Dashing out of the shop, I ran down the street, looking back to make sure that Barbra wasn't following me. It was stupid for me to stay, I should've just left after she'd introduced herself. Anther nagging thought was: Why had I lied about who I was?

I very well could've told her who I really was and she would've immediately brought me to the G.C.P.D. . I'd already closed that door I guess by not going to the G.C.P.D. first thing. I knew that Bruce wouldn't understand any of my actions, heck, I didn't even understand them. I just acted on instinct, something that I was doing a lot more than usual.

My mind wandered towards to story that Barbra had told me. It seemed plausible, but why hadn't I heard anything about the event? If it was as big as Barbra had made it out to be, certainly I would've at least heard about it in passing? Then again... considering how sheltered my life actually was, it kind of made sense. Should I try looking into it more? It was partly, no, it was about me. I deserved to know didn't I? Especially if it was something about my past.

My best bet of finding anything about it was to go to the Gotham Public Library but I had no clue where it was. I could try asking someone, but hadn't I already been careless enough with Barbra? It was one thing for someone who could talk to ask a random passerby where the library was; they'd think nothing of it. But to have someone like me ask? It'd stuck in their minds and then they'd talk about it to others. It was far to Risky on my part.

Pulling myself out of my thoughts, I realized that I had no clue as to where I was. I'd run out of the coffee shop and had chosen a random direction. I was hopelessly lost; that was just great. Taking in my surroundings I noticed that I was in a seedier area of Gotham, most certainly not a good place for me to be...

I attempted to retrace my steps, but I hadn't payed attention to how I'd gotten to where I currently was. Turning left at the next corner, I attempted to make my way back to Downtown. I knew that it was most likely west of where I was right now, but I wasn't sure. Gazing up at the sky to look at the position of the sun, I was surprised to see how late it was. I'd been out for at least four hours.

Worry shot though me and I became more determined to get my bearings. Barbara was right, being out on the streets of Gotham at night was not something that I'd want to do. Scanning the street, I noted uneasily that I was the only person save for three brutish men roughly 20 feet behind me.

My heart sped up and I gradually increased my pace until I turned a sharp corner into an alley. Well, that wasn't the smartest thing to do. I only had to hope it wasn't a dead end. I made it halfway down the alley when three men appeared at its head. Crap, I really needed to-

"Well well well," one of the brutes drawled. He had an accent that I'd heard before but couldn't place. "The boss is gonna be happy with us."

"Only if we get her first," one of his companions pointed out.

"Then what are we standing around for?" the third asked. "Let's get this job done already. The boss'll reward us handsomely!"

Shit, shit, shit! Abandoning all reason, I ran down the alley only to find that it indeed was a dead end. Turning around and backing up against the wall, I watched as the men stalked towards me. My fingers dug into the rough bricks as I pondered what I could do. I could try to fight my way out but the alley was to narrow. The brick walls were just smooth enough that I wouldn't be able to climb them. I was essentially cornered. I could try a full frontal charge, it might throw them off, but then what? I was no match for the three of them, I doubted that I could even go against one.

Steadying my breathing I mentally ran through Bruce and Richards training. Keeping the most important facts of fighting a bigger opponent in mind, I took up a fighting stance. The three men halted a few feet away from me and the leader sneered.

"Look at this lads," he spat, "she thinks that she stands a chance against us."

"Give her a good one then," the second brute said with a grin.

Their leader chucked before he let his fist fly. I barely had enough time to dodge the punch. He missed my face, thankfully, but he still managed to hit my shoulder. Wincing at the pain, I ducked and aimed for his stomach. The man caught my arm in a vise grip and yanked me forward.

"You know what boys," he said studying my face. "Boss said to bring her to him in one piece, but nothing about not roughing her a bit first."

He released his grip before shoving me backwards. Stumbling backwards, I lost my balance and ended up falling on my butt. All three of the men roared in laughter. I didn't attempt to get up, I knew that if I did I'd only get pushed down again. I had enough experience with bullies to understand that.

"Looks like she's done fighting," the guy that pushed me said. "What a bummer, cause I'm not done with her yet."

He raised his hand to hit me and I closed my eyes flinching slightly, waiting for the blow. When it didn't come, I cracked an eye open before I widened both I surprise. The man hadn't hit me because someone had caught his arm and prevented him from doing so.

"Riddle me this," Riddler said from behind the man, his eyes glittering with malice. "What do you think you're doing?"

The other two guys backed off in alarm. They clearly weren't expecting something like this. They glanced at their leader who had a look of rage on his face, "This has nothing to do with you!"

"I beg to differ," Riddler said with a smirk. He was in his typical get up of a green suit, tie and hat. I was grateful that he was here, if not a bit surprised. How'd he known I was even here in the first place?

"You see," he continued. "Like most of the other Rouges, I don't like it when others try to take what is mine."

