Rose let out a weary sigh as she stepped out of the towering glass and steel doors of the Wayne Enterprises building. It had been a long day at work as the marketing coordinator, promoting the company's various products and philanthropic initiatives.
Though she loved her job, Rose found herself longing for more friendship and community in Gotham City at the end of each day.
She had moved here a month ago, after coming across the listing for her role online and impressing Bruce Wayne himself during a lengthy phone interview. It was nice to leave behind her small hometown, where she felt like she had outgrown the limited career opportunities and familiar faces she had known since childhood.
Her closest friends from high school and college were now scattered across different states, busy building their own lives and careers. They tried to keep in touch through group chats and occasional phone calls, but conversations had grown more infrequent and superficial over the past few years. Rose had hoped moving to a new city would give her a fresh start to meet new people and form meaningful connections, but that had proven harder than expected.
Her coworkers were friendly and professional, but they didn't seem interested in getting to know her better. They mostly talked about work-related topics in the break room, or exchanged brief greetings and compliments. Rose tried initiating conversations about hobbies, interests, or personal stories, but they often ended abruptly or awkwardly.
Tonight, one of the other coordinators had finally accepted Rose's invitation to grab drinks after work at a nearby happy hour spot, raising her hopes. But a last minute emergency with a sick family member meant cancelling at the last minute, leaving Rose disappointed once more as she headed home alone after another long day.
Glancing up at the darkening summer sky,, Rose hurried down the sidewalk toward the bus stop just a block away from the Wayne Enterprises building. As she turned the corner, her heart sank - the bus was just pulling away, leaving an empty stop behind.
Breaking into a fast-paced jog, Rose called out desperately toward the bus, "Wait! Please stop!"
She waved her arms back and forth, hoping the driver would spot her in one of the large mirrors along the side. But either the tired man behind the wheel didn't hear her, or he was already running well behind schedule from the packed downtown traffic. Without slowing, the bus rolled onward down the avenue, ignoring her frantic pleas.
Now with no other transportation options, she would have to make the lengthy walk all the way to her cramped studio apartment. As she began the long trek, Rose felt a growing knot of anxiety in her stomach. Gotham had a notorious reputation for danger, especially once night fell on the crime-infested streets. With her petite frame, long chestnut brown hair and matching doe eyes, Rose knew she made an easy target for the city's violent criminals lurking in the shadows. She quickened her pace, hoping to avoid any sinister encounters on the way home.
Suddenly, a gravelly voice called out from a narrow alley to her right. "Well well, what do we have here? A little lost mouse scurrying home?"
Rose whipped her head towards the sound and saw two thugs emerging from the darkness. She stumbled backwards in alarm, only to collide forcefully with two more men who had been concealed behind her. They seized her roughly by both arms, their fingers digging painfully into her skin.
"Please, just take my purse and leave me alone!" Rose pleaded desperately, heart hammering in her chest.
"Oh we'll take more than just your purse," one of the men leered, his hot breath on her neck.
Rose felt paralyzed with terror. She squeezed her eyes shut and whimpered involuntarily. Her heart raced so fast she thought it might burst from her chest.
Through the rushing in her ears, she heard a faint, eerie sound in the distance - a sing-song voice echoing down the alleyway. The men froze, exchanging wary glances as the voice grew louder.
"Riddle me this, riddle me that. Who's afraid of the big black bat?"
Rose forced her eyes open and peered upwards with difficulty. A shadowy figure was perched high above on the ledge of a building, backlit by Gotham's murky glow. He was clad in a green suit decorated with a purple question mark tie. A matching green domino mask concealed his face, and he gripped a golden cane capped with a question mark symbol. It was none other than the Riddler, Gotham's criminal master of puzzles and mind games.
The Riddler dropped from the ledge above, tucking himself into a tight roll as he impacted the brick alley floor to absorb the shock. Rising casually to his full height, he sauntered forward, idly spinning his cane between gloved fingers.
His sudden appearance provided the distraction Rose needed. She slipped quickly out of her captors' grasps and backed away, feeling the rough brick wall at her shoulders offering some meager protection behind her.
The largest thug stepped forward aggressively. "Scram, creep, before-"
"Tut tut, such rudeness." The Riddler cut in with an oily smile. "I merely wished to play a game. But it seems you gentlemen have...prior engagements.."
The thug sneered in contempt, puffing out his broad chest. "We ain't got time for yer stupid mind games. Beat it!"
The Riddler's smile didn't fade, only widening with secret delight. "As you wish. But first..."
Without warning, he flung a small dart from his cane directly at one of the thugs. The man let out an agonized cry as the poison rapidly coursed through his bulky form. He collapsed to the ground, writhing and clawing desperately at his flesh.
"Johnny!" the others yelled in panicked alarm, instinctively dropping to their knees at his side.
