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[A/N: Here is the sequel to my previous Batman story. I hope you like it.]

A/N: Here is the sequel to my previous Batman story. I hope you like it.

BATMAN: DECEPTION

CHAPTER I

As the Sun shone in the surrounding clear blue sky over the City of Rio de Janeiro, an agitated Woman weaved her way through a busy crowd of tourists that packed out one of the many narrow streets that the City was known for. She was a smartly dressed Caucasian Woman, with Long red hair, who every few yards would look behind her, as though she was hoping not to spot anyone in particular.

'Come on, I am not that far from the Safe-House. I just hope that feeling I have is just a false...' she began to think, only to look back over her shoulder, making her eyes widen as she saw someone in the crowd behind her.

'Damn it, I have to warn Damien.'

So the Woman then manoeuvred her way through the masses towards one of the nearby stalls, taking a small grey-ball from one of her jacket pockets and dropping it into the boiling pot that stood there on a wooden table, before hastily putting some distance between herself and the stall.

A moment later and the white steam raising from the Pot, suddenly changed to red, earning confused and agitated shouts as it's owners rushed about like headless chickens around the stall.

But by this point, the lady was already well out of sight, having ducked into an alleyway, before entering one of the old buildings that lined up either side of it.

'We should never had stayed here as long as we did.' she thought while racing up the creaky old stairs, making a lot of noise as she got to the third floor and entered the second door on her right.

"Damien!" the Woman quickly replied as she found herself up against the wall, with a Katana drawn and aimed at her throat. The Weapon's owner was an older Man with greying hair and was clearly 10 years older, narrowing his eyes at the former as he stood his ground in a sharp black suit.

"I saw the red smoke from the window, so I take it that means 'they' have found us?" he asked, gaining a nod from his Colleague in return.

"Yes, I saw one in the market and so decided to warn you, before then losing 'him' in the crowds, Damien." she replied, bringing a knowing look to his face as he withdrew his blade and let her breath easy again.

"Good, then I see the lessons I taught you are sticking, this time..." the older Man began to say in response, only for his expression to become more serious.

"...wait, you said 'him', correct?" he added, earning a nod back." from his younger-comrade. But before she could say any more, Damien passed her another Katana that was in it's sheath and began to herd her towards the balcony.

"I want you get of Rome and head for our next Safe-House, which is in Great Britain."

This brought a shocked look to the younger Woman's face in return, while her Mentor simply stared back stoically.

"If you think that I am going to let..." she started to reply, only to be cut off by the front door being kicked open, making them both ready themselves.

"You haven't started running yet..." a white haired Man in a similarly coloured Gucci suit said as he entered the apartment, revealing to them an eye-patch that was covering his right eye.

...I don't know if you are being brave or simply foolish, Darhk and Onyx."

"Foolish? That is just the right kind of word that I would describe those following the same path as you, Slade." Damien replied as he narrowed his eyes back at their opponent, who simply remained calm as he walked closer to the pair.

"Slade? You mean...'Deathstroke'!" Onyx said back with surprise and a hint of fear in her voice, making the one-eyed Man nod back, before returning his attention to Darhk.

"You know why I am here..." he began to say, while stopping just a foot away from the pair.

"Of course I do..." the older Man began to reply, cutting of the new arrival.

"...You and your 'Companion' have been killing off all the members of the League, whose that do not wish to follow the path that you are offering."

"Ra's Al Ghul is dead and the one who that took his life still draws breath..?" Slade replied with a questioning and judgemental tone.

"Leaders rise and fall, but Ra's built the league to survive long beyond his death, which is something that you have put in doubt when you started killing off those of us who were still loyal to the cause..." Damien said back in a mirrored tone, only to be cut off by his Enemy.

"Yes, loyalty to the mission of our Society, but not to the Man who bled and died for it. I am sorry, Damian, but that is treasonous."

"In your eyes...sorry...eye, Slade, but there was always going to be another 'Head of the Demon', but only somebody that had actually 'earned' the title, not 'born' to it." Darhk spat back, only to then glance over his shoulder at Onyx while unsheathing his Katana.

"I told you to go, Onyx."

"...but...?" she began to stammer, which made her Mentor grit his teeth as his anger started to boil.

"I said...GO!" he spat while lunging at Slade, making the two fight as the younger Woman ran off onto the Balcony and out of sight.

Damien meanwhile, continued to attack his opponent, swinging and lunging the blade in every way that he could. But each and every attempt to hit Slade failed, as he simply dodged them all, before countering with a well placed back-kick to the former's chest.

"Hungh!" Darhk grimaced as he was knocked back, earning a smirk from the eye-patched Man in return.

"You are a little sloppy, Damian, telegraphing all of your moves before you even make them..." he started to gloat, which only angered the other Man even more as he recovered.

"...not exactly what I was expecting from one who once held a post amongst Ra's most trusted Lieutenants." he added, making Darhk attack once more as he swung the blade down upon his enemy, who performed a cross block and stopped the attack dead in its tracks. This made the former's eyes widen for a second with surprise, due to Slade blocking the attack with nothing more than his arms, which were covered only by the fabric of his suit.

"You're still wearing armour under that expensive suit..." he said in a questioning tone, earning a nod back from the other Man, who followed through by pushing the attack back and then punching his opponent in the stomach with his left hand, before swinging his right around and connecting it with the guy's face.

"Yes, of course..." he replied as Damian found himself back against the wall once again.

"...it's not exactly the right situation for my 'usual attire'..." he continued with his smirk growing wider as he watched Darhk got back to his feet, who gave him a dagger-like stare back.

"...and you're not even worth the effort."

"I'll show you!" Damien spat back as he grabbed a Picture-frame from the wall and threw it at Slade, who easily cut it in half with his Katana. Though while his attention had been diverted for just a split second, it was all his opponent needed to get back in the fight as he attacked once more with his own sword, clashing his blade against the other's numerous times as their fight continued in the Apartment.

"That's more like it!" Slade replied as their blades clashed once more, scraping against each other as the two Men tried to force the other back.

"This ends now." Darhk exclaimed as he pulled his blade back, making his Adversary move suddenly forward as the former ducked and let him pass.

"What the...!" the one-eyed Assassin said back with a startled tone, just as Damien spun around and lunged his blade at the other Man's back. But what he didn't see, was that Slade smirked slightly as he quickly moved his blade behind his back and deflected the strike, much to his opponent's despair.

"Ho..." he began to reply, only to be cut off as Slade then turned around and leg-sweeped the former off his feet and then stabbed his Katana down into his stomach, pinning him to the floor.

"Arragh!" Darkh cried out as the colour of his shirt around the wound changed to red, making him drop his own weapon as Wilson looked down at him while kicking his weapon away from the reach of his hand.

"Now as much as I loved hunting you and the others down in the past few years, it is well passed the time that this came to and end." he replied, making his bloodied and defeated Rival chuckle, despite the pain he was in.

"You really...think that this is over...,Slade?"

This made his enemy kneel beside him and twist the blade a little, gaining a painful grunt from the injured Man.

"Well, yes, Damien, I do." he replied with confident tone, which only made Darhk's pained smile widen.

"Then you're a bigger fool than I was led to believe, because as I speak, Onyx is getting further and further away from your clutches."

"Is that so?" the one-eyed Assassin then asked, maintaining a confident expression, before suddenly something came smashing through the Balcony window, earning a shocked expression from Damien as he saw the body of Onyx lying there, covered in blood.

"This one was of no challenge, unfit to be in the League of Shadows." a female voice then spoke, making the injured Man look towards the Balcony and see a fully masked Ninja enter the Apartment's interior. This made his eyes widen and clench his fists as he recognised the new arrival's voice, despite the pain he was currently feeling in his gut.

"You!" he spat furiously as she joined Slade's side, ignoring him and turning her attention to her comrade.

"Slade, has he told you anything yet?"

"No, I haven't had the chance to ask him."

"Let's not waste any more time then..." the masked Woman began to reply before grabbing the hilt of Slade's sword and turning it into Darhk's wound, making him cry out in agonising pain.

"We have been at this for almost six years, hunting down each and every member of our former organisation. But nobody seems to be able to answer my question, but you, Damien Darhk, were one of our top lieutenants. So I will ask you...who is responsible for Ra's Al Ghul's death?"

"You don't deserve an answer to that question, just like your actions have lost you your claim to the name given to you at birth, because you have betrayed everything that the League of Shadows stands for." Damien spat back, which simply made the Woman turn the blade some more into his wound, while the carpet beneath him became soaked in blood.

"Grrrraaghh...I don't know!" he suddenly grimaced, making her stop in return as a distrusting expression befell Slade's face.

"He's lying."

"I'm not, since I was...not even involved in the mission that...Ra's was overseeing in Gotham. None of us were, because...we were busy with the League's interests in other...parts of the World." he said back with baited breaths, trying to focus despite the beyond sharp burning feeling that was pulsing through his body from his stomach wound.

"Then who would know? Tell me and I will ensure that your suffering will end." the female Ninja replied, with only her green eyes visible through two small slits in her mask as she looked down at Darhk, who in turn had a thoughtful look on his own face as blood trickled down his chin from his mouth.

"...I heard rumours that...that one or two of Ra's personal Guard had been...arrested in Gotham after the mission failed. They are probably still in the City's...main Prison."

The masked-Woman then looked back at Slade and nodded, making the older Man grab his sword and pull it out of Damian's stomach. This gained another grimace from the beaten opponent, who started to bleed out from both ends of the wound as the Ninja then stood over him and unsheathed her own weapon.

"I thought...you were going to...give me a quick...death?" he asked in a shocked voice while gurgling blood that was filling up in his mouth, as his eyes widened in response.

"I lied, because you still betrayed our cause by not even attempting to find and punish the one responsible. And that is something which I cannot forgive." she said back coldly while staring down blankly as Darhk started convulsing as his eyes rolled back and spat up blood.

"You...bitch!" he managed to spit back as his life drained from his body, before a moment passed and he exhaled his final breath.

"Good..." she then exclaimed while raising her blade over her head, before quickly swinging down and decapitating the now dead Darhk, with his head rolling away from his body before stopping by Slade's feet as the Ninja sighed.

"...so we now know where to head next." she added, earning a nod from her Comrade in return.

"Gotham."

"Yes, Gotham." the masked-Woman replied before turning around and leaving the room, with Slade following her as they left the two bodies there in the Flat.

"Jim, if you haven't noticed, this Family has suffered at the hands of that Maniac, not once...but twice in a year, a year. I don't want our Kids to live here anymore, so I am taking them somewhere far from the madness that this City invites..." she started to say, while Jimmy spoke on the phone.

"...I would ask you to come with us, but I know what your answer will be and I just can't have our Kids stay in this environment because of that." she answered, gaining a knowing look from Gordon as he turned his eyes to the floor tellingly.

"Also I feel that the only tie that we have to each other now...is because of them." the Wife continued while gesturing at little Barbara who stood at her side, holding her hand.

"Mom, they said the Taxi is waiting to take us to the Airport." the older Son then answered as he put the phone down, earning a nod back in return as he walked up to his Father.

"Dad, we saw the news. You really took responsibility for lying about Batman and Dent?" he asked, there was a slither of un-believability to his words, but just a slither as Jim nodded back with a slight smile.

"Yeah, Son, I did."

This made the boy give his Father a hug, with the latter kneeling down to return the gesture as they embraced.

"I'm proud of you, Dad."

"Thanks, Jimmy." he replied as the two then separated and his attention turned to little Barbara, who was watching with a mixture of sadness and defiance.

"I don't want to go, Daddy." she stated with her bottom lip trembling away, earning a loving stare from her Father as her took in a warm embrace, which made her grip tightly as she then hugged him back.

"I know, Sweetheart, but your Mom is right, you would be much safer in Cleveland." he said back with a tinge of reluctance to his voice, which made her cling to him even tighter.

"...but..." she managed to say, while tears slowly started to run down her face, so he pulled away just enough to look his Daughter in her eyes.

"What kind of Father would I be if I kept you here in harms way..." he started to say before looking back to his Son, who acknowledged him with a solemn nod.

"...so you will go with your Mom and be on your best behaviour, okay?" he then asked, whilst little Barbara simply looked down at the ground.

"I don't want to hear back from your Gran, telling me that your causing her trouble." he added, though now he could feel his eyes welling up as he watched his youngest, who then returned her attention back to him and nodded slowly.

okay...Daddy."

"Come here." he said back with hurt smile as the two hugged once more, before his Wife then spoke up.

"Jim, we really should get going."

"Right then, I see you both real soon." he replied as he and his Daughter separated, with the little girl joining her Brother's side reluctantly.

"Jimmy, take your sister outside, please?" the Mother then said, earning a nod from him before both the kids gave their Father one last look.

"Bye, Dad."

"Bye, Daddy."

"See you soon, Kids." Jim replied before the two youngsters left the room, with the oldest pulling along one of the suitcases, while Barbara grabbed the last two and started for the same door.

"Let me help you with that Barbara." the former Commissioner offered, making the Woman shake her head as she stopped by the now open door.

"They are not heavy, Jim, since the two Cops that brought them here for us didn't pack everything that was back at the house..." she began to say, before looking over her shoulder at him.

"...anyway, our Son is right." she continued, gaining a curious look back from Gordon.

"About what?"

"That you did a 'good thing' tonight...good bye." she then said before walking out the door and down the corridor, out of sight of her Husband, who then closed the door and stood there for what felt like a long moment as he thought about what had just happened.

But then he suddenly looked over to the Balcony-door with a curious expression, before re-adjusting his glasses and then walking over to it, exiting the interior and stepping out into he cool night air as he leaned on the railing and looked out at the City around him.

"I'm sorry, Gordon." a familiar disguised voice then spoke from his right, earning a sigh from him.

"There's no need to apologise, Batman, this was going to happen sooner or later..." he began to say back, making the Vigilante step out of the shadowed area of the Balcony and stand beside his Ally.

"...I mean Barbara and I have had our troubles anyway, this was just the last nail in the coffin. Plus she is right about the Kids, they shouldn't have to live in a City where they are constant targets..." he continued while looking down at the street below, just as his family got into the waiting taxi, which then left moments later.

