7 7. Joker

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Characters and the setting used in this Fanfic does not belong to me and they belong to their respective owners.

Let's begin the story!

Word Count: 5530 Approx

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The very police officer who had tried pinning blame on Bruce in the last game of Joker walked into the boat.

"It's you, Batman. What is he doing here?"

"Quiet. I was getting to it. You two are the players for today's game. Don't worry I have ordered them to release your family after you walked into the ship."

"Thank-you"

"You're welcome. I am a man of my word. Now onto the main subject. You both were tasked with different tasks. Batman here was asked to drive vehicles from one place to another while I asked you to plant a bomb in the Mayor's office. You should be proud"

"What is it about explosives that you love so much Joker?", Bruce had been thinking about it since the moment he first saw Joker's attack. He hadn't been able to find out about it.

"Explosives, huh! Because it is a symbol of destruction." while it wasn't major, there was a variation in his voice for a second. Bruce didn't fail to miss it. He was surprised for a moment but Joker just continued. While the police officer stood like a statue.

"Well, now we are moving to the main topic. Batman how was your journey till here"

"Hmm!"

"Great, I guess it was the same for you cop whose name I can't bother to remember. Was it fun driving those cars Batman?"

"I understand, you are angry right now Batman. The same could be said about the cop but I am sure the only reason you aren't thrashing me is because of our reason for the meeting. You are bidding your time till I reveal it. Great not that I mind it. But how does it feel If I were to say that you killed thousands of people? Knowingly or unknowingly today"

"What do you mean?"

To make his point, Joker continued

"The little game that we played today was fun. Do you know that I planted a bomb in every car? While you drove that car all across the city and parked them in the most bustling areas. Risking the lives of the people of this city"

"Is that so"

"You are very calm about this Batman"

"We have faced three times now Joker. You should have learned it by now. That I never fail"

"How are you planning on changing the situation now, Batman"

"Just like this"

Just as Bruce replied to Joker, he snapped his fingers.

With the snap of fingers as a cue, multiple cars drove through the deck and parked in front of them, turning on their headlights.

"The crash you heard earlier was from this vehicle being loaded onto the ship."

Bruce went on to further explain and break Joker's confidence.

Hearing Batman, Joker laughed loudly.

"You got me, Batman. I was skeptical at first about you having a companion but now I'm completely sure of it. Your companion isn't someone ordinary. He/She is a god in this world of ours. Through all the tests I can say for sure, that they have no limit. There is no winning against them when it comes to cyber warfare, so I tried other ways but I have still failed."

Bruce sighs!

------

While unbeknownst to Joker, their whole chat was being telecast live in a room located in one of the skyscrapers in the city. It was a meeting room with a table at the centre and chairs arranged around it.

The video footage was being projected on the wall, while the people in the room watched it.

One of the people present was the Mayor. The rest of the people in the room are comprised of the rich, other politicians and corrupt officials.

"What?"

"How did he survive that explosion?"

"He must have escaped before the explosion"

"That's one way to see it. But did he have the time to escape or was it some equipment of his that helped him"

"Wait a minute...."

"He has planted bombs all across the city.

[Sighs], it won't be easy this time. Handling the aftermath is going to be difficult." a man in a suit spoke while massaging his forehead.

"What do you think we should do? Should we send in the cops to arrest them?"

"Do you think it will be easy enough to arrest them?" replied another.

"What are supposed to do?"

"Wait a minute, check the stream"

They watched as Batman played with Joker. How he summoned the cars with a snap of his finger.

After hearing what Joker had to say about Batman's assistant. They were sure of one thing, that the destruction of Batman was more important than Joker's existence. They had to eliminate them. Seeing Batman's track record, they were sure that it was them on the list after Joker.

So the ruckus continued. They fought and debated about various solutions to their problem. But weren't able to conclude until,

"Silent"

As the Mayor spoke the whole table quieted view.

"I understand that this is quite a predicament we have found ourselves in. Joker is a threat to the city and so is Batman. Are we all on the same page?"

"Yes"

"They have disrupted the peace of our city"

"True"

"I concur"

After everyone agreed with him.

"So I was thinking of taking a similar approach to this problem as Joker. We can launch missiles on the ship and sink it. Is that agreeable?"

"Yes"

"The gentleman let's move on to the next phase."

The mayor after taking everyone's response, contacted his secretary to move further with the plan.

----

<S, they are on the move. They plan to drop bombs this ship.>

'That's fast. Don't they care about their spy here? Well, seeing the condition of the government and the city I doubt it.'

"So what now? You brought those cars here on the ship. What are going to do next Batman?"

