Jump 5: BTAS (Plot)

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(Chapter 1)
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A splintering headache, lovely thing to wake up too. Musty air isn't much better, neither is the sight of wet asphalt in the dark. I reached up to grab my head, pulling my hand away to find blood. Wonderful. The sounds of conflict are near, and I stand to survey my surroundings a bit better. The disorientation of waking up was characteristic of a new world, but this was a bit more than usual.
Staring down the poorly lit alleyway I found myself in, the darkness nothing in front of my eyes, I saw three men trying to fight off another, unsuccessfully. The forth figure flipped, jumped and redirected their blows, placing well aimed punches and kicks that eventually left them a groaning, pained mess on the ground.
When I saw him pick something up of the ground and approach me, I adjusted my glasses as an almost subconscious action. My vision cleared up, a sudden realization dawned on me, the sight sending a bolt of lightning running through my spine. “Holy Mary mother of Jesus Christ, it's the goddamn fuckmothering Batman.”

His expression never changed even as he offered something to me. The sound of police sirens were off in the distance. “Doctor.” He said plainly. When I finally looked down at his hand I recognized it as a wallet. My wallet? I was mugged. That's the head injury then.

“Thank you Batman.” I just offered my thanks to the fucking Batman, slowly taking it. The fucking Batman, as in The with a capital T Batman. Couldn't even think of anything else to say before he rappelled to the rooftops, just in time to avoid the police arriving on the scene. Who called the cops? Did Batman call the cops? “Holy shit that was Batman.”

“Batman? That toad, was he the one who did this?” A somewhat portly man with a sour look on his face approached me. Coat and hat, kinda looked like a detective given he was with uniformed police as they arrested the men down the alley. “Menace he is. You alright?”

“Who me? Yeah, I'm perfect.” I dab my head again, showing off nothing on my glove. “Blood is dry, merely a flesh wound! Batman dropped in and saved me before it could turn into anything worse.” The grin on my face was impossible to erase. Adjusting my coat, I turn around while waving. “Sorry, I've got a pretty important meeting to attend too!” Running away.

Couldn't help but act on the energy that flowed through me at the moment. This was an incredible new world. “Hey, wait a minute!” The man called after me. “I need to take a statement! You need to wait for the paramedics!” He didn't seem to be giving much of a chase though.

“Doctor Alexander York, you can find me later if you want, really have to go!” I grabbed the corner of the alley and made a tight turn down the relatively empty sidewalk.

-----

“It was Batman! Batman!” Leaping to grab a street light, I spun around a few times, landing with a flourish after my dismount. Actually felt myself beginning to laugh. “My god! This is Gotham!” Pretty sure I was the only one right now who could be excited about the blackened sky and dreary skyscrapers. Where was I going again?
Skyscraper in the distance with the initials “BI” in grand letters on the side. “Bell Industries. Right!” Checking my wristwatch for the time, I redouble my efforts, running down the sidewalk at an excited but human pace. I couldn't just fly there, I wanted to take in the sights! The shitty, shitty sights of a city in need of help! Batman was the one helping it!

In what felt like no time at all I was rushing past the front doors. “Docto- Doctor York!? Are you alright?”

Slowing to a speed walk on the way to the elevator, I greeted the receptionist with a smile. “Just dandy, Nancy! And how are you?”

“I'm fine, but your head, the blood!” She stood up from her desk to approach, even as I was waiting on the elevator.

She stood off behind me, a bit put off by my appearance. “Doctor, do you need medical attention?” The entire time I was checking myself out in the polished metal doors ahead of me. Stylish glasses? Classy man ponytail? Sexy face and figure? Lab coat only slightly bloody? Turtleneck? Formal pants and shoes?

Damn I'm looking good. Well, aside from the blood of course. “Just got mugged on the way over Nancy, I'll swing by the medical station after my meeting.” I licked my finger and brushed a bang out of my face. “Come on, scale of one to ten, how great do I look? Be honest now, I've got someone to impress.”

“Um, maybe you should sit down for a bit. Have you already informed the police?” She was highly concerned, I was grateful, truly. No time to slow down though.

“Nothing can delay the march of progress, Nancy! I'll sit down when I'm dead!” Said it with such zeal that she just awkwardly looked at me as I entered the elevator. “Progress, Nancy!” The elevator doors closed. I shimmied and swayed with the elevator music, whistling to myself. I'm in a world with superheroes, and in this case Batman was at my front door. How could I not be excited?
My body spun to a stop, my arms crossing in front of my chest. I rested against one of the walls as new occupants, toe tapping, a slight wave. The dinging of the elevator was rhythmic in its own way, but I had to check my watch again at the hold up. Probably should have just flown. How else would I have seen authentic citizens of Gotham though?

The new guy walked out, didn't even check what he looked like. Elevator started to go back up, and with a final ding, the doors opened up. “My floor!” I jumped out, sliding on my knees in excitement.

A stern looking man stood up from a desk situated outside a pair of great double doors. “Doctor York, contain yourse- is that blood?” His admonishment halted out of confusion.

Back to speed walking! “Sure is Steve! Got mugged! I'm cool though, thanks for asking!” I kicked the doors in, using light wind manipulation to open them first so no damage would be incurred. “Maou! Chief business lady, you there!?” Stepping straight into a grand, lavish office, my attention focused on the woman sitting at the mahogany desk across from me.

“Alexander! Right on ti- is that blood!” It was Maou alright, in her little fancy suit that looked so official, pen in hand.

Steve was right behind me. “You can't just bust into Ms Belzerg's office!”

As she walked around her desk to meet me. “What no how was your day? Blood isn't that interesting! Everyone keeps asking about it!”

She shoots the man behind me a look. “Mayers, it's fine. If you would I'd like to have a word with-” I spun that woman around, leaning her over and planting my lips on hers. After a moment passes, I stand her back up, spinning her around while she's still of guard. I watched her touch her lips, looking back to me. “Well hello Alex.” Steve got the most righteous look of indignation on his face.

“How are you hon?” A question asked by a smiling face, mine to be precise.

“I'm in a good mood. Have a seat though, please.” She looks over at Steve. “Get the icepack Mayers.” She guides me over to a chair, and I go along with her her pushing as Steve was getting something from a small fridge near his desk. I could sense it! Steve handed her off the icepack soon enough. “Please, close the doors, I wish to confer with him in private.”
Still noble sounding as she handed me the icepack, Steve reluctantly closed the doors. Finally her shoulder sagged. “Why were you so late?!” She seethed. “I just woke up at this desk signing papers and doing math! I didn't know math before! I'm in a suit!” She was keeping her voice down so Steve couldn't hear, I assume.

“Sorry hon. I got mugged!” I was too jubilant about that. Should I be considering that strange? “I'm here now though. Also, I met Batman!”

She looked confused, for a variety of reasons. “You got mugged? How? You're bad ass.” She rubbed her chin. “Wait, Batman is the guy with the. . .” She gestures, making head horns.

“Yeah! Batman! He's so cool!” I pulled the icepack away. “He was a comicbook superhero in my world you know.” Pointed at her to emphasize as she sat back down at her desk.

She stared at me with a strange look. “What's a comicbook?”

Wait, was that not something that filtered in with other stuff for her? “It's like a book, but with pictures! He was also in a bunch of movies and tv shows though.”

“Oooh. So like, if I was also a superhero, you'd think I was cool too. Right?” She looked coy, glancing between the wall and me, trying to appear inconspicuous. “Because, you know, I might be.”

Jumping over the desk to land in her lap like a kid visiting Santa at the mall, she looked somewhat alarmed at the look on my face. “I don't think you have any idea how cool I think that is. Are you an actual fucking superhero in this world? Like for real?”

She just stared, confused. “Yeah, I fought some bad guys with that Batman dude before too.” She clutched my back as I planted another kiss on her lips. After I pull away she looks listless. “Ooh, what are you gonna do if I get my costume?” She quickly shakes out of it though, standing up and putting me back on my feet, before digging around in one of her desk drawers.

“What are you getting?” I ask, staring over her shoulder. Soon, she pulls out a small pill bottle though.

“This is some medication, for you I think.” She rubs her temple. “I think I keep this for whenever you get all like this.”

“What do you mean?” I say while lounging across her desk. “I'm having trouble remembering anything at the moment.”

She stared at the pills. “Well, you get super energetic and weird sometimes I think. Like you can't think clearly and your heart is racing and stuff. So you take these and they help you get back to normal?”

“Downers or something then?” I ask, holding out my hand. “Why don't I have them?” She shrugs as I take a couple. I start jogging in circles around her office to help work off nervous energy, guess I have been acting kinda strange. “So, I'm pretty sure we had a meeting scheduled, and I didn't just run in here, what was that about?”

“We were going to talk business. You're the head of my. . .something department?” She looked confused, shrugging. “Computer technology I want to say? We're a tech company?”

