#batman reader

“How do you tie a knot with no hands?”

“Easy. With your back; lots of knots wind up in there”, you say as you crack your neck.

“Correct! But since you thought that was easy, let’s raise the stakes, shall we?”

You mentally kick yourself for saying the easy part out loud.

The Riddler pulled on a lever behind him, and a platform raised from the floor.

On top of the raised platform were two boxes: one had a mechanical silver scorpion inside, while the other had a mechanical golden scarab.

“Been re-reading Phantom of the Opera as of late?” you ask as you look at each box, and then the speaker above, which no-doubt, probably had a camera attached to it as well.

“What gives you the implication that it’s not my first time reading it? What if I’ve never read the book at all, and you're just making assumptions over a mere coincidence? I’m rather hurt.” You could visualize him wearing a shit-eating grin while wiping at a mock tear right about now.

“Just vibes,” you say nonchalantly. You knew he was trying to distract you by psyching you out. “Also, I think this is way too detailed to not be a POTO reference.

“Very well, then, Batwoman, I’ll admit: the Phantom is a character I can relate to, and I certainly respect his style when it comes to intricate puzzles.”

“You mean traps.”

“Same difference. Now, before we go on a further tangent, I’d like to refocus on the two contraptions before you. The scorpion represents someone you can save now, and the scarab represents someone you can save later. You can only pick one; which will you choose?”

Shoot, you thought. What if he’s bluffing? What if he doesn’t have anyone in captivity right now? But if I choose the scarab, what if there was someone who needed to be saved and it was too late!

You turn your attention to the scorpion.

However, if I choose the scorpion, the someone who needs to be saved now could be ME for all I know. There will ALWAYS be somebody who needs to be saved later, and right now, there’s NO sure way to know if anybody needs to be saved right this instant, so perhaps the Riddler is counting on me to pick the scorpion.

And wasn’t the scarab supposed to be a grasshopper if this was based on the book? That’s an oddly specific deviation for a reference.

You walk over to the box with the scarab, and after tinkering with its gears and locks, it opens. You twisted the wings clockwise on the golden beetle-shaped figure as you recalled the book it was referenced after. You were grateful nothing exploded, or heard any commotion outside, but also grew hesitant when nothing happened.

There was a brief silence before you heard the Riddler say: “I knew you would figure it out. So- explain why you picked the correct box.”

You looked down at the intricate designs of the scarab and the scorpion boxes. There was a lot of artistic detail put into these puzzles, and it was a shame that only you would be able to interact with and appreciate them.

“I picked the scarab, because not only does it deviate away from the grasshopper in Leroux’s novel, but also because it stands as a symbol of the rebirth in Ancient Egyptian culture, wheras the scorpion symbolizes the protection of the already- dead body in its journey to the afterlife. Even if I picked the scorpion, it would have already been ‘later’ and not the very instant you said ‘now’.”

“So you noticed my historical hint and took the literal approach! I like the way you think, Dark Knight. You know, it’s really a shame you’re wasting all that intellectual talent as a vigilante in Gotham’s never-ending masquerade of crime. You have the makings of a genius. Not as great as myself-mind you- but definitely one I wouldn’t mind talking to over some romantic tragedy novels.” There was a slight lilt to his tone that didn’t go unnoticed.

Is he seriously trying to coax you into becoming some sort of villain’s colleague, right now?, you thought. Ugh- for being such a smart guy, he really can be delusional, at the end of the day. Shame.

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that your puzzle insinuates a clue for an upcoming scheme you’re planning, Riddler. I will find out what it is and stop you once and for all”, you said in a more serious tone.

“And I’ll be counting on you to find out. In fact, I want you to, and see if you can try to stop a genius such as myself! Au revoir, Madame Bat~.”

And with that, the door you came through automatically swung open and you didn’t waste any time dashing out of the room for that coffee you desperately needed now.

You tapped at the comm in your left earring.

“Frida. Status update on the Riddler: I was trapped in another of his trap rooms tonight, and it ended up being a clue for a more intricate crime he’s been plotting. Kidnapping will definitely be involved, but I’ve yet to find out any potential suspects. Over.”

“I read you loud and clear, Madame (Y/n). I’ve updated the Bat Computer to scan the room you just left for any prints or leads. So-.”

“Yes, Frida?”