"Your large friend has precisely ten minutes before that specialized concoction ceases his heart," the Riddler casually explained, glancing idly at a pocket watch produced from within his emerald suit.
"Answer my riddle correctly within the time limit, and I shall administer the antidote to neutralize his poison. However, refuse to engage or answer incorrectly, and Johnny dies."
The panicked thugs looked to one another with fear in their eyes, taking in Johnny's racked whimpers and spasms below. They realized with dread that they had no real choice left but to play along with the deranged criminal's deadly game if they wished to save their friend from a most gruesome demise.
The largest thug sneered up at the Riddler through bared teeth. "Fine, we'll do yer damn riddle. But Johnny here better still be breathin' after!"
"We shall see!" the Riddler exclaimed with creepily theatrical glee, "Now then, riddle me this - what has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up, up it goes, yet never grows?"
The thugs racked their brains frantically, throwing out wild guesses to the Riddler between panicked glances at Johnny.
"The sky?"
"A tree?"
"Clouds?"
The Riddler merely chuckled as he inspected his watch. "Tick tock, time is running out," he sang, his eyes wild with twisted excitement.
Finally, the largest thug lost his nerve. "To hell with this!" he spat, spinning on his heel to make a mad dash for the entrance to the darkened alleyway, hoping to bolt for safety while they still drew breath.
His remaining cohorts scrambled after him, only to pull up short mere feet away with gasps of horror. Somehow the Riddler now stood calmly blocking their only route of escape, having managed to slip in a blur between them without a sound.
"Uh uh uh," the Riddler tutted, wagging a gloved finger. "You're not going anywhere until you solve my puzzle."
They knew with dread that stalling would avail them nothing now. The thugs launched themselves at the Riddler, but he easily sidestepped their brutal assault. With a flick of his cane, he swept the legs out from under one attacker. As the man crashed to the ground, the Riddler spun low and struck another in the chest with a precise jab, forcing the breath from his lungs in a pained whoosh.
The last thug charged with a angry yell, swinging his fists fueled by fear and rage. The Riddler dodged each blow with mocking grace, teasing the man ever closer to exhaustion. When an opening presented itself, he sprang into action. His cane whipped around to crack against the man's temple, dropping him into darkness.
Straightening his suit with a few brusque pats, the Riddler surveyed the fallen thugs with lidded eyes. "It seems our time is up. Pity you didn't guess...a mountain."
Spinning his cane expertly, the Riddler stepped over the fallen thugs with delicate precision, his polished shoes avoiding any unwelcome stains.
Rose pushed from the wall on trembling legs, turning to flee the alley's darkness. But a gloved hand suddenly pressed into the bricks beside her head, barring her escape. She gasped and looked up to find the Riddler leaning in close, studying her with keen interest behind his mask.
"Leaving so soon, my dear? But the game has only just begun," he crooned. Rose trembled under his intense gaze, overwhelmed by the chaos and violence of the night.
Before she could react, he spun his cane and jabbed the end towards her.
She felt a small prick against her neck. Looking down, Rose saw a tiny dart protruding from her skin. Almost instantly, her limbs began to feel heavy and numb.
"Wha...what did you..." she slurred, words sticking in her throat as the paralytic took hold. She slumped back against the wall, legs giving out beneath her.
The Riddler caught her swiftly, scooping her limp body up in his arms. "Just a little concoction of my own to keep you docile, my dear," he purred. "We wouldn't want you scampering off before I've had a chance to properly introduce myself."
Rose's head lolled weakly against his shoulder as he carried her from the alley. She struggled to keep her eyes open, darkness creeping at the edges of her vision. His cologne filled her nostrils, rich and masculine.
"There there, go ahead and rest," the Riddler murmured, adjusting his grip on her. "You'll need your strength for the games to come..."
As Rose finally slipped into unconsciousness, the last thing she saw was his jade green eyes gazing down at her, alight with cunning and ambition. Then everything went black.
When Rose finally woke up, unfamiliar surroundings came into blurred focus. Disoriented, she slowly sat up, eyes blinking heavily as she took in the cluttered room. Gadgets and books of all kinds were strewn across workbenches and piled high on every surface. Where was she?
Rose realized she was lying on a worn couch placed haphazardly in the middle of the chaos. Her hand flew to her numb neck, fingers probing the poisoned dart wound.
Memories of the alley rushed back - her attackers, the paralytic dart, being carried away into darkness. Panic rose in her chest as a tall figure moved about nearby, his back to her.
Turning, the stranger peered down at her with an unnerving grin underneath his mask.
"Ah, you're awake," he said almost gleefully. "Good. I have the antidote here."
Adrenaline surged through Rose's veins as she attempted to push herself up, but her body refused to cooperate. The man loomed closer, syringe in hand, and her heart raced in terror.
