Oliver and Dinah attempt to trace the impostors' trail into Italy while Vic and Helena return to Gotham as Vic apparently is having one of his tangent moments again. There are GCPD patrols active in the city as apparently nobody has seen much of Nightwing or Robin lately yet no criminal elements appear to be taking active notice. This however accounts for the fact that several Gotham Rogues have been back in Arkham for several weeks now yet nobody is utilizing Batman's absence to do anything. The criminal dead zone is suspicious even to Helena now back as Huntress.

"This is unreal, just the seemingly ordinary criminals are making trouble but the police can handle that on their own. The only real trouble we would get is if someone like Joker or Two-Face were on the loose again," comments Huntress.

"Joker is in Arkham and Two-Face last I heard is still suffering from a further personality split, which dates back to his last arrest. The whole business of the Judge going much further than Batman would, but then nobody really saw that one coming," remarks Question.

"You really think we are going to find any evidence of who replaced Bruce and Sasha here in Gotham? Even if we do, then who could be responsible even if they were hired by Lord?"

"Who indeed… but first we need to talk to Pennyworth. He would have noticed changes unless they have somebody impersonating him too."


The big oak door opens before he can even knock and there to meet them is Tim Drake.

"Well look who's here now Dick," jests Tim.

"Lay off, we know Bruce wouldn't kill anyone, at least we hope not," grunts Dick.

"I'll see if Barbara needs anything, she certainly seems to be rather happy to see you most of the time, but you two did date in the past before all that breaking of the team stuff," comments Tim.

"Just get going already," says Dick.

Question and Huntress follow Dick towards the grandfather clock after they are inside with the front door once again shut.

"So I guess it is in the news now?" murmurs Huntress.

"The biggest story of the day, playboy billionaire murders corporate rival or some other such nonsense."

"Why are you so sure that Bruce didn't do it?" asks Question.

"I lived under this roof for almost half my life and I was Batman's partner for years so if I am not an authority on his tendencies… I don't know who is… as for Alfred he just keeps cleaning in order to keep himself busy I think."

"Alfred is a creature of habit like anyone else though I doubt he believes the boy that became Bruce Wayne and Batman is a murderer. I have cause to suspect that someone was surgically altered to look like Bruce and Sasha then replace them at some point before the arrival in Montenegro."

Question inserts a disc that he used to copy the video files of the night of the murders.

"If there is anyone who is techno-savvy I would recommend they try a cross comparison of the Wayne impostor against all known criminal files or individuals who have this level of surgical skill."

Barbara can be heard at the entrance to the stairwell to the Batcave.

"Guess we better help her down. She's still on crutches as for why she is keeping so on her feet even I don't know why, but in her shape I'd be really annoyed about not being able to do much when someone important to us is missing as well as wanted for a crime we believe he didn't commit."

Dick heads back up to get Barbara. Question remains at the computer so Huntress opts to help Dick carry her down.

"I heard you two were here, but this is the first time in awhile that I have seen you walking around as Huntress," chuckles Barbara.

"How's the back Barbara?" asks Huntress.

"It is better, but still sore and hopefully I can walk on my own before spring kicks in," replies Barbara.

There is a kind of ethereal beauty to the Batcave if one looks pass the rock formations, the stalagmites, the stalactites, the cold, the dampness, and the cave's bat population. However bats were part of the charm and the fear of the cave's discoverer Bruce Wayne too. It felt odd for some of them to be down here without him. However Bruce is missing and so someone would have to fill in for Batman in order to put fear back into the criminals. The only upset there is who to send in his place and who could convince the criminals that the individual fighting them is Batman.

Sooner or later the super villains would get the hint that they should start going out again yet the reprieve from them seems too coincidental to being a coincidence to many including Question.

"So when was the last time you saw Bruce or Batman before we and the impostors went to Europe?"

"The last time I saw him face to face was when we all went after Scarecrow because he had Huntress under the sway of the new more potent form of fear gas."

Tim had tried to come down into the cave without being noticed, but of course Dick had been Robin before Tim so it made no sense trying to sneak down yet occasionally there is cause for a challenge.

"What about you Tim?" asks Barbara.

"Whoever I dealt with before the trip was pretty convincing, maybe he got switched before getting on the jet, but whatever the case is I saw him just before he went early because of the whole six hours early for international flights," replies Tim.

"True enough, Alfred would have driven him to the airport, so either it happened before he left for the airport or before he got the jet," remarks Dick.

"Maybe someone should check Alfred over because maybe something was done to his memory that he doesn't know about," suggests Barbara.

"He might be more receptive to Zatanna checking him rather than anyone else," comments Tim.

"She's skilled, but not to Fate's magic ability or J'onn's level of telepathy," interjects Question.

"I'll talk to him," offers Dick.