"...but at least they will be safe now, since things are about to get a lot messier from now on."

"Because of the one thousand Mob members that will be released in the next day or so from Blackgate." Batman replied, earning a nod from Gordon.

"Yeah, Gotham's going to need you now, more than ever. Because I doubt that the GCPD is going to be as effective with Foley in charge." he said back with a knowing expression, gaining a nod back from the costumed-Man.

"I agree, especially as Foley has made it clear that he will still be targeting me as well..." he began to say while turn ing his attention to the view.

"...but let him come, I can handle it."

This made Gordon smirk and look at him with an admirable expression, while a breeze gently blew through the area.

"I know that's true..." he said before noticing that the breeze had gently blown open a gap in the Dark Knight's cape, revealing the new bodysuit underneath which was dark grey with a new shaped Bat-symbol cover it's chest.

"...by the way, I notice you've got a new look." he added while gesturing to his Ally's costume, which was now in the light and he could see the slight difference in the black Cowl and the leathery look of it's cape.

"I thought it was time for a change..." the Vigilante began to reply, while keeping his attention on the City.

"...so what are you going to do now, since you are no longer in the GCPD?"

This brought a thoughtful look to the former Commissioner, before a slight smile appeared on his face as he mirrored his friend.

"Since I am not following my Family to Cleveland, you have probably guessed that I am staying in Gotham."

"It doesn't take a Genius." Batman replied, earning another thoughtful look from Gordon.

"Yeah well, I still believe that I can help this City, even if I'm no longer a member of it's Police-Force. I just need to figure out how."

"You will, Gordon, I know it. Just as I know that we can still bring Gotham back, although it will take longer than we thought." the Vigilante said back with a confidant tone to his disguised voice, before he then started to move.

"Wait, Batman, before you go and disappear like you do..." the former-Cop then began to say, stopping the costumed-Man in his tracks as he looked back over his shoulder.

"...there was something that I wanted say."

"What is it?" the Dark Knight replied as he turned back to face his Ally.

"Before all of this happened with Harvey, you and I worked together for over a year as we fought to loosen the Mob's grip on Gotham. Over that time we learnt to trust one another as we succeeded in beating the organised Crime machine and I feel honoured to call you my friend." Gordon said with a heartfelt tone, which brought a surprised look to the Batman's masked-face.

"...Gordon..." he began to say back, only for Jim to cut him off in a friendly manner.

"Batman, my friends call me 'Jim'." he replied, which brought a smile to the Vigilante's face as he nodded back in return.

"Alright...,Jim."

"That's better, now get out there, there's work to be done." the older Man said back with a warm smile, gaining another nod and smirk from the Dark Knight before he then quickly leapt over the railing and dropped out of view of the Balcony. Gordon then looked over to the ground below and saw that there was now no sign of his friend as he then returned his gaze to the view of the City, just as the clouds gave way to the Moon in the night sky.

"Thank you and good luck." he then said while behind the building, Batman landed back on his Batpod and drove off into the night.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the City, a black Limousine parks under a street lamp that is just aways from the Sandy Hook Bridge. Then a black-suited Man steps out of the driver's side of the vehicle and walks to it's back, before opening the passenger door there.

"We have arrived at Gotham, Sir." he spoke while looking into the low lit interior.

"Very good. And what have you heard about 'the Bird' and the rest of those Traitorous Bastards, what has happened to them?" an angry grizzled voice spoke back, to which the Driver simply looked back with a calm and focused expression.

"It has been reported that 'the Bird', Wintergreen and his team have all been arrested by the Police, Sir."

"Now that's what I like to hear, traitors getting their just-deserts. Serves them right for ditching my services for that Freak's." the Passenger replied happily, gaining a nod back from the other.

"Indeed, Sir."

"Well help me out, because I want to see the view from here."

"Of course, Sir." the Driver answered as he helped the other older-sounding Man out of the back of the vehicle, revealing the latter to be a short, round, balding Man wearing an expensive-looking suit. He had a rather pointed nose and wore a single eye-glass over his left eye.

"Hand me that, will you?" he then said, gesturing to something that was lying on the back-seat, which the other Man then picked up.

"Here you are, Sir." he replied while handing a black Umbrella to his Passenger, who then stood there and admired the view of the bridge and the City behind it.

"Yes, I think it is time that Gotham City remembered one of it's oldest Families, wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course, Mr. Cobblepot." the Driver said back, turning his attention to the view as the shorter Man smiled.

"Yes, wait until they all see what I can do, Wah Wah Wah."

- THE END -

A/N: And so I finish my first Batman Fan-Story. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. Thank you for taking the time to read this story, I really appreciate it.

Next Story: Five Years later, the City is under the shadow of the mysterious Penguin and Black Mask, the last two Mob Bosses still operating in Gotham. But as public opinion grows for the Batman, due to his one Man crusade against the Mob. The Dark Knight finds himself targeted by two Assassins, whose sole purpose appears to be making him pay for a Sin from his past.
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[BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED]

Meanwhile, back at the Batcave, Bruce was lying down on what looked like a Gurney with his shirt off as Alfred attended to his wounds.

"Ouch! Alfred, careful!" the younger Man said with an annoyed tone, earning an eye roll from the Butler as he removed the bullet from his Master's upper-torso.

"And I thought you were trained to block out pain..." he started to say as he applied pressure to the spot as the un-masked Vigilante sat up, only for the latter to cut him off.

"Actually I was taught to put pain in it's place." he replied, which only made his old Friend raise an eyebrow as he stopped and gave Bruce a knowing look.

"Well I doubt whoever tutored you in that skill meant for you to voice your pain, Master Bruce, so don't be a Baby." he replied with a sarcastic tone, making the Billionaire smile in return.

"Fair point..." he began to say back, before looking at the Gurney as Alfred finished and bandaged hiw wound up.

"...though I think that we should install a proper medical unit down here, right?"

"That's a good idea, Mr. Wayne." a familiar voice spoke up from behind the pair, making the younger Man look over his shoulder and see Lucius standing there."

"Luicus, I didn't know you were here..." he started to say with a surprised expression, before Pennyworth cut him off as he finished and started to pack away his medical kit.

"Mr. Fox arrived here shortly after I had left to pick you up, Sir."

"But how did he..." Bruce then started to ask, a bewildered expression growing on his face that made both older Men look at each other and sigh.

"Still not quite the Master-Detective are you, Bruce. You gave me access to the Cave only last year."

"Well, Lucius, what can I say..." the Billionaire began to reply, a cheeky smile growing on his face at the same time.

"...but when facing a City-wide emergency, the third in three years, I might add. It's easy for the smaller details to be misplaced or forgotten in the madness of it all." he added, gaining a nod back from his CEO.

"How true that it is, Bruce, but once more 'you' managed to stop Gotham falling into that madness."

"No, 'we' did, the three of us." the younger Man quickly replied, bringing an appreciative smile to his Butler's face.

"That's kind of you to say, Master Bruce, though it would be foolish not to acknowledge that it was Batman's example that inspired us to do our part."

"Agreed, in fact there is something you should see, Bruce..." Fox then said, before turning his attention to the nearby Bat-Computer.

"Computer, show news-feed on the main-screen." he then commanded, with the large device quickly executing it as it's main screen came to life and showed a news broadcast.

"Wow, you added verbal commands to the Bat-Computer..." Bruce started to say with an impressed and surprised tone, only for his Colleague to cut him off.

"Just watch, Bruce." he said back, making the Wayne stare back at the screen, just as a reporter started to talking whilst standing next to some random people.

"...this is Jack Ryder for Gotham News and since the incident surrounding former-District Attorney Harvey Dent, now known as Two-Face. It appears that despite City Officials and GCPD's repeated callings for the Batman's arrest, that the Public's views on our resident Vigilante are changing."

"The Batman saved us, he saved the entire City. Now I don't know what happened the night that he apparently killed Dent and in fact I didn't believe it, because he once saved my Wife from being mugged by two scum-bag losers. And to see that he is still out there, protecting us. Well it helps me sleep better at night."

"Why does the Batman continue to do this, as things have only got worse since he showed up."

"We need Batman out here on the streets, since the Cops can't seem to stop this sh*t from happening."

"He stinks and I don't like him."

"It appears that there are some in Gotham that no longer see the Batman as a menace." Lucius then said, regaining Bruce's attention back to him and Alfred, while the News Broadcast returned to it's studio on the screen.

"I appreciate why you showed me that, Lucius, but I don't do what I do to get good publicity, I do it because it is necessary." the younger Billionaire replied, gaining a knowing nod back from his CEO.

"I know, Alfred to me as much. But you cannot deny that despite some still feeling ill intent against your masked Alter-Ego, there are others that the Batman is clearly inspiring."

This brought a knowing look to Bruce's face, as he looked back at Fox.

"I agree, that is good and they are going to need that. Because very soon the Dent Act is going to be scrapped, meaning that the one thousand Inmates at Blackgate will be released back into Gotham and the GCPD will not be able to handle it on their own."

"In that case, Master Wayne..." Alfred then began to say, earning the attention of both Men as they looked back at him.

"...we are lucky that the City still has Batman to defend it, since everyone of those Criminals fears you." he added with a proud smile as he placed a hand on his young Master's shoulder, which made the latter smile back appreciatively.

But then as he was about to reply, the three Men found their attention caught by the main screen of the Bat-Computer as it continued to show the current News broadcast.

"We have breaking news for you as we take you to the GCPD Headquarters, where Commissioner James Gordon is about to make a statement."

"What!" Bruce said back with a surprised tone, as the broadcast changed to show the Police Commissioner standing at a podium before a host of Journalists and Camera-Men.

"Good Evening, I have come before you all to tell you the truth about what happened to Harvey Dent that night, over a year ago. I chose to hide the truth because I believed it was the right thing to do, due to the high tensions and panic created amongst the Citizens of our great City were experiencing that night with the Joker..." he started to say, which immediately made the Billionaire narrow his eyes in response, because he could see the reluctant and pain expression on his Ally's face.

"...but the Batman did not kill Harvey Dent, he saved my Son and then took the blame for Harvey's atrocious crimes..." he continued to say, only stopping to take a breath.

"...so I could to my shame, create a lie around this fallen White Knight...I gave praise to the Lunatic that attempted to murder my own Child..." Gordon continued, before awkwardly adjusting his glasses as unbeknownst to him, Bruce Alfred and Lucius simply watched silently from their location in the Bat-Cave.

"...but the Lie has been revealed to you all today, which has brought my shame into the light, letting the People of Gotham know the truth...and there is nothing left for me to do now but resign."

The Audience then came to life as all the reporters began loudly shouting their questions over each other, while Gordon quickly left the room and the range of the main Camera as Foley then took his place.

"It is sad to see such a distinguished member of our Police-Force have to leave, but I want to assure everyone that the GCPD is still committed to protecting our Citizens, maintaining Law and Order in Gotham. This also pertains to 'the Batman', who as a Vigilante, acts outside of the Law and must be brought to Justice for those very laws he has broken..." the Lieutenant started to say, only for Bruce to speak up and cut off the broadcast.

"Computer, deactivate screen." he said, making the device do just that as he got off the Gurney and began heading to the Lift in a slightly rushed Manner.

"I've got to go." he said, leaving a bemused Alfred and Fox behind.

"Go where, Sir?" the former asked, stopping his Master who looked back over his shoulder.

"To see Gordon, but I have to make a stop first and for that, there is something up-stairs that I need."

"I take it you are going to need your 'formal wear'..." Fox then asked, before turning his attention to the Butler.

"...that's the correct term, right, Alfred?" he added, gaining a nod back as Bruce looked back questioningly.

"That's right, Lucius, why do you ask?"

"Because I think you will want to use what I have brought in that large case over by the Computer..." the CEO began to explain, making the Billionaire turn his attention to the metal crate standing next to the Bat-Computer.

"What's in there?" he asked while walking over the to the large object, with Fox quickly joining his side as he began to open it up.

"Take a look, Bruce, because I think you will like what you see." the older Man replied as he watched the Wayne unlock the Crate's lid and open it, before his eyes widened as he smiled down at what he saw.

"Wow..!" he started to exclaim, earning a mirrored look from Lucius in return before the former then turned and looked back with a curious expression.

"...but I thought you said it would take another day or so to finish?"

"Well I may have lied a little, since it was not ready when you saw it, but it is now..." the CEO replied as he gestured at the crate's contents.

"Now this 'Version-3 has a handful of new features that your previous-version does not, as well as some alterations and it too comes with it's own instruction manual..." he continued, only for Bruce to cut him off.

"Which I will read, this time."

This brought surprised looks to both Lucius and Alfred's faces, with the latter joining the pair beside the open crate.

"Really, Master Bruce?" the Butler asked, gaining a nod from his younger Master.

"Naturally, since I need to be more hands on with all of this..." he began to answer, before turning around and looking back to the Lift.

"...so I guess I can take this out for a test-run?"

"Yes, Bruce..." Fox replied with a smile, while the Billionaire headed back towards the Lift.

"...by the way, you do know that you have a second Bat-pod here, at least until your 'Batmobile' and the second Batwing are completed, right?" he then asked, bringing a knowing smirk to Bruce's face as he turned and looked back at his friends.

"Of course I do, thanks in advance, Lucius." he replied before then entering the Lift, leaving both Fox and Pennyworth in the Cave.

"Well, it's about time." the former then said with a relieved tone, earning a knowing nod from Alfred.

"That it is, Lucius."

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

In Arkham Asylum, Harvey sat on the bunk in his cell, once more dressed in the Inmate clothing that he awoke from his Coma in. The fallen DA simply stared blankly at the concrete wall before him, one of three that made up his cell, except for the large metal door that stood to his left. It was so quiet in there as the Scarred-Man sat in complete isolation, that he had nothing to distract him from his thoughts as he continually went over them in his mind. But then the sound of metal being moved as something on the door was unlocked, caught Dent's attention as it's viewer port opened and revealed a familiar masked-Man to it's occupant.

