Reprecussions
WARNING: The following fanfiction has been rated "M" for mature audiences only. This book does/may contain suggested rape, violence, cruel and unusual treatment of people, sexual references, drug use, adult language, and disturbing scenes that may not be suitable to younger viewers.
You have been warned.
The Watchtower
June 18, 02:09 EST
Sam held the ice-pack to his jaw. A few cuts on his face were all that was left of his fight with Batman. He leaned back in his chair, glaring at anyone stupid enough to look at him. Batman was still arguing.
"His actions were brash, stupid, reckless and nearly cost every member of the Team their life!" Batman practically yelled.
The Leaguers slowly looked at Revenge.
"Can't argue with the end result." Sam shrugged.
"That's Vandal Savage who is probably re-building his body right now and Ra's Al Ghul. He could survive anything with his damned Lazarus Pit." Batman said, narrowing his eyes when he reached Ra's.
"Still," Sam shrugged.
"Still nothing." Wonder Woman said. "I agree with Batman. Your actions were brash, and endangered everyone who pursued you along with the lives of everyone in that base."
Sam stood up and bowed. "Right this way to your jail cell, Luthor. We've outfitted it with cushions, purple robes, the best food on the planet—"
"Oh will you shut up?!" Flash exclaimed standing up. "We're heroes. We don't kill."
Sam sighed and sat back down. "For what has to be the millionth time: I. Am Not. A. Hero."
"Then what are you?" Icon asked, speaking for the first time.
"Vi-gi-lante." Sam said, pronouncing each syllable. "I don't suppose I have to show you it in the dictionary."
"I know quite well what you are." Batman said. "Both Superman and I were against you joining the Justice League. You're not for justice, you're out for personal vendetta. You're out for blood."
Several of the Leaguers were shocked.
Superman stood up. "This doesn't require any discussion. Revenge, you're out."
"Who gave you permission—"
"As Leader of the Justice League, I have the permission to do that."
"Wow," Sam said mockingly. "Even the mighty Justice League is turning into a dictatorship."
"Superman, you have no permission to extradite Red Revenge." Martian Manhunter said.
"Did you see what he did, J'onn?!"
"I do not need to know what he did." The martian replied calmly. "He has a right to a vote for extradition just like anyone else. Just like you."
The table was quite for a minute. "Very well," Superman said, sitting down delicately. "All in favor of keeping Red Revenge in the Justice League?"
No one raised their hands.
"All in favor of booting Revenge?" Batman asked.
Everyone raised their hand.
"Very well. Revenge—"
"Leaving."
Revenge stood up and looked at everyone before tossing his ice-pack on the table where it slid across and bumped into the Dark Knight who looked up and glared at the Black Hero. Revenge pulled his mask on and walked into the zeta tubes.
Palo Alto
June 18, 11:08 PMT
The West house was peaceful. Wally was sitting on the couch watching the Late Show with Artemis asleep on his shoulder. She was dressed in a loose fitting dark green tank-top and some close cropped shorts. She looked peaceful with her head on her husband's shoulder, her blonde hair spread out across his chest. He kissed her gently on the forehead and she smiled, moaning softly, cuddling up to him.
A sharp knocking came at the door. Artemis jerked awake from Wally's shoulder and looked up. "I'll get it babe."
The blonde stood up and slid on the robe she had laying over the back of the couch. Artemis walked out of the bedroom and through the living room before opening the door. A man in Bermuda shorts and a hawaiin shirt stood outside the door. A low straw hat hid his features, but he was deathly pale.
"Hello," Artemis said, somewhat nervously.
"Hello, Miss Grant." The almost sinister voice came.
"This is Miss West." Artemis replied.
A small chuckle. "I'm looking for your brother."
"I don't have a—"
"My visit is due to Mr. Wayne."
"Mr. Wayne?" Artemis asked in sincere surprise.
"Bats?" the man asked.
"Oh, okay." Artemis said, feeling much more relieved. "Sam's in New York enjoying a day with his girlfriend."
"Thank you very much." The voice replied, the man touching the tip of his hat before walking away into the darkness. Artemis started to close the door when she heard a chilling, long, evil laugh. She jerked the door open and looked out. No one.
"Strange." Artemis said, closing the door. She didn't notice the white clown face stuck on the outside of the door like a chilling warning of death.
New York City
June 18, 08:09 EST
Sam groaned and rolled over. He didn't find Holly. Sam slowly sat up, looking around for his girlfriend. This was strange, Holly never got up before him. Sam rolled out of bed and tried to flatten his hair before pulling on a robe and walking into the living room. He was about to start worrying when he heard something in the kitchen.
Holly looked up from her coffee as Sam entered the room. She smiled and nodded before turning back to the television. The two were still extremely sore from the fight last night, but they had managed to suffer through.
"How's my beautiful lady doing this morning?" Sam asked, pouring himself a cup of the bitter drink.
Holly blushed and smiled. "Fine,"
Sam sat down and reached for his newspaper, but Holly's hand caught his. "Sam, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"Me too." Sam said, placing his hand over Holly's. "I'll be right back."
Holly sighed as Sam walked (or ran) out of the room. He came back a moment later in a T-shirt and some loose pajama pants.
"I could probably do this better, but—"
Sam removed his hands from behind his back. Holly saw a small, decorated box and her brain turned to mush. Was he-?
"Holly?" he asked, getting on one knee and opening the box. "Will you marry me?"
Holly was speechless. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, but no sound came out. Sam was giving her his puppy dog eyes and that cute smile, but—but—
"Sam—" she started. "I-I don't know what to say—"
"Say yes." Sam said.
Holly turned, unable to look at him and say what she needed to say. "Sam, I-I can't."
"Why not?" Sam asked, a troubled look coming to his face.
"Because-Because-Damn it! Because you didn't trust me! You put a kill-switch in my suit in case I ever turned on you! You took precautions to take me out easily when you should have trusted me! You say you love me, and yet you compromise and lie and deceive me!"
Sam stood up and kept his hand on the closed box. "That was for right after you joined me. It is sort of hard to trust a former-assassin turned hero."
"And I understand that!" Holly exclaimed, turning around. "But to keep it there for seven years…"
"Holly," Sam said, taking a step forward. "I'm truly sorry. Really."
"Oh, I bet you are!" Holly said, getting angry for some unknown reason. "Your little plaything isn't going by your rules! In case you hadn't figured it out yet, Sam; I'm a human being too! I deserve to be treated on the same level as you. And—And if you really wanted to marry me, you really loved me, you'd treat me higher than that."
Sam just looked at the ground in sorrow. Holly could tell he was sorry, he really was, but she couldn't give in now. She couldn't just say "it's okay" because it wasn't. He didn't trust her. He didn't treat her like he pretended and said he would. He had betrayed her.
"Holly—"
"Go to hell."
And with those last three words, Holly stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.
Sam sighed and almost consecutively, the phone rang. He growled and picked it up.
"Grant Residence."
"Hi, Sam!"
"Barbara, this really isn't a good time." Sam growled again, sitting in his chair.
"What's wrong?" Barbara asked, faking exhaustion.
"Nothing." Sam lied.
"You and Holly aren't—" Barbara asked, a hint of her red-headed devilishness in her voice.
"What? No! Contrary to that, the girl told me to go to hell."
The red-head was quite for a minute. "She what?!"
Sam sighed. "We got in an argument because I installed some software in her suit to stop her if she ever betrayed me when she first turned from the Shadows. I never took it out and somehow she found out. Now she's pissed at me and I bought a diamond ring for nothing."
