PLEASE READ THIS AN. IMPORTANT INFO:

Extended Summary: Allison James is a normal girl, she really is. Well, except for the fact that she comes from a multi-million-dollar negligent family, lives in a city where the criminals almost outweigh the civilians, and is extremely close friends to a family with insomniac and paranoia issues along with a major bat-fetish. Oh, and she also wants to become a detective. / What happens when an ordinary Gothamite discovers the most well-kept secrets in the world? If you ask her, sitting on the sidelines is not an option. But what happens if she never meant to be ordinary at all? Not one of those cliche stories.

Hey guys! So I have another story here and this is actually very different than the rest. For one, I get extremely excited just writing/planning for this story and I am even more excited for what is to come.

I have the majority of this story planned (so it WILL be finished, I can guarantee that) but there are empty chapters that need some ideas. I have a strict outline for up to Chapter 7 and then I have a basic outline for the last 2-3 chapters. The rest is open.

This story will be around 20-25 chapters long and it could have room for a sequel, but like that is too far into the future to seriously talk about. Me making a sequel honestly depends on how popular this story gets. It sounds dumb, but like if not a lot of people like this story, I'll end it after this. But if more people want more, there is definitely room for a sequel.

Also this story will begin as a gen fic and will end as a gen fic. However, I do plan to have some romance in this story eventually, but it will probably only be a fling and end at some point.

Another also, this chapter is SUPER long but I wanted the first chapter to properly introduce my OC. At the end, I'll talk a little more about her. But not every chapter will be long. Some will be sort and some will be long, it just depends on what the plot of the chapter will be.

Sorry for the long AN, but I felt like y'all needed to know some of this before reading. This story is one of the only things that I've written that I am really passionate about. If you knew me a few years ago, my writing style wasn't amazing, but that's kinda because I wasn't that into what I was writing. Now is totally different. Allison (my OC) is amazing and I am too hyped up to write about her and share her with y'all.

I don't own DC. Nor do I own YJ. I own Allison and what goes on in her little world, but that's it.

Chapter 1

Allison James never knew the true concept of the word 'family.' Sure her parents are famous in the disgusting but somehow charming city of Gotham, and sure she has all the money she could ever need, but the feeling of family is something foreign to her. All of her socialite friends are faker than the smiles at Gotham galas. She couldn't even approach any of those scholarship kids at Gotham Academy because while they seem extremely kind, they are even more judgmental of the rich kids. Then there are her parents. They are the only family she has, but they simply don't… care.

Allison never took any acting lessons but she is talented enough to know how to lie about certain things: like the feeling of having no authentic family, for example. Then again, what wealthy Gothamite gets to experience the ideal of a true family? Scratch that, what Gothamite gets to have that luxury?

Not very many, that's for sure. She calls them the 'lucky ones.' In Allison's world, the lucky ones are hard to come by. It's not that they're nonexistent. It's just that Allison never gets to see them. But when she does get to interact with one, their life gives her hope of a better world. Impossible, but better.

To be honest, she shouldn't be having any kind of these miserable and lonely emotions at all. For one, many people have it much worse than her. After all, she is the Allison James, daughter to the wealthy Terrence and Juliet James. She has all the money in the world. She has beauty and a spectacular mind. She has everything and can get everything else. (Except for athletic abilities. The only thing she is good at is gymnastics, but even then she sorta sucks.)

Allison is the poster child of a happy life and a happy family. Yet she can't help but feel like that title is simply a walking lie.

But she can live with lies. Allison is 99% sure she is a pathological liar anyways.

Allison is seven years old and on her way onto third grade when she first hears it from Gotham Night News. They deliver more of breakup gossip or the 'confirmed' identity of the Batman than real news, but her mother is obsessed with the channel. Therefore, Allison is always forced to watch it.

She tries her best to pay attention, she really does, but it's just so hard and boring! Listening about industry war and the new spicy breakup could be interesting, but she is just seven-years-old.

She was playing on her DS when she realized tonight's show wasn't like any other.

For the first time in a while, her father joined them on the couch and started to listen intently. Her mother had her mouth dropped on the floor with her eyes fixed on the screen. Allison's eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she brought her attention to the current Headline.

BREAKING NEWS: ORPHAN WAS JUST ADOPTED BY BRUCE WAYNE. WAS BRUCE WAYNE REMINDED OF HIMSELF AS A CHILD OR DOES HE SEE THIS AS A NEW PUBLICITY STUNT?

Allison's father scoffs in disbelief, "Can you believe this, Juliet? The idiotic boy has done it again. I swear he finds himself on more headlines than the Batman, and all for the wrong reasons. When will he ever learn that his reputation is simply stained enough?" The question was clearly rhetorical, but her mother decided to join in on the gossip.

"Well you know Bruce, he can never be satisfied. Honestly, it is simply disgraceful that he is using a child in this way. And look! A gypsy from the circus! He dares to bring that child into our society?" She means the wealthy families, not Gotham. The James' parents had always viewed themselves on a superior scale than everyone else.

While her parents continued to bicker about Wayne and his new ward, Allison found herself ignoring their arguments for what seemed like the millionth time and focused on the news (for once). The new ward was just two years older than her and witnessed his whole family die. As disconnected as she felt from her parents, she would be horrified to hear of their death. But if she witnessed them die… Well, she's glad her ordinary life won't give her the chance.

