Notes: Batman and Hugo Strange are owned by DC Comics and were created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. This story is a sequel to the six previous Batman college stories, starting with "College At Arkham Asylum" and followed by "Uncovering The Secrets of Batman's Cowl", "The Strength Of The Batman", "Revenge On Batman", "Batman vs. The Strangest Spirits Of Evil", and "Batman: Arkham Asylum's Most Dangerous Opponent."

Batman walked into Arkham Asylum, while heavily sighing. During the past few months, Batman had dealt with nonsense and it wasn't the type of nonsense, that was harmless and goofy. Arkham Asylum was the craziest college, that the world had ever seen. Arkham Asylum's Principal, Professor Hugo Strange, claimed the school was made, to benefit Gotham's most eccentric citizens.

However, Batman knew what was really going on. In reality, Hugo Strange ran Arkham Asylum, so he could surround himself, with Gotham's most captivatingly bizarre and fascinating citizens. He had no interest, in giving his students a better life. In fact, he wanted them to become more crazy and dangerous, in order to make things more interesting.

Batman started walking to his locker. He heard footsteps, that were getting louder. Since he was becoming an expert detective, he could tell Hugo Strange was walking up to him. Batman grabbed the textbooks he needed and said, "Greetings, Principal Strange."

Hugo Strange had a friendly smile on his face, while replying, "Greetings, Batman. I must say, that it's great to see you. I hope you have another successful day, at Arkham Asylum."

Batman raised an eyebrow. He was used, to Hugo pretending to be nice. However, Hugo was being more unconvincing and strange, than usual. Batman folded his arms and asked, "What are you up to?"

Hugo kept trying to look genuine, while saying, "As usual, I'm working hard, to benefit Arkham Asylum's students. I can't think of anything more beneficial, than making Gotham's next generation more intelligent and eloquent."

Batman could hardly believe, that Hugo was still trying to seem like a caring Principal, so he said, "You should cut out this false sense of morality, Principal Strange. I know you're up to your usual tricks, so you should start giving me evidence, so I can put you out of business."

Hugo coldly stared at Batman and replied, "Be careful, when you speak to Hugo Strange. One of your lesser opponents would beat you up, for trying to threaten them. However, I know you're quite the detective, so if I gave you any punches, you'd find the few police officers, who care about justice."

Batman responded, "Well, it seems like I have the power, around here."

Hugo had a confused look on his face, while asking, "What are you talking about? When Hugo Strange is in a room, nobody else is in charge."

Batman replied, "I can fight you, in both mental and physical ways. The only thing you can do, to stop me, is silly gimmicks and desperate plans. You're running out of tricks."

Hugo smugly responded, "You're wrong about that, you dark knight. You see, I never underestimate an opponent, which is why I always have a trick up my sleeve. At this very moment, my newest plan is starting. Even though you're a great detective, you don't know what my newest plan is, do you?"

Batman wondered if Hugo was bluffing. Either way, Batman wasn't sure what plan Hugo was referring to. He said, "I'm not really sure what you're up to, at this very moment, but I'm going to figure it out and put an end, to all of your schemes." Batman paced around Hugo, while trying to intimidate him. He said, "You've outsmarted a lot of opponents, but you've never stopped me."

Hugo started pacing around Batman, while replying, "That's not true. I've done a number of schemes, which have surprised and confounded you."

Batman responded, "As true as that is, I've always found a way to stop you, in the end."

Hugo replied, "When our rivalry comes to its' end, I will have more knowledge and power, than ever before. As for you, your secret identity will be revealed, as soon as I find out your name. You can count on losing everything, that makes you feel sane. I may be strange, but at Arkham Asylum, I'm the smartest and most normal person. I'm also the one, who was the most power. Try as much as you want, but nobody has the skills, to defeat Hugo Strange." He did an evil laugh, while heading to his office.

Batman's best friend, Poison Ivy, walked by him and said, "Greetings, Batman. How are things?"

Batman answered, "Hugo Strange is as insane, as ever. If anything, he keeps living up, to his last name. He claims, that he's got something up his sleeves."

Poison Ivy asked, "What is he talking down?"

Batman kept his chin down, while saying, "To be honest, I don't know. I probably sound like a lousy detective, don't I? My arch-enemy has something big planned and I have no clue, about what it is."