Dick goes back upstairs with Tim and Question decides to search the upstairs room for any signs of if someone had actually taken his place after the most recent encounter with Scarecrow.


"So how much service is Dick doing for you?" asks Huntress.

"Beck and call would be the short version," answers Barbara.

"Wrapped around your finger would be another way to put it," chuckles Huntress.

"Yeah, I never thought I would find myself this close to him again. Things got rather sour between us after we both got a dose of how much we were deceiving each other before Dick quit Robin. I admit feeling some jealousy about the time he spent with Catwoman during that business with El Gancho."

Barbara turns her attention back to security videos that Question had brought back from Montenegro.

"Computer, zoom in and enhance what looks like Bruce Wayne's face then run cross comparison against all recent photographs of Bruce Wayne."

"Image cross comparison running."

The image runs through all available photographs of Wayne from the past twelve months.

"You are looking for visual anomalies?"

"That's the idea and there are only so many people who are almost that gifted at plastic surgery."

"You wouldn't think it could be Tommy Elliot would you?"

"Can't eliminate any possibility… that one would be almost too obvious, which might be a factor."

"Elliot might just be another villain in the gallery, but he's the only one who could maintain the temperament sufficient to make the deception work, if it is him doing this in the first place."

"Comparison checks complete. Individual from visual recording is a probability match of 96%."

"What accounts for the lack of a full match?"

"Visual anomalies include signs of surgical scarring and hair color is a relative match."

"Question already saw all this without asking a computer."

Question's eyes as Huntress well knew had advantages beyond his work. The first time she had seen them, really seen them, she felt herself almost at a loss for words at least until he made a reminder about her calling him the ugliest guy of all time. She had to disagree with herself yet again and she did that quite frequently when it had to do with the man she loves without restraint.

Barbara figuring they aren't getting far with the Wayne imposter instead turns to the Bordeaux impostor.

"Computer, switch to the face of the woman that looks Sasha Bordeaux. Run cross comparison against personnel files from Wayne Enterprises and Kord Industries. Additionally search through all available images of her prior to this year."

"Image cross comparison running."

Huntress is grinning rather broadly.

"Happy memory?" asks Barbara.

"Yes you could say that," answers Huntress.

"Anything in particular?" queries Barbara.

"His eyes… I mean Vic's eyes," continues Huntress.

"Weakness for eyes eh?" sighs Barbara.

"I bet you are too Barb," jests Huntress.

"When you get stared at in certain yes, but hairstyle is also nice."

"What about costumes?" chuckles Huntress.

"Don't even get me started on that one."

The computer runs through all the photographs of Sasha.

"Comparison checks complete. Individual from visual record is a probability match of 97%."

"Identify visual anomalies."

"Anomalies include surgical scars, curvature alteration, and signs that hair color is not its natural coloration."

"Run a cross comparison of both anomalous individuals against all known super villains currently not in custody."

"Cross comparison will take several hours to complete."

"Understood, run the request immediately."

"Cross comparison sweep underway."

Huntress shoulders Barbara back towards the other on foot entry/exit. They will be taking the elevator back to the ground floor, which would bring them out into the den instead of the room where the grandfather clock stands in place.

"So at this point we have at least one culprit though that in itself is a hypothetical aside from the factors that make him a likely candidate."

"I don't know how anyone could hope to pull off a convincing Bruce Wayne, but the fact is that he was with Oliver and Oliver couldn't tell yet the only thing I can say for whomever he is that he fooled me too. I had not however pictured Bruce as someone likely to drink that much."

"He has put himself through quite a headache and heartache with Diana because eventually she'll give up. Many women do love Bruce Wayne, but Bruce Wayne loves without allowing the love to flourish as it could…as it should."

"This business we are in is too emotionally trying to weather alone even though some of us believe at times that we should, but underneath it all… we are still only human."


"Commissioner Gordon is concerned that prolonged absence of Batman will eventually bait the Rogues into taking use of the absence to their own ends," says Montoya.

"Right well Dad doesn't have to worry… Nightwing and Robin can handle things," replies Barbara.

"I know how much you want to keep these things in the Family, but somebody has to pretend to be Batman for awhile," continues Montoya.

"Who do you suggest to impersonate him? They would see right through it," comments Barbara.

"Who the heck took his place that one time a couple years back?" asks Montoya.

"That was Superman. He and Batman are relatively the same build, but I doubt he would want to risk Metropolis for Gotham. Somebody else might have to step up," concludes Barbara.

Barbara is looking at Dick as she says this. Dick does his own version of a Bat-esque glare upon noticing her looking at him. The phone call ends soon after.

"You can't be serious asking me of all people to impersonate Batman," grumbles Dick.

"I don't know who else to ask even if we did run this by Superman I doubt he has the time."

