Six months earlier, Le Bossu announces his arrival at the meeting of the Black Glove by killing a man on the mansion's doorstep. The leader of the Black Glove, Dr. Simon Hurt steps forward and welcomes him. He tells the hunch-backed Le Bossu that his murder is already in the process of being covered up as they speak. Le Bossu prepares to take his place at the table occupied by the likes of Charlie Caligula, King Kraken, Swagman, Scorpiana, El Sombrero and the Pierrot Lunaire the Murder Mime. The danse macabre has begun...

Back in Gotham City the absence of any high-caliber super villains is becoming more and more apparent. A man in a cheap papier-mâché green bird mask has taken a family hostage and is driving them erratically through the streets of Gotham. Batman, at the request of Robin and Alfred, has decided to take it easy tonight - letting the new Batmobile do most of the work of apprehending this low-level crook. With the drugged out "Green Vulture" safely in custody, Batman and Robin retire for the evening - but not before Bruce graciously gives a homeless man a large sum of cash from the Batmobile glove compartment. The two return home, not to the Batcave but rather to the halls of Wayne Manor where Jezebel Jet is waiting for Bruce.

Undressing himself carelessly in the hallway, Bruce throws open the doors to his bedroom and Jezebel falls into his arms.

Tim uses this opportunity to profess his concern for Bruce. Alfred tells Tim not to worry. Over the years he's seen Bruce go through cycles and that a young woman learning the identity of the Batman is not something to be concerned with. Most of the ladies turn out to be honorable and discreet.

The presence of Jezebel is not the only thing concerning Robin however. Tim brings up the possibility that perhaps events such as the Thogal ritual on Nanda Parbat, Bruce's isolation experiments with Dr. Hurt and his recent death and re-birth during his battle with Ra's Al Ghul have pushed him over the edge. Alfred insists that Bruce has always had a very clear idea of human perfection and that all of these events only serve to further his quest towards that perfection. There is the distinct possibility that neither Alfred nor Tim will ever fully comprehend the decisions and resilience of Bruce.

Finally Tim brings up the point of Damian's paternity test. Alfred states that Bruce planned on telling Tim when he deemed the time was right - Damian is indeed Bruce's biological son.

Meanwhile, Bruce and Jezebel have made their way to Gotham Cemetery to place flowers on Bruce's parents' graves. Jezebel seizes the moment to ask Bruce how he'll know when his quest is finally over. How will he know when his parents' deaths have been avenged? Will he be able to tell at all?

Before Bruce can answer, Jezebel says that she must be going. But first she tells Bruce of a new fundraising possibility that they've been invited to. Reaching into her purse, she pulls out a black envelope and reads the invitation. Bruce and Jezebel have been cordially invited to join the danse macabre of the Black Glove! Bruce looks shocked.

Deep within the halls of Arkham Asylum, the Joker seems to be unresponsive to his latest series of psychological tests. His recent injuries have only furthered his intense hatred for Batman and have forced him into a near catatonic state of silence. The doctors prepare a fresh approach to treatment. Meanwhile, Le Bossu (posing as an Arkham doctor) invites the Joker to join the dance of death with the Black Glove.