(A/N): This version of Batman is the 2004 Batman Universe. Please, leave your thoughts. No Flames.
C1
David Wayne, a 15 year black male was getting his tuxedo ready for tonight as he is hosting a charity event for saving nature in his mansion.
"Sir, your friend Pamela Isley has arrived." Suki, a Taiwanese maid, spoke.
"Great." David looked and saw his only and trusted best friend since elementary came in.
Pamela Isley was a striking young woman with emerald eyes and short red hair. Her smile was infectious, and her laughter could brighten the darkest of Gotham's alleys. She was dressed in a stunning emerald gown that matched her eyes, looking every inch the part of a socialite attending a high-profile event. David felt a twinge of pride knowing that she had chosen to support their cause.
"You look great." Pamela adjusted her glasses.
"Thanks, P. I've been waiting for this night for weeks." David replied, glancing at himself in the mirror, making sure every detail was perfect.
The mansion buzzed with the sound of chatter and laughter as guests began to arrive. Each person who walked through the doors added a new layer of opulence to the evening, their jewelry sparkling under the soft glow of the chandeliers. The scent of expensive perfumes and cologne mixed with the aroma of exquisite hors d'oeuvres wafting from the grand dining hall.
David, feeling both excited and a bit nervous, greeted the attendees with a firm handshake and a warm smile. He watched as they mingled, hoping that his efforts would make a difference in the city's environmental future. Pamela, ever the social butterfly, flitted from group to group, spreading her charm and knowledge about the importance of preserving nature.
David and Pamela sat down at the table and mingled with the guests.
"So tell me you two, what are your thoughts about BatTeen?. He is such a big talk in Gotham after he made his debut last year.". said a female guest before taking a sip of her champagne.
David's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with the secret he kept from everyone, even from Pamela. "Well, he's certainly making an impact." He said, his voice measured, not giving away his true feelings.
Pamela leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "He's so mysterious, isn't he? I mean, who is he really?"
"Just someone who cares about the city," David replied, his eyes never leaving hers as he tried to gauge her reaction.
"Ah, but that's not all," the woman said, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "They say he's got a vendetta against the criminals. Like some kind of night-time guardian."
Pamela's eyes lit up with excitement. "Do you think he'll show up tonight?"
"He is not a fan of social gatherings." David got up and took Pamela with him.
The two were walking down the hallway of relics that have been passed down for generations. Pamela felt it was time to confess.
"David, I have been taking private mental therapy," said Pamela.
David got concerned for his best friend. "Really?. How long have you been going?."
"A few months now," she replied, her voice wavering slightly. "It's just that, sometimes, I get these... thoughts and that alter ego...I'm sorry but I don't want to go deep with the details."
David squeezed her hand gently. "Hey, it's okay. We all have our battles to fight."
Pamela nodded, looking down at their joined hands. "I just don't know if it's something I can control," she admitted, her voice barely a murmur.
Days later, Pamela went to her mental therapist and sat on the soft cushion chair. Her female therapist sat in front of her with a notebook and pen, and a pocket chain watch.
"It is getting worse, Dr. Zula." Pamela hugged herself while having anxiety and stress on her face. " She is getting stronger by the day and I don't want to hurt no one or David."
Dr. Zula nodded understandingly, her gaze never leaving her young patient. "Pamela, it's important to remember that you are in control. This alter ego is a manifestation of your subconscious. Together, we can work to keep her in check."
The therapist's office was a safe haven for the young heiress, with its calming earth tones and the faint scent of lavender essential oil. The walls were adorned with diplomas and certificates, a silent testament to her expertise in the human psyche. Pamela rubbed the sides of her head as she could feel the extreme anxiety.
"Today, I would like to have a talk with your alter ego and see how the damage is looking. You talk so much about Poison Ivy through our sessions and in your therapy journal. Time for me to have a session with her." said Zula, lifting up the pocket watch and swinging it sideways. "Follow the watch and listen to my voice."
Pamela nodded, feeling a strange mix of fear and relief as she stared at the hypnotic motion of the watch. The room grew fuzzy around the edges, and the sound of her own breathing grew louder in her ears. She felt herself sinking into a deep, dark abyss. Zula sees Pamela in conscious sleep.
Zula put the watch down on the table. "Ivy, can you please come out through Pamela and talk to me?."
Ivy, who has taken over Pamela's body, removes her glasses and sets them on the table before removing her shoes and socks. She put her leg over the other and had a sly smile. "Hello, doctor."
