Chapter 96 (edited)

A few days later, the first trial against the Joker began. 

Despite the lack of direct physical evidence, his crimes were obvious to everyone. 

Nearly every TV station in the United States broadcasted the trial live, with international media also covering it. The spectacle had drawn the attention of the entire world. 

As Gotham City's current Chief Justice, Jennifer took this opportunity to make a statement to the global audience. However, she would have preferred not to have such an opportunity, as the magnitude of the trial reflected the pain and destruction Joker had inflicted. 

Before proceedings began, Jennifer led everyone in the courtroom in a three-minute silence to honor the victims. Joker, however, was unfazed. He remained indifferent, his demeanor mocking and cold, further enraging those present. At one point, an enraged spectator shouted for his execution and was promptly expelled by Jennifer, who maintained order despite the tension. 

"Bang, bang, bang," Jennifer struck her gavel to quiet the uproar. "First, let me remind everyone here that Gotham City is a city of progress and enlightenment. Our laws do not permit the death penalty. Hanging people on the gallows belongs to the past." 

She paused and gestured toward Joker with her gavel. "This man is the embodiment of madness and violence. He has harmed countless people, and his actions have personally impacted me and others here, including the late Commissioner. Prosecutor Harvey Dent, Miss Rachel Dawes, and even Commissioner Gordon have all been targeted by his schemes." 

"But we will not be intimidated. Justice will prevail over evil!" Her declaration was met with applause. 

Joker, sitting in chains, ignored the reaction. He nonchalantly picked at his ears, seemingly distracted by something imaginary. His antics only served to inflame the crowd further, but Jennifer refused to be provoked. She nodded to Harvey Dent, who stood ready to begin. 

Harvey, now serving as the prosecutor, vowed to ensure Joker faced the full extent of the law. Given the overwhelming evidence and Joker's own admissions, the trial proceeded smoothly. 

Ultimately, Joker was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for fifty years. The sentence meant no release for at least five decades, no matter his behavior or resources. Even then, the restrictions of house arrest would limit his freedom indefinitely. 

That afternoon, Joker was transferred to Gotham's most secure prison. There had been discussions about sending him to Arkham Asylum, but those plans were postponed, especially after recent repairs on Arkham following the last crisis. 

Before his incarceration, however, one individual requested a private meeting with him. This person was none other than Kara. 

Kara entered Joker's solitary confinement cell not as her alter ego but as herself. 

Joker greeted her with a twisted grin. "You came, my beautiful girl. I knew you would." 

Kara ignored his mocking tone. The cell was barren save for a welded bed, and even the chair she sat on had been brought in specifically for this meeting. The room's emptiness reflected the level of security required for someone as dangerous as Joker. 

Kara crossed her arms and studied him, her face unreadable. Joker, for his part, stared back, his manic grin unwavering. 

"Are you not afraid I've come to kill you?" Kara's voice was calm but edged with steel. "I have countless ways to do it without anyone knowing. And even if they did, they'd applaud." 

Joker laughed without hesitation. "You won't kill me." 

"Confident, are we?" Her eyebrows arched slightly. 

"Of course." He leaned forward, his smile widening. "Because you and I, Kara, we're the same. We're freaks." 

"I'm not a freak," she replied curtly, her expression unchanging. 

Joker only laughed louder. "Do you really think that? Fine, let's say you're right. Even then, you won't kill me, because you know what comes next if I die." 

She tilted her head, her silence urging him to continue. 

"Once I'm gone, it'll be your turn. You think you're different because you wear a symbol of hope? Let me tell you something, darling: you're not justice. You're just convenient. The moment they don't need you, you'll be the one on trial. If all the criminals disappear, they'll start pointing fingers at the so-called heroes." 

Kara didn't respond, but her jaw tightened imperceptibly. 

Joker leaned back, sensing he had struck a chord. "Think about it. What happens when the people realize you've been holding the line for so long that they don't know where the line is anymore? They'll demand answers, reparations, accountability. Even Gordon would come after you if it came to that." 

Kara's gaze remained steady, but Joker's words echoed in her mind. She had considered this possibility before, the precarious balance of her existence as a hero. 

"See?" Joker said with a laugh. "You know I'm right. You and I are just two sides of the same coin. The difference is, I don't pretend to be something I'm not." 

Kara stood abruptly, her chair scraping the floor. For a moment, Joker thought she might lash out, but instead, she turned and left without another word. 

As the heavy door closed behind her, Joker's laughter echoed through the cell, haunting and triumphant.