Poison Ivy could hardly believe, that Batman wouldn't consider himself a good detective. She raised his chin up and said, "Come on, Batman. You're the smartest and cleverest person, that Arkham Asylum has ever had. Hugo Strange always has a sneaky plan, so it's understandable, that you don't know what he's up to, right now. Besides, you'll probably solve the mystery, as time goes on. You've never failed."

Batman smiled at Ivy and replied, "Thank you, Rose."

Poison Ivy smiled back and asked, "You still call me that? I'm a poisonous person, to be around."

Batman replied, "Then you're the one type of poison, that blossoms out, in a wonderful way." Poison Ivy blushed.

Meanwhile, Hugo Strange was on the phone with one of his teachers, Professor Jonathan Crane, also known as the Scarecrow. Hugo had a proud smile on his face, while saying, "Once again, I've outsmarted my opponents. Batman doesn't know, about my latest plan. In order to keep him in the dark, don't give any clues or hints, about our future experiment."

Professor Crane had an evil smile on his face, while saying, "Don't worry, Principal Strange. This plan is so elusive and fearful, that I wouldn't waste potential, by giving the plan away."

Hugo replied, "That's excellent to hear, Professor Crane, and I must say, that I admire your bravery. You're Arkham Asylum's only staff member, other than myself, who is worth being afraid of."

Professor Crane responded, "When it comes to fear, I'm the master." He did an evil laugh.

A few minutes later, Batman and Poison Ivy entered Professor Crane's classroom. Professor Crane's pet, Man-Bat, started growling at Batman. Batman looked at Man-Bat and said, "Quiet down."

Professor Crane had an amused look on his face, while asking, "Don't you love the arguments, that come from two brothers?"

Batman replied, "As usual, I don't comprehend the type of nonsense, that you're trying to spread. I have a bat-themed gimmick, but I'm not a real bat, so Man-Bat and I aren't brothers."

Professor Crane responded, "Whatever you say, you knight of denial."

A moment later, class had started. A few students hadn't arrived, so Crane started writing detention slips. He checked on his latest fear toxins, before walking to his classmates and said, "Greetings, students. Are you feeling scared? If not, I'd be glad to assist you." He laughed.

Batman gave Crane a disapproving look and said, "How about you start teaching the class, instead of attempting a bunch of pathetic schemes, to scare us?"

As usual, Batman didn't fail, at ticking Crane off. He angrily said, "I'm going to be giving you another detention, for your interruptions. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, but knowing you, you are shameless."

Batman smirked and replied, "More or less."

A few minutes later, Hugo Strange knocked on the door. Batman saw him, so his eyebrows went up and he asked, "Why is Principal Strange here?"

Professor Crane casually said, "Arkham Asylum is getting a new student. Since Principal Strange is such a gentleman, he wants to make sure, that the new student gets a proper introduction."

Hugo Strange walked into the classroom, along with a young woman, who had black hair and gothic clothing. She smiled at Batman, before standing next to Hugo, in front of the other students. Hugo was still trying, to seem like a caring and responsible Principal, so he had an inviting look on his face, while saying, "Greetings, students. I'm sorry, that I had to interrupt Professor Crane. After all, he's Arkham Asylum's smartest and most useful teacher. I'm sure you've been gaining wonderful lessons, from him. However, I need to introduce our new student." He pointed, to the new student, and said, "This is Nocturna. Like the rest of you, she isn't normal, but being different is the main thing, that makes Arkham Asylum the world's most wonderful college."

Nocturna looked at her classmates, specifically Batman, while saying, "Greetings, everybody. It's a treat, to meet you guys. I'm not the most normal or pleasant student, but I hope you give me a fair shot."

Hugo looked at her and replied, "You have nothing to worry about, Nocturna. Arkham Asylum has so many inviting and friendly students."

Batman responded, "Frankly, I disagree with that."

Professor Crane shook his fist at Batman and replied, "How dare you interrupt Principal Strange. I think I'll give you extra detention-time, for that."

Hugo put his hand on Crane's shoulder and quietly said, "That wouldn't be a good idea, Professor Crane. After all, we have that important experiment, after school. If you give students detentions, we won't have enough time, to do the plan."

Professor Crane looked back at Batman and said, "You don't have a detention, today. However, I plan on giving you tons of scary stuff, in the future." Batman put his hand on his chin, while trying to figure out the reason, for Crane cancelling his detention.

After Crane's class was over, Batman walked by Poison Ivy, who was watering the hallway's plants. Batman said, "I'm getting bad vibes, from the Scarecrow."

