"Such a childish attempt at manipulation?" Kara sneered, unaffected by Joker's antics.
Boom.
Kara grabbed Joker by the collar, undeterred by his grotesque makeup, and hoisted him to her eye level.
Joker, standing as tall as Batman at 1.88 meters, was still towered over by Kara, who stood 1.9 meters tall, allowing her to apply an imposing, condescending pressure.
"Now, tell me—how did you learn my identity? And how did you plant the threat against Jennifer? What exactly did you do?" Kara's voice grew harsher, further distorted by her voice modulator, adding an intimidating edge.
Joker, however, seemed unfazed. Instead, he grinned wider. "If you're trying to be intimidating, I'd suggest adding a little torture to your methods."
"You mean like ripping out your heart?" Kara lowered her gaze to Joker's chest, hands poised as if she'd pierce through his ribs.
Joker only chuckled, unbothered. "No, no, that's far too simple. You have to drive someone insane, make them watch as you destroy the people they care about, or torture them until their mind snaps."
It was almost as if Joker was unaware of his own danger or simply didn't care. Kara felt her grip tighten, fighting her own urge to eliminate him then and there. He was unpredictable, deranged, and all too terrifying in his calm defiance, which was precisely why she'd considered ending him the moment they crossed paths.
Despite herself, Kara felt drawn into Joker's web, and as she gave him the opening, he seized it effortlessly, turning the situation to his advantage.
"Don't keep pushing me, Joker," Kara's voice grew lower, a deliberate reminder of her own volatile power. She had no plans to let Joker control her, yet if he continued, she'd be forced to act—perhaps even kill him and race to the hospital to save Jennifer, regardless of anyone else's fate.
Maybe Joker realized his limits, because he raised his hands in mock surrender and began to answer her questions. "Actually, I guessed it. Last night, I attacked Wayne Manor," he explained, smiling wickedly, "when Bruce Wayne held a fundraiser for Harvey Dent. Such a convenient gathering."
It became clear that Joker had not only targeted Jennifer and Commissioner Gordon—Harvey Dent was on his list as well. Harvey had risen to be Gotham's "White Knight," a role that contrasted Batman's darker one, making him the perfect target for Joker's twisted sense of chaos.
"Now, deducing that Bruce Wayne is Batman wasn't hard, especially after I watched him react when I took Rachel hostage." Joker's gaze flickered with sinister pride. "The desperation on his face gave it all away."
He took another calculated breath before continuing. "As for the Oracle, who else could she be but you, Kara? After all, you're a woman Bruce would trust, one who's traveled the world and is as remarkable as he is. And, well, the photo access and your interviews with Wayne all pointed right to you."
Kara gritted her teeth. Joker's terrifying intellect had laid bare her secret, and her silence only confirmed his deduction.
"And," Joker continued with a dangerous gleam in his eye, "if I had been wrong, I had nothing to lose. But I see from your reaction that I was right. Kara Kent, I've struck gold."
Joker's psychological attacks weighed heavily. His unpredictability, his lack of fear, his intelligence—all elements that even Batman dreaded. He truly was one of Gotham's most formidable foes, relying not on brute force but on his utter disregard for sanity and order.
"Oh, and by the way," Joker sneered, "Jennifer's hospital is rigged to blow at any moment. You wouldn't want your dear friend to die without meeting her newborn, would you?"
The words struck Kara, forcing her hand. Joker knew exactly how to control her, exploiting her love for Jennifer and the threat of her exposed identity. Reluctantly, she released his collar, trapped in his game, despite all her efforts to stay in control.
"What do you want, Joker?" Kara finally demanded, resigned to the conversation yet still defiant.
Joker smirked. "I want a little game. I won't reveal you or Bruce, but I'll make you expose yourself willingly. If you can pass my tests, I'll keep your secret safe."
"You think I can trust you?" Kara shot back, her voice dripping with contempt.
Joker only shrugged. "Can't you kill me anytime?"
The reminder was frustratingly accurate. Kara was more than capable of killing Joker, but it was a solution that came with its own set of problems.
Somehow, Joker seemed aware of her moral struggle and savored the predicament, delighted by her dilemma. It wasn't the fear of death that held her back, nor was it just her protectiveness over Jennifer. This was Joker's genius—playing on her values, her principles.
"Don't think I won't kill you if I have to. No bomb trigger on you?" Kara's threat was clear, yet Joker only grinned wider.
"If I had it, I'd have shown it to you by now. If I die, the hospital goes up in flames," he replied, his words almost taunting.
Through her x-ray vision, Kara had scanned him, finding no sign of a detonator. Joker's logic was twisted, but disturbingly sound.
She knew she had no choice but to play along. Right now, with no other option, she'd have to discuss the situation with Bruce, despite her frustration and distaste for Joker's chaotic terms.
"Don't even think of pushing me any further," Kara warned, pointing at Joker with fierce determination. Any step out of line would spell the end, and they both knew it.