Chapter 46: The Joker

Izuku tugged uncomfortably at his bow-tie around his neck. He was wearing an expensive three-piece tuxedo, courtesy of Alfred and Bruce. It was tailored to fit like a glove, and Izuku, who was unused to such formal attire, found it restraining and uncomfortable.

He stood next to Bruce and Alfred in a large ballroom as they welcomed patrons as they came, filling the room to the brim with all members of high society. Izuku watched Bruce curiously as he met with the guests. He became a completely different person in the eyes of the public. For someone who knew who the real Bruce Wayne was, it was fascinating to watch.

It was close to the start of the Gala, and the room was glittering with beautiful colors and sparkling like gold and diamonds. Izuku felt completely out of place, having grown up in a middle-class home all his life. They were still awaiting their guests of honor, David and Melissa, who were running late. Izuku was looking forward to seeing Melissa again, but was still quite nervous. Would he be expected to dance with her? He had never danced with a girl before. The idea of it made his legs quake in his shoes.

"David!" Said Bruce suddenly.

Izuku looked up to see David, All Might and Melissa stepping out of a limousine, courtesy of Wayne Enterprises. David and All Might were both wearing tuxedos, but Izuku wasn't paying attention to them. His jaw dropped as he laid eyes on Melissa. She was wearing a blue and white strapless dress, which extended to her knees. She wore a black ribbon tied around her waist tied off with an ornate white rose. Her wavy blond hair was done up in a curly pony-tail. She wasn't wearing her glasses, and Izuku was floored at how much more her vibrant blue eyes shined in the light of the room without them. David and All Might approached and shook Bruce and Alfred's hands firmly. Melissa curtsied to the men and immediately went to Izuku.

"Hey, Izuku!" She said, looking him up and down. "You look nice."

"Thanks," Said Izuku. He could feel himself blushing immensely. "So do you."

"Now that you're here, the festivities can really begin," Said Bruce, guiding them over to their table at the head of the room. The Orchestra began another chord, this time a slower tempo. Melissa immediately peaked her head in their direction, grabbing Izuku by the hand and taking him to the dance floor before he could think.

"Come on, Izuku," She said. "Let's dance."

"Uh, well," Said Izuku, panicking internally. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"That's okay," She replied. "I am." She took one of Izuku's hands and put it on her hip, a forward motion that made him blush furiously. She took her hand and placed it on his back, pulling him in close. This was the closest he had ever been to a girl, and he felt his heart was going to beat from his chest. As they swayed with the soft music, Izuku found himself growing more and more comfortable with Melissa. They talked and laughed as they danced, discussing their hopes and dreams and life ambitions. Eventually, the orchestra ceased their strings, and they were beckoned back to their table with Bruce, David, Alfred and All Might for dinner.

Izuku couldn't remember when he had had such a good time.

David and All Might were telling amazing stories about their time together in their younger years. Izuku was fascinated to learn more about David, and his research in quirks and support items. He even was called in by the Justice League as the principal scientist for the construction of the Watchtower, and regularly supplied them with the most advanced technology and research that I-Island had to offer.

After their meals were finished, Bruce took to the podium at the center stage, gathering the attention of the audience. "Tonight is a very special night," he said. "In a world filled to the brim with professional heroes, it is almost commonplace to see them rewarded and praised for their hard work and sacrifice, placing their lives on the line every day so society as a whole can function. However, tonight is not the night for these heroes. Behind every hero is a powerful support tool, and behind every support tool. . ." he gestured to David. ". . . is a powerful support scientist."

The audience applauded as David took the podium, taking the award from Bruce. He beamed to the audience as they continued their applause. "I tried to write a speech," he said, once the cheers died. "But I'm not very good at it. I suppose I'll have to. . . "

As he continued his speech, Izuku noticed someone emerge from the doors behind them. It was one of the waitresses, pushing a large cake box on a cart towards their table. Izuku didn't think much of it at first, thinking it was part of the celebration, until he looked over at his mentor. Bruce was watching the cake get wheeled in, his smile vanished completely.

Something was wrong.

