Batman Crashes the Black Masquerade Read online

  CHAPTER 1

  MISSING MASK

  CHAPTER 2

  THE MASQUERADE BALL

  CHAPTER 3

  MIXED SIGNALS

  CHAPTER 4

  GOTHAM CEMETERY

  CHAPTER 5

  THE BLACK MASQUERADE

  The Black Mask

  Biographies

  Glossary

  Discussion Questions

  Writing Prompts

  Copyright

  Back Cover

  WHILE STILL A BOY, BRUCE WAYNE WITNESSED THE BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS PARENTS. THE TRAGIC EVENT CHANGED THE YOUNG BILLIONAIRE FOREVER. BRUCE VOWED TO RID GOTHAM CITY OF EVIL AND KEEP ITS PEOPLE SAFE FROM CRIME. AFTER YEARS OF TRAINING HIS BODY AND MIND, HE DONNED A NEW UNIFORM AND A NEW IDENTITY.

  CHAPTER 1

  MISSING MASK

  CHING! Two-Face flipped his coin into the air with his thumb. The metallic sound echoed through the cool night. CHING! CHING! He flipped the coin again and again. His patience was wearing thin.

  “Would you please stop tossing that cursed coin of yours, Two-Face?” the Penguin chirped. “It’s driving me cuckoo.”

  Two-Face grunted, then carefully pocketed his precious coin. He pulled back his coat sleeve and checked his watch.

  “Where is Black Mask?” Two-Face growled. “He was supposed to be here by 6:30, and it’s nearly a quarter past seven.”

  The Penguin scanned the area, taking in all of the assorted criminals he and Two-Face commanded. There were at least thirty hardened crooks and thugs there, all of them loyal to their respective bosses. But Black Mask and his masked henchmen hadn’t arrived yet.

  “I admit,” Penguin began, “I am concerned. This meeting was Black Mask’s idea, so there’s no reason he’d be late. Unless . . .”

  A sinister scowl crawled across the Penguin’s lips. He glared at Two-Face. “I smell a rat,” he croaked.

  Two-Face reached out and grabbed the Penguin by his collar with both hands.

  “Who you callin’ a rat, bird-brain?!” Two-Face yelled, lifting the villain off the ground.

  AWK! AWK! The Penguin squawked and squirmed under the stronger man’s grip. Several members of the Penguin’s gang stepped forward, raising their fists. Seeing this, Two-Face’s men stepped up as well.

  As Two-Face glanced at the advancing troops, the Penguin kicked Two-Face in the kneecap with the heel of his boot.

  “OW!” Two-Face yelled.

  The Penguin scrambled free from Two-Face and then pointed his umbrella at him. “Get him!” he cried.

  A moment later, both of the gangsters’ crews were battling in an all-out brawl.

  SMACK! POW! SLAM!

  From the cover of a nearby rooftop, the Dark Knight watched the madness unfold. He scanned the horizon, looking for Black Mask and his men. “I can’t wait any longer,” the hero said to himself.

  Batman threw himself off the rooftop and soared down to join the fight.

  CLICK-SNAP! The Dark Knight flipped down his night-vision goggles and activated them. Speeding toward the ground, the hero aimed himself directly for Two-Face and the Penguin.

  Below, the criminals were too busy punching and kicking each other to notice Batman’s approach. The Dark Knight watched through the amplified view of his goggles as the Penguin pressed a button on his umbrella. CLICK! A blade popped out of the tip.

  “You’ve really ruffled my feathers now, Harvey,” the Penguin said. “There will be no alliance between our gangs!”

  “We both know that I’m the king of Gotham City’s underworld!” Two-Face growled.

  The Penguin cackled. “You’re the king, eh?” he said. “Even if that were true, that would make you my subject . . . because I’m the emperor!” He dashed toward Two-Face with his weapon raised.

  THUD! Batman’s boots smashed into the Penguin’s side. He fell to the ground clutching his ribs.

  The Dark Knight rolled to his feet. “Hello, Harvey,” the hero said to Two-Face.

  “Who invited this winged rodent?” Two-Face snarled.

  By now, the fighting henchmen had taken notice of Batman’s arrival. As Two-Face and Batman circled each other, the thugs began to surround the Dark Knight.

