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Batman "The Clown of the Circus
Batman "The Clown of the Circus
For your enjoyment, My batman story I'm in the process of writting another Batman story along with a couple other projects so this will be the last one for a while
BATMAN
The Clown of the Circus
By Ryan Steven Witalison
Chloe Sullivan has moved to Gotham City to take a job at the Gotham Daily News. The editor jumped at the shot to hire the young women after reading her story on the unreal in Smallville. Now the lead writer on the Batman's story Chloe is about to enter a world where heros wear black and Evil looks like clowns.
Gotham City
Chloe Sullivan sat at her desk on the top floor of the Wayne Media building, where the lead writers and editors worked. The Gotham Daily News took up the top four floors of the building that also housed one of the TV stations and Gotham Night, a monthly magazine that covered the cities Entertainment scene. She was taking a moment to reflect on how she went from a small time writer on the Daily Planet where she had always dreamed of working, to being a lead writer in one of Gotham's biggest newspapers. Covering one of the city's biggest stories, The Batman. The only downside to her new job was leaving her friends, Clark Kent and Lana Lang behind in Metropolis, though it wasn't like she couldn't talk to them whenever she could or visit them during her time off. Focusing back on her work she looked over the article she had been proofreading about the latest Batman sighting, he had foiled a robbery attempt, a gang from out of town had tried to pull. She couldn't disagree with what he was doing, she had known a woman who did much the same stuff Batman is doing, she had even helped Clark Kent a few times fighting crime.
"Ms, Sullivan," the gruff voice of her editor called out from his office.
"Coming sir," Chloe turned from her desk and rushed to the corner office that allowed him to see everything that happened on the floor. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, You've been invited to the charity Circus tonight," he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out the invitation. "Seems Mr. Wayne was quite taken with you at the company party."
"I don't know what to say," Chloe was shocked at the idea that a multi billionaire would be interested in her. She used to have a thing for Lex Luthor when he helped her out during the issues with his father, but he was never into her that way, like Clark he was more taken with
Lana. But Lana wasn't here to steal anyone from her.
"He's sending a Limo to your apartment at seven so you should hurry home and get ready," he smiled.
"But I'm not finished with my report," she was even more surprised that her Boss was practically pushing her out the door without a finished story.
"Don't worry, just turn in what you have," he stated. "I'll proof it and send it out."
"Ok boss, I'll see you tomorrow then," Chloe turned toward the door and left the office. Her head was still spinning over the latest events that had just happened.
*********
The crowd was large, every seat had been sold out within days of the events announcement by Wayne Enterprises. It was a way to raise money for the homeless children in Gotham something that the Wayne family had always sought to fix. Chloe sat in her seat next to Bruce Wayne as the show went on. She looked at one of the world's richest men as he seemed to be transfixed by the acrobats flying through the air. The Grayson family was well known throughout the circus world and no expense was spared to get the best of the best to preform. Bruce had come and picked her up at 7:00 on the dot, dressed in a navy blue suit that was neatly pressed and wearing a black bow tie that seemed to be the style of the evening. Having little to wear on short notice, Chloe went with a Blue strapless gown that had been her second choice for the company party. Her first choice had been a red backless gown. When the limo pulled up to the arena she was surprised to be on the receiving end of the press, as reporters from every major newspaper and network and come out to cover the event. She recognized the young Jimmy Olson, who worked as a Photographer for the Daily Planet. She saw his reaction as soon as he saw her step out onto the red carpet with Bruce Wayne. His face went from shock and disbelief to a dumbfounded look that she had seen a few times when he was working as an intern mail clerk. Watching as the young **** Grayson flew through the air she smiled as she recalled Olson's reaction. She could almost hear the reporters she knew at the Daily Planet gossip about her love life. During the intermission she couldn't believe her luck as she was being introduced to some of the more powerful men in the world. The first couple Bruce had shown her off to were Bill Gates and his wife followed by the former president Bill Clinton and his wife Senator Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea and her boyfriend. As Bruce continued playing the host, she was left discussing things with Hillary and another guest she never got the name of. After the intermission was over everyone returned to their seats for what had promised to be the highlight of the night.
"How are you enjoying the show so far?" Bruce had asked when they returned to the seats.
"It's great," Chloe looked over at Bruce. "Never thought I'd be in a place like this as a guest and not a reporter."
"You were worth it Ms. Sullivan," Bruce looked out at the floor as the ring master returned to the floor surrounded with a group of Clowns.
"Please if I'm going to be your date for the night, call me Chloe," she replied as the clowns went about their act.
