Be Patient for the Dawn
"It has been four days since Bludhaven's Joker challenged to local vigilante, Nightwing, to unmask himself and turn him in to the police. Since then, six innocent civilians have died including two police officers who were found dead in an abandoned apartment. Citizens have become restless and worried for their own safety. Protests have been staged at various public locations as the people urge Nightwing to finally unmask and stop the senseless killings. Channel 4 news was on location earlier today to hear opinions straight from the people."
"Yea this Nightwing guy or whatever needs to go. We was doing fine in our city then he shows up poking the sleeping bear. Now we got our own Joker? You gotta be kidding me!"
"Noooo he shouldn't go! He's soooo hot. Although, I wouldn't mind peeking under that mask!"
"He's saved my life from a fire. He saved my baby! We should rally around him. He's saved countless people since he's arrived.
"Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration, I think people need to simmer down and think about this for a second here. If he unmasks, people around him are in danger. You're asking a guy like that not only to give up his life, but maybe his family. Does he have a wife? Kids? We don't know."
"Fuck Nightwing! It's all about escalation man. He comes in, takes down the drug trade and what do the mob do? They send in their crazy-ass Joker and step it up. If he doesn't stop Nightwing, then another bigger crazy will show up. And then another. And another. Criminals are drawn to stupid-ass heroes like Nightwing. Look at Gotham. It's a warzone over there. Nightwing has brought that craziness over here."
Leaning back on the Batcave chair, Dick shut off the computer unable to listen to any more opinions of the public. To his right, Alfred had entered and set a tray of sandwiches and tea down.
"Are you alright, Master Dick?"
"I'm stuck, Alfred. I have no idea how to track this guy. There's no pattern! No motive. He's just killing people for the sake of it. Look, first it was this single mom in the back alley of the grocery store. Then it was a random stock trader from that financial firm. Then two amateur basketball players from the local gym. And now, two cops. I can't keep up with him. It's infuriating!"
"Hmm yes, that does make things rather difficult."
"The only lead I have is the latest killing. Officers Richard Taylor and Grayson McCall. First names Richard and Grayson. But then again, I already knew Joker was gunning for me."
"If I may, sir, perhaps you are looking at this case too logically?"
"Come again?"
"While it is true that criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot, some men don't need reason or purpose."
"And how pray tell would a Shakesperean actor know about all this?" Dick asked quizzically.
"Well, you see, when I was a younger man, my friends and I were in Burma. The local government was trying to make peace with the tribal leaders by trading precious stones. Rubies, emeralds, the like. Unfortunately, their caravans kept getting raided by a single man. Our job was to track down this bandit. But in six months we never met anyone who had traded with him. Then, one day, we found a young girl playing with a ruby the size of a tangerine."
"He was just throwing them away?"
"Precisely."
"So then why steal them?"
"Maybe it was for sport. Maybe he wanted to see how long someone would catch him. Who knows. Men like him and probably men like your own Joker aren't looking for anything logical. They can't be bullied or reasoned with. You see, Master Dick, some men just want to watch the world burn…"
"I thought you were just an actor in the Globe Theater?"
"I've played many roles in my life, Master Dick. My life is long and fulfilled. Today, I'm quite satisfied with a quiet home life bringing tea to good people like Master Bruce, Miss Diana, and of course you."
At that moment, an alert appeared on Dick's phone.
"Duty calls I assume?" Alfred asked.
"Yea. Roland Desmond has been elected Bludhaven's DA. He'll have his introductory press conference soon. I gotta go there as a protection duty with the Nine-Nine."
Dick spun around the computer chair and grabbed his coat. As he walked over to his motorcycle, Alfred sent him a concerned look.
"You aren't going to do anything irrational, are you Master Dick?"
"What do you mean, Alfred?"
"I understand your concern with protecting the people of Bludhaven, but I must insist that you stay strong and true to yourself."
Dick picked up his helmet but paused at the bike. He clenched his fist tightly unsure really of what to do next.
"People are dying, Alfred. The more time I waste the more he kills. I'm not Batman. I'm not good enough."
"I'm not asking you to be Batman. You are Nightwing. You are a growing symbol in the city. Good people are coming out of the darkness thanks to your inspiration, sir. The police at the Ninety-Ninth Precinct are for the first time empowered by you. If you go to that press conference and unmask yourself, you will undo everything you have worked so hard to build. Nightwing will no longer be a symbol of hope or a legend criminals fear. He will be just a man. And that is exactly what the mob and possibly even your Joker himself are hoping for. That Nightwing is just a man. They can kill a man, no question. But they cannot kill an ideal, a symbol."
Soaking in all that wisdom, Dick turned to face Alfred with a light smirk. He could only chuckle at the wise old butler. Although Bruce and Dick did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to Batman, Robin, and Nightwing, it was most certainly Alfred who kept them all sane and strong.
"You always know just what to say before we do something stupid, don't you," Dick smiled.
"I bloody well ought to! I drove you and Master Bruce to school dammit."
Alfred walked closer to Dick and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Be strong, Master Dick. I'm quite certain you will catch this culprit and bring young Master Jason home."
At the press room of Bludhaven City Hall, a multitude of reporters, cops, and government officials flooded the room and halls. Not a single seat was empty, and many people were willing to stand up against the walls and listen to the new District Attorney of Bludhaven. The doors opened revealing a tall Roland Desmond strolling in wearing a blue pinstriped suit. Cameras flashed and reporters shouted over each other hoping to get their questions to land on Desmond's ears. As he took the podium, he tapped the microphone a couple times and put his hands up to quiet the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming this afternoon. I, Roland Desmond, am absolutely thankful for your vote of confidence in electing me as the new District Attorney for our fair city of Bludhaven. I am not ignorant to the work that needs to be done to clean up the streets, but I can assure you that I will not back down from such a challenge. My first objective as DA is to apprehend the menace calling himself the Joker. Let me assure you that we are doing everything in our power to track down this man."