'Bruce!' he thought as he stood up and stared back at Batman through the small window.

"Hello, Harvey." the Vigilante said, making the prisoner stare back at his Visitor with an unsure expression as he walked up to the door, but the former recognised what he was thinking and gave him a slight smile in return.

"Don't worry, we have at least 5 minutes before Arkham's security realises that the glitch their cameras and audio-receivers are suffering is anything but that." he added with his usual disguised voice, gaining a nod back.

"So how did you get passed the Security to get even this far into the Asylum, since I heard that it had been strengthened quite a bit since I was last here, Bruce."

"Let's just say that I have a 'friend' on the inside, plus as the increased security goes, I had Wayne Enterprises give the Arkham a much needed cash boost to their budget." the Dark Knight replied, as a more serious expression befell Harvey's face.

"You do know that I will not tell anyone your identity, right?

"Yes, I know, Harvey."

"I know Rachel would not forgive me if I were to out your identity, especially since Gotham needs you more than it did me." Dent replied with a knowing look.

"I heard that you asked to be locked away without hope of parole, even telling them what regulations they could use to ensure anything like that could not happen." his Visitor asked, earning a nod back in return.

"You helped me see the truth of what I had become, Bruce, which was a betrayal to Rachel and everything that she believed about me, which was something that I could not live with." he added with the tone of his voice tinged with guilt and self loathing, gaining a nod from the Vigilante in return.

"It wasn't entirely your fault, Harvey, because the Joker was the one who set you on this dark path. He targeted you because you were Gotham's symbol of hope, it's one chance for something better."

"And he was wrong about that..." the scarred-Man then said back, turning round to face Batman once more.

"...and so were you, Bruce. Because in the end, I was just a Man, someone that could be silenced or corrupted...which was exactly what happened..." he continued as a knowing look appeared on his face.

"...but you, Bruce, you have created in 'Batman' something that could never be defiled or destroyed and your example will eventually inspire Gotham to be better than it is."

This brought a surprised expression to Bruce's face, which Harvey could see, even beneath that Cowl as the former remembered what the Inmate was referring to.

"You can be the symbol of hope that I can never be."

"It's funny how the people around me have been throwing words that I have said in the past, back in my face recently." the costumed-Man said back with a humbling tone, which brought a saddened smile to Dent's face.

"Perhaps you should listen to them more..." he began to reply, as his face then looked back more knowingly.

"...because I wish that I had."

This brought a moment of silence between the two Men as they stood either side of the Cell-door, as Batman nodded back knowingly.

"My friend here in at the Asylum has told me that you convinced the GCPD and the Mayor-Office to put you behind bars with no hope of Parole, even bringing up the regulations that would cement that decision in place."

"That's right, because I remember when I made a promise to the City, that it's Laws do work and can again for their benefit. So it is only fair that those same Laws apply to me, considering what I ended up doing. If going in here for the crimes that I committed helps the people to see that, then at least I will have done something good and I can start redeeming myself in 'her' eyes once more."he said back with a hopeful tone, which brought a smirk to Batman's face.

"You will, Harvey, in time..." he started to say before looking down at his utility-belt and opening one of its pouches, earning a curious stare from Harvey as he could not see it through the door.

"...which brings me to this..." the Vigilante added, before opening the package hatch of the door on his side and placing something within.

"...because I want you to have it."

This made the former DA's expression become more curious as he turned his attention to the hatch on his side of the door, opening it and retrieving the item.

"Oh..." he then started to say in surprise as his eyes widened, for he found himself holding a photo of Rachel.

"...Bruce..."

"There is no need to say anything, Harvey, since you need this more than I do." the Dark Knight quickly replied with a smile, gaining a mirrored expression from Dent in response as he looked down at the photo.

Well, I should get going now." the costumed-Billionaire then said, making the Inmate nod back as he returned his attention to the Vigilante.

"Of course, but promise me one thing while you are out there."

"What's that?"

"Don't fail Gotham, don't let the City down like I did." Harvey said back with a hopeful tone to his voice, which gained a confident expression from Batman in return.

"I won't, Harvey, I promise."

This brought a thankful smile to Dent's face as he looked back down at Rachel's photo.

"Good, then you better..." he started to reply, before looking back up and noticing that the Dark Knight was no longer standing there.

"...get back out there."

This made his smile widen a little more as he then went back to his bunk and sat down, before returning his gaze to the photo.

'Jim was right, he really 'does' do that.'


Twenty minutes later and Jim walked into the living-room of the Hotel suite that was now the Gordon's residence for the next several days, sighing heavily as he dropped his coat on the couch there.

'It's finally done...' he started to think, before something caught the corner of his eyes which made him turn to see that there three packed suitcases standing by the wall next to the door.

"What's going..." he began to say as Barbara and the Kids walked in from the Bedroom, with their coats already on.

"...on?"

Both kids looked at their Father with saddened expressions, though his Daughter was the more upset of the two as their Mother stepped toward the older Man.

"Jim, the Kids and I are going to my Mother's in Cleveland." she said in very clear and calm tone, which made her Husband's expression become even more bewildered.

"What?...but...but why?" he replied, not even attempting to hide his emotions as the room's phone, that stood on a stand next to the main door, began to ring.

"Jimmy, get the phone. It should be the front desk, letting us know that the Taxi has arrived." Barbara then said, earning a solemn nod from her Son, before returning her attention to Jim once more.

"Barbara, tell me what the hell is going on." he said back, trying to stay calm, despite what he was feeling inside.

[BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED]

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

- EPILOGUE -

An hour or so later...

"Daddy!" little Barbara exclaimed joyously as she ran into her Father's arms, with the older man giving her a loving hug back as he was joined by both his Son and his Wife, both looking a little less welcoming as they joined him in the GCPD HQ, having been dropped off by the Batman on it's roof.

"We flew with the Batman, in his Plane...twice!" she excitedly told him, gaining a pleased smile from Jim in return.

"I'm just glad that you all are safe." he replied while turning his attention to the others, which made his Son crack the slightest of smiles back.

"Yeah, you too, Dad. Batman kept his word and saved you too." he said back, making his Father pull slightly away from his youngest so that he could put his hand on Jimmy's shoulder.

"Is the scary-faced Man gone, Daddy?" his little-girl then asked with an innocence that only children of her age could show, gaining a reassuring smile back as he returned his attention to her.

"Yes, Barbara, he is gone and won't be bothering us again, I promise." the older Man then added, before he found his smile weakening as he looked at his Wife, who walked up behind her Daughter and placed her hands on the little one's shoulders.

"Well, I personally think that the kids have had enough excitement for one day and should get some sleep." she said back with a controlled and tired expression, making little Barbara turn around and show her dislike in return.

"But, Mommy, we just got to see Daddy."

"I know, Sweety, but I think Daddy has got more pressing things going on." she answered while turning her attention back to her Husband and looking over his shoulder, making the Commissioner turn to see Lieutenant Foley and Officer Eckhart join them.

"It's good to see that everyone is safe, just as the Batman had said. Though it would have been nice if he had stuck around." he said, gaining a knowing and annoyed look from his Superior.

"What, so you could arrest him, and after everything he just did tonight?"

"The Law is the Law, Jim, despite what people might think..." the younger Man started to say, only to stop as a reluctant look appeared on his face.

"...but I am not here to talk about that." he added, which made Gordon narrow his eyes back in return.

"Well, I appreciate you checking up on us, Peter. But I really should be finding us a place to stay, since our home is currently a crime-scene."

"Well, that is why I have brought Eckhart with me, Jim. He will sort out your Family's sleeping arrangements, because you and I have been called to see the Deputy Mayor." Foley replied, bringing a surprised look to his Boss's face.

"Michael Murphy, I thought he was currently out of the City?"

"He was in Central City, filling in for Mayor Garcia at the opening another one of those STAR Labs by it's owner, Dr. Harrison Wells, who apparently wants to open another here in Gotham. But since the Mayor was killed by Two-Face, Murphy was called back." the Lieutenant explained, though all Gordon could do was stare back with a knowing look.

"I see you're calling Harvey by his alter-ego now, why is that?" he asked curiously, which only made his Subordinate get angry in response.

"I respected that Man...that Monster, but he took this City's trust and flushed it down into the gutter, twisting our hopes for the future and completely shattering them..." he started to rant back, only to notice that Gordon was about to speak and so stopped him from doing so.

"...and before you say it, yes I know that it was Joker that turned him into what he is...or more likely, he just revealed that Two-Face was really who Dent was the whole time, just as our colleagues thought back then."

This brought a thoughtful look to Gordon's face as he sighed in return, because for him, the entire world was flipped upside down from the moment he came too and found that Harvey was helping Batman get the three of them to safety.

'One moment can't rectify all the wrong that Harvey has done, but it did show that there was still a glimmer of hope that this Man was not beyond redemption.'

"The only thing that matters to me, Peter, is that my Family is safe and Harvey is in Prison and no longer a threat to anyone." he replied, only to get a surprised look from the Lieutenant as he looked between his Superior and his Family.

"I find it surprising that you're just 'fine' that Monster who tried to kill your Family not once...but 'twice', is just going to rot in Prison and not face actual Justice for what he did, not only to you and your Family, but also to Gotham herself." Foley said back, before Barbara stepped in between the two men.

"That's enough..." she said at them both, before turning her attention to her Husband.

"...we have been through a lot and I think that the Children have seen enough arguing."

"Yes, I agree." Gordon replied, while Barbara looked over at the youngest of the three Policemen.

"I'd like it if you would show us to where we will be staying, Officer." she said in a firm but diplomatic tone, which earned an unsure look from Eckhart, who then looked at the Commissioner for confirmation.

"Go on, Son." he said, making the other guy nod back and return his focus to his Superior's Family.

"Okay, now if you will follow me, I'll take you to the Hotel."

Both Jimmy and his Sister acknowledged him with a nod and started to follow, only to stop as their Mother gave their Father one last look.

"We will talk later, Jim." she said with a finality to her voice that only he recognised, well it isn't like he hasn't known her long enough.

"Okay, I'll see you all later." the Police Chief replied with a smile as he looked at his Wife and then at his Children, with that smile looking more realistic with them before Barbara ushered them out of the room while following Eckhart, leaving Jim standing there with Foley as an uneasy silence surrounded them.

"Right, shall we go then? The Deputy Mayor is waiting for us downstairs." the younger of the two Men then said, breaking the uneasy silence and earning a nod from the other.

"Very well, let's go."

The two then went back to the main floor and found Mr. Murphy waiting for them in the Commissioner's Office, sitting opposite Gordon's desk and chair as they entered.

"It was good of you to come, Commissioner Gordon,since we have some business to discuss." the greying Man said as he looked over his shoulder at Jim and Foley, making the former nod back in response.

"Yes, Sir, I guess we do. Though, it's not like I could just not come and see you." he replied while walking around to his chair, only for Murphy to put his hand up in protest.

"There's no need to sit down, Gordon..."

This brought a knowing look to the Police-Chief's face as he could sense how this conversation was going to go as he stopped next to his desk, while Foley remained quiet and stood by the door.

"...because this isn't going to be that long, but before we go any further, I have one question for you..." the Deputy-Mayor spoke as he stood up and faced Gordon.

"...why?"

"Why what, Mr. Murphy?" Jim replied, trying to sound confused by the question despite knowing what he was about to ask.

"Why did you and that Vigilante fake Dent's death and keep it a secret from the rest of the City? I only ask, because I remember a conversation that Anthony Garcia had with Dent a year ago, just after both you and him had told the Mayor your plan to arrest the entire Mob. Tony told me afterwards and I never forgot it, want to hear it?" he asked, while Gordon replied with the slightest of gulps in return.

"...The Mayor had warned Dent on what would happen if he went through with this mass of arrests, because it would paint a bullseye on his back and anyone who would lose something from his plan would be gunning for him, looking for anything that could overturn his impressive and risky idea..." Mr. Murphy continued, while the two Cops remained quiet and listened.

"...and if the former DA had anything that these disgruntled parties could use, that it could bring down the very Council of this City and turn Gotham into the chaos that you and he were trying to stop."

"Look, Mr. Murphy..." the Commissioner began to say as his the elected Official took a slight pause, only for the latter to speak up and cut him off.

"I'm not finished, Commissioner, please...don't interrupt..." he replied with a diplomatic yet stern tone, making the former sigh defeatedly.

"...because that is exactly what happened, didn't it? That after Dent survived the tragedy that claimed the life of Miss. Dawes, he did something didn't he? Something that led along the lines of what the Mayor had been worried about, so what was it, Commissioner?" the Deputy Mayor asked with an intuitive expression, which made Gordon adjust his glasses uncomfortably before looking his Boss in the eye.

"You want the truth..." the older Man began to reply, before taking a breath as he turned to look at Foley and then back to Murphy.

"...okay...of course, the Batman didn't kill Harvey Dent..." he started to explain with a pained tone, while the other two men listened.

"...because Harvey was going to murder my Son, had the Batman not stopped him. And then my 'friend' decided to take the blame for the crimes that Harvey had committed, so that I could reluctantly use his death and his reputation as Gotham's White Knight to do some good and keep the Mob off the City's streets." he continued before looking down at his desk, breaking eye contact with Murphy as he took another breath.

"Well, that was very noble of the Vigilante..." the Deputy-Mayor began to reply, his voice sounding somewhat sympathetic, which brought Jim's attention back up to him.

"...but what did you mean with 'reluctantly'?" he added with his tone shifting to more cautious and questioning, which only made the Commissioner feel like the imaginary spot-light on him brighten as he stood there, being watched by the others in the room.

"Well, Mr. Murphy..." Jim then started to say, not bothering to hide the pain and anger he was feeling at having been made to explain himself as he looked back at the Official.

"...how would you feel if you had to praise the Madman that tried to kill 'your' own Son, instead of the man who saved him?" he asked in a knowing tone, while a single tear started to run down his left cheek.

"My God..." Foley muttered under his breath as a look of realisation appeared on his face, it was a look shared by the Deputy-Mayor who took a step back from the Commissioner as he put his hand to his mouth.

