Chapter 17

The soft glow of computer screens illuminated Barbara's face as she turned to Abel, her expression a mix of determination and barely concealed worry. In her hand, she held a small, nondescript hard drive.

"Here," she said, pressing it into Abel's palm. "It's a gift. Everything I've compiled over the years - training protocols, case files, villain profiles. It's all there."

Abel's eyes widened. "Barb, I can't take this. It's too-"

Before he could finish, Barbara pulled him into a fierce hug, her arms trembling slightly with the force of her embrace. Abel felt a lump form in his throat as he returned the hug, suddenly aware of the weight of Barbara's unspoken fears.

"Be careful out there, little brother, I love you..." she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Then, just as quickly, she released him and headed for the door.

"Barb, wait-" Abel called, but she was already gone, the door closing softly behind her.

For a moment, Abel stood there, the hard drive heavy in his hand. The gravity of his chosen path had never felt more real. With a deep breath, he pocketed the drive and turned to his computer, where Zoe's face greeted him on a video call.

"Ready for your first official night as my partner?" he asked, forcing a smile.

Zoe's excitement was palpable, even through the screen. "Born ready. What's the mission, boss?"

As if on cue, alerts began flashing across Abel's monitors. Reports of strange plant growth in Gotham's financial district, accompanied by sightings of a familiar red-haired figure.

"Looks like Poison Ivy's up to her old tricks," Abel said, already moving to don his Private Eye costume. "Time to see what you've got, partner."

The air in Gotham's financial district was thick with an unnatural fog, tendrils of green mist curling around the bases of towering skyscrapers. Private Eye swung between buildings, his enhanced senses on high alert. In his ear, Zoe's voice provided a steady stream of information.

"I'm tapped into the city's security cameras," she reported. "Massive plant growth detected in and around Gotham National Bank. Thermal imaging shows a concentration of heat signatures in the main vault."

Private Eye landed on a nearby rooftop, surveying the scene below. Thick vines had erupted from the pavement, wrapping around cars and streetlights. The air was heavy with the scent of exotic flowers.

"Any sign of Ivy herself?" he asked, preparing to descend.

"Negative, but- wait," Zoe's voice took on a note of urgency. "Movement detected inside the bank. Multiple hostages, it looks like."

Private Eye's jaw clenched. "I'm going in. Keep me posted on any changes."

As he swung down towards the bank's entrance, Zoe's voice came through again, hesitant this time. "Abel... be careful, okay? Remember what we talked about. No unnecessary risks."

A small smile tugged at Private Eye's lips despite the tension. "Roger that, partner."

Inside the bank, the scene was one of controlled chaos. Vines as thick as tree trunks had burst through the marble floors, creating a dense jungle. Bank employees and customers huddled in small groups, looking terrified but unharmed. And there, in the center of it all, stood Poison Ivy.

She turned as Private Eye entered, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "Well, well. Gotham's newest little hero. Come to stop the big bad eco-terrorist?"

Private Eye fell into a fighting stance, eyes scanning for potential traps. "Play times over, Ivy. Let these people go."

Ivy laughed, the sound like tinkling glass. "Oh, it's far from over, darling. In fact, it's only just beginning."

With a wave of her hand, the plants around her surged into motion. Vines lashed out like whips, forcing Private Eye to dodge and weave. He fired web shots, trying to immobilize the writhing vegetation, but for every vine he trapped, two more seemed to take its place.

"Abel, careful!" Zoe's voice rang in his ear. "I'm detecting traces of toxins in the air. She's using some kind of new pheromone."

Private Eye felt it then - a creeping lethargy in his limbs, a fog settling over his mind. He shook his head, trying to clear it.

"What's the matter, hero?" Ivy taunted, sauntering closer. "Feeling a little... green?"

Anger flared in Private Eye's chest, cutting through the haze. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, fist raised to strike.

"Abel, no!" Zoe's shout was like a bucket of cold water. "Remember the hostages. We need to get them out first!"

Private Eye froze, his fist inches from Ivy's smirking face. She hadn't even flinched.

"Oh, got cold feet?" Ivy purred. "You wouldn't want to do anything... rash."

Taking a deep breath, Private Eye stepped back. "You're right," he said, both to Ivy and to Zoe. "You got lucky..."

Moving with deliberate calm, he began webbing up the vines nearest the hostages, creating clear paths to the exit. "Everyone, move calmly towards the doors. Help those who need it."

As the hostages began to file out, Ivy's smirk faltered. "You think this changes anything? The seeds have already been planted. Gotham will bloom, whether you like it or not!"

Private Eye turned back to her, his stance resolute. "Maybe. But not today, and not at the cost of innocent lives. Don't worry, I won't be so kind next time around."

What followed was a battle of wits as much as strength. Private Eye used his webs strategically, not to attack Ivy directly, but to contain and redirect her plants. Zoe's voice in his ear provided constant updates, helping him anticipate Ivy's moves and avoid the worst of her toxins.

By the time the GCPD burst in, led by a grim-faced Commissioner Gordon, Private Eye had Ivy cornered and most of her plants neutralized.

As Ivy was led away in specially designed restraints, Jim Gordon approached Private Eye. "Nice work," he said gruffly. "Though I have to ask... since when do you show this much... restraint?"

Private Eye felt a surge of emotions - pride, guilt, determination. "Let's just say I had some good advice, Commissioner. Sometimes the hardest fights are the ones we have with ourselves."

Later, as Abel sat on a rooftop overlooking the city, Zoe's voice came through his comm, soft and warm. "You did good tonight, Abel. Really good."

Abel smiled, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "Look who's talking, you sounded like a legit pro.", she laughed in response, enjoying the praise. Abel continued, "We did good, partner. I made the right choice with you, Franks..."

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A/N: Dropped two off the top rope as an apology, I won't edge you folks like that again.