Blake Hoena - The Riddlers Ransom

At a Gotham City charity event, the Riddler kidnaps several wealthy guests and demands money for their return. Only YOU can help the Dark Knight solve the puzzle of The Riddlers Ransom !

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High up in Wayne Tower, some of the richest people in the world have gathered. Princes and princesses mingle with Wall Street investors. South American business owners brag to European philanthropists. Engineers from North America and Asia discuss new technologies.

Bored by it all, billionaire Bruce Wayne stands off to one side and looks out the ballrooms ceiling-high windows. Neon lights flicker below, lighting up Gotham City. But one light is absent from the night sky: the Bat-Signal atop police headquarters.

Bruce half wishes that the signal would blink on. The Bat-Signal would give him a reason to excuse himself from this stuffy affair, because secretly he is Batman, the Dark Knight. He helps keep the streets of Gotham City safe.

On nights like this, hed rather be down in the citys crime-infested alleyways than hobnobbing with the worlds elite. The wrongdoings of criminals are much easier to deal with than the whims of the rich and famous.

Master Wayne, Alfred says, interrupting his thoughts. Its time for everyone to be seated.

Bruce turns to his loyal butler. Very well, Alfred, he replies.

Have you prepared your speech for tonight, sir? the butler asks.

The blank look on Bruces face is answer enough. Alfred reaches into his suit jacket pocket and pulls out a set of neat note cards.

Perhaps you can use these, he says, handing over the notes.

Thank you, Bruce replies.

Bruce isnt sure why hes on edge tonight. After all, this event was his idea a charity ball to support the Martha Wayne Foundation. Named in honor of his mother, the organization helps feed and educate children in Gotham City.

Bruce had invited his wealthy guests here tonight to support him in expanding the foundations goals throughout the world. Maybe he is just stressed because of how important the foundations success is to him.

Or maybe there is something else.

Bruce glances quickly around the ballroom. People are taking their places at the tables.

The caterers are clustered in small groups along the outer walls of the room. He is somewhat annoyed that they arent filling his guests glasses. But then again, he doesnt want the clinking of glasses drowning out his speech.

Bruce heads toward a small podium near the center of the hall.

A large video screen has been set up on the stage. He will use it to show how much his guests contribute at this charity event.

All eyes are on him as his long strides carry him across the room. As Bruce nears the podium, he shuffles his note cards and clears his throat. He is ready to kick off this event with a bang.

Then suddenly...

KA-BOOM!

Before Bruce can reach the platform, an explosion rips open the ceiling directly above the stage. Bruce staggers backward. Debris rains down from the ceiling, nearly striking the billionaire. Bruce shields his eyes with his arms. All around him, he hears people coughing and screaming, but he cannot see them through the thick dust.

When the dust finally clears, a man stands onstage, wearing a green suit and wielding a question-mark cane.

Its the Riddler!

The worlds most clever criminal moves back and forth across the stage, surveying the crowd with a wicked grin. Then the Riddler strides toward the podium and grasps the microphone in his hands.

Testing, testing. Is this thing on? the villain says, tapping the microphone.

Feedback squeals through the ballrooms speakers, causing the guests to cover their ears.

Good, I have your attention, the Riddler begins. So now, who do we have here tonight? The villain peers out at the guests once again. The worlds rich and famous. Glad I dressed for the occasion. He tugs on his black tie, which has a green question mark on it.

Meanwhile, Bruce backs away from the center of the room and blends into the crowd. He wants to avoid drawing attention to himself and see what the Riddler will do before he acts.

As he does, Bruce notices that the caterers shed their black tuxedo shirts and white bow ties.

Underneath, they wear purple T-shirts with large, black question marks on their chests.

Theyre the Riddlers henchmen, thinks Bruce.

The henchmen leave the spots where they had clustered against the walls and weave through the tables to patrol the room. Whenever anyone tries to get up, they are promptly shoved back into their seats. Some people try to run for the exits, but the henchmen have already sealed them off.

Bruce slowly makes his way to the back of the room. Hes trying to decide his next move.

Suddenly, Bruce bumps into Alfred along the far wall, near the kitchen doors.

Where did you find these caterers? the billionaire asks his loyal butler.

Online, Alfred replies. They had exceptional reviews. They were called Red Smith Deli.

Hmm, Bruce thinks aloud for a moment. An anagram for Riddle Me This.

Well, I Alfred stammers. You requested fusion dishes from around the world, and their kimchi pasta is to die for.

Lets hope youre wrong about that last part, Bruce says.

Knowing the Riddler, Bruce doesnt want to sneak away. Not just yet. He knows that this is all part of a more elaborate scheme. The best way to find out what the Riddler is up to is to stay close to the action.

Youre probably all wondering why I am gracing you with my presence, the Riddler says, slowly strutting across the stage and spinning his cane. Well, its quite simple.

The super-villain motions to the big screen on the podium. It glows with a series of blinking lights. The screen shows five red bars with green dollar signs next to them.

Seeing that you are some of the worlds most powerful and wealthiest people and are all ready to empty your pockets in the name of charity, he explains, I figured you could donate to my favorite cause... me!

The Riddler removes his green bowler hat and holds it up in the air.

Now all I need is a volunteer. Anyone... ?

The partygoers are silent. Most crouch lower into their seats, trying not to be noticed by the madman on stage.

Nobody? says the Riddler. Well, then I guess the choice is mine.

With his cane, the Riddler motions to his henchmen. The crooks begin circling the audience. Before long they grab a tall man by the collar of his suit.