Okay. Round 2.

Here goes. This is still after Insecurities, but before Performance. Keep that in mind. I enjoy all forms of commentary.

I don't own Young Justice.

Empathy

Wally woke up ten minutes later than usual. You couldn't really blame him; there had been another late night mission. His mom was yelling.

"Wally! I've been calling you for five minutes! You're going to be late!"

"I'm awake, I'm awake!" he moaned. "Geez Mom, I have super speed! It doesn't matter if I miss the bus just once!" He raced down the stairs he knew by heart, grabbing a box of cereal as he entered the kitchen, blowing by his mother as she was pouring herself a cup of coffee.

As soon as he began to eat, Artemis entered his thoughts again. For almost a week she had avoided everyone, only coming down to the mountain for the last few missions. She hadn't argued, or trained, or even talked to him; and that withdrawal was only more proof that he had feelings for her. He sighed. He wished that she would talk to him again so he could...kiss her? Just be her friend again? Ask her out?

...

Conner and M'gann were at school already, in homeroom.

Do you think it's true? M'gann asked Conner.

What? Asked Conner, preoccupied with the little red shields he now carried around in his pocket, just in case. He had been fingering the case, having conflicting emotions. And a constant reminder of Lex Luthor.

What Robin said about Wally and Artemis, silly. M'gann chided. Do you think it's true?

Oh. That. He thought, a small smile on his face. I think so. I mean, they have nicknames and everything.

Should we have special nicknames for each other? She sounded a bit hopeful.

Uh, I guess. But-

But... she prompted him.

Don't we already have special names for each other? You gave me my name. I'm the only one who ever calls you M'gann. We have pet names.

Oh. M'gann was speechless, blushing. Conner could sense the smile in her thoughts.

...

Roy had stopped by for a visit to the mountain, mostly to see Kaldur.

"Hey."

"Hello."

"Bored?"

"I can keep myself occupied."

There was an awkward pause.

"Ever think of going to school here? On land?"

"I have. I'm not sure. It would be hard to start over like that."

Roy shrugged. "Well, it's happened before. You wouldn't be the first."

...

Zatanna had a pleasant surprise waiting for her. Robin was there, in the hallway, leaning against the wall like he'd been there forever. But she knew that he'd only appeared a minute ago. He was wearing a school uniform; his hair was combed back, his jacket slung over his shoulder. His glasses still concealed his identity.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, a grin crossing her face.

"Just checking up on you. How's it going?"

"Good," She replied, her heart skipping a beat, "but shouldn't you be going to school?"

"Hey, that's what zeta tubes are for." Robin assured her. "I have a good ten minutes before I really have to go."

...

"Artemis, get up! You're going to be late!"

Artemis let out a stifled moan into her pillow, mentally pointing out that she hadn't been late to school once since she was six. She tried to get up, testing her injured arm. Despite disinfecting it and dressing it, the cut had simply refused to scab over. She knew she should take care of it again. Then she looked at the clock and realized why her mom had been yelling.

"Oh, crap." She was probably going to be late, even if she didn't tend to the gash in her arm. So much for a good morning.

...

Artemis leaned her head against her locker; enjoying the relief and feeling herself shiver as her skin came into contact with the icy metal. It felt like the heating was broken, if one ignored the fact that the weather was about seventy degrees (F°). But her exhaustion was worse than feeling cold. Much, much worse. She thought she had fallen asleep in class a few times, but wasn't sure. Her brain was too mixed up.

"Planning on taking a nap?" Her eyes snapped open.

"As tempting as that sounds, no." She managed a weak smile. "I'm not that tired."

"Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm okay." Dick Grayson was watching her with a mix of curiosity and concern as she departed, trying to figure out why Artemis, of all people, had been using her locker as a pillow.

...

Wally's phone buzzed, causing an accidental juice spill all over his counter. It was a text from Dick.

Look out for Artemis. We all know you care about her.

He did not reply to any of Wally's furious texts. Sometimes he hated that kid.

