Author Note: Hi, everybody, Alana here. Just wanted to thank you for reading, and apologize for lack of action in these past few chapters. Let me tell you, that's about to change. I just wanted to ask fellow readers to review, anything helps, even flames. The reviews that are up now are very long, intimidating, and all anonymous, I think…yet they are hard to understand at times. They all express interesting points about society, villains, and Gotham, yet have nothing really to do with the story. So, please do me a favour and write a review, it would help me write faster and with a sharper focus. Even if you told me it sucks, or flame-write; it still helps to make it better. Right now as a recap, Allie has her two associates and is ready to find Dr. Moon, yet more hiccups are on the way for our protagonist. Now, enough of my incessant babbling and requests and on to the story!

…

From the time Allie's head hit the plush pillow till her alarm rang out-twice- she had never had a more restful sleep. Pushing the covers off of her torso she ran her fingers through her hair and sat up against the headboard. Glancing at the alarm, relaxed, she noticed that it was only six thirty in the morning. Fighting the urge to go back into dreamless slumber she knew she had to contact Amanda Waller sooner or later. Allie preferred the latter, but understood that each moment she put off speaking to her was another moment she contemplated activating the nanotechnology attached to her wrist. Deciding she would shower and have breakfast first, she would contact Waller via her issued mobile phone later. Allie rubbed her eyes slowly and disabled her alarm. Shoving the covers further from her body, she allowed her legs to drape from the elevated mattress. Truth be told, she couldn't reach the floor unless she slid from the bed. It was that tall! Allie had never had this type of luxury in a long time. Not since she had lived in her house with her father in Metropolis. Speaking of the sunny city, in Metropolis, everything was different, cleaner somehow, the people tired, yet resilient. Ready to face whatever was thrown at them and combat. In Gotham, however, everything seemed dire and it was as if there was a cloud of darkness etched permanently over the city, ready to rain down just when things seemed to get better. Gothamites were less than likely to be resilient, sure they would overcome their conflicts and obstacles, but not with stride. It wasn't in their nature to forgive or forget. In Gotham they have a guardian, yet one that sticks to the shadows. Metropolis had their very own Superman, a being from a different planet ready to defend them against any enemy. He was a bright and shining star, a figure prone to more social interaction if anything. Forgetting about comparing her former city to her new one, Allie landed less than gracefully on the ground and walked towards her exclusive ensuite. Turning the doorknob she felt the cold floor on her bare feet. Cringing at the cold she grabbed her toiletry bag and fished out her bottles of shampoo and conditioner and her soap. Feeling happy that Leith had managed to pack all of her essentials in such a short time, she added that to the never ending tab she owed Leith. Closing the door behind her and turning on the fan she pulled the glass door open and stepped inside. Realizing that the shower head was not only extendable, but could have different pressures applied, she nearly jumped out of joy. This was five star quality for a bathroom, hell, she was close to accepting feudalism as an acceptable policy if the room and board were that nice.

She reeled at the instantaneous cold water that shot from the showerhead. After a few moments the water righted itself and she could relax and enjoy the warmth that the stream provided.

…

Meanwhile, Leith was preparing for her morning run, she had been up since five in the morning, preparing her laptop and updating her software, she installed many counter measures and protective devices to cloud what she was searching. When she worked for Cadmus she had been employed in the security defenses, rather than being an assistant, like Allie had been. Leith knew her work was carefully monitored, but when she had the chance she took onion routers and stationed them when she knew nobody would be filtering through her work. She considered being a whistleblower for the longest time, yet she knew that her past would eventually come back to haunt her. She didn't want that to happen, she wouldn't allow that to happen, she would live a relatively simple life. Worry about mundane things, maybe start her own family, get married. Have a simplistic life of having to question how many children she wanted, or what colors to paint the house. Everyone wants a sense of danger in their lives when they don't experience it firsthand. Leith knew that the easy way out was probably one of the best ways to live. If she could live with her decisions, then others would have to as well. She didn't care what anyone else thought, she would live her life on her own terms and continue to do so until she saw fit.

Grabbing the bottles of water from the well-stocked fridge she placed two in her bag and placed the strap tight over her shoulder. Her bag was a thin mesh material and would adjust to her movements specifically. She could rely on her materials remaining in one place.