"Ok, Chloe," Bruce gave a small smile as one of the clowns pulled out a mike of his own.
"Ladies and gents," the clown's voice was in a Tenor voice. "What do you get when you have a room full of wealthy members of society and an empty jar?"
Chloe could have sworn she heard Bruce mutter something that sounded like a No. But she couldn't be sure with all the laughing around her.
"You get an empty jar," the white-faced clown said, his grin wide as could be. As the crowd laughed at the joke that she didn't find all the funny the clown reached back into his coat and pulled out a gun. To her horror the gun wasn't a trick gun, with a loud crack the Ring Master went down with the Clown laughing away he emptied the gun in the crowd. As the several law enforcement and secret Service agents ran down to the floor the Clown laughed and danced his way out of the arena. Turning to see Bruce she found that he was long gone.
Coming through the opening Batman extended his wings and glided down to the floor as the crowd gasped in shock at seeing this dark form fly to the floor. Upon reaching the floor he ran toward the exit the Joker had used only moments before. Heading out into the dark street behind the building he saw the Joker's companion Harley Quinn jumping into the back of a van with the money that had been raised. He could hear the Joker's trademark laugh coming from inside the van.
"Mr. J it's the Batman," the girl reported.
"Never fear," the Joker replied.
Before Batman could step, closer two large men stepped in his way. Taking out one of the men with a quick kick to his groin Batman went to work on the other man. After he disposed of the one, he was fighting he turned back to the other man who was just getting back to his feet. With a quick kick to the face he fell to the ground blood pouring from a broken nose. When the Police showed up Batman, informed them of what had happened before leaving the scene.
******
When Chloe returned to the Limo after giving her report, she found Bruce talking with a couple of plain clothes' cops, one of whom he had called Gordon. That could only mean one man, James Gordon, the new chief of police. The other cop was a young female who she had met once before during a series of robberies by a female Cat Bugler called Catwomen, Ellen Yin was her name. Coming to the three of them, they turned to greet her, Bruce handling the introductions.
"Hello, Ms Sullivan," Commissioner Gordon took her hand in his and shook it. "My daughter is an admirer of your work."
"Really?" Chloe asked. "How old is she?"
"She'll be 13 next month," Gordon replied.
"She's starting early." Chloe laughed as she remembered her preteen years, hoping to become a news reporter.
"She always loved current events and crime stories," Gordon smiled slightly. "Says she wants to be a police detective when she grows up."
"It's nice to see you again," Ellen stepped forward to shake her hand. "Hope tonight's events weren't to upsetting for you."
"Sad to say no, that wasn't the first Murder I witnessed," Chloe said mournfully.
"We better get back," Gordon stuck his hands into his pockets and turned to head back to the scene. "It was nice to meet you Ms Sullivan."
"Same here Commissioner," Chloe watched as the two of them entered the building.
*****
The trip home was silent as Bruce's butler, Alfred, drove the limo back to Chloe's place. Bruce tried to entertain her at first but she was too distracted by what she had seen so he gave up. Escorting her to her door Bruce didn't ask to be let in, simply kissed her good night and left, getting back to the car he ordered Alfred to take them home as quick as he could. Bruce wasted no time getting to the large cave under the family home that housed his hide out and his main base of operations, Alfred named it the Batcave after Bruce began his mission. Stripping off his clothes he pulled the cape and cowl from the briefcase that he had in the limo and slipped them in place. Thankfully he had worn the Batsuit on under his clothes or the Joker would have done more damage. He checked himself in a mirror to make sure everything was fit right and went to the Batmobile and sped out into the night. His first stop was the scene of The Jokers Crime, making his way inside the building the same way he had entered earlier, he found that the floor had already been cleaned. The blood that had covered the spot where the Ring Master had fallen had been taken care of by the crime scene clean up crews. Heading to the office where the money was stored, he looked for any clues that may have been left behind. After finding nothing he left the office and traced the steps the group would have taken to the rear door. Leaving the building out the back he investigated where the Van had been parked before The Joker made his get away. That too was clean all that remained where the remains of the fight he had been in with two of The Jokers men.
