AN: Alright, here's the second to last chapter for you all. I know this is kinda short but once you read the end of the chapter I'm sure you see why I did that. :)

I'm frozen in place, knowing that the worst is about to unfold. Batman would be here for one reason, and one reason only…to get Gordon back and take The Joker to Arkham (if he can manage that one).

My eyes frantically scanned the room for The Joker. Where is he???? Suddenly, I see him lunging for Batman in a purple and green blur. Batman sees him at the last instant as The Joker collides with him, sending them both to the floor. Immediately, the fist throwing began as they rolled around on the floor kicking and punching one another. I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head as it looked like they were two brothers wrestling over something stupid like Batman stole The Joker's favorite action figure or something like that.

The Joker was doing his best to laugh off all the attacks Batman made. He mocked him, constantly asking, "Is that all you've got Batsy?" I could tell that Batman was taking his toll on The Joker. The Joker sounded half out of breath just about every time he teased Bats.

By this time they were both standing again. Batman threw a hard right hook that connected squarely with The Joker's left jaw, sending The Joker to the ground. I screamed. I couldn't remain silent anymore. I went running into the room, toward The Joker, intent on helping him. He rolled over and slowly got up, shaking his head. He called out to me, "NO!!! Mel, go downstairs and keep an eye on Gordon. I can handle the Bat!"

I stopped as soon as he spoke. I gave him a questioning look, but he just stared back at me. I nodded and turned toward the basement. I threw open the door and began to descend the stairs. I heard a muffled grunt behind me and then footsteps running after me. I began to take the stairs two at a time and I jumped the last four.

Gordon looked up at me, his face badly bruised, but he smiled in confusion. "You're the Staples girl, aren't you?"

"Yeah…what's it to you?" I demanded.

"I—uh, well, I can help you," he said, stretching his hand up toward me.

I ignored his hand and bitterly spat, "I don't need help."

"Yes you do, Melanie," a deep voice behind me spoke.

I spun around so fast that I almost lost my balance. He reached out and grabbed my arm to keep me from falling. "You…" I whispered angrily as I found myself face to face with Batman.

I pulled free of his grasp and backed away from him, nearly tripping over Gordon. I managed to keep myself from falling though. No thanks to Batman. I vigorously shook my head, "I don't need help. I'm perfectly fine with The Joker."

"Melanie, you can't trust him. He's a psychopath that should be locked up in Arkham where he can't hurt anybody else. He's dangerous, very dangerous. And you know this, deep down you know I'm right. You need to wake up and listen to me," Batman pleaded.

"No! I can trust him. I understand him, unlike you."

"You love him, don't you?" Gordon asked. I didn't say a word; instead I looked down at my feet. "Do you honestly think a man like that is capable of love? Do you really think he can love you back?"

"He does."

"How do you know?" Gordon kindly asked as Batman watched.

"I just do. I've learned a lot about him and he's not as bad as he seems. And he's right about so many things."

"Oh really?" Batman piped in, his voice drenched in sarcasm.

"Yeah. And at least he keeps his promises, unlike you. You're full of false promise that you constantly sell to everyone in Gotham because you hide under a mask."

"You don't know a thing about false promises nor do you know anything about me," he said, glaring at me.

"Is that so? I just have one question, which is the real mask, Batman? Or should I say Mr. Wa—"

He cut me off as he grabbed me, covering my mouth and pinning me to his cold, hard chest. I kicked as hard as I could and struggle against his oppressive arms. I managed to break free as I cried, "Get your damn hands off!!!"

I march a couple feet away from Batman and turn back to face him and Gordon. "Just you wait, Bats, The Joker is always right. You may not see it right away, but give him time and he'll prove you wrong. He'll teach you to live without rules. He will make you break your one rule to not kill anybody…just give it time and you'll see."

Before either can respond to my remarks, The Joker's signature laugh fills the air. We all begin looking around trying to determine the source. Then we hear the tell-tale creak on the stairs. We all whirl around to see The Joker descending out of the shadows. His gastly white makeup, slightly worn off but still obscuring his features well enough, lead the way as he continues to cackle with his maniac grin pasted to his face at the three of us gathered at the bottom of the stairs.