Wait... What!? My gratefulness gave way to irritation.

"I suggest you leave before I make you."

"As if!" the man sneered.

Before I could blink, Riddler had twisted the man's arm behind his back and slammed his face into the brick wall next to me.

"I'd ask you to reconsider," he said with deathly calm. The man grunted and struggled to no avail; Riddler had him in a death grip.

"This is why I don't like people like you." Annoyance crept into Riddlers voice as he grabbed the man by his hair and smashed his head into the wall. "Your. Always. So. Persistent." With each word he slammed the man's head into the wall a bit harder each time. I winced with each sickening hit.

Riddler sighed as he stepped back and let the man slump unconscious to the ground, his face covered in blood.

"And the rest of you," he said harshly turning to the others who backed up nervously. "As spineless as eels."

He took care of them efficiency. Brutally. Not even batting an eye while he did it. I curled up tightly and watched him, not being able to look away. This was the type of creature that Gotham believed the Rouges to be; heartless murderers who did these types of things because they liked to.

Riddler turned to me as the last man collapsed holding his now broken arm.

"Let's get you out of here." He sounded tried as he held out a hand for me to take. After a moment of hesitation, I took it and he pulled me up.

"Sorry you had to witness that," his face tightened. "I don't particularly like it, but it was necessary."

He guided me out of the alley and down the road a bit to a back car parked on the corner. I numbly slid into the passenger seat and Riddler shut the door before getting in himself and starting the engine.

"I'm sorry." He said again, focusing on the road.

Why apologize? I signed, my hands shaking slightly. It wasn't your fault. I was surprised by his sudden change in attitude.

"It kinda was," he said, taking his glasses off and rubbing his eyes. "It was your last test after all."

Last... Test? I frowned.

"Yeah." He replaced his glasses. "Didn't you wonder how easy it was for you to get out?"

Well, yes but-

"This last one was really risky for us because we weren't sure what you'd do. Would you go and turn yourself into the police and tell them where we were keeping you? We didn't know. You had us worried for a second when you were across the street from the G.C.P.D."

How'd you know that I was there? I signed, slightly confused about everything.

"I have cameras set up all over that block." Riddler waved a hand. "You running into Barbra wasn't something that any of us anticipated. Tell me, what did you think of the commissioners daughter?"

She talks to much.

Riddler nodded in agreement, "I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, but from what I've heard, you're right."

I gazed out the window of the car and thought about what Barbra had told me. She'd said that Riddler and the others had fought over me? Why? And would they ever tell me why they kidnapped me? They'd probably tell me when it was convenient for them.

Was it part of your plan for me to get caught up in that alley? I asked.

A flash of anger crossed Riddlers face, "No, it wasn't. We thought you'd be able to make it back on your own. Bruce never let you out much did he?"

No, he didn't.

"Pathetic," Riddler scowled.

Hey! He was just being protective of me. A little too protective. Even if I don't know my way around Gotham, I have plenty of street smarts.

Riddler grunted before turning right down a narrow city street.

Who were those guys anyways?

"They're apart of the Italian mob," Riddler replied. "I don't know why they'd want you unless..." He trailed off.

Unless what?

Riddler hesitated before answering. "You're a new piece on an ancient chessboard. A new player in a game that's been going on for years. Naturally you've attracted some attention. People will wonder who's side you're on, and particular people such as those that attacked you will wonder how much you're worth."

I'm on nobody's side but my own. And what do you mean by how much I'm worth?

"It's always been about money for the mob," Riddler said. "That among other things. My guess is that they would've tried to get ransom money from Bruce by holding you hostage."

I shivered. Bruce would buy into the ransom, it wouldn't matter how much money it was, he'd pay it just to get me back. I should be flattered by that fact but it honestly was just another pair of shackles.

"Unless of course..." Riddler muttered, "it's that issue." He frowned. "My answer is only two words. To keep me, you must give me."

I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. What issue?

"Nothing to worry about," Riddler said. I could tell by his expression that it was something to worry about, but he clearly wasn't going to tell me.

Before I could try to get him to answer, we arrived at the warehouse. Riddler guided the car into a smaller nearby building and killed the engine, but made no move to get out.

"Can I ask something of you?" He glanced at me.

Why?

"You owe me for saving you."

I could've taken them.

"Sure you could've." Riddler rolled his eyes. "It's not something major."

Fine.

"Call Jon and I by our names."

What? I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting that kind of request. I thought he'd ask me not to go out without telling him or something. Why?

"The names the general public calls us are more like alias. Besides," he smirked. "You already refer to Selina by her actual name."

Yeah, but Selina is Selina, I signed. And you're... well you.

"I'm wounded." Riddler said sarcastically. "This isn't a question." He said getting serious again. "You owe me so..."

Alright then! I signed, exasperated.

Rid- Edward nodded in satisfaction and got out of the car, "Shall we go in then?"