Chapter 15: The Riddler Rises

I woke up back in a hospital bed. I saw Edward sitting in a chair beside me. No matter where I go, he's always there. Now I wonder if he really loves me for real? "Nero," he said, "How are you feeling?"

I feel something wrap around my body where my stomach is. It must be the bandages. I don't feel any pain so I must be okay. "I feel fine." I said with the smile I tried to create.

"I was worried I was going to lose you." He said as he hugged me... This is the Edward I know. My sweet and loving Edward. I couldn't help as I began to cry.

"I was scared that I was going to lose you." I said to him, "Edward?"

"Yes?"

"... Do you love me?"

He looked at me in such utter surprise but there was relief. He smiled as he cried as well, "I do... I do Nero." He held my hand. I'm going to miss him so much. I leaned in to give him a kiss and he embraced it as he kissed back.

I'm going to miss him so much. I can hear the rain outside the window. It's light but I knew that means the storm is coming soon. I wish that vision of the hurricane was nothing more than a dream. I don't want to make this choice, but I have to.

Our kiss was interrupted by Penguin when he walked in. "Oh, my apologies I'll-,"

"Wait a second Oswald." I said as he stop himself from leaving. I asked him, "Whatever happened to Theo Galavan? Do you know?"

"That's why I came here. To tell you both that Galavan died in his sleep. The doctors don't know how he was in perfect health. His heart just seem to stop all of a sudden. How are you feeling, Nero?"

"I feel fine really." I said, "Thanks for telling us Oswald."

"You're welcome, Nero. I will leave you two alone now. But if you guys need my help again. You don't have to owe me anything. We're friends now and honestly this felt good trying to solve a case. I'm just sorry that we couldn't find Hanna in time."

"Hanna is at peace now. We've uncovered everyone who was involved in it and now we can put this case to a close."

At least in this reality.

"Alright then, I'll see you later Nero. You two Edward."

"Yeah, see ya around, Oswald." said Edward smiling. I think he's finally considering Oswald as a friend now. I'm glad but sad about at the same time.

Once Oswald left Edward turn his attention back to me. He said, "Strange that Galavan just died. I mean do you know what could've caused it? You both ended up in a coma when he stabbed you."

I knew the reason why but I don't want to tell him that. It's hard enough that I have to change everything soon.

"I have no idea." I said, "It's weird that he ended up in a coma too." Suddenly I noticed my back pack in the corner of the room. I asked him, "Why is that there?"

He looked at the bag as he said, "Oh I brought it in case if you get bored being here or needed it."

"Mind if I go through it real quick?" I asked him.

"Sure."

He brought the bag to me as I went through it. I've found my camera and portfolio album in it. I went through the pictures first and went to the page that contained that picture of Edward at the diner. That picture saved my life. It's a shame that I'll never get to see it again.

I told him, "You know this here is the best picture I've taken in my entire life?"

He looked at it as he said, "Really? How come?"

"... Because I've captured your light. You look so innocent in this picture."

... I think I get what Alastor was saying now. But he was taking pictures the wrong way. This is innocence. Showing a human being as the most happiest person in the world. Not drugging and tying them up.

"Edward I feel quite thirsty." I said, "Can you get me a drink of water?"

"Sure thing." He said, "I'll be right back."

He got up and left... Now it's time.

I took my camera in my hands and search for the video I've taken about the first time Edward and I met. When I've found it, I held the picture of Edward in my hand because I want to grasp this reality till I leave. I focus on the video... I'm back in the beginning where my life change for the better... Now I have to change it for the worse.

I saw Tom Dougherty place a hand on Edward as he lean in and said, "Don't take this personal." After he punched him and Edward took out the knife. I dashed right in and took the knife from Edward as I stab Dougherty.

"Wh-What?" said Dougherty.

"You like hurting people?" I said, "You like making them feel pain? Well feel this mother fucker!"

I couldn't stop. I kept on stabbing him over and over until he fell on his knees. When he died I look at Edward who was extremely frightened... I wish he didn't have to see that. I cried as I said, "Please leave."

"What?" he said, "But you... You saved me."

... No. I can't let him get involve with this murder. He can't go down this path with me!

"Run." I said.

"Run? But-,"

"Get in your car, and drive away from this place. Do it or else I'll kill you too." Saying that made him back up. "Run away." I said, "And don't look back."

He got in his car and drove off... I have to get rid of the body. I know just the person to call to help me with this. While I got on the phone to get in contact with Penguin. I happen to be clutching... A picture of Edward? What? Why is this here with me? Shouldn't it disappear?

"Hello?" said the voice of Penguin.

"Oswald." I said, "You don't know me but I need your help. I'm willing to help you in return if you just do me this favor."

"Okay to whom am I speaking with?"

"... The name is Riddler."

TO BE CONTINUED

Gotham Is Strange: Bad Blood