A hand softly nudged Sara and she groaned as she was awoken much too early for her liking. She kept her eyes squinted shut to block the morning light. "Ollie, what time is it? We never get up this early..."

Nyssa frowned and wished she didn't have to break the illusion. "Sara."

Sara froze and slowly opened her eyes to see Nyssa sitting on a stool across from her like she had the night before. "Oh." She felt herself blush. "I should have realized I was on a real bed. For a moment I forgot what happened."

"Well, it's dawn, to answer your question. Everyone in the League rises with the sun; there is no sense in wasting light."

Sara slowly sat up and tried to orient herself to her surroundings. Last night she hadn't noticed much of what was in the room, but now with the sunlight streaming in she could see she was in a small chamber with her bed in one corner, a simple wooden desk across the room, and a window overlooking a courtyard on the adjacent stone wall. "So you're a league? That's what you call yourselves?"

"Yes, and you'll be happy to know I'm here to give you some answers today. I'm not sure what you will think of them, but this is your new reality. We don't have much time to talk because your evaluation is in a few hours, but you need to know what you're facing so that you can make your choice."

Sara just raised a questioning eyebrow and remained quiet for Nyssa to continue.

"We are an elite league whose sole purpose is to seek justice all over the world and eliminate those who defy law, create chaos, and harm innocent lives."

Sara's eyes widened. "Eliminate? As in kill?" She only now noticed the icy cold gleam in Nyssa's eyes. She looked like she could be a killer.

Nyssa shrugged. "Yes, whatever is necessary to bring about justice."

Sara looked down as she tried to process what this meant for her. "So, my evaluation... It's to see if I'm fit to join your league? But you did say I have a choice. I can choose to leave and go home?"

"No, Sara Lance, I'm afraid for you that is not an option. You were correct in first supposing that your evaluation will determine if you will be allowed to train and become part of the League, but the alternative is death."

"What?" Sara yelped. "I thought you said you killed to bring about justice and protect innocent lives. Killing me would go against that!"

Nyssa shook her head. "You have been brought to our headquarters and seen many of our faces. The only reason our League has thrived for centuries is because we have allowed no leaks in our airtight secrecy. We must do what is necessary to protect what we have worked so hard to build."

Sara didn't even care about masking the panic that was gripping her. "You can't be serious. You have no idea how hard I've fought just to stay alive! I refuse to go like this. There must be another way."

"There is another way, which I already mentioned."

"Join you?" Sara asked incredulously. "Join your band of killers? It would ruin me, Nyssa. I'm not a born killer. I feel like I've already let go of part of my soul to survive the last couple years."

"Then it seems the choice you have to make, Sara, is whether you will sacrifice more of your soul or all of your life."

Sara's face showed the conflict she felt inside as she looked away. A silence rested between them for a time as they were both lost in their own thoughts. Finally Nyssa spoke. "You don't need to die, Sara. You have a strength and fire within you. I barely know you, but I can see that you could do well with us."

Sara scoffed. "So you can see me as a killer?"

Sara's stubbornness was frustrating. Nyssa wasn't used to anyone speaking to her in such tones, but to be fair, this girl had no idea who she was dealing with. "We are so much more than that, Sara. We fight to make the world better. Most of what we do is completely unknown, which suits us because we don't seek the accolades of men. We gain great satisfaction and validation in knowing far more lives are saved than are taken. Peace is maintained and the stability of entire nations has been sustained from what we've done through the years - through the centuries. Join us, and you will learn not only how to fight to defend yourself, but also how to defend the life and liberty of others. You will live for a purpose far bigger than your own life. Pain will become nothing more than a nuisance and you will be instrumental in shaping the fate of the world. That is who we are."

Sara's gaze was riveted on Nyssa the entire time she spoke. She couldn't understand how she did it... A minute ago Sara thought she would rather die than join them, and now she felt empowered and willing to make the personal sacrifices that would be necessary to do so.

After a few moments Nyssa spoke. "Well, have you nothing to say?"

"You are very good with words. Dangerously good."

Nyssa expression remained stoic. "It is not my skill with words, Miss Lance, but rather the truth of them, I think, that has struck a chord within you. I believe our purpose resonates in you, does it not?"

"It might." Sara was unwilling to admit just how quickly her perception of things had shifted. "I do wish I could fight - not to harm people but to protect them. It's what I've always wanted, really. A few years ago my best friend was raped, and I can't even tell you how much I wished I could have sought justice for her myself. It was the first time I wanted to actually kill someone."

Nyssa nodded. "Was her attacker apprehended and brought to justice?"

"Yes and no. He was apprehended quickly enough, but he'll probably only be locked up for a short time."

"And that isn't enough for you, is it?"

