As soon as she entered her apartment, Lyla rushed to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of wine. Her hands were still shaking as she poured some of the bottle's contents into a glass. Heading towards the living room, she stopped and gazed at the reflection that was staring at her from the window. Small bags had formed under her eyes from the lack of sleep, her hair was a curly mess, and her skin was as pale of a ghost. 'What have I become?' she asked herself.

Lyla knew who was responsible for her current state of being; the Joker. He had taken the light from her eyes and replaced it with darkness. The hopes she had for an optimistic and truthful life were now gone. Instead, thoughts of death and destruction filled her head. Was this what the Joker wanted? To corrupt Lyla's mind and make her as insane as him? If that was the case, the Joker was so far getting his wish. Just the thought of her stalker drove her crazy. For one thing, she couldn't stand to think of all the devilish things he had planned for her and Gotham. Also, she hated that, every time the Joker was with her, she couldn't take her eyes off his. They were like magnets; one look and she was hooked. Lyla didn't know if it was terror that made this happen, or if it was something greater. But why would it be? The Joker was the epitome of evil. He stood for everything she was against; however, no matter how hard she tried, Lyla was entranced by his every move. Something was so intoxicating about him. The Joker had made Lyla see and feel things like never before.

Breaking from her reflection, Lyla dropped on the couch and began to sip her wine. This was her reward for finally standing up to Deborah, and for making it through the day alive. The sweet liquid passed her lips; sending a shiver of joy down her back. Before Lyla could finish her glass, Jessica walked in. "Lyla! You home?" Jessica walked into the living room, to see Lyla in a daze. "Lyla, what's the matter?"

"Where were you last night?" Lyla asked her roommate with a hint of anger in her voice.

"I'm sorry. Things with Mark ended up lasting a little longer than I thought."

"So, you're dinner plans turned into a sleep over?" Lyla said in a harsh tone.

"Geez, Lyla! I've never seen you like this! What happened?"

"What happened? While you were out having a good time with Mark, I was being held hostage in my own apartment!"

"You mean…"

"Yeah! He was here! I was about to walk out the door, when he came in, tied me up, and knocked me to the floor! And where were you? Where was anybody when I needed them? I could have been killed!" Lyla turned her back to Jessica and walked towards the wall. She suddenly burst into tears. Jessica rushed to comfort her friend. "I'm so sorry, Jessica. I don't know what's gotten into me!"

"It's ok," said Jessica as she embraced Lyla. "I should have been here, too." The two sat down on the coach together in order for Lyla to regain some control.

"What am I going to do?" she asked. "He's always there; watching me! I can't escape him. Last night, he told me that I was his and no one else's. I can still feel him clutching my throat!"

"Have you told Bruce, yet?"

"No, not yet. I haven't even told him how Batman kissed me! I'm going out with him tonight. I was planning on telling him then. But what if I put Bruce in danger?"

"He's a strong man. I'm sure he'll be alright."

Later that night, Lyla was ready to leave for Bruce's apartment. Dressed in black, she took the back exit to avoid an obvious escape. Successfully, Lyla made it safely to Wayne Tower in the pouring rain. She took the elevator to his penthouse, where Alfred was waiting for her. "Good evening, Miss Lyla!" he greeted.

"Good evening, Alfred. Where's Bruce?"

"Master Wayne is getting himself ready. He'll be out shortly. Would you like anything while you wait?"

"No, thank you."

"Alright, but don't hesitate to ask if you do need anything."

Alfred disappeared into the kitchen. While she awaited Bruce's arrival, Lyla looked around his apartment. His bed was made so neatly, his furniture was spotless, and there didn't seem to be a single thing out of place. As she reached the couch, she noticed something very odd; on the coffee table in front of it was hundreds of newspaper and magazine clippings about the Batman. Before she could pick one up, she heard footsteps behind her.

"My God!" said Bruce, just a few feet away. "You look stunning!" Lyla turned around to see Bruce holding two glass of champagne. She gladly took her share and smiled at her love. "I have a delicious meal being prepared for us. You'll absolutely love it!" Bruce began to make his way to the kitchen, when Lyla grabbed him by the arm.

"Bruce, before we do anything, I have to tell you something."

"What is it, Lyla?"

Lyla choked on her words. "Well… it's just… I… we… we can't see each other anymore!"

Bruce's eyes filled with sadness and confusion. "What? Why?"

"Oh, Bruce," she exclaimed, grabbing his waist. "I love you with all my heart, and I wish I could tell you, but…" Suddenly, Lyla's palm rubbed against something on the side of Bruce's waist. It felt like a scar. Flashbacks began to fill her mind. She remembered how the Joker had cut Batman in the exact same place. Lyla then looked into Bruce's eyes. They were the same ones she had seen under the mask. Eyes wide, Lyla backed away and covered her mouth with her hands.

"Lyla, what's wrong?" Bruce said in a serious tone." Lyla said nothing, but looked at him in shock. "Lyla!"

"How did I not know?" she said softly.

"What do you mean?"

"I know where that scar came from! I know where I had seen those eyes before! You're…you're Batman!"

Shocked, Bruce stepped back and turned from Lyla. As he made his way to the window, he wondered how Lyla was able to find out his other identity. Lyla was soon close behind him. "Bruce, please don't be angry with me. I came here; thinking I had to end our relationship to protect you. But now I know that you're the only one who can protect me!" Bruce faced Lyla and gave her the most loving smile. "Please, Bruce," she pleaded as tears rolled down her cheeks. "He's everywhere! He won't let me go!"

"Lyla, who are you talking about?" asked Bruce, gently placing his hands on Lyla's shoulder's in order to calm her nerves.

"The Joker! I don't know why, but he won't let me be! He's called me at work, left me playing cards, and he almost kidnapped me the other night! He's forbidden me from seeing anyone else; even you! At my apartment this morning, he told me he loved me! I don't know what to do. Bruce you have to help me!"

The two fervently embraced; their lips locking to create an even more passionate than when they kissed on the fire escape. As they pulled away, Lyla knew that this was the man she was meant to be with.

"Lyla, I promise you, as Bruce and as Batman, I will never let anyone take you away from me. And I'm going to make sure of that now." With those words, Bruce bent down on one knee and pulled a ring box out of his jacket pocket. "Lyla Palmer, will you marry me?" He opened the box to reveal a priceless diamond ring. Lyla eyes filled with tears of joy.

"Yes!" she said immediately. "Yes, Bruce! I do!"

Bruce and Lyla once again embraced. With this ring, Bruce would make sure he was always there to protect Lyla and keep her out of harm's way. With this ring, Lyla was ensured a protector.

Commissioner Gordon returned early from work. There was a surprisingly low rate of crime that night in Gotham. After working two back-to-back graveyard shifts at the precinct, the other cops ordered him to go home and see his family. When he walked through the doorway, his wife greeted him with a hug and a kiss. "Glad to see you could finally join us for dinner tonight!"

His son was the next to approach him. He ran up and threw his arms around his father. "Hey, buddy!" exclaimed the Commissioner. "How was school?"

"It was ok," said the boy. His eyes suddenly grew ten times their size as the Commissioner's son had an epiphany. "Oh! I almost forgot!" He ran away to his room and returned with his hands behind his back. "Look what I found in my book bag at school today!" He brought his hands forward, revealing a small playing card. The Commissioner stared in horror as he turned the card over; revealing a Joker on the other side.