Gotham City After Midnight: Twisted Shadows

 TWISTED SHADOWS 

1

The Joker walked back into Gotham City. The old beaten Joker had no face paint, tight white large t-shirt with radio station logo on it, blue jeans a couple of sizes too big. He wore a pair of shoes that looked like bowling shoes.

Batman may throw people out of Gotham City, and ban them from ever returning, but they try him only to be defeated, out again. Some learn their lesson. 

"Not me." Joker laughed. 

There were those like Cobblepot, who ran millions of dollars through his illegal operations. The Penguin knew how to make things happen. The Joker admired his ability to make money on top of money. When he went after the big fish, he caught the big prize. 

Batman shot down Cobblepot time after time, but his damn resilience is also to be admired. He had built his empire several times. The Joker realized that Cobblepot put in on his last shot at taking out Batman. The facts were simple. Everything that ever took off criminally was shutdown by Batman...it's always goddamn Batman. 

"Well this time will be different." Joker said. 

"Different you say, how so, what's so different from other failed attempts?" He questioned himself. 

"I'll increase my chances of successful by creating more of me. Here's a Joker. There's a Joker, who could it be? You might have caught the Joker, but you didn't catch me." He laughed.  

"You know that's not anything that will help you beat Batman, or not that alone. What else do you have?" Joker questioned his ideas. 

"Bombs...I definitely want to blow some shit up." Laughs at himself.  

"You've blown things up before. That's not going stop Batman." 

"I could break Bane out of confinement. He wants to destroy Batman. He hates him." He reasoned. 

"That literally just failed. How can you put that much faith in something that just failed miserably?" Joker questioned. 

"I really need to go big...really put my best foot forward." Joker said. 

"Go big? That last battle in Gotham was huge. Can you really do any better than that, Joker asked himself. 

A long solid pearl white limousine pulled up alongside Joker. The window rolled down in the middle of the land barge. "You look like the definition of a rough day." A voice said. 

"Well, I must know you if you're pulling up beside me in a car like this." 

"I know you, alright. You know me as well, Joker." 

He accepted the ride, and when he got inside the car. "Kingpin...it's been awhile since we were face to face. How have you been? Still eating well, I see." 

"Yeah, it's been quite a while since we've seen each other face to face. Your face looked a lot better with the paint, old buddy. I think we both have a common interest. We both need Batman out of our way. My operation will rival Lex Luthor's empire. You all put up a great fight last, but you misplayed your hand." 

The Joker nods. "Indeed. It was well funded, well equipped and manned down, but poor planning which led to poor execution." The Joker self-assessed. 

"Well that's why I found you. It's why I'm giving you a shot to get your thing rolling again. Once you remove Batman, and I take over the day to day operations, we will hit big. Total domination over the competitors. All access to the best deals being made." Kingpin explained. 

"So you're going to put me back in the game? I'm in no position to pass on this." The Joker said.  

The Joker will be back

2

Harvey Dent entered the courtroom as the public defender. His client was one of America's Most Wanted. It's the infamous Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot. 

Harvey Dent sat at the defense table. His eyes scanned the packed courtroom. The Penguin sat beside him calm and collected. His gaze fixed on the judge.

Dent felt the weight of the room's disdain for his client. "Your Honor," Dent began, "my client is prepared to make a significant revelation that could impact the safety of Gotham City."

The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the judge leaned forward.

"What revelation could possibly justify defending a man like Cobblepot?" the judge asked skeptically.

The judge's skeptical question hung in the air, and the courtroom seemed to hold its breath. Harvey Dent, the public defender defending Oswald Cobblepot, straightened up, a confident smile on his face.

"Your honor," he began, his voice steady, "I have a revelation that will justify my defense."

The judge's expression softened slightly, perhaps intrigued by the new revelation. "Proceed, Mr. Dent."

Harvey smiled, knowing he had the judge's attention. "Your honor," he said, "As you are well aware, my client, Oswald Cobblepot, is one of America's Most Wanted. And yet..." he paused for dramatic effect.

The courtroom leaned forward, the tension palpable.

Harvey held up a single sheet of paper. "I present to you the results of our latest investigation."

The judge's skepticism turned to intrigue. "What is it, Mr. Dent?" she asked, her interest piqued.

Harvey handed the paper to the judge, who scanned the document quickly. As she read, her expression changed from skepticism to surprise.

"What does this mean, Mr. Dent?" the judge asked, looking up from the paper.

Harvey's smile widened. "It means, your honor, that my client is not the monster the media paints him as."

The judge's gaze flicked back to the paper in her hand, her skepticism now tinged with confusion. "And how is that, exactly?"

Harvey leaned forward, his voice laced with conviction. 

"It seems Mr. Cobblepot has been funding a charity project, one that he himself runs, for over a year." He said.

"That's right, your honor," Harvey replied, 

"Mr. Cobblepot has been secretly funding a homeless shelter, providing assistance to those less fortunate."

"A charity project?" the judge echoed, raising an eyebrow.

The judge was visibly taken aback. "I...I had no idea."

Harvey nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Precisely, your honor. That's why the prosecution's case against Mr. Cobblepot is flawed. It doesn't account for this new and rather positive side of his character."