I laughed a bit, not slowing down in my laps. “Aren't you the CEO? I'm pretty sure that's your job to know.”

“I moonlight as a superhero, give me a break.” She wines, before clearing her throat, putting her hands up like claws, striking a pose. “The hero of children, Gamera!” My legs slowed to a stop. When she emphasized with a light growl, my mouth fell open to gape a little. “What?” She asks, her pose drooping a bit.

In response, I walk up and hug her. “You're so fucking cute, you have no idea.”

“I thought I was supposed to be super cool.” She sounds mildly concerned, but seems to be enjoying the attention nonetheless. “Your heart is still really racing.”

“Yeah, I'm real fucking excited for some reason.” Honest, swear to god. “Can we talk about some other stuff other than business?” I say, breaking the hug a bit.

“Sure, what did you want to talk about? Anything is fine.” Complete sincerity. It almost made me feel bad.

“Well now I feel kinda bad since it's about money and stuff.” Was I not gonna be honest? Of course not.

She wasn't put off. “What do you want? I can buy whatever?”

“Probably not that easy. I'd like your help with saving the city from itself, and it's not just about beating up the bad guys.” There was stuff like revitalizing the local economy and producing jobs for the working class. Too many things to really cover quickly.

Just then, her intercom switched on. “Ma'am, great apologies for interrupting your meeting, but I believe you'll want to check the news.” The two of us trade a look as Maou taps a button on her desk. A small television reveals itself from a swiveling panel. Tapping several other buttons, she scans to the local news.
A breaking story on the emergence of a massive forest sprouting up in the warehouse district and sightings of monsters. “Would you like me to contact a helicopter for evacuation of whatever natural disaster or villain is responsible?” Shangreela was certainly not revealing herself in a subtle manner.

The two of us looked at each other, then back at the screen. Maou presses the intercom button. “That won't be necessary. Pull the car around, I'm going to approach the scene, Mayers.”

He attempts to talk her out of things. “Ma'am, are you sur-”

“Steve, get the car.” Maou repeated into the intercom, standing up up to brush her suit free of wrinkles. I followed suit, brushing her suit free of wrinkles, making her laugh again. “I appreciate it, but you can touch me more later.”

As the two of us began to leave her office, we noticed Steve still waiting for the elevator. Standing behind him, I could practically feel how nervous he was. Some memories were starting to return, but the thing that shot to mind. The lack of a ring on either of our fingers. “Oh, right, want to get married? Maybe around December when it's snowing?” We weren't married in this world.

“I'd love too! Mayers, schedule wedding plans, but closer to July. I hate the cold.” The exchange was casual to the point it almost felt like a joke being pulled on the guy, who just looked back at the two of us with the most perplexed of looks. This was a strange day for Steve, and it wasn't about to slow down.

-----

Steve sits in the front seat of a black Rolls Royce, I'd removed my lab coat and was currently being held in place with my head wiped down by Maou. “If there's anything being a princess CEO has taught me, it's that appearances are important. Why did you think walking around with blood all over you was a good idea?”

“I'm a mad scientist, those guys are never presentable. It's just a little blood.” She throws the cloth off to the side, having done as best she can.

Maou sighs. “Red is not your color.” Looking out the window. “We'll save this city?”

I straighten my glasses again, not even sure why I'm wearing them. “Yeah, no question. Especially if we're working together.”

“Yeah, no question.” She smiles, kicking a leg up and folding it over the other. “Is there any reason why, besides the two of us being super cool?”

Grabbed a comb to fix up my hair a bit. “Yeah, Batman is one of my heroes. That man cares more about the people of Gotham and his own villains more than just about anyone else.” Tossed the comb aside. “Good?”

“Yeah, lookin good.”  She said with a smile and a thumbs up. “Go on?”

Setting my hands up in a frame again. “Something that came to mind was how he really cares about rehabilitating those with poor mental health.”

“Does he now?” She asks, honestly curiosity.

“Yeah, he's a super cool guy and will sometimes talk to them directly about their problems and stuff.” I licked my lips. “There's a problem there though, in that he keeps sending people to Arkham. Well, the police do.”

“Why is that a problem? Arkham is the place for the criminally insane, right?” She leaned her head against her fist.

“Yeah but in the old stories I used to read, Arkham suuuuucked. It's not secure, it's poorly staffed, people get out all the time with few results for actually helping anyone locked up there.” My arms flew apart in exasperation. “I mean, think about it. All the supervillains pretty much get sent there and it does nothing but delay their criminal pursuits.”

“Mmm, I do remember hearing about the breaches of security pretty often over the news. You're not wrong in thinking a good deal of the city's problems result from Arkham's shittiness.” She hums to herself, the two of us entering a silence for the next few minutes as Steve continues to drive.
There was more traffic coming away from the warehouse district than going towards it. Understandable given the panic wrapped around the appearance of a sudden forest and monsters. No one wanted to be on the scene of that. We heeded to do something about this sooner rather than later or Gotham would be in even more peril.
As the two of us arrive on the scene, we take note of police and news crews hanging outside of a strange webbing of vines that had encircled the forest. Shangreela was way ahead of us then. Did she capture the entire forest before it could spread further? “Mayers.” Maou addressed her secretary as we stepped out. “Draw up papers for the purchase of Arkham Asylum.”

Just like that huh? Just going to buy Arkham Asylum? I had to keep watching Steve's face as we walked towards the commotion. His perpetual confusion of the day grew another step, and I delighted in it. “You're being pretty mean to Steve today.”

“What are you talking about?” Genuine confusion. “Mean?”

Before I could answer her, news crews began to rush us. “Maou Belzerg, of Bell Industries? What's the reason for your arrival on the scene of this bizarre event?” “Ms Belzerg what do you estimate the losses to be from the property contained in this emerging forest?” “Arriving in person is highly unusual for someone of your status. Do you have some hand in the events occurring just behind us?”

Maou handled herself magnificently, putting the CEO act back on. “The moment I was made aware of this freak disaster in my city I couldn't stay away. I'm unsure of the extent of the damages to the area and would need to consult a survey team. I have no involvement yet, but I will be involved at the nearest convenient once I know the details of what's going on.”
She continued to push past them as she answered. Police cut us off before we could move further. “Kicked that interview's ass.” She whispered to me beneath the current chaos.

“No moving past this line. Public safety is still a definitive concern still at this time.” Even now more emergency crews appeared to be on standby. “We'll provide more information at the nearest possible time, but for now everyone needs to move back!” Among them, a wider set man appearing familiar approaches me.

“Hey, you, don't move.” He flips a badge at me. “Detective Harvey Bullock, I need to ask you a few questions about today's earlier assault on your person.” He moves to guide me away from the cameras, annoyed by all the attention. The crews instead turning to Maou to question what was just overheard.
“When a member of the law asks you to sit still, you sit still. Now what could have been so important that you ignore this bit of common sense, huh?” He seemed pretty angry about me running away earlier, taking a notepad and flipping it open.

“Well, a marriage proposal, among other things.” Not entirely truthful, though that did eventually happen.

“Marriage, huh? You just got here checking out this freakshow and you expect me to believe you needed to go propose to some dame? Right.” He licks the tip of his pencil and sets himself up to write. “Now, on a scale of one to ten, how sure are you that it wasn't Batman himself that clobbered you, and those crooks were just convenient bystanders? Follow up, do you think Batman did this?”
His second question was emphasized with a gesture at the webbed forest.

Whatever questioning could have happened was interrupted by activity in the vine walls behind. Commotion raised as something twisted and turned behind, until eventually a tunnel opened in the wall. A blonde woman with horns exited first, before calling back and standing aside. Various men and women trickled from the spontaneous vine tunnel.
Some appeared fine, others appeared injured and were being supported by others. “We have injured and request aid!” The woman called, standby medical aid and police sent into a frenzy to try and care for the sudden arrival of those who escaped. Ambulances were being loaded, though not as many as what would be expected.
Sha had appeared, every bit the merciful maiden she had grown into the role of, even stopping to wait with a young teenage girl by the looks of it. I could overhear an exchange between her and an older looking man, possibly a detective. “Her name is Maggie Smith, she's very afraid and just wants to go back to her family.”

“Don't worry, we'll find them. Thank you, whoever you are.” He appeared to be someone in charge, comforting the young girl while directing other officers around the area. That had to be Commissioner Gordon, huh? The two of them walked past Harvey and I, Gordon directing the detective elsewhere. “You know I have a daughter not much older than you.”
I heard him mention to the girl, before he moved too far away. It was chaos, and the news crews rushing in didn't help matters much. At least without direct questioning I could move in to help however I could.

“What part did you play in the rescue of Gotham citizens?!” “Do you know who might be responsible for the destruction behind us as we speak?!” “Are you involved in the emergence of this forest!?” These questions and more directed at her in a flurry. She never stopped, moving gracefully to continue helping all those she'd come into contact with.