“What was the theme this time? Horror? Shakespeare?"

“It was Phantom of the Opera.”

“How rather romantic.”

“More like tragic. Erik was a gifted but lonely man who tried to lure Christine into his fabricated reality. If he truly loved her, he would have never resorted to utilizing his talents to manipulate her into being with him,” you responded.

“Reminds me of the Mad Hatter, now that you mention it. Do forgive my bluntness on the matter, Madame, but from what I gather, I’d say that the Riddler’s flirting with you, at any rate.”

“What makes you say that?”

“In your words, Madame: vibes.”

…….

The next day you were walking up to your office at WayneTech. You were dressed in a comfortable wool pastel-pink turtleneck, a burgundy longskirt, and rose gold accessories.

You tapped the comm in your left pearl stud. “Frida, I’ll be passing the security check, now. Deactivate my tech ‘til I reach my office. I need to stop by and talk to Lucius first."

“Already done. Be careful, (Y/n).”

“Talk to you later.”

You passed security and headed to Lucius Fox’s office. On the elevator going down, you were greeted and complimented by some of your staff before reaching the Labs and Tech Testing floor.

Another average afternoon as always, you sigh to yourself, sipping on a can of iced coffee from a vending machine.

Once you reached your destination, you took out your ID, but before you could swipe it, you noticed the door was already opened, and it looked like the scanner was deactivated.

Oh no!

You tapped your right comm- your emergency comm- to alert Frida.

“Frida! Someone has infiltrated the security lock to Lucius’ office. I’m going in.”

There was no feedback.

Shoot.

You rush inside and see a struggling Lucius gagged and tied to his chair, and taped to his chest was a green stationary with a purple question mark on it.

“Lucius!”

You rush over to him and take off the note.

It read:

What’s a Wayne to do when the real brains behind the operation is tied up? It’s lights out for the uptown girl.

You blink at the question in confusion before the lights in the room were switched off, and you felt a sharpness hit the back of your nape.

When you come to, you’re tied up in a wooden chair, and your wrists were tied with rope that crossed between your thumbs behind your back. Your ankles were also bound together.

You also noticed your pearl comms were missing. You took in your surroundings and noticed a nearby window that looked out over the west side of Gotham. The WayneTech tower was across the distance, and it was already sunset based on the cast of lighting from the surrounding buildings’ shadows.

Just. great.

You shift in your place to feel if your rings were on your fingers.

They’re gone, too. I can’t call my Batcycle.

You tried stomping on your boot heels, but forgot your ankles were tied separately, and it was then you realized your heeled boots were taken off, so you were left in your happyface flower print socks.

They took my spare batarangs, smokebombs, and taser, as well.

As you squirmed around in your seat, you failed to notice the figure sitting in a swivel chair across from you. Grinning in amusement as you struggled.

“Comfortable?”

You looked up, and glared.

“Riddler. What did you do to Lucius!?”

“I only told my men to use him as bait to get your attention. And-”.

He pulled out a drawer full of your jewelry and boots.

“-to force him to tell them about your clever little trinkets you managed to hide as pretty little fashion accessories. Riddle me this, material girl: what time is best to eat the rich?”

“I don’t know. When?”

“Ah-hahaha! When you rob them blind, you moron! You see, Miss Wayne, when I decided to expose Batwoman for the criminal she actually is, I needed to backtrack as to how she could make her acts of villainy look like selfless heroic deeds.”

“What makes you think she’s a villain?”

“I know she’s a villain, and I ask the questions around here. Now, riddle me this: just how did the Batwoman acquire her Batcycle and gadgets? Hmmm?”

You stayed silent.

“No guesses from the guest, huh? I don’t blame you; your mind is inferior to mine, after all. But I’ll spare you some pity and tell you what I know is the answer.

“I believe that she steals the money from the criminals she apprehends, and then uses that money to pay you at WayneTech to fund and create her customized gear and gadgets, while she bribes Jim over at GCPD to keep it quiet.”

He picks up a batarang that was on his desk and holds it in the now-dimmed light. The city lights of Gotham illuminating the pitch black night outside shone into the poorly-lit room with a green digital glow coming from your captor’s monitors. He turned back to face you once more.