Dr. Zula remained calm, her professional mask never slipping. "Ivy, it's important that we establish some boundaries."
"Boundaries?" Ivy's smile grew wider, the corners of her mouth tilting upwards mischievously. "But isn't that what I'm all about? Breaking boundaries? The natural world has none, after all."
Zula leaned back in her chair. "After reading Pamela's journal, you are the ideal person that she wants to be. More strong. More bold. And unpredictable. She wanted to protect nature the peaceful way, while you want to do it the opposite way."
"Maybe," Ivy mused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But the natural world doesn't always play by human rules. Sometimes, you need to fight fire with fire."
The doctor nodded. "And that's why we need to find balance. Can you tell me more about your thoughts on this?"
Ivy leaned forward, her hands interlocking on her knee. "The world is dying, doctor. It needs a force that's not afraid to get its hands dirty."
Dr. Zula nodded. "I understand your passion, but it's important to channel that energy constructively."
"Constructively?" Ivy scoffed, the room seeming to grow darker around them. "You think charity balls and donations can save the world?"
Dr. Zula remained unfazed by the sudden shift in demeanor. "They're a start, and David is making a difference. Based on the journal both you and Pamela are both in love with David Wayne. What does he mean to you, Ivy?."
"David," Ivy whispered his name with a hint of a growl, "he's the heart of this city. He's pure, and he sees the potential in every living thing. He's the reason I've been able to stay dormant for so long."
"Do you think you'll be the more ideal future Mrs. Wayne than Pamela?." Zula asked while recording.
Ivy's eyes narrowed, and she leaned back into the chair, her fingers playing with the hem of her pants. "Why do you ask that, doctor?"
"Pamela's journal entries suggest she has feelings for David, and you seem quite protective of him as well. It's natural to wonder about the dynamics between you two." Dr. Zula spoke calmly, her hand resting gently on the notebook.
Ivy's eyes flashed with a fiery intensity. "If he were to choose, he'd pick me. I know it."
"You do realize that you and Pamela are one and the same young woman, yes?." Zula looked at her calmly.
Ivy's gaze flickered, a hint of doubt seeping into her voice. "But I'm different. I'm not weak like her. I can protect him from the real monsters of Gotham."
"What would you do if someone tries to hurt you, David?" Zula asked to write some notes of her reaction.
Ivy's hand tightened into a fist. "I'd make them regret ever putting a hand on my David."
Dr. Zula's eyes remained steady. "And what if David was the one in danger? What would you do?"
Ivy's expression softened slightly, a hint of vulnerability showing through the cracks of her bravado. "I'd do anything to keep him safe."
"You are similar to Harvey Dent's alter ego, Two-Face, except he was born from suppressed anger by Harvey. You were born from the pain that Pamela felt when seeing trees being cut down or being forced to watch bullies crush flowers or even urinate on anything plant related. I need to find a cure to remove you or else Pamela and you will become one. Both bickering with each other and being on the same page." said Zula, before quickly ducking when a pair of sharp scissors were thrown at her.
The room remained silent for a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the clock. Dr. Zula slowly got up from the floor. "It seems we have a lot of work to do, Ivy. Now, let's get back to finding that balance before it's too late."
"You can't cage me, doctor," Ivy hissed, the shadows seemingly growing longer around her.
"I'm not trying to, Ivy. I just want to help you and Pamela live in harmony," Dr. Zula replied, her voice calm yet firm. She knew she had to tread carefully with the volatile alter ego.
"You are just like them. Weeds. Weeds that need to be removed from the garden before it destroys mother nature." Ivy quickly got up and grabbed a nearby letter opener and charged at Zula.
Dr. Zula swiftly moved aside, her heart racing. "Pamela, come back to me. You know I'm here to help you. Ivy isn't the enemy. She's part of you."
She clapped her hands as it triggered Ivy back and got Pamela back. She started to tear up as she saw the knife in her hand.
"Doctor, I'm scared." Pamela hugged and cried.
"It's okay, I'm here." Dr. Zula said, taking the letter opener from her trembling hand. She knew she had to act quickly to prevent any further outbursts. "We need to work on this. Now more than ever."
Back with David who is at Wayne Enterprise in the private tech department with Fox. The man is showing him a newly built Bat suit.
"I call it the Arkham Knight protocol." Fox activated the pod.
The sleek black suit rose from the pod, gleaming under the neon lights. It was unlike any of the previous versions. It had a more tactical look, with a utility belt equipped with advanced gadgets that could take on any of Gotham's worst. The cowl had a digital overlay that displayed critical information. The cape was made of a new, lightweight material that could be used for perfect gliding or as a strong shield.