*****
Chloe arrived the next morning at the Gotham Daily News with a full report about the night's events as well as a copy of one of Jimmy Olson's pictures she had gotten from him as a favor. As soon as she handed it to the editor, he had it rushed to printing so it could be on the front page of the Afternoon paper, along with the picture of Batman flying to the ground. Gathering her recorder, she left the building to attend the press conference about the murder from last night. Going with was a young man, who many joked was her personal photographer for working with her more then the other reporters. Michael Brooks was in his early 20's who had gained a bit of fame for his work. Many had believed that the Gotham Daily News' hiring of the young man was a coup, many had thought the Daily Planet would snatch him up first. It was a well-known secret that Michael had a bit of a crush on Chloe which was why he always jumped at the chance to go with her on assignments. The steps before City Hall were packed as press from all over as well as people wishing to see the press conference personally. Up at the top of the steps the mayor sat behind the podium along with several city counsel members to his right. On his left the Commissioner and several high-ranking police officers sat around. What caught her attention as she looked over the group was the little red headed girl next to Gordon, she appeared to be no more the 13 years old. As she studied the girl, she realized that it was "take your daughter, to work day." Judging by the way the girl hung around Gordon, she assumed that she must be his daughter Barbara, the young girl who was a fan of her work.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Please welcome to the microphone his Honorable Hamilton Hill," The mayor's press secretary Lawrence P. Hill addressed the crowd.
"Thank your Mr. Hill," The Mayor spoke after a short applause. "As you know, yesterday the Wayne Charity Circus was robbed by the menace known as The Joker, leaving one man dead and another wounded. Even with the quick thinking of The Batman he was able to get away, I want all citizens of Gotham to know that we will not rest until we have captured this mad man and sent him where he belongs. Now I present to you, Commissioner Gordon."
"Thank you Mayor Hill," Gordon stepped to the mike leaving his daughter behind at her seat next to his. "The Police have been working since the crime to find the Joker and his partners. I have authorized all overtime needed to solve this case and lock the Joker away. I will not rest until he is found."
*****
Across town a single TV aired the conference to the mostly empty room. Across the room The Joker sat and watched as Gordon spoke about capturing him. Harley Quinn fed the two hyenas' that seemed to laugh at every word Gordon said. Pulling out a gun The Joker pointed it at the TV and fired sending a shower of sparks into the air behind the now ruined TV. Harley gave a quick look at the TV before looking back at The Joker who started laughing as he set the gun back down.
"So he's not going to rest until he finds us, is he," The Joker stood up and walked over to the TV. "Well we might as well make things interesting shouldn't we Harley."
"What do you have in mind Mr. J?" Harley asked as she tossed the last of the meat into the cage.
"That little girl next to Gordon, I say we distract him by taking his beloved girly." The Joker laughed as he revealed his plan. "How would you like a little sister?"
"That would be great Mr. J" Harley started to dance around humming some song only she knew.
"So now, lets see if we can't find the little princess," The Joker pulled out a phone book and called some numbers.
*****
Chloe and Michael sat alone waiting for an interview with Gordon, they had been told to meet them at a local restaurant where most cops went to eat. Rather then wait inside though Chloe decided to wait outside sitting on the bench outside near the outdoor patio area. He noticed them first. Gordon and his daughter were coming from across the street. Chloe stood up and went across to greet them as Michael snapped off some pictures. Suddenly everything went black, Chloe turned to see Michael just as he flew forward while the restaurant exploded. She ran to him after he hit the ground as Gordon used his body to protect his daughter. She discovered him hurt but alive, relieved as what she found she turned back to see Gordon standing up to head toward the burning building.
"Ms. Sullivan stay with my daughter," Gordon shouted as he ran into the building. She ran over and took the girl by the hand as the sirens of the fire trucks grew louder. Watching the burning building Chloe never saw the van pull up, it was only when she felt Barbara pulled from her grasp that she turned to see a large man pulling her to the van. Reacting on instinct Chloe delivered a spin kick to the man's knee's sending him falling and releasing Barbra. Before he could get back to his feet, Chloe sent another kick to his face, his nose breaking from the contact. Winding up for another kick she felt two arms grab her from behind and throwing her to the ground. Getting back to her feet she felt the sharp sting of a stun gun falling back to the ground Chloe passed out before reaching the street. Michael woke up in time to see the two goons carry both of them to the van and drive off. Pulling out another camera he had in his pocket he took a quick picture of the van as it drove away.
*****
The Joker looked at his new captives with a mix of glee and anger, he was happy about the fact they got Barbra with no real issues. However upon seeing the unconscious form of Chloe Sullivan his first reaction was to lash out and kill one of the thugs with some acid from the flower he wore. But soon the Joker saw another opportunity, he had read all about her visit to the Circus with Bruce Wayne, he could ransom her for a good chunk of cash. Leaving the remaining thugs to deal with his new toys, he went to make a message for both Gordon and Wayne. Under Harley's guidance Barbra was led to one cell as Chloe was carried to one next to it.