David noticed the waitress behind him, pausing his speech. "Bruce, you shouldn't have!" Said David. He went to open the box when in a flash, the top of the box exploded, revealing a man in a purple suit with toxic green hair bursting from the top of the cake inside.

"Surprise!" He shouted, laughing maniacally and grabbing David by the throat. He produced a gun and thrust it against his cheek. Melissa screamed, and Izuku jumped to his feet in shock.

The Joker.

"Greetings Gotham!" He said to the audience. "Joker's back in town!"

The audience began to panic, all attempting to run for the exit. The doors around them burst open, revealing several armed thugs in clown masks and makeup entering the room. They began rounding up the guests, firing their guns into the air to frighten them into compliance.

One of the henchmen came from behind them and grabbed Melissa. Izuku sprang into action, landing a hard kick square in the goon's face. He howled in pain and fell onto his back. He grabbed Melissa and ran towards the back towards Bruce, All Might and Alfred, who formed a protective circle around her.

"Izuku," Said Bruce. "Go with Toshinori and Alfred. Get Melissa out of here." Without another word, he dashed off towards the Joker, taking down the armed henchmen as he went.

Izuku scanned the room for an exit. The room was heavily guarded, and the mass chaos caused by the hysterical guests around them made it difficult to get his bearings. Three thugs made their way over towards them, brandishing their weapons menacingly. Izuku leapt forward into a twisting front-handspring, using the momentum from the spin to kick the guns out of their hands. Izuku continued his attack, kicking one of them in the abdomen, causing him to double over, where Izuku seized his chance to knee him in the face, knocking him unconscious. The other two stared in shock, allowing Izuku time to draw two glue capsules from his utility belt tucked under his tuxedo shirt and toss them at the thugs. The capsules exploded on impact, encasing them in glue.

So much for no heroics, Izuku thought.

"This way, Young Midoriya!" Said All Might. He had found an exit and was guiding them through it, shutting the door behind them. They made their way through a dark access corridor for maintenance. Izuku held tightly to Melissa's hand, holding three Batarangs in his other hand. They didn't know if there were any armed henchmen waiting for them at the end of the corridor, and he didn't want to take any chances.

"Stop!" Said Melissa, pulling on Izuku. "We have to go back, we have to save my dad!"

"Out of the question," Said Alfred immediately. "Our first priority is to your safety, as Master Bruce instructed, young lady."

"But the Joker will kill him!" Said Melissa.

"Not while Bruce is around," said All Might, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, Melissa. If anyone can handle the Joker, it's Bruce."

Melissa sniffled, but straightened. A courageous look passed over her face that Izuku recognized all too well. She was frightened for the safety of her father, but knew that he would want her safe first and foremost. For his sake, she would have to be brave.

She really is something else, thought Izuku.

"Let's go, you three," said Alfred. "I have called the Batmobile, it should be approaching shortly. If we can make it to the back alley, it should be waiting for us."

"Why are you doing this?!" Shouted David hoarsely. The Joker tightened his grip on his throat and pressed the nozzle of his pistol hard into his cheek. "Let these people go! I'll pay whatever you want!"

"I don't want your money!" Said the Joker. "I want what I paid for!"

"What are you talking about?" Said David.

"Don't play stupid with me, Davey-poo," The Joker replied, his sing-songy voice turning to a dangerous tone. "You didn't think I gave you all that money and fancy doodads for the sake of charity? Where's the fun in that?"

"You. . ." said David, horrified. "You're Jack White?!"

"Among other people," Said the Joker. "Not everyone is who they say they are. You really should be careful who to talk to on the internet young man. What would you poor mother think?"

"You can't have the device," Said David. "I won't let you!"

"You seem to think you have a choice in the matter!" Said Joker. "That's hilarious!"

David scanned the room, looking desperately for his daughter and the others. He only hoped that his daughter was safe. This was all his fault. If it wasn't for his fear and pride, he wouldn't be in this situation, putting all these lives in danger, especially his daughter's. He should have never invented --

"Let him go, Joker!"

