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Description
BATMAN: SOUTHERN KNIGHT:
FEAR FOR THE CHILDREN
PART TWO
"NIGHTMARES"
Based on the DC Comics Characters created by Bob Kane

Richard stood there high above the Big Top, watching in shock as the trapeze line broke and his mother and father, two-thirds of the famous Flying Graysons, fell further…further… until he could see them no more.  But he could hear them, screaming out to him as he remained helpless.  Then, he looked behind him.  There the man was, the murderer and saboteur responsible.  However, he didn't look like a man, but a monster; a cold, cruel monster with darkness in his eyes and symbolic blood dripping from his hands.  As Richard stood frozen in terror, the creature went for his throat.
Richard woke up in a cold sweat.  He was in the Wayne Plantation guest bedroom.  There were no more screams, no more monsters, but the nightmare was still fresh in his mind.  And what was worse, this nightmare had really happened… and had been haunting him ever since.

Down in the Batcave, Batman also had something frightening fresh on his mind… his encounter with the Scarecrow.  As usual, Alfred was there to respond to his thoughts.
"The night when evil reigns," said the butler.  "Well, Halloween is in a few days.  Do you think he may have meant that?"
"I do," said Batman.  "But I can't wait a few days if this 'Scarecrow' is doing what I think he's doing."
"And what might that be sir?"
"Preying on the fears of these young people, using those fears to make innocents do his bidding.  This may be why Harvey's encountering so many of them in the courtroom lately.  There's no telling how many more he will corrupt, or has corrupted, before All Hallows' Eve."  Batman then noticed movement in the kitchen above via one of the Wayne Plantation's surveillance cameras.  "It appears that our new occupant can't sleep."
"Ah.  I'll go see about it, sir.  You continue to ponder over this straw man."

While Batman pondered, Commissioner Gordon and his men and women in blue were trying to hold off Killer Croc, who found joy in destroying the lobby of the local Cinema Eight.
"The audiences inside those screening rooms are getting ripped off," said one of the officers.  "The real monster movie's out here!"  Commissioner Gordon then grabbed his radio.
"Time to make use of that new signal," he said into it.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Grayson?" asked Alfred as he saw Richard searching the refrigerator.  "Can I fix you a late night snack?"
"Actually, I could just use a drink," said Richard.
"Aren't you a bit too young for that?"  Richard then showed him a carton.
"I meant orange juice."  Alfred cracked a smile as he took a glass from the cupboard.
"Trouble sleeping, sir?"
"No," Richard was a poor liar, but Alfred thought it civil to remain quiet.  "Guess I'm a bit of a night creature."
"I see.  Well, I suppose I can stay up another hour or so if you need someone to talk to."
"Thanks…Alfred, right?"  The butler nodded.  "But there's not much to talk about."
"I believe there is, but you are free to discuss it in your own time, young sir."  Richard's eyes then widened as he looked out the window.
"What is that?" he said with a slight chuckle of amazement.  Alfred looked out as well to see the image of a giant bat shining in the sky.
"Ah," he said.  "That must be that new signal that summons that Batman fellow all the kids are raving about."
"Batman?"
"Yes," Alfred then clicked a tiny button on his wristwatch, which alerted Batman down in the Batcave.  "Surprised you haven't heard of him yet.  He's somewhat like the town's new Champion of Justice or some sort."
"Sorry, I don't believe in heroes anymore," sighed Richard as he grabbed the glass of juice, walked into the main living room, and clicked on the television.  Alfred stared at the boy for a moment with a feeling he was trying not to call 'pity.'  He then placed the carton back in the refrigerator and headed to his bedroom.
Killer Croc had already destroyed most of the lobby, and took down three officers.  Commissioner Gordon was a brave man, but had a bad feeling in his gut that he might be the next target.
"Blast!" he said.  "Maybe I should have called Batman before we showed up."  And at that moment, Batman arrived via his usual smoke-filled entrance.  Even he was momentarily startled at the sight of Croc.  He thought the Scarecrow was a monster.
"Wow!" laughed Croc when looked at Batman.  "I thought I left the rest of the freaks back at the carnival."
"Any particular reason you're demolishing this theater, gator man?" asked Batman.
"Just havin' some fun, pointy-ears.  Wanna join in?"
"Glad you asked."
"We better clear out," said Gordon.  "This is going to get nasty."  Batman leapt at Croc, but was knocked back with a swing of the brute's right arm.  Croc then grabbed him and threw him over the concession counter.  However, he proved not as bright as he was strong when he looked over the counter to see if Batman was out.  Two fists met his jaw, which stunned him long enough for Batman to jump up and drop-kick him.  Batman then continued his attack with a flurry of punches to the face and stomach, but was suddenly halted when Croc grabbed him by the throat.
Outside, Gordon watched as Batman was thrown through the double doors.  Croc stepped out, picked up a domed trash can and tossed it at him, but Batman kicked it back into him.  The Dark Knight took another swing at him, but Croc slipped behind him and put him in a Full Nelson.
"Been studying our pro-wrestling, haven't we?" growled Batman.
"Sorry, pointy-ears," said Croc.  "But what I do ain't fake."  Batman tried to fight and struggle out of the move, but to no avail.  Finally, he remembered a very basic technique he was taught when he began his training, and relaxed his body long enough to slip out.  Croc roared with annoyance, but then grinned, revealing his sharp teeth.
"What's so funny?" asked Batman.
"All them fancy moves, and you still ain't strong enough to take me down," said Croc.
"Maybe, but I know something that might."  Batman clicked a button under the buckle of his utility belt, which summoned the Batmobile to come to him.  Croc dodged the speeding vehicle in the nick of time, and then made a run for it when more police arrived.  Batman chased him around a corner, but then found that the monster had vanished… well, found a sewer to dive into anyway.
"Why is it that when I'm dealing with one problem, an even bigger one decides to show up?" he sighed.

