The Batman: Downfall Ch. 05

Batgirl nodded, her mouth covered by the gas mask he had given her the night before, "I thought you could do with a little help." Batman was surprised to see her she had almost died the night before yet her she was ready to lend a hand again, whoever it was under that mask was made of tough stuff indeed and Bruce Wayne would dearly like to meet her. "I saw him leave moments before it happened."

Batman scanned the balcony, he could not see Carlos anywhere, looking down he could see the effects of batch #35 a group of people stood silently while friends, lovers, and wives tried to pull them away pleading and crying for them to listen. "Which way did you see Carlos go?" Batman asked.

"Who's Carlos? I meant Bruce Wayne, he left right before that mist came and he was in a serious hurry too. I think he's behind this."

Batman wanted to laugh but bit his tongue, now two people were paranoid about Bruce Wayne. His head spun for a moment and his heart skipped a couple of beats. He noted the red hair, the small freckle just below her right eye the same as Barbara Gordon's and he knew if she removed that mask that both Barbara Gordon and Batgirl's shade of lipstick would match. For a great detective he had missed the obvious but for Batman and Bruce Wayne to exist hiding in plain sight was the obvious thing to do. "Bruce Wayne is innocent in all this, Carlos Constance is behind Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, this whole thing is a set up to test a new mind control drug."

He watched her eyes widen in surprise then panic as her head flicked to the floor below them and to one man in particular who at this very moment stood motionless. "Go down there see what help they need, get them to Gotham General, a secure wing full lockdown we need to find a cure." Batman caught sight of a white suit just entering a lift at the further end of the mezzanine, "I'm going after Constance, if there is a cure he will know what it is or who has it." He raced off, letting Barbara go to her father rather than having her tagging along worrying.

Batgirl leapt from the balcony hardly feeling the heavy landing beneath her feet, she rushed to her silent and motionless father. She halted a few feet from him, she reached up and unclipped her gas mask dropping it to the floor, she had been worried to step any closer in case she became the same way but her concern far outweighed the worry. She raised one hand "Dad?" she said quietly, her emotions sending the word quivering. She forced her feet to move, taking two steps forward and noticing the woman next to her father her mind fleetingly wondering when Samantha Kinkalow had decided to come back. "Dad?" she said again more forcefully this time and pulled at his suit jacket. His response was the same as everyone around him, glazed eyes and a face void of any emotion.

"Simone, Simone come on." The voice was loud and recognisable the mayor was dragging his wife across the ground, nothing more than dead weight in her state begging for her to move as he did so.

Batgirl squeezed her father's arm and rushed over to the mayor. "Sir we have to get these people to Gotham General they have been exposed to a toxin."

The mayor looked up from his wife, tears streaming down his face, "what...who the hell...you!" he let go of his wife's arm her body hitting the floor with a dull thump. "What have you and your crazy friend done to my wife?" he shouted accusingly.

"Us, we are trying to help Mayor Garcia. Batman is going after the real culprit." Batgirl bit back, her emotions over spilling as her tears did the same. "We need to get these people somewhere safe,"

Mayor Garcia was shaking his head mumbling to himself, "Batman, this is all Batman's fault and the rest of those costumed freaks."

Batgirl grabbed him and gave him a wicked shake his head flicking back once eliciting a gasp from the man, "Listen to me, this is down to someone very human called Carlos Constance he is the reason your wife and my fa...friend is like this." As she spoke Simone Garcia stood up, she blinked once and was still.

"Carlos Constance, Axis Chemicals Carlos Constance?" The mayor's mouth hung open as the words sunk in then closed shut his jaw clenching. He reached up wiping at his tear streaked face he swallowed hard and took a look at his wife, then at everyone around him. "Gotham General right,"

Batgirl nodded, "a secure ward, full lockdown."

"The secure ward on full lockdown," The mayor repeated and nodded, "But look at them what harm can they do, their just living statues."

Batgirl shrugged, "There is a cure and he will bring it, that's all I know." She began to move off, wanting to stay with her father but being tugged after another man who right now was somewhere above her fighting to get a cure.