"BULLSHIT!" a random citizen yelled out, "YOU GUYS CAN'T CATCH HIM!"
That outburst lit a spark that riled up the crowd. The people grew restless and shouted over each other trying to make their protests heard.
"Things are worse than ever!"
"How can we trust our kids to be safe in school!?"
"Cops are dying man!"
"It's all Nightwing's fault! He never shoulda shown his stupid ass face in this city."
"Please please everyone calm down," Desmond's voice boomed through the microphone, "Let us consider our current situation. The Joker is a terrorist. Should we give in to his demands?"
"Oh so you'd rather protect an outlaw vigilante than the people of your city?" a reporter jeered.
"I'm not saying that," Desmond responded, "Nightwing is indeed a vigilante and possibly even an outlaw. But we should not demand he turn himself in like this. Under fear. He will answer to his crimes, but he will answer to us, the people. Up till now we've been happy to turn a blind eye and let him bring in criminals. The police won't admit it, but Nightwing single-handedly disrupted the HFS trade. Not a single speck of HFS can be found in the streets. He has helped us up to this point and now you want to throw him to the wolf that is the Joker? Shame on you."
"No more dead cops! We want Nightwing!" a police officer in the back yelled out.
"We want Nightwing!"
"We want Nightwing!"
"We want Nightwing!"
"So be it," Desmond crinkled his brow, "Before we move any further, you people should know that things are bad yes. But they will get better. They have to get better. The night is darkest just before the dawn. But alas, I am a public servant. At this moment, if Nightwing is indeed present, I invite him to reveal himself and turn himself in here and now."
Everyone sat (or stood) silently. People looked around to see if anyone would step forward. Dick swallowed some air and wiped some sweat of his forehead. He wasn't entirely sure if he was hot from the suit and tie he was wearing or because his mind was screaming at him not to step forward. He closed his eyes to drown out all the noise and chanting. He thought about what Alfred said, about being a symbol for the people. But he also felt at fault for the people who have died thus far. He needed to take responsibility for failing his newfound home.
"I am Nightwing!"
Dick looked up, shocked. Frantically, he pushed ahead to see who in their right mind would publicly admit that. Finally, he got to the front of the crowd to see a tall blonde police officer approach the stage. As the cop turned to face the crowd, Dick's eyes widened with worry.
"My name is Sergeant Tad Ryerstad and I am the vigilante known as Nightwing."
Quickly, other cops ran up to the stage and handcuffed Tad. Hundreds of flashes from news cameras snapped their shots capturing the image of the man who claimed to be Nightwing. Dick stood by frozen. Completely baffled at the events unfolding. As the police walked Tad out of the room, Dick finally regained his wits and chased after the group. Catching up to his old academy buddy, Dick grabbed Tad by the sleeve and tugged at him to get his attention.
"Tad, what the hell are you doing?!"
"Buying time, Dick."
"Are you insane?!"
"Honestly, I'm kinda questioning that myself. But I can't take it back now. It's out there."
"Yes you can. Take it back right now!"
"What, you know who Nightwing is?"
"Well, no but still. You're putting a target on your back. And for what?"
"Like I said. I'm buying time. If Nightwing gives himself up, we lose our best chance at fighting these crazies. I can't let that happen. You taught me that."
"What?"
"I was an asshole. A bully. My parents did nothing good for me and up until I joined the Police Academy, I did nothing good either. Heck I probably woulda ended up selling drugs for these mob yahoos if I didn't pass the entrance exams. I got no wife and no kids, man. But seeing you do good as a cop. Seeing your drive sparked something in me. If pretty boy Grayson can do good for this world, I sure as hell can. Let me do this, Dick. You said it yourself. I want to do something hands-on and then look at the people I've helped. I want to be able to see and make sure my efforts make a difference. Let me make my mark by buying time for the one man who can beat this clown."
Moved by his speech, Dick let go of Tad's sleeve and watched on as he boarded an armored truck. The caravan of cop cars and armored trucks drove off leaving Dick standing in the dust. His phone vibrated in his pocket. He picked it up and opened it to a screaming voice.
"ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE!?" Zatanna yelled through the speaker.
"Uhhh hi honey," Dick meekly answered.
"Don't you fucking 'hi honey' me! First off, I felt that conflict in your heart. You were a millisecond from walking out on that stage weren't you!?"
"Uhhhh I plead the fifth?"
"UGH! Secondly, are you really going to let Tad take the fall for you like that?!"
"No of course not!"
"Please tell me you convinced him to backtrack."
"Uhhhh."
"RICHARD JOHN GRAYSON!"
"I-I mean he came up with a decent plan."
"Y-your going to use him as bait, aren't you?"
Zatanna could only hear silence as Dick refused to answer. She stomped her feet and slapped her forehead.
"Dick this is a bad bad idea. You are risking the life of an innocent man here. How can you be sure this will work out? Surely you can't be that confident that you'll be able to catch this guy!?"
"Honestly, I don't know. But I have to try. I'm stuck, Zee. I need to do something. I can't track this Joker down by any means. I have to lure him out."
"Dick, I get it. It's been tough. But you can't treat Tad like a pawn in your chess game. You wanted to be a beacon of hope. To do things your way. This is path too risky and dark for you. You're better than this."
