Disclaimer: I own nothing of Batman, Bruce Wayne, or Christian Bale. (Though I wish I did. (Sigh) They all belong to their respective owners.

Chapter Two

Playing Cards

Chapter Quote: "I love you Riley, don't you ever forget that."

Bruce turned the card over in his hand, it was a strange way to leave your mark. The whole business was strange altogether. Criminals did not leave behind their own calling cards. Bruce knew their minds, he knew how the acted and how they moved. But this one...this one was different, and his calling card...was pointless. A gloat... a mark of victory... or a challenge. So either this new man was incredibly naive, or insanely clever. The frown on Bruce's face deepened, "A flare for theatrics." He said softly, it was what Sergeant Gordon had told him that knight on the rooftops, the night the latter had truly started to work with him as a team.

So far, this Joker had not done anything terribly big...nothing to stand out. It was simply the way in whichhis strikes were done that made him a target on Bruce's priority list...some events were just too coincidental. A few disturbing mugs and resultingmurders...one or two petty thefts...nothing all that unusual. Such crime had the tendency to frequent the lower classes of Gotham. Bruce knew it fit together somehow, but as of yet...this was a puzzle he was still trying to piece together.

The raids had come periodically in random places, and no one had been able to stop them. No one yet anyway. Every time he had been too late...that would have to change. The cave was completed now, and now he was done waiting. "A flare for theatrics." He repeated slowly, Bruce grinned, looking at the case which contained his suit.

"I guess we have something in common then."

"Good morning Master Bruce." Alfred said cheerfully, Bruce looked up from his computer with a surprised look on his face.

"Is it morning already?"

"It is indeed sir."

"Don't tell me the time."

"Don't forget, you have a meeting at eight sir."

He flinched, looked hesitantly down at his watch. Four in the morning. Damn. It was late. He sat back in his chair and stretched out his legs, looking around the cave. The southeast wing had been refurbished, and now was equipped with some minor electronics...a 6 foot tall monitor for his computer...some new gadgets for his car...nothing big or flashy. The computer was his favorite though...and right then...he was trying to dig up something on his new rival.

Alfred interrupted his train of thought by holding out a steaming mug to him, which Bruce accepted gratefully. "Coffee?" He asked hopefully, taking a hesitant sip.

"Of course sir, I thought you might want Hot Chocolate, but assumed in the end that you might require something a little stronger."

Bruce chuckled, yes, it had been a long night...and it would be an equally long and exhausting day as soon as the rest of Gotham woke up...and then he would once again begin life as Bruce Wayne. Multi-Billionaire, owner of Wayne Enterprises, one of the richest men in the world, and the only one who could lay claim to the name of Batman.

"Will you be up much longer Master Bruce? Or should I begin to make you some breakfast?"

Bruce shook his head, "I'm fine Alfred, I'll make myself something to eat. I won't be much longer."

The older man nodded, hesitated before he voiced the question that had been toying with his mind all night. "Out of curiosity sir...what exactly are you working on?"

Bruce sipped his coffee and gestured to the monitor. "That, my dear Alfred, is our new mystery man."

Alfred looked up as Bruce tapped a key and a large image appeared on the screen. A clown face, done in graffiti on the walls of their man's latest crime scene. "Seems to be rather...bold." Alfred finished lamely, grasping for the words to describe the maniacal face on the walls.

"Indeed. Only no one knows what this guy looks like, or where he'll try to strike next. No one knows what he's after."

Alfred nodded slowly, "So what exactly are you planning to do sir?"

Bruce scratched his chin absentmindedly, "I'm not sure Alfred. Either way, it means I'll be up late for a while."

I hated being by myself, but, as Ben always reminded me, it was my fault. I wouldn't go out anyway without him, and neither would I settle for a job. There were always too many difficulties, too many memories. Too much for me to handle. I sat on my bed, stretching out my arms and doing the exercises Dr. Grahm had told me to do. He said certain movements would tighten the scarred tissue on my back, so, that one day, I might become strong once again.