“I'm afraid this is my fault.” She helped support a man, lying blatantly. If this was anyone's fault it was mine. “This forest is my domain, and I'm afraid my awakening caused it to spread irresponsibly.”

“What exactly do you mean your domain?!” “Irresponsibility is an understatement if all of this is a result of your actions!” “Who are you!?”

“Get out of the lady's face, she's trying to help right now and can explain herself when she explains herself!” I busted in a bit, pushing the cameras out of her face as she continues to navigate the crowds. She shoots me a small smile, recognizing me near immediately. I just had to return it, it'd be rude not too.

Then, she said something that would ripple throughout society. Looking straight into the lens of one of cameras, she made her statement. “My name is Shangreela, goddess of nature. It was by my power that this forest appeared, and by my power that it was contained. I am unfamiliar with this world, but will seek to make amends however I can for the mess I've caused for those who lived here.”

Questions slowed to a stop at that, a great declaration being dropped. “Don't worry, Gotham can come back from this, and I'll be doing my best to help from an economic side of things! Bell Industries has the money and resources to get the city past this freak accident!” Maou put her arm around Shangreela's shoulder. “I feel a connection to this woman! Her regret is my regret, and I'll help her make amends!”
That was oddly clever of her, using the silence and attention directed at Sha to insert herself and steal it away. Sha passed her a smile while going back to helping those caught within the forest. The news crews focused their attention on Maou and what she'd be doing regarding the spontaneous forest, how she would be moving forward with the city.
“With her abilities as she's stated, it is my theory that not all is lost, and that this woman should she not be bogged down under the weight of litigation can help the city plunge back into the lost ground to recover objects of worth, sentimental or otherwise, left behind by Gotham's citizens!” I feel like she might just be bullshitting at this point, but it definitely sounded good.

The scene was still buzzing with activity, but the news crews dispersed across the area, field reporters addressing those watching and those still in the studio to break down everything going on. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure watching from the distant rooftops, knowing this was only the beginning.

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(Chapter 2)
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A woman peeks into my office. “Call on line one Mr.York.” As she leaves, a sigh escapes me.

“Hello?” I ask, after pressing a button on the phone's keypad. {Use my hero name.} Maou? Taking it off speaker phone and pressing it to my ear, I speak again. “Gamera? Is everything alright?” {Yes citizen. Just wishing to ask how the situation is going with the visitors.} One sigh rolls into another. Picking up the keypad and moving over to the window of my office, I begin peeking through the blinds.

I look out into a great lab where scientists and great minds from all walks of life can be found conversing and working on one thing or another. Sticking out like a sore thumb, two individuals stand next to each other in the middle of all this. A tall red headed man, and a small Asian woman looking like they're from the MIB.
“The ‘Branch Manager’ is messing around with one of the prototypes. The ‘Intern’ looks bored.” I called them a man and woman, but they really looked like they were on the younger side to me. {So they're not causing any trouble then? Not sabotaging things, citizen?} “I wouldn't say no to the former, but they seem content without the latter.”
The small Asian woman, ‘Usagi’, just grabbed one of the passing scientists and seemed to be asking questions about the game she was playing.

“Who are these people again?” I asked, honestly confused what they were doing in my lab, stepping away from the blinds when it looked like they spotted me again. {Uh, some family asked if they could send someone over to observe someone successful in life. They asked nicely.} She was being kinda vague. {Hey, I need to ask a favor.}
“Another one, you mean? I'm still trying to get my people here up to speed.” Normal people needed time when being taught how to do things. They don't have the power to just buy skills like me. {I know, I know, but you're super good at that. We've got time.} I grumbled a bit, but she was right. “Alright, so what's the favor?”

{You got change for a ten?} Wait, what? “Run that by me again?” {Sweet thanks.} Her voice was muffled. Who was she talking too? Was that jingling sound a hand full of coins? {Alright, sorry about that. Okay, so like, if you go out into Gotham or anything for like, lunch, could you call me later if you see any small people in green cloaks? Like a leprechaun or whatever?}
Small- lep- what the fuck? “Gamera, where are you calling me from?” {Uum. . .nowhere in particular. Why do you ask citizen?} Oh no, no getting out of this. “Gamera, are you at a payphone right now? In costume?” {Citizen! How are your endeavors in uh, science?!} That was a yes, that was definitely a yes. Damnit Maou.

“Well I've got some advanced computers and game system 'prototypes' sitting around for my assistants to study, but it's still gonna be a bit before they fully familiarize themselves and get the ability to reproduce or innovate any of it on their own.” Of course it would, even if with [Emperor] and telling them how stuff works, those things were still magically upgraded devices from another world.
[Emperor] the skill acquired decades ago from my dedicated leadership of giant bees that surrounded me like family. Morale, teamwork, loyalty, any who fell under my banner were instilled with positive traits that helped them move at my direction. I might not be any sort of king or emperor, but being someone's boss was a good substitute for the skill apparently.

{Sounds good, sounds good.} She was sidestepping. “What is this business about small people in green cloaks?” Her voice gets a bit muffled and loud, even though it sounds like she's whispering. Cupping her hand over the phone? {I think they might be kids, but I don't know for sure, or why they're stealing from people all over the city.} Well that's no good.
Putting on the most serious tone I could, I whispered back. “How young are we talking here?”

{The reports I've been looking into make them sound like they're pretty small, so, ten-ish maybe? They're supposed to disappear after their crimes, so I was hoping since you had ways of finding things that you could maybe take a look around?} She said it like it was a question, but she must have known that I couldn't turn her down here.
“Yeah, anything I can do hon. I'll drop by and seeee. . .the sites around town.” I caught myself, given Maou wanted to not let anything too revealing go. “You're not alone, are you?” {No, bit of a line I'm afraid.} “Just wanted a sounding board to work things through, huh?” {Mmhm.} When you needed help thinking, you needed help thinking.

I smoothed my hair back, leaning back in my office chair at the same time. “Did you want to talk over anything else?” {No, thank you citizen. I'm going to hang up now.} “Right, how am I going to call you later before we hang up?” Made her pause. {Uuuh, I'll drop by my house this afternoon to do some research online. You can reach me then?}
“Okay, bye Gamera.” {Goodbye nameless citizen!} I waited for her to hang up, but heard her whisper- {I love you.} -before the click. “Ah you ass, why are you the only one who gets to say it?” The phone was put down after a sigh, and I was kicking up out of my chair to hit the city. The moment I touched the doorknob though, I rounded back to my desk and started rummaging in a drawer.
Pills, two of them. Medicated for now, now back to the mission at hand. Never could tell if they were working.

Strutting into the lab, straightening my coat. “Mr.York, where are you departing?” Doing my best to ignore the lab invaders. “Mr.York?” Hitting the elevator button with subtle wind manipulation and jogging to the elevator before they can catch up. “York!” They were following me!

Those who actually worked here looked past my behavior, continuing their normal day to day. “I'll be back later! Best of luck everyone!” One brave leap into the elevator was followed by prodigious button pressing. Alas, for my efforts were in vein. “Aw fuck.”

The two had ran in before the elevator left. Surprisingly nimble for a couple of people in suits. “Mr.York, that wasn't very nice.”

“I'm going on a jog around the city, you two can, I dunno, stay in the lobby.” It was bit hard to get my ambitions and goals rolling with these two hanging on, and it was going to be difficult surveying the city and acting upon it if I could never be anything other than a normal scientist in front of them.

“As you were told by your boss, we have been left in your care for the foreseeable future.” The small brunette smugged at me and I did not appreciate it. “As such, we shall be staying by your side for the foreseeable future.” Her accent wasn't as heavy as you would really expect for someone from overseas.

Gearing up to roll my eyes and pout like a mature adult, I heard a small smack to my side. Didn't need to look, I knew the young man bapped her on the head. “You stole that from the lab?!” He whispered, no foreign accent at all, which is mildly confusing given why he's here. “We're going to get kicked out if you keep this up?”

In response, she steps on his toes and elbows him in the ribs. “I didn't mean to take it, moron.” They're missing a member if they want to be the Three Stooges. “I just forgot to put it down.” I could be stooge three.

“Well then give it back!” I'm right here, quit arguing like I can't hear you.

She was holding him off with a raised foot, keeping the hand held system and game away. “It would be a shame to not take advantage of the situation.” Could not blame her for wanting to keep it. I'd be more offended if she didn't, my games were internationally acclaimed.

Ah fuck it. “She can keep playing the game, for now.” As long as she reviews it.

The two stare at me and finally break apart, the elevator dings upon hitting the ground floor, and I start running the moment I'm set free. “Hey, where are you going!?” I heard one of them call from behind me. Not that I was really paying attention with the wind in my hair.