  Two-Face grinned, curling his hands into fists and raising them to his chin. “You’re outnumbered, Bats.”

  “Am I?” Batman asked.

  KA-THOK! KA-THOK! Suddenly, two floodlights bathed the scene in blinding light.

  Everyone froze and shielded their eyes as a megaphone cut through the silence. “This is Commissioner Gordon of the Gotham City Police! You’re surrounded! Now put your weapons down — and your hands up!”

  Seeing the large police force, Two-Face’s men turned and ran. Penguin’s men immediately followed suit.

  “Cowards!” Two-Face cried. “Stand and fight!” Several men turned back to look, but none of them stopped.

  Batman used a zip-tie to secure the Penguin’s hands behind his back. The villain wiggled back and forth on the ground, attempting to flip over. “Help me, Two-Face!”

  Two-Face scowled. He turned to flee — but a Batarang with a rope attached to it wrapped around his legs.

  Two-Face fell on the ground with a THUMP! Before he could recover, Batman had the villain’s hands tied behind his back. “This isn’t over,” Two-Face said coolly.

  Batman lifted Two-Face to his feet and guided him toward a police vehicle. He and Commissioner Gordon carefully deposited the two villains into separate squad cars.

  Moments later, Gordon’s men returned with several handcuffed henchmen.

  “We managed to catch a few,” one of Gordon’s lieutenants said.

  Gordon nodded. “Nicely done. With their testimony, we’ll be able to put Two-Face and the Penguin behind bars for a while.” Gordon turned to face Batman. “Not bad for a night’s work, huh?”

  “It would’ve been better if we got Black Mask, too,” Batman said.

  Gordon rubbed his chin. “Agreed,” he said. “Do you think Black Mask somehow got wind of our stakeout and bailed?”

  “Almost certainly, Jim,” Batman said. “In fact, I’d bet he’s the one who phoned in the anonymous tip to you about the meeting itself.”

  Gordon frowned. “But why?”

  “With Two-Face and the Penguin out of commission,” Batman said, “their thugs will be looking for work. And Black Mask will be all too happy to add them to his False Face Society.”

  “So we’ve handed Gotham’s underworld over to Black Mask on a silver platter,” Gordon said dryly.

  Batman nodded. “That’s why I wanted to get all three at once.”

  Gordon sighed. “What do we do now?”

  Before Batman could answer, a voice spoke through his secret earpiece.

  “Master Bruce,” came Alfred’s voice. “It would be impolite to be late for your own party, you know.”

  “I have to go,” Batman said to Gordon.

  “It’s all right,” Gordon said. “I have to be somewhere, too. Bruce Wayne invited me to a masquerade ball for charity.”

  “Wayne, huh?” Batman said, choosing his words very carefully. Gordon was a clever man, and the last thing the Dark Knight wanted was to reveal that he and Wayne were the same person.

  Gordon shrugged. “He may be an egotistical billionaire,” he said, “but deep down he’s a good man who likes helping others. A lot like you, really.”

  More than you know, Jim, Batman thought.

  CHAPTER 2

  THE MASQUERADE BALL

  The Batmobile raced down the streets of Gotham City. Batman’s thoughts were racing, too. Black Mask was cold, more calculating, and far less sane than the Penguin or Two-Face. The thought of
that maniac controlling all of the criminals in Gotham made Batman’s skin crawl.

  But his responsibilities at Wayne Manor made him just as uncomfortable. Bruce was no stranger to wearing a mask. He did so as Batman each night, and as Bruce Wayne during the day.

  But this evening would be different. Tonight he’d be wearing a mask on top of the one he wore as Bruce Wayne.

  The Batmobile pulled into Wayne Manor through its secret entrance. Batman jumped out. His boots landed softly on the ground just a few feet from his butler.

  “Right on time, as always, Master Bruce,” Alfred said. The butler held out a tuxedo and a pair of shiny black shoes. “But I brought your attire for the evening with me — just in case.”

  Batman quickly removed his mask to reveal the face of Bruce Wayne. A warm smile crossed his lips. “Thank you, Alfred,” he said, taking the clothes. “Has my date for the evening arrived yet?”

