Disclaimers and Useless/Useful Stuff to Know:

Don't own any of these characters. Never will. Wish I did. Major spoilers for "Countdown to Infinite Crisis". Good idea to read the comic first. Also, spoilers for the Question six-issue miniseries.

Warning: The Pool is Contaminated

by Alba Aulbath

At the moment, he could not walk between two worlds. It was one or the other, and easily caused him to be dizzy. Sweat ran down his face under his mask, and it was getting difficult to breathe. While he pleaded him to land, it was difficult to hear. Difficult to concentrate on this world or the other.

Sight and sight were spinning, and eventually, so was the helicopter.

Wake up!

I have questions.

He lifted his head, squinting, and felt himself slam his head against the control board when the helicopter crashed into a series of wooden docks. Water began to seep its way inside.

"Who else is...?" He couldn't complete the sentence. Too tiring; he was weakening.

What? What is it? Oh, fuck, c'mon, get up...

"Someone..." Someone else was talking to him.

For once, in my many years, I have questions.

The wood under the chopper creaked and broke, and the craft began to sink.

I have questions for a Question.

Either he had gone unconscious, or had been pulled away by some means; the Question couldn't tell. He found himself staring up into an aged face, a long and well-grown beard on a man in robes. From what the faceless man could tell, there was magic on him. Real, true magic.

"A question for a Question."

The Human Enigma stared blankly.

"I hear that you are good with them."

The Question spoke wryly, "Good question. Haha."

"Indeed." A tired smile was on the old man's face. "Trouble comes in all worlds, and it has begun with this one, with one simple event."

"Ted's death wasn't simple." Question's tone was angry.

"Death appears in all forms. Death is simple. Though I hardly belittle it."

"Who are you?" The faceless man peered at him.

The old man appeared amused. "You walk between two worlds, you are a man of questions, and you are so deeply tied into all these matters, and yet you are unaware of my name. I find that most interesting. Can you answer your own question?"

Hesitation. The Question thought on it, then narrowed his eyes. Magic. Specific magic. He could See to an extent, in spite of how weary he felt. "The sorcerer who gave Captain Marvel his powers."

"Yes."

"You talked to Ted before he died." Question paused. "...He told me you hardly ever speak to mortals. Normal men."

"I must say, you and Blue Beetle are hardly simple folk."

Peering at him, the faceless vigilante spoke again, "What did you want to ask?"

The Sorcerer Shazam seemed to consider. "What is the absolute truth worth to you?"

Was that all that he wanted to ask? The Question felt prepared to answer; after all, he was always prepared to put his life on the line for the truth, the absolute truth, to make the world realize it. He wasn't blind, deaf, or dumb; the truth was worth his life.

"Think," Shazam told him.

It's a celebration of life, not death.

Ted had been willing to die for the truth - hadn't that been so?

That was the Question's view; after all, he felt absolutely no connections to the JLA. While there was a level of responsbility to help them against Checkmate, because it was what the planet pleaded for him to do. The planet loved its heroes. Ted had also asked. Ted had needed his help, and without thought, he had given it.

But he felt no personal connections for the Gods that roamed the Earth.

Ted had been willing to die for THEM, though. The truth had nothing to do with it, he realized.

"Is it the truth that really drives you?"

The Question felt very ill as he continued to think, attempting to sort through his thoughts.

I'm sure that if he was still here, he'd want you to stay safe, you know?

"Not really," Question quietly admitted. "Not... for this."

Any other time, the truth had been the main force behind being a vigilante. This time... it was a level of something personal...

But not for the JLA.

So you take care, all right?

And maybe you should wake up right about now.

"Then what is the truth about the Question?"

"Compromises. Finishing what was started... ...because he asked me to."

Shazam eyed at him, interested. He placed something in the Question's hand, closing the faceless man's fingers around it. "You'll be needing this."

It was then that there was inescapable darkness swallowing him up; it was as if he was falling into an endless pit. There were questions everywhere, eagerly biting and gnawing at his very being.

Without warning, he felt as though he was staring down a staircase, neverending. The sensation was like a dream, muffled, black and white.

Then, he was pushed down the stairs, every bone cracking as he fell; it was as if he was made of glass.

Every shatter, every break, every step.

