This was a dim prison cell.
Rotten, moldy food mixed with decaying flesh and blood, creating a nauseating stench.
At the very back of the building stood a massive black cross, but strangely, it too was fashioned in the shape of a bat.
Above the cross, iron chains bound wrists and ankles.
Several iron nails emitting a faint blue glow pierced through the palms, while the crimson blood had long since dried and congealed.
Wearing a Bat-mask, the gaunt Bruce hung his head. Only the occasional sound of labored breathing in the silent cell proved that he was still alive.
This Bruce was not a member of the Dark Knight Order. He was Bruce Wayne, the Batman of this universe.
Unfortunately, after the Court of Owls' priests used him to open a passage to the Dark Multiverse, the poor Batman had been captured.
"Tap, tap, tap~"
It sounded like boots stepping across a cold floor, like something was approaching at an unhurried pace.
Batman laboriously raised his head. Through the gaps in the iron bars, he saw a monstrous figure with a savage face.
It was an aberration that looked as though Joker and himself had been mashed together.
Beneath that Bat-mask was a mouth forever split in a grin, while the places where its eyes should have been were ringed with spiked metal bands.
"Oh, we meet again, little bat."
The monster's voice was hoarse and low. In his hand was a meteor hammer, its iron spikes sharp and deadly.
"..."
Batman did not respond.
"Oh, your attitude truly breaks my heart."
The Batman Who Laughs opened the cell door, tilting his head as he stared at Batman.
"You know, I've been very busy lately. I've visited so, so many worlds and reveled in the thrill of slaughter."
"Do