Chapter Seven

Nightwing stepped over the rooftop edge of the Gotham Stock Exchange and watched as the three police cars arrived at the alleyway below. Minutes later the two would be burglars were taken into custody and escorted to the back of one of the squad cars. The officer in charge removed the car keys from one of the defendants and opened the abandoned sedan to retrieve the sleeping child.

The young girl's eyes were wide, completely confused as to where she was or why her daddy was handcuffed inside the back of a police car. She sobbed uncontrollably as the most important person in her world was torn away from her. Even a shitty father is still a hero to someone who doesn't know the difference. It was a heartbreaking sight, one Dick had seen too many times before.

He turned back to the anxious blonde pacing the rooftops. It didn't take a telepath to read her mind, her body language spoke volumes. That small child standing in that alleyway crying was the archer 15 some odd years ago. She'd been here before; she'd been that girl before.

"Has your vision cleared yet?" He asked.

"Yeah," she answered nervously. She wasn't scared for her safety; the best word to describe her emotions at the moment was intimidated. She tried to remain calm. After all Arrow had been a major player in his own right, had even worked with Justice League from time to time, but this was different, this was Nightwing, formally Robin, the partner of Batman, the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader. She had read the stories, watched them on the national news, even in Star City they were legends.

Lawrence Crock always dismissed them, telling his two daughters their stories and exploits were made up to scare children straight, that the two heroes weren't as tough as everyone was led to believe, but deep down she knew the truth, they sacred him, they scared everyone.

Nightwing left the edge and packed away his binoculars.

"The Gotham Children's Services Department is run by great people; they'll take good care of her don't worry. They'll even grant the parents visitation rights, even a chance to get custody back if they'll really get their shit together. Just not anytime soon."

"How do you know so much about them?" she asked.

"Because they did the same for me when my parents died." Dick paused, remembering the days following his parent's death, and the moment Bruce Wayne stepped into his life and changed his world. Whenever he remembered John and Mary Grayson, he hoped his parents looked down on him proudly.

"Well enough about me. You're Artemis Crock, daughter of Lawrence "Crusher" Crock aka Sportsmaster and Paula Nguyen aka Huntress. You've spent a fair amount of time in the juvenile court system in Starling City, violated probation on at least four occasions, and sometime after your 18th birthday turned your life around, attended and graduated City College with a degree in International Business."

He continued rattling off from memory. "Then you get an entry level job at Queen Consolidated, you're employed there for little over a year, and now find yourself working for the higher ups at Wayne Industries. Pretty impressive resume all things considered."

Artemis began to protest the intrusion into her privacy, but soon realized who she was dealing with. The man standing in front of her was a world class detective, that's what they do. The bigger issue was why he'd been looking into her past to begin with. She was done with intimidation now, she was pissed.

"What do you want? I haven't broken any laws."

"No, actually from what I've seen you spent a lot of time stopping them from being broken."

"Look if this is a turf issue….."she asked uncomfortably.

"Not in the slightest", Nightwing replied, "a mutual friend back in Star City thought you might start something like this when you got out here. He seems to know you pretty well."

Artemis rolled her eyes. Deep down she appreciated that the archer still kept tabs on her, but this was her life now, her choice.

"I get it. Arrow wants you to talk me down. He wants me to stay off the streets and focus on my job. Leave the vigilante work to the professionals. Is that why you're here?"

Dick smiled. "Actually I 'm here to see if you'd be interested in joining us?"

The archer's brows furrowed even more than they already were. Now she was really confused.

xxx

"So this team of yours doesn't really have a name?" Artemis asked, taking a sip of the coffee Nightwing had provided.

"No, not really. We were built to be covert, a name kind of defeats the purpose, plus its the media that usually comes up with them anyway."

"So who all's on this team?"

"Just some friends," Dick answered coyly.

"Friends… right" she smirked, "Anyone I've heard of?"

Dick smiled "Yeah probably, but we'll get around to that later."

"And you want me?"

