AN: When creating these chapters I placed dashes at every time jump/scene change. It was brought to my attention that those dashes did not carry over when posted. This chapter will have XXXXX to indicate a time jump/scene change. Over the next week, I'll fix the previous chapters and place the markers where intended so it'll be easier to read.

Nyssa was sitting on the bed, her back against the headboard as she watched Sara move around the room. After meeting with her father, they had gone back to the dorms and packed the few things Sara had accumulated over the past year and brought it over to Nyssa's cottage.

Sara looked lost in thought as she unpacked and settled into her new home. Curiosity getting the best of her, Nyssa asked, "What is on your mind, Sara?"

Startled at the broken silence, Sara jumped a little before turning her attention to the question, waving it off with nonchalance, "Nothing. Just thinking."

Curious at the vague answer, Nyssa persisted