"A diamond ring? What—oooooohhhhhh….."
Sam sighed. "What did you need, Babs?"
"That's nice, I've got my nick-name back."
"Babs—"
"Look, dad insists I take a night off from 'studying'" Sam understood her: "hero business". "And go to the police ball. Wayne's hosting it and I need a date. Dick's 'out of town' and Tim's a little young so…"
"So you picked me." If it were possible, Sam sunk even further into his chair.
"Yeah, I know it's kinda last minute, considering the ball is tonight, but I refused to give in the argument with dad until now—"
"It's fine, Babs." Sam said. "I'll be there."
"Thanks," Barbara replied. "And please try not to look like a funeral procession."
Gotham City
June 18, 20:00 EST
The valet opened the door and Samuel Grant stepped out of the limo with Barbara Gordon.
Grant was wearing a typical tuxedo. His hair was combed and pasted to his head, he had his charming smile back, and slipped his arm around Barbara's.
Barbara looked absolutely georgous. She was dressed in a sparkling black dress. The back was open in a "V" and the neckline was a few inches from her shoulders. The dress stopped halfway down the lower portion of her leg which the visible section was covered with the long, fancy pattern on her high-heeled boot. Her red hair was slightly curled, but still hung loose behind her. Her blue eyes twinkled with merriment.
Shouts of "Mr. Grant!" and "Over here!" cluttered the two's ears as they made their way through the flashing cameras and up towards the doors. They were welcomed inside with a smile and quickly made their way to where Jim Gordon was standing, talking to Bruce Wayne.
"..yes, we have top security on him—Barbara!" Gordon interrupted what he was saying to Wayne at his daughter's arrival. "I see you actually found a date worthy of your beauty!"
"Dad!" Barbara exclaimed, blushing.
"Nice to meet you again Mr. Gordon." Sam said, shaking the Commissioner's hand. Barbara tried to not look at Bruce's glaring face.
"Again?" the police commissioner asked blankly, shaking the billionaire's hand.
"I was at one of these balls a few years ago." Sam said. "And I was at the Grayson Circus Incident."
"Ah! Ah, yes! I do remember you!" Gordon replied. "So how did Barbara manage to hook you?"
Sam didn't notice Barbara's "No!No!No!" look until after he had responded "We've been friends for some time."
"Ah, aha." Gordon said, turning to his daughter who was trying to smile awkwardly.
"Nice company you keep." Sam said, smiling at Bruce, who smiled back. The glare war continued in the two's eyes.
"Yes, yes, Bruce and I go way back." Jim said, looking at his old friend. "Ah, just a second! Police business." Jim said. "Bruce?"
The billionaire from Gotham followed the police commissioner to some distance. Gordon pulled out his radio and his eyes widened in fear. Bruce was gone almost immediately.
"What was that about?" Sam asked.
"Dunno." Barbara replied in a tone Sam never heard from her unless something was up when she was Batgirl. "Dad never lets anyone see him afraid. Not except me when he just slips."
"Attention! Ladies and Gentlemen!" Gordon said, stepping up to the podium. The microphone screeched. "Looks like the electrician is a democrat!"
Laughs.
"Mr. Wayne had to leave on urgent business, but—"
"Come on!" Barbara said, tugging Sam towards a side exit.
"What?"
"Urgent business means Batman business." Barbara replied.
Sam looked clueless. Barbara sighed.
"Dad knows who Bruce is."
Sam's eyes widened in shock for a second. "But not you?"
"I'm pretty sure he suspects, but not for sure. Now, are you coming or not?"
Batgirl and Revenge landed on the roof.
"I can't believe you brought him." Batman growled, looking through his binoculars as the two heroes walked up behind him.
"Next time, I'll ask you who I can bring to a dance." Barbara replied hotly, walking up next to the Dark Knight. "What's up?"
"Joker escaped from Arkham Asylum thirty minutes ago. At least, that's what we're gathering."
"Gathering?"
"All of the guards are dead. Joker gas."
Barbara looked like she was going to be sick.
"So where did he go?" Revenge asked.
Batman glared at the Black Hero before replying he didn't know.
The police radio hummed. "All units to old Wayne Plastics line. Possible Joker sighting."
Batman and Batgirl fired their grappling hooks and swung off. Revenge flew behind them.
"That's awful quite for a jet-pack." Barbara noted as the trio ran and jumped rooftops, heading into the even nastier part of Gotham.
"I'll send you one for Christmas." Revenge smirked. Other than that comment, he stayed silent until they reached the warehouse. Police were still several blocks behind the heroes.
"Proceed with caution." Batman said, before jumping and crashing through the glass.
"Proceed with caution, he says." Barbara smirked. Sam grinned and held out a hand.
"Ladies first?"
Barbara smirked again before leaping and making a second hole in the glass. Revenge was third.
Sure enough, Joker and his goons were standing by some brewing stands. Joker turned and grinned when he saw Batman.
"Either you don't know how to use a door, or you just like pulling glass out of your shorts. GET 'EM!"
The clown's goons opened fire. The two bats ducked while Revenge ran, tossed daggers, and knocked out the guards as the smoke spread. He walked over and offered Barbara a hand up.
"Try bullet-proof costumes next time." Sam smirked.
Joker's laughs came echoing. Batman and Batgirl, accompanied by Red Revenge, ran into the second room of the warehouse and sure enough, the Clown Prince of Crime was waiting for the three on top of a tank.
The room was filled with airplane parts, Revenge noted, before he rolled behind some crates to avoid the tank's blast. Batgirl leaped from cover, tossed down a smoke-bomb and went for a kick to Joker's head—
-but he wasn't there.
"Well, if it isn't smokey the babe." Joker said. "Just in time to meet her biggest fan!"
Revenge heard a whine. The smoke slowly filtered towards one side of the room as the whine got louder and deeper, and suddenly Revenge remembered the propellers hanging from the ceiling. Sure enough, Joker had one at the opposite end of the room, the blades of the propellers themselves going faster and faster. Barbara struggled, but was sliding towards the engine. She turned and fired a grappling hook, but it flew over her head and into the fan where it was shredded with a large crunching sound.
"Oooh hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" Joker laughed. "Looks like strong winds today folks! All birds and winged creatures best stay home." Joker burst into a fresh batch of laughter as the fan continued to speed up.
Barbara screamed as she flew through the air, grabbing a pole at the last second.
"Batgirl!" Batman yelled.
Revenge was already in action. Firing a grappling hook at his feet, Revenge made sure the line was firmly in the concrete before kicking the crates aside and allowing the fan to suck his body towards Barbara's. he grabbed her, activated his jetpack and managed to stay alongside her. He handed her the grappling hook and pressed a button. The red-haired girl managed to make it back to the crates.
That left Revenge flying nowhere in mid-air.
Joker continued laughing. "What's the matter, Red?" Joker asked. "Don't like all the 'fan'-girls?"
Revenge rolled over so he was lying on his back in mid-air and pulled some daggers from his utility belt. They were immediately sucked into the propeller.
"That's not going to work!" Joker said.
The engine exploded. Joker was tossed across the room, screaming, where he landed on the Dark Knight. Revenge fell to the ground. The police rushed in.
"Thank you, Batman." Gordon said, grabbing the Joker and handcuffing him. "Looks like this menace is going back to Arkham a lot sooner than he thought. Take him away!"
Joker was dragged away, still laughing, by some police officers.