"Let's just hope I can be convincing because the last thing I need is someone going that's not Batman."

"You'll do fine once you shake off this whole I can't be Batman notion."

"Wish I had your confidence."

"Just get ready… it is only temporary."

There is a rain storm starting outside. A rumble follows meaning it is a lightning storm on top of the rain.

"It is a dark and stormy…" chuckles Tim.

"Oh, cut it out, that's not that funny…" retorts Dick.

"He's got the lack of ridiculous humor down," snorts Tim.

"Suit up Tim," orders Dick.

"Right away Batman," chuckles Tim.


Dick in the Batsuit steps out into the lit area on the Batmobile turntable.

"It is a loose fit, but at least maybe I look tall enough," remarks Dick.

"Better work on your Bat voice," comments Tim.

"Best switch to your Bird voice," snips Dick.

"Sure I make a joke a minute and you get grumpy," huffs Tim.

"It is alright Tim. Just dressing like this makes uneasy, I am used to looking at this cowl from the other side. It is like looking at him through a mirror except it is me wearing this cowl."

"So any chance of Batgirl joining us?" suggests Robin.

"Not tonight Robin… tonight you can call me Oracle," says Barbara.

"Catchy," remarks Dick.

"Better not talk like that in front of my dad."

"Right," continues 'Batman'.

"Kind of sounds like him, keep working on it, like Superman told me when he did it, precision muscle control," says Robin.

"Bet he did Batman and you then you were quick to tell him to cut it out," remarks Batman.

Robin hops into the Batmobile then 'Batman' jumps into the driver's seat.

"In case you were wondering if I had anyone in mind to stand in for me, I'll have her meet you."

"Don't tell me you called her in for this one," groans 'Batman'.

"Who are you talking about?" queries Robin.

"You'll see soon enough Boy Wonder," replies 'Oracle'.

"You could have let us taken care of this alone," rebukes 'Batman'.

"Just get going… the sooner we figure out what is going on the sooner we get back to what we see as our usual roles," sighs 'Oracle'.

The Batmobile zips off into the tunnel that connects the Batcave to the gantry, which leads to the back road to the Batcave.

"Just out of curiosity 'Oracle' who did you have step into your look?" asks Huntress.

"Cassandra Cain," admits 'Oracle'.

"You do realize the attention you'll draw with her don't you?" interjects Question.

"I am aware that a number of individuals or factions will latch on to this appearance."

"She hardly resembles you in costume."

"Dick and I already had talked about this. She is noticeably younger than me, but we did take a few steps to disguise her within the costume. Her hair will look red like mine and the near invisible lenses in the cowl will make her eyes look like mine."

"Sounds like you thought of the details beforehand."

"We kept it between us in order to limit how many know that she is temporarily stepping in for me."

The elevator opens to reveal Diana entering the Batcave.

"Well this is unexpected," murmurs Barbara.

"Nice to see you on the mend Barbara yet I haven't seen Dick or Tim," says Diana.

"Commissioner Gordon believes it necessary for a Batman appearance in order to dispel any plans in motions to take advantage of Batman's absence so Dick went out as Batman with Tim as usual as Robin."

"It appears you aren't up to taking into the night as Batgirl, so who did you send in your place?"

"You don't miss much do you?"

"No, I only saw Nightwing's costume still hung up, so you don't think they would want to see Nightwing too?"

The elevator doors part a second time.

"Good to see you Roy," calls Barbara.

"Different hairstyle," comments Question.

"You better be sure that I only have to do this temporarily. Sure Dick is my friend, but I have my own costumed alter-ego to maintain too."

Roy takes the Nightwing costume and goes into another part of the cave to change as Dick had done earlier when donning the Batman look.

"Sure the look may suit him, but me I don't do black though I guess I'll have to make an exception to take part in this deception for the criminals of Gotham. Now where's that bike?"

Roy climbs onto the cycle and takes off up the ramp then into the tunnel.

"I wouldn't have believed, but from behind he does look like Nightwing. I don't mean just the costume or the hair. The attitude is a fair approximation," comments Diana.

"Guess we should join the party," jests Huntress.

"That's why Diana is here," continues Question.

"Batman… Bruce… is missing and you want me to stay here with Barbara?" hisses Diana.

"Somebody has to watch the Manor besides Barbara and Alfred," remarks Question.

"It is best not to show anything contrary to Batman's style of handling Gotham that includes you."

"I get it, but you can't expect this smoke and mirrors thing to fool them indefinitely."


Huntress peers across the roof in the darkness with her binoculars. She had gotten a very sophisticated replacement for her old one. The new one has zoom settings, which made it a simpler thing to look at things from a few rooftops away. 'Batman' and Robin are meeting with Gordon to discuss the crime situation. 'Batgirl' is keeping tabs from the roof across the way from GCPD Central and so far no signs of super villains, which could mean that they were overestimating whether or not any loose villains would try anything now. Someone lands behind her just after the sound of a whip wrapping around the base of the water tower near the far side of the roof.

