Chapter 22: Mind Games
I watched him leave and my heart was about to burst out of my chest. In which case I was right when I had my first suspicions about his true identity. In a strange and confusing way I was glad to know that it was Bruce and no other man. Because of the other night, and how it became heated when he showed up on my balcony as Batman. But now fear flowed through out my entire body, hoping that I could stop him before he gets killed. I need to help him.
Jasper was still here, trying to catch his breath after Batman...or Bruce gave him quite a scare. He was the last person I wanted to ask for help but he was the only one who knew of the Joker's hide out.
"Let's go." I grabbed his arm and dragged him to the black Bentley waiting downstairs.
He was shocked by my reaction and began to protest. "What are you doing? You know it's suicide."
I turned abruptly and slapped him hard across the face. "Now you want to protect me when you tried to kill me so many times! You will shut the hell up about what I can and cannot do and you will lead me to the freak you call a boss!" I pushed him into the car.
Jasper said nothing more and obliged to my wishes. I didn't know whether to buy his act or question him why he was suddenly cooperating. It seemed to good to be true and that frightened me. But this was no time for doubts, one way or another I needed to save Bruce and right now...Jasper seemed like my only option.
"Now, tell me where this hide out is." I had a dangerous hiss in my usual melodic voice that I didn't know I had.
In a quick swift move Jasper had a gun on the right side of my head. I knew this was not going to be easy but I took the risk anyway.
"I'm driving now, give up the keys." Jasper pushed me aside and stepped out of the car. I felt cold sweat trickle down the back of my neck. He pushed me inside the passenger seat and ripped the keys out of my hand.
"You won't get away with this." He didn't listen, he only shut the door and slid into the driver's seat.
"I suggest you cooperate and know what is good for you." Jasper managed to advise as he focused on the dark rode ahead leading to god knows where.
"I wouldn't be the one to talk if I were you." I gripped the door handle as I felt the engine zoom past endless buildings, street lights and into the empty docks of Gotham.
"And why do you think that? After all your life hangs in the balance and Batman won't be able to help you. The Joker is a ruthless devil's spawn who will stop at nothing to kill those who get in his way." Jasper made an abrupt left turn and stopped at a huge warehouse.
"I'm surprised he has let you breathe still." I practically spat in his face with my comment.
He turned to me and took hold of my chin and made me face him. His dark blue eyes became the pits of hell I had become accustomed to these past ten years. "You think you know everything but you don't Violet! You haven't seen evil, but you will tonight and if you want every single strand of those luscious curls on your pretty little head...then I suggest you don't do anything stupid."
His hand slid down to my breasts that were heaving in and out because of my fast breathing. I slapped it away and looked away. I tried so hard to hold my tears back. I wanted Bruce to hold me, to tell me everything was going to be alright and that we will have our happily ever after.
We stayed in silence for a few moments, then Jasper got out of the car without another word. I covered my face with a masquerade of anger and toughness. No one will see my tears.
"Get out!" Jasper pulled me by the arm and let me fall to the cold ground. I got up and tried to stay away from him.
Without hesitation he led the way into the warehouse and I followed carefully, watching my surroundings. A wave of terror rushed through out my body. It was damp, dark and utterly horrible that no one should be in a place like this. The smell was of pure disgust- I wonder how many bodies lied beneath the grounds. As we walked through rows of boxes and shelves I heard grunts of pain coming from a close distance. I could hear my fast heart beat. It was about to burst out of my chest. Somehow I needed to find out who it was that was in pain. I had a feeling it was Bruce.
Jasper stopped in the middle of the aisles. "Wait here." He whispered lowly and disappeared into the darkness. This was my chance.
After I was sure he was gone, I scanned the aisles looking for Bruce. I took my shoes off to avoid making noise. I kept hearing groans, I raced even faster until I caught a glimpse of his shadow.
I sighed in relief and raced to his side. Right when I was close he took me into his arms. I couldn't help but sob uncontrollably, I had let it all out. His arms wrapped around me tightly, protecting me. I looked up into his eyes and saw pain in them, but most of all I saw love in them, love for me. In one swift bold move I claimed his lips as tears stained my cold rosy cheeks. We were breathless after a few moments. Afterward I decided to search for any injuries. I touched his torso which was tender. Even though it was covered with the suit, he winced when I pressed my hand to it.
"He hurt you...didn't he?" I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him again and again. "Don't worry...your secret is safe with me."
He looked away and understood what I meant. But what was going on at the moment was more important. "I need to get you out of here before he shows up." Bruce struggled to stand up but he managed to stand with my help to keep himself steady.
"We both need to get out, I won't leave you behind." I gripped tightly onto his hands. I was not going to leave his side.
"Vi, I am not going to risk you. Now follow me, be careful not to make noise." He led me out of the hidden corner and into the endless aisles once again.
I didn't know how long we walked along the aisles. But to me it seemed like an eternity.
"He made a maze, he's playing games with us." Bruce spoke in his dark voice.
"Will he make an appearance?" I was terrified that this maniac would jump out at any moment and jab me with a knife or something.
"Joker doesn't play sympathy games, he plays dangerous mind games to eliminate his victims." Bruce scanned the area, awaiting for any signs of the Joker's presence.
I gulped hard and tried to keep my eyes open for possible escape routes. We continued walking around for twenty minutes and I was losing hope that we would get out alive. It became darker, almost impossible to see. Luckily Bruce...or Batman-as I should call him at the moment- had a flash light but it was dying out.
We remained stagnant at the spot we had come to. Without notice we heard this chilling cackle coming from a very close distance. I gripped his hand tighter.
