Inevitability

Sensical.

Ed's POV

"... And after all that's happened recently, you're still going to continue making fun of Penguin?" Lee questions.

"I want to please the people, Ms. Thompkins," I reply. "You, being in charge now, should appreciate that! Look around, people adore me."

"Yeah, you, maybe. But what about the man you're mocking? They despise him. What if-"

"He tried, did he not?" I interrupt. "Obviously he can't hurt me,  if I have Grundy."

"Oh yeah, because he did so much to help you that day." She laughs, and my mind goes back to Grundy cowarding at my feet at the sight of fire. Pathetic. 

All that strength, I think, and he acted like that girl with a... what are they called? Lighters? He acted like she could actually hurt him.

"They're not called lighters, stupid."

Damn it, I said that out loud?

"Blowtorches!" I exclaim. "It was a blowtorch." 

Lee chuckles and strides away, leaving me to keep myself entertained with my own conversations. I swiftly move through the crowd and downstairs into the restroom. I close the door behind me, lock it, and forcefully place my hands on the sink. 

It's as if everything around me is hastily moving. 
I shake my head to clear this sudden dizziness- but I already know what's coming....

"Hia, Ed."

With a gasp I shoot my eyes up towards the mirror in front of me.

The Riddler.

In the reflection I can see my detached persona wearing a cruel grin.

"Wha- what are you doing here?" I breathe. "I thought you... I thought I-"

"You thought... that you wouldn't see me again? That one day you'd just wake up and, 'Bam! I remember who I am!' It doesn't work like that for us, unfortunately. I'm just here to remind you of your mistakes, though. Since apparently you think you can bury those under the rug and continue with impunity."

His words ring through my ears. This developed, cleverer version of me is taunting me- yet I'm not sure as to what's he's referring to yet.

"What mistakes?"  I blurt out, trying to keep my voice steady.

"You really think that making fun of Oswald is gonna help you cope with your identity crisis?" The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as the hallucination nears me. "Or, the better question is; do you think it'll cover up your clear obsession with him?"

'Obsession?' I think questioningly.

"Yes, obsession! He helped us form as one, Ed. You know that. You're so utterly obsessed with Oswald that you pretend as if he means nothing to you. It's absurd. If you hadn't started this ignorant feud in the ring, maybe you could've made up with the one person who can settle your mind- a hell of a lot easier than Leslie ever can."

"Wait..." I whisper. "You- I became the Riddler when I thought I killed Oswald. Why would you, this version of me, ever want him back?"

"God, you are stupid.... I'm your hallucination. Unless I become part of you, the Riddler is non-existent." The figure takes two steps back. I blink, and he's gone.

I need some fresh air. 

A walk through the alleys in the back, and I'm sure things will make sense.