hi two days to write this chapter. wow. for me that's fast hope you like and thank you to Lady Puffazee for the review and you have your answer.

Chapter 10

"She did what?" The Riddler yelled at Mystery's escort.

"She got a lip ring and two tattoos, one on both wrists." The man said so quietly it was almost inaudible.

"And did you try and stop her?" The Riddler continued in the same angry tone as he hit the guard around the head with his new staff that was reminiscent of the one he owned in Arkham City except less rustic.

"I wanted to but it was too late." The man spluttered.

"You should have dragged her from the shop!" The Riddler yelled again. Suddenly a bang from a gun echoed around the room. Mystery's escort dropped to the floor clutching the wound in his thigh.

"You're not my father Edward! You don't have to babysit me." Mystery screamed in anger. She had been watching the entire argument; whilst sitting in the corner of the room on an old table that had her shopping and the few things she brought from her flat under it. "It was our choice, it's our body. Storm knew you'd react like this so tried to discourage me but she wanted this too."

"You get out, and I never want to see you in my area again. You hear me." The Riddler demanded and the man nodded and dragged himself out of the house. After the door slammed The Riddler turned to Mystery and spoke in a softer tone. "I care for you, Mystery and Storm too. I just don't want anything bad happening to either of you."

Mystery slid off the table and walked over to The Riddler; her heels clicking on the uncarpeted floor. She snuggled into The Riddler's right shoulder and he put his free right arm around her.

"I'm sorry, Eddie. I just wanted to have some freedom, from the care system, from my life in Arkham and that stupid physiatrist who thinks that she can cure us." Mystery whispered. The Riddler replied with a smile which dimmed at the sight of Mystery's clothing.

"Are you ever going to change?" he sighed pulling at the cord of the hoodie. Mystery smiled as she stepped away.

"I bought a sewing machine and fabrics to make myself something. I'll get stared right away." Mystery stated as she left the room.

-?-

The sun had set many hours ago but Mystery was finishing her top of her new outfit. A pair of pre-made black jeans lay next to an emerald green hooded cloak with a yellow question mark on the back; on the floor next to them was the pair of brown lace heeled boots she had brought from her flat. The hum from the sewing machine filled the room and the hallway where the sound of The Riddler tapping on his keyboard mingled with it.

-?-

Mystery walked up behind The Riddler and tapped him on the shoulder; he turned around to look at her and sat there with a smile.

"What do you think, Eddie?" Mystery asked twirling around. Her cloak flayed out and revealed the rest of her outfit. The top was a loose purple crop top with drop shoulder sleeves connected to the green armlets by green leather with golden buckles; under the crop top was a black vest that held up the purple top as they were sewn together; her black jeans were tight and had a loose belt at the top; her boots were the same as the ones she had brought from her flat except they had green laces in.

"I had to make it obvious I work for you because of what happened last time." Mystery said pointing to the scars on her face.

"You really are a mystery and you are my mystery." The Riddler replied getting up and planting a kiss on the top of her head only to realise her hair was wet; he also noticed an emerald green streak in her fringe.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you I have dyed a part of my fringe green. Don't panic it's your green not the horrid acid green The Joker had; I have to dry my hair." Mystery explained then bolted out the room.

One week later

Mystery placed the key in the lock of her new apartment The Broker had managed to secure for her' at a price. The door swung open to reveal a large hall way with a wooden floor. Mystery placed the key in her hoodie pocket and carried the box containing the things she had taken from her old flat. Her heeled boots clicked on the wood and echoed off the plain walls. It had been decorated by a few of The Riddler's loyal men but she had only asked for off white walls to prevent suspicion. Each of the rooms contained a skeleton version of what should be in them; there was no cosy home comforts or photos of friends and family. Mystery placed the box on the dining table and strolled into the large kitchen; her fridge was fully stocked and so were the cupboards. She helped herself to an apple then walked outside onto the penthouse's balcony. A sigh left her mouth as she leant against the wall surrounding the balcony. Mystery pulled out the iPhone 6 The Riddler had given her, it contained a tracker so he knew where she was at all times, and she dialled a number. The phone rang and a teenage girl picked it up.

"Hello? Who's speaking?"

"Hey, Kat it's me. I was just letting you know that I am safe and I would like Crystal back. Meet me at the park in one hour where we first met."

-?-

Mystery sat under the tree her and Kat first met; the shadows concealed he face from passers by. Children laughed as they played together or as their parents pushed them on the swings. Mystery flinched every time a child screamed in happiness; each one reminded her of the gunshot and the cries of the witnesses to Storm's parents' murder. Her fists slowly clenched until a familiar voice got her attention.

"Mystery?"

hi Starlight999 here i will be getting to the story line in The Riddler's Gambit soon i just needed to establish a few things that would be used in the coming chapters. does anyone else think the Riddler is becoming obsessive over Mystery? please continue reading and review.