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spankingfemmeFinally! I've finished my Batman/Riddler fic! Hope you guys like it!
*kisses!*
The high pitched screams were music to Jonathan's ears. He loved watching them scatter like cockroaches when the lights were turned on; their fear was intoxicating on so many levels.
Jonathan smiled to himself contentedly watching and waiting until the panic stricken young couple disappeared around the corner before leaving the sidewalk. His feet crunched on the recently broken glass as he marched across the 1st National bank's lobby towards the angry looking security guard being held captive by his two thugs.
The Scarecrow held up a small piece of rubber shaped like a skull; attached to it was a tube leading to a gas canister strapped to the Scarecrow's back. He tilted his head examining the man's snarl thoughtfully before squeezing the skull head to spray the guard full in the face with his fear gas.
The man's eyes widened as the rubber skull became an actual skull, its sockets burning a crimson red; the gas erupting from its jaws becoming barely evadable flames.
He hollered horrified as the Scarecrow transformed before him; his nails elongating into talons and his jaw melting down to his chest into a gaping hole of razor sharp teeth in rows that resembled that of a piranha. A buzzing sound grew into a roar as flies and locusts began to pour out of the cavernous maw in deafening hordes to swarm into a macabre dance around the Scarecrow.
The security guard screamed in terror as he twisted desperately against his captors his feet sliding every which way in an effort to escape this demon-spawned creature that now stood before him, but he was held firmly in place.
"Why how do you do," the Scarecrow chuckled as the man quaked at his every syllable.
"Please don't kill me! I'll do whatever you want!" The man whimpered.
Jonathan grinned leaning in close to the man and whispered, "Give me access to the vault."
The man nodded straining to quickly reach his plump fingers into his upper pocket and pull out his employee badge. He held it out nervously for the Scarecrow to take as he stuttered, "Ha... here! Ta... ta... take it! Please forgive me! It'll get you into the vault area, but I don't have the clearance to get into the actual vault. Please don't hurt me! I... I've ga... got a wife and kids!"
Jonathan snatched the card out of the man's grasp impatiently and walked towards the vault entrance as he muttered, "Leave this simpering fool; he's of no further use to me." His thugs followed suit dropping the man to the ground to curl into a ball of tremors.
The trio made their way through the bullet-proof security entrance into the heart of the bank coming to a stop in front of the titanium vault door. Jonathan smiled gleefully at his soon to be prize and commented, "Well boys, I think after this job a vacation will be in order, Aruba perhaps?"
The Scarecrow pointed at the door, "You know what to do," he instructed before walking back down the hall. His henchmen quickly got to work lacing the vault's doorframe with calked C-4 and attaching a copper wire to the detonator the Scarecrow had made before trailing the coil back out to the lobby where Jonathan was waiting for them.
The henchmen handed the wire over to the Scarecrow to hook up to the relay device as they braced themselves against the wall covering their ears while Jonathan triggered the detonator.
The room shook as the bolts holding the door were blasted into a million tiny shards that splintered into the plexi-glass security wall leaving the vault door still standing for a moment before it groaned collapsing to the floor with a heavy clang. The bank's alarm sounded immediately, and the thieves quickly ran towards the dust laden room to collect their goods.
As they reached the room they stopped cold in their tracks. Through the haze of smoke an emergency light flickered on and a message appeared on the vault's wall projected onto the smoke from one of the vault's inner security cameras.
The message read: How is this message like a hound's bay? The answer to the riddle was that both warned the hunted they were on the verge of getting caught. As the smoke cleared, the message disappeared without a trace of it ever being there in the first place.
Edward leaned back in his computer chair grinning wickedly as he examined, from the vault's cross-angled security camera he'd tapped into, the stumped expressions on the Scarecrow's henchmen.
Jonathan clenched his fists seemingly not amused or appreciative of the Riddler's warning. Was the Riddler planning on hitting his bank? Jonathan didn't need to figure out the riddle to know that he'd best get in and out before any more surprises unveiled themselves. He was sure if Edward had targeted the 1st National bank, Batman would already be hot on the trail of his uncontrollable need to leave clues to his crimes.
Scarecrow seethed inwardly feeling slighted by his fellow rouge's M.O. and set his men to the task of only usurping half the cash they'd originally planned on unloading.
As Edward watched the heist unfold from the safety of his computer screen, he couldn't help but wonder if Jonathan had solved his riddle or had just guessed it was a warning.
Either way, he was elated to see that the Scarecrow had enough sense to not be too greedy fleeing the site scant minutes before the arrival of Batman and Robin.
Batman and Robin had rushed into the building first stopping to access the man cowering in the corner. Robin called 911 to send the police and an ambulance, and Batman injected the semi-comatose man with a sedative to knock him out to prevent heart failure due to the extended stress the Scarecrow’s toxins induced.
Once the security guard was taken care of, the two heroes jetted into the bank vault to try and catch the Scarecrow. All they found was scattered traces of bills that had escaped their abduction. The Scarecrow and his gang were long gone.
Edward’s smile broadened as he retorted to himself, "That's one for Jonathan, and zip for the Bat."
The Riddler sighed happily quite pleased with himself before disconnecting his transmission to the bank's security system and leaving behind a bug to eat all records of his connection to the facility’s network.
Jonathan and his men unloaded the cash they'd stolen dividing the amounts earned between the three of them, the Scarecrow of course taking the lion's share. When his accomplices were taken care of, Jonathan dismissed them deciding it was time to pay his dear 'friend' Eddie a visit. He wasn't hard to find since he was still on parole. Jonathan took down the address and headed out.
Batman's brow creased in frustration as he looked around the vault reminded of his failure to apprehend the Scarecrow. As he searched, police sirens blared in the distance growing near. Knowing the security guard would be safe with the soon to be arrival of GPD, he and Robin fled the scene. As the two sped off in the Batmobile, Batman couldn't help becoming irritated at the thought that he would have caught Crane if not for Nygma's interference slowing him down. Only half the loot capable of being stolen from the 1st National bank was taken, so Batman gathered Edward must have also tipped the Scarecrow off.
Robin could see the exasperation on Bruce's face as he asked, "What do we do now?"
Batman growled, "We go back to the Batcave and figure out how to catch the Scarecrow."