"Damn it, Gordon, why didn't you or your Family say anything?" he asked by in an adamant tone, though it was slightly broken by the revelation that he had just heard,

"Because Mayor Garcia was right, that if anything was pinned on Harvey after what we managed to do together with the Mob...then it would all fall apart. Batman understood that, so he decided to take the blame for everything Harvey had done, as well as the former-DA's murder. He would rather the world hated him, then let Gotham fall back under the shadow of the Mob, and I had to condemn him myself..." the Police Chief continued, only to stop and take a breath as he wiped the tear away.

"...I took the lesser of two evils to ensure that our City would see the 'Dawn' that Harvey spoke of many times during his tenure as Gotham's District Attorney, which was a choice that weighed heavily on my shoulders for the past year and also damaged my relationship with my Family, because they did not agree with me throwing the Batman to the Wolves."

Murphy then looked down at the desk, taking note of the Photo of the Commissioner's Family which stood there with his Children and Wife frozen in a moment of happiness, before sighing and returning his attention to Gordon.

"I am sorry to hear that, Commissioner, and as I said previously, the Batman made a very noble sacrifice for the rest of us..." he began to say with a slither of sympathy to his voice, which then disappeared as he continued.

"...but he is still a Vigilante and acting outside of the Law and is guilty of that, if not the crime of murdering Dent, something that itself wasn't true either."

"No, I found out shortly after the incident with the Joker that Harvey was actually in a Coma. And it looked as if he would never wake from, so I decided to hide him in Arkham Asylum and act as if he was truly dead, which in itself was true, from a certain point of view." Jim replied, gaining a confused look from Foley.

"A certain point of view?"

"Yes, the Harvey Dent we knew had died at the hands of the Joker, leaving Two-Face for the rest of us. It was his twisted attempt at a joke, one that would have ruined everything if it had come out." his Superior said back, making the Deputy-Mayor take a breath before placing his hands on his hips.

"That might be true, Gordon, that you and the Barman were simply trying to save us from an unfortunate and terrible truth. But what is also true and I cannot ignore, despite your good intentions, is that you not only aligned yourself with a Vigilante that the Mayor tasked you to find and arrest. But you also broke your vow as a Policeman and lied to the very City you were charged to protect." Murphy replied in a reluctant manner-of-fact tone, making the Commissioner nod back knowingly.

"I know, so what happens now?" he asked, trying to feign a confused tone of voice, though he already knew where this conversation was heading.

"Well no offence, Jim, but I was going to insist that you take early retirement. Because no matter how I look at it, you broke the Law and should face the consequences of your actions..." Murphy continued to say, which made Gordon want to answer, but the City Official beat him to it.

"But that being said, Lieutenant Foley made quite the argument for keeping you on the force..."

The older Man turned his attention to his younger Colleague, who simply gave him a sympathetic smile back as their Boss kept talking.

"...saying that you were too good a resource to let go and it would hurt the GCPD's morale to see you go at this time."

"Really?" Jim replied with a surprised tone, not even attempting to hide it as he return his focus to the Deputy Mayor.

"Yes, so instead I am going to have to strip you of the title of Police Commissioner and push you back down to Sargent. And from there, Foley will partner you with Officer Bullock."

"So that means the Lieutenant is going to be the new Police Commissioner?" Gordon said back with an inquisitive and knowing tone, earning a nod back from Murphy in response.

"Yes."

This brought a thoughtful expression to the Commissioner's face as he pondered on the choice presented to him, while the Deputy-Mayor and Foley waited before sighing.

"Thank you, Mr. Murphy, for a very generous offer considering what I had done. Because I certainly do not think I would have, if someone under me had done the same..." he started to reply, gaining a knowing look from Foley as he could see how his Superior's answer was going to turn out.

"...but I am going to go with early retirement..." he carried on, making the City Official silently nod back as he and the Lieutenant listened.

"...because even though I agree somewhat with Peter here, I would be a reminder of what has previously happened if I stay on and the citizens of Gotham deserve to see that the system works, even with one of it's own who has tried to cheat it."

"Okay, Gordon, in that case I can assure you that there will be no charges brought to you and you will leave here with your pension intact, since your service-record is one of finest in the GCPD's history." Murphy replied, earning an appreciated nod from Gordon.

"Thank you." he said back, only for the former to gesture at Foley as he ushered the Commissioner to the door.

"Well if you will now follow Lieutenant Foley, then we can get on with the Press-conference and inform the Citizens of our City what is happening." he said, while Foley opened the door and followed Gordon outside as the two men left the Deputy-Mayor in Gordon's old office.

"Look, Jim..." Peter then said, stopping his soon to be former-Colleague in his tracks as the latter turned to him.

"...I just wanted to tell you that I didn't want this to happen like this." he said with a sympathetic tone, but this just earned him an angry glare from Gordon in return.

"Oh, don't give me that, Peter. You have been hounding me for the last year about chasing down the Batman..." he replied, before taking a reluctant breath.

"...well now it appears you will get your chance, Commissioner."

"Now just a minute, Jim, I didn't ask for your Job." the Lt. Replied defensively, though that didn't stop the older Man from biting back.

"No, but you have it now. Which means that you have the responsibility of protecting the entire City, making sure it's Citizens feel safe and secure. I hope that you will keep that in mind and not waste all of your time hunting down the Batman, who is someone that is simply trying to help." he replied with a somewhat critical tone, which made Foley narrow his eyes back as his temper flared.

"I do not understand why you keep defending that Vigilante, a man who defies all of our laws in his own misguided attempt to enforce them. He is nothing but a Criminal and I will make sure that he pays for those crimes, which will be much easier without you there to get in the way." he spat, gaining a mirrored expression from Gordon in return.

"You are an Idiot! Because if you have not noticed, the Batman pretty much saved us all tonight and it wasn't for the first time."

"Yeah, I know that and I appreciate how he helped us in this latest crisis, but that doesn't change the fact that he is a criminal and I will continue to treat him as such." Foley replied as the older Man turned and waved him off as he continued to walk away.

"Like I said, you're an Idiot." Jim said back as another person met him at the end of the room, which made the Lieutenant join his side reluctantly.

"Mr. Gordon, we are ready for you." the new guy said, earning a reluctant nod from the older Man as he acknowledged him, but then stopped and returned his attention to his soon-to-be former-subordinate.

"I just hope, Peter, that you won't have to face a similar situation as I did. A situation that has no easy way out, where you're damned whether you do a particular thing or not. Because one thing is certain to me, which is that when that moment comes, you will not have anyone at your side to help you, not like I did. A 'Friend' that will do the things that you can't, even if that comes as a sacrifice on their part." he said in a low and judging tone, before walking through the door into the next room with the other guy, leaving the Lieutenant to stand there and contemplate what he had just been told.

[CHAPTER XV]

CHAPTER XV

"Well, here we are. Right back at the place where all of this started..." Two-Face began to say, before pointing over at the collapsed part of the building, all the while keeping the gun pointed at Batman.

"...with the death of my love, Rachel."

The mention of that name gained guilty looks from both the Vigilante and Gordon, though the former's was not so pronounced as the latter's, who looked back down at the trigger in his hands.

"We know, Harvey, it was a tragedy, one that we have to live with for every day that she is no longer with us..." the Vigilante replied, only for the Maniac to cut him off angrily.

"And so you should, since it was your fault!" he spat, making the other shake his head in return.

"I told you before, Harvey, that the three of us were responsible for what happened, because we chose to stand up to the injustice that was infecting 'our' City."

"Yes and yet I was the only one who lost everything, while Jim still had his Family and you...you still had this City." Harvey spat back with rage visible in his eyes, while the Costumed-Man's demeanour remained calm.

"Harvey, please listen to reason." he said back, which only made the former DA react like a Bull to a red flag.

"My name is TWO-FACE..!" he screamed back, before looking down at his Prisoner.

"We have less than five minutes, Jim, before Gotham goes to Hell for it's part in what transpired here. So do your job and save who you can, by pressing that Button!" he shouted, keeping his focus on the broken Cop while still aiming his gun at the Dark Knight.

"Fox, how long?" he whispered, hoping not to catch Two-Face's attention.

"Nearly there, Mr. Wayne." the CEO spoke back in the Vigilante's ear-piece, just as Gordon looked back at him.

"Don't do it, Commissioner, since there is always another way!"

"You will do it, Jim, or are you going to let everyone join your Family and know that you failed them all?" Dent said back, which looked to have chipped away at what was left of the older Man's resolve as he sighed and looked back down at the trigger and took hold of it in his hands.

"Gordon, don't! Harvey is lying..." Batman then shouted back, gaining a hateful glare from the Scarred Man as his Prisoner stared back with a suddenly confused expression.

"...but...What?" he asked back with a mixture of disbelief and heartache in his voice, which made his costumed friend focus only on him, despite the Maniac pointing a gun directly at him.

"Barbara and the Kids are safe, Commissioner. You have my word."

Then just like that, the Police Chief looked as if he had a shot of Adrenalin as he sighed and a more focused and serious expression appeared on his face.

"No..." he then said in a clear and defiant tone, before placing the trigger on the ground in front of him.

"...no, I will not do it." he added, only to look up at his Captor and lock eyes with him.

"I am sorry for what happened to Rachel, Harvey..." he began to say in clear and coherent manner, which only made Dent grit his teeth as hearing that name felt like a knife to the gut each and every time.

"...but I will not be forced to choose who lives and who dies." the older Man continued, while Batman silently observed and noticed how angry the former DA was looking.

"Well, I guess you 'really' are fine with sacrificing others to achieve your goals..." he started to say while looking down at the ground for a second, before suddenly turning his weapon to the Commissioner's head.

"...just like you did with Rachel and I. So enjoy this last moment of life, Jim..." he started to say, before noticing in the corner of his eye that the Vigilante was starting to move.

"...and I would stand right there, Freak, unless you want Gordon here to die prematurely." he added while looking directly back at him as he picked his Coin up out of his pocket, which gave the Police Chief his moment as he suddenly sprung up and attacked the Maniac, grabbing hold of the gun and trying to rip it from the others hands.

"Get off me!" Two-Face spat as he resisted the Cop, countering him by kneeing the aggressor in the stomach and hitting him over the head with the weapon, knocking Gordon out as he fell back to the floor. The Dark Knight then suddenly sprang into action and launches himself at Dent, who quickly turned the gun on him and fired.

"Ugh!" the Vigilante grimaced as the shot hit him square in the side, between two armoured sections of his Bat-suit, knocking him down onto his knees.

"Stay down, Batman, since we don't exactly have time for that now, do we." the former DA said back as he readied his coin, while continuing to aim the gun at the Vigilante.

"He is right, Sir, you only have 3 minutes left." Alfred added over the com-link, making Batman look down at the knocked out Gordon.

"So will you and Gordon die now or at 8:30pm with everyone else? Let's find out." he said, earning a knowing and determined look from the Dark Knight.

Sorry, Harvey..." he began to say as the Manic started to flip the coin into the air, taking something out of his Utility-belt and clenching it in his hand.

"...I will not leave our fate to chance!"

The Batman then threw up a bunch of coins into the air with Dent's, making the latter's eyes widen as he lost track of his coin in the rest as they fell back to the ground.

"No...!" he cried out as the coins hit the ground, making him fall to his knees and look for his own amongst them.

"...where is it, where is it!"

The scarred-Man then turned his attention back to his enemy, with an enraged expression as he gripped his gun tightly.

"What have you done, you freak?!" Two-Face then spat as he raised his Gun at the Dark Knight, but the latter this time quickly lunged at him and disarmed the former before knocking him back down to the ground with a punch to the face.

"It's over, Harvey, now shut down the Bombs!" the Vigilante said back in his disguised voice, which made Dent roll on to his back and chuckle as a little blood trickled down the left side of his cheek from his mouth.

"Heh heh, someone hasn't been paying attention, has he..." he started to reply, which only made his Adversary more frustrated as he bent down and grabbed him by his suit.

"Harvey..." he started to say back, making the Maniac's eyes narrow as he quickly pulled a pen knife out of his trouser pocket and stabbed it into the Dark Knight's wound.

"Arrgh!" Batman cried out as he let go of Two-Face and fell back onto his own knees, while the latter stood back up and glared back at him with hate.

"I told you, it's TWO-FACE!" he spat back furiously, before looking at his watch.

"And it looks like you screwed up, Batman, just like you did with Rachel and myself. You really are not good with following through on that whole inspiring people with hope...are you?" he asked with an implying tone, while the vigilante looked down at his armour and saw a small trickle of blood pouring from it.

"Because you have just failed the entire City and condemned it to burn, just like I knew you would..." he started to say, before noticing that the remote was still lying there on the floor and that the Batman was staring at it.

"...do you want the honour, Batman, since Gordon turned it down? I mean you are obviously the man that makes the tough calls, considering that you took the blame for what I had already done."

The Dark Knight though simply stared down at the remote, ignoring what the Maniac was saying as he stood over him.

'I can't let everyone die...perhaps...' he started to think as a conflicted expression appeared on his face, only for him to then grimace and shake his head subtly.

'...no, I can't, I won't. I will not save people by killing people! There must be another way...!' he started to think, only to have his eyes widen as a look of realisation came to his face.

"So what will your move be, Dark Knight?" Two-Face asked as he looked down at his enemy, only for the latter to sigh in return and look back with a calm expression.

"Harvey..." he then started to say, which then made it the former DA's turn to widen his eyes, because the voice he heard was not the disguised one that he was used to, but one that he had heard two times before.

"...what...! Who are you?" he asked back in confusion, with the Batman responding by removing his cowl and revealing his true face to his former Ally.

"It's me, Harvey..." he started to reply in a calm tone, while Dent's expression was one of shock and bewilderment.

"B..Bruce...Bruce Wayne? You're...the Batman?" he asked in a disbelieving tone, gaining a nod back from the costumed Billionaire as he slowly got back to his feet, making the scarred-Man take a step back with a twitchy reaction.

'He's confused. Okay, Alfred, time to see if this works.' the Vigilante thought, while the Maniac muttered in disbelief.

