Grey Arrow stood outside the gates to Amusement Mile once again, somehow she had managed to convince Bruce to let her look through the area alone. Only on the condition that either Tim, Kon, or Jason were nearby and ready to drop in if she needed any help. She took a deep breath and walked in, pushing the gates open ever so slightly. 

If Ivy was here, she didn't want to be found at all. Her last two encounters with the woman were not so great, being subjected to her sex pollen and then interrogated. Grey Arrow did not want to find out what else Ivy was capable of, and neither did the others. That was why she had packed an antidote to her most known poisons. It didn't counteract all of them, but the ones she used the most. 

Looking around the park seemed more dull than usual, but that didn't mean it was empty. Using the detective mode in her mask, Grey Arrow was able to pinpoint the location of one of the tunnel entrances. She had a theory that there was more to the underground segment of Amusement Mile, and she wanted to test it. 

Slowly, she crept over to one of the entrances and pulled the door open the fresh smell of rotten eggs greeting her nose once again. The first time was bad enough, but this was worse tenfold. Grey Arrow had to take slow breaths so she didn't gag on the putrid smell. 

Dropping down the ladder, she could see that the tunnels hadn't changed that much. "Grey Arrow to Oracle, I'm in the tunnels. I should be in and out within the next fifteen minutes. If I don't respond by then, send someone after me." she spoke into her comm.

"Copy that Rory, and be careful." 

"I try to be," she answered, and prepped her bow just in case as she walked further into the tunnels. 

It seemed like the tunnels went on and on, without any end. There was no ventilation so the smell only got worse the further in she went. It took a long time to get used to the smell and not want to gag on it. Checking the watch on her hand, Grey Arrow saw that she had only been down there for three minutes. But why did it feel so much longer?

A couple more minutes passed when she saw something on the wall, it looked like a loose panel. Carefully, she set her bow down and wrapped the tips of her fingers around the edges that stuck out from the wall and gave it a hard tug.

The panel flew off the wall and a rush of fresh air greeted her lungs. Grey Arrow let out a breath and smiled softly. Grabbing the spare marker she carried, she wrote a small note alerting the others that she had gone down in the secret passage just in case she had no reception down there still.

Poking her head in, she could see that it was another drop but it was bigger and seemed to go towards the sewage system. Why would Ivy need the sewage system?

Grabbing her bow, Grey Arrow started her slow descent down the ladder hoping it wouldn't snap and fall apart under her. As he got closer to the ground, she could hear the faint sound of rushing water. The cape was just outside of the park, so maybe it had a drainage system that led right to it? 

Dropping down the last few steps, she landed on her feet silently and crept along the walkway. The path was pitch black and she could barely see a thing, but it was so quiet Grey Arrow could hear her own heartbeat.

Her steps stayed soft as she walked, keeping an ear out for something that didn't sound right and so far there was nothing. If someone was in there with her, they were good at hiding. Grey Arrow could see a small light at the end and slowly picked up speed before she stepped in a puddle, making a slight splashing sound. 

She could tell from the sound it made, that the puddle she stepped in was not water. It was thicker, slowly she bent down and felt it with her fingers. It was thick to the touch as well, and warm. Right off the bat, she ruled out it being some toxic goop because her fingers and boot were not burning. 

But if it wasn't water and it wasn't toxic waste, then what was it? She brought her fingers up to her nose to see if it had a smell, and it did. Grey Arrow knew that smell, it was fresh blood. She wanted to turn on her flashlight but didn't know if she was alone like she had believed before. Turning on the light would alert them to her presence, and the detective mode could only pick up so much. 

Gray Arrow was walking blindly through a tunnel that had puddles of fresh blood. Fantastic. As she kept walking, she made sure to keep her bow at the ready and slowly slide a foot out as she stepped to make sure she wouldn't trip on anything lying around. 

Her foot hit something soft and she held her breath, hoping it wasn't what she thought it was. Her hand shook as she bent over to feel it, and sure enough, it was a body. Her hands felt over it to find the pulse on the neck, only to find that whoever this was, was missing it instead. 

She jumped up quickly and looked around. The body was still warm, this had happened recently. There weren't many people in Gotham capable of ripping someone's head clean off of their shoulders, neck and all. In fact, to her knowledge, there was only one that took pleasure in this kind of thing.

Grey Arrow swallowed hard and tried to calm her rapid heartbeat. If he really was in this sewer with her, then there was a good chance that he already knew she was there and her exact location. The exit was in sight and had a much better chance of making it instead of turning and running back. In fact, that was probably the worst idea ever.

The temptation to turn on her flashlight only grew, the fear of knowing whether or not the culprit was in front of her was agonizing. Resisting the urge, Grey Arrow pressed on as she carefully stepped over the body. 

She had to keep quiet, Grey Arrow would hear him coming right? The man was a seven-foot monster and was not light on his feet. Unless he was in the water...

Her heart rate spiked at that last thought, the seven-foot killing machine was one hell of a swimmer and sure could sneak up on her in the lovely river of sludge next to her if he so desired. And considering she had walked right into his territory, he probably was. 

