The Equivalents

27. Leads.

Sadly, all of Tony's leads were dead ends. They gained some valuable information about the vehicle the Joker was driving the day of the kidnapping. They didn't know where the van went, that's where all the leads went dead, but they had a description of the van. One of the witnesses even managed to catch a few numbers of the license plate. She didn't get them all, but at least it was something they could use to identify the van when they found it. The only down part was that without a full license plate number, they couldn't run the plate. Although finding the dealership that sold (or had their car stolen) to the Joker doesn't seem like much information that would be useful. Any witnesses and possible associates of the Joker would be valuable to question. Though they didn't have that opportunity, they still had something to go off of.

"So now what?" Dick asked.

"We find this van." Batman stated.

"We don't know where it is, but we do know what it looks like. We have six people that can fly, we can have them spread out and scan New York, starting with queens and working outwards. If that van is still in this state, we'll find it." Tony added. "We can cover even more ground if I send out some of my other suits and do some scans. Get this done faster, get our boys home."

"What should the rest of us do?" Dick asked.

"There's cameras all around the city. Some of us are going to see if they caught anything." Batman said. "The rest are going to respond to a distress signal."

"Ok." Dick nodded.

Bruce, Tony, Natasha, Cassandra, and Clark went to check out some of the security cameras. Everyone else was sent to the distress signal.

And where else would it be besides the heart of New York City?

The signal they had received wasn't very informing on it's own. But they figured that if it was the Joker, Scarecrow, Zemo, Red Skull, Count Vertigo, Black mask, or Green Goblin, they could hopefully get some information on their missing teammates. If it was anyone else, (as long as it wasn't Thanos or someone like that) they wouldn't be a problem.

They arrived on the scene to find what looked like the work of the Joker. There was just one problem, the Joker wasn't there. In the sky was a giant purple balloon. On the back it said 'HAHAHA' in bright green letters. Henchmen lined the streets dressed in purple suits and wearing clown makeup or masks, but the Joker was no where in sight. Not yet at least.

As if on cue, a projection appeared on the balloon. It was the pale face and the red smirk of the Joker.

"Greetings, everyone!" The Joker said on the balloon. "I have a special surprise for all of you!"

The heroes got ready. All were in position to pounce as soon as the fighting started.

"As some of you may know, me and my friends' attack on Queens was a huge success! And I wanted to thank you all for being such good terrified victims. You all played your parts so well." The Joker laughed. "Even drew the attention of a few heroes. The ones who now sit on my trophy shelf."

Dick and Tim cringed. Knowing the Joker better then anyone here, they knew that something that sounded so simple, could really be torture. They were concerned for their brother.

"So! To celebrate such a victory, I have decided to throw a party right here! For all of you. HAHAHAHA!!!" He laughed and laughed and laughed. "So strike up the music! It's gonna be a long night!" He laughed some more and then the projection stopped.

As soon as it stopped, many more balloons started to appear. Normal sized ones, but they were popping up by the hundreds. That couldn't be good.

It wasn't too suspicious, until one of them exploded. Not how a regular balloon would explode, like how a balloon bomb would explode.

People started running and screaming as party music started playing in the background.

"What the hell was that?" Sam asked.

"I'm not sure. Anyone who can fly or can figure out a way to contain the explosion, take care of those balloons. Kate, Roy, and Clint, get the civilians out of here. Everyone else, take out those henchmen." Steve ordered.

Everyone sprang into action and started doing their jobs.

"Do you think that big one is going to explode?" Diana asked.

"I could always shoot it and find out." Both Clint and Oliver said at the same time. "Jinx!"

"Nightwing? Red Robin? You guys know Joker better then us. What do you think?" Steve asked.

"Joker's a showman, but also a trickster. There's a chance it could be a dud, but after what happened in Queens, I think it's real. It has to be the finale." Tim said. "Take the city out with one last bang!"

"I agree. It'll definitely explode, but probably when all the fightings over." Dick nodded.

Steve turned to Wanda. "Wanda? Do you think you could contain it?"

"Depends on the size of the blast. But I should at least be able to hold it for a few seconds." Wanda said.

"Good. You're on the big one." Steve said, punching some clown lackey in the face.

After taking care of all of the smaller balloons, everyone's attention turned to the big one.

"Alright, Wanda. This thing is gonna blow any minute." Clint stated.

"You're not helping." She replied.

Not even three seconds later, the balloon burst into a huge explosion. Wanda contained the most part, but like she said before, she could only hold it for a few seconds. Afterwards, everyone was blasted back as she was. But luckily, it was just the pressure from the balloon bomb, and not the explosions itself. Wanda contained that.

The blast sent everyone backwards. Some farther then others. But everyone jumped back up and met in the middle. All except one person.

Nightwing stood up and saw he had been blasted back onto a dead body. It looked like the Joker had poisoned the man. He was a lackey. The Joker killed one of his own men. It didn't surprise Dick though. The Joker would kill anyone without a thought. Even himself if he wanted to. What really caught Dick's attention was a note taped to the dead man's chest

To whom it may concern. It is I, the humble and merciful Joker. If one of you heroes is reading this, know I am willing to make you an offer. Whether you would like an insect, a little birdie, or whoever the guy with one arm is, I would be willing to trade one of my trophies in exchange for... hmm. I haven't yet decided. HAHAHA!!! If you're interested, keep this note, and I'll keep in touch. HAHAHAH!!!

-Merciful Joker.