"I don't understand...all this time?"

"Yes, Harvey, and I know exactly what it feels like to have all that pain and anger weighing down on you, the need to seek justice for those you have lost..." he started to explain, only for the still shocked Dent to cut him off.

"Because you lost your Parents, who were gunned down in front of you." he said back, making Bruce nod back knowingly.

"That's right, but that isn't the only thing we have in 'common', because there is something that we share..." the Billionaire continued calmly, only to hear Alfred's voice in his ear-piece.

"2 minutes, Sir."

"...and that is that we were both lucky to know 'Rachel' as well as we did."

The mention of her name made Two-Face's eyes widen in response, showing the unmasked Batman the chink in the former DA's armour.

"You were Rachel's childhood friend, I remember her telling me all about your friendship."

"Yes, so that means we are both probably the only people who knew her the best. I know that you are doing this for her, because you believe that we..." Bruce continued while gesturing to himself, Harvey and the unconscious Gordon lying on the floor beside them.

"...all failed her, but now you're letting that rage and pain poison you into thinking that the entire City is guilty of the same crime."

Harvey's eyes started to narrow back as he gritted his teeth, which the young Wayne noticed but still stayed calm.

"They did, everyone failed her and so deserve to suffer the same fate." he spat back with a venomous tone.

"You really believe that, Harvey? Do you think Rachel would want this...?" the costumed-Man asked back as he gestured to their surroundings.

" I loved her as much as you did, and I know that there is no way that Rachel would want this, that she would condone your actions here..." he continued, with his tone and demeanour becoming more serious and worried, since he knew time was running out.

"Rachel loved you, Harvey. She knew you were a good Man..." Bruce added, while Two-Face just listened as his own expression became less angry as the former could see a slight semblance to the Lawyer he once knew.

"...and she 'chose you' because of that. Just look at yourself and tell me, do you really think that she would want this, because I highly doubt it and I believe that deep down, past Two-Face, that you know it too." the young Man finished, bringing a thoughtful expression to the scarred-Man's face as he looked down at his hands for his Coin and yet saw nothing there, making his eyes suddenly widen as a look of realisation overcame his usual angry and hateful expression. Because for the first time, he did not know what to think or decide as his mind was again overcome with memories of the times that he had shared with his love.

"You're Gotham's White Knight...as well as mine own."

"I love you, Harvey Dent."

His eyes began to well up as this opened his thoughts to further memories, which bombarded his mind like waves crashing against a Cliff-face, reminding him of the Man he used to be.

"Whatever decisions I make as District Attorney will be made with Gotham's best interests in mind. The moment I fail to do that, no matter the circumstances, is the moment that I become everything I stand against."

"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

"My God, what have I done? Please...Rachel, forgive me." he muttered under his breath while falling to his knees, before returning his attention back to the costumed-Billionaire, who received another update via his ear-piece.

"1 Minute, Sir, please hurry."

"Harvey, turn off the Bombs! There is still time to stop this madness." The unmasked Batman then pleaded, while the former DA just stared back with a dumbstruck look to his face.

"Harvey, please?"

"They can't be stopped, Bruce...not by me...not by anyone." Dent replied with dazed tone and act as he knelt there in a shaken state, which made the Vigilante look around them with a worried expression.

'God damn it! There must be...' he began to think, only to have his thoughts interrupted by a familiar voice in his ear.

"Mr. Wayne, I have managed to disrupt the signal to the main bombs, none of them will explode now..." Lucius began to explain, making Bruce smile back as he sighed deeply.

"Thank you."

"I am sure Gotham will be thankful, but you have just over 40 seconds before the bomb directly under you goes off and I have not control of that one." the CEO then replied, snapping the younger Man's attention back to the situation at hand.

"Roger that." he said back before turning his attention to the still knocked out Commissioner and the shaken-looking Harvey just aways from him,

"Harvey, we have to move!" Batman then said with his disguised voice as he quickly re-equipped his Cowl, making the latter shake his head.

"Leave me...I'm the Villain now, I don't deserve to live for what I have done." he said back, the tone of his voice was one of self loathing, making the Dark Knight shake his head as the former's words reminded him of something he once said.

"I won't kill you, but I don't have to save you."

"No, Harvey, that would be too easy for you and I doubt Rachel would approve." he replied, while kneeling down and turning his attention to the Commissioner.

"Gordon, wake up!" he said while giving the older make a little shake, making the latter stir from his unconsciousness.

"...urgh...Batman? What's...?" he started to say, only for the Dark Knight to cut him off.

"The bombs have been taken care of, but we have to get of here." he replied in his disguised voice, before looking over to Dent.

"Harvey, help me." he ordered, gaining a nod back from the Scarred Man, which brought a surprised look from Gordon as the two helped him up.

"...Harvey! What the?"

"No time, So let's go before this place blows." Batman the ordered the pair as the three of them moved quickly to the far end of the derelict, while the timer on the bomb below them continued to silently count down.

"Sir, Foley and his men have rounded up the last of the Mercenaries that has escaped the building, but you have 10 seconds, 8..." Alfred then spoke through the Vigilante's ear piece, only to be cut off by the latter.

"Not now, Penny-One!" he spat as they reached the edge of the floor, turning his attention to Gordon and Dent in the meantime.

"I don't know if this will work, but hold on to me!" he ordered, which made both men do exactly that. And then just as the last few seconds ticked down, the three of them jumped off the edge as the Batman spread out his cape, allowing them to glide away just as the bomb exploded and enveloped the derelict in a massive fireball. The resulting shock-wave then knocked the wind out of the extended cape, forcing the trio down as they hit the ground and rolled over a couple of times.

"Okay, okay...now I'm awake..." the Commissioner then stated as he slowly recovered, while Harvey and the Batman followed suit.

"...so are you going to tell me what is going on?" he added with a confused tone, before Harvey got to his feet and helped him up.

"What is going on, Commissioner..." he started to reply, stopping just to glance over his shoulder at the Dark Knight with a knowing expression, gaining a mirrored look back.

"...is you are taking me in." he finished while holding his hands out at the older Man in a submissive manner, which only made the former look more confused.

"...Batman?"

"It's true, Commissioner, the bombs were stopped and Harvey has decided to give himself up.

"But..?" Gordon started to say back, only for Dent to cut him off.

"I was wrong and I should face the consequences of my actions. Wouldn't you agree, Commissioner?" he said with an honest and earnest tone, before the Vigilante joined their side and gave the Police Chief a pair of Handcuffs, just as sirens could be heard in the distance.

"I should go and pick up your Family from my safe-house." Batman then stated, earning a nod from Gordon in return.

"Alright, but where will you drop them off?" he asked back, stopping the Dark Knight in mid-motion as he started to turn away.

"On the roof of the GCPD, safe and sound, Commissioner, I promise."

"Very well, you better get moving." the older Man replies with an appreciative tone, gaining a slight nod from the Vigilante as he glanced ever so slightly over his shoulder and then started to walk away into the surrounding darkness, leaving Gordon and Dent as they awaited the Police reinforcements.

A moment or so later, once he had made it a far enough distance away from the Sirens of the Police, who had then arrived and surrounded the burning building of 250-52nd Street, the Batman then activated his com-link.

"Penny-One, I am going to need a pick up." the Batman said as he kept walking, which brought his ear-piece to life in response.

"I am already on my way, Master Bruce, and should be at your Suit's signal-location in 20 minutes."

"That's good. In the meantime, I should have no problem evading any Police-searches, if they choose to conduct any in this area."

"Oh, of that I have no doubt, Sir. But tell me, considering how tonight's events have played out, how are you feeling at this moment?" the Butler asked with a curious tone, gaining a similar expression from the Dark Knight.

"Were you eavesdropping the entire time, Alfred?"

"I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I was not monitoring your situation continuously, Master Bruce. But you didn't answer my question, so I will ask again. Considering how tonight's events turned out, how do you feel?"

This brought a thoughtful expression to the Dark Knight's face, as he made it into the cover of the next area's buildings.

"If you are referring to the fact that this latest crisis did not end with any loss of life, then I can tell you, Alfred, that it feels really good." the younger Man replied in his disguised but relieved voice, which made he smile as he knew that his Confidante and friend would be as well.

"I am glad to hear it, in fact, it is already coming in over the news that people believe that the Batman saved the City, despite his current standing with it." Alfred replied, making the costumed Billionaire sigh in response.

"Well I can hear all about it when I get back to the Cave."

"Of course, Master Bruce, I should be there with the Rolls Royce very soon." the Butler said back, before the Vigilante's attention was caught by the sight of Man cowering at the feet of another, who stood over him with a knife at the other end of the alley he had just entered.

"Alright, Penny-One, though there appears to something that I can occupy myself with in the mean time." he replied back.

"And what is that, Sir?" the old Man replied over the com-link, which only made Batman's grin widen as he narrowed his eyes at the distracted criminal.

[BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED]

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

"God damn it, look at all this damage." the Bird exclaimed as he joined the three masked Mercs outside, who were all staring at the same burning wreckage.

"At least we took out the Bat." one of them replied with a relieved tone, gaining a nod from his friends in return.

"Yeah, we won't be seeing him agai..." another began to say, only to have a pair of customized boots to hit him in the face as the Batman swooped down and took him out, making the guy fall down the steps as their attacker landed amongst them.

"sh*t!" The Bird almost screamed before running back inside, while other two aimed their weapons at the Vigilante.

"Die, Batman!" one shouted as he pulled the trigger, but before any bullets were fired, the costumed-man quickly knocked the weapon out of his hands with an armoured gauntlet while back-kicking his friend through the now closed front door.

"Oh Crap! the Merc panicked before heading into the land of the unconscious as he was met with a fist to his face, leaving the Batman as the only man standing there at the doorway.

"I'm heading in, keep me apprised on the situation with the Bombs." he then said into his com-link.

"Will do, Master Wayne, but I should warn you. The rest will know that you are coming now." Alfred replied, while the Bird's screams of 'Batman's here' could be heard from inside.

"Let them know, it's not going to change anything." the Dark Knight said back, before heading into the condemned Building.

But as soon as he entered, the Batman was welcomed by a barrage of gunfire as several more men opened fire, while the Bird ran up the stairs. This made the Caped Crusader dive behind one of the concrete pillars as he Threw out a smoke pellet between the group, engulfing them in a thick smoke cloud as it exploded.

"Watch out, he's using that damn smoke again!" one called out with a cough, as his teammates became hard to see through the cover.

"Quick, get together and watch each other's..." another started to call out, only to be quickly silenced.

"What was th..." one more began to say, before he too went quiet.

"f*** this!" a severally agitated Merc then cries out as he opened fire with his weapon and spread the room with bullets, before a cry of pain was heard.

"Did I get him?" the guy then asked as he turned and faced the direction that it came from, narrowing his eyes behind his mask as he tried to see through the still thick smoke.

"We have a Man down!" another exclaimed, gaining the former's attention as he then saw the silhouette of one of his colleagues kneeling down beside the slumped form of another against of the pillars.

"Oh crap, that's on me." he said with a shameful tone, only to suddenly feel he hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, as a deep and gravelly voice spoke behind him.

"Yes it is!" the Merc then heard and turned around, before suddenly feeling the full force of a fist smash through his mask and knock him out.

The one that stood by his injured comrade had heard this and quickly threw his weapon to the ground and put both hands in the air in surrender, while the smoke started to dissipate around them and reveal the others lying unconscious around them.

"I surrender!" he called out with slight confusion to his voice, since there was no sign of the Batman in his area. But before he could question this further, he felt a strong vice like grip around the back of his throat.

"Good choice." the Dark Knight replied as he then forcefully slammed the guys head into the pillar and dropped him to the ground to join his teammates before turning his attention to the injured one slumped next to the pillar beside him.

"You will live." the Vigilante then said as he knelt down and took a small device out from his Utility belt and pressed it against the Merc's bullet wound, gaining a loud grimace back as the wounded Man felt a sharp, hot pain in that same spot, while smell of smouldering flesh filled the immediate air around him.

"There, that should hold until you get proper medical attention." the Vigilante added, earning what could only be read as an appreciative groan from the injured Merc as the former stood up and looked up at the ceiling.

"Alright, the ground floor is secure. How is the second looking, Penny-One?"

"Penny-What, Sir?" Alfred replied in the Dark Knight's ear, gaining the most subtle of smirks from the young man in return.

"Just run with it."

"Very well, Sir. Now according to the Satellite scans curtesy of Mr. Fox, it appears that the remaining Forces have readied quite the gauntlet for you." the Butler explained with a slightly worried tone to his voice, though this did not dampen Batman's spirits as he started to walk away from the slumped Merc.

"I'm honoured."

"This is no joking matter, Master Bruce, as it will be suicide if you attempt to reach them via the stairs." the older Man replied, bringing a thoughtful expression to the Vigilante's face.

"Tell me where the majority of the men are standing, Alfred."

"If I am reading this correctly, then you are now standing below the largest cluster of armed-men, Sir."

"Alright, time to make this interesting." Batman then said, before equipping his explosive-Gel gun and firing a splatter of it onto the ceiling, joined by a timer that started counting down from ten.

Meanwhile, Wintergreen and the others closest to him stood ready with their weapons aimed directly at the stair-case, while the rest kept their focus on the surrounding area.

"Okay, stand ready, guys. The Bat will either come up through here or from the edges of this floor, so if you see anything Bat-shaped...fill it with lead, understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" they all replied in unison, before he then stared down the barrel of his rifle, through it's cross-hairs towards the stairs.

'Come on, freak, just show me that scowl of yo..." he started to think, only to be cut off as the sound of an explosion below them 'made the ground shake, before a large part of it collapsed and took the men standing there with it.

"sh*t! Guys!" one of the others called out in a panic as he looked down at the large hole that was now visible there, while concrete dust filled the air.

"Everyone, focus! This is what he wants!" the leader spat, while near the back of the room, the Bird and Kuttler stood next to another of the Mercs.

"Just find and kill the Bat already!" the former cried out in a panic, before his and the tech expert's guard was suddenly pulled off the ledge by something unseen.