Richard wasn't used to having others do things for him.  Growing up in a circus family, everyone did their share of the work.  So he was a bit uneasy when he saw Alfred hanging his clothes up in the closet.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I thought you might have other things on your mind than unpacking, so I decided to do it for you," answered Alfred with a hint of cheer.
"Well, the reason I haven't unpacked is because I don't know how long I'm staying here."  Alfred gave this a light nod as he removed a red and green body suit which was obviously the attire Richard performed in with the Flying Graysons.  He noticed up a black circle with a golden "R" in the center of it on the right corner of the torso.
"I assume this stands for 'Richard'?" he joked.  More of that dry wit.
"Actually, it stands for 'Robin', said Richard, who was not amused.  "My grandfather started this little tradition of naming the Flying Grayson members after birds.  My mother decided that should be my name.  She said I flew in the air like no other Grayson."  Alfred then saw Richard sit on his bed and wipe away a tear.  The butler sat next to him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Keep what your mother said in your heart, my dear boy," he said.  "You never know when you… or Robin will be called to fly again."
"Did I interrupt something?" asked Bruce Wayne, who now stood in the doorway.
"Just helping Mr. Grayson set up," smiled Alfred, who then turned back to Richard.  "Should he choose to remain here."
"Hey Richard, why don't you come into town with me today?" offered Bruce.  "I'm coaching a basketball game as part of a little program I'm doing for troubled teens.  I think you might enjoy it."
"Sure, what the hell?" snickered Richard.  "What could be more fun that to be around more messed up kids?"
"Good," said Bruce, who was a tad insulted by the remark.  "I'll be in the car."

In his office at the Gotham Youth Correctional Department, Dr. Jonathan Crane looked over the headline of the morning newspaper: "The Bat vs. The Croc".  He particularly stared at the half-decent photo someone managed to get of Killer Croc as he wreaked havoc.
"Interesting," said Crane in his ever emotionless tone.