Allison has met Mr. Wayne before. Her mother and father act as if they admire him but they told her behind closed doors about the importance of lying to people. When she countered by saying lying is bad, they said losing stocks is worse. Her mother then explained certain lying, like saying you like a person in front of them but gossiping about them behind their back, is perfectly fine. However, Allison doesn't think she needs to lie to Mr. Wayne. He was kind to her and her parents. But what if he was lying to her?

Allison is a sweet child and wouldn't dare say something overly rude about an adult, but Mr. Wayne does not seem like the person to lie. Allison doesn't really believe he has the true capabilities for it. Simply put, he doesn't seem smart enough to create and stick with a lie.

The news continued to talk about Mr. Wayne's childhood and how he also saw his parents die. The little fact struck Allison with a thought that she shared with her parents.

"What if Mr. Wayne knew what Richa- I mean the orphan was going through? He might have wanted to syth-syn-synthapise-"

"Sympathize, darling. Honestly, you are entering third grade. You cannot struggle over easy words like this." Her mother corrected her. Allison looked down in frustration. She may be the youngest kid in her grade by more than a couple years, but her parents want her to 'succeed' more than she already does. Failure is not a word they want her to associate with.

"Right, sorry. That word with him." Her rebellious teenage phase was somehow coming sooner than later. Allison didn't mind, she was always mature for her age. It also was really fun at times. At least for her; not so much fun for her parents.

Her mother glared at her avoidance of the word but said nothing against it. "Allison, you must learn something about Bruce Wayne. The poor boy -"

"–is a horrible, incompetent fool who has no idea how to run a company!" Her father fiercely interrupted, his beat red face growing redder with every word he grunted out.

Her mother chastised him for interrupting her. He hissed at her not to tell him what to do. She yelled at him to not take that tone with her and it all went downhill from there.

Allison simply observed her mother and father, sighed, and returned to her room for yet another lonely night. She walked to the window of her overly large room. Her family owned a sizeable estate out in the country. Because of that, Allison can almost always see the clear night sky. She taught herself long ago the different constellations. Acting like giant guards, massive trees surrounded her house. If she strained her eyes enough, she could almost make out the Wayne Manor where Mr. Wayne and his new ward should be at.

She wondered how the boy was doing. After all, it's not every day someone's life completely turns 180. Speaking of turning 180, Allison may or may not have forgotten to do her math homework. Give her a break, third-grade math is hard!

It's been nearly a year and a half till Allison took the time to think about Bruce Wayne and his ward, Richard Grayson. Allison may see them sometimes at the socialite events, but it's not like she ever talked to the kid. Then again, an opportunity never presented itself. Mr. Wayne's ward usually hangs out with Mr. Wayne, the Police Captain's daughter, or with that other rich kid from Star City. (Allison never really talked to him either, but she thinks his name is Ray or something.) They are also in different grades, but this is the first year the two of them are in the same school building: Bristol Elementary School.

In addition to all of that, her parents have been steering away from the parties Mr. Wayne hosts for some odd reason. Allison doesn't know why and she's not sure if she ever wants to know. No doubt it's some dramatic and high-class issue that will simply go over her head.

Because she never spoke a word to Richard Grayson in the past year and a half he's been in Gotham, Allison is a little unprepared for when she does meet him. To be honest, it's an interaction that she isn't going to forget or regret anytime soon.

"Hey, aren't you that James kid? Annalise or whatever?"

Allison jumped with a small scream and looked behind her to see the culprit. She scowled (can you blame her, the one thing she hates more than being scared is people getting her name wrong) and said in reply, "Allison. And aren't you that Wayne kid? Rickie or whatever?" She may or may not have gotten his name wrong on purpose just for the sweet pleasure of revenge.

And it was worth it. Richard Grayson scowled in return at the sinful nickname. "Richard, Richard Grayson. But call me Dick!" Almost immediately after he said that his playful grin was back. He shoved a hand forward for Allison to shake. She stared at it, unsure if she should shake it. But all of her etiquette classes took a hold of her and forced her to be polite and shake the gosh-darn hand. So she did with a hesitant smile. Dick's large grin somehow grew and Allison's hesitant smile began to slowly grow in return. His bright blue eyes twinkled in mischief as he opened his mouth again.

"So I have this question?"

Allison blinked back, very unprepared for the turn in conversation. She cautiously nodded her head for him to continue.

"Alright, so you know the two words 'like' and 'dislike,' right? Since there's a 'disaster,' shouldn't there be an 'aster'? Like instead of things going horribly wrong-"

"-they go right."

"Right! Also, the 'I' before 'E' except after 'C' rule is so stupid!"

"Did you know only 44 words follow that rule and 923 break it?"

"My point exactly! If fancy, smart people can make rules that disobey already existing rules in English, why can't we all do it?"

"Because then there would be a language anarchy. The fancy, smart people need to have some resemblance of control or anyone can make a language."

"But anyone can make a language!"

"Precisely! If you were one of the fancy, smart people, would you rather be the one that made the language rules or have some random and not-so-fancy or smart person make the rules?"

Dick thought for a moment. "Yeah, you're right. Hey, aren't we fancy and smart."

Allison paused. A huge smirk appeared on her face. "You are quite right, my friend. I feel like that makes us inclined to create some of the rules, don't you think?"

Dick's smirk matched her own. "Oh, I couldn't agree more."

From there on out, she and Dick continued to butcher the English language, and in the process, formed a friendship Allison had a feeling she would never regret.

"Am I your friend?"

The sudden question attracted Dick's attention from the book he was reading. Currently, Allison and him were sitting under the famous willow tree within Gotham's Park. Dick looked at Allison, the one who asked him the question, confused.