The courtroom was silent, the weight of Harvey's revelation hanging in the air. The judge seemed deep in thought, absorbing the information.

The judge turned to Cobblepot, her expression softer. "Is this true, Mr. Cobblepot?"

Cobblepot shifted in his seat, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "Yes, your honor," he admitted, "I have been anonymously financing that shelter for a year."

The judge's surprise turned into respect. "Mr. Cobblepot...I must say, I didn't expect to hear this side of your character."

Cobblepot nodded, his eyes downcast. "It's true, your honor. In spite of everything, I have a soft spot for those less fortunate."

"Yes, your honor. I have funded the shelter completely out of my own pockets." Cobblepot replied.

"And the money comes from your own personal wealth?" the judge asked.

"Yes, your honor, until they froze my assets." Cobblepot said. "As well as the Iceberg Bar and Casino, gives to the school and public library." 

The news that the court had frozen Cobblepot's assets and seized control of the Iceberg Bar and Casino came as another shock. The judge frowned, turning to the prosecution. "I'm afraid I have to ask; why would the court do that, Mr. Prosecutor?"

The prosecution looked rather sheepish. "Your honor, we believed his holdings were connected to criminal activities."

The judge frowned even deeper. "Are they...?"

"Well...not quite...all of it." The prosecutor admitted reluctantly.

"So, the court seized assets that were not connected to criminal activity?" the judge asked, her irritation evident.

"Yes...your honor. He's being charged with four counts of capital murder for crimes committed here in Gotham City. He was on the run when he was apprehended by bounty hunter Frank Castle." The prosecutor replied. 

The judge's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she processed the information. "Capital murder...?" This was a much more serious case than she had originally thought.

"You realize the penalty for capital murder is the death sentence, don't you?" the judge asked the prosecutor.

The prosecutor shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, your honor, I am quite aware of that fact."

The judge turned her attention to Cobblepot, who seemed to shrink under her steely gaze. "Mr. Cobblepot, do you have anything to say regarding this charge?"

"They are convinced that my income funded the bombing of the car garage in the downtown district. Which I have not been proven to be a part of in any way. They fail to prove that I was in the vicinity of the garage, which they failed to do. Cobblepot explained. "So I didn't accept the offer to reduce the charges. I'm innocent of those crimes." 

The judge was listening intently, trying to wrap her head around this new information. "I see...so they have no hard evidence linking you to the bombing?"

"None, your honor." Cobblepot answered. 

"And you deny any involvement in the bombing?" the judge asked, her gaze fixed on Cobblepot.

Cobblepot nodded firmly. "Yes, your honor. I deny any involvement."

The judge nodded, taking note of Cobblepot's denial. "Alright, Mr. Cobblepot. I understand your position, and I will keep it in mind."

"Your honor, we'd like to request Mr. Cobblepot have his assets released, and we would like a fair and reasonable bail amount set. Considering the investigation hasn't implicated my client in any way." Harvey Dent explained to the judge. 

The judge leaned back in her seat, taking in the information. She could see the logic in Mr. Dent's request.

"I see your point, Mr. Dent," she said. "I will have my clerks look into the matter of Mr. Cobblepot's assets and see if they can be released. As for a bail amount, given the severity of the case, I will need to carefully consider it."

The court session ends, leaving the judge to consider the new developments. Once the judge has departed, the courtroom is quiet.

Batgirl and Robin had been keeping watch from the hallways as court took place. Their alarms went off just after the court session had closed. 

"The Wayne Enterprises building has been infiltrated by the Joker and his henchmen." Batgirl told Robin. 

Robin's expression darkened at the news. "The Joker's infiltrated Wayne Enterprises?"

3

The Gotham City police department had responded to the call at the Wayne Enterprises building. 

Batgirl and Robin had both gotten there just beforehand, and were inside the building. 

Jim Gordon had ordered his men to stand down while Batgirl and Robin attempted to resolve the situation from within the building. 

.

"That's not a good sign," Batgirl said, her wings fluttering in concern. "Wayne Enterprises is one of Gotham's most important companies."

Robin nodded, his mind already racing through potential strategies. "We have to stop this. The Joker is up to something, and it's probably nothing good."

"Stay vigilant," Batgirl whispered to Robin as they made their way through the Wayne Enterprises building. 

Robin nodded, his hands ready to draw his weapon at a moment's notice. "We're ready for anything," he responded quietly.

"Looks like the Joker had some fun," Robin said, his eyes scanning the scene. "This isn't just a break-in; this is an attack."

Batgirl nodded in agreement, her wings tensed in readiness. "We need to find any survivors and get a sense of the situation inside."

Batgirl was watching the hallway, and Robin moved in and out of office and general areas. They left a trail of destruction. They ran into henchmen moving things out. 

"Hold up...right there." Batgirl said. 

Robin joined in punching on these guys. When they hit him with a hard metal object, he stumbled into another bunch of henchmen who were beating the hell out of him. 

Batgirl was nailing the henchmen that approached. They tried to wrap her up, or knock her down, but she was landing hard and fatal kicks. She took out the last few that didn't run. Then looked for Robin. 

She looked around the cubicles and side offices, but he wasn't there. She continued on alone. She heard the Joker laughing. She knew that laugh from anywhere. The Joker's laughter comes from various areas, and she wonders where he's  really at. 