Inside the Youth Correctional Department's gymnasium, Richard sat on a nearby bench and watched Bruce Wayne, in t-shirt and sweats, coach his basketball team of former drug addicts and gang members as they played Harvey Dent's team, who of course also currently resided at the facility.  At first, he seemed a bit bored with the game, but then things became interesting as one of the female players, strawberry blonde hair and hypnotic blue eyes, turned and gave him one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen.  His eyes were now locked on this young lady, and a smile formed on his own face when she ran over to him.
"Hi, name's Heather," she said.
"I'm Richard," replied the love struck teenager in front of her.
"You new here?  I've never seen you before."
"Actually, I'm with… Bruce."  Richard seemed a bit embarrassed after he said this.  He didn't want Heather to think that he was looking down on her by boasting about his new connection to Wayne.
"Oh, okay," said Heather, who assured Richard she was not offended with another incredible smile.  "You want to come play with us?  We kinda suck today and could use some help."  Richard rose and took hold of her hand.
"Anything for you," he said, as if in a trance.  His face then grew red again.  "Um… I mean… sure, sounds fun."
"Great!" said Heather, who then pulled him to the court… not that he was putting up much a fight.
Bruce watched the scene from the other side of the gymnasium.  This was the first time he had seen Richard happy.  He also happened to know that Heather, who had recovered from a severe depression brought on by a bad upbringing, one that more than once almost led to suicide, was due to be released soon.  Bruce hoped that maybe Richard and Heather could help each other.
"I see that Grayson kid's enjoying himself," laughed Harvey.  "How's the whole thing working out with you two?"
"I think he's still getting used to his new life," said Bruce. "He's a lot like the kids here.  It's never easy to readjust after tragedy."
"Don't I know it."
"So do I."  Harvey then sighed as Dr. Jonathan Crane entered the gym.
"What does he want here?" groaned Dent.  The teens apparently noticed his arrival as well, enough to make them stop playing.
"Don't mind me, everyone," said Crane.  "Just here to escort Ms. Creston to her appointment."  Richard soon discovered that the doctor referred to Heather, especially when she took hold of Grayson's arm and drew close to him.
"But they said I didn't need any more appointments," she muttered.  Richard could feel how nervous she was.
"Oh, it's nothing special," said Crane.  "Just some odds and ends to take care off before you leave this fine facility."
"I don't need another treatment."  Heather was on the verge of tears, and Richard decided it was time to step in.
"Actually, Heather's made a lunch date with me… so your appointment will have to wait," he said.
"You're Mr. Grayson, aren't you?  I read about you in the newspaper."  Crane cracked a sinister smile.  "Has Mr. Wayne given up on you already and sent you here?"
"Is there a problem here?" asked Bruce, who had overheard Crane's sarcasm.
"There won't be as long as Ms. Creston does as she's told."  The doctor stared deep into Heather's eyes, causing her to turn away.  Richard embraced her and tried to calm her with a gentle voice.
"Heather will no longer require your services, or those of the department," said Bruce.  "As far as I'm concerned, she's earned the right to be released ahead of schedule… as in right now."  Heather showed a great deal of relief at this.  Richard was pretty happy about it as well.
"And I'm going to see to it that the department itself no longer requires your services, Dr. Crane," said Harvey, who was not quite as calm as Bruce.  "I've read about your little 'experiments' at the three universities that employed and released you.  On top of that, whatever you are doing in these little sessions of yours, it's scaring Heather and these other kids to death."  These words suddenly struck Bruce.  He thought of the look he had just seen on Heather's face, and then remembered the look on the kid's face outside the ice cream shop.  He then looked at Crane, who smirked at Dent.  However, in his mind, he pictured the Scarecrow.
"I think you should reconsider your decision, Mr. Dent," said Crane.  "Because one way or another, I intend to reach these young minds."  And with that, he walked away.

While Richard and the newly released Heather Creston were out on their first date that night, Batman did his own study of Jonathan Crane's background in the Batcave.
"This man's knowledge of phobias is incredible," he said to Alfred.  "There's some even I haven't heard of."
"Obviously not a fear of dusty lab tables," coughed Alfred as he wiped it down.  "So, you now believe this Crane and the Scarecrow is one and the same?"
"If not, the two have a lot in common.  He lives in an apartment near the Correctional Facility.  I think I'll check it out, maybe catch him before this little Halloween encounter he's invited me to."
"So with you out investigating and young Mr. Grayson romping about with his lady friend, should I even bother to cook dinner?" yawned Alfred.  He then turned to see that Batman was already inside the Batmobile.  "I take that as a 'no'."

Outside the door of the apartment Bruce Wayne helped set Heather up with, Richard and his "lady friend" gave each other one heck of a good night kiss.
"Thanks for a wonderful evening," said Heather.  "One of the best I've ever had."
"Thank you," smiled Richard.  "Can I call you again tomorrow?"
"You darn well better."  Richard and Heather's eyes remained locked on each other until the latter closed her apartment door.  However, when she turned, her smile dropped and face grew pale as the Scarecrow's hand prevented her from screaming.