"Nice." David answered when feeling the material.
"It's not just about the aesthetics, though," Fox said, his voice filled with pride. "This suit has been designed to withstand even the most dangerous of encounters. And it's got some new gadgets that'll make even the Joker think twice."
David's eyes widened in excitement as Fox listed off the suit's new features: a sonic emitter that could disorient foes, a retractable glider, and a state-of-the-art gauntlet that could shoot out a variety of non-lethal projectiles. Each detail had been meticulously crafted to ensure the safety of Gotham's Dark Knight.
"But what's the most important feature?" David asked, unable to hide his eagerness.
Fox grinned, his eyes twinkling. "The suit's AI has been updated to include a psychological profile database. It can analyze the behavior and tactics of known criminals, predicting their next move before they even make it. It's like having Suki in your ear at all times."
David nodded, taking it all in. "And the gauntlet?"
Fox held up one of the gauntlets, showing a hidden compartment. "It's loaded with a new type of batarang. They're coated in a non-toxic, organic adhesive. When thrown, they stick to surfaces and can be remotely controlled to create distractions or entangle enemies. Perfect for someone who loves plants." He winked at David.
"Great. I'll call you to drop it off if things get too hot for me to handle." David looked at his watch. " I gotta go. I'm having a meeting with the mayor on letting me buy that massive land to build Gotham's first ever major solar power plant."
"Be careful out there, Mr. Wayne." Fox said with a hint of concern.
"Always," David promised, giving a nod before leaving the room.
He exited the building and got in his Tesla and drove off before getting a call from Suki.
"Yes?." David answered.
"What kind of meal do you want to prepare when Pamela comes over to watch tonight's football games?." Suki asked in the kitchen.
"Just order some pizzas, I'll pay for it." David replied, focusing on the road ahead.
"Teenagers. How original." Suki closed the fridge. " You know, sir, I know you are 15 but have you ever considered getting engaged with Pamela?. She is not interested in your family's wealth or status and just interested in being your best friend. She will make an excellent Mrs. Wayne."
David chuckled, "Suki, my life is complicated as it is. I can't even tell her about my night job."
"I know, but a friend's advice never hurts." Suki said with a knowing smile before hanging up.
David sighed, his thoughts swirling with the weight of his secret identity and his feelings for Pamela. He knew that telling her the truth could risk her safety and their friendship. As he pulled up to the mayor's office, he couldn't help but wonder if she could ever understand the dual life he led as both David Wayne and the mysterious BatTeen.
The mayor, a portly man with a greasy smile, greeted him with a firm handshake. "Good to see you, David," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "Your support for this city's projects never goes unnoticed. Your parents would be very proud of their 15 year old son if they were still alive."
David nodded politely, gritting his teeth at the condescension. He knew the mayor was just using him for his influence and resources. But he had a plan to make sure the land deal went through, and it was for a cause greater than just appeasing the man.
The meeting dragged on, filled with the usual political banter and half-truths, but David remained focused. He knew that the solar power plant could be a turning point for Gotham, a beacon of hope in a city often shrouded in shadow. The mayor droned on about the potential economic boom, but David saw beyond the dollar signs to the environmental impact and the lives it could save.
"It will create more jobs." David argued, "But more importantly, it will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and pollution."
The mayor leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin. "I see your point, David. But we must consider the opposition. Some powerful individuals in this city are heavily invested in oil and gas. They won't take kindly to a shift in power."
"Plus, my family 's been burning coal before you were born." said the owner of the city's power plant with distaste.
David knew he had to play his cards right. "I understand your concern, Mr. Maroni. But times are changing. Gotham can't rely on outdated methods if we want to move forward. Think of the legacy we could leave behind."
Maroni scoffed, his thick fingers drumming on the desk. "Legacy?. You're just a kid playing make believe."
David's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm not just playing, Mr. Maroni. This is about the future of our city."
The room grew tense as the mayor and Maroni exchanged glances. Finally, the mayor spoke. "We'll consider it. But we need more than just your word, David. We need assurances that this project won't fail like your father's attempts."
David's jaw tightened at the mention of his father, but he kept his cool. "I've brought a detailed proposal with financial projections and environmental studies to support my case. And I assure you, I've learned from his mistakes." He handed over a sleek folder, feeling a mix of anger and hope.
