6. The Face-off

Due to my college I had been busy and disturbed my upload time but here I am. Another reason would be that I wasn't satisfied with it and was busy reading another Fanfic. I'd like to hear your opinion about these two chapters i have uploaded.

Similar to my other chapters, if you find any grammatical errors do mention them in the comment section. Drop a review.

Also all the characters that have been used in this fic belong to their respective owners.

Word Count: 4900 approx

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Mc Pov

It's been a few weeks since my first clash with Joker and it wasn't my last clash with him. I've had a few clashes with him since then. We have had a few skirmishes.

I have faced him thrice since the construction site incident. All of them have resulted in naught, failure or as World said, they were just a part of an experiment to study Joker. Joker is smart, to be able to play by hiding himself.

I wonder how is he conveying his orders to his henchmen. All of the face-offs with him were difficult and repugnant. It makes me question his humanity. Everyone has a limit they don't cross, but so far Joker makes me question, whether he has a limit or not.

Huh! My first clash with Joker was on the construction site. The rest, that followed were just as crazy. My memories of them still haunt me. Or it would be better to say that my failure to catch him is irritating and infuriating.

I'm frustrated, to say the least. The last clash or the third face-off was the most prominent one.

3rd Clash:

Joker contacted me again, but this time all of Gotham saw him. He did use television to contact me after all. He left no clue as to where I could find him but World managed to track him down and with the help of my jet pack, I was there within minutes.

But to my utter disappointment, I was there in the building but with some unwanted company. The building was infested with policemen within minutes after my arrival.

I couldn't find a single trace of him, but I did find a note with his greetings attached to a box containing a time bomb. Warning me of it. It was a game for him.

He was playing with us. The note spoke about there being multiple bombs planted all across the building.

The conditions for the explosion and the game were interesting though:

1. The bomb got activated when the policemen entered the room containing the bomb, but on the condition that I should have picked up the card before they entered the building. It will mark the start of the game, Countdown.

It had an electronic system to differentiate between me and the policeman. The system only had the power to turn on and not to turn off. So there was nothing I could do. Since it wasn't the only bomb in the building.

2. The condition for the explosion was that if a single person were to leave the building the bomb would explode.

3. The bomb had a timer, which meant we had a limited time fort to crack the game.

4. There was a way to diffuse the bomb though. It was the only silver lining in this situation but it was the same old Joker style.

The bomb will automatically turn off if there is only one person alive in the building with no one leaving the building alive.

It just meant to kill everyone else.

The survival game. Also, the bomb would explode if anyone were to get within one meter of the bomb.

6. Another interesting aspect was if a single person was leaving the building. He would survive but the rest wouldn't. As in, the bomb would explode after he got out. But, in the condition, multiple men were trying to get out simultaneously then the bomb would explode instantly. Starting with the bomb planted near every exit in the building.

7. This was the most brutal rule of this game. We weren't the only ones with the bomb on our heads. He had planted bombs on the train, the mayor's building and the mall. They had the same conditions applicable to them.

8. He gave us remotes. The power to control the death of others. The remote we had on us, controlled our bomb and the rest. The same was true for everyone else.

Now there was an impasse. In the first scenario, we can choose others for the explosion and we will survive.

Second scenario, if the rest were to kill me or the mayor, the bomb would be diffused or if I were to kill the police battalion then all the bombs would be diffused.

Or Mayor or I, either of us had to sacrifice ourselves for others. I had to stay in the building placing my hand on the scanner while the rest of them left the building or the train.

Not going to lie but this was nerve-racking. I couldn't let them kill me but neither could I kill them. It was crazy, if you wished to keep the casualties to the minimum then you had to convince me or the Mayor to sacrifice ourselves.

This intricate planning and execution would have been flawless and would have at least killed one person.

But what he forgot to include in his plans was my suit.

While I could have had World diffuse the bomb it would have just resulted in a more severe response from Joker.

While I was out contemplating my options, I could hear and see the ugly side of people.

The people on the train were arguing about sacrificing us, while the people in the mall agreed. They couldn't go against the Mayor when they had other options.

We didn't hear anything from the Mayor's office, they were silent. Even at a time like this, they were thinking about the repercussions their actions and decisions would have. Thinking about politics, I was impressed.

