Nightwing and Harley: Revenge of the Joker

Chapter 1: Gotham's New Protector

He was just starting out as the sidekick of Gotham's most feared superhero, the Batman. He was the symbol of vengeance for all and a nightmare for the criminals of Gotham. He took Dick under his wing early and made him the Boy Wonder known as "Robin." They became the protectors of Gotham city and it seemed no criminal was ever too big for them to stop. However, reports of "the smiling man" put fear inside the hearts of the people. The victims were found with a smile carved into their faces and if they were lucky, their family wasn't home. He was known for no one ever leaving the crime scene alive, and anyone who saw him was on borrowed time. One night, a group of college girls were heading out to a party when they were jumped by the smiling man. By the time Batman and Robin got there, three out of the four girls were dead and the smiling man was nowhere to be found. She was the first victim to survive the attack of the smiling man and it just so happened she was the daughter of Gotham's finest police detective Jim Gordon.

Jim arrived at the scene and hugged his daughter while turning to Batman and Robin.

"Thank you!" said Jim.

It wasn't long after that they both saw Barbara again, as she appeared near the Batcave and demanded to join the team. They both had no idea how she had found the hideout but it impressed Batman enough to let her join. She had wanted to join the team to help find the smiling man and bring him to justice. Batman, being as busy as he was, left Robin to be the one to train the new recruit. They were both sparring in the Batcave, when Barbara kept trying to strike Dick.

"You know, you're getting a bit better, but keeping your guard up is important here," said Dick.

"You haven't even tried striking me yet, what's the point?" protested Barbara. Dick tried swinging at Barbara and she dodged him perfectly.

"Not bad, you're pretty good at this," said Dick.

"Being the daughter of a police detective is pretty helpful, you can't leave the house without knowing how to defend yourself," said Barbara.

"Does he know about this?" asked Dick.

"No of course not, he would lose his mind. He's been more protective than usual ever since the night with the smiling man," said Barbara as she looked down.

Dick walked up and hugged her.

"Don't worry we are going to catch him," assured Dick.

Barbara kissed him and replied, "I know."

The computer in the Batcave began beeping, causing Dick and Barbara to revert their attention.

Barbara ran up to the computer and started tracking the situation.

"It's a police radio, the smiling man has a location," said Barbara.

"Ok, well, let's wait for Batman and then we can head out to the scene," said Dick.

"There's no time. Besides, you and I can handle this. I think it's time that Batman believes in Robin and Batgirl," said Barbara.

"It's too dangerous," said Dick.

"You and I are the perfect team, we can handle anything," said Barbara.

Dick smiled and they both suited up.

Robin and Batgirl burst into the crime scene and were greeted by some of the smiling man's goons. They took them down one by one with his versatility and her excellent fighting ability. Batgirl had her battarangs and Robin had his staff, they lit up the night by fighting back against the darkness of Gotham. However, a green gas appeared in the air that paralyzed both of them. Through the gas was a shadow of a long grinning smile. The whole thing was a trap and they were the prey. Emerging from the gas was the smiling man, his face was carved with a red line of blood on his face, hair was a sharp green, and his skin was pale white. His eyes stared into Robin's soul as he walked over to Barbara's body. The gas was so overwhelming Robin couldn't come to and without a fight, the smiling man was able to take Barbara away.