Nigmas POV 1

There’s something intoxicating about a crime scene. The air is thick with tension, the scent of fear and confusion mingling with the sterile smell of the forensic team's equipment. It’s a puzzle waiting to be solved, a test of wits that I relish. And tonight, as I stepped into the dimly lit alley where the latest victim lay, I felt that familiar rush. This was my domain—a world of clues and riddles, where my intellect could shine.

I approached the body with the grace and confidence of a maestro taking the stage. The victim, a middle-aged man, looked like he could have been anyone’s father or brother. The brutality of his **** was evident, but what intrigued me was the aftermath. "Scarecrow." The word had been repeated by the perpetrator, a seemingly sane individual until the moment he snapped. It was like a breadcrumb left just for me, a challenge I intended to accept.

As I began my examination, I couldn't help but admire my own skill. I had a way of seeing connections that others missed, of piecing together fragments of information into a coherent whole. It was a gift, and one that I wore with pride. I leaned over the body, carefully observing the wounds and the positioning. There was a method to this madness, and I was determined to uncover it.

Just as I was getting into the rhythm of my analysis, a shadow fell over me. I looked up, and there he was—the Dark Knight himself. Batman. The self-proclaimed guardian of Gotham, always showing up to steal the spotlight. My jaw tightened as a wave of irritation washed over me. It wasn't enough that he had to solve every high-profile case; now he had to intrude on my territory as well.

"Evening, Batman," I said, my voice smooth and polite, masking the annoyance simmering beneath. "I suppose you've come to save the day?"

Batman’s eyes were inscrutable behind his cowl, his silence a clear dismissal of my greeting. He crouched beside the body, his cape pooling around him like a shadow. The forensic team parted for him, a sign of the respect—or fear—he commanded. It made me sick. He was just a man, after all, albeit a man with expensive gadgets and an air of mystery.

He didn't respond, which only fueled my irritation. I knew what he thought of me—an arrogant consultant with a penchant for showmanship. But I didn't care. My work spoke for itself, and I wasn’t about to let him take this from me. Not this time.

I straightened up, clasping my hands behind my back. "Interesting case, don't you think? The use of fear as a weapon, the repetition of 'Scarecrow'... it’s almost poetic." I glanced at Batman, hoping to catch a flicker of acknowledgment, but his focus remained on the victim

"You think this is poetic?" His voice was a low growl, the kind that could make even the bravest shudder.

I smirked, unfazed. "In a macabre sort of way, yes. It’s a riddle, Batman. A puzzle. And every puzzle has a solution." I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "The question is, who will solve it first?"

He finally looked up at me, his eyes cold and calculating. For a moment, we were locked in a silent standoff, a battle of wills. I could feel the tension between us, a palpable thing that made the air heavy. But then, as quickly as it began, the moment passed. Batman stood, his attention shifting back to the case.

"Focus on the evidence," he said, his tone dismissive. "Leave the poetry for later."

I bit back a retort, my hands clenching into fists. It was always like this. No matter how much I contributed, no matter how many cases I helped solve, Batman was always there, casting a shadow over my achievements. But I wouldn't let him win. Not this time.

As he turned away, I **** a smile, though it felt like a mask. "Of course," I said, my voice as smooth as silk. "We wouldn't want to miss any details, would we?"

I watched as he walked away, his cape billowing behind him. The forensics team resumed their work, and I returned to mine, but the encounter left a bitter taste in my mouth. This was more than just a case for me; it was a chance to prove myself, to show Gotham that Edward Nygma was not just another consultant. I was the best, and I intended to prove it.

But first, I needed to solve the puzzle of the "Scarecrow." And when I did, not even Batman would be able to overshadow my brilliance.