"Uh, yeah."

"And since we're friends," Allison continued as if Dick didn't speak, "and since friends buy each other stuff, you should get me tickets to Avenue Q." She gave him a hopeful smile.

"One, you are also a rich kid so buy your own ticket. And two, aren't you like 8? Bruce won't let even me listen to Avenue Q's songs." Dick responded.

"I would," she said in a duh tone, "but you have to be a certain age. Also, I'm 8 ½."

Dick shook his head at her and returned to reading his book, "Ally-"

"Yes, Richard?" She asked innocently, but Dick could see the gleam in her eye. He pouted a little in return. Allison hated being called anything but her birth name and Dick hated being called anything but his nickname.

"Allison," The girl in question let out an approving noise, "I'm only one year older than you."

"And?"

"…And I'm not old enough to buy them either."

"And?" She stared at him as if he said the most obvious thing in the world.

"And?"

"Yes, and!" Allison suddenly jumped up from where she was sitting, "Rules are meant to be broken."

Dick calmly set his book down on the grass and joined Allison in standing. "I'm pretty sure people made rules so others would not break them."

"Dick," Allison let out an exasperated sigh, "Systems are meant to be followed, not rules. It's easier to break the rules than the system."

Dick rose an eyebrow and crossed his arms challengingly, "Oh, really? They why are people rewarded more for when they break the system. It may be harder, but it's better in the long run."

"But what if you don't make it to the long run? You. Loose. Everything. That is why the short term strategies are always better. It's less risky."

"Pft! That's not true."

"Give me one reason-" Allison was cut off by a ring from her phone. For most people, it would seem shocking that parents gave their 8-year-old child a phone, but her parents aren't really like other parents. Then again, this is Gotham they live in.

"Crap-"

"Language," Dick interrupted but received a glare for his troubles. He simply shrugged and gathered his belongings.

"I forgot that my parents are doing this big gala tonight. It's for the police force and how the crime rates in Gotham has decreased, like, a lot. And I'm going to be late." She glanced at the twigs and leaves sticking out of her hair. "Eh, I'll go for a nature-y look tonight. Going green."

Dick chuckled as he walked with Allison to the road. "If you need, Alfie can give you a ride. You don't live that far away from the Manor."

Allison looked at him as if he saved her life, "You're amazing. Come on! I got 27 minutes before I have to be ready."

As they were walking towards the road, Allison couldn't help but bring up this one thought she had. She wouldn't dare bring it up in front of her parents because they hate anything and everything that has to go against their high-class society ideals. It was also against the purpose of that big gala they were hosting tonight, so that's a big no-no. But Dick is different.

Which is why she told him that if it were up to her, her parent's big gala would be celebrating Gotham's pair of vigilantes instead of the police force.

Dick's walking slowed down significantly after she expressed her opinion. For a minute, Allison was worried that he was the wrong person to confide in. However, when Dick started to smile softly, she knew that she never had to worry.

"Yeah," Dick nodded his head in agreement, "You might be right."

That comment released everything she was desperately trying to hide for ages.

"Of course I'm right. I mean, everyone is saying Gotham's crime rates are significantly lower than it used to be, but they are withholding the true reason of why that is. Then again, Gotham's crime rates are lower, but they're still pretty darn high! Also, over the past year, the amount of cops who turned out to be corrupt has been at an all-time high! We can't thank the police for that. Maybe, and I mean maybe, we can thank some of those cops who were directly under Captain Gordon's directions, but that stupid gala should be focused on Batman and Robin not-"

Dick interrupted her before she could continue any further. "So, I'm taking a wild guess and saying you're a Bat-fan?"

Allison swirled towards him and started to walk backward. "I am not a Bat-fan. I just… appreciate their efforts for helping the city." Even that sounded weak.

"Appreciate meaning you are madly in love with them both," Dick had a mad smirk on his troll face. He shrugged, "It's alright, Allison, I get it. I won't tell anybody of your undying love for Gotham's finest. Well, anybody besides the beautiful students at Bristol Elementary and Middle School. And whoever they tell." With that comment, he strolled into the car that was waiting for them. Thinking he was serious for a second, Allison stood still in confusion before realization hit her. Yelling in denial, she stormed into the car.

For the entire ride, Allison kept yelling at Dick for tricking her while he kept trying to convince her he was serious (he wasn't). Alfred Pennyworth glanced at the review mirror at the two kids and smiled at their bickering.

Eventually, they reached Allison's house. She quickly ran inside her mansion, having only ten minutes to get ready. As Dick waved goodbye, his crazy smirk he held was replaced by a soft smile. He didn't care if a single person in Gotham liked him or not as Robin. As long as his best friend was supporting him, he would be alright.

Though he had no clue how far Allison would go to support him.

"Batman or Superman?"

"Obvious answer, Al."

"Don't call me Al. But yeah, I would also choose Bat-"

"Superman is the superior hero."

"…You are a false Gothamite, Grayson."

"Hey, Superman is Superman. The real question is Batman or Robin."

"Batman, again. Robin wears pixie boots. Who wears pixie boots?"

A pause, "Clearly someone with impeccable tastes."

The next night, Gotham Night News would be running a segment about Robin's lack of pixie boots.

It's been almost a year when Allison began to sense something off about her best friend. It's not like there's something wrong with him or whatever, but she feels like he is hiding something. Then again, if Dick is really hiding something (which he is not), Allison would feel pained that he kept it from her. Especially if it is a big deal.

