The Joke's On You, Bats! [ 𝙱𝚊𝚝𝙹𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚜 ]

You're The Joke

Rain poured down from the skies above, and the gloom rolled in with the fog from the harbor. Surrounding the Statue of Justice, a dense treeline covered the area. At the base of the statue, a cobblestone path circled around. Names of donators carved in a few stones along the path littered the area.

Bound and gagged on his side, Jack glared venomously at the hooded figure pacing before him. Gods, did his blood boil. He chewed at the rag in his mouth, trying to get free with knashing canines. He ended up salivating too much and almost choked.

He then wriggled his wrists until they were raw, nails clawing into the thick ropes to no avail.

He felt so stupid. How could this absolute pleb of a villain capture him? Him?? Of all people, he should've known Batsy didn't come back for him in a quick change of heart. If he were still the Joker, this wouldn't have happened, would it?

Head hanging low, he continued to try escaping and mentally berated himself for letting his guard down so easily. He should've known, even in the Batcave, he wasn't safe. It was a nice thought, but then again, when did any nice thoughts land him in a good situation?

"I'm always shocked at the company Bruce keeps, but to think he'd keep around a rabid mutt like you is appalling." The hooded figure vehemently said, a red shine glinting off their hood.

"You may have them all fooled, but you couldn't fool me. I know what you are, but what I don't get is why are you still here?"

The hooded figure reached for a crow bar, and he tested the sturdiness of it on his palm, making a thuddy sound.

Jack could easily see where this was going, so he shut his eyes and relaxed. Either he was going to die tonight, or he wasn't. It was that simple.

A low rumbling sound echoed through the trees, and headlights flickered against silhouettes of foliage before the Batmobile tore through some shrubs, coming to a halt a few feet away.

Jack squinted at the lights, heart thumping loud in his ears. This was one of those rare times he felt hopeful. He hated it because that's when the fear kicks in.

The familiar outline of Batman came into view, ominous and unreadable.

"Wow, you actually came!" The hooded figure exclaimed, dropping the crow bar.

"I'm surprised. You know how I know you've gotten sloppy?" The figure goaded.

"At this point, I would've already been captured, and the Joker would've been free."

Batman stepped closer menacingly, not giving in to their ramblings.

"Come any closer, and I will kill him!" He yelled, producing a syringe from his pocket. He yanked Jack into a sitting position, poised to strike at the nape of his neck.

Batman paused, analyzing the figure. He took a breath to calm himself before speaking.

"Jason." He started.

"Red Hood." The other said.

"Red Hood," an eye roll,"Why are you doing this?"

There was a pause. The only sound came from the rain pouring down on them. Harsh pitter-patter.

"Haven't you ever thought about what you'd do to the person who wronged you the most? The person who took your parents from you?"

Jack strained his ears to listen. It wasn't very often he found out Batman lore.

Batman couldn't quite say anything. Of course, he's thought of getting revenge, but that was when he'd been in a rather dark place. That was before he found his purpose.