Flipping Through the Pages
Copyright© 2026 by Dragonpig
Chapter 2
In the shattered remains of Gotham City, the once-grand district lay in ruins. The skyline, once a symbol of human achievement, was reduced to a jagged silhouette against a blood-red sky. Collapsed skyscrapers loomed like ghostly sentinels over debris-strewn streets, creating an eerie silence that enveloped the desolate landscape.
Amidst this devastation, two figures stood out starkly. Joker, clad in a tattered purple suit, leaned casually against a crumpled wall. His grimy face did little to hide his manic grin. He flipped a battered coin, its metallic surface catching what little light remained, as he chuckled to himself, clearly reveling in the chaos.
Nearby, Batman stood alone, his dark, battered cape fluttering slightly in the wind. He surveyed the ruins with a somber intensity. His silence spoke volumes about the grief and failure he felt, a stark contrast to the Joker’s twisted delight.
Joker’s laughter shattered the silence, his voice filled with joy. “Oh, Batman! Look at this mess! Look at what we’ve accomplished! I couldn’t have done it without you. You were my partner in this grand joke.”
Batman’s voice, low and grim, cut through the air. “I tried to stop you. I tried to save the world from your madness.”
Joker’s smile widened, radiating with happiness. “Save the world? Ha! Your so-called ‘no-kill’ rule is what got us here. You and your precious code. You wanted to be the hero, but look where it led us—nothing but ashes and ruins. You were always my best ally, Batman. You never had the guts to finish what needed to be done.”
Anger flared in Batman’s eyes. “I believe in justice, even when it is hard. I couldn’t ... I couldn’t become like you.”
Joker’s giggle took on a mocking edge. “And look at what that got us! I did my part, and you did yours. I guess you’re finally seeing things my way. All that’s left is a world of ruins and two fools clinging to their ideals.”
As Joker’s laughter echoed through the desolate landscape, a shimmering portal appeared behind them. From it emerged Ultimate Bruce Wayne—a more refined and imposing version of Batman. His suit was impeccable, exuding an air of cold authority and distant sophistication.
Ultimate Bruce Wayne surveyed the devastation with a detached, almost clinical gaze. “Gotham, in its final iteration. I’ve seen this before, though not exactly like this.”
Batman’s suspicion flared as he demanded, “Who are you?”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne’s demeanor remained calm. “I am you, but different. I am the version of you who took a different path. I am Batman, and I learned that sometimes making hard choices is necessary to save the world.”
Joker’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Oh, this is going to be entertaining! Another version of you, Bats. Let’s see how this plays out.”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne began to explain his perspective, his voice cold and logical. “In my reality, I realized that clinging to the no-kill rule was a luxury I couldn’t afford. I abandoned the cape and cowl to use my resources for humanitarian work. True heroism sometimes means making the tough decisions.”
Batman’s response was firm. “Life is precious. I won’t compromise my principles, no matter how dire the circumstances.”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne’s expression hardened. “That’s what makes you a fool. Your approach has only created a system of punching the bad guy, protecting the bad guy, and letting the bad guy slowly kill people, but still pretending it’s about justice. The cycle of crime continues endlessly here. You’re not saving anyone; you’re just slowing it down.”
Batman’s determination was clear. “I believe in hope and redemption. I can’t become like him.”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne’s disdain was evident. “Then every situation where you cling to your ideals is destined to crumble, just like this city. So, are you saying, Batman, that if you kill, you will be like him? I guess that means every police officer, every soldier, every person that defends their life is just like Joker. Interesting.”
Before he could reply. Another portal opened, and Harlequin from an alternate universe stepped through, adding a new layer of chaos to the already tense scene.
Harlequin’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she greeted Joker. “Hey there, Pudding ‘! Ready to head back to my world?”
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