A/N: Disclaimer: Don't own anything.

Welcome Back

There is… a fire… inside about… to explode…into… flames…

I woke up early in the morning, before the sun was even up. I began putting on my white buttoned up shirt first. Then my tie, over that I placed my vest, and covering that up with my suit jacket. I looked as if I was about to go to a special event. But it is a special event, well, to me at least. I ran my hand through my hair making it ruffle back. I reached over to the table, and placed my glasses in my suit pocket. Deciding that it would be better to wear my black sunglasses. I placed my black scarf around my neck, and went to retrieve my toxin. Securing it inside my cuff. With everything I needed placed in their proper places, I made my way out the door.

I walked down the streets with a location on mind. I made it to the news stand only to see a young man busing himself with filling up the shelves with today's news. Perfect. He was kneeling down on the floor gathering magazines with his back turned to me. I took one quick look around the news stand, and could see that there was no one on sight. I moved closer to him, and tapped his shoulder. Making him drop all his magazines that he was about to pick up.

"Hey what's the big id-," he stopped mid sentence as he turned around to see the person who tapped him, only to freeze up, and have his eyes go wide, "I-its y-you."

I smiled, "didn't we go over this already."

He just stared at me with fear clearly in his eyes. "Ye-yeah but I-I don't know your real name."

Interesting. "Well, then just call me by John. But I didn't come here to idle talk. No, I came here because you're going to help me with something."

"Wi-with what?"

I waved my finger around. "Do you own a car?"

The young man nodded. "Yeah but it's nothing special."

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't care. All I need is a ride." And a decoy.

"Bu-but I can't leave my post. I have to p-"

"It's not like anyone will miss you if you miss one day of work. What was your name again?"

"Kyle."

Again, I don't care. "Of course, excuse me for my bad memory. Now, all I need is a simple ride to a friend's house, and you'll be back here before you know it."

Kyle took out his keys, and opened his car with the control device he was caring. "Alright, but I want no part in your schemes. I'll just take you there, and drop you off."

I gave a dry laugh. "No, here's the thing 'Kyle' you don't make the demands here. I do. And, if you don't do exactly what I say, well, let's just say it won't be pretty. For you."

He started to tremble once again, making his keys in his hand rattle a bit. "What e-ever you say Mister John."

As he was about to leave, I quickly mentioned something. "Oh, take a couple of magazines would you." With that I moved to his car, and opened the back door.

He came back caring six magazines, and he carefully placed them on the passenger seat. Then he closed his side of the door, and placed on his seat belt. I also placed mine on, not knowing if this kid can drive very well. With everything in place he started up the car.

"Um, so were you headed?"

I looked out the window, and replied, "Wayne Manor. You do know where that is, right?"

"Of course. I've never been there, but I have seen it mentioned in the magazines from time to time."

"Good."

The whole ride was quite as we made our way to Bruce's Mansion. I saw that we were getting close. "Stop one block away from the Manor."

"Huh? O-oh right."

Quite a listener. At least he knows what he is doing, unlike everyone else I hire to work for me.

"Um, we're here Mister John. One block away as you asked."

I looked around, and could see we were indeed a block away from the mansion. I opened the door, and got out of the car. I stood outside of the car, and tapped the door for him to come out.

He opened his door, and came out. "Yes?"

"This is where you come into use, Kyle. Now I want you to take those magazines, and follow me. No questions asked."

He nodded, and went to retrieve the magazines from the passenger seat. I closed my side of the door, and waited for him on the side walk.

"Um-"

"No questions. Now come along."

We walked the rest of the way to the Wayne Manor, and stopped when we were outside the building's front door.

"Know stay here, and ring the bell. When someone comes out detract them by asking them if they want to subscribe to your magazines. Ask them about all your magazines."

He looked scared as he tightly hugged his magazines to his chest. "What if Mister Wayne comes out, and not his butler?"

Even better.

"Then you distract him. Just don't let the person that comes out here back in until I give you a signal."

"There's a signal?"

"Just ring the bell."

"Yes sir." He hurriedly move to the door bell, and rang it. I moved behind one of the walls, and hid on the side.

After a couple of minutes I could hear that someone was coming out of the mansion.

"Yes?"

I could see from the edge of the wall that the man that came out was Bruce Wayne.

So, let's see what you got, Kyle.

Kyle looked speechless at first until he caught himself, and began his little speech.

