Disclaimer: I only own the characters Kida, Marcus and the teachers. The rest are owned by DC Comics.

Chapter 4:

Marcus left my apartment shortly after my, not confession but statement. He didn't say a thing, just got his things and left. I thought perhaps he just needed time, that he'd be fine by the next morning. I think I was mostly hoping that I hadn't been right all along and had perhaps made a friend. Too bad for me life is never fair.

Marcus wasn't at school the next day; in fact he didn't come to school at all that week. By Friday I gave up on any hope, I lost any chance I had with Marcus the moment I opened my month. I should never have trusted any one, never! This was my own fault! I knew the dangers, but something inside of me didn't listen. I'm an idiot, a fool.

Heading towards Arkham; it's time to come clean to Dr. Leeland. I bet she'll love to hear all about my failed attempt at friendship, at trust. Perhaps I should also tell her about the plans we had,

NO! I can't. What'll they do to Marcus? What if they lock him up too? I can't let him suffer for my mistakes. He's a good kid, an honest one, far better than I'll ever be. I can't tell the doc, I can't.

…

Walking to the main building, I'm beyond depressed by that point. My thoughts keep going in circles, whenever I'm sure there's no more that I can blame myself for I find some more. I'm so lost in thought I don't notice the rustling behind me, I'm sure if I had I would never have gone in.

Inside it's busier than ever, the sectorial staff is running like chickens with their heads cut off and there's about a dozen or more people in suits. They all stand together, with looks of disgust written all over their faces. I guess they must want to be anywhere other than here. And what normal person wouldn't. I walk past the suits and the staff without any notice, I've never been happier to be ignored in my life. Heading towards Cash's office, I run into Dr. Leeland.

She smiles at me, actually smiles. It's the weirdest thing she's ever done.

"Kida! About time, I was so worried." She says still smiling.

I try to smile back, only to have one of my more somber thoughts come back. My voice is soft and hurt, "You were?"

Her smile falters a bit, "Of course, dear."

Again I try to smile back, but I can't find the will, "Oh."

Her face finally returns to her regular one, only with something close to concern in her eyes.

"Kida, is everything all right?"

And there it was that one question. After years and years of trying to hide my feelings from Dr. Leeland I found I wanted nothing more in that moment than to tell her everything. Have her just sit and listen while I pour out all of my guilt. The guilt of not being able to save my mother from her disease, of being too much of a coward to let anyone in, of losing the one I did let in. In short I just wanted to cry.

So I just broke down. I fell to the floor and just cried. Everything around me suddenly meant nothing, I didn't care that Dr. Leeland was right there or that everyone was now staring at me. None of that mattered at that moment.

I heard Dr. Leeland shout, "Can I get someone to come and help me! Now!"

I felt them pick me up off the floor and half drag me down to Dr. Leeland's office. They kept talking to me, but I was beyond gone at that point. I couldn't answer them, even if I'd wanted to. I was a weeping mess.

When we finally did make it into the doc's office, they placed me in my usual chair. Somehow it was comforting, the chair I mean. It was something I recognized, something that had been a constant in my life for years. I knew the smell and feel of it. Sitting there I began to feel at peace, and I suppose at some point I just drifted off.

…

" . Kida you need to wake up now."

"It's alright let her rest. She looks like she's had a tough time."

"I'm so sorry Mr. Wayne. I really hope this doesn't affect anything." Leeland said.

"It fine, truly."

I stir in the chair, rub my eyes and look around. At first I feel lost, and then I remember I'm in Leeland's office.

"Kida?"

I look to Leeland, I can see worry in her eyes even though her face is its usual stern look.

I smile, "Sorry doc. don't know what came over me."

Walking towards me her voice is soft, "Kida, you had many of us worried. If something has happened I need you to tell me. Please, Kida."

For the first time since meeting Dr. Leeland I feel I'm seeing the real her, not the women who asks me endless questions I don't want to answer. And I'm about to tell her the truth when I remember Marcus.