Poison Ivy replied, "He's always creeping me out, so that's hardly surprising."

Batman responded, "I think he and Hugo Strange are planning something big. Scarecrow cancelled my detention, which is something he never does. Punishing students is his favorite hobby, other than scaring them."

Poison Ivy replied, "If that's the case, why did he cancel your detention?"

Batman said, "Because he and Strange are planning something, that they don't want me, to find out."

Next, Batman went to the Clock King's class. The Clock King was giving an overly-long speech and was writing a bunch of stuff, on the chalkboard. The students were struggling, to pay attention.

Batman got the sense, that somebody was looking at him. He looked around and saw Nocturna, who was gazing at him. She had an interested smile on her face, while staring at Batman. Batman looked at her face, to try to determine the reason, for Nocturna staring at him.

The Clock King noticed, that Batman and Nocturna were staring at each other, instead of him and his chalkboard. He gave them a disapproving look and said, "You two should be ashamed. I'm trying to give a defenestration, about the importance of using time, to the fullest advantage." He paced around the classroom and pointed at Batman and Nocturna, while saying, "There are some people, who waste time and are okay, with time flying by. However, there are those, who live life to the fullest."

Nocturna raised her hand and asked, "Can you give an example, of someone, who lives life to the fullest?"

The Clock King replied, "Indeed I can." He pulled up a picture, of Carmine Falcone, Gotham's self-proclaimed leader. The Clock King said, "Carmine Falcone has been doing an eloquent and time-efficient job, at ruling the city of Gotham. He's the type of person, who you should admire and be inspired by." Batman frowned, because he knew Carmine was one of the most dangerous and corrupt citizens, that Gotham has ever had.

A few hours later, it was lunchtime. Batman walked into the cafeteria. Nocturna followed him. She tapped his shoulder and asked, "Will you have lunch with me?"

Batman answered, "Sure."

A moment later, Poison Ivy walked into the cafeteria. Batman usually had lunch with her, so he walked up to her, and said, "I'm going to have lunch with Nocturna. Is that okay?"

Poison Ivy tried to not make a big deal about it, even though she felt uneasy, deep down. She said, "That's the fine."

While Poison Ivy was grabbing her lunch, the cook said, "Ms. Ivy, I can tell you're down."

Poison Ivy asked, "Am I really that bad, at conveying subtlety?"

The cook answered, "I'm afraid so, but I know a way, to make things boil better." He put an egg, that was shaped like a broken heart, on Ivy's tray.

Poison Ivy replied, "No offense, but that doesn't raise my spirits."

The cook looked a bit embarrassed, while saying, "I'm sorry. It was supposed to be a regular heart, but I was mad at Olga, so I broke it in half."

Poison Ivy replied, "I appreciate the sentiment, Egghead."

Batman and Nocturna sat next to each other, at one of the tables. Batman was secretly interested in finding out, what Hugo Strange's reason was, for having Nocturna join the school. Batman looked at Nocturna and asked, "Are you liking the college, so far?"

Nocturna answered, "Well, it has potential. I know Arkham Asylum isn't meant to be a glamorous or friendly college, but I believe it's the one I need, for my issues."

Batman asked, "What issues?"

Nocturna replied, "Wow, you just met me or you're already wondering, what's wrong with me. Apparently, one of my issues is giving bad first-impressions."

Batman looked a bit guilty, while saying, "I didn't do a very good job, at wording myself. What things are you dealing with?"

It was becoming clear, that Nocturna didn't want to give too many details. She tried to word herself, in a careful and elusive way. She said, "You see, during the day, I don't feel too bad. However, when the night comes around, I feel like a different thing and it's not a great thing."

Batman noticed her vagueness, so he asked, "What type of thing, are you referring to?"

Nocturna replied, "As much as I find you captivating, I'm not feeling the urge, to give you my entire backstory. However, I can say, that I relate to the concept, of feeling like a bat."

Batman jokingly responded, "If that's the case, you should become Man-Bat's friend."

Nocturna replied, "Man-Bat's find, for a pet. However, my interest, for the creatures of the night, isn't about animals. It's about something else. It's about something, that you wouldn't understand."

Batman responded, "I think I'd be able, to comprehend the situation, if I knew what the situation was."

Nocturna replied, "If you knew the situation, you'd know everything and if that happened, you'd be out of business."

Batman had a confused look on his face, while asking, "What do you mean?"

