Epilogue

[beware_my_power]

Hal flies over Gotham invisibly, using the ring to cloak his movements - with the destination he has in mind, it wouldn't be a good idea to be seen. There's a particular entrance available for visiting Justice Leaguers - well-hidden and very secure, but programmed to recognize certain guests

Comments

[aflyinggrayson]

Its current caretaker is not actually present or readily visible, but instead, working through the Cave to clean - because that high-tech equipment needs to be pristine - is Wayne Manor's guardian. Alfred looks up at the arrival and smiles softly. "Good evening, sir."

[beware_my_power]

He smiles - offering a little wave to the faithful butler of the Wayne household.

"Hey, Alfred. Is Dick around? I wanted to update him on some things."

[aflyinggrayson]

"He is on his way here, sir. I expect him presently. Shall I prepare a light snack for you?"

And yes, the Batmobile's engine can be heard in the distance, like an approaching lion.

[beware_my_power]

"I appreciate the offer, Alfred, but I'm not all that hungry - hopping through dimensions can do horrible things to your appetite. How've you been holding up?"

Minutes later

[eddie_nygma]

Though the hour is inappropriate for conventional guests - the Riddler has come to Wayne Manor straight from the Gotham Airport, and he rings the gate's buzzer with insistence.

Henchwoman Query waits in the car, entirely baffled by the sudden trip.

[aflyinggrayson]

"May I be of assistance?" queries a very proper English voice. Alfred, of course.

[eddie_nygma]

"Edward Nygma to see the man of the house - Mr. Richard Grayson, I believe."

The Riddler grins - the anticipation of unraveling the puzzle of Batman's demise - it's almost too much to bear.

[aflyinggrayson]

"The man of the house, Mr. Nygma, is Mr. Wayne, and he is away at present."

[eddie_nygma]

This is the first time the Riddler has been in Wayne Manor as an invited guest - the feeling is an odd one. As he steps inside, he locates the coat rack, and hangs up his hat and question-mark walking stick.

"Lead the way."

[aflyinggrayson]

Where Nygma is lead is the living room. The thing is spacious and opulent and annoyingly formal. Lots of things older than the manor - and the country, for that matter - are tucked here and there for display. A painting of a man and woman is over the fireplace: Thomas and Martha Wayne.

Dick plops unceremoniously onto the plush sofa. He doesn't put his feet on the coffee table, which looks like it costs as much as his Ducati, but he does stick his legs out pretty far. Boy took a beating last night, to be sure. He gestures toward the other end of the sofa, then at the coffee table, where refreshments have been placed, saying, "Don't make yourself at home, but you know, sit down and get something to eat or drink if you want."

[eddie_nygma]

"Most appreciated. I have to say, this is a novel experience for me."

He takes a seat, then begins to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"Where do you want to begin?"

[aflyinggrayson]

"I can tell you what I know," answers Dick as he hauls himself to a sitting position long enough to get a glass of milk and a few finger sandwiches from the refreshments. And a plate and napkin too, because Alfred will notice. Yes, he will. "And I can tell you what Lex told me when I went to see him. Not very much in either case." He sounds bitter about it, too. "But before we get started...this stays between us. Got that?"