“And they’re the same gadgets as the ones that my men just so happened to find on your person, earlier. So, I already have solid evidence to back my theory. Clearly, you and Commissioner Gordon have been turning a blind eye to the crimes you’ve been enabling the Batwoman to ensue, making you no better than a super villain such as myself."

You sat there shocked after hearing all of that. The Riddler was so smart, he almost discovered your secret identity. He still believes your supersona and civilian cover are two separate entities, but that might change the more he talks. The more he thinks.

“Shocked speechless by my genius? I know. I would be, too, if I was as ignorant and gullible as you.”

You heavily roll your eyes.

“You know, it’s a shame, though. I’m finally going to corner Batwoman once and for all, and this might be the last time I ever get to challenge her intellect.”

“Why’s that a shame? Hate having no competition?”

“Not in the slightest! No one can compete with the Riddler when it comes to matters of the mind! But Batwoman has proven her worth when it comes to showing appreciation in my temporary diversions. She’ll never confess it, but I can see it in her expressions whenever she participates in them, solving them flawlessly, proving to me time and again that only she can be my true equal in this cesspit of a city. If it were any other way, I’d marry such a woman. And that’s why it’s such a shame.”

You almost dropped your jaw upon hearing this sudden confession. At first, you were really annoyed, but now your eyes widen in surprise as you bite your tongue to keep you from giving your reaction away. You were glad the Riddler wasn’t facing you; the room was cold, and you could feel a blush blooming on your face.

I guess I can agree with him; it really is a shame we’re on opposing sides of justice. It’s a shame he has such an obsession with needing to outwit others to prove he's the smartest man in the room. Otherwise, he’d be my type, you thought to yourself.

The Riddler just stood in front of the window with his arms crossed. Fingers thrumming against his arm impatiently. Then, he was pacing steadily around the room before he turned to you with a smirk.

“Why, Miss Wayne! It seems Batwoman doesn’t care to save you from my evil clutches. Which is strange.”

“Strange how, Riddler? Maybe she’s busy saving some other poor unfortunate soul, right now.”

His pacing comes to a halt, and pivots to face you.

“It’s strange, because-” he took slow steps toward you, “-she has never once failed to answer my challenges, until tonight, and-”.

He pauses to look up at a nearby window, “-the Bat Signal is still up”.

He stopped a foot in front of you, and leaned towards the side of your face.

“Riddle me this: just who is under the Batwoman’s mask?”

You closed your eyes and drew a deep breath in before saying in your slightly- deepened Batwoman voice: “It’s me”.

The Riddler whipped his face in front of yours. You’ve never seen such a surprised expression on him before.

“W-what.” He blinks at your tired face that showed no signs of sarcasm nor deceit.

“What!?”

For a few moments of silence, you look at Riddler who’s standing there, still gobsmacked by the revelation, until he finally breaks it.

“Even if you- (Y/n) Wayne- were in fact, Batwoman, please illuminate me on something.”

“Like what?”

“Like WHY you would just tell me your secret identity!? ME of all people! Just like that!” The man said, his hands flying out frantically as he spoke. Like he was trying to debate the concept of rocket science to a pet goldfish.

“Okay, first of all, YOU asked me via a riddle! And I have no choice but to give you an answer, or else God knows what’ll happen to my useless tied-up self if I hadn’t!” you quip in exasperation.

“And either way, since when did THE Riddler get mad at me for answering correctly to his own riddles? Okay, actually- forget I asked that.”

“It was a RHETORICAL question!!” the man said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“That you literally asked by saying ‘Riddle me this’! I’m literally in your captivity! Did you seriously think I’d be able to lie my way out of this situation, nonetheless to you!?”

The Riddler stood against the windowpane with his arms crossed in contemplation. Behind him, the Bat Signal still shone across the backdrop of the air-polluted city.

He could tell you definitely weren’t lying; you really were the Dark Knight, herself, weren’t you?

Many of his victims and even his fellow rogues would underestimate him because he didn’t seem like he could pull off much. But Batwoman never doubted him when she herself was also an intellect. Almost his equal. Of all the people who dared to challenge him, she actually showed him respect and would answer all of his riddles without hesitation or ire. He noticed that whenever Batwoman would talk to him, her usual blunt tone he’d hear you utilize on other rogues via recordings on the news would lighten into a more calmer, cordial one whenever she faced him. Hell if he knew why, but in a way, maybe she too saw him in a similar light of great minds.