"How are we supposed to get them there, look at them?" The Mayor shouted, if the Batgirl had heard she made no attempt of acknowledging or responding. Sebastian Garcia looked around at the motionless figures and raised his hands in despair. "Great living statues, now how do I get you to walk single file to the exit?" He said it jokingly then gasped as suddenly the figures fell into line and walked single file towards the exit.

Gotham Town Hall Rooftop,

Carlos had wanted to stay to see if any residual toxin would affect others that had not fled the scene, but he had given himself five minutes to watch the main event for the evening before his phone had alerted him that it was time to go. Just as well really as he had entered the lift to the top floor and from there the roof he had caught sight of Gotham's guardian angel and his side kick only feet from where he had originally stood.

Now on the roof the night air was fresh against his dark complexion he could hear the sound of approaching sirens, a mix of police cars, ambulances and fire engines working together to mask the dull thud of approaching helicopter blades. Two lights up high were rapidly approaching, one would be his ride the other a police helicopter, he amused himself for the moment by trying to guess which was which.

The yelp that escaped him was high pitched almost feminine as he was grabbed from behind and physically lifted into the air. Carlos' feet kicked the air as he struggled to get free of his assailant as he was rushed with sickening speed to the edge of the building. His feet touched the ledge of the roof for a moment as he was spun round, the air was choked from him as a strong hand grabbed his shirt at the front and lifted him once more carrying him the few inches clear of the roof top. Carlos screamed in terror at the drop beneath him.

"The cure," Batman screamed in fury at the man he now held, the terror in his eyes a pleasing sight to Batman. He loosened his grip letting the man move perhaps an inch further down, "I cannot hold you forever,"

The look of terror dropped from the man's face suddenly the kicking and screaming going with it. Now Carlos smiled "Kill me and you will never have a cure," There was still fear in the man's eyes, the way he looked down at the street beneath him and up at Batman he was playing a dangerous game but had begun to realise that he perhaps had the upper hand. "Shall we play the game Caped Crusader, let me go and see if a cure mysteriously arrives or let me become a piece of sidewalk art and see how long it takes for a cure to ever be found," he gave a shrug the best he could, "make your move."

Batman let out a dark scream and for a moment Carlos felt the grip on him loosen and the fear was upon him again, the grip tightened and he was moving through the air swinging back onto the rooftop, the grip letting go sending him flying. He landed in a crumpled heap on the ground sharp gravel dug into his skin and cut him. Carlos turned around feeling the bruises that would soon appear on his arms and legs as he moved. He noted how ripped and dirty his suit was and tutted in disgust. "A wise decision on your half," he was jerked upwards as he spoke, his expensive shoes dragging in the gravel as Batman moved him slamming him up against a wall.

The fury had gone from Batman and the three words he spoke came out in a menacing whisper. "The cure, now."

Carlos shrugged, "I wish I could, but I have other plans for the evening," His eyes flicked over the Batman's shoulder's and he cursed himself for being so stupid.

Batman loosened his grip and was turning when the high heeled foot kicked him hard in the back of one knee dropping him to the floor, "Surprise!" Harley Quinn shouted out and brought the oversized mallet swinging down letting it land with a satisfying thonk on the side of Batman's head sending him tumbling to the ground. She followed him closely and as he lifted his head again she took another swing knocking him across the roof a little more, "Well it ain't croquet but no one here cares."

When she swung a third time Batman caught it under his chest, one arm closing around the shaft and holding it in place and wrenched it from Harley Quinn's grip, who, taken by surprise tottered forward a couple of steps before tumbling over the prone figure of Batman. She got to her feet as quick as she could, turning as she heard Batman doing the same thing. She smiled wickedly at the blood that had seeped over one eye and over one half of his lower face.

The helicopter swung in low and fast, its high beam light picking out everyone on the rooftop. Carlos waved it to come lower but instead a rope ladder was heaved out of one door and unravelled as it fell. Batman ran back as best he could seeing double of everything every time he blinked, reaching out with one hand to pull Carlos back and away from his escape.

"No kiss?" Harley Quinn screeched as she jumped onto Batman's back her arms locking around his throat her legs around his waist. The added weight knocking Batman off balance and he fell to one knee looking up as the helicopter slid sideways and up, Carlos dangling from the rope ladder beneath it. "How romantic, just you, me and the moonlight." Harley began to hum a gentle tune. Batman stood up and pushed backwards before Harley Quinn had time to realise what he was doing, he smiled as he heard the tune end with a loud gasp as his full weight smashed her into the wall, her arms and legs flying loose.

