Please leave a like and follow if you like this story, it motivates me to write more. Also after this chapter I will submit them all first to my new pre-reader, the lovely Princess Luna of the Night, I think it might be the real Luna but I can't confirm that, anyway let me extend a personal thank you to her for accepting the beta reading, I hope to get to know you better over the coming weeks.

Carnage, the Doctor and Rainbow Dash arrange to meet Batman at the Steel Mill and Batman has made an important decision.

Chapter 5: If Rainbow Dash was Robin, Robin would be 20% cooler

"Captains log, I now find myself on a makeshift boat which really is just a couple of crates tied together that can somehow float. I must confess that things did not go to plan when we left the church. Me and my companions realised that we had no idea where the Steel mill was so I had to beat up a load goons until one of them told me. I think I got through about fifteen before one of them told us so everything seemed peachy, that was however until we found that there was a large stretch of water between us and our intended destination. So we fashioned this boat and after some convincing we decided not to call it Titanic 2 which was an awful movie by the way and we ended up calling her the Normandy. I don't know what it is but there's something really awesome about that name. Anyway in other good news I was able to do my steamboat Willy impression so this boat ride was definitely worth it. My friends appear well, the Doctor is currently giving me a funny look as I'm talking at my hand but I imagine he's thinking about his destroyed home world because he always is. He doesn't get over it until his next regeneration. My sexy Pegasus partner is also giving me the same look for the same reason, looking back now I think about the fact I've done a lot of different chicks, Goth, sporty, crazy and as for Dash's case the Tomboy, you know what's left? Brainy chick. Who's the one from Borderlands… oh that's right, Patricia Tannis, Damn she was fine. Seriously she was the socially awkward doctor with the sexy short black hair, best of all, she was a little crazy and I love crazy chicks. They always have that fire but are always a little vulnerable. I'd meet her and at first she wouldn't like me, but my natural charm would win her over and having lived on a planet for six hundred plus days with little to no human contact she would inevitably break down and profess her love for me and beg me to take her right there and then no matter where we were. She would totally be like 'oh please Marty I beg you, take me now' and then I'd totally do her with my massive twelve inch…"

Carnage's fantasy was interrupted by Dash, "What are you talking about?"

"Rainbow Dash! I was in the middle of my inner monologue about the awesome adventure were all having and the sexy doctor lady. Am I not allowed to like chicks with short hair? Is that it? Technically you also have short hair/mane compared to your friends."

The Doctor breathed a sigh and looked tremendously bored, "I could have just gone back and got the TARDIS but no, you wanted to create a boat and it turned out it was all so you could do a Steamboat Willy impression… by the way I will concede it was rather good, if only you had the hat… or the wheel."

"You see Skittles; at least someone appreciates my ability of impersonations. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to find Nemo."

Carnage brushed the water they were steadily bobbing on. While Dash could fly the others couldn't which meant she had to help them get across so she was stuck pushing the boat to the closest shore. Carnage spotted what looked like a figure standing on top of the fairest wheel. He waved at it but it did nothing back. The Steel Mill was just past the Carnival and a couple of buildings.

In the distance they could hear the voice of the joker talking over a speaker system, he didn't sound well. Not mentally well either but that would be expected.

As Carnage looked down he could see the unclean water below. As he touched it he could feel his body shiver at the cool touch. For some reason Carnage smiled, it was a reminder that this was all real. Despite the life threatening situation they were all in he thought it was some kind of dream but he would not tell the others.

It was quiet now and Carnage didn't like that. Silence unnerved him and made him feel insecure but it didn't seem to unfaze the other two so he didn't break it, it only dawned on him then the individual they were about to meet.

The Joker was one of the sickest and merciless characters in fiction. When you're young you can't really wrap your head around the sort of things the Joker did but just accepted that he was a good villain. When your older and put in the situation that Carnage was in now that's when it really clicks.

The murder of hundreds of innocent people, the mental destruction of Harley Quinn, the crippling of Barbra Gordon, the murder of Jason Todd and his mother and so much more and it was all done by the Joker. The only reason he never received the death penalty was because of his insanity. To turn a long story short Mr. Carnage now hated the Joker.

The shore was closer now and they would have to be on their guard, there could be anything in store for them when it came to the Joker but Dash likely didn't know that as to her he was a weird guy with face paint. Which didn't faze her much as she had already dated one. They could hear Jokers voice again and Carnage said "He doesn't sound well does he? Physically, not mentally but that to."

