Here is the next chapter! The plot from the movie will be starting back up next.

Kayla stared in awe and annoyance at the man in the cape. She was touched he'd step up for an unknown girl like her, but she could take care of herself. She ignored the throbbing in her stomach, now was not the time for pain, she'd have to fight somebody. Calculating blue eyes shifted from one man to the other. She knew what she had to do; of course, her plans seemed to fall through a lot lately.

"Batman? You're saving me?" Kayla looked into those dark eyes, trying to see what he saw.

"Get somewhere safe," Batman growled, his words deep and dangerous.

"I-I can help," Kayla turned to the clown, a smirk on her face, "I owe him one."

Laughter erupted from the clown, "an eye for an eye, eh? Sneaky little girl."

Kayla circled to his other side, putting Joker between herself and Batman. She'd fight with the caped crusader this time, if only to keep up her charade for a little longer, at least until she got to hit the mob where it hurt.

"Get somewhere safe," Batman seemed almost desperate for her to leave, but she could help so she ignored him.

Joker was distracted by the Bat, just enough for her to creep behind him and aim a kick to the back of his knee. He dropped, kneeling with hands already pushing him back up.

"Ah, yes, that's the kind of down and dirty I wanted," Joker went to punch her but was spun around by Batman.

The two seemed to go at it for a moment, exchanging blows and becoming more frenzied. Kayla watched in awe, both had such different fighting styles. Batman was precise, powerful, and practiced while Joker was far crueler; he seemed to get hit more but the blows seemed to only fuel him. They were steeping in the fight, taking energy from each other. It was wonderful to watch if it wasn't so dangerous, if it didn't stop soon the cops would come to the little deserted park and catch them, and she needed Joker for later. She knew what she had to do; she remembered how both acted when someone was in danger; Joker killing the men in the alley for herself and Batman jumping out of a building for a girl.

She took a deep breath, and after steeling herself, jumped into the fray.

Batman was shocked to say the least, when Kayla appeared out of nowhere, shielding him from one of Joker's hits. He watched as what he almost considered his ward fall to the ground, unconscious from the hit to the head. He almost forgot she was there, forgot why he had rushed to the park, why he started the fight with the madman. He punched the Joker, who was staring at the girl in shock and amusement. After sending the Joker to the ground, he carefully picked up the girl, her forehead cut and bruised. He felt guilty for not watching her closer, so he vowed then and there that she would be safe as long as he could help it. He added her to the list he would always save.

Joker was still sitting on the ground, cackling. Batman was a bit confused when he did not follow them, but his main concern was the girl who took the blow to her head. He left her in the care of a nurse who was on her smoke break, dashing away to become Bruce again. He gave the doctors his number when he took the girl from the hospital before. It was only a matter of time before they got in touch with him, he was glad he was there when Joker attacked her.

He was right; the call came not fifteen minutes after he left her. Rushing to the hospital with Alfred, he did his best to act unawares. Her condition was the same as when he last saw her, she was just knocked out, no permanent damage.

Kayla looked different when she slept, her lashes covered her eyes making her look more peaceful. Bruce gently pushed back the halo of hair around her face, half listening to Alfred curse the Joker. This girl was going to fight for him, he was always the one to rescue others but here this woman was, protecting him. Her eyes opened when he tucked her hair behind her ear. She gave a brilliant smile, pushing herself into a seated position.

"Bruce? Where are we?"

"The hospital, they called me when Batman brought you here," he sat in the chair by her bed, "how are you feeling?"

Kayla blinked, remembering bits and pieces of the night, "I'm fine, a little tired and sore but good."

She was surprised Bruce was rescuing her again; he should have better things to do than help some unknown like her. She was grateful but annoyed that someone had her back. She was freed from people trying to protect her when her mother died, she didn't need to be drawn into another one of those relationships.

"Good, you're lucky that's all the Joker did," Bruce became stern as he regarded the girl, "you weren't ready to go out, your stitches just barely stayed in and my lessons have just begun."

"You mean you still want to teach me?" Kayla was more than shocked he'd still try and help her after she subtly pushed him away, maybe she should push harder. She'd wait after a few more of his lessons, but she'd get out from under his grasp somehow.

"This little… adventure of yours only proves I need to be harder on you," Bruce began to pace, "tomorrow we'll start again."

"But I'm still recovering," Kayla looked indignant, she got a sudden militant vibe from the pacing man.

"You were fine enough to get in a fight with Joker then you are healthy enough to spar with me. You think any enemy you run across would let up because you're bleeding or have a concussion?"

"No," her voice was small, how Bruce went from gentle and caring to a hard ass was beyond her. She liked it, it showed he was more than some pushover pretty boy, he actually cared and was willing to fight.

"No, they wont," he agreed, "so you have to learn how to fight through it and to guard yourself better."

Kayla nodded mutely, so Bruce was satisfied. He sighed as the fire left him, collapsing on the end of her bed and running his hand over his face.

"We should go back," Kayla said, he looked so exhausted then, she just wanted to help him, "you need some rest."

It took even less time to convince the doctor to let her go, which she was grateful for. It was smooth sailing until they got outside. Paparazzi were surrounding the duo, snapping pictures and calling out.

"Who is that mystery woman?" and "So has the infamous playboy finally settled?" and some even more lewd or cruel were called out. Kayla glared heatedly at the cameras until she felt Bruce put a hand on her shoulder and guided her quickly to his car.

She let out a shaky laugh when they finally collapsed in the back seat, "they really are like vultures."

Bruce chuckled as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his cuffs, "yes, I'm sorry about all of that. I hope you're still okay with coming back with me even with all those… vultures circling."

Kayla nodded, "you know I would be fine at my own place if I'm causing too much trouble."

"I need to make sure you're safe. I put you in this position so now I will make sure you get out of it alright."

Kayla smiled a bitter smile as she watched Gotham fly by her window, if only he knew.

Hope you all like it! Next up a lil sparing match and more from the movies!