Chapter 08: Fear itself.
Fear is a funny thing, it can motivate a person to take all the precautions in the world yet at the same time it could make you do the same mistakes you were trying to avoid to begin with, for Jonathan Crane also know as Scarecrow it didn't really matter though since he had an already unhealthy fixation on it to begin with so even though his mind ran in a thousand directions a second he still managed to remove Batman's utility belt and gauntlets as the sedated hero was strapped securely onto a gurney on his private Train on its way to an undisclosed destination.
" if only I had enough time to properly torture youwith my ever so effective toxins…. But we have just mere hours and I have a schedule to keep…."
Scarecrow found a vein efficiently as he injected Batman with a mild fear toxin mixed in with a potent halucinagetic.
" don't worry this stuff won't kill you…. What will would come after your brain becomes the right kind of mush."
At that Scarecrow left the captive in a train car designed just for him as the villain made his way towards the front of the train where a few of his goons waited.
" how soon until our next stop?"
one of the goons replied as followed.
" about minutes away."
Scarecrow acknowledged as he replied.
" that's fast but not fast enough, you'll have to get off on the next stop, contact our people to get ready and mobilize."
Just as soon one of the goons tried to speak Scarecrow started talking again.
" Night-wing and his friends will definitely try to interfere with my plan… do not let it happen….. have I made myself clear!?"
The goons in return just nodded before the villain left the car as everyone let out a sigh they didn't know they were holding. With Scarecrow allowing himself a quick lunch he returned back to Batman as he saw his hated enemy beginning to show signs of his toxins working. Not seeing the results he would like he shook his head and sighed in disapproval.
" such a difficult patient…. I guess I have no other alternatives….."
With that said and done Scarecrow upped significantly the dossage and potency of his toxin as he injected Batman yet again as the hero continued to suffer as Scarecrow was wondering in curiosity what the man was expreiencing.
Within the mind of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Bruce found himself back when he was still a healthy and normal child walking around Wayne manor trying to find his mom and dad in anticipation for their favorite outing as a family, watching cliffhangers and movies at the Monarch theater on a Saturday afternoon. Knowing where to look little Bruce began walking to his destination only to find something strange is happening, nothing was quite where they were for a brief period of time before everything went back to normal only to find that he wound up in the exact same room where he started from with the shadows this time acting a bit different, exagerated you may say.
" that's odd"
With that Bruce tried to call Alfred but he never came, in fact he tried to call out for mom and dad but to no avail. Before he could do anything else or think of it even the weird shadows enveloped him only to find out a few moments later that he was sitting in the Monarch theater watching his serials and yet again alone.
" something's definitely not right"
by this point the the auditorium began morphing as it forcibly made young Bruce look at the screen close enough to that moment from A Clockwork orange however this time the kid was forced to watch his parents and Alfred die in front of his very eyes.
' think Bruce think…..'
As Bruce thought in his mind Scarecrow was preparing another shot of toxin as the villain laughed.
" just what the doctor ordered….."
Scarecrow injected Batman yet again within a second. Monitoring both the captive's face and the results from the monitor Scarecrow studied the effects of his toxins until the train made its scheduled stop as some of his goons began boarding the train and loading an important cargo that the villain was expecting, speaking of expectations.
Back in Batman/Bruce Wayne's mind.
As the young boy was struggling in his seat with the surrounding shadows unabling him from escaping or even take the eyes from the screen the scene of his parents being shot while Alfred stood next to them untouched and stoic to what was happening. As the bullets shot out of the criminal's gun Thomas Wayne was killed instantaneously while his mother was shot next inbetween the collar bones as she fell gasping for air, before he knew what was happening Bruce was thrown into the scene right next to the corpses of his parents or so he thought.
Without saying a word Martha Wayne kept bleeding until she was pale r than the colors of her pearls she wore that fateful afternoon. After what felt like a long while Martha got up as she made her way to Alfred.
" mom….?"
She however did not answer Bruce as she picked up the pace before turnin into an amorphic mist enveloping Alfred as she started dragging him along with her as the young boy tried to run after said mist.
" don't go… don't leave me…"
Bruce kept on running until his legs failed him though that didn't matter as eventually his 'mother' turned around as he saw that amorphic being turned into partial bone structure and heavy mist carryin the screams of the vuctims.
' you should've joined us.'
' why did you betray us…'
With that Bruce watched helplessly as he rapidly began to grow up with a silloutted man standing, waiting for him quietly to speak.
" well?"
By this point the man in front of Bruce revealed it's face only to show it was blank of emotions and an actual face. maintaining his composure Bruce didn't try to run but to deal with the situation as he asked bravely.
" what do you want?"
Bruce/Batman received no answer at first as the figure transported Bruce into an early version of the Bat cave as a new yet familiar voice whisperred.
' kill them…. You could've achieved actual results….. you failure of a man….you're not even a man….'
