I recently discovered it's Nigma, not Nygma.

3rd Person P.O.V.

1 year after Pink Diamond returned to Earth

Beach City has progressed ever further with Little Homeworld near it. Gems and humans have upgraded a few buildings to be stronger and to hold when natural disasters happen like Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Steven and Pink are correctly celebrating the one year anniversary of her return.

The Diamond Authority has yet to be in need of Batman's uses, most expected since they really wanted him to brag about to the other creatures that laughed at them. But there wouldn't be a need for Batman in Era-3, right? While the gems and Steven are happy all day, there's something else going on at night and someone else isn't very happy.

Gotham:

The city intercoms were activated by someone who isn't a city official. It even took over the television.

[TV] Riddle me this: Why would a Batman visit an abandoned orphanage?

(Alfred) Oh, dear.

(Moonlight) Eddie? It took him almost a year to show his face?

Bruce was paying attention to the TV now.

[TV] Oh, I know! It's because of what will happen to his feline friend if he doesn't get here in time. Shocked, Dark Knight? Stunned? You didn't expect this, did you? That is because you are no match for me, Edward Nigma, the Riddler and your intellectual superior. Did you think I would just forget our last meeting, Dark Knight? You HUMILIATED me! I know you will not beat me this time. It is utterly impossible. You cannot do it. I have already won. I will mock your attempts to solve my conundrums, I will stand triumphant over your bloodied corpse. And as the dim light fades for good in your tiny dullard's mind, you final thought will be how I bested you. Come to the orphanage, detective. Or she dies...

(Moonlight) Feline friend?

(Bruce) Catwoman.

(Moonlight) The thief? I thought she was in Arkham City.

(Bruce) She most likely escaped. And now Riddler has her.

(Moonlight) Since when did you and her become friends?

(Alfred) She often feeded him information about the other super-criminals during the time. And she isn't like them. She's just a thief. No schemes, tricks, plots, or a killer. And she certainly doesn't juggle vehicles for sport.

(Moonlight) Oh, c'mon. It's been like a year since I did that.

(Alfred) Nine months.

(Moonlight) Whatever.

Bruce went to put on the suit and he used the Batmobile to get to the orphanage.

At the orphanage:

Batman can see Catwoman tied to a chair and blindfolded.

(Catwoman) Batman? That had better be you and you had better be sorry.

Batman released her from the chair.

(Batman) Are you okay?

(Catwoman) Purrfect. What little girl doesn't dream of being bait for her strapping Dark Knight?

(Batman) We're leaving.

(Catwoman) You might be, but I'm not.

[Speaker] Ah, my contestants are finally here. Tonight, folks, we've got riddles galore. But first, let me introduce my beautiful assistants.

Robots appeared. The two got ready for a fight.

[Speaker] I'm growing tired of my dependence upon the least useless dregs I can scrape from Gotham's utterly uninspired underbelly. Why rely on others for help when you can design, program, engineer, and manufacture it yourself? 

They were defending themselves from the robots. This was a moment where Batman can use lethal moves since they're fighting machines and not people. Batman held back just a little bit, not wanting to waste all of his energy on the robots.

[Speaker] What a pair you make. Together, you're just competent enough to survive. Enjoy it while it lasts, Dark Knight. I have more in store for you than hitting things. 

They just finished turning the robots into scrap metal.

[Speaker] No doubt you enjoyed that, detective, it's the most fun you'll have all night. You see, Dark Knight, this feisty felonious feline has been fitted with a shiny new collar. With each challenge you complete, you'll get one little key. Collect every key and kitty goes free. Remove it too soon and the kitty goes BOOM (laughs). Well, don't just stand there, Dark Knight. Take that rocket-fueled roadster of yours and make your way to the Cauldron Trainyard. My first test is waiting. 

Then, he finally stopped talking, for now.

(Batman) I'll be back soon.

(Catwoman) You'll be back right away. Guys like Eddie let me be until I started playing nice with the Bat.

(Batman) It's unlike you to get caught. Was it an ambush? Blackmail? A trap?

(Catwoman) He invited me.

(Batman) What?

Even Batman was surprised that something so simple could lead to whatever this is.

(Catwoman) He said he had a job.

(Batman) A job?

(Catwoman) Of the cat burgling variety. I'm pretty good at it, remember? Not all of us scamper around on rooftops at night because we want to help people, you big brooding boy scout. Now where's my key?

He leaves to get the key.

(Catwoman) Don't keep me waiting!

Cauldron Trainyard:

Batman used the Batmobile to drive into an elevator that could fit it, surprisingly. On the way down, a speaker spoke to him.