"Yeah," Dick nodded

Artemis stared at him curiously. "Why? I've got no real training. The stuff Arrow taught me was just enough to keep me from getting my ass kicked on the streets. He never taught me the good stuff. Why would you want me? I've got no powers….."

"I don't either," Nightwing replied plainly.

Artemis was in mid rant when his words sunk in.

"Really?" she asked confused.

"Really," he smiled. "The guys I work with do, but everything about me is all 100 percent non-Meta. I'm just a normal guy Artemis, everything I know someone taught me, I can do the same for you."

The archer began to feel a bit overwhelmed and rose from the rooftop edge and began to pace again.

"Look Nightwing. I'm flattered. I really am, but I'm not who you're looking for. I'm no hero. You know my rap sheet, you know my family. All I'm doing is just trying to stand up for …"

"the people who can't stand up for themselves," he finished for her.

"Yeah," she agreed.

"Artemis that's why I do it, that's why we all do it. One on one we're hopelessly, ridiculously outmatched, but as a team we can do just about anything. It's not just fighting these quote unquote supervilians, it's about anyone who's out there trying to hurt or exploit innocent people. It's just the nut jobs that get all the press."

He continued.

"Most people want nothing more than to mind their own business, earn an honest living, maybe raise a family without worrying someone's going to kick in the door and hurt their family or take everything they've worked hard for, or those same folks watching some street corners where their kids play getting shot up by rival gangs. It's about standing up for the little guy. I hate bullies, always have."

"Right now we're trying to stop a really nasty drug from hitting the streets. It's not always the Joker or Two Face. Sure there's times we have to go after the big fish, but we never forget about the small ones either."

"How do you know I'm your guy..er…girl?" she asked. "How do you now you can trust me after seeing where and who I come from?"

Dick looked straight into her eyes. "Because GA trusts you and we trust him. Because I think we both want the same things. Look Artemis, now one is going to force you to do this. It's a choice. You don't have to answer now, but if you want to be part of something bigger, here's your chance. Meet me tomorrow night at 11:00 right here. If you don't show then we'll both have our answer."

She stood stunned at his words, this couldn't actually be happening ...could it? It was just a few weeks ago she was asking herself the same question about her promotion at Wayne, and now this?

"Before I go, I've got something for you," Nightwing stated.

"Excuse me?" she asked surprised.

Nightwing reached behind the heat exchange for the case he had deposited there earlier that evening and handed it to the blonde. She opened it and gasped silently. Inside the case rested the most elegant compound bow she'd ever seen.

"Arrow said you know how to use it. Prove it. Be back here tomorrow night. Show me what you've got. If you're half as good as GA says you are, you're exactly who were looking for."

She remained transfixed on the weapon. The crossbow she owned paled in comparison. This bow looked like an exact copy of the one her mentor used. For all she knew it could actually be his, she wouldn't put it past him.

"I don't know what to say," she admitted.

"You don't have to say anything. Just think it over. For now you should probably head back home and eat some of your mom's homemade Rau Muong and call it a night."

Artemis took the weapon out from its case, stretching the strings and looking down the sights when suddenly she realized what he'd said. Her head wheeled around, but the hero was gone

How in the hell would he know that?

"How do you know that!" she demanded from the ledge of the building, but her only reply was an echo several blocks away and fading fast. "Be here tomorrow and you'll find out."

xxx

Artemis didn't sleep well that night. Not out of anxiety but excitement. Restless energy flowed through her veins, every few hours forcing her out of bed and running to the window, wondering if it had all been a dream.

She'd actually met him, one of her childhood heroes, someone she'd admired from afar. He'd sought her out and offered her a chance at something special, something bigger than herself. He actually believed in her. This just didn't happen to people, people like her.

The Wayne job was like hitting the lottery, but this… it was indescribable. Growing up back in Star, everyone in the neighborhood knew who her family was and where she came from. The apple never falls far from the tree she was reminded constantly by Judges and probation officers. Even after she separated herself and started over, she waited every day for someone from Queen to come into the office pool and tell her to gather her belongings and clean out her desk, but no one ever did.