Edward leaned back in his recliner fiddling with a Rubik's cube. He'd solved it a million times before in his boredom, but he felt it was always best to stay sharp. He had several types of physical puzzles strategically placed throughout his apartment for just such times as these. He hated waiting, his eagerness waning into a lull of tedium. Edward groaned as he placed the last color-coated block in its rightful place and tossed the finished cube unceremoniously onto the coffee table. He pondered that it had to be almost ten O'clock by now. Where was he? He propped his feet up on the coffee table and let the stillness numb his senses as he started to drift off. He was on the verge of sleep when a knock came at his door.
The Riddler's eyes shot open blinking away the sleep. His brow raised in curiosity as he sat up and off the recliner to briskly stride over to the door. He was anticipating a visit from the Bat but would never expect him to be knocking at his front door; it just wasn't his style.
Edward peered through the eyehole to see that it was blocked by a gloved finger. Slightly irritated the Riddler called out, "Who's there?"
A similarly irate voice growled back, "It's me Eddie; open up!"
A smirk worked its way across Edward's face as he opened the door to the Scarecrow. He couldn't see the scowl that was under the mask, but he could tell by Jonathan's rigid stance and clenched fists that he was anything but happy.
The Riddler's grin grew in amusement as he opened the door wider and extended his hand in an inviting gesture, "Do come in," he replied cheerfully.
The Scarecrow said nothing as he trudged forward into the Riddler's apartment.
Edward followed asking, "So what brings you to my lovely abode Jonathan?"
The Scarecrow snapped back around to face the Riddler pointing his finger at him as he responded, "Don't be coy with me Eddie; you know perfectly well why I'm here."
Edward's smile widened, "So tell me, how long did it take you to figure out my riddle?"
Jonathan paused in his verbal attack stunned momentarily by this revelation before blurting questioningly, "You left it for me?"
The grin on Edward's face fell in disappointment, "I take that to mean you didn't figure out my riddle. It was a warning you know. No matter, you evaded capture, so I still, although inadvertently, won this round."
The Scarecrow was still confused, "Won? What? So you weren't trying to rob the 1st National bank? I don't understand..."
The Riddler countered condescendingly, "No, I suppose you wouldn't would you? The truth is, I deduced which bank would be your next likely target, and since I'm not in the business of performing criminal acts at the moment, I decided to ride your coat tails so to speak."
Jonathan thought about what Edward meant by his statement as he asked, "You mean... you made riddles out of my crimes? You... you sent Batman a riddle to MY crime?"
The Riddler's smile returned as he responded, "I gave you both a riddle, to ensure the game stayed fair!"
Jonathan instantly became livid, "What! You gave Batman a road map to follow to me! How could you do that to me Eddie!"
Edward frowned, "You should be thankful. If it wasn't for me, your hide would have likely been getting hauled back to Arkham by now!"
The Scarecrow cringed in fury as he howled, "Well then, allow me to thank you properly!" He raised his arm pointing the skull head in the Riddler's direction, and before Edward could react, he was doused in a fog of green gas.
Edward stumbled backwards hacking and coughing as he tried to get away from the gas' toxic fumes. He backed into his coffee table falling head over heels and sputtering as the toxin began to take effect.
Jonathan leaned down glaring into the Riddler's paling face as he growled, "Perhaps from now on you'll learn not to meddle in my affairs Nygma," He turned to leave giving Edward a glance over his shoulder and cackling mirthfully at Edward's quivering form, "Just be glad I didn't use a lethal dose."
Edward's heart began to race as the stimulant inoculated his senses. He rationalized that the fear that had begun to creep through his subconscious was caused by the Scarecrow's drug, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't evade its effects. His head started to pound and riddles began to swirl uncontrollably through his mind, but as they flashed by one by one, he was sickened at the realization that he had no answers to their queries.
He mumbled weakly to himself, "I... I can't figure out any of the answers!" Edward couldn't concentrate on anything; the answers he thought were correct slipped through his fingertips before he could grasp their meanings only to leave him in a black numbing void of unanswered questions. Panic began to take hold of him at the thought of losing the one thing he valued most, the one thing that made him anything in this world, his mind.
His vision began to blur as he crawled across the floor towards the window in an effort to get clear of the fumes, but as he scrambled towards the balcony window he screamed in terror at the demonic creature that stood before him.
Batman raised his arm shooting a tranquilizer dart containing an antidote for dealing with the Scarecrow's victims. The dart penetrated into the Riddler's shoulder; Edward blinked twice before crumpling to the floor in a motionless heap at Batman's feet.
The Scarecrow, sensing it was time to exit the scene, ran out Edward's front door making it half way down the hallway before his legs became entangled in one of Batman's grappling snares. Batman gave the rope a hard yank sending the Scarecrow tumbling to the ground with a loud thud.
Jonathan sneered whipping his head back to see Batman quickly striding towards him, and as Batman got within his toxin's proximity, he pulled the rubber skull out from behind his back and doused Batman in a huge plume of fear gas. Jonathan screamed out triumphantly, "No one is immune to fear! Not even the mighty Batman!"
Crane cackled wildly, but his cackle died in his throat as Batman yanked the rope binding the Scarecrow's feet towards him and into the cloud of fear gas.
Jonathan gasped in surprise stuttering out, "Ha... how?"
Batman interrupted, "No one is immune eh Crane? Then how’s about a taste of your own medicine!" As he finished his statement, Batman snatched the Scarecrow's hood off of his face.
The Scarecrow scrambled to get away from the surrounding gas that permeated the air as he cried out in horror, "No!"
It wasn't long before his own concoction was working against him and he was crushed with its disorienting effects. The bindings around his legs transformed into a huge snake on the onset of swallowing him whole. He screamed in panic twisting and withering to get away, "HELP! Get it off of me! GET IT OFF!!"
Batman replied, “So tell me Crane; how does it feel to face your own fears? Is it as amusing as watching others suffer in the same manner?”
Batman’s voice boomed down in a deep thundering rumble, and as Jonathan looked around, he noticed the snake was gone and he was now surrounded by the many faces in his past that had ridiculed, teased, and made fun of him. They were all there laughing at his misfortune. He had sworn to have his revenge against those that had harmed him, but here he was helpless once more to what seemed cruel fate.