This is all hypothetically speaking, but the thought that her best friend is hiding something from her makes her feel betrayed.

Allison has confided to her friend about everything: from the isolation she has with her parents to some of the socialite kids simply being brats. Dick Grayson is one of the only people in this world she can trust with all of her secrets; no matter how serious they are. She wonders what she did wrong to make Dick not reciprocate that feeling of trust.

She's probably just imagining this all. She knows for a fact that Dick is her best friend and that she is his. Best friends cannot hide huge secrets like that. It's, like, the law.

All of these flimsy suspicions are just her imagination. Also, she hasn't even reached double digits, so what would she know?

Apparently more than what other people would expect, herself including.

It all started when Allison left the ugly prison of Bristol Elementary and graduated to the Middle School building. She expected it would be a big deal from moving from fifth grade to sixth grade, or maybe at least some weird adjustment she would struggle to make, but literally nothing changed. Well, nothing besides Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon.

Those two are pretty much the only reason she hasn't gone insane yet. They may be in the grade above hers, but Allison spends as much time as she can with them. She may have distanced herself from her socialite 'friends' (which her parents are undoubtedly upset about) but she doesn't really care. The only reason she was apart of that friend group was because it was expected of her. Meeting Mr. Wayne's new ward two years ago showed her bravery to break free from that.

Allison does feel bad for Dick, though. He gets made fun of constantly. Sometimes it's because of his circus past and other times because he spends so much of his time with girls. Apparently, the whole cooties thing did not die since elementary school.

Both her and Babs try to convince Dick to stand up for himself because they both know he can. He never listens. Allison is this close to going to the Wayne Manor and telling Mr. Wayne, himself.

'On second thought,' Allison thought as she made her way towards her locker, 'Mr. Wayne is a pretty intimidating guy, so that may be no-go.'

Despite the amount of times she hangs out with Dick, Allison doesn't talk to Mr. Wayne. She knows how intimidating he can get after being a witness of a meeting gone wrong between him and her father. Let's just say James Industries and Wayne Industries won't work together for a long time.

Allison's thoughts were put on hold as she was distracted by the noise in the hallways. Correction, the lack of noise. Normally, the hallways at Bristol were filled with loud talking and laughter. Today was different. Every girl and boy were huddled together in groups. In every group at least one phone was out. Whispers and the occasional gasp erupted from the groups, making Allison all the more curious. A notification sound made her look at her phone.

It was a headline. Allison could see what the big deal was from reading it.

A kid from their middle school has been kidnapped. Kidnappings aren't too unusual in Gotham, but from reading the article, Allison could tell this case was different. She saw that the girl, Trinity Grace, has been missing the whole weekend. Trinity wasn't a rich girl (which made the whole situation all the stranger) but she was very kind and extremely pretty. Even most of the socialite kids liked her. Trinity's green eyes always twinkled whenever someone said something funny, and Allison was extremely jealous of her blond, wavy hair. The girl's own blond hair was straight and she wished more than anything that she had natural curls. If Trinity wasn't a charity case, Allison had no doubt she could have been the most popular girl at school.

Throughout the whole day, Trinity Grace was the main discussion. She would have spoken about her as well during lunch if the third person in her and Bab's trio wasn't missing. Dick apparently hasn't shown up at school today.

Pulling out her phone, Allison tried to call Dick's cell. Her heart fluttered when the ringing stopped. Nothing. Trinity Grace was pushed aside (not completely, though) from her mind and was replaced with Richard Grayson. After school, though, she received a text from the boy. He assured her that he was just having a minor sick day.

She remembers the kid saying how he would never take a sick day from anything. It made him weak or whatever. He was just that determined. Allison frowned when she remembered that, but shrugged it off. It was probably nothing big.

OoO

The disappearances have gotten worse.

Two other girls have gone missing all in the matter of a week. One was from Allison's school and the other girl came from a less expensive middle school. She did not doubt that some Gotham crazy was at work.

To make matters worse, Allison's extremely minor and almost nonexistent worries about Dick Grayson has only grown. Every day since the girls started to go missing, Dick would show up at school tired and behaving very different than he has the past year. Her concern has developed into fully grown suspicion. Allison would be naïve if she had any doubts about Dick hiding something at this point.

Whenever she would confront him, he would immediately smile and tease her. The teasing would effectively bring up her defense against the playful comments. It would be after Dick had evaded Allison's inquires when she would curse herself for letting him get away.

She was a little upset by this, but the side of her that loves to solve mysteries overtook that hurt. Over the days, Allison would notice that Dick just seemed extremely tired but frustrated. Not only that but if she strained her memory enough, she could remember Dick showing up multiple times at school with a bunch of random injuries. In the past, Allison thought nothing of it. Now, though, she's not so sure.

She's not the only one who is worried about Dick. She and Barbara have conversed many times already about the 'Mystery of Richard John Grayson.' The theories aren't substantial, but they are fun to create.

The thing that got to Allison the most was the fact that Dick seemed more irritable than usual. He would sometimes snap at either her or Babs and then profusely apologize afterward. The first time that it happened was after the second girl disappeared. She and Barbara were attempting to deduct the who, what, where, why, and how of the disappearances. When they asked Dick for his insight, they were yelled at by a vexed kid to not joke about such things. The two only looked at each other in confusion as their friend stormed away. That was the first time he ever lashed out at either of them.

Her escalating suspicions didn't end there.

