Holy Grail

Jonathan Crane.

A psychology professor with psychological problems.

He preyed on the innocent, slowly filling their minds with fear.

"Not in my city!" Batman's voice seethed with rage. "Not on this day!"

"This day means so much to me!" Scarecrow let out a shrill laugh. He had strangled his own mother on Mother's Day several years earlier.

"You lunatic—"

"As if you're any different!"

The scythe sliced through the air, nearly slitting Batman's throat.

A Batarang appeared without a sound, slashing through Scarecrow's straw hat.

Even under the effects of fear toxin, Batman remained a formidable fighter, moving with astonishing speed.

He deflected Scarecrow's scythe with his baton, then brought it down hard on his head.

Scarecrow reeled, dizzy and nauseated, his mind going blank for several seconds.

Those few seconds were all Batman needed to finish him off.

"Jonathan, I think it's time you found something new to fear." Batman drove a vicious uppercut into Scarecrow's jaw.

"Damn it!" Scarecrow tasted blood. Several of his teeth had broken, and his head was swimming.

Bang! A gunshot rang out, and Batman collapsed in the alley.

Scarecrow fell from his grasp, broken teeth scattering across the ground.

Batman's consciousness began to blur. He thought he heard Commissioner Gordon's voice, furious and frantic.

"Who fired that shot?"

The scene before Bruce's eyes shifted again. He struggled to his feet and staggered forward.

A Batcycle drove up and carried him away.

"Batman, you..." Commissioner Gordon watched him leave with deep concern, then seized the officer who had fired by the collar. "Toby Redd, why did you shoot?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

"H-he's a criminal, and he was assaulting someone. What's wrong with shooting him under those circumstances?" Toby said, mustering his courage.

Smack! Commissioner Gordon backhanded him across the face.

"You!" The