Chapter 00: Unexpected Compassion... Although...

The Batmovil skidded violently as it entered the Batcave, an action that caught the attention of a jackal with two-color eyes, who worked there as a butler. Normally the owner would not drive that way unless it was an emergency, or he would be late to fulfill his responsibilities as a civilian and sole heir to the Robotnik family business.

Great was his surprise when the driver got out of the car in a hurry, being able to see that dark spiked hedgehog with gray betas and blood red eyes, wearing a gray suit although with slight yellow details, especially highlighting the symbol of his chest in yellow and with a bat in the center. However, what caught the butler's attention was the absence of his black cloak.

--- Mr. Shadow, are you okay? ---. The jackal questioned approaching the hedgehog. --- Were you able to locate young Knuckles' wife? ---. He asked again, remembering Green Lantern's call requesting that the entire Justice League gather to help in the search for Tikal.

The hedgehog did not answer any of his butler's questions, simply closing the driver's door with force and then going to the back of the vehicle, opening the door that led to the rear seats with the same force.

Seconds later, that jackal watched as the opponent took something out of the car, something wrapped in his iconic black cape. The curious thing was that despite the color of the garment, I could notice something wet under the fabric.

Without wasting time, the gray betta hedgehog approached a large table, gently placing the cape with its contents on the table. All the while, his gaze remained expressionless although with slight flashes of doubt, as if he were seriously questioning his actions.

Something that would not take long to confirm.

--- Mr. Shadow? ---. He questioned it again.

Shadow let out a long, deep sigh, he knew there was no going back.

With resignation and regret in his gaze, the average hedgehog slowly removed his cape, revealing the mangled figure of a hedgehog whose quills were a bright green, although he now looked quite dirty from the blood that had been emanating from his head. , which had also stained the cape.
His face reflected an apparent constant pain, although it could also be a grimace of twisted pleasure, it was difficult to tell not only because of his excessive sinister clown makeup, but also because of his particular personality and twisted sense of humor, even when he was unconscious.
Finally, his characteristic purple suit presented several burns and tears in different areas and sizes, possible symbols of a previous fight.

Seeing all the pieces together, there was no doubt about the identity of that individual.

Someone who, unfortunately, they both knew very well.

The Joker.

--- I still think this is a bad idea, Mr. Shadow ---. The jackal commented as he finished closing the horrible wound that the hedgehog had on its head, whose quills were now their natural blue color.

It had been a really long and difficult five hours, but they had been able to stabilize this guy who, moments before, had been fighting for his life. First the emergency procedure that the jackal followed every time Shadow returned to the mansion with more injuries than normal, removing his clothes to make sure there were no more injuries, in this case there were but much lighter than his. head. After that, the next thing was the standard procedure: disinfect and close the wound as best as possible to ensure that it died, which meant having to clean off the excess makeup and green dye that the hedgehog used to keep his look always perfect, leaving only his characteristic and terrifying smile as the only reminder of who he really was, although it was still in an ambiguous, barely visible grimace.

Although he most likely wouldn't have cared if they left him to die and they weren't going to get a "thank you" from him for saving his life.

So why go to the trouble and not let natural selection or karma do their work?

Simple, don't lower yourself to their level and don't agree with them. It would be so easy to let him die like the miserable cockroach he was, but Shadow wasn't going to let his friend get blood on his hands. Unlike him, Knuckles was too innocent and pure to be associated with this.

--- I know Infinite, don't think I like having to do this... ---. Shadow responded, turning his back on both, his butler and nemesis, trying to ignore the scene.

--- But... ---. Infinite tried to request a more concrete answer.

--- ...I don't want to Superman be affected by this... ---. He responded, turning to look slightly at Infinite. --- Joker tried to hit him where it would hurt the most... Luckily we were able to save Tikal and her unborn child... There were no injuries besides him and probably Surge but she disappeared during the explosion of that submarine... - --. He explained.

Infinite remained thoughtful, he could understand the dark hedgehog's point, but he was also worried that this could lead to more problems in the future.

Suddenly, Shadow approached the table where Joker remained lying, examining him carefully with his gaze.

--- So, you say he's in a coma? ---. Asked.

Infinite nodded.

--- Yes, the injury he suffered is serious, it could turn him into something worse or he could also not wake up again ---. He explained although there was a lot of ambiguity in his words.

--- Well, that makes things easier, I'll let the Arkham Asylum staff handle this ---. He said seriously as he headed to the Batmovil. --- Put him in a straitjacket before putting him in the car ---. He asked, thinking how he would tell this to the rest of the league once Joker was locked up in the asylum.

Infinite simply nodded at his request.