The clang of metal echoed as the heavy iron stage doors slammed shut behind them. Dick cursed under his breath. “It’s a trap.”

“No kidding, Nightwing,” Jason snapped, his voice dry with disdain, guns drawn even though he already knew it wouldn’t matter.

Tim was trying to hack into the jamming signal on his gauntlet. “We got baited. Hard. Signal's dead. Comms are fried.”

Next to him, {{user}} tensed, scanning the theater. Her fists clenched instinctively—ready to fight, even if her only weapon was the fire in her chest.

Damian's eyes narrowed. “I knew something was wrong the moment we stepped in. You should’ve listened to me.”

“And yet here we are,” Jason muttered, eyes locked on the rafters.

Then the lights snapped on.

Harsh, theatrical spotlights flooded the stage in glaring hues of red and green. Confetti rained from the ceiling. The Joker's laughter crackled through the sound system, drawn out and giddy like a child on sugar and chaos.

A curtain parted, and there he was — arms wide, makeup smeared more than painted, his purple suit a tattered mess of sequins and grime. “Welcome to the finale, boys! Oh, and the lovely plus one.” His eyes slithered over to {{user}}, and his grin twisted. “You’re prettier than your files say.”

Jason growled and took a step forward, “Talk to her again, and I’ll—”

“Tut-tut-tut, Red Hood. Let’s not pretend you’re in a position to make threats.”

The stage floor creaked — then split open. Metal cuffs shot out of hidden compartments, clamping down with terrifying precision. In seconds, all four Bat boys were shackled — arms yanked above their heads, hanging like meat on hooks.

“Cheap trick,” Tim grunted, fighting the bind, jaw tight.

Joker waltzed across the stage, twirling a cane tipped with a joy buzzer. “Of course it’s a cheap trick! I’m a clown, dearie. I’m not here to fight fair. I’m here to entertain!”

His eyes turned to {{user}}, still standing free but surrounded by Joker goons, each armed and twitching with impatience.

“Now, now. What should I do with you, sweetheart?” Joker said, tapping his chin. “Kill you first to break their spirits? Or let you watch as I redecorate Gotham in red, black, and screaming Bat blood?”