Chapter 20: Bad Blood (Enigma's Narrative)
It's actually quite nostalgic being back in these Gloom Tunnels. I remember the last time I was down here. Right in the center of Necropolis underneath Gotham. In the last reality I had this strange habit of walking around while in my sleep. I would find myself in places I've never been before. So I one day I ended up in the center of Necropolis, a place where no one in Gotham has been to before, nor has discovered it.
The center of Necropolis is a circle with all these symbols and there's a huge infinite sign in the middle of it with a ouroborus around it. From what I remember Riddler explained to me that it's a sacrifice time circle. If you make changes that might have to do with fixed points you have to sacrifice yourself to make the changes permanent. I didn't want to die at the time so I thought of what's best for Edward and take his place as the Riddler. Now look at the mess I've made. Alex is dead because of me.
Riddler appeared right next to my side while we walk on the long path to the center. This is the first time I've ever seen him look so worried and depressed. I guess it's because that's how I feel right now. I'm frightened to the core because I have this doubt that I'll won't be able to save Edward in time. I'm crushed, I'm broken, and my light is fading away.
My heart feels like it's being up alive by this darkness. I'm craving revenge and blood lust for Horatio's death. I'm becoming more like the Riddler on every second... But if that's true? Why is he acting this way?
"Don't think about it too much," said Riddler, "You can't lose sight now. Just kill Horatio and get Edward out of this place."
"Why are you worried?" I said, "I will kill Horatio and save Edward! That's why we're fucking here!"
When I punched the wall I didn't expect to make cracks into it. Lately I've been growing stronger as the Riddler. I was able to pick up Edward in my arms with no problem. Strangely though when I've punched the wall Edward seemed surprised. "What's the matter?" I said with a sharp tone.
"I... I don't ever remember being that strong. Enigma that should have hurt your hand."
"... Tch! I'm probably just so fucking angry that I don't realize it. Now come on we've got to keep moving."
This situation is digging into my psyche so bad I'm feeling all kinds of emotions. Though I have a feeling I'm not acting like the Riddler. It's feels like I'm someone else entirely with a much more sinister personality. I have this urge to kill anyone right now without hesitation. Is this really me right now? Is this what I've become after losing my best friend?
Her blood is still soaked up into the green fabric of my Riddler uniform. Riddler never wore red it's just not his style. I bet the blood has already stick itself onto my skin. I can't believe how much there was of it. Some it is dripping onto the floor leaving a trail behind me... This is my best friend's blood... Why does it feel relieving?
Suddenly I'm starting laugh but it wasn't my own. It felt like another spirit was possessing me. Riddler asked me, "What's the matter? Why are you laughing?"
"I-ha ha ha! It-it's not me! Ha ha ha ha hee hee hee! So what if your best friend is dead? Lot's of people lose something precious to them so suck it up! It's no big deal! Don't let the bastards win! You still got a job to do so do it! But if you ask me? If you really want to kill someone? I'd start with breaking their spirit first but don't shatter it completely. You still want to let them feel when you're carving a big smile onto their face. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
"...Joker?"
Suddenly when Riddler said that I snap out of it. I look up at him and said, "What happened? Why was I laughing? My friend's death is not a laughing matter!"
"I-... I don't know how... But I think that was Joker talking. You laughed just like him."
I can't tell he isn't messing with me. His face looks horrified to what just happened. Joker possessing me? But why? I haven't took his place! Why would he want to possess me?! How is that even possible?!
Suddenly I heard Edward's loud muffled cry. Immediately I started running until I reached the center. When I got there I saw Horatio carving the word idiot on Edward's stomach with a knife. When Horatio look at me with a crazed smile he said, "Oh good you finally arrived. I was beginning to worry that you would let Edward die just like Alex. It was Alex right?"
With fast speed I ran at him with my sword unsheathed. I strike at his heart but he used his time ability to dodged. I rewind it and hit him where he dodge as the sword pierced through his right shoulder. I got close until I grabbed him by the neck. I then said, "Time Battle activate!"
Our timeline intertwined with each others as we entered into the other dimension of Necropolis. I said, "Now we both can't use our abilities. Neither can we leave until one of us is dead." I kicked him off my blade and spin kicked him in the face.
"The fuck?!" He said, "What is this?! How are you doing this?!"
"Why so surprised? This is the main battle ground for time users. Granted Theo wasn't a time user but it seems I can choose whoever I like to battle."
"Okay so why is Edward here? Why is he out of his restraints?!"
Riddler step up as he said, "I'm not Edward you fucking idiot. I am the spirit of Riddler."
"... So that's how you became this way. You merged your spirit with his?"
"You guessed right. Now time to die."
I rushed at him again with my sword. Surprisingly his movement is slow so I kept on cutting his skin on almost every thrust. When he thought he found an opening to attack me I grab his right arm and broke it with my knee. As he screamed I throw him against the floor. I said, "How fucking pathetic. Without your ability you're nothing but a slow weak human!"
I kicked him hard in the ribs cracking a few of his bones when I've felt the impact. He coughed up blood but he was smiling. He said, "So I guess you're still mad because I killed your friend huh? You want me to tell you how she died? Well I slit her throat while she tried to help your precious Edward Nygma. Her blood spilled so much it gotten all over him. Looks like I've left some for you too."