"Jim," Batman said. "There's still several unanswered questions. How did the Joker get his gas into Arkham? There has to be an outside source."
"Harley Quinn?" Batgirl asked.
"No, she's locked up in Belle Reeve." Gordon responded.
"What other criminal wants Joker free?"
"Black Mask did it once." Revenge said.
"Yeah, that Red Hood guy. Dunno what happened to him."
"He's staying quiet." Batman said.
"But Mask only proved no one can control the Joker. No one." Batgirl said. "So why would someone break him out?"
"He has plenty of goons," Gordon said.
"But they are just goons. No strategy, no leader, no function." Batman said.
"They may have just gotten lucky." Revenge replied.
The other two males in the room glared at him.
"Commish!" Bullock called from the other room. "As soon as you're done talking to the costumed freaks, you need to get in here."
"Batman?" Jim asked, gesturing towards the door.
The three heroes and police commissioner walked into the first room. All the goons were tied up in a corner, Bullock was standing next to the brewing stands.
"What is it Bullock?"
"Dunno," the bulkier officer replied, tossing the bag at Batman.
"It's a new form of Meth." Revenge said after rubbing his fingers with the stuff. "Joker could sell this stuff for millions of dollars. He could be as rich as Wayne or Grant in a few purchases. Small purchases."
Batman and Gordon looked at each other. Gordon spoke. "The police will take this and have it sampled. Here's a bag for you. Don't drink it."
Batman pocketed the bag and looked at the goons before looking back at Gordon.
Gordon sighed and lit his cigar. "Five minutes, I'm missing my ball."
Batman nodded and grabbed one of the semi-conscious goons, dragging him upstairs. Gordon stood still, looking at some piece of paper in his pocket while screams came from upstairs. Revenge glanced at Batgirl. Some of the younger cops looked around nervously. Batman came back down and tossed the shivering goon into the corner.
"They broke Joker out of Arkham with Two-Face's help. Apparently he owed Joker."
"I was wondering where Harvey had gone too." Gordon replied, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was picking up too many of Batman's bad habits. "Well, I'm gonna go pick up Barbara and call this a night." Batgirl could've sworn Gordon looked right at her as he said his next words. "Assuming she's still there."
The police drove off.
"We've gotta go, like now." Barbara said, shooting a grappling hook. Revenge followed her.
Gotham City
June 18, 22:09 EST
"I didn't actually think you would still be at the ball." Jim said, sitting down on the couch.
"Why would you think that, dad?" Barbara asked, letting Sam take off her coat and hang it up.
"I dunno." Jim replied, taking off his glasses and cleaning them. "I thought you might've spent the night with your boyfriend—"
"FRIEND!" the two exclaimed at once.
Jim laughed. "I need some coffee." He started to get up, but Barbara put a gentle, but firm hand on his shoulder and made him sit down. "Work on your scrapbook daddy, I'll get the coffee."
Barbara walked into the kitchen and set the coffee pot on while Jim and Sam talked. They sat for a while and the three were almost a family. It put a knawing pain in Sam's heart when he thought about it. Then he thought about Holly.
A sharp rapping on the door interrupted Sam's thoughts. At that same moment, Barbara emerged from the kitchen with a cup of coffee. She handed it to Sam.
"Oh! Dad! I forgot your cup!" she said, almost giving herself a face-palm.
"I'll get it." Sam said.
"And I'll get the door." Barbara grinned. Sam walked into the kitchen and reached for a mug. He heard a glass shatter in the living room, then a single gun-shot. Barbara cried out and fell to the ground, crunching something else. Jim was yelling something. Sam grabbed a knife and ran in. Barbara was on the floor, bloody, clutching her stomach and Joker was kneeling next to her in a hawaaiin shirt and Bermuda pants. The straw hat he wore hid half of his face, but not his wicked grin. Jim was being restrained on the couch, but was waving his pair of scissors wildly.
"Ah! Mr. Grant!" Joker beamed. "So glad you could join us!"
"Why you sick son of a—"
Before Sam could throw his knife, another of the Joker's henchmen pinned him.
"Are you worried about dear Barbara here?" Joker asked, standing up. Sam noticed the shattered remains of the coffee table beneath Barbara. She must've fallen on it.
"Don't worry about the girl. It's a common psychological disorder among ex-librarians." Joker said matter of factly as he walked toward Sam. "She thinks she is a coffee table edition. Can't say much for the quality of the issue. Heh heh. There's a hole in the jacket and the spine appears to be damaged. Hoo Hoo, hee hee, hahahahahahahahaha!"
"You sick murderous son of a bitch!" Sam yelled.
"Ooh. Now that's not nice. Not nice at all."
"Boss, we only planned for the old man and the girl. What do we do with him?"
"Shut up!" Joker snapped. "I'm thinking…"
"Well?" Sam demanded after a moment, completely ignoring his cover.
"Phew. Do you smell something?" Joker asked.
"No," Sam growled.
"Ah! I know what it is…GAS!" Joker turned and sprayed Sam with a paint can. Green fog emerged from the paint can. Sam tried to hold his breath, but he couldn't for long. Joker laughed as Sam collapsed onto the ground, a huge grin on his face, hugging his chest, his unnatural laugh echoing in the room.
"Take the old man home." Joker said.
"What about the boy?"
Joker looked at Sam and kicked him. "Leave him."
The guards dragged Gordon out while Joker bent down next to Barbara, unzipping her dress.
"Why-Why are you doing this?" Barbara asked weakly, tears flowing from her eyes.
"To prove a point." Joker said. He held up a coffee cup. "Here's to crime."
Gotham City
June 19, 00:09 EST
Sam gasped and sat straight up in his hospital bed. His sides hurt. One of the doctors looked at him. "Ah, good. The laughing gas is wearing off."
"Where-is Barbara Gordon?" Sam gasped out.
The doctor came over and pushed Sam down. "You need to rest—"
"WHERE IS SHE?!" Sam demanded, grabbing the doctor's collar tightly with one hand.
"ICU." The doctor replied fearfully, gripping his clipboard tightly.
Sam got out of bed and pulled his hospital gown off, leaving him in his T-shirt and jeans. He made his way very quickly towards ICU. Finding Barbara's room, he quickly walked in. He looked at Barbara and didn't move.
The girl had a look of intense pain on her face. She was covered with wires and tubes, signs indicated she was fine, but Sam walked over and sat down next to her. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly, resting his head on it.
"Barbara, I am so, so sorry."
"It's not your fault."
Sam spun to see Dick Grayson sitting in the shadowy corner of the room. He started to growl, but stopped and looked at Barbara again. "What-What's wrong with her?" he asked.
Dick didn't respond for a moment. "She-She-She's paralyzed Sam, from the waist down."
Sam's eyes widened in horror.
"She's fine other than that, but she's been traumatized and-and her history as Batgirl is over."
Sam just stared at the girl beneath him. Her hair was spread all over the pillow as if it were water.
"The-the doctors say she was found in-in a state of undress." Dick said. Sam spun around.
"Of what?!"
"Joker stripped her. They found a lens cap on the floor and-and-" Dick swallowed hard and looked up, tears flowing down his face. "Sam, they think he took pictures of her."
Sam's hands clenched into fists.
"Where is he?"
No response.
"WHERE IS HE?!"
Dick sat down in his chair quickly. "We don't know. Batman came by earlier, and he's out looking for the Joker and Gordon right now."
"Gordon…" Sam said, remembering Joker's goons dragging the Police Commissioner away.
