Inbetween

Chapter Twenty Two: Ivy's Not Done Yet

I haven't seen the show Lois and Clark and honestly I don't think I ever will.
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Clark hovered over the Daily Planet his cape flapping against the wind. He could see sprouts of Kryptonite guards rushing the streets and civilians running away in fear. Their screams made his heart race and he was looking over the scene thinking about what was the best way for him to contain the situation. He could see Ivy on the street below directing the guards to different streets all while they destroyed everything in their paths. He swooped down lower and instantly felt a wave of nausea hit; his body weakened and he tried his best to float back up so he could regain his strength.

He knew he should've listened to Bruce but he couldn't just stand by and watch as they destroyed Metropolis. He sucked in a deep breath and flew back up feeling his body strengthen and his nausea disappear. Clark decided he couldn't do this alone, shocker, and pulled out his phone and dialed Batman's number. After two rings Bruce answered his tone obviously frustrated.

"You were right." Clark sighed and continued to watch as Ivy destroyed the down town area of his city.

"I know." Bruce didn't even try to sugarcoat it, "I'm five minutes away and the rest of the league is on their way."

"I'm going to see if I can scope out anything while I wait." Clark offered.

"No, just stay by the Planet." Bruce huffed, "the less visible you are the better."

"And why's that?" Clark winced at a parked car exploding.

"You're their target, Kal." Bruce pressed, "they're going after you for a reason so let's try to avoid them seeing you as much as we possibly can."

"I can take her." Clark felt his skin burn with irritation.

"Not with all the kryptonite." Bruce tried his best to sound understanding but he knew his frustration was clear in his tone, "I don't need you getting hurt."

"I won't." Superman shook his head.

"You can't guarantee that when she has a city full of your weakness, please, for me will you just sit this one out." He hated how needy he sounded but he felt himself growing desperate.

"Fine." Clark sighed, "what can I do from afar."

"Track where they're going and see if you can get any visuals on scarecrow." Batman ordered, "the news didn't report him but you and I both know he's still a major part of this plan."

Superman nodded, "okay, see you soon."

"Kal." Bruce felt his throat tighten.

"Yes?" Superman started to track the Kryptonite guards route.

"I love you." The sincerity of Bruce's words nearly knocked the air out of Clark's chest.

"I love you too." He still couldn't believe how lucky he was.

With that they both hung up and Clark put his phone  away. He flew over Metropolis National Bank where he could see smog starting to cover the streets and the screams turn to silence. His heart was pounding in his ears and he used his x-ray vision to see through the smog. He could see Scarecrow at the center collecting his victims with no sense of urgency. It made Superman's blood boil. He itched to go down there but he knew that it was too risky to even contemplate the thought. Superman scanned the surrounding area to see if he could help civilians run away from the toxin instead of towards it.

In one quick swoop he gathered all the civilians from in front of the Metropolis City public library that were headed straight for the toxin. He moved them several blocks away from the chaos all while dodging any streets that had Kryptonite guards. After placing the last civilian down he flew back up to higher grounds but not before hearing that same civilian cry out a 'thank you'. He tried to beam one of the guards with his laser eyes but it only deflected off the guard and shot past him. He bit back a frustrated groan and flew towards Ivy who was no longer surrounded by guards.

Superman was about to dive down and confront her when the Bat-mobile squealed onto the street and Batman jumped out in front of Ivy. The car drove away by itself and Superman took a moment to appreciate just how high tech Batman's equipment was. Batman approached Ivy his body language stiff; Clark floated closer to them but still kept his distance.

"Ivy, this isn't you." Batman kept his tone steady and his chin high, "you're not one to do someone's dirty work."

"Who says I'm working for anyone." She drawled unimpressed.

"What good will these guards do for the environment?" He countered and she let out a curt laugh.

"You caught me." She raised her hands, "what ever will I do."

Batman frowned at her sarcasm, "what's in it for you?"

"What's in it for any of us, Batman?" She stepped forward and Clark could see Bruce's hand move towards his belt, "Scarecrow has something I need."

He waited for her to go on but she only shook her head at him and stood in front of him. Clark could see the sneer on her face; it made his stomach twist with anxiety. Bruce didn't flinch at her proximity in face Clark could see he didn't break a sweat or shift in discomfort once since his arrival. Bruce always kept his composure in situations like this and Clark couldn't understand how; not when half of his villains toward over him, had powers, or were completely crazy. He never realized until now but Bruce was a complete badass.

"Need? Did he steal it?" Batman grunted and Ivy shook her head.

"Honestly, Bats, I'm just doing a job to get what I need." She looked at her nails, "so I'll give you just one chance to leave while you can."

Batman let out a scoff, "you know I can't do that."

"Well, don't say I didn't warn you." She grinned and instantly a vine from the ground wrapped around Batman's ankle.

Without flinching he threw a batarang at it cutting it in half. He flipped back and tossed three smoke bombs onto the ground; he blinded Ivy and made a hasty escape to the alley across. He grappled up to the roof and Superman floated to him. Batman gave him a quick once over assessing whether or not he was a friend or foe. He held his batarang firm in his grip.

"Are you okay?" Superman looked him over and Batman sighed.

"Im fine, Kal." His tone was clipped but Clark knew it wasn't directed towards him.

Before he could get another word in Vines wrapped around both Superman and Batman. Clark ripped them off of himself only to be caught by another bunch. Batman tried to cut through them as well but they kept growing all around him. One was firmly wrapped around Batman's neck and he could feel the pressure of the vine around his neck cut off some of his air.  Superman's legs were tied together and his arms were tied behind his back; she had the advantage.

"Come on boys," the smile on her face was something wicked, "I have something to show you."