As the whispers became stronger and stronger an eventual shilloutte began to form from within the cave's own darkness until an intimidating figure of Batman emerged, however there were a few differences, one, this Batman had holsters for guns, two the uniform itself gave off the impression of a military uniform and finally it wasn't him in the costume but his father.
" you exist because me and mom died right?"
that Batman answered bluntly.
' I exist because you weren't pragmatic enough with your decisions.'
At that Bruce replied in kind.
" you mean because I haven't killed criminals"
Without a warning the militant Batman lunged itself at Bruce as he expertly dodged it before retaliating, trying to close the distance so his opponent wouldn't be able to shoot.
' and to think I sired such a disappointment.'
Before bruce could reply the mostly gray and black Batman disapeared into dust before reforming as he started shooting.
' you're no hero….. true heroes make sacrifices for their loved ones…..'
Dodging the attack and trying to lunged at the opponent from the back, Bruce replied as follows.
" and surrender to my baser instincts?, no, I chose the path less travelled… and my actuall parents would be proud….."
The figure replied as such.
' foolish and selfish man…'
Bruce's first instinct was to try and dodge the bullets, however he did not as the bullets crumbled to dust before the impact as the 'Batman' before him stood unresponsive and definitely not pleased.
" you already know why."
the 'Batman' confirmed.
' I do.'
With that Bruce came to stand in front of the figure saying.
" the Scarecrow is trying to poison and break my mind, would you like to help take him down?"
'Batman' smirked as he holstered his weapons saying.
' what's to stop me from taking over and finishing the job you couldn't finish?'
Bruce replied with absolute confidence.
" if you're anything remotely like my father than I know that your word means something… besides we still have a common enemy."
'Batman' nodded before he disappeared only to merge with Bruce Wayne to form the actual Batman before the cave began to slowly collapse as it reformated to the twisted tunnel ride that Joker used to try and put Gordon through the closest thing to hell when he paralyzed Barbara Gordon.
' looks familiar?'
Batman's only reply was.
" you know I can't afford to forget… Barbara."
Behind him stood a fair and slightly tall redhead with an athletic build wearing a form fitting bat suit that consisted off a mostly dark gray body suit, a bat cowl with a dark blue purple coloring, a utility belt with the same scheme with black accents and gauntlets for both lower arms and armored boots in an inverse to the utility belt.
' well you did forget something…. To save me from that maniac.'
Batman gave a small nod before he asked.
" you trapped me here didn't you?"
Barbara or as Batman used to call her Batgirl gave a pleasant smile saying.
' knowing you , you already have an idea on how to escape this trap I've set.'
batman slightly nodded as Batgirl ran past him as he said quietly.
" it appears she won't make it easy for me as well."
As Batman began chasing after Batgirl on the crookedrails of the carnival ride from hell back in the real world Scarecrow kept monitoring the hero's responses to the toxins as the train in question covered a few more miles towards its destination while the villain in question injected something else into his enemy's veins.
" muscle relaxant….. consider it a temporary show of mercy"
Before anything else could happen to Batman a Scarecrow goon came rushing in, almost stumbling in as a matter of fact as he exclaimed.
" we've got…. Heroes on our….. tail…"
At that Scarecrow sighed.
" well it was just a matter of time…"
With that said and done Scarecrow made sure to load his gloves with his potent toxins before plunging his syringed fingers into the goons collar bone as he injected all of the contents into his veins causing the hired muscle to scream in pain and agony for a few moments before his heart gave out.
Unbothered Scarecrow's only remark was.
" and here I wasted fine toxins on him."
Scarecrow at that made his way to the goons's car saying.
" those heroes must not get to me or Batman, do whatever is necessary to keep them away….. don't bother to report in if you fail."
Scarecrow left the car imediately after as he thouth.
' who am I kidding, of course they'll fail… good help is hard to get these days…'
Scarecrow at this point wasn't the least bit worried as he made his way to the driver's car. Entering the driver's station Scarecrow gave the following order.
" just before we arrive at the turn I want you to accelerate the train, then disconect the last couple of cars."
The driver after hearing this protested.
" but your men….."
Scarecrow scoffed.
" a convinient coinsidence."
Before the driver could protest any further Scarecrow calmly interjected with.
" would you like me to terminate your employment instead?"
That did the trick of shutting the driver up as the train got in position to accelerate. Doing just that the train gained speed as it was about to reach a left turn on the track near the entrance to Bludhaven with the last two cars eventually disconnecting as they independently gained speed before sailing off the tracks and into the city. Time came to a crawl as the cars were airborn as Kid Flash came rushing in managing to get on board, rescue the panicking goons with the ones unconscious as well before a familiar green pterodactyl and the Flash himself managed to catch and slow down the derailed cars keeping colateral damage to a minimum.
" that was almost the end of their line."
At that Flash didn't reply right away as he checked the conditions of the goons before saying.