She walked towards the patio doors and shut them behind her gently. Allie would probably still be sleeping by the time she got back. She counted on that, she didn't feel the need to write any notes for her sleepy friend. Why bother? Allison should have known her schedule by now, and if she didn't she wouldn't worry for too long.

Turning her back to the elegant house, she placed her earbuds in her ears and turned up the music. Runs for Leith were second nature, she had always exceeded in such athletic endeavors and found no need to cease doing those types of activities. Yet, working for Allison had placed a strain on her schedule as she lived and breathed as a personal assistant. Leith resented the fact that people looked down on her for her occupation. If they knew the work it took behind the scenes they would indeed appreciate her efforts much more. She never tried to appear as arrogant, but she wanted people to respect her for her personality, not the work she appeared to do. Leith balled her hands into fists and held them there for a few seconds before hastily letting go. She promptly stretched after, cracking her knuckles and rolling her shoulders back.

Forgetting the thoughts of her former job was easy once she started to run, she focused on something other than her personal troubles. Leith didn't know the area that well, yet she would survey her surroundings as she went. The path they took the night previously would lead her around the two other mansions, and around the outskirts of the thick forest. Leith told herself calmly that she would somehow navigate through the woods as soon as she got to know the area. Odds were she would be stationed in the house and Allie would be the one having to find her father. After all, it would make sense that she would stick to computer tracking and security. That was her expertise and Allie would need her near a computer with a secure connection at all times, something that would not be easy to access in all areas.

Leith brought herself back from her wandering mind and focused on the path they had gone earlier to get to the separate estate. The sun was rising slowly in the sky and for the first time in a while, she felt calm near her surroundings. There was no external pressure, no time limits, no delays, public relations, no social interactions. Absolutely nothing, which made Leith tranquil beyond belief.

She had no problems ahead of her, all was going according to plan.

Her music stalled on her phone and she slowed down to allow it to load back up. She was supposed to be able to roam anywhere with her data plan. She knew she did not exceed her limit. She would have had a text sent from her phone company telling her the issue. No, this was connectivity problems. Shaking her head she switched her applications to her own music rather than the site she was currently using. Rectifying the problem, she turned her music back to its original volume and continued on her way, briefly pausing to take a swig of her water bottle.

As she ran, she felt inclined to run faster. She wanted to see how fast she could really go. Rather than just keeping her normal pace and jogging, she tightened her bag that was strapped to her back and booked it off of the path. She didn't know why she felt like travelling through the woods, but she knew that it would make it easier to navigate. Technically they were to remain hidden, and the path did end in front of both mansions. So, why not choose the road less travelled? Seeing the logic in her argument she made a beeline for an opening in the trees.

Smiling to herself, she ran towards the opening turning her music up even louder. If Leith was ever illogical about anything, it would have to be her love for extremely loud music.

She turned it up as loud as it would go and kept her eye on the treeline, soon running into the thick woods. Sunlight barely penetrated the forest floor but she felt comfortable exercising through these parts of the woods. It was close enough to the edge to not become lost and was cooler than the pathway. Something all runners could truly appreciate.

When she didn't notice the root sticking up from the forest floor she figured that nothing could stop her. But as she bounded around the corner, breathing evenly through her nose she couldn't help but trip over the large protruding piece of vegetation.

Leith's body sprawled out over the rest of the protruding roots and she felt her head hit the ground with a loud crack. Because of Leith's speed she continued to sprawl forward a few more feet. Before she could register what truly happened, she felt her body collide with the large oak tree. Her head exploded in pain and she couldn't do anything but sit there dazed for quite a few moments until she lost consciousness.

…

Allie had since gotten out of the shower and had a towel wrapped around her head to restrain her hair. She grabbed her comfortable jeggings and her favourite sweater to wear. It was unseasonably warm, yet Allie felt the cold majority of the time.

She took a few things down with her to the kitchen and sat across from the sink, allowing her to look out at the forest line.

Plucking the phone from her bag she pressed speed dial and was happy to see there was only one number for her to contact.

The phone rang one ring before Allie heard the familiar intimidating voice.

"Waller."

"It's me, I have my two and I'm ready to start." Allie informed, hoping the call wouldn't last too long.

Waller seemed less than pleased, "Your associate is Leith Richards and?"