...

Artemis's communicator went off.

Report to Mount Justice for mission briefing. She let out a heavy sigh. So much for getting a good night's sleep. She would be lucky if she got five hours. Regardless, she diligently suited up, glad that her glove was able to completely cover up her injury, as well as providing relief. The swelling had gotten worse, and the glove's pressure would be able to help her function better, albeit only a tiny bit.

"Recognized, Artemis, B07."

"You're late." Artemis cringed at Batman's comment, feeling her face redden.

"Sorry." She muttered.

"Care to give any reasons why?" There was genuine concern. Distant, but there. She almost opened up. Almost.

"No. I was just a little slow to get ready." She could tell that no one in that room was buying it, she was stubbornly never late, but was just as unwilling to divulge her real reasons. Just like the trackers. Great. She had unwittingly betrayed their trust even more.

"There is suspicious activity in the warehouse you infiltrated last week. We've concluded that someone is trying to salvage something that was left behind from your previous intervention. Keep watch until you see activity. Prevent anything from being reclaimed. Stay hidden until the last possible moment. The element of surprise will be the greatest advantage you have. Call the Justice League if it gets out of hand."

"Wait. We actually get to fight? Awesome!" Artemis face palmed. Wally was one of the few people brave (or stupid) enough to have an outburst like that in front of Batman. You couldn't really blame him, though. He had a natural instinct to attempt to lighten any situation. Artemis mentally scolded herself for admiring Wally's attributes, at least when the situation was so serious.

"Let's go." Conner had been restless throughout briefing, craving some action. The team filed into the bioship.

...

It started as a feeling of apprehension. One that eased Amber out of a deep sleep, leaving her to stare wide-eyed at the ceiling. Then it became worse, compelling her to sweeping off the covers in one deft move and begin pacing. She had felt it on the day of the shooting, but now it was much stronger, much more insistent. Her own pain had clouded her, made her more oblivious. Now it was all she could do to keep from screaming.

Three weeks and the tables had turned completely. She knew she could help... whoever it was. If she could just get in range. She slipped her clothes on and slid out her window onto the roof. She walked the twenty feet to her pine tree, using the branches as a ladder and dismounting from about seven feet up. With one nervous glance at her parents' bedroom window; she hopped her fence, knowing to go in the direction of the old warehouse that no one was supposed to use.

...

Robin and Wally glanced over at Artemis, who was close to falling asleep. She was leaning back against the chair, supporting her head as much as possible. It was obvious by her look of concentration that she was determined not to fall asleep.

"Dude, how long has she been like that?"

"She was like that at school today, but she's been practically nonexistent for the past week, so I'm not sure." Robin was confused. "It's probably nothing," He added quickly. "She's pretty good about taking care of herself." This was more for Wally's benefit. "Just have her back. She's obviously off her game."

"Why are you telling me this?" Wally was trying to sound confused, but it was obvious that he understood already. He was just making sure.

"Give it up, KF. You two are the next Miss Martian and Superboy." Robin was smirking, just daring Wally to prove him wrong. Wally wished they were sparring at the moment, so he would have an excuse to tackle the Boy Wonder.

"It's not like that! I-" Wally felt himself going beyond the whispers that they intended the conversation to be. He quickly glanced over at Superboy, making sure that he wasn't listening in. Not now, but he should probably drop it. His face was reddening, but he wouldn't admit defeat. "Next time, Rob, I will get you for this."

"Sure." His laugh echoed in the quiet bioship.

...

Crouching, waiting was hell. She couldn't stand anymore. She had to sit down. Leaning back against a wall, she could feel herself uncoil, no longer struggling with gravity. Her entire body was shaking, and she was freezing. While sitting in the bioship she had been able to keep up the charade of well-being. Now, just the exertion of crouching on the ground for five minutes was finally getting to her. A cold sweat had broken out on her forehead and her palms. Awesome. Now she was going to have problems shooting.

