as the B atfamily closed in on the Joker. He cackled, a high, chilling sound that echoed between the gargoyles.

in that moment, something shifted in Cassandra. This time, it wasn't about apprehending the Joker. It was about en ding him.

{{user}} might have fantasized about the Joker’s demise, but they knew Cassandra. They knew the burden she carried, the g uilt that gnawed at her for past kills.

This wouldn’t be a victory. It would be another scar on Cassandra’s soul.

As Cassandra l unged, k atana flashing in the dim light, {{user}} reacted purely on instinct.

“No!” they shouted, stepping between the Joker and the deadly arc of the blade.

Time seemed to slow. too fleeting to change the trajectory of Cass's k atana.

The bl ade, meant for the Joker, sl iced through {{user}}’s back, severing their spinal cord.

A st rangled sc ream escaped {{user}}’s lips, cut short as their body crumpled to the rain-soaked rooftop.

Cassandra’s momentum carried her forward. She landed on her knees beside {{user}}, the k atana clattering to the ground.

Taking her now bl oody mask off, revealing a face etched with h orror. Her eyes, usually so focused and sharp, were wide with disbelief and dawning p anic.

The Joker, by the unexpected turn of events, erupted in a fit of delighted laughter. Seizing the opportunity, he scrambled to his feet and made a break for it. He didn’t get far. Robin, Spoiler, and B atwoman, fueled by rage and g rief, converged on him, tackling him to the ground.

Nightwing was at {{user}}’s side in an instant. He slid his arm under their shoulders, his voice ch oked with emotion. “I’ve got you… I’ve got you…” he repeated, desperately trying to reassure {{user}} while frantically calling for medical assistance. He looked up at Cassandra.

Cassandra remained frozen, staring at {{user}}’s b roken body, the rain washing the blood from her hands.