Chapter 4: Betrayal In The Cave
The drive back to the Batcave was a blur. Batman slumped against the seat, his vision swimming, his thoughts a chaotic jumble. Superman kept a watchful eye from above on his partner, his concern growing with every passing mile.
Back in the familiar confines of the Batcave, Batman stumbled out of the car, his legs unsteady. He leaned against the Batcomputer, his head in his hands. He yanked off his cowl, a growl erupting from his chest. The heavy cape crumpling on the cave floor. The world spun around him, the familiar surroundings taking on a sinister, distorted appearance.
Superman, his strength fully returned, rushed to Bruce's side.
"Bruce, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
But Bruce couldn't answer. The Joker's gas, a potent mix of fear toxin and mind-altering chemicals, was taking full effect. He looked up at Clark, his eyes wide with madness.
"You think you are invincible, don't you?" Bruce snarled, his voice a guttural distortion of his usual baritone. The man Clark loved, the man who shared his life, was lost in a swirling vortex of fear and delusion.
"Clark Kent," Bruce snarled, his voice a guttural growl. "I do not need your help, you are a burden to me. You think you are above me, with your powers and abilities." He shoved Clark hard, sending him stumbling back.
Clark staggered, but quickly regained his balance. He held his hands up in a placating gesture. "Bruce, it's me. It's Clark. You're not well."
Bruce lunged, throwing a wild punch. Clark easily dodged it, his movements a blur. Bruce, fueled by the toxin-induced rage, attacked relentlessly. He threw punches, kicks, anything he could to land a blow on Clark. But Clark was too fast, too strong. He effortlessly evaded every attack, his movements fluid and controlled.
"Bruce, stop this!" Clark pleaded, his voice laced with concern. "You're not yourself!"