[Speaker] As expected, detective. You arrived. I thought Catwoman's little predicament might encourage your participation. I realized, you see, that the kind of image-obsessed narcissist who places bat-symbols on his hubcaps would never willingly submit himself to the kind of humiliation I have in store. Yet, here you are, detective! The humiliation is waiting below. 

The elevator stops and he drives out of it to meet a barrier in his way.

[Speaker] Well then, detective, it begins. You are staring, with stupefied incomprehension, at a mechanism I have calibrated to respond to an extremely precise radar pulse. In a moment I will give you the decrypted code, Dark Knight, but first, I think we should run through the ground rules for tonight's festivities. Rule the first: You will address me at all times as Riddler, the Riddler, or Mr. Nigma, sir. Otherwise, detective, I expect your patented brand of churlish silence. Rule the second: All gauntlets, cowl-integrated microphones and other communications devices, bat-themed or otherwise, are to be switched off prior to the start of the test. Should you be caught using any of these you will be expelled from the course. Rule the third: The use of purpose-built riddle solving equipment is STRICTLY prohibited. I am familiar with the contents of your utility belt, detective, and I will be evaluating any sudden additions over the course of this evening most suspiciously. Rule the fourth: In the event of fire or flood I will be on hand to guide you to the nearest emergency exit, assuming that is, you are not too proud to follow my advice. In that eventuality, we will consider your stubbornly prideful suicide an admission of defeat. Rule the fifth: Do NOT ask for clues. Rule the sixth: Should I, in my exasperation, CHOOSE to provide you with a clue, hint, obliquely meaningful insult or any other form of assistance, you will not ask for further elucidation but instead thank me for my kind generosity, while adhering to the forms of address outlined in the very first rule. Rule the seventh: Bathroom breaks will be administered on a discretionary basis. Should we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in your arduous journey to self-realization and defeat, I expect you to hold it in. Rule the eighth: Any accidents resulting from my strict enforcement of the seventh rule are to be considered your fault entirely. Rule the ninth: You are required to recite back to me this full list of rules at any moment I request, again, keeping in mind the naming conventions I outlined in the very first rule. Rule the tenth: I, the Riddler/Riddler/Mr. Nigma, sir, reserve the right to add or announce any further rules if and when they become necessary. Yes, I know what you're thinking, detective. Mr. Nigma, sir knows how to meticulously structure a good time! In any case, detective, I'm getting rather tired at the way your stupidity forces me to outline the basics like this. So, here's that code you've been waiting for. Let's see how long it takes for you to figure out how to use it. 

Batman instantly opened the door.

[Speaker] What?! How did you... solve tonight's very first riddle! Well done. 

He drives forward.

[Speaker] Welcome to my race track, detective! You must complete 3 circuits of this gauntlet, finishing each before the time limit expires. 

A beep went off and he was off. Batman went as fast as the car can go and completed the first lap within 43 seconds.

[Speaker] Faster, Dark Knight, faster! Can those flickering, faltering synapses keep up with my automatically adjusting course? 

Batman disabled the fail-safe for the speed boost so he can go fast enough within the time limit. He had just made the second lap before the time went zero.

[Speaker] Once more unto the track, Dark Knight, once more! 

Batman had thirty seconds left. He slammed his foot onto the accelerate and the Batmobile went faster than he went on the first two laps. He went so fast, he almost hit his head on the steering wheel when he stopped suddenly.

[Speaker] Relax, Dark Knight, the ordeal is over. Such a pity the laws of physics prohibit me from testing my non-Euclidean designs. Back into the orphanage, Catwoman received one of many keys that will release her. 

He drove to the elevator to leave this place.

[Speaker] Did you really believe that a challenge by me, the Riddler, would be quite so easy? Oh, Dark Knight, you sweet, naïve sentinel, of course it wouldn't. But now I have several hundred terabytes of performance data relating to the latest model of rocket-powered hearse you're driving. With that in mind, I have prepared for you something a little less knuckle whitening and rather more brow-furrowing in Chinatown. Hurry on over detective, or it won't be curiosity that killed the cat.

Batman drove to Chinatown. He found another drive-in elevator.

[Speaker] Well, well, Dark Knight. Eager for more? It's humbling, isn't it? The opportunity to even glimpse my greatness, the dawning realization of just how insignificant, how unworthy of note, you really are? These trials are my masterpieces, detective. When I have defeated you, they will become monuments to my genius, testaments to your stupidity. Crowds of schoolchildren will pack themselves in this elevator, eager to see for themselves the place where the Dark Knight was defeated. They won't understand a thing, of course, but they'll come. 