"They found you almost dead you had been laughing so hard. Joker injected you with his laughing gas. Batman injected a needle into you and apparently stopped the toxin from killing you."
"Where's my suit?" Sam asked after a moment.
"Batman cleared it out of the limo. It's waiting at the Bat-Cave." Dick said.
"Good, stay here with Barbara. I'll be back." Sam said, heading towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Dick asked, standing up.
"To exact my name." Sam said, and was gone.
"His name…" Dick said. His eyes widened in surprise. "Ah,"
Gotham City
June 21, 21:09 EST
Revenge heard the man's bones crack beneath his relentless fist. The man was screaming, yelling for mercy. Revenge refused to give it to him. He reached into his utility belt and grabbed a dagger.
"Wait! Wait! Wait! Please! Please!" the man broke down sobbing.
"I don't have time for cry babies!" Revenge growled, pulling the man so close to his face he could see the blood vessels in his eyes. "I want to know where the Joker is!"
"Alright! Alright!" the man got his sobbing under control. "He's at the Gotham Fair site. It's not due for a few more months but—unh!"
Revenge removed his fist from the unconscious man's stomach and walked off. "Revenge to Batman. Joker is at the Gotham Fair grounds. Meet me there. I'm not waiting."
Gotham Fair Grounds
June 21, 21:17 EST
The Batwing landed at the same time Revenge's bike screeched up with him on it. Revenge parked the bike, threw off his helmet, and ran for the fair grounds.
"Where's Gordon?" Batman demanded.
A scream was heard. Batman ran off while Revenge continued looking around.
It didn't take Batman long to find Gordon. He was naked in a cage with rats prodding at him, taking bites at him. Gordon was weeping, begging for mercy. For a minute, Batman thought he'd gone insane. But slowly, at the sight of the Dark Knight, Gordon stopped crying and managed to gain his composure as Batman broke open the cage.
"Oh thank God." Gordon breathed. "Thank God."
"You're okay now, Jim." Batman said, catching the man.
"He-He showed me pictures of Barbara, Batman. Naked, bloody, helpless at his hands. Then he locked me in here and called me the 'common man'. He said I was him, he had been like this and one bad day—" Jim looked up. "One bad day made him go insane, and it almost made me go mad too."
"But you didn't." Batman said. "Come on, let's get you some clothes."
"What happened to Barbara?" Jim asked. "Is she—"
"She's alive. You can see her yourself soon." Batman said.
"What about the Joker?" Gordon asked. "God, that madman is still here somewhere!"
"Revenge is looking for him."
At that moment a cry rang through the air.
"Correction: Revenge found him."
"Oooo-aaaaaaaahhhhh! That hurt you little devil!" Joker yelled, stumbling backwards clutching the spot between his legs.
Revenge didn't respond. He merely continued punching and kicking Joker, throwing him backwards. Joker yelped as he flew through a wall and crashed into a row of rusty tin cans. Revenge picked up the Clown Prince of Crime and wrung his neck. Joker yelled again and again.
"Batman! Save meeeeeeee…"
"Batman isn't going to save you this time." Revenge growled.
Joker grinned, he was missing some teeth and his body and face were bloody. It wasn't enough.
Revenge threw Joker down on the ground and picked something up.
"What's that?" Joker asked, slightly amused. "Lollipop?"
Revenge turned around, crowbar in hand.
"Not a lollipop." Joker said, flinching as Revenge raised it over his head.
Anyone in the surrounding area could hear Joker's yelps of pain as the Black Hero's full vengeance and rage was let loose on this monster. After about five minutes of this, when Revenge could barely hold his hands over his head to strike again, Joker began to laugh. His body was bent and broken. But still he laughed.
"I-I'm sorry if I'm upsetting you. I just can't help but think of this joke. Lemme tell you, you'll see."
So exhausted he could barely strike Joker again, Revenge had no option but to listen.
"Alright, alright." Joker said. "There are these two guys, see? They live in an asylum. Well one night, they decide they don't like living in the asylum anymore, and they break out. They climb all the way onto the roof." Joker made motions with his hands, slowly standing up. "They can see the lights of the city, shining away in the darkness. Glistening like beacons of freedom. All they have to do is jump an alleyway and they're home free!" Joker laughed slightly, blood oozing from his mouth. "So the first guy jumps over quite easily. But his friend, his friend see, is scared of heights. He's scared he'll fall, and doesn't jump."
"So?" Revenge asked.
"I'm not done! I'm not done!" Joker said, coughing and holding up his hands to indicate Revenge should hush. "Anyway, he doesn't make the jump. So the first man, the one who jumped, says, he says" Joker laughed a little here. "He says "I've got my flashlight. I'll shine it over and you can walk the beam.""
"The second guy, he says "What do you think I am? Crazy?!" Joker was trying desperately not to laugh. "You'd turn it off when I was halfway across!"
Joker burst into a fresh frenzy of laughter. His high-pitch squeals of delight echoed around the grounds. Then, slowly, Revenge laughed. A much deeper, booming, maddening laugh.
"Oh, no." Batman muttered, hearing the two laughs. They continued and then suddenly, Joker's laugh stopped short. Revenge's kept on though for a minute before stopping abruptly as well.
Gordon and Batman looked at each other.
Revenge walked out of the grounds toward Batman and Gordon. He held up a bloody crowbar. "Thought it was ironic." He tossed the weapon to Batman who caught it and watched as the Black Hero drove off into the night without another word.
New York City
June 22, 01:07 EST
Sam sighed and walked into the apartment. He was bloody, sore, and tired. He hadn't slept in days. He walked into the kitchen and was about to open the fridge when his tired eyes caught something on the fridge. It was a piece of paper. Sam pulled it off and read it before crumpling it up, tears squeezing from his closed eye-lids.
New York City International Airport
June 22, 2:09 EST
"Now boarding, Flight 613."
Holly picked up her suitcase and walked toward the terminal. She handed the flight attendant her ticket and walked three steps into the terminal. She turned around and looked back. Sam was trying to get through the crowd to her.
"Forget something, ma'am?" the flight attendant asked.
Holly wanted so desperately to run back to Sam's arms. But she couldn't. She clenched her fists. She wouldn't.
"No, ma'am." She said.
The flight attendant checked her manifest. "Well, you're the only passenger." The woman closed the door behind her. Sam broke through the crowd and ran towards the door. He missed it by a finger's breadth.
"Damn it." Sam muttered, tears flowing freely down his face as he slammed his fist on the door. "Damn it."
DIVIDED WE FALL
Created By: 66Dragons/The_Writer
Written By: 66Dragons/The_Writer
Assistance From: Robin_Love/RobinsLove, BloodyMascara_, SilverWings13
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RedStoryline Courtesy of 66DragonAnimations
Red Revenge Created by 66Dragons/The Writer
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Rebecca Stevens is property of Robin_Love/RobinsLove
Batman, Superman, Ravager, and all associated characters belong to DC Comics.
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Red Revenge, Emerald, and all associated characters are property of 66DragonAnimations 2012
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Red Revenge's story continues in Book V: What Matters? Coming January 5, 2013 to
WARNING: The following fanfiction has been rated "M" for mature audiences only. This book does/may contain suggested rape, violence, cruel and unusual treatment of people, sexual references, drug use, adult language, and disturbing scenes that may not be suitable to younger viewers.
You have been warned.
The Watchtower
June 18, 02:09 EST
Sam held the ice-pack to his jaw. A few cuts on his face were all that was left of his fight with Batman. He leaned back in his chair, glaring at anyone stupid enough to look at him. Batman was still arguing.