The mayor opened the folder, his eyes scanning the documents with a skeptical gaze. Meanwhile, Maroni's expression remained unchanged, a clear sign that he wasn't easily swayed. David knew that the fate of the solar power plant rested heavily on this meeting. The room felt stifling, the air thick with the scent of power and greed.
As the mayor flipped through the pages, his expression began to shift. "The numbers do look promising," he admitted begrudgingly. "And the environmental benefits... well, they can't be ignored."
Maroni leaned forward, his interest piqued. "If we're going to do this, we need to ensure it's worth our while. No half measures."
"I assure you, there will be no half measures," David said firmly. "My company, Wayne Enterprises, will cover any shortfall in the initial investment. I believe in this project."
The mayor leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "I'll need to consult with the council, but it seems like we have a potential deal."
David smiled. "Excellent."
At the Wayne Manor getting the living room all prepped for tonight, Pamela came early and helped Suki out on what type of pizzas she wanted to eat before messing with her laptop while waiting for David to get home.
"You are weak. We could be taking down corporate nature, killing pigs and not sitting on our ass to watch football."
Pamela hears Ivy in her head as her mental illness is getting worse. She closed her laptop and put it in its case. "Please, stop talking to me. I don't want to hear from you. You already had your drama back at the therapy session."
Suki looked at her with concern. "Are you okay, Miss Isley?."
"Just talking to myself." Pamela forced a smile, trying to play off the internal conversation. "Can you please give me a glass of ice water?."
Suki nodded, heading to the kitchen. Meanwhile, David pulled into the garage, his mind still racing with thoughts of the meeting. He knew he had to tell someone about his double life, and who better than his closest friend? Entering the mansion, the scent of the fresh pizzas reached his nostrils, making his stomach growl.
"Hey, P, how was your day?." David called out, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil within him.
"Just the usual." She replied, taking a sip of her water and looking up at him with those piercing emerald eyes.
They sat together both eating pizzas and watching the best football games including their city's NFL team and were enjoying themselves. When the games hit halftime, David felt it was time to confess up to the girl he loves.
"Pamela, I need to tell you something." David's heart pounded in his chest as he took a deep breath. "You know how much I care about this city and its justice, right?."
"Of course, David," she said, setting down her water glass. "You've always been so passionate about helping others."
The TV's halftime show blared in the background, but David's mind was focused solely on his friend. He took off his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he gathered his thoughts. "Remember when we used to play our superheroes from the comics when we were kids?."
Pamela chuckled. "How could I forget?. That was the best thing we did together. Other than chess and videogames."
David nodded, the memories bringing a small smile to his lips. "Well, I didn't just stop playing superhero. I became one."
"I know." Pamela leaned forward. "You are an amazing humanitarian and putting the people of Gotham and perceiving what is left of nature first before yourself or wealth. That is why I adore you."
With no warning or seeing this coming, Pamela reached and lay her lips with David's. The kiss was amazing.
The room seemed to spin around them, filled with the warmth of their shared passion and the weight of the secret that now united them. David's mind raced with a mix of emotions - shock, excitement, and relief. He had never felt so close to anyone, not even in his alter ego's armored embrace. Pamela smiled into the kiss as it felt so right.
"How long did you have romantic feelings for me?." David whispered when they finally broke apart.
Pamela looked into his eyes with a softness he had never seen before. "I've had them for a while, David. But I didn't know how to tell you."
David's heart felt like it was soaring. "Pamela, I..." he began, but she put a finger to his lips, silencing him.
"You don't have to say anything," she said gently. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I just needed you to know."
The two resumed kissing until David's phone began to vibrate. He pulls off and pulls it out and not let Pamela see just in case it was the Bat signal alert from Gordon. He looks at the screen and sees the Bat logo glowing and vibrating. Something must have happened.
"P, I got to go." David gets up.
Pamela nodded understandingly. "Is it for...you know. Corporate business." She spoke plainly, her eyes on the TV.
"Yes." David's voice was filled with urgency. "I'll be back as soon as I can." He kissed her forehead before slipping out of the room.
Pamela took this moment to reach in her bag and take out her bottle of medical pills to help suppress her alter ego. "This will keep you under control."
"That is not going to work. You and I both know you are keeping your true self from coming out." Ivy spole in her head.
Pamela squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the urge to scream. "Please, Ivy," she whispered, her hand shaking as she brought the pill to her mouth. "I need to be me right now."