The police here knew about me a bit. How at our last meeting, I had dispatched the whole army Joker had prepared all alone. Even the fact that I escaped from their encirclement unharmed.

So they shouldn't be having any fantasies. While they are slowly surrounding me. Blocking all the exits.

The panic caused by this incident was immense. I had never predicted Joker to have planned all this and I walked right into his trap.

<I know what you are thinking. I was an assistant given to by R.O.B, but am not Omniscient from my birth. Just like humans learn and grow. At birth, all had knowledge provided you. What can expect?>

'It's fine, I understand so can we continue.'

<Yes >

'Can you track Joker now'

<No, he has distanced himself from the equipment used to reach you out and also discarded mobile through which explained rules guys>

'Huh! Just tell me. Can this suit take on the explosion'

<Yes, you have to believe in the R.O.B>

'Fine, then let's do this'

As every one of them was arguing about sacrificing me for their safety. Yes, me as they couldn't outright speak against the Mayor. All that awaits them is death but after some time. What use is surviving this hell to just walk into another? Their minds were synced, everyone was thinking the same.

Some weren't beating around the bush. They blackmailed me, tried manipulating me emotionally by showing me their babies and tried gaining my empathy. How they were the only parent working to feed their family, working in the mall or anywhere they worked.

I was sad and disappointed, but it's no excuse to ask someone else to sacrifice their life to save your own. It's another thing if they were to volunteer. Violence had ensued. To stay at the top. A Battle Royale.

"I could use the fourth case though, all I had to do was kill all the policemen in this building and every bomb would be diffused."

As soon as I spoke out loud, the tension in the air intensified. Everyone got quiet, not just the people in my building even the people on the train, the mall and the Mayor's building.

It's not every day that you see some weirdo wearing a mask talking about taking a whole police battalion himself without any heavy weaponry.

"I have a family waiting for me at home"

The same old tactic. Some were blabbering while few chose to remain silent. A single officer chose to shoot me but seeing me unharmed, he decided to give up. Which did discourage the others who were planning on joining him.

Just as I was planning on my next step, a lone officer came forward. Going by his uniform, he is a higher-ranking officer.

"I understand. Officers, I am sorry that we are stuck here. I am sorry that I wasn't able to avoid this situation. A lot of our comrades have died in the hands of the Joker and now here we are facing this vigilante. I don't wish to play along with Joker's plan but the lives of our citizens are at stake."

'An impressive speech'

"You masked man, you may be a hero to people but to the law, you are no different than Joker. Here we have a decision to make, it's either you, who is a criminal or my men. The sacrifice will save the lives of many citizens. You may be strong and have armour strong enough to protect you from our bullets but not from our punches. The decision here is simple. Though this is something that I don't wish to do there are lives at stake here. First, we will take you down and then the Joker. The people of Gotham are not your toys to play with."

'He has guts, challenging me. He at least seems brave'

"I don't know what relation you have with Joker, but you should not bring innocent people into your fights"

'Wow, from being a hero and leading his men to blaming me. That sure was something.'

<He is simply trying to shift public opinion by shifting the blame onto you and Joker. Though indirect but effective. Now world will perceive this situation happening due enmity between Joker>

"Quiet"

"What?"

I moved towards the screen after shutting him up. I just stood there placing my hand on the sensor and waiting for them to disperse.

"Move"

It took them a couple of seconds before they could wrap their heads around the situation. The same could be said about other places. Many people got carried away by his speech and started cursing me.

Now all of them were scrambling out of the mall and the train. Now that I see it, it's metro.

But I had to respect this policeman and the people there at the Mayor's office. Even with the bomb hanging above their heads, they didn't lose their calm.

The moment I remove my hand from the sensor, all the bombs will explode at the same time. But still, they are going out at steady speed. Calmly and orderly.

There was no exchange of dialogue here except for a single officer who thanked me silently before going out.

'It was quite funny, seeing his face fall. He was all self-righteous, pinning the blame on. I wonder what would he answer if such a question was given.'

<Yes >

'Now at the main matter at hand. Is it time?