"Zee, I don't know what else to do…."
"Sigh look what's done is done. We're just wasting time the more we talk. Go. But for the record, I vehemently disapprove."
"I'm sorry. I love you?"
"I love you, baby. Please be careful."
Zatanna hung up her cellphone and entered her apartment. She placed the groceries on the counter and stretched her arms a little. Dick almost unmasking to the world and his subsequent idiotic plan to lure 'Joker' out had her mind racing with worry. As such, she didn't notice the shadowy figure in the corner as she rubbed the fatigue out of her eyes. At the last second, the goosebumps rose upon her arm forcing her to turn around. But it was too late.
*THWACK*
Night had fallen over Bludhaven. Tad, in handcuffs, willingly sat in the back of the armored truck. With him was a single SWAT officer with a shotgun in hand.
"So, did you catch the game last night?" Tad tried to make small talk.
"Shut up."
"C'mon man. We're gonna be in here for a while. Might as well talk."
"Sigh. Fuck the Patriots."
"Right! I mean c'mon. I get it. Tom Brady is God incarnate but how could the defense give up six touchdowns like that."
"I'm more interested in the shit happening in Jacksonville. Blake fucking Bortles? Somehow, he's got the Jags in the playoffs. Football God's are drunk or something," the officer laughed.
"You're telling me. But hey, Sacksonville is real man. Plus, I really like their running back, Leonard Fournette. Dude won me a few fantasy games."
"Nightwing plays fantasy football. Now I've seen it all."
As the pair chatted away about the NFL season, the convoy had to make a detour to avoid a flaming firetruck in the middle of the highway. The lead car took a left and entered a series of tunnels and underpasses. The helicopters tracking the convoy had to pull up and wait on the other side of the tunnels. Suddenly from behind, a garbage truck sped up and knocked out two trailing squad cars. Increasing its speed, the truck rammed behind the armored truck carrying Tad and the SWAT member. In the blink of an eye, a large eighteen-wheeler truck T-boned the decoy armored truck pushing it off the freeway and into the nearby river. The big rig then straightened itself out and drove right alongside Tad's truck. On the side of the trailer, a big red 'S' was spray painted so that the words spelled out "Slaughter is the Best Medicine". The garbage truck continued tailgating Tad's truck preventing them from being able to stop. To the side, the trailer slid open its door revealing 'Joker' and his men. Raising their guns, they immediately pelted the armored truck with bullets denting the hull. From inside, Tad and the SWAT member flinched back see the bullet dents appear. Annoyed, 'Joker' grabbed a shotgun and continued pelting the truck leaving more and more dents.
"These things are built for that, right?" Tad asked.
"Oh yea. He's gonna need something way bigger to get through this."
Outside, 'Joker' was handed an RPG and aimed for just in front of Tad's truck. Pulling the trigger, he fired a rocket at the lead squad car instantly blowing it up. Reloading, 'Joker' aimed for the second lead car and destroyed it too. Tad and the SWAT officer felt the explosions and could only look at each other in fear. Just as 'Joker' was about to reload the next rocket, a loud roar of an engine caught his ear. Further down the underpass, a single bright light started getting closer and closer. Like a blur, a black and blue motorcycle zipped right past 'Joker' and his trailer. Trying to avoid a collision, Tad's truck driver swerved out of the way. The motorcycle weaved between the armored truck and the garbage truck but not before its rider left a few bombs on the garbage truck's tires. With a click of a button, microexplosions tore threw the tires and flipped the waste truck on its side. Quickly, the motorcycle and its mysterious rider turned around and sped up to catch the remnants of the convoy. 'Joker' could only shrug and smirk.
"That's more like it," 'Joker' commented.
He reloaded another rocket and got set to fire another one at Tad's truck. With great speed, Nightwing caught up to the trucks and spotted 'Joker' taking aim. Without any time to think, Nightwing fired a grapple that wrapped around 'Joker's RPG. Everything happened so fast as 'Joker' pulled the trigger unleashing the rocket. Luckily, Nightwing altered the aim just enough for the armament to miss Tad's truck. Instead, it struck one of the underpass's columns causing the street above to collapse. Nightwing did his best to zig and zag to avoid the debris, but one lucky cinderblock fell in front of him. As his tire struck the rock, his bike flipped and sent him flying as more and more debris fell around him and buried him. Up ahead, the two trucks continued flying down the road. 'Joker' looked back with a slightly confused face.
"Well, that was easy," he shrugged.
The armored truck took a turn and exited the underpass finally getting back into open air. A pair of helicopters immediately located the truck and shined spotlights on it. The drivers looked relieved as they spotted their air support. Unfortunately, they didn't get a chance to relax as multiple clowns upon fire escapes and balconies shot off various cables. In the dark night, the pilots could not spot the traps in time as both copters got tangled in all the cables. The drivers could only stare in horror as both helicopters crashed right in front of them. From behind, 'Joker's big rig was hot on their trail.
Meanwhile, Nightwing shook off all the dust and debris. The light golden shield around him faded as he pushed off a few rocks. Shaking his head free of the last bits of dust he spotted his motorcycle a little ways away fortunately intact and still running. He raised his hand to his chest to wear the Zatara coin rested on its chain.
"Zee's right. One day, this thing won't be enough."
He got up, cracked his neck, and rotated his shoulders a bit before picking up his bike and speeding away.
