The Universal Conundrum

Friend and Foe

Elisa followed Commissioner Gordon quickly through the chaos that was GCPD. Wait was that a paper airplane. Elisa was so confused right now. She yelped as she walked right into the back of Gordon.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," Elisa said quietly and smiled sheepishly up at the elder man.

"Quite alright. Wait here, I'll be right back. The Mayor has been waiting for me it seems," Gordon sighed and ushered Elisa to a bench as he went up and started to discuss something quickly with the Mayor.

Elisa looked around, her eyes glancing everywhere, taking everything in. God it was noisy. She blinked when something roughly was put beside her. When she glanced over, she almost squeaked in surprise. Sitting right next to her was the Riddler. He looked a little worse for wear, but he was still in his costume.

"Sit there and don't even think about moving while I make up your paperwork. Move even an inch and I'll put you in the cell with Maverick over there."

"Oh come now Postoak, I don't plan on going anywhere. Where would I go in the middle of a Police Station," Edward said as he flashed a dangerous smile at officer.

"Don't play that game with me Nygma. Now stay there and shut the hell up. Your voice is irritating." With that Postoak went over to a desk not far away, just out of earshot, but not line of sight.

"Rude one isn't he. New badge at that, Probably fresh out of his little academy pants." Edward said and looked at his bench companion, a playful, crooked grin crossing his face. The grin fell instantly. "You. You look familiar. Ah I remember. You are the girl that tumbled out of my Matter Transmitter. "

Elisa scooted away. "I have no idea what you are talking about. I'm just here to answer some questions then get on my way." She hoped anyways. The worry shown a little in her eyes.

Eddie's eyes narrowed darkly. "Don't play games with me girl. You know what I'm talking about." His demeanor didn't change the slightest when Officer Postoak returned. "I will be seeing you soon girl. Hey easy, this is Huntsman," Eddie snapped as he was roughly pulled up.

"Sorry for him bugging you miss. Lunatics like him are a dime a dozen in this place," the Officer grunted and shoved him forward. "Arkham's here for you. They want their lunatic back."

Elisa let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. Talk about first impressions. Elisa looked in the direction of Gordon's office and saw him talking to another person. Busy guy. Her eyes swept over the station before they snapped back to Gordon as he was making his way to her. Standing up quickly, Elisa tilted her head as the man followed him.

"Miss Maier, I apologize for the wait. I would like to introduce you to Mr. Bruce Wayne."

Elisa resisted the urge to squeal. She was literally standing in front of Batman. Instead of squealing, Elisa held out a hand and laughed nervously. "Hello Mr. Wayne. I'm Elisa Maier."

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Maier. I heard you were in a bit of some trouble recently with one of the rogues. I think the Commissioner said The Riddler managed to kidnap you through some sort of machine? Do you have any way of getting home?" Bruce knew the answer of course. She didn't. He had pulled her up on his computer at the BatCave and she didn't even show up. It was as if she didn't even exist. So, he called in a favor from Vibe. When Vibe got to the scene, it was discovered that the reason he couldn't find out anything about her was because she wasn't even from this universe. Very suspicious to him. Very. He didn't trust her before, and he didn't trust her now. So, he decided to keep an eye on the woman.

"Not yet, but I'll find a way. Gotta look on the bright side of things. I'm alive, I'm in a new city, and I'm meeting some interesting folk," Elisa muttered the last part and looked over her shoulder at the rogue who was getting dragged off by the men from Arkham Asylum. Her attention went back to Bruce and she smiled brightly again.

"Hmm...Well, I was wondering if I could perhaps help. I have some open rooms in my mansion and wouldn't mind giving you a place to stay Miss Maier till you find a way home," he said this with a smile he saved for when he needed to get the girls on his side.

Elisa almost, a close to a yes almost, fell for the nice act. But, she didn't understand why Batman would offer her a place. Then it clicked. He didn't trust her. She couldn't blame him. She did just apparently get kidnapped by Edward Nygma in an odd way. "I would love to accept Mr. Wayne, I really would. I just don't feel comfortable taking charity from anyone. I appreciate the offer."

Bruce frowned mentally. He was going to have to play this a bit unfair. He was about to say something when Gordon spoke up.

"If you don't mind my input Miss Maier. I would feel more comfortable with you staying with Mr. Wayne then on the streets or in a hotel room. These streets aren't like normal streets. They are covered in crime and madness. There are worse criminals out there then Edward Nygma. Scarecrow, Joker, Penguin, Two Face. Rethink your answer Miss. I don't want you to get hurt because of these men. Batman can't always save you."

Elisa looked between the two, a frown forming. "Fine, but only long enough till I can find a job, then I'm out Mr. Wayne. I do appreciate this. It's just not something I normally would do."

"Of Course. I understand. Accepting help from strangers is tough," Bruce said. He was sighing inwardly. Thank you, Gordon.

"Whelp. If you don't mind waiting for about half an hour Mr. Wayne, I still have to ask her a few questions."

"Of Course whatever is necessary."

Gordon motioned for Elisa to follow him, which Elisa did immediately. 45 minutes later, a very grouchy Elisa came out of Gordon's office. She couldn't believe he just accused her of helping the Riddler out! Nor could she believe he even thought that she was someone else. If it wasn't for the fact a phone call interrupted their little meeting, she might have thrown a fit. Well, that was over now. Time to move on to getting used to the idea of being at Wayne Manor. Oh dear, she was staying with Batman. This might be tough to hide that she wasn't from this universe.

Stopping in front of Bruce, Elisa let a nervous smile cross her face. "All set and ready to go Mr. Wayne."

Bruce nodded and led Elisa out to the car where Alfred was waiting. Alfred got out and opened the door for Bruce and Elisa. Elisa blinked and slowly got in. "You have a driver?"

"Butler Ma'am. Driving is only part of my job." Alfred almost scoffed at the notion of only being just a driver. No matter, she didn't know. Her being from out of the universe and all.

"Oh..Um...Sorry?" She actually did know better, but she figured it would be best to play stupid for now.

"Apology Accepted Miss."

"Alfred works and stays at the Manor with me and my son. You should meet Damian later tonight."

"Oh! Um, Alright? So it's going to be the four of us?"

"I also have another previous ward of mine coming to visit tomorrow. You two should get along."

"Cool, I guess.." Great, how was she act like she didn't know who they were? They were Robin and Nightwing for crying out loud!

The car jerked forwards as the topic grew into an awkward silence. Next stop she supposed was Wayne Manor.