"That's a mystery, Joker. It's a task for you to find out. You still have the remote right? But before we proceed I just want to ask you for your purpose in doing this?"

"Because it's fun"

"Is that it"

"Yes, what else would it be other than fun and some sweet revenge"

"Revenge against whom?"

"The world"

'That's fast, they didn't wait did they'

"Good"

"What?"

"Don't you have anything to say for yourself officer? What was your name?"

"Ramsey Bolton"

'Well, he can die. A guy who can eat another man's d can die. There is no use saving him. Nor does his actions or his name warrant me to save him. As for Joker, I am tired. He will fall today.'

Sighs

'World'

<Yes >

'He is the real deal right?'

<Yes >

'Good, remember after those missiles do their damage trigger the bombs in the cars. It's good that you have parked them surrounding us. There is no way left to get out of the ship other than going over the car. By the way, how many missiles have they launched? You are using plural here.'

<10 >

'That's a lot, won't it harm the city?'

It has come to our attention that a recent incident on an abandoned ship involving two individuals, namely Joker and Batman, has resulted in unfortunate consequences. Their altercation caused harm to innocent bystanders, leaving many injured and traumatized. In these challenging times, we urge everyone to remain united and resolute in our efforts to prevent individuals like Batman and Joker from exploiting our communities. The government is committed to supporting our citizens during this difficult period, and we deeply appreciate the contributions of our generous business leaders who have come forward to aid in the city's recovery. We also encourage the public to join us in this endeavour.>

'That's fast. My life since the moment I stepped into this world has been eventful. More so than my dill past life. While I had such or even more extravagant events in my past life, not with such consistency. It was all because of Joker. Now I wish to know why Joker did what he did. It's going to remain a mystery forever now'

**BOOM**

Even the weapons have almost no noise. It's good for a surprise attack.

**BOOM**

'Good. Am I not getting too casual with explosives?'

Just as Bruce was reminiscing about his life in this world, his line of sight was on Joker. They had eye contact.

Bruce was surprised, to see the smile on Joker's face. Strangely he was more surprised than shocked to discover it. Joker was not making any attempt to escape the ship as if he was welcoming his demise. Strangely it wasn't his usual crazed smile but one of disappointment Ramsey tried jumping off the ship after the first missile made contact with the ship but was torn by the explosives in the car.

Before he could think further about what the smile meant, a missile dropped on Joker.

The missile was a couple of meters away from Bruce but he felt the impact. While the suit protects him from any harm it does not help him when the terrain is affected. The deck broke off. While falling he saw it.

The missile tore through Joker's body and had a point-blank explosion. The heat from the explosion burned and melted his body.

At the last moment though Joker had lost most of his body and his body was still in the process of being destroyed by the missile. Bruce felt as if Joker was watching him and both had eye contact again.

Before he blacked out.

---

'Where am I?'

In a previous instance, as far as he could remember he had reincarnated as Bruce Wayne in the Overlord world after meeting ROB.

After he found there was still a year left to game release. He was spending his time enjoying his life, taking full advantage of his prowess.

When he found out about Joker, he couldn't help himself from donning the mask to protect the city.

To be Batman was his long-time dream. With Joker's presence and RnD department of Wayne Enterprises and his money, nothing was stopping him.

He fought Joker many times all ending in neither of their victory.

Having gotten tired of their games with Joker's proposal, Batman agreed to meet Joker. So he got on the ship as per Joker's instructions. He was on the ship fighting Joker when the government decided to drop missiles on the ship.

'Was it all a dream?'

"Was my hypothesis about being in a coma true after all?"

Before he could think further, he heard a baby crying. Until now, it was as if he was floating in a dark space, he couldn't feel his body. Just his soul but now the whole dark space was filled with light.

Though the feeling of being without a body didn't go away he could see a hospital-like place.

He couldn't hear what they were talking but he saw a nurse hand him over to women.

'Wait where am I? What is this?

I can't feel my body yet from my perspective, I am in some infant's body. Did I reincarnate?'

He was filled with questions but it wasn't like before. Maybe reincarnating once had prepared him for this moment.

While he was making sense of the situation, from the corner of his eye he saw the expression of the women. She was happy. A smile was plastered on her face. Though it might be just his imagination as even she looked tired and just a second away from falling asleep.

---

Mc pov

'Nope, I didn't reincarnate. So where am I?'

It is not my body. After the birth scene, I am assuming it to be the Birth scene. The scenery changed in a blink of an eye.

The infant had transitioned to a child. However, I still have no idea as to who this person is. Also neither have I been able to contact World.

