C4
Ivy has been sitting in Arkham for quite a while as she is planning on how to escape from this place without alerting everyone in the facility. She hated it so much. People can see what she is doing through her thick visible enforced plastic front cell wall, meaning no privacy whatsoever. But the main thing that she hates is her toilet which she has to use out in the open where every guard including an inmate that has a room in front of her can see.
"Damn, I fucking hate this place." Ivy spoke under her breath with a frown.
"Pamela Isley." A guard came up to unlock her door.
"It's Poison Ivy." Ivy corrected him in irritation.
"It's not your government name. Let's go." He tells her.
Ivy looked at him. "Where?."
"Your therapy counseling." He tells her before pulling out his nightstick. "Get your little ass up before I give you a few lumps on your head."
Ivy rolled her eyes but stood up slowly from her bed, knowing very well that resisting was futile and could only lead to a worse situation. She had to keep her cool and play along, biding her time until the perfect opportunity for escape presented itself. The guard escorted her through the cold, sterile corridors, the echo of their footsteps the only sound piercing the oppressive silence. She could feel the eyes of the other inmates on her, some with curiosity, others with malice. But she remained unfazed, her gaze straight ahead, her mind racing with thoughts of freedom and vengeance. Upon entering the room, Dr. Zula looked at her with a warm smile.
"Good evening, Pamela. Merry Christmas." She tells her before ordering the guard to leave.
Ivy took a seat, her eyes narrowed as she studied the doctor. "Merry Christmas to you too, Doc." She replied with forced cheerfulness.
The room was small, filled with a desk, two chairs, and a single window that was barred and too high to reach. The only source of light was a single, flickering fluorescent bulb above them. The walls were a stark white, the same as the rest of the asylum, giving the room an eerie glow.
"You know that I can tell the difference between a real smile and a forced smile, yes?." Dr. Zula says while adjusting her glasses.
Ivy's smile faltered slightly. "I'm just not in a festive mood, Doc."
"I see. Now, have you made any new friends here since our last meeting?." Dr. Zula asked while having her notebook and pen ready to write.
"Friends?" Ivy scoffed. "These are not my kind of people, Doc. They're animals."
"Pamela, do you consider Harley an animal?." Zula asked with slight seriousness.
Ivy sneered at the mention of Harley Quinn. "No, she's the madman's plaything. Not my friend."
"That's funny. Because Dr. Hugo Strange did put you in a buddy program with young Harley. You two made bestie bracelets for each other." said Zula.
Ivy's eyes shot up, a hint of surprise flashing across her face. "I wouldn't say 'besties', Doc. More like...cellmates."
"Compare yourself to Harley. Who needs real help?." Zula watches her response.
"You know she's a psychopath, Doc. And she enjoys this place," Ivy replied with a shrug. "It's her playground."
"And you?. Have they been treating you well?. The guards?." Zula waited.
"As well as they can treat a plant in a cage, I suppose." Ivy replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"I know it's not ideal, but it's for everyone's safety." Dr. Zula said calmly.
Ivy leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'm not like them. I'm not a monster."
"After the stunt you pulled a few months ago and about to kill someone is considered being a monster." Zula points out. "Luckily if it wasn't for BatTeen, who came to stop and save you, then you would have a criminal record."
Ivy's eyes grew cold at the mention of BatTeen. "BatTeen?" She repeated, raising an eyebrow. "He is the cause of why everyone is a fruitcake."
"Like you?. You let your illness take over you, Pamela." Zula points out.
"I was defending myself!." Ivy retorted, feeling a spark of anger ignite within her. "It was self-preservation!."
Dr. Zula leaned forward, her gaze intense. "And what about the innocents?. The people you put in danger?."
Ivy felt a twinge of something she didn't want to acknowledge. She had never cared much for the people in her way, but the mention of 'innocents' hit a nerve. "Collateral damage. It's a part of the game we play."
"And if your boyfriend, David Wayne was one of them?. Is he collateral damage?. I would think that you will have a different opinion since you two have known each other since elementary." said Zula.
Ivy's expression turned icy. "Don't talk about him."
"Why not?." Dr. Zula pressed, her curiosity piqued. "Is he not a part of the game? Does he not count as innocent?. Are you one of those sleazy girls who just wants to be trained and kick boys to the curb, once your cookies get satisfied?."
Ivy's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't know anything about him or us. Just leave it alone."
"So you do care for the young Wayne." Zula smiled. "Pamela, you know I'm here for you. I have been your doctor before your accident and before you embrace your inner monster."