Gray Arrow made the stupid decision to turn and look back into the river. Even though it was pitch black, she could make out a pair of yellow beady-eyes staring her down with a hidden grin inside of them.

"Well fuck." 

Without wasting another second, Grey Arrow took off down the path as she pressed the comm. "Oracle, I need help and fast." 

"Rory? I ca- wha- ong?"

The comm-link was weak, she had to get a signal out and quick. The water next to her started to slosh a lot from the movement within. Pressing the comm again, she was about to get out another message when a loud roar echoed through the sewer path and the monster within jumped out and continued its chase.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!" she yelled, urging her feet to go faster. There was no way in hell she was going to outrun a seven-foot crocodile man that had a thirst for blood. This was bad, she was alone and had no contact with the outside.

"If anyone can hear me, I'm about to become crocodile food!" she yelled, turning on the flashlight. There was no point in hiding when he was right on her heels. There were dead bodies everywhere, some were fresh but some had begun decaying and others were ripped to shreds from his massive yellow teeth.

The end was in sight, but what awaited on the other side? Was it a fate worse than being a can of mutant crocodile chow, or could it be her saving grace? Whatever it was, she had to take the risk. She heard a metal creak behind her and watched as a large metal pipe flew over her head. Grey Arrow dropped to the floor and slid under it before it landed and kept running.

Making the stupid decision to turn backward, she saw the huge figure of Killer Croc on her heels grabbing yet another metal pole. This one he threw with better accuracy as it hit her in the back, sending Grey Arrow to the floor with a loud thud. Looking to her right, she was met with a pair of lifeless eyes whose body was missing the entire lower half of him.

She let out a scream and got up, only to be grabbed and thrown into a wall. Grey Arrow hit it with a thud, her vision going blurry but she could see the massive feet of Killer Croc stalking towards her.

Killer Croc grabbed ahold of her chest and held her up to the wall, his one hand able to wrap around her whole body. "Ivy said someone might come into my territory," he hissed. "But I never thought it to be the batbrat she so adores." 

Grey Arrow turned away, his yellow teeth dangerously close to her face as strings of saliva blew into her face making her gag. "I'm flattered, Ivy adores me?" she whimpered. Where the hell was her back up?

"She's mentioned you, said that you make this more fun for her. Think she might have a little crush." His growled, his mouth salivating more at the thought of what Grey Arrow would taste like. "I don't think she would mind if I took a bite of you." 

Her eyes squeezed shut as she retreated back into the wall as much as she could, trying to block out the deafening roar he let out. "Seems like everyone wants a piece of me." she whimpered, trying to keep the conversation going. Waylon was starting to get bored with her, and that was not going to end well.

"I bet you taste good, I haven't gotten to eat a hero before. Maybe the meat will be more tender with all that muscle." His face leaned closer, as Grey Arrow held her breath waiting for the end. This was how she was going to die, as a crocodile snack.

"I've heard people taste gross!"

Grey Arrow turned her head to the left and saw a figure dart out of the dark and knock Killer Croc over with a simple hit, his grip faltered on her but her body went with him as she rolled out of his hand across the floor.

"Let me help you with that Sunshine." she looked up and saw Superboy standing there with his hand out and the biggest grin on his face.

"You might want to help yourself first there Wonder Boy." she pointed behind him as Killer Croc got to his feet and charged at them both. He rolled his eyes and turned around, punching Killer Croc in the jaw. 

Grey Arrow got up quickly and shot explosive arrows, hoping to do some damage. With his exterior skin, Killer Croc was almost indestructible but he wasn't half Kryptonian. She watched as Superboy fought him hand to hand, while she shot perfectly placed arrows to help him out. Grey Arrow knew that she was no match for him on his own, but if she got close enough then maybe she could knock him out.

"Hey baby Supes, give me a boost!" she called. 

Superboy turned to her as she ran towards him, his hands pushing her up so she landed on top of Killer Croc. Luckily she packed a few of her electrically charged arrows and shoved them into the thick skin of his neck. 

The electric shock was powerful enough that it had knocked him out cold, and he collapsed to the floor while she was still on top of him. Quickly, she kicked off and flipped through the air as she landed next to Superboy with a wince.

When her feet hit the floor, she almost fell over but Superboy quickly caught her and helped her sit. "Not to be rude, but why the fuck are you here?" she asked, wincing as he back touched the wall.

"Oracle said she got choppy messages from you and then a loud roar. Figured I was best suited to come to check on you, you alright?" he asked, making sure there was no serious damage he needed to check on.

"I almost became crocodile food you dumbass, do you really think I'm okay?" she snapped, looking at him. Her back was in a lot of pain, but she was not going to admit it and not to Superboy of all people.

"Damn, when Red said you were snarky I didn't think you were this snarky. Holy Hell." he chuckled.

"He likes my snark, probably thinks it's hot too." she laughed, groaning when she tried to stand slowly. Superboy held her up slowly and gave her a look. 

"I think I should take you back, you look pretty banged up," he said.

"No! I did not come all the way down here, get stalked by a crocodile man, and almost eaten alive only to turn back now. No, Ivy gave him a heads up, and she has mentioned me to him. I want to find out more, you can go back alone or stick around and shut up." she said, pushing him off her.