While the Scarecrow was out doing his dirty deeds, Batman discovered that Jonathan Crane's apartment had been abandoned.  The Dark Knight could only assume that after Harvey's rant, Crane felt he no longer had use of the living quarters.  Still, he looked about for clues that could not only connect Crane to the Scarecrow, but also reveal something about his overall plot involving the children of Gotham Hill.  Batman was about to give up and leave when he stepped on a small object on the floor.  He looked down to see a small tube, and then picked it up to examine it.  It appeared to have some sort of residue on it.  Batman quickly placed it inside his utility belt and made his exit.

When Richard returned to Wayne Plantation, the house was dark and seemingly empty.  He looked around and was about to call for Bruce or Alfred when he saw someone moving in Bruce's study.  He crept over just in time to see Alfred exit a sliding bookcase.
"Secret passages, huh?" whispered Grayson.  "Just what are you hiding, rich man?"  He waited until Alfred had retired to his room to walk in and check it out.
"Wonder which of these books opens this thing?"  He began to slowly pull one out at a time, but as he sped up, several of the books fell down on him, causing him to stagger back into a nearby desk.  He regained his balance by grabbing an antique lamp.  One pull of the lamp switch opened the mysterious passage.  After double checking to confirm that the noise didn't disturb Alfred, Richard walked through the passage… and then down a long stairway… and then right into the Batcave.
"Holy…" began Richard, who was then at a loss for words at his little discovery.

Apparently, Batman had not frightened Killer Croc out of Gotham Hill, as he continued his destruction in and outside the Speedy Sam's convenient store.  As the panicking store manager got on the phone with the police inside, Croc walked out with a couple of foot long hotdogs in his left hand, and an extra large "Banana Bonanza" drink in his right.
"Geez, that was borin'!" he grumbled.  "I need to find something more entertainin' to do around here."
"Perhaps I can be of service," hissed a voice in the shadows.  Croc looked over to the see the Scarecrow, with a drugged Heather Creston standing beside him.
"Great, first a giant bat and now a straw man?  Apparently, you folks celebrate Halloween a few days early around here."
"We have a lot of common, you and I, especially when it comes to inspiring fear."
"I ain't afraid of you!"
"Nor am I of you, but there are many others for us both to terrorize, and together we could make this entire town our own personal playground."
"Okay," shrugged Croc.  What do you got in mind, straw man?"

…To Be Continued
© 2008/2009 LJImaginations
Shane Ramey

Description
BATMAN: SOUTHERN KNIGHT:
FEAR FOR THE CHILDREN
PART TWO
"NIGHTMARES"
Based on the DC Comics Characters created by Bob Kane

Richard stood there high above the Big Top, watching in shock as the trapeze line broke and his mother and father, two-thirds of the famous Flying Graysons, fell further…further… until he could see them no more.  But he could hear them, screaming out to him as he remained helpless.  Then, he looked behind him.  There the man was, the murderer and saboteur responsible.  However, he didn't look like a man, but a monster; a cold, cruel monster with darkness in his eyes and symbolic blood dripping from his hands.  As Richard stood frozen in terror, the creature went for his throat.
Richard woke up in a cold sweat.  He was in the Wayne Plantation guest bedroom.  There were no more screams, no more monsters, but the nightmare was still fresh in his mind.  And what was worse, this nightmare had really happened… and had been haunting him ever since.

Down in the Batcave, Batman also had something frightening fresh on his mind… his encounter with the Scarecrow.  As usual, Alfred was there to respond to his thoughts.
"The night when evil reigns," said the butler.  "Well, Halloween is in a few days.  Do you think he may have meant that?"
"I do," said Batman.  "But I can't wait a few days if this 'Scarecrow' is doing what I think he's doing."
"And what might that be sir?"
"Preying on the fears of these young people, using those fears to make innocents do his bidding.  This may be why Harvey's encountering so many of them in the courtroom lately.  There's no telling how many more he will corrupt, or has corrupted, before All Hallows' Eve."  Batman then noticed movement in the kitchen above via one of the Wayne Plantation's surveillance cameras.  "It appears that our new occupant can't sleep."
"Ah.  I'll go see about it, sir.  You continue to ponder over this straw man."