Jonathan curled into a ball covering his ears from the constant barrage of taunts as he cried out, “Stop it! Leave me alone!”
Batman had seen enough and shot a dart into the Scarecrow’s thigh. Once the gas fumes had cleared, Batman removed the nasal ventilator he’d been using to filter Crane’s poisons out of the air he breathed since the Scarecrow, lying unconsciously peaceful on the hallway floor, was no longer a threat.
Within the hour, the Scarecrow was back in police custody and would wake up tomorrow in an Arkham padded cell.
Batman watched the sleeping form get hauled off shackled on a gurney as he thought, ‘One down, one to go.’
Edward groaned blinking groggily. His vision blurred and his eyes squinted against the harsh light, "Where am I?" he murmured to himself.
His head still pounded from the Scarecrow's toxins and his shoulder hurt from where the tranquilizer dart had penetrated. He reached up absently to rub his sore shoulder, and as the fog started to clear, he realized he was in a hospital bed with a saline IV hooked into his hand.
He wasn't in Arkham's infirmary, and he wasn't cuffed to the hospital bed, so Edward gathered he hadn't been implicated in any of the Scarecrow's crimes. His eyes searched the room coming to rest on his hospital chart. He gave the chart a once over frowning at the familiar symptoms he'd researched previously. He snorted slightly miffed by the fact Jonathan had, in his mind, blown this whole situation out of proportion, "See Eddie, this is what you get for trying to be fair," he grumbled to himself as he pulled the IV carefully out of his hand.
Edward found his clothes in a drawstring bag that was held in a little notched in compartment at the foot of his hospital bed. As Edward finished dressing, the ward's nurse came in to check on him. Her jaw dropped slightly in surprise before she stated, "Mr. Nygma? Where are you going?" she asked quizzically.
Edward placed his bowler on top of his head and gave the girl a smirk, "Where 'am' I going... Now that is a philosophical question asked across the span of time and nations. I might be better prepared to tell you where I've been, but alas my dear, I won't keep you from your matronly duties," he responded turning to leave the confines of the small hospital room with the young nurse staring after him too perplexed by his answer to reply further.
The hospital paperwork alone had taken over an hour, being brought to the police station directly following his release from the hospital to make a statement took twice as long, and standing on the curb for nearly twenty-five minutes while having to wait on a cab afterwards, had set Edward’s agitation level to the max. He had arrived at his town house at nearly 5AM to trudge up his steps, walk down his hallway, and sigh in relief as he finally opened his front door. The night's events had made him weary, and reaching the last legs of his homeward destination solidified these feelings.
Edward frowned in disapproval; the room still had the residual smell of the Scarecrow’s fear gas leaving the room smelling like a flea bomb had been set off. He made his way to the balcony to open the doors up and air the place out.
A chill ran up his spine as the familiar gravely voice of Batman broke the silence, “I’ve been waiting for you; we need to have a talk.”
Edward spun on his heels all of the previous exhaustion disappearing with the arrival of his new visitor. He responded smugly, “Of course, I gather you’ve come to thank me for aiding you in the capture of the Scarecrow,” Edward finished speaking, and reached over to his left to flip the light switch on and illuminate the living room in a soft comfortable glow.
His eyes grew wide as saucers and his cocky smile dropped like a lead weight when he saw the thick wooden paddle in Batman’s hand.
Batman didn’t miss a beat replying quickly, “I didn’t come to thank you Edward; I came to set you back on the right course again.”
Edward was shocked as he whined, “What do you mean!? I’ve been on the right course! You’re going to… to spank me for helping you? You should be commending me, not punishing me!”
Batman responded as he strode towards Edward, “I’m not punishing you for helping me Edward,” as Batman moved closer Edward shrank against the wall pitifully. He was like a deer caught in headlights; his brain said run, but his feet became landlocked as Batman approached. By the time his wits were about him, it was too late to run. Batman grabbed him by the bicep and began leading him towards his couch as he continued explaining, “I’m punishing you because you’re falling back into bad habits.”
Edward pulled and fought to escape the man’s iron grip, but there wasn’t anything he could do to get away. He pleaded, “But… but… I haven’t broken any laws! I’ve been going to my parole officer, and Arkham’s dimwitted psychiatrists! What more do you want?”
Batman had reached the couch and sat down pulling Edward with him over his knees as he responded, “Haven’t broken any laws eh? What about all of the architectural plans printed out over by your computer? Unless you got a job with the city recently as a contractor, I doubt you are supposed to or allowed to have those. While you were gone, I also researched your computer and tracked your IP address to a backdoor access program for the security system used at the 1st National bank. Shall I continue?”
Edward frowned trembling nervously and looking worriedly over his shoulder as Batman read off his crimes. When Batman had finished, he gave Edward a disapproving glare, and Edward couldn’t help but drop his eyes in embarrassment as he shook his head slowly croaking out a small, “No.”
Batman reassured that Edward knew he was in the wrong laid the paddle down by his side and began the task of adjusting the Riddler so his legs were trapped in between his own to keep Edward from kicking him and trying to squirm away.
Once Batman started to shift Edward into place, Edward began to struggle anew terrified at the prospect of getting a lesson on the other end of that thick wooden paddle to his now very vulnerable rear. He shouted out in dismay, “No! No! Wait! Don’t! Please!”
Batman maneuvered around Edward’s struggles and secured him easily as he picked up the paddle back up and prepared to begin Edward’s punishment.
Edward watched Batman pick up the paddle and squiggled helplessly trying to take his ass out of the target range of the soon to be weapon, but he didn’t budge an inch. He now pleaded, “You’re right Batman! Okay? I was wrong to do those things, and I realize how wrong it was. Can’t we just talk about this?”
Batman paused momentarily thinking the situation over. He could chose not to continue to spank the Riddler, and Edward would likely behave for awhile, but it wouldn’t last. No, the Riddler needed to be shown that his actions would have consequences, and Batman would not let him slide down that slippery slope especially since Edward had come so far in his attempt to reform. And if a spanking would help keep him on the straight and narrow, then a spanking he would receive.