This was her chance; a chance to make the man who saved her life and mentored her proud and show she was worth the chance he took on her.

A chance to give the only woman who'd ever believed in her, who'd sacrificed everything for her a new beginning.

A chance to remove the stigma she carried around like a scarlet letter.

During the subway ride into work that morning, she searched the archives of CNN and MSNBC, looking for stories and footage of the man who'd offered her that chance.

He was younger than she'd imagined, possibly even around her age. He was handsome as hell, there was no denying that. It was just hard to believe this man was the same person who'd worn the red and green that she'd grown up watching. By all appearances he was the quintessential definition of what a hero was supposed to look and act like, but something about him seemed so familiar, she just couldn't put her finger on it.

xxx

"You look like you're in a good mood," Megan smiled as she rung up the blonde's order

"I am actually," Artemis beamed.

"Good. I like seeing you smile. Anything you want to share?"

"I….I met a guy?" the blonde replied nonchalantly.

"Oohhh I like this story already," Megan smiled.

"No it's not like that," the archer corrected, "it's kind of a job offer, a second job I mean. There's no way in hell I'm leaving Wayne, but it's a chance at doing something on the side I've always wanted to do."

"Sounds exciting," Megan replied

"Yeah it does, doesn't it?" she sighed. Eleven o'clock this evening couldn't come fast enough.

They continued making conversation for a few moments when they noticed the red head streaking by the cafe door heading for the elevator.

"Well that's weird," Megan said curiously.

"What?" the blonde questioned.

"Wally always stops by on custard Mondays."

"Maybe he's just busy." the blonde replied.

"Artemis, he practically stands over me when I make them. He once asked me if he could lick the bowl."

Artemis just shook her head and chuckled. How could a man who holds a doctorate and a job as important as he does, still be so immature and childlike at the same time? She appreciated that he'd finally backed off and given her a wide berth, but at the same time had done her two huge favors without asking anything in return, not a thank you, not even her phone number. It was kind of refreshing.

The archer felt like she was good at reading people, but everything she'd assumed about him from the beginning started to feel wrong now, he was different, almost like he was two completely different people.

'Well at least he got the ones you bought him. I am sure he appreciated it."

"I'm uhh…not sure. We haven't really talked, which is good you know? because he has that whole stalker vibe, and the last thing I need is for him to take it the wrong way and start that whole thing up again, plus he really embarrassed the shit out of me in front of my boss, and then after I chew him a new one he turns around and does me a huge favor - two huge favors actually, and acts like it's no big deal when it's a really big deal and now I think I might have really read the whole thing wrong and he might actually be a…"

Megan just stared at her amusingly.

"I'm rambling aren't I?" Artemis asked sheepishly.

She smiled. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Have a good day Artemis."

The blonde nodded and gathered her purchases, walking a few steps before turning back to her new friend.

"Tell anyone what?" the archer inquired.

Megan smiled and began checking out the next customer. Artemis stared at her with irritation and walked out the café towards her office. A few moments later she huffed back in.

"Tell anyone what!?" she demanded, but Megan just smiled and went back to the kitchen to begin working for the lunch crowd.

xxx

Wally hung up the phone and stared blankly at the wall. They'd found their donor. The organs would arrive in Gotham in a few hours.

Kidneys the transplant surgeon stated. A pair. The surgical team and the Richardson's had just hoped for one, but to get two, to get a pair was nothing short of miraculous. They weren't even close to being perfect matches genetically, but that's what Wally's drug was designed to do. Trick the body into not seeing the organs as invaders while gradually sequencing the new tissue to match the host DNA. Wally could cite the mission statement by heart even in his sleep, but when it actually came down to the moment of truth, when a young boy's life was on the line, panic began to sneak its way in.

He trusted the formula, he's checked every number, double checked every computer simulation. He was as ready as he'd ever be, but images of a smiling happy teenager kept flashing through his mind. He'd make his life better; he'd make all their lives better. That's what Wally had promised, now it was time to live up to it.

xxx

Very few people had carte blanche to enter Dick Grayson's office unannounced, and almost all of them worked at Wayne, all except one.