While Batman pondered, Commissioner Gordon and his men and women in blue were trying to hold off Killer Croc, who found joy in destroying the lobby of the local Cinema Eight.
"The audiences inside those screening rooms are getting ripped off," said one of the officers.  "The real monster movie's out here!"  Commissioner Gordon then grabbed his radio.
"Time to make use of that new signal," he said into it.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Grayson?" asked Alfred as he saw Richard searching the refrigerator.  "Can I fix you a late night snack?"
"Actually, I could just use a drink," said Richard.
"Aren't you a bit too young for that?"  Richard then showed him a carton.
"I meant orange juice."  Alfred cracked a smile as he took a glass from the cupboard.
"Trouble sleeping, sir?"
"No," Richard was a poor liar, but Alfred thought it civil to remain quiet.  "Guess I'm a bit of a night creature."
"I see.  Well, I suppose I can stay up another hour or so if you need someone to talk to."
"Thanks…Alfred, right?"  The butler nodded.  "But there's not much to talk about."
"I believe there is, but you are free to discuss it in your own time, young sir."  Richard's eyes then widened as he looked out the window.
"What is that?" he said with a slight chuckle of amazement.  Alfred looked out as well to see the image of a giant bat shining in the sky.
"Ah," he said.  "That must be that new signal that summons that Batman fellow all the kids are raving about."
"Batman?"
"Yes," Alfred then clicked a tiny button on his wristwatch, which alerted Batman down in the Batcave.  "Surprised you haven't heard of him yet.  He's somewhat like the town's new Champion of Justice or some sort."
"Sorry, I don't believe in heroes anymore," sighed Richard as he grabbed the glass of juice, walked into the main living room, and clicked on the television.  Alfred stared at the boy for a moment with a feeling he was trying not to call 'pity.'  He then placed the carton back in the refrigerator and headed to his bedroom.
Killer Croc had already destroyed most of the lobby, and took down three officers.  Commissioner Gordon was a brave man, but had a bad feeling in his gut that he might be the next target.
"Blast!" he said.  "Maybe I should have called Batman before we showed up."  And at that moment, Batman arrived via his usual smoke-filled entrance.  Even he was momentarily startled at the sight of Croc.  He thought the Scarecrow was a monster.
"Wow!" laughed Croc when looked at Batman.  "I thought I left the rest of the freaks back at the carnival."
"Any particular reason you're demolishing this theater, gator man?" asked Batman.
"Just havin' some fun, pointy-ears.  Wanna join in?"
"Glad you asked."
"We better clear out," said Gordon.  "This is going to get nasty."  Batman leapt at Croc, but was knocked back with a swing of the brute's right arm.  Croc then grabbed him and threw him over the concession counter.  However, he proved not as bright as he was strong when he looked over the counter to see if Batman was out.  Two fists met his jaw, which stunned him long enough for Batman to jump up and drop-kick him.  Batman then continued his attack with a flurry of punches to the face and stomach, but was suddenly halted when Croc grabbed him by the throat.
Outside, Gordon watched as Batman was thrown through the double doors.  Croc stepped out, picked up a domed trash can and tossed it at him, but Batman kicked it back into him.  The Dark Knight took another swing at him, but Croc slipped behind him and put him in a Full Nelson.
"Been studying our pro-wrestling, haven't we?" growled Batman.
"Sorry, pointy-ears," said Croc.  "But what I do ain't fake."  Batman tried to fight and struggle out of the move, but to no avail.  Finally, he remembered a very basic technique he was taught when he began his training, and relaxed his body long enough to slip out.  Croc roared with annoyance, but then grinned, revealing his sharp teeth.
"What's so funny?" asked Batman.
"All them fancy moves, and you still ain't strong enough to take me down," said Croc.
"Maybe, but I know something that might."  Batman clicked a button under the buckle of his utility belt, which summoned the Batmobile to come to him.  Croc dodged the speeding vehicle in the nick of time, and then made a run for it when more police arrived.  Batman chased him around a corner, but then found that the monster had vanished… well, found a sewer to dive into anyway.
"Why is it that when I'm dealing with one problem, an even bigger one decides to show up?" he sighed.

