The Lunar Archer hopped off the motorcycle she had been riding with Black Canary. Her second night in Star City and once again it had been a successful trip, where she and the two older heroes had busted a illegal arms deal.

"You did very well tonight Archer." Black Canary said smiling proudly.

"Thanks Canary." The teenage hero said trying to give a convincing smile. Her mind had been elsewhere all night, she had performed well but the whole time all she could think about was her home and family.. And how it felt like they didn't need her anymore. Black Canary was starting to take notice.

"Arrow I'm taking Artemis back to the zeta tube, would you mind checking my bike over? " Black Canary requested, giving the Archer a significant look. "Something felt off on the drive over."

"Sure no problem." Green Arrow agreed taking the hint. "Nice working with you again Lunar Archer, maybe we can again in the future."

"Yeah, doesn't seem it will ever stop being interesting." The Archer said without much enthusiasm. He clapped her on the shoulder before making himself scarce.

"Artemis is everything at home alright?" Black Canary asked as soon as he was gone, instantly sliding into her 'Dr. Dinah' persona.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Artemis said pretending to relax but feeling even more on guard.

"You've been acting reclusive, like you don't want to be around people or at least not here." Dinah said. "And you've been looking forward to working with us and yet tonight even thinking of that doesn't seem to be making you happy."

"I still get patient confidentiality right?" the Artemis asked without meeting Canary's gaze.

"Of course." Canary assured her.

"Back home..." Artemis turned away too ashamed for anyone to see her face, "It feels like I'm not needed." Canary moved closer to Artemis and wrapped an arm around her.

"Artemis why would you think that?" She asked softly.

"Because right now it seems like Batman just wants to keep shipping me off to work with Green Arrow. And because last night he and Robin took care of a crime together, and all it took was that one night for people to act like I don't exist. Some TV reporter called Batman and Robin the 'dynamic duo' I had thought there were three of us." Artemis said very quickly not pausing for a breath, she had to get it all of her chest. When she finished she kept staring at the ground but as the silence stretched out she looked up to look at her confidante, and what she saw was kind understanding.

"That's a lot for anyone to deal with, and I don't blame you for feeling the way you do." She commented as she gave Artemis a gentle squeeze. "Have you tried to talk to anyone about this? Besides me." Canary clearly already knew the answer.

"No... After hearing what the reporter said I just... Couldn't." Artemis admitted, before continuing with venom. "Ugh I'm such a coward."

"Artemis you are no coward." Canary chastised. "Believe me, running into burning buildings to save trapped civilians is easy, but personal relationships and family can be very treacherous waters."

"Well... Ok." Artemis said not exactly convinced, but not willing to argue either.

"Do you think your family would cast you aside?"

"I..." Artemis fell silent. She thought of everything she had been through with her new family. Bruce had not needed to adopt her, but he had and he had provided her with her everything she could ever need. Her a Dick were close... Really close now, it was like they had known each other for their whole lives when it hadn't been nearly that long.

All the time training with them, first just Bruce, then with Dick when he joined the family. The late nights when Bruce had held her, comforted her, let her know that things would be alright. Alfred always making sure she was well fed and well educated, always the wise welcoming confidante. Dick.. Her friend, her brother. The times they had trained together, confided in each other about their families, and just enjoying each other's company watching cartoons and anime and stuff.

"No." Artemis croaked, her voice thick with emotion. "They wouldn't. I know that logically but.."

"Emotionally you're having a harder time." Canary said. "Artemis, I know it may not be easy but talk to Bruce, if you want I can be there with you, but I can't explain his actions to you."

"I'll do it alone." Artemis said taking calming breaths. "I can't ask other people to trust me with their lives if I can't talk to him alone."

"Then I'll be available if you need to talk to."

"Thanks." Artemis took a deep breath and stood up straight gathering her conviction. "I'm doing that tonight."

"Then good luck, I think everything will work out." Canary told her with a last tight one armed hug.

Artemis nodded and stepped into the zeta tube. After the brief scan and identity confirmation the light flashed and she found herself back in the bunker in Gotham. She was about to check the computer when Batmobile rolled in.

"Green Arrow told me you were returning after a brief talk with Canary." Batman said stepping out, "Are you alright?"

"I.. Need to talk to you." Artemis said, hoping that to him, she sounded more like the confident Lunar Archer, and not like the scared teenager she was hearing. "When we get back to the Cave."

"I see." Batman responded reentering the Batmobile, "Then we should return quickly."

