How does one man protect an entire city? By making sure the shadow he casts is long and wide so that its reach can embrace or engulf all that walk here. So that every man,woman,and child in the city of Gotham can feel its touch. If you are good, the shadow's wings are a welcome,protective blanket. If you are bad, you know its touch as a black splinter of fear.

Billionaire art collector Jack Weintraub spent the first sixty years of his life building an empire. He spent the last sixty minutes tearing it all down. He told his gorgeous trophy wife that even though he told her every day that he loved her, she actually annoyed,irritated and disgusted him. He yanked his enormous cash reserve out of his extensive investment portfolios and transferred it all to an obscure "Society for the Preservation of Songbirds."

He finished off the hour by destroying a museum's worth of priceless art with a few swings of a nine iron. Why would a man destroy his own life? And then stand at the precipice of that destruction, with nothing left to do but run,run,run. A burning man,a streak of light in the darkness. A strange phosphorescent sparkle emanates from his skin and trails after him.

From a distance, it is beautiful. Up close,it is something else. Now the man feels a shadow at his back. Does he welcome it, as a protective blanket? Was he a good man or a bad man? He burns so brilliant in the night as a line wraps around him like a cocoon bringing him back down to Earth. Can he even see the shadow that chases him? If your eyes are the sun,can you see shadows? Can a flame see the moths that haunt it?

" Who are you? Where are you? Go away!"

Eyes that shine brighter than the brightest of stars. Burn deeper than the deepest flames. Eyes that show no anger or rage or fear. Eyes that stare forward not daring to move. Not daring to twitch as his hands wiggle around to free themselves from their imprisonment. As they thrash and claw around feeling for their salvation. The cold metal of a firearm that feels so refreshing in his hands. Feels so cool to the touch. A salvation against the shadow chasing him on this hot summer night. A shadow who is faster to the mark with his extended reach launching his salvation out of the man's hand sending it soaring down to the pavement on the streets awaiting down below.

" My gun!"

How could this be? His salvation. His sweet relief against the darkness. His only salvation on this night. No it couldn't be like this. Couldn't end like this. No,no,no he wouldn't let this stand! Wouldn't let this be! He still has time. Oh yes time indeed.

" I've got to get my gun!"

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Couldn't believe what he was seeing. A shadow looking on at its prey who leans back further and further nearing the edge of the roof with a downcasted look. A man underneath a cowl whose shocked eyes go unseen as they get wider and wider at what they see. This once proud man getting lost further and further into the darkness only true madness can bring you. A madness he has fought his whole life but never like this. Never before has he seen anything like this. Nothing like the madness he is seeing before his eyes now.

" Are you nuts? No, don't jump!"

But he is too late as the shadow watches the man leap off the roof with a peaceful smile on his face. With glowing eyes burning hotter than even the hottest of days. What would make a man leap off a roof after a falling gun he could never hope to catch? A question he would never be able to answer. Not now and not ever. A shadow whose gloved hands grip the other end of the line attached to the man for dear life. A metal line that grinds fiercely into the fabric of his gloves cutting his palms deeply. As blood gushes down from his open wounds making his grip loosen as though he will lose his grip at any second but he couldn't. Not now. Not when a life is at stake. A determination running deep in him making the shadow do the impossible. Make him reach out and grab a hold of a fire escape as he is pulled closer and closer to the edge of the rooftop. The only thing keeping a tragedy from happening on this night.

" Hold on! I've got you!"

The man hangs,saved. He glows, a torch in the night unaware of the dark shadow above that holds his life by a thin line. The line taut between a shadow and a light. A line that will forever remain strong for long as he has an ounce of strength within him. For long as he can let out a single breath.

" That should keep him sedated. He seems to be more at peace now."

" Arkham was the closest to the incident,so I brought him right here. He was in terrible pain,but if it was psychotic or medical in nature,I couldn't tell."

It was true. Never before has he encountered anything quite like this before. No signs of medical trauma to the head. No signs of being intoxicated or under the influence of any drug. Truly for the first time it leaves him stumped. He could only hope the doctors of this facility would have better luck.

" I'll run some blood tests and determine if he should be kept here or transferred to a hospital. While we wait for the results, I'll show you around Arkham."

Arkham Asylum. An misunderstood place according to many that work within these walls. A facility many walking around the grounds would call a place for healing. Would consider to be the home of some of the most misunderstood men and women in the world. As for those outside of these walls? They would call this place something different. Would call this place a nut house plain and simple. The home of the nuts and wackos of Gotham City.