Riddler looked into (Y/n)’s eyes. The moonlight caught their (e/c) irises in a soft glow, and your (h/c) hair was put up in a messy bun with some flyaways framing your face. He realized this is the first time he can truly appreciate how simplistically beautiful you are without your supersona. He felt a brief wave of guilt for the insults he threw at you earlier, but at the end of the day, you were the same sharp-minded woman he grew a surprising respect for.

He took a deep breath to recenter his thoughts on what you said before walking over to his monitor set and pressed a button.

“Boys? Disassemble the bombs you planted just now. Do not return to base until further notice. Have yourselves an early holiday for the time-being~.”

Several men on the receiving comm sighed before saying “on it, Boss”, or the like, before he switched off the screens. Not a moment after, the Bat Signal turned off.

When you saw that, you felt a funny mix of feelings. You felt guilty for not being the Batwoman the city needed anymore, but your captor was also being oddly accommodating for your predicament at the moment. You were grateful for the Riddler’s rare act of compassion (or maybe it was just straight-up pity, if anything).

“My apologies for having my men kidnap you; I sincerely didn’t expect to learn my greatest nemesis’ secret so soon.”

“Thank you; you didn’t have to do that.”

“Do what? Call off my schemes? More like postponement. You know, there’s really no point in them without a certain someone to engage in them to my standards”, he said smugly.

“Now about said certain someone-” he spun on his chair to face you from his monitor set, “you mentioned that you couldn’t lie to me out of your current predicament. Are you insinuating the possibility that had it been anyone else, you would have?”

“If it had been anyone else, I doubt I would still be alive. You are the only rogue who wouldn’t give me zero chances if it meant there wasn’t something in it for you, and I have valuable intel no money can ever buy. If it’s any villain I know who sees waste in my impromptu death, it’s you”, you said. The Riddler raised an eyebrow at that.

“You really are a great detective to figure that out and take a gamble on it, otherwise you wouldn’t have been so lucky.”

The man took a deep sigh, and looked down.

“But unfortunately, Miss Wayne- Batwoman, you’ve misjudged my character.”

Your body stills. “What?”

He shot his head up and grins amusedly at your reaction.

“That’s right! See, you’re wrong to underestimate the Riddler; I don’t need to spare your life for some ‘priceless intel’, my dear. I can pursue any knowledge I want on my own terms!”

He walked over to you, cane in hand, and you felt cold sweat on the back of your neck.

“But you are correct in that I would see your death as impromptu-” he walks behind you out of sight. You're officially panicking, now.

He wouldn’t kill me, but he still could, and maybe this was a really stupid idea to trust-

“-and, unnecessary,” the binds and rope fell off of you with a couple of quick swipes of his cane.

Now it was your turn to sit there speechless.

“Cat caught your tongue?” the Riddler sidesteps to glance at your baffled expression.

“I don’t understand. You’re letting me go? Just like that? And you won’t have me bargain anything for my freedom?”

“Not so fast, Batwoman. We need a re-introduction.”

As the Riddler walked up to you, he took off his green bowler hat and removed his purple mask with one hand, and put them behind his back. He walked up to you and took your hand and slightly bowed.

“From now on, when we’re not wearing masks, please call me Edward, (Y/n).”

He raised your hand and planted a chaste kiss on the back of your palm.

“And I only ask this in exchange for your freedom,” he took the hand out from behind his back. His hat and mask was mysteriously replaced by a lavender envelope attached to a rose.

You took both hesitantly from him, but when you looked up, he was already across the room near the exit. His hat was already on and he had just finished adjusting his mask back onto his face.

“Until next time, my little bat~.”

And he disappeared into the night.

Hope y'all enjoyed this first chapter!

I took inspiration from Totally Spies! for the jewelry comms and gadgets, as well as that one scene from Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro towards the end.

Stay cool🤙🏼

“Obviously, you’re Batman, too, huh?” you say, your voice altered by the cowl’s tech. You press a button and the face slides apart so that the five in front of you can see your face. “Y/N Wayne.”

Each of them has taken a step backwards in shock at your face.

Bruce removes his own cowl, and you are shocked.

There is a moment when lightning flashes, and the typical Gotham rain begins to pour, and the two of you are staring at each other.

But then it passes, and you are brought back to the Cave.

