I attempt to combine Grant Morrison's brilliant psychological work Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on a Serious Earth with Nolanverse, post-TDK but pre-Rises. Granted, to fit in Morrison's work in most of its entirety I regrettably had to make some changes to this story's versions of TDK's ending. In other words, Harvey isn't dead (but in a considerably worse mental state that when we saw him in TDK) and Batman isn't wanted by the police force.

Apologies in advance if these changes to the timeline offend any of my fellow TDK trilogy fans. – Jack

The bleak skyline of Gotham City dominated the night. Giant buildings rose from the murky fog below, their illuminating lights piercing the darkness. In the middle of the showcase of modern architecture was Wayne Tower, the giant neon W catching many an eye. Above the city was a gathering fugue of shady clouds, foreshadowing a coming storm. Without warning, something shone.

A beam of light.

The signal for a vigilante who patrolled the city. He wasn't their hero, but a silent guardian. Their watchful protector. A dark knight to replace the fallen white knight. The Batman.

Commissioner Gordon waited on the rooftop of the GCPD building anxiously. The situation at Arkham was brewing out of control as the rioters demands grew more ludicrous. He needed the man who had brought many of those rioters in. Gordon prayed that the Dark Knight wasn't busy tonight.

"Sorry I'm late, commissioner. Problems out of town." A coarse and intimidating voice surprised Gordon. As usual, Batman had snuck up on him with warning. Gordon wouldn't be surprised if he pulled his disappearing act this evening too.

"What's the problem, Gordon?" The Batman's steel eyes locked onto Gordon, studying the commissioner.

"There's been a riot at Arkham Asylum. That's the problem, Batman." Batman's expression did not change as he heard this. But Gordon thought he saw a plan hatching itself within the man's calculating gaze.

"We don't know how it happened, but early this morning the inmates seized control of the building. They're holding the Asylum staff hostage, making all kinds of crazy demands. We've had to send in furniture, store dummies, food, clothing, and much more. They only have one more demand, Batman, thank god."

"They've wanted to talk to you personally." Gordon said with hesitation.

"I see." Batman coldly replied. Gordon shivered. The man had been acting gloomier since they brought in both the Joker and Harvey Dent.

A cop in a uniform and pudgy face ran up to Gordon panting. He slipped the police chief a cell phone. Gordon put it to his ears and gasped. He offered it to Batman.

"It's the Joker." Batman put the phone to his ear and spoke. "I'm here, Joker."

"Well, hello, big boy!" Batman couldn't help but grimace as he heard the bastard's voice again. The Joker brought back painful memories of his failures. Rachel and Harvey along with much more lives tarnished or ended by his schemes. "Have you figured out how I got these scars yet?"

"Don't waste my time, Joker. Just tell me it what it is you want." The Joker hadn't been a free man ever since Batman had defeated him that night, but he had quickly risen through the ranks of the mental hospital's social hierarchy. He was bound to cause trouble again.

"Oh, I think you can guess… We want you. In the madhouse with us. Where you belong."

"And what if I say no?" Batman asked. He was answered by the sound of something going skrit and skritch.

"What's that noise?" Gordon asked. "I think the Joker's scratching something." The pudgy cop responded.

"Well… we have so many friends here, darling. Say hello to Pearl, Batman. Such a crybaby, isn't she?"

A frightened girl's voice joined the Joker's. She must be barely out of high school. Batman thought. I can't let this happen. Not another innocent that I've killed by letting him live. I wish I could've done it, Joker. For Rachel. But I mustn't cross the line, for what would separate me from you?

"Oh Buh-Bat-Bat-Bat- ohhh" Pearl stammered.

"Pearl is nineteen years old." The Joker stated while the sharpening sound grew louder.

Pearl continued to sob while the Joker continued.

"She just started work in the kitchens to make some extra money. Pearl wants to be an artist, don't you darling?" The sobbing grew.

"She just drew me a beautiful house. She drew it with this pencil." The sharpening sound climaxed and then stopped abruptly.

"The one I just sharpened."

"Open your eyes wide, Pearl!"

"Beautiful… blue… eyes…"

Batman heard the girl scream. "NO!" Batman heard himself screaming too. He felt powerless to stop the Joker. A feeling that was replaced by a burning desire to march to Arkham and enact some vengeance for the torment that he had caused Bruce.

"You have half an hour, Batman. And bring a sparkling new set of paints for Pearl here!" Joker's voice grew slowly in a subdued but haunting cacophony of laughter. It chilled Batman's bones.

"Oh Jesus, that poor girl. Batman, I…" Gordon, visibly shaken, stammered.

"I'm going in, Jim." Batman decided.

"You okay?" Gordon asked. "You don't have to do this, Batman. I can call up the SWAT, have them storm the place like…"

"No, this is something I have to do." Batman answered him staunchly. His fist was clenched and shaking.

"I can understand if you're afraid. I know Arkham's reputation and you didn't have the best time of your life last time you headed there."

"That time was nothing, Jim. Batman's not afraid of anything. It's me. I'm afraid that deep down, the Joker may be right about me belonging in the madhouse. Even in the past there was a part of me that questioned the rationality of Batman. It makes me afraid that when I walk through those gates and the doors lock me in Arkham, it'll be just like coming home."

Gordon tried to think of some uplifting encouragement for his friend. The two of them had gone through so much together. Once there had been three of them fighting the crime and corruption that eroded Gotham. But that time was over. Thanks to the Joker.

Forever, the costumed vigilante and police commissioner would have to lament their failure. A heroic district attorney who fell prey to his darker side in tormented anguish. Harvey Dent would forever be a faded example of the man he had once been, now just an indecisive wretch fractured between morals.

Gordon turned and saw that Batman was gone.

Predictable.