" I have not been here for some time."

" I hope you like some of the changes i've made."

Changes he can easily make out the moment they start the tour. Such changes he didn't know whether or not they would lead to good or bad. He liked to think for the better but he has seen that trick before. Has seen what many of them are capable of whenever they have been set free from this place. These men and women who have gone around stirring up trouble in the city wearing masks. Wearing their own unique personalities on their chest like a badge of honor. Badges of honor he can still be clearly seen with nothing but pride in every single cell they pass as Batman follows after Doctor Wood through the grounds. Colorful walls littered with artwork. Strings hanging loosely from the ceiling with a noticeable buzzing echoing off the dark empty walls. Potted plants and flowers shining brightly from their spot on top of tables. Truly interesting characters many would say but he knows better. Knows not to judge them for what his eyes see. The very flower withering away within these walls has taught him that.

" And this our therapy room."

A truly impressive room with noticeable renovations done using the taxpayers hard earned money. What could only be described as a conservatory meeting the twentieth century. This wide open room with numerous windows to be seen all around. A room with a large glass windowed ceiling hanging up from high above.

" It's a simple concept really. Allow the patients to find a craft or hobby they enjoy,and they become healthier."

He had to admit the doctor does have a point. Just with a glance around he can see the difference in every single one of the patients inside of the room. Patients that look so happy. Look so content and carefree unlike what could normally be seen from them outside of these walls. Though this treatment to many must be considered risky there was no denying the results it is bringing. Especially if it is helping reform just a very few of them in the end.

" As they lose themselves in the work,the bad voices that haunt their minds simply fade. I believe you may even know our star patient. She's made some botanical advancements so amazing that we're applying for patents."

This did not come as a surprise to him. He always knew deep down she always possessed this. She just never wanted to show it. What has she once called the citizens of Gotham City? Disgusting meat sacks? Filthy mammals polluting her skies? Ridiculous statements to ever make but a part of him admired her for what he was hearing. The way she would say them with so much passion willing to stand behind her strong words daring anyone to argue against her.

The very same woman,he can see being the star of the room right now kneeling down on the ground at the far end of the room surrounded by potted plants as she holds a small potted plant so delicately in her hands as though it is the most precious thing in the world to her. A woman surrounded by the only sunlight making its way into the room. The very sunlight he can see her trying to consume for every last drop as she holds a small potted plant over her head. A woman,Batman can't help but be drawn to like a moth to a burning light as he slowly comes to stand behind her causing a shadow to cast over her. A shadow that makes Ivy's lips twist into a scowl for a split second before her eyes widen slightly when she recognizes the shape of the shadow presented to her.

" You're in my light."

Oh yes she knows this shape. Knows this shadow. The very shadow that makes criminals scattered. The very shadow that makes even the most strong minded weep in fear. The very man who had stolen her heart during their first encounter. During their first courtship. A night she can remember like it was yesterday. Remember how she had ensnared the bat in one of her vine traps. Remember how pleased she felt watching him squirm around but best of all what he tasted like. Those mysterious lips of his that felt so good to the touch.

The very same lips she had felt two nights ago. Two long nights ago. Nights filled with pleasant dreams. Filled with nothing but cowls and masked heroes whisking her away to her salvation. Oh how she wishes to breathe in fresh air once again. Wishes to feel the sun shining down brightly leaving no part of her untouched.

" Hello Ivy."

Just his voice alone leaves her smiling. Now that she knows the truth in many regards. How she missed something so obvious still leaves her shaking her head but no matter. It wouldn't matter in the end. All that matters is the truth and the truth couldn't be any more wonderful. This man,this caped crusader,this dark knight loves her. Truly loves her unlike many others do in this city. Such a wonderful feeling to have. A man slowly she turns to look at while clutching a small potted plant closely to her chest with a soft smile across her face.

" Batman."

The Batman. The greatest hero this world will ever see. At least in her eyes anyways. A truly amazing man. A man that does not possess any super powers. A man that doesn't rely solely on brute strength or intelligence. No he is the complete package. A man that lives a double life. A rich billionaire by day and hero by night. Oh how she used to despise his alter ego so much. Used to despise everything Wayne Enterprises stands before but now? After everything she has started to hear about his company. She didn't know what to think anymore.

" Given this chance to do what she loves most,her botanical work Ivy is essentially cured. We're all very proud of her here."

" Have you taken precautions? She is after all poison…."

