The Green and The Blue

Chapter VIII: Alliance

I wish she would open up, Arthur thought. If she really wants to partake in this partnership, it would be helpful to know what was holding her back. Maybe I could help her? Then, something cold had circled his wrist. Arthur looked back to see Ivy grabbing his wrist. "Wait", she said. Arthur turned to face her.

Ivy sighed. "Look, I have never had a good relationship with humans. Despite being one, the green is my true family". Ivy released her grip. "Yet, I know that all fauna is essential to the survival of the flora. If this partnership can assist in my relationship with humans, then I will agree to your terms". Aquaman smiled. "I can relate. Humans and Atlanteans are not the best of friends. Yet, if we could show that we are willing to make sacrifices, I'm sure they will. We just need a little faith". Ivy nodded in agreement. "Hope". Arthur was taken aback by Ivy using his own ideation. "Yes, hope". Arthur scratched his head.

"I need you to make a promise". Arthur looked back up, realizing Ivy was talking to him. "Sure, we may have been allies in the fight against Brainiac, but at the time, I was doing it to protect the green. Hell, before that, we weren't necessarily friends Arthur". The Atlantean nodded in understanding. "Yes, I was more of Batman's enemy, but being that you were allies, that would make me your enemy as well". The King crossed his arms, realizing where Ivy was going. "I just need to make sure you trust me", she said as she softly put her arm on his shoulder. Arthur looked down at the hand. Then looked back up. "I do". Poison lifted an eyebrow; then scoffed. "Yeah, I'll need more than that Hun". Ivy slowly dropped her hand and turned to head back to the dining room. Arthur was stuck thinking. Wait, how am I going to gain her trust. Heh. If anything, I need to make sure that I can trust her. "Hold on", Arthur said running back to Ivy. Poison had her hand on the doorknob. "Okay, I understand that you need my trust, but this goes both ways. How can I trust you, Dr. Isley?" Ivy rolled her eyes, "You know, you can call me Pamela. And what, do you think, that I'll try to kill all the humans again?". Arthur was surprised at the false accusation that was implied. "Pamela, I didn't mean that, you know I didn't". Ivy softly laughed. "I know Arthur". She stepped forward and softly placed her arms around his neck, much to Arthur's surprise. Ivy lifted her head to look at him, then lifted an eyebrow. "I guess, I don't know, we need a little faith, huh?". The Atlantean cleared his throat to release some of the tension. "Hope?". Ivy snickered. "Yes, hope. That's what you said, isn't it". Ivy dropped her arms and headed back to the door. "See you inside" she said, then turned to enter. Arthur was shaken. First off, Arthur was usually the one with the stronger pride in the room, but now, it felt like Ivy had played with it like a toy. Yet, she had her point. Time would only tell. "What did I get myself into", Arthur thought, not knowing if what would turn out to play would be good or bad.

***

Ivy and Harley were walking back to the entrance where they arrived. Harl looked up at Ivy. "So, I saw that you left right after the toast". Red looked to Harl, then looked straight again. "Yes, Harl". Harley started to skip next to her. "So, what 'cha talk about?". Ivy smiled and turned to regain eye contact. "We talked about...", Ivy hesitated. What did we talk about? She thought. We talked about our feelings of humanity, I guess. And, and how we could trust each other. Ivy was taken aback at how in-depth their conversation had been. She hadn't talked with someone about such topics, except Harl, for years. It felt good in some way to have another person in her life that understood her feelings regarding humanity. "Red?". Ivy kept thinking. "Red?!". Ivy jumped a bit, being woken from her thought process. "Earth to Red? The Green is on fire! Something must have happened in that hallway", Harleen questioned. Ivy sighed. "Sorry Harl, just got caught up in what we were talking about". Ivy knew Harl was her best friend, and she wasn't going to hide any details. "I shared my thoughts on why humanity and I never were on the same page, and he understood. Then, we discussed how we could trust each other". Harleen lifted her eyebrows in amazement. "Wow. Just, wow". Ivy turned with a squint in her eyes, "What?". Harley jumped. "You made a new friend!!". Ivy scoffed, "get over yourself. We're not friends. Just partners for a time". Harleen brought an exaggerated surprised look to her face. "Oh, I'm sorry Red. Must have been mistaken. Friends don't have serious conversations about life in hallways. That's what partners do". Ivy laughed and rolled her eyes. "What am I going to do with you". Harl snickered. "You better not leave me for this water boy, that's what!!". Poison smirked. "I'll never leave you, Harl".

Aquaman, thanks to his enhanced regenerative abilities, plus Atlantean and floral remedies, was mostly healed by the end of the night. Upon getting to his room, he changed into his royal robe and sat down on his couch. Upon turning on the Atlantean news, there was a knock at his door. Getting up, Arthur walked to the door and opened it. It was the Dark Knight.

"Batman. Can I get you something?". The knight lifted his hand up, "Thanks Arthur, but no need. I just wanted a word with you". The Atlantean gestured for him to come in. Batman sat in one of the seats while Arthur returned to the couch. "I presumed you talked with Dr. Isley in the Hall?". Arthur smirked, knowing there was no secret to keep from him. "Yes, we did have a chat. Mostly over her past, as well as how we can trust each other". Batman put his hands together. "I have always had a strong belief. Never kill, and always try to have people return to who they originally were. Arthur, if this helps Ivy to completely return to her aiding the green, but not threatening humanity in the process, that would be great". Arthur smirked, "I hope so too". He thought for a moment. "And I think she can help me as well". Batman continued, "You don't need my council, but keep doing what you're doing". The King smiled, "Your advice is always welcome, Batman". The Dark Knight rose, "Thanks Arthur". Aquaman escorted him to the exit.

Harley and Ivy decided to hang for a bit before parting ways at Ivy's homestead. "So, was fighting Black Manta hard?", asked Harl swinging on Ivy's office chair. "Once Aquaman had breached his helmet, a whole new deck of cards came into my hand that I could play". Harl giggled reminiscing, "man, hadn't had that much fun in a bit".

Ivy and Harl were then encompassed in silence. Red knew Harl liked to talk, so something must be on her mind. Ivy turned to look at Harl who seemed to be anxious over something. Red walked over to Harley. "What is it Harl?". Quinzel looked up to her friend. "Since Bats got Mr. J, I haven't seen him in a bit". Harley hesitated for a bit, then continued. "His first visitation is scheduled for tomorrow, Red". Ivy had her own thoughts on the Joker, which Harley knew. "You know what I think Harl, but this is your decision". Harleen thought about it. Ivy knew it was troubling to her, her twiddling thumbs, shaking knees, but she gave her friend time to think. "You know what Red; I think I will go see puddin'...see how he's holdin' up". Ivy smiled and nodded in understanding, then walked over to the kitchen. Harley followed and sat at one of her bar stools. "But Red, could ya come with?". Pamela looked up in distaste. "You know what I think about that individual, Quinzel". Harley sighed, "I know, but it would give me courage if my best gal tagged along". Ivy smiled and looked back down at the counter prepping some dessert. "If you insist, Harl. I would love to go". Harl grinned knowing she had a great friend. 

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