" for some the shock made sure of that."
Argent at this point was the first amongst the rest to catch up as she asked.
" that rat bastard just did what I think he did?"
At that Changeling nodded.
" sure did, say can you do us a solid by watching these guys while the two Flashes over here transport them to a hospital?"
Argent's only reply was.
" sure, if you do a solid for me as well."
At that Changeling smirked as he guessed.
" you want us to kick that Scarecrow bastard in the balls right?"
Argent only replied with.
" yep."
With that said and done Changeling got a call from Night-wing as he stated.
' status report.'
Changeling gave him the full report up to the last detail before saying.
" no need for you to slow down I'll catch up real quick"
Night-wing acknowledged as he ended the communication before riding on his cycle trying to catch the train as it was pulling further and further away as he navigated the streets of Bludhaven as he got a call from Red Arrow.
' do you know what that burlap sack freak is planning?'
Night-wing replied the following.
" not at the moment why?"
Red Arrow answered innocently.
' a bit of a crazy idea but why not try to beat him to his destination instead of trying to catch up with his train?'
Night-wing at this point at a Eureka moment as he concluded the conversation with.
" usually I'd ask ' since when are you the smart one?' but for now follow my lead."
With that said and done Red Arrow obliged as he followed Night-wing through the streets of Bludhaven to their destination with Changeling followed suit as a green falcon this time, speaking of destinations.
Screcrow's train, approaching Gotham city.
As they were arriving to their destination Scarecrow made sure Batman was secured. With Batman still secured in place Scarecrow's train eventually reached its destination as the villain in question ordered the goons who boarded the vehicle as such.
" gentleman prep our guest, we have little to no time and so much to do."
With that the order was carried out without question. Once Batman was in place Scarecrow injected him with a temporary antidote, well after all the torture has to go on eventually, as the villain waited for the hero to wake up. 15 minutes later Batman regained conciousness as his head felt drowsy.
" I'm only doing this so you'll know in your mind what's actually happening to you."
Once Batman regained some sembalence of his conciousness he noticed that he was in an makeshift operating theater with a multiple camera setup pointing at his general direction. Trying to make a sound Scarecrow interrupted him as he injected him with a mix of his fear toxin and a seddative.
" remain still we have quite a show to put on….."
Batman at this point tried to fight the toxins injected to him but at this point he couldn't muster the strength just yet so for now he'll bid his time, knowing Scarecrow he wouldn't resist gloating , criminals and villains never do and with that he was right on the money as a few minutes passed before regaining consciousness, this time fully.
"welcome back to the land of the living."
Batman didn't reply at first before scoffing at Scarecrow which did not sit well with the villain.
" you mind including me on the joke?"
Batman replied sharply.
" take a look in the mirror."
Scarecrow at that came dangerously close to hitting him with the biggest dose of fear toxin yet, however he held himself back asking.
" oh yes?!, and what made you come to this conclusion?, I'm not the one strapped to an operating table."
Batman nodded in understanding as he elaborated.
" I've created antidotes to almost every toxin you've ever made, I've even managed to get passed your hypnosis methods and I've been honning my mental prowess for years so your tortures won't effect me as you want it."
At that Scarecrow calmly answered.
" well I'm at the moment succeeding."
Batman at that statement gave his counter point.
"the only thing you'll succe at is pissing off the villains stuck in Arkham Asylum."
Scarecrow at that began laughing as he replied.
"on the contrary they will stand in awe against me once I get rid of you"
Batman sighed pittying Scarecrow.
" you delusional fool, you may think like that at first until someone like Joker chasing you."
Scarecrow at this point got real quiet as Batman continued talking his way out of trouble.
" people like Joker need validation and attention, if you get rid of me he has nothing to live and strive for"
At that Scarecrow took a deep breath before approaching Batman as he plunged his syringes into the exposed human skin.
" I'll take my chances with the Joker."
With that Scarecrow turned to his goons and said.
" we're going live in 10 minutes, don't screw it up"
Scarecrow's goons at that prepared to go on the air as Batman began to feel the toxins coursing through his veins again as he made an effort to resist the gas's hold of him, at least until back up arrived, speaking off.
With Night-wing and Red Arrow, in route towards Gotham University.
' do you really think he'll be there?'
Night-wing's answer was as follows.
" Scarecrow loves his own ego…. trust me he'll be there."
To drive the point home Night-wing and Red Arrow encountered the largest group of goons so far just near the university as the latter adressed the former.
" point taken."
With that said and done the group of goons began attacking the two heroes as they started defending themselves as best they could while Night-wing reiterated.
" remember hold your punches."
Red Arrow at that replied in a bemused anger.
" tell them that….."
As the fight raged on Night-wing, using the lowest setting possible on his escrima sticks managed to knock out fifthteen goons out of possible ninety while Red Arrow knocked out maybe a few more of them using most of his trick arrows while resorting to using his bow as a weapon.