The main difference if I were to point out, would be the reaction of whom I assume to be this child's parents. They don't treat him well. Even his mother, whom I saw smiling and looking at him is now treating him harshly. So is his father and his brother.

He is the younger member of this family. The family of this child has a total of four members. His parents and his elder brother. While his parents fawn over his elder brother and yet they despised this child. It is another story with his brother. He doesn't even acknowledge this child's existence. A very pitiful life. His brother is genius and handsome whereas this child is smart but is more inclined towards science specifically physics and chemistry.

But his achievements aren't even considered or acknowledged in his house.

It may be because of his face and especially his nose. It's disfigured.

After watching his story, I have shortlisted some candidates with matching histories. But I am not sure.

Penguin, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, etc. Though he is from another universe.

The story moved on with him growing up alone, even the kids avoided him and bullied him. His brother was a picture-perfect son to his parents. He wasn't just good at studies, he was also athletic. This guy was only good at science, and he even failed at some experiments. To boot it up he is physically weak.

Life moved on, and he got younger siblings but the story didn't change. Even his younger siblings trampled on him.

He was alienated.

But he didn't give up on his life. He still made an effort every time. He tried exercising and even improved his performance in academics to get acknowledgement from his parents but all his efforts didn't help him.

That's something I think is great quality. Not everyone can do this.

Also, it wasn't just his home where he got bullied, even in his school the faculty, and his classmates treated him worse.

'I feel sorry for this guy'

Later he moved to college where things didn't change. Whereas his brother had turned into a successful businessman. He was passing his day, but as they say, after bad times, good things do happen.

I am not sure if this can be considered good but, this guy mustered his courage and proposed to one of the most beautiful girls in his college.

As anyone could guess, he got rejected and with rejection followed by bullying by her henchmen and other admirers. But it did lead to one good thing though.

A girl, though average in almost every aspect fell in love with him. Her looks were average but she had a certain charm in her. They met when he was tired of his bullies and was trying to build some weapon to seek revenge against his bullies. He knew it, people didn't love him. Even in his school days, when he approached his teacher about bullying, rather than it helping him, it backfired. The bullying got severe. He had to stand up for himself. To not let others trample over him. But fate had other plans for him.

With this, his life took a drastic turn that day. He suddenly felt loved and a new experience for him and he loved it.

He promised himself to protect her and protect their future together. There wasn't any job he would have not done to protect her. He cherished her.

One day, his brother all of a sudden visited him. Asking for his help in his business.

It brought him great joy, the very brother who was a genius finally was talking and acknowledging his presence.

Well, despite all the things they did to him, he didn't hate his family. He loved them, he always went the extra mile to make them happy. But he was jealous of his brother for he was loved by his parents, while he wasn't. He was desperate for acknowledgement.

But he couldn't keep up with his jealousy anymore. He was happy, finally, everything was going his way for once.

Even he was entitled to happiness.

He helped his brother in his business, everything was going well. Everyone was happy. Just as days passed, he found his wife pregnant. His happiness knew no bounds. Finally, he was leading a happy life.

But...

But it all came falling when he messed up in his work. His brother was angry, his parents were angry and even his wife was angry with him. He didn't understand it, he had thought at least his wife would have stood by him in this situation.

He had to sell his properties to fix the situation. He still had a sizable sum to his name, enough to live a decent life after finding a job. At this time his wife also gave birth. It was a boy, he had a son. Having gone through a difficult childhood he didn't wish for the same to happen to his kid. But to alleviate his worries, his son didn't have a disfigured face like him. He looked normal.

But again life didn't give him a moment to rest or enjoy the moment. He had again found happiness and even his wife had stopped fighting with him. He had found a reason for himself to live. Until his son was diagnosed with a lethal disease. A disease caused by excess pollution. The toxic and poisonous substances present in the air. The damage was already done, and to treat him he required a lot of money.

He begged his brother but to no avail. The fighting between his wife and him again started. He was down, even his wife had to start working to save money for their son's treatment.

He didn't give up and again approached his family and his brother for money. While his brother was a successful businessman and was rich so was his family. He was born with a silver spoon but to his Fate, he didn't grow up as most would have expected from a family such as his. It was tearing him apart inside out, and his helplessness was driving him crazy but one day, he had something that destroyed him inside out. What destroyed him was seeing his wife with his brother.

He was heartbroken, his whole world was crumbling. He couldn't bear it, but he had to live for his son. The only fragment holding him together. He was in denial but when he thought about it. Maybe his wife was also working hard to earn money for their son. She did love him at his lowest. This very thought process saved him and gave him the courage to move forward.