David looked up to see Bruce breaking through the crowd of armed henchmen. They immediately began to form, but David knew they were no match for Bruce, mowing them down one by one.

"Ooooh!" Said Joker, interested. "This rich kitty has claws!"

Bruce tried to make his way to David, but the Joker fired the gun at his feet. Bruce froze in place as more henchmen encircled them. Bruce stood straight, smoothing out the front of his tuxedo.

"Let's be reasonable about this, Joker," Said Bruce, taking out his pocketbook. "I can write all kinds of numbers on this check. Name your price." Joker fired his gun again, knocking the checkbook out of Bruce's hand, who amazingly didn't flinch.

"What is it with you fat cats trying to throw money at your problems?" Said Joker. "Talk about ruining the punchline!"

"Then what is it that you want?" Said Bruce. "Surely we can -"

Joker fired his gun again, this time striking Bruce squarely in the chest, who hit the floor in a crumpled heap.

"No!!" Shouted David.

"'Surely we can, surely we can'" Said Joker mockingly. "Rich people are so boring. But hey, maybe the grim reaper takes checks!" He reared his head back in maniacal laughter as David watched in horror as the Henchmen encircled Bruce's body.

Izuku, Melissa, Alfred and All Might continued their way down the corridor. Izuku felt himself growing more and more nervous. He could still hear gunfire from behind them, and he had no idea how close the police were to their location, if they were coming at all. They were almost to the exit leading to the back alleyway. As soon as the others were safe, Izuku was going back for Bruce and David.

They stopped abruptly as they heard screaming coming from the end of the hallway. A waitress came running towards them. She looked terrified, mascara streaming down her cheeks from her tears. All Might immediately ran to her, trying to calm her down.

"It's okay, miss," Said All Might. "We're not going to hurt you."

"Tell us what happened," Said Alfred.

"These armed men tried to grab me and put me with the rest of those people!" Said the woman. "I got away, but they almost killed me. They. . . they. . ." She broke into racking sobs, sinking to her knees.

"You're safe now, miss," Said All Might. "Come with us and we'll get you out of here."

The woman continued to sob for a minute before she took deep breaths, steadying herself. Finally she nodded, sniffling slightly, and stood, following them behind Melissa. They continued to make their way down the hallway, finally coming upon the alleyway exit. Upon opening the door, they were immediately accosted by several armed henchmen. They quickly overpowered them, forcing each of them to their knees.

"Look at that, they did come out this way," Said one of the Henchmen. "Looks like you were right, Harley."

Izuku immediately looked back at Melissa. She was the only one of them standing. Her hands tied behind her and her mouth bound with a gag. The woman was standing behind her, holding her by the back of the neck. Her frightened demeanor was gone, instead replaced with a cold smile.

"Of course they did, you idiot!" Said the Woman. "Mistah J said they would."

"Let go of her!" Said Izuku. The woman kicked him hard in the face.

"Shaddup, bird boy!" She snapped. "Mistah J ain't quite ready for ya, yet. So stay put and don't do anything stupid!" She pulled out a small device from her pocket and pressed it, causing it to start beeping. "Let's get outta here, girly. And make sure they don't follow us!" She added to her henchmen, walking away with Melissa. Izuku watched them helplessly as they got into a car at the end of the alleyway and drove off. Izuku looked up at the henchmen only to see one of them approach and hit him hard in the face with the butt of his gun. Izuku keeled over, hearing the yells of Alfred and All Might before everything went black.

David could hear a faint beeping amidst the chaos. It was coming from the Joker. He had reached into his coat pocket and took out a small device, resembling a pager. He nodded with approval before placing it back in his suit coat.

"Looks like we have our prize!" Said the Joker. He placed the gun back into David's cheek. "And if you want her back, you better have the device ready by sunup."

"What are you talking about," said David. "What did you do?"

"All in good time, Davey-wavey," Said the Joker, releasing him. A large explosion came from the glass ceiling of the ballroom. David looked up to see a large helicopter hovering over the opening in the glass, a rope ladder dropping down next to the Joker.