  “Indeed,” Alfred said. “I’ll tell Selina you’ll meet her shortly.”

  Bruce quickly put on his tux, but began to struggle with his bow tie. “You’d think I would’ve gotten the hang of these things by now,” he mumbled.

  Alfred let out a good-natured sigh. “I admit, Master Bruce,” he said, “it amazes me that you can fling about those Batarangs of yours, but the simple function of a bow tie continues to elude you.” The butler’s nimble fingers busied themselves with Bruce’s bow tie. “There.”

  Bruce smiled. “What would I do without you, Alfred?”

  “Oh, I’m sure you’d manage somehow,” Alfred said. “I will alert your guests that you have arrived.”

  Bruce nodded. Alfred began to walk up the steps that led up from the Batcave to Wayne Manor’s main floor.

  Then Alfred stopped and turned to face Bruce. “Oh, one last thing,” he said, producing a mask from inside his tux. “I had this made for you to wear tonight.”

  Alfred tossed the mask to Bruce. “Thank you, Alfred,” Bruce said. “It’s perfect.”

  Bruce lifted the mask over his face and glanced at his reflection in the computer screens. The ball he was hosting would have Gotham City’s elite citizens in attendance. They would wine, dine, don playful masks — and donate large sums of money to the Children’s Charity of Gotham City.

  “You were wise to choose a mask that looks nothing like Batman’s,” Bruce said.

  Alfred nodded. “If anyone could make the connection between Bruce Wayne and Batman, it would be Selina Kyle.”

  Bruce had invited Selina to be his date for a reason. While Bruce disapproved of her habit of robbing the rich to give to the poor, he had to admit that she, too, was helping Gotham in her own way.

  However, Catwoman committed crimes to help others while Batman fought to enforce the law. Her motives were moral, but her actions weren’t. Bruce hoped that Catwoman would someday realize that the ends don’t always justify the means. Until then, as Bruce Wayne, he’d keep her close and hope his actions would rub off on her.

  And if not, Bruce thought, at least I can keep my eye on her.

  All the thought of double identities and masks began to make his head spin. He did his best to put on Bruce’s famous smile behind his mask.

  Then Bruce and Alfred began the long walk up the stairs to join the masquerade.

  * * *

  Alfred swung open the double doors to the ballroom in dramatic fashion and announced Bruce Wayne to his guests. They cheered wildly for the generous billionaire.

  “Thank you, thank you,” Bruce said, with every ounce of his charisma. “But I should be applauding you folks for your donations this evening. With your help, we will make a difference in thousands of children’s lives here in Gotham.”

  Deflecting the attention onto the crowd was an old trick to Bruce, and once again it worked like a charm. The audience cheered even louder after hearing they played a part in something great. Bruce waved, then slipped into the crowd.

  As Bruce passed Commissioner Gordon, he stopped to chat. “I heard about your big bust this evening,” Bruce said, patting Gordon on the back. “It’s comforting to know there will be two fewer criminal masterminds running wild.”

  Gordon smiled. “I think another man deserves most of the credit . . .” He placed a bat-like mask on his face. “. . . Batman!”

  Bruce laughed. He grabbed two glasses of champagne from a nearby waiter and handed one to Gordon. “To your — and Batman’s — successes!” he said.

  CLINK!

  Bruce and Gordon tapped their glasses together.

  “Cheers,” Gordon said, then left to mingle.

  He wears a mask well, Bruce thought. But I can tell he’s uneasy.

  Bruce glanced at the donation box. It was filled to the brim with cash donations. Two of Bruce’s security officers stood guard next to it. While Bruce didn’t expect any disruptions this evening, so much money in one place would be a tempting target for any crook.

  A sleek arm slipping under the crook of Bruce’s elbow interrupted his thoughts. “Hello, Bruce,” Selina purred. “Let’s see that mask of yours.” Selina’s deft hand slowly turned Bruce to face her.

  Bruce grinned when he saw she was wearing a Catwoman mask. “Interesting choice of mask,” he said, taking Selina’s hand.

  “As is yours,” Selina said. “May I ask why you went with this one?”

  Bruce shrugged. “You’ll have to ask my butler,” he said. “What about you?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” Selina said with a sly grin. She raised her hands up like a pouncing feline. “I’m Catwoman!”