You explain that after a few years of being Batman, Bruce was murdered in the course of duty. The press had had a field day wondering if you knew or not. You lied and claimed complete innocence, which the police backed you up with.

Alfred, as executor of the Wayne Estate, made sure you inherited everything, including Wayne Enterprises.

But instead of grieving, you and Jim Gordon created a secret program called the Silver Star, recruiting Bat-people out of the GCPD so that there were multiple Batmen running around Gotham all at once. 

It effectively kept fear up in criminals and brought crime rates down, since everyone believed that it was the ghost of Batman unleashed. 

And at the head of this program was you, using the training Bruce had given you to become the new Batman. Your codename was Batman Prime, and together with Alfred and Jim’s daughter Barbara, you commanded all of the Silver Star’s operatives.

You’ve been Batman Prime ever since, and once Jim became Commissioner, Lucius Fox has had WayneTech working on new equipment for the Star, hence your super high-tech suit.

Bruce tells you all about the boys, and how you died a few years ago at the hands of Talia, while protecting Damian.

It’s hard for them to see you, especially as you have none of the familiarity with them. You’re a nice, bright person, but you don’t have the years of parenting experience nor the patience. 

It’s hard for Bruce because you show no interest in him, because you’ve never gotten over YOUR Bruce’s death, and even with a different version of him it would feel like a betrayal. Also this version of you is harsher and darker - too much like himself.

Dick is the only common link between the two of you, since he was adopted before Bruce died. But unlike Bruce, you never let him become Robin, and he had a relatively normal upbringing. However, once he became old enough to make his own decisions, he went into the police force in Gotham and joined the Silver Star all on his own, becoming a fellow Batman. 

It’s weird for Dick because while he craves the feeling that you’re back, he knows that somewhere out there is a different Dick who needs his Y/N back. 

Jason gets angry because it feels like the universe is taunting him. He often used to wish you weren’t so positive towards him when he wanted to feel down, and now he’s gotten his wish. Now you barely interact with him at all and he hates it. He spends time away from the manor and visits your grave almost every day.

Tim doesn’t trust you at all. Mostly because you gave him more coffee to keep him awake, which in his sleep-deprived mind means you don’t care about him and are just using them all to get home. Maybe you aren’t even Y/N in the first place. Did anybody think of that? Huh? No, you’re the paranoid one!

Damian can’t really reconcile the feelings. He feels guilty because you died protecting him, and part of him feels like he deserves the cold shoulder this you is giving him. And another part of him is angry because all he wants is his Papa back and this is not what he wanted!

They are all able to work with you, though. You’re an unusually upbeat Batman, laughing often as you take down criminals. In contrast to his efficient, trained style, yours is much more creative and environmentally interactive, due to your lack of formal training compared to him.

And due to your height, Bruce realizes that you’re more intimidating than he is. Bruce tends to try and talk to you over comms or from a higher vantage point in order to avoid having to look up at you.

Dick kind of likes it. You often serve as the perfect springboard for his more acrobatic moves.

You aren’t as disciplined as Bruce, mainly because you’ve organized the Star into shifts so that the members have time to recharge, so you get really tired after the first week. You forget that you’re in an alternate Wayne Manor, and you go to yours and Bruce’s bedroom and just slump on top of Bruce, hugging him close.

You’re bigger, and just for a moment Bruce enjoys the feeling of you resting your chin on his head before he decides that this one little time can be allowed. He turns and kisses you. The both of you hold each other close, pretending that you have your loved ones back.

In the morning, you decide that it wasn’t so bad after all, and from then on, you and Bruce sleep in the same bed every night (or, you know, whenever you end up sleeping). 

But it is only temporary. Eventually a way is found to send you back to your universe.

You have responsibilities to get back to. And so does Bruce.

“Bruce.”

“Y/N?”

“I know I’ll come off as a huge hypocrite, but... move on.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m gone, Bruce. You aren’t making me any happier by mourning. Show these kids some love. Help them. And if you find someone... let yourself be happy. You deserve it.”

You know he probably won’t take your advice. But at least you’ve put the thought into his head. You move to step through the portal.

“Y/N.”

“Bruce?”

“I’ll always love you.”

“Me too.”

“Then you do the same. We’ll both try.”

You smile. “I think we can do that.”