'Joker' at this point had taken over driving the big rig and was inching closer and closer to the armored truck. Both trucks soon drove past the helicopter debris as the 'Joker' let out a smile. He sat there with his foot on the gas pedal cackling wildly at the scene before him. The armored truck kept trying to get away, but 'Joker was having none of it. Fortunately for Tad, the Aerial Avenger had other plans. An explosion in the alleyway caught 'Joker' off guard as Nightwing burst through and skidded to a halt in front of 'Joker' and his truck.
"Bahahahaha. Now there's a Nightwing!" 'Joker' cackled.
Revving up his engine, Nightwing drove straight towards the big rig. Pressing a button, he fired to cables the hooked into the front of the eighteen-wheeler. With the hooks firmly secured, he drove past the truck causing 'Joker' to look behind befuddled.
"Did he miss?" 'Joker' wondered.
From behind, the cables from the bike extended further and further. Nightwing weaved it around a few lampposts securing the line even more. With a push of a button, he injected nitrous oxide into his engine increasing the bike's horsepower. Now with enough strength, the cables became taught and pulled at the big rig from the front. 'Joker' held his breath as the truck flipped forward into the air. As if in slow motion, the truck did a complete 180-degree flip as it crashed top first into the street. Oddly, Tad's armored truck stopped as one of the drivers got out with a shotgun. At the crash site, 'Joker' crawled out of the cabin and woozily stood up. He tripped and accidentally pulled the trigger on the AK-47 he was holding firing off a few rounds. In the distance, he could see Nightwing sitting on his cycle just waiting. Slicking back his hair, 'Joker' steadied himself and stepped forward.
"COME AT ME BRO! I'M RIGHT HERE!" he yelled firing more rounds into the air.
Nightwing revved his engine again and darted towards the 'Joker'.
"That's it," 'Joker' mumbled to himself, "Come closer little bird. How pissed are you hmm?"
Nighting pressed harder on the gas glaring at the madman before him. 'Joker' had fired off more rounds in his direction but was purposely missing. As he closed the distance between the two, Nightwing felt his frustrations bubble up inside of him. Six innocent people dead. Countless more cops tonight. Then Jason. Was he hurt? Was he dead? Did he say anything to this 'Joker'? Rage boiled inside of Nightwing.
"C'mon I want you to hit me. COME ON!" 'Joker' now yelled out loud.
Screaming, Nightwing shifted his bike to the right completely missing 'Joker'. Riding too fast, Nightwing could only turn the bike to the side and skid along the street. The side of his bike hit a parked car. His head banged against the car and then onto the street. He was knocked out cold as he landed.
"BAhaahahahhha wowee!" 'Joker' laughed, "Y'know, I really thought you were gonna do it. Especially after I kidnapped your colorful bird friend. Hahahah!"
'Joker' approached the unconscious hero and knelt down. Slowly, he reached out to peel off the mask but was met with a strong electric shock. Jumping away and clutching his hand, he continued to laugh out of his mind.
"Bahaahahha of course you have countermeasures ahahahahahah. God you are so fun!"
'Joker's joy was immediately squashed however, as a shotgun was cocked and placed right behind his head.
"Ohhhh c'mon, just a few more minutes!" he whined.
Angered, the officer armed with the shotgun bashed the 'Joker's head with the handle, placed his boot on the clown's chest, and pointed the barrel right into the madman's face. Looking up, 'Joker' could see the tired but irritated face of Jake Peralta staring right back at him.
"We got you now you son of a bitch," Jake growled.
"…..parlay?" 'Joker' sheepishly grinned.
The sound of sirens caused Jake to look up and see half a dozen cop cars arrive at the scene. Officers quickly appeared and pointed their own guns at the beaten 'Joker'. Interestingly, as Jake scanned around the scene, Nightwing and his motorcycle vanished completely.
"Ok seriously!? Him disappearing I get. But how the hell did he sneak off with his bike?!"
Hours later, 'Joker' sat around in the Nine-Nine's interrogation room handcuffed to the table. He sat calmly and occasionally licked his lips. Outside in the evidence room, the detective squad had laid out all personal effects the 'Joker' had on him.
"Damn. We can't pin anything on this guy," Detective Amy Santiago groaned, "No prints. No DNA. No dental records."
"Suit's custom made. Nothing tracible whatsoever," Detective Charles Boyle added.
"Checked all his pockets. A shit ton of knives and lint. Gotta say though, these are some damn good knives," Detective Rosa Diaz commented as she put down another set of knives.
"We've got no name. No other alias. He might as well be a John Doe," Jake crossed his arms looking through the one-way mirror.
A door opened as Captain Holt and Sergeant Terry Jeffords entered the room.
"Detective Peralta," Holt's firmed disciplined tone echoed through the room, "You deliberately misled your fellow officers, snuck onto a SWAT unit, and risked the lives of Sergeant Ryerstad and everyone in the convoy. I cannot by any means condone your behavior. But I have to admit, good job. We finally caught this punk."
"Uhhh thank you, sir."
"Have we gotten him to say anything?"
"No sir. He's been tight lipped. He won't really talk to us. I think he's waiting. Not sure for who or what?"
"He's waiting for us," a dark baritone voice appeared out of nowhere.
Shocked, the Nine-Nine detectives jumped back as Batman and Nightwing stood before them seemingly appearing out of thin air.
"How dare you enter my precinct!" Holt growled at the former dynamic duo, "Detectives, arrest these two men for vigilantism."
Unfortunately, all the detectives stood still completely unsure of what to do.
"Detectives I gave you a direct order!" Holt reiterated.
"But sir, they've been a huge help to us!" Jake retorted, "If we're being honest, we never would've caught Joker without Nightwing's help!"
"You say another word, Peralta, I will personally strip you of your rank and throw you out into the street," Holt fired back.