He remembered gazing into a gravestone. It was the day Dr. Rodor-

He landed at the bottom step, step, step and approaching.

He stared up, into a faceless face.

You might wanna wake up now.

The Question blinked a few times, blearily, up into a masked face. Not featureless as he thought he'd been originally looking into, but a familiar dark cowl with a typically twisted expression of some vague annoyance.

"About time, Vic."

The Human Enigma scowled. "...Batman."

"Managed to pull through by a hair, as always." Batman turned around, allowing himself to be distracted by the computer. "I wasn't aware you knew how to fly helicopters."

"I don't..." The Question would have liked to have risen to a sitting position; regardless to feeling faintly better, he was still weak. Turning his head, he Saw Ted.

Dumb jerk. You really like to pull a close one, don't you?

Question shrugged.

Batman found you. Turns out you crashed right at Gotham Harbor. Been a few hours, but while you were unconscious, he came up with an anti-toxin for whatever you were injected with. You were mumbling a lot, though.

"...Hnn," the Question replied to him. He didn't want to elaborate.

While Batman had paused himself to work at the computer for a moment, it allowed Question some tired thought. He'd hallucinated. Maybe a fever dream. Either way, he had hated it; fake images never settled well with him. Reality was more important to him than anyone might have realized. He walked in two worlds, but they were very real worlds.

So perhaps the Question was a little less sane during the years. Fine.

But he wasn't delusional. That was a terrible insult.

"So when did you start flying helicopters?" Batman finally asked, seemingly done with whatever he'd been distracted with.

"...Just tonight... had to escape Keystone. Being chased."

"By the authorities?" Batman turned to place a hard stare onto the other vigilante.

The Question almost snorted. "They might think of themselves as such... high and righteous... In technicality, no, I wasn't..."

"Flash thinks you're telling the truth. How'd you convince him?"

"The question is... do you think I'm telling the truth?" Question turned his head to look at the Dark Knight.

Batman narrowed his eyes. "Plenty of strange things in the world. But I haven't been presented with solid enough proof that you're actually speaking with Ted."

"Ted told me how to fly the helicopter." Question left it as that, lifting his hand to rub his forehead. He finally realized that his mask had been stripped away from him, hopefully temporarily. Batman had already known his identity years ago, so he hadn't felt completely irritated with the removal of the pseudoderm; besides, his breathing probably needed to be checked while he'd been poisoned.

"Anything else?"

"Told me... nobody listened..." The Human Enigma gave an expresionless stare at Batman. "No one. Save for the Amazon and Michael..."

Batman seemed to consider this with a soft, "Hn." Stepping away from the screen, he told him, "Don't bother trying to leave, Vic." There was a pause, then he added, "Alfred will be down shortly." With that said, the Dark Knight disappeared into the shadows of the cave; Question didn't bother to attempt to See where specifically. He concentrated that Sight on Ted.

Hey, don't look at me. Just get some sleep, you moron.

"Love the concern." Question closed his eyes.

Not before he felt something in his other hand that hadn't touched his face. Lifting it weakly, he peered tiredly.

Something very blue.

"...Huh," Question murmured.

Slipping the object into his pocket, he leaned his head back, spotting the butler descending from the staircase. It was odd, what contrast Alfred had in comparison to the man he served under; as he called out, it was quite a gentle, patient tone - whereas Batman always held something sharp and irritated in his own,

"Master Sage? Still awake, I hope?"

Weakly and silently, the Question waved his hand.

"Excellent. I do hope you enjoy shellfish and some tea, sir." Alfred set down a tray with a meal prepared for the vigilante, pouring the kettle. "How do you take your tea?"

"Milk's fine."

"Very good." The butler poured some milk, then stirred the tea faintly. "Are you able to sit on your own, sir?"

The Question responded the best way he could: he placed his hands firmly against the gurney he'd been laid upon, forcing himself up slowly to sit. He then turned himself so his legs were dangling off the edge, facing both Alfred and the dinner made for him.

"Most impressive, sir." Alfred smiled wryly at him.

The detective eyed at him wearily. "Think I'm delusional, too?" he muttered, able to hide the bitterness he wanted to place into his voice.