He turned around letting Harley Quinn get to her feet, "I like it rough Bats, but not that rough," she was bent over her breath hitching as she took in air, "You fight dirty."

"Let the cops know when they find you up here," he reached into his belt pulling free a restraining coil he grabbed one of Harley's wrists and fed the loop around it, he grabbed her second wrist and noticed the small bottle she was holding a second too late. The aerosol exploded outwards directly into his face, his instincts batted it away and he took a few steps back wiping at his face. He could still move so whatever it was it had not been what had been released downstairs. "What was that?" He stormed up to Harley Quinn grabbing her by the throat.

She tried to laugh but the sound caught in her throat as she felt the hand close tight around it, so much for the love drug it seemed. She tried to speak but the grip was too much, finally he loosened it enough for her to take a gulp of air, she whispered something then. Batman's head tilting to one side, she whispered again this time his head came in closer, one more whisper and he was within in kissing distance, "Gotcha!" She whispered again and kissed him fully on the lips.

Try as he might Batman could not break the kiss, his body was tensed up as every muscle willed him to knock her away but he found himself leaning in, tasting a mix of his blood and her saliva as her tongue found its way into his open mouth. His hand loosened on her neck slipping down her front, finding one breast and cupping it firmly. He kicked her legs apart the kiss broke momentarily as she let out a gasp and a giggle. "Why Batman is that a batarang in your pocket or are you pleased to see me,"

It was at that point that a figure darted forward grabbing hold of Batman and pushing him away from Harley Quinn, his grip on her taking her with him as he stumbled before he let go and tripped over his own feet. Harley Quinn spun on her tip toes regaining her balance but Batgirls punch landing firmly on her cheek sent her wheeling once more and she finally fell hard on her backside. "What are you doing?" the question was aimed at Batman. His response was a growl and a clumsy haymaker swing that Batgirl deftly ducked and responded on instinct with a swift knee to his gut, doubling him over as he tottered forward. "Seriously?" she gasped out as she raised her arms defensively blocking her upper body and face from any potential attack.

"She's mine," Batman spat out rounding on Batgirl and swinging out with a punch that was slowed by her raised arm but with enough power to knock her sideways still. His next thrown punch she caught with her right arm pulling his arm taunt she aimed her punch at his elbow, the joint bending the wrong way with the force a sound of anguish that on anyone else would have made Batgirl smile.

Batgirl let his hand go and took a few steps back to give her distance to manoeuvre if he continued this lunatic assault on her. "I don't know what she has done to you but snap out of it," She dared a quick look over at Harley Quinn who was now finally on her feet and looking a little dazed from the sucker punch she had received.

"When you've quit playing with the Bat Bitch come get me if you can," Harley Quinn teased and quickly headed to the fire escape and, before descending blew a theatrical kiss towards Batman.

Batman's attention went from Batgirl and he turned to give chase, "Wait what are you doing?" She called out.

Batman turned his head, his mouth opened to reply but the words lodged, his head was heavy and all his thoughts were stuck on Harley Quinn, any other thought was trampled upon even the thoughts of, of...a cure, that word had power it sparked something deep inside him but not enough to forget Harley Quinn. He had to find her, he had to have her even if she resisted he would take her again and again until she gave in if that's what it took. He flew forward leaving behind Batgirl who shouted for him to stay and pleaded for answers.

He landed hard on the ground moments after leaving the roof top, but Harley Quinn was nowhere to be seen, he shouted her name in a rage but the only reply was the approaching sirens. He ran down the alleyway towards the main street bursting out onto the brightly lit pavement to gasps of surprise of the gathered crowds. One police car pulled up and two officers jumped out guns rising as they did so, "Batman, freeze." One shouted they had learnt the hard way about shooting first and asking questions afterwards from the museum, only this time they should not have heeded that advice.

Batman ran forward, one hand landing on the hot bonnet of the police car, he propelled himself forward feet first. Batman's outstretched right foot connected with the face of the shouting officer. His hat flying as he fell backwards, Batman continuing over him and landing on both feet as he continued his clueless chase of Harley Quinn.