Nocturna answered, "You're a detective, so having a mystery in the air, is what you need." She kissed his cheek and disappeared, into the shadows. Poison Ivy saw the kiss, so she crushed her already-broken egg and left the cafeteria.

Poison Ivy went into the hallway. Hugo Strange walked up to her, while trying to seem like a friendly and caring Principal. However, he was happy, to see Ivy moping around. He said, "Greetings, Poison Ivy. There seems to be something, that's troubling you."

Poison Ivy shyly replied, "You could say that."

Hugo responded, "You should tell me, what this is about. After all, helping students' problems is what Arkham Asylum is all about."

Poison Ivy usually resorted to Batman, when she had something bothering her. However, she didn't feel comfortable, with telling him this problem. She said, "You see, Batman and Nocturna are bonding, at a rather quick pace. That's great and all, but I feel uncomfortable, about Batman becoming close, with her. That's probably wrong of me, isn't it?"

Hugo pretended he cared about Ivy's happiness, while saying, "You have nothing to be concerned about, Ms. Ivy. The problem isn't as confounding, as you think it is. Things are rather simple, if you think about it."

Poison Ivy had a confused look on her face, while asking, "What are you talking about?"

Hugo answered, "You're in love, with the Batman."

Poison Ivy's eyebrows lit up, while a blush came across her face. She said, "Come on, Principal Strange."

Hugo coldly replied, "You have no right, to tell me, to come on." His fake gentleness started fading away, while he paced around Ivy and said, "When it comes to your emotions, you're in as much denial, as the Batman. You've loved him, since the day you saw him. As for Batman, it took him a while, to notice you, but after he did, he became smitten. You're both clueless fools, who refuse to admit the obvious, because you prefer the false feelings, that come from lies."

Batman came into the hallway and saw Ivy, who had a sad look on her face. Batman angrily stared at Hugo and asked, "Did you do something, to hurt her feelings?"

Hugo answered, "You and her deserve credit, for hurting each other's feelings. You cling, to the false sentiment, that you two are best friends. That's obviously not the case, Mr. Batman. However, Nocturna may put an end, to all of that. She's taken quite an interest, in you, and you seem to have some fascination, for her."

Batman gave Hugo a disapproving look and said, "You're trying to cause drama, to distract me, from your real plan."

Hugo replied, "I can't reveal, if your theory is correct, because it would jeopardize my master plan. I'll be making my leave, so you and Ivy can continue lying, about your feelings."

Batman walked to Ivy. He put his hand on his shoulder and asked, "Are you okay?"

Poison Ivy answered, "I suppose so. I was probably making a big deal, out of nothing."

Batman had a concerned look on his face, while asking, "What's wrong?"

Poison Ivy answered, "This'll probably sound childish, but I felt a little depressed, about you having lunch with Nocturna. It also upset me, to see her kiss your cheek. I'm probably acting dumb."

Batman replied, "You're not. I was just interested in Nocturna, because I want to know, what Principal Strange's reason is, for having her around. To be honest, I did miss you, during lunch."

Poison Ivy blushed and responded, "That's good to hear."

An hour later, Batman, Poison Ivy, Nocturna, and some other students were at gym class. The gym teacher, known as Firefly, walked across the gym, while fiddling with sports equipment. After he almost hit a few students, he said, "Greetings, dudes. It's time, for some dodgeball. There's gonna be two captains. Since Nocturna's the new student, she'll be one captains. The Riddler will be the other captain, because he'll whine my head off, if I didn't let him be captain."

Nocturna and Riddler stood up. Firefly assigned them, to pick which students they wanted, on their teams. Nocturna pointed at Batman and said, "You're the first person, that I choose." Batman sighed and stood next to her.

The Riddler used his cane, to point at Ivy, while saying, "You're the first person, that I choose."

After Poison Ivy stood next to Riddler, she asked, "Why did you choose me, Riddler?"

The Riddler said, "Riddle me this: Who's crushing on a bat, that has been chosen by the other captain? You see, Nocturna's captivated Batman's interest, which makes you irrelevant, in his eyes."

Poison Ivy folded her arms and replied, "We may be on the same team, but I'm going to throw the dodgeballs at you."

The Riddler nervously smiled and responded, "As the prince of puzzlers, I have a solution, for your drama."

Poison Ivy raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"

The Riddler said, "Start dating me."

Poison Ivy asked, "Why would I?"

The Riddler had a smug smile on his face, while saying, "I'm hot."

Poison Ivy replied, "I'd never date you."