"Of course not. It's only a slap on the wrist." Sara looked up to Nyssa again. "But that's what you want me to think, don't you? You want me to feel like the standard judicial system is not enough." She let out a forced laugh. "Which is funny, considering my dad's a cop."

Nyssa studied Sara for a moment before answering. "I'm not trying to manipulate your ideals and values, if that's what you mean. I just know that while many judicial systems throughout the world - if they are not already corrupt - do try to do what's right, they often are not fully capable of exacting justice because of technicalities or because the voice of the people demands lighter punishments. It seems the standards of justice are decided by those who are furthest from experiencing the effects of it themselves."

"Yeah," Sara replied with a wary look. "That's exactly what I've always thought."

Nyssa chuckled. "Don't look so surprised, Sara. You aren't the only one who feels there could be improvements in this area."

Sara nodded. "So let's say I am considering this idea of becoming part of the League. I still need to be evaluated this today. What is that going to entail? And then if I am accepted, what happens next?"

"I cannot prepare you for what the evaluation will entail, only that it will be conducted by Ra's al Ghul, the Head of the League of Assassins."

Sara coughed out of shock. "You are actually called the League of Assassins?"

"Yes, we are. But I must warn you that our leader is not to be trifled with nor taken lightly. I'm afraid our interactions have not helped you grasp the seriousness of your situation. Remember that again your life is on the line. Then, assuming you are brought into the League, you will go through a harsh and bitter training that leaves initiates either dead or at the peak of human physical condition, such that they rarely feel pain itself. You will be trained with a variety of weapons and then will select one as your speciality. You will learn Arabic and choose a new name for yourself in that tongue. You will master the arts of stealth, surveillance, interrogation, and killing in the quickest and most discreet of methods. That is what you can expect in your life with us."

Sara was stunned by this description of her potential future and her voice dropped to a whisper. "I don't know if I can do that, Nyssa. I can't see myself being a weapons master who feels no pain, speaks foreign languages, and is a professional assassin."

Nyssa nodded. "I understand how strange this all must sound right now, but from what I gather in the little you've told me about yourself, you have been faced with some extreme circumstances and likely had to do things you never would have thought possible beforehand. I'm sure you were forced to stretch and grow and probably make compromises that questioned your morals to ensure your survival. View this as just the next step in your evolution as a fighter and survivor. You may not now have the appearance nor experience of a typical member of our League, but I have no doubt that if you so choose, you will rise to the occasion."

"You've definitely given me a lot to think about. And thank you for believing I can do this without even really knowing me. It means a lot."

Nyssa's need for aloofness suddenly started to kick in again. How was it that this unassuming girl kept breaking down the emotional walls she'd built for years without her even realizing it? Nyssa quickly put up her barriers again. "Yes, well, I am quite interested in your success to prove that my decision to save you was not in vain."

"Right," Sara agreed. "You said your actions were being scrutinized."

"Indeed. I think I've done all I can for you for now. You will be summoned soon and your evaluation will commence."

Sara nodded, and with a smirk she added, "Alright. I guess I'll just brush up on 'The Art of War' until then."

Nyssa barely stifled the laugh that threatened to escape. She quickly made her exit and when the door was closed and locked behind her, she paused to collect her thoughts. Since when did laughter become a reflex for her? Nyssa found herself starting to wonder if it really would be a good idea to bring this outsider into the League or not. She had the strangest feeling Sara would drastically change the dynamics of the League somehow. Nyssa promptly ignored that ridiculous idea. How could one simple, untrained girl change anything? She'll be lucky if she survives to see tomorrow.

Nysssa quickly resumed her hardened persona and made her way to her father's chambers. She was to provide him with any pertinent updates about Sara and then gather those who would participate in her evaluation.

Sara had just started another chapter in The Art of War when the man she recognized as Al Ow-Al entered her chamber. She was so used to seeing Nyssa that she was startled when he walked in.

"It is time."

Sara hesitated for a second, waiting for him to say something more, but he just stood there fixed like a statue, waiting for her to follow him. She inserted the scrap paper she had been using as a bookmark to save her place, and for the briefest moment she realized that a bookmark would be pointless if she wasn't even going to survive this evaluation. I can't afford to think that way. I have to convince myself that I'm making it out of here alive. I have to make it home. Sara immediately shook the thought from her mind and followed Al Ow-Al out of the room.

Nyssa shifted around nervously outside the room where the evaluation would take place as she awaited the arrival of her father, Ra's al Ghul. So far she had managed to keep her agitation hidden from everyone except her father, who knew her well.

Ra's spoke with his usual calm, smooth voice as he approached. "My daughter, you act as though it were your life on the line today. You know that if the girl fails it will not reflect poorly on yourself."

