A/N: Okay, so the whole Red Arrow being a clone thing I might work with that in this story. Though I'm not entirely sure yet. The new season isn't that great but it isn't dreadful. Or at least the episodes I've seen. Artemis going under cover, we had to see that coming. So this is one of my first stories that I'm actually going to post. Have fun.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Except the plot. I think. I'm not entirely sure.
Cringing at the memories. But pushing through them anyways. Trying to find the link or a snippet of an old conversation. Working to keep her from forgetting how things used to be a few months ago. Now hidden away in the last stronghold the Justice League had, Gotham City.
Artemis was hidden away in an empty study at Wayne Manor. Batman had turned out to be Bruce Wayne and Robin was his son Dick Grayson. They had shared their identities when everything happened. When the Light first began taking over, they worked on moving information and supplies. Artemis had been one of the first to help them. Now everything was hidden away in the manor, the Batcave, or the Watchtower. All other bases had been destroyed or abandoned. Either way everything had been cleaned out.
Now the heroes were all hidden away in Gotham, living at the manor. The retired heroes, current heroes, and their families. Everyone had a different clump of rooms that was dedicated to them. Yet there was still dozens of rooms empty. The League had taken over a wing. Then there was the wing with Bruce, Dick, and Alfred's rooms. That's where the Team set up to stay close to their bird.
Everything seemed to run smoothly. They took turns keeping Gotham safe and working in the Watchtower. Thought there was times they would leave the safety of the city. Leaving Gotham on recon missions. Trying to get information to help them take back the world. Yet they had quickly become a family. This set everyone on edge when someone was gone. They had become a family in the slightest sense; families took care of each other.
Four days ago Ollie, Dinah, and Roy had gone out. The Team had camped out in an unused living room in an empty wing the night before as was tradition when one of their own went out. The mission had only been supposed to take two days. Now they were still out there for two unscheduled days. Four days of being gone in hostile territory. So the only answer they could think of was that something had gone wrong.
So Artemis was hidden away from everyone else. Ollie and Dinah had become like parents to her. Now they were off in unknown conditions. They had been there for her when she lost her mother. Though only a select few knew about the loss. And not that Artemis would ever admit, she was in love with Roy. They had become closer through forced 'family' events before the Light took over. And then more so after the event. Plus he was in love with her too, not that he would admit it either.
'Artemis, it's time for dinner.' M'gann called through the mind link
'I'll be there in a minute.' Artemis answered
Dinner was a quiet affair. No real conversation except for the occasional question. They all couldn't think of anything else but their missing friends. Worry hanging overhead like a storm cloud. Then the doors crashed open and the missing trio came running in. Everyone was up and swarming them in an instant.
Artemis was able to get a slight hug to Ollie and Dinah before she was crushed in a hug by Roy. He was holding onto her like his life depended on it. He seemed to disappear into her hair and was shaking slightly, almost like he was crying. Her arms quickly snaked around his neck and her chin rested on his shoulder. Then Ollie and Dinah came and hugged the pair, definitely crushing Artemis.
"Guys…air…" Artemis gasped
Ollie and Dinah let go yet Ollie looked like he was about to cry and Dinah already was. Artemis looked at them questioningly as she turned around in Roy's arms. They just smiled sadly at her. Like she was about to disappear and her being there was a hoax.
"What happened?" Bruce asked
"They think she's dead. We thought she was dead." Dinah sobbed
"What do you mean?" Kaldur asked
Flashback
We were watching some henchmen that we had trailed. They were celebrating something. Then we heard what they were saying.
"Are we sure it was her school that blew up?"
"Yeah. She should be gone."
"Good. There goes that threat."
"Now we just have to focus on taking out civilians while they take out the heroes. We won't have to deal with hostage situations. Those are always messy."
"We won't have to be bait!"
"Gotham will be ours! The heroes will fall!"
Flashback End
The room was silent as Ollie finished explaining. Roy's arms had tightened around Artemis as Ollie talked. She was sad that they were all so worried about her. Though she couldn't help but be happy that he didn't seem to want to stop holding her.
"Artemis, why would they want you? Didn't you betray them?" Dick asked
"If you take away everything I've done since I left them, then to them my record is perfect. I showed no hesitation or mercy when my people were in danger. I did anything I could to keep my people safe. They value loyalty and aim." Artemis said
"We need to fill in Bruce and the others. You guys should finish eating and then go to sleep. Roy, you should go with them." Ollie said
"Come on." Wally said running off with Dick
Zatanna, Raquel, Kaldur, Conner, M'gann, Artemis, and Roy followed them slowly. Roy keeping an eye on Artemis as she left his arms.
Once they got to the empty living room they usually hung out in they all seemed to calm down.