7 Rescuing A Flower
It was evening and it was quiet in the Saints' base maybe even a little too quiet. Boss, Kinzie, Oleg, Pierce, Viola, Shaundi and Gat were playing a round of poker. Shaundi had the most chips and Pierce the least. ''Aww. It is not my day, today.'' Pierce sighed.
''Bullshit, you can't bluff, that's all.'' Gat commented but he himself only had a little bit more than Pierce.
''Oh yeah? It is not like you are a pro!'' Pierce countered.
''Your control over your face is lacking.'' Oleg chipped in. He had the most chips next to Shaundi.
''Since when are Russian good at poker? You are probably using your height to look into our hands.'' Viola accused. She had also lost some money but still had more than Pierce and Gat combined.
''I am always gentleman. Such pathetic behavior is beneath me.'' Oleg answered.
''He is just smarter than you.'' Kinzie stated. She almost had as much as Oleg.
''Yeah, yeah you two are smart, we get it.'' Boss interrupted her. He just had one chip more than Johnny. ''But what I don't get is how Shaundi is robbing us blank.'' Boss said in disbelief.
Shaundi was sitting behind a mountain of chips. She had more than twice as much as Oleg and more than everyone else together. ''A girl always has a secret or two, Boss.'' Shaundi answered in a good mood. With all this money she would be buying herself a load of drugs.
''She is high and therefore unreadable.'' Viola explained shaking her head.
''I should try it out then, too.'' Pierce exclaimed. ''Hey, Shaundi give me some of the stuff.''
''No way. This is my secret weapon.'' Shaundi declined.
''Aww, come on, girl! Don't be like that! It is already bad enough as it is. Please, lend a hand!'' Pierce begged.
''To spend your money will be the most enjoyable.'' Shaundi answered with an evil smile on her face. Pierce gave up.
After ten minutes of intense starring and slow card reveals Boss's phone rang. ''Who the fuck could that be?'' Boss asked out loud. He was concentrated on the game, because he had a good hand. ''Yeah, the leader of the Saints speaking.'' He picked up the call.
''Listen, I need your help.'' A voice answered quickly.
''Hello to you, too, Ivy. Nice to hear from you. Is the antidote finished?'' Boss asked.
''No.'' Ivy stated shortly.
''The fuck? Didn't you say, you could create every antidote on the planet?'' Boss wanted to know. He was a little angry. He provided her with the necessary samples. It was now her turn to deliver.
''It wasn't the lack of ability but of time. I had some important stuff to do.'' Poison Ivy explained.
''And why do you call me then?'' Boss questioned.
''My actions gained the attention of a certain someone. Batman is hot on my tail.'' Ivy explained.
''Raise.'' Boss said to the group.
''Are you even listening to me? What are you doing?'' Ivy's voice rose in irritation. She wasn't used to being ignored and especially when she needed help.
''Relax! I am playing poker with the gang. And also, you wanted my help. Beggars can't be choosers.'' Boss stated.
''Poison Ivy does not beg. I see it was a mistake calling you.'' Ivy said with poison in her voice.
''Girl don't be like that. Just tell me where you are, and I will help you.'' Boss offered.
''I am currently at the labs of a company called 'Biotec Corporation'. Hurry, Batman is near, and I think the cops are also on their way.'' Ivy said.
''What is with the antidote?'' Boss asked.
''It isn't finished. And if you don't save me I won't be able to finish it.'' Ivy replied. Boss sighed. ''Kinzie look up some lab of a company called 'Biotec Corporation'. Ivy don't go anywhere; I will be there as soon as I can.'' Boss said.
''Very funny.'' Ivy stated and the call ended.
''Our eco-terrorist has apparently bit more off than she can chew.'' Boss explained to his crew.
''Boss, the address is 'Lincoln-Street' 67.'' Kinzie informed him. ''Ok, guys, I won't be gone too long. Here Pierce, you can have my remaining chips. But don't think I quit. When I am back I will reenter.'' Boss said and left the gang. The gang and a very happy Pierce continued playing.
Meanwhile at the labs
''Who did you just call?'' Batman asked who had reached Ivy.
''Isn't that invading a little too much on my privacy? Besides aren't you the world's greatest detective? You should tell me that.'' Ivy answered.
Batman narrowed his eyes. ''I never would have thought that the mighty Poison Ivy had to be saved like a little damsel in distress.'' Batman said with a grin.
Ivy's eyes light up angrily. Barely controlling herself. ''I know what you are trying to do. You try to put me off balance, so I tell you something. You just have to know that I unexpectedly made some very capable friends, who are very concerned about my freedom.'' Ivy said trying to buy some time. She already had thrown everything she had at Batman.
''You are bluffing. Why should somebody help you?'' Batman starred holes into Ivy.
''To be honest, I was as surprised as you but that doesn't mean it's not true.'' Ivy stated.
''Enough. I take you in, whether you have those friends or not.'' He dashed forwards. Ivy summoned some vines, but they restricted Batman only for a moment. A hard punch hit her beautiful face and she fell to the ground. ''Commissioner, do you hear me?'' Batman asked through his communication link.