When Damian Wayne regained his consciousness he realized he was being pulled across the floor by his feet. He looked up at a black mask that gave him the creeps. He was going to shout for Batgirl, but that could be dangerous.  

"Get off me." Robin kicked and fought. 

Suddenly the Black Mask stopped and quickly drew a gun on Robin. "If you don't know whether or not I'll kill you...I will. Don't try me boy." The Black Mask said firmly. 

Batgirl quickened her pace, heading towards where Robin's voice was coming from. Her instincts told her that something was wrong. As she got closer, the sound of Joker's laughter grew louder, mingling with the sound of struggle.

She finally reached the area, and her heart sank at what she saw. Robin was being dragged across the floor by a figure in a black mask.

Batgirl froze for a moment, her heart racing in her chest. She took in the scene before her - Robin struggling against the grip of the masked figure, Joker's menacing laughter echoing through the room.

Batgirl's mind was racing as she assessed the situation. She could see the tension in Robin's body, the strain on his face as he endured the struggle. Joker's laughter was chilling, a cruel taunt to the unfolding scene.

Without a second thought, Batgirl swiftly made her way into the room, her wings ready. She glided towards the masked figure, who was still holding onto Robin.

Batgirl's eyes widened in surprise as more figures emerged, all dressed as Joker. Suddenly, she was surrounded by five different versions of the notorious villain. Each Joker held a distinct weapon, their intentions clear.

Batgirl felt a surge of anger and determination as she stood her ground, surrounded by the five Jokers. She knew this was a dangerous situation, but she refused to waver.

"What's the big idea attacking Wayne Enterprises like this?" Batgirl demanded, her voice firm despite the threatening situation.

The Jokers, however, seemed to ignore her question. They simply smiled wickedly, brandishing their weapons in menacing poses.

"Well, are you going to answer me?" Batgirl pressed, her voice steady. "Or are you just going to stand there looking creepy?"

Batgirl tensed, preparing for an inevitable fight. The tension was heavy as the five Jokers eyed her, waiting for her move.

The Jokers continued to smirk, showing no signs of backing down. They seemed more amused by Batgirl's persistence than intimidated.

Batgirl gritted her teeth, growing impatient with their silence. "I said, I asked what the big idea was," she repeated firmly, her eyes locking onto each of the different Joker masks.

The Jokers simply chuckled, still refusing to answer her directly. It was as if they were enjoying the standoff, relishing in the tension building.

The Jokers merely chuckled again, enjoying how Batgirl was starting to lose her cool. They continued standing there, watching her with amused smiles.

Batgirl took a deep breath, trying to control her growing annoyance. She wanted answers, not a staring contest. 

"Fine," she said, her voice still holding a edge. "You don't want to talk? That's your choice."

Batgirl's heart raced as she looked at the five figures. The Jokers stood with sinister grins, while Black Mask and his henchman loomed over them. 

"Well, well, well," Batgirl said, her voice steady though a hint of fear was present. "Some party you've got going on here."

The Jokers burst out in laughter, their masks hiding their cruel expressions. 

"Look who it is," one of the Jokers sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "The Bat-Girl has made an appearance."

Batgirl gritted her teeth under the mask, her annoyance seeping through her voice. "I have a name, you know."

One of the Jokers feigned a shocked look, his hand clutching his chest dramatically. 

"Oh, my apologies... Lady Bat-Girl."

The Jokers seemed somewhat surprised by her sudden change of tone. They were clearly expecting a more explosive reaction, but Batgirl had shown surprising restraint.

"Wait, what are you doing?" one of the Jokers asked, a perplexed tone breaking through their previous amusement.

Batgirl smirked at the bewildered look on the Joker's face. It was clear that her unexpected calmness had thrown them off guard.

Batgirl decided to capitalize on the Joker's confusion to her advantage. "If you're not going to answer my question, then I think we have nothing more to discuss," she said, her voice cool and matter-of-fact.

The Jokers exchanged quick glances once again, their amusement slowly giving way to annoyance. 

They weren't used to being ignored. 

"You can't just leave it at that," one of the Jokers protested, their voice betraying a hint of irritation.

Batgirl raised her eyebrows. "Can't I?" she replied, her tone remaining cool and unruffled.

"No, you can't," the Joker insisted, their annoyance growing more obvious. "We have unfinished business here."

Batgirl's face twitched in annoyance. "Oh, do we now?" she said harshly, her patience wearing thin. 

The Joker frowned at her dismissive tone. "Yes, we do," they insisted, their voice growing more adamant. "We came here for a reason."

Batgirl crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing. "And what reason is that?" she asked, her tone skeptical.

"Do you remember our last run in?" The Joker asked. "You promised to kill me." 

Batgirl raised an eyebrow at the Joker's words. It was true they had met before. That previous encounter had been a strange and intense one.

"I do recall that," she replied, her tone guarded. "But what does it have to do with this situation here?"

"I'm ready to die. So just do it. Kill all of us." Joker laughed. 

Batgirl's eyes widened at the Joker's request. It seemed almost too sudden, too easy. "You...you want me to kill you?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of astonishment.

"Yes...Batman's no kill rule isn't a rule of yours. So just do whatever you have to do." Joker explained 

Batgirl's mind raced. She was struggling to process the Joker's sudden shift from menacing to...dare she say, vulnerable?