"Please, Captain," Nightwing interjected, "We're asking for a favor."
"And why should we help either of you?" Holt growled, "All you've done is belittle the fine police work these detectives have done. You disrupt all our investigations with little to no regard for the grueling tireless hours we officers have to spend working our cases. You have relegated us to a baseless clean-up crew. I dare say heroes like yourselves spit on the very shield that is the police department. Why on Earth would I do either of you a favor?"
"This Joker has abducted one of ours. We need to know where he's keeping him," Batman answered bluntly.
Tired, Holt rubbed his forehead.
"Please, sir. We'll do our best to get more out of him like who he's working for and his motives. But rescuing Robin right now is our biggest priority," Nightwing pleaded.
Crossing his arms, Holt finally let the tension out of his body.
"Fine. But for the record I am only agreeing to this because someone's life is at stake," Holt reached out his hand for Nightwing and Batman to shake.
In the interrogation room, the lights dimmed, and Peralta entered taking a seat in front of 'Joker'.
"You guys forget to pay the electric bill or something?" 'Joker' teased.
"Or something," Jake responded.
"So, what do ya wanna know?"
"What's your deal? What's the endgame here?"
"Pft. Do I look like a man with a plan?"
"You've eluded us thus far. You've planned intricate bank robberies where you're the last man standing to rake in all the cash. You've got something in mind."
"Eh. I'm like a dog really. I chase cars but I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it hahaah. The mob has a plan. Oooo the Big Man has a plan indeed. Honestly the cops have a plan too. Really all you people are just schemers. If we're being honest, you could say I'm conducting a test of sorts."
"What kind of test?"
"A test to show how hypocritical you schemers really are. Your attempts to control and manipulate things are pathetic. You see, we live in a society where nobody panics when things go according to the plan whatever it is. Tomorrow I could say that a couple of gangbangers or a truckload of soldiers will be blown up, nobody bats an eye. That's because it's all part of the plan. They're supposed to die. Gangbangers because they're criminals. Soldiers because they're fighting a war. But if I say one random citizen or even pretty boy Dick Grayson needs to die, everyone loses their minds! Speaking of, where is Dickie boy anyway? I thought he worked in this precinct?" Oh well, either way, I'm just here to introduce chaos. We all need some mayhem in our lives haahah. Someone's gotta wake you people up and get you to color outside the lines ahahah."
To Jake's credit, he stared down the clown with a stoic poker face. Somewhat soaking in the words 'Joker' said, Jake stood up and unlocked the cuffs.
"Y'know, if we're gonna play games like this," he stated, "I'm gonna need more coffee."
As Jake turned and walked towards the door, 'Joker' tilted his head playfully.
"Oooo good cop, bad cop routine? You gonna send in that caliente detective with that pouty face?" 'Joker' teased.
"I have a feeling you're gonna wish I sent in Detective Diaz," Jake answered before shutting the door.
For a few moments, 'Joker' lingered around in the darkness. Seconds later, the lights flickered on. Immediately, 'Joker's head was slammed down hard into the table.
"Ohhhh what the fuck man! Never start with the head. The victim gets all woozy," 'Joker's groaned.
In response, Nightwing smashed his fist onto 'Joker's hand.
"Ahhh ok that's a little better," 'Joker' squirmed.
"Long time no see asshole," Nightwing sat down.
"I gotta be honest, kid. Didn't think we'd be meeting the parent so soon. Nice to meet ya, Bats," 'Joker' extended his hand, but no one shook it.
"Where's Robin?" Batman asked.
"Ooo no foreplay? Just right into huh?" 'Joker' rolled his eyes.
"No games, Joker. Where is he?" Nightwing demanded.
"Oh, but you have been playing my games haven't you, Wing-nut? I wanted to see what you'd do. And you didn't disappoint. Six people dead? Phooey I don't think Daddy Bats over here racked up such a kill-count in four days ahhahaa. And then oh ho ho and then you let that guy uh what's his face? Uhhh Tad! HA! You let him take your place. Bro even to me, that's cold."
"Where's Robin, Joker," Batman growled.
"Oh will you hush! I'm trying to have a conversation here! OOF!"
In the blink of an eye, Batman landed a hard right cross on 'Joker's face. The detectives behind the mirror flinched a little before Peralta held them back letting the dynamic duo continue.
"Talk, Joker! You've only dealt with me so far. I'm the nice one," Nightwing warned.
"I can see that," 'Joker' groaned, "But even so, you really take after your old man. I'm betting one of the questions those idiots behind the glass want to know is who hired me. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out really. The mob. Duh! They want you gone so that things can go back to the way things were. Drugs flowing through the streets. Cash flowing into their pockets. It's all so crude and primitive really. But I know the truth. There is no going back. There's only up from here haahah. Right Bats? You started just like little blue bird here. Taking down gangs. Striking fear into this superstitious cowardly lot. Oh ho ho your little boy here has changed things in Bludhaven just like you forever changed Gotham. You should be proud."
"Then why do you wanna kill me?" Nightwing asked.
"Bahahahaha. I don't wanna kill you! I need you! You're so much fun to fuck with!"
"Enough!" Batman raised his voice, "Tell us where Robin is!"
"Or what? What can you guys do? You're not cops. You'll never be one of them. They think you're freaks! I bet they didn't even want you in here. C'mon! Don't be tools like them."
Angered, Batman flipped over the table and grabbed 'Joker' by the throat. With his strength, he picked up 'Joker' clean off his feet. Nightwing letting Batman do his thing, grabbed a chair, and shoved it against the door blockading the detectives from the room.