The elevator stopped and he drives out of it.

[Speaker] A trial so elegantly simple that even you should manage a feeble grasp of the premise. You must provide power to this board, detective. 

5 minutes later.

They solved the puzzle.

[Speaker] Congratulations! You've achieved the very minor victory of not being as stupid as you look. Now Catwoman, celebrate your survival by telling Batman all about the exciting orphanage developments! 

[Speaker] No. You do it.

[Speaker] Now, kitty...!

[Speaker] Why Batman, there's a big, mysterious, green door! 

He heard sarcasm in her voice.

[Speaker] Yes! Yes there is! Come back to the orphanage, Batman, and I'll let you through it! 

Batman drove the Batmobile to the elevator.

[Speaker] Well done, Dark Knight. You, I hope, be beginning to comprehend the breadth of the tasks ahead of you, the sheer scale of the gauntlet I have thrown down. Or perhaps not. Perhaps you're feeling cocky. Perhaps these early victories have filled you with false hope? Well then, ride that wave of smug satisfaction all the way back to the orphanage! I'm waiting. 

Batman drove back to the orphanage and went inside.

(Catwoman) Oh good, you're back. Eddie wouldn't show me whatever deranged parlor game he's got waiting behind that door until you arrived.

(Batman) I'll get you out of here.

(Catwoman) I'm sorry, do I seem testy? It's probably something to do with the gorgeous necklace Eddie picked out for me. Have you seen it? It explodes.

The two of them went into the room that Riddler has set for them.

[Speaker] I do hope you two are getting along, because you'll need to work together if you want the key hidden in here.

The both noticed two pressure plates. Batman went to one of them and Catwoman went to the other.

(Catwoman) Well, this looks creepy. Someone's been reading "Feng Shui For Serial Killers."

Then, metal bars separated Batman from Catwoman.

(Catwoman) Oh, great. Extra trapped. As if the collar wasn't enough.

[Speaker] Neither of you is getting out of there without the other's help. 

This puzzle looked simple. Numbers were shown on Batman's side but they were pink and number's showed on Catwoman's side but they were blue.

(Catwoman) Are you getting numbers as well?

(Batman) Yes.

(Catwoman) What do they mean?

(Batman) There's buttons labeled with numbers are them. We're given what each of us need in order to solve the puzzle. What numbers do you see?

(Catwoman) 2, 5, 3, 4, 1.

Batman pressed those numbers in order and a beep was heard.

(Catwoman) What are the numbers you see?

(Batman) 3, 1, 4, 2, 5.

Catwoman pressed the numbers and a beep was heard. The barriers were lowered and robots appeared.

[Speaker] Oh Dark Knight, I can barely describe to you what a pleasure it is to see your brow furrow over the simplest of conundrums. I do apologize for not creating a riddle that you can merely pound into submission. Here, why don't you take out those primitive frustrations on my automated assistants? 

The two of them fought robots once again.

[Speaker] It's quite liberating to have freed myself from reliance on Gotham's ill-educated muscle, detective. Prototypes, Dark Knight, these are mere prototypes! So, try to mitigate that primal feeling of triumph upon defeating one. Every robot you defeat merely provides more data for me to analyze, Dark Knight. 

They defeated the machines.

[Speaker] Well then, it seems you've earned another key. 

Catwoman got another key and she used it on the collar to activate another specific mode for a different key to help the defusing process of the collar.

(Catwoman) Well, the was fun. At least I got to hit something.

(Batman) How are you holding up?

(Catwoman) I'm fine. I don't need your concern, just your help getting this thing off.

They walked in the main room.

[Speaker] I wouldn't celebrate just yet, you three! Dark Knight, my next challenge can be found beneath Elliot Memorial Hospital. Conveniently located for when you pass out due to mental exhaustion. 

He stopped talking.

(Catwoman) You still haven't apologized.

(Batman) For what?

(Catwoman) For Eddie treating me like a white hat. Like one of your sidekicks! Y'know half the crooks in Gotham used to think I feed you info.

(Batman) You do.

(Catwoman) Yeah, when there's something in it for me. They think I'm doing it on principle!

(Batman) Sorry for making criminals think less of you.

(Catwoman) Hey, have I ever hurt anyone? I'm not one of the bad guys, Batman, I'm freelance.

(Batman) You should pick a side, Selina.

(Catwoman) Your side should pay better.

He left again. He drives to Elliot Memorial Hospital and into an elevator.