As the Batmobile split the silence of the night with the sound of its engine Artemis thought things over. Saying that she would talk to Bruce alone was easy to SAY but hard to DO. How did she even start? What if Bruce was angry, what if he felt like she was making a big deal out of nothing? UGH and above all else, why is talking so HARD?!

Within minutes they back in the Cave and climbing out of the giant vehicle. Walking to the computer Batman sat down (he must really like that chair).

"What did you need to talk to me about?" He questioned.

Artemis lowered her hood and removed her mask. Completely exposed as herself made what she was about to say feel more genuine. Before she could hesitate anymore she started talking rapidly allowing her feelings to come forward.

"Why have you been having me work with Green Arrow? I know that I said he was my favorite super hero but I protect Gotham. I'm one of Gotham's heroes, along with you and Dick, NOT Star City's hero. It's been great working with Green Arrow but I never said I wanted to only work with him, if you want me to why don't you just ship me off to Star City perminately!"

Artemis paused surprised by how angry her last comment had been.

"What makes you feel that way?" Batman asked, seeming unphased. That was enough to make Artemis angry again.

"Because multiple nights you've sent me away!" She yelled, aware that her face was burning with anger, "And the citizens of Gotham certainly seem happy to have me gone! They called you and Robin the 'Dynamic Duo'! As if I don't even matter!" Artemis stopped breathing heavily, Batman looked like he was about to say something but she cut him off. "Why?! Do I not matter anymore?" She demanded, her voice growing softer as she spoke.

Batman stood and walked toward her slowly. Artemis flinched, maybe she had gone too far..? Her mentor and father wrapped an arm around her, gently pulling her into a one armed hug. She melted into it returning it wrapping her arms around him she began to shake and despite her efforts against it, began to cry.

"I... I just want to know.. Why?" She mumbled.

Batman pulled away and removed the cowl before bending down placing his hands on her shoulders.

"It was never my intention to make you feel like you didn't matter Artemis." Bruce firmly stated. "I sent you to work with Green Arrow and Black Canary for the following reasons. First, I may have skills in many forms of combat, but when it comes to archery there is no one better than Green Arrow, he could teach you more than I ever could and I hoped that he would inspire you further. Second I had wanted to gain experience outside Gotham City, there are some experiences that you can only get by going outside of what you know. And third... I admit that the knowledge of now you admired Green Arrow played a part."

Artemis wiped her eyes and looked at her foster father.

"Is there still room for me on the team?" She questioned.

"The team is your family, and we aren't going to cast you out." Bruce said firmly. Artemis hugged him again.

"I... Didn't mean to..." She paused searching for the word, "Insult you."

"You made yourself heard, nothing more."

They both broke the hug.

"That.. Was everything I had to say." Artemis said awkwardly.

"You seem to have had a long day." Bruce observed, Artemis shrugged in response. "Go change and relax, and Artemis, remember if you need to talk I can always make myself available."

For the first time that night Artemis smiled. She nodded and moved to the other side of the cave where she quickly showered and changed. Making her way out of the cave she pondered how to fill her time before turning in for the night. Her thoughts were interrupted when she nearly walked right into Dick as she exited the hidden door.

"Artemis you're back." He said brightly.

"Yeah, just now." She confirmed.

"I had actually wanted to talk to you..." The brightness left his voice.

"About.. What?" Artemis asked apprehensively.

"Well the other night-" Dick was interrupted by the grandfather clock chiming, the chime was disabled and was only used as an alarm.

"No rest for the weary it seems." Artemis stated, falling back into her serious demeanor, and moving back into the elevator. "Continue latter?"

"Yeah." Dick agreed following her.

The elevator stopped and the young heroes immediately moved to gear up. Artemis put on her hood for the second time that night, grinning to herself happy that she would be back with the team she belonged with. Sliding her gloves on the Lunar Archer walked with Robin to the Batmobile where BatMan was waiting for them already.

"What's the emergency?" The Archer asked jumping into her seat and strapping in.

"Firefly is causing massive fires in downtown Gotham." Batman informed them, driving down the tunnels picking up speed. "He was found by rescue crew members inside a warehouse being rented out by Queen Industries."

"Why that warehouse specifically?" Robin questioned.

"Queen Industries recently announced that they would be supporting Fire Stations across the United States, starting with large cities."

"Guess our local super arsonist." The Archer commented drily.

"Unfortunately he didn't stop there." BatMan continued, making a sharp turn. "When he was found he escaped the building and began to fly over other building igniting them as well, judging by how quickly a violently the fires started it seems that he set up the buildings to burn, with hidden chemical bombs and other such tools."