"Dr. Leeland, thank you for your concern. But I'm afraid I can't tell you. Not without harming another."

Leeland falls silent. Then from behind her another voice speaks,

"That is quite a grown up response."

Leeland turns enough that I can see beyond her. There's a well-dressed man at her desk. I find myself at a loss as to who this could be and why he would be in Leeland's office.

I speak calmly to him, "Um, thank you. And you are?"

"My apologies," he raises and walks to me, and holds out his hand, "my name is Bruce Wayne."

I feel my month fall open, and quickly correct that problem. I then shake his outstretched hand, "Uh, I'm Kida."

He slimes and takes Leeland's usual chair across from me, "I know, Leeland has spoken very kindly of you."

I look to Leeland in disbelief. She's told this man about me, after all those speeches about keeping my secret. She can talk to people but not me.

I look back to Mr. Wayne, "And what has she told you exactly?"

Mr. Wayne looks surprised by my question, "What do you mean Kida? Is there something I'm not supposed to know?"

"Don't play dumb!" I'm standing now, anger in my voice. I turn to Leeland, "What did you tell him!?"

Leeland actually takes a step back from me, "Kida, all Mr. Wayne knows is that you are a ward of this facility. He knows nothing personal." The worry that's been in her eyes since I woke up is starting to spread to her face.

Still starting Leeland down I say, "Then why is he here?"

Mr. Wayne clears his throat behind me, "I'm here to offer you better living arrangement, and perhaps a chance at a better school."

I don't say anything; I just look to Leeland then to Mr. Wayne. This is too much. I need time to think.

I storm out of the office, head to the elevator and push the down button. I can hear Leeland running after me, so I push the 'close doors' button for good measure. Before I know it I'm heading down, I've never been to the lower levels and a part of me finds itself wondering what's down there.

…

The doors to the elevator open and I find myself in an empty hall. There are signs on the walls and painted lines on the floor. Each line is a different color, and they all go in different directions. I guess they're meant to be guides. I pick the green colored line and follow it. All the while, I try to organize everything.

I lost Marcus; this is what's got me so upset. I think it's because it reminds me too much of how I lost my mum. And thinking more on it, I'm sure I've overreacted. Letting my feelings get the better of me. I should have gone and sought him out, not sit back and wait. Perhaps if I'd gone to his house, tried to explain maybe then he'd talk to me again. But I didn't, so really if I'm going to blame myself, it should be for my own stupidity.

Looking up from my thoughts I notice that I've reached the end of the painted line. The doors in front of me are made of steel with no sign of identification as to what might be within the room beyond. I enter if only not to be found wondering the halls. Inside the air is cool and I can see my breath fogging in front of me. Looking around I notice that the walls are covered with small doors all of which are closed; there's what looks like examination tables in the center of the room with surgical lights just above them. It takes me a few minutes before I realize I'm in the morgue.

I laugh at the thought that I ended up in here. When I was younger and just starting to draw, I'd wanted to come down here to draw the people. When I mentioned this to Leeland she thought for sure I'd lost it. I guess most normal kids don't want to study the anatomy of the dead.

Sitting on one of the examination tables I recall Mr. Wayne's words, about giving me a better life. I try to imagine what that would be like, and can only shudder at the thought. I remember the way all the other students in my school behave, how little they care about the simplest of things. I don't want to be like that. In truth, I like where I live. Even with all the crime, murders, and gangs. It's part of me, and I can't let that go.

So, I'll tell Mr. Wayne that I decline his offer. Then I'll find Marcus, try to talk to him. Try to make him understand. After that's all done, I'll worry about art class and the theft I still have to commit on Tuesday night.

Just as I've figured out my life thus far, the doors burst open. Looking up, I can't quite make out the doors from where I am. So I listen instead.

Whoever it is that's entered the room they're breathing heavily, and since I can't hear them moving they must be right by the doors still. They haven't said a word, so I don't think they're looking for me.

Getting off of the table I head towards the door, before reaching it though I call out,

"Hello."