"His actions were brash, stupid, reckless and nearly cost every member of the Team their life!" Batman practically yelled.
The Leaguers slowly looked at Revenge.
"Can't argue with the end result." Sam shrugged.
"That's Vandal Savage who is probably re-building his body right now and Ra's Al Ghul. He could survive anything with his damned Lazarus Pit." Batman said, narrowing his eyes when he reached Ra's.
"Still," Sam shrugged.
"Still nothing." Wonder Woman said. "I agree with Batman. Your actions were brash, and endangered everyone who pursued you along with the lives of everyone in that base."
Sam stood up and bowed. "Right this way to your jail cell, Luthor. We've outfitted it with cushions, purple robes, the best food on the planet—"
"Oh will you shut up?!" Flash exclaimed standing up. "We're heroes. We don't kill."
Sam sighed and sat back down. "For what has to be the millionth time: I. Am Not. A. Hero."
"Then what are you?" Icon asked, speaking for the first time.
"Vi-gi-lante." Sam said, pronouncing each syllable. "I don't suppose I have to show you it in the dictionary."
"I know quite well what you are." Batman said. "Both Superman and I were against you joining the Justice League. You're not for justice, you're out for personal vendetta. You're out for blood."
Several of the Leaguers were shocked.
Superman stood up. "This doesn't require any discussion. Revenge, you're out."
"Who gave you permission—"
"As Leader of the Justice League, I have the permission to do that."
"Wow," Sam said mockingly. "Even the mighty Justice League is turning into a dictatorship."
"Superman, you have no permission to extradite Red Revenge." Martian Manhunter said.
"Did you see what he did, J'onn?!"
"I do not need to know what he did." The martian replied calmly. "He has a right to a vote for extradition just like anyone else. Just like you."
The table was quite for a minute. "Very well," Superman said, sitting down delicately. "All in favor of keeping Red Revenge in the Justice League?"
No one raised their hands.
"All in favor of booting Revenge?" Batman asked.
Everyone raised their hand.
"Very well. Revenge—"
"Leaving."
Revenge stood up and looked at everyone before tossing his ice-pack on the table where it slid across and bumped into the Dark Knight who looked up and glared at the Black Hero. Revenge pulled his mask on and walked into the zeta tubes.
Palo Alto
June 18, 11:08 PMT
The West house was peaceful. Wally was sitting on the couch watching the Late Show with Artemis asleep on his shoulder. She was dressed in a loose fitting dark green tank-top and some close cropped shorts. She looked peaceful with her head on her husband's shoulder, her blonde hair spread out across his chest. He kissed her gently on the forehead and she smiled, moaning softly, cuddling up to him.
A sharp knocking came at the door. Artemis jerked awake from Wally's shoulder and looked up. "I'll get it babe."
The blonde stood up and slid on the robe she had laying over the back of the couch. Artemis walked out of the bedroom and through the living room before opening the door. A man in Bermuda shorts and a hawaiin shirt stood outside the door. A low straw hat hid his features, but he was deathly pale.
"Hello," Artemis said, somewhat nervously.
"Hello, Miss Grant." The almost sinister voice came.
"This is Miss West." Artemis replied.
A small chuckle. "I'm looking for your brother."
"I don't have a—"
"My visit is due to Mr. Wayne."
"Mr. Wayne?" Artemis asked in sincere surprise.
"Bats?" the man asked.
"Oh, okay." Artemis said, feeling much more relieved. "Sam's in New York enjoying a day with his girlfriend."
"Thank you very much." The voice replied, the man touching the tip of his hat before walking away into the darkness. Artemis started to close the door when she heard a chilling, long, evil laugh. She jerked the door open and looked out. No one.
"Strange." Artemis said, closing the door. She didn't notice the white clown face stuck on the outside of the door like a chilling warning of death.
New York City
June 18, 08:09 EST
Sam groaned and rolled over. He didn't find Holly. Sam slowly sat up, looking around for his girlfriend. This was strange, Holly never got up before him. Sam rolled out of bed and tried to flatten his hair before pulling on a robe and walking into the living room. He was about to start worrying when he heard something in the kitchen.
Holly looked up from her coffee as Sam entered the room. She smiled and nodded before turning back to the television. The two were still extremely sore from the fight last night, but they had managed to suffer through.
"How's my beautiful lady doing this morning?" Sam asked, pouring himself a cup of the bitter drink.
Holly blushed and smiled. "Fine,"
Sam sat down and reached for his newspaper, but Holly's hand caught his. "Sam, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"Me too." Sam said, placing his hand over Holly's. "I'll be right back."
Holly sighed as Sam walked (or ran) out of the room. He came back a moment later in a T-shirt and some loose pajama pants.
"I could probably do this better, but—"
Sam removed his hands from behind his back. Holly saw a small, decorated box and her brain turned to mush. Was he-?
"Holly?" he asked, getting on one knee and opening the box. "Will you marry me?"
Holly was speechless. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, but no sound came out. Sam was giving her his puppy dog eyes and that cute smile, but—but—
"Sam—" she started. "I-I don't know what to say—"
"Say yes." Sam said.
Holly turned, unable to look at him and say what she needed to say. "Sam, I-I can't."
"Why not?" Sam asked, a troubled look coming to his face.
"Because-Because-Damn it! Because you didn't trust me! You put a kill-switch in my suit in case I ever turned on you! You took precautions to take me out easily when you should have trusted me! You say you love me, and yet you compromise and lie and deceive me!"
Sam stood up and kept his hand on the closed box. "That was for right after you joined me. It is sort of hard to trust a former-assassin turned hero."
"And I understand that!" Holly exclaimed, turning around. "But to keep it there for seven years…"
"Holly," Sam said, taking a step forward. "I'm truly sorry. Really."
"Oh, I bet you are!" Holly said, getting angry for some unknown reason. "Your little plaything isn't going by your rules! In case you hadn't figured it out yet, Sam; I'm a human being too! I deserve to be treated on the same level as you. And—And if you really wanted to marry me, you really loved me, you'd treat me higher than that."
Sam just looked at the ground in sorrow. Holly could tell he was sorry, he really was, but she couldn't give in now. She couldn't just say "it's okay" because it wasn't. He didn't trust her. He didn't treat her like he pretended and said he would. He had betrayed her.
"Holly—"
"Go to hell."
And with those last three words, Holly stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.
Sam sighed and almost consecutively, the phone rang. He growled and picked it up.
"Grant Residence."
"Hi, Sam!"
"Barbara, this really isn't a good time." Sam growled again, sitting in his chair.
"What's wrong?" Barbara asked, faking exhaustion.
"Nothing." Sam lied.
"You and Holly aren't—" Barbara asked, a hint of her red-headed devilishness in her voice.
"What? No! Contrary to that, the girl told me to go to hell."
The red-head was quite for a minute. "She what?!"
Sam sighed. "We got in an argument because I installed some software in her suit to stop her if she ever betrayed me when she first turned from the Shadows. I never took it out and somehow she found out. Now she's pissed at me and I bought a diamond ring for nothing."
"A diamond ring? What—oooooohhhhhh….."
Sam sighed. "What did you need, Babs?"
"That's nice, I've got my nick-name back."
"Babs—"
"Look, dad insists I take a night off from 'studying'" Sam understood her: "hero business". "And go to the police ball. Wayne's hosting it and I need a date. Dick's 'out of town' and Tim's a little young so…"
"So you picked me." If it were possible, Sam sunk even further into his chair.