It was then that they pulled into the street and both sidekicks found themselves gapping in horror. The apartment fire they had assisted in before seemed like a camp fire compared to this inferno, already six buildings were blazing and rescue vehicles were everywhere.

"All available rescue crews have been called out to assist, our first priority is stopping Firefly."

It was then they saw the crazy arsonist flying above another building torching it with a flamethrower of his own design.

"I can bring him down." The Lunar Archer said determined, this maniac had hurt enough people tonight.

"I have a vantage point for you." Batman said pulling the Batmobile to a sharp stop. The roof of the Batmobile slid open, the Archer jumped out and grappled to a rooftop water tower. Notching two explosive arrows to her bow she waited for her chance.

Firefly cackled and turned to fly towards the Lunar Archer.

"Oh did the big bad BatMan send his Moonlight Archer to try take me on?" He taunted.

"That's the Lunar Archer!" She shouted back firing the arrows, Firefly avoided them easily.

"Going to have to do better than that!"

'His jetpack is more agile than it looks.' The Archer thought. 'Considering it looks like he built it from scrap metal.'

She shot a sharpened arrow which again flew past her target.

"Ha! I thought you were a archer?! You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn."

The Archer clicked her earpiece on as she fired once more, again missing, but she had expected that.

"Archer to Robin." She spoke clearly but quietly. "What's your position?"

"I'm on the rooftop directly across from you." Robin's response came immediately.

"Have your grapple gun ready, this fly is going to fall."

"Got it."

The Archer fired off a timed explosive arrow. Firefly flew to the right as the Archer expected him to.

"Oh missed me agai-" Firefly was cut off by the arrow exploding and knocking him forward towards the Archer. Before he could recover she fired two ice arrows at his jetpack, they found their mark icing the flying device over and disabling it.

Robin sprung into action, he fired his grapple gun and swung across the street and grapping the arsonist in free fall. Swinging in an arch robin let go of his grapple and soared to the rooftop. Before they hit roof Robin tore off Firefly's mask, and grabbed a gas capsule from his belt. The two hit the roof hard but Robin expertly rolled with the landing, Firefly on the other hand was dazed and didn't have time to react before a gas capsule exploded in his face, he coughed violently before passing out.

"Lunar Archer, Robin come in." BatMan's voice crackled over their ear pieces.

"We read you BatMan." The Archer responded, as Robin handcuffed Firefly to the water tower, making sure to take all his weapons and tools.

"We have another problem, the power to three of the buildings has been cut and their back up generators aren't starting, causing their fire suppression systems to not activate." BatMan explained speedily. "I've got two of the building covered, I need you to take the old theater while I assist with a rescue in another building."

"Got it BatMan," Robin said already racing to the old live show theater. "Good luck."

"Stay safe, and meet me in front of the Queen warehouse."

The Lunar Archer followed her brother quickly and they crashed through a window on the balcony floor.

"You know my uncle had a thing about not performing with fire after his hair lit on fire once." Robin shouted.

"And yet we always seem to end up in these situations." The Archer yelled back jumping from balcony. "The generator must be in basement!"

"Then that's where we're headed!" Robin followed.

The fire had thankfully not spread too far into the ground floor, and the two heroes were able to make it to the basement stairwell. Moving ahead of his sister, Robin rushed down the stairs and stopped when he saw the generator.

"Geez that thing is ancient!" He shouted.

"Well can we start it up or not?"

"I can, get to the fire suppression start up." The Archer positioned herself and watched her partner. Robin was muttering to himself as he looked at the holo-display on his gauntlets, working quickly. "Ok I got it!"

The generator rumbled and came to life. The archer hit the emergency fire suppression start up, and suddenly they were being drenched by the fire sprinklers.

"Well that's that, let's go." She called to Robin, already heading for the stairs.

When they reached the main floor the fires were dying down already thanks to the sprinklers, regardless the young heroes didn't stick around. They rushed through the lobby and burst out of the main door. Looking around it seemed that the other fires were being handled as well. Breaking into a run they made it to the warehouse moments before BatMan.

"The theater is safe." The Archer reported.

"Well done, hello Jim." Batman nodded to the commissioner who was making his way towards the group.

"Thank you for your help, again." He said. "Officers have already picked up Firefly from that rooftop, the damage could have been a lot worse without you."

"We're just doing what had to be done Jim." BatMan stated offhandedly. "Were there any injuries."

"Over a dozen injured, but no deaths, and all are expected to make a full recovery." Gordan reported

"Good, our work here is done then." BatMan stated as the Batmobile moved down the street and stopped about fifteen feet away from them. BatMan jumped into the driver's seat and the Lunar Archer followed, Robin however turned back to the commissioner.