"... Black Raven activate." The device I attached to my back Spread out it's black wings.
Horatio looked surprised as he said, "So it was you? You are the Raven?" I was shock to hear that name. I said, "You've seen her? You've seen the Raven?"
"Yeah."
"Why was she here? Did she played any songs?"
"No she just laughed. That was it and left."
"... Strange." I willed my wings to behead Horatio. "That was for should have never crossed paths with me."
As his head rolled onto the symbol of time. I've never felt so relieved in my entire life. It was like a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders.
... (Edward's Narrative)
I heard them fighting but when I heard Nero said, "Time Battle activate." Everything became silent. I was afraid what happened to her. I'm fucking blindfolded so I can't see what's going on. I can't even call out to her. I'm completely helpless at this point!
Suddenly I've gotten scared when I heard something drop. It sounded way to much like a body. Who the hell fallen to the ground?! I freaked out when someone grabbed my arm. Please don't don't let it be Horatio!
I've gotten my answer when I hugged by someone familiar. Nero said, "Edward it's alright. It's over. It's finally over." She took off my blindfold and pulled down the gag to take out the cloth stuffed into my mouth. I've never been so happy to see her that I started crying.
I said to her in such a broken voice, "Nero I'm so sorry!... Alex is-,"
"I know." She said.
I've just realized that her green Riddler uniform is drenched in red. Is that?... Is that Alex's blood?
"I'm getting you out of here Edwar-,"
Out of nowhere both of us were shot through the chest. It came from my back, went through my chest, and into hers. Just suddenly right there and then... I stopped moving.
... (Nero's Narrative)
Everything went to hell. Edward got shot through the back and out the chest. Which now I have the bullet within my own chest. When our blood dropped to the floor it began to glow green. "No... NO!" I shouted and rewind time before Edward got shot but for some reason. Edward drop into my arms. His eyes are wide but they're not blinking.
"Edward?" I said but he's bleeding into my arms. He's not moving anymore... What's happening? Why isn't my time control working?! Why only I'm healed?! "EDWARD I'M NOT GOING TO LET YOU DIE!"
I tried again to save him but no matter how far I've gotten the wound within his chest is still there! The bullet went through the heart! Why isn't my ability working on him?! WHY ISN'T HE ALIVE?!
"Because he died on the sacrifice circle." said Riddler appearing by my side avoiding to look me in the eye, "He's gone, Nero... This event is now permanent."
"... You're lying... YOU'RE LYING!"
I tried and tried again until I was bleeding out of my nose, coughing up blood, and crying out the blood from my eyes. I begged the laws of time to make Edward's death undone. I screamed, "BRING HIM BACK! BRING HIM BACK!"
"I'm sorry, Nero... He's no longer with us."
"NO I REFUSE THIS EVENT TO HAPPEN! I WANT HIM ALIVE! I TOOK HIS PLACE SO I COULD PROTECT HIM! IT'S MY CHOICE!"
"How sad." suddenly said a man in a white coat who came in with a bunch of his men surrounding me. I growled at him as I said, "Stay away from us!" I held Edward tight to me. I won't let him go no matter what!
"Why poor child. You can't cling to that dead body forever." He said, "Come with me and I can take away this burden you carry."
"I'm not going anywhere until I bring Edward back to life. So you can go fuck yourself!"
"(Sigh), how silly to waste such talent on a useless human being."
Suddenly I was shot in the back by a tranquilizer dart! No I have to save Edward! I have to! I-...
"Oh boy." Was the last thing I've heard before I went to sleep.
... (Oswald's Narrative)
I look at the device that monitors Nero's heart rate. I used it to track her down to find her and Edward. When I got there at the entrance I had to hide because I saw black vans parked outside and I see the men coming out of the Gloom Tunnels. I only saw them carry Nero into one of the vans and they drove off. I was given a chance to go into the Gloom Tunnels to find Edward.
To my luck I've found the center of Necropolis by following the trail of blood. When I arrive I wasn't ready to see Edward's dead body laying on top of a strange symbolic circle. His blood filled the entire outline of it. It took me a while to get a grip. I made myself pick up Edward and carry him out of this dark place.
I cried over his death. Tonight wasn't good as we hope for... I lost two of my precious friends. Now one of them captured. I can't fail this time to save Nero. I will do everything in my power to get her back!
For Alex, and for Edward.
... (Edward's Narrative)
I happen to wake to up in dark place. I don't know where I am I just seemed to be floating into nothingness. When I look up I saw someone above me. A woman wearing a Raven like costume. She cackles as she said, "My my Riddler. Who knew you would be the one to cross into the Void of The Dead?"
"Riddler? I'm not Riddler."
"Yeah you are, you just haven't been awakened yet."
She took off her mask and I was able to see the face of Nero. I mean the real face of Nero. Her natural black hair and mint green eyes. She smiles wickedly at me and said, "Now this won't hurt a bit. Well at least I don't think it will."
"What are you talking about Nero?"
Suddenly she appeared right in front of me and grab my head. "I mean your memories."
Memories I've never seen before hit me like a tidal wave. They were memories I never shared before with Nero... The diner... That picture she took of me... The hurricane... Riddler.
... Nero... I was suppose to be the Riddler?
TO BE CONTINUED
Gotham Is Strange: The Beginning Is The End