The Riddler responded, "I'd never water a plant, so there's no hard feelings."

During the dodgeball game, Riddler accidentally threw a dodgeball into Nocturna's mouth. Nocturna took the dodgeball, out of her mouth. The Riddler had a horrified look on his face, while saying, "That dodgeball's so gross, because it has your spit on it."

Batman looked at the ball, which looked like it was bitten. Also, the air had come out of it. He looked at Nocturna and asked, "What happened?"

Nocturna answered, "I accidentally bit it, while it was in my mouth."

The Riddler said, "Get rid of the ball."

Firefly replied, "Hold on there, you snotty critic. The ball's currently covered in slobber, but it can still be used. A towel can clean it up." The Riddler looked repulsed, but Firefly was too greedy, to throw the ball away.

After school was over, Batman helped Poison Ivy water the plants. Poison Ivy asked, "Are you glad, that you don't have detention?"

Batman answered, "Maybe, but I'm going to stay around, so I can find out Hugo Strange's master plan."

Poison Ivy felt a little concerned, while saying, "It's probably going to get really dangerous, around here."

Batman replied, "Believe me, I know. However, I believe I can give this college the safety, that it's been needing."

Poison Ivy responded, "I want you to know, that I believe in you."

Batman replied, "Thank you, Rose. There's nobody I trust more, around here, than you."

Poison Ivy hugged Batman and said, "Stay safe."

Batman replied, "I might do that."

Poison Ivy responded, "I want to talk to you, about something important, tomorrow morning."

Batman replied, "I'll see you, early in the morning." Ivy kissed Batman's cheek and started heading home.

Hugo Strange had Nocturna go to Professor Crane's classroom. He tried to present himself, as a kind and heroic Principal, while saying, "Nocturna, I know you came to this college, because you've been needing help. Professor Crane has made a formula, that will help you, with your condition."

Nocturna replied, "I certainly hope, that the formula gets me the results, that I need." She put her hand over her face, while saying, "Each night, my skin turns pale, giving me the appearance, of a vampire. Each night, I struggle and fight the animalistic urge, to act like a vampire. I try, to always make myself act human, but the vampire side keeps growing."

Professor Crane responded, "You don't need to worry, about that particular issue." He grabbed the test tube, which contained the formula and started walking closer. He said, "This formula will the entire nature, of your life. You're not going to deal with the struggle, of feeling like a semi-human/semi-vampire." He put the tube in her hands.

Hugo looked at her and said, "I highly recommend, that you drink the formula. It's going to change your life, in the best of ways."

Nocturna eyed the tube, while asking, "Are you sure, that this is the right thing, for me to take?"

Professor Crane replied, "If you don't drink that formula, you'll keep suffering and suffering, while feeling like two different people."

Nocturna responded, "Very well then." She drank the formula. She was hoping, that the formula would stop her, from becoming a vampire. However, Professor Crane wasn't interested in curing her condition. Instead, he wanted to make her become a vampire, permanently. Nocturna looked at herself, in the mirror. She nervously asked, "Why have I come back, to my vampire appearance? The formula was supposed to make me full-human, with no vampire traits. Besides, it's not nighttime, so I shouldn't be a vampire."

Professor Crane had an evil smile on his face, while saying, "I had no interest, in making you a human. That would comfort you, which is the opposite, of my fearsome goal. Since you're always going to be a vampire, you'll be getting a permanent scare." He did an evil laugh.

Hugo replied, "Hold on, Professor Crane. I knew you wanted to do a shady experiment, but I wasn't expecting this."

Professor Crane responded, "We have to take full advantage, of having a vampire, for a student."

Hugo replied, "I was using Nocturna's arrival, to my advantage. By having her gain an interest in Batman, it made Poison Ivy jealous. That lovey-dovey stuff will distract Batman, from my master plan."

Professor Crane looked at Hugo and responded, "Hold on, you get a vampire, to join the college, just to make Batman be distracted, by a pretty girl?"

Hugo replied, "That's what vampires are for." Crane facepalmed.

Batman tried to go into Crane's classroom, but he saw that Man-Bat was guarding the door. Man-Bat was considered an imposing threat, by a lot of the students. However, Batman tried to not be intimidated or scared. Man-Bat made a bunch of animal noises, before charging at Batman. Man-Bat tried to use his wings, to attack Batman. However, Batman used the agility and skills, that he learned from Ra's al Ghul, to avoid getting hit.