"Good morning Mister Wayne. I was wondering if you would like to subscribe to any of these magazines I have here."

"Well, that depends, what types do you have?"

Kyle grabbed the first magazine that was on top of the pile he was holding.

"Well, for starters, I have The People's magazine."

Bruce looked like he was contemplating what to ask next.

"No thanks. I really don't want those kinds of magazines coming to my house."

"Okay, how about Men's Health? Maybe some gamer magazines?"

"That sounds great, and all but I really not looking for any subscription actually. So, sorry."

As Bruce was about to go inside, Kyle 'accidentally' tripped on his foot, and dropped all his magazines on the street.

"Ah man! I'm such a klutz!" Kyle crawled to pick up his magazines.

Bruce watched this, and came out to help the young man. "Don't worry; here let me help you with that."

Bruce kneeled down, and started to help the young man.

I made my move as I moved passed Bruce to get inside of the mansion. Kyle saw me, and did what I expected him to do.

"Oh no! My magazines are all dirty, and ripped. I was supposed to go around asking people if they wanted to subscribe. But know no one would subscribe to ugly magazines. I'll get fired fer sure now!"

"What do you mean?"

Kyle looked distraught at the scene before him. "I mean that this happened before. If my boss finds out he's sure to fire me."

Bruce got up, and handed him the magazines that he picked up. "Don't worry about it. I'll go buy you some more magazines."

"Great! Let's go right now! In my car, come on I parked one block away." With that said Kyle grabbed onto Bruce's wrist, and drove him off to the direction of the car.

I gave a smirk. Now's my chance to retrieve my mask back.

I moved towards the mansion, and grabbed the door knob. I slowly turned it, and could see the door knob was moving. I opened the door, and made my way inside. The house was indeed huge, and very clean. I looked around for the butler, and found him in the kitchen washing dishes. I got closer to him, and took off my scarf, quickly wrapping it around his face. He struggled for quite a bit until he fell unconscious to the floor. I grabbed him by his legs, and pulled him to the living room. When I got close to one of the couches I dragged him up onto it. Then I made my way to the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water. I returned, and placed my scarf around my neck, covering half my face. I spilled the butler's face with the water, in order to wake him up.

"Ugh, what is- who are you?" The butler looked frightened.

I got closer to him. "None of your concern. All I need is for you to cooperate or else my associates will set this mansion on fire."

"What do you want?"

I smirked under my scarf. "I want a particular mask. And don't try to deny you don't know what I'm talking about. I want the Scarecrow mask."

The butler looked bewildered as he tried to scoot back up against the couch. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I followed him as he moved farther back into the couch. "Of course you do. And do you want to know why. Because I know that Bruce Wayne is the Bat. Man."

"Who are you?"

I tilted my head a little. "No one. I'm just an ex-doctor who was robbed of a priced possession."

He looked at me as he just realized something. "Dr. Crane."

I took my sunglasses off, showing of my blue eyes. "Bingo. But enough about me. Let's talk about that mask shall we."

"I'll never let you take it back!"

I brought up my wrist, and pointed him with my toxin. "I believe you will. Remember, I said I have my associates outside just waiting for me to burn down this mansion. Now the mask if you will."

He started to get up. "Wait here."

I grabbed his elbow, and brought him back. "I don't think so. If I take my eyes out of you, you'll probably call the police. How can I trust you?"

The butler glared at me, breaking away from my hold. "You can't."

"Then you shall escort me to my mask then."

He looked as he was in deep thought. "Come with me. But don't touch anything."

He started walking with me right behind him, following close.

We made it to some room, and he paused before opening the door. "This is Master Wayne's bedroom. Please try not to touch any of his possessions."

"Wouldn't dream of it. It's not like I'm trying to steal another man's mask."

We walked into the room. The room in itself was a massive bedroom, and that was just the bedroom, there was another door that looked like it belonged to a bathroom. Compared to where I live, I might as well be considered a homeless man.

The butler moved to one of the drawers, and opened it up. What I could see from the side was that it was a bare drawer that was keeping only my mask in there. It was also towel wrapped, and kept in clean condition.

The butler turned around, and unfolded the towel. "Here's the mask."

I looked at the mask in awe, and reached out to grab it. I grabbed my mask, and felt as I was being reunited with a long lost friend. I couldn't keep off the smile that was coming out.

Scarecrow?

… Jonathan.

A/N: Two chapters in one day. Now this is where things get interesting.

Reviews are gladly appreciated.