Joker.
"Our boys have been combing the remnants of the tower and haven't seen anything unusual yet. Hell, no one was even sure if you were alive until now. The mayor made me put out the signal tonight just to see if you'd come runnin'. It's good to know you're alright Batman."
"Don't worry Commissioner. We'll find him. I won't rest until he's either dead or back in Arkham."
"Good to know friend. See you tomorrow night."
"Maybe," said the Batman as he dove off the building in a rush of fury.