Poison Ivy froze, and even my bodyguard's eyes filled with disbelief and shock.
"Did I hear wrong, or did you actually say, 'Super soldier serum'?" Ivy clarified.
"No, that's exactly what I said."
"I remember you claiming we were the good guys. But this… it sounds like an actual villain's plan. Are you really trying to recreate Dr. Erskine's serum? That's a huge gamble," she waved her hand dismissively. "And even if we somehow succeed, why do you need the serum?" she asked, pressing the question with her powerful presence.
"Why else would I want it? I intend to use it on myself."
"That's madness!" Sasha interjected.
"Why not? I need to become stronger, and that's one of the few available paths. The world is changing, and we have to adapt too," I said firmly. "Besides, I can't be everywhere at once. I can't protect everyone all the time. But with this formula, I have a chance—a chance to change everything and to protect the people I care about."
"Wait, you're saying you'd use the serum not just on yourself, but on others as well?" Bordeaux asked in astonishment.
"Only on those closest to me. No matter what anyone says, the best way to protect those you love is to make them stronger," I explained.
"I can't help but agree," Pamela said, surprising everyone. "That really is the best way to protect people. Now I'm sure: you're not someone who craves power for its own sake. You need it, but you're not willing to pay any price. If it costs you your life—"
"I'd walk away from that kind of power. I want strength, but on my own terms," I finished.
"Why do you really need this, Alex?" Bordeaux pressed. "You asked me to be your teacher, and now you're chasing after a formula for a biological weapon lost since World War II. What are you hiding?"
"Doesn't anyone else see the obvious?" I replied, gesturing toward Poison Ivy. "Sorry, Ivy, but you're the perfect example. How can an ordinary person possibly stand up to someone with that level of power? How can we ever have real peace when people exist who could destroy an entire city—or even the planet—if they wished?"
"You mean Superman?" the dryad grinned.
"He's just one of many. And believe me, not all of them are kind or reasonable. I'm not going to sit around and wait for threats to emerge from the shadows. I want to be ready—and I'm asking for your help."
"Heh, I'm in," the former Arkham patient agreed. "This is going to be fun."
"I'm just a bodyguard. It's my job to protect you," Sasha answered in her usual neutral tone. "Whatever you're planning, wherever you go, I'll stand by you. You trusted me, and I'll return that trust."
"Thank you," I said, smiling despite myself.
"And I agreed to this adventure the moment it began," Kavita said, almost offhandedly.
"But… we're not the only ones trying to recreate Dr. Erskine's serum. What makes you think we'll succeed where others have failed?" Pamela asked, voicing the question that had clearly been bothering her.
Rao and I exchanged a knowing look.
"If you get Captain America's blood, would that give us an edge in the race?" she pressed.
"The Captain disappeared at the end of World War II. He should have been dead for decades," Pamela said, reasonably.
"Who knows what's really true…" I replied. We continued discussing the plan, and I managed to ease Pamela Isley's remaining doubts. She was now far more confident in the possibility of success. Some questions still lingered for her, but answers would come with time.
By now, it was late, so I took the green representative home. At her new place, surrounded by lush vegetation, she seemed less impressed than I'd expected—in fact, she looked mildly annoyed.
"Maybe this place could use a little renovation," she said, eyeing the greenery. "I'll get started now."
"I won't get in your way. Make yourself at home," I replied, turning to leave.
"You're just leaving me here alone?" Ivy sounded genuinely surprised. "I thought you'd stay, or at least have someone watch me around the clock."
"Kavita lives one floor up. If you need anything, ask her. And here," I said, handing her a smartphone, "this has my number—call me anytime."
She inspected it carefully. Then, a small flower sprang to life in her palm; she handed it to me.
"If the phone stops working, we can use this. Attach the bellflower bud as a keychain—no matter what happens, we'll always be in touch."
"So you really can hear the voices of all the world's plants."
"Somewhat… You're free now, Ivy. I'm not going to follow you, and I won't have anyone else do it either. Trust—remember? But there's one thing: whenever you go out, wear regular clothes. Try not to attract attention. Even though you've been released, no one outside knows about it. They still remember you as a dangerous criminal. That's all—get some rest. See you tomorrow."
**************************************
At the first light of dawn the next day, I went straight to visit the Poisonous Lady.
To my surprise, she wasn't in the apartment—apparently, she had already left.
And I had a pretty good idea where she might have gone.
I was just about to leave when I paused for a moment to admire the beauty that surrounded me. Nature had truly awakened. Each leaf stirred under the gentle rays of the morning sun. Dormant buds stretched themselves open, welcoming the birth of a new day. A soft breeze slipped in through the half-open window, blending into a fragrant symphony of flowers and fresh greenery.
I closed my eyes without meaning to, soaking in the delicate flicker of sunlight dancing across my skin. When was the last time I spent a morning in the forest? I wondered.
Ivy certainly hadn't been joking when she mentioned renovations.
She had transformed the entire apartment over a single night.
Of course, she did it to please herself—but, honestly, she'd done it with incredible taste and purpose.
In just a few hours, she had created an extraordinary indoor garden—a paradise, by any measure.
The design was harmonious, thoughtful, and undeniably gorgeous. It was made with love.
If she ever considered switching careers, I'd hire her in a heartbeat as a landscape designer. No hesitation.
It was time to head to the Babylon Laboratory. That's likely where Miss Botanist had gone.
Sure enough, I found her there.
Wearing a white lab coat over her signature green, earthy outfit, she stood at her station, completely absorbed in her work. She was studying a notebook with focused intensity, occasionally glancing at data on her monitor screen.
And I won't lie—she looked insanely attractive. More than usual, in fact.
There was something about the way she looked in that moment: powerful, elegant… and dangerously beautiful.
Get a grip, I reminded myself.
We got out of the 200 ranking but it's okay I guess, we'll get in again.
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