" We don't call her that here!"

Oh yes. The good doctor. God she hates him so much. The fake smiles. The lingering looks. The pointless lectures. Didn't he know she only does what she pleases? Doesn't he know she just goes along with everything he says because he had promised her freedom to tend to her work in peace? Stupid mammal. Especially now. Didn't the idiot know all of this was just an act? Her playing the part of the good well mannered girl. The caped crusader playing the overly cautious hero. Soon enough he will come to learn the truth. Soon enough he along with the rest of Gotham City will learn the truth about them. Will soon learn what could be considered to be many as the impossible happening before their very eyes. The vixen and the bat together as one. What a sight that will prove to be.

" But of course, we monitor Ivy and her experiments,and she takes daily suppressant medication. Without the drugs,we couldn't even stand in a room with her like this. Why,she could use those vines to strangle us all!"

Something he knew all too well. Way too well from the countless battles they have shared. All of the vines that had sprung to life attacking him. The vice grips each would hold if they got a grip on him. Oh yes he knew what this woman is quite capable of but not right now. Not anymore. Was she taking some kind of drug here? Perhaps? He doesn't think so. Most likely slipping the pills somewhere before the doctors notice what is happening is more likely but no matter. Whatever else these doctors have been doing with her is getting results with some of those results on full display in front of him right now. These amazing advancements in her selected field.

" But, as you can see,Batman,her work could be of great benefit to society! Tell Batman about your experiments,Ivy. I'm going to check on our patient's condition."

" Yes Doctor Wood."

Waiting for the doctor to turn and walk away out of the room before allowing a small scowl to come across her face the moment she sees him disappear out of sight turning back towards Batman a small smile comes across her face.

" Look over here please Batman."

Without giving him a chance to react reaching out Ivy quickly takes Batman's hand with her own and steers him closer to her potted plants. A motion that earns questionable looks from wandering eyes looking in their direction but she doesn't care. None of these mammals will ever understand the bond she and this man share.

" With this delicate bloom,I've created a sporebased natural insecticide that could provide a safe alternative to crop dusting. And this exquisite hemp hybrid generates a cheaper paper pulp source. It could save whole forests from being destroyed. And here,this fast growing vine is so tough it could replace steel cable! It not only reduces the need for destructive mining,but also has natural demolition capabilities. The fungus it produces creates a phosphorescence that could revolutionize how the streets of Gotham are lit. And this simple,elegant leaf crosses aloe with a cell bonding oil,creating a powerful remedy for burns. I can see that you've hurt your hands and don't lie to me. I can feel the burns even now."

She wasn't stupid. Far from it. This wasn't a social visit. He had come here for a reason. Why she was still unsure of but what she does know intrigues her. This mysterious patient Dr Wood talks about. A patient just brought here by Batman,himself. A patient whose condition must be serious if the head doctor of this facility is attending to them. Releasing a hold of his hand bending down so she can pluck a lone leaf off her precious plant turning back towards Batman as she sees him taking a step back with his hands raised up in front of him revealing a couple of gashes through his gloves suppressing the urge to roll her eyes reaching out Ivy grabs a hold of his right wrist and slowly brings the leaf forward to gently rub it against the gashes through his glove. An motion to her amusement causes an instant reaction from the way his eyes close for a split second with nothing but this content look coming across his face despite his wishes.

It is simply amazing. Already he can feel the burns on his hands healing drastically. This plant,these plants presented to him right now are the next stage in evolution. He can feel it in his bones. The way she spoke with so much passion describing their main features. The way she looked so fondly at them proud of her work. It is truly a heartwarming sight to see.

" Pamela?"

" Hmmm?"

" Can, I ask you something?"

Being motioned with a subtle nod of her head as he feels her taking his left hand within her own Batman stares directly at Ivy's content face.

" Why?"

Instantly confused at his question looking up as she finds his eyes on her stopping her motion Ivy gives Batman, her full attention.

" Why change? What is there for you to gain?"

A question leaving her stunned and yet not as shocking to hear. Sooner or later she knew this question would be asked. Would need to be asked. It was only fitting. To cross over one bridge you must cross another.

" I have everything to gain."

Releasing a hold of his wrist taking a couple of steps back while turning her back to him so that he can't see her face gently stroking the leaf in her hand letting out a sign reaching up Ivy raises her glasses up just enough to rub at her tired eyes.

