The Riddler's Daughter

Walk of Fear

~Emily POV~

An argument was what woke me up from my deep sleep. At first I tried to ignore it, even force myself back to sleep but my prying ears couldn't help but listen in. Two angry voices yell at each other in a heated discussion.

"You let yourself be distracted!"

"Sorry I'm not on my phone 24/7 bending to your command." I hug the sheets tightly to my chest, rolling aside to try and fall back asleep. In my tired state I did not realize who was speaking. These people sounded nearby but I knew that couldn't be the case, I was still dreaming.

"You are supposed to be responsible! Half the town was destroyed last night and I couldn't even get a hold of you. Then I find you here, with some girl."

"Emily. Her names Emily! Dammit Bruce I know you don't trust her but she's not some social climber."

I smile in my dream, so Jason was in it, defending me. Reality hit me hard, when a question fell into my mind. When did I get home last night? My heart started to pound deep in my chest as I took a moment to consider this. Slowly, my emerald eyes open to see that in the hallway Bruce Wayne arguing with a Jason who was in nothing more then his boxers. Immediately, I shut my eyes, this was just a dream...a crazy dream. Once again I open them but this time I caught Jason's gaze as he was about to say something else to Bruce.. My face flushed bright red. "Umm..." Flustered, I didn't know what to say. Continuing my gaze I saw a pile of my clothing across the room. Could my face get any redder? Bruce turned his head to see what had caught Jason's gazed. I am pretty sure my face was about as Red as Harley's jester suit. I couldn't look back up at Jason. How would I move across the room without making a bigger fool of myself.

"I'll let you two talk." Bruce said shooting Jason another one of his disapproving glares but this time he was not even hiding how furious he was. Jason shook it off but I for one could swear my face was redder than it's ever been.

"No-no it's okay..." I grabbed a sweatshirt and shorts that I noticed had been placed out for me at the end of the bed. I bet Alfred had something to do with it, how much was I beginning to like the old man. I quickly slip it on, underneath the sheets without showing much. Jason tried to protest as I hurried out of the room. Alfred greeted me in the kitchen. A feast was laid out on the breakfast bar as the butler made these wonderfully smelling waffles and crepes. Bruce must have held Jason up for a few seconds for I found myself alone. Inside I was panicking, I knew to some degree-or at least remembered enough of what happened last night to understand what had gone on between me and Jason. My thoughts were interrupted as the TV news started to buzz loudly above me. I look up to see the red breaking news line running across the bottom of the screen as it transitioned into some footage. It was not a shock that a lot of crime went on last night. As I said before, crime was always high on a night of a Wayne Event. A lot of destruction showed itself on the television. Buildings one after another caved in on each other or burned down to nothing but ash. Children injured, dead, crying. Parents building memorials.
POLICE AUTHORITIES STILL CLEANING UP FROM THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY. The crime of a century? I missed what?! My focused shifts completely to the news, missing my mouth completely so the waffle landed on my lap. The number of deaths was unbelievable, leading to a sick looking Vicki Vale as she stood on top of the scene. It was so bloody, bodies of children and adults caked in the background. "Emily.. Emily!" Jason's voice becomes distinct as I zone him out. He shook me but I was too far gone to even understand what Jason was saying. He must have thought I was traumatized.

"Half our beloved city is in ruins..." Vicki Vale looked choked up as she watched the medical crew scanning the wreckage."-all because of the notorious Riddler." My face went from red to pale really fast. I couldn't even hear her giving the details of the crime.

Everything slowed down, darkening around me. The fork fell from my hands yet my focus remained on the reporter. Jason seemed to be speaking but I could not hear. "If you know any family members in this area, please call them. The number of known deaths in this area is going up and rapidly as my damage is moved."

The news- my father had done it. His master plan. Shit, he needed my help and I wasn't there. I screwed up big, why had I let myself become distracted by Jason. He could have been caught, my dad could have been hurt. My father was going to kill me. He was probably waiting at my house now. My hands trembled, "EMILY!" Jason screamed, finally able to grab my attention as I notice him. I must have been zoned out because Alfred and Bruce were all giving me a strange look. Bruce almost looked concern for me, in place of his early frustration. Jason was the first to openly note the fear in my eyes. I must have not been hiding it well."Emily what's wrong?"

"My dad...m-my dad he was-" I wasn't acting as I tried to speak. How could I explain this? My thoughts were scrambled as I failed at thinking clearly. Never have I been in such a panic in all my life. The next thing I know is my butt hitting the ground of the kitchen floor. I had fallen out of the chair in my attempts to get to the door. Jason helped me up, not knowing how to handle my panic. "My dad..I've got to go home..." I insist. Not wanting to waste time answering their questions or even worse them trying to help me find my dad. I race for the door.

"Miss Nashton?" My head turns around as I'm half way out the door. It was Alfred, standing with my satchel still in his hand. "You left your bag."

"Oh yeah, thanks." I ran, grabbing my purse in one hand while sprinting as fast as I could home.

I was so dead, so fucking dead.