Blackgate Prison, a fortress of stone and steel, looms under a gray sky. The cold, oppressive atmosphere matches the mood of the two vigilantes who approach its gates. Jotaro and Red Hood, both silent and focused, are here on a mission. They've faced countless criminals in the city, but today they're after answers from one of Gotham's most ruthless and calculating crime lords—Black Mask.
As they pass through the heavy security, the guards can't help but exchange wary glances. It's not every day that Gotham's most feared vigilantes walk through these halls. The metallic clank of doors and the low murmur of inmates fill the air as Jotaro and Red Hood are escorted to an interrogation room deep within the prison.
Inside the dimly lit room, Black Mask sits at a metal table, shackled at the wrists and ankles. His trademark black skull mask remains firmly in place, a reminder of the fear he once commanded in Gotham's underworld. Despite his current predicament, there's an air of defiance about him, a sense that he still believes he's in control.
The door swings open, and Jotaro and Red Hood step inside. The tension in the room thickens as they take their positions across from Black Mask, who leans back in his chair, his masked face betraying no emotion.
Black Mask (mockingly): "Well, well, look who decided to pay me a visit. I must say, I'm flattered. What brings Gotham's dynamic duo to my humble abode?"
Red Hood's expression hardens beneath his helmet, his patience already wearing thin. He steps forward, his voice dripping with contempt.
Red Hood: "Cut the crap, Sionis. We're not here for small talk. We need information, and you're gonna give it to us."
Black Mask chuckles darkly, the sound hollow and menacing in the cold, sterile room.
Black Mask: "Information? What makes you think I'll tell you anything? You think you can just walk in here and get me to spill my guts?"
Jotaro, who has remained silent up until now, finally speaks, his voice calm but carrying a weight that immediately commands attention.
Jotaro: "You're in no position to bargain. You've lost your empire, your power, everything. All you have left is this prison cell. But if you cooperate, maybe—just maybe—you'll have a future outside these walls."
Black Mask's eyes narrow behind his mask, studying Jotaro carefully. There's something about this man, this stranger, that unsettles him. He's dealt with Batman, the GCPD, and countless others, but Jotaro is different. There's an aura of absolute certainty about him, as if he knows the outcome before the game even starts.
Black Mask: "Well I have you to thank for that, don't I? Who are you anyway?"
Jotaro doesn't flinch, his gaze never leaving Black Mask's.
Jotaro: "Guess I never did introduce myself during our last encounter. My name is Jotaro Kujo. I'm not from this world, but while I'm here, I'm gonna clean up the mess people like you have made. Now, tell us what we want to know."
The room falls silent as the weight of Jotaro's words sinks in. Black Mask considers his options, his mind racing. He's a man used to power, to bending others to his will. But now, shackled and at the mercy of two of Gotham's most dangerous vigilantes, he realizes he might not have much choice.
Black Mask: "Alright, fine. What do you want to know?"
Red Hood, sensing the shift in Black Mask's demeanor, leans in, his voice low and menacing.
Red Hood: "You're gonna tell us about the superweapon you were building for Penguin. We know you've had dealings with him recently, and he's already sung like a bird. So, what's your game?"
Black Mask stiffens at the mention of Penguin confessing. His face briefly contorts into one mirroring frustration, as if he wants to beat the life out of the little squealer with his very hands. Nonetheless, he decides to cooperate.
Black Mask: "It's meant to shut down the whole city. Something like an EMP, but stronger. Even the water lines would stop cold in their tracks. Once activated, we was hoping we could claim this city for ourselves. He gets one half, I get the other. He never did trust me 100% after all. But if that thing goes off, there'll be no one, not even the worthless grid company, to get things back up and running."
Jotaro's eyes narrow as he listens. He knows Joker is dangerous, but hearing the fear in Black Mask's voice confirms just how serious the threat is.
Jotaro: "Where is the weapon?"
Black Mask leans back a little.
Black Mask: "Sorry, but that's out of my jurisdiction. He didn't tell me where he was putting it. So what else you want from me?"
Red Hood clenches his fists, the urge to take down Joker burning in his chest. But he knows they need more than just a location—they need to know what Joker's planning.
Red Hood: "And what about the Joker? How does this tie back to him?"
Black Mask sighs, his voice laced with fear and frustration.
Black Mask: "Now you're pushing your luck kid. No way in hell that nut bar tells us what he's got going on in that cesspool he calls a mind. He got Batman out of the way for us, but from there, it's whatever he wants to do. However, he's likely expecting you to go after him Jason. You can let your new friend tag along if you want. "
Jotaro and Red Hood exchange a glance, understanding the gravity of the situation. They know what they're up against, but now they have the information they need to take the fight to Joker.
Jotaro: "You did the right thing, Sionis. But don't think this changes anything. You're still gonna pay for your crimes."
Black Mask's shoulders slump in resignation, knowing his fate is sealed. As Jotaro and Red Hood turn to leave, he calls out after them, a note of desperation in his voice.
Black Mask: "You take down Joker, and maybe… just maybe… there'll be something left of Gotham to save."
The door to the interrogation room slams shut behind them, the sound echoing through the corridors of Blackgate. Jotaro and Red Hood make their way back through the maze of cells and guards, their minds focused on the task ahead. Joker may be waiting for them, but they're ready for whatever horrors he's prepared.
As they step out into the cold Gotham night, the weight of the upcoming battle hangs heavy in the air. But together, Jotaro and Red Hood know they have the strength to face the chaos that lies ahead. And with Black Mask's intel in hand, they're one step closer to ending the Joker's reign of terror once and for all.