"Are you...are you serious?" she asked, her voice growing softer.

The Joker seemed to deflate slightly. He nodded, his laughter replaced by a defeated sigh. "Yes," he replied, his voice quiet.

"Don't trust him Batgirl. He has a trick up his sleeve." Robin shouted. 

Batgirl whirled around at the sound of Robin's voice. "What is it?" she asked, her attention immediately shifting.

Moments later she was immobilized on the floor right in front of Robin. She found herself helpless on the floor in front of Robin. Her mind was foggy, her body sluggish.

Panic and uncertainty filled her as she realized she was powerless to move. "What...what did they give me?" she managed to ask, her voice weak.

The Jokers had exited the building and the henchmen had already been in a shootout with the police. The Jokers hopped into the van with all the files a documents that they'd come for. 

Batgirl was still struggling to regain control of her weakened body. She was close to losing consciousness. She could hear the commotion outside, the sounds of a shootout between the henchmen and the police. 

"He's getting away. Damn, he's going to get away." Batgirl mumbled. 

The Gotham courtroom was filled with tension as the prosecution and defense prepared their closing statements.

The judge's gavel struck the block, silencing the murmurs in the courtroom.

Everyone's attention turned to the prosecution's attorney, who stood up from her seat.

She glanced at her notes once more, gathering her thoughts before addressing the court. 

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," she began, her voice steady.

"I believe the evidence we've presented makes it irrefutable that Oswald Cobblepot is guilty of all charges."

She leaned against the podium, her eyes sweeping across the faces of the jurors. 

"The prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Cobblepot is responsible for all the crimes he has been accused of."

A murmur rippled through the jurors as the prosecution's statement sunk in.

The defense attorney, Harvey Dent, on the other hand, had a slightly different approach.

He stood up, a confident smile on his lips.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the prosecution's case is nothing but a circus show," he began.

The courtroom shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Harvey Dent was known for his theatrical flair.

He continued, his tone growing more impassioned. 

"The prosecution has presented circumstantial evidence and speculation as their case," he said.

The prosecution attorney's eyes narrowed slightly at the defense's harsh words. 

The jurors looked intrigued, hanging onto every word.

The defense's impassioned speech had struck a chord with the jury.

Several jurors exchanged glances, their expressions contemplative.

The judge, observing from his seat at the head of the court, seemed to be paying careful attention.

He leaned back in his chair, allowing the tension to build. 

Finally, he spoke, the room falling silent as eyes turned to him.

"Thank you, Mr. Dent," he said, his voice measured.

The defense attorney nodded, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

The judge turned his attention to the prosecution's attorney. 

"Ms. Smith," he began, his tone firm.

The prosecution attorney stepped forward, her demeanor composed.

"I have carefully considered the defense's arguments," she said, her voice steady.

"However, I remain unconvinced by their assertions," she continued, her tone unwavering.

The defense attorney's smirk faltered slightly, but he maintained his composure.

The judge leaned forward in his seat, his expression serious.

"I trust you have more than just mere assumptions to present," he said, his voice holding a note of expectation.

The prosecution attorney smiled slightly. "Indeed, we do."

The courtroom became even more silent as anticipation grew.

The judge gestured for her to continue.

"We have a crucial piece of evidence that the defense has not accounted for," she began.

The judge's eyes widened as the five Jokers entered the courtroom.

One walked to the Jury. 

One walked to the judge. 

One walked over the Cobblepot. 

Two stood guns drawn on the officers inside the courtroom. 

The room erupted into chaos at the Jokers' sudden intrusion. "We're here to adopt this Penguin." The Joker laughed. 

The judge's face paled as he heard the Joker's words.

Several people in the courtroom gasped, stunned by the absurd statement. The air in the room thickened with tension.

The defendant, Oswald Cobblepot, looked utterly dumbfounded behind his lawyer.

The defense attorney, Harvey Dent, looked slightly taken aback.

The Joker's praise was unexpected, to say the least.

Meanwhile, the judge was still processing the bizarre turn of events.

The jurors looked unsettled, exchanging perplexed glances.

"We shall be leaving, now. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Good day, ladies and gents." 

The Jokers took Cobblepot out of the courtroom. Outside the limousine with Kingpin awaited. "Welcome back, men. The fun is just about to get started." 

The Joker, smiled. 

The Penguin grinned. 

They rode out of sight with nobody chasing them. The police department had been seriously depleted by the two separate incidents. 

The limousine cruised out of Gotham City. They were headed back to the hideout that Kingpin had established before putting his plan into action. 

"So Cobblepot, let's transfer this money from that account to this one." 

"Yes, I can certainly move some money around. I'm not stranger to the power of currency." The Penguin assured him. 

"The first step to eliminating the bat, to eliminate his resources. First his money, followed by his help, and then we destroy the weakened Batman." 

4

When Batgirl regained consciousness he saw Robin still trying to escape the restraints. "Hold on...I'll help you." 

She tried to get to her feet but quickly realized she'd better hold off on that for the moment.  So she crawled over to him. 

"Are you, okay?" Robin asked. 

"I think so. I think I'll be ok." Batgirl said, optimistically. 