"Aarrrgh!" the man screamed, scaring everyone there as they turned to see his body fall off the ledge.

"Oh sh*t, where did he go?" the Bird asked with a growing fear in his voice as he and Kuttler looked over the edge at the ground, only to see nobody there.

"You guys, keep an eye on the floor below..." Wintergreen then said to those still standing around the large hole in the floor, before returning his attention to the Men standing with him at the stairs.

"...and you, watch..." he continued, but was stopped as a small wired claw suddenly shot out of the dark of the bottom of the stairs and latched onto the front of his armour.

"What the...?" he started to ask with a confused expression, before feeling a sharp tug on the wire, making his eyes widen as he realised what was about to happen.

"...oh!"

Suddenly the Batman soared up the stairs using the momentum that his grappling gun had given him, tackling the Merc leader to the ground and quickly moving onto the next and the next, quickly taking the group next to stairs down with a series of punches and kicks.

"Get him!" shouted one of the soldiers standing next to the gaping hole in the floor, as he and the three others opened fire on the Dark Knight. But their attacker rolled out of the way and threw four Batarangs simultaneously, with each one hitting all four in their masked-faces and knocking them off their feet and through the hole to the floor below.

"Hey, Batman!" came a valiant cry from behind the Vigilante, making him turn to see Wintergreen getting back to his feet and equipping a pair of Eskrima Sticks.

"You're a fool if you think I am going to let you get upstairs." he warned with a heavy breath, earning a knowing stare from the Dark Knight.

"And you are a bigger fool if you think that you are going to live beyond tonight."

But Wintergreen simply attacked, making his opponent go on the defensive instantly and block each hit with hi gauntlets.

"What the hell are you talking about?" the former spat, as Batman countered by disarming him of one Eskrima, quickly knocking the Merc-Leader back with a kick to the stomach.

"Harvey has enough explosives on the floor above us to level this entire building, think it through!" he said back with a serious tone, which made Kuttler's eyes widen as he watched the pair."

"What the hell do you mean? Two-Face promised to pay us off big time for our services." he said back with a shocked expression, while Wintergreen attack the Batman once more. But the latter simply and easily deflected the attack, pushing the former into one of the pillars that stood nearby.

"Yeah, why would he promise us the remains of the Mob's Finances if he had no intention of delivering?" he spat back in a disbelieving tone, which just made the Dark Knight gesture to the Bird.

"Why don't you ask him?" he replied knowingly, making both Kuttler and the Merc turn their attention to the Weapons dealer, who suddenly gulped as he felt all their eyes on him.

"What the hell is he talking about, Bird!" Wintergreen spat, which made the bald man suddenly turn and run. But he was quickly stopped as the Vigilante caught him with his grappling gun and yanked him back towards them, landing roughly on his arse.

"It wasn't my idea, Dent made me do it!" he suddenly cracked, showing them all his fear as they looked down at him.

"Talk, Bird, now!" Batman ordered, which made a wet patch appear on the floor of which the bald man was sitting upon.

"Seriously!" Kuttler replied with a surprised and disgusted tone, before Wintergreen then grabbed the scared Weapons Dealer by the scruff of his neck.

"You heard him, talk!"

"Two-Face wants to die and take those that wronged him with him, and he doesn't care who else is present when that happens." he then confessed, bringing a confused look from the Merc-leader's face.

"Why would you agree to such a thing?"

"It's because he's dying..." the costumed-Man then spoke with his disguised voice, making both Wintergreen and Kuttler look between both men with a surprised expression, though Batman remained focused on the Bird.

"...aren't you?" he observed, gaining a nod from the shamed Man in return.

"Yes...Cancer. I have only a few months left to live." he replied in a pained manner.

"Plus despite all the high-tech weaponry that you can get your hands on, your running out of places to sell them."

This gained a nod from the Weapons-dealer in return, which brought a look of realisation to both Wintergreen and Kuttler's faces.

"We have to get out of here, since it is now 8:24!" the latter exclaimed while pointing at his watch, earning a nod from the former.

"And I have to get my men out of here as well."

"Go, I will deal with Harvey." Batman replied as he turned away from the three Men and headed for the staircase which would take him to the top floor, earning a confused look from Wintergreen.

"You're just letting us go?" he asked, making the Dark Knight stop and glance of his shoulder.

"No one is dying tonight, so get out now and leave me City." he then said before disappearing up the stairs, leaving the three Men alone with their Men, who started to slowly recover around them.

"Sir..." Alfred then spoke from the com-link inside the Vigilante's Cowl, gaining his Master's attention as he walked up the stairs between floors 3 and 4.

"...are you really going to let them go, especially after the Police that they killed?"

"Of course now, Penny-One. Now anonymously contact Lieutenant Foley and notify him of the Mercs heading out, because right now, I have bigger problems to deal with." Batman replied as he now found himself standing before Two-Face and Jim Gordon, the latter on his knees and holding onto the remote trigger, while the latter flicked his coin into the air and caught it, while aiming a pistol at his enemy with his other.

"Hello, Batman, glad you could make it. Now tell me, is anybody else getting a feeling of deja vu?" the Scarred-Man then asked with a knowing smile on hos face, making the Dark Knight narrow his eyes back in return as the clock continued to count down to 8:30pm.

[BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED]

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

"Okay, looks like Foley did as I said." Batman spoke aloud from the Cockpit of the Batwing, looking down at the streets below as he flew over them.

"You did threaten his ego, Sir, which can be a great motivator for most people." Alfred replied over the com, earning a slight smirk from the Vigilante.

"Yeah, I did. But the Lieutenant needed the push, or else he would have just kept himself locked up in that office." he said back as his expression became more serious.

"You don't think that the Lieutenant has what it takes, Master Bruce?" the Butler then asked, only for the Dark Knight to ignore him as one of the screens in front of him began to beep.

"Sir?"

"Sorry, Alfred, but I think someone is targeting me." the younger Man replied as he glanced at the screen, just as the Batwing approached 250-52nd Street.

"That is understandable, Sir. "

But Batman continued to ignore the voice of his Confidante and friend as an alert sound blasted out from the speakers at either side of his seat, keeping his attention on what was transpiring at that moment.

'What the hell is targeting me out there?' he thought frantically while looking out of the cockpit at the area around what was left of the building, before it then struck him as the Pilot saw a anti-aircraft weapons platform aiming it's turrets towards him.

"Shi..!" he started to say, only to be cut off by Fox, who spoke over the Com-link.

"Better get ready to use your Counter-measures, Batman." the CEO said in his usual calm tone, leaving the Vigilante to look at his controls and spot the button.

"Oh, there it is."

This gained a knowing sigh from the old Man over the com, but the Dark Knight's focus was still on the upcoming threat, which suddenly became very real as the platform launched a rocket his way, signalled by the Cockpit's audio alert changing to one very loud and continuous tone.

"Evade and launch counter-measures!" Lucius ordered as the Costumed-Man pulled the Batwing away from the building sharply and fired several flares behind it, making the homing projectile miss the Jet as it turned it's attention to the Countermeasures and hit one of them.

Meanwhile, Two-Face watched with a restrained Jim-Gordon at his side from their place on the derelict Building's top floor, the former beginning to smile as he witnessed the Batwing coming under attack.

"Okay, Boys, light him up." he then said into his radio, before returning his attention to the knelt Commissioner.

"Well, Jim, the Bat showed up, just like we both knew he would..." he continued while kneeling down beside his prisoner, who just kept his own eyes on the jet-black fighter.

"...but he is not going to stop what is about to happen..." the Scarred-Man added while undoing Jim's restraints as he kept his pistol pointed at him, before placing the remote in his now free hands.

"...because either way, this damned City will burn."

Gordon though just looked down at the device that lay in his grasp, knowing what would happen if he pressed it's button.

"No..." the Police Commissioner began to say as he looked up at his Captor, while a resilient expression appeared on his face.

"...no, I will not do it."

"Oh yes you will, Jim, because if you don't..." Dent then replied as he looked at his watch, earning a glance from his former friend.

"...then in just under 20 minutes, everyone in the City will burn. But if you can save half of its Citizens if you just push that button, I do not know which half, but that's the point. 50 percent of Gotham will have a 50/50 chance of surviving, just like Rachel and I did..."

The disgraced District Attorney was about to continue talking, only to have his attention caught as his radio came to life once again.

"Two-Face, this is Kuttler..." spoke the voice of the Mercenaries Tech-expert, which made Harvey take his radio back out of the burnt side if his suit.

"What is it?"

"Just thought you would like to know, that our Bat-friend will be in for a surprise in the next moment or so." Kuttler replied with a confident tone, gaining a slight smile from his Boss in return.

"Good, just keep him busy with the rest or our Artillery in the meantime. Oh and, Kuttler..." he started to say back, just as Gordon watched him with a curious look.

"Yes, Two-Face?"

"Please give my regards to 'the Bird' for all the Tech that he has procured for me and let him know that he, along with you and the rest of the Mercenaries will be well paid for your efforts when this night is through." Harvey said back, just as his Prisoner noticed a sinister expression cross his half-mutilated face.

"Of course I will, Kuttler out."

"Oh, if only they knew the truth." the Maniac then said, once his radio had gone silenced, making Gordon stare back with even more confusion in his eyes.

"What have you done, Harvey?"

This made the disfigured Man turn his attention back to the captive Police Chief, a sinister and telling smile on his face.

"I told you a long time ago that there would be no escaping what was meant to happen and I have made sure that this time, there 'really' will be no escape tonight...not for any of us." he replied with a knowing and truthful tone to his voice, earning a worried expression from Gordon as he looked back at the device in his hands.

"So press that button and spare half of Gotham from the fate that awaits us in the next 20 minutes."

Meanwhile, the Batwing managed to dodge another missile as it performed a barrel-roll, only to suddenly be hit by gunfire.

"What the hell?" Batman replied with a surprised tone as he felt the impacts, before noticing that another small screen had activated on his controls, one that showed a top down view of his vehicle and it's starboard wing flashing red.

"You have been hit, Mr. Wayne." Lucius said over the com in a very 'matter-of-fact' tone, gaining an aware expression from the masked-Vigilante.

"Oh, what gave you that idea." he replied with a slight sarcastic tone to his disguised voice, before spotting more weapon platforms activating on the sensor screen.

"Luicus, does the Batwing have any offensive capabilities?" he asked while pulling the Jet out of the firing solution of said platforms, making the CEO sigh on the other end of the Com.

"I should have known that you didn't read the instructions yet, Bruce."

"I have been a little busy." the Dark Knight said back, only to perform another evasive move as another missile and barrage of bullets came his way.

"Well, the Batwing has two Vulcan cannons and a full assortment of 'air to air' and 'air to ground' missiles of varying explosive yields." Fox replied, bringing a relieved smirk to Batman's face.

"So not all the weapons are lethal, that's good to know."

"Master Bruce, in case you haven't noticed, but there are no life-signs outside of 250-52nd Street, since they all appear to be inside..." Alfred then spoke up over the encrypted Com, only to be cut off by Luicus.

"Which means that you shouldn't worry about cutting loose with the Batwing's weapons, Mr. Wayne."

The Vigilante could not help but feel good about the current situation as his smirk widened a little more, all the while keeping his attention on his flying.

"Thanks for keeping an eye on my screens, Alfred. I really appreciate it, since I haven't been able to glance down at that screen for the last few minutes."

"No trouble at all, Sir. In fact I have been able to take a look at the instructions and take some tips from Mr. Fox, so if you want, I can target the turret platforms for you?" he replied with a mirrored tone, earning a nod from the Dark knight in response.

"Please do, Alfred, I am bringing her round for a pass now." he answered while flying the Batwing away from the building, making some distance between it and the weapons as he then flicked a number of switches on the controls panel to his right.

"Going weapons free." he reported, only to then pull the stick down and right in his direction, causing the Jet-fighter to sharply turn around and fly back towards 250-52nd Street, just as a number of targets were marked on his sensor screen.

"All targets locked, Sir." the Butler reported, as the pilot narrowed his eyes and readied his finger and thumb on the guns and missiles triggers of the flight stick.

"Time to end this." he then said with a finality to his voice, before pressing down the triggers and launching a barrage of gun and missile fire that devastated the weapon platforms that were positioned around the derelict building as the Batwing flew over head.

"All targets destroyed, Master Wayne." Alfred then reported, while the Vigilante looked out of the glass canopy and saw the burning wrecks as he circled 50-52nd Street.

"Excellent. Lucius, how are you getting along with finding the Bombs frequency and stopping it?"

"I have located the correct frequency, Mr. Wayne, but it's Military grade, just as I thought." the CEO replied in a calm manner.

"So it won't be a problem for a Man of your Talents, will it?" the younger Costumed-Man asked back with a smirk.

"Of course not..." he began to reply, while Batman returned his attention to hos flight instruments.

"...but it will take several minutes at least.

"I better get down there then and put Harvey's Men out of commission..." the Vigilante began to say, only for the former to cut him off mid-sentence.

"Then I should inform you of a quick way to exit the Batwing, considering how theatrical you like to be. I have made the Fighter's eject system work in reverse and built a trapdoor of sorts into the floor of the Cockpit." he explained, making the Dark knight smile as he noted the eject button's location on his control-interface.

"You have found your calling, Luicus..." he started to say back, only to be cut off as the whole Batwing violently shook from an impact from behind.

As this was happening, Harvey and Gordon continued to watch from their location in the derelict building. The former had a large grin on his face as he saw the dark smoke trailling from the aft of the damaged Fighter-Jet, while holding his radio to his right ear.

"Direct hit, Two-Face. Batman did not see the stealth missile coming, so shall we finish him off?" Kuttler asked, not even attempting to hide his enthusiasm as he spoke. But as Gordon watched from on his knees with a shocked and fearful expression, he saw Two-Face take his coin out and flick it up into the air and back down into the palm of his hand.

"Do it." he then replied with a smile, before turning to the captive Cop and revealing the blacked out Tails side of his coin, which made the latter's eyes widen in response.