"Ms. Sullivan wake up," Barbra pleaded after the thugs left, she was worried about one of them. He kept looking at her as if she were a slab of meat, her father had often dealt with men who looked at girls like that. Normally they were the kind of guy who would rape and toss young girls away on the street after they finished. She was no stranger to the underworld, despite her fathers best attempts to shield her, he also was slow in allowing her to practice self defense. Unknown to him she had been the best student her instructor had and had started to learn other forms. She had no fear that she wouldn't be able to defend herself if the need too came about, she kicked herself over being caught off guard in the first place. Had she acted faster then they would be safe now and Ms. Sullivan would be telling her father about what had happened.
"What happened," Chloe's voice was groggy as she sat up holding her head where it had hit the ground.
"The Joker kidnaped us," Barbra whispered.
"Must be trying to distract your father," Chloe decided. "Though not sure how kidnaping you will keep your father away, Unless the Joker hopes he'll mess up and follow his heart."
*****
Bruce Wayne sat at the main computer of the Batcave watching over the ransom video the Joker had sent him about Chloe. By now he had already heard about Barbra Gordon's kidnaping that had happened at the same time. The difference between the two was the fact only Chloe was being ransomed. All Gordon got was a note saying The Joker had Barbra, it didn't take Bruce long to figure what the motive for this kidnaping had been, an angered Gordon would have a hard time staying focused on his job.
"Alfred," Bruce turned the chair toward the older man. "Have 50 Million dollars brought here within the hour."
"Yes Master will there be anything else?" Alfred asked.
"Yes get me Mr. Fox," Bruce turned back to the screen and turned it off. "I have a request."
Mr. Lucius Fox was an older man having worked at Wayne Enterprises back when Bruce's dad first started the company. Now the CEO, he had been in charge of all the abandoned projects that helped Bruce create his persona of Batman so many years ago. Alfred used to joke that had Bruce been James Bond then Lucius would have most definitely been Q. In recent years however Bruce relied on less on special projects from his company and more on his own mind hoping to avoid anyone tracing Batman's equipment to Wayne enterprises. But every now and then he had no choice as he did now.
"Hello Mr. Wayne," Lucius spoke in his rich baritone voice. "I've brought along a few samples that should fit your needs."
"Excellent," Bruce led him into the pallor where he took a seat across from Lucius, who laid a briefcase on the coffee table that separated them.
"I've put together a bunch of our tracers, picking only the prototypes so they would go undetected." Lucius opened the case and showed the contents to Bruce. There were about 10 or 15 different kinds of tracking devices ranging in size and shape. "As you can see there are quite a few of them to pick from. Each can be placed on an object without any detection. These will not be picked up by any sensors. For the job at hand I would recommend one of these two here, both can be hidden inside the money itself. As a back up you can also place this one in the handle of the case carrying the money."
"Those will be perfect," Bruce took the ones he had shown him.
"They were created for some intelligence services, These were the ones they didn't chose," Lucius closed the case and handed it to Bruce.
"Thank you, Mr. Fox, these will come in handy," Bruce shook his hand and led him to the front door. Watching from the front door, Bruce watched as Lucius' car drove away.
Alfred approached from the dinning room carrying two cases that were filled with 50 million dollars that had been gathered from several of Bruce's accounts to avoid suspicion as he worked to capture the Joker. Taking the cases, he carried them into the dinning room and laid them onto the table and went to work installing the new tracers. He placed the paper thin tracers in with the money and placed another one in the handle of the case's itself. Once they finished Bruce loaded the car with the cash as well as the Batman Suit. It was stored in the hidden compartment in the trunk of the car. Informing Alfred to meet him at an old mill a mile north of the drop off point he went to the drop off point and waited for the Joker's men.
*****
The Van arrived a few minutes after Bruce had arrived to collect the money, There was little talk as one of the thugs went over to grab the bags while the other waited in the drivers seat. With a quick check of the cash the thug put the money in the Van and Bruce watched as the van drove away. Bruce entered his car and drove north to the mill where Alfred was waiting with the Batmobile. Once he got into the suit he jumped into the Batmobile and followed the tracking device to where it was heading. It didn't take him long to see that they were heading into old Gotham. He pulled to a stop just a few blocks from the run down building the two thugs had gone, it wasn't long before he remembered what the building had been the old Circus grounds from before the depression. Bruce had memories of his father taking him to the circus there during the last years it ran. Slipping out of the Batmobile, Batman moved through the shadows before reaching the side of the old building, taking out a grappling hook out and fired a line up to the roof and flew up the side of the building. Moving carefully he was able to find a small hole and look down on the main floor, both Chloe and Barbra were locked in cages along the north wall across from him. The two thugs were in the center of the three circles talking to the Joker while another two thugs stood guard by the two captives. Harley Quinn was over by Barbra's cage taking pleasure in poking at her with a stick, and laughing her head off. The Joker himself had the usual grin on his face as he threw the money up into the air. Moving carefully up the roof, he moved toward a larger opening he could get through to enter the ruined arena. At the center of the roof he found what he was looking for, a larger opening, large enough for him to get through and land right into the center Ring where the Joker was dancing away with the money. He took one last look into the arena as he stood up and stepped into the hole. Once passing through he spread his cape slowing his dissent, hitting the ground Batman was soon attacked by two of the thugs. Rolling with the charge he somersaulted backwards letting the thugs crash into each other as they went over. Reaching his feet he disabled both of them and turned to the remaining thug. Instead of charging Batman the thug turned and ran out the doors leaving Joker and Harley alone with Batman and the hostages.