He entered the dark side of the world. To earn more money, he made contact with some notorious criminals. They knowing him, formulated a plan to rob his brother. While hesitant, he moved forward thinking about his wife and his son. The rage he felt for his brother also played a part in this. The rage he never felt before. He kept on bearing their treatment of him but he couldn't help when it came to his son.

On the day of the operation, he was nervous but he had no other choice. He needed money and if he were to back out, he would be putting his whole family in danger.

Before the attack, he was there at the hospital looking after his son. It was his turn now.

He moved outside to get coffee to calm his nerves. While getting a can of coffee from the wending machine he was approached by a nurse, urging him to follow her.

His son was in critical condition, as his health had deteriorated. He had started vomiting blood and was in urgent need of blood but so we're the other patients and they were paying more for the limited supply of blood left. They were being prioritized. He didn't have money so he had no other choice than to give his blood instead.

'This guy is strong. I don't think I would have lived such a life. The courage to live through.'

The guy, after giving his blood was resting on the bed when a nurse came in.

'Not to be a misogynist, I have never understood the concept of a guy being a nurse. When you are in the hospital you expect a beautiful nurse to take care of you rather than a man.'

The nurse, after giving him after talking with this guy for a bit asked a question,

"You are a great person though.", it wasn't the first time this guy had given his blood.

"But why?"

"I would have never expected a person to go to such lengths to save someone who is not your son"

"Own son?"

"Yes, he is from your wife's first marriage right?"

"My wife's first marriage?"

"Well, that's what she said when had checked his reports as you were mentioned there as a father but he wasn't your son. Though he is related to you by blood."

".."

"Wait, don't tell me. I am sorry."

The nurse consoled him and left the room fast. It was the final nail in his coffin. The news destroyed him. He didn't know what to believe, or whom to trust.

The world didn't even give him a moment to rest and sort his feelings when he received a phone call. It was time for the heist.

The rage he was feeling compelled him to go. It was almost time for his wife to visit the hospital to take care of her son. He didn't wish to see her now.

'I am not too sure about this, but I can feel his emotions. I can feel his rage, hopelessness and emptiness.'

He moved outside, to get to the decided meeting spot. While on his way he saw some explosives lying near the parking beside a tent. There was some construction work happening in the vicinity. Seeing the explosives, he wished to blow up the whole city but he couldn't.

He was in a turmoil right now. Trying to reel it in and get the hang of his emotions. He wished to and also not to forgive her. But she was the only person in this world who ever showered him with love. She was the one who taught him the meaning of love. He wished to forget about it but also confront her about it. But was afraid of the result. He was living for his family now, but if the family was out of the picture then what was he working or living for?

He was afraid to find the answer.

In the emotional turmoil, he went to the predetermined location to meet up with the gang. Though nervous and afraid he went with the plan.

---

These guys successfully launched their heist but they messed up at the end part. The guy was nervous, he didn't wish to get caught now. He didn't even wish to lose what little he had left even though there was nothing left with or on him.

He ran as if in a frenzy. Rather than going to the exit he took one wrong turn and entered the wrong place.

---

In the end, he managed to get out of the factory, but he didn't get out unscathed. He had entered a lab. A lab where you can't enter without any protection due to the radiation. He was exposed to the radiation and had a near-death experience but managed to get out. Though the room was locked, his access to the factory was surprisingly not revoked yet.

Due to this he entered the lab and was also able to get out. While the rest of his team died in the shootout.

He got out and was on his way home in a deranged state. He sat down on a bench in the park, en route to his house, to think about all that happened to him. He wished to curse the world. But he couldn't.

"I'll go see my wife. Maybe she still loves me. Maybe all of this was just a big misunderstanding. I hate her for this but... My son."

Rather than going straight home, he turned towards the hospital. He had decided to go somewhere far away from this city and country. He at least wished to see them for one last time before leaving. As he was sure if his parents were to find out about his son being their elder son's child then they are for sure going to help him. "Maybe he will also get all the love that I didn't get. I am sure they will also look after her with my so... nephew."

He took a bus and got down near the hospital. While on the bus, everyone was avoiding him. He didn't mind then and was lost thinking about his future.

His footsteps were heavy on the way to the hospital, but it broke him. God didn't give him any respite to cope with. His only love was also stolen away from him and he couldn't even meet her one last time.

The hospital was on fire, it destroyed him.

Later, when he did some enquiry he got to know about the reason. Some thieves had robbed a jewellery store and after their encounter with the police had taken refuge in the hospital.

They had shot some big shot in their heist, which led to a harsh reaction from the police.

Their fight had caused a lot of casualties, but as the end resort, it was unknown who did it.