"Yeah, I know it's kinda last minute, considering the ball is tonight, but I refused to give in the argument with dad until now—"
"It's fine, Babs." Sam said. "I'll be there."
"Thanks," Barbara replied. "And please try not to look like a funeral procession."
Gotham City
June 18, 20:00 EST
The valet opened the door and Samuel Grant stepped out of the limo with Barbara Gordon.
Grant was wearing a typical tuxedo. His hair was combed and pasted to his head, he had his charming smile back, and slipped his arm around Barbara's.
Barbara looked absolutely georgous. She was dressed in a sparkling black dress. The back was open in a "V" and the neckline was a few inches from her shoulders. The dress stopped halfway down the lower portion of her leg which the visible section was covered with the long, fancy pattern on her high-heeled boot. Her red hair was slightly curled, but still hung loose behind her. Her blue eyes twinkled with merriment.
Shouts of "Mr. Grant!" and "Over here!" cluttered the two's ears as they made their way through the flashing cameras and up towards the doors. They were welcomed inside with a smile and quickly made their way to where Jim Gordon was standing, talking to Bruce Wayne.
"..yes, we have top security on him—Barbara!" Gordon interrupted what he was saying to Wayne at his daughter's arrival. "I see you actually found a date worthy of your beauty!"
"Dad!" Barbara exclaimed, blushing.
"Nice to meet you again Mr. Gordon." Sam said, shaking the Commissioner's hand. Barbara tried to not look at Bruce's glaring face.
"Again?" the police commissioner asked blankly, shaking the billionaire's hand.
"I was at one of these balls a few years ago." Sam said. "And I was at the Grayson Circus Incident."
"Ah! Ah, yes! I do remember you!" Gordon replied. "So how did Barbara manage to hook you?"
Sam didn't notice Barbara's "No!No!No!" look until after he had responded "We've been friends for some time."
"Ah, aha." Gordon said, turning to his daughter who was trying to smile awkwardly.
"Nice company you keep." Sam said, smiling at Bruce, who smiled back. The glare war continued in the two's eyes.
"Yes, yes, Bruce and I go way back." Jim said, looking at his old friend. "Ah, just a second! Police business." Jim said. "Bruce?"
The billionaire from Gotham followed the police commissioner to some distance. Gordon pulled out his radio and his eyes widened in fear. Bruce was gone almost immediately.
"What was that about?" Sam asked.
"Dunno." Barbara replied in a tone Sam never heard from her unless something was up when she was Batgirl. "Dad never lets anyone see him afraid. Not except me when he just slips."
"Attention! Ladies and Gentlemen!" Gordon said, stepping up to the podium. The microphone screeched. "Looks like the electrician is a democrat!"
Laughs.
"Mr. Wayne had to leave on urgent business, but—"
"Come on!" Barbara said, tugging Sam towards a side exit.
"What?"
"Urgent business means Batman business." Barbara replied.
Sam looked clueless. Barbara sighed.
"Dad knows who Bruce is."
Sam's eyes widened in shock for a second. "But not you?"
"I'm pretty sure he suspects, but not for sure. Now, are you coming or not?"
Batgirl and Revenge landed on the roof.
"I can't believe you brought him." Batman growled, looking through his binoculars as the two heroes walked up behind him.
"Next time, I'll ask you who I can bring to a dance." Barbara replied hotly, walking up next to the Dark Knight. "What's up?"
"Joker escaped from Arkham Asylum thirty minutes ago. At least, that's what we're gathering."
"Gathering?"
"All of the guards are dead. Joker gas."
Barbara looked like she was going to be sick.
"So where did he go?" Revenge asked.
Batman glared at the Black Hero before replying he didn't know.
The police radio hummed. "All units to old Wayne Plastics line. Possible Joker sighting."
Batman and Batgirl fired their grappling hooks and swung off. Revenge flew behind them.
"That's awful quite for a jet-pack." Barbara noted as the trio ran and jumped rooftops, heading into the even nastier part of Gotham.
"I'll send you one for Christmas." Revenge smirked. Other than that comment, he stayed silent until they reached the warehouse. Police were still several blocks behind the heroes.
"Proceed with caution." Batman said, before jumping and crashing through the glass.
"Proceed with caution, he says." Barbara smirked. Sam grinned and held out a hand.
"Ladies first?"
Barbara smirked again before leaping and making a second hole in the glass. Revenge was third.
Sure enough, Joker and his goons were standing by some brewing stands. Joker turned and grinned when he saw Batman.
"Either you don't know how to use a door, or you just like pulling glass out of your shorts. GET 'EM!"
The clown's goons opened fire. The two bats ducked while Revenge ran, tossed daggers, and knocked out the guards as the smoke spread. He walked over and offered Barbara a hand up.
"Try bullet-proof costumes next time." Sam smirked.
Joker's laughs came echoing. Batman and Batgirl, accompanied by Red Revenge, ran into the second room of the warehouse and sure enough, the Clown Prince of Crime was waiting for the three on top of a tank.
The room was filled with airplane parts, Revenge noted, before he rolled behind some crates to avoid the tank's blast. Batgirl leaped from cover, tossed down a smoke-bomb and went for a kick to Joker's head—
-but he wasn't there.
"Well, if it isn't smokey the babe." Joker said. "Just in time to meet her biggest fan!"
Revenge heard a whine. The smoke slowly filtered towards one side of the room as the whine got louder and deeper, and suddenly Revenge remembered the propellers hanging from the ceiling. Sure enough, Joker had one at the opposite end of the room, the blades of the propellers themselves going faster and faster. Barbara struggled, but was sliding towards the engine. She turned and fired a grappling hook, but it flew over her head and into the fan where it was shredded with a large crunching sound.
"Oooh hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" Joker laughed. "Looks like strong winds today folks! All birds and winged creatures best stay home." Joker burst into a fresh batch of laughter as the fan continued to speed up.
Barbara screamed as she flew through the air, grabbing a pole at the last second.
"Batgirl!" Batman yelled.
Revenge was already in action. Firing a grappling hook at his feet, Revenge made sure the line was firmly in the concrete before kicking the crates aside and allowing the fan to suck his body towards Barbara's. he grabbed her, activated his jetpack and managed to stay alongside her. He handed her the grappling hook and pressed a button. The red-haired girl managed to make it back to the crates.
That left Revenge flying nowhere in mid-air.
Joker continued laughing. "What's the matter, Red?" Joker asked. "Don't like all the 'fan'-girls?"
Revenge rolled over so he was lying on his back in mid-air and pulled some daggers from his utility belt. They were immediately sucked into the propeller.
"That's not going to work!" Joker said.
The engine exploded. Joker was tossed across the room, screaming, where he landed on the Dark Knight. Revenge fell to the ground. The police rushed in.
"Thank you, Batman." Gordon said, grabbing the Joker and handcuffing him. "Looks like this menace is going back to Arkham a lot sooner than he thought. Take him away!"
Joker was dragged away, still laughing, by some police officers.
"Jim," Batman said. "There's still several unanswered questions. How did the Joker get his gas into Arkham? There has to be an outside source."
"Harley Quinn?" Batgirl asked.
"No, she's locked up in Belle Reeve." Gordon responded.
"What other criminal wants Joker free?"
"Black Mask did it once." Revenge said.
"Yeah, that Red Hood guy. Dunno what happened to him."
"He's staying quiet." Batman said.