-----

These two were fucking persistent. I know I wasn't running outside of normal human limits but I'd been running for a while and they were just keeping up. The smaller woman was looking only mildly winded which was boggling the mind since she's got short legs and was supposed to be a business woman. Right? The young man didn't even look phased though.
They definitely weren't normal, but I didn't really know what kind of not normal that might have been. Didn't help that ‘Usagi’ and ‘Moon’ were codenames. The young man looked at the woman like she was stupid when she introduced them like that. I wasn't even running where I planned to go until I tired them out, just looking around with my field of awareness for suspicious activity.
Guess that plan's a bit of a bust though.

“-in further news. Continued efforts by the city have been unsuccessful in pushing back the green veil that-” The three of us ran past an electronics store, but the moment I was allowed to process what I heard, I made a u-turn.

My sudden change in demeanor struck my followers as odd. “What kind of scientist sprints for twenty minute straight?” Moon asks, standing straight and suddenly huffing and puffing. Your ruse has no hold on me, I don't see a bead of fucking sweat on your brow!

Usagi was making an attempt at not being tired, but that would be borderline impossible for normal people after how ragged I ran them. “Have we arrived at our destination, York?” Asking with a smile, as if she wasn't annoyed. So she wasn't buying that jogging excuse then?

Ignoring them for now, I continue watching the news. As with most days, the topic of spontaneous destruction and growth was a pretty big deal. “I just don't know why she hasn't been brought to justice yet. I mean, I mean. . .just look at what she's done, by her own words, and the outrage regarding it. What do you think Irons?”

A correspondent at the other side of the table clasps his hands together and leans forward. “Well, you have to look at it from both an economic perspective, and a social perspective John. Personally I've been delving pretty heavily into what kind of backlash she's getting, and it may surprise you to learn it's mostly the upper middleclass of Gotham showing signs of concern.”

John crossed his arms in surprise. “That does surprise me. Can you tell me and our viewers at home more?”

The rotund man named Irons licks his lips before continuing. “As we all know, the CEO of Bell Industries inserted herself in the scene almost as soon as she could. The moment money was involved, local officials whether corrupt or simply seeing a means of recovery slowed down the legal processes of the case.”

John nods his head. “I'm following you so far Irons. Money talks.”

Irons held up his hands as if to emphasize. “Well, from that first day onward, Ms.Belzerg has been campaigning with the wealthy social elites of the city. I've never had the pleasure of conversing with her personally, but by all reports she's quite charismatic. Her charisma and social status is selling the idea of trusting this goddess with the upperclass. I'm willing to bet her own wealth is factoring in too.”

John starts shaking his hands. “Hold on, hold on, hold on. So what if BI's CEO is charming the upperclass, Irons? Why is the lowerclass fine with the state of things when they're arguably the most affected by this sudden disaster? We've talked for weeks on this show now on the state of the apartments and warehouses that were in the area, and how they were often chosen as homes for the desperate.”

Irons leans back in his chair, looking like he was ceding a point. “You're right John, but that's the most interesting part of all. Those peoples of Gotham have found belief in this goddess. Honest to goodness faith.”

John goes back to crossing his arms, and gives a mock look of disbelief. “I find that hard to believe.” No shit? Couldn't tell.

“It's true.” Irons wasn't fighting very hard, just continuing to speak. “After being allowed to breath more, my reports say this Shangreela woman has been welcoming those displaced back in and seeing surprising popularity. Free food, free housing, free medicine, free advice in times of weakness. For those who didn't have much and now have nothing, they see a goddess descending to Earth.”

John stares back at the camera. “This is really interesting stuff folks. We'll be right back after a commercial break with the round table, where we'll continue talking with political analyst Tim Irons. The supposed goddess Shangreela, menace or savior? We'll have to wait and see.”

. . .

“Are you okay?” Moon shook my shoulder, and brought me out of my daze.

Noticing my nails chewed down to nubs, I blinked, then turned to him. “Yeah, I'm fine. We're going to pay a visit to someone.” Ah, we now, huh? Regardless, they didn't look like they were raising any complaints. Good, I'd high leg it out of here.

“Eh?” ‘Usagi’ looked up from the game and groaned at my change of pace. “Kuso!”

-----

Ground zero of the deep wood's appearance. I stared long and hard, as I have every day I've come to visit. The forest was tightly bound in a web of vines to contain it. Sandbags and other rudimentary walls were built up around it, with the exception of tunnels that Sha herself had made and were uselessly braced with manmade constructs.
The compulsion to touch the walls as I hastily walked deeper inside was strong. The texture of the walls and their hastily constructed, labyrinthian nature would leave many confused were it not for signs hanging at various forks and crossroads. Didn't need them, personally.

“Mr.York, what is the purpose of this visit, if I may ask?” Usagi was rather tired at this point, but she wasn't letting it show. Much. Still needed to brush some bangs out of her face and adjust her sunglasses.

“Already mentioned. We're paying a visit to someone. Maou trusts me with checking how things are going here among other things.” I looked left and right, a gesture that meant nothing, I was sensing things out through other means as I decided our path.

“She trusts you with much from my appraisal.” She releases a deep breath. “You have proven to be a dependable employee then?” At my humming, she nods. “Then I assume you are quite close to her?”

“We're getting married in October?” I mention offhand.

“A momentous occasion!” She clasped her hands a nice, sparkly smile on her face. You smile way too much for someone who isn't feeling it.

At her ribbing, Moon speaks up too. “Ah, congratulations I guess.” This kid confused me a lot more than the small Asian woman who was definitely from overseas like Maou mentioned. He was native, he didn't wear that suit well yet, and he was kinda awkward in the environment. Where the hell did he get picked up, and why did he care less about games than this mildly creepy lady, damnit?

Not really sure how to take their insincere congratulations, I phoned it in. “Yeah, thank you, I guess.” Continuing to take them through one path to the next, making a show of not knowing precisely where I'm going.

Moon tilted his head while looking at my back. “Hey, shouldn't you be a bit more cheerful or something about getting married?” Nearly doubling over when Usagi elbowed him in the stomach.

I slowed to a stop in the passageway. They really were getting on my nerves too much, almost bizarrely so. “Marriage is mostly a formality. We've already spent years in love. We just never made time for rings and a ceremony.”

“He meant no offense of course, just expressing the curiosity of youth.” The face being put up by the corporate infiltrator annoyed me just a little bit more than young inexperience.

Beginning to chew my lip during pauses. “Why are you here?” Probably not the best time to be asking this, but the bold seize victory. “The both of you, why are you here with me right now?”

Usagi's smile seemed just a bit more strained. “I hail from the proud Shikazoku family, sent to learn from the success of Maou Belzerg. She is of relation to my family, and as such a valuable reference for success.” She gestured to Moon. “This young man was hired locally to help me acclimate to my new surroundings. I deeply apologize for whatever rudeness he has displayed.”

My leer eyes flick between the two. Silence settled over the three of us uncomfortably until Moon cautiously pointed at my lip. “You should probably stop that.”

Raising a few fingers to touch my lip, my inspection revealed blood. Medication wasn't working. “Thank you for that.” Smiling and waving it off, I start to go back down the path I'd chosen before. A few moments of walking, one last question gets directed from me to them, a gift. “I'm busy right now, but I'm sure your weird aliases have a good explanation too?” This smile of mine was genuine.

With no time at all, formalities of being confused dropped, the three of us exit into what was once a mundane warehouse. Now supported by wooden reinforcement and vines, this place was one of several fortified nexuses of Shangreela's faithful, law enforcement oversight and BI's in-house construction crews. In the middle of the activity, Shangreela, the other woman I loved so deeply.

Previous agitation swelled up, since I knew I'd have to act casually around her with my entourage. “Goddess Shangreela.” I greeted, arms opened wide.

“Alexander York, it's good to see you.” She replied, understanding the situation. If I had to hazard a guess, she was likely annoyed too. After the two of use broke from our hug, she continued. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Can we walk and talk?” I ask, though notice her glancing around the area. “It'll be quick, promise.”

“For a time then.” She agrees, though there's a small hint of sadness in her eyes.

“You two hang out for a bit, I'll pick you back up when we go to leave.” While normally they'd probably not listen, I think I gave them the impression they're walking on thin ice and that I was more important than I was supposed to be. They just look like they half-agreed, but don't raise up much resistance.
The two of us begin to walk away, tracing a path around the walls so no one can overhear too well about any one thing. “How has your day been going Sha?”

“It's been busy as every day since arrival.” She answers honestly. “Fulfilling work though, especially as I've been cleared to partition out gardens.”

“Yeah? Whatcha need the gardens and stuff for?” It was a good question I thought when she could all but spontaneously grow damn near whatever she wanted. “It's not like you'd be hard pressed to feed everyone under your own power. You wouldn't even break a sweat.”