Waller didn't seem to know the next candidate.

Allie smiled as she spoke, "The Batman."

She heard Waller crunch some papers in her large beefy hands, "The Batman? And former security agent, Smith? You're going to fail faster than anyone I've ever seen, Defector."

Allie ignored the jest and continued, "Regardless, my end of the bargain is upheld. Now, where was our good doctor last seen?"

Waller sneered, "Moon was last seen on American soil eight hours ago. He could be anywhere by now. He boarded Allegiant Airlines flight 286, a flight that travelled to Europe. I hope your resources are great enough to get you there, Defector. If not, I have my fun, and send my qualified task force."

"That won't be necessary!" Allie shouted, hanging up the phone.

Allie grabbed the pen and paper and wrote down what Waller mentioned. She would need to keep Waller updated no matter how irritating she could be.

Shoving the paper and pen aside, she would wait until Leith returned from her run. How she woke up at ungodly hours to exercise surprised Allie. Leith was in optimal shape, yet she forced herself to get up and work out, mainly cardio. Allie remembered once when she asked to tag along with her, Leith was being kind, but Allie was holding her back. It was clear after Leith had to wait a few moments for Allie to come into sight panting, while she was barely breaking a sweat.

She decided she would make some coffee for the both of them when she got back from her run. Allie went forward making coffee in the luxury coffee maker, while skipping and singing around the kitchen. She didn't let her singing stop, despite it cracking at the high notes, she merely shrugged her shoulders and continued with her jam fest.

…

Leith knew she wasn't in any condition to walk when she placed pressure on her foot. Her head was throbbing with pain and her ankle was oddly pulsating, but she needed to get back up to go back to Allison. She couldn't stay under the tree forever even though it seemed like a great option at the time. Grasping the bag that flung from her shoulder she grabbed her phone and dialed Allie's number. What Leith didn't know at the time was that Allie had her phone tucked away on the charger up in her bedroom she was staying in. She dialed several times, each time that passed Leith texted stating it was an emergency. Realizing that she couldn't depend on Allison at all, she crawled towards her water bottle that was a few feet away and plucked it from between the roots. Pushing herself upright she allowed her legs to be moved so her feet were parallel to the tree. She took a drink of her water and placed her head on the soft bark of the tree.

She would only stay for a few more minutes. She didn't know exactly what to do, yet she couldn't walk on her right ankle at all. The house is farther than the Wayne's and the Drake's…should I go to either? They probably think I'm in mourning, considering Allie's supposed to be dead. No, no contact with anyone. Think, Richards, think.

An idea popped into her mind, she knew very basic first aid. She could make a makeshift brace from a few stable pieces of wood. She could tie them together from her track pants. She would have to get new ones anyway. Thinking this a good idea, she found a few pieces near her and placed them adjacent to her leg, fighting the urge to cry out in pain. She bit her lip furiously and attached the sticks, effectively straightening out her legs.

"Argh, dear Jesus!" Leith cried out, straightening the sticks out once more. Expertly ripping her track pants she managed to place a rectangular strip over the planks that kept her foot in check.

Leaving it to breathe a pain free moment, Leith picked her bag up from the ground and stuffed her phone, her bottles of water, and her headphones inside. She wouldn't be needing those any moment soon. Grunting while getting up, Leith managed to place most of the weight on her back and used the tree trunk as her support.

Cringing while getting off of the tree, she nearly stumbled onto the ground once more. Berating herself for her stupidity, Leith ignored the pain shooting from her ankle and walked a few more steps before she had to stop.

Pausing, she began to formulate another plan. A walking stick would take the pressure from her ankle and help her walk back to their estate. She just needed to find something to help her walk to Allie.

Seeing a fallen tree deeper in the woods, she supported herself on separate trees to get to the dead tree. Smiling to herself, Leith knew she would be okay to walk back. That was before someone behind her cleared their throat.

"Ahhh!" Leith panicked, turning around on her good foot, but losing her balance on her broken ankle. Before she could stop herself from tripping once more she effectively landed on her back.

The sunlight penetrated the treeline and came down in separate rays. The sunlight blocked Leith's vision, not allowing her to see who was right alongside her.

Placing her hand to cover her eyes from the sun she squinted trying to see the outline of the person.