"Sir, it's my experience that men and women running in the streets in tights is hardly a normal and socialable production by most standards; I would be foolish to not admit a respect for someone who prefers a normal set of garments over capes and cowls. Also, I am hardly one who thinks that dismissing one's words these days would be wise, as could possibly be the case for the late Master Kord, I'm afraid." There was a soft frown creased on the older man's brow. "Does that answer your question, sir?"

"Mm."

"Very good, sir. Enjoy your meal." Alfred turned quietly and retreated back up the staircase.

Isn't he awesome?

"...Reminds me of someone I knew," Question admitted quietly. He took the tray onto his lap, and quietly began to eat.

So now what do we do?

"Not sure," he said between bites. "Tired. Can't move much." The Question sounded irritated at this.

However, he seemed to have a different opinion. It's a good chance for you to actually eat and get some sleep, Question. You're in the Batcave; I don't think you're anywhere safer at this point. Not even Max can get into Batman's computer and try to kill you.

"True." The Question considered his situation.

After all, there was a giant computer in the cave, and he had one of the best technicians with him to help him, but he couldn't possibly imagine getting his gloves on it yet. He was spending energy sitting up; it'd take much more effort to attempt to walk over to the console and key in commands.

Once he completed his meal, he laid himself back down onto his side where bones were not broken or where he'd been previously shot.

Hey... um...

"Yes?"

Whenever we leave Gotham... could you check on Booster?

The Question nodded. "I will."

There was reluctance on his part; Hub City's vigilante was not sure of it was a safe enough moment to get enough sleep. Admittedly, it was better than the Watchtower where Maxwell Lord had better access and capability of killing him, but frankly one had to be stupid to put complete faith in Batman. That was the Question's opinion anyway.

And his opinion of everyone had dropped a few days ago when he approached him.

It wasn't that he and Ted had ever been close in any form or way; they had worked together once or twice near the beginning of both their crimefighting days, but that really hadn't meant much. It was something else.

But it wasn't something he was willing to think too much on.

Eventually, the Question allowed himself to close his eyes and fall asleep for the first solid time in a few days.

Whenever one was deep in sleep, they were never aware of how long time passed. It could have been hours or minutes, between the time of falling asleep and waking up. The moment when the Question's shoulder was being shaken to awaken him, he lifted his head, feeling as though he had barely spent any time at all sleeping. Turning his head, he had once again found himself facing Alfred Pennyworth.

"Master Sage, I am unaware of whether or not you're an early bird, but it is morning now. Perhaps you would prefer to freshen up, sir?"

The Question hesitated. "Don't need to," he muttered. "Have to keep moving."

I'm sure if I still had a nose, I think I'd prefer you took a break and a bath, ya know.

He peered at him, then shook his head.

There was another round of reluctant agreeing from the Question; while it'd been almost a week with no hygiene involved, it was a matter of feeling uncomfortable in Wayne Manor. He was in Batman's home, and felt positive that if Max didn't find him first then Batman was simply going to keep him there.

Though it appeared Ted didn't see a bad side to this. If Question was kept from running for his life outside, then so be it.

Question didn't appreciate this notion all that much.

A shower and a breakfast provided by Alfred later, there'd been Batman who ordered him downstairs to the Batcave. The Question felt no inclination to provide cooperation, but he told him to go along with it; after all, Ted figured, maybe the Human Enigma would be safer this way, sticking with Batman.

It was in that case Question didn't mention that Batman had also ignored Ted not long before his death, however tempting.

Batman turned to him after he followed the Dark Knight to the cave. He pointed to the gurney where he'd been set up before; atop were a new set of clothes, fedora and all, with his pseudoderm mask. "Get yourself ready. We're leaving soon."

Huh?

Question glanced at Ted, shrugging at him. To Batman, he inquired, "Why?"

"There's a problem, and I'm taking you with me to make sure you don't try to look up things you're not supposed to." Batman turned around, which was his silent offer for the Question's privacy to change. "A few cities away, Booster Gold was hospitalized after Ted's home was destroyed, receiving burns all over his body. You know that, though. What you don't know is, early this morning, Booster disappeared from his room."

Fuck, Booster-

"Signs of escape, or signs of capture?" Question tilted his head, approaching after he had gotten dressed. New clothes were appreciated, after the scuffle. He pressed on his mask before letting out the bonding gas to seal the pseudoderm on.

