While we had been deep in conversation, Dazzler—Alison Blaire—finished her magical light-infused performance and gracefully stepped off the stage. Applause followed her like ripples on a still lake, echoing through the mansion's grand halls as guests clapped with genuine enthusiasm. But the stage didn't remain empty for long.
The next performer to ascend the platform was impossible to ignore.
A woman jumped up with glittering confidence, dressed in a costume so flamboyant, so dazzling, that even in a mansion filled with centuries-old opulence and rooms crawling with energetic spirits, she managed to capture everyone's breath. Adorned in spiked silver, latex panels, and a sheer lace veil, Lady Gaga herself—iconic and unbothered—took center stage. Or at least, someone dressed as her.
To be honest, I still couldn't quite decipher who or what, exactly, Gaga was supposed to be portraying tonight, but that felt on-brand. The ambiguity, the flamboyance—it was all quintessentially her. Likely, that was the point. Up went the opening bars of "Bad Romance," and what followed wasn't just a performance—it was an act of sonic possession. The crowd jumped right back into celebration mode, their earlier energy reignited like jack-o'-lantern flames relit in the dark.
Having left the company of the ever-scowling Dark Knight (still fuming about the Bat-suit debacle, no doubt), I wandered off to socialize and mix with the rest of the costumed guests. After all, I was still the evening's host—or co-host, depending on how much credit Silver insisted on taking.
Speaking of whom, I soon spotted Silver St. Cloud gliding through the crowd like a hostess from another world. She'd dressed as a witch—complete with a classic black cloak, wide-brimmed pointed hat, and an old broomstick that looked far too authentic to be a mere department store prop. With her refined sophistication and social clout, Silver was the perfect partner for organizing this Halloween gala. She had the connections, the taste, and the poise to elevate the event, and I was immensely grateful for her assistance.
As I began complimenting her thoroughly spooky fashion sense, another familiar face emerged from the crowd.
Detective Renee Montoya had shown up—and she did not disappoint.
Her choice of attire was chilling: a nun's costume… but not a standard, peaceful sister of mercy. No, Renee had added a horrific edge—dark makeup hollowed her cheeks, and crimson tears streamed from her eyes like blood from haunted weeping statues. The effect was deeply unsettling, especially when illuminated by flashes from the strobes high above.
"Horrifying. I love it," I told her with a smirk. And I meant it.
Renee nodded with a sly grin and gestured behind her where two other notable figures stood: Commissioner Jim Gordon and the ever-gruff Harvey Bullock. Both had donned cowboy outfits—wide-brimmed hats, leather holsters, dusty boots, and the kinds of bad attitudes fit for sheriffs in a lawless desert. Not the most inventive costumes but fitting, given their personalities.
I had also extended my reach across dimensions, sending an invitation to none other than Captain Yuri Watanabe—still in New York, still busy chasing villains both mundane and meta. She'd sent her regrets, citing work obligations. Some things never change with public service.
That's when a silky voice floating through the air drew my attention again.
"So, it's livelier than I expected."
I turned and smiled.
"Sofia," I said warmly, recognizing Miss Falcone at once. "You decided to come after all."
"You invited me," she replied smoothly. "It would've been rude not to accept. Besides, I find it… interesting—to build stronger ties. And I suppose a bit of relaxation couldn't hurt."
Her outfit was impeccable—pure gangster glamour. A pinstriped suit, polished shoes, red lipstick, and a fedora pulled down at just the right angle. She swung a replica Thompson submachine gun onto her shoulder, completing the 1920s mobster look.
"Al Capone?" I asked dryly, examining the fine attention to detail.
"With a tommy gun," she confirmed proudly.
"Tell me that weapon's just decorative."
"It's real—when it needs to be," she said with a wink. "Tonight, it's a toy."
A nervous smile crept onto my face. Classic Falcone—danger and class all wrapped up in one dangerous package. Unsurprisingly, my bodyguard Bordeaux, never one for risks, shot Sofia a wary glance and subtly shifted closer to me. Bordeaux had been watching from the sidelines all evening, dressed in a cyborg costume that ironically mirrored her canon fate from the comics. But I'd changed that future. In this world, she was free—and alive.