Edward watched Batman contemplate for a moment before pulling Edward’s hip into his to keep him in place as he raised the paddle into the air. He was going to be spanked, and that was the way it was. It didn’t matter that he had pleaded, kicked, and struggled. This was going to happen, and he was powerless to stop it. This little revelation was the straw that broke the camel’s back as tears pooled quickly and spilled just as fast down his cheeks.
His body went rigid in anticipation, and within moments he felt the fire of the stinging swat etch across his ass as he bucked and yelped in response. He was openly sobbing by the fifth blow not just because it hurt, but because he was humiliated to be in such a position again. He prayed that Batman might take it easier on him, but Batman already knew what the Riddler could take, and he wasn’t stopping any time soon. Batman planned to drive home the point that this behavior wouldn’t be overlooked and although Edward hadn’t committed a crime, intent and motivation to was there ten fold.
After the tenth swat had landed, Edward realized that Batman wasn’t going to hold back any. He slumped over in defeat burying his face into the couch cushion to sob miserably.
Batman peppered Edward’s ass with swat after swat, and when he was sure he would have the Riddler’s undivided attention he stopped to ask him, “You know why I’m doing this don’t you?”
Edward almost hated the question as much as the answer. He was feeling sorry for himself, and worse, he knew he deserved what he was getting. He’d let his boredom lead him once more into making bad decisions that Batman had decided to take measures to help correct. He’d brought this on himself, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept. Edward continued to sob into the cushion hoping that if he ignored the question it would just go away.
It didn’t go away, and was instead accompanied with another two hard swats and Batman’s demanding growl, “Answer me Edward.”
Edward yelped cringing at how sore his bottom had become. It was going to be a couple days before his ass wouldn’t be smarting every time he went to sit down. He slowly raised up onto his elbows sucking in short breaths as he responded, “Be… because I print… printed out those plans and… and left you riddles…” he trailed off losing his voice to tears and hitching whimpers.
Batman frowned; he hated having to continue, but they weren’t done yet; Edward would have to get the whole picture if this punishment was going to help him. He raised the paddle and brought it down again. This time instead of rapid hard swats, they were methodical lighter ones to drive his point home. Batman spoke as he swatted, “Yes, the punishment for your behavior is the reasoning behind you needing this spanking, but it’s not the reason I’m giving it to you.”
Edward cried in frustration his mind screaming, ‘Then why!?’ And as if hearing him, Batman continued, “I’m doing this because I think it can help you become a better person. You can learn to control yourself, and with the proper motivation stay on track.”
“Proper motivation! Is that what this is now?” Edward blubbered almost incoherently.
Batman replied, “Yes. You have shown me that you can stay out of trouble; you just need to find better outlets for your boredom.”
Edward whined, “I… I can’t help it! I know I can’t!”
Batman came down with a half dozen quick harder swats, “Yes; you can. I’m going to make sure that you do.”
Edward wanted desperately for Batman to stop as he pleaded, “Okay! Okay! I’ll do my best! Please stop!”
To Edward’s surprise Batman did stop and let Edward go. The Riddler immediately flopped on the ground reaching back to try and sooth his aching bottom as he owed his discomfort. After a long moment of getting himself under control, Edward peered back up at Batman with a frown and eyebrows etched in worry as he asked, “Can’t you think of a more positive less painful solution to help me? Because… this just isn’t fair!”
Batman chided, “Edward…”
Edward cut him off slightly indignant, “I mean, you don’t spank any of the other villains; trust me, I observed them all when I was in Arkham. And…”
“EDWARD!” Batman raised his booming voice silencing the Riddler immediately. He continued, “None of that matters; what does matter is what works for you, and like it or not; I know this does, so that’s what you’re going to get.”
Edward’s frown turned into an angry pout as he muttered, “Figures; I always get the raw end of the stick… no pun intended.”
Batman shook his head as he stood lending his hand down to help Edward stand. Edward took the helping hand and gingerly rose to his feet. His ass was going to need some serious babying. He looked down at the floor as he said, “Well, you know, if you’ve got such a vested interest in my future as an upstanding citizen, you could… you know, help me curb some of that ever encroaching boredom by giving me something to look forward to.”
Batman was sure he didn’t like where this was going, but asked anyway, “Like what?”
Edward gave him a cautious glance before stating, “Like… I don’t know… a game of chess?”
Batman opened him mouth to respond, and before he could, Edward interjected, “Just one game a week! You know… a little positive reinforcement?” Edward couldn’t help the small smile that crept across his face at the fact that Batman didn’t automatically say no.
Batman contemplated the request, and decided that one game of chess, once a week, couldn’t hurt especially if it kept Edward out of trouble. Besides, it would let him keep a close eye on him as well. Batman nodded, “Alright Edward. I think I can manage that.”
Edward’s face brightened, “Really? You and me… hanging out once a week? How marvelous! Won’t I just be the talk of the town,” he joked excitedly.
Batman interjected before Edward got carried away, “Just one game. No endless questions or riddles. If you start to annoy me, I’ll leave. Understood?”
Edward frowned momentarily, but it didn’t stay for long as he was too happy getting what he’d wanted all along, a worthy opponent. He answered Batman, “I’ll do my best not to displease you.”
Batman nodded, “Then I think we’re done here,” he still had the paddle in his hand; he glanced down at it and tossed it to the Riddler. The Riddler caught it absently and frowned in disgust. Batman smirked as he said, “You can keep hold of that, and put it somewhere you can see it, so whenever you start to get… bored… you can look at it and remember to find something more constructive to do with your time.” Batman then turned heading out onto the balcony and shot his grapple gun to hook onto the building across the way before soaring off into the dawn.
Edward was too stunned to say anything but watch him go. And once he had gone, his eyes returned warily to the paddle in his hand, and as if on cue, his ass throbbed as a reminder of what had just transpired. Edward wanted to chuck the nasty implement out the window and past the balcony, but some small part of him wondered if Batman was serious about holding onto it. He didn’t plan to test the theory as he sighed and shoved it into the coffee table’s drawer.
He was extremely worn out now and oddly relieved. He got himself ready for bed carefully avoiding tender areas, and as the sun rose in the sky, he lie on his stomach a smile creeping onto his lips at the thought of upcoming chess games with Batman dominated his thoughts.