"While we're here could you do us a favor?" He asked and then continued without waiting for a response. "Tell the reporters, all of them, to stop this 'Dynamic Duo' crap. There's three of us on this team so that title is ludicrous, things should be icrous." With that he took his seat in the Batmobile and they rolled down the street.

"Is that.. What you wanted to talk about earlier?" The Archer inquired.

"It is." Robin nodded. "I heard them using that title the other night, and I wanted you to know that I don't think they should use it, I certainly won't be."

"Eh it's too cool for you anyway." She teased.

"Hey I'm already the 'Boy Wonder' I only need one fancy title."

"Sure we'll go with that excuse." She grinned clasping his hand in a tight handshake. It was good to be home.

August 2007

Artemis was sitting in her window seat in the library. Since the incident with Firefly, Artemis hadn't left Gotham, she actually had heard from Green Arrow and Black Canary but hadn't teamed up with them. She continued to quietly read until she was interrupted by her brother.

"There you are, there's something you need to see." Dick informed her.

"Ok." Artemis marked her place in her book and stood to follow him. He led her through the house and to her surprise went into the Bat Cave.

"I was checking all the news headlines to see how the Justice League is being seen these days and I stumbled across something." Dick said as he sat at the computer and hit a few keys.

A newspaper article from Star City came up, across the top it said, 'New Sidekick in Town, Green Arrow No Longer Solo.' Artemis stared in surprise and continued reading.

'While BatMan of Gotham City is known for having two sidekicks most of his associates in the Justice League do not follow his example of brining youth into crime fighting. Until now! Last night saw the debut of a new young crime fighter in Star City. When the alarm was triggered at the East Star Bank at 9:35 last night police feared that they would not arrive on time. But when they did arrive on the scene they found not fleeing criminals but eight thugs tied up and being guarded by Green Arrow and a young boy in red. The young man according to reports introduced himself as Speedy, and is Green Arrow's new sidekick. It appears that the citizens of Star City can sleep a little safer at night now that there is one more hero patrolling the streets.'

Artemis read the short article over again then sighed.

"Are you alright?" Her brother inquired concerned.

"Yeah I am. Really." She said in response to the doubtful expression he gave her. "I'm just surprised, I guess I hadn't really expected him to take up a protégé."

"Kind of weird thinking there's people like us out there now." Dick commented.

"Yeah.. Things are changing." She grinned, "And we were at the start of it."

"You know it." Dick grinned too as they bumped fists.

"So Speedy... I wonder what he's like." Artemis pondered.

December

Artemis never got the chance to meet Speedy in the months to follow. Life passed in Gotham the way it had been. As of September the siblings had returned to school, thanks to their tutoring over the summer were able to stay at the top of their classes. And on December first Dick had turned nine. It had struck Artemis that day just how much they were taking on for kids their age. Her and her nine year old brother were helping put some of the worst criminals behind bars. Other kids were watching TV and playing video games in their free time, sure they did that too, but they also were training in a secret lair in a cave underneath a mansion... Not your typical adolescent activities.

But.. So what if their lives weren't this so called 'normal'? Artemis was happy. She had a loving guardian, mentor, and father figure in Bruce, and wise sage counselor in Alfred, and a reliable if sometimes annoying brother in Dick. Yes life was good and exciting, she wouldn't change it for anything.

And if it was ever quiet it didn't stay that way for long.

Artemis and Dick were in the cave sparring. Neither one was giving an inch and the intensity and which they fought would have scarred many parents. They took no notice of Bruce as he sat at his computer until he jumped up and practically ran to throw on his suit and then ran to the Bat-Mobile.

"Urgent business just came up, you two are taking the night off." He informed them, and turned with a frighteningly stern expression. "Night. Off. You are not to leave the manor, understood?"

Both protégé's had snapped to attention.

"We won't leave the manor." Artemis said.

They were silent until the Bat-Mobile was gone, then Dick started walking towards the computer rubbing his hands and wearing a mischievous expression.

"Well let's find out what that was all about." He said excitedly.

"And just how do you plan to do that?" Artemis questioned fearing the answer.

"Oh just hack the bat computer." Dick responded as if the answer should have been completely obvious.

"You're going to what now?!"

"I've been practicing for months."

"Of course you have." Artemis deadpanned, following behind her brother. "And what makes you think this is a good idea?"

"Hey the last time he rushed out of here we were put through tests by the Justice League." Dick pointed out. "If something like that is happening again, or the world is ending, I'd like a night to enjoy myself."