But even as she swallowed those two pills, she could feel the presence of Ivy, lurking just beneath the surface, watching her with a knowing smile. David's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he rushed to the Batcave, and she couldn't help but wonder if their kiss had changed anything between them. Would he still want her if he knows how serious her mental illness is?. She pulled out her laptop to resume her research about the new fertilizer company that Mr. Maroni owns. She studied the new fences free product and learns that it is beyond harmful than good.
"I know there are documents and videos of proof that it will harm the environment." Pamela said feeling her alter ego speaking to her.
"We might as well break in and get them. I already made the preparations and hired a hitman not only for distraction but also to remove Mr. Maroni for good." said Ivy.
Pamela's eyes widened when hearing this. "How did you do this when I'm in control throughout this whole time?. Wait...you did this when I was asleep. Didn't you?."
"Very clever, my dear." Ivy chuckled in her mind. "When you are asleep, I am free to do as I wish."
Pamela's stomach knotted with horror and anger. She couldn't believe that her alter ego had been acting behind her back. "You can't do this, Ivy. I need to find a way to stop this!."
Pamela put her laptop up and quickly got off the couch and called out. "Miss Suki, I gotta go!. It is urgent!."
Suki came rushing. "Is everything okay, Miss Isley?."
"I just gotta go." Pamela rushed out without saying a word.
Back in the Bat cave David quickly changed into the BatTeen suit, his mind racing with the new revelation about Pamela's feelings and the urgent call to action. He knew he had to keep his focus on protecting Gotham, even if it meant putting his personal life on hold. The suit's AI activated the digital cowl displaying the incoming message from Commissioner Gordon.
"BatTeen, we've got a situation at the new fertilizer plant owned by Mr. Maroni. There's been a break-in, and it looks like someone is trying to off him. Get there and save him." said Gordon.
"I'm on it." David turned the call off and got in his batwing and flew out.
The fertilizer plant loomed in the distance, its towering silos casting eerie shadows under the moonlight. The Batwing's engines roared as it descended towards the chaotic scene below. As BatTeen landed on the rooftop, he could hear the sounds of a struggle echoing through the night air. His heart pounded in his chest, not just for the mission ahead, but for the realization that his personal and superhero lives were about to collide in a way he had never anticipated. Pamela got out of the can and paid the driver before going to save Mr. Maroni. She avoided shooting and took a look at BatTeen fighting. To her, he was amazing, but to Ivy she despised him with passion.
"Gotta find Mr. Maroni." Pamela got back to doing the task at hand as she went to look for him.
David was way too busy to see that his best friend was here as he jumped to attack a thug with a gun. Then he went to drop blind smoke pellets and went to go full assault on them. Pamela lay low from being seen by one of them as she can tell they were guarding the door of the office. She believes that this is where they are keeping Maroni. With smart thinking, she used her phone and pull out a fake video of guns shooting which alerted the two guarding the door.
"Damn, it is the cops!." One of them spoke before leading the other away.
"Now, here is my chance." Pamela rushed to get into the office.
Pamela sees Maroni tied up in a chair and quickly unties him. "Sorry that this has happened to you."
Maroni frowned when getting loose and then grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up off the ground. "You bitch!. You sent them here. You're dead!."
"No, It is not me." Pamela can barely speak with his grip so tight on her neck. "It was my alter ego who…"
Maroni threw her up the door and then kicked her stomach. "I hate kids. Now that I think about it, you are that girl who always hangs out with the young Wayne. You think you are special don't you. Well, I hope you enjoyed being friends with the youngest trillionaire of Gotham, because tonight you are dead."
Pamela tries to get her glasses that came off of her after colliding with the door but no luck as Maroni grabs her again by the neck. He knocked her unconscious to help carry her without her struggling. David took out the last thug before heading to find Maroni. He went to where the office is before looking to see Maroni throwing someone on the large metal platform. He looked and was shocked to see who it was.
"Pamela!." David rushed as fast as he could.
Maroni, who was in the controls, operated the container with a big biohazard logo on the front and dumped on her as soon as BatTeen was in sight.
"No!." David said before knocking the man out by the chin when kicking him.
He went to the controls to drain the platform off as Pamela was deeply covered in sparkled green sand. Once down he flew down and checked on her as she began to cough up a few dust from it before passing out.
David pressed the commlink on his ear. "Suki, give me the ambulance. Pamela is hurt. Really bad."
"Miss Pamela is there?. I…" Suki was cut off.
"Now, it is not the time, Suki." David said, holding his best friend's hand.
"Right. I'm calling them now." Suki hangs up the communication.
David squeezed Pamela's hand tight. "Don't worry, Pammy. You are going to make it. I hope."