Man-Bat flew around and picked Batman up. Batman felt uneasy, but he wasn't ready, to get scared. He knew getting scared was the type of emotion, that Crane wanted to convey. Fear was also the reason, that Crane kept Man-Bat. Man-Bat was one of the scariest excuses, for a pet. However, Batman wouldn't let Man-Bat stop him. He punched and kicked Man-Bat. His strength was swifter and faster, than Man-Bat's attacks. Man-Bat couldn't keep up, with Batman. After a few minutes, Man-Bat felt weak, from Batman's attacks. Man-Bat fell to the ground, while Batman ran into the classroom.

Batman looked around and saw Nocturna, who had become a full-time vampire. Batman had a horrified look on his face, while asking, "What's going on?"

Professor Crane evilly answered, "I used my newest formula, to make Nocturna a vampire. She used to be a part-time vampire, but I took care of that."

Nocturna looked at Batman and nervously said, "When I was only a vampire, during the night, I felt the urge, to act like a regular vampire. I felt the desire, to go outside and find people, so I can suck their blood. However, I kept using my human side, to fight those urges. There were several times, where I got close, to sucking people's blood, but I always stopped myself." She took a long pause, before saying, "Now that I'm a full-time vampire, I don't know, how to contain my urges."

Batman tried to reason with her, by saying, "You're still a human, in your heart. Don't lose sight of the person, that you truly are."

Nocturna tried to listen, to Batman's advice. However, her vampire addictions were taking over her brain. She grabbed Batman, while feeling the urge to suck his blood. Batman used a grappling-hook, to get away from her. She started charging towards him, while doing animal noises. Batman opened his utility-belt and pulled out a container, of knock-out gas. He threw it, at Nocturna. Nocturna passed out.

Batman angrily stared at Hugo and Crane, while saying, "You two monsters should be ashamed, but knowing you, you probably feel no guilt. Nocturna was a tortured soul and instead of helping her, you corrupted her life."

Professor Crane replied, "If you're expecting me to care, cut it out. She should of been a full-time vampire. That would give this college the scares, that it needs."

Hugo looked at Batman, while saying, "I didn't know, that Crane would make her a full-time vampire. I thought he'd just be doing a fear toxin or something like that. My primary reason, for having Nocturna join Arkham Asylum, was to create awkward tension, between you and Poison Ivy."

Batman replied, "You hired a vampire, to create romantic drama?"

Hugo asked, "Isn't that the reason, that people have vampires?" Batman facepalmed.

After waking up, Nocturna left Arkham Asylum. She was so desperate, that she asked Carmine Falcone, to help her. They had a meeting in his darkly-lit office. Carmine was covered in shadows, while Nocturna told him, about the pain she went through. She said, "I just want a cure, for my condition. I'm afraid I'll become a soulless vampire, if I don't get the cure, soon."

Carmine replied, "Don't worry, Nocturna. I have the money, to make any type of cure. However, before your vampire side gets taken away, I have plans, that you're going to assist."

Nocturna nervously asked, "What are these plans about?"

Carmine answered, "Me getting rid of enemies, so I can show Gotham, who's boss." He did an evil laugh.

The next morning, Batman went to Arkham Asylum, at an earlier time, so he could see Poison Ivy. Batman walked up to her and said, "Greetings, Rose."

Poison Ivy replied, "Hi."

Batman said, "When you wanted to talk to me and said it was about something important, what were you referring to?"

Poison Ivy shyly replied, "You see, Nocturna having an interest in you brought some jealous feelings, out of me."

Batman asked, "Why?"

Poison Ivy answered, "Because I love you."

Batman replied, "I love you too, but I don't see the reason, why you'd be jealous."

Poison Ivy responded, "I suppose I haven't been wording myself, in the best of ways. I don't love you. I'm in love with you."

Deep down, Batman had known, that Poison Ivy had a crush on her. Batman disagreed with Hugo Strange, over a variety of things. However, he knew Hugo was right, about him and Ivy being in denial. He realized he could hurt Ivy's feelings, if he didn't start being honest, about what he thought of her.

Batman held hands with Ivy, while saying, "No tree, flower, or plant can compare, to the beauty of your heart." Batman kissed Ivy. Ivy could hardly believe it, but she was overjoyed. She kissed him, while realizing, that Batman was in love with her.

Hugo watched them, while saying, "Aww, what a sentimental moment. Their loves makes me more excited, to crush their happiness." Hugo stepped on a plant and did an evil laugh.