Chapter 3: Toxic Shadows
Batman, caught off guard, inhaled a lungful of the gas. He stumbled back, momentarily disoriented. The world swam around him, the garish colors of the funhouse blurring and distorting. He shook his head, trying to clear his vision, but the disorientation only worsened.
Superman, fighting against the debilitating effects of the Kryptonite, tried to rejoin the fight. But his body felt heavy, his powers flickering erratically. He managed to fire a burst of heat vision, melting the radiating, green rock and slamming the lid to the box shut.
Finally, with a surge of adrenaline, Batman managed to pin Joker to the ground. He raised his fist, ready to deliver the final blow, but a wave of dizziness washed over him. He stumbled back, his vision blurring, his thoughts scattering like frightened birds. He looked down at Joker, his face contorted in a grotesque mockery of a smile.
"What's wrong, Bats?" Joker wheezed, his voice hoarse. "Seeing things?"
Batman shook his head, trying to dispel the creeping fear that was clawing at the edges of his mind. He couldn't let the Joker win. He hauled himself to his feet, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. He stumbled towards Superman, who was already recovering from the Kryptonite, his physiology rapidly purging the radiation from his system.
Superman, in a whirlwind, tied up the Joker after a single knock punch.
Batman's voice strained. "We need to go."
Superman helped the disoriented Batman to his feet. "Batman, are you alright?" he asked, with concern lacing his voice.
"Just... dizzy," Batman mumbled, his head pounding. He stepped in front of Superman, who followed him towards the Batmobile. He shook his head and stood straight, his voice strong trying to put on a good face, "I'll drive, meet me at the Cave."