"Ok you have a point." Artemis admitted watching apprehensively as Dick began to type commands into the computer rapidly. "But I'm still not convinced this is a good idea."

"Your concerns have been noted and rejected." Dick said watching the screen spring to life fully, he grinned. "I'm in, now lets see what's going on..."

Artemis watched him scroll through various displays before stopping.

"Encrypted messages... Think that's it?" She asked, growing curious despite herself.

"Must be, this last one says it came in right before he left, now lets see if we can't break the encryption... "

Both of them were silent as Dick worked, besides the occasional grunt of frustration. It took five minutes (far too long for Dick's unquenchable curiosity) before the message was laid out in front of them in plain text.

They both stood there slack jawed as they read the message.

Bats
I've found Speedy! I need your help now more than ever my friend, it's just going to be you and me and I'm not sure what we're up against. Meet me tonight at the Star City clock tower.
-GA

"Speedy.. Was kidnapped!?" Artemis shouted.

Dick didn't answer as he moved to the earliest message. Minutes later he broke the encryption.

"This one is from September... " He said quietly as they read.

Bats
I need your help. Speedy didn't report in tonight and he hasn't for the last three. I had thought he was just angry that I wouldn't let him go on a mission with me and Canary but now I think something's happened to him. I need help but I can't let the entire League know about this that could put Speedy in more danger if someone has him and they know everyone is after him.
I need you on this one Bats. Meet me at the Star City clock tower, 11PM (my time).
-GA

"There are more like it..." Dick mumbled moving through a few other messages. "Mostly detailing new clues and dead ends... He's been missing since September..."

"Guess we're staying up until Batman is back to find out how things... worked out." Artemis said numbly.

Dick only nodded in response.

They tried everything they could to keep themselves distracted. Reading. Food. TV. Nothing worked they were too worried.

Finally they saw the security system had picked up on someone entering the Cave and they rushed to meet them.

When they entered the cave Batman was at the computer staring at... The messages that were still displayed plain as day. He turned to face them.

"You hacked the computer and found out." He said.

"I did it." Dick admitted. Batman nodded.

"Is Speedy..." Artemis couldn't finish the question.

"Safe. We found him being held hostage by some local gang members." Batman informed them, they breathed a sigh of relief.

"Wait they've had him for three months?" Artemis inquired finding such an amount of time odd.

"They claimed they were trying to make Green Arrow desperate, truly desperate to the point he would pay any ransom they asked for." Batman explained. "But I sense something more at play."

"But he's safe?" Robin asked/

"He is. Now judging by the looks of both of you, you've spent enough time panicking and worrying today, I suggest you go relax."

Artemis half grinned, stifling a yawn as she turned to leave. Dick hesitated.

"Am I in trouble for hacking the computer?" He inquired nervously.

"I haven't decided yet." Bruce said removing the cowl.

Dick turned and followed his sister before Bruce could decide. Artemis stifled a laugh when they were in the elevator, Dick glared at her.

When the elevator opened Dick dashed to the couch in front of the TV and unceremoniously flopped down onto it sprawled out. He grabbed the remote.

"You're watching TV now?" Artemis asked.

"It's been a long day, I need a way to relax before turning in."

Rolling her eyes Artemis decided to join her brother.

As they watched mindless cartoons Artemis allowed herself to focus on a nagging thought that had been bothering her since they had seen the messages from Green Arrow.

Speedy had a good, strong mentor. And to have been partnered with Green Arrow he must have skill. Yet he had gotten captured and put in mortal danger...
Other people might forget that what the sidekicks were doing wasn't a game, but they did not forget. They were reminded everyday that when they put on a mask, or road shotgun in the Bat-Mobile they were putting their lives on the line to help other people.

Artemis wasn't about to change that, but she hopped that she and her family never paid the ultimate sacrifice for what they did.

A/N: Ok first off sorry this took so long to upload, aside from the chaos factor known as life constantly fluctuating parts of this chapter got rewritten at least three times before I was able to get them down.

Second, the main focus of this story will continue to be Artemis, but because this is Young Justice and all the characters are interconnected so there will be side chapters dedicated to them. So would you guys like to see those directly published in this story or posted as one shots on my profile? Like I did with 'The Bat Trained the Cat'

Ever written a story that you think you know where it's going then all of a sudden you start having a million different idea and you think "oh crap I'll be writing this story the rest of my life"? Yeah that's what's happening with this one.

Anyone play Arkham Knight? Just got through the main story, someday I will complete 100%.