On the fourth swing, the Stone King stepped forward unexpectedly. A powerful backhand swipe sent the
extinguisher flying from Batman's grasp. Then, before the vigilante could take evasive action, the
creature followed through with a punch that almost took Batman's head dean off his shoulders.
Batman staggered, the small of his back catching against the top of a low display case behind him.
Then the Stone King was on him, hands clawing at his adversary's throat, fingers tightening with
unbelievable pressure as they began to squeeze.
Batman gasped for breath, sickened by the stench of decay, already beginning to feel light-headed,
unable to breathe from lack of oxygen. In vain his hands struck at his opponent, seeking a pressure
point or a weak spot. Whatever he did, the Stone King seemed invulnerable to it.
With a sudden crack the glass display case shattered, and Batman seized what might be his last
chance. He brought his legs up, positioning his feet against the Stone King's chest. Exerting all of his
remaining strength, he straightened his knees, at the same time yanking hard at the creature's pelt.
The Stone King howled with anger as he went sailing over Batman's head, impacting against the door
frame with such force that the wood splintered.
Batman leaned against the wreckage of the display case, massaging his rasping throat, striving to get
his breathing back to normal. Scarecrow's fear gas was still in his Utility Belt, if he could only reach
it in time.
But the Stone King recovered first, a new hatred glinting in his red eyes as he prepared to renew their
battle.
Desperately, Batman flung himself aside as the Stone King lunged, sweeping his fist in a downward
arc that disintegrated what remained of the cabinet.