  Bruce chuckled. “I can see the resemblance,” he said. “After all, you both have a soft spot for orphans.”

  “Just like you, too,” Selina agreed. She glanced around the room.

  “Quite a turnout,” Selina said. “And from the looks of it, they’re pretty wealthy.”

  Bruce glanced around. Most of the guests were wearing the white masks that he and Alfred had sent with the invitations. Only a few had chosen their own masks.

  “Honestly,” Selina said. “It’s a little silly that they have to be wined and dined to spread the wealth. I mean, how much money does one person need — especially when so many innocent children are homeless and hungry?”

  Bruce nodded. “It is a shame that more people don’t donate money,” he admitted. “But it’s theirs to do with as they please.”

  Selina grinned. “Well, you know what they say,” she said, sliding her arms around Bruce’s shoulders. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.”

  Bruce’s eyes narrowed. “Are you implying they should be robbed?” he asked. “You know I don’t support criminal acts.”

  Selina frowned. “If you ask me, having so much money to oneself is criminal.”

  Bruce was about to respond when something caught his eye. “Please excuse me for a moment, Selina,” he said.

  Selina placed her hands on her hips. “Was it something I said?”

  “Not at all,” Bruce replied, flashing his billionaire smile. “I look forward to continuing this conversation.”

  Selina pouted. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Bruce made his way through the sea of guests toward a man wearing two masks. As Bruce approached the man, Bruce said, “I couldn’t help but admire both of your masks from across the way.”

  The man tilted his head. “Both masks?” he asked. “I’m only wearing one.”

  Bruce frowned. He removed his mask and confidently thrust out his open hand.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met,” Bruce said. “I’m Bruce Wayne.”

  The man didn’t shake Bruce’s hand. “What kind of host takes off his mask at a masquerade?” the man asked. “Isn’t the point to try to puzzle out who is whom?”

  “True,” Bruce said pleasantly. “I suppose that means I’ll have to guess your identity?”

  The man shook his head. “Don’t bother, Mr. Wayne,” he said.

  Slowly, the man lowered his white mask. “There, my mask is off,” the man said. “Do you
recognize me now?”

  The hairs on Bruce’s neck stood up as the man laughed. It was a cold but quiet chuckle. One Bruce had never heard — but one that Batman was very familiar with.

  “Black Mask,” Bruce said, trying to sound more frightened than he really was. “What are you doing here?”

  “What do you think?” was the villain’s cryptic response.

  “It’s nice to see you, Black Mask,” Gordon said, interrupting. He stepped out from the crowd and removed his Batman mask. “I just missed you earlier, and I was afraid I wouldn’t catch up with you.”

  “Just the man I’m looking for,” Black Mask said with a grin.

  Bruce didn’t like where this was headed. He started to form a plan when he noticed that Selina was sneaking up behind Black Mask. His sharp eyes spotted a small, dime-sized object in her hands. That must be a tracking device, Bruce realized. Very clever, Selina.

  Black Mask snapped his fingers. CLICK! Several masked men stepped forward. Each of their masks were different, but they all had a sinister look to them.

  False Facers! Bruce realized. One of them was the Penguin’s former right hand man. Another was Two-Face’s former captain. They guarded Black Mask on all sides.

  Selina can’t get to him now, Bruce thought. Bruce stepped forward, putting himself right between Gordon and Black Mask. The False Facers behind Black Mask stepped closer — and away from his rear. Just a little farther, Bruce thought.

  Bruce took one more step. Black Mask’s thugs stepped between Bruce and Black Mask, leaving the rear unguarded. Bruce leaned in close to the villain. “This doesn’t need to come to violence,” Bruce whispered.

  SMACK! Black Mask rammed his fist into Bruce’s jaw. Bruce fell to the floor in a heap, pretending to be unconscious — but not before he saw Selina slip the tracking device onto Black Mask’s shoulder. She then walked away, unnoticed.

  The guests who hadn’t already left were running out the doors. That just left Gordon and the two donation box security guards.

  Black Mask cracked his knuckles. “These rich guys can never take a punch,” he said. He nodded at his men. “Boys, get to it.”