It was getting dark out. I shuddered, I hate being alone at night. I stopped my exercises and clasped my hands together, bowing my head and closing my eyes. Please God, let him come soon.

"MOM!" I screamed, tearing at the burning embers. I could hear horses screaming as the fire raged all around.

"MOM?" I shoved past the ashes, the smoke and the flames, scorching my back and my arms. I ignored the pain, the heat which was making my eyes water...

Wayne Enterprises
"...to conclude, Mr. Wayne, sales are up and stocks are selling well."

Bruce tried to hide his smile as Fox wrapped up his status report. His dark eyes were focused intently on the man as he stood attentive before his desk. "Very good Mr. Fox. How's the transfer of our archives building going by the way?"

The elder man's eyes lighted with untold mischief. "Well, sir, before I answer that question, might I inquire as to whether or not you would be dabbling into any...say...adventurous sports in the near future? The archives is under my general direction and at this time I could be of some great assistance if the need made itself known."

This time Bruce didn't bother to hide his smile, Fox was clever all right, clever indeed. "None at the moment Lucius, but I'll let you know if something comes up."

Fox smiled, nodded his head slightly in understanding. "Will you be leaving soon Mr. Wayne? Is there anything else I can do?" Fox said, slipping briefly into a more formal tone.

"Shortly. I think Alfred whipped up something special for me tonight...wouldn't want to keep him waiting."

Fox nodded again, turned to leave, then paused and looked back. "Bruce, try to get some sleep." He said softly.

Bruce looked up at him in surprise. "Since when are you the general keeper of my well-fare?"

Fox grunted, "Since you started coming into work looking like you got hit by a train."

Bruce shrugged, the only non-committal reply he could come up with for his friend's genuine concern for his health. "I've been busy, that's all, really nothing to worry about."

Fox nodded, but did not avert his gaze. "Rest Bruce, get some rest."

Bruce nodded, waving his hand as if to erase Lucius' worries. He did not reveal the frown which had forced itself upon his features until Fox left the room "Rest." He said. "Just don't have much time for it anymore."

"Several more attacks have been reported in the upper parts of Gotham. Police say that the killings, thefts, and various other crimes do not seem to as yet be connected. Victims, either dead or close to death, have been examined closely by top specialists from all over the country. But their reason for death and who is killing them, remains a-"

"RILEY!"

I heard Ben's voice from the door as I tore my gaze away from the television screen.

"Turn that damned thing off!"

I clicked it off immediately, not in the least sorry in doing so. Why, I wondered vaguely, I had been watching it in the first place was beyond me. I looked again over my shoulder at the door. Ben was just shutting it and he has two brown paper bags in his hands. Good. He'd gone food shopping.

I stood, dusting off my jeans and then going over to him. I stood on tip-toe and planted a kiss on his darkly tanned face. He still had his sun-glasses on, for what purpose I did not know. He smiled softly at me.

"You seem happy to have me home." He said.

"I was worried." I said simply, not letting on just how much I had worried, nor mentioning the violent flashbacks that I had been having all day. The smile faded, he cleared his throat and gestured to the bags.

"I'll bring these in the kitchen and how about you whip us up a little dinner?"

I nodded, and followed him as he moved away from the door. While he unpacked the bags, I looked at him with widened eyes. "What exactly did you want me to make?" I asked, glancing at a can of Ragu tomato sauce.

A smirk made its presence known on his face as removed his glasses and held up a package of noodles. "Pasta. I think you've forgotten what today is."

I tilted my head expectantly at him, my brow creasing in puzzlement.

"...Your birthday Riley...today's your birthday."

I blinked in surprise...it couldn't be...how could I have forgotten?

"Come on, you know I can't cook worth a damn. Get this together and after we eat I want to show you something."

I took the noodles from his hand and looked at the package. Pasta. It used to be my parents' favorite meal. Ben tilted my chin up.