"Bahaahahah," 'Joker' choked out, "You won't kill me! You and birdy over there are good men. Good men have rules hahahaahaha."
"Good men don't need rules," Batman growled, "Today is not the day to find out why I have so many."
"Stop beating around the bush Joker," Nightwing walked back, "Tell us where Robin is."
"Just Robin?" 'Joker' smirked.
"What do you mean?" Nightwing asked with concern.
"Hehehe gonna be honest. I knew the whole time you weren't Tad. Obviously cuz he's blonde and you're not," 'Joker' whispered softly so only the two heroes could hear, "But also by the way you looked at her at Desmond's gala. Oooo hoo hoo hoo. The anger in your eyes. The way you gritted your teeth when I held a gun to her neck. Does Grayson know you're fucking his girl? BAahahahha. Or maybe…."
That was the last straw for Nightwing. Forget good cop, bad cop. With fury, Nightwing shoved Batman aside and grabbed 'Joker' by the neck and slammed him against the wall. Santiago and Diaz ran up to the door and tried their best to shimmy it open. Peralta stood frozen as he watched his supposed partner slowly lose control.
"Where is she?" Nightwing growled through his teeth.
"Hehehe hit a nerve, did I?"
With a roar, Nightwing threw 'Joker' across the room shocking even Batman as his ferociousness.
"GET THAT DOOR OPEN NOW!" Holt shouted from behind the glass.
"Baahahahah" 'Joker' laughed, "You wouldn't kill me in the streets. Will you kill me now?"
Nightwing grabbed 'Joker' by the hair and smashed his face into the mirror causing a huge crater.
"WHERE ARE THEY!" Nightwing screamed.
"A little role reversal? Or is this now bad cop bad cop hahahaha" 'Joker' laughed.
"WHERE ARE THEY!" Nightwing asked again after punching 'Joker' in the face.
Now concerned, Batman grabbed Nightwing's arm and pulled him behind. He then knelt down to face 'Joker'.
"Nightwing is a good man. You've declared war on him," Batman spoke softly, "Demons run when a good man goes to war…"
"Hehehe role reversal it is," 'Joker' chuckled, "Don't worry though. I'm gonna tell you idiots where the birdy and the magician are exactly. The boy is at 250 Fifty-second Street. She's tied up on Avenue X at Cicero. Best breadsticks in town when they were open hahaha. Look at that. I'm cooking an Italian girl at an Italian restaurant ahahahha."
Finally getting the answer, Batman threw 'Joker' to the ground while Nightwing tossed the chair blockade away and stormed out.
"You going after her?" Batman asked ignoring the baffled detectives they walked past.
"You have to ask?" Nightwing growled.
"Hey!" Holt boomed forcing the two to stop, "….You are going to need backup. I will split the squad between you two. Move at your own speed. We will try to keep up."
Batman and Nightwing nodded in acknowledgement before exiting the precinct.
"You heard what I said!" Holt ordered, "Mobilize immediately. Peralta, Boyle tail Nightwing. Diaz, Santiago, you take Batman. Sergeant Jeffords, prep the SWAT team. Who knows what we will face out there! We need to move fast. Two lives are at stake!"
Groggily, Zatanna opened her eyes. There wasn't a lot of light in this room wherever she was. A pounding headache kept her dizzy and unable to really assess her surroundings. Her wrists stung as she could feel the ropes tying her to the chair. She coughed realizing her throat was dry. There was an uncomfortable constricting feeling around her neck. Rolling her head around a little, she realized that whoever captured her put an inhibitor collar on. Whoever nabbed her knew she had powers.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" a voice called out.
Zatanna looked up and saw a phone with the speakers on. Coughing a little more, she willed her voice to say something.
"Hello? Who's there?" she asked.
"Z-Zatanna? Is that you?"
It took a second since she was till waking up, but Zatanna finally recognized the voice on the phone.
"J-Jason? Oh my God, Jason! Are you alright?"
"Oh man it's good to hear you 'Tanna! Did…did they get you too?"
"Looks like it. I think they have us hooked up to these oil drums," Zatanna stated finally able to look around.
"Yea. Arhhgg," Jason winced in pain.
"Jason? Are you ok?"
"Uhhh sorta. Joker really did a number on me these past few days. Crowbars hurt."
"I-I'm so sorry, Jason. Dick and I did our best to track you down."
"It's ok. I understand. Are you able to magic your way out?"
"No. They put an inhibitor collar on me. I don't even know how they knew I had powers."
"Well shit. I guess we're stuck here."
"Don't think like that, Jason. Use your training. There's gotta be something that can get you out."
"My belt's gone and I'm mostly sure my arm is broken. I'm stuck 'Tanna."
"Ok ok uh maybe I can get this collar off or something."
Struggling hard to loosen the ropes, Zatanna tried to bounce her chair up and down. Leaning left and right, she tilted the chair and fell to the floor with a thud.
"'Tanna? You ok? I heard something. Did you fall?"
"I'm ok, Jason. I'm just trying to get out of this chair."
"You can probably relax. We both know he's coming for you."
"Jason, stop! They are coming for both of us. We will both get out of this."
"Yea but you're his priority. You're his girlfriend. I'm just a rando kid who stole his name."
"Jason that's not true and you know it. Four days with that madman has you confused. Dick loves you. Sure, you two started off on the wrong foot, but you can't deny he came around. He loves training you. He was hard on you at times because he cared. He wanted to keep you safe and watch you succeed. You don't know how many times he gushed about you at home when you both worked a case together. You are his brother, Jason. All his life he was the little one. He was the youngest in his family. He was the youngest and smallest on the team. Being with you was one of the rare moments he had someone look up to him. You made him a better person, Jason. Trust me. Dick loved you all the same."
