Unsuspecting Hero (Batjokes)

Chapter 20

(sorry this update took almost a week LMAO. Been busy doing college performance tours, so updates should get back to regular at end of this month)

Jack woke up the next day to Alfred knocking on his door. He sat up begrudgedly, sighing as he got himself dressed and ready for the morning. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time. At least they had a plan, though. He felt ready. Ready enough to take on Harvey.

Jack opened the door to his bedroom, frowning at the look of disturbance on the butlers face. "Alfie?"

"Master Jack, you...you may want to see this" Alfred spoke, leading him to the Batcave. "See what, Al? What's happened?"

"Gordon showed up this morning. He had gotten some...photos and videos sent anonymously. They are of everyone Harvey has kidnapped" Jack felt his stomach fall at those words, subconsciously picking up his speed to the cave. "It came with a note attached to the files" Alfred continued as they walked down the stairs.

"What does the note say?" Jack asked with a heavy heart.

"Maybe it would be best if you read it yourself, Master Jack" Alfred smiled wearily.

Jack practically ran to the computer the moment they reached the Batcave, Barbara and Gordon already waiting for them in front of the monitor. "Jack, you aren't gonna like this" Barbara spoke grimly, but Jack wouldn't let it deter him. 

The files were already open, the note a separate folder. He opened it as he chewed on his bottom lip, reading the text with a growl.

'So, J. Seems you are taking your time contemplating this deal. So I thought I would give some incentive for you to hurry up. Riddler doesn't have much time. The bullet wound on his side has gone infected, and it had forced him into a coma. My medical team reckon he only has 48 hours before he kicks the bucket. My men are growing impatient with not having anything to shove their cocks into. They all want to take turns with Harley, and once Riddler has died, I will let them. Robin isn't doing too well in the electric chair. He suffered a seizure last night. Nightwing's nose is broken, and I'm sure I have fractured a rib or two with my brass knuckles. Batman still won't tell me how to open his cowl. So my men have been pumping him with drugs that will force him so loopy he might willingly give the information away. It hasn't been working well, so we've been developing one that will hopefully do the trick.

In conclusion, my lovely clown, you have 48 hours. I wonder if I will see you? Or will you let the ones you love succumb to the wrath of me? Only time will tell.

-HD'

Jack then flicked through all of the photos and videos with a frown, biting back the tears. The one's of Eddy were especially painful. Looking at them, Harvey seemed to be telling the truth. Edward really did look like he was at deaths door. It left an uncomfortable feeling in his chest, feeling his throat squeeze with the need to breathe. 

"Jack..." Alfred spoke softly, and it was only then that Jack realized he had been staring at the photo of Riddler for far too long. He closed the files and turned away, unable to hold back the growl at the back of his chest reverberating through his whole form. "We need to go forward with this plan. Now!"

"I understand the urgency, Master Jack, but first...we need you to do something else" Alfred spoke, placing a soft palm against Jack's back for comfort. Jack wanted so badly to force himself to relax, but his body wouldn't let him. He forced out a shaky sigh, looking at everyone with a desperate look. "What?"

"Training only gets you so far, Jack" Barbara said, looking at him with sympathy. "You need a real test. To see if you are ready to take on Dent"

"And how is that going to work?" Jack asked with a frown. "Once the police radio goes off, I'm going to command my men to step away from the scene" Jim spoke up, holding out the radio to emphasise his point. "Whatever the scene is, you will go there. Defuse or sort out the situation. If you manage to do so, we won't stop you from putting the plan into motion. But if you fail..."

"If I fail?" Jack asked with a glare, already not liking this proposal.

"Then I will call the justice league to sort out the situation. You won't be part of the mission anymore" Alfred said hesitantly.

Jack felt nothing but rage at those words, stepping away from Alfred with a huff. "What the fuck! This isn't fair, and you all know it isn't! Plus, you said I had to save them!"

"I know, Jack. But that was before one of them was on the brink of death. We need to know you are ready, now. And I have utmost confidence that you will succeed defusing whatever the crime is" The butler smiled slightly.

"You can do it, Jack. We know you can. But you need to feel ready, too" Barbara hummed softly, smiling as she wheeled herself forward. "We all know you can do it. The world needs to know you can do it, too"

Jack frowned, slumping down into the chair behind him with a sigh. "I hate how you all make so much fucking sense"

Alfred laughed, pulling the faintest of smiles onto Jack's face. "You can do it, Jack. For everyone, yes, but most importantly for yourself"

"...yes, yes, okay. I'll do it" Jack huffed, all three turning to Jim as soon as the radio began to crackle to life.

"We have a code silver at Gotham central mall, suspect is armed. Approximately 20 victims. We need back up-"

"This is commissioner Gordon" Jim cut off the person over the radio. "I want all men of the GCPD to stand down. I repeat, all men of the GCPD to stand down"

"But Commissioner-"

"The situation will be handled. Make sure none of my men make it past the car park"

Jack stood, sighing to himself. "You hear that, Jack? Get ready, you are needed. A code silver is-"

"A hostage situation. Yeah, I know" The clown cut the police chief off, nodding softly. "I'll get ready"

"Good luck, Jack" Barbara smiled, giving him a small thumbs up that he returned. 

"Good luck, Master Jack. We will be rooting for you" Alfred smiled, and Jack couldn't help but return it.