"But Mask only proved no one can control the Joker. No one." Batgirl said. "So why would someone break him out?"
"He has plenty of goons," Gordon said.
"But they are just goons. No strategy, no leader, no function." Batman said.
"They may have just gotten lucky." Revenge replied.
The other two males in the room glared at him.
"Commish!" Bullock called from the other room. "As soon as you're done talking to the costumed freaks, you need to get in here."
"Batman?" Jim asked, gesturing towards the door.
The three heroes and police commissioner walked into the first room. All the goons were tied up in a corner, Bullock was standing next to the brewing stands.
"What is it Bullock?"
"Dunno," the bulkier officer replied, tossing the bag at Batman.
"It's a new form of Meth." Revenge said after rubbing his fingers with the stuff. "Joker could sell this stuff for millions of dollars. He could be as rich as Wayne or Grant in a few purchases. Small purchases."
Batman and Gordon looked at each other. Gordon spoke. "The police will take this and have it sampled. Here's a bag for you. Don't drink it."
Batman pocketed the bag and looked at the goons before looking back at Gordon.
Gordon sighed and lit his cigar. "Five minutes, I'm missing my ball."
Batman nodded and grabbed one of the semi-conscious goons, dragging him upstairs. Gordon stood still, looking at some piece of paper in his pocket while screams came from upstairs. Revenge glanced at Batgirl. Some of the younger cops looked around nervously. Batman came back down and tossed the shivering goon into the corner.
"They broke Joker out of Arkham with Two-Face's help. Apparently he owed Joker."
"I was wondering where Harvey had gone too." Gordon replied, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was picking up too many of Batman's bad habits. "Well, I'm gonna go pick up Barbara and call this a night." Batgirl could've sworn Gordon looked right at her as he said his next words. "Assuming she's still there."
The police drove off.
"We've gotta go, like now." Barbara said, shooting a grappling hook. Revenge followed her.
Gotham City
June 18, 22:09 EST
"I didn't actually think you would still be at the ball." Jim said, sitting down on the couch.
"Why would you think that, dad?" Barbara asked, letting Sam take off her coat and hang it up.
"I dunno." Jim replied, taking off his glasses and cleaning them. "I thought you might've spent the night with your boyfriend—"
"FRIEND!" the two exclaimed at once.
Jim laughed. "I need some coffee." He started to get up, but Barbara put a gentle, but firm hand on his shoulder and made him sit down. "Work on your scrapbook daddy, I'll get the coffee."
Barbara walked into the kitchen and set the coffee pot on while Jim and Sam talked. They sat for a while and the three were almost a family. It put a knawing pain in Sam's heart when he thought about it. Then he thought about Holly.
A sharp rapping on the door interrupted Sam's thoughts. At that same moment, Barbara emerged from the kitchen with a cup of coffee. She handed it to Sam.
"Oh! Dad! I forgot your cup!" she said, almost giving herself a face-palm.
"I'll get it." Sam said.
"And I'll get the door." Barbara grinned. Sam walked into the kitchen and reached for a mug. He heard a glass shatter in the living room, then a single gun-shot. Barbara cried out and fell to the ground, crunching something else. Jim was yelling something. Sam grabbed a knife and ran in. Barbara was on the floor, bloody, clutching her stomach and Joker was kneeling next to her in a hawaaiin shirt and Bermuda pants. The straw hat he wore hid half of his face, but not his wicked grin. Jim was being restrained on the couch, but was waving his pair of scissors wildly.
"Ah! Mr. Grant!" Joker beamed. "So glad you could join us!"
"Why you sick son of a—"
Before Sam could throw his knife, another of the Joker's henchmen pinned him.
"Are you worried about dear Barbara here?" Joker asked, standing up. Sam noticed the shattered remains of the coffee table beneath Barbara. She must've fallen on it.
"Don't worry about the girl. It's a common psychological disorder among ex-librarians." Joker said matter of factly as he walked toward Sam. "She thinks she is a coffee table edition. Can't say much for the quality of the issue. Heh heh. There's a hole in the jacket and the spine appears to be damaged. Hoo Hoo, hee hee, hahahahahahahahaha!"
"You sick murderous son of a bitch!" Sam yelled.
"Ooh. Now that's not nice. Not nice at all."
"Boss, we only planned for the old man and the girl. What do we do with him?"
"Shut up!" Joker snapped. "I'm thinking…"
"Well?" Sam demanded after a moment, completely ignoring his cover.
"Phew. Do you smell something?" Joker asked.
"No," Sam growled.
"Ah! I know what it is…GAS!" Joker turned and sprayed Sam with a paint can. Green fog emerged from the paint can. Sam tried to hold his breath, but he couldn't for long. Joker laughed as Sam collapsed onto the ground, a huge grin on his face, hugging his chest, his unnatural laugh echoing in the room.
"Take the old man home." Joker said.
"What about the boy?"
Joker looked at Sam and kicked him. "Leave him."
The guards dragged Gordon out while Joker bent down next to Barbara, unzipping her dress.
"Why-Why are you doing this?" Barbara asked weakly, tears flowing from her eyes.
"To prove a point." Joker said. He held up a coffee cup. "Here's to crime."
Gotham City
June 19, 00:09 EST
Sam gasped and sat straight up in his hospital bed. His sides hurt. One of the doctors looked at him. "Ah, good. The laughing gas is wearing off."
"Where-is Barbara Gordon?" Sam gasped out.
The doctor came over and pushed Sam down. "You need to rest—"
"WHERE IS SHE?!" Sam demanded, grabbing the doctor's collar tightly with one hand.
"ICU." The doctor replied fearfully, gripping his clipboard tightly.
Sam got out of bed and pulled his hospital gown off, leaving him in his T-shirt and jeans. He made his way very quickly towards ICU. Finding Barbara's room, he quickly walked in. He looked at Barbara and didn't move.
The girl had a look of intense pain on her face. She was covered with wires and tubes, signs indicated she was fine, but Sam walked over and sat down next to her. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly, resting his head on it.
"Barbara, I am so, so sorry."
"It's not your fault."
Sam spun to see Dick Grayson sitting in the shadowy corner of the room. He started to growl, but stopped and looked at Barbara again. "What-What's wrong with her?" he asked.
Dick didn't respond for a moment. "She-She-She's paralyzed Sam, from the waist down."
Sam's eyes widened in horror.
"She's fine other than that, but she's been traumatized and-and her history as Batgirl is over."
Sam just stared at the girl beneath him. Her hair was spread all over the pillow as if it were water.
"The-the doctors say she was found in-in a state of undress." Dick said. Sam spun around.
"Of what?!"
"Joker stripped her. They found a lens cap on the floor and-and-" Dick swallowed hard and looked up, tears flowing down his face. "Sam, they think he took pictures of her."
Sam's hands clenched into fists.
"Where is he?"
No response.
"WHERE IS HE?!"
Dick sat down in his chair quickly. "We don't know. Batman came by earlier, and he's out looking for the Joker and Gordon right now."
"Gordon…" Sam said, remembering Joker's goons dragging the Police Commissioner away.
"They found you almost dead you had been laughing so hard. Joker injected you with his laughing gas. Batman injected a needle into you and apparently stopped the toxin from killing you."
"Where's my suit?" Sam asked after a moment.
"Batman cleared it out of the limo. It's waiting at the Bat-Cave." Dick said.
"Good, stay here with Barbara. I'll be back." Sam said, heading towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Dick asked, standing up.