"He's watching. We have to hurry, come on." We finally found an exit.
"And where do you think you are going Bat?" I finally came face to face with the menace that was terrorizing Gotham. His face was a nightmare, it was grotesque to even look at. I had to look away. Joker was blocking the door way, it was going to be impossible to get out now.
As quick as a bolt of lightning Batman engaged in a battle with Joker. I moved away and watched the horror that unleashed in front of me. For the first time I was very terrified of Bruce's dark side. I couldn't help because I was small and fragile but the anger that blazed inside me as I watched the Joker throw punches and kicks to Bruce was unbearable. Some way somehow I had to do something. I looked to my left to see a card board cutter on top of a box. The blade glistened in the tiny ray of light that came through the crack of the wall. Without hesitation I took it and gripped it tightly in my hand.
They both continued to fight, as they got closer to where I was standing, I prepared myself. In one quick motion I lunged forward and jumped on the Joker's back, taking hold of his neck. He became aware that I was on his back and slammed me into a wall close by to get me off. I gasped as my spine made contact with the wall. I slipped off and placed my hand on the small of my back, it was stinging. But before I could get up, Joker took hold of my waist and held his knife up to my nape. Bruce's eyes flickered rage. He was about to move forward when Joker put his free hand up.
"Ah ah...I wouldn't risk her pretty neck if I were you." He looked me from head to toe and lust sparkled in his eyes. "I think I might have a little fun with this pretty doll of yours Bat." Joker began to drag me off. I yelled with all my might struggling to get free of his grip.
"Let her go!" Bruce growled and stepped closer. I could feel Joker grab me closer. In a flash Bruce managed to throw a weapon, making the knife fall to the floor. He came closer to us and punched Joker square in the jaw. Joker fell back and rubbed his jaw. Soon enough Jasper came in, his breath was in gasps.
"They're coming, the cops will be here any second. We have to hurry boss!" Jasper was in panic mode because if they caught him the police would know every dirty detail of his mob activities.
"I have to hurry." Joker replied sharply and bolted for the back door. "We'll meet again Batman!" His laugh sent chills down my spine as Bruce took me into his arms.
Jasper looked at us then the door and made a quick run for it but he wasn't so lucky. Bruce let go of me and took hold of Jasper's neck.
"Going somewhere." Bruce growled and threw him to the ground. Bruce took out a spare of handcuffs from his utility belt and clasped them onto Jasper's wrists, seconds later he was chained to a pole. We slipped out the back door before the police arrived. Jasper was left there to rot and hopefully I don't ever have to see that pathetic man's face again.
We arrived home really late and Alfred was already waiting as the tumbler had burst through the large waterfall. He was surprised to see me get off and Bruce with the mask off. I didn't say anything, I only offered him a kind smile and went to get a first aid kit.
Bruce walked passed Alfred, who still had a confused look on his face. "She knows...don't worry." Alfred came back to life and nodded.
"You'll have to take that off so I can tend to that wound." announced Alfred as he threw Bruce some black sweat pants.
"No need, I will do it. You can go rest now Alfred, thank you for waiting up." I came back with the kit in hand and gave Alfred a pat on the back. He nodded and left us both alone.
I set the kit on the table as Bruce went off to change. When he came back he was shirtless and his bruise was visible on his torso. He sat down on the chair beside the table, he watched me intently as I took out the alcohol bottle and a few strands of cloth to dab it with. I kneeled down and started dabbing away. He winced in pain as I did, but he took it well. After a while he calmed and to my surprise took hold of my hand.
"Stop." I looked up at him.
"Why? We need to finish this." I said as I resumed but he stopped me again. I sighed and threw the cloth on the table.
"Are you angry that you found out this way. I was going to tell you, just not now."
I looked away but then turned back to him. "I'm not angry, just disappointed that you didn't tell me in the beginning. In a way I was glad because I wouldn't be cheating on you with someone who only comes out at night. This is your dark side. I love you so much that I am willing to live with it."
He seemed surprised by my reply. "I'm sorry. I love you too and if you are still willing to give us a chance then I am all for it. I am all for it that I am willing to take it to the next level." Bruce stood with little strength he had and took out something from one of the drawers. He came back and stood before me. "I would kneel but the pain is killing me." I laughed a bit as tears were already starting to rain down.
"Violet, will you marry me?"
I took in a breath and looked at his handsome chisled face. Everything we been through years before up until tonight flashed before me. Memories of when we first met, when we had our fight and he left me. The day I saw him again for the first time, the night we made love for the first time since we had seen eachother and of course the dozen times he saved me from my foolishness. The one thing I was sure of was that I loved him with all my heart...but I wasn't sure if I could live with the pain of losing him. but as stubborn as I was, I was willing to risk it all for the love of one man.
"Yes...yes, a thousand times yes!" I threw my arms around him and kissed him until I could hardly breath.
We stopped and he opened the black velvet box. Rain poured down my eyes when I saw the violet oval shaped diamond ring twinkle in the small light of the cave. "My mother would be happy that I would put this on you." He slipped it on my left hand and kissed it. His promise to me that he loved me and that he was willing to spend the rest of his life with me no matter if death parts us.
A/N: Phew! A lot happened this chappie...ahahahaha! Anywho, well the NEXT chapter will be the last for this story. BUT I will be coming back, afterall this is just the beginning for Vi and Bruce! :) Ok, thanks to my lovely reviewers as always, you guys make my day! "DazzledInDarkness, JazzTrumpet, Batman'ssidekick 16, Triskelesque, Dawn" Thank you sooooo much. So I would want to know what you would like to see in the next story? And don't forget to R&R...please? ;) Michelle