Batman: Fear Of Loss

Family

The Batcave echoed with the sound of rushing water, the click of keys on a computers, and the flapping of leather wings high above. "It's been two weeks, Bruce. I haven't found anything."
"We have to keep trying, Barbara," Batman said.
Barbara sighed, brushing her red hair out of her eyes. "I... know it's been hard for you, Bruce," she said, rolling towards him. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "It's been hard hard for all of us, but you need to get some rest. You haven't slept-"
"I don't need sleep, Barbara. I'm fine."
"She's right, Bruce," Tim said, stepping out of the elevator. His lips thinned. "We're all worried, Bruce, but you need rest."
"I said that I was fine," Batman assured, though sternly, flashing his fingers across the larger keyboard.
Barbara sighed. "Bruce, ple-"
"Computer," Batman announced, drowning out Barbara's voice, "give me a list of inmates in Arkham Asylum."
"Bruce," Barbara said, "we've already tried that. The only-"
"We're missing something, Barbara. There's something we're not seeing, here. I know it!"
"Analyzing..." the computer said in it's monotone voice. Images of criminals flashed on the massive screen faster than Batman could make out. The computer beeped, showing the entire list of residents. All present. Batman leaned back raising his hand to his chin. He stood, flipping his cape behind him.
Tim sighed, placing his hand on
Barbara's shoulder. "Where are you going?"
"Arkham Asylum," Batman said, pressing a button on his wrist computer. A light flashed on, illuminating the cave in a warm yellow. The Batmobile rose on a lowered platform, sporting it's signature bat symbol and black color. The handrails surrounding the platform lowered and the Batmobile sprang to life. With a flurry of motion, the black panels shifted in two opposite directions, opening the car. "There has to be a glitch in the system - or worse, there's no one alive to change it."
"Just be careful," Barbara said.
     "I will."

     The ride to Arkham Asylum felt as though it was an eternity. What happened to Dick? Was it the Joker? He'd already taken one from Batman, but another? The gruesome possibilities and the fear of losing someone else took over his thoughts, but he couldn't let them control him.
     The Batmobile raced toward the gothic asylum. The appearance alone was unwelcoming, but it was the anticipation, and the insanity that dwelled inside that was really terrifying. The Batmobile came to a halt, opening it's armored shell and allowing Batman to exist. The large stone door opened, and a man stepped out. Long haired, bushy beard, and wrinkles.
"A pleasure to meet you, Batman," he said, smiling and extending his hand. "My name is Doctor Absonus, lead psychologist and overseer of Arkham Asylum."
"I need to see your inmates, Doctor," Batman said, slightly demanding.
Absonus retracted his hand. "Of course."

     Each cell contained a patient, until he came to one - Doctor Jonathan Crane. Batman became enraged, turning to Absonus. He yanked him by his white suit, bringing him to eye level. "Where's Crane?!" Batman yelled.
     "He-he's there!"
     "Then why can't I see him?" Batman yelled, dropping him. Batman opened the plexiglass wall that sealed the room and peered inside. Nothing.
     Batman raced into the courtyard, jumping into the Batmobile. Alfred appeared on a holographic screen in front of him. "Alfred, prep the Batwing for launch."
     "Master Bruce, you need rest. Where are you going at this hour?"
     "I'm going to find my son."