Nightwing slammed on the brakes as he rushed into the cave with his gear and weapons, using the arm holding his gun to stop the people behind him. Instinctively, he sensed that something was wrong.
That maniacal laughter had not echoed over Gotham for a very long time, so long that people had forgotten the danger such madness brought.
But Nightwing would never forget.
Dick Grayson of this universe had not been the first Robin. Jason Todd had been, and Nightwing knew that. He had once asked Batman where his predecessor had gone.
Batman had not explained much, but through later hints and roundabout inquiries, Nightwing learned that Batman's first partner, Robin, had been killed by the Joker.
From then on, the Joker had not been Batman's nightmare alone. He had become Nightwing's as well. He knew that if he stood beside Batman, he would inevitably face that terrifying madman someday.
But he had never imagined that day would come so soon.
He watched as the skin on the female figure before him rapidly healed, though mottled scars remained. Her hair grew back as well, only it was a brilliant green.
In the blink of an eye, Nightwing saw a shadow flash past his side, and his companion behind him shouted.
"Watch out! He's coming!"
Screech—
The sudden stop left a scorched black trail across the ground. Bruce was thrown forward, his forehead striking the glass and swelling almost instantly. Clutching his head, he was about to ask why Pale Rider had braked when he saw him bend over in obvious pain.
"What's wrong?!" Bruce hurriedly reached out to support him, but Pale Rider shoved him away. He took a deep breath and said, "What did Schiller give me? Why can't I feel the effects of the medicine anymore?"
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