"To exact my name." Sam said, and was gone.
"His name…" Dick said. His eyes widened in surprise. "Ah,"
Gotham City
June 21, 21:09 EST
Revenge heard the man's bones crack beneath his relentless fist. The man was screaming, yelling for mercy. Revenge refused to give it to him. He reached into his utility belt and grabbed a dagger.
"Wait! Wait! Wait! Please! Please!" the man broke down sobbing.
"I don't have time for cry babies!" Revenge growled, pulling the man so close to his face he could see the blood vessels in his eyes. "I want to know where the Joker is!"
"Alright! Alright!" the man got his sobbing under control. "He's at the Gotham Fair site. It's not due for a few more months but—unh!"
Revenge removed his fist from the unconscious man's stomach and walked off. "Revenge to Batman. Joker is at the Gotham Fair grounds. Meet me there. I'm not waiting."
Gotham Fair Grounds
June 21, 21:17 EST
The Batwing landed at the same time Revenge's bike screeched up with him on it. Revenge parked the bike, threw off his helmet, and ran for the fair grounds.
"Where's Gordon?" Batman demanded.
A scream was heard. Batman ran off while Revenge continued looking around.
It didn't take Batman long to find Gordon. He was naked in a cage with rats prodding at him, taking bites at him. Gordon was weeping, begging for mercy. For a minute, Batman thought he'd gone insane. But slowly, at the sight of the Dark Knight, Gordon stopped crying and managed to gain his composure as Batman broke open the cage.
"Oh thank God." Gordon breathed. "Thank God."
"You're okay now, Jim." Batman said, catching the man.
"He-He showed me pictures of Barbara, Batman. Naked, bloody, helpless at his hands. Then he locked me in here and called me the 'common man'. He said I was him, he had been like this and one bad day—" Jim looked up. "One bad day made him go insane, and it almost made me go mad too."
"But you didn't." Batman said. "Come on, let's get you some clothes."
"What happened to Barbara?" Jim asked. "Is she—"
"She's alive. You can see her yourself soon." Batman said.
"What about the Joker?" Gordon asked. "God, that madman is still here somewhere!"
"Revenge is looking for him."
At that moment a cry rang through the air.
"Correction: Revenge found him."
"Oooo-aaaaaaaahhhhh! That hurt you little devil!" Joker yelled, stumbling backwards clutching the spot between his legs.
Revenge didn't respond. He merely continued punching and kicking Joker, throwing him backwards. Joker yelped as he flew through a wall and crashed into a row of rusty tin cans. Revenge picked up the Clown Prince of Crime and wrung his neck. Joker yelled again and again.
"Batman! Save meeeeeeee…"
"Batman isn't going to save you this time." Revenge growled.
Joker grinned, he was missing some teeth and his body and face were bloody. It wasn't enough.
Revenge threw Joker down on the ground and picked something up.
"What's that?" Joker asked, slightly amused. "Lollipop?"
Revenge turned around, crowbar in hand.
"Not a lollipop." Joker said, flinching as Revenge raised it over his head.
Anyone in the surrounding area could hear Joker's yelps of pain as the Black Hero's full vengeance and rage was let loose on this monster. After about five minutes of this, when Revenge could barely hold his hands over his head to strike again, Joker began to laugh. His body was bent and broken. But still he laughed.
"I-I'm sorry if I'm upsetting you. I just can't help but think of this joke. Lemme tell you, you'll see."
So exhausted he could barely strike Joker again, Revenge had no option but to listen.
"Alright, alright." Joker said. "There are these two guys, see? They live in an asylum. Well one night, they decide they don't like living in the asylum anymore, and they break out. They climb all the way onto the roof." Joker made motions with his hands, slowly standing up. "They can see the lights of the city, shining away in the darkness. Glistening like beacons of freedom. All they have to do is jump an alleyway and they're home free!" Joker laughed slightly, blood oozing from his mouth. "So the first guy jumps over quite easily. But his friend, his friend see, is scared of heights. He's scared he'll fall, and doesn't jump."
"So?" Revenge asked.
"I'm not done! I'm not done!" Joker said, coughing and holding up his hands to indicate Revenge should hush. "Anyway, he doesn't make the jump. So the first man, the one who jumped, says, he says" Joker laughed a little here. "He says "I've got my flashlight. I'll shine it over and you can walk the beam.""
"The second guy, he says "What do you think I am? Crazy?!" Joker was trying desperately not to laugh. "You'd turn it off when I was halfway across!"
Joker burst into a fresh frenzy of laughter. His high-pitch squeals of delight echoed around the grounds. Then, slowly, Revenge laughed. A much deeper, booming, maddening laugh.
"Oh, no." Batman muttered, hearing the two laughs. They continued and then suddenly, Joker's laugh stopped short. Revenge's kept on though for a minute before stopping abruptly as well.
Gordon and Batman looked at each other.
Revenge walked out of the grounds toward Batman and Gordon. He held up a bloody crowbar. "Thought it was ironic." He tossed the weapon to Batman who caught it and watched as the Black Hero drove off into the night without another word.
New York City
June 22, 01:07 EST
Sam sighed and walked into the apartment. He was bloody, sore, and tired. He hadn't slept in days. He walked into the kitchen and was about to open the fridge when his tired eyes caught something on the fridge. It was a piece of paper. Sam pulled it off and read it before crumpling it up, tears squeezing from his closed eye-lids.
New York City International Airport
June 22, 2:09 EST
"Now boarding, Flight 613."
Holly picked up her suitcase and walked toward the terminal. She handed the flight attendant her ticket and walked three steps into the terminal. She turned around and looked back. Sam was trying to get through the crowd to her.
"Forget something, ma'am?" the flight attendant asked.
Holly wanted so desperately to run back to Sam's arms. But she couldn't. She clenched her fists. She wouldn't.
"No, ma'am." She said.
The flight attendant checked her manifest. "Well, you're the only passenger." The woman closed the door behind her. Sam broke through the crowd and ran towards the door. He missed it by a finger's breadth.
"Damn it." Sam muttered, tears flowing freely down his face as he slammed his fist on the door. "Damn it."
DIVIDED WE FALL
Created By: 66Dragons/The_Writer
Written By: 66Dragons/The_Writer
Assistance From: Robin_Love/RobinsLove, BloodyMascara_, SilverWings13
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RedStoryline Courtesy of 66DragonAnimations
Red Revenge Created by 66Dragons/The Writer
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Rebecca Stevens is property of Robin_Love/RobinsLove
Batman, Superman, Ravager, and all associated characters belong to DC Comics.
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Red Revenge, Emerald, and all associated characters are property of 66DragonAnimations 2012
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Red Revenge's story continues in Book V: What Matters? Coming January 5, 2013 to
Name: Elizabeth Lilith Norrian.
Alias: Silent Fury
Appearance: White hair, amethyst eyes, pale skin. Slender build.
Civvies: Long, white trench coat, jeans, combat boots.
'Stume: White leotard, purple boots, purple cloak.
Powers: Blood bending. Super hearing.
Skills: Pocket-picking.
History: During her family's massacre, she hid her smaller brother, keeping him alive. She later fled, hoping he would survive on his own. Unlike her brother -who grew up in the wild- she grew up in an orphanage. She soon discovered her powers, and escaped at night to start saving lives, and stopping crimes. Soon, she joined the team, hoping to gain approval of her brother once again.
Notes:
~Blind.
~Holds a necklace dear to her.
*Is hiding behind Ciel*