Superboy ran a hand through his hair. Tim had told him that she hated help from others and that she was one of the most stubborn people alive. Seeing her in action, he was not wrong but knew instantly that they were perfect for each other.

"Fine, but the second we finish I'm flying you back." he crossed his arms and followed her down the walk. "Also, Wonder Boy? Isn't that the title for Robin?" he asked.

"No, that's Boy Wonder. I'm not getting the names wrong, I'm making fun of you. There's a difference Superboy." she rolled her eyes and kept walking, keeping it slow so she didn't give him a reason to take her back early.

As they walked, he helped her step over all of the dead bodies and talked about various things. From the weather to how different their two cities really were, Gotham and Metropolis being very different.

They made it to the end of the hall and saw that it had led to a giant lab that looked like it was recently abandoned. Did they just find where Ivy was making her new serum? Quietly, Grey Arrow walked in and began to look around making sure the camera captured everything and tried the comms once again.

"Oracle, are you getting this?" she asked.

"Rory! Thank God! What the hell happened, I heard a roar and you went offline!" Barbara cried.

"I'm okay, Superboy showed up and got me out. Killer Croc tried to make me his midnight snack," she answered. "But are you seeing the footage? I think we found Ivy's old hideout." 

"This place does look abandoned." Superboy poked at a glass tube and it fell over and shattered. 

"What the fuck Wonder Boy? You're best friend is some genius and you go and touch random shit that you're not sure what it is?" Grey Arrow snapped, turning to look at him.

He gave her a sheepish grin and a shrug. "He's the genius, not me." 

Grey Arrow rolled her eyes as she kept looking around. What had caught her attention was that there was a specific vial labeled Grey Arrow. Her eyes went wide, why did this have her name on it, and what the hell was in it?

"What's the possibility that Ivy has some secret crush on me or something?" she asked.

"I'm not sure, why?" 

"Because I just found a vial with my name on it," she answered.

"Hey, didn't lizard boy say that Ivy adores you?" Superboy spoke up as he looked around.

"Not helping!" she snapped. "I'm bringing this back to the cave, maybe we can figure out what was in it." 

At her words, Superboy picked her up and flew the two of them out of there. Killer Croc was still knocked out, but Batman knew where he was so he could pick him up later if he really wanted to. 

As they flew, the weird feeling in her stomach came back. "You drop me, I will find the closest piece of kryptonite and shove it up your ass." she snapped. 

Superboy looked down at her and laughed. "Don't tell me you're afraid of heights or flying." 

"I'm not afraid of anything Wonder Boy, it's all Superman's fault. He's the guy who flew me across Star City at top speed. I was nauseous for a week!" she cried, hanging on tight.

The two of them flew into the cave where Oracle and Alfred were waiting on them. "Miss Aurora, I see you are in decent condition." he smiled. "No fatal wounds this time?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but not this time. But I did get a metal pole to the back, is that fatal enough for you?" she laughed, discarding the top piece to her suit leaving her in a tank top. 

"I will never be disappointed in the lack of injuries, but let me have a look at that back of yours. I can hear you wincing from a mile away," he replied.

Alfred helped Rory onto the table as he lifted the back of her shirt slowly to inspect her back. Sure enough, there was a bruise forming there, but so were several others from Killer Croc's killer grip. There wasn't much he could do other than put some soothing gel on it and wrap her torso in bandages.

Rory needed help holding her arms up, so it was a little odd when Kon walked over and helped. It was even weirder when Tim arrived back to see his best friend with his girlfriend who was currently topless as she was getting wrapped up. 

"You know, most guys would be pretty pissed to see his best friend and girlfriend in this position," he commented as he walked over, pulling the cowl off his head. 

Rory flipped him off, making both him and Kon laugh as Alfred helped her get her shirt back on. Tim walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek and making a face at the odd substance on her skin. "What the hell is that?"

"Oh, that? It's just crocodile man hybrid spit, it's everywhere," she answered, grabbing the towel and wiping it off her face. Rory felt gross, she was tossed around a sewer and was covered in all kinds of disgusting filth. 

"Did you find anything?" he asked, wiping the spots she couldn't reach.

"Yeah, Ivy is harboring a huge crush on me and there was vial with my name on it. Babs is looking into it now," she said.

"Why is it that you seem to attract the attention of all the criminals here in Gotham?" Tim asked, wrapping his arms around her waist while she was still sat on the medical table.

"They just seemed to be drawn to my dazzling personality Dragon Boy." she chuckled and cupped his cheek before placing a kiss on his lips. "But don't worry, I'm only yours." 

"It better stay that way." he laughed and kissed her again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not going to lie, I scared myself there. I based all of that off the fear Killer Croc induced in Arkham Asylum, if you don't know what I'm talking about just google him in that game and you'll see what I mean. 

PURE NIGHTMARE FUEL

But this is setting up the final battle with Ivy and co. and a few other things. I am so close to the end, I'm excited! Hope you guys enjoyed it!

Until Next Time,