<Any moment now>

"I'm surprised. I knew you thought of yourself as some hero but to this extent. Now I'm impressed. Or is it because of just another of your gadgets? Well, this better not be your fake bravado because of some gadget or tool to diffuse the bomb"

"Don't Worry. The bomb will explode or it would be better if I say that I will let it explode with me. If no other person is harmed in this experiment of yours"

"It's that asking for too much"

"Well will see about that"

"Fine, let's see if you can keep up that bravado till the clock hits zero. Every second will feel like an eternity. You can remove your hands you know. No one will blame you. Just the thought of you sacrificing yourself for others is enough."

"I am Night"

"Oh! Is that supposed to mean something, I don't know. You do know that these people don't appreciate you and are selfish. They are just happy that it isn't them. They don't have any shame. Those policemen whose duty is to protect people are just tools of the rich. I'm doing a favour for this city by showing its people the truth"

"Joker... "

"Well, you are no fun. Well, the time is running out. Any moment now. You can still change your mind if you wish"

5

4

3

2

1

"Times up"

[BOOM]

---

I walked away unscathed that day. I was scared, but I had to hold on. I decided to trust World and ROB. People are selfish but when I decided to wear the mask and become Batman. I had to honour his code of conduct. I couldn't say his name.

I couldn't betray the symbol that is Batman. More than that, I was heartbroken seeing orphans roaming the streets and streets littered with dead bodies. As a reincarnated person, my old world wasn't this brutal. This broke me, I was yearning for happiness. The suffering was too much for me and this happened due to the feud Joker has with me. Well, at least what that officer said was true. He was playing with me and the city but what irked me was that officer pining the whole blame on me.

There was another clash I had with Joker before the game.

It was a simple game, he had planted bombs in two places. One being an orphanage and another being a Nursing home. In one place there are kids and in another, there are elderly people.

It was just another of his sick jokes, a morally questionable game. Who is more important?

But the silver lining in this game was he gave me more time than I would have needed. I used my jet pack to reach the orphanage in time while drones dispatched by World reached the Nursing home on time.

Much to his disappointment, I managed to save the day.

I became famous that day, Batman had taken centre stage in this world. Everywhere in the city, you could hear people talking about him for a couple of days but with the way the world was, people moved on. They were too busy with their life to talk about some masked man. Even after what I had done, the people forgot about me. They were cursing me. I guess this is just a part of the job. Though I have my whole attention devoted to Joker, many small-time criminals were afraid to make a move.

'Did you lock on to Joker, World?'

<Just a second, done>

"Good, let's go"

---

Omni Pov

Present Day

Bruce Wayne had his fair share of encounters with Joker. But none of them resulted in him meeting Joker.

Joker always stayed behind the scenes, hiding away in the darkness. Being the eminence in shadow. All the games he played with Bruce had people's lives at stake. While Bruce found it challenging after the first game, he couldn't bear witness to the tragedy that unfolded afterwards. His way home wasn't easy on him. He was used to there being litter across the street sometimes but here he had to walk on a street littered with orphans and poor people. It was worst in the slum areas, you could find dead bodies lying on the side of the streets.

He started taking Joker seriously since then. The first encounter with Joker was at the construction site, with the second being at the game. Where Joker made him choose between an orphanage and a nursing home. The third and the most recent face-off was when he planted the bomb at the Mayor's office, the metro and the mall.

After getting out of the blast unscathed, Bruce Wayne returned home. While he did feel compassion for those innocent people, he was afraid. He refuses to admit it but having been in the blast has changed his perspective.

He had nightmares about the blast. He claimed to be unable to sleep but you would always find him sound asleep just after him being dramatic about the blast. One thing was for sure, he was a heavy sleeper. Such that, even the blast might have not alerted him if he was asleep.

It took a week before World was able to track him again. Just as was ready to go after him, he got contacted by Joker. Asking him for a meeting. Though he didn't mention the place of the meeting. As if, it was himself who leaked his location.

'This Guy, it never is easy when you are dealing with Joker'

Bruce left with his bike. Designing and building a car in a couple of weeks is difficult. The one they had in Wayne Enterprises was difficult to drive without attracting the attention of the police.

So he chose to go with the bike. It was similar to the bike Batman had used in Dark Knight.