[Speaker] The preliminaries are done with, Dark Knight, I hope you understand that. Had I so wished, you'd have failed before you had even begun to comprehend the very first hurdle. But no, no... I wanted you to know the full extent of my brilliance, you understand? To fully appreciate my superiority. But now? Well, I'm not going easy on you anymore. 

The elevator stopped and Batman drove out of it.

[Speaker] Another race track, detective, but please, do not let its unique peculiarities crush your spirit. 

A beep was heard and he was off.

[Speaker] No, Dark Knight, you are not losing what little grip you had on reality, you've merely entered a brave new world of my design, 

Batman sped through the first lap.

[Speaker] Onward, Batman! Or does the Dark Knight require a pit stop?

Batman turned on the speed boost to make it through the second lap.

[Speaker] Feeling claustrophobic, detective? Get ready for the final lap! 

Batman got through the final lap just barely before the time stopped.

[Speaker] Enough! Another lap would be the end of you, Dark Knight, and I can't quite bring myself to stop the fun so soon. Catwoman has received her next key. 

Batman drove to the elevator.

[Speaker] I must say, Dark Knight, that your desperate fumblings have exceed my admittedly rather meager expectations. I'm impressed. This must be how naturalists felt upon observing chimpanzees using tools for the first time. Did you know, detective, that the cleverest chimps can even obey simple instructions? It's true! Let's try it, shall we? Go to Gotham Casino for your next test, and I'll give you a banana!

The elevator stopped and Batman drives to another drive-in elevator.

[Speaker] Oh detective, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you're playing along with my little game! You literally cannot imagine what it's like to be so intellectually removed from the rest of the human race. I couldn't honestly say you offer me a battle of wits, Dark Knight, but your feeble resistance makes a pleasant change from the instant capitulation of everyone else. 

The elevator stopped and he saw a button at the wall but there's no ground for him to get to it. The objective in here is to hit the pressure plates on the wall.

[Speaker] Oh dear, Dark Knight, what a pity you couldn't bring the Batwing to this one.

Batman charged forward with the Batmobile and ejected. He glides to the wall and hits the plate. However, this caused him to fall down into some water.

He grappled back up, all soaking wet. He got back into the Batmobile to try to get the next plate. He backs up before driving forward and ejects suddenly.

He got the second plate, one more to go. He repeated the process one more time to get the last pressure plates.

[Speaker] Good work, detective! You are literally as capable as the digit-flapping mammal you pointlessly pretend to be. Catwoman got her next key. 

He drives to the drive-in elevator.

[Speaker] Well, Dark Knight detective, you have passed another test. I cannot help but admire the spirit with which you have thrown yourself into a task for which you are woefully under-equipped. I almost feel guilty when I contemplate what's coming. But not so guilty that I'm going to call it off. Head back to the orphanage, detective. Another of my riddle rooms is waiting. 

The elevator reached the top and he drove all the way back to the orphanage. He goes inside.

(Batman) How are you doing?

(Catwoman) Can't fault the entertainment. Eddie just lectured me on the thirteen innovations that led him pack this collar with his custom-designed plastic explosive.

(Batman) You must be honored.

(Catwoman) At being what, your motivation? Come on, the next puzzle room's waiting.

The two of them walked into a new room.

[Speaker] Greetings to my costumed contestants. Your next challenge is simple: guide an electric charge to it's destination. I hope the varying amounts of pressure don't get to you.

(Catwoman) (sighs) Another one? What's Eddie's problem?

(Batman) Fanatic narcissism, egocentrism, and megalomania crossed with severe obsessive compulsion.

(Catwoman) ...Thanks...

(Batman) Don't mention it.

After they completed the charge task, Eddie spoke again.

[Speaker] Congratulations to the dementedly dressed duo. Your key awaits!

Catwoman grabbed the next key and turned it at the collar. She needs three more.

(Catwoman) Eddie really hates you, doesn't he?

(Batman) He's an ego-driven narcissist who can't let anyone else win.

(Catwoman) Gee, if only you'd met under different circumstances.

(Batman) His obsession's getting worse. He's going after my allies.

(Catwoman) Ally? After this I think we should dial it back to "known associate" for a while.

[Speaker] This was nothing, Dark Knight, nothing! A new trial awaits you detective, by Divinity Church. And I'm waiting too. 

Batman asked Selina something.

(Batman) Selina. Where were you last Friday between midnight and 1:00 AM?

(Catwoman) Giving blood, no wait, volunteering. Why?

(Batman) There was a break-in at the Museum of Gotham. A valuable gemstone was stolen.

(Catwoman) What? No! Who could do such a thing?

(Batman) Just put it back.