"Time to fly, boys!" Said the Joker, taking off with the Helicopter, laughing crazily as he climbed higher into the air. David watched as the helicopter carried him away from the ballroom and off into the distance. The henchmen all followed suit, exiting as they had come.

Several of the Henchmen were still circling around Bruce. David ran towards them in a panic, desperately trying to pull one of them away from him. The henchmen knocked David onto his back and pointed his rifle at him. David braced himself for the inevitable.

It never came.

He gingerly opened his eyes to see all the henchmen were down, unconscious, with Bruce standing over them, holding the henchmen that knocked David down by the throat before thrusting his elbow hard into his neck, knocking him unconscious.

"Bruce!" Said David. "I thought you were dead!"

"Hardly," Said Bruce. He pulled open his tuxedo shirt to show he was wearing a Kevlar vest.

"Where's Melissa and the others?" Said David.

Bruce checked his watch, which projected a holographic image. "The Batmobile is still parked out back. They must still be here. Come on."

Izuku's head felt like it was splitting open. Blurry images began to form as he opened his eyes, gradually coming into focus. He was back in the Batcave, laying on one of the stretchers in the medical wing. He tried to stand, but something was holding him down.

"Don't try to move," Said Alfred. "You've suffered a nasty concussion."

"Alfred?" Said Izuku. He tried to remember what happened as realization dawned on him with sickening horror. "Melissa!"

"I know," said another voice. Bruce had appeared at Alfred's side. "Alfred told me the whole story."

"Where's David?" Said Izuku.

"He's upstairs," Said Bruce. "All Might is trying to console him."

"We have to save her!" Said Izuku.

"We aren't going to do anything," Said Bruce. "I will find the Joker. You are going to stay here."

"I can't just --"

"Yes you can," Said Bruce sharply. "You promised your mother no heroics, and you're going to keep that promise. You're going back to Japan, first thing tomorrow."

"What?!" Said Izuku. "You can't send me back now!"

"I can and I will," Said Bruce. "You have no idea what the Joker is capable of. You're not ready for this."

"I can't leave until I know Melissa is safe," Said Izuku.

"This conversation is over," Said Bruce. "Alfred, take Midoriya to his room so he can rest."

Alfred complied, helping Izuku off the stretcher. They walked in silence as they made their way to Izuku's room. "Try not to take it too hard, Izuku," Said Alfred once they made it to his room. "Master Bruce only wants you to be safe. He will see Miss Shield's safe return."

Izuku said nothing, sitting on his bed silently as Alfred left the room. was at war with himself. He cursed himself for letting Melissa get captured, wishing he had thought to use his quirk. He was still so used to not having one, it hadn't occurred to him to use it. Who knows what they were going to do to her. He couldn't bear to think about it.

And it was all his fault.

Ten minutes later.

Bruce was pouring over data files on his computer, desperately trying to pick up a trail that could lead him to the Joker. He still had no idea as to why David was targeted tonight, only that he had something that the Joker wanted. David was beside himself with grief, and All Might was still trying to console him. Hopefully, once he was calmer, Bruce would be able to get more information from him as to what the Joker wanted. That might point him in the direction --

"Master Bruce!"

Alfred came running frantically into the Batcave. "Master Bruce, Izuku is gone!" He said.

"What?" Said Bruce, alarmed.

"I came upstairs to give him tea, when his window was open and his hero costume was gone," Said Alfred. "This was on his bed." He handed a small device to Bruce. It was a radio receiver. Izuku somehow managed to plant a tracking device on Harley Quinn before she left with Melissa. He left it there so Bruce would follow him, but not before he got a head start, to keep him from stopping him.

Damn it, Said Bruce angrily. The engines of the Batmobile roared as he quickly donned his cape and cowl and sped off into the distance. Before he could return upstairs, something on Bruce's desk caught his eye. Upon inspecting it, he had to steady himself against the desk for fear of falling over with fright. It was a picture of Izuku from the sports festival, but encircled in a green smiley face, crossed out at his face, reading the words "you know what happens when you bring friends into this game of ours."

Dear God, thought Alfred. Bring him home safely, Master Bruce. Please.