Before she could even react, at her eye level, crouching on the ground was Bruce Wayne.

What the hell? Leith questioned, staring at his figure before speaking.

"Mr. Wayne? What are you doing out here?" Leith asked, her brow furrowing with confusion.

Bruce seemed to laugh a rehearsed laugh, "I do live close to this pathway. I should ask you that question."

Leith hesitated slightly, but not enough for him to notice, "I, well, needed a fresh start. Allison, you know…"

Bruce nodded, looking sympathetic, yet somehow it didn't manage to reach his eyes.

"Well, I decided to rent the Drake's former house for their staff. They haven't lived in Gotham for a while now, apparently." Leith answered honestly, for it was all true, except rent was already covered.

Bruce nodded, "You're out farther than I expected, what made you take the trail here?"

Leith shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, "The scenery was nicer than the path."

Leith took her time getting up, showing no pain or discomfort even though her ankle was screaming.

Bruce seemed to notice the rip in her track pants and the makeshift brace. A look of concern etched over his face, "Did you do something to your ankle?"

Leith smiled sheepishly and bit her cheek, "I may have done just that."

Bruce kneeled down and gingerly took a look at the swollen ankle, "It looks like you've completely broken the bone."

Leith sighed inwardly and broke the branch from the dead tree. Wiping away at the top of the broken branch she used the large stick to her benefit.

Bruce watched while she did this, Leith felt the need to break the tension, "Does this stick make me look like Gandalf?"

Bruce looked confused, Leith inwardly hit herself on the face. Why Lord of The Ring's jokes?

Getting over her obvious faux-pas, she re-evaluated her statement, "Never mind, it's alright."

"Ms. Richards, you would be Frodo if anything," Bruce retorted wittily.

Slapping his arm jokingly, she nearly lost her balance, when he steadied her shoulders.

"I'm worse than Allie…." Leith started until she realized she had to keep up with the ruse, "Well, was just as bad." Leith commented, bowing her head, looking saddened.

Bruce didn't comment on that, instead he mentioned that she should have her ankle looked at.

Leith refused to go to a hospital or doctor, "I have no insurance now."

Her reasoning did not fall on deaf ears, Bruce suggested that she make the short walk to the Manor where his butler could look at her ankle. Apparently the man was a former soldier in the British army. Leith's eyes widened at this, his butler was a former member of the military? That was lucky on his part, hell he could have even been his personal security guard.

Leith counted her blessings in her head, she was extremely grateful that she ran into Bruce. Or vice versa? He seemed to be running as well, at least he was dressed as such runner. He wore black shorts and a grey tee-shirt that showcased his muscles.

As she walked alongside Bruce she knew she couldn't hold on any longer. Her ankle was far too sore to continue.

She called him back, he was a few steps in front of her when he realized how far back she was. He came running to her side.

"Not as fast as you, unfortunately, Mr. Wayne!" Leith called out, jokingly.

Bruce stopped short as Leith straightened out her ankle once again.

"So how far is Wayne Manor from here?" Leith asked, hoping to God it was close.

"About ten more minutes of a walk, can you make it?" Bruce asked concerned.

Leith considered telling him the truth, yet she wanted to do this on her own.

"You know, I could just go back to the Drake's estate, I'm sure it's closer and I don't want to inconvenience you." Leith admitted, praying this encounter wouldn't last longer than necessary.

Bruce shook his head, "Ms. Richards, I'm respecting your space, but something tells me you won't make it the next few minutes to the Manor; let alone the Drake estate."

So much for that option…

Before Leith could complain about the absurdity that was occurring, she felt her feet being lifted off of the ground.

"O-kay." Leith commented, surprised by Bruce's actions.

He gently lifted her off of the ground, sliding his hands underneath her calves and supporting her back.

Leith tried to remain relaxed, but even she was uncomfortable in this foreign situation. Bruce noticed her discomfort and tried not to laugh.

To appease her, he made a small conversation on the way to his estate, "Have you ever had any other lingering injuries?"

Leith stopped to think, "Working for Allison was….difficult; the pressure sometimes became difficult to deal with. Exhaustion, dehydration, and general fatigue were the side-effects of having an intensely pressurized occupation. I shouldn't compare, but for Wayne Enterprises, you must do a lot more than I. Especially when it comes to thousands of employees, a major influence in our economy, and business dealings with over fifteen nations. I can imagine that the stress from that is much more significant, don't you think?"

