Almost Human - Chapter 2: Not as it Seems

Come on Batsy baby! Let us add another wonderful dance to our grand play!" the Joker laughed manically, arms thrown in the air as if reaching to his Batman for an embrace.

Batman charged for him, that crazed laughter rang agonizingly in his mind. He had to silence that unbearable laughter! He pulled back and punched the Joker in the face with all his might. Almost immediately Joker was bleeding profusely from his nose, he stumbled backwards but he kept smiling. He didn't stop; he connected numerous punches and kicks until the clown crashed onto the ground. With weak giggles he managed to lift himself up and dusted himself off.

"Oh darling, how you tease me," wheezy chuckles escaped from his lips. The Dark Knight grabbed the giggling clown by the collar and raised him in the air. At this point the scuffle led them toward the edge of the building. The air whipped and lashed against the Joker's face as he hanged limply like a ragdoll in his bat's grip. The moon shone luminously on the two enemies, a spotlight to this deranged dance. Joker could taste the metallic bitter taste of his own blood as he smiled. The setting just seemed so striking, so perfect. It all seemed like new dance but at the same time a maddening déjà vu of previous battles. "What a beautiful night don't you think Batsy?"

"No I don't. I'm tired of this game Joker," muttered Batman as he tightened his grip to further illustrate his frustration.

"I know you are sweetheart. I get very tired of it as well," Joker smiled as he placed a gloved hand over Batman's.

"Then why do you keep doing it. Why do you keep murdering innocent people and causing chaos in your wake!?"

"I didn't mean all that now. No, I could care less about all those background minor characters you're referring to. They mean nothing to me their only usefulness is bait to lure you out. What I mean is I grow tired that you keep holding back. There is so much potential in you, you just have to unleash it. I wait for the day you just let loose and lose control. That faithful night, where you renounce your creed and just finish me darling. But no matter what I do, no matter how many sacrificial lambs I throw into the slaughter to tempt you, you just won't do it."

"I don't kill Joker. Not even you." Batman responded firmly as he lowered Joker onto his feet and nudged away his white gloved hand from black leather.

The Joker readjusted his collar and wiped away the blood from his face. He sighed and the grin on his lips grew smaller. "I know you won't and so our dance is meant to last my dearest bat."

"Until the day you kill me, right?" answered Batman as he reached for a pair of handcuffs.


Before the Joker could answer, as Batman advanced a gun shot was fired but the bullet zipped past Batman's head and hit the concrete roof. The bullet was now embedded in the ground, Batman glared at the Joker with contempt. "Looks like you got tired of concocting crazy schemes and had a lackey of yours just try to shoot me right!" Batman grabbed hold of the Joker to show the mysterious goon that his boss was apprehended.

"I would never! You gotta listen Bat-brain; I didn't hire anyone for this little job. The only one who's with me is Harley and she's around the next block with the getaway car!"

"LIAR! Call off your men before I make you!" growled as he tightened his grasp, putting immense pressure on the hold.

"I'm not lying! I – look out!" screamed Joker. Batman didn't react; instead Joker crashed his head back over Batman's face in order to break the hold. When Batman stumbled back another shot was fired. Joker pushed the detective out of the way and was struck above his chest near his shoulder. Everything just seems to be moving so slow in Batman's eyes. He was on the ground still reeling from the sudden impact to his face. He witnessed the Joker get shot, the blow caused him to topple over the edge of the building. Before he could reach out and grab the clown, Joker was too far from his reach and fell. There was a sickening thud along with metal clatter come from down below. Joker saved him. The vigilante's heart sank from the sudden act that happened. He quickly grappled the side of the building, hoping that the worst didn't just happen.


"You idiot you were supposed to shoot Batman first so he won't interfere in the plan!" screamed a deep male voice over a walkie-talkie. A man stood in a hidden corner in the rooftops above, holding a sniper rifle. He was aiming where Batman and the Joker stood, through his scope he saw Batman leave.

"Don't worry so much, I got the clown. In my opinion that's a better prize," smirked the man into the walkie-talkie.

"The bat was your target; you weren't supposed to get the fucking nutcase! Boss wanted him personally dipshit!"

"Sheesh ain't my fault he got in the way. Contact the ground forces, tell them to off Batman," replied the figure nonchalantly.

"Fine! Hopefully they did their job right, unlike some idiot, and killed the dumb clown's bitch," sighed the man over the communication link. The mysterious man cut the feed and concealed his face with a green motorcycle helmet.

"Sure hope Batman puts up a fight. Kinda wanted to have a bit more fun, after all things just got started."