Dick also used to be the golden boy, straight-A, and overall perfect student. Now, he never even pays attention in school. Babs told her that instead of participating in class or taking notes, Dick stares out the window all day as if he was playing Where's Waldo and Waldo was hiding outside. The teachers have also noticed his change in behavior and weren't afraid to call him out on it, either. Dick didn't care. He would shrug and turn his ocean eyes back outside, looking as the world passed him by. If Allison didn't know better, she would have simply guessed that the disappearances have gotten to him.

But Allison did know better.

OoO

The disappearances have affected everyone. The police believe the kidnappers are targeting young girls. So, naturally, a curfew of 7 PM has been placed on the entire city. Complaints have simply skyrocketed, some even from herself. While Allison can understand the curfew, 7 PM is a little too early for her tastes.

Which is why her rebellious self is sneaking out of her house at 6:45 to walk to the Wayne Manor. One of the conversations she had with Babs inspired her to visit the Manor to try and solve what's been bugging her for weeks.

Allison put on a light blue sweatshirt. The sweatshirt was sort of impractical considering it was practically a dress on her. Her parents were out of the country doing who knows what and the staff at her house couldn't give a care about her. She was free to do whatever pleased her tonight. And it so happened that the thing that pleased her the most was figuring out why her best friend is acting like a sulky Goth. (Not that she has anything against Goths, it's just that a gothic-look would not suit Dick one bit.)

Though she did regret putting on the sweatshirt. The weather was a little too warm for the long sleeves. Then again, it was a sweatshirt and sweatshirts are awesome, so case in point.

Another thing Allison was starting to regret was leaving her house so late at night. While the night was technically still young, the sun already set with the moon hanging high above the sky. The only things that seemed to be alive tonight were the trees and small animals that found a home inside of them. With every step of her feet in the soft grass, her anxiousness only grew.

When Allison came up to the Wayne Manor, she found that the gates where closed. Frowning to herself, she went to find the little gap between the iron bars and the ground Dick showed her. After getting past the gates, she walked to the front door with a proud smile. That smile quickly disappeared when no one answered the front door when she knocked. Alfred always answers the door. She tried again to no avail. Huffing out an air of frustration, she pulled out her phone to call Dick.

Voicemail.

"Dude, where the heck are you? I'm at your house and I've knocked a bunch of times. Okay, maybe like one or two times, but that's beside the point! I'm just coming out clean. You've been acting weird all week. Either tell Babs and me what's up or… I will find something embarrassing that will make you tell us."

She waited a moment more before ending her message. Allison wasn't a dumb girl. She knew Dick was hiding something big. Perhaps bigger than even herself. But she doesn't care about that. To her, the bigger the secret is, the more awarding it is to uncover it.

Beneath all of this ambition, though, is something she isn't ready to admit. She feels… afraid of what this secret is. In the past, Dick never hesitated to tell her anything. She was even one of the few people he ever told about his old circus days.

The fact that Dick may be involved in something he shouldn't be is unnerving. And it is killing Allison.

She realizes that this 'obligation' to reveal his secret is bordering on the line of obsession. (Another thing she will never admit.) But it isn't even her pride or passion that is driving her actions anymore. That may have been the case in the beginning, but her worry for Dick took the wheel.

The only thing that trumps her worry is her confusion. What kind of stupid secret could a stupid ten-year-old stupidly have? Also, she shouldn't be worrying about this stuff! She has responsibilities! Like math, and homework, and etiquette classes, and… math.

She decided to just return home even though nobody is expecting her. The staff at her house are a joke. They may keep the house clean, but they have no care whatsoever for their employers.

Though somewhere along the journey to her mansion, Allison heard a noise. She immediately froze in her path and reached for her phone. The sound was very faint and she was doubting her even heard anything.

But she heard it again. It was childish laughter and someone saying… something. She was too far away to make out what was being said.

Allison's head swiveled around frantically as she tried to find the source of the sound. With the giggles being repeated, she discovered the source was coming from the woods. She knew it was dangerous, it's Gotham, but something inside her urged her to solve this mystery. Allison just assumed it was the part of her that loved puzzles.

So, naturally, she obeyed the urge.

The deeper she went in the dark woods, the more the urge increased. Her curiosity was going haywire at this point; it was controlling her, Allison knew that, but she couldn't find the strength to turn away.

Allison suddenly realized that something felt off. Her frantic jerks gradually transformed into slow and calculated movements. With a shock, she discovered a numbing but peaceful sensation growing in her mind. Her body started to relax and she changed directions, determinedly walking to a nameless place. Despite this, Allison couldn't help but feel wrong.

Allison could only guess what she looked like on the outside: a relaxed and passive girl who is determinedly walking to somewhere important. That's when she had the revelation. She… she was late and she had to go. Someone was waiting for her and she was extremely late. It was important, essential even, that she had to go where she had to go. It didn't matter to her that she wasn't aware of her destination. Nor did it occur to her that she should be more concerned about herself being alone in the woods. None of it truly mattered.

She didn't stop walking. Allison's thoughts never strayed from her worries of being late. Though there was something else. She had a yearning to meet someone. She's blanking on the who but it doesn't truly matter. She knows they are very important to her.

Only when Allison reached an old building did she stop. If she were in her right mind, she might have recognized the old machines and smell of rust belonging to a factory. Maybe she may have tried to help Trinity Grace or the other girls who was standing still in a corner. Maybe she would have felt fear trickling through her body at the sight of the men with guns. But Allison didn't take notice of any of that. Her attention was focused on a man. A man with a large hat and a wicked smile.