“Rehabilitation.” She began simply. “Some of those that now follow me and seek asylum came from backgrounds of ill repute. I know few other pursuits that can instill patience and contentedness.” Her smile widened. “They trust me, and I won't betray that trust.” She waved at a family eating together. “You can't be visiting just to see me though. All three of us are up to our necks in busy work.”

“I wish.” Following that up with a shrug. “Maou asked a favor, and I figured you could help.” Clicking my tongue, I figured I'd speak my mind just a bit more. “Plus I like having excuses to come see you.”

“Hmhm, I'll In any way I can from where I stand.” We wrapped around a corner, and I could see Usagi and Moon just meandering about where I left them.

My attention went right back to her. “There's a small crimewave shooting over Gotham, and Maou wanted my help seeing if I could find small people in green cloaks that have been stealing from others. She thinks they're kids, and that's really not great if true.” A skip and a hop entered my steps. Walking sedately was difficult.

“There are many children who pass through here, but I can't say if I took note of what they wore.” Mm, I figured that might be the case. “However, I have to say if you wait around here long enough, you may run into the ones you're looking for.”

Raising an eyebrow, I ask. “Why do you say that?” She had my interest. “If you can't say for sure whether you've seen anyone matching that description, what makes you think they come around here?”

“If children are picking pockets, that must mean they lack money or a good home, maybe both.” She gestures out to the open space. “Almost everyone you see here needs this place. They have difficulty providing for themselves, and I give them mercy. If these children need the money for food or medicine, they're just as likely to seek those necessities here.”
She sighs. “That's if these really are children, and if these are crimes motivated by necessity rather than greed, though.” Running a lot of ifs and maybes for sure.

“Hmhm, if you'll have us for a little while, I could use a breath of fresh air.” Exciting as it was to land in Gotham, it wasn't a nice place to live in, and not just for the obvious reasons.

She rested a single hand on my shoulder. “If I could have it, you'd never leave my side.”

My smile got a bit forlorn. “Then we'll be staying for a while.” My focus flicked away. “Even if I already found what I was looking for.”

-----

A small girl in a green cloak had attempted to sneak away into the tunnels of the webbed forest, having pickpocketed Moon and desiring a getaway. He'd noticed only when she'd already slipped away, followed by her and his partner running off after her. Their lapse in focus on me allowed me to easily slip away though, catching the girl before she could make it far.
It paid to be able to fly faster than most could see and swim through walls. Moon was confused how I'd slipped in front of them, but I waved it off as knowing the tunnels better. The problems came from when the girl started crying when asked to give Moon back his wallet. Not to say she didn't, but I didn't really know how to comfort her since I had no expertise in this field.

That's about when everyone else around me proceeded to show off far more experience with this sort of thing. “Look at the dog! Ruff ruff!” Moon got help from another kid nearby, a small boy with a stuffed dog. For a stoic kid himself he was putting on a show for the two. The second kid's parents were watching from nearby.

The girl was still nervous looking, not really smiling, but she stopped crying. “What is the dog's name?” Sha asked the boy to her right, holding the thief girl in her lap.

“Batman.” The boy said, smiling.

Moon stopped barking with his normal voice at that. “Batman?” The kid nodded. “So he'd talk and bark like this?” Moon asked, lowering his voice and making it sound gruff. The two kids laughed. “I am vengeance. I beat up monsters in the dark.” He continued to mime through the dog, throwing on an exaggerated frown.

Alright, I liked this guy. Kinda thought he was taking himself too seriously before but this was putting a smile on my face. “Where'd you pick this guy up again?” I asked Usagi.

“Confidential information.” She mentioned evenly, I could tell she was amused too. “Do you think she was separated from her parents?”

“Maybe. We need to ask her a few questions though once she's calm.” Honesty was the best policy.

The two of us watched on until Moon returned the dog to the boy, allowing the two kids and Sha to talk as he walked back over to us. “Can we not report this? She didn't get away with anything, all my cash and cards are still here.” He looks back. “My sisters are around her age.” Now things were making a bit more sense.

“Report what?” I asked. “Didn't see a thing.” He nodded, catching on quick enough. “Do you think I could ask her a few questions?”

“Why are you asking me?” Moon seemed confused.

Shrugging back at him, I had to admit just not knowing how to proceed. “What do you want to ask her?” Usagi asked me from my side.

“Preferably if she has any involvement in the recent thefts. Who is making her steal? Stuff like that.” Couldn't hurt to tell her. “News of short people matching her description have been stealing from Gotham's social elite recently.”

She looked at the prototype in her hand. The game she'd been playing. “You don't mind if this gets a little dirty, right?”

“Not at all. Just don't break it if you can help it.” What did she have planned? Usagi walked over to sit next to Sha, showing the screen to the girl. The two began to talk, quietly, from there. “Can you tell me anything about your partner over there?”

“She's a complete ass and constantly throws up red flags.” Well jeez, Moon, harsh much? “Kinda weird, kinda violent, but she's alright.”

“Is that it?” I asked, since he seemed to be finished. “You work for her.”

“I haven't worked for her long. She's just a naggy woman who looks like a brat to me right now.” His arms are crossed, his head tilts. “I don't think think she's a bad person, if you're asking about that?”

“Not a bad person, huh?” It wasn't directed at anyone in particular. Nevertheless, the question without a recipient found its answer when Sha, Usagi and the two kids all performed the same pose. I recognized it easy, the one made by one of the characters in ‘King's Story’. So that's what she was playing then, huh? Moon for his part was clutching the bridge of his nose.

Eventually, the game was handed off to Sha, who continued to play it so the two kids could keep watching. Usagi hopped up to talk to us, taking the most sincerely serious tone I've heard since meeting her. “Her name is ‘White Bread’.” That's not a normal name. “She works for a man named Sewer King who she's deeply afraid of, and I received directions. What are we doing with this information?”

“Do you have a notepad on you?” She nods. “Write down the directions. I'll call it in while you two stay with her.” She took out her notepad and started writing out directions, getting Moon's help with some local colloquialisms as I watched Sha and the girl.

The two looked over the notes, seeming content before offering it to me. “Here, this is what she told me as best I can write it.” I take the notepad from her, glancing down to read it over.

Nodding while looking between them, I just had to say what was on my mind. “I don't really know what you two are up too, but thanks. I'll be right back.” Turning around to run up some nearby stairs, I popped into an office joined to the warehouse. It was likely used by whoever owned the place before to keep track of what was stored here, but right now I just needed the phone.

Hoping she was home, I made the call. One ring, two ring, three ring- “Hello?” Maou picked up the phone.

The door was shut behind me by a light gust of wind, and I took a seat on the desk. “Alright hero, let's talk about that investigation of yours.”

===============================================================================================================
(Chapter 3)
===============================================================================================================

“Veronia!” Maou enthusiastically greeted her guest.

“Maou! Doll!” That enthusiasm was returned twofold as her redheaded party guest met her near the entrance.

I stood back awkwardly greeting the woman who waved her fingers back and rushed in to the party going on behind us. The two of us continued to wait and greet those who arrived. Maou has gathered Gotham's social elite to mark the reopening of Arkham Asylum as one of celebration. I was here to support her, even if this wasn't really my scene.
Well, supporting her wasn't really my only position here. As the appointed administrator of the new facilities, it was all but required I show my face in this place. “Usagi, Moon.” The mysterious twosome had arrived, though somewhat. They had promised to keep out of the way and Maou liked them, so here they were. Kinda hoped after greeting them they'd head further in, but that was not to be the case.

“I wasn't aware you you possessed the ability to wear any other clothes.” Usagi shook my hand. “You should dress up more, very smooth.”

The look she was giving me was the same as always, too nice. The two removing their sunglasses for the affair only made that stand out. “Bit restrictive, and it's not really my kind of smooth.” Trading a look with Moon, I knew I had an ally there. “How about you head into the party, network or something for your family.”

“Oh, but we were hoping to have a more extended conversation with you.” She continued to stare into my eyes, almost unnerving, but not quite young lady. “In particular your theories on the leak in your operation. We had found it strange how that might be when you visited the site almost daily.”

A week previously, the news had gotten hold of what I was planning for the facility. Integrated technology and its purpose in treatment, the phrasing used around it. The propositions and experimental nature of my plans had me lambasted in the media and receiving additional attention from the medical community.
Audibly sighing, I gave her the same chewed up reply given to everyone else who asked. “Not terribly sure how anything could have gotten out. Security consultants and seasoned guards were brought in from around the country. We're currently investigating and will arrive at a conclusion soon.”

Even as Maou joined me and we retreated further into the venue, my persistent hangers on stuck close by. “May I inquire into what was revealed, and how much of it is accurate?” Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Moon reject a drink from one of the passing waiters. How young is he?