Bruce seemed to consider this for a few moments, "I have qualified individuals to help assist the company and its reach. It's never a dull moment in Wayne Enterprises, yet I can rely on my staff to do the best when it comes to relations with other companies and making sure our production is not made redundant."

"Lexcorp seems to be making quite some headway in the aviation sector. Can Wayne Aerodynamics handle the competition? Especially since one of your dealers broke the arrangement to assemble in China." Leith inquired, curious of his answer.

Bruce was taken aback, "You seem to know much about business dealings, Ms. Richards."

Leith smirked, "It was one of my second choices for a career. I've been keeping up with Lexcorp, to be blunt, I don't believe any of Luthor's words or actions are a reflection of his true intentions. He seems to be…disposed, especially when it happens to be about his philanthropy."

Leith swore she saw Bruce narrow his eyes at the mention of Luthor, but before she could pry any more she realized they were actually in front of the Manor. …

After Leith had met Bruce's butler, Alfred. She couldn't help but wander the house carefully. She had a brace on her foot and was told sternly by the older gentleman to use the crutches he provided. She had smiled and promised him to wear them, she had travelled from the kitchen to the large recreational room that housed shelves and shelves of books. In the adjacent wall from the windows Leith noticed a large portrait of the Wayne family. Bruce's mother and father were smiling regally, Bruce in front of them, smiling happily.

Leith admired the large portrait over the fireplace and continued to analyze it. The fireplace was very clean, almost as if it hadn't been used in quite some time.

The drapes were pulled loosely over the windows, but allowed some light to escape its grasp.

"That was painted a few weeks before my eighth birthday." Bruce's voice informed from behind her.

Leith gasped and whirled around on her crutches, "How do you do that?!"

Bruce looked at her with narrow eyes, "I have quiet feet, I suppose. I didn't mean to startle you, Ms. Richards"

His reasoning didn't help her at all, yet she accepted his sincere apology.

She followed him out of the rec room and trailed behind him as he went into one of his studies.

"Ms. Richards, seeing as you are out of work now and you seem to have kept up with business dealings, how would you like to become a secretary for Wayne Enterprises?"

Leith had to be realistic at this moment, she did not see that one coming at all. In all likelihood, having a job at Wayne Enterprises was an amazing opportunity, yet the mission came first, especially with Allie finding Dr. Moon. Leith had to think about her best friend and the reality of their situation. She was one of her trusted associates, she couldn't just bail on her friend because of a great business opportunity.

"I have to be honest, Mr. Wayne. I never saw myself working at a company as prestigious as yours, yet I would be honoured to work with Wayne Enterprises as a partner. However, I don't think now is the best time to be embarking on a new job, I need to take things slowly. A possible change of scenery for a while, Allison's breakdown….well, it was too soon and too sudden." Leith, whispering the next part, "I never figured she would go down a path like that."

Leith rubbed at her temples, trying her best to look distressed. Apparently, it was working as Bruce later commented.

"I understand, the offer is still on the table whenever you decide to come back to work. Wayne Enterprises could use such remarkable young people to shape the company for the future." Bruce commented dryly, wondering if she would accept the compliment.

"With all respect and credit where it is due, you can't be much older than I am. If anyone is making a stand to help your company it is you. It has to be, you have worked hard to uphold the legacy of your parents. I see a bright future ahead for Wayne Enterprises and for Gotham" Leith pointed out.

Bruce was surprised at the mention of his age and the fact that she openly followed his decisions towards corporate mergers and business arrangements. Most young individuals were concerned with their own little worlds, they wouldn't break from their shells to consider the good of the State or nation.

"I'm older than you think, Ms. Richards." Bruce commented smiling his signature smirk.

"Mr. Wayne, you're only twenty six, as young people usually go about; most don't even have their life figured out at that point in their lives. Considering the majority remain dependant on their parents from age eighteen to thirty-five, you've done quite well for yourself. All factors considered." Leith argued back.

"You've certainly done your research, Ms. Richards." Bruce remarked.

"That's my specialty, now, not to be an inconsiderate house guest, but may I use your phone? I have someone I need to contact."