" getting tired old man?"
Night-wing scoffed.
" no….. no yet anyway…. How are you holding up?!"
Red Arrow at this point fought off a few more goons before answering.
" no, but I am running out of ammo….."
before anything else could happen a red and yellow streak came rushing in making short work out of some incoming goons.
In the meantime back with Batman and Scarecrow.
Batman in a hurry of his own tried to come up with a stalling tactic while Scarecrow was going back and forth with making sure he had everything he needed in hand while the toxins were dangerously close into making him hallucinate all over again.
" while you're preparing for the live feed are you sure your lackies have done their job properly?"
At that Scarecrow stopped as he asked.
" what do you mean?"
Batman at that saw an opening as he replied.
"one Fawlty equipment and your cameras could miss a pivotal moment in my demise…. Not to mention that you'll need good quality audio….. or the very least a decent one…."
Scarecrow smirked under his mask.
" buying time won't help you, I gave these idiots specific and idiot proof instructions."
Batman at that started to sweat under his mask and cowl trying to hold out and stall for longer.
" the trouble with idiots… is that they'll always fail you…"
Scarecrow at that gave in to his worries as he ordered the goons on set to check the filming equipment yet again as one of the goons tried to reassure the villain, he on the other hand didn't take it well as he shot the lackie dead muttering.
" if you want something done right do it yourself…"
Scarecrow at this point was about to check the equipment himself but not before injecting a triple dose of his fear toxin into Batman's blood stream.
" so you wouldn't be too bored waiting….."
that action caused Batman the most pain yet as he tried to control his muscles from convulsing while Scarecrow delayed his live feed as the drugs in his system kicked into overdrive.
Within Batman's mind.
Bruce/Batman was endlessly chasing Batgirl alongside the crooked tracks as the pictures Joker took of the then young woman came to life like film reels as the pain she felt reverberated through Batman's mind, a pain that came from the woman while the crazed clown beat her with an inch of her life on top of stripping her naked.
' you swore to protect the innocent….. why didn't you protect me!'
that external thought screamed at Batman's ears until he saw Batgirl enter through a familiar wooden framed door. taking a step beyond that framed door Batman/Bruce came across an exact replica of the crime scene that made Barbara Gordon quadriplegic due to the Joker's brutal nature, a fact that would've surprised him hadn't it been for the fact that every experience he was living happens in a trained and sharp mind.
' not going to try and avoid what's going to happen?'
Not phased Batman replied as follows.
" the Batgirl I know wouldn't avoid problems, she'll take him head on instead."
Without so much as looking at her Batman listened to Batgirl reply.
' correction…. Knew.'
With that said and done Batgirl lunged at Batman as he avoided said attack shifting his view so he could confront her, what he saw next caught him a bit off guard. There in front of him stood a young read headed woman in her early to mid 20's baring everything to see but make no mistake none of what was shown was alluring with her body covered with scars, contusions, a fresh bullet hole in her stomach and the most unnerving her face. Looking at her face it was symmetrically trying to split in two with one half belonging to Barbara and the other to the Joker.
' lost for words?!'
Batman's/Bruce's only response was.
" no wordscould change what happened to you"
Barbara at that concluded the conversation before trying to attack him again.
' truer words have never been spoken'
With that said and done the fight continued as the Barbara in front of him managed to keep up with him and evade Batman's counter punches even if he was more suited for the situation howe ver at this point he felt a sharp pain in his head and body as it disoriented him enough for Barbara to get the upper hand on him as she knocked him on the floor. Positioning herself over him she waisted no time as she began chocking him while grabbing him at the throat.
' before you die answer me this….'
Batman never giving up answered as follows.
" you're wondering why I haven't ended Barbara Gordon's suffering…."
At that Barbara nodded her head in acknowledgement as a maniacal laugh threatened to escape her as she increased the pressure on his throat.
" simple…. The real Barbara Gordon would've never let me do it… she'd rather fight to the end….. just like you could fight the clown's influence…. Right here and now…."
Barbara at this point snapped.
' don't talk to me about fighting…. The Barbara out there has to pull herculean feats just to breathe and eat without a tube!….'
Batman at this point saw and opening as he flung his attacker off of him as she hit the floor while he was ready to punch her out cold.
' go ahead… it's all you can do anyway… it's all that you're good for…'
batman instead punched the floor next to her left side, the side that Joker took over.
" I know better than to believe that."
Barbara grinned at that saying.
' doesn't matter I've won…. The only way you can drive out Joker is to beat me to a bloody pulp…. Just like he did…'
Batman at that grinned back, a sinister grin that could manage to strike fear in the fearless.
" I don't think so."
Batman at that concentrated on the Joker half of Barbara's face as he put every bit of effort into mentally separate Joker as he got into the clown's head.
' what….. what is this….'
Batman's only reply was.
" I'm giving you what you wanted for years… I'm letting you inside my head….."