Back in the Batwing, smoke was starting to fill the Cockpit as alarms blared and numerous screens flashed red light into the Pilot's masked-face.

"The Batwing's taken catastrophic damage to all systems, I am having trouble keeping her in the air." he replied while fighting to keep control of the flight-stick, which was shaking violently in his grip.

"It must have been a stealth missile, that's the only way that they could have bypassed the Batwing's sensors." Fox guessed, only for the Vigilante to undo his seat-belt and flick a number of switches in front of him.

"Then I am going to bail out, since we won't know when the next one is fired at us."

"God's speed, Master Bruce." Alfred then said, just as the Dark Knight then pressed the eject button, causing the floor to open up and drop him out of the Batwing. But just as the costumed-man spread out his cape into it's gliding function, the Fighter was hit by another missile, causing it to explode and create a bright fiery backdrop to the Bat-symbol shape of the now gliding Batman as he began to fly towards 250-52nd Street.

"That was a close one. So tell me, what am I up against in there?"

"There are at least several life-signs on both the first and second floors, Mr. Wayne, while there are only two on the fourth floor." Fox replies over the Vigilante's com-link.

"That will be Harvey and Gordon, but what about the third floor?"

"There are no life-signs on that floor, but the Satellite is detecting a large amount of explosives, perhaps enough to bring down the entire building." the Wayne Enterprises CEO explained as Batman noticed three Mercs coming out of the main entrance to the building, looking shocked at the destroyed weapons platforms that stood nearby.

"Okay, we will deal with that in due time. But as of right now, I think that I really should reintroduce myself to these guys." the Dark Knight replied, while the burning wreck of the Batwing fell to the ground behind him.

[CHAPTER XIV]

CHAPTER XIV

"Hello, Gotham...remember me?" Harvey spoke as his disfigured Face appeared on TVs all around the City, from homes, Clubs, Diners, pretty much anywhere there was an active Television, gaining shocked reactions from all who were watching.

"As you can see, I, Harvey Dent, am not dead as 'others' had reported a year ago. But I am no longer the Man who you all once believed in to save this City from the threat of organized Crime..." he started to explain, while Batman, Alfred and everyone else watched.

"...since I have realised that there is no saving Gotham, because it is a 'cursed' City, where anyone who enters is 'damned' and forced to lose everything that they love. That is what happened to me when I took a stand against against the Mob, because those I considered friends/allies betrayed me, allowing the Joker to get his hands on the Woman I loved, Rachel Dawes, and myself..." he continued while

a saddened look appeared on his scarred face.

"...before blowing her to hell in a building full of explosives. I would have suffered the same fate, if it hadn't been for the Batman, though as you can see, I didn't get out of there completely unscathed..." Dent added, gesturing to the burnt and hideous side of his face.

"...and after learning of Rachel's death and what had become of myself, I wanted nothing more than to join her, but only after making the ones I held responsible pay for failing Rachel and myself for what happened to us. But the Batman interfered again and I ended up in a coma, rotting away in the depths of Arkham Asylum for a year. I have had much time to dwell on that, also I found out that you, the people of Gotham, had used my name to rid the City of the Falcone Crime Syndicate. Instead of pursuing justice for Rachel, you chose to heed the lies of this Man..." the former DA continued, before the camera moved slightly to the right and revealed the broken looking Jim Gordon, who was on his knees and staring down at the floor.

"...this Man, who built a lie about me and had his Vigilante friend take the blame for it. But I did not ask for that and will not accept it, because I let Fate judge those people and then killed them accordingly." Two-Face continued as he then flicked his coin and caught before showing it's burnt and scarred side to the camera.

"And now, with your dear Commissioner's help, I will now let fate judge you all, Gotham. I have planted and armed four thermobaric bombs in secret locations throughout the City, which together have the same destructive potential as four Nuclear Warhead, minus the radioactive fallout. Now if only two of these devices were to go off, then the level of destruction would be limited to only half of Gotham. But as I have already said, all the devices have been armed and they will all go off at exactly 8:29pm, which was the exact time that my Rachel lost her life..." the Maniac added, while people started to panic as his transmission continued.

"...now you can try to flee the City, but since Gotham has a population of several million people, it will take a while and most of you will not escape the blast radius in time. But as I said, that is only if all the bombs explode, you see, I will be giving the choice to your beloved Commissioner with this remote." Harvey added, before revealing the small device in his burnt left hand.

"If Jim Gordon, here, presses the button on this remote before 8:30pm, then only two of the bombs will detonate and destroy just half of Gotham. That means only half of this City's Citizens, if plan is followed correctly, will have a 50/50 chance of surviving this and reflecting on the fact that their own inability to stand up to injustice is what put them in this very situation." the scarred Man spat with a judgemental tone, before a slight smirk appeared on his half-ruined face.

"But if Commissioner Gordon does not play by my rules, if he does not activate the remote in the set time, then everyone in this poisoned City will die. So, Gotham, time to hold your breath and see if your Hero-Cop here, has the courage to let 'fate' decide who will live and suffer the guilt of their inaction and those that will burn for their sins..." Two-Face continued, only to pause for a second before looking back at the camera with a knowing expression.

"...oh and one last thing, I certainly hope none of you put faith into Gotham's apparently misunderstood Vigilante, the one who loves this City so much that he took the blame for what were considered my crimes, in the hope that things would get better in the long run. Only they haven't, have they? Because no matter what the Batman tries to accomplish, he will inevitably fail, just as he did with Rachel and myself." the former DA explained with a disdainful tone, before flicking his Father's Coin into the air and catching it one more time.

"So, let's begin." he finished with a finality to those words, before the transmission suddenly cut off, which made Alfred look back to Bruce, who was already working away at the Bat-Computer.

"Sir, 8:30pm is..." he started to say with a worried tone, only for the younger man to cut him off mid-sentence.

"In just under an hour's time, I know...are you online, Lucius?"

"I always am, Mr. Wayne..." the voice of Wayne Enterprise's CEO then spoke through the Bat-computer's speakers, while Batman continued to focus on it's main screen as he typed.

"...and before you ask, yes, I have just seen that transmission and I am ready to assist you."

"Good, start by using our Wayne-Tech Radio transmitters to try and pick up any frequencies that appear to be alien for the area of Gotham..." the Vigilante started to reply, before Fox cut him off.

"No need, Mr. Wayne, since the new Satellite can scan for different types of frequencies." he said back with an inquisitive tone, earning a nod from Batman in return as he got out of his chair.

"Okay then, get a fix on their frequency and try to block it, so Harvey's bombs can't detonate." he then started to order while making his way towards the Batwing, only for his loyal Butler to catch his attention.

"But, Master Wayne, what about the Commissioner?" he asked, making the Dark Knight stop and look back.

"Gordon won't use that remote, Alfred, I know he won't." he said back reassuringly, bringing a puzzled look to his older friend's face.

"So where are you going?"

"I know where Harvey and the Commissioner are, since I recognised the area around them in the transmission. They are at 250-52nd Street..." the costumed Man replied.

"Where Miss. Dawes died and Mr, Dent was believed to have perished." Alfred replied, his tone of voice tinted with sadness, which made Batman sigh in response.

"...Yes, so I am going to need you to work with Lucius from here and keep in contact with me via my com-link."

"...Yes, so I am going to need you to work with Lucius in finding the Bomb's frequency and block it, so I have only have to worry about stopping Harvey and saving Gordon."

"You can count on us, Master Bruce." the Butler replied in a reassuring tone, earning a nod from the costumed Billionaire as he turned round and walked over to the Batwing.

"I know, now I just need to gain the assistance of someone else before we make our move." he replied with a slight crypticness to his words.

"And who would that be, Mr. Wayne." Fox asked over the Bat-Computer's speakers, making Batman look back after climbing into the Jet's cockpit.

"Someone who hates me." was all the Vigilante would sat before the glass-canopy closed over him and he then piloted the vehicle out of the Cave, leaving Alfred on his own as he sat down at the Computer.

"Alright then, let's find that signal."

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

[/b]

'20 minutes before 8:30pm'

Lieutenant Foley stood beside his Patrol-Car, one of several that blocked off one of three streets leading to 50-52nd Street, holding his Buretta in one hand and a radio in the other as Eckhart approached him.

"Lieutenant, the squads have checked in and reported that the other streets have been blocked and the SWAT teams are standing ready." the younger Man reported, gaining a nod back from George saw one more SWAT van pull up to their barrier.

"Good, now we just wait and make sure that nothing gets in or out of the area 250-52nd Street. I am just relieved that there are no Civilians in there, since the whole area is disused." the Lt. replied, earning a confused look from Eckhart.

"Sir, I don't understand why we don't just move in and take those Mercs down. I mean we have all our SWAT teams here and ready to go, so what is the hold up?"

"Son, you saw what happened when one of our Choppers did a fly by of the place, trying to get a lay of the land. It was shot down by a surface to air - rocket propelled Grenade, meaning that those Mercs have access to some heavy Military hardware, curtsey of 'The Bird' I bet. I have called in the National Guard, but there are still mobilizing. Also we are stretched pretty thin, with half of our men here and the others out there, searching the City for those four bombs that Dent has hidden." Foley replied with a frustrated tone, making the younger Police Officer look out in the direction of 50-52nd Street.

"But what are we waiting for, then?" he asked, which brought a thoughtful expression to the Lieutenant's face as he looked in the same direction, as he remembered what had happened in only 30 minutes earlier...

'At the GCPD Headquarters, Foley sat in his office and looked out of the windows that surrounded his work area, separating him from the rest of the force. They were rushing about with far more urgency as usual, which was to be expected when you consider that they had all just seen Harvey Dent on the TV, threatening the entire City.

'Gotham just doesn't get a break, does it? First it was Ra's Al Ghul's Chemical Attack, then it was th Joker and now it's this...' he thought with a worried expression, before his attention was caught by the door opening as a younger Man stood in the now open doorway.

"Lieutenant, the Bomb Squads are being mobilised as we speak and should be ready to go in 5 mins."

"Very good, Johnson, is there anything else?" the GCPD's second in Command replied, gaining a nod from the Subordinate in response.

"Yes, Bullock called in from the Hospital and says that he is ready to come in and help, considering what is happening right now." he said back, bringing an appreciative slight-smile to Foley's face.

"You have got to give the man credit, he gets shot just a day earlier and still wants to help..." he started to say with an impressed tone, while Eckhart listened to him from his spot in the doorway.

"...but tell him that though while I appreciate his enthusiasm, the best place for him right now is the Hospital."

"Okay, Sir." the younger Man replied, before exiting the room and closing the door behind him, once again leaving the Lieutenant on his own once more, making him sigh deeply as he watched his colleagues continue to work around him.

"We have to talk!" a familiar deep voice spoke once from behind the Cop, making him nearly fall out of his seat as he fumbled his gun out of his holster, only for it to be quickly snatched from his grasp, with Foley finding himself on the floor and staring up at the Batman.

"What...how...how did you...?" he mumbled with a confused and shocked expression, before the Vigilante then picked him up and pushed him against the wall, all while everyone outside of the room continued to work, completely oblivious to his presence.

"We don't have time for this Foley..." he started to say, only for the Lieutenant to interrupt him by fighting back with a punch to the Dark Knight's stomach. But his move was too easily telegraphed and Batman easily blocked it, before twisting said arm around Foley's back and forcing the Man down on to his knees.

"...because no matter what your thoughts are on me right now, there are much bigger things going on and you have to focus on them..." the Vigilante carried on saying while looking down at beaten Man, who looked back up and saw the judging glare that was being stared at him.

"...or are you going to let your Colleagues out there..." Batman added while pointing the Police outside as he spoke, making the Lieutenant look in the direction with a look of disgrace on his face.

"...discover that you are just a shadow of the Man who should be leading them right now?"

There was a moment of silence between the two Men as Batman let his words sink into the Lieutenant's mind, before the latter looked back from over his shoulder.

"What do you want?" he asked with a reluctant tone, while former, with his free hand, took a Memory-Stick out of one of the metallic pouches on his Utility-belt and placed it on the Policeman's desk.

"On this Flash-drive are two addresses, the first is Harvey Dent's base of operations and the other is where he, his Mercenary team and Commissioner Gordon are right now..." he started to explain in his disguised voice, only for Foley to cut him off.

"Why should we bother with his Base if they are not there any more?" he winced as the Dark Knight kept his arm in that tight hold, making him grit his teeth.

"You need to send a Patrol out there and identify the bodies of a Woman, a little Girl and a little Boy who are currently burning in a bonfire outside the building there." Batman continued, before the Cop looked back with a worried expression.

"You're not talking about Jim's Family, are you?" he asked, making the Vigilante shake his head in response, while not letting go of the Man's arm.

"No, Harvey wants Gordon to believe that his Family are dead, but they are safe and out of his reach..." he began to explain, though Foley suddenly tried to resist and break free.

"Where are they!" he spat, making the Dark Knight twist the arm more and stop the Lieutenant in his tracks.

"They are safe, but the family that was killed deserves Justice for what was done to them and you have to ensure that their voices will be heard."

"Okay, they will. And what about the other Address?" Foley sighed in return.

"You have to surround its perimeter and ensure no one gets in or out, once I have dealt with everyone in there, I will send a signal and you can they come in and arrest everyone." the Costumed-Man replied, earning a reluctant nod back from the Policeman.

"Alright, I will see this done, one time. But this doesn't change anything, because even if you didn't kill Harvey Dent, you are still a Vigilante and are acting outside of the Law. So no matter how tonight ends up, I am still coming for you." he said back with a determined look, which brought a knowing smirk to Batman's face.

"Understood, now get out there and do your job, Lieutenant." was all the Vigilante would say next, before pushing the Cop to the floor, making Foley land face first next to his gun. This made his eyes widen as he saw the weapon, before suddenly snatching it up in his hands and quickly turning around and aiming it at the Dark Knight.

'What!' he thought with another shocked expression as he found himself to be alone once more in his office, with only a slightly ajar window as a sign of how his enemy had got out.

"Damn it!" he spat with a frustrated look, before sighing and holstering his weapon.'