"The wind is great, though polluted and hazardous substances in addition, so I can't breathe it in without my mask filtering it first. It's cloudy today."

He was riding his bike to his destination.

Having reached the restaurant where Joker was, according to World. Bruce parked his bike a bit distance away from the restaurant. Away from the sight of others. Though the bike did stand out, he managed to ride it around through back alleys and small passages, where the car wouldn't have fit. He rode it away from the prying eyes.

He was wearing a suit with a long top coat to bend in with the crowd. With everyone wearing a mask, he didn't have to worry about that aspect.

'So where is Joker?'

<He is seated at the right corner, all alone>

'Oh! I see him now. Is that Joker though.'

<No it's a decoy>

'Fine, comedy it is'

<Hm? >

Bruce after finishing his talk with World, went and sat at the table with Joker. As soon as Bruce sat down, Joker started laughing loudly.

"You have decided to grace me with your presence Bat"

"It's Batman"

"Whatever, so how are you? Did you have any trouble finding this place?"

"Just get to the topic. Though I am quiet for now you aren't getting away this time"

"But are you sure about it? I am the Joker. The police themselves have been unsuccessful in catching me. What are you going to do any different?"

"Because I am stronger than you and the police. There is no need to worry about small things."

"Let's not get violent now, shall we? So let's play a game shall we"

"I've had enough of your games till now"

"This one is great. I am sure you will not be disappointed with this"

"So no explosion"

"Well, where's the fun in games without explosives."

"Continue"

"Explosion is an art. A way for me to bring people to their knees and show the world their true nature."

'Deidara is that you?'

"Let's leave those explosives. Why don't we play a game of chess? It will be useful to check our mental prowess."

"Well isn't it obvious till now. This game now that we are going to play is for this exact reason"

"If you say so"

"Well, here is the game", saying he took out a remote with two buttons and placed it on the table.

"Another bomb", Bruce sighed seeing the switch.

"You are correct but..."

"Before you proceed, how did you know I survived your game?"

"Because you can't hide from me. Now onto the game. You will now understand why I called you stupid though indirectly. In this game, you have to find the real Joker. I am a fake and the real Joker is hiding in plain sight in this restaurant. So you're stupid. And now the game starts. "

The fake Joker pressed the red coloured button.

"So, fake Joker what role does that button play in this game?"

"Oh! I just got so busy playing about the Joker I forgot about it. It had been my dream to meet Joker and not only did I meet him, but I also got to work with him"

"Get on with it."

"This button activates the bomb placed in this restaurant. You have 5 minutes to find the real Joker before this bomb explodes."

'This guy!'

After hearing about it, Bruce couldn't stay still. He flipped the table on him.

'Did you know about it World?'

<I did say that he is fake>

'Great so where is he?'

<The guy you are searching for is to your left. Four tables>

'Is he also a fake?'

<Yes >

Bruce got up from his seat after flipping the table on fake Joker. His action alerted the whole restaurant. Not minding the other customers, Bruce pulled a stun gun from his pocket and shot the guy World pointed.

The people were panic-stricken and afraid. His action had caused a major panic, people were running for their lives away from the restaurant.

"There is a bomb here"

'Well this should get them moving', Bruce after seeing Fake Joker 1 get up, gave him a Brazilian kick. The kick was enough to knock him down. After shooting the man with the stun gun he moved towards the fake Joker 2.

On his way, he stomped on the remote. After getting close to Fake Joker 2, he was disappointed. After all this, his 4th time going against Joker and all his attempts have failed. He found a letter lying on the table, that Fake Joker 2 was sitting on. Taking out the letter from the envelope,

{

Batman, that is what you call yourself right? To find me you will have to play another game now. Oh! I know you are tired of these games now. Just the last one. You will find a yellow car numbered XX-XXX parked in the parking lot, you will find the next instructions in it. I know you are tired but I'm sure the letter in the car will interest you.

}

After having read the letter, Bruce threw the letter and was on his way to the exit. While on his way he found a kid crying and an old man, with a disabled leg struggling to get out of the restaurant. Well, except for those fake Joker 1 & 2.

'Ah! It does not bade well with my consciousness to leave them there.'

He picked them up, he held the child in one hand while he picked up the old man like a bag of sacks on his shoulder. After dropping them off outside he moved towards the car.