Huntress spins around aiming her crossbow at the newcomer.

"Show yourself Catwoman!" shouts Huntress.

"You really do spoil an entrance Huntress," snips Catwoman.

Catwoman lands heels first on the roof then recoils her whip before clipping it to her waist.

"He really thinks he is fooling anyone dressing like that does he?" cracks Catwoman.

"Not even he expects it to fool anyone, but with the real deal missing, somebody had to step up."

"I also know that is not Batgirl over there either. She looks the part, but the real deal in her case is not that ridge in her posture while keeping an eye out."

"Did you come here for something purposeful or just to play games?"

"Barbara's attempt to make it look like all is well isn't going to keep everyone duped for long."

Huntress had already known Question is up here with them, but she wouldn't give him away.

"That's somewhat rhetorical as a statement."

"He is up here with you?"

"You sound surprised for someone who relies on stealth quite frequently."

"I didn't come here with the intention of being arrested again."

"Nobody said anything about an arrest. I only am asking if you recognize these two."

Catwoman looks at photographs of the impostors.

"He makes a passable Bruce and she looks like she had her bra size upped for the occasion."

"You have anything besides obvious commentary to share Kyle?"

"Nobody has seen Tommy Elliot in months and he is a reputable surgeon especially in the field of plastic surgery. It is possible that he altered these two look like Bruce and Sasha. Heck he might even be the one impersonating Bruce."

"I thought he might be given his disdain for Wayne yet I am still uncertain about her."

Catwoman does several back flips before somersaulting to the next roof.


"I think we should have held her for information."

"She only vaguely confirms my suspicion about the one impersonating Wayne."

"What about the woman?"

"I trust in 'Oracle' to have a name for that soon."

Their earpiece comlinks chirp a few second later.

"I have a rundown of unaccounted for former associates of Grodd and Luthor."

"So who is on the list?"

"The men include Atomic Skull, Bizarro, Doctor Destiny, Evil Star, Heatwave, and Sinestro. This is the short list as the rest have unknown written in their files."

"What of the women?"

"They include Cheetah, Giganta, Killer Frost, Tsukuri, Star Sapphire, and Volcana. However like with the men, the information is incomplete."

"None of the men fit the body type and none have anything against the costumes present at the Summit as far we know. As for the women, Cheetah has history with Batman going back to his capture by the Injustice Gang and Joker."

"I ran composite analysis between Cheetah's human appearance and Sasha. It appears that she would fit the bill to physically impersonate Sasha, the only catch is did she and why would she?"

"She claimed in the past that her criminality is based on the drive to restore her human appearance after risking everything on her research and work. How many are going to use that spin?"

"Freeze did plenty of questionable things, but in the end he did save Nora at the cost of his own humanity and body. As for Clayface, nobody ever thought he would kill, but he finally had as we all know."

"So if we believe that Thomas Elliot and Barbara Ann Minerva are our suspects then where are they now?"

"No crimes have been committed by Cheetah in more than six months. As for Hush, the same goes for him. A void of that scope is certainly worth checking out, but where to look?"

"That is the question."

Huntress and Question trade looks after he says that particular twist.

"I still find that turn of a phrase to be funny," giggles Huntress.

"That's good to hear… so let's see what the others across the way are up to," remarks Question.

'Batman' and Robin are taking off back to the Batmobile.

"I am transmitting the suspect list to the Batmobile's on-board computer."

'Batgirl' and 'Nightwing' are heading off presumably in the direction of Bludhaven.


Question and Huntress drop down to where the Batmobile is the alleyway across the street. The retractable hood opens up.

"So where do we begin our search for these two if they really are the ones we should be tailing?"

"It really isn't tailing, more like looking for where they had been holed if they were in Gotham."

"Either of you know about the place where Thomas Blake ran his cult?"

Someone else lands in the alleyway.

"If you are going to stalk out Blake's former compound then I better tag along," interjects Catwoman.

The four all trade looks as if trying to decide whether to let in on this situation.

"She knows the grounds, so I say let her tag along," says 'Batman'.

"Right, the last few times anyone 'trusted' her she wasn't playing straight," comments Robin.

"Valid, but we will have to put personal feelings aside for this," remarks Question.

"So who is going with her?" comments Huntress.

"You will go with her Huntress and 'Batman' will go too," recommends Question.

"I'd think I would best be going with you and Robin," rebukes 'Batman'.

"Like I already said personal baggage gets tossed now," retorts Question.

"Whatever you say Vic," replies 'Batman'.