"You really mean that?"
"Jason, my heart is magically bound to his. I know exactly what he's feeling pretty much all the time."
"Thanks. I really needed that."
"Of course. Now chin up! I'm sure he's roped Bruce into saving our skins. It's only a matter of time."
A few silent seconds passed as Zatanna and Jason awaited their saviors. She could hear some slight shifting through the phone as Jason fidgeted in his chair.
"Jason? You there?"
"Uh yea. Getting tired though."
"No no stay with me, Jason. Please please stay awake!"
"Listen, 'Tanna, if I don't make it…"
"Stop it! We will both make it!"
"Zatanna please. I probably shouldn't say this, but we need to keep our hopes up somehow. Look, if he saves you first, you didn't hear this from me."
"Ok. Keep talking to me Jason."
"Zatanna, Dick thinks he's sneaky. But I've seen him fiddle with it when he assumes no one is around."
"Go on."
"I've never really seen it up close. But it's pretty obvious what he's got and what he wants to do."
"What does he have, Jason?"
"'Tanna, he's got this ring and I think he's going to-"
*CLANG*
Zatanna whipped her head around to see who had interrupted Jason. Standing in the doorway, tired and heavily panting stood a hero in a dark suit. Her eyes widened as he strode forward…..with his cape billowing behind him.
"BRUCE!" Zatanna shrieked, "Jason's on the phone! They have him somewhere!"
"Dick's on his way. We need to go NOW!" Bruce ordered.
He stomped his foot on the wooden chair effectively smashing it and undoing the ropes around Zatanna. Not wanting to waste any time, he picked her up and immediately ran for the door.
"Jason! Be strong! Dick is coming for you, ok! He's going to save you! Be strong Jason! You're going to be ok!" Zatanna yelled back.
On the other side of the line, Jason smiled. Tears started to fall down his cheeks. He spat some blood out of his mouth before looking back up at the phone. His eyes glanced over to the bright red countdown clock next to it.
"It's ok, Zatanna. It's ok. Take care of him, ok? He needs you, probably more than he needs me. So, when he finally gets the balls to ask you, please say yes."
With ten seconds left on the clock, Jason closed his eyes and held his breath.
Outside, Dick rode his bike and used some debris as a ramp to fling himself into the air. Jumping off his bike, he flew another few feet before landing right in front of Cicero's just like 'Joker' said. Sadly, he took only one step before an enormous explosion blew up in his face.
*BANG*
The force from the explosion threw Dick into the dumpster behind him. Fire burned brightly as embers and debris fell from the sky. Pushing trash bags off of him, Dick stood up in horror. Quickly, he got up and ran right into the flames praying that he wasn't too late. Smoke swiftly entered his lungs. The heat radiated profusely all around him. More debris fell on top of him further slowing his progress.
"Jason! Jason! God, please let me find him. JASON!"
Digging through all the burning wood and growing clouds of smog, Dick finally found some semblance of a human at the center of the building. His legs grew weaker as he got closer. A reality he didn't want to accept started to settle in. Finally reaching the body, Dick fell to his knees. Tears began falling and staining the charred red tunic. Wiping his face, Dick put on a gas mask and picked up the body. With all his might, he ran towards the nearest exit as the flames enveloped the rest of the building.
On the other side of town, Batman successfully carried Zatanna out just as the building exploded behind them. Using his cape, he shielded the both of them from the flames and falling embers. When it was safe, he lifted up the cape.
"Zatanna, are you alright?" he asked.
Even though they were outside with clean air, Zatanna could not breath. She clutched her heart tightly and writhed in pain. Worried, Bruce leaned away to give her some space but still knelt closely to her.
"Zatanna? Zatanna what's wrong?"
"I-it's Dick. H-he's in so much pain. He's crying. Bruce, I don't think he made it…"
The Next Morning
*WHISTLE WHISTLE WHISTLE*
Zatanna turned off the stove and picked up the kettle. Carefully, she poured the boiling water into blue and pink mugs. In both cups, she gently lifted and stirred the little tea bags. Satisfied with the brewing, she picked up the pink mug and took a sip of tea. Her eyes wandered to the blue mug. Worry began to crinkle her face. She and Dick did not sleep together last night. Bruce had brought her back to the Batcave to recover and receive band-aids from Alfred. Dick came straight back to the Arconia and locked himself in their bedroom. Pocus settled just outside the bedroom door wondering what was wrong with his papa. Picking up the blue mug, Zatanna made her way towards the bedroom. With a quick spell, she unlocked the door and entered. Dick sat with his back facing her. He was hunched over resting his elbows on his knees. Pieces of his armor were strewn about. All he had on was his base layer. Zatanna noticed he hadn't showered based on the soot that still covered his face. She tiptoed towards him and settled next to him on the bed.
"Tea?" she asked.
No response. He didn't even look at her. Defeated, she set the mugs on the end table.
"Baby, come here," she tried to soothe him and pull him into a hug.
To her surprise, he flinched and scooted away.
"Dick?"
"You shouldn't be here."
"What do you mean? This is our home."
"No. No more."
"Dick, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying get away from me," he spat with venom as he stood up and walked towards the window.
"What has gotten into you?!"
"Just go. Get out."
"Richard John-"
"GET OUT, ZATANNA! LEAVE!" he yelled at her.
Zatanna stood as quiet as a mouse. Dick never yelled at her, not like that. She clutched her chest as a stinging pain began to grow in her heart.
"Dick…"
"He almost….he almost killed you."