Ivy gritted her teeth. "I don't have a monster, Doc. That's you and the rest of this place that sees me as one."
Dr. Zula leaned back in her chair, her smile fading. "I know it's difficult for you to accept, but we're all just trying to help you control it. Put it in a dark hole and lock the door, and then throw away the key."
"Control it?." Ivy spat out the words. "You want me to be a good little girl again, is that it? To forget everything that's been done to me, everything I've become?."
"You want to be David's Mrs. Wayne, don't you?." Zula spoke.
"I want to be free!." Ivy shouted, slamming her fists on the desk. The sudden outburst made the doctor's smile widen.
"Ah, the anger. It's good to see you're still in touch with your human emotions, Poison Ivy." Dr. Zula noted her pen scribbling on the notepad. "So, I'm assuming you don't want to marry him, yes?."
"I'm not discussing my personal life with you," Ivy said through gritted teeth.
"What if I told you that David moved on from you and is dating that adorable raven haired girl." Zula immediately sees Pamela shot up in range.
"What?!." Ivy's eyes widened in shock.
"Yes. Little Miss Riddle. She's been seen with him quite often. Apparently, they're quite the item," Dr. Zula said, watching Ivy's reaction closely.
Ivy's jaw clenched tightly, and she could feel the heat of her own fury rising within her. David with someone else? It was unthinkable. The room felt smaller, the walls closing in on her. She needed to get out of here, to see him, to make him remember who he truly belonged to.
"I want to go back to my cell." Ivy spoke softly.
"No, need, it's time for you to eat anyway." Zula calls a guard to take her to the cafeteria.
The cafeteria was a noisy mess, filled with the clanging of metal trays and the inmates' raucous chatter. The smell of overcooked meat and stale bread filled the air, making Ivy's stomach turn. She was escorted to a table in the center of the room, surrounded by other inmates, all of them eyeing her warily. She sat down, her mind racing with thoughts of David and this 'Miss Riddle'. Was it true?. Did he move on so easily? She took a deep breath, trying to push down the jealousy and anger that threatened to consume her.
"Hey, Red!." Harley happily sits down in front of her. "Merry Christmas!."
Ivy shots back at Harley with a frown. "Fuck Christmas!."
"Red?!." Harley was shocked at hearing this. "Who peed in your stocking?."
Ivy ignored her, staring straight ahead, her mind racing with thoughts of David and this new girl, Miss Riddle. She had to escape and find out the truth. The rage was building inside her, her skin starting to feel hot and itchy. The guards were too complacent, thinking she was just a harmless plant. They had no idea what she was capable of.
"Harley?." Ivy spoke.
"Yeah, toots?." Harley looked at her with her usual cheerfulness.
"Wanna break out of here?. With me?." Ivy looks at her with determination.
Harley's eyes lit up, her grin growing wider. "Now, that's the Ivy I know and love!." She clapped her hands together.
Ivy smirked. "Good. Now, I will create a distraction while you get the keys and highjack one of the cars. I'll meet you outside."
"But how are we gonna get out without alerting the whole place?." Harley asked, her grin never fading.
"Faking an illness." Ivy spoke before putting on an act. "Oh, shit!."
Ivy purposely fell back and started shaking crazily. Harley comprehends what she is displaying and quickly runs over to her.
"On, no, Ivy!." Harley looks up. "Guards help!."
The guards rush over, their faces filled with concern and confusion. Ivy's eyes fluttered closed as she feigned unconsciousness, her body going limp. Harley played the part of the concerned cellmate perfectly, her hands shaking as she tried to hold Ivy's shoulders still. The commotion grew louder as more staff rushed to their table, the chaos just what Ivy needed to put her plan into action.
"Take her to the medical bay!." Harley yelled, her voice laced with urgency. "She has diabetes!."
The guards lifted Ivy onto a stretcher, her body still and seemingly unresponsive. As they rushed her through the cafeteria, she could feel the eyes of the other inmates on her, some with concern, others with suspicion. But she didn't care. The only thing that mattered was getting out of this hellhole and back to Gotham to set things right with David. Harley started crying and hugged a guard.
"Oh, my goodness!. Please tell me you guys have insulin for her!." Harley cried while unhooking the keys away from the guard.
The guard looked at her, surprised. "We'll take care of her. You stay here, Miss Quinn."
But Harley was already on the move, her nimble fingers fumbling with the keys she had just snatched. "No, no! I need to go with her!." She insisted, her voice a perfect blend of distress and urgency. "She needs me!."