Richard wasn't used to having others do things for him.  Growing up in a circus family, everyone did their share of the work.  So he was a bit uneasy when he saw Alfred hanging his clothes up in the closet.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I thought you might have other things on your mind than unpacking, so I decided to do it for you," answered Alfred with a hint of cheer.
"Well, the reason I haven't unpacked is because I don't know how long I'm staying here."  Alfred gave this a light nod as he removed a red and green body suit which was obviously the attire Richard performed in with the Flying Graysons.  He noticed up a black circle with a golden "R" in the center of it on the right corner of the torso.
"I assume this stands for 'Richard'?" he joked.  More of that dry wit.
"Actually, it stands for 'Robin', said Richard, who was not amused.  "My grandfather started this little tradition of naming the Flying Grayson members after birds.  My mother decided that should be my name.  She said I flew in the air like no other Grayson."  Alfred then saw Richard sit on his bed and wipe away a tear.  The butler sat next to him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Keep what your mother said in your heart, my dear boy," he said.  "You never know when you… or Robin will be called to fly again."
"Did I interrupt something?" asked Bruce Wayne, who now stood in the doorway.
"Just helping Mr. Grayson set up," smiled Alfred, who then turned back to Richard.  "Should he choose to remain here."
"Hey Richard, why don't you come into town with me today?" offered Bruce.  "I'm coaching a basketball game as part of a little program I'm doing for troubled teens.  I think you might enjoy it."
"Sure, what the hell?" snickered Richard.  "What could be more fun that to be around more messed up kids?"
"Good," said Bruce, who was a tad insulted by the remark.  "I'll be in the car."

In his office at the Gotham Youth Correctional Department, Dr. Jonathan Crane looked over the headline of the morning newspaper: "The Bat vs. The Croc".  He particularly stared at the half-decent photo someone managed to get of Killer Croc as he wreaked havoc.
"Interesting," said Crane in his ever emotionless tone.

Inside the Youth Correctional Department's gymnasium, Richard sat on a nearby bench and watched Bruce Wayne, in t-shirt and sweats, coach his basketball team of former drug addicts and gang members as they played Harvey Dent's team, who of course also currently resided at the facility.  At first, he seemed a bit bored with the game, but then things became interesting as one of the female players, strawberry blonde hair and hypnotic blue eyes, turned and gave him one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen.  His eyes were now locked on this young lady, and a smile formed on his own face when she ran over to him.
"Hi, name's Heather," she said.
"I'm Richard," replied the love struck teenager in front of her.
"You new here?  I've never seen you before."
"Actually, I'm with… Bruce."  Richard seemed a bit embarrassed after he said this.  He didn't want Heather to think that he was looking down on her by boasting about his new connection to Wayne.
"Oh, okay," said Heather, who assured Richard she was not offended with another incredible smile.  "You want to come play with us?  We kinda suck today and could use some help."  Richard rose and took hold of her hand.
"Anything for you," he said, as if in a trance.  His face then grew red again.  "Um… I mean… sure, sounds fun."
"Great!" said Heather, who then pulled him to the court… not that he was putting up much a fight.
Bruce watched the scene from the other side of the gymnasium.  This was the first time he had seen Richard happy.  He also happened to know that Heather, who had recovered from a severe depression brought on by a bad upbringing, one that more than once almost led to suicide, was due to be released soon.  Bruce hoped that maybe Richard and Heather could help each other.
"I see that Grayson kid's enjoying himself," laughed Harvey.  "How's the whole thing working out with you two?"
"I think he's still getting used to his new life," said Bruce. "He's a lot like the kids here.  It's never easy to readjust after tragedy."
"Don't I know it."
"So do I."  Harvey then sighed as Dr. Jonathan Crane entered the gym.
"What does he want here?" groaned Dent.  The teens apparently noticed his arrival as well, enough to make them stop playing.
"Don't mind me, everyone," said Crane.  "Just here to escort Ms. Creston to her appointment."  Richard soon discovered that the doctor referred to Heather, especially when she took hold of Grayson's arm and drew close to him.
"But they said I didn't need any more appointments," she muttered.  Richard could feel how nervous she was.
"Oh, it's nothing special," said Crane.  "Just some odds and ends to take care off before you leave this fine facility."
"I don't need another treatment."  Heather was on the verge of tears, and Richard decided it was time to step in.
"Actually, Heather's made a lunch date with me… so your appointment will have to wait," he said.
"You're Mr. Grayson, aren't you?  I read about you in the newspaper."  Crane cracked a sinister smile.  "Has Mr. Wayne given up on you already and sent you here?"
"Is there a problem here?" asked Bruce, who had overheard Crane's sarcasm.
"There won't be as long as Ms. Creston does as she's told."  The doctor stared deep into Heather's eyes, causing her to turn away.  Richard embraced her and tried to calm her with a gentle voice.
"Heather will no longer require your services, or those of the department," said Bruce.  "As far as I'm concerned, she's earned the right to be released ahead of schedule… as in right now."  Heather showed a great deal of relief at this.  Richard was pretty happy about it as well.
"And I'm going to see to it that the department itself no longer requires your services, Dr. Crane," said Harvey, who was not quite as calm as Bruce.  "I've read about your little 'experiments' at the three universities that employed and released you.  On top of that, whatever you are doing in these little sessions of yours, it's scaring Heather and these other kids to death."  These words suddenly struck Bruce.  He thought of the look he had just seen on Heather's face, and then remembered the look on the kid's face outside the ice cream shop.  He then looked at Crane, who smirked at Dent.  However, in his mind, he pictured the Scarecrow.
"I think you should reconsider your decision, Mr. Dent," said Crane.  "Because one way or another, I intend to reach these young minds."  And with that, he walked away.