''Yes, Batman loud and clear.'' Gordon gave answer.
''I have secured Ivy. Your men can come in and collect her now.'' Batman said and took the phone from the unconscious Ivy before he shot his Batclaw and vanished from the scene into the night.
''Alright, boys. The coast is clear. Get in there and arrest Ivy.'' Gordon ordered. After a while Gordon interrogated Ivy to pass the time until the special van arrived which would bring Ivy back to Arkham Asylum. Some medics gave Ivy a serum to temporarily suppress her ability to manipulate hormones.
''Now, Dr. Isley what do you have to say to your defense.'' Gordon said. Ivy remained silent. ''Like usually, because of your condition physically and psychically you won't be charged for your crimes, but you will have to be locked up in Arkham indefinitely or until an improvement of your condition arises.'' Gordon stated.
''I don't think I won't be there that long.'' Ivy said with a knowing smile.
''Where does this confidence come from? Although you escaped before it is not that easy. You will be there at least a few more months and if you really escape, Batman will just put you back in.'' Gordon tried to provoke Ivy.
''To brag with the achievements of another. How pathetic! My allies will make sure that I am free soon enough.'' Ivy stated.
''So, our little human-hater got some friends. Do you really believe you are any worth to them now that you are taken prisoner by the police? Why should somebody risk his head to free somebody who sees her fellow humans only as nuisances?'' Detective Bullock taunted.
That was certainly new. Ivy never allied with anyone except occasionally with Harley Quinn. Gordon wasn't always content with how Bullock handled things, but this was important. Gordon had to know who those mysterious friends were. Ivy thought about what Bullock said. She had a shaky alliance with the Saints, but she wasn't irreplaceable. They could just take the samples and search for another scientist to make the antidote. She wasn't sure if the Saints would actually take the risk of saving her just for the antidote.
Although not believing herself she said. ''Your police are not the strongest force on the streets anymore. My allies will come.'' After that Ivy remained silent. The special van came, and Ivy was freighted. Then it was closed. Two men got in the front of the car and started to drive.
When Boss arrived, everything was already over. Just a few policemen stayed behind to organize the cleaning up. ''I guess I am too late.'' Boss sighed and called Kinzie. ''Kinzie, I am too late.'' Boss began.
''I thought you would be, so I hacked the communication of the cops. She is transported to Arkham Asylum as we speak.'' Kinzie explained. ''But before you go after her, you should think. Ivy isn't the only scientist in town. You could just go to her hide-out, take the samples and let another scientist develop the antidote. You don't have to bail her out. It was her own fault. She even got captured before she could fulfill our deal. You own her nothing.'' Kinzie pointed out
Boss thought for a moment then answered. ''Yeah, you are right. I don't have to, but I will. Whether she stays an ally to the Saints in the future or not, she is one right now. And you know my opinion to the matter of abandoning one of my allies. I will go after her. Guide me!'' Boss decided and drove away.
Poison Ivy was being driven for almost twenty minutes. Soon they would be at Arkham and Ivy lost all hope. It had been foolish to think that the Saints would save her. She was also angry at them to abandon her without a fight. The car stopped probably a traffic light. When they didn't start again Ivy began to wonder what happened. Were they already at Arkham? Ivy decided not to surrender without a fight. The first one who would open this door she would kill him with her handcuffs. Finally, the door opened, and Ivy charged the man standing in the doorstep. Too late Ivy recognized the grinning face of Boss. She tackled him and they stumbled to the ground.
''Hey, normally I get a kiss when I save a girl, but in your case, I think, this is better.'' Boss joked while lying on the ground with Ivy on top of him.
''You really came.'' Ivy stated surprised.
''Of course, don't think you can get out of our deal that easily.'' Boss flirted. They both stood up. Boss opened Ivy's handcuffs with a key. ''And now a picture.'' Boss said and took out his phone.
''Oh, no.'' Ivy objected.
''Aw, come on. I saved you. You own me at least this much.'' Boss replied.
After a moment Ivy sighed. ''Ok but make it quick.'' He hugged Ivy with one arm and made a selfie with the other. Under the picture of him smiling widely and Ivy looking sour he posted. 'Me hanging out with Poison Ivy.' ''What did you do to the guards?'' Ivy asked and looked in the driver-spot.
''Do you even have to ask?'' Boss answered bored. The two cops were bleeding out of several bullet holes. Both being dead. ''My car is over there.'' Boss pointed at a stylish car. Ivy and Boss entered it. Boss started the engine and drove away.
''In regard of your latest actions I probably should invest more time in the antidote.'' Ivy admitted.
''Yeah, about that. Where do you want to do your science stuff? I am sure Batman won't be happy about how you avoided arrest. He will probably search the whole city for you and your place is pretty obvious. No offense.'' Boss stated.
''What do you suggest?'' Ivy questioned.
''How about you come to us for a couple of days only until the police has calmed down a little and you finished the antidote.'' Boss offered.
''You want to take me now prisoner instead.'' Ivy said coldly.
