To Never Kill

Season 7 episode 13 of Nightwing & Batgirl.
== Plot ==
The episode starts with the Joker at Arkham Asylum, calling the attention of a guard.
"Hey, you.", Joker told the guard.
"What is it this time, Joker?", the guard asked.
"Sometimes I wonder, am I really insane?", Joker asked.
"Of course, you are!", the guard responded.
"Sometimes I wonder, why doesn't the Batman kill?", he asked again.
"Because he's not like you", the guard answered.
"Sometimes I wonder, did he really save Gotham by not killing?", he asked.
The guard was getting annoyed.
But Joker followed up, "Sometimes I wonder, why did he let a boy do a man's job?", laughing.
"You wonder too much! Can you stop for a moment?", the guard replied loudly.
"Yes, I do. Staying in this prison for long made me ponder a lot of things. And I won't stop. I want to keep you wondering as well.", the Joker replied.
"What do you want?", the guard asked.
"Simple. I want you, to put on a happy face.", he answered, as he laughed maniacally.
The guard wanted to throw hands, but another guard came and told him, "Let's get out of here. Talking to a lunatic is nonsense." 
Now, the guards walked away, but as the guard Joker was talking to took a step, he stuck his hand out between the prison bars and grabbed the guard by his wrist.
"Oh, no. You're not going away. I'm not yet done with you.", Joker told the guard, as he pulled his arms, and when the guard faced him, he pulled his laughing gas off his pocket and sprayed it at him, causing him to fall down unconscious while smiling. Now, Joker got the keys from the guard, and opened his prison cell. 
The other guard pointed his gun at him and warned him, "Step back, and put your hands up."
The Joker laughed it off and said, "You're not really gonna shoot me aren't you?"
"You wanna find out?", the guard replied.
"I already know. You won't kill me. Because the law the tells you so.", he replied. He continued stepping forward, as the guard started shaking. 
"You see. The law is useless.", he continued, "that's why I love the law!", then he laughed.
The guard was about pull the trigger, but the Joker was quick to put his hands on it. Instead, the bullet hit a light bulb.
"I told you, you're not gonna shoot me!", Joker told him, as he punched him in the face, then sprayed laugh gas at him.
The Joker was now officially free from the prison. The other inmates cheered, while some asked the Joker to free them as well, but instead Joker rejected and said, "If you want to be free, you'll have to earn it."
He got near Harley Quinn's cell and Harley was delighted to see him, "Puddin'! I'm glad you're free! I missed you. Did you miss me?", she asked.
"How sweet of you, my Harley!", Joker replied.
"Now, can you use the keys to get me out of here so we can be together again, my puddin'? Pretty please.", Harley asked.
"I miss you, puddin', but no!", Joker responded.
"Why?", Harley asked.
"Actually, I never loved you! And now you're using me as a way to escape this asylum? No, I won't have it!", Joker exclaimed.
"You... don't love me?", Harley asked, as he shed tears.
"Yes, I don't. Because you're useless! We never had much fun together.", Joker told him.
"Do you really mean that?", Harley asked.
"Of course, I do!", Joker responded.
"You'll regret that! When I get out of here, I'll make you pay! I promise.", Harley angrily replied, while in tears.
Joker ran a few steps away, before throwing the prison's keys in front of Harley's cell. Then, he continued running away.
"You, gave me the keys?", Harley said, as she felt joy, "Thank you, puddin'! I knew down inside you love me."
Now, Harley Quinn grabbed the key and opened her own cell. The other inmates were asking her to free them, but Harley rejected them as well, saying, "Sorry mates. I don't have time for this. Maybe next time. I still have to chase my puddin'.", as she ran away.
''They both really are insane.", Riddler said.
Joker and Harley both have now escaped Arkham Asylum. But when Harley got out, she was surprised Joker was already gone. He already got far away.
"Aw, puddin. Why do you always like to play games with me?", Harley said.
Joker was now at his new hideout at the Cauldron, beneath the ground. When he entered it, a woman said, "You're just in time, Joker."
The woman is revealed to be White Rabbit, Joker's new lover. The hideout was also actually Hugo Strange's hideout, who is revealed to be working with them as well.
"Finally, we can continue with our scheme!", Hugo Strange said.
