[The Riddler's just at the end of his driveway, taking out the garbage at Susan's request and grumbling to himself while he does it. He hasn't noticed you yet, Schuldig.]
[Well, if there was some doubt over what Schuldig had been looking for - someone to talk to, or someone to victimize - there was at least no question as to just what he'd found. A matador only knows so many ways to treat a bull.
Oh, a little emotional torment may be just what he needs. His glower melts into one of his customary razor-edged smirks.]
You know, most men would object to a shady character trying to seduce their wives. [Yes, Schuldig just called Edward a shady character. The calculated insult couldn't possibly be more blatant.]
[Edward's eyes dart up to this newcomer, though they quickly narrow once he realizes who it is. It's difficult to forget a presence like Schuldig's, even after only interacting with him once. Questions immediately surge through his brain: How does he know about what happened between Eddie and Ema? Did he only just learn about this by being in Edward's presence just now? Or did he learn from Ema some time ago? Did she tell him herself? What else did he learn from her?
All of these questions lead to the same general answer: Whatever the case, this isn't going to be good. Edward looks away from Schuldig, straightening out the can along the curb and trying to focus his attention elsewhere. I don't have to listen to this.]
Oh, but you do. [Schuldig's reply is entirely telepathic, the words arriving in Edward's mind without needing to go through his ears.] Did she really not tell you the extent of the things I can do...? I guess not, though that raises the question of why.
[Schuldig slides his hands into his pocket, his casual stance making it very clear - he considers Edward no threat at all. He, himself, is the predator here. The next words he speaks aloud, possibly to get more effect from them.] Maybe she was hoping you'd learn the hard way.
[That gets Edward's attention. The look on his face is one mingled with horror and contempt. The privacy and the sanctity of the human mind is something that should never be violated. This is Edward's mind. His thoughts. His ambitions. His desires. Nothing else should ever have access to something this personal.
The Riddler shoots Schuldig a glare, crossing his arms, standing in a somewhat guarded manner.]
[That little remark earns Edward the least sane laugh he's probably ever heard outside of Arkham. Oh, isn't that always what they default to...] If this weren't the third or fourth time just today that I've heard that, it would almost be cute. You know nothing about telepathy, do you?
[Schuldig grins at him, if something completely lacking in pleasure or humor can be called a grin.] Your mind is a radio, broadcasting every thought into my ear, and I've only ever found one way to turn the radio off. Every moment you're breathing is a moment you should spend thanking me for tolerating it.
[So Schuldig can hear everything, whether he wants to or not. Every scheme, every question, every single thought running through Edward's mind. He can hardly imagine living with such a terrifying ability... or living with someone with that kind of power.
How much torture had Schuldig put Ema through up to this point with his unending mental invasions? Why would she keep this sort of information from him?]
Isn't it obvious? She doesn't trust you to help her, and she knows you can't. [Schuldig cackles at this.] Of course, you'd have to take my word for it, but why else wouldn't she tell you? Some things you don't need to be telepathic to hear.
And she's right, isn't she...? Even if you had an inkling of how to fight me, you can't be relied on. You can't be trusted. I play my cards face up, but you - you cheat. [The last word he gives a telepathic echo inside Edward's head, giving it more weight, more power.]
Don't you? Has anyone ever actually believed in your abilities? [Schuldig's voice is a sadistic purr.] It's understandable why they wouldn't. It seems like most of your career has been defined by getting shown up by a man in costume...or spending quality time in insane asylums. Not markers of success.
And now this, with Ema - it couldn't be clearer proof that you've gone your entire life without learning anything...or at least anything important. Every time you've really wanted love and respect, you've personally ensured you don't deserve it. You whine for what you've never earned.
But you can't lie to me, even less than you can lie to yourself. And since every trick in your arsenal involves cleverly concealing the truth...you're useless against me.
[Edward's arms drop down to his sides. He can only stare in horror as Schuldig continues his sadistic little tirade. All of his secrets, all of his insecurities---everything was laid out on the table for Schuldig to take advantage of. But... something sets him off. His jaw tightens and his glare returns full-force.]
[For a moment, Schuldig's expression darkens as Edward unexpectedly hits a nerve. It's purely by accident, of course; the man has no idea the last remnant of Schwarz besides Schuldig himself has just vanished, that the Mastermind is as alone as he's ever been. But...it's a sore subject. Still, rather than let Edward become too aware of how close to home he hit, he quickly hides it behind another smirk.] It sounds as though I have to worry about your friends, and not you.
But I'm not worried at all. You can't even manage your own life. Why should I expect you to be able to affect mine?
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Oh, a little emotional torment may be just what he needs. His glower melts into one of his customary razor-edged smirks.]
You know, most men would object to a shady character trying to seduce their wives. [Yes, Schuldig just called Edward a shady character. The calculated insult couldn't possibly be more blatant.]
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All of these questions lead to the same general answer: Whatever the case, this isn't going to be good. Edward looks away from Schuldig, straightening out the can along the curb and trying to focus his attention elsewhere. I don't have to listen to this.]
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[Schuldig slides his hands into his pocket, his casual stance making it very clear - he considers Edward no threat at all. He, himself, is the predator here. The next words he speaks aloud, possibly to get more effect from them.] Maybe she was hoping you'd learn the hard way.
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The Riddler shoots Schuldig a glare, crossing his arms, standing in a somewhat guarded manner.]
Stay out of my head.
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[Schuldig grins at him, if something completely lacking in pleasure or humor can be called a grin.] Your mind is a radio, broadcasting every thought into my ear, and I've only ever found one way to turn the radio off. Every moment you're breathing is a moment you should spend thanking me for tolerating it.
I'm not in your head. You're in mine.
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[So Schuldig can hear everything, whether he wants to or not. Every scheme, every question, every single thought running through Edward's mind. He can hardly imagine living with such a terrifying ability... or living with someone with that kind of power.
How much torture had Schuldig put Ema through up to this point with his unending mental invasions? Why would she keep this sort of information from him?]
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And she's right, isn't she...? Even if you had an inkling of how to fight me, you can't be relied on. You can't be trusted. I play my cards face up, but you - you cheat. [The last word he gives a telepathic echo inside Edward's head, giving it more weight, more power.]
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Sh-shut up. I don't cheat. I'm not---
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And now this, with Ema - it couldn't be clearer proof that you've gone your entire life without learning anything...or at least anything important. Every time you've really wanted love and respect, you've personally ensured you don't deserve it. You whine for what you've never earned.
But you can't lie to me, even less than you can lie to yourself. And since every trick in your arsenal involves cleverly concealing the truth...you're useless against me.
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Useless...?
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And if you're wondering just what I could do to you? I'll find a way. I'll always find a way. There's no riddle that I can't solve.
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But I'm not worried at all. You can't even manage your own life. Why should I expect you to be able to affect mine?
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...that sounds almost like a challenge.
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