“Come on now Usagi, have a bit of social awareness.” Maou wrapped an arm around the smaller woman. “This is a party, enjoy yourself a bit. Here, check out the hors d'oeuvres.” Maou hailed another waiter with tiny sandwiches and overly. expensive skewers. I was grateful for the diversion.

Moon hadn't said much as usual, I feel as if he was mostly around to clarify things for Usagi. Maybe that was exactly why he was around? Was I told that before? My opinion of his partner went up and down. That is to say, my opinion rose when she wasn't talking to Maou or I, and dropped when she was. Something about the false kindness, the formality, the persistent digging.
She was all but trying to be suspicious, but I had no idea if she was even dangerous. “My apologies for eavesdropping, did the topic of Arkham's new facilities come up?”

My eyebrows soared as I sipped some from my tiny martini. Bruce Wayne? “Brucey! I didn't notice you slip in!” Maou gave him a hug, he was one of her few actual friends within this social scene. “You don't really want to hear about any of that at a time like this, do you?”

“Hahah, I apologize, on both parts. You know I'm not one for the usual droll talk about gourmet fads and such though. Please, may I sit in? This had my interest from the first leak.” Now this was faux formality I could get used too. The Bruce Wayne is interested. Was I the only one at this party who knew his real identity? “Doctor York, it wouldn't trouble you too much, would it?”

“Well when the Bruce Wayne asks, how can I say no?” Was I going to refer to him as the Bruce Wayne every time? Maybe. “I don't mind the eavesdropping, but let's try to keep it to a minimum.” Usagi kept her smile but it seemed just a bit more forced now, especially with Moon's light smile to her side.

“Sorry, I'll have to stay here for now. It is the hosts duty to never be far away, after all.” Maou kissed me on the cheek and walked off into the party with a wave. My smile shrunk just a bit.

Before we continued to speak, I lead the small group to one corner of the balcony. Downing the rest of my martini, I asked. “Where would you like to start?”

He hummed to himself, pretending he was actually thinking about it and hadn't thought this all through ahead of time. Fuckin Batman. “Well, I think that's obvious. The terminology of games came off as concerning.”

“Ah.” Of course it did. If the media says Arkham's new policy is to have insane deviants and criminals, there's probably questions that are going to be asked. “How could it not?” Martinis taste like ass, but I wish I had another about now. “For lack of a better term, I'll be designing games for those imprisoned within Arkham. They're not normal games of course, and entertainment isn't the main purpose.”
I leaned against the railing. “Games can be many things. Some can be picked up and put down within minutes, leaving the player content. Others can have engaging stories that pull the player in, captivating them, making them desire an answer to what comes next.” I mulled over my next words carefully. “Imagine, if you will, if the narratives I crafted led the way to their good health.”

“It certainly sounds idealistic, but it's hard to say I have much confidence in such methods.” More depressing than you would think to hear that, but I can understand the thought process. “How would you plan to do this within any reasonable timeframe, or any reasonable degree of accuracy? What guarantees engagement and results in this dream scenario?”

Beginning to chew on the skin of my lip, I continued. “You're well aware of my field of expertise.”

“A genius in computer engineering and artificial intelligence.” Usagi noted, trying to answer it like a test. That kinda made me smile. “Someone just on the cusp of greatness.”

“Yes, but how does that factor in, doctor?” Bruce asked, spring boarding off of Usagi's answer.

“Simulations Bruce, simulations of the mind.” I tapped my skull. “I've developed unique technologies to scan and interact with the mind, and to test copies within a controlled environment. Working with psychologists brought in from around the country by my wife, I can generate games and narratives that captivate a given target and treat them the way the true professionals in mental health dictate.”
This was a half truth of course. I couldn't say magic game making abilities, or divine authority over games would allow me to use the former processes as the key to game development within the span of days, or the power of my treatments from game quality alone. “This technology has the potential to help those who no one else can. But we're still going light on treatments to monitor the results at first.”

He stared out into the city for a good long time. “The importance of treating this mentally ill criminals, and the trust the city puts into professionals charged with protecting it. You're not underestimating either, are you?”

“I care too Bruce, for various reasons.” Was I too quick to answer? Now I sounded desperate.

An awkward silence settled in. “So.” Moon was the one to break it? “About that whole brainwashing people in their sleep thing. Is that a thing?” Thank you for the phrasing Moon. Fantastic.

“Relays built beneath the rooms at Arkham will transmit the games to the minds of those interned once it senses the lowered heart rate and calm breathing characteristic of sleep.” I point at my eyes. “It triggers rem sleep, having them dream the game.” Damn is it getting hot out here or is it just me? “Removes the need for those in our care to interact with equipment, directly targets the subconscious.”
Lip now raw, I stopped myself from drawing blood this time. It tended to freak people out. What else could I say to instill some confidence in me hear?

“What potential sideeffects come from this direct tampering with the brain.” Bruce questions.

That's great for me, actually. “That's the thing, by itself the technology doesn't directly tamper with the brain. It's not really something to the effect of brainwashing, as much as having those people pick up, view and interact with a broadcast. There's no inherent danger or risk to their health. Not with anything we're designing to be transmitted with that interface.”

Bruce holds up his hand to turn down the offer of a drink from one of the party's waiters. “You say anything that you're designing. Could this technology be theoretically used by external threats, or those held inside Arkham's walls, towards dangerous ends?” He caught that huh.

“Well, yes, in the same way that a microwave or electrical cable could.” I explained. “The development and programming is all done in-house, so it'd take someone basically reverse engineering the whole thing to take it and do anything with it besides what is already being done. I'm the only one with the clearance to operate any of it right now too, so it would take gross negligence for anyone inside to use it.”
Did I make my case well enough?

“Alex, come here, something is happening.” Maou alerted me, a serious look on her face. The small group of us followed her back into the party, and I could feel a gnawing sensation at my gut. A big screen had descended from the ceiling, revealing the Riddler. That wasn't what made my heart drop though.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” He spoke with a grin on his face. “Would anyone like to take a chance and answer the riddle of where I am right now?” He was sitting at a familiar desk, and drummed his fingers atop a nameplate reading ‘Dr. Alexander Y. York’. That was my office at Arkham.

I let out a long, disgusted sigh. “Fuck me.” There was a light gasp nearby, but I could not care less about maintaining a prim and proper manner of speech right now. How in the fuck shit did he break in?

“When I heard the new management at the asylum was such a fan of games, I thought two things. First, ‘What great taste!’, and second ‘How could I set up a game with him?’” He clapped his hands together. “Wouldn't you know it, the perfect chance came swooping in to the rescue and here we are!”
You fuckin ass. “Well hotshot, do you think you're smart enough to match wits with me?” He tilted his hat up with his cane, before letting loose a little manic giggle. “I hope so, because not playing was never an option. Ready for my little riddle?” Bring it dickhead. “Alright, here it goes!”
“'Your security was tough, but our plans divine. Tough to swallow? I'll offer a lifeline. Poppies forgotten, Arkham's fate rides. Go to the place, where Hypnos hides.'” He smugly hums to himself. “I'll be waiting.” The screen shuts off, and little cards drop from the ceiling. Copies of the riddle.

The moment he shut off the broadcast, I began to rush towards the elevator. Maou and the secret agents crammed into it with me. “Sorry everyone, convene amongst yourselves, I have important business to attend too!” She called out, alerting everyone before the doors closed.

-----

Maou had left with Steve, announcing she'd be contacting and debriefing authorities on the new layout of Arkham so they can better find whatever was left there. That left me about to run there myself, but Usagi stopped me, saying she'd drive. Moon looked like he was going to be sick, and I soon learned why.
The moment we buckled up, the speed demon smashed the gas pedal  and started zooming through the city, weaving in and out of traffic. “'Your security was tough, but our plans divine. Tough to swallow? I'll offer a lifeline. Poppies forgotten, Arkham's fate rides. Go to the place, where Hypnos hides.'? Anyone got any fuckin ideas here?”

“Poppies, flower garden?” Moon suggested, thrown around by Usagi's driving. “Are there flower gardens he could have planted a bomb in?”

“Yes, but that's only one part of the riddle! We still have the first two verses, and need to figure out where Hypnos hides!” I wracked my brain trying to remember whatever I could. “Hypnos is the Greek god of sleep, and he's associated with poppies or something. Riddler said ‘our plans divine’ so maybe that's hinting something about Hypnos's myths?”

“He put Zeus to sleep twice because Hera bribed him.” Moon reminded me. “Maybe it was supposed to be where he hid after putting Zeus to sleep?” I could be confused why he knows that later, maybe he was a myth buff.

“Maxie Zeus!” I slapped the dash. “Maxie Zeus is one of the people held at Arkham, he has delusions about being the reincarnation of Zeus. Hypnos would hide as far away from Zeus as possible, in the arms of his mother Nyx, who is the night! He didn't go home I don't think, and that's why poppies are forgotten!”