The next day, the Arkham Asylum went to GCPD to report about Joker's recent escape. Later, it made the headlines. The scene moves to the Batcave. Bruce Wayne and Alfred saw the news from the TV. 
"He's back, Master Wayne.", Alfred said.
"I gotta get there as soon as possible.", Bruce replied.
"Go ahead, Master Wayne. Send him back to justice.", Alfred told him.
"I will", Bruce said.
"I believe so.", Alfred replied.
"Although his recent escape got a lot of things going on in my mind.", Bruce responded.
"Stay focused, Master Wayne.", Alfred advised.
Bruce now donned the cape and the cowl. He's now worn the Batman costume.
Meanwhile, at Nightwing and Batgirl's headquarters, the two are having a conversation.
"Barbara. I have something to tell you.", Dick said.
"What is it?", Barbara asked.
"How I really feel.", Dick answered. "We've been together for so many years now. We've seen the worst from this world. We've seen countless alien invasions, our city fall and rise up again, the Justice League divided into two, and most of all, we've been through a lot of misunderstandings and our relationship almost ended, yet here we are, still going strong. And I just want you to know. I'm glad I got to spend each moment with you."
"Dick. I was glad you've always been there for me too. You know that I'll always be here for you as well. No matter what. Through bad or worse. We'll always have each other.", Barbara replied.
"So, I guess it's the right time to say.", Dick said, before their precious moment got interrupted by Batman's call. Dick was visibly frustrated. So he kept the ring back in his pockets first.
"Dick. Barbara. The Joker's on the loose. We gotta investigate. As soon as possible!", Batman told them.
"Yes, Bats.", Dick replied.
"Alright.", Barbara replied.
Now, Dick and Barbara put on their Nightwing and Batgirl costumes. Later, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Batman reached Arkham Asylum. 
"What's the big deal with the Joker this time? He escapes Arkham all the time!", Nightwing said.
"Still, he's a threat. And we should bring him back.", Batgirl said.
"We shouldn't underestimate him. He's still the most dangerous criminal here in Gotham. And consider his previous schemes. He attempted to blow up Gotham Times Square. He murdered Jason Todd. We can't let something like that happen again.", Batman said.
"I guess you're right.", Nightwing said.
They took a look inside. They saw the asylum's guards unconscious with smiles on their faces.
"Joker's used his laughing gas on them.", Batman said.
"But how could he have escaped?", Nightwing asked.
"The Joker must've tricked them into opening his cell for him.", Batgirl suspected.
Nightwing looked around and also found Harley Quinn's cell empty and told the two, "Wait, look! Harley's escaped as well."
"The two of them must be up to something, and we gotta find it out quick.", Batgirl said.
Later, the guards woke up and asked, "What happened?"
"What do you remember about the Joker?", Batman interrogated them.
Thu guards stood up and one of them said, "I had a conversation with him, and he asked a lot of questions, like is he really insane, why doesn't the Batman kill, did Batman really save Gotham, why did he let a boy do a man's job."
Batman was triggered and said, "That's it. I've heard enough."
"How did he escape? And how could you let it happen?", Nightwing asked them.
"I was about to walk away, but he pulled me back and as I turned around sprayed laugh gas on me.", one of the guards said.
"Then he took his key.", the other guard continued.
"Oh.", Batgirl said.
"Let's go.", Batman told them.
Now, the three headed out of the Asylum.
"I really feel something else is up with the Joker this time.", Batman said.
"What could it be?", Nightwing asked.
"I don't know yet. But soon, we'll find out.", Batman answered.
Batman, Nightwing, and Batgirl now spread across Gotham, but were unable to find any leads to Joker's whereabouts. They didn't know, the Joker's hideout was underground. They also never suspected Hugo Strange's hideout.
"I can't believe it. The Joker's really gotten away.", Batgirl said.
"We shall continue our search tomorrow.'', Batman told them. 
Now, they parted ways. Batman headed back to the Batcave, while Nightwing and Batgirl headed back to their headquarters.
Batman spent a few minutes at the gym, right after getting back to the Batcave. Later, Alfred came across him and asked how did the search went.
"Empty.", Batman replied. He sat on the ground, leaning on a metal pole.
"How come?", Alfred asked.
"He must have gotten away from here.", Batman said.
