Sorry for the delay. I've been working on my Hobbit fanfic sequel and my cosplay group's tumblr. Here is the next chapter, I hope you enjoy it!

Kayla noticed the change in Bruce; he became tenser after the attack. The next night Joker got busy and killed two men, decking out their faces in that war paint he chose to wear. Before Bruce left to 'run some errands,' he gave her a list of excruciating workouts to complete before he got back. He seemed determined to make her stronger and Kayla readily agreed. She was willing to do anything to become stronger, her deceptive looks and brains could only get her so far.

She poured some water over her head, her ponytail sticking to her neck even more but at least she was a little cooled off. She faced her punching bag, eyes narrowed and determined as she circled it for a moment, trying to pretend it was an actual person instead of a stationary piece of work out equipment. With a grunt she began her onslaught. Punches, kicks, and a few elbow shots and head butts for good measure thrown. This was possibly the most strain she ever felt, and it was invigorating. It felt good to spend yourself and then push further. It felt empowering to feel her stitches strain to keep her together.

The day before, Bruce had her up early, making her do easier tasks to loosen her up and get her ready for the harder push. He told her he saw himself in her; saw what made him want to become stronger. Kayla was happy for that, she didn't like being treated like a child. Therefore, she pushed back harder than even Bruce expected her to, now on the treadmill to try to build her stamina. The news was on, covering the parade that day, it looked boring, all those men dressed up in their uniforms while the mayor paraded around, giving his empty speeches. She glanced up at the first sound of a shot; it seemed the officers were doing a salute. She watched as the camera panned around and second shots fired, everyone was very serious looking. Her eyes fell on a smile, not a real smile. No, this one was carved in, a smile that didn't belong. Kayla stopped the treadmill, approaching the tv to see what would happen. Her eyes widened as the third shot was called; a police officer by the mayor had jumped in front of him to take the bullet.

Chaos ensued. Kayla watched as the coverage switched to the people back at the station. She broke out of her stupor, finding herself only a foot away from the tv. Alfred rushed into the room to find her wide eyed staring unseeing at the television.

"Kayla, are you alright?" his question broke her fog.

"Alfred, he's making another move," she looked down at her hands that were bandaged up for the workout, "Joker, he tried to kill the mayor but failed. What is he going to do now?"

"I'm afraid I don't know," Alfred led her away from the tv, a bit chilled by her eyes.

"I need to go to my house," she looked up for a moment, face fierce, "I need to get something before all my eggs break."

"Your eggs, miss?"

"I'm afraid I put them all into one basket," she frowned, "it was stupid of me, I shouldn't have trusted the investment. I need to do this."

Alfred was confused, "Miss Layne, I can't let you leave now."

Kayla sighed then, "Alfred, I can handle myself. If you don't want me to get hurt you'll let me go."

Alfred looked torn for a moment, but Kayla knew he'd let her go. When he visibly slumped, she grinned.

"Please be careful," Alfred begged, "Bruce and I care about you."

Kayla gave a little salute, "no worries. Think of it as a workout. Don't tell Bruce that I left, I need a head start in case he wants to try and bring me back."

Alfred nodded silently, surprised when she gave him a little hug before running out the room.

Kayla frowned as she hailed a taxi, that man was an idiot. How could he put his life on the line when he promised to help her? He'd get an earful when she got to him. She was let out several blocks away, and took off towards the warehouse, in the roundabout way. It wasn't long before she finally made it, and burst through the doors. She came face to face with several men of his men.

"What're you doing here girl?" one asked as he approached her, intent to kill in his every step.

"Steve, stop," another stepped in front of him, "can't you tell? That's the Joker's gal."

Kayla tensed further, "where is he?" She was led by the one who called her 'Joker's gal.' She was ready for a fight.

They came to a door, the man looked nervous for a moment, before knocking.

"Yes?" the voice was demented and ground out.

"B-boss? Your girl is here to see ya," the goon looked to Kayla for support.

"Send that whore away, I don't want to see her," Joker sounded annoyed, but Kayla felt more pissed than he could ever.

With a little smile to the man who led her, she turned to the door and opened it, ignoring the man's gasp as he retreated.

"I said leave," Joker's voice came from what looked like a bathroom. Fuck no, she was getting what she worked for, he owed her.

"You said a lot of things, I don't know which to believe anymore," her voice came out icy as she walked to the lighted room.

"Ah, so it's the little Spitfire," Joker smirked when he saw that fire and ice reflected in the mirror, "get bored of little Brucey?"

Kayla growled as she lunged at him, hands around his neck as she held him against the wall, "what were you thinking? You said I'd get more names, but here you are fucking me over by putting yourself in danger. I didn't do all the shit you asked just for you to throw everything back in my face."

Joker liked the fire in those cold eyes, he liked the danger she somehow exuded. The little fire cracker made him feel alive, "aw, were you worried about me?"

Kayla faltered at his teasing, he wasn't taking her seriously. Her frown deepened as she regarded the man. He had managed to makeup his eyes before she barged in, his hat and uniform jacket were shed as well, "I only care about helping people, and you're becoming more hassle than you're worth."

Joker smirked, the girl was checking him out! She may be able to deceive herself, but he knew better. He was the fucking Joker after all, he prided himself in knowing what people would do ahead of time. Yes, it was only a matter of time before it was her who was eating out of his palm, "I thought I told you, I'm an agent of chaos, you shouldn't have thought you were special."

Kayla was so shocked, she slacked her grip, giving Joker room to maneuver out of her grasp with ease, not like he couldn't overpower her if he wanted.

"I thought we had an agreement," Kayla turned from him, walking back into the bedroom, intent on making an exit, hoping she'd beat Bruce back before he searched her apartment to find her missing, "fine, have it your way, consider the connection severed. Get your sorry ass killed for all I care."

She didn't even make it to the door before a rough hand grabbed her from behind, halting her, "we'll need your help again."

Kayla shivered at the closeness of the man, he was right behind her that if she moved a fraction she'd be touching him. So with a wicked smile he couldn't see she shifted slightly so they were flush against each other, she could feel his heart beat against her back, "if you need me, you better be willing to pay. You know what I want, you help me snag their heads then I'll be in your debt, but don't come crawling to me if you get yourself in trouble."

Joker cackled, this girl was ballsy, "how would I get a message to you with Wayne watching over you?"

Kayla spun around, "I'm sure you'll think of something. Me being near people never stopped you before."

The two looked into each other's eyes, before Kayla finally turned, making her way to somewhere safe to hail a cab. She'd pretend to play his game, she knew not to get on his bad side, else she'd end up like all the others who crossed him.

Joker watched her leave, this woman was too fun, she knew how to play without stepping off the ledge. He wondered if everything would catch up to her in the end.

End! Hope you liked it. This is getting close to the home stretch (I will extend the story a little).