*kisses!*
The high pitched screams were music to Jonathan's ears. He loved watching them scatter like cockroaches when the lights were turned on; their fear was intoxicating on so many levels.
Jonathan smiled to himself contentedly watching and waiting until the panic stricken young couple disappeared around the corner before leaving the sidewalk. His feet crunched on the recently broken glass as he marched across the 1st National bank's lobby towards the angry looking security guard being held captive by his two thugs.
The Scarecrow held up a small piece of rubber shaped like a skull; attached to it was a tube leading to a gas canister strapped to the Scarecrow's back. He tilted his head examining the man's snarl thoughtfully before squeezing the skull head to spray the guard full in the face with his fear gas.
The man's eyes widened as the rubber skull became an actual skull, its sockets burning a crimson red; the gas erupting from its jaws becoming barely evadable flames.
He hollered horrified as the Scarecrow transformed before him; his nails elongating into talons and his jaw melting down to his chest into a gaping hole of razor sharp teeth in rows that resembled that of a piranha. A buzzing sound grew into a roar as flies and locusts began to pour out of the cavernous maw in deafening hordes to swarm into a macabre dance around the Scarecrow.
The security guard screamed in terror as he twisted desperately against his captors his feet sliding every which way in an effort to escape this demon-spawned creature that now stood before him, but he was held firmly in place.
"Why how do you do," the Scarecrow chuckled as the man quaked at his every syllable.
"Please don't kill me! I'll do whatever you want!" The man whimpered.
Jonathan grinned leaning in close to the man and whispered, "Give me access to the vault."
The man nodded straining to quickly reach his plump fingers into his upper pocket and pull out his employee badge. He held it out nervously for the Scarecrow to take as he stuttered, "Ha... here! Ta... ta... take it! Please forgive me! It'll get you into the vault area, but I don't have the clearance to get into the actual vault. Please don't hurt me! I... I've ga... got a wife and kids!"
Jonathan snatched the card out of the man's grasp impatiently and walked towards the vault entrance as he muttered, "Leave this simpering fool; he's of no further use to me." His thugs followed suit dropping the man to the ground to curl into a ball of tremors.
The trio made their way through the bullet-proof security entrance into the heart of the bank coming to a stop in front of the titanium vault door. Jonathan smiled gleefully at his soon to be prize and commented, "Well boys, I think after this job a vacation will be in order, Aruba perhaps?"
The Scarecrow pointed at the door, "You know what to do," he instructed before walking back down the hall. His henchmen quickly got to work lacing the vault's doorframe with calked C-4 and attaching a copper wire to the detonator the Scarecrow had made before trailing the coil back out to the lobby where Jonathan was waiting for them.
The henchmen handed the wire over to the Scarecrow to hook up to the relay device as they braced themselves against the wall covering their ears while Jonathan triggered the detonator.
The room shook as the bolts holding the door were blasted into a million tiny shards that splintered into the plexi-glass security wall leaving the vault door still standing for a moment before it groaned collapsing to the floor with a heavy clang. The bank's alarm sounded immediately, and the thieves quickly ran towards the dust laden room to collect their goods.
As they reached the room they stopped cold in their tracks. Through the haze of smoke an emergency light flickered on and a message appeared on the vault's wall projected onto the smoke from one of the vault's inner security cameras.
The message read: How is this message like a hound's bay? The answer to the riddle was that both warned the hunted they were on the verge of getting caught. As the smoke cleared, the message disappeared without a trace of it ever being there in the first place.
Edward leaned back in his computer chair grinning wickedly as he examined, from the vault's cross-angled security camera he'd tapped into, the stumped expressions on the Scarecrow's henchmen.
Jonathan clenched his fists seemingly not amused or appreciative of the Riddler's warning. Was the Riddler planning on hitting his bank? Jonathan didn't need to figure out the riddle to know that he'd best get in and out before any more surprises unveiled themselves. He was sure if Edward had targeted the 1st National bank, Batman would already be hot on the trail of his uncontrollable need to leave clues to his crimes.
Scarecrow seethed inwardly feeling slighted by his fellow rouge's M.O. and set his men to the task of only usurping half the cash they'd originally planned on unloading.
As Edward watched the heist unfold from the safety of his computer screen, he couldn't help but wonder if Jonathan had solved his riddle or had just guessed it was a warning.
Either way, he was elated to see that the Scarecrow had enough sense to not be too greedy fleeing the site scant minutes before the arrival of Batman and Robin.
Batman and Robin had rushed into the building first stopping to access the man cowering in the corner. Robin called 911 to send the police and an ambulance, and Batman injected the semi-comatose man with a sedative to knock him out to prevent heart failure due to the extended stress the Scarecrow’s toxins induced.
Once the security guard was taken care of, the two heroes jetted into the bank vault to try and catch the Scarecrow. All they found was scattered traces of bills that had escaped their abduction. The Scarecrow and his gang were long gone.
Edward’s smile broadened as he retorted to himself, "That's one for Jonathan, and zip for the Bat."
The Riddler sighed happily quite pleased with himself before disconnecting his transmission to the bank's security system and leaving behind a bug to eat all records of his connection to the facility’s network.
Jonathan and his men unloaded the cash they'd stolen dividing the amounts earned between the three of them, the Scarecrow of course taking the lion's share. When his accomplices were taken care of, Jonathan dismissed them deciding it was time to pay his dear 'friend' Eddie a visit. He wasn't hard to find since he was still on parole. Jonathan took down the address and headed out.
Batman's brow creased in frustration as he looked around the vault reminded of his failure to apprehend the Scarecrow. As he searched, police sirens blared in the distance growing near. Knowing the security guard would be safe with the soon to be arrival of GPD, he and Robin fled the scene. As the two sped off in the Batmobile, Batman couldn't help becoming irritated at the thought that he would have caught Crane if not for Nygma's interference slowing him down. Only half the loot capable of being stolen from the 1st National bank was taken, so Batman gathered Edward must have also tipped the Scarecrow off.
Robin could see the exasperation on Bruce's face as he asked, "What do we do now?"
Batman growled, "We go back to the Batcave and figure out how to catch the Scarecrow."