"That spells trouble, Master Wayne.", Alfred said.
"There's something I found out from the Arkham Asylum's guards. Something intriguing.", Batman told him.
"What is it?", Alfred asked.
"One of them had a conversation with the Joker, who asked questions. Four of them, to be exact. One, is he really insane, the next, why don't I kill, another one, did I really save Gotham by not killing, and lastly, why did I let a boy do a man's job.", Batman answered.
"The last, referring to Jason.", Alfred said.
"Exactly.", Batman replied.
"With those words, he's implying something.", Alfred said.
"Coincidentally, I thought of it yesterday, before I knew of the Joker's questions. I start to question my code. Maybe the Joker's got a point.", Batman told him. 
"I suppose you're thinking about breaking it.", Alfred replied.
"Exactly.", Batman responded.
"It's a line you've never crossed before. I worry if you do, you might not be able to come back.", Alfred told Batman.
"It's either I lose myself or I lose the lives of everyone around me. And I can't let the latter happen.", Batman told him.
"The decision still falls to you, Master Wayne.", Alfred replied. 
"I've finally decided. I'm going to kill the Joker, once and for all.", Batman said.
He was surprised to see a hole over his head open. And from the metal pole, Catwoman came down sliding.
"Selina!", Bruce said. "How did you", Bruce said, as he got to a pause, when Catwoman leaned onto him and kissed him.
"Seems like you two need a moment alone.", Alfred said, as he left the scene.
"How did I get here?", Catwoman replied. "Oh, Bruce. I've been here many times before. And I know you. I know you very well." She sat on Batman's lap.
"I heard you're finally deciding to break your own code.", she said. "I'm glad to hear that. You've finally come to your senses. This moral code of yours is bullshit. It's killed more people than you have ever saved."
"I guess you're right. It's about time I set things right.", he replied.
"So, Bruce, what brought you to this decision of taking down the Joker for good?", Catwoman asked.
"It's Jason.", Batman answered.
"Simple as that?", Catwoman asked.
"Yes. Simple as that.", Batman replied. 
"After all these years, you still blame yourself for Jason's death? Come on, Jason's been a jerk when he came back anyway.", Catwoman said.
"Everything that happened was my fault. I wasn't there for him. I shouldn't have allowed it to happen.", Batman replied. "It's getting cold. Let's get to my room."
"I guess so.", Catwoman said. 
Later, the two got to Batman's room.
"Now that I've completely turned over to the good side, I'm considering rekindling the warmth of our love.", Catwoman said.
"It was long done. Get over it.", Batman replied.
"Oh, please.", Catwoman said, as he put her hand on Bruce's left chest, "After all these years, your heart still beats for me."
"Don't be stupid. I just finished my cardio, that's why.", Batman said.
"Come on, Bruce. I know you can't resist me.", Catwoman told him, as she pushed Batman on the bed, and went on top of him.
"Please, Selina. I don't want to do this.", Batman told her.
"Just one night, Bruce.", Catwoman said. "Trust me. Cross the line. Kill the Joker. Do it, for the greater good. You won't have to worry about losing yourself. I will keep you sane."
Now, Batman and Catwoman got it on, removing each other's clothes. 
"Yes, Selena. I will.", Batman replied.
Catwoman scarred Batman with her claws.
"Why did you do that?", Batman asked.
"You know me. I like to leave evidences.", Catwoman answered.
They continued their intense moment. After their act, they fell asleep. Later, Batman wakes up, and was surprised to see Catwoman sleeping on his chest.
"What did I just do?", Batman said under his breath, as he remembered what happened. 
He covered Catwoman's body with blanket. Then, he used a remote to eject Catwoman's side of the bed, and a hole from the ceiling opened, sending Catwoman out of the cave. Catwoman regained consciousness and was surprised to realize what Batman did.
"I hate you, Batsy!", she exclaimed as she was sent out the cave.
She now moved and started walking away awkwardly, as she headed back to her home, with only a blanket covering her body.
"Talia's gonna kill me when she finds out.", Batman said to himself, as he looked at the scar Catwoman left on his chest.
He went back to sleep. Later at sunrise, Talia returns to the Batcave. That was also the time Batman woke up. Batman immediately hid all of Catwoman's clothes underneath the bed.