Question glares from behind the mask except even he cannot give into the nudge to snap at 'Batman' or rather at Dick in the Batsuit. Robin follows Question to the Pontiac and there waiting for them is Zatanna and Jason.

"So what brings you two to Gotham?" asks Question.

"We thought you could use more bodies on the search," answers Zatanna.

"Has Nightshade said anything further about why we found her magic 'footprint' even though it was not her as we initially thought?" queries Question.

"She said her twin brother's 'footprint' has an almost identical signature to hers, but she has not seen him in years, not since their mother died," responds Jason.

"One of you go to the Manor examine it for signs of magical intrusion or presence… perhaps you are better suited to that Blood," suggests Question.

"If you think so Sage, be careful out there, despite how redundant that sounds, but we still don't know entirely who or what we are dealing with aside from the mounting suspicions."

"Understood, so let's solve this mystery shall we?"

Robin decides to go with Jason back to the Manor.

"You would think he would want to be out here looking for someway to find Bruce, but he looks after Barbara like she's his big sister. Hate to imagine what would happen to Barbara if something happen to him, to Dick, or even Bruce," comments Zatanna.

"Pray we never have to find out," murmurs Question.


It is somewhat lengthy drive to the old Elliot Estate, but once there it is practically like looking at an inversion of Wayne Manor in every sense of the word. Question parks the car quite far away after insisting that Zatanna get them the rest of the way only for them to be joined by Wonder Woman who choose to leave Barbara under the watchful eyes of Tim, Alfred, and Jason.

"I thought we agreed you wouldn't be out here," reminds Question.

"If it were Huntress' life at stake again would you let someone else look for her without you?"

"No I wouldn't. No use in arguing a counterpoint to this, keep moving," remarks Question.

Question hops over the wall before Wonder Woman carries Zatanna over.

"You went straight to the heart on him, wouldn't expect you to do that, but Batman is missing after all."

"Not like I want to pull that one on him, not after the number of times that his or her life was at stake in the last three going on four months… so where is she and Dick?"

"They are checking out another lead at the former compound of Thomas Blake's cult."

"Tim did mention that yet he did hesitate about something else… wouldn't say it to me."

"Catwoman was hanging around after the meeting with the Commissioner or so I could gather."

"How did you gather that one?"

"Vic's usual indifference is not what it used to be. It is not that it isn't convincing anymore, sometimes it is better than others, sometimes it is not there."

"You almost make it sound like he has lost something."

"In a way he has, in another way he has already become more than he once was, but like others he has yet to fully come to grips with the experiences fully if ever. There are those who can seem to put it behind like it is all said and done while others have it with them for the rest of their lives."

Question is already through the front door by the time Wonder Woman and Zatanna catch up to him. The interior is full of furniture with drop cloths all over. It appears like nobody has been home in awhile yet there is an eerie sense that they are not alone here. The front door latches shut, then almost impenetrable shutters come down over the windows, and the lights go out before cutting back in on dim. Wonder Woman tries to force the door except it shocks her in a way similar to other devices had done in frequently in the past so instead she turns to the window shutters yet no luck there either. The shutters could almost feel like her futile attempts to slug Mongul if she thought to offer an example.

"Wonder Woman to Metro Tower," says Wonder Woman.

She stomps on the floor and it too appears to have gotten reinforcement.

"No response from any attempts to comlink call, probably comlink shielded, we have to find a way out of here," continues Wonder Woman.

"I suggest we locate Question as he had come in here ahead of us," recommends Zatanna.

The television on the far wall crackles to life.

"Hello I trust my look is a common fix to all the locals yet for those who it might not be. I am sure someone can fill you in. You have no doubt found there is no way out of here, at least not conventionally by door, window, or any point of access. The further warning is that if you can't find your way out by dawn, well then you will discover that the only way out is not out."

The television switches off.

"Some kind of a riddle," comments Question.

"So the Riddler has us stuck in here?" queries Zatanna.

"That's the idea," replies Question.

"How did we walk into this one?" retorts Wonder Woman.

"This marks the fourth, maybe even the fifth time that a Batman rogue has gotten to us like this, so a further question who is behind all this and what end is it for said individual to hire villains to target us aside from having cause to suspect Lord as the architect of this charade," mumbles Question.

Question heads upstairs as if sensing a solution to the riddle.

The way out is not out, but up or down?


The former cult compound appears as abandoned as they thought it yet the lack of communication from Question is beginning to worry Huntress even with her attempts to contact him using the comlink given to her by Barbara. After what happen weeks ago, nobody was ready to walk around without a properly modified earpiece comlink including Huntress. Separately the trio is navigating the hallways looking for signs that this place had been used since the cult's prior habitation of the grounds. The vacancy is not the least bit relieving, at least not entirely, but the void of activity and life is not always a good sign.