The Doctor responded, "Yes, well, Harley Quinn did mention that he wasn't feeling himself and I think they have been taking Doctors, it's probable he has some illness they can't cure."

"What do you think it is?"

"Can't say, maybe cancer or something else… I may be called the Doctor but that doesn't mean I'm a medical expert, although you probably knew that."

"Does it bother you? That I haven't told you."

"No, I think it adds a bit of mystery and a puzzle to be solved, plus it's like a little reward when I find out."

"Hang on, I swear I've seen you save lives with medicine and stuff."

"I dabble."

The two shared a small laugh, it was impossible to the both of them. Carnage was having a conversation with his childhood hero and the Doctor was talking to a man who knew pretty much everything about him. That was rarely the case for the Doctor, normally if he was meeting Shakespeare or Cleopatra or Winston he would know everything about them but they would have no clue to he was. It was interesting to be on the other foot. Rainbow Dash then suddenly called out, "Shore ahoy!"

The makeshift boat crashed into land and the two men in the boat fell out from the impact. Dash struck a victorious pose as she was proud of her hard work. Carnage and the Doctor were in an awkward bundle and Carnage pushed the Doctor off of him, the Doctor fell on the ground and he found a boot beside him. The boot in question was oddly familiar to him. It was black and armoured and as the Doctor looked up the leg he could see a yellow belt that belonged to the Dark Knight. Batman looked down with his familiar frown, "I've seen you in worse positions Doctor."

Carnage jumped up with a smile, "Ah hello there Brucey-boy, I see you beat us here like I thought you would, bet you couldn't beat Skittles in a one on one race though."

Dash struck another pose and Batman kept his frown. Batman slowly walked up to Carnage who was standing in the makeshift boat, Dash's smile started to fade the closer Batman got and Carnage for the first time in a while felt nervous, "I have this feeling you're not going to give me a hug."

"What gave you that impression?"

Batman was right in Carnages face. The Dark Knight looked directly into Carnages electric blue eyes and just stared him out. Dash appeared on Carnages shoulder and stared at Batman back. Batman spoke, "You defied me."

Carnage retorted "Well we certainly don't work for you, and I took what you said as more of a suggestion."

There was a short silence and the Doctor walked up behind Batman and put his hand on Batman's shoulder, "We didn't mean it like that. But we had to make sure if it was the Joker, it was and their held up here."

"I know I got Carnage's note, I figured he would be in the Steel Mill… you three saved a lot of people."

A tiny smile reached Carnage's lips, he had a good feeling about where this was going. Batman continued, "You see I realise now that I can't stop you three tonight so against my better judgement I will accept your help but only to make sure you don't get yourselves killed."

Batman extended a hand and Carnage shook it with glee. Dash flew up a little striking yet another pose and spoke, "So what do we do now?"

Batman said "First off if we're going to work together we have to stay in contact. So I want all of you take one of these."

They gathered round as Batman took out three ear pieces from his utility belt, they all grabbed one and placed them on their ears. Dash had no idea what it was and just did what Carnage did. Batman spoke, "Press the top button to talk to any of us, the bottom button is to contact the Batcave. Alfred did you get that?"

They could all suddenly hear the voice of the British butler, "Yes sir, as per your orders I will answer any questions that your three friends have."

Carnage used the earpiece to speak making sure Rainbow saw how it worked, "Wow! You're Alfred Pennyworth aren't you?"

"Yes I am sir."

"Guys! We now have the most awesome butler in the multiverse on our side. How can we fail?"

Batman started to walk in the direction towards the Steel mill, "Come, we shouldn't waste any more time. We have to find out exactly what the Joker is up to and if he's working with Strange."

---

There was something very unsettling for the group as they walked towards the Steel mill. It wasn't the Joker signs, the Jokers voice booming over the intercoms or the helicopters flying above them. The thing that was unsettling was the fact they had come up against virtually no resistance, not a single goon in their way. Dash voiced this, "Where is everypony? I mean didn't you guys say that this was Joker central? Wouldn't all of his goons be around here?"

Batman replied, "first off its 'everybody' and secondly your right. So that would mean that their all…"

The all stopped as they saw the gate of the Steel Mill which they were still a distance away from. There were two armed guards on top of the gate and they could see quite a number behind it, they all crouched down so the goons couldn't see them and the Doctor said "Yep he is definitely in there, the question is how do we get in?"

