Batman: Souvenirs

Chapter 3- Reveal

The Door opened and a stream of light was let in. The Boss stepped inside and stared at the Dark Knight that was chained to the wall. His utility belt had been removed and he was helpless. The Boss stared Batman as a low level light began to brighten the room.

Sorry about the dark, Batman. I told them to leave the light on for you, but then againbats like the dark dont they?

As the room finally reached a normal brightness, Batman stared into the eyes of his kidnapper.

Lets see, he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm. Hundreds of deep cuts bared into sight. He pulled a knife from his back pocket. He cut two small lines into his arm.

One for each security guard. Ah heck. Might as well make another one for you.

Victor Zsasz, Batman said.

In the flesh he replied.

I thought you were dead.

You see, disappearing and dying are two different things Batman. After my last disagreement with some powerful people here in Gotham, I took sides with some of my own. It was quite easy actually. Everything from military grade helicopter to weapons and armory were provided to me because everybody wanted the same thingTo take down the BAT. After I applied for the job Its been smooth sailing.

Whos the Prisoner?

Oh thats right. You havent been introduced yet. HeyJohnny come on in.

The Prisoner walked into the room holding a shotgun and wielding an expression of anxiety. He walked up right beside Victor. The similarity started to leak out.

Of courseyour brother.

Thats right Bats. All I need is Johnny Boy to commit a small crime and get himself into the jail. Then do something heinous and to transferred to Arkham and the rest fell into place. You fell right into the trap.

Hey Johnny, do you always do what your brother tells you?

I do when theres half a million dollars at the other end.

Johnny laughed and pushed into Victor in a playful manner. Victor smiled and glared at Batman.

Batman squinted and asked Is that all he is paying you?

Johnny drew his attention back to The Bat. He raised the shotgun into Batmans view.

What do you mean? Half a million is a good chunk of change in Gotham. Especially just getting out of the Jailhouse.

Batman said Victor told me he was making 50 million for taking me down. I cant believe your own brother would cheat you like that.

Johnnys smile began to fade. He looked over to Victor.

Whats he talking about Victor?

Dont listen to him, hes trying to mess with your mind. He does that.

Am I? Think about it Johnny. Your brother is given Military Flight, Military Weaponry, all out Military Ops and not making Millions? 500 thousand is only a fraction of the money hes getting after this. He didnt even have to go to the Gotham Jailhouse.

Hes got a point brother. You are pretty well equipped to take down the bat and I get low balled. I had to sleep in that cold hard mattress for months and then get blood all over my hands. You didnt even come visit me

Victor said Thats because I was laying low. I told you that.

Laying lowor Being Low? Johnny gleamed into the eyes of his brother. I cant believe you were going cheat me out of that money. Maybe youd be better off dead.

Johnny raised the shotgun towards Victor and pulled the trigger. Victor hit the gun with his arms and it fired away from them. Victor removed the knife from his back pocket and jabbed it into Johnnys throat. Blood poured down the blade and into Victors hands. Johnnys fell to his knees and looked up at his brother. Victor just stood there, wide eyed and grinning.

Dont mess with me, Johnny. You just cost yourself 500 thousand. Victor watched his brother fall onto the floor and bleed out. He turned towards Batman, but The Dark Knight was gone.

Ah fuck, he said under his breathe.

Batman stood behind him. He grabbed victor and threw him into the stone wall where he had been held captive. He pulled him back and ran him face first into the stone, multiple times.

Damn, Batman. I dont remember you being so pushy.

Batman spun him around and grabbed him by the collar. He raised Victor into the air.

The door burst open and the henchmen all opened fire at Batman. He spun around and all the bullets buried themselves into the body of Victor Zsasz.

After they seized fire, Batman tossed Victor onto the ground and grabbed a Batarang that had fallen from his Utility Belt when they removed it. He whipped it towards the Henchmen and managed to destroy all their guns. In a sense of panic, they all ran out the door. Their leader was dead and they didnt dare mess with The Bat unarmed.

Batman looked down at the body of Victor Zsasz. Victor laid there, face up, and stared back at him. Victor began to laugh and his eyes widened for the last time. He spoke his final words Im going to lay low for a while.

Victor died at the feet of The Cape Crusader. The sound of sirens grew louder and louder. Gotham PD was closing in.

Batman started to walk out of the room and then he stopped and turned back towards the bodies. He pondered on the significance of the 3rd mark Victor cut into his arm. It wasnt for Batman it was for Johnny.