"Good morning, beloved.", Talia greeted her, as she entered their room. 
"Good morning.", Batman greeted back. "Took you long enough."
"Oh, I had business with the League (of Assassins).", Talia replied. 
"How did it go?", Batman asked.
"It went just fine. We were able to subdue a renegade terrorist group.", Talia answered.
"Good to hear.", Batman replied.
"Shall we go for breakfast?", Talia asked.
"Oh, yes, it's time to eat.", Batman replied.
They now went outside their room and into the dining table. Alfred served their breakfast. Later, Talia noticed the scar on Batman's chest.
"Bruce, what's the scar on your chest?", Talia asked.
"It's nothing. Just a recent encounter with a criminal. I was badly scarred.", Batman answered.
"Really? I don't think it's just that. It's something familiar.", Talia said.
Alfred facepalmed, as he stepped away.
"Trust me. It is just what it is.", Batman told her.
"Alright. If I find out who did that to you, I'm going to take care of him. Or her.", Talia replied.
Batman was surprised then later calmly replied, "I'm perfectly fine, beloved. You don't have to do that."
Now, the conversation moved to Batman's decision of breaking his moral code.
"Talia. The Joker's got away.", he told her.
"He escapes all the time. What's new?", Talia asked.
"This time. My decision is full. I'm going break my code. Take him down for good.", Batman answered.
"What led to this decision?", Talia asked.
"Who, not what. And you know who it is.", Batman told her.
"Oh, yes. I do. I know her well.", Talia said. "I'm glad you finally grew the balls to break your own code. I knew you can't live by it forever."
"Yes, but I can't just do it right away. I need to inform others of my decision.", Batman told her.
"I guess so.", Talia replied.
Later, after their breakfast, Batman contacted Nightwing, who was at their headquarters along with Batgirl. He told him he's got something to tell him. Just him and Dick. Nightwing said he'll get there right away. Batgirl allowed him to go.
They met on a rooftop of a building.
"What's the matter, Bruce?", Nightwing asked.
"I've made a decision. And I know Barbara and her father wouldn't like it.", Batman answered.
"What is it?", Nightwing asked.
"Jason's death and return made me ponder a lot of things. And I realized, maybe he's right. I lived by my moral code too much, I forgot about the people I was supposed to protect.", Batman said.
"So, are you now really sure about this?", Nightwing asked.
"Yes, I am.", Batman answered.
"Then I'm with you.", Nightwing replied.
"So far, everyone else's decision has been unanimous.", Batman said.
"That's good, but when do you plan to tell Barb about this?", Nightwing asked.
"Soon enough. Just tell her we'll continue the search for Joker.", Batman told her.
"Alright.", Nightwing agreed.
Meanwhile, Talia got into their room and found something underneath their bed. It was familiar. It was Catwoman's clothes. She was furious. 
"I knew it! She slept with another woman.", Talia said. "Damn him."
Now, she suited up. She was visibly upset. Alfred asked where she's going.
"I'll just stroll around the city.", Talia replied.
Now, Talia rode her motorcycle and headed out of the cave. 
Nightwing now got back to their headquarters, while Batman headed back to the cave.
"What did Batman tell you?", Batgirl asked.
"He just told me we'll continue the search for Joker.", Nightwing replied.
"Really? Was that all of it?", Batgirl asked again.
"Yes. That's all.", Nightwing replied.
"Okay?", Batgirl said. She wasn't convinced.
Later, Talia was able to locate Catwoman's apartment. She used her grapple to get on to the rooftop. She saw Catwoman sitting down.
"Talia. It's you, isn't it?", Catwoman said, as she looked back.
"Yes, I am. And we've got some something to talk about.", Talia told her.
"Yes we do.", Catwoman replied.
"I'm glad you do.", Talia said.
"I found out just recently, that he still has feelings for me.", Catwoman told her.
"After all these years, you still haven't gotten over Bruce?", Talia asked.
"How could I? I just slept with him last night.", Catwoman admitted.
Talia became furious. "I knew it!", she said.
"When we got it on, I knew right away that you'll find out and come for me.", Catwoman said.
"Don't you know anything better than creeping on a married man's bed?", Talia furiously asked.
"I do. And I'm better than you in many ways.", Catwoman told her.
"Then prove it.", Talia replied, as she handed her a sword.