"Anything in your search area Huntress?" queries 'Batman'.

"Nothing as usual, I am starting to think this was a dead end," answers Huntress.

The floor opens ahead of her and behind her. Somebody knows they are there and put traps in apparently. The comlink goes on the fritz as someone or something is jamming them. The floor tilts downward then Huntress drops into the shaft. She tries to slow her descent by elbowing the shaft walls as well as pressing her boots against it except something shoots up below. It loosens her push to remain into place as it squeezing her. The descend picks up and she cannot reach her crossbow with her arms all tied up like this in binds. Huntress sniffs the air then realizes that these binds are alive, which meant only one person is causing them.

"Poison Ivy…" grumbles Huntress.

"Hello Huntress," replies Ivy.

"So where is Harley?" jests Huntress.

"Right here," calls Harley Quinn.

"It is not surprising to be caught by Ivy, but why is Harley here?"

"We work as a team now or haven't you heard?"

"That still going on, it would change in a heartbeat once Joker is loose again."

"No, it wouldn't I'm sticking with Red from now."

"Sure you will until the J-Man goes calling again."

"When did you start doing mind games… usually that's someone else like Batman or Scarecrow."

"I had a run in with Scarecrow a couple weeks ago… he's back in Arkham with broken fingers."

"I heard about somebody breaking his fingers… it wasn't you though… he gassed you."

Huntress strains not to think of what she saw in the nightmare. She starts to sweat behind the mask, but she had to get through this deflect something back at Ivy or Harley.

"I heard that nut boyfriend of yours actually did the breaking."

"You heard right, he doesn't take criminals harming his lady too well."

"Well I am betting he is a bit busy with Riddler's new 'game' right now."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"As he would say, that is the question," chuckles Harley.

"Oh, that does it!" growls Huntress.

Huntress forces her arms outward snapping the vines around her shoulders then kicks Harley across the room.

"How did you break my vines… those are the best strain I have made in years!" yells Ivy.

The two wrestle around on the floor.

"Always come prepared with different types of spray… not that I ever thought I would need the kind that Batman told me works against most of your plants," answers Huntress.

Huntress hearing foot falls behind her tumbles out of the way leaving Ivy open to the punch gun with the red boxing glove on it that Harley is known for using from time to time. Ivy stumbles backwards and hisses at Harley. Harley shrugs just before Huntress punches her. The connecting blow upsets Harley's balance, which sends her sprawling then rolling across the floor.

Ivy attempts a roundhouse kick, which Huntress catches then spin tosses Ivy into Harley as she is trying to get back to her feet. She whips out her crossbow and takes aim.

"I heard you don't play that rough anymore," goads Harley.

"You don't kill at least that's the word," adds Ivy.

"You sure about that?" replies Huntress.

She fires off two darts, which symmetrically pin Harley against the wall by way her headdress.

"Ah, that hurt, great you have any idea how long it takes to grow back hair?" cries Harley.

Ivy flicks oddly familiar minute size objects at Huntress.

"Just perfect…"

Vines instantly sprout and start to squeeze Huntress.


'Batman' and Catwoman arrive in the nick of time yet Ivy had used the spore diversion to free Harley then disappear to elsewhere in the compound.

"Looks like you did some fabric and hair damage to Harley Quinn," comments Catwoman.

"Well I had to think of something to even the odds, but of course there is also Ivy to contend with here. Any word from the others?" says Huntress.

"We haven't had any contact with them since they went into the Elliot Estate, something is blocking the comlinks, which is a worry," answers 'Batman'.

"Well we better wrap this up because I have a bad feeling Question and the others are at risk without us around," remarks Huntress.

The trio follows the only other way out of this room presuming that their quarries didn't double back on them.


Question makes it to the uppermost floor of the Elliot Estate yet even the windows up here are locked down tightly. Zatanna and Diana finally manage to catch up as Question starts to examine the dumbwaiter protruding from the far wall. It opens up to reveal something written into the back of dumbwaiter lift.

First up then down, not left nor right, one way in, no way out, what am I?

"What could that mean?" groans Diana.

"At first it sounds it might be describing the dumbwaiter," surmises Zatanna.

"Accurate, but there is a way out of a dumbwaiter," continues Question.

"So do you know what it is?" asks Diana.

"A coffin," answers Question.

An old television set sitting at angle among the pile of boxes turns on nearby.

"You could give Batman a run for his money, if he were still around and had any to spare. I am a season and a sign yet I am also heavy, what does it mean?"

"It is not the fall, but the sudden stop that quantifies gravity."

"Three for three Question… or do you prefer Vic Sage… either way we all have our masks… so down you go…like gravity."