Before they could get up and out of the building, Black Mask walked back into the room. Robin was enraged upon seeing Black Mask. 

"You better be ready for a beating you creepy looking punk." Robin shouted.

Black mask chuckled, unimpressed by Robin's threat. "You think you can take me on? You really think an adorable kid like you could even scratch me?"

Robin's face twisted in anger, but he struggled against his bindings, attempting to free himself. "Try me," he said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, I would love to," Black mask smirked, "but you look a bit tied up... literally."

Batgirl had gotten the restraints off his wrists. She tried to assist, but that syringe the Joker hit her with was a powerful sedative. 

Robin looked at Batgirl, who was having trouble standing up. He knew she was struggling from the effects of the sedative. "Are you okay?"

Black mask chuckled sinisterly, stopping directly behind Robin. "Looks like your friend has a little problem there, kid."

Robin clenched his fists, frustration boiling up inside him. "Leave her alone."

Black mask chuckled, his voice dripping with menacing confidence. "And why would I do that?"

Robin wasn't as focused as he should've been, but his anger was had him captive now. 

Black mask smirked, noticing Robin's distraction.

"You look really distracted there, kid," Black mask said, his tone mocking.

"But Batgirl, are you okay?" Robin protested, his worry evident in his voice.

"Fight him, Robin. What's wrong with you." Batgirl said. 

"But Batgirl, are you okay?" Robin protested, his worry evident in his voice.

Before Robin could receive the answer to his question Black Mask punched him out. "How dare you challenge me, and then turned your back." Black Mask said. His voice filled with rage. 

Robin's body crashed against the floor, unconsciousness taking hold. Batgirl's heart sank at the sight of Robin lying motionless on the ground.

"You see...there are some people who can't be reached...too far gone." Black Mask said. 

Black mask chuckled, noticing Batgirl's vulnerability. "Looks like you're not in any better shape than your friend."

"Who are you?" Batgirl asked. "What do you stand to gain out of this?" 

Black mask chuckled darkly, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't it obvious?"

"No...apparently not. Why are you here?" She sharply snapped. 

Batgirl's frustration grew as Black mask refused to give a straightforward answer. 

"What are you trying to accomplish here?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

Black mask chuckled, finding Batgirl's persistence amusing. "You really want to know?"

Batgirl steeled herself, determined to get answers. "Yes, that's what I'm asking."

Black masks expression grew more sinister. "Alright then. But I have one question for you first."

Batgirl waited for his question, preparing herself for whatever it may be.

Black mask's voice lowered to a menacing tone. "Are you ready for it?"

Batgirl squared her shoulders, her resolve unwavering. "I'm ready."

Black mask observed her for a moment, his gaze fixed on her. "Good. Because it's a simple question."

"Will you give it to me or will I have to take it. I've been locked up for way too long." Black Mask chuckled. 

Batgirl tensed, understanding the implication of Black mask's words. "What do you want?"

"Oh...you know what I want. What only a woman can. When I look at you I have no doubts about it." 

Batgirl's eyes widened in shock and anger. She knew where this conversation was headed.She knew that she had to try to get out of there. This guy was going to sexually assault her. 

Batgirl's heart raced, a sense of panic rising within her. She needed a way out, fast.

Then a man's voice rang out across the room. "That will be enough. I've got some questions of my own." 

Frank Castle walk in with a gun in each hand drawn on Black Mask.

"Were you paid to come here and kill Batman?" Frank asked, point blank. 

"What if I was, are you a cop?" Black Mask sneered. 

"No...I'm the Punisher." Frank said as he unloaded on the Black Mask. Hitting him with multiple rounds. 

Frank walked over and removed the mask. "Damn...you were under there." It was the Joker. 

Batgirl knew immediately that they weren't looking at the same Joker, but was it the Joker? 

Frank threw Damian over his shoulder,  and helped Batgirl steady herself so she could walkout. 

Batman and Red Hood were approaching the building. When they saw Frank bringing out Barbara and Damian. 

"You, what are you doing here. I thought we had an agreement, Castle?" Batman asked.

"We did. I told you that unless business brought me back.

 Which it has. I can give you the paperwork for this job, but we both know why I'm here." 

"The Penguin was busted out from the courtroom. Surely you knew that, right?"

"Of course we knew." Batman said.

"Well, I'm here to get him, and this time it's dead or alive." Frank said. "It doesn't matter too much to me which one that is." 

Batman crossed his arms, his expression serious. "Is that all?"

"Yeah, that's all. Then I'll be outta here. It's strictly business." Frank assured him. 

Batman regarded Frank for a moment before responding. "Fine, but if anything goes wrong, I'm stepping in."

"If what I suspect is true, well you're in alright, and over your head. Way in over your head." Frank said. 

"There are several hitmen paid to hunt you down. The Joker has been paid himself to kill you. One of the five that is. Do you know Kingpin?" 

"There are several hitmen paid to hunt you down. The Joker has been paid himself to kill you. One of the five that is. Do you know Kingpin?" 

Batman's eyes narrowed. "What about Kingpin?"

"I think he's the money at the top. If he paid to have to killed then he'll see it through. He'll throw good money after bad. His pride wouldn't allow him to give up. Walk away. You know." 

"And the Joker," Batman said, a hint of irritation in his voice.