"As you wish.", Catwoman replied, as she grabbed the sword.
"On our League, this is how we prove our worth to someone.", Talia told her.
"You'll be disappointed with the outcome.", Catwoman told her.
"Show me.", Talia said.
Before they battled, Talia bowed down to show respect to her opponent. But Catwoman took this as an opportunity to strike. When Talia put her head up, she was able to dodge Catwoman's sword. 
"And you wonder why Bruce didn't choose you? You never even had half the decency I have. You can't even show respect to your opponent.", Talia told her.
Their battle gets heated.
"If she wants my respect then she'll have to earn it.", Catwoman replied.
"Pretty easy thing to do.", Talia said.
Back at the Batcave, Batman asked Alfred where Talia is. Alfred said she didn't tell him where she'll go and told him she'll just be off somewhere.
"No way. I gotta stop her.", Batman said.
"You think you know where she is.", Alfred asked.
"I think so.", Batman replied.
"Alright. Go on, Master Wayne.", Alfred said.
They dueled.
"Has Bruce told you about his recent decision already?", Catwoman asked her.
"About killing the Joker? Yes he did.", Talia answered.
"I'm guessing you're in favor of it.", Catwoman said.
"You guessed correct.", Talia replied.
"But have you ever thought about it deeply? If all things are said and done and Batman crosses the line, will you be able to bring him back?", Catwoman asked her.
"Are you doubting the Dark Knight's wife herself?", Talia returned the question.
"Knowing your history, I do have doubts.", Catwoman responded. 
"You know nothing.", Talia replied.
"You must've been delighted when Batman's decided to break his moral code. You realized you could go back to your murderous ways.", Catwoman said.
"Then you don't know me.", Talia responded.
Now, Batman rode his Batmobile and searched for Talia using his GPS. Later, he was able to located and was surprised to find out where she was. She's at Catwoman's apartment. Catwoman and Talia's sword duel became more and more heated. Later, Batman reached the apartment and used his grapple to get to the rooftop. Catwoman and Talia had their swords pointed at each other's throats when Batman comes and yells, "That's enough!"
Catwoman and Talia ended their battle, and Talia got the better of Catwoman in their duel. 
Talia slapped Batman and said "Bruce. I can't believe you! How can you do that?"
"I already made it clear that I love you over her. And that I no longer have feelings for her.", Batman said.
"You did this many times already. I won't be able to forgive you that easily.", Talia said.
"Please, trust me. You're the one I'm together with legally. You can't doubt that.", Batman replied.
Talia took a deep breath and said, "That's good to hear. Cause I'm better than her in every way."
"You had the nerve to say that.", Catwoman yelled.
"That's enough! I've got more important things to deal with than your pettiness!", Batman exclaimed. "It's either you're with me, or stay out of my way!"
"I'm with you, beloved.", Talia calmly replied. 
Catwoman walked downstairs, but not before telling them, "Wishing you well."
Now, Talia and Batman headed back to the Batcave. 
"Bruce, this is the last time I'll forgive you.", Talia told her.
"Alright. I understand.", Batman replied.
"I just can't stand the fact that the man I love could even make out with other women.", Talia said. "But I guess it might also be because I wasn't around."
"No, Talia. It's not like that. We talked about my decision to kill the Joker. We thought it through. And she agreed. She told me I won't have to worry about losing my sanity cause she will keep me sane.", Batman replied.
"She asked me that as well. If ever you cross the line, will I be able to bring you back.", Talia told him.
"She knew when to strike, and I was caught off guard. I don't know why I did that. With her.", Batman explained.
"It's alright, Bruce. All you need is someone who will keep you from insanity. And I can be that person. From now on, I'll always be around for you. I'll make you feel loved.", Talia told him.
"Thank you, Talia.", Batman said, as they shared a kiss.
Talia handed him her handgun. Batman immediately.
"Are you sure you know how to use it?", Talia asked.
"I have to know.", Batman replied. 
He and Talia went to the Batcave's shooting range. Batman practiced shooting. He's hit the target pretty well.
"Seems like you're getting used to it.", Talia said.
"Yes, I am.", Batman replied.