"Perhaps. Not everyone feels that way. She is the only person I have ever recommended to the League, and I hardly know her."

"But you are following your instincts, correct? It is your instinct that has helped you to not only become the youngest member of the League, but also the most precise and efficient. From what you've told me about her, it seems she has the heart of a fighter. If she succeeds today, we will train her to have the mind and body of one as well."

Nyssa fought to stand completely still as she spoke. "I agree, but those instincts have also given me the oddest impression that Sara, if accepted into the League, will cause a shift in our dynamics."

Ra's raised an eyebrow. "What kind of shift do you foresee?"

"That's just it - I'm not sure. I don't think it's negative, just... different."

Ra's nodded and looked his daughter in the eye. "Different is not necessarily negative, as long as it makes us stronger. Change that weakens us, however, is unacceptable in our line of work. Remember that, Nyssa."

"Of course."

Ra's cleared his throat. "Now it is time for us to take our place. The girl will soon arrive and then I must weigh her apprenticeship or her execution."

"Her name is Sara," Nyssa blurted out. She immediately mentally chastised herself. What was coming over her? She never spoke out of turn to her father.

Ra's slowly turned and looked curiously at his daughter. "I am aware of her name. I also keep in mind that her place with us is not yet set in stone. It would serve you well to remember the same." He paused for a moment, trying to read his daughter's expression. He couldn't tell exactly what was going on, but he had never seen Nyssa form any kind of attachment to anyone before. He realized it was likely because there was finally another female among them. There hadn't been another woman in the League for nearly eight years, so he decided it was only natural for there to be some kind of bond between them.

But just to be clear that his message got across, he stated, "Remember what I have always said about weakness. It cannot be tolerated if one is to succeed, and there is no place for it in the Demon's Head, nor its successor. We don't have that luxury."

Nyssa dropped her head as a sign of humility. "I remember, Father, and I completely agree."

Together they walked through the tall double doors that led to the spacious sparring room. Nyssa and Ra's stood side-by-side at the front while other members of the League lined the sides. It provided a magnificent and intimidating sight for all new initiates.

Sara couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine as she was escorted through the hallways of the vast mansion. She felt like she had somehow been transported to medieval times and was now expected to jump right in with both feet or soon they'd be shouting, "Off with her head!"

Her morbid reverie was cut short when Al Ow-Al announced, "We are here."

Sara's mouth fell agape as she stared up at the 15-foot double doors that stood before her. They were suddenly opened from the other side and Sara was absolutely stunned by what she saw. She stood at the entrance of a huge room with stone floor and and walls, lined with flaming torches. A path was formed for her by the bodies of large and fierce-looking men who were all dressed in similar dark attire. She guessed there were about thirty pairs standing opposite each other. Sara let out a slight gasp when she saw that at the end of the line stood Nyssa and a tall, imposing figure of a man, whose calm and stoic demeanor was quite intimidating. Sara knew just by looking at him that he must be the leader of the League, and the fact that Nyssa was the only one standing with him must mean that she was incredibly important, which she did not let on in their conversations together.

Sara forced herself to stand upright and walk forward with all the confidence she could muster. After she had gone about three-quarters of the way, the leader stepped forward and Sara correctly took that as her cue to stop. Several seconds of silence passed that felt like an eternity before he spoke.

"Sara Lance, I am Ra's al Ghul, Head of the Demon, and Leader of the League of Assassins. I trust you have an idea by now of who we are and what we seek to do."

Sara wasn't sure if he was looking for a response or not, but she swallowed her fear and spoke anyway. "You are a highly-skilled group whose main focus is obtaining justice the world over. You are trained in all varieties of weapons, languages, and physical and mental capacities that have led you to become very successful in what you do."

Ra's gave an impressed smile. "Indeed. It appears you catch on quite quickly. And what do you think of our mission?"

Sara jumped when she heard the sound of clashing swords behind her. She whipped around and saw the first pair of League members closest to the door from which she entered sparring with each other. She couldn't help staring for several seconds as she wondered what they could possibly be doing. She was amazed and fascinated by their skill and intensity, as well as by the fact that they kept their duel within about a six-foot square of the floor. Hardly any time passed at all before the second pair began sparring in the exact same manner. Sara realized this domino effect would inevitably reach her. What would she do when she was caught in the crossfire?

Sara quickly turned around to face Ra's with questioning look in her eyes. He met her gaze and did not break it to ensure he had her full attention. "Miss Lance, do not concentrate on the fight that is behind you; focus only on the fight that is before you." He paused, letting Sara fully process the meaning behind his words. "I ask you again, what do you think of the League and its mission?"