Now the sirens were louder as police cars turned and gave chase, a helicopter high above sped overhead it's spot light streaking over him before they realised where he was and began turning in the night sky. By the time the helicopter had manoeuvred back round it had lost all trace of the Batman, "Dispatch we have lost sight of Batman," the pilot radioed in shaking his head, he had tried to track the Batman countless times and another missed opportunity was chalked up.

Batman slowed, his head ached with the thought of Harley Quinn, and he pressed his thumbs into his eye sockets gently at first then applied more pressure, harder and harder still until he began to scream in pain, yet the thought of Harley Quinn lingered still. "Looking for someone?" The southern drawl so silky in tone to Batman sounded heavy in a Brooklyn accent. For a moment he saw Harley Quinn before him, her blonde hair, died red at the tips, her skirt short and inviting and her corset loose and open for him, then his vision doubled and when it returned Poison Ivy stood before him.

Ivy could not help but smile at the helpless and confused Bat, she had watched from a safe distance as he raced across the street attacking the poor police officer as he went. She had listened in her limousine to the audio of the events on the roof, giddy with excitement at the effects of the Lover's embrace toxin. Had she known its potent effects she would have rigged a camera on the roof to tape the mating habit of the Bat, but she had not and with the rather upsetting arrival of one Batgirl everything had come to an abrupt end...but the night was young and Harley Quinn was already on her way to the warehouse. A warehouse rigged with enough cameras that by the following morning Batman's cock and Harley Quinn's well used cunt would be front page and headline news of every newspaper around the globe.

"Where is she?" Batman rasped out.

Ivy placed one hand on the side of her face a mock look of shock on her face, "Why you don't mean my pretty little Harley Quinn do you?" He grunted at her name and his body tensed. "My, oh my you have got a bad case of the love sick puppy," she continued her approach with little concern for her safety, with the Bat so confused he was clearly not concerned by Poison Ivy.

Without warning Batman flew at her, Ivy barely had chance to raise another hand in defence before she felt his hand around her throat and for the second time that evening Batman slammed the body of a woman against a wall. "Where is she?" he screamed, blood and saliva flying from his mouth coating Ivy's face.

He stood pressed up against pinning her whole body with his own. Ivy's heart pounded in her chest excitement had given way to fear with the ferocity of the attack. She could smell his sweat and the iron scent of his blood she could also feel the hard mass below his waist. "Why Batman," she swallowed her fear, "You seem to be very excitable." The grip tightened on her throat as he bared his teeth in a feral rage. With one hand she reached out and grabbed his free hand lifting it up and placing it firmly on one of her heavy breasts, her fear ebbing, excitement returning as well as curiosity. "Why settle for Harley Quinn when you can have her master."

Ivy tried not to tense as Batman leaned in, his hooded face now mere centimetres from her own, she could smell his blood and sweat, feel the heat rising from him in waves, hear his ragged heavy breathing. He sniffed at her neck before running his tongue across her pale green flesh raising goose bumps as it went. Ivy gave out a gasp as the hand on her breast tightened painfully, with a sound that was almost wet her unitard was pulled then ripped open. Batman's gloved hand found her now naked breast and squeezed again her nipple bulging upwards hard and prominent.

"This is wrong," Batman muttered and suddenly his dropped and he staggered backwards both hands going to his head, "This....this is wrong," he looked at Ivy, noticed her ripped unitard how her heavy breasts jutted out from the torn fabric, his instincts screamed trap as they had done on the roof with Harley Quinn, "Where is she where's Harley Quinn?" he asked again, her face and name like an itch in his brain. His cock was a painful mass pushing against the tight fitting uniform, he needed release but he needed Harley Quinn more.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Ivy responded. The Batman moved quickly almost a blur to Ivy as he grabbed her arms and spun her around. Her face scraped up the wall of the building and she hissed with the sudden pain. Her legs were kicked apart and she felt Batman's hands on her backside tearing the fabric apart as if it were paper. One hand left her ample backside it returned moments later and she felt something else, thick and hard press against her. Ivy wiggled her bum feeling for the first time Batman's cock.