"Lieutenant, I asked what are we waiting for?" Eckhart asked once more, snapping Foley from his thoughts as he looked back at the confused looking younger Man. But before either could say another word, a jet-black fighter-jet suddenly flew overhead in direction of 50-52nd Street, gaining an aggravated look from the Lieutenant as he watched the plane.

"For that...for the f**king Batman!"

[BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED]

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

Back in the dark and dank interior of the Bat-Cave, Bruce sat and operated the Computer while Alfred stood at his side and watched.

"Okay, Lucius, the Bat-computer is linked with the Satellite." he said while typing away at the keyboard, before the CEO's voice spoke from it's speakers.

"I am now transferring control of it to you, Mr. Wayne, let me know if you need anything else."

"Will do, thanks." the Billionaire replied with an appreciative tone, while the Satellite's sensor window appeared on his main screen.

"Good hunting." Fox said back encouragingly, before ending the call and leaving Bruce and Alfred to their task.

"Sir, you still haven't told me what your plan is." the latter asked curiously, gaining a knowing glance from the former.

"Well, Alfred, this Satellite has the most cutting edge technology available to today..." he began to reply, only for the Butler to cut in with a smirk.

"...to Billionaires with a flair for nocturnal heroism." he teased, making the young Man shake his head and sigh, while his smirk grew a little wider.

"...and it will allow me to scan the area around the Commissioner's home and determine the track marks from any other vehicles that Harvey's new friends use, which should allow me to..." he tried to continue explaining as his older friend looked at the screen, a knowledgeable expression appearing on his face.

"You are going to pinpoint the Vehicle and then follow the tracks back to wherever Mr. Dent's Base of Operations is, aren't you?" he asked back, making Bruce nod back.

"Yes, since I believe I know what type of transport the Mercs are using." he said back as the screen then showed a top down view of the area where the Police Commissioner and his Family lived, only to stop as it's cross-hair then hovered over the Man's premises.

"There's the Gordon Residence..." the bat-suit wearing Man then stated, before typing away as he brought up a small action window inside the Main screen, with it appearing on the right hand side of the House.

"...now there is the armored-Van that I took out with the Bat-pod..." he added while highlighting the burnt wreckage with a double tap of the mouse-ball at the right hand side of the keyboard, before the program then highlighted the vehicle's track marks.

"...now there must be matching track marks close by, since the Mercenaries would have to been using a similar vehicle to have fooled the Police at the Major Crimes Unit earlier and they always use share the same type of tires." Wayne then speculated, before the computer then zoomed in onto another pair of tracks just aways from the building, quickly matching them the pair from the destroyed Van, before bringing up details next to the markings.

"Okay, found a pair that matches the other and it also seems to match with around the time that I rescued Gordon's family." the Billionaire explained, gaining a nod from the older Man standing at his side.

"So you should be able to follow these tracks back to the former District Attorney, instead of back to the MCU." he added, making Bruce nod back in response.

"Exactly, so I really should send a gift basket back to the Wayne Enterprises Employee that came up with the program."

"Since this will undoubtedly save lives, Master Wayne, perhaps you should just give them an extended vacation, in say...the Bahamas." he replied, which brought a knowing grin to the younger Man's face as he focused his attention at the screen.

"Yeah, maybe..." he started to answer, only for his eyes to widen a little as the trail finally stopped at a warehouse at the Docks.

"....looks like we have found them...." he added, only to stop as another little window appeared with information about the premises scrolling down it.

"...owned by the 'Final Offer' transport Company, which itself is a dummy corporation." Bruce read out loud, only to stop and begin an upload.

"What now, Sir?" Alfred then asked, noting the loading bar appear on the screen and start counting from zero to one hundred percent, while his Master stood up and picked up his Cowl from the workstation.

"I am just uploading the destination to the Batwing's navigational computer, because I think it is time for Batman to drop in and visit." he replied, before the Butler looked back at the screen with a puzzled expression.

"Wait a moment, Sir, but what is that?" he asked while pointing at what appeared to be a fire burning next to the building in question, to which the costumed-Man then held the Cowl in his right hand and used his free left to instruct the Satellite into action. This made the screen zoom in on the fire and while it's smoke billowed up, the pair could just make out something in it's large dancing flames.

"My Lord, there is something in there." Pennyworth stated with horrified tone to his voice, gaining narrowed eyes from Bruce.

"Zooming in further and clearing up the image." he replied, only for both his and his Confidante's eyes to widen in horror as the screen then showed the outlines of three corpses burning away in there.

"Running a scan of the bodies.....which appears to be that of a girl around the age of 8 or 9, a boy of 11 and...an adult Woman." the Billionaire then added as he read the results with an uneasy expression, before he then gasped as it dawned on him. With Alfred noticing the anxious look on the younger Man's face.

"Master Bruce?"

"I can't believe that he would actually do that?" the costumed-Man replied with an almost horrified tone to his voice, which was not something the Butler was used to hearing as his own face started to mirror Bruce's.

"I do not understand, what has he done?" he asked again, making his Master look back with a shocked expression.

"Harvey couldn't get his hands on Gordon's Family, so he just killed some random people...probably another family..." he started to explain with a tenseness to his voice, before being stopped as Alfred cut him off.

"...just so he could torture the Commissioner into thinking that his Wife and Children are dead."

"Yeah, he really is becoming like the Joker had said, completely unhinged..." Bruce replied before he turned around and started for the Batwing, while also re-equipping the Cowl.

"....and I now have to stop him...for good." he then added with his disguised and threatening voice as he glanced over his shoulder at Pennyworth,

"But...Master Wayne?"

"Don't worry, Alfred, I'm not going to kill him." Batman said back, noting the slightly worried tone to his Butler's voice, who then spoke up again.

"No, Sir, there is a hit on the media about Dent." he then replied as he sat down and typed away at the keyboard, bringing up a TV screen with Harvey's face on it.

"Hello, Gotham..." he then began to say with a smirk and a sinister tone to his voice, while the Dark Knight and Alfred just watched in shock.

"...remember me?"

A/N: Well Chapter 13 is now over (with only two left - I believe -), so hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reading, since I really appreciate it.

Next Chapter: Harvey's 'Endgame' begins as he announces his return to the rest of Gotham, as well as his plan. A plan that will change the City forever....but only if the Batman fails to stop him, that is.

[BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED]

BATMAN: THE SCARRED AND THE DAMNED

Gordon sat on the cold floor of his cell, with nothing but complete darkness and silence to accompany him as he was still fully restrained and blocked off from his senses. But none of this mattered to the Police Commissioner, since his attention was focused on what Harvey Dent had told him which was now ripping him up inside.

'It...it can't be true, they are not dead, they can't.' he thought erratically while the only sound he could hear was the echoing sound of his own heart beat, which sounded like a deafening drum being constantly hit in the recesses of his mind.

'Barbara, Jimmy....little Barbara.'

But as Jim pictured all of their faces, he found a tiny glimmer of hope in that image, one that stopped him from losing himself to the cold painful idea that the former DA had dropped on him.

'Wait...wait...I never saw their bodies, plus I don't think that Harvey would simply kill them without doing so in front of me, because he would want to see the pain and grief in my eyes...' he began to think, before suddenly feeling something grab his left arm and pull him to his feet with some force as he was dragged somewhere.

"G..t y..r ha..ds of.. m...!" he mumbled back furiously from behind the gag, though the Police Chief could not hear his own voice while trying to resist whatever was moving him. But all this brought the older Man was a punch to the gut, making Gordon fall to his knees as the gag was ripped out of his mouth, earning a deep inhale of air from the Captive as the headphones too were then yanked off his head.

"How are you feeling, Jim?"

This immediately caught the Prisoner's attention as he recognized the voice of Two-Face, making him tighten his hand into a fist as his blood began to boil while breathing heavily.

"You didn't...kill them, Harvey, my Family...isn't...dead." he spat back with desperation tinting his words, gaining a chuckle back from the Manic.

"Oh really, why is that then?"

"Because you want...me to know what...it feels like to lose...my Family, so that...I can finally apologize...for your own loss. So stop playing games with me!" Jim replied defiantly, only for him to then hear what sounded like a sliding metal door being pulled open, but far more rusted as it screeched along somewhere in front of him.

'My God, what is that in front of me? It' feels both hot and cold!' the Commissioner then thought as he suddenly felt what could only be described as a cold breeze, as well as something else that was very hot radiating before him, which must have been covered by whatever had made that screeching noise as his forehead started to sweat.

"You think you know me so well, Jim, that I can act only one way and not another..." Dent began to reply, while his Prisoner felt a hand grab the back of his blindfold.

"...but I guess it is time to show you the reality of your situation." the former DA added, his voice tinged with a sinister teasing-like tone before the blindfold was quickly ripped off his head.

Light suddenly assaulted the older Man's eyes, which stung due to the darkness that that they had been subjected to for the last several hours. He gritted his teeth as the blurry mix of orange, yellow and white light moved furiously before him, making his eyes squint as they tried to adapt.

'What the hell I am looking at?' he thought with a confused expression as the image before him, though it would not remain a mystery for long, since it was slowly starting to sharpen and answer the Police Chief's thoughts, making his pupils widen and gaining a gasp from him in shock.

"Christ, no!"

For before both him lay the bodies of three people burning in what looked like a bonfire standing outside of the building they were in, as the Sun began it's descent behind the Gotham Skyline in the distance. The fire danced and enveloped the three bodies, burning them to a crisp, but despite the damage that had already been done, Gordon could make out that they were of an Adult Woman, an almost adolescent Boy and a young Girl.

'No..!' he thought as his one tiny spark of hope began to burn away, like the bodies in the fire before him, before Two-Face then stood between him and the flames, which made the older Man look up at him as tears began to run down his face.

"You..." Jim began to say, his voice trembling and ambivalent as his anger and grief began to mix and boil within him, making the Scarred-Man smile as he looked down at him.

"Yeah, Jim?" the former DA asked back, eagerly awaiting his Captive's next words.

"...you son...of a Bitch!" the Commissioner cried out as he tried to launch himself at the Manic, only to suddenly get punched back into the stomach, winding him once more as he fell back to his knees as two Mercs appeared at both sides of him.

"That's it, Jim, there is the pain and anger that I know so well." Harvey then exclaimed with an almost joyous tone as he knelt down before Gordon and stared back with glee, while the former just looked back at the burning fire and the bodies in it's flames.

"You know what it is like, but this is worse for you now than it would have been." Two-Face then added, regaining the older Man's attention as he looked up at him, tears still streaming down his face.

"What...the...hell...are you talking about?" James managed to ask while grimacing, as the light from the bonfire began to illuminate the area as the night started to settle in, with the evening sky mirroring the colors of the flames.

"If it wasn't for your friend, the Batman, you would have only lost one life 'that night' a year ago..." Dent began to explain as he took out his Coin from his right suit pocket, before flicking it into the air and catching it.

"...it would have been painful beyond description, like an empty void within your very soul that might never again be filled. However, you would at least have had your Wife and youngest Daughter at your side afterwards, but since you and the Bat defied the justice that Rachel and I deserved, how else was I to respond than to take it to the next logical step..." he continued with a mixture of joy and hate in his voice, while Gordon's eyes drifted back to the raging fire behind the Manic.

"...so you have no one to blame for this but yourself...and the Batman, of course."

"There's nothing logical about what you have done to me, Harvey..." the Police Chief started to reply, while continuing to stare into the fire as it's flames reflected off the pupils in his eyes.

"...since you are now no different to those you used to stand against..." he added, before then locking eyes with Two-Face as a angry yet stoic expression befell his face.

"...you are a Monster!"

This made the Manic grit his teeth and stare back with daggers as he leaned in close to the Captive, gripping his coin tightly in his hand while doing so.

"That maybe true, but I am only this way because of what you and 'he' did to me. After all, you reap what you sow..." Two-Face started to reply as he stared down at his former Ally, noticing that Gordon's gaze was returning to the burning pile behind him, with his angry expression waning as the pain and grief that image brought on rose back to the surface.

"...and now that you are finally there, it is time for the Batman to join you." the Manic added, before standing back up and turning to face the raging fire, just as the Commissioner's attention was brought back to him once again.

"What...what are you pla...?" the older Man began to ask, only for him to be cut off by the arrival of a Military-styled armored truck, gaining a smirk from Harvey as he looked over his shoulder to see the mixture of grief and confusion on Jim's face.

"As I told you earlier, Jim, everyone in Gotham is guilty of the part they did or didn't play in what happened to Rachel and myself. And while the most important thing in your miserable life is your Family..." he answered, making the Police Chief's gaze return to the burning remains as he heard that last word.

"...for Batman, it is this damned City that he treasures, a city filled with people who are indecent and deserve what is coming to them. Because by the time this night is over, Gotham will burn, one way or another...and you and the Bat will be the ones who lit the match." the scarred Man added, before gesturing to the two Mercs standing either side of the Prisoner, who quickly put the blindfold and headphones back on Gordon, removing the sight and sound of his family being consumed in the Bonfire. But it was already too late as that image had now been seared into the older Man's mind as the tears continued to flow and soak the blindfold's fabric.

'Damn you, Harvey, damn you....' James began to think as he lost himself to his grief once more, with nothing but the void to keep him company, before the image of his family appeared to him in his mind.

'I'm sorry...'

Two-Face though felt a smirk appear on his face as he watched Gordon sob, taking pleasure in his Captive's pain, only to then have his attention caught by one of the Mercs as they approached him from the Armored Truck.

"So is everything finally in place?" the scarred Man asked a little impatiently, earning a nod back from the other Man.

"Yes...Two-Face, 'The Bird' says everything is ready and I am here to take you to 'Ground Zero'."

This brought a smile to Dent's face as he sighed happily, before looking back at the two Mercs guarding their Prisoner.

"Get him to his feet and bring him to the Truck, we're leaving." he ordered, gaining a nod from both men as they then pulled Gordon to his feet, with little to no resistance from the older Man in return. And with that, Two-Face, Gordon and the remaining Mercs headed to the armored Vehicle and prepared to leave, while the bonfire continued to burn into the night.