''Sheesh. You sure are hard to deal with. I don't force anything onto you. You also don't have to be cooked up in one place. You can move freely as you like. Also, can't you in regards of my latest actions understand that I have a soared interest that you complete the antidote.'' Boss explained.
''Hm. Fine. Batman would probably never look after me in one of your bases. But I want a quiet place and if one of your guys disturbs me he is mulch.'' Ivy agreed to Boss's offer.
''Please, don't be too strict. But I can arrange that.'' Boss answered. 30 minutes later they arrived at the base. Boss led her to the main room which was filled with Saints who were partying. Boss gave the DJ a sign and he turned the music down. He started to speak to the Saints.
''Hi, guys. I won't stop you from partying too long but listen. I mean it. Listen closely. This is Poison Ivy.'' He pointed at Ivy. The Saints looked at her some took out their guns. ''Don't worry. She is an ally. As long as you don't bother her, she won't do anything to you. She will be occupying the highest floor. The highest floor is off limits for you guys for the time being. I repeat nobody of you is allowed in the highest floor. Tell also the others who aren't here now. The only one allowed to approach her are me, Kinzie and Shaundi. I don't want any Saint disturbing her. It will be only for a couple of days. And now you can continue the party.'' The crowd cheered and continued.
''Follow me. There are some guys you should meet.'' Boss said and led Ivy to the room where he left his gang playing poker. When he entered the sight hasn't changed much except that Barbara and Matt had joined them. Pierce had a decent amount of chips. Johnny had the least and only a couple of chips left. Barbara had made a little plus on her chips of the beginning. Matt wasn't quite as lucky and he hadn't almost any chips left but still more than Johnny. Kinzie had lost the half of her chips she had when Boss left. Viola had made a little plus and Oleg lost a little. But Shaundi topped them all. Instead of one mountain of chips she was now sitting behind two mountains of chips. Boss wondered if Shaundi was a genius at poker.
Barbara who spotted them cried out and stood up. ''Poison Ivy?''
Boss tried to calm her down. ''Calm yourself down. She is an ally. She was arrested and I busted her out. And now she is staying her until she develops the antidote.'' Matt and Pierce started to whistle when they saw Ivy's revealing outfit. ''Guys, one kiss of her gives you a horrible death. I wouldn't piss her of if I were you.'' Boss stated.
Suddenly Pierce and Matt became very quiet. ''She will stay in the highest floor. I already got the keys from J. Don't disturb her and that applies especially to the men of our gang. Only ones who can approach her are me, Kinzie and Shaundi.'' He pointed at the two girls.
The group nodded. ''So that is cleared. Ivy do you want to join us in a little game of poker?'' Boss offered.
Ivy declined. ''I need my peace and quiet. These many people strain my nerves already.''
''Alright, I will bring you to your temporarily residence.'' Boss said and turned around to leave.
Before Ivy turned away, she asked Barbara suspiciously. ''Don't I know you from somewhere?'' She frowned like in thought.
''I don't think so.'' Barbara replied quickly trying to hide her anxiousness.
''Whatever.'' Ivy exclaimed and followed the Boss. Ivy was familiar with the police and even saw her on occasions. If Ivy remembered that she was the daughter of the commissioner she was in a lot of trouble. Luckily it seems that Ivy didn't give it much thought, yet. With an uneasy feeling Barbara continued to play. Boss and Ivy finally reached the last floor.
''This is your floor.'' Boss pointed out. ''And now I make myself clear.'' His smile vanished. ''If you are bothered by some of my guys you can scare them a little, but you are a guest here and you should act like one. If you hurt one of my gang seriously, it will have dire consequences.'' Boss said with a dark voice.
''No need to be so menacing. As long as nobody bothers me, we will get along fine. And now I want to go to bed.'' Ivy said with a little wink and closed the door behind her. Boss made his way back to the poker session.
''Hello, my name is Jane Valderamma with the news from the streets. With the help of Batman, the GCPD managed to arrest the eco-terrorist Poison Ivy. The mistress of plants is an expert in chemistry and has the ability to control plants and men through hormones. On several occasion she had threaten to take over Gotham. Although she was arrested some hours ago, she is on the loose once again. Her imprisonment didn't last longer than an hour. Although she foresaw her early release the police neglected to reinforce her guards. Surprisingly the Saints indeed freed her. This unexpected alliance apparently overstrains the police. The police can't come up with an explanation. Just that the earlier actions of the Saints became understandable after this. It is now clear that the abduction of the CEO of 'Bergman' and the hijacking of the chemical material filled van of the police from the Saints has something to do with their cooperation with Poison Ivy. The police also theorize that the Saints are currently mind-controlled by the female criminal. Though many other sources this seems to be unlikely. When you study a little the 'Visagebook' page of the Leader of the Saints, which doesn't show any signs of change in behavior, which is a side-effect of Poison Ivy's mind control. As always, the police are trying their hardest to recapture the freed super villain. That's it for today. Frequently updating you I am Jane Valderamma from Channel 6 News.''