"Hello, my dear Alice. It is my pleasure. My, my, look at your marvelous blue dress."

"Hello, Mr. Mad Hatter."

And if Allison were in her right mind, she may have been concerned that tomorrow she would be known as the new missing girl of Gotham.

OoO

"We have to save her!"

"Dick-"

"No, Bruce! We know where he is and we know how to stop him. We have to go!"

"Dick-"

"Bruce, it's my fault she was outside so late. It's my fault that she…"

"…Dick, we will get her back. But if you're too emotionally compromised by this, you will need to sit out. No arguments."

"I'm not compromised. I can't be. We… I have to save her."

OoO

Far away from the bustling city and deep in the country, there stood a once-proud factory. It used to be a center of activity and the main producer for essential things. After those days, it became forgotten and unused, collecting dust day after day. Presently, it's been given a new purpose. One that is not as morally-good as the old manufacturing days were.

It's this factory that Batman and Robin are stationed outside of. They are currently observing the lackeys of the man who is quite literally in control.

On a normal stakeout with the Dynamic Duo, Robin is fidgety and is easily distracted. This stake out is unique compared to those other nights, however. Dick Grayson has never been more focused than he is now on a night as Robin. Funny quips don't even cross his mind. If he thought about it, he would have recognized that he acting like Batman.

He doesn't think about it.

Batman has been sending quick glances towards his protégé all night. The previous night, they have determined where Mad Hatter was hiding himself and the missing girls. They planned to wait a minimum of three days until they attacked so to observe certain patterns. But that plan was discarded fast when news of Allison James' disappearance made itself known. Dick didn't even bother with school, something Bruce knows Dick will probably regret later. Not because he'll have make-up homework, but because of a certain Gordon girl who will have to survive the day alone.

Bruce isn't clueless to the company his ward keeps. He is very aware of the bond Dick and his friends have. That is why Batman listened to his protégé that night to give Mad Hatter a visit.

Robin, while he seems relaxed on the outside, is bursting with the urge to fight. He's clenching and unclenching his fists. He has been all night. When he heard the news this morning, the color drained from his face and he started to feel light-headed. When he heard the voicemail from his phone, anger quickly raged inside of him and it took everything he had not to yell at his mentor. Allison was kidnapped because of him. Him and the Mad Hatter. He can't punch himself so the Mad Hatter will have to suffice. He doesn't care what happens to Mad Hatter at the end of the night, as long as he regrets what he did.

Dick knows that he should be wary of the rage inside of him, but he frankly doesn't care. He knows Batman will make sure nobody doesn't get too hurt.

OoO

Storming into the factory wasn't difficult. The Mad Hatter's lackeys were idiotic and Robin wondered for a moment why the man stuck with talentless goons when he could mind-control useful ones. He isn't complaining, though.

The number of the remaining Mad Hatter's minions was decreasing and Robin broke off to untie the missing girls. He originally took notice of them when slamming a right-hook into a particularly large lackey (Robin would be lying if he said it didn't feel good). But Robin's heart stopped when he only counted three girls and not four. He noticed Batman used his grappling hook to go to the rafters. Dick quickly followed.

He froze when he saw the mad man. He clenched his fist tightly as he took in the sight before him: Mad Hatter, perched on top of the rafters, stood with a grin and eyes filled with insanity. The sight of the man wasn't what caused Robin's rage. It was the figure who hung in the air, ropes encircling her being the only thing keeping her alive.

The end of the rope, the only thing keeping Allison from falling, was in the hands of Mad Hatter.

Not only was he in control of her mind, but Jervis Tetch was also in control of Allison's fate. At least, that's what the man thought.

Unbeknownst to Mad Hatter, Robin stayed in the shadows behind Batman. He would have attacked the man if it weren't for the signal Batman gave him. Instead, he held a glare fixed solely on the mad man.

"-so as you see, Batsy, I have finally found my perfect Alice. Her blond hair and blue dress are simply perfection! Not only that, but her name is Alice! And her manners are so divine, aren't they Alice?" The man reached out to pet the hanging girl. If it didn't mean Allison would fall to her death, Robin would have attacked Tetch where he stood.

Allison's smile was something Robin never wanted to see again. It was full of admiration and innocence. But when Robin looks into his best friend's eyes, he could only see blankness. All the signs of a perfect mind-controlled victim.

"Yes, Mr. Mad Hatter. You taught me them, Mr. Mad Hatter."

"Oh, I did, didn't I? There's my mind again, madder than a teapot!" Mad Hatter started to laugh maniacally along with Allison. The laughter was unnatural and the worst thing Robin ever heard. The glare on his face deepened and he saw even Batman clench his fist a little tighter.

"But I do believe it is time for my leave. Alice, are you ready to go?" Batman and Robin both tensed. Tetch was about to make his move.

"Yes, Mr. Mad Hatter. We mustn't be late." Throughout the whole time Allison hung there, not once did that horrible smile disappear from her face.

"Very true, my dear. Alas, it is time for you to… fall back down the rabbit hole." Many things happened at once. The spell that took ahold of Allison seemed to break as she looked around the room in confusion. Her eyes widened in fear at the sight of Mad Hatter but she seemed relieved when she saw Batman and Robin. But Robin's heart dropped when he saw the rope from Mad Hatter's hand be released and Allison started to fall.

