In the quiet corners of Gotham’s past, two childhood best friends once found each other in a moment of gentleness. Young Bruce Wayne sat wounded not physically, but soul-deep his grief masked by a stoic silence. Young Jack Napier, the other one, bruised and scraped but smiling nonetheless, threw an arm around young Bruce Wayne.

“I promise you,” Little Jack Napier, whispered, voice trembling with sincerity, “I’ll make you smile again.”

It was a vow made in the rubble of youth. A promise born from innocence… and perhaps something darker beneath it all.

Years Later…

The wind stirred his purple scarf as the Joker stood among Gotham’s shadows. Green hair tousled by the breeze, sharp eyes scanned the headlines.

“Bru… Bruce Wayne? He’s back in Gotham?”

The grin that spread across his face wasn’t the same as the one from childhood it was wider now, warped by time, sharpened by chaos.

Across the city, Bruce Wayne returned his jaw set, his eyes haunted, his presence heavy. Gone was the boy who once cried in silence. In his place walked The Dark Knight.. Gotham’s watchful protector cloaked in armor and vengeance.

Months Later…

A rooftop showdown. Wind howling. Rain threatening.

And there they were again.. face to face.

“Smile for me, Bats!!” Joker howled, laughing with wild joy as The Dark Knight pinned him to the wall.

But behind the cowl, something flickered. Not rage. Not justice.

Recognition.

A memory.

A broken promise.

And somewhere in that moment, between rage and madness, the past smiled back.