Chapter 7: Thorny Business.

Hisoka sat on a rooftop, watching the city breathe. Gotham never slept, but some places pulsed differently at night. Robinson Park was one of them. Even from here, it felt off—too still, too controlled.

Word had spread fast. Four of Gotham's biggest crime bosses had been found in pieces. The underworld had gone quiet. Too quiet. Hisoka hated quiet.

A whisper had reached him earlier in the night. An informant—some terrified low-level thug—had muttered something before Hisoka silenced him for good.

"If you're lookin' for the real power, it ain't the gangs. It's the FREAKS. The ones Batman struggles with."

"Like who?

"T..The...THE PARK!", said the thug before going limb....

Hisoka mumbled "Oops" (He forgot to loosen his bungee gum)

"Time for a walk" He said.

Hisoka sat on a rooftop, watching the city breathe. Gotham never slept, but some places pulsed differently at night. Robinson Park was one of them. Even from here, it felt off—too still, too controlled. 

Robinson Park felt different at night. The usual city sounds faded, replaced by something quieter. No wind. No rustling leaves. Just the slow creak of shifting branches. Hisoka strolled along a dirt path, hands in his pockets. Moonlight barely touched the ground.

A thick, floral scent clung to the air. He took a slow breath. It wasn't natural. Something mixed with it—too sweet, too inviting. Hisoka smirked.

"You're expecting me," he said aloud.

A voice drifted through the trees. Soft. Amused. "You're not hard to track."

Leaves rustled, though no wind blew. Thick vines moved through the undergrowth. Poison Ivy stepped into view. Her green lips curled into a smile. She didn't seem surprised to see him.

"I know what you are," she said. "A killer looking for a new thrill."

Hisoka tilted his head. "You make it sound cheap."

Ivy stepped forward. The earth beneath her feet pulsed, breathing with life. "You don't belong in Gotham," she said. "And nature rejects things that don't belong."

Hisoka laughed. "Then try to remove me."

The ground exploded. Vines lashed out, thick as ropes, covered in sharp thorns. Hisoka flipped backward, avoiding the strike. A second set shot toward him, curling like whips. He leaped onto a low branch, balancing with ease.

Ivy raised a hand. The trees responded. Bark twisted, roots split open, and new vines shot up like striking snakes. Hisoka dodged again, a flicker of movement among the chaos.

"You dance well," Ivy noted.

"I always do," Hisoka replied. He landed on the ground and took a slow step forward. The floral scent grew stronger. His fingers twitched. His pulse felt slower.

"A shame," Ivy murmured. "The poison's already in you."

Hisoka exhaled. His vision blurred at the edges. He chuckled. "Exciting."

More vines shot forward. Hisoka flicked his wrist. Bungee Gum latched onto a tree branch, pulling him away just before the roots shattered the ground where he stood.

Ivy's eyes narrowed. "You're persistent."

Hisoka grinned. "I like playing with strong opponents."

Ivy spread her arms. The entire park seemed to shift. The ground pulsed as if breathing. A giant wooden claw formed behind her, thick as a tree trunk. It swiped at Hisoka.

He ducked low, rolling aside as it smashed into the dirt. He stood and wiped sweat from his brow. "Impressive."

"You should give in," Ivy said. "Let go. Breathe deep."

Hisoka took a long inhale. The poison thickened in his lungs. His heartbeat slowed. He chuckled, low and eager.

"Let's see how long I last," he whispered.

Ivy frowned. "You're insane."

Vines lashed out again. Hisoka sidestepped one, then another. He closed the gap between them. Ivy took a step back, raising her hands. The air shimmered, heavy with golden pollen.

Hisoka hesitated. His vision blurred again. His muscles felt sluggish.

Then he moved.

Bungee Gum latched onto Ivy's wrist. Hisoka pulled. She stumbled forward, eyes widening.

Her voice stayed calm. "You think touching me is a good idea?"

Thorns erupted from the ground. Hisoka twisted, barely avoiding them. But he didn't let go.

Ivy exhaled sharply, sending out a final burst of spores.

Hisoka grinned. "Nice trick."

His hand shot forward. A sharp snap.

Ivy's body went limp. The vines stopped moving.

Hisoka stood over her, rolling his shoulders. His breathing steadied.

"One down," he murmured.

He stepped over her and walked deeper into the park.

Ivy laid there...but weirdly enough she twitches...