The stranger doesn't reply, but instead it sounds as though their breathing has stopped.

"Listen, I'm not going to call out to anyone. I just want to make sure you're alright." I hope this will get whoever is here to answer.

I can finally see the door, only to find that there's no one there. Confused I call out again,

"Hello!"

"Why helloooooooo!" The voice is right behind me.

Turning around I almost catch a glimpse of the man, only to have dust thrown into my face. I cough and sputter; the dust is in my month and eyes and covers most of my face. I wipe the dust from my face so I can see and come face to face with a man in a scarecrow mask.

"Oh, um, hi." I say stupidly.

He just stands there waiting for something.

"Uh, are you alright? Would you like me to get someone?" I wait for him to answer, but still he doesn't. "Ok, listen, I'm pretty sure you're Scarecrow, and that you should be in your cell. But seeing as I don't really want to be found yet and neither do you. Why don't you help me out, and tell me why you're in here and why you feel the need to throw dust in my face."

"It's not dust." He says.

"It's not?"

"No, it's fear dust."

"But still dust all the same."

"Ok, yah, I guess. But what I don't understand is why you're not screaming or freaking out."

He seems really puzzled by this so I feel I should explain,

"That might have a lot to do with the shots I get every once in while from Dr. Leeland. She's always telling me they're to keep me safe."

"You're a patient?" Scarecrow asks.

"Sort of. But really that's all I should tell you." I pause for a moment then a crazy idea pops into my head. "Hey if I help you with ever it is you're doing could you answer something for me?"

He thinks on this, paces a bit back and forth. Till finally he turns back to me, "You sure you want to do that? I mean helping a felon is never a good thing right?"

I laugh, "I'm going to be a felon soon anyways, what does it matter if I help you or not. What do you need?"

Now it's his turn to laugh, "Alright kid. Think you could create a distraction?"

"Hmmm, perhaps. Oh! I know!" I run out into the hall.

I begin searching the walls till I find the switch I'm looking for. Back when I was still new to the asylum Cash explained all the safety features and protocols in case I ever got into trouble. What I'd just found was the switch for the intercom. As I was turning the switches, Scarecrow came up behind me.

"What do you plan on doing with that? Let them know exactly where we are?"

I smile to him, "Nope I'm going to send them after Harley Quinn."

"What?"

"Just watch this."

Switching the intercom on, and changing my voice a few octaves,

"HELLO MORONS! Wouldn't happen to know where the keys to the back door are would you. Oh never mind! I found them! See ya'll, around! HAHAHA!"

I switch the intercom off, "There now they'll be too busy looking for Quinn, to be looking for you."

Scarecrow looks to me and I think he smiles, but it's hard to tell with his mask on, "Where have you been all my life." He laughs, "Alright kid, ask your question."

I know my face lights up, "Great! I need to know where they keep all the files on the patients."

"Is that all?" He shakes his, "Alright, head up to the third floor. You'll find a door labeled records you'll find everything in there."

"Thanks." I hold out my hand to shake his.

Instead he reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a small bag, "This is some of my fear dust. If you get into any trouble use it. And good luck kid."

I smile, "You know you're pretty awesome for a crook. Thanks, really."

With that the Scarecrow heads off, and I head back to the elevator.

…

Seeing as everyone was still running around looking for 'Harley', I made to the records room without any problems. That is until I got inside. There were mountains of papers everywhere, and enough filing cabinets to categorize most of the city. Not that it looked like any of the cabinets were actually being used.

So instead wasting time groaning about the apparent lack of organization, I started looking for any files on The Joker. Looking thru the nearest pile I began to understand why most of these pages were out. Almost all of them had something to do with one of the many criminals at the asylum. Even more of them were just on The Joker. There must have been thousands of pages about different aliases and histories. Like every time someone new sits down to talk to The Joker he changes something about his story.

Seeing that this was going to take too long, I stuffed as many pages as I could into my sweater and headed for the door. This would defiantly help Marcus for forgive me; at least I hoped it would. Perhaps we might even be able to work out something someone's missed. You never know.