Before Joker could protest further Batman made him disappear from Barbara completely as the young woman got a hold on her composure.
'that doesn't change much you know.'
Batman acknowledged.
" still that's no excuse for giving up on someone"
Barbara at this point extended her hand to Batman as the hero pulled her up while her Batgirl costume materialized on her.
' one last adventure for old time's sake?'
Batman at that kept on moving as he replied to the point.
" we better get going."
Batgirl at that mused to herself while she kept up as Batman requested.
' some things never change…'
Speaking of change, the scenery rapidly changed from her apartment to that of a remote European castle, Romanian most likely if someone was consistent with the bats motif as Batgirl asked the logical question.
' why are we here exactly?'
Batman replied as follows.
" if Scarecrow wants to drive me crazy using my own fears that's a logical starting point in searching his whereabouts."
Batgirl after hearing that asked innocently.
' you weren't kidding when you said you're afraid of bats, were you?.'
Batman at that replied honestly.
" I don't fear them as much as they make me uneasy around them."
With that said and done the both of them continued onward towards the castle.
Within the castle, a few moments later.
As the two heroes roamed through the gothic and old hallway deeper into the castle Batman pointed out the following.
" be mindful of your surroundings, we very well might be in uncharted territory here."
Batgirl nodded as she asked.
' so anything that can be either a booby trap or Frankenstein's monster I imagine…. either that or actual vampires.'
With that said and done the two continued exploring the castle treading carefully until they reached one of the entrances to the castle's many spires, however before they could proceed upwards a loud shriek was heard from the outside as Batman and Batgirl were standing their ground, expecting an attack, an attack that came from a near by window as a creature roughly double the size of the hero in question came bursting through the window.
The creature in question has shaken off a few shards of glass before meeting the heroes gaze head on as he stretched his wings in an intimidating gesture as Batgirl muttered.
' what the hell is he? Some sort of gargoyle?'
Aside from his wing span, the creature in question had a wiry frame with skeletal like features especially around his torso and skull with what looked like a beak and a row of bat teeth.
" so that's the creature Crane has sent to stop me….. can't say that I'm surprised….."
With that the creature lunged at Batman as the hero managed to dodge the first attempt as he addressed Batgirl.
" go on without me, figure out a way to stop the creature."
Batgirl acknowledged.
' just make sure you don't die before I return.'
With that Batman threw a few Bat-a-rangs and smoke pallets to distract the creature while Batgirl headed upwards through the nearest entrance to the spiral as the hero distracted the monster.
As Batgirl reached the top of the spire she found next to nothing as she thought to herself.
'think fast, otherwise Batman's toast so….. think…'
at that moment an idea came to Batgirl's head. Finding the direction where this gargoyle came from Batgirl made sure she had a grappling hook long enough for the stunt she was about to preform, luckily for her she did, as she dove off the spire, timing her entry just right she launched the grappling hook onto the busted window frame as she boosted herself just high enough to glide above the beast. As she got close though Batgirl saw that Batman has already thought of a similar idea as she decided to let herself land with momentum as she helped to hold the creature in place.
" thanks"
With that Batgirl reciprocated the sentiment as she asked.
' where onto now?'
Making sure the gargoyle knew exactly who was in charge Batman flew it out of the castle as he answered as follows.
" the castle was nothing more than a distraction….. knowing Scarecrow he probably hides somewhere else."
As the two flew on the gargoyle they passed a few small settlements until they've reached a medival city in keeps with the eastern European city as Batman ordered the gargoyle to fly a little lower.
' what are we looking for?'
Batman replied pointedly.
" what we don't see, a face on the town's residence."
Batgirl tried to take a better look at the villagers in question until she did notice that they had no faces to speak of.
' wow….. are you growing sharper and sharper as the years going by?'
At that Batman acknowledged before finding a secluded place to get rid of the gargoyle. Once both were on the ground Batman ordered the gargoyle as follows.
" leave!"
With that intimidating tone affecting the creature the gargoyle left not once trying to kill Batman as Batgirl admitted.
' it's a good thing you consider me an ally'
Batman at that began walking back towards the town as he gestured Batgirl to follow him. On their way there the both of them managed to think of appropriate disguises just in case Scarecrow was somehow watching and anticipating their arrival. As they toured the town Batman noticed a cathedral reminiscent of Notre Dame as he gestured Batgirl to head to that direction, once they were there Batgirl noted.
' that seems appropriate.'
Batman's only reply was.
" stay close to me, Scarecrow most likely booby trapped the place."
Batgirl agreed as she added.
' let's hope he hasn't claimed sanctuary'
up from the deep shadows of the cathedral a mysterious figure smiled under an indistinguishable helmet muttered to himself.
' when I'm done with you, you'd be the ones shouting "sanctuary". '
As the two heroes began searching the cathedral the atmosphere was quiet enough to hear a pin drop and the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. After a while of almost finding nothing Batgirl stated.