Question drops first then Zatanna tries to send a rope down except all they hear is a whirl as if something had cut the rope. The floor closes up then the walls start closing in on them.

"Come now ladies… you always like having a trim figure though it is less of squeeze when the dimensions are specific to design."

"Clearly you aren't talking clothes shopping. Like rearview mirrors size is relative no matter the size of the lenses."

"Clever girl Zatanna… I tip my hat to you."

A mirror on the opposite wall slides down and the air sucks her back towards it then she too is no longer in the uppermost room leaving Diana alone up here.

"I have a shadow even in moonlight. Sounds are my eyes and fear is my game. Who am I?"

"Enough with the games Riddler!"

"You want the end… then you will have to play along whether you like it… all Knight."

"Now that's just stupid… you are no…."

The floor boards throw her backwards into the wooden door smashing it as she goes rolling down the stairwell after the steps tilt to become a ramp.


No way out by going up, one way out by going down, there must be a way out down here. How else could Nygma escape the Estate unless he is not actually here, but how else could he see us unless he is here?

Question scans the room concentrating on the outlines of things in the darkness.

He enjoys the game too much to just watch from elsewhere, he must be somewhere, and he had given away how to escape this maze of his built into Tommy Elliot's old family residence.

Each step reveals a hidden dart shooters built in a haphazard fashion though most likely done on purpose to eliminate a distinct pattern, but there is pattern even chaos at least to Question. He cautiously maneuvers listening closely for the sound of a dart shooter and manages to evade them most of the time. A few miscalculations leave him with some micro-darts sticking out of the length of his body. He repeatedly and quietly snaps them off glad they didn't penetrate his body too deep, but Nygma's riddles usually were not overly violent or visceral yet other criminals had gone farther lately so he couldn't rely on an assumption to defeat Nygma.

He relies more on sound to dodge each trap, whether he evades it or sets it off, it is slow going to cross the hallway. There is a flickering sign at the end of the corridor, which becomes easier to make out even the lights go on and off at random intervals.

"Six Below, Room For One, Final Rest."

I already found out what all this means so why be redundant unless I assume too much again.

Question bends back after hearing something sink under him then several spinning and sharp objects shoot out of the walls. Another close call among countless others tonight and dawn draws ever close. He only hopes the women are fairing alright wherever Riddler sent them. He can hear pounding through the wall ahead where the door is, but what does it mean in regards to the message above the doorway. He flicks out something from the locksmith set that Helena had given him as a Christmas gift. She did know where to find the most useful yet lightweight tools of trade.

Remember to thank her for this later.

The door swings open revealing an upright coffin and the pounding ever loud.

"Who is in there?" shouts Question.

"Question? Get me out of here please," pleads Shayera.

"How did you get in here you didn't come with us," answers Question.

"I was searching for Batman on my own after the news hit about him killing someone."

Shayera would never admit, but she has problems with tight spaces, a bit of claustrophobia.

"Why not use your mace?" suggests Question.

"It is not in here with me," replies Shayera.

Either this is a trick or she is in there without her mace. I can't afford to second guess right now.

Question starts picking all the chained locks that are tightly bound to the coffin. Each clatters to the floor then he opens the door to reveal the familiar tough yet lovely Thanagarian except for her bloodshot eyes almost as she had been crying much in there.

"I owe you one, but for now I want to give that top hat weirdo hell for this contraption."

"You mean Riddler?"

"I am talking that other stocky one who Riddler called Mad Hatter."

Together they continue the search for a potential panic room, which is where Riddler could monitor them if he is on the grounds.


Catwoman goes flying backwards into a wall after taking a blast from Livewire.

"Who is the pale girl?" groans Catwoman.

"She briefly partnered up with Ivy and Harley though they got a handful from Batgirl and Supergirl."

'Batman' crosses his forearms to brace for a blast from Livewire.

"Right so how are the girls… looks like you could use their help… but that's the point of trapping you three in here… besides I know that guy with you two ain't Batman," snickers Livewire.

Huntress goes after Livewire only to be hit by the familiar red boxing glove and stumble back into Ivy who is simply wearing another boxing glove over her nimble hand. Huntress barely dodges it so the Ivy's glove connects with the advancing Harley. Harley falls backwards and groans as she hits the floor.

"You two really are useless," snorts Livewire.

"You are one to talk… a bit of powder and you would be a dead battery."

'Batman' whips out a couple of marble sized objects that emit the powder that Ivy had been innocuously talking about only seconds ago.

"Nice to remind them of that Red," coughs Livewire.

Livewire drops to the floor.

Catwoman's whip pulls Ivy down and forward. Ivy gets a concussion from the fall or at least what passes for one with her.

"We still have to find a way out though what do we do about them?" comments Huntress.

"We each carry one, make each is tightly bound up," suggests 'Batman'.