Artemis. M'gann's voice rang in her head. We're on. Artemis got shakily to her feet, leaning against the wall until the dizziness passed.

Okay. It took all her willpower not to show her weariness.

...

Amber's heart was racing. Running out of time...I can make it. She ignored the throbbing of her chest, thinking, it'll heal. It's just soreness at this point.

He was running. Much faster then he should have been able to go. He was carrying someone.

Someone else was waiting to strike from their hiding place.

...

The first few minutes of the fight was pure adrenaline.

Artemis shot arrow after arrow, but she was slow, and everyone knew it. Wally kept glancing back at her, helping her out and doing more than his fair share fighting. Worry was painted all over his face. Artemis, are you okay?

She was coming off her rush, about to literally pass out. I'll be fine, Wally.

You don't look fine.

Lay off, Baywatch, She snapped, but her pain and weariness took the edge off her voice. I can take care of myself. As she said it, she dropped to one knee, biting her lip to get rid of the sudden wave of dizziness. No! We're on a mission! Stay awake! She tried to tell herself, focusing on remaining conscious. She was still freezing, but now it felt like she was too warm at the same time. Of course, every last person on the team noticed.

Artemis! What are you doing? What's wrong? Tell me! Wally.

Need some help? Robin.

Why didn't you tell us? You can't be expected to go on missions if you can't fight. Kaldur.

Are you sick? Zatanna.

Are you hurt? M'gann.

Whatever. This had better not be an act. Roy.

Should I carry her out? I already took care of who I needed to. Superboy.

No. I'll do it. Wally. Try not to bit my head off before I get there, beautiful. It wasn't anywhere near as lighthearted as he wanted to be, but he was trying.

Artemis, simply relieved that someone was coming to get her, slipped into helplessness as the last of her strength faded away. She closed her eyes, resting against the wall.

...

She suddenly understood the reason for her nervousness. The girl in his arms. But she was still too far away. She called out, trying to warn them, to no avail. They couldn't hear her.

She willed for them to be safe.

A strangled cry escaped her throat as golden light exploded in front of her eyes. She got down on her knees, gasping. "Stupid empathy," Amber muttered to herself, not really meaning it. Her hands were still held out, trembling slightly. She lowered them, trying to rise. As her muscles tensed up, a wave of pain washed over her. A warm area was spreading just under her rib cage. She knew that she was bleeding. "Well, that's new." She walked painfully over to a tree, sliding down to lean against it, propping herself up.

Now, how am I going to get back?

...

Artemis didn't open her eyes until she felt Wally shaking her. She looked up at him. Can you stand? He asked her, more concerned than ever.

I don't know, She told him, tears pricking her eyes as she got a sense of how helpless she was. I'm sorry.

KF, get out of there with Artemis. The league's coming, Kaldur relayed to them.

"Hold on." He scooped her up, bridal style, and raced out of the building.

She stared up at him, wide-eyed, somewhat dazed. She felt like a little kid again, clinging on with complete trust. He noticed her and glanced down.

"You okay?" She nodded mutely, trying to shift herself so she wouldn't have to hang on to his arm so tightly. He automatically steadied her. "Stay still," he murmured. His gaze shifted to their surroundings, and he suddenly tensed up. Crap!

What's going on? Kaldur asked. You should be at the bioship by now.

I know, I know, he shot back. There was fighting the way we came in, so I took a detour, and there's someone hiding out here too, and oh GOD he's aiming for us with a gun!

In a precious few seconds, he had weighed his options. He couldn't protect himself. With Artemis in his arms, he couldn't attack, dodge, or anything, not without putting her in danger.

All he could do was turn his back to try and protect Artemis (he would later tell himself that since his suit was more bulletproof, it was the most logical decision) and sprint faster. He felt Artemis tighten her grip on him. Now he was really afraid. Even in Bialya, she hadn't appeared this frightened. It was too late. He hugged her close to his chest and braced himself for impact.

It never came.