"It could be either - but from what I know, he left on his own accord."

Question glanced to Ted. "Then he's safe. For now." It was more for his comfort than a plain statement in the Dark Knight's direction; however, it could have been taken as either one.

"For now," Batman repeated, halfway into a question.

The faceless man nodded. "Maxwell Lord. Killed Ted. Could go after Michael next. He wouldn't risk it."

"Hn." Batman didn't sound very convinced, which didn't surprise the Question. The Dark Knight's butler seemed more inclined to believe him than men dressing up as bats, fish, and bugs.

It was a bit comforting that one of the most sane men in existence trusted someone with questionable sanity. The Human Enigma had quickly developed respect for Alfred in that case.

"Get yourself ready. I'm getting the Batwing." Batman turned sharply, heading further into the cave.

Question watched him. "Where do you assume he went?"

"His apartment, to get his equipment. He'll probably go out looking for Beetle."

God damn it, he's such an idiot. Smack Booster for me when you find him. I can't believe this.

The Question turned to Ted, shrugging. "Don't blame him. No one's informed him about you. Probably sick with worry. Lost almost everyone, hasn't he? Sister, that robot of his, Sue Dibny, now you."

...This is so fucking reckless of him.

"He doesn't know any better. And he's in trouble." Question placed his hands into his pockets. "Whether or not he knows anything, I doubt Max is going to risk it. And we won't risk losing Michael."

You'll look out for that moron, right?

The faceless vigilante nodded silently.

In silent thought, his fingers curled around the object in his pocket.

The Question was unaware of its faint glow.

The time spent in the Batwing wasn't taken into any sort of account. The Question had been gazing out of the window, savoring his energy. While clearly Batman was skeptical of the faceless vigilante's accusing of Maxwell Lord being responsible for Ted's death, the Human Enigma was preparing himself for when Checkmate would no doubt be chasing down Booster Gold. Just as they had been trailing the Question to kill him, they too would follow Booster.

It would have been inevitable; Booster knew that Blue Beetle had been on the trail of something, and that "something" had been Checkmate's files. While Ted had deleted them, there would still be some kind of link that would eventually bring Booster Gold to the same realization that Beetle had.

Checkmate knew this. Checkmate had to get rid of Booster Gold. The Question was positive that they would go after him.

He'll be okay?

Question nodded.

Damn, I can't believe I've gotten both you and Booster dragged down into this...

"Our choice," the faceless man murmured. Batman seemed to be ignoring him or just silently listening; Question didn't care about eithr.

I asked you to, I got Booster into it and he was almost killed because of me. And you've been getting yourself nearly shot, pummeled by Superman, and poisoned. It's ridiculous - I shouldn't have...

"Wanted to. You asked, I agreed. Have to show the truth."

Why'd you agree to help me, anyway...? You knew how much trouble it was gonna be, didn't you?

"I knew. Wanted to be involved."

But why did you agree?

Question lifted his head, tilting it. "Because you asked me to."

It left him in silence.

"If you're done talking." Batman didn't bother glancing back towards the faceless man.

"Depends if Ted has anything else to say."

Batman made no remark. "We're nearing Booster's apartment."

The Question peered out of the window, watching.

Top floor, northeast end.

"I see it," Question murmured.

It had only been seconds ofobserving -until the apartment that he was looking at had burst into a fiery explosion.

Notes:

I don't feel as confident in this chapter as I did the others. Maybe because it feels quick, yet somehow slowing the pace down. Regardless... I'm hoping it'll establish important points into the story, what will effect later.

I can assure, though, that the next chapter is going to be quite... special. Yes, special is the word I'm looking for.

To the audience:

hellion: At first, the Question had been a mild interest for me. I had originally adored the Flash - then, upon viewing Justice League Unlimited, Question's personality got me interested. So I bought a lot of comics, researched the character like mad, and he's completely overwhelmed me. He's a crazy and very interesting guy - and very fun to write. So I'm glad even someone who isn't a fan of his can enjoy this story. It's about him, and it's about Ted and is gradually pulling Booster into the story, as well. Quite fun.

bri's the man: Glad you do! And I hope you still feel the same, even with this chapter that I'm not so terribly fond of.