Robin never noticed his mentor advancing toward Tetch. He never noticed the screams coming from Allison. He never noticed when he jumped off of the rafters. All he saw at that moment was that fateful night of the Flying Graysons' last performance. The night when his parents fell to their death, just like how his best-friend is now falling to her death.

But this time, he has a chance to save her.

Allison's eyes met his mask. The ground was approaching closer and closer and despite how close Robin was getting to Allison, he worried it wasn't enough. He was counting the seconds of him reaching Allison… or of both of them reaching the ground.

He could almost touch her and Robin could count the individual tears falling down Allison's face. Any moment now and he could save both himself and Allison from the fate of his family. He let out a breath and reached one last time. He held his arm out…

…and Allison grabbed onto it.

Immediately, Robin took his grappling hook and swung the two of them away. It was when they nearly touched the ground when Robin realized how close he was of dying the same way his parents died. How close Allison was.

In his relief, he let out a small chuckle. Allison joined him and buried her head in his chest as she held on tighter. Her laugh made him feel even more at peace; it was nothing like her laugh from earlier. It reminded him of something.

He didn't fail Allison. He didn't let her fall.

When the two reached the rafters, Robin looked for Batman. He saw him standing only a few feet away with the (thankfully) unconscious Jervis Tetch. When Batman heard Robin land, he quickly turned towards his protégé and saw the young James girl still clinging onto Robin.

No one will ever believe him, ever, but Robin swears he saw Batman give a small smile at the sight of the now freed girl. Only at the voice of the Dark Knight did Allison finally let herself go from Robin.

"Robin, bring the girl to floor level. I contacted Gordon earlier, so GCPD, as well as the girls' parents, should be here soon."

Robin gave a sharp nod.

"Will the other girls still be under Tetch's control?" Robin's voice shocked Allison. She always imagined him sounding… older. Now that she thinks about it, he should be taller, too.

"More than likely. The release should have worked on them, as well. Contact me if that's not the case."

"Got it, B." Robin turned to Allison and offered her a hand, "Would you care for a ride down, my lady?" He held a mischievous smirk on his face. One that Allison knew was somehow familiar.

Pushing down her fangirling side of her, Allison gave a smirk in return, put her hand in the offered hand, and said, "Why of course, my brave squire."

Robin squawked in protest, "Squire? I am at least a knight."

"Batman is the Dark Knight. So, logically, you're the squire. Well, Dark Squire if you want to talk specifics."

Robin mumbled something incoherent which made Allison giggle in return. When the two began their way down to the ground level, Batman let out a small snicker. Those two kids… Even supposed strangers and they were still at each other's necks.

OoO

Allison couldn't help but stumble a little when she reached the ground. She waved Robin off who went to check if she was fine. He hesitated but went off to the other girls who were more confused and scared than she was. Only when Allison was alone did she realize the danger she was in tonight. Robin kept her mind off of everything by small jokes, but it was then when Allison realized just how close she was to dying.

Everything started to go slow-motion when she was out of Mad Hatter's control. She remembered the fear she had at the sight of Mad Hatter and the relief at the sight of the Dynamic Duo. She remembered her panic of her impending doom and the desperation she had that Robin would save her. She even remembered the small feeling of doubt that he wasn't going to make it or that he would just… give up on her.

Most of all, however, she remembered the sight of Robin leaping off of the rafter to go after her. Despite being unable to see his eyes, Allison somehow knew they were full of worry and concern and… fear. Allison also remembered seeing Robin do something while flying toward her. Allison was far away from Robin when she fell, so in order to get closer to her, Robin did a few flips. Specifically, four. The only person on earth that can do that is…

"Hey," Allison jumped but saw it was only Robin who spoke. The other girls seemed to have been taken out of the building and Allison realized that it was only her and Robin left. "You were shaking. You okay?" The hero's voice had genuine concern in it.

Allison nodded her head slowly. She couldn't meet the boy's eyes.

"Well, how about we get out of here. I don't know about you, but abandoned factories aren't precisely my favorite place to hang around." That got a small smile out of her and Robin started to lead her outside. She figured Batman had already left since she could see the police lights, but she wondered why Robin was still there.

She bit her lip in confusion and glanced at Robin in the corner of her eye. It seemed her efforts of being inconspicuous didn't really work.

Robin said, "Bats doesn't really like to hang around for the after-party. Isn't his thing."

"And you?" Her voice was small and Allison knew that her shoulders were still shaking. She figured she had shock or something.

Robin looked surprised by her question but quickly reeled it in. "Nah, the after-parties aren't so bad. Definitely better when the criminals aren't yelling at you for their revenge, though."

Allison giggled at that. The rest of their walk was in silence but that wasn't the case for long since they soon reached the outside. Paramedics rushed over to her and lead her to an ambulance. Allison was hesitant at the strangers but didn't turn away. Robin, who never left her side once since the factory, was almost like a silent cheerleader or something. Whatever it was, he seemed to give her strength.

The paramedics gave her a shock blanket and a hot water bottle. They spent a few minutes checking to see if she was fully cleared of mind-control. After that, the paramedics diverted their attention to the goons Batman and Robin fought. Allison sat on the edge of an ambulance, bundled in her blanket, and sipping on the hot water. She was eyeing Robin who immediately sat next with her after the paramedics were finished. He seemed to be waiting for something but Allison had no idea what.

"Ms. James," Allison turned to see that Bab's dad, Captain Gordon, had spoken to her, "Would you mind answering a few questions for us?"

Allison tensed and she saw Robin do the same. So this is what he was waiting for.

"W-What questions, Captain Gordon?"

