Chapter 69: Ch.68 Preparations

Chapter 69: Ch.68 Preparations

"Kidnapping," Barry's face twisted in discomfort at the term, which didn't sound particularly noble.

"Okay, let's put it another way: it's placing them under restricted surveillance for the sake of the world's survival," Su Ming thought for a moment, rephrasing it without changing the actual plan.

Bryce was the first to nod. Surveillance—now that was something she could agree with. It was how she managed Gotham.

"That sounds a lot better. Thank you," Barry sighed helplessly.

Su Ming clapped his hands, indicating for Cindy to continue resting here. Her injuries and the toxins in her system would take time to overcome. For now, it would just be him, Barry, and Batwoman taking action.

"Alright, Barry, once you're full, we're heading out. First stop: Gotham's flower market."

"Ready when you are. Let's go."

Barry carried Su Ming and Bryce, racing out of the Batcave's entrance. With Bryce guiding the way within the Speed Force, they quickly arrived at the area filled with flower shops.

It was now just past six in the morning, but the sky showed no sign of lightening. Dark clouds covered everything, and a storm swept across the entire city.

The street was so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face, and after stepping out of the Speed Force, the three of them were standing in knee-high water, rain drenching every inch of their uniforms.

"This is where the flower shops are most concentrated in Gotham. Poison Ivy often hangs around here," Bryce led them to a street where they could see several massive greenhouses behind the shops. They looked like botanical gardens, but the storm had damaged some of their roofs.

"Speaking of Poison Ivy, Cindy initially received a job from the Joker to get in touch with you. When she asks about it next time, you can confirm we delivered the message, right? Cindy's still waiting for her payment," Su Ming kicked open a shop door. The interior was flooded, and everything floated in the water, debris scattered across the surface.

"The Joker better behave himself. I have no time to deal with him."

Bryce, noncommittal, followed him inside and pulled money from her belt, placing it under the cash register as compensation.

"What does this flower look like?" Barry asked Su Ming. The shop was filled with all sorts of plants, covering every corner of the room. Soft vines hung down from the ceiling.

"It has white flowers and black roots. I can't describe it precisely, but the shop should have labels. You can check the pot for the name. It might be labeled as snowdrop, white allium, or it could just say moly."

Even though Su Ming had seen it before, it was only as a two-dimensional drawing in a comic. Who knew what it looked like in real life?

Both he and Bryce had night-vision equipment, and the three of them waded through the flooded shop, finally finding some in the greenhouse.

Barry looked at the pot Su Ming was holding, touched the leaves, and even leaned in to sniff. "It's actually quite pretty, but it doesn't have much of a fragrance. It kind of smells like onions."

Su Ming shrugged. "Before meeting Circe, we need to eat these plants. Hope you like the taste of onions."

Sure enough, she opened her eyes. Sleep didn't really matter to plants.

"Why are you back? Planning to join our fun?" Poison Ivy smiled seductively, throwing him a wink.

Su Ming took off his helmet to show he meant no harm and shook his head. "No, I need your help. I need some of your charm venom."

"Oh? And why should I help you?" Poison Ivy stretched lazily, a few vines fixing her hair.

"There are about 500,000 plant species on Earth. Even if a flood drowns the world, some plants will survive, but marine plants make up only 2% of the total species. Right now, there's a chance to save the other 98%, and all I need is your venom."

Su Ming, who had recovered much of Slade's memory, rattled off a string of data. As a botanist, Poison Ivy should know he was telling the truth.

She tilted her head, looking at Su Ming, then at Barry. Finally, she nodded.

"Alright, you convinced me. The more plants, the better."

She stuck out her tongue, lightly licking her lips, her large eyes blinking at Su Ming, as if expecting something.

Su Ming remained unaffected, pulling out his canteen from his belt and handing it over.

She rolled her eyes, as if annoyed by his lack of tact, but still extended a vine to take the canteen.

"...Here you go." She held the canteen to her lips, her saliva dripping into it. She sighed and handed it back with a vine.

"How long is it effective?" Su Ming screwed the lid back on and secured it to his belt again.

Poison Ivy leaned back slightly, letting the vines support her.

"My venom, hehe, without an antidote, it lasts a lifetime. It'll make someone fall madly in love with the opposite sex in front of them. You're the first man to actively ask for this kind of thing."

She stroked Harley's hair, braiding it with her vines.

"Thanks for the warning. I'll never use this canteen again. We have work to do." Su Ming signaled it was time to leave, but Barry didn't respond. Turning to look, Su Ming tapped him on the shoulder, annoyed. "Barry? Why are you closing your eyes?"

"Oh, haha, right. Time to go. Let's go." Barry snapped out of it, his face as red as his uniform. He gave a couple of awkward laughs before disappearing in a flash.

Although she couldn't see the two disappear, Ivy felt their departure through her vines. The door kept swaying, as if moved by the wind.

She sighed in disappointment. She'd wanted to... but soon lay back down, giving Harley a kiss on the cheek and closing her eyes.