Wally knocked lightly on the door before the obligatory come in followed.

"Hey, I'm I interrupting anything?"

"No," Zatanna pleasantly smiled shaking her head. Dick waved the speedster in while finishing up his phone call.

"You really ought to put a sock on the door if you two are going to be all…you know," he winked.

Zatanna palmed Wally's cheeks and kissed his forehead.

"I really like you Wally, but I am this close to turning you into a turtle. He'll be off in a second. You want anything to drink?"

"No I'm good, who's he talking to?"

"Some rep from Luthor Corp, they want to meet and discuss a joint project for the Department of Defense. Not gonna happen," she smirked.

"God I hope not," Wally groaned.

Dick hung up the phone and blew out his breath. Can you believe that guy," Dick sighed. "His boss tries to get his foot back in the door with the DOD, saying we might co-sponsor the project with them, and then approaches us after. Typical Luthor," he said in disgust. "Anyway what's up?"

"The organs arrived." Wally announced hesitantly.

"Hey that's great news," fist pupping his best friend.

"They're implanting them tonight… and we had that thing you know…."

"Dude no worries, I'll get Megan or Connor to go with me tonight."

"How's Kal?" the speedster inquired

"Funny you should mention that. The ship's slowing down. He says there's no other vessels around for miles, but they've dropped their speed in half, almost like their stalling."

"Or waiting for instructions," the red head added.

"Yeah that's what I was thinking too. It will delay their arrival which suits me fine, I'd like to a have a few more answers before they arrive, I don't like surprises." Dick confirmed.

"So anyway… "Wally began again

"Yeah don't worry about tonight, go take care of the kid. And listen, It's going to work, I know you, I know how you do things. The drugs ready. You're ready. You're about to change someone life. Be happy, this is your moment."

"Thanks Dick, I'll check in with you guys later."

Zatanna walked over and hugged the red head. "Good luck Wally, He's going to do fine."

"Thanks Zee, and about that sock thing…."

"What size turtle shell do you want?" she grinned.

"It doesn't matter as long as you paint a lightning bolt on it." he smiled. "Later peeps."

Wally closed the thick wooden door and turned directly into the blonde's path, carrying a pile of reports. The papers slipped from her hand but somehow the red head caught every one and restacked them neatly, all in one swift motion.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," he smiled, handing her back the reports.

"Yeah," she said nervously. "So… how's tricks?"

Tricks? she winced inwardly Oh god, I did not just say that.

"Um good I guess?" Wally answered as awkwardly.

They both stood silent, trying to find something else to say. She wasn't sure, but he looked as nervous as felt.

Wally jumped first. " So um…. So I'm sorry haven't thanked you for the doughnuts; you didn't have to do that."

"No big," she replied, "thanks for the call to the doctor."

"I told you already, thank your boss."

"I did, but now I'm thanking you," she said adamantly.

"How is your mom?"

"Excited. She has a consultation next week and then they'll do a complete spinal analysis. She's never had one before, a proper one at least."

"That's great Artemis I'm really happy for you guys."

"We are too, and uh…..thanks for that other thing"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he smiled. He told her the parole letter was their secret, and she knew he meant it.

"Well I got to run, have a good night ok?" he announced, hoisting up his back pack.

The speedster was a few feet away when she asked, "Hey maybe when you have the time, you could um…..you know…show me where you got Lotus Tea. I might even buy you a cup."

As soon as the words left her mouth she felt like throwing up.

Could that have been more awkward? she pleaded with herself. What are you doing? she cursed, You finally get rid of your stalker and now you're asking him out?

She tensed inside, waiting for the moment he would undoubtedly revert back to the Casanova who wouldn't take no for answer, but instead he pleasantly smiled and said, "That be nice. Thanks Artemis," and turned away and left the room.

Once again she stared off to an empty doorway, not sure if she was angry with herself or the café owner downstairs who's called it earlier. She was actually starting to like the red head.

God what is wrong with me?