A/N: This is a Song-Fic (no lyrics included) based heavily on Katy Perry's "Roar". Requested by 'Artemis Raven Courtney'!

Just know that, no, I don't really know much about Artemis's backstory. Just whatever they had in the first season. I'm sorry if any of you realize a discrepancy in her past.

Title: My Own Hero

Artemis's POV

Even as my father screamed at my mother, I remained silent. I cowered in the dark corner, hating my own weakness. Then again, what could a five year old really do? Nothing. I was helpless.

As my father's hand struck mother's cheek with a sickening sound that resonated through the room, I felt like I had to do something. I wanted to speak up. I wanted to stop him, to make him stop, but I couldn't. Still, a moment of courage rocked through me and I stood.

"Better not," my older sister said, glancing at me from the bed. "You'll only make it worse. Just ignore it; it'll be better for all of us if you do."

I didn't want to ignore it. How could I? More muffled sounds came through the door to my sister's and mine's room, what sounded like thick clenched hands hitting softer flesh, like quieter, more private thunder only heard by this small, broken family of four.

My sister was right. I would only make it worse. So, being too afraid to really try and stop the abuse, I sank back onto the floor and daintily nodded in agreeance to my sister. As soon as I had, she went back to ignoring me, listening to her little music device with headphones blasting loudly in her ears. I could hear the music like a whisper from here, soon drowned out by more yelling and screaming from our parents.

In the end, I like to think I would have stood up. I would have said something, if it hadn't of been for my sister. I always did what she told me to do. Sometimes, she kept me alive, and other times she simply controlled me. I never argued with her back then, if I could help it. Her will was mine. Whatever choice she made, I followed. I didn't have a voice, at least not in this family. And this family was all I'd ever known. And whatever they told me to do, I did.

Sometimes father would take me out, me being just a little girl, and would teach me how to steal. People looked past me like I was nothing. In my heart I knew it was wrong, but what else would I do with myself? I didn't have my own morals, nor ground to stand on without my family. So, even when I knew something was wrong, I instantly caved to the will of my father and sister. Why wouldn't I? I didn't have a reason to resist.

Of course, this didn't last forever.

My sister and father left, and for the first time, I could make my own decisions. It wasn't up to them anymore. That was when I decided to be something more.

When I was twelve, still living in Gotham, a new rumor spread the streets, that there was a younger hero, just a kid, no older than me. Something like this had never happened before. No hero had ever taken on an apprentice, and no kid had fought crime like a true hero. Soon, other kids joined the forces and within a year I hear there were at least two kids out there, fighting the good fight.

It inspired me, on top of the fact that my sister and father no longer controlled me. It was only my mother and I, and she wouldn't stop me. If I could help it, I wouldn't let her know. I would keep her from finding out for as long as I could that I decided to fight for something greater.

Still not even a teenager, I took to the streets. I didn't have backup, or protectors, or any weapons. Maybe that's why I didn't get very far. I didn't accomplish much in the next few years that I snuck out at night, fighting random thugs on the streets, catching muggers and steeling back what was stolen. I didn't accomplish much of anything that was truly valuable. I didn't get much better at fighting, though I did gain muscles and some agility. I didn't put evil people away for life. Most people would never notice what little differences I made. Over the course of the next two years that I fought, there was one thing that I gained, and it was more important than anything else.

I learned how to stand back up. To not give in. Even as I fought on the streets, pushed harshly to the ground, I would always stand back up. I would shoulder the pain, ignore the bruises, and I would continue to fight. I kindled a spirit within myself, a fighting spirit. And one day, just a year ago, someone saw within me potential.

I can't say Oliver Queen is one of my favorite people ever, but he did give me my big break. He found me fighting three guys one night, and for some reason he didn't just rush in and save me. Instead, he watched me fight. I didn't have complicated attack patterns, or special stances. But every time I got knocked down, I would keep standing back up. I would throw more blows, fight harder. Because of that, Green Arrow saw me fit enough to become his partner. He taught me how to use a bow, and I was great at it.

He taught me how to fly from building to building, floating across the night sky. He taught me how to let my arrows soar, and how to fight properly. How to defend. After two long years alone on Gotham streets, everything had changed. Green Arrow took me to Star City where I trained for several months, and by the end of it all, I knew who I was, more or less. I was a hero. Even if my family was made of villains, I could still be my own person. I didn't need anyone to save me now, and I didn't cower in fear anymore. I could save myself, and I could be the hero people needed me to be.

Especially when I didn't have to do it alone anymore.

Working with Green Arrow taught me what the difference was. Why I hadn't been as successful in Gotham. I had been alone.

But now, I had a team. I finally met the other young heroes, mostly my age or some even younger. I wasn't the only one. I'd finally made it where I belonged.

So if anyone wants to ask me how I became a hero, and how I manage to keep up with the other super powered, more experienced people on my team, I finally have an answer.

I have the spirit of a fighter. It's the one thing that runs in my veins that I allow to define me. I have a fighting spirit, and a strong voice. The rudimentary difference between me, when I was young and weak, and the hero I am today is my willingness to fight, and to speak up. Everyone can hear it, and see it in my eyes. That's why Green Arrow stopped that day. It's why I'm a hero.

Because every villain I'll face will hear my roaring heart beat for justice.

A/N: Sorry for the cliché sort of ending. *Shrugs*

I hope it was alright. Please review! And Happy New Year, 2015!