He left again. He got to the Divinity Church elevator.

[Speaker] The unexamined life is not worth living, detective, and I have been wondering why I let you aggravate me so. You're a cheat and a liar. A dressed up strongman playing with expensive toys. "World's greatest detective"? Ha! And everyone from Gotham to Star City believes it! Heck, Beach City even believes it! I cannot abide a fraud, detective, a dilettante masquerading amongst his intellectual betters, stealing every last scrap of appreciation, dignity, and respect! 

The elevator stopped and he got out of it.

[Speaker] Welcome, detective, to the drain I'm going to figuratively, and quite possibly literally, flush you down. The goal of this aquatic examination could not be simpler, detective. Lower the water, like so. Before that however, it's time for a riddle! Riddle me this, detective; What do bats do when they're at home? 

5 minutes later

Batman completed the test. He get back in the elevator.

[Speaker] I have always been the smartest man in the room, detective, forced to endure the suspicions and mockery of those whose meager mental faculties prohibited them from appreciating that fact. And then you appear in Gotham, dressing up your cognitive capabilities, marginally superior, as they are, to that of the average hoodlum, in the guise of a crusading hero. And, oh, the people swooned. To the orphanage, hero. It's time to rejoin Catwoman for another trial. 

Batman exited the elevator and goes to the orphanage. He got inside.

(Catwoman) You're back.

(Batman) I said I'd get you out of here.

(Catwoman) I know, it's just... Nothing. Let's get to the next room, okay, before my head explodes?

They both went into the room Eddie is forcing them to be in.

[Speaker] Well, hello again to my favorite comedy double act. I'd just like to say what a novelty it's been, constructing riddle chambers for two halfwits instead of one. Why, that's practically a whole wit between you! (laughs) Dark Knight, when you've failed your feline friend and are done mourning over her headless corpse, perhaps we'll do this again with Robin? Or maybe that prodigal son of yours over in Blüdhaven? 

They both played the game he had for them and won.

[Speaker] Congratulations! And now your reward: robots! 

They both fought robots before Catwoman got her next key.

[Speaker] Fine! The key. Take the key. I suppose you just about earned it. 

They both went to the main room again.

[Speaker] Well, how clever the pair of you must feel. How smug. I hate to intrude upon this miserable little moment of victory, but I wanted you to be aware you're unlikely to see one another again. Catwoman, the Batman WILL fail you, because waiting for him beneath Ranelagh Ferry Terminal is my greatest trial. 

(Catwoman) Batman? Are we--

(Batman) Don't let what Riddler said get to you.

(Catwoman) Eddie is an idiot. But he's an idiot who built a series of underground deathtraps across the city.

(Batman) And?

(Catwoman) And I just wanted to say.. be safe. This is definitely your mess, and I appreciate you cleaning it up. But... just be careful while you do it, okay?

Batman leaves to go after his last challenge. He gets there and Riddler spoke,

[Speaker] This is it, Dark Knight, we're done! Well, you're done for, at least. I must admit that I'm feeling quite charitable at the moment of my triumph, so I will give you a choice. Rather than carry on towards your humiliation and death, I will simply let you drive away in return for a signed statement testifying towards my superior intelligence and conceding that I have utterly checkmated you. The cat will remain a hostage, of course, a symbol of your failure. 

Batman drove out of the elevator, ready to complete the challenge.

[Speaker] My, my, you're actually going to attempt it? Very well. But this is my finest work, detective, my masterpiece, my Nig-ma résistance! So, let us take that inexplicably life-sized children's toy for it's final drive. 

The race started. Batman drove as fast as he can.

[Speaker] This is it, Dark Knight. Your Teutoburg! Your Bay of Pigs! Your ultimate defeat! 

Batman noticed the upcoming part of the course involved the car doing a drive the goes through a loop. This would be impossible if he didn't pick up the speed. He used the maximum speed boost to pull this off.

[Speaker] What?! Impossible! That cannot be! You should have fallen to your death! I calculated the curvature precisely! I'VE GOT THE EQUATIONS RIGHT HERE!

Batman passed the first lap.

[Speaker] I-I don't understand. How are you still alive? Oh, of course. You got lucky, didn't you? It was luck! Luck! The kindly lifeguard of the idiot. I can hardly factor luck into my equations now, can I? I'm not a homeopath!

Batman did the loop again and lived.

[Speaker] No! No, no, no, no, no! This isn't right! This isn't possible! THIS ISN'T HAPPENING! I AM THE RIDDLER AND YOU SHALL NOT DEFEAT ME!

Batman crossed the second lap.