As I'm heading back out I happened to glance at a file, a rather large one on top of a small pile. Looking at the name, I swear my heart stopped. It was a file on my father! I grab it and put it with the other sheets in my sweater, I was not about to leave it behind.

…

The halls of the asylum were still in chaos; from what I could hear they had learnt Harley was still in her cell and it was in fact Scarecrow who had flown the coup. I couldn't help but giggle at how easy it was fool them all. I mean you would think after all the times the inmates here have escaped they would have the best stuff to keep them locked up.

Making my way back to Leeland's office was just as simple as getting to the records room, if not easier because I knew all too well where it was. Inside Leeland had taken up my chair and Mr. Wayne was still seated in hers. They didn't notice my entrance,

So I coughed, "Dr. Leeland."

She turned around so fast I thought she might have cracked her neck, "KIDA! Where have you been!?"

I lower my head and quietly say, "Ugh, I got lost. Then all these people starting running around, you know, after that weird announcement. At that point I figured it'd be best to return to your office."

She lets out a breath she seemed to be holding, "Well you're back and that's all that matters. Are you feeling any better?"

"Ugh, yah. I am. It's just you both caught me by surprise. I've had a though week." I smile for affect to both her and Mr. Wayne. Turning my sight to Wayne, "Um, Mr. Wayne."

He looks straight at me, "Yes, Kida."

I smile walk to him hold out my hand, "I'm sorry, but I have to decline your offer."

"KIDA!" Leeland shouts.

I can hear the surprise in her voice and see it in Mr. Wayne's eyes. I understand now that this offer was the reason for this meeting and no doubt Leeland had told Wayne I would accept. Too bad for her I'm all too happy where I live now. Crime and all.

Wayne takes my hand, "Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

Still smiling I shake his hand, "I'm sure Mr. Wayne. Thank you for the offer, but I'm happy where I am now. I wouldn't change a thing." Looking back to Leeland I say, "I think with all that's going on here I should head home now, wouldn't you say so Dr. Leeland?"

"Yes, Kida. You're right. I'll call Cash." She moves to her desk. Her face in still in shock from my surprise of an answer, and her movements are almost like a robot's.

Mr. Wayne moves toward the door, opens it and gestures for me to follow, "There's no need for that Leeland I'll take her out."

"Bbbbut, Mr. Wayne. I ddddon't want to ttttrouble you. "Leeland stammers.

"It's no trouble at all. Kida, you coming." Mr. Wayne's voice could almost be described as playful.

I head out the door, "I'm ready, think you can keep up."

He laughs.

We head up the elevator and he starts talking about some charity he has to go to later that day. At first I'm not sure why he's telling me this, when I realize he's just trying to keep any awkward silent from filling the small space. When we reach the ground floor I could almost swear I see him sigh out of relief. I guess he's not used to having someone turn him down, especially a teenager.

"Mr. Wayne." I've just interrupted his story of a bike accident his ward had last week, but I really want to ask something before we go on our separate ways.

"Uh, yes Kida."

"Why did you come here?"

He smiles, "Dr. Leeland in invited me here to meet you and asked if I'd be willing to offer any support."

I roll my eyes, "Yah, I got that part. I want to know why 'you' came. After all you weren't about to adopt me."

His smile fades a bit, "You're right. I think I came because, well because….."

"Because it's not every day you hear about a facility like this one having a teenage ward."

"Yah."

"You know Mr. Wayne. Even with everything that's changing in my life right now, I'm sure I wouldn't want anything to change. So don't worry about me, alright."

With that I left Mr. Wayne behind and headed out. I was feeling much better now that I'd thought through some stuff. Not only might I have solved the problem I was having with Marcus, I'd been responsible in the meeting with Wayne. And I had now officially committed my first crime stealing files from the asylum, but I think my meeting Scarecrow finally helped me see that I'd known all along what I was going to do for that art assignment.

All in all, today was a good day.