Chapter Text
The air stings with the first frost of an incoming winter. The trees have all but finished shedding their summer skins revealing their barren skeletons. Plants everywhere are planning on hibernation and it's a good idea to head to Robinson Park before that happens. There might be the lingering of an edible grass of flower before I'm stuck eating nothing but cans and freeze dried camping rations. Gotham's Public library might also be good to check out due to their seed reserves. Planting anything won't do me good until the weather warms again, but there'll be books on water purification that could prove useful as well.
I grab out a beaten up old pencil and an already fairly worn down piece of paper from my backpack and jot down my ideas doing a read through along the way. There's many scribbles and places where things have been erased or changed. I’d been so focused on the rescue efforts that everything else slipped by.
-Get home -> ✓
-Find parents *house destroyed. Now shelter for supplies. No sign of mom or dad.
-Go to Leslie's clinic and extra medical supplies ✓ -> found Leslie, left supplies in her hands. She plans to help people there.
-Gotham water dirty, easy access. Find better source. Harbor is too gross for filtering, but might be only option. Prepare filtration.
-Store wood in dry place. -> Tarps? *Supply in old home
-Stores possibly looted, still check. Also check cars, batteries will be important. * told Michael about batteries I found. Hope he gave them to Leslie.
-Food stores: okay. *Robinson Park might have edible plants. Heading there now.
-Go to Gotham Public Library. Survival books there. Give them to people. Seeds there as well. Protect them for Spring.
Before shoving the list back into my pocket I take a look at the tear stained paper, thumbing the first written item. I take a sharp inhale, ripping the top section off letting it drift into the wind.
There's a soft shuffling noise coming from the flattened lot to my left. Bits and pieces of crumbled stone and wood move little by little. There seems to be some sort of tunnel way being maneuvered through.
“Uh-” I begin as I walk over when a girl a little younger than me sprouts up from the wreckage. It's hard to tell whether her hair is a dirty blonde or coated in a thick layer of filth. Her blue sweatshirt has holes strewn throughout and you could tell that the sleeves of her over shirt were only ripped off to accommodate her growing size. The pants she had on were clinging to life and the bottom portion was completely gone. She has on Converse that had been customized with markers and duct tape.
“Hehe! Score! I knew this house looked like a good one. Nobody would go looking in a place like this!” The girl exclaimed, stretching her arms into the air with a dusty and crumpled book in her hands. She slides down from the rubble, the soles of her shoes peeling up as she does so. She lands right in front of me turning her head to face me as she skids to a stop. “Hi there.” Says the girl softly. The excitement from her find still not entirely having worn off her face.
“Hi.” I instinctively repeat and at a pause for words. I must've been looking at her weird because her face snapped out of her wide grin when she spoke next.
“My name's Dee Dee. What's yours?” She asked as she placed her books into a worn military styled messenger bag that had clearly survived more than a couple excursions with her. The girl's grin slowly widened as the book slipped in.
“Lonnie. Why are you looking for books?” I question, concerned for her well being.
“Cause I like reading.” Her head tilts as she replies. The girl straightens herself out and begins to walk off in the same direction that I was heading.
“What about food, water, clothes-”
“Mom's got that all covered.” She interrupts, not even taking a thought to look back in my direction. “You coming?” Dee Dee says planting her feet in place. I hurriedly catch up to the young teen as she turns to face me. “You going to Robinson Park?” Dee Dee spoke the words so matter of fact, almost as if it wasn't a question.
“Yeah. How'd you know?” I said, keeping my eyes on the road as she did.
“You were heading in that direction. Plus a lot of us have already set up home in Robinson.” I stare in bewilderment as she speaks, but she doesn't seem to notice my gaze. How'd she know which direction I was heading with all that rubble on top of her? She finally notices my eyes on her as she speaks up. “So you an orphan?” The question stings, sending water to my eyes. I feel my heart begin pulsating heavily in my chest.
“Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know.” I stop myself from speaking further, biting down on my tongue as tears swell in my eyes. My walking slows to a near halt as my vision begins to blur.
“Sorry, for asking.” Dee Dee says nudging my side. “Mine abandoned me. They're probably not dead, but I'm an orphan nonetheless. That doesn't really matter now because I have a new mom.” Her voice is soft like honey with a wistful remorse to her tone. Not hearing a response back from me she begins to gently hum to the tune of Once Upon December from Anastasia. We continued as Dee Dee filled the silence of the city helping to ease the desolation around us.