"What about the Joker?" Frank asked.

Batman's expression hardened. "Are you implying he's involved in this?"

"Absolutely...100% positive. All five versions. He's cloned himself somehow." Frank told him. 

Batman's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What makes you say that?"

Batgirl stood up, "we fought them before Frank got there. They took files out of Wayne Enterprises Building." 

Batman's expression grew serious. "What files?"

"We don't know. They'd gotten the best of us. There were too many of them. We were overwhelmed." Batgirl said with shame. 

Batman's frustration was clear. he clenched his fists in irritation. "Damn it."

"So you tell me it's whatever is necessary, and I'll get those files back." Frank assured him. 

Batman narrowed his eyes, studying Frank for a moment. "And your methods? 

"You know my methods. I'm not going to reveal everything, but you know I'll kill whoever necessary to get the job done."

Batman's expression grew somber. "I know." 

5

Time...something Frank knew wasn't much of. He needed to get right to the source. He needed to find their base of operation. He figured it was in the surrounding Gotham area, but he knew it could be in the city itself. 

Frank decided to go to the underground, and see if someone there wanted to talk. He found nothing and quickly abandoned that Idea. Then he saw Dead Shot. An assassin he knew was paid to get rid of Batman.  

He followed Dead Shot. Who was starting to suspect that someone was following him. So he took off quickly, and doubled back. "Hello. Stranger, you have a reason for trailing me? Maybe I should just kill you right now."  

Frank could see this guy had moves. He wasn't sure if he kills this guy or dies himself. It could go either way. Frank was watching him. Feeling out his knowledge of the situation.  

"Who are you?" he growled, narrowing his eyes at Frank.

"Oh, I'm him. I'm that guy." Frank said. 

"What does that mean?" he demanded, his grip on his gun tightening.

Dead Shot arched an eyebrow, his irritation evident.

"I'm the Punisher!" Frank snarled. 

"The Punisher?" Dead Shot repeated, his face betraying a flicker of recognition.

The realization of who Frank was seemed to strike the assassin.

"You're that one..." Dead Shot said carefully.

"Yes...I've been the guy for too long to remember, but maybe that's a good thing." 

Dead Shot's expression grew cautious as he eyed Frank.

"What brings you here?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

"One of my convicts escaped custody. It's my fault for not putting a bullet in his head. I should've smoked him." 

Dead Shot tilted his head, considering Frank's words.

"Convict?" he echoed, curiosity mixed with surprise.

This revelation piqued the assassin's interest.

"And he escaped?" he asked, his expression turning serious.

The thought of an escaped convict on the loose didn't sit well with Dead Shot.

"What's his name?" he inquired, his tone sharp.

"Oswald Cobblepot...aka. The Penguin." Frank said.  

Dead Shot raised an eyebrow upon hearing the name. "The Penguin?" 

"Yeah...you know where he's at?" 

Dead Shot's eyes narrowed as he considered the question.

Frank sensed an uneasiness with Dead Shot. "We can figure out each other's plans are, or we can see who's day it is to die." Frank said calmly. 

Dead Shot's demeanor softened ever so slightly. Sensing Frank's serious tone, he relaxed slightly.

"Alright," Dead Shot said, his voice more measured. "I might know a few things."

He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. 

"But you'll have to do something for me in return."

Dead Shot regarded Frank with a calculating gaze.

"Here's the deal." he said, his voice steady.

"I help you out, and you owe me a favor."

Frank didn't like hearing that once, nevertheless him saying it twice. "I'm not agreeing to anything blindly. How do you thin I've survived as long as I have." 

Dead Shot nodded, understanding Frank's caution. "I respect that," he admitted.

"But I promise you, it's a fair deal."

"Well...lay it out there. What's your deal? I don't have time to lose." Frank said. 

"Well...lay it out there. What's your deal? I don't have time to lose." Frank said. 

Dead Shot took a moment to gather his thoughts. He uncrossed his arms, his expression serious.

Frank didn't have time for this bullshit, and it appeared that he was stalling him, and right then he felt like shooting Dead Shot in the head, but he wasn't sure about that one. Batman said, whatever was necessary.

Dead Shot could sense the impatience radiating from Frank.

"Alright, let me explain."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "First, you need to know a bit about me."

He gestured for Frank to listen.

Frank didn't have time for this bullshit, and it appeared that he was stalling him, and right then he felt like shooting Dead Shot in the head, but he wasn't sure about that one. Batman said, whatever was necessary.

Dead Shot could sense the impatience radiating from Frank.

"I've had enough of this. You give me something to work with or I'm going to blow your head off, get that?" Frank's patience were exhausted. 

"I've had enough of this. You give me something to work with or I'm going to blow your fucking head off, get that?" Frank's patience were exhausted. 

Dead Shot flinched slightly at Frank's sudden outburst.

"Calm down," he advised, trying to stay composed.

"Who's paying you? Answer the question or I'll kill you." Frank said coldly.  

Dead Shot looked away for a moment.

"5...4...3..." Frank was counting him down. 

"Whoa, whoa, easy," he said, holding up his hands.

"Time is up, for you ole boy." Frank said, and Frank pulled the trigger leaving Dead Shot without life in his body. 

There was a moment of stunned silence.