Just as he got in the car, he heard a loud explosion.

'Guess he wasn't lying about the bomb. Hmm! He brought it on himself, and I didn't kill him. Technically speaking I didn't save him. So that shouldn't count as the same thing.'

Killing someone isn't something that he has ever done before but this incident is troubling him. 'I'll think about it later.'

After finding the car, he got in the car. It was unlocked, so he didn't have to worry about it much. He found a letter on the dashboard.

{

Glad you could make it out alive. Now for your next assignment, take this car to the location marked on the map. Your next assignment involves this car so you know the drill. No cheating. After reaching the location, park it on the spot marked on the map. Afterwards, you will find a red car numbered XX-YYY. Similarly, you will find a map in the car marking your next destination.

You may think of it as a nuisance but trust me, I'll be waiting for you at the end to enjoy the look on your face. Also, it should help you throw the police off from tracking you and it is fun.

}

'A world where privacy is a myth'

"Aughh!"

<Just put up with it for now. The guy had the nerve to mess me>

"So now you're serious"

<Yes, I have it all under control. Let's go>

"Okay"

He drove the car to the location just as Joker asked.

It was mall parking.

"Joker..."

<... >

"He is a pain"

After getting in the next car he drove to his next destination.

It was a hospital.

The same ensued for his next couple of rides. In total, he drove 21 cars that day. At last, his destination was an old abandoned port area. After parking his car he walked a bit. It was already late into the night when he reached his final destination.

'It's smoggy, well it is always the same so no use worrying about it. Hmm! The letter did say about following the arrow marks marked on the path.'

As he looked down at his feet, he found arrows painted on the concrete path pointing forward.

'Guess this is it. I'm nervous now

<It was you who wished to confront Joker in the first place. No use worrying about it now>

'Fine'

He walked following the markings while making small talk with World. Soon he found himself on a ship.

"Where are you, Joker? I have come just as you wished. See I came alone and haven't brought any cops with me"

"But will the cops come with you peacefully?"

Bruce hearing the sound, looked above to find Joker standing on the upper deck while watching him from the lower deck. Neither Joker nor Bruce made an effort to get to the other deck.

"Well, if they get to catch Joker then maybe."

"I'm honoured"

"Let's get to it. Why did you call me?"

"Why the rush? I understand you are impatient so let's start. What do you have for me? Just ask it and I'll answer honestly"

"How did you know about me? How did you find out that I survived?"

"It's easy, I was betting on it. You weren't the only one that I invited here. You don't look surprised"

"Well I have had my fair share of surprises for today"

"That seems to be true. So how did you feel killing two people today?"

"I am sorry but I didn't kill them. It was you who killed them and I just refused to save them"

"Well if it is what you wish to think then fine."

"You still haven't answered my question"

[Crash]

"Don't worry, it's just an old ship. There are sounds like that from time to time. As for your first question, it was a game. All those attacks were just my way to test you. I was intrigued by your suit when you escaped the construction site. I was just checking for the level of technology you wield and checking the extent of that suit. My first test was to check your arsenal and my next test was to check your arsenal and your defense. All other outcomes were just add-ons. "

'World was right, if I hadn't gotten myself involved with him then maybe all those people who died would still be alive.'

<Wake up, you can mop around after defeating him>

'Am I the type of person to mop around?'

<No >

'Yes, that did rock my world just like that explosion in his previous game. But I am fine, I am sad, crestfallen, heartbroken and many things but I am fine. I can handle him.'

<You are a strange one. You get hurt but still show off as if you aren't being affected by it. even laugh it sometimes. It might be good quality for you. helps cope with any situation until is big enough to destroy But should also understand that others just shameless. They will perceive scum>

'That's harsh'

<Yes >

'But what about you?'

<Hmm! To me, you are my master. I also know what feeling so don't know. Maybe see as a selfish Who doesn't appreciate his subordinates>

'Point taken.'

<You should concentrate. He is getting to the main topic>

While Joker was prattling on and on, Bruce was busy talking with World.

"So you see how I was able to find just the way to design a field for us to meet."

"Yes"

"Now onto the main topic, just wait a second. Our last guest is here"

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**The End**

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