"Best hope they stay almost unconscious long enough for us to get out," retorts Catwoman.


Question and Shayera happen upon Zatanna who is busy fight Volcana who appears to be keeping J'onn hostage.

"How did they get J'onn?" quips Shayera.

"I have a feeling we will find out," remarks Question.

"I'll lend Zatanna a hand," continues Shayera.

The technology looks familiar. It looks like the device from that military base where the Invaders held J'onn captive years ago when he come to Earth to warn us of the Invaders who were let loose by John Carter's curiosity. How and when did someone get their hands on this?

Question examines the console looking for a way to shut the machine down except he is not alone on this side of the room.

"Hello Question," says Doctor Destiny.

"John Dee aka Doctor Destiny," responds Question.

"You are wondering how I got to the Martian I bet."

"You have kept him under using that because he was the only one to beat you in the dreamscape, but Batman, you have got a special bone to pick with him because he inadvertently made you catatonic."

"Right on the money… now how about you and Hawkgirl take a nap…"

Question slaps a button that deactivates the machine holding J'onn.

"We might be taking a nap… but you can't outmaneuver an alert telepath."

"Quick with your hands, but you and the others are still far behind."

Question crumples to the floor as does Shayera enable Destiny and Volcana to flee before J'onn fully recovers his orientation and his powers return to full. He initiates telepathic contact with them making certain that Destiny had not put them into a state similar to the one that he had sought to bring half of the original seven out. Destiny had only put them to sleep, which would slow down their advance though not for long.

Question awakens to see J'onn back in his usual look along with Shayera who had found her mace hidden in a vault thanks to J'onn.

"I am uncertain as to how much time has gone by since our captivity yet nobody could impersonate us unless they were shape shifters," comments J'onn.

"Likewise I want to shut down this place and toss that Hatter soon," interjects Shayera.

"How did they get you J'onn?" asks Question.

"Volcana set off a fire around me, which triggered an explosion strong enough to apparently knock me out. After that I awoke in that holding device with a psychic nullifier nearby."

"Brings back old memories I bet."

"Yes, the Invaders that had infiltrated the military and the political arm of Earth used something similar trap me."

Shayera knows to answer next without a prompt.

"Destiny had come after me in my sleep again by appearing as Hro, John, and Carter. It is too personal to reveal what they did exactly except it too brought back the strongest bad memories for me and I found myself unable to wake… like nightmares are still another place where all the decisions are the wrong ones."

"Let's just focus on getting out of here."


They finally arrive at a room where Wonder Woman is staring at three monitors.

One can see Joker who is holding two remotes as seen on the center monitor.

On the left monitor is the missing Batman is hanging over an acid vat like the one that made Joker.

On the right monitor is Superman hanging over a vat with liquid kryptonite in it.

"Nothing like a captive audience… hahaha," laughs Joker.

"You won't get away with this Joker," yells Wonder Woman.

"Well Princess… you can save your Dark Knight or you can save Blue Boy… the catch is when you spring one… I will dunk the other… thus transforming and/or killing said other," continues Joker.

"Either way one of them ends up dead or worse," snaps Wonder Woman.

"Chaos for Wonder Woman… your 'lover' or your 'brother'…" cackles Joker.

"Where are they?" demands Diana.

"Don't bother having the Martian scan for them. There are telepathic blockers near them."

"So how are we supposed to find either of or both of them?" hisses Diana.

"Think mythology Princess," replies Joker.

The center monitor winks off and the countdown begins as they have less than an hour to find both.

The left monitor also now reads Atlas and the right reads Styx.

"We still have to find a way out of here," reminds Question.

Diana flies up at the ceiling then gets a knock-back from an energy discharge that zaps her armor.

"It can't be done by simple smashing…"

Question rips the center monitor away from the wall and finds what he had been looking for an exit. The group emerges from under the estate less than five minutes later yet the issue remains how to get both heroes back without injury or insanity.

"Half of us will have to get to Axis Chemicals and half of us will have to get to the Gotham Opera House… except nobody release the captives… we have to find a way to release both without losing the other."

J'onn attempts to telepathically reach the others before flying in the direction of Wayne Manor.

Diana and Zatanna head off for the Gotham Opera House.

Question and Shayera fly off towards Axis Chemicals.

The clock is ticking and they have less than forty minutes left.


A/N 1: The impostors remain at large. Their identities are speculated. Hush doesn't appear at all in animated continuity.

A/N 2: A few temporary shifts have happen in the Batclan. Likewise Cassandra Cain only has an uncredited cameo in JL Savage Time.

A/N 3: Several villains make active or passive cameos in the latter half. Nods are made to their various appearances in DCAU.

A/N 4: Again this is a somewhat long chapter and locations swap frequently so hopefully the pacing works aside from the length.