There were two giant nutcracker toys either side of the gate and the Steel mill itself was a very large building. There was large amounts of smoke coming out of the chimneys indicating that the place was still active and running. Batman spoke, "I'm not sure how Joker got those guns but I'm willing to bet that Strange gave them to him."

Dash questioned "Why would he do that? Isn't he like running a prison? Who would give the inmates guns?"

Carnage said "That's a good point Skittles, but we don't know anything for certain yet so let's not jump to conclusions."

Batman put his finger to his ear, "Alfred, we have to find a way to get into the Sionis Steel Mill."

Alfred replied. They could all hear the conversation, "Have you tried the front door sir?"

Batman replied sarcastically, "Why didn't I think of that?"

"It was obviously too easy. Let's see… if all other access routes are locked down, the only way in would be… no… its suicide."

"The main chimney? OK then."

The other three looked at each other. They all looked at the Chimney in question and saw that it would be impossible for either Carnage or the Doctor to follow. The Doctor said "Looks like this is where us three get off for now."

Dash spoke, "Wait! I can go can't I? I can fly straight down."

Mr. Carnage spoke "No! I'm not letting you go down there alone. You have no idea what you're dealing with do you?"

"I won't be alone because I'll be with Batman."

"That's not the point, you can't let her go."

Batman looked at him and a smirk came to his lips. "I thought you wanted me to let you all help, I suppose she could be of some assistance."

"Hey! You aint gonna make her your new Robin, I know what happened to Jason Todd. If she dies in there I swear I'm going shove my arm down your throat and tear out your intestines."

There was a small silence and Dash flew up the air and blew him a raspberry, "I'll see you up there Batman."

She zoomed up and Batman followed her. Carnage yelled at them, "Get back here young lady! Or I'm gonna ground your perfect ass permantly!"

They didn't listen and flew off anyway. The Doctor walked up to Carnage and asked a question, "So how long were you two together?"

"I WAS A PONY ALRIGHT! DON'T FUCKING JUDGE ME!"

---

Dash and Batman found themselves descending down the chimney. Dash saw what looked like lava below here and could feel a familiar heat on her wings but despite this carried on down. To Batman it was like descending into hell. There was red everywhere and the man in this building who was the devil himself, "Get ready!"

The momentum they were falling grew and they had to focus on a safe way to land. Dash was preparing to stop in mid-air while Batman landed on a wire hanging over the molten fire. The pair looked around and Batman followed the wire to the safest platform and Dash followed suit.

Nothing was said between the pair as they walked around avoiding any obstacles. Dash and Batman started to make their way when Rainbow Dash asked a question, "Hey can I ask you a question? Can I call you Bats?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well Carnage has a nickname for me and all but I can't think of one for him that doesn't sound to soppy. I just thought of one for you so can I call you that?"

She didn't seem to know that another person in Batman's life called him that regularly. He didn't like it but he didn't think any harm could be done and she did ask him so he surprised himself when he said "Fine, just you though."

This made Dash light up, "Thanks Bats I won't let you down, since Carnage looks up to you so much and all."

"He does doesn't he. Can you tell me how he knows so much about me?"

"Sorry I'm not allowed but whose Robin? Carnage mentioned that name and it's stuck in my head."

"It has belonged to a number of people. Their apprentices of mine who fight along my side."

"Why do you do this though?"

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Oh c'mon you gotta tell me…"

Batman suddenly shot the bat claw at a circular door, this made Dash jump and Batman pulled the door open so all the water poured onto the hot steel which would have burned Dash's feet. She looked up at him and muttered "Thanks."

He didn't respond and instead kept walking, only now did it really hit him what Dash was. She must have been some sort of Pegasus but where she came from was beyond him but he guessed that like Carnage she was from another universe as he claimed. She might be a pony but he couldn't be sure of that either, but now he realised that because of her Cyan coat and her vibrant rainbow mane she would stick out like a sore thumb. She would have to stay behind him, "When we get up there I want you stay behind me. You'll stick out and they'll have guns from this point on."

The entire room rumbled slightly beneath them as more metal was poured down into the furnace. The heat in the room was intense and Dash was having trouble breathing. She hoped to Celestia that she would be able to leave soon as the sweat started soaking her coat. She looked up at the Dark Knight who still looked as cool and calm as ever. She wondered how he did it. Batman looked behind to see Dash struggling and said "Keep going were almost out."