" I'm sorry Batman,for all the trouble I've caused you in the past. I was after all plunked in a vat of toxins as carelessly as a fat cop dunks a donut. Not that I regret it. My affinity with plants was heightened,which I can't imagine life without. But the other changes. The fact that I can never kiss a man,never have a normal life,was for a time traumatic to me. At least it was until, I found out,I could control the very poisons filling my veins but before then? It took me a while to adjust. I hid behind hate. The truth is I want to be cured. I want to be known as Pamela Isley to the world and not Poison Ivy. I want to be able to walk down a street with my head held high."

Letting out another sigh moving her glass back into position turning around to face Batman once again finding his eyes staring right back at her with concern smiling slightly at his concern closing the distance between them Ivy lays her free hand down on his kevlar as she locks eyes with him.

" I want to change and I mean really change. This asylum,it's full of tragic men who never let go of the anger. Men who hold on to wounds inflicted when they were just small boys. Men who never come back to the real world. But,you of all men,understand this,don't you,Batman? Answer me this. When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly be happy? When was the last time you had a night's sleep not filled with terror or hate?"

He didn't know how to answer that. Doesn't know where to even begin. Everything she is saying is true. The Batman. The very alter ego he created so long ago was built out of anger. A deep rooted anger that has never gone away no matter what he has accomplished. No matter how many criminals, he puts behind bars. No matter how many times he has saved Gotham City from being destroyed. Anger which has never allowed him to be happy. Has never allowed him to truly take the next step with any of the women in his life.

" I don't say this to hurt you but instead to help you. When was the last time you were happy? Perhaps it is time you allow yourself to be happy."

He knew exactly what she was referring to. Especially from the way she looks into his eyes. Looks into them with nothing but care. With nothing but love within them as though giving him silent messages of encouragement. It was just a matter of him now. Would he allow himself to take that next step? Would he ever allow this anger built inside of him to burn out? He honestly doesn't know that answer but something in him tells him,she might have the answer. Perhaps even is the answer. If she can change,why can't he?

" Batman!"

Snapping out of his daze snapping over his shoulder, instantly Batman goes on full alert when he sees Doctor Wood rushing back into the room with numerous files being hugged close to his chest.

" He's taken a turn for the worse! We must get him to a hospital!"

Just what is going on? What is happening outside of these walls? The situation itself seems serious. Deadly serious with another's life at stake. If the doctors here can't save them then surely the doctors at some hospitals will fare no better leaving only one clear choice.

" Take me to them."

Ignoring the stares she instantly receives in favor of focusing solely on Batman with nothing but determination in her eyes,reaching up Ivy lays a hand on his cheek causing a faint scowl to come across Doctor Wood's face that goes unnoticed.

" There still might be time. Bring me to them."

Never before has she seen anything quite like this before. Eyes that glow brighter than the mighty sun. Skin that keeps darkening like a flower withering away without its light source. This was something else. Something that could not be explained. The way this man mumbles to himself not making any sense. Just what kind of drug reduced state is this man in? A question Ivy ponders as she stands by Weintraub's bedside looking down at this sweating and withering away man while Batman and Dr Wood watch closely from a small distance away.

" He's been poisoned but i won't be able to tell you for sure without a sample of his blood to study."

" How can you tell, Ivy?"

Not even needing to glance over her shoulder knowing fully well Dr Wood is staring at her with admiration internally snorting at this leaning down at Weintraub's form slowly Ivy closes her eyes and takes a whiff.

" I can smell it on him. Even now I can smell it as clear as day to me. He has a unique scent on him. I would speculate even now the poison has already taken its full affect on him. It is only a matter of time now before he meets his end."

Leaning back choosing to avoid looking at Dr Wood as he makes his way around the other side of the bed with a syringe in his hand and instead focus solely on Batman,crossing her arms over her chest,Ivy gives him a pointed look.

" Is this the first time you come across someone like him?"

This couldn't be the only one out there with these symptoms. No, there are more like him. Yes she was sure of this. The real question is whether or not if what this man has is contiguous. She could only hope she was wrong and this condition is not contiguous if not then the very man,she holds dear to her heart will too come to the same fate as the man laying in the bed before her.

" Are you saying there might be more men and women out there with the same symptoms,Ivy?"

" That's exactly what i'm saying, Doctor. I can tell you for certain,he is not the first to show these symptoms and also will certainly not be the last. Whoever did this isn't simply looking to stop with a few deaths. They are aiming for something bigger."

" And what makes you think this?"

" Because Doctor,that's what,I would do."