"I'm proud of you, beloved. Coming from a family of assassins, being together with you was frustrating for me. What I was able to do back then, I can not do because of you and your antiquated sense of morality.", Talia said. "But I stayed with you anyway. Because I love you."
"I never thought once in my life I'd come to this decision. But the situation called for it. And I'm glad to oblige. I also thank you. You also played a part in my decision.", Batman told her.
"Somewhere in there I think you almost said, you love me too.", Talia said, as she smiled.
"Now, there's just one more person I needed to inform of my decision.", Batman said.
"And I don't think it will be easy for him to accept it, Master Wayne.", Alfred said.
"You are right, but I had to try.", Batman replied.
"Go on, beloved. Do what you must.", Talia told him.
Now, Batman met with Jim Gordon on top of a building where the Bat-signal is lit.
"Have you found the Joker yet?", Jim asked.
"Not yet.", Batman answered. "But soon we will. And the next time we meet, I'm going to take him down, for good."
"What do you mean?", Jim asked. "And why do you have a gun?", he asked, as he saw a gun in his utility belt.
"I know it will be hard for you to swallow, but I need to do this. It has to be done. I can't let the Joker take away more lives. So I gotta do whatever it takes to keep Gotham safe, even if it means breaking my code.", Batman told him. 
"I'm sorry but I have to disagree. You know what happened to Superman. He crossed the line you both never crossed before. And it drove him insane.", Jim told him.
"I'm nothing like him.", Batman replied. "Look, I used to thing the same for Superman. But when I looked into that situation, there was no other way to save this planet. That's why he resorted to killing. The only thing is, he's not human. When he realized he had such power, he started to put himself above us humans."
"I can't let you cross the line and forget everything you stood for.", Jim told him.
"You don't understand.", Batman replied.
"I'm sorry, I won't allow it.", Jim said, as he tried to take away Batman's gun, but Batman resisted, and the trigger was accidentally pulled and shot to the sky. 
Meanwhile in Nightwing and Batgirl's headquarters, the supercomputer alerted them of trouble. The two suited up and went their immediately.
Jim punched Batman in the face twice, and Batman fought back. Their fight continued until later, Nightwing and Batgirl came. Jim was on the ground, with blood on his nose.
"Dad!", Batgirl said, as she went to Jim. "What happened?", she asked him.
"Batman! What's wrong with you?", Batgirl asked him.
"Let me guess. You told him of your decision. And he did not like it.", Nightwing said.
"What decision?", Batgirl asked.
"I'm going to put down the Joker, once and for all.", Batman said, as he picked up his gun from the ground.
"No way! You can't just do that. You can't cross the line! What about your code?", Batgirl disagreed.
"I had to. To keep Gotham safe.", Batman told her.
"You're willing to throw away everything you stood for just like that?", Batgirl asked.
"Barb, I agree with Bats. It has to be done.", Nightwing said.
"What? And you, too?", Batgirl said, upset. "If this is where it leads to, then count me out! I don't want to do this anymore."
"Let's go, dad.", she told Jim, as she helped him walked down the building.
"Barb.", Nightwing uttered.
"If she doesn't want to be a part of this anymore, let's respect her decision. With or without her, we'll go on with our plan.", Batman told Nightwing.
"Alright, let's go.", Nightwing said.
Now, Nightwing and Batman got to their mobiles.
The scene moves to Joker and White Rabbit's lair. 
"Now we are almost ready for our grand scheme!", Joker said.
"I'm excited", White Rabbit said.
"I feel the same, my pretty rabbit", Joker replied. "Tomorrow, we shall put Gotham on notice with the Joker's return!", he said, laughing manically.
== Characters: ==
=== Heroes: ===
* Bruce Wayne/Batman
* Dick Grayson/Nightwing
* Barbara Gordon/Batgirl
* Selina Kyle/Catwoman-an ally of the Batman family.
* Talia al Ghul-Batman's wife.
==== Others: ====
* Arkham Asylum guards
* Arkham Asylum inmates
* Harley Quinn-Joker's lover, dumped by Joker.
* GCPD(Gotham City Police Department)
* Commissioner Jim Gordon-Batgirl's father.
* Alfred Pennyworth-Batman's butler.
Villains: 
* Joker
* White Rabbit-Joker's new girl.
* Hugo Strange-created the fission bomb which Joker used to blow up Gotham Times Square.