' for all we know he may not be here'
at that Batman corrected.
" he's been within the shadows the entire time, haven't you Crane?"
At that echoes of maniacal laughter.
' nothing gets passed you…..'
Batman didn't reply as he prepared himself for a fight but seeing the figure emerging from the shadows, a figure that caused him to admit that he was surprised
' should we tag team him?'
Batman replied as follows.
" not until we know more about him."
Batgirl acknowledged silently saying 'sounds like a plan'. Out of the shadows came a figure dressed in an armored suit, that suit was colored in mostly blacks and grays with a brown paint scheme across the helmet's face plate and md section with dark purple accents on the soles of the feet and knuckles. The helmet itself resembled Batman's cowl only the horns were made to look like the classic depiction of lucifer and the faceplate itself gave away the figure's identity, Scarecrow.
" nice outfit."
At that Scarecrow chuckled audibly.
" this sort of costume isn't really for my taste, but since you keep rejecting my hard work, I have no other choice but to beat you into submission."
knowing Scarecrow won't resort to a one on one fight Batman readied himself for the villain's surprise. Said surprise came when an army of at least fifty of Scarecrow's duplicates materialized from the shadows as they began to surround the heroes.
' any last minute suggestion before we charge in to certain death?'
Batman replied sharply.
" try and avoid making any unnecessary movements if you can."
Batgirl only nodded in approval as the army of Scarecrows began charging them as they unsheathed what could only be described as claymores with which they tried to stab Batman and Batgirl but the pair for now began to hold them off with relative ease.
" we need efficiency now more than ever…. If you have an idea, now's the time to act on it….."
At that Batgirl smirked replying.
' as a matter of fact I've got just the thing.'
With that said and done Batgirl made her way through a few Scarecrow knights as she made it on a higher level in the cathedral addressing all of them, pitting them against each other challenging them on who is the real Scarecrow. Naturally every Scarecrow knight claimed to be the original as Batgirl goaded them on to fight one another for the glory of killing the both of them which caused the enemy army to turn on itself.
' classic'
with that the two heroes waited it out before moving forward finding the real Scarecrow. As the two heroes scoured the cathedral for Scarecrow his disembodied voice rang through the halls.
" I must admit that little sidekick of yours can think on her feet…. Now lets light a fire under the two of you….."
At that very moment a few fires erupted inside the cathedral at random different points as the interior soon became one hellish landscape as Batman said.
" keep focus, he's trying to distract us from catching him."
Batgirl acknowledged as she tried to push forward.
'Sure thing….. lets get him before we get… throat cancer….'
Both Batman and Batgirl eventually got to the highest parts of the cathedral where the fire didn't reach yet or to the older heroe's suspicion never will as he voiced his thoughts.
" we're close to him… keep your guard up."
Batgirl nodded as she voiced her own thoughts.
' you figured the fire never spreading here was a sly invitation too….'
Before the conversation could continue any further both of them took notice of a strange weather pattern happing outside, rain clowds forming, however that wasn't the strange part, the clouds themselves wear forming the current figure of Scarecrow.
' always thought he was full of hot air…. It's nice to get confirmation.'
Batgirl at this point shrugged silently saying 'how can anyone not to?' as she began thinking to herself as the cloud formations grew closer.
' you wouldn't have any tips on fighting the weather? Do you?'
Batman admitted to the following.
" for once I don't."
The following thought came to Batgirl's mind.
' I wonder if hell has frozen over?'
As the two expected the worst to happen within Batman's mind back in the real world Scarecrow kept pumping the hero with both toxins and antidotes to prolong the suffering just as the preparations for the live broadcast were finally checked and completed the villain began going live until.
" say!?, should we tell him or let him figure this stuff on his own?"
At that Night-wing replied while already going through a few of Scarecrow's goons.
" go ahead by all means."
At this Red Arrow smirked.
" the key to great TV is giving the people what they want."
With that Red Arrow pinned a few goons with his arrows as they tried to get in his way.
" take another step and you'll be taking Batman in a body bag."
Scarecrow at that came closer to injecting Batman with a double dose of his strongest toxin to drive the point home.
" drop your weapons and kick them towards me"
Night-wing at that replied.
" sure thing boss"
Night-wing and red Arrow both threw their weapons near Scarecrow just as a few more goons arrived to replace those that were knocked out as the villain said.
" make yourselves at home, you wouldn't want to miss the show"
At that they both smirked while replying.
" neither do we."
At that point both of them swiftly pressed a hidden button on their suits as their weapons emitted a blindingly bright light as they made quick work of the current goons as they made it to the disoriented Scarecrow as they were about to knock him out.
" wait….. at this point I'm the only one who can save the Batman's life….. let me go and I'll spare him."
Night-wing at that punched Scarecrow out cold while avoiding his injectors saying.
" that's what you'd like to think."
