-Poison Ivy-

I could tell from the moment I opened my car door that the warehouse was anything but deserted. There were a few shady looking vans parked outside and I could hear the gruff voices of the crooks coming from the building. Of course I had anticipated this, but I was hoping for an effortless steal. Judging by the amount of vehicles, there were at least fifteen or twenty inconveniences for me to take care of. Fortunately, being the resourceful woman that I am, I had a large selection of fragrances and pheromones to help me clean up the mess of mankind.

I grabbed my bag and shut the car door as quietly as I could, not wanting to alert them of my presence. The element of surprise is key when up against a large group of people. Walking silently to the front of the building, I gracefully climbed atop a dumpster to peek into a high window. The first thing I saw was my precious plant, still intact and resting on a table. I couldn't help but grin, knowing it would soon be in my care and free to grow as nature intended. Glancing around to size up the threat inside, I quickly lost any feelings of joy when I noticed something I really hadn't expected.

They were all wearing gas masks.

What the hell? There's no way this is a coincidence. These idiots aren't smart enough to expect that I would make a grab for the plant. Whoever's running this operation must have warned them. Or worse. Maybe they were counting on me showing up. This is a set up! How DARE they use my passion for mother nature against me! My mind was filled with rage and my fists clenched; I am not one to be fooled. Calm down Ivy. Think. I need a plan. The men were all armed as well, and I saw no possible entrance that would allow me to be unseen. I should have known it was to good to be true.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a gunshot, causing me to jump and almost lose my balance on the dumpster. I quickly whirled around to find two of the men from inside staring me down, one still pointing his gun in the air from his last shot. I noticed they had removed their gas masks, feeling confident they'd cornered me. They both smirked at me and I attempted to appear calm. You know, as though I hadn't just been caught red handed. The bigger of the two men broke the silence. "Poison Ivy, nice of you to drop by. I almost refused when the boss told us we had to wear these stupid masks. Guess he really does know a thing or two."

The only good thing about this exchange was that I was still on the dumpster and therefore could look down at them. I leaned back against the building and crossed my arms, trying to convey no fear whatsoever. "And who might this all-knowing boss be?" I figured they weren't going to tell me, but it was worth a shot. They both just chuckled in response and proceeded to aim their weapons at me. Such a warm greeting. Doesn't anyone in this city have any respect? It slowly became less easier to tell myself I wasn't at least a little bit afraid.

"You don't ask the questions around here Garden Gal. Now why don't you get down from there and come inside. We've got business with you." His tone made it clear that there were consequences should I refuse, and I really didn't have any other ideas. I slid off the dumpster and made my way into the warehouse, both men following behind me. I was greeted by loud jeers and threatening gestures as I entered and soon found myself surrounded. My earlier estimate seemed to be correct. I counted eighteen in total. All with guns and gas masks. I was severely outmatched.

The man who'd spoken to me before (he seemed to be the leader) kept his gun aimed at me and motioned for me to hand him my bag. I did so reluctantly, knowing there was nothing they'd be able to use against me, but still not wanting to surrender it so easily. I tried my hardest to look uninterested, absently looking down at my nails or playing with my hair. The constant barrage of laughter and sneers told me I wasn't very convincing. The leader returned after throwing my bag on a table across the room and things quieted down. He simply stared at me, a vicious grin spreading across his lips. I decided to speak first.

"Listen boys, I really don't have all night, so why don't you just tell me what you want."

"You have as long as we say you have. Don't forget who's in charge here."

"I'm only trying to figure out what the point of all this is."

"The point is the extinction of unnecessary freaks like yourself. The boss wants to call in a new era in Gotham."

"An interesting thought, but nobody's been able change Gotham for years."

"Oh but we've got a plan! Here's step one." And with that, he pointed the gun directly at my forehead. I can't believe this is how I'm going out. Wandering right into a trap that ends my life. I give him my best stone cold glare. I don't want to look pitiful on my way out. At least I'll be buried in the soil, one with the earth. Knowing there is nowhere to run, I close my eyes and think only of green.

-Nightwing-

Tonight was finally starting to get interesting. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with any of the many rogues in Gotham, and Poison Ivy is definitely easier on the eyes than Killer Croc or The Penguin. She's still rockin her skin tight green outfit complete with tights, boots, gloves and cleavage. Nice to know things really haven't changed. After seeing her exit her car, I found a spot to perch with a good view inside the warehouse. I'd better assess the situation before I intervene. This could be a gardening club for all I know.

I quickly ditched that thought since gardening usually doesn't involve gas masks and heavy artillery. Ivy never used man power like this before. What is she up to? It was a few minutes before I actually saw her come in through the front door, and she seemed a little uncomfortable. It wasn't hard to see why; two guns at her back and several more around the room. What has she gotten herself into?