While Richard and the newly released Heather Creston were out on their first date that night, Batman did his own study of Jonathan Crane's background in the Batcave.
"This man's knowledge of phobias is incredible," he said to Alfred.  "There's some even I haven't heard of."
"Obviously not a fear of dusty lab tables," coughed Alfred as he wiped it down.  "So, you now believe this Crane and the Scarecrow is one and the same?"
"If not, the two have a lot in common.  He lives in an apartment near the Correctional Facility.  I think I'll check it out, maybe catch him before this little Halloween encounter he's invited me to."
"So with you out investigating and young Mr. Grayson romping about with his lady friend, should I even bother to cook dinner?" yawned Alfred.  He then turned to see that Batman was already inside the Batmobile.  "I take that as a 'no'."

Outside the door of the apartment Bruce Wayne helped set Heather up with, Richard and his "lady friend" gave each other one heck of a good night kiss.
"Thanks for a wonderful evening," said Heather.  "One of the best I've ever had."
"Thank you," smiled Richard.  "Can I call you again tomorrow?"
"You darn well better."  Richard and Heather's eyes remained locked on each other until the latter closed her apartment door.  However, when she turned, her smile dropped and face grew pale as the Scarecrow's hand prevented her from screaming.

While the Scarecrow was out doing his dirty deeds, Batman discovered that Jonathan Crane's apartment had been abandoned.  The Dark Knight could only assume that after Harvey's rant, Crane felt he no longer had use of the living quarters.  Still, he looked about for clues that could not only connect Crane to the Scarecrow, but also reveal something about his overall plot involving the children of Gotham Hill.  Batman was about to give up and leave when he stepped on a small object on the floor.  He looked down to see a small tube, and then picked it up to examine it.  It appeared to have some sort of residue on it.  Batman quickly placed it inside his utility belt and made his exit.

When Richard returned to Wayne Plantation, the house was dark and seemingly empty.  He looked around and was about to call for Bruce or Alfred when he saw someone moving in Bruce's study.  He crept over just in time to see Alfred exit a sliding bookcase.
"Secret passages, huh?" whispered Grayson.  "Just what are you hiding, rich man?"  He waited until Alfred had retired to his room to walk in and check it out.
"Wonder which of these books opens this thing?"  He began to slowly pull one out at a time, but as he sped up, several of the books fell down on him, causing him to stagger back into a nearby desk.  He regained his balance by grabbing an antique lamp.  One pull of the lamp switch opened the mysterious passage.  After double checking to confirm that the noise didn't disturb Alfred, Richard walked through the passage… and then down a long stairway… and then right into the Batcave.
"Holy…" began Richard, who was then at a loss for words at his little discovery.

Apparently, Batman had not frightened Killer Croc out of Gotham Hill, as he continued his destruction in and outside the Speedy Sam's convenient store.  As the panicking store manager got on the phone with the police inside, Croc walked out with a couple of foot long hotdogs in his left hand, and an extra large "Banana Bonanza" drink in his right.
"Geez, that was borin'!" he grumbled.  "I need to find something more entertainin' to do around here."
"Perhaps I can be of service," hissed a voice in the shadows.  Croc looked over to the see the Scarecrow, with a drugged Heather Creston standing beside him.
"Great, first a giant bat and now a straw man?  Apparently, you folks celebrate Halloween a few days early around here."
"We have a lot of common, you and I, especially when it comes to inspiring fear."
"I ain't afraid of you!"
"Nor am I of you, but there are many others for us both to terrorize, and together we could make this entire town our own personal playground."
"Okay," shrugged Croc.  What do you got in mind, straw man?"

…To Be Continued
© 2008/2009 LJImaginations
Shane Ramey