After another leap Dash felt a little cooler as they were far away enough from the furnace. She breathed a sigh of relief and shook herself like a dog to try and get some of the sweat off her coat. She muttered "I bet I'm the worst Robin ever."

Rainbow Dash then looked up to see Batman spraying the ground, he made some sort of Bat symbol and then held the spraying device pushing on a button. Dash was confused, "Uh Bats, what are you…"

A tiny explosion then occurred and the floor gave way. Batman landed on his feet while Dash landed in a heap on the floor, she looked up in a daze to see him not waiting up and crouching under a pipe. This annoyed her and she flew in pursuit, when she caught up he had thrown a batarang at a button which stopped a load of steam that was blocking the way into the ventilation system. She called out in an angry tone, "Hey what was the deal with leaving me back there?"

"You said you could handle yourself, c'mon we don't have much time."

He shot up into the air duct and Dash followed. The pair started crawling through. There wasn't a lot of space but it was easier for Dash as she was smaller, for once she was grateful for this. They could hear people talking above them. "Yeah, Joker wants you to think he's sick. Then, wham! Gotcha."

"I don't know, he's looks pretty sick."

"You mean worse than usual?"

As they went further in they could hear more and more voices muttering to themselves. It was quite loud which told the pair that there were a lot of people above them. Then they could hear another voice above them. This voice was familiar to Batman and his only response was to whisper her name, "Quinn."

"I promised you boys some entertainment, right?"

They got up to a grate which they could see through, there were a lot of Joker goons and they were trying to see what was going on. They could then hear another voice of a woman pleading, "Please, I did my best."

Quinn had a simple response, "Well, you should have tried harder."

They could see Harley was standing above the goons with someone who looked like they were in a chair but they couldn't make out who it was. Then Quinn kicked the woman from the ledge and she fell to the ground, she screamed the whole way but seemed to suffer only minor injuries as she got back up. Dash wore a worried look and Batman wore an angry look. Dash wanted to do something but there were way to many people up there. Harley spoke again, "That useless quack has failed Mister J. and you know what that means."

Suddenly the crowd started chanting, "KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!"

A sense of panic and dread washed over Dash. She desperately wanted to fly up but Batman held her down to stop her squirming. Harley continued "Oh, I think we can do better than that. Get in here, Mister Hammer!"

The crowd cheered as a strange knocking sound could be heard. Then a voice called for Harley that was all too familiar, "Harley!"

"Coming Mister J."

She went inside. Batman let go of Dash and they made their way around trying to find a way up Dash tried her best to keep calm while Batman tried to find the best way up. The crowd started a new chant, "HAMMER! HAMMER! HAMMER! HAMMER!"

They moved as fast as they could, dodging flames coming out of loose pipes and narrow pathways. They could then see another grate and the woman crawling backwards trying to escape something. She called out to anyone who would listen, "Help me!"

But she knew no one could. Dash's eyes opened wide as she saw the one armed figure with clown makeup and a green wig about to deliver the final blow. She nearly called out when suddenly another voiced stopped this Mister Hammer. The voice belonged to Quinn, "Stop! Change of plan. Take her to the smelting chamber. Mister J wants her to suffer a little longer!"

There was a disappointed groan from the ground but no one made any form of protest. One Joker goon dragged her away and a load started to disperse, only a few were left. Harley made one final order "You know what you have got to do! Go get the snowman and bring him back here right NOW! He's going to pay for screwing over Mister J"

Dash turned to Batman, "What snowman? There are walking snowmen in your world? I'm guessing their the human version of snowponies."

"I think she's referring to Mr. Freeze. But how is he involved, how did he screw the Joker."

They made their way to a grate above them and could see that this was the way out. Batman turned to Dash, "Okay, stay down. I know your anxious but don't panic. We'll save her, I promise. We just have to get the jump on…"

Suddenly a voice was heard above, "Hey! What's this rainbow? Some of the colours look like skittles…"

Another voice could be heard, "DUDE YOU FOUND SKITTLES! HOLY SHIT I LOVE SKITTLES! TELL ME THEIR THE SOUR ONES!"

Next chapter, what does Rainbow Dash taste of?

If you like this story then show your support by giving it a like, a comment saying what you like and what needs to be improved and of course follow the story.