Frank continued the hunt. He was just getting started. The guilty would pay. Punishment was on the way. 

The city grew quieter as the evening shadows deepened.

Word had gotten back to Kingpin, Joker, and Penguin. The work was almost done, and they would be gone. Living large and free as a bird. 

"THAT CRAZY BASTARD. HE KILLED OUR ASSASSIN." Joker shouted. 

Frank worked his way through the city and he was determined to pick up some kind of trail. The city grew quieter as the evening shadows deepened.

Frank's footsteps echoed faintly in the deserted alleys.

The silence was both ominous and telling. Not a soul in sight. 

Just the shadows and the quietness of the night.

Batgirl and Robin had both begun to patrol area, and they were lured away from the location whenever they got close. 

Jason was not patrolling as he didn't officially work for Batman, but worked with him. This after many fights with Bruce. Frank spotted Red Hood and thought it was another assassin. 

When he made his second move he saw it was one of the guys with Batman's team. 

Frank sat back watching the guy. Then men jumped out on him in every direction. 

Frank sprung into action, and he went in with his guns lighting up the night. 

Red Hood was taking them out one by one. Doing a decent job with the surprise attack, but Frank was Punishing them in true Punisher style. 

Harvey Dent notified the others of Franks location. He was carefully watched. So Dent kept an eye on him. 

He and Red Hood had just killed what was left of Joker's Henchmen. The Kingpin went back to his city to get more men. Better than Joker's men. 

Batman slipped through the cracks when Castle was given so much attention. 

"I found you boys." Batman said, and with a swift move he grabbed them both. 

The two entities weren't real. They were replica clones of their counterparts, and the sound of a Penguin came out of Cobblepot's clone. A mechanical laughter from the Joker, and it started to drag. This ignited the explosives planted on the room and all evidence. 

Batman had attempted to get out of there, or as far as he could from that office, building, or hopefully just survive. 

The explosion alerted Frank and Red Hood. They could feel the impact of the blast. "Holy shit." Frank said. 

They ran to their motorcycles and sped off in the direction of that explosion. Hoping nobody was hurt or killed. 

Batman was hurt, but determined to crawl out of the building engulfed in flames. The Batsuit was equipped to aid Batman through a fire. But the blast of the explosives had hit him with extreme energy. 

Frank and Jason ran into the fire. Somebody told them Batman was inside the building. So they had no choice but to go find him, or hopefully find him. 

Luckily for everyone involved, Batman had kept trying to get out. It didn't take long to find him, but he was badly injured. 

"He's not in good shape, Jason. We need to get him some help." 

"Yeah...I see..." Jason was shocked by Bruce's condition." 

"Look boy, I know you've had your differences with Bruce. Hell, you think I haven't? We've nearly killed each other quite a few times." Frank said. "Now you ride with him to the hospital and stay until someone else arrives." 

"I'll go as far as they'll allow." Jason said. 

"Good deal, man. Let's get him to the ambulance." Frank said. 

Frank Castle never stopped hunting them. He had them on the run. They attempted to get to the boat waiting in the harbor, but Frank caught them. 

 Batgirl had gone to the police station, and she patrolled the whole place and she kept looking for the double agent, the man on the take, the Two Face. 

When Batgirl came at him he moved away from her and pulled his weapon. "Whoa girl, don't make today your last." Harvey Dent said. 

"What happened to you, Dent?" Batgirl asked. 

"I really needed the money. Nothing more." Two Face said. "But it doesn't end for me here. Don't make me kill you, Batgirl." 

"You don't have to win them all. Only the big ones. Those that mean something." Dent said and vanished. 

Batgirl gave chase but Harvey Dent got away. He went to get the helicopter to pick up the others. 

"Hurry, he's gaining on us fast." Joker said. "He will kill us." 

That exactly what happened moments later. Frank caught them both. 

"This time, there's nowhere anyone can run where I can't follow." Frank Castle growled, pulling two handguns from a concealed holster and raising them at Penguin. 

He fired four shots, hitting the criminal right between the eyes. Penguin's dead body dropped to the ground with a loud thump. 

"Nice shot," Joker said from behind one of his many henchmen. "You'll never be as good as me, though."

"Not a doubt in my mind," Castle said.

"No, really," Joker said mockingly. "You suck compared to me!" He stepped towards the Punisher.

"Say that again," Frank grinned.

"You. Suck. Compared. To. Me." Joker mocked.

"Come at me!" Frank growled. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into," Punisher chuckled.

"Oh, I totally do," Joker said. "I'm ready to try you out tough guy." 

Kingpin snuck up behind Frank and nailed him. He hit the ground dazed and confused.  "What in the hell." He mumbled.  

The Joker started kicking him and fighting with him while he was not completely in his right mind. 

"Where's Cobblepot?" Kingpin asked. 

"He killed ole, Cobblepot. Shot him right in the head." Joker explained. 

They'd taken their attention off of Frank for a split second, but that was too long. Frank fired shots into both of them. 

"Dammit...I'm hit." Kingpin shouts. He was warning a man who couldn't hear him. The Joker was struck in the chest. 

The Kingpin knew he needed to fight his way out of the situation, but this was Frank 'fuckin' Castle. Not so easy to get the best of. Kingpin had fought him enough to know that much. 

