Robin King arrived earlier than anyone had expected.
As night fell, the lights across Gotham were not as bright as usual. The glow behind glass curtain walls had almost completely gone out, and the neon signs were like withered, ruined flowers, with only a few scattered patches remaining. The city had shed its glamorous outer layer, leaving behind its dark core.
A massive airship slowly emerged beneath the cloud-choked night sky. Countless spikes protruded from its hull, and it bore the image of an enormous smiling face.
A deafening broadcast, loud enough for the entire city to hear, blared from above. Robin King's shrill voice rang out.
"People of Gotham, your king has come to fulfill this great promise! Bruce Wayne is dead, and I shall be Gotham's new king!"
"All of you must obey me, follow my commands, and never dare question me! I..."
Robin King's voice gradually trailed off. He lowered his outstretched arms, slowly walked to the edge of the airship, leaned over, and looked down.
There was no terrified flight, no lost and helpless expressions, no anger, screaming, bloodshed, or chaos... only utter silence.
Robin King's eyes widened. He took a deep breath, rushed back aboard, let out an irritated shriek, and two Mad Robins ran out.
They looked like children too, barely over ten years old, but they were gaunt and hunched, with pale faces and that strange makeup. They grinned wildly, bounced in place, and nodded at Robin King, resembling some bizarre cave-dwelling creatures.
"Go check the surveillance feeds! Find out what happened to this city! Where did everyone go? Why is no one here to welcome the great king's arrival?"
"What do you think would happen if I just shot him the moment he stuck his head out?" On a building across the