Dee Dee tenses up, halting her song which had become Believe by Cher. “Someone’s following us.” She says, barely turning her head off to the side. Taking a quick look behind me, I to no doubt see a figure trailing behind us coming on from the side. They're taller than us with a fairly muscular build. A pipe is gripped in their hand. Armed and ready for use. Soft treading becomes thumping quickly, getting louder and heavier. Dee Dee looks terrified, a drop of sweat rolling past her pursed lips. She looks to me for reassurance at what I'm sure she's already about to do.
“Run Dee Dee!” Comes out from my mouth a moment after she's already taken off. The chase is on as Robinson Park comes into view. I try to push myself further but with each thump of my backpack and the straining on my chest I can feel myself slowing. Dee Dee isn't that much of a runner either and the person chasing us gradually gains lead.
“Get back here!” The man snarls as he grabs at my backpack causing me to knock into Dee Dee forcing us both to the ground. “Hand over your stuff!” He demands fixating his pipe on us. Dee Dee lies on the ground covered in scrapes. Right in front of us is Robinson Park. If we made it there we could've hidden in the bushes. I study the man's stance. It's wide, one foot in back. He's ready to move. Gotta be quick I think to myself as I reposition myself into a crouching position; acting as him I'm going to hand over my bag.
“Yeah, yeah, nothing to fight over.” Slow words leave my mouth as I prepare my knife to move lunging at him as soon as the last syllable sounds off. He tries to jump back, but is too slow, opting to guard with his weapon instead. That too fails as I get a cut in on his armed hand. He winces as his back foot slides into place and readies himself to make his next swing. Moving past him, the pipe comes down on me as I slash into his side ripping through layers of fabric into skin.
When I look up Dee Dee is barreling past the gates into the brush. Drops of blood begin forming at the base of his pipe.
“I can keep going.” I mock giving him the chance to turn around and face me. He growls as he swings wide. Ducking, I put all of my weight into my elbow as I slammed into his gut. He lets out a choke of air dropping the pipe as coughs into his arm. I race to reach the pipe before he recovers. Steading myself as he brandishes his fists. He thrust himself forward reaching too high, allowing me to land a blow with his pipe. The man kneels over gasping for his breath to return. With quick strength I hit him over the back of his head with the pipe. His face meets the ground and he makes a rough grumbling sound.
Grabbing my bag I flee into the park. Overgrown bush bristles pass my sides as I weave my way through the growth. I don't even feel my toe hit so much as a pebble as I tumble towards the ground. Sat stunned, my body begins to be dragged across the grass being tugged at by a vine. The ground dug beneath my fingernails as I did my best to grab a hold of anything. Dirt scraped past my body as the vines yanked me further into the dense flora. The vines settle me into a small patch of grass as they sprung forth once more lifting me up and grappling me still.
“Help!” I beg, fighting against the vines as they stretch their hold. “Errrughhh.” I cry out as I struggle against the vines seeing the bush in front of me begin to part.
“Is this the one who attacked you?” Asked a woman with green leafy skin and red hair with a voice filled with hatred of humanity. Shit.
“Ah! Lonnie! No, let him go.” Yells Dee Dee as she appears behind one of Gotham's most notorious villains. Ivy releases her glare as her body relaxes, the vines disappearing with it. More children crawl out from the bush. Wide eyes examine me. The oldest one appears to be around my age. Taller though and they have a stubble coming in. The smallest one can't be older than seven and she clings to Ivy’s side as she stares in my direction. I stand before the group firm, not letting the loud beating of my heart distract me. “Mom,” Dee Dee begins. “This is Lonnie. He was walking with me when the man attacked. He's nice.” She talks so casually and chipper as if asking for approval about her new found friend. Ivy's gaze towards me softens a bit more as she looks down to the child at her side. She turns to me, raising her eyebrows.
“Poi-Doctor Pamela Isley,” I start. The words seem to catch her off guard a little, but her composure never falters. “I want to gather fresh food before the season lets out. It's soon going to be cold and I'd rather not use my reserves too soon.” I do my best to speak steadily through my tense jaw. Ivy's expression towards me remains neutral and unamused.