"Come on, Frank. If I surrender, then don't kill me. Deal Frank?" 

"I don't make deals with criminals." Castle said. 

"Come on now, Frank."  Kingpin said.

"It's my way or the high way. No exceptions." Frank said, his voice cold and firm. "You've caused too much pain and suffering already."

Kingpin stared at Frank for a moment, weighing the options. He knew this man was serious, and didn't make empty threats.

"Alright then," he finally said. "I'll surrender."

Kingpin rolled his eyes.

"Alright already, you can stop with the smartass comments," he snapped.

Kingpin rolled his eyes.

"Alright already, you can stop with the smartass comments," he snapped.

Frank shrugged. "Can't help it. Comes with the territory of being a smartass."

"Can you get back to business now?" Kingpin demanded. "I'm tired of your witty banter. I'm bleeding out, here." 

"Now, you do what I say," Frank growled.

 "No more of this independent attitude. I'm in charge now, and you follow my orders."

Kingpin gritted his teeth, clearly unhappy with the situation.

"Fine," he grumbled. "I'll do what you want."

"Good," Frank said. "I really want you to give me a reason to blow your head off." 

Kingpin winced. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he muttered.

"Absolutely...and I knew that I would." Frank Castle answered. 

"You're cruel," Kingpin said through gritted teeth.

Kingpin reaches over the the hood of the car. He fired four shots at Frank Castle. Who had already moved in behind a tree. His aim on the car. When Kingpin rolled down on the ground the shots started popping off.  

"Frank, let's talk about this." Kingpin said.

"No. There's nothing left to discuss." The Punisher responded. 

Kingpin reaches for another clip. He popped it in his weapon. Then fired in the direction of Frank. 

"Come on, Frank." Kingpin shouts. 

The next time Kingpin popped out to shoot, Frank shot him. 

"Frank, you son of a bitch. You nearly killed me." 

"I don't usually miss."  he said. 

Kingpin surrendered. "Don't shoot. I surrender." He said, as he gave in. 

"You're damn lucky that I don't just kill you. Blow your fucking head into pieces." The Punisher said, his voice laced with conviction and anger.

7

Frank Castle had stopped off at the café for a morning cup of coffee. He sat down with his cup in hand. The wind outside were picking up, and the rain would soon move in. 

Jason Todd walked in and sat down beside Frank. 

"You got something on your mind, boy?" Frank asked. 

Jason chuckled, taking a sip of his own coffee. "Just some girl troubles," he admitted. "She's got me wrapped around her little finger."

Frank grunted, taking a sip of his own coffee. "Women," he said gruffly. "You'd think we'd learn. You in love, boy?"

Frank raised an eyebrow, surprised by the boy's honesty. "I've seen that look in your eyes before," he said gruffly. "You got it bad, boy. Like a lovesick puppy."

Jason chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, I guess I do. She's just... I don't know, she's different. She's tough, and she's bossy," he trailed off, a small smile on his face at the memory of her.

"And she's got you eating out of the palm of her hand," Frank grumbled, taking another sip of his coffee. "You better watch out, boy. Women like that, they can lead you astray. You need to keep a clear head."

"In our line of work, boy, you can afford to be distracted. You'll get yourself hurt or killed." Frank said firmly. 

Jason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. But it's not like I can just turn off my feelings or something. When I'm with her, I feel...alive, you know?"

Frank took a deep breath, finishing his coffee. 

"I've got a few leads on a arms dealer," he said gruffly. "He's been moving weapons onto the street for some lowlife gangs. And I aim to put a stop to it."

Jason leaned forward, interested. "Need any help, Frank? I could tag along, provide some backup."

"No." Frank gave him a firm look. "This guy's dangerous, boy. He's got bodyguards and a small army of thugs working for him. You're not ready for something like this." 

Jason sat back, his pride stung. He knew Frank was right, but he didn't like being told he was unprepared. "Fine," he grumbled. "But don't be surprised if you find some help whether you want it or not."

Frank chuckled, shaking his head. "That's the stubborn pride that'll get you hurt, boy. You better watch it, or you'll end up in a body bag."

Jason nodded. Agree to disagree with a man he respected. 

"You're a great man, Frank. Bruce would never say it, but I will. Gotham City owes you a thank you. You've made it a safer place. Thank you, my friend." Jason said. 

Frank grunted, looking uncomfortable with the praise. He was never one for compliments. "I'm just doing my job, boy. But I appreciate the sentiment. You tell Wayne thanks next time you see him."

Jason smiled, leaning back in his chair. "I will. And don't worry, I'll stay out of your way for this arms dealer. But if you need me, you know where to find me."

Frank nodded, getting up from his chair. "I do. And I might need you down the line. But for now, I'll handle this solo. You focus on those girl troubles of yours. Just keep your head on straight, boy."

"You bet, Frank. Thanks." Jason said. 

Frank nodded, heading out of the café. Jason watched him go, his thoughts returning to his love life. 

As much as he didn't want to admit it, Frank made some good points. Loving someone could be a weakness, especially in the crime-fighting world. 

Frank had been absolutely amazing knocking off the biggest criminals in Gotham City. Jason knew there was something different about Castle. Frank was a different animal. 

Batman

The Dark Knight