Chapter Text
Something isn’t right.
You wake up in a groggy daze, completely disoriented. Nausea churns your stomach, and your vision is blurry. As you blink and your vision clears, the crux of your predicament becomes clear. You are trapped inside a metal dog crate inside an apartment you have never seen before.
Where the fuck am I?
Panic floods your body, your pulse thumping in your chest in an almost dizzying swirl of anxiety. You try to take in your surroundings. The apartment is cluttered with books, papers, dingy furniture, and heaps of what looks like just plain junk. It is dim and filthy looking. The air is probably full of mold spores.
The sound of someone clearing their throat causes you to freeze. You look up and see a man standing outside the cage. Your stomach drops in terror. He kneels down to your level, and you see his face through the thin metal bars. He smiles in an eerily sweet and gentle way.
“Finally, you’re awake. Now we can have some fun.”
His words send another wave of panic through your body. He continues to smile at you. He has a soft, round face, mousy brown hair, and dark green eyes framed by large clear-rimmed glasses. The man could pass for someone completely harmless if he weren’t holding you captive.
“Who are you and where am I?” You ask with a trembling voice.
He chuckles. “My name is Edward Nashton, but you may know me better as The Riddler. And this is your new home.”
“What?”
“There’s no need to panic. I’m going to take very good care of you. You’re my responsibility now. No one is ever going to hurt you again.”
You start to hyperventilate. This can’t be real. The Riddler, Gotham’s notorious serial killer has drugged and kidnapped you, and now you’re being held God knows where. Your eyes well up with tears.
No no no…
In a desperate attempt, you rattle the locked door of the cage. It doesn’t budge. Edward laughs at the pathetic display.
“Try all you want, but you’re not getting out of your crate, puppy. I’m not letting you out until you’ve proven that you’re ready and can be trusted with that freedom.”
Puppy?
You are confused until you realize there is something around your neck. Your hands go up to touch it, and your eyes widen in horror. It is a leather dog collar, complete with a bone-shaped metal tag.
“I’m not your puppy! I’m a human being. Let me out of here.”
Edward shakes his head, disappointed.
“I think you’ve got some things mixed up. I’m your master. You’re my pet now. And my pet does whatever she’s told, no questions asked. So don’t you worry your dumb puppy head, just sit pretty and behave,” He says. “If you’re a good dog, I’ll reward you with some pets or treats. And if you’re a bad dog? I’ll punish you. And you don’t want me to punish you, do you?”
A shiver runs down your spine.
“You’re a psycho!”
His expression darkens and his temper flares up. He pounds the side of the crate with his fist, making a loud, jarring sound in your ear that causes you to flinch.
“AND YOU’RE PATHETIC! I’M DOING YOU A FAVOR!” Edward yells. “You were just another poor, lost soul in this disgusting city with no purpose, no direction! But I found you! I SAVED YOU! And now you have a place in my world, my love and protection. So show a little fucking gratitude!”
Tears run down your face as you tremble in fear. He leans in closer and speaks in almost a whisper.
“So, what will it be? Are you going to be a good, obedient puppy who sits quietly, waits patiently, listens to whatever I tell her to do? Or are you going to be a bad dog who disobeys her master when she doesn’t get her way? I really hope it’s not the second choice. Because I have no trouble putting down a bad dog.”
You swallow thickly and nod. The rules are simple: obey and survive.
“Are you going to be a good puppy?”
“Yes,” You whimper.
“Yes, what?”
“Yes…Master.”
Edward grins and his expression softens.
“You’re going to be an excellent pet. I’ll make sure of it.”