“Rarely am I called by that name anymore. Hmmm.” She says back calmly, lulling over the decision whether to kill me outright or giving me the chance to run. There's almost a smirk on her face when she finally responds. “Yes. I can sense a few plants that might do you some good.” Her voice is mellow, the leaves seem to move to the same melodic rhythm as her voice. She squeezes the small child as she continues to address me.
“I apologize for my assumption earlier, young… Lonnie. We are a wary bunch having been hurt too much to bear any longer. I hope that you can forgive me for my error.”
“Thank you, Ms. Isley.” I say giving a nod of my head to her, but avoiding making eye contact as if she'll turn me to stone.
“As long as you respect me, you are permitted to walk the grounds of the park. I'll gather what you asked for. I cannot allow someone who does not know what they're doing to harm my other children.” She lifts my chin up to face her eyes. I'm expecting something of fury, but instead I'm greeted by the warmth of a tired mother.
Dee Dee smiles brightly, taking Ivy's invitation to give her own. “You can stay here with us Lonnie. Mom is growing plants so we'll have food all winter and she makes it warm for us and she protects us.” She says as she locks my arm with her’s. Ivy stands rooted in the Earth as she gives a gentle yet impatient look to Dee Dee that isn't noticed.
“Sorry Dee Dee, but I can't. I came here to find food for myself and then I must be off to go help others.”
At my reply Ivy turns to address me, agreeing with what I said. “The boy is right. He can't stay here with us Dee Dee.” Ivy hums, putting on a sad face as she shakes her head sorrowfully. Her eyes flicked to my mask. She turned away from me, slowly retreated back into the bush. The children who have been eagerly waiting their turn to speak all begin to chatter all at once after the green consumes Ivy.
“What happened to that guy chasing Dee Dee?” “Did you fight him?” “Are you hurt?” “My name's Sophie!” “What's in your bag?” “Can I look in your bag?” “What's with the mask?” “Can I touch your mask?” “Why is it gold?” “Are you staying?”
“Slow down. One at a time. I don't know, yes, no, hi Sophie, stuff, no, not your business, also no, because it is, no.” I parade off answers one right after another. Dee Dee giggles at me as the other kids swarm around me. I think I would've had better luck escaping from Ivy's plants. Getting a clearer look at the kids I see worn, but round faces. Where their clothes had holes it was mended by raw fibers and despite the messiness everyone was dressed for the weather.
One of the kids reached out and pulled my hand. “C’mon let's play!” They shout. Their messy mop of brown hair covering their eyes as they take me towards the park's play area. Some of the other kids crowd behind me forcing me along. I try to protest against going with, but they insist, saying that they're glad to have a new playmate.
The brown haired kid –Peyton– let go when we reached a clearing in the park. In the center lies a wooden structure. It appears to be held together with fresh vines and new growth sprouting through broken chunks. I stroll over to swings and plop myself down. The smell of old damp wood drifts past my nostrils. Kicking at the ground I lift my feet up as I toy with the contraption. Dee Dee plops down beside me.
“There are so many kids.” I blurted out as the group of maybe eight shrieked with laughter beginning a game on the structure that looks like tag, but I am unfamiliar with.
“Lonnie! Dee Dee! Get your butts over here!” Screams Peyton. I sit thinking about how long it's been since I've been around this many kids.
“I think Peyton wants us to play.” Smiles Dee Dee. Moving my eyes away from her I focus my gaze on the grass. It's been maybe what three years? No, it hadn't been since before I started reading about politics.
“I don't play. I'm too old for that.” I responded in a hushed voice. Ivy said she'd gather what I asked for, but I still don't like feeling stalled. Ivy… with all these kids. How'd that come to be, I ask myself. She's not exactly known for her kindness. I've read the stories about how she terrorized Gotham for her noble cause… I've read the papers about how I've terrorized Gotham for mine. Made out to solely be a villain with little motive written in text despite us shouting it to the heavens. Ivy has an incredible mind, but she doesn't seem keen on sharing it.
Dee Dee jumped from the swing landing flat on her feet and outstretching her arms like she had just performed a gymnastics routine. “Please?” She asks with puppy dog eyes clasping her hand together ready to get on her knees to sell the act further. I hold out my hand and she tugs at my sleeve. Reluctantly I let her pull me to my feet and head over to the play structure with the other kids. Everyone has climbed high, bouncing, and rallying at each other to avoid someone. Dee Dee shrieks as the oldest kid speeds towards us tapping me on the chest as he and Dee Dee jump onto the structure. I look up to Dee Dee on the play structure and begin to climb on.