Edward leaned back in his recliner fiddling with a Rubik's cube. He'd solved it a million times before in his boredom, but he felt it was always best to stay sharp. He had several types of physical puzzles strategically placed throughout his apartment for just such times as these. He hated waiting, his eagerness waning into a lull of tedium. Edward groaned as he placed the last color-coated block in its rightful place and tossed the finished cube unceremoniously onto the coffee table. He pondered that it had to be almost ten O'clock by now. Where was he? He propped his feet up on the coffee table and let the stillness numb his senses as he started to drift off. He was on the verge of sleep when a knock came at his door.
The Riddler's eyes shot open blinking away the sleep. His brow raised in curiosity as he sat up and off the recliner to briskly stride over to the door. He was anticipating a visit from the Bat but would never expect him to be knocking at his front door; it just wasn't his style.
Edward peered through the eyehole to see that it was blocked by a gloved finger. Slightly irritated the Riddler called out, "Who's there?"
A similarly irate voice growled back, "It's me Eddie; open up!"
A smirk worked its way across Edward's face as he opened the door to the Scarecrow. He couldn't see the scowl that was under the mask, but he could tell by Jonathan's rigid stance and clenched fists that he was anything but happy.
The Riddler's grin grew in amusement as he opened the door wider and extended his hand in an inviting gesture, "Do come in," he replied cheerfully.
The Scarecrow said nothing as he trudged forward into the Riddler's apartment.
Edward followed asking, "So what brings you to my lovely abode Jonathan?"
The Scarecrow snapped back around to face the Riddler pointing his finger at him as he responded, "Don't be coy with me Eddie; you know perfectly well why I'm here."
Edward's smile widened, "So tell me, how long did it take you to figure out my riddle?"
Jonathan paused in his verbal attack stunned momentarily by this revelation before blurting questioningly, "You left it for me?"
The grin on Edward's face fell in disappointment, "I take that to mean you didn't figure out my riddle. It was a warning you know. No matter, you evaded capture, so I still, although inadvertently, won this round."
The Scarecrow was still confused, "Won? What? So you weren't trying to rob the 1st National bank? I don't understand..."
The Riddler countered condescendingly, "No, I suppose you wouldn't would you? The truth is, I deduced which bank would be your next likely target, and since I'm not in the business of performing criminal acts at the moment, I decided to ride your coat tails so to speak."
Jonathan thought about what Edward meant by his statement as he asked, "You mean... you made riddles out of my crimes? You... you sent Batman a riddle to MY crime?"
The Riddler's smile returned as he responded, "I gave you both a riddle, to ensure the game stayed fair!"
Jonathan instantly became livid, "What! You gave Batman a road map to follow to me! How could you do that to me Eddie!"
Edward frowned, "You should be thankful. If it wasn't for me, your hide would have likely been getting hauled back to Arkham by now!"
The Scarecrow cringed in fury as he howled, "Well then, allow me to thank you properly!" He raised his arm pointing the skull head in the Riddler's direction, and before Edward could react, he was doused in a fog of green gas.
Edward stumbled backwards hacking and coughing as he tried to get away from the gas' toxic fumes. He backed into his coffee table falling head over heels and sputtering as the toxin began to take effect.
Jonathan leaned down glaring into the Riddler's paling face as he growled, "Perhaps from now on you'll learn not to meddle in my affairs Nygma," He turned to leave giving Edward a glance over his shoulder and cackling mirthfully at Edward's quivering form, "Just be glad I didn't use a lethal dose."
Edward's heart began to race as the stimulant inoculated his senses. He rationalized that the fear that had begun to creep through his subconscious was caused by the Scarecrow's drug, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't evade its effects. His head started to pound and riddles began to swirl uncontrollably through his mind, but as they flashed by one by one, he was sickened at the realization that he had no answers to their queries.
He mumbled weakly to himself, "I... I can't figure out any of the answers!" Edward couldn't concentrate on anything; the answers he thought were correct slipped through his fingertips before he could grasp their meanings only to leave him in a black numbing void of unanswered questions. Panic began to take hold of him at the thought of losing the one thing he valued most, the one thing that made him anything in this world, his mind.
His vision began to blur as he crawled across the floor towards the window in an effort to get clear of the fumes, but as he scrambled towards the balcony window he screamed in terror at the demonic creature that stood before him.
Batman raised his arm shooting a tranquilizer dart containing an antidote for dealing with the Scarecrow's victims. The dart penetrated into the Riddler's shoulder; Edward blinked twice before crumpling to the floor in a motionless heap at Batman's feet.
The Scarecrow, sensing it was time to exit the scene, ran out Edward's front door making it half way down the hallway before his legs became entangled in one of Batman's grappling snares. Batman gave the rope a hard yank sending the Scarecrow tumbling to the ground with a loud thud.
Jonathan sneered whipping his head back to see Batman quickly striding towards him, and as Batman got within his toxin's proximity, he pulled the rubber skull out from behind his back and doused Batman in a huge plume of fear gas. Jonathan screamed out triumphantly, "No one is immune to fear! Not even the mighty Batman!"
Crane cackled wildly, but his cackle died in his throat as Batman yanked the rope binding the Scarecrow's feet towards him and into the cloud of fear gas.
Jonathan gasped in surprise stuttering out, "Ha... how?"
Batman interrupted, "No one is immune eh Crane? Then how’s about a taste of your own medicine!" As he finished his statement, Batman snatched the Scarecrow's hood off of his face.
The Scarecrow scrambled to get away from the surrounding gas that permeated the air as he cried out in horror, "No!"
It wasn't long before his own concoction was working against him and he was crushed with its disorienting effects. The bindings around his legs transformed into a huge snake on the onset of swallowing him whole. He screamed in panic twisting and withering to get away, "HELP! Get it off of me! GET IT OFF!!"
Batman replied, “So tell me Crane; how does it feel to face your own fears? Is it as amusing as watching others suffer in the same manner?”
Batman’s voice boomed down in a deep thundering rumble, and as Jonathan looked around, he noticed the snake was gone and he was now surrounded by the many faces in his past that had ridiculed, teased, and made fun of him. They were all there laughing at his misfortune. He had sworn to have his revenge against those that had harmed him, but here he was helpless once more to what seemed cruel fate.