Before she could protest, the needle pierced her arm. Agonizing fire flooded her veins, and Rose cried out weakly. But soon the pain subsided, her mind clearing even though her body remained weak.
Rising unsteadily, she registered her surroundings once more and met the man's intense gaze warily. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" she asked.
He tilted his head, grinning. "Straight to business, eh? Very well."
With a flourish, he removed his green bowler hat and gave an exaggerated bow.
"Edward Nygma, known to most as The Riddler, criminal virtuoso and master of puzzles, at your service," he proclaimed proudly.
Rose stared back silently, unsure what to make of this strange man who had abducted her.
His grin stretched even wider at Rose's fearful confusion. Her petite form pressed back instinctively into the ragged couch, heart pounding a frantic rhythm in her chest.
"Now now, no need for alarm, my dear," the Riddler soothed in his silky voice. But his wild eyes betrayed a chaotic curiosity that set her on edge.
"I must confess," he continued, pacing back and forth, "I've found myself quite...fascinated by you. These past weeks, I've observed you walking the streets of Gotham, lost so deeply in your thoughts. Such a curious little puzzle you presented."
Rose's breath quickened as he loomed near. "I don't even know you," she said, her voice trembling. "Why have you brought me here?"
"A reasonable question." Riddler conceded, pacing once more. His voice pitched low and contemplative. "You see, I am a man who revels in mysteries. And you, my dear, have piqued my interest like none other. I wanted to...make your proper acquaintance."
He stopped before her, meeting her gaze with manic intensity. "What secrets lie behind that pensive gaze? What quiet wisdom do you conceal within? I am most eager to unravel the enigma you present and plumb the depths of your mind."
Rose flinched as his gloved hand closed around hers in a bruising grip. He brought it to his face, planting a cold, possessive kiss upon her knuckles that made her skin crawl.
"And what shall I call my new...fascinating guest?" he prompted, releasing her roughly.
Rose hugged herself, shoulders hunching as if to disappear into the couch. When she spoke again, her voice came out small and trembling, "R-Rose."
She offered only her first name, unsure what else to say to this unhinged stranger. Fear pulsed through her veins like ice, freezing her in place.
The Riddler threw his head back with manic delight, green eyes dancing behind his mask. When his laughter finally subsided into breathless giggles, he grinned once more at Rose.
"Rose - what a perfectly charming name for one so fair!" he exclaimed, spiraling further into madness with each word. "I do believe we shall become quite intimate acquaintances, my dear."
Rose flinched at his predatory tone. "Let me go!" she cried shrilly. "You can't kidnap people off the streets, this is insane!"
The Riddler tsked, shaking his head with exaggerated dismay. "Come now, my dear, no need for such hostility. I merely orchestrated a chance for us to become better acquainted."
He spread his arms wide, gesturing around the lair. "Think of this as...a first date, if you will. What better way to get to know someone than by bringing them into your home?"
Rose rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, kidnapping someone is a great introduction. Real normal behavior."
The Riddler laughed. "My dear, I am far from normal, as I'm sure you've gathered. But let's move past this little hiccup, shall we?"
He sat down on the other end of the couch, rubbing his gloved hands together eagerly. "Now then, where were we? Ah yes, getting to know each other."
Rose sighed, seeing no immediate escape route. She'd play along with this psycho's game for now. "Fine, let's just talk so I can get out of here quickly."
"Splendid!" Riddler grinned. "I had a feeling you'd oblige me. Now then, let the true games begin!"
The Riddler steepled his fingers, looking at Rose intently. "So tell me, my dear, what sorts of interests occupy that inquisitive mind of yours?"
Rose considered remaining silent, but knew stalling could irritate him. "I like reading sometimes. Watching TV. Normal stuff," she answered vaguely.
"Reading!" Riddler exclaimed. "What sort of literature intrigues you?"
When Rose simply shrugged, he continued undeterred. "For me, I enjoy riddles, cryptic codes and puzzles of all kinds. The more confounding, the better!"
Leaning forward in his seat, the Riddler fixed her with an intense stare that seemed to bore into her soul. "But enough about my interests. I want to delve into the enigma that is you, dear Rose."
Rose suppressed a shiver at his intense stare. She tried steering the conversation away from herself. "Don't you have anything better to do than bother random women?"
The Riddler chuckled. "You are not a random woman, my dear. You are a fascinating mystery!"
He stroked his chin, as if pondering a puzzle. "Now, tell me…what's your story?"
Rose hesitated, but found herself explaining softly, "I'm from a small rural town. My friends have all moved away and there weren't very many job opportunities so I moved here for a fresh start."
The Riddler nodded. "Go on."