[Speaker] Since you cannot even be counted on to kill yourself, I will do it for you! I'm controlling the mechanisms now! 

Every obstacle in his way are now being controlled by Riddler. Part of this made Batman slow down a little.

[Speaker] You'll make a mistake! Of course you will! I know you will! 

Batman was going to cross the loop this final time. He turned the speed boost to the greatest maximum just so he can tease Eddie.

[Speaker] NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! STOP. NOT. DYING! 

Batman crossed the finish line.

[Speaker] You did it. The key. Now you collect the key. Those are the rules. And I have to follow the rules, don't I? I set them, after all! 

Catwoman got the final key.

[Speaker] Congratulations, Catwoman! You are now free. Free to take my FINAL EXAM!

[Speaker] Eddie, I didn't know you'd started cheating. I'm disappointed.

[Speaker] (chuckles) I dissemble! I artfully obfuscate! BUT I DO NOT CHEAT as you and Batman will discover when you attempt my final riddle room. 

Batman drove to the elevator to leave.

[Speaker] Do you have a photographic memory, detective? Because I do. I can summon your sneering features at will. That is, when they don't burst unbidden into my brain. I have perfect recall too. I can remember... every time you've hurt me. Sometimes I wake up, Dark Knight, to the feel of your hands around my neck, your carbon-fiber coated fists smashing into my solar plexus. How dare you brutalize me. Me! Your intellectual superior, your better?! Me, Edward Nigma, the Riddler and the world's greatest EVERYTHING? You're a thug, 'detective', a bullying emblem of the arrogant notion that might makes right. Come back to the orphanage, where I will end you and the unjust things you stand for. 

Batman went to the orphanage. Batman went inside.

(Batman) How've you been?

(Catwoman) Perfect. Eddie hasn't said a word since you left that last course. Do you ever rub people the right way?

(Batman) They never ask nicely.

(Catwoman) So, how's Robin?

(Batman) Robin's fine.

(Catwoman) Is he allowed out unchaperoned yet or does Daddy still keep a close eye?

(Batman) He's more than capable.

(Catwoman) I bet he is. This one's more of a Fully Grown Wonder, if you know what I mean.

[Silence]

(Batman) I don't.

(Catwoman) (giggles)

This sounded genuine. He didn't laugh nor smile.

(Catwoman) Come on, you. Lighten up! We're almost done here.

They both enter the final exam room.

(Catwoman) This is it. One last hoop to jump through and I'm free to rob Gotham blind. I mean, to go home.

[Speaker] Meet... the Riddle Square! A puzzle which draws influence from both late-twentieth century puzzle cubes and mid-fifteenth century torture devices.

(Catwoman) If Eddie wanted us to play a game of life-size chess, he could have left us more pieces.

(Batman) I don't think that was the idea.

Catwoman jumps in the center and Batman stayed at the start. Batman used the REC device to move the puzzle cubes while Catwoman keeps certain cubes still. They got the first picture matched.

[Speaker] Congratulations! Now, let's CUT to the best part. 

(Batman) Selina, watch out!

She just barely dodged the saw blades.

(Catwoman) Damn him! How is THAT a riddle, Eddie?! Seriously!

(Batman) You get used to it.

[Speaker] Bah, beginner's luck! Let's intensify proceedings. 

They both matched half the picture.

[Speaker] You will NOT win this!

They matched the picture fully. Saw blades nearly killed Selina again.

(Catwoman) It's still not a riddle, Eddie!

(Batman) You just haven't figured it out yet.

[Speaker] This is it. The end. THE FINAL RIDDLE. 

They matched the final picture in 5 minutes.

(Batman) It's done. Key's by the entrance. Let's go.

(Catwoman) Oh, you smooth talker, you. Give me a second to compose myself.

They both left the room. Selina was about to grab the last key but instead,

(Catwoman) Wanna do the honors?

Unlike Catwoman who carefully opens the cases and gently takes the keys out, Batman plunges his fist into the case and snatches the key. He has his left hand at her chin to tilt her head so he can use his other hand to use the key on the collar. The hold he had her in was short lived and he lets go of her. She takes the collar off.

(Catwoman) (sighs) You know what the worst thing about this was? It looked cheap.

She tossed the collar away. They walked to the door. They both tried to leave to outside but the doors were destroyed and a giant mech grabbed Catwoman and nearly crushed Batman with it's foot. Riddler was in the contraption. Batman jumped after the mech in the main room and Riddler used the mech to throw Catwoman at Batman.

Batman caught her.