I watched as they surrounded her, confiscating her belongings. The only man not wearing a gas mask towered in front of her. They were having a conversation, and although I couldn't hear what they were saying, I had a few ideas. The worst of my suspicions was confirmed when he pointed the gun right between her eyes. Not on my watch pal. I grabbed hold of my perch with both hands and swung myself forward, crashing into the warehouse through a window. Aiming myself perfectly, I connected a strong kick to the leaders jaw.

I didn't have time to be amused at the sounds of surprise from all the buildings occupants (I think one of them even screamed). I grabbed my escrima sticks and leapt into action, jumping from one goon to the next and striking them down, dodging gunfire all the while. Poison Ivy had wasted no time in using my entrance as a distraction to take cover, so I didn't have to focus on protecting her. With every body that dropped, it only got easier. They may have been ready for Ivy, but they weren't prepared for the unstoppable force that is Nightwing.

Now surrounded by dozens of unconscious thugs, I returned my escrima sticks to their place on my back. I scanned the room and spotted Ivy's red hair poking out from behind the table she'd been using as a shield. Sensing the danger was gone, she got to her feet and brushed herself off. Fixing her hair, she finally turned and faced me. "Thank you." Was all she managed. She was clearly still shaken by everything that had just happened in a matter of minutes.

I motioned to the crooks sprawled across the floor. "Friends of yours?"

She chuckled. "I haven't the slightest idea who any of them are nor who they work for. I only came here for this." She quickly crossed the room and picked up a potted plant, practically hugging it. Figures. The flower itself was a pretty shade of purple, but seem unremarkable otherwise. I suppose it probably means more to Ivy than it would to anyone else. "I won't let those yucky men lay a finger on you ever again!" I almost chuckled as she spoke to the plant. Yep, same old Ivy.

After coddling the flower a bit more, she turned around to face me once again. She took a few steps closer and seemed to be evaluating me. I resisted the urge to puff out my chest. "So this is what the original boy wonder is wearing these days. Very nice. You're definitely not a child anymore." She seemed to contemplate this statement before glumly adding, "Makes me feel old." She quickly got over this, and returned to her normal sensual demeanor, coming closer. She doesn't look very old. I've got no complaints on her outfit either. I almost miss being shorter. I was perfectly eye level with her green clad cleavage. Although, this view is nice too. Knowing she couldn't see my eyes behind the domino mask, I allowed them to wander as they pleased.

"So what happens now? You gonna call Batman? Or try to bring me in yourself?" She stood right in front of me now, one hand on her hip. It took me moment to realize she was waiting for an answer. Keep your wits about you Dick. She's a temptress. Ugh, how did Bruce get his voice in my head?

"You aren't going to escape? I see your little bag of tricks over there."

"Oh please. We both know you're faster than I am. You'd get to it first."

"So you're giving up?"

"I'm just glad my new friend and I are both safe."

I couldn't stop the small smile that grew on my face when she referred to the plant as her "friend". She takes the term "tree hugger" to a whole new level. I weighed my options for a moment. Batman was no doubt still busy, and I wouldn't need him for this anyway. But did I really need to bring her in? She hadn't really done anything illegal. I'm sure whatever these idiots had been planning was worse than whatever she could do with that plant. Unless it was some kind of toxic death flower she was going to weaponize. Even if it was, it wouldn't have been anything Bruce hadn't handled before. My decision was clear.

"Why don't you just take your 'friend' and head on home."

"Ah, the boy sees reason. Good answer."

Ivy returned to the table to retrieve her plant and continued across the room for her bag. Forget reason Ivy, what I do see are those nice stems of yours. My eyes followed her every movement across the room. My inner-self was shaking his head. I'd always found her attractive as a teen, but every woman was attractive when you've got raging hormones. I suppose that wasn't that long ago, but those teenage desires are slowly surfacing again.

We both exited the building and I expected her to start heading towards her car. She didn't, and she turned to face me once again. I was torn between casually flexing and being on guard. She was still a criminal, and who knows what she had in the bag.

"Won't Batman be furious that you just let me go?" She smiled as she spoke, using the same sultry tone as always. It was almost soothing. No wonder men and women alike always fall for her tricks.

"He doesn't have to know. I'm not his sidekick anymore."

"You sure aren't. I don't think he'd ever approve of this costume of yours. Not very batlike."

"I thought you liked it?"

"Oh, I do. Really shows off everything you have to offer."

"You're not so bad yourself." See how smooth I am?

"What, this old thing?" She chuckled and ran a finger through her hair. Not one for modesty I see.

Things were silent for a moment, so I decided I'd better end this before my smoothness gets me in trouble. "Stay out of Arkham, Ivy." She nodded and started towards her car. I stayed put, subconsciously scanning the area to see if there was any other signs of trouble. Coming up empty (as I assumed I would), I returned my attention to her. She opened the car door but stopped once more before getting in.

"I know you probably don't consider me a friend, so I don't know if this will make sense, but it was good to see you again."

She smiled, and it was contagious. I knew exactly what she meant. Even if we were on opposite sides, it didn't mean I hadn't spent a lot of time with her and the rest of Gotham's rogues.

"It was good to see you too."