ICAU Arkham City Riddler

[Edward Nygma]

Edward Nygma had to see the adorable version of Batman. It would be, well, adorable, but also HILARIOUS! The super-serious Dark Knight of Gotham as a super-cute cartoon character. He was nearing Wayne Tower when he saw out of the corner of his eye what was definitely someone he knew. Joker. The one he met in Arkham City. He dodged behind a wall and followed behind he and Batman (who was, of course, ridiculously adorable,) until they met up with the rest of the people who were with them. Riddler knew that the only reason he was able to jump over the universe divide was because he was with all of them. If they were separated, it would never work. Riddler followed closely and waited for the others to go through, and then he followed, and found himself in Gotham again. But of course, at the same time, it wasn't Gotham at all, at least not the Gotham he knew. This city was different in some way he couldn't put his finger on. While he was pondering this, he realized that he was by himself; the others were nowhere to be seen! He was alone in this strange new Gotham, and if he didn't find the others before they decided to jump, he would be stuck here until someone else came along, or until one of them came back. The likelyhood of either was alarmingly low. He had to find the others, and fast. Something was pulling him... He could literally feel himself being pulled by something in his heart, so on a whim, hoping it would lead him to Joker and Batman and the others, he followed it. The place the tug lead him to was anything but Joker or Batman. It was clearly the lair of the Riddler who dwelled in this universe. If this other Riddler was anything like him, there would be some kind of puzzle you had to solve to open the door. Edward looked around the doorframe and around the general area of the door. Maybe, this Riddler didn't like taunting people, like he did. If that were the case, then there would be no impossible puzzle, but some kind of secret entrance only the other Riddler knew about. Maybe something in between? Something hidden unless you knew where to look or found it by luck, but still a nearly impossible puzzle? Riddler decided that made the most sense, so he continued searching. After a few more moments, he found a tiny question mark engraved on the bottom right corner of the door. He pushed on it, and it glowed a radioactive green. A small box on a thin post shot out of the carpet behind him, seemingly from a trap door of some kind. He went over and saw that it was a logic puzzle. It was a small cube covered in a checkerboard pattern. the checks gave way under pressure. He picked it up and shook it gently, hearing that it was filled with something, possibly to blow into shrapnel if you didn't do the puzzle right. Riddler focused, having finally met a challenge, and gently pressed a question mark shape into each boxed side and set it back on the post. It didn't explode, but it went back into the ground and the door opened, allowing him access. Riddler took a tenative step inside, and the door quickly closed behind him. The room was dark, and all he could do was hear the voice of the master of the house. His alternate's voice was smooth and sarcastic, with a obvious superiority complex in it. Much like himself. A light suddenly snapped on brightly into Arkham City's Riddler's face. The Batman's Riddler stepped forward a little, allowing some light to shine off his long black hair. "Well, what's this?" He said with an amused tone. (for simplicity's sake, I'm calling Arkham City riddler Edward Nygma or some variation on his real name, beacause I can. So The Batman's Riddler is Riddler.) Edward Nygma looked at himself, but the reflection differed much more than e expected. This version of himself was very skinny, but strong, dark looking, with long shiny black hair and not a suit, but a skin tight outfit that fit him well. The cane he held had a small control panel on it. It could also split into two question mark shaped sickles. The Riddler looked at this person who had so cleverly passed his puzzle. He was shorter by about two inches, was wearing a green and white suit, also bore a cane, had reddish hair and was glaring defiantly at him. "And who do you think you are?" Riddler asked, circling him. "I detest copy-cats." "I am Edward Nygma," The other replied. The Riddler was taken aback. That was his own name! Riddler held his cane to the shorter man's throat. "Explain," he said in a simple, yet commanding way. Nygma went on to explain how he was from another universe and how he got here, fully expecting laughter and a one way trip to Arkham. But the Riddler did not laugh. It was plausible, with the right amount of energy. "So far, you are the only one who has ever gotten into my place of work... Impressive." It wasn't a compliment, technically, if this "Riddler" was telling the truth. Edward Nygma looked around at the room. It was pretty empty, except for the occassional box or empty flat of wood. The light in the room had gone normal now. "Interesting place you've got here," Nygma said. "Any chance you can show me the town?" Riddler chuckled. "There can only be one Edward Nygma," He said, almost a threat, "But, if what you tell me is true, that you're just passing through, I may be able to show you the highlights before you leave..." Riddler said, gesturing upstairs. Edward Nygma followed him into a room with a three-sixty degree view of Gotham city. The glass was a one way mirror, so everything was visible and crystal clear to them, but all the outside world saw was their own reflection. Edward Nygma marveled at the fantastic view while Riddler sat down in a chair and watched his other self. It was very odd. A very odd feeling, like watching yourself without aid of a mirror or camera. Riddler pointed out various areas of interest to Edward Nygma, who listened eagarly. Nygma knew that he shouldn't be here, that the others would leave soon, but this was far too interesting to pass up.