Jonathan curled into a ball covering his ears from the constant barrage of taunts as he cried out, “Stop it! Leave me alone!”
Batman had seen enough and shot a dart into the Scarecrow’s thigh. Once the gas fumes had cleared, Batman removed the nasal ventilator he’d been using to filter Crane’s poisons out of the air he breathed since the Scarecrow, lying unconsciously peaceful on the hallway floor, was no longer a threat.
Within the hour, the Scarecrow was back in police custody and would wake up tomorrow in an Arkham padded cell.
Batman watched the sleeping form get hauled off shackled on a gurney as he thought, ‘One down, one to go.’
Edward groaned blinking groggily. His vision blurred and his eyes squinted against the harsh light, "Where am I?" he murmured to himself.
His head still pounded from the Scarecrow's toxins and his shoulder hurt from where the tranquilizer dart had penetrated. He reached up absently to rub his sore shoulder, and as the fog started to clear, he realized he was in a hospital bed with a saline IV hooked into his hand.
He wasn't in Arkham's infirmary, and he wasn't cuffed to the hospital bed, so Edward gathered he hadn't been implicated in any of the Scarecrow's crimes. His eyes searched the room coming to rest on his hospital chart. He gave the chart a once over frowning at the familiar symptoms he'd researched previously. He snorted slightly miffed by the fact Jonathan had, in his mind, blown this whole situation out of proportion, "See Eddie, this is what you get for trying to be fair," he grumbled to himself as he pulled the IV carefully out of his hand.
Edward found his clothes in a drawstring bag that was held in a little notched in compartment at the foot of his hospital bed. As Edward finished dressing, the ward's nurse came in to check on him. Her jaw dropped slightly in surprise before she stated, "Mr. Nygma? Where are you going?" she asked quizzically.
Edward placed his bowler on top of his head and gave the girl a smirk, "Where 'am' I going... Now that is a philosophical question asked across the span of time and nations. I might be better prepared to tell you where I've been, but alas my dear, I won't keep you from your matronly duties," he responded turning to leave the confines of the small hospital room with the young nurse staring after him too perplexed by his answer to reply further.
The hospital paperwork alone had taken over an hour, being brought to the police station directly following his release from the hospital to make a statement took twice as long, and standing on the curb for nearly twenty-five minutes while having to wait on a cab afterwards, had set Edward’s agitation level to the max. He had arrived at his town house at nearly 5AM to trudge up his steps, walk down his hallway, and sigh in relief as he finally opened his front door. The night's events had made him weary, and reaching the last legs of his homeward destination solidified these feelings.
Edward frowned in disapproval; the room still had the residual smell of the Scarecrow’s fear gas leaving the room smelling like a flea bomb had been set off. He made his way to the balcony to open the doors up and air the place out.
A chill ran up his spine as the familiar gravely voice of Batman broke the silence, “I’ve been waiting for you; we need to have a talk.”
Edward spun on his heels all of the previous exhaustion disappearing with the arrival of his new visitor. He responded smugly, “Of course, I gather you’ve come to thank me for aiding you in the capture of the Scarecrow,” Edward finished speaking, and reached over to his left to flip the light switch on and illuminate the living room in a soft comfortable glow.
His eyes grew wide as saucers and his cocky smile dropped like a lead weight when he saw the thick wooden paddle in Batman’s hand.
Batman didn’t miss a beat replying quickly, “I didn’t come to thank you Edward; I came to set you back on the right course again.”
Edward was shocked as he whined, “What do you mean!? I’ve been on the right course! You’re going to… to spank me for helping you? You should be commending me, not punishing me!”
Batman responded as he strode towards Edward, “I’m not punishing you for helping me Edward,” as Batman moved closer Edward shrank against the wall pitifully. He was like a deer caught in headlights; his brain said run, but his feet became landlocked as Batman approached. By the time his wits were about him, it was too late to run. Batman grabbed him by the bicep and began leading him towards his couch as he continued explaining, “I’m punishing you because you’re falling back into bad habits.”
Edward pulled and fought to escape the man’s iron grip, but there wasn’t anything he could do to get away. He pleaded, “But… but… I haven’t broken any laws! I’ve been going to my parole officer, and Arkham’s dimwitted psychiatrists! What more do you want?”
Batman had reached the couch and sat down pulling Edward with him over his knees as he responded, “Haven’t broken any laws eh? What about all of the architectural plans printed out over by your computer? Unless you got a job with the city recently as a contractor, I doubt you are supposed to or allowed to have those. While you were gone, I also researched your computer and tracked your IP address to a backdoor access program for the security system used at the 1st National bank. Shall I continue?”
Edward frowned trembling nervously and looking worriedly over his shoulder as Batman read off his crimes. When Batman had finished, he gave Edward a disapproving glare, and Edward couldn’t help but drop his eyes in embarrassment as he shook his head slowly croaking out a small, “No.”
Batman reassured that Edward knew he was in the wrong laid the paddle down by his side and began the task of adjusting the Riddler so his legs were trapped in between his own to keep Edward from kicking him and trying to squirm away.
Once Batman started to shift Edward into place, Edward began to struggle anew terrified at the prospect of getting a lesson on the other end of that thick wooden paddle to his now very vulnerable rear. He shouted out in dismay, “No! No! Wait! Don’t! Please!”
Batman maneuvered around Edward’s struggles and secured him easily as he picked up the paddle back up and prepared to begin Edward’s punishment.
Edward watched Batman pick up the paddle and squiggled helplessly trying to take his ass out of the target range of the soon to be weapon, but he didn’t budge an inch. He now pleaded, “You’re right Batman! Okay? I was wrong to do those things, and I realize how wrong it was. Can’t we just talk about this?”
Batman paused momentarily thinking the situation over. He could chose not to continue to spank the Riddler, and Edward would likely behave for awhile, but it wouldn’t last. No, the Riddler needed to be shown that his actions would have consequences, and Batman would not let him slide down that slippery slope especially since Edward had come so far in his attempt to reform. And if a spanking would help keep him on the straight and narrow, then a spanking he would receive.
