Hello everyone. I'm aware that it's been two years since I last updated this fanfic. Life got in the way and messed up the direction I wanted to go in writing-wise. And since I didn't want to mess up what I already had, that's why I've been putting off finishing it.

I don't know when I'll update again to be honest. I'm just glad I'm able to finally post something that I'm satisfied with. But I do know now where I'm heading with the last 3 chapters after this one and how this fanfic will officially end. To all those who have been waiting this whole time, I sincerely thank you. Enjoy.

Kendra Luehr - Glad you found the scene with Rachel and the rat not too weird. I wasn't sure if that scene was going to be a natural fit with the rest of the story.

Spirit414 - I'm happy that you liked reading Rachel's POV. I've noticed that not many people like her character so it's good to know that I did it justice.

Three Faint Calls - Thank you for finding the Joker scary! I could never see him as sweet or fluffy when I was watching the movie. He just scared the hell out of me lol.

Simsim1705 - I'm flattered that you think so highly of the way I've portrayed the Joker here. It hasn't been easy trying to capture his mental state.

batfan, UnstoppableSkyflyer, DisturbedBeauty, Vamirii - Thank you for your comments. :)

IX

The power a few
Shakes have on rattling such
A snow globe city.

After the mayor
Croaked, so many rupture in
Mass panic attacks.

Suicides, things once
Swept under the rug: dozens
Are making them trends.

Some try finding blame.
They believe scapegoats can save
Their crumbling facades.

Particularly
Wanted is a captured bat
Which I understand.

The Bat's been a tease,
Acting my contrast and when
I need him, leaving.

Or should I say Dent
As I learned from a conference
Used as his mouthpiece?

So Dent equals Bat.
It's the type of sane answer
That drives me crazy.

For stringing me down
Depths so dull, it's time I tied
Any loose ends left.

One night should do it.
A two-way assault that'll
Leave Gotham a husk.

It's the least I can
Give to the citizens, Dent.
Matching scars - like mine.

And what of the mob?
They've had their fun, played their parts.
But as parts, they're through.

They got boring fast.
So BORING in their small worlds,
The same as the rest.

Well, that's why I'm here.
I fire up their worlds when
I finish with hers...

The streets are blocked though.
Increased patrol, a quirk of
Scared masses fleeing.

Good to know then
That sewers are an option.
They're more like myself.

Steps go by and I
Pant in anticipation.
It's been far too long.

Upon entering,
Bodily stenches greet me
From where their source can't.

Moonlight from outside
Traces a puddle under
Both her parted feet.

Yes, 'Rachel' doesn't
Seem herself today. Her head
Remains hanging low.

I soon get the itch.
I yank at her hair until
I see her eyes blink.

She registers me
As dully as a zombie
Would and nothing else.

She's not even scared
Like before. To hell with it.
I'll show her true fear.

"Sweets, you're making me..."
I grope around my pocket.
"...feel like a stranger."

My thumb flicks just once
And the lighter's flame doubles
Itself in her gaze.

Air rushes past her
Lips, terror reviving her.
Does this mean I'm God?

In some ways, I am.
I limited this woman
To only four walls.

Life as she knew it
Has been captured in a box
Where I'm her focus.

However, I don't
Own everything yet. Her will
Keeps me out of reach.

Dragging the lighter
Across her arms sharpens it,
Reminds her to fight.

Let her struggle then.
I've conquered more challenges
Than she could equal.