Sara quickly got the impression that Ra's al Ghul was not the type of person who enjoyed repeating himself, and right now she needed to focus only on him. She was suddenly reminded of when she first saw Oliver again about a year after the Queen's Gambit went down. She wanted to run to him and ask all about what had happened in that time, but she had to stay focused on Ivo and his plan if they had any hope of surviving. A new pair of clashing metal swords raged behind her. Right now was the time to go into survival mode again. Sara met Ra's al Ghul's gaze and refused to waver from it.

"I'll be honest - when Nyssa first told me about who you were and what you do, I was terrified. I felt like I was a prisoner in a den of murderers. But then she explained to me that your goal is not to kill but to save lives and thwart the plans of those who cause chaos and pain in the world."

"And your opinion changed?" Ra's asked.

"Yes, actually. I saw in the League many of the values I've held for years."

"And what are your values, Miss Lance? What is it that you prize above all else?"

Sara became aware again of the fighting behind her. It was getting closer and she had lost track of how many new cycles had started.

"You know, my life has been completely turned upside down in the last two years and my values have changed as well. I've nearly died more times than I can count and I'm certain my family thinks I have been dead all this time. Being away from them makes me realize that they are what I prize above all else, because I love them. But I've learned that while love is the most powerful emotion, that is what makes it the most dangerous, so I have also come to value trust and loyalty. If I can't trust someone, I won't allow myself to love them. And I would do anything - absolutely anything - to protect the people I love. Those are the values I prize above all else."

Ra's nodded as he considered her words and what more he needed to know of her. "Certainly you are aware that if you become part of the League, you cannot return to your family or leave for any reason. Are you prepared for that kind of commitment?"

Sara hesitated and Nyssa held her breath. "Yes," she breathed. "My alternative is death."

Ra's raised his voice in response, "That, Miss Lance, is not a good enough reason for you to choose the League - or, to be more precise, for the League to choose you. You cannot be a part of something so intricate and grand just because you fear death as the alternative."

Sara's heart dropped. That was one false step that could cost her her life. She took a deep breath. "I don't fear death - not anymore. I fear not being able to live a life with meaning and purpose. Becoming a member of the League of Assassins will give me purpose, so I choose you."

Sara froze to a complete stop when the pair of warriors directly behind her began their spar. She couldn't run away so she knew the moment of truth had arrived. She stood firmly rooted to the spot and did not flinch as the pair she stood between drew their swords and raised them poised to strike. As the blows were about to fall she watched Ra's ball his right hand into a fist as a sign and the fighters stepped back.

Sara let out the long breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. She had never felt more relieved in her life. Suddenly, she snapped her head up to the ceiling where she saw four masked figures descending to the ground. They were stunningly graceful as they cascaded down on what appeared to be long, black silk scarves, and they landed right in between the remaining space between Sara and Ra's.

She could never quite explain afterwards what brought on the whimsical emotion that followed - it was probably a mix of fear, exhaustion, suspense, and relief, along with the surprise acrobatics that manifested itself in a simple, innocent, genuine laugh. As it carried through the air for several seconds, every other sound ceased. More than a few of the warriors racked their brains to think of the last time they had heard a laugh in that room. None of them could recall such an instance.

Sara quickly stopped herself short and put a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh... It's just that... That was amazing!" Her expression became earnest. "Will you teach me? You all are inspiring. I know I look small and weak, but I assure you I'm a fast learner and I never quit." Deep down Sara was still a bit terrified about what this future would hold for her, but for some reason she felt sure this was right.

The vast room fell silent as Ra's considered the girl before him. Finally, he showed the slightest sign of a smirk. "Why, yes, I believe we can teach you. You have shown strength of character, resilience, fortitude, and wise judgment. Sara Lance, I welcome you to the League of Assassins. You will not be known by that name hereafter, so you must choose a new name for yourself." He reached a hand toward his daughter, beckoning her to come forward. "You have already met Nyssa. She will be your trainer and I think you will find her to be a very capable teacher. These next few weeks and months will not be easy, I can assure you. You will be pushed to the edge of your physical and mental limits, then pushed even further. Those who lose sight of their meaning and purpose do not survive. You will then need to successfully complete a mission before officially becoming a member of the League, but you will have six months to train before then. You are dismissed."

Sara bowed her head in respect and gratitude and followed Nyssa out of the room.

All who were present during the evaluation had their gaze riveted on either Ra's or Sara, but if anyone had paid attention to the Heir to the Demon, they would have noticed the expression that even the scarf covering much of her face could not fully conceal. It was a look of amazement, amusement, and something else... Something she had never allowed herself to feel before. And in that moment, Nyssa suddenly understood what her father meant about weakness.