Usagi spun out, skidding to a stop in her tiny car outside the gates of Arkham Asylum. Feeding the security gate my key card, we ran up the road, up to the front door, and busted inside. The receptionist was a bit spooked by our sudden entry, as well as my unlocking the way into the room where she worked. “Go find the head of security, there's been a break in and the Riddler has done something.”
She could only nod and run off as I began to access her computer.

“What are you doing now?” Usagi asked. “If you know the answer to the riddle, why are you checking the computer?”

I worked furiously, giving a simple answer to sate her curiosity. “Checking the layout of the facility to remind myself.” There! “Here! Maxie Zeus is currently being held in cell three hundred, a corner room on the third floor. Higher elevations that allow him to look down on others relax him.”

“Why does that matter?” Moon asked.

I start marching out of the receptionist's office towards the destination I have in mind. “The cell in the opposite corner, first floor is unoccupied! It's dark!”

The three of us make our way through the insane asylum among the jeering of those interned and security scrambling throughout the newly rebuilt building on the lookout for the Riddler. I couldn't sense him in the building anymore, he's long gone. No matter where I scanned I didn't find any suspicious objects either. Was the threat to Gotham a ruse?
No, had to look personally, my senses were grand in scope, but lacking in detailed assessment. That was my hope at least, but upon arriving at the cell I looked around and couldn't find anything. The three of us tore it apart looking for ‘something.’ “Damnit!” I kicked the bed against the wall, only just restraining myself from kicking it through the wall. “What the hell is the answer?!”

“What about the other hints in the riddle?” Usagi asked. “I can't say much about the myth, but perhaps the medical facilities are involved? He mentioned a lifeline and hard to swallow. It could indicate surgery or the emergency room? Perhaps something that was consumed that shouldn't have been?” I sighed, holding my head to think.

Before I can answer, the man I pretended not to know was there introuduced himself. “Doctor, I don't believe she's not far off.” A low voice greets me from out of sight. Batman had been approaching us for a bit now. “I know the answer to the riddle, but I need your help.”

Letting out another exhausted sigh, I nod. “What do you need?”

-----

The four of us ran off to an entirely different part of the facility. In no time at all, we reach the pharmacy, slowly progressing, aware of anything that might seem amiss. “The clues ‘Hard to swallow’, ‘poppies forgotten’ and ‘where Hypnos hides’ were given a specific focus in the Riddler's speech.” Batman explains.
I felt the prescence of Maou in her costume with the medications. “Poppies forgotten indicates that the psychoactive plants are forgotten or dismissed in some way. Hard to swallow as your friend suggested involved something one doesn't wish to consume, and with the former clue in mind could mean only one thing. Narcotics used to pacify violent patients.”
He steps aside as we reach a highly secured door, allowing me to open it with my access card. “Sleep hides in a bottle.” Batman opens the door to reveal Maou already looking through pill bottles and boxes for anything that could be amiss. “Gamera?”

“I can't find anything, but I'm positive this is the answer.” Frustration was clear in her tone. “Doctor York, could you check the registry to make sure nothing suspicious has been registered?”

Nodding as the others carefully search the stock room, I turn on the terminal built into the wall. Before I type however, my hand freezes over the keyboard. “Doctor York?” Maou asks, confused over why I paused.

“This has been tampered with.” I replied. With my attention now focused on the computerized stock tracker, I can see how it evaded my notice before. A complex bomb was hidden inside, evading my notice by replacing the technology I expected to be where it was.

The masked crusaders give each other a look before approaching the terminal. “Gamera, if you would.” Batman asks, prompting Maou to raise her green gauntlets to the sides of the terminal, carefully piercing the sides along the visible seams and opening it up for further inspection. Batman begins to pull tools from his utility belt as he looks further in.

“Why would they sabotage this part of the building?” Usagi asks me, the three of us no longer needed as the heroes work.

Pinching the bridge of my nose while looking around, I deliver my answer. “There's tens of thousands of dollars worth of prescription medications here, some of which particularly hard to procure. If this room was destroyed, the treatment of any patients with chemical imbalances or other physiological defects would stall out for potentially weeks.”
I pointed to the side. “That combined with damage to one of the building's supports, which would likely cause part of the structure to collapse or weaken, would accomplish a lot in making the facility unfit for the treatment of patients.”

“The attempt to change the image of Arkham Asylum would be ruined before it could even be established, and many patients would need to be transferred to less secure and prepared facilities.” She surmised back at me, to which I could only nod.

“Mostly right Mr.York and stranger!” The voice of the Riddler came through the terminal, his likeness appearing on the screen left in place. “Oh my, if it isn't the Batman, and Gamera too! This is just a grand old party.” He gives us a condescending clap. “It's also one of the most secure rooms within your newly designed facilities, allowing me to do this!”
He hits a button on a remote in view of the camera in exaggerated fashion, causing the door to shut behind us. Not really feeling like breaking the security door in my own building, I idly watched on to see what he had planned. “You now have five minutes before my present detonates, and the only help you'll have is another riddle.”
He shrugs. “Or it would be, if my creative genius wasn't being stifled.” He presses the button again. “Perhaps we can have a more thrilling game next time. Tata for now Doctor, Batsie, Turtle Soup.” Another finger wave, and he was gone.

Looking back and forth between the terminal and the door, I only had one thought on my mind. “Wait, what the hell?” I couldn't hold that back. “Does he do that? Just quit?” I went over to the door to inspect it, but it just swings freely. “Can someone tell me what happened here?”

“No. He doesn't.” Batman says, standing straight. “The bomb was defused, but the Riddler is still on the loose. Be careful, he's not one to leave things half finished.” Batman leaves the room.

Maou pats me on the shoulder. “Don't worry, Riddler is tricky but he always announces his intentions ahead of time. He can't help it.” She looks around at us. “I'll be taking my leave, but you should follow Batman's advice! Stay wary of underhanded tricks!” She was intentionally keeping distant, but I knew she was concerned.

For my part, I could only pace and scratch my head. Did the supervillain just cancel their appointment with me? Did I get murder dumped? What the fuck? “Alexander? Alexander?” I looked up to see Moon, trying to shake me out of it with a hand on my shoulder. “I know they said it was defused, but can we move away from the bomb?”

“Huh? Right, right.” What the fuck was going on here? Was I the crazy one for thinking that's weird?

As the three of us began to leave, I took notice of many things. My attention was jumping around trying to find any sign of a trap, any sort of clues or riddles. “Dr.York?” Two members of my security staff approached, mock concern on their voice. My security staff doesn't carry concealed guns. “Are you well? We heard about the Riddler-”
They drew their weapons and fired, but I'd reacted the moment I noticed their stupid little trigger fingers and pulled the two goofs in suits into a nearby corridor.

Glancing down the hallway to find it sealed, I find an excuse to interrogate the two. “Who the fuck are you two?!” I called around the corner, hoping to make them slip before I hurt them too severely.

“Nobody you need to concern yourself with!” The same one that spoke before, spoke again.

A small hand grabbed my own. “Mr.York, would you mind releasing me.” Usagi asked, an even tone on her voice. Narrowing my eyes on her, questioning what she had in mind, I acquiesce.

The small brunette woman moves to take the corridor's corner and takes a quick peek at the assailants, ducking back before they can clip her with a shot. Usagi then reaches into her pockets, pulling out a pair of fingerless gloves and slowly putting them on. “Come on, this'll end quick!” The two call out, continuing their careful approach.

“If you've got something planned, it's probably going to have to be now.” Muttering under my breath so only the three of us could hear. If she didn't, I was going too myself.

I didn't have to wait long however. After cracking her knuckles and stretching out some kinks, Usagi ducks low and runs around the corner, avoiding bullets as she uses her sideways momentum to run along the wall. “Hah!” She jumps off the wall, off the face of the assailant closest to her, building momentum for a heavy kick to the side of the second assailant's head.
The second assailant is knocked unconscious, his head cracking against the wall. The first one didn't receive nearly the hit the second did however, and after stumbling back clutching his nose prepares to aim once more. From her grounded position, Usagi cuts him off, having stolen the gun from the unconscious man beside her to shoot the first one's weapon away.

Kicking herself up off the ground, she runs up on the assailant clutching his hand. A heavy swing from the assailant completely wiffs as she ducks around it and delivers six or so rabbit punches to his liver. “Osu, osu, osu, osu, osu, osu!” When he tries to grab her she leverages her smaller size to duck, then rocket back up with an open palm to his chin. “Kyah!”

The man holds his jaw, blood spraying out. “I give, I give!” He backs away, one hand raised.

Usagi answers by walking up, grabbing his hand, then throwing him over her shoulder to the ground. “Teyah!” The man is knocked unconcious by a downward punch. With dangers cleared, she slowly stands, taking a neutral stance while letting out a deep breath.