Night-wing secured Scarecrow as he contacted both the Flash and Kid Flash while Red Arrow addressed the audience at home.
" tonight's show was cancelled for poor ratings… honestly you're better off reading a book.
As Red Arrow unplugged the equipment Kid flash and Flash made it in record time with Night-wing asking.
" can you move him quick back to the Bat cave or S.T.A.R labs?
Flash answered as follows.
" nope but I can setup a small lab here, got to get a few things, watch Scarecrow closely I doubt he'll stay down from the equivalent of a bitch slap."
With that said and done Kid Flash volunteered to lend him a helping hand while Night-wing already went ahead to take care of Scarecrow, in the process breaking the syringes on the tips of his gloves.
" you've done enough damage with those."
In no time flat both Kid Flash and Flash have set up all the necessary equipment to help out Batman regain his health and consciousness as the older speedster instructed.
" Night-wing, Red arrow, gently lift Batman to the operating table."
Both Titans followed said order as Cyborg and Changeling entered the room offering their help as well, speaking of help.
Back in Bruce's mind Batman had the following thought as he materialized a freeze grenade out of thin air
' knew it… now lets even the playing field further…..'
Batman at this point addressed Batgirl as follows.
" are you tired yet?"
Batgirl smirked replying.
' not even close.'
The storm clouds that covered the area began to hurl lighting and thunder as rain began pouring in, the kind that would leave a city flooded, especially a medieval one as Batman and Batgirl glided down from the cathedral as they began running into it when the older hero began to concentrate, slowly but surely turning the storm into an army of the armored Scarecrows as the main villain remained confused for a bit before charging with his troops into battle.
" next time when you trap someone don't trap him in his own mind…."
With that said and done a fight ensued as Batman landed punch after punch in Scarecrow's armor while all he could do was try and stab Batman who expertly dodged it, blocked the rapier and eventually broke it while said villain's armor began falling off piece by piece. Over on Batgirl's side she took cue from her male counter part, mainly dodging and countering the Scarecrow's clones until they began to rapidly age, die and turn into dust.
" you've failed."
As the last of Scarecrow's armor fell off the villain in question raised the following question.
"have I?"
Batman at this point began to feel the physical pain his body was going through as he maintained his composure and refrain from subcoming to the sensation.
" while you've wasted your time running around in your own little head I've finally managed to break you, the only medicine that will help is one of mine…. But I won't give it to you unless you pry it from my dead cold hands….."
at that batman's only reply was.
" you're right I won't kill you but I will punish you."
Before anything else could happen Batman pulled the pin on the freeze grenade before dropping it as he dodged seconds before it exploded. The explosive force of the freeze grenade wasn't all too strong as the effects were devastating with Scarecrow being caught in it, slowly incasing him in ember like substance as he tried running away leaving him like a modern day statue. with the last of the Scarecrow clone disintegrating Batgirl stared confused at Batman and the now frozen into position Scarecrow as the former clarified.
" he wanted to surround himself with fear, I gave him my brand of fear."
At this point the medieval town and atmosphere completely changed as Batman concentrated on a very specific sort of room, a display stand in a museum only the celling was the top part of the Bat cave.
" goodbye Dr. Crane."
Batman instructed Batgirl to follow him just to make sure she didn't lose her way. Exiting the display stand they found themselves deep in Wayne Manor as an Iron Maiden began closing its doors in the corridor.
'what now?'
Batman at that tried to concentrate but to no avail.
" we try to crack Crane's toxin formula so we could provide a mental state of peace"
Batgirl simply stated.
' just give me the word and I'll help.'
At this point Batman concentrated again as he transported them both into the Bat cave yet again as he booted the Bat computer starting his research. As the two started working Batgirl began to disappear with in every minute passing as the hero gave a reluctant sigh.
" someone out there trying to cure me."
Batgirl sighed along with him.
' yep'
Batman at this point spoke frankly.
" thanks for your help."
Batgirl chose to reply thusly as she began to disappear even faster than before.
' I'll be around if you'll ever need me.'
Batman at this point acknowledged batgirl's words before she disappeared completely while he kept working on finding a cure. Trying to find a cure as Batman still felt the effects of Scarecrow's fear toxins wasn't easy as he tried for a few hours to work through the pain he felt until his body told him he needed a break. As Batman tried to relax a solution presented itself while trying a different approach, closing his eyes and doing breathing exercises, to add to that he decided that if the hallucinations wouldn't stop at least he'll take advantage of them by setting the record straight with the people closest to him in real life, however that wouldn't happen for as soon as his eyes closed the hero felt heavy as a deep sleep settled in.
The next time Batman would wake up he found himself back in the Bat cave's hospital wing with his body heavy and unresponsive as Alfred greeted him with a hidden expression of relief.
" how long was I out?"
Alfred replied as follows.
" for almost two weeks sir."