(Riddler) You CHEATER! You fraud! You chancing bumbling amateur! Look what you have REDUCED me to, Batman! If you cannot simply bow down when confronted with your obvious superior then I will stoop to your pathetic, pugilistic level and MAKE you! I designed this suit to perfectly defend myself against you and your violent excess, so please understand, Dark Knight, that this is an intellectual victory above all.

They defeated his robots but they couldn't get to him. He raised a barrier around him.

(Riddler) ENOUGH! This... is beneath me! You... are beneath me! You want to finish this, detective? Then you must earn the privilege. Solve every last riddle in this city and I'll fight you, Batman, but not a moment before.

The floor opens up into a secret room for him to escape.

(Catwoman) Or we could just leave you down there, Eddie. Come on, Batman, this cat wants to prowl.

They both went outside.

(Catwoman) (exhales) Fresh air, freedom, and darkness. Perfect.

They both walked a few feet from the front door of the orphanage.

(Catwoman) How should we celebrate? I know a couple of poor, defenseless museums. But then again, I know a couple of hotels.

(Batman) Tonight's not over yet. There's more work to be done.

(Catwoman) Of course there is. You do know how to kill the mood. Do you ever take the night off? Do you ever take the suit off?

(Batman) Not on nights like this, Selina. It's what I do.

(Catwoman) Fine. I guess I'll hit an art gallery or two while the big, bad Bat's distracted.

(Batman) You're not going to thank me?

(Catwoman) Why? It's what you do.

She leaves. Batman checked to see how many riddles needed to be solved in order to fight Eddie. He check to see how many more were left from when he solved plenty last year

238/243

Five more is needed to solved in order to fight him. Batman goes to the the last Riddler Trophy and picked it up.

[Cowl Comms] So, you solved them all. Well, well, well. What a smart little detective you turned out to be. My one mistake has always been very slightly overestimation just how stupid you are. Come back to the orphanage, detective, and I'll deconstruct you like a flimsy philosophical position.

Batman drove back to the orphanage to finish this. He got back and pressed a button which then the floor raised Nigma up to the same floor level with Batman. He's still in the mech.

(Riddler) Well, Dark Knight, it seems you have earned the right to die at my mechanical hands. But let us be clear, we do not meet as equals. In fact, you literally have not a hope of victory.

Robots appeared. Batman started to fight them.

(Riddler) Oh, I wish I could say that I have found this one-sided rivalry of ours intellectually stimulating. But in truth, I grew bored of you long ago. Killing you here will finally liberate me to engage in more edifying pursuits. Goodbye, detective, you will be neither missed nor remembered.

Batman defeated a few robots before they all sudden turned their green color to red. Only Catwoman could hit the robots in red, but she's not here.

(???) Sorry Eddie, but it looks like you're cheating to me.

Catwoman suddenly jumps down from the ceiling and destroyed one of the robots.

(Riddler) NO! What are you doing here?! This is not your fight, cat!

(Catwoman) Eddie, sweetie, you invited me, remember? And then you tied me to a chair.

(Batman) You didn't have to come.

(Catwoman) And you act like I'm ungrateful.

She destroyed what was left of the robots. Riddler used the mech to power the robots back up again. However, he was vulnerable to attack and Batman took advantage of it.

Riddler saw Batman charging at the mech and was trying to speed up the process quicker, which he can't.

(Riddler) Get up, you damn machines!

Batman jumped up and lands on top of the mech. He used one arm to hang onto it and the other arm to beat Riddler's face. The first punch made blood squirt out of his nose.

The next four bruised his cheekbone and gave him a black eye. Batman grasped his throat to yank him out of his seat in the mech but Riddler used the controls of the mech to push Batman off.

(Riddler) No, no, no, my plan! My plan!

Batman and Catwoman resumed fightng robots. Riddler tried shooting a laser beam at them, mostly aiming for Batman.

(Riddler) DIE FATHER! I mean, Batman!

They destroyed the rest of the robots again. Riddler tried summoning them back up.

(Riddler) You think you can defeat MY creations?!

Catwoman charged at the mech this time. She got on top of his and dangled from it to punch Riddler in the face. She attempts to yank him out but he used the mech to force her off.

(Riddler) It was perfect! My perfect victory! You shouldn't have come back, cat! Your presence was NOT PART OF MY PROJECTIONS.

They destroyed the mechanical people (the robots) and Batman was going to stop him this time from summoning them again.

(Riddler) I cannot be beaten!

Batman pummeled him again and this time he stopped Riddler from using the mech again and throw him out of it. Riddler lands on the ground and desperately tried crawling away. Batman jumps off the mech and lands on top of Riddler with his fist hitting the back of his head.