"And it used to be your own...remember?"

I hid my wince and my surprise of Ben knowing my thoughts, and instead gave him a small smile. "Thanks Ben...I'll get it together."

"Good. Now hurry up. You only get to celebrate your 27th birthday once you know."

The pasta was just as good as I remembered it. And my brother surprised me with a chocolate cake for dessert. I hadn't seen Ben so happy in a long time.

"So...you ready for your surprise Riley?"

I looked up at him, slowly nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be."

He grinned and pulled out a small box, it was black velvet, with a white ribbon tied around it. He handed it to me and I took it hesitantly, relishing the softness of the velvet. I stared at it for a few moments in silence.

"Go on, open it Riley." He urged excitedly.

I glanced at him, then at the box. I slowly undid the ribbon and hesitantly opened the lid. My eyes widened and I gasped in shock. For laying, quite still on the patch of velvet, was a beautiful golden necklace. The chain was delicately woven with small gold links. And hanging at the center was a charm that spelt my name.

"Do you like it?" Ben asked after a moment.

"Ben...it's beautiful- how did you get it?" It was an awkward question. Ben knew as well as I that we did not have the money for such luxuries. Ben smiled ruefully.

"I figured it was time you had something pretty. I thought it might cheer you up."

Cheer me up? The icy chill spread through me with such swiftness that I was caught off guard. I had tried so hard to forget what had happened so long ago and in a single instant it all came crashing down on me. Today, one year ago, I had lost my family. Leaving me and Ben alone in the world. The chill made me shiver.

"Riley?" He asked in concern, rising and placing his hand on my shoulder. I flinched as he touched the old scars and he immediately let go. "Riley! I'm so sorry I-"

"No Ben- it isn't you." I said softly. I hated that concerned look on his face, the look that made me feel so guilty about being such a burden for him. He too had seen my fear, had seen the guilt written in my eyes.

"I love you Riley, don't you ever forget that." He said tenderly, tilting my head up and forcing me to look into his eyes.

"I know. The necklace is beautiful, Ben- really."

His face brightened slightly and he held out his hand. "Let me put it on you."

I handed him the box, the box with the velvet covering, and sat still as he pushed my curls over onto my shoulder. I felt the cold links touch my skin and I forced myself not to flinch or grimace.

"There, go into the bathroom and take a look."

I stood up stiffly and walked over to the mirror in the bathroom. It was beautiful, the most beautiful thing I had looked at, or possessed in a very long time. I heard his footsteps come up behind me and I saw his face in the mirror.

"What do ya think?"

I turned to him, gave him a small smile. "Thanks Ben, it's wonderful."

He smiled back and I wondered how such words from me could possibly make him so happy. His eyes roamed my shoulders and then the smile faded slightly into one of regret. "We should take care of your back and chest." He said firmly.

I nodded, choking back my pride. I would be fine as long as I stayed with Ben, he would never let anything happen to me.

"And Riley,"

I looked up into his face and was startled to see a look of fondness that was unusual to his features.

"Happy Birthday."

A/N: I'm glad you all are enjoying Riley, she's she strangest OC I've written so thus far and is becoming a bit of a challenge: in a good way.I will updating this story here and there in continuance to my other works. So don't expect regular updates. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

edit: 8/08/06 Ok... I'm back from the dead with this tale. I'm really obsessed with Superman Right now and once I get a plot going for him I'll be posting it. But I recently completed my major LotR story and since my Fantastic Four fic is pretty much writing itself I figured I give this one a little attention. :) As stated above, updates will be rather randomized... I'm working on writing an original work of fiction write now and between that, work, and my horses I don't have alot of time to devote to fanfiction. But since I love Batman so much I figured he deserved some well-deserved attention... I don't think I'll be able to wait two more years for the second one to come out! (wah!)

Anyway, just thought I'd let everyone who is interested in this work that I'm back from the dead and will be updating shortly. :) /edit

TO BE CONTINUED...