Before I begin my notes, I would like to say that there is a spoiler warning. If you have not read the Hush storyline yet, you may want to read that, or become familiar with it first. You do not need to know about it ahead of time to read this story.

I would also like to thank everyone who has helped me with my research for this, specifically those in my cancer group who took the time to answer my questions about brain cancer. A special thank you to Ken, who has been of immense support to me throughout my cancer treatment; I really couldn't have gotten through some days without you, and I hope you realize how much the chats we've had mean to me, as well as answering my countless questions on history of a couple characters. Brii, I want to thank you for the same. Also, thanks to both of you for reading the really rough start of this story and giving me valuable feedback.

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At the end of the Hush storyline, written by Jeph Loeb, it was revealed that the one behind the whole plan was Edward Nigma, the Riddler. When I was reading, I had a feeling that Eddie had his hands in this because of the way the other characters were being used. Each character, while seeming to do his or her own thing, was not the one running things. Instead, they were all being manipulated, played, if you will, like pieces on a chessboard. So when it was finally revealed that the Riddler was behind it, I wasn't terribly shocked. His greatest reason for doing what he does is because he loves the game. Sure, there's the money and the recognition, but those wouldn't be there if he didn't play the game, and play it well.

What was also revealed was that months (possibly a year or more) earlier, Eddie had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He left the city to seek treatment elsewhere under an assumed name. This wouldn't be unusual for someone in his position. He might be well known in Gotham City, but outside, it's a good bet that there would be very few who could ID him by face. They might think he looks familiar, but know who he is right off the bat? Doubtful. Besides, there are plenty of people out there who have similar features, or might look like someone else. Either way, he was going through something that can make a person look different, thus hiding his ID further.

The first thing I would like to touch upon is why I was interested enough to write this story, other than the obvious: I'm a huge Riddler fan. That fact aside, I recently have been going through my own fight with cancer. In November 2002, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have since undergone treatment for it, and at the moment, I'm considered in remission. However, only after you have been clear of cancer for five years are you considered cured. So I have a long road ahead of me. I've kind of paid a bit of homage to all the nurses and doctors who have been with me over the past year and a half by using their names in the story. Not all of them had a big hand in my treatment and recovery, but enough of them did. Though they'll never read this, it's my way of thanking them.

For those curious about the title, "beast" is what those of us with cancer call this disease. It is just that: A beast that lives within you, that must be fought. I'm proud to know many who have been bravely fighting their beast, and winning.

Now, when I read the final issue of Hush, it really struck a cord with me. My favorite character, the one I feel I can relate most to, had cancer. Something more that I could relate to with him. Then it occurred to me to write this story. I knew some of what he had gone through, knew what cancer can do to your body, your life. But it also occurred to me that he couldn't do this alone. Not with the knowledge that he had himself dipped in a Lazarus Pit to cure himself. So, while she doesn't exist in the comics, I wrote the story with my character, Dee Lemma, Query. If you're a new reader, you may find her bio on this same site, or by clicking here.

Some of you may consider this a stupid move, but please hear me out. Edward Nigma is a criminal. Being one, he doesn't exactly mingle with the most savory of characters. Knowing that he was dying, he needed someone there that he trusted implicitly. He could have hired a couple of thugs to help him with this, but in most likelihood, those people, male or female, would have taken advantage of the situation. He would have to pay them very well, and give them a partial payment up front. Even the partial payment would be quite large. He's paying these people to handle things for him. This includes his daily care, information gathering, and then the long journey to find the pit. He certainly wouldn't have had the strength to complete all of this on his own, and the chance that those he hired would just take the money they got and leave him for dead, is too great.

This is where Dee comes in. Because she cares for him, unconditionally, he knows he can trust her. She's the one who's willing to take care of him, make certain he's fed, make certain he gets to his doctor appointments, and in the end, make certain that he takes that swim in the Lazarus Pit. To her, Eddie is everything. There's no way she's going to toss him aside for money, when he's what she wants. With this knowledge, he can rest assured that when he does find out about the Lazarus Pits, and makes the journey, he isn't going to wind up buried in some unmarked grave in a part of the world that quite possibly has never been properly mapped.
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