“Damn.” I said, walking out to meet her, Moon behind me. “You are one bad ass office lady.”

She stares at me for a moment through my sunglasses. “Oh! Oh no, I accidentally hurt these men.” She puts her hands to her face, looking apologetic. The balls on this woman right now.

I would have said something about it, but Moon was already audibly groaning, and police were making their way to us at the sound of shots being fired. “Talk to the police and try to be honest for me, please. I need to go look into this. Please.” I pleaded with the two who just looked at each other.

“Go, go, we got this.” Moon pushed. Fuck I don't know why I give you two such a hard time. Reliable as hell for no clear reason. “This sounds important.”

Starting to skip and jump before I run, I just give a mock salute and take my leave. The moment I got far enough away and out of sight, I melted into the walls and started to swim towards my office. No one was around to see me, no one could stop me. Sliding out of the wall after scanning around the room, checking my computer inside and other, I take a seat at my desk.
The moment I turn it on however, something awaited me. “Doctor! So glad to see you! Looking for a hint huh?” The Riddler again?

“Alright you son of a bitch, how did-” I began, but almost as if not hearing me, he pushed through.

“Maybe you've already solved my former riddle, or one of those obnoxiously brainy sorts that run around in spandex and masks got to it first.” This was a recording. “But now is as good a time as any to reveal that my riddle is multiple choice!” Multiple choice? I thought to myself as electronic locks bolt the door and windows shut.
Alright, funny, you really had a field day didn't you? “You have one minute to figure out let's say one of the answers. Feel free to browse the internet though, I don't mind a bit of cheating.” The pre-recorded message cuts out and I decide to take him up on his offer, checking the myths surrounding Hypnos instantly.

“Hera pissed at Zeus, blah blah blah, very pretty, captivating, charming. Hypnos promised a bride, Hypnos hides in a pine tree waiting for Zeus.” Hypnos hides in a pine tree. There's a tall pine tree standing out in the middle of the field behind me. It wasn't really that simple though, right? What about hard to swallow? Poppies forgotten? A minute passed already?
Looking around, I saw nothing happen or change. All around the building, nothing seemed out of place. Swallowing, licking my lips, I took a guess and starting to sense out the tree. There were police and firemen starting to approach it.

Further up in the tree, a rifle attached to some mechanisms jammed up by a batarang. Calculating the trajectory. . .it would have shot right through my head as I sat and checked the computer. “Ah, because poppies are a psychoactive. I could forget having a brain when I swallowed a bullet.” I continued staring out the window for some time after, before turning back to the computer.

Who were the ones who tried to shoot me in the hall?

-----

It's a cool night in Gotham. Quiet as a mouse.

The light click of a lamp's chain pulled awakens a sleeping man. “Huh? Huh!?” The normally imposing man who lived in this house awoke from the sound, and the light, looking up to find an intruder sitting in a chair in the corner. “Who in the- Doctor York!?” The man scowled, hand fondling for something under his pillow.

“Looking for this?” I ask him, holding up a revolver. “It's a good idea, personal protection. Gotham is a really dangerous city.” I point the gun at him and pull the trigger.

Click.

The man, who had held his arms up in fear, returns to scowling upon realizing he's been had. “What, did you take the bullets out just to scare me? Who do you think you are? Boys! Boys!” Ineffectual cries for help from a nasty man.

“They can't year you Roland.” I spin the pistol on my finger. “Nobody can hear you.” Then aim it at him and pull the trigger a second time.

Click.

He lightly flinches, but is far less scared this time over my perceived non-threat. “What do you think you're doing here?” He asked, an edge to his voice and a seething tone in his voice.

“Well Mr.Dagget. You tried to make my wife and I look bad, and you tried to have me killed.” I answered matter of fact. “So, I figured I'd swing by and play a game. Just you and me, man to man. Sounds fun, right?” I whirled the pistol on my finger again, before aiming and pulling the trigger.

Click.

“You're blaming me for that?! It was the Riddler!” A hint of concern was in his voice, but he bulldozed through it. “You have no proof I had any involvement in anything or else you wouldn't be here, the police would! You spineless little rat.”

“Oh it's true, the Riddler certainly trapped Arkham Asylum, announcing it at the party to make me look as incompetent as possible.” I spun the gun on my finger. “Of course you would know about that because?” I waved the gun around a bit haphazardly. “You had friends at that party, probably. Right?”

“Obviously.” Bold, a very bold liar. “Baseless accusations aren't going to get you anywhere. What, wearing a wire and expecting me to confess to something I've never done?”

“No, no.” I waved him off. “I already know you did it from those two morons you sent to kill me if the Riddler failed.” If looks could kill, I'd be swimming in a burning lake right now. “By the way, really nice play. Threatening the families of a couple of my guards before they arrived, replacing them with your guys so the infiltration was nice and clean. Bravo, really.” Ready, aim, fire!

Click.

“Those weasels. Someone who threatens a man's family can't be trusted! They're just trying to throw suspicion on the first person that comes to mind. You can't honestly expect an honest businessman to be behind some assassination plot.” Roland Dagget, you were anything but honest. “Who do you think the police, the media, the public will believe?!”

“Well, they didn't really talk if we're being technical here, but I guess that doesn't really matter. Got a lot of ways to describe you, but honest isn't one of them.” Spinning this revolver was actually pretty fun. I should buy a gun. “Hired muscle and contractors guilty of vandalism, murder, framing innocents, arson, homeland terrorism, development and distribution of drugs.”
I rested my elbow on the arm of the chair, and my face on my propped up hand. “You were even baking up a plot to spread a fucking plague with innocent dogs and cats? What the fuck is that about?” I aim the gun at the man and pull the trigger, perhaps for the last time.

Click.

“I'm not going to take this kind of verbal slander anymore!” The man attempts to get up, but finds himself unable to remove his legs from his bed. “What did you do? What did you do!?” He demands as I get up and begin to walk over.

“Well, I didn't want you to get up and leave before we concluded our game.” I shrugged while sitting down at the end of his bed. “The game, remember? The one I wanted to place after you dragged my wife's reputation through the mud, probably brought a lot of aggravating attention from the medical community on my methods and the facility, tried to kill me and many others, yadda yadda yadda. Kinda take offense to that stuff.”

“What the hell kind of game is this?! Twenty questions?!” The man continues trying to pry his legs out of his covers, but he's stuck like glue. “They'll be looking for you, you can't sit here all night! Someone will come for me!”

“Ah, see, that's the thing. I don't plan too.” I made a bubble pop sound with my mouth. “We're just about to wrap up our game Roland, and I'll be gone, off into the night. Before we do though, how about an entirely different game? A guessing game where you guess what the other game we're playing is?”

“Take a hike!” He's since given up on removing his legs. He's not even concerned, convinced that I don't have any ability to hurt him.

How sweet, if only he knew how mad I was. “Well that's wrong. How about a hint?” I hold up the game and jiggle it around. “This gun isn't empty.”

“You honestly expect me to believe you've just been firing blanks this whole time? After your whole cooked up, fancy presentation!? That's a six shooter! What are the odds!?” He screams at me.

“I mean pretty low, but-” I pop the cylinder out and show off the single bullet. “-you're a pretty lucky man apparently.” I flick it back into place, watching his face go pale. “If you hadn't guessed already, we're playing Russian Roulette. Have to admit, it's a lot more fun than I ever really would have expected.” The gun is aimed at his chest.

“Wait, wait, you're a doctor, you can't shoot me!” He holds his hands up trying to stop me.

“Mmm, not the medical kind, if we're being technical here.” My answer is plain, the sentiment clear. “I didn't take an oath of do no harm you know.”

“You help people though, you work with Arkham Asylum and, and Batman! Gamera! If you murder me you'll be ruined, a villain, you'll go to jail!” Oh he was trying extra hard to get out of this.

Tsk tsk Roland. “That's probably the case if anyone caught me. We're alone though Roland, and this is your gun.” I show it off to him one last time. “Also, just want to put this out there while we still have time. I really do admire the super heroes you mentioned stand, and I'll probably feel bad about this later. I don't know if you've noticed or not though, but judging by the lack of mask and costume-”
I gesture down at my bloodied labcoat. “-I myself am no hero.” Aim, fire, shoot. “Bang.” The air cracks from an explosive gunshot.

-----

“Aaaaaagh!” Roland Dagget jolted awake, practically throwing himself out of bed while screaming for his life. Scrambling around at his bedside table to turn on the lamp, he looks around the room using the new rays of light. His stomach sinks at the sight in front of him.

The sound of a cylinder rolling inside a revolver streams from the corner. Another light flickers on to reveal my bloodied form. “Roland! Glad you're awake.” Happy to see him early to the party, I aim Roland Dagget's gun, imagining a target between his eyes. “Do you have time for a game?”

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