Some said that although Gotham City's supervillains each had their own distinctive looks, abilities, and personalities, strangely enough, they always ended up following the same path in some respect.
For example, they would face Batman, lose to Batman, and eventually become Batman's sworn enemies.
The craziest among them was, of course, Joker. But the strongest and most famous was Bane, who had broken Batman's back the very first time they fought.
"Come on, Bat! Show me what you've got! Let's fight to the death!"
Bane roared, his bulging muscles like the hardest rocks on a mountain. Just standing there, he was a terrifying behemoth.
By comparison, even Batman, with his years of training, looked "petite" before him.
"I don't want to fight you, Bane." Batman wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said hoarsely, "I have something important to do. Move!"
"Something important? You mean that little one of yours?" Bane blocked Batman's path. "Come on, beat me! Or kill me! That's the only way you'll get to save your little brat."
"It was you."
Batman's gaze instantly turned utterly cold.
"If I didn't do this, how could I ever get you to fight me for real?"
Batman could endure any violence or coercion directed at himself, but he would never willingly let his family and friends suffer the same. And Bane clearly knew how to enrage him.
An hour earlier, Robin had reported to Batman that he had found traces of Scarecrow. Although Batman had ordered Robin not to act before he arrived, Robin had seen his opportunity slipping away and disobeyed, setting off in pursuit alone.
Then he had lost contact.
When Batman rushed here as fast as he could, all he found was the domino mask Robin had left behind-and Bane waiting for him.