He picked up the unconscious genius and took him to the back of the Batmobile which was made to hold prisoners until he brought them to the GCPD, Arkham or Blackgate.

(Catwoman) "Thanks, Selina, for the daring last-minute rescue. It was very heroic."

(Batman) It was under control.

(Catwoman) (scoffs) Sure it was. See ya around.

She left and Batman got in the car so he can return Riddler to Blackgate. He woke up in the car.

(Riddler) Where am I? What's happening to me?

(Batman) You're a smart man, Edward. I'm sure you'll figure it out.

(Riddler) No! No! No! You cheated! Catwoman cheated! She stole my victory from me!

(Batman) A fight I couldn't win. That doesn't even fit your definition of playing fair.

(Riddler) It WAS fair! If you weren't able to bypass the robots' multilayer encryption, decipher their unique operating system and reprogram them mid-battle that doesn't mean you get to call in assistance!

(Batman) You need help, Nigma.

(Riddler) I NEVER NEED HELP WITH ANYTHING!

Batman took him to Blackgate. He got out of the Batmobile and opened the back of it to get Nigma out of there so he can take him to a cell.

(Batman) Out you go, Nigma.

(Riddler) Ha! I could have brought me here twice as quickly!

Batman held his upper arm to make sure he doesn't try to run. Inside, they walk past Cash.

(Cash) Well, Riddle me this: what's green, proud, and ass-kicked all over?

(Riddler) How exceedingly drull. I won't be needing a lawyer, you jumped-up security guard. I will represent myself.

Batman brought him to a cell and practically thrown him in it. He stands up.

(Riddler) You forget, you bothersome bat. Every time you overcome my puzzles, I learn that little more about you. Soon enough there will be a riddle that leaves you dead!

(Batman) You were never going to win, Nigma.

(Riddler) Tut, tut, Batman. In your incessant quest for justice, you've just deprived this city of its one true genius!

(Batman) I'm sure we'll cope.

(Riddler) Cope, yes. But also regress. My puzzles are the whetstone with which to sharpen your intellect. Keep me in here and let your mind to turn to mush. It will be all the easier when we reconvene.

Batman left Blackgate.

Homeworld:

Pink Diamond came here for a special announcement. Steven and the Diamond's are wanting to see what it's about. She has this broadcasting to all of the communicators.

(Pink Diamond) Hello gems! I hope you all are handling Era-3 well. And congratulations to the first year anniversary when it started and upon my arrival. It's good to be back here with my friends and family. And the Diamond Authority is looking prouder than ever with our new addition to it. I'm sure there's some problems here and there, but me and the Diamonds will gladly resolve any issues with Era-3.

Elsewhere:

The communicator repeated the message.

[Communicator] Hello gems! I hope you all are handling Era-3 well. And congratulations to the first year anniversary when it started and upon my arrival. It's good to be back here with my friends and family. And the Diamond Authority is looking prouder than ever with our new addition to it. I'm sure there's some problems here and there, but me and the Diamonds will gladly resolve any issues with Era-3.

The gem stood there, shocked. Pink was gone and then she returned? It's Era-3? She has new friends and a family?

How could she forget her best friend?

[Communicator] Hello gems! I hope you all are handling Era-3 well. And congratulations to the first year anniversary when it started and upon my arrival. It's good to be back here with my friends and family. And the Diamond Authority is looking prouder than ever with our new addition to it. I'm sure there's some problems here and there, but me and the Diamonds will gladly resolve any issues with Era-3.

She fell on her knees, wet warm tears falling down her face.

[Communicator] Hello gems! I hope you all are handling Era-3 well. And congratulations to the first year anniversary when it started and upon my arrival. It's good to be back here with my friends and family. And the Diamond Authority is looking prouder than ever with our new addition to it. I'm sure there's some problems here and there, but me and the Diamonds will gladly resolve any issues with Era-3.

Why was she left behind?

[Communicator] Hello gems! I hope you all are handling Era-3 well. And congratulations to the first year anniversary when it started and upon my arrival. It's good to be back here with my friends and family. And the Diamond Authority is looking prouder than ever with our new addition to it. I'm sure there's some problems here and there, but me and the Diamonds will gladly resolve any issues with Era-3.

What did she do wrong? Did she lose the game?

[Communicator] Hello gems! I hope you're--

[SMASH]

The communicator is broken. She then dug her fingers into her eyes and scratched them down, leaving scars under her eyes. Her pigtails are ruined and messy.

She screamed.

(Spinel) PIIIIIIINK!!!

[POOF]

End of Chapter 16

4/9/2021