Edward watched Batman contemplate for a moment before pulling Edward’s hip into his to keep him in place as he raised the paddle into the air. He was going to be spanked, and that was the way it was. It didn’t matter that he had pleaded, kicked, and struggled. This was going to happen, and he was powerless to stop it. This little revelation was the straw that broke the camel’s back as tears pooled quickly and spilled just as fast down his cheeks.
His body went rigid in anticipation, and within moments he felt the fire of the stinging swat etch across his ass as he bucked and yelped in response. He was openly sobbing by the fifth blow not just because it hurt, but because he was humiliated to be in such a position again. He prayed that Batman might take it easier on him, but Batman already knew what the Riddler could take, and he wasn’t stopping any time soon. Batman planned to drive home the point that this behavior wouldn’t be overlooked and although Edward hadn’t committed a crime, intent and motivation to was there ten fold.
After the tenth swat had landed, Edward realized that Batman wasn’t going to hold back any. He slumped over in defeat burying his face into the couch cushion to sob miserably.
Batman peppered Edward’s ass with swat after swat, and when he was sure he would have the Riddler’s undivided attention he stopped to ask him, “You know why I’m doing this don’t you?”
Edward almost hated the question as much as the answer. He was feeling sorry for himself, and worse, he knew he deserved what he was getting. He’d let his boredom lead him once more into making bad decisions that Batman had decided to take measures to help correct. He’d brought this on himself, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept. Edward continued to sob into the cushion hoping that if he ignored the question it would just go away.
It didn’t go away, and was instead accompanied with another two hard swats and Batman’s demanding growl, “Answer me Edward.”
Edward yelped cringing at how sore his bottom had become. It was going to be a couple days before his ass wouldn’t be smarting every time he went to sit down. He slowly raised up onto his elbows sucking in short breaths as he responded, “Be… because I print… printed out those plans and… and left you riddles…” he trailed off losing his voice to tears and hitching whimpers.
Batman frowned; he hated having to continue, but they weren’t done yet; Edward would have to get the whole picture if this punishment was going to help him. He raised the paddle and brought it down again. This time instead of rapid hard swats, they were methodical lighter ones to drive his point home. Batman spoke as he swatted, “Yes, the punishment for your behavior is the reasoning behind you needing this spanking, but it’s not the reason I’m giving it to you.”
Edward cried in frustration his mind screaming, ‘Then why!?’ And as if hearing him, Batman continued, “I’m doing this because I think it can help you become a better person. You can learn to control yourself, and with the proper motivation stay on track.”
“Proper motivation! Is that what this is now?” Edward blubbered almost incoherently.
Batman replied, “Yes. You have shown me that you can stay out of trouble; you just need to find better outlets for your boredom.”
Edward whined, “I… I can’t help it! I know I can’t!”
Batman came down with a half dozen quick harder swats, “Yes; you can. I’m going to make sure that you do.”
Edward wanted desperately for Batman to stop as he pleaded, “Okay! Okay! I’ll do my best! Please stop!”
To Edward’s surprise Batman did stop and let Edward go. The Riddler immediately flopped on the ground reaching back to try and sooth his aching bottom as he owed his discomfort. After a long moment of getting himself under control, Edward peered back up at Batman with a frown and eyebrows etched in worry as he asked, “Can’t you think of a more positive less painful solution to help me? Because… this just isn’t fair!”
Batman chided, “Edward…”
Edward cut him off slightly indignant, “I mean, you don’t spank any of the other villains; trust me, I observed them all when I was in Arkham. And…”
“EDWARD!” Batman raised his booming voice silencing the Riddler immediately. He continued, “None of that matters; what does matter is what works for you, and like it or not; I know this does, so that’s what you’re going to get.”
Edward’s frown turned into an angry pout as he muttered, “Figures; I always get the raw end of the stick… no pun intended.”
Batman shook his head as he stood lending his hand down to help Edward stand. Edward took the helping hand and gingerly rose to his feet. His ass was going to need some serious babying. He looked down at the floor as he said, “Well, you know, if you’ve got such a vested interest in my future as an upstanding citizen, you could… you know, help me curb some of that ever encroaching boredom by giving me something to look forward to.”
Batman was sure he didn’t like where this was going, but asked anyway, “Like what?”
Edward gave him a cautious glance before stating, “Like… I don’t know… a game of chess?”
Batman opened him mouth to respond, and before he could, Edward interjected, “Just one game a week! You know… a little positive reinforcement?” Edward couldn’t help the small smile that crept across his face at the fact that Batman didn’t automatically say no.
Batman contemplated the request, and decided that one game of chess, once a week, couldn’t hurt especially if it kept Edward out of trouble. Besides, it would let him keep a close eye on him as well. Batman nodded, “Alright Edward. I think I can manage that.”
Edward’s face brightened, “Really? You and me… hanging out once a week? How marvelous! Won’t I just be the talk of the town,” he joked excitedly.
Batman interjected before Edward got carried away, “Just one game. No endless questions or riddles. If you start to annoy me, I’ll leave. Understood?”
Edward frowned momentarily, but it didn’t stay for long as he was too happy getting what he’d wanted all along, a worthy opponent. He answered Batman, “I’ll do my best not to displease you.”
Batman nodded, “Then I think we’re done here,” he still had the paddle in his hand; he glanced down at it and tossed it to the Riddler. The Riddler caught it absently and frowned in disgust. Batman smirked as he said, “You can keep hold of that, and put it somewhere you can see it, so whenever you start to get… bored… you can look at it and remember to find something more constructive to do with your time.” Batman then turned heading out onto the balcony and shot his grapple gun to hook onto the building across the way before soaring off into the dawn.
Edward was too stunned to say anything but watch him go. And once he had gone, his eyes returned warily to the paddle in his hand, and as if on cue, his ass throbbed as a reminder of what had just transpired. Edward wanted to chuck the nasty implement out the window and past the balcony, but some small part of him wondered if Batman was serious about holding onto it. He didn’t plan to test the theory as he sighed and shoved it into the coffee table’s drawer.
He was extremely worn out now and oddly relieved. He got himself ready for bed carefully avoiding tender areas, and as the sun rose in the sky, he lie on his stomach a smile creeping onto his lips at the thought of upcoming chess games with Batman dominated his thoughts.