"I found work at Wayne Enterprises, but have struggled to make friends. My coworkers are friendly enough, but no one seemed interested in getting to know me beyond small talk," Rose explained.
"I still feel rather lonely here. The town I grew up in was tight-knit, so it's an adjustment living in such a huge, impersonal city," she added with a sigh.
Rose paused, a bit surprised by how easily she shared these private feelings. Perhaps she sensed this stranger could relate to loneliness in a way few others could.
The Riddler studied her quietly, able to piece together her story of moving to find opportunity but instead feeling more isolated than ever.
"Yes, I understand such loneliness," the Riddler replied. "As a boy I was different - too clever for other children. They mocked me relentlessly and rejected me." His eyes darkened at the memory.
She had never imagined that this ego-driven man had suffered bullying and isolation in his youth. For a moment, she saw a flicker of the hurt little boy he had been.
"No matter how hard I tried to connect, my intellect was seen as a threat. I found it easier to isolate myself." Regret etched his brow.
Rose listened attentively, empathy softening her features. The Riddler found courage to continue.
"Then I saw you walking alone in Gotham," he revealed. "Your lonely air called to the outcast within me. But I'd no way of approaching without scaring you off, as I always have."
His jaw clenched. "So when the opportunity arose, I hit you with the paralytic, intending only to talk. But I see now that was wrong of me."
"Kidnapping is never okay," Rose said gently. "There are healthier ways to reach out, without harming others or breaking the law."
The Riddler hung his head, contemplating her wisdom. "You're right, I was wrong to take you against your will."
Rose saw the loneliness that still lingered in his eyes. Despite his crimes, she sensed only a wounded soul seeking solace. Slowly, hesitantly, she reached out and placed her hand over his in a gentle gesture of comfort.
The Riddler stiffened in surprise, unfamiliar with compassion. Then, to Rose's surprise, he slowly turned his gloved palm upwards to curl his fingers around hers.
They sat that way in silence for a long moment, the unlikely pair joined by an unspoken bond - two lonely souls finding solace in one another.
Finally the Riddler spoke, his voice subdued. "It seems you have managed to unravel some of my mysteries, dear Rose. Not many have glimpsed beneath the surface."
He gave her hand a tentative squeeze before withdrawing from the intimate gesture, though his eyes never left her face. They shone with newfound curiosity and vulnerability.
Rose offered a small, reassuring smile. "And now you know more of my story too. I guess we both hide parts of ourselves from the world."
The Riddler nodded contemplatively. "A mask we wear for self-preservation. But in rare moments, we yearn to remove the facade."
He leaned towards her, his tone earnest. "I sense you truly see me, Rose. Not just the villain, but the man."
Heart fluttering, Rose replied, "And I feel you might understand me in a way others haven't."
The Riddler smiled, a genuine one devoid of cunning. "Well then, my dear, let us continue unraveling one another's mysteries. I have a feeling ours is a puzzle still unfinished."
The Riddler and Rose continued to talk for hours. The initial wariness between them faded into genuine friendship. Rose was surprised to feel so at ease in his company.
As the night wore on, Rose felt her eyelids growing heavy as she sat listening to the Riddler's voice. He was enthusiastically describing his latest complex puzzle in vivid detail, but in her fatigued state she could barely follow the twisting logic of his words.
Rose blinked slowly, trying to focus on his animated expressions and hand gestures as he explained the intricacies of the puzzle. But exhaustion was creeping through her body. Her shoulders slumped and her head nodded forward involuntarily as sleep beckoned.
Fighting her tiredness, Rose quickly sat up straight again, hoping the Riddler hadn't noticed her lapse in attentiveness. But she couldn't stop an involuntary yawn from escaping her lips.
The Riddler abruptly paused his monologue. Concern shadowed his face as he noticed Rose struggling to keep her eyes open.
"My dear, you're exhausted," he said, standing up from the couch.
He strode across the room to a small closet. Retrieving a cozy blanket, he returned to the couch where Rose was seated.
With care, the Riddler fluffed and positioned one of the decorative pillows on the couch's armrest. Gently gripping Rose's shoulders, he eased her down into a reclining position, her head coming to rest on the plump pillow. She felt grateful for his thoughtfulness.
Tenderly, he draped the soft blanket over Rose's body, tucking it snugly around her shoulders and feet. The warmth enveloped her, amplifying the feeling of being cared for.
"Thank you," Rose murmured, a small but sincere smile touching her lips as she met his gaze.
The Riddler smiled back, his usually manic eyes softening. He perched on the couch edge beside her, then began gently caressing her hair in soothing strokes. Rose's eyelids fluttered at the calming sensation.
Leaning in close, the Riddler whispered in her ear, "Sleep now, my dear Rose. You're safe here. I'll be here when you wake up."
Reassured, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. For the first time in forever, Rose didn't feel alone.