"Hello Bats," Joker looked from Batman to the roof. "Can't say much for your style but you do know how to make an entrance."
"Enough talk clown," Batman grabbed Joker by the collar and slugged him in the face. "Release the girls."
"Puddin'" Harley approached Batman carrying a large mallet.
"Batman, behind you," Chloe screamed.
Batman turned just as Harley wound up for a blow, grabbing for his grappling gun he moved Joker just in time to block most of the blow. It still knocked him backwards and sent the grappling gun sliding across the floor. Moving in for another blow, Batman used his feet to trip up Harley sending her to the ground knocking herself out when her head hit the other end of the Mallet. Rolling to his feet Joker was at the cages trying to undo the lock before Batman could arrive. In the distance the sounds of Police sirens grew louder leaving the Joker no more time. Leaving the cages alone he turned and ran out the back doors followed by Batman leaving behind the remains of the brief fight.
Batman cornered Joker before he could get to a waiting van, punching Batman in the jaw, he followed up with several kicks before Batman punched him in the nose knocking him to the ground. Reaching for the flower on his coat he sprayed acid at Batman who blocked it with his cape. Picking the Joker up by the collar he punched him in the gut, driving the air from his lungs and delivered another punch to Joker's Nose braking it. Tossing the Joker to the ground he reached for bindings he kept in his belt and grabbed the Joker once again, this time binding his hands together. The Joker looked down at his hands that had touched his nose. Seeing the blood, he broke into a laughing fit.
Barbra reached through the cage and unlocked the cage door, once outside she went to Chloe's cage door and released her. When the Cops came in, led by Gordon they arrested Harley and the remaining thugs. Gordon gave Barbra a big hug while Chloe gave the cops a statement about what happened. One of the cops, Renee Montoya dressed in her blue patrol uniform, rushed in to inform them that the Joker had been captured. Gordon rushed out to find Joker hanging upside down from a tree, laughing as if someone had told the greatest joke in the world.
*****
Batman stood on the roof of Central, the Head Quarters of the Police department, as Gordon stepped out of the shadows. He looked better then the day before now that he has his daughter back. Joker and Harley had been sent to Arkham where they would stay until a Judge saw them as fit to stand trial, which was looking unlikely to happen anytime soon. Gordon didn't mind too much just as long as that mad man stayed behind bars where he belonged. After thanking Batman for his help, Gordon watched as Batman disappeared into the darkness off to fight crime and keep the streets safer.
Chloe sat at her desk as she put the finishing touches on the article she was writing, about her kidnaping at the hands of the Joker. She had just finished writing about Batman's entrance when she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Looking out the window she got a brief look of the waving black cape of Batman as he stood atop the building across the street. Without knowing that she was doing she waved her hand and watched as the shape vanished into the night. When she realized she was waving she took a look around the room to see if anyone noticed her. Thankfully the Office was mostly empty and the people who were there were too busy with their own finale drafts to see her.
Barbra sat at a chair near the window she was now looking out of, she spent most of the time looking up at the glowing Bat single that shined off the cloud cover. Batman would be on his way to see her father as he turned to the dark Knight to solve some new problem that stumped the police. Her mother had already gone to bed checking in on her before she went to the room she shared with Jim. Now she was all alone, the desk lamp the only light in the room casting a purplish glow from the Purple lamp shade. Making a quick check of the room door, she pulled out the small bundle she had stashed under her bed in a lock box her Grandfather had given her for Christmas a few years before. Pulling open the cloth, she looked down at the object before placing it into her hands. A bit larger for her small hands, it was heavier then she thought it would be. Gripping the handle she pointed Batman's grappling gun out the window into the night sky.
The End . . . For now.
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