"I-I know. But I'm here. I'm ok."
"Jason isn't."
Zatanna didn't really have an answer for that. She clasped her hands awkwardly unsure of what to say next.
"He knows who I am," Dick said in almost a whisper.
"Oh. Uh then maybe we can erase his mind or something. Get M'gann to help."
"I was right."
"Huh?"
"I-I made too much of a splash. I put a target on your back. He knows who I am. He knows who you are, Zatanna. It's too dangerous."
"Dick, what are you saying."
"I'm saying…..we're done."
"Dick, please stop this."
"No. We're done. Get out."
"Baby, please, let's talk about this."
"Don't you get it, Zatanna!" Dick turned to face her, "I don't want to be your baby anymore! I don't love you anymore. Get out of my life!"
Zatanna could feel a thousand arrows pierce her heart. Her throat dried up as she looked into his eyes. They weren't the brilliant blue she loved. They had dulled almost to a grey.
"Y-you don't mean that. You're just saying things. You're lashing out," she whimpered.
"Get out. Don't come back. Just leave me alone."
He turned his back to her and looked out the window. Sobbing, Zatanna turned towards the bedroom door. She placed a hand on it before looking back to see him fall to his knees and weep as well. She opened the door and looked out into the living room before looking back at him. In another life, another time, another world, she probably would have walked right out that door and never looked back. But here and now, in this world, in this timeline, she slammed the door shut. In her heart of hearts, she could feel Dick's guilt and sorrow oozing and permeating throughout the room. Taking a deep breath, she wiped her tears and walked towards her sobbing boyfriend with determination. She knelt down and hugged him closely from behind. He didn't react or push her away. He let her hold him tightly. They settled into the floor with her legs wrapping around him.
"Dick, I don't care what you say to me. I'm never leaving you alone."
Seven Years Ago
Robin walked down the hall in the Cave holding a bag of freeze-dried chicken whizzies. The top of the bag was rolled up and clamped by a giant clip.
"Where can I put this without Wally finding it? Hmmm" he wondered aloud.
As he passed by the residential quarters, he could hear light sobbing behind one of the doors. Looking up, he realized it was Zatanna's room. He paused staring blankly at the metal door. She had just lost her father to Fate not too long ago. Although they flirted, he wasn't really sure where they stood. Were they friends? Did they have hard boundaries? Things were a little unclear. But the more he heard her cry, the more compelled he felt to extend a helping hand. So, he knocked.
"Go away!" the voice called out.
Not one to take no for an answer, Robin used his gauntlet to hack the door open. Stepping inside, he noticed that the room was pitch black and the air conditioning was blasting on full. Setting down the bag of chips, he gently walked towards the bed where a sobbing Zatanna was curled up into a ball.
"I thought I told you to go away!" she grumbled.
"Sorry. Bad hearing," he tried to joke.
"Bullshit. Batman taught you super hearing or something."
"Well, I mean you can't really learn super hearing. But I will admit Batman taught me to listen more often."
"Clearly you need a remedial course."
"Sorry sorry! It's just uh I wanted to see how you were doing?"
"Why? Are you gonna take pity on me like the rest of the group?"
"Uh no no! I just um…..Listen, I know it hurts, what you're going through."
"Save it. I'm not going to suffer through more crap like 'I know what you're going through' or 'It will get better with time.' Blah blah. If that's what you're here for then you can fuck off!" she spat back with venom.
"Zee…"
"My name is Zatanna!"
"Uh ok. Look Zatanna, I know it sounds cliché, but I really do understand what you're going through."
"Oh please! Look at you! You are Robin the Boy fucking Wonder. You have Batman to fall back on. Batman who showers you with tech gadgets galore, who probably tells you 'Good job' when you do well in school or I dunno beat the shit out of a criminal, who cooks for you, and who will give you dating advice, or who will ground you when you sneak out by yourself and get in trouble. You have a PARENT! I have no one. You WILL NEVER know how I feel! So please once again, fuck off and leave me alone!"
At that last statement, she glared at him hoping her dagger eyes would scare him off. To her surprise, he stood there taking all of her insults in the chin. Feeling awkward, he rubbed the back of his neck a little.
"Actually, Batman can't cook to save his life. One time he nearly burned his eyebrows off trying to boil an egg," he quietly joked.
Trying to imagine Batman in an apron setting the kitchen on fire brought out the tiniest of smiles on Zatanna's face. Seeing her relax a little, Robin pressed on.
"Batman's not my dad. I had parents before him. But…..they died right in front of me."
"O-oh. I-I'm so sorry, Robin. I uh I shouldn't have said what I-"
Quickly closing the distance between them, Robin climbed onto her bed and pulled her into a hug. Shocked by the suddenness, Zatanna tensed up for a second before relaxing and hugging him back. Resting her face into his neck, she began to sob again. Trying to soothe her, he rubbed her back gently.
"It's ok, Zee. It's ok. I don't care what you say to me. I'm never leaving you alone."
AN: Hey yall! I'm sorry if this feels a tad too rushed. I didn't want to copy the movie scene for scene entirely. I kinda wanted to twist what I can into something Dick would experience while still keeping a decent flow of events. Also yea it's real awkward having a depressing chapter such as this right on Christmas Eve lolol. At any rate, we've got probably one maybe two more chapters in this arc. This Chapter 61 I think might be my last HTBC chapter of 2022 depending on how much schedule works out. Either way I genuinely could not imagine myself getting this far with fanfiction haha. This story is far from done and I hope you all are enjoying the ride so far. Be on the lookout for Chapter 62 soon! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!