amnesia

(trigger warning for medical themes[?])


"He has severe brain damage," Mr. Freeze explained, gesturing towards the comatose Riddler.

Scarecrow grumbled but said nothing.

"I suspect that when... if he regains full consciousness, he will have forgotten—"

"I remember you," Riddler whispered with a flummoxed expression. He pointed at... Scarecrow.

Scarecrow gaped, bewildered, then shook his head quickly. "See that, Freeze?" Scarecrow said quickly. "He remembers. He's fine, so you can move him out of my lair—"

Mr. Freeze put a firm hand on Scarecrow's shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. "Shut up, Scarecrow." He turned to Riddler. "What is his name? The one you remember."

"Scarecrow?" Riddler questioned. Clearly, the only way he knew that was because Mr. Freeze had just addressed Scarecrow using that alias.

Mr. Freeze shook his head with pursed lips. "His real name."

Riddler paused. "...I don't know." He looked entirely displeased with himself. Unfortunately, he still had his know-it-all nature left.

Scarecrow's hands balled into fists. "Riddler, if this is one of your games—"

Riddler seemed to note the name he was being referred to as. "This isn't a game. I don't know who I am, or where I am, or who you people are. And I am furious for it." He stared at Scarecrow. "But I have a vague feeling about you..."

Scarecrow and Mr. Freeze exchanged mildly concerned glances.

"...I can trust you," Riddler finished.

Scarecrow nearly choked and died. Mr. Freeze smiled amusedly — coldly. Scarecrow grumbled again at him.

"Is that wrong?" Riddler questioned. His right eyebrow was raised.

Oh god, thought Jonathan. It was Nygma's trademark right eyebrow raise, and it was way too normal for the situation.

It was... disorienting... to see Riddler. He looked the same, acted the same, sounded the same... but couldn't remember his intense rivalry with Scarecrow. First, they were passive-aggressive, showing their respect for each other. They both could tell that the other had equal wits about him. However, they were cold and callous out of irrational jealousy and anger.

One of their insults went too far, and soon the two were passionate enemies. But now...

Was it brain damage or secret feelings talking?

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