“No!” Shouts one of the kids jumping up and down like a toddler. “You can't go on the play structure ground.” They say with a stern frown on their face.
“Why not?” I reply, stepping further onto the structure, but at the continued frown turning into a scowl I back off into the wood chips.
“Because you're it.” Pipes up another kid. Dee Dee laughs, dangling her legs through the playground’s rails. She holds them, resting her face on the bars. “Haven’t you ever played lava monster?” The girl teased, swinging her legs back and forth.
“No.” I say as I walk over to her. She jolts back, pulling her legs out of reach as I get near.
“Have you played tag before?” She asks genuinely.
“Not in a while.” I responded back staring up at her.
She explains the rules of the game making sure not to leave out a single detail, because when she forgets the tiniest nuance a young kid will shout a correction, causing a stampede of over explanations and for her to have to repeat herself all over again. “Got it?” She finally finishes having moved her legs back over the edge of the play structure.
“Yeah.” I say jumping onto the side of the play structure tapping her foot. “Now you're it.” I smirk at Dee Dee.
We play for who knows how long. The scent of metal and sweat filled the air. Dust and splinters caught in all our hands and more than a few scrapes and bruises occurred from people trying to dodge out of the way of the ‘lava monster’. It typically got designated to me, Julian, or Dee Dee as we were the oldest and thus the best at chasing and scaring. Occasionally Dee Dee would put herself in compromising positions allowing her to get tagged by one of the younger kids. By the end I had shed most of my upper layers leaving only my t-shirt, and my ribs were about ready to give in.
Ivy stood at the edge of the clearing, leaning against a tree her arms crossed as she tenderly watched the children play. I move over to her, somehow managing not to have a kid follow me. She makes notice of my approach and the leaves begin shifting.
“So…” I begin slowly. Ivy could be an ally could she not? We stand against society, together we might be valuable.
“So.” Repeats Pamela glancing at a circled A patch on my jacket.
“Protecting kids?” I ask half heartedly.
“Why not? I may be a monster, but I'm not cruel. These children have done nothing to earn my wrath, thus I help them flourish into the beings that will inhabit the earth instead.” Her words are kinder and gentler than I ever thought possible coming from someone who has maimed so effortlessly, but some tension lies under the surface. “You play with them well. They find you… intriguing.” She says the last word, shifting her eyes over to me before continuing. “Here are the items that you asked for.” One of Ivy's vines hands over a woven sack filled with maybe a day's worth of food. As I take the sack I begin my proposition.
“You kill people, no person has the right to dictate who lives and dies. Vigilante justice is a perfectly justifiable means to an end, but not at the cost of life. Revolution cannot come about by hurting those it assumes to protect. You are a mon-” A vine cuts me off from my rambles. It twists and gnarls pinning me against a tree beyond the view of the Ivy’s orphans. Ivy glides towards me, her eyes narrow.
“You seem to have mistaken my goals. I do not care for the humanity of now. I seek to destroy it and all that it corrupts. I do not care about the suffering that will endure, but those who respect nature shall live.” Ivy stops, as do all the plants. They sit in stillness as a breeze drifts by, but neither the leaves on the trees or Ivy's hair moves. The only thing that so much as breathes is me. “Do not take me calling myself what I am to do the same. Understand?” I say nothing in response and instead of settling into my fear I feel myself make a face that she is all too familiar with. The vine inches away from me and Ivy turns her back to face her children.
“They like you, so you may go with the herbs and crops, but do not mistake my hospitality for kindness and do not return until you understand that ‘anarchy’ has nothing to do with me. I do not have time to teach the foolish.” Ivy's plants cling around her, growing into intricate webs of flora. The anger is mellowed by the disappointment in her voice.
“I didn't mean-” I try my best to plead.
“Go before I change my mind and send you back to the earth.” I'm not sure if she actually means it, her voice didn't change from before. It still sat tinged with sadness. As I turn my back to Ivy and head for the exit I say nothing more to her. The plants part their way for me leading me out, but it is not a gracious parting like they do for Ivy, they recoil and slither away. I don't think it was the right choice not to say another syllable, but Ivy would have even let me? If she had heard me out would it hav