It was either the terrorists, that's what they were later labelled as blew explosives to escape or commit suicide or it was the cops who used the explosives to kill the terrorist faster. The fight had after all taken a toll on them. They had even suffered casualties on their side.

They wished for swift results to answer their owners.

---

Everything else passed and was over in a flash. In the end, I saw myself standing in front of this guy when a missile made contact with him. I saw my expression at the end.

The space started crumbling, and I was back in my previous position falling down the deck but I held out my hand at the last moment before I could fall into the sea.

The water condition is by far worse. 'I am not sure the n number of diseases I would get from getting down in there.

---

Omni Pov

Bruce climbed back on the deck. The line of sight followed Joker's remains.

"Joker"

"Did you see it World?"

"Never mind I'll tell you about it later"

<Okay >

"So did I blank out now for some time?"

<No >

"Then how many missiles have landed so far?"

**BOOM**

<That's the fifth one. Also, get out of here as soon possible. If you don't wish to in that water>

"Yes, World I need you to do something for me"

"Hack into the navigation system of those missiles and redirect them towards the Mayor and all his goons. I don't wish any one of them to survive this"

"Oh!"

<So >

"Use them, last time you said they were in some skyscraper right? Crash all those cars into the building and no one should survive it. But if you can please keep the casualties to those who deserve it"

"Great, let's get out of here"

With his command, his bike came to his rescue with which he escaped the ship and soon lost all surveillance on him.

----

Three weeks later

Bruce was on his way to Japan on his private jet. It had been some time since he had left Gotham and was nearing Nippon or Japan.

'World'

<S >

'I have been thinking about it. It wasn't just Joker's life I saw there. Before I woke up, I even saw my whole past life pass through me in the blink of an eye.'

<Interesting, while you were stuck there not a second had passed in the real world. It might be something related to ROB. Or have two types of special eyes that caused side effects. According what say can't control it. So will>

'True. I think having lived my life, though however short it may have been. I think I understand a bit more about myself.'

"I am paradoxical.

I desire happiness, but my mind often dwells on things that make me sad. I am both lazy and ambitious. I don't particularly like myself, but at the same time, I love who I am. I often claim that I don't care, but in reality, I do. I crave attention, yet I push it away when it comes my way. I am a bundle of conflicted contradictions. If I cannot make sense of myself, then it is unlikely that anyone else can."

'I have decided rather than being someone better fitted in the world. To be the ideal person or adopt a personality suited for the world, to be the person I wish to be. To live freely'

<Good >

'What I did wasn't right but I did what I did. Gotham is in crisis now. After the death of those upper echelons, everyone was scared. They were scared of Joker. To the people of the world, Joker and Batman still live on to the date. While I have set aside my mask, as for Joker he is dead.

But the terror is still ever present.

To people, he managed to kill those who did the killing till now. People are in power and still out loose. If that isn't a show of power then what is?

As for Batman, people believe he is still hiding in the Shadows healing himself to face Joker. He rules the night. Even though the government was in shambles, the criminals and other troublemakers were equally terrified of causing any trouble.'

"Master Bruce, we will be landing soon now"

"Okay, Alfred"

---

Bruce walked out of his plane. The plane had landed on one of the private islands of Japan, owned by Wayne Enterprises. All thanks to R.O.B.

"The weather is ever the same. It's just as smoggy here as Gotham. Despite there being no pollution creating equipment or facilities the situation is the same."

<Yes >

"The car is ready"

"Okay, let's go, Alfred. We have a business deal to make"

"Yes sir"

---

Mc Pov[On the plane]

The relationship between Joker and explosives was sad. He also managed to kill his brother. I am sure that wasn't easy. Despite his treatment, they were still related by blood. They grew up together. I am sure that must have been hard.

Joker killed him using explosives and he did play a game before he killed him. He died at the explosion that took place the day I came to this world. The very explosion I had heard about in the news. The explosion that announced the presence of Joker to me.

In the very place, I had observed while Alfred drove me to my office to collect the lightsaber.

"He was pitiful"

*********

Note: From next chapter, I will be starting Yggdrasil arc. What did you think of the chapter? It took me a while to write it. With my busy schedule(by the grace of my college) and other work. Do comment your opinion, it gives me motivation to write faster. Also drop a review.

I'll try my level best to upload next chapters as soon as possible. I still have to write them but so was true for this or my previous chapters. I don't stock chapters like some authors here in Webnovel. I write a chapter, whether it is one or two and upload it.

I am waiting to hear your thoughts about the Fanfic till this chapter. If I can identify my mistakes then I can rectify them going forward so, your feedback will be helpful.

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**The End**

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