The shadow of a lion

Chapter 26: Good friends.

The Joker's POV
Think about all your losses in life. Have you had something you were afraid to lose? Or more specifically have you had someone to lose?

I assume you would probably describe the feeling of loss at first. Because it is either regret, worry, or fear. But we don't even have a fucking clue why do we afraid to lose so much? 

I can tell, it all starts in a person's formative years. We start to discover the world from childhood. So we memorize every single detail from the moment we comprehend the world. We face different life experiences, different people, and different emotions. So much that you feel confused to define each one.

For me, the fear of loss is taught as a kid. And no wonder parents play an essential role in it.

Some experience the fear of losing love in their parents' eyes. You tear yourself because of it. But no one gets the fact as a kid. That person doesn't change. That the person's soul can leave the body but temper doesn't. So it becomes too late to realize you wasted so many years trying to please your parents.

I guess I am lucky to solve this problem. How would you ask? Simply, by eliminating my parents of course. See, how much a genius I am?!

For some people, losing is about their belongings, for some, it is all about money. Sounds so damn greedy.

So if any of that counts, who is the blame for fear? Ourselves again?

From my standpoint, I lost so many things. First was mental stability. I know, I am a psychopath, yet people always consider me crazy.

But let's not forget the fact that the real crazies are disguised under peaceful masks. And we willingly choose to use drugs to match them.

If you ask about the second, I am not sure. It was probably the mercy. Maybe the thing once I had. But got vanished by the time.

The third was probably the looks. I sometimes think of the old, handsome Jack. I still remember the face. He may be boring, but so much better than looking like a clown. And there is no turning back.

And there is a lot of stuff I lost, which I don't even remember now.

It says we don't lose three things in life. Real opportunities, real relationships, and real friends. But it is rather controversial to confirm if it is correct or not.

Opportunities play a big role in life. Of which we proudly take the advantage by using. They don't come to you often. If not, you must be able to build your opportunities. That's why I am the head of Gotham now!

Real relationship? I don't know. It is a tall order for me to describe it. But I recall some cringe stuff from all my Arkham sessions. For example, it is having a reason for living.

Well, all have many reasons. So it is truly a dull impression to link life's purpose to people.

And the next is real friends. Do we have friends at all? Or we are just playing dumb to believe it.

For me, they are big performers. Who plays victims of crimes they committed. And sometimes they make you feel like you are the one who committed it. Backstabbers that pretend they bleed. Yet we always choose to stay blind. Always ready to forgive.

I can tell, I am not exactly so different from others. I have a friend I consider a special kind. Haha, but I must be crazy to call him a friend when every time he tries to beat me up, right?

It is not like I don't suffer from masochism. And I know my dear old friend suffers from the same.

I smile as I glance at the text on my phone. I can talk a lot about my Bat but now I have another friend to meet.
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Batman's POV
I have been following him for a few days seeking to catch him. I haven't taken Batmobile cause it would draw too much attention. And I am aware of how much he is thrilled to see me in a Batmobile.