Leaving Falcone to mingle with Gotham's upper crust, I next ran into Madame Alexandra, regal as ever in a flowing, gothic witch costume truly worthy of Salem. Beside her, Sir Maxwell had abandoned his usual business suits for a wizard's robe, mimicking a respected old sage. Complete with fake wand and pipe, his transformation into a mystical advisor worked surprisingly well. Together, they could have stepped straight out of a fantasy novel.
The hall overflowed with celebration now. Lifted glasses clinked together in rhythm with laughter and live music. Tables groaned under the weight of eerie dishes so grotesque, so playfully twisted, that only the brave dared approach. Severed candy fingers with whipped cream, gelatinous eyeballs paired with twisted licorice nerves, sponge-brain soufflés dripping in raspberry syrup—all brilliantly made to look disgusting, and all shockingly delicious once tasted.
Strangers shared secrets in hushed whispers. Others danced like devils. And all throughout the manor's historic halls—the very bones of the building—they sang praise to chaos, sugar, and costumes.
Moving deeper into the crowd, I met two more fascinating ladies.
Pamela Isley—better known to some as Poison Ivy—was dressed as a dryad, staying within her botanical comfort zone. Wreathed in vines, with floral patterns embroidered on a diaphanous green gown, she looked halfway between surreal and serene. Her appearance didn't alarm anyone anymore. For most here, those unfamiliar with her past, she was just another incredibly well-dressed guest. And those who did know her? They trusted she had changed her ways.
Beside her stood Kavita Rao, dressed as a stereotypical mad scientist—white coat, messy hair, oversized goggles either on her forehead or falling into her eyes. Together, their pairings were oddly humorous. Both brilliant women, both once tied to dark paths, now casually sipping punch beside a fog machine.
Despite their busy schedules, they'd made time for tonight. That… that earned real respect.
I couldn't help but think of someone else who wasn't present.
Harley.
I'd hoped she'd come. Really, truly hoped. But Harley Quinn, my wonderfully unpredictable hurricane of chaos and color, was still locked behind the gray walls of Arkham Asylum, tucked away like a fragile figurine in a crooked glass case. Of course I hadn't forgotten her. I'd spent the morning visiting her, carving out a few shared hours of laughter and melancholy. I brought her a jack-o'-lantern and a full pumpkin stuffed with candies. I wished her the happiest of Halloweens and hoped—with all sincerity—that her release would come soon.
I was still lost in thoughts of clown paint and broken dreams when someone tapped me on the shoulder.
"Great outfit, Alex."
I turned—and grinned.
"Dick," I said with a welcoming smile. "So you came after all."
Dick Grayson, fresh from lord-knows-where, had shown up right on time.
"I was starting to prepare my vengeance," I teased as we shook hands.
"As if I'd miss this? Not a chance," he replied with a mischievous grin.
As we shared a laugh, the mansion's entrance suddenly trembled—almost literally—as a loud mechanical hum filled the air. Then, to no one's real surprise, the unmistakable silhouette of Iron Man burst through the entryway.
"So, how are you doing without me? Don't worry—Tony Stark is here now, which means this party's about to hit new heights," he declared to the gasping crowd. "Line up for autographs, folks!"
"Seriously?" Grayson muttered. "Iron Man showed up?"
Hard to admit out loud, but yes… I had invited him. Symbolically, of course. I never thought he'd actually show. But hey—Tony is the kind of man who takes a symbolic invitation as a personal challenge.
And honestly? It made things far more interesting.
To my greater surprise, Pepper Potts accompanied him. Dressed—naturally—in a clean-cut business suit, not anything festive. Still, her presence called for respect.
"Did Tony drag you here?" I asked, smiling as I walked over to greet her.
"On the contrary," she said. "I came of my own accord. Your invitation offered too much potential. Oh—and I brought the 'T.S.' component you needed."
That alone nearly made my heart leap. I wanted to hug her then and there—but thankfully stopped myself.
Some news is too good for formality.
Together, Pepper, Grayson, and I turned and caught sight of Stark—now face-to-face with Gotham's Dark Knight. A layered conversation, tense but quiet.
"Whoa," I muttered. "That's a showdown worth watching."
"Let's not get involved," I added with a smirk. "Let natural selection play out. We'll decide later who it's smarter to side with."
They nodded in agreement—all of us staring ahead like kids watching titans argue over chess.
The night wasn't over.
And surprises still waited in the shadows.
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Forgive me 🙏 I forgot to upload yesterday. As an apology I'll drop 2 chapters tomorrow and two today.
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