Batman studied his butler and father figure's expression closely for a few minutes before concluding the following.
" this grogginess I'm feeling doesn't involve anesthetics alone does it?"
Alfred sighed as Batman reassured him that he could speak freely and honestly.
" Scarecrow's toxins have all left your system sir, however the physical toll on your body, well that's another matter altogether."
Batman acknowledged.
" physical therapy I'm guessing will help only by a little."
Alfred confirmed as he replied.
" just barely."
over the next couple of months Bruce/Batman began his physical training as he did his absolute best under the new conditions he was put in to adjust, learning in the process that putting too much stress on his body will likely trigger a heart attack. While exercising on a particularly warm day outside near the manor's tennis court Richard Grayson payed his adoptive father a visit.
" well this is something to get used to, Bruce Wayne indulging himself in a common rich man's hobby."
Bruce/Batman allowed himself a smirk.
" whatever it takes to restore something that was taken from me….. besides it wouldn't be fair of me to deprive you of your life just so because I'm being 'forced' into retirement."
Richard Grayson sighed in bemusement.
" well I wouldn't be much of a son if I let my father destroy himself am I?"
Bruce/batman acknowledged as he asked.
" I'm sensing you're not here for just a social visit are you?"
Richard smirked.
" well I am a social guy but for right now I'm here to be your therapist for about a week since the mayor and Gordon want to honor Batman for saving the city yet again."
Batman/Bruce replied with.
" they know I don't do it for the recognition but…."
At that Richard finished for him.
" it would send a message for a few choice individuals."
Bruce/Batman agreed.
" precisely."
With that Bruce and Richard began their physical therapy with an intense game of tennis which ended in a tie before the latter addressed the former.
" that's a good start….. lets continue with the pool next…."
Bruce/Batman agreed as he gestured Richard to lead the way, as they walked Bruce/Batman thought the following.
' if I've done nothing else at least I can safely say that I taught and trained him well…'
As the two spent most of their free time on physiotherapy the week came and went with the recognition ceremony just the same, in that ceremony though Batman assured the public that Gotham will continued to be protected by him and his family for as long as they're alive.
Within the Bat cave a week after the ceremony.
Batman/Bruce Wayne was in the midst of exercising while keeping a close eye on the security feeds of Arkham Asylum as displayed on the Bat computer while Alfred brought down lunch, as well as doing some maintenance in the cave itself.
" and here I thought that after your latest adventure you'll Batman got out slowly than usual pick a far less dangerous hobby, motoring or speed boating perhaps."
Batman replied as follows.
" I'm well aware that I can't return to being Batman again but I have to make sure the criminal element doesn't catch on to that fact….. besides…."
As Batman finished his current training session he took a few deep breaths before driving the final point home.
" I still have a few promises to keep and missions to fulfill."
Alfred acknowledged.
" well sir try not to overwork yourself if that's possible."
Batman at that promised to do his best as Alfred simply replied.
" frankly that's what I'm afraid of."
With that said and done another three days went by as Bruce Wayne donned the cowl and emblem again as he set the Bat-mobile's auto pilot on the following destination Arkham Asylum. As the Batmobile arrived at it's destination Batman got out slowly than usual minding his body and heart condition as he made his way inside. In the facility itself he was greeted by the staff warmly except for the few that never accepted him for who he was still thinking his place was with the lunatics, that was a problem to deal with for another time though.
Scarecrow's cell, a few minutes later.
The once respected Dr. Jonathan Crane was now muttering to himself trying to figure out an escape plan while restricted in movement by his straight jacket. Scarecrow kept muttering to himself until he noticed a very familiar shadow being cast in his cell as the villain stopped as an eerie smile crept on his face.
" so you survived… are you here to gloat?"
Batman only stared at Scarecrow for a long while making the crazed villain for once nervous before saying the following.
" I'm here to remind you what actual fear feels like."
Batman at that turned away from Scarecrow's cell as the villain spouted obscenities, vowing his revenge for the umpteenth time against the hero as said hero made his way to another cell, This time of one Poison ivy. As the femme fatale of plants noticed him she made her way to him so they would meet face to face as he said.
" I'm here to keep my promise."
With that said and done Ivy gave batman every last detail she could think of as they began a short and to the point conversation. After the conversation ended Batman left the asylum making his way back to the Bat-mobile as the car began driving itself home. Once back in the cave Batman got out of the Batmobile as he removed the cowl as he began feeding the intel he got into the Bat computer as an all too familiar voice spoke.
" does Batman takes actual vacations?"
At that Batman/Bruce smirked.
" not a chance McGinnis."
At that McGinnis smirked back.
" had a feeling you'd say that….. I'll be warming up for our training session."
Batman's only reply was.
" make sure they're thorough."
McGinnis concluded the conversation with a rhetorical question putting a little emphasis on a self confident attitude.
" aren't I always?….."
Stay tuned to chapter 09: A glimmer of hope.