Captain Gordon gave her a sympathetic look and traded glances with Robin, "Can you explain what happened, Ms. James?"

Allison took a deep breath. Before, the shock blanket worked in keeping her shoulders from shaking. But when Captain Gordon asked her to remember everything, it seemed as if she couldn't stop trembling.

"I was walking home, I h-heard a noise, I blacked out in the woods, and I woke up in the factory. There. That's what happened." Allison's voice decreased to a small whisper by the time she finished speaking. She kept her gaze down and felt Robin shift marginally towards her. Captain Gordon sighed.

"Ms. James, is there any more detail you can share with me?" By now the water was visibly vibrating in her water bottle. She focused on it to keep her mind away from… other things.

Allison bit her lip but didn't respond.

"Cap, how about you ask Ms. James these questions another time. I'm sure she wouldn't mind answering them later, right Al-Ms. James?" Robin spoke up for her once realizing she wouldn't say anything more. Allison gave a sharp nod.

"Alright, that's fine. We'll call in a couple of days, if that'll work, Ms. James?" Allison gave another sharp nod.

There was a pause before Captain Gordon's voice rang out again. "Say, where are your parents, Ms. James?"

Allison looked up a little with disappointment clearly showing in her eyes and shrugged, "Vacation, I suppose."

Captain Gordon gave her an undecipherable look before nodding and walking away. When he left, Allison returned her gaze to her lap.

"So, the other girls are safe, by the way. Just figured you probably would want to know-"

"Why are you still here?" Her sudden question took Robin by shock. Allison realizes the question could be perceived as rude, but she couldn't take it back now. So she continued speaking, "I don't mean to be rude, but you probably have more important things to do than… this."

Robin gave her a small smile and a shrug. "Well, saving people means nothing if they are alone in the aftermath." Allison's eyes widened in realization.

"You're staying with me because you know my parents won't be here." The statement was more of a question, but she knew it to be true. Robin had a sheepish look on his face which only confirmed Allison's thoughts.

"Not exactly-"

"Well, I don't need pity." Allison knew that saying something so incredibly rude to the person who saved her life was not a good thing to do. She knew it, but she couldn't help but say it.

Robin gave her a hard stare and said, "Pity? No pity here. No one should be alone after what you went through tonight. End of story." His strong statement took Allison aback. Then she smiled and softly nodded. Not being alone right now… didn't suck.

"Allison!" Said girl's head perked up as she tried to find whoever was shouting her name. When she saw the source, Allison could say it was the most surprising thing she witnessed that night. And that was saying something.

Her mother and father were rushing towards her. Not running or showing desperation to get to their daughter. Just… speed-walking.

"Mother? Father?" Allison asked in confusion. She quickly looked at Robin before making her way to her parents. Her mother pulled her into a hug and her father clasped her shoulders. She didn't move due to the overwhelming amount of shock she was in. Her parents think such public affection should be outlawed. Them showing this much care towards Allison was unbelievable.

Though when she heard what her mother whispered in her ear, she was brought back to her reality.

"We are disappointed in you, Allison James. Your father and I were just about to close a deal when we got called. Now we will have to return to Japan," So that's where they were, Allison thought, "and try to explain how us leaving was all of our clumsy daughter's fault."

Now Allison didn't expect much affection from her parents to begin with, but she couldn't help but grimace more in disappointment.

Her father continued, "We'll be talking about this when we get home. For now, Gotham is watching, so act nice." That explained the sudden affection. While they didn't have much care towards Allison, her parents cared deeply for what the public thought of them. A heart-wrenching piece about Allison being reunited with her parents after her kidnapping would certainly boost their popularity. Again, Allison couldn't help but sigh before playing along with her parents. She half-heartedly returned her mother's fake hug and acted the role of a traumatized kid.

Before they all left, Allison turned to give Robin a goodbye (and a thank you). Though when she looked, he nowhere to be seen.

As she was being led into the car, Allison thought back to earlier that night. She knew she would be having nightmares about her near-death, but she had a sinking feeling there was something more she was missing.

It would be late at night after she returned home when she identified what it was.

Having her of her rescue, her best friend, Dick Grayson, met Allison at her mansion. He managed to convince Mr. Wayne to let him spend five minutes there to assure himself Allison was safe before she had to rest.

It was before she fell asleep and gave way into the nightmares when Allison smirked in victory. Robin did a kind thing by staying with her to wait for her parents. A kind, but extremely idiotic, thing.

And that's chapter 1! I hoped you guys liked it, I really do.

So as you see, Allison is not going to be a Mary-Sue character. Yeah, she was freaked out after the whole thing with Mad Hatter, but she's a normal girl at this point. Anyone would be freaked out if that happened to them.

But yeah, while Allison isn't a Mary-Sue she won't be all powerful. There are certain stories where they have their OC like extra powerful and they have no weaknesses or stuff like that. Nope, that ain't Allison. She's gonna make some mistakes along the way and be sort of a mess at times, but that's realistic.

Y'all can also inference from the title that she isn't going to be the one running the show either. You will see in the next chapter or two that Allison will be involved, but not in the way y'all are expecting.

That is going to be the case for Allison throughout the story, but the end has something special planned for her. I wrote out the outline for the ending like two days ago and I am literally so excited thinking about it.

The summary hinted something about Allison, but that won't come in for a while. Like, till the end. So stayed tuned to read it!

If y'all have any questions at all, anything you liked, or anything you wanted to point out, there is a nice box right below that would love for you to leave a review! ;D