A Sore End (Hard Time Sequel)

Nine

Dick had been talking to Bruce when they heard the screeching of the brakes as the car hummed to a stop. 

"They're back early." Bruce announced in surprise. 

Dick snorted "With that type of freedom at their age, I don't know if I ever would have come back!" 

"That's why I didn't give you the choice. The two of them are a little more responsible" Bruce said as they both got up and walked over to the car. 

"Are they still enjoying the car or what?" Dick laughed as he walked to the tinted windows and pulled at the handle. "Come on, unlock it. I gotta hear all about the things Bruce would disapprove of." He smiled but Bruce frowned when the door never opened. 

"Why aren't they out yet?" Bruce asked in suspicion as he typed the keypad in. 

The door swung open to reveal a bloody half conscious Tim, struggling just to breath. Dick's eyes widened in complete shock as Bruce jumped into action. 

"Tim!" Bruce yelled as he reached in and pulled him out. "Alfred get down here!" Bruce barked loudly as he carried Tim to the medical section of the cave. 

He set him down on a gurney and looked over his battered body. 

Tim's eyes opened a little and Dick asked "Tim, what happened?" 

Tim muttered something and Bruce had to lean in to hear. 

"Joker ambush" Tim rasped out before his eyes rolled back and his breathing steadied. 

Bruce's eyes widened and he stepped back. Alfred was there in a second, immediately strapping oxygen to Tim's face. 

"What did he say?" Dick asked. 

Bruce stared in horror at Tim before he glared. "Joker attacked them." 

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I was a reckless, unpredictable, moody teenager who had weapons in his hands and a heck of a lot of angst.

Joker was a psychopathic, chronologically ill and deranged, serial killer who had a cane and nothing to lose.

We both had trauma, no doubt but we both dealt with it in different ways. He used his to kill and not care. Mine made my hands shake and my kicks slower and not as skilled. This was a losing battle and fighting like a desperate animal wasn't going to help me win. 

Joker still smiled as he stepped towards me. I held my Spinners up and took a step back. 

"I knew the other birdie but who are you?" He asked. "Tell me, do I know you?" 

When I designed my suit I wanted a mask to look cool but now, I'm just happy Joker can't see the fear in my eyes but my shaking arms was a dead giveaway. Joker saw my arms and his eyes and smile widened simultaneously. 

"Do I scare you?" He asked "There's nothing to be scared of birdie! I'm just a silly Joker. Everyone likes clowns!" 

My heart had started pumping in my head so every little stupid memory can flash through my eyes even faster. 

Gosh! Why am I so petrified of Joker? He wasn't even Batman's strongest enemy! He didn't have powers, he was just some crazy guy with a smile. But that crazy guy singlehandedly ruined my life. 

I was running out of places to back away as it became increasingly obvious I couldn't fight him. Not like this. Not this soon. I was having a hard time just standing as it was. 

"You're quite rude you know" Joker's smile dropped as his voice dropped. "Not answering like this. I think you were never taught discipline!" He laughed, a horrible wheezing sound. "I guess I'll just have to teach you, though I've never been much of a teacher."