The guards exchanged a look, one of them shrugging before nodding. "Okay, Miss Quinn. But don't get in the way."
They rushed Ivy out of the cafeteria, Harley close behind, her heart racing as she held onto the stretcher for dear life. As they turned the corner into the medical wing, Ivy's eyes snapped open, her hand shooting out and grabbing the guard's arm.
"Gotcha!." Ivy quickly ordered a plant nearby to attack the guard.
The plant obeyed, its vines shooting out and wrapping around the guard's neck, tightening until he choked and passed out. The other guards looked shocked for a split second before they rushed towards her, but it was too late. Harley had already picked up the fallen keys and unlocked their handcuffs. Ivy jumped off the stretcher, her body tense and ready for action. Harley knocks the guard out.
"Ok, I'll get the car." Harley looks at Ivy. "You go to the inventory and get my costume and hammer."
Ivy nodded curtly, her eyes blazing with a newfound purpose. She slipped away from the medical bay, her feet silent on the cold, tiled floor. The corridor was eerily empty, the only sound being the distant echoes of the chaos they had left behind. She knew the layout of the asylum like the back of her hand; it had been her home for too long. She busts through the door and sees Harley's clown jester attire and her big mallet of a hammer and grabs it. Next, she busted out with the help of her plants and ran out until hearing the alarm go off.
Harley hunks the horn and pulls over with the car. "Get in!."
Ivy, her body covered in vines, slid into the passenger seat, her heart racing as the car sped away from the asylum. The headlights cut through the darkness as they left the gates of hell behind, the sirens of the alarms fading into the distance.
"We did it, Red!." Harley had her fist up for a fist pump.
Ivy smiled and gave her a fist pump. "Yeah, we did."
They drove through the deserted Gotham streets, the car weaving in and out of traffic. Ivy's mind was racing with thoughts of what she would do once they were free. She had to find David, make him see the truth, and make him choose her over this 'Miss Riddle'. They drove to a rundown apartment and entered inside.
"Room for two." Ivy tells the woman at the desk.
The woman looks at them skeptical but then shrugs. "It's fifty bucks a night."
Ivy reaches into her chest and pulls out a hundred. "That should cover for two nights."
The woman's skepticism vanished, snatching the money quickly. "Room 203, at the end of the hall."
They took the stairs two at a time, their escape adrenaline still pumping. The room was small and musty, with a single bed and a broken lamp. Ivy didn't care; it was more space than she had in her cell. She tossed her bag onto the bed and turned to Harley.
"Now, for the sleeping arrangements." Ivy looks at her. "Don't try to come on to me. I'm not into pussy. I'm a dick girl."
"So am I!." Harley looks hurt. "What makes you think I like licking?."
"It's just a saying, Harley." Ivy laughs, rolling her eyes. "Besides, I know you're all about the Joker."
"Well, he's not here, is he? And a girl's got needs." Harley winks playfully, but Ivy can see the sadness behind her eyes when she mentions the Joker.
"You're still hung up on him? After everything he's done to you?." Ivy questions, trying to understand Harley's twisted love affair. "You had a wonderful career in a therapy talk show. Then you threw it all away for that clown who found where you live."
"Hey, love is comedy." Harley flops on the bed while removing her shoes.
Ivy removes her sandals before looking around and looks up at the ceiling. "We have molds."
"Just don't inhale or breathe around it." Harley went over to grab the remote to turn the tv on. "Alright, Rudolph the rednosed reindeer is on!. Come and join me, Red!."
Ivy couldn't help but roll her eyes. "I need to plan, Harley. This isn't a slumber party."
"Come on, Grinch, it's the season to hangout with your friends and family." Harley protested.
Ivy ignored her and went over to the window, peering through the dusty blinds at the Gotham nightscape. "My parents cut ties with me after I got thrown into Arkham. David is the only person who visits me. He loves me. But..." Ivy started crying.
"Ivy?. What's wrong?." Harley sat up, her playfulness fading into concern.
Ivy wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. "I just can't shake off the feeling that he's going to leave me for good."
"Ivy, if he loves you, he'll understand why you did what you did." Harley said, trying to comfort her.
Ivy turned to face her, her eyes wet with tears. "It's not just that. It's the whole fucking world out there that's against us. He has always been there for me. He would give me a job at his company if I ever get out of Arkham. He is so kind-hearted and I just don't deserve him. I mean look at me, I'm crazy. My appearance is green, my hair is different, my fucking vagina and anus is freaking green. What boys wants to fuck that?."
"Wait, didn't you have sex with David in your current state?." Harley points out.
Ivy nods. "Yeah, we did it for the first time. I gave my virginity to him and he gave me his."
"Well, then, if he truly loves you, he'll stick by you no matter what." Harley says, trying to comfort her. "And who knows, this Riddle chick is probably a business partner."
Ivy's eyes widened with hope, but then she sighed heavily. "Maybe you're right, but I need to talk to him. I need to know what's going on."
Speaking of David, he was having dinner at his house with a grown Miss Riddle who is old enough to be his mother, and was discussing the plan of partnership that will be beneficial to the environment.
"For a 15 year old, you're very business savvy." Miss Riddle tells him while Suki pours her some more wine.
"Thank you, Miss Riddle. It's all thanks to my mom's influence as a kid. I'm surprised that I remember what she said to me before she and my father were murdered in front of me." David said, trying to keep his cool.
"I know. Your mother and I were in a sorority together." Miss Riddle spoke happily.
"Which is why I want to have a partnership with your propane company. I'm planning on making cars and trucks to run on propane. It will help the environment very well." David tells her.
Miss Riddle nods. "That's a brilliant idea, David. And I'm happy to support you in your venture."
"Yes, I did my research and propane is safer to use than regular gasoline." said David, before having a bowl of crab meat soup in front of him.
"But what about your company's reputation?." Miss Riddle asks, sipping on her wine. "I mean, your company is known for its luxurious cars. Will this change affect your sales?."
David shook his head. "No, it will be the same price. People can do a trade in and still have the same down payments with no interest."
Miss Riddle's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, that's brilliant, David!. You really are your mother's son. I knew she saw something special in you."
"Thanks. My Mom and Dad would be proud of me for thinking about the people and our only planet." said David.
While the two were talking more, Suki was adding more icing to the dessert until hearing the phone ringing. She picks it up and answers it.
"Hello, Wayne Manor?." Suki spoke professionally.
"Is this his maid?." said someone on the other end.
Suki nodded. "Yes, may I ask who's calling?."
"I'm Dr. Hugo Strange. I run Arkham Asylum." Dr. Hugo spoke with professionalism.
"Oh, hello Dr. Strange." Suki said, surprised. "What can I do for you?."
"I have bad news and I hate to give them since we are in the season of Christmas." Hugo looks at two files on his desk with two faces on it.
Suki's heart skipped a beat. "Is it about Miss Isley?." She tries to keep her voice calm.
"Yes, it is. She's escaped with Harley Quinn. We're not sure of their current whereabouts." Dr. Hugo's voice was firm and urgent. "I believe based on Dr Zula's recent session with Pamela, she might be heading to Wayne Manor to confront young David. Dr Zula was just testing her heart for him after lying about this Miss Riddle. The poor girl had taken it to heart and made a bold escape."
Suki's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh no, Dr. Strange, I will notify Mr. Wayne immediately!" She hung up the phone and rushed over to David. "Young master, Miss Isley has escaped from Arkham."
David looked shocked about his girlfriend escaping. "What?!."
Miss Riddle frowns. "Your girlfriend?. Is she okay?."
David's expression grew serious. "Yes, she is my girlfriend, Miss Riddle. Her name is Pamela Isley. But she prefers to be called Poison Ivy."
Miss Riddle's smile faded into a look of concern. "Oh, dear. Is she dangerous?."
"Yeah, to herself." David gets up. "I'm sorry to end our dinner short, but I need you to go home."
Miss Riddle nodded with understanding, gathering her things. "Of course, David. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to call."
After Suki takes out the door and then returns to David, who was pondering about what to do next. He looked at his guardian with seriousness.
"Did she escape on her own?." David asked.
"No, she escaped with Harley Quinn." Suki replied, her voice filled with tension. "Dr. Strange believes she might come here to see you."
"I see." David thinks of what to do. "I got a plan."
Suki nodded, ready to help. "What is it, young master?."
"Let's throw a staged Christmas party here at Wayne Manor. The invitation is open for the public. Call Gordon and Dr. Hugo sent their best people to come and wait around until those girls arrive." said David with a look of seriousness. "I want to deal with this without suiting up."
Suki nodded in understanding and immediately started making calls to the necessary people. David took a deep breath and went to his father's study room to call his local caterer. Back at where Ivy and Harley were, the two watched a few Christmas movies until the news came on.
"We interrupt your holiday program with exciting news. Young multi-trillion, David Wayne, is hosting a Christmas party for the public at Wayne Manor on Christmas Eve. Dress festively and bring a gift to play, pass it on." said a newsman.
Ivy's eyes widened. "That's it!."
"What's it, Ivy?" Harley looked at her, puzzled.
"The Christmas party at Wayne Manor. That's where we can easily know where he is," Ivy said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's the perfect opportunity to walk in and talk to him."
"But we need to wear festive clothing. We don't have money, Red." Harley points out.
"Don't worry about that." Ivy smirks. "We just go to that Macy's store near us. Try something that screams at us and steal it without paying."
They quickly put on their shoes and dashed out the door, the cold Gotham night air hitting them like a slap in the face. The streets were quieter than usual, the Christmas lights casting eerie shadows on the pavement. They arrived at Macy's, the lights from the store reflecting off the puddles from the recent rain.
"Remember, no funny business," Ivy whispered to Harley as they strolled into the store. "Just pick, try it on, and run, got it?."
"Piece of cake, Ivy. I'm the queen of quick changes." Harley winked, her eyes scanning the racks of festive attire.
"Hello, ladies, what are you looking for?." said a salesman.
"Just looking for a festive outfit for the Christmas Eve party at Wayne Manor," Ivy replied with a sweet smile, her eyes darting around the store.
"I see. And the type of shoes you want?." He asked.
"Just something that won't make us trip while we run," Harley quipped under her breath, earning a sharp look from Ivy.
The salesman chuckled, mistaking their urgency for excitement. He pointed to the women's section. "You'll find some lovely options over there. Are you into open toe low heels?."
Ivy's eyes narrowed. "We're more into comfort. Something we can move fast in."
The salesman nodded, directing them towards a section with flats and boots. "You'll find some comfortable options there, perfect for a lively party."
They quickly scanned the racks, their eyes locking on a pair of green slip-on stiletto open toe shoes that seemed to whisper 'Ivy' and a set of red and black stiletto open toe heels that screamed 'Harley'. They slipped into the changing room, Ivy's heart racing as she thought about the night ahead. She had to be careful; she didn't want to cause a scene that would ruin David's party, but she also needed to make her presence known.
"How's it look?." Harley called out from the other side, her voice muffled by the curtain.
"Hold on," Ivy said, adjusting her shoes in the mirror.
The green stilettos looked almost natural on her, blending seamlessly with her ankles. She stepped out of the changing room, and then did a cute pose which put a smile on her face. Harley came out and did a pose as well.
"Does it make me look sexy?." Harley grinned.
"You always look sexy, Harley." Ivy said, with a friendly eye roll. "How about me?."
"You're looking like the Grinch's sexy cousin," Harley said, snickering. "If I was into girls, I would love to bury my face in your feet and suck your toes."
Ivy rolled her eyes and smacked her lightly. "You're so gross." But she couldn't help the small smile that played on her lips. For the first time since escaping, she felt a sense of normalcy, a fleeting moment of camaraderie with someone who understood her. They quickly changed back into their own clothes and snuck the shoes out with them, hidden in their bags.
"Alright, let's get our dresses." Harley points at the section for ladies.
Ivy nodded and they both went through the racks, picking out the most flamboyant and flashy dresses they could find. Ivy chose a tight, emerald green number that hugged her curves and made her eyes pop. Harley picked out a red and black dress that was more suited for a burlesque show than a Christmas party, but she didn't care. They both snuck into separate changing rooms and quickly slipped into their chosen attire.
"Oh, my Gotham!." Ivy gasped, looking at herself in the mirror. The dress accentuated her figure perfectly, making her feel powerful and seductive.
"How do I look?." Harley called out, her voice filled with excitement.
Ivy stepped out of her changing room, her eyes widening at the sight of Harley in her dress. The red and black hugged her figure like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. The neckline was so low, it was a wonder the dress stayed in place at all. "You look... like Harley Quinn."
"Thanks, Ivy!" Harley twirled around, the short skirt of her dress flying up to reveal her fishnet stockings. "You look like you're ready to seduce the Grinch and make him change his heart."
They both laughed, the tension in the air momentarily lifting. Ivy felt a pang of guilt for using the party as a means to confront David, but she shoved it aside. She had to do this for herself; she couldn't live in the shadows of doubt and despair anymore. They stepped out of the changing room, the dresses hidden under their coats, and casually strolled towards the exit. The salesman called out to them, but they pretended not to hear, their hearts racing as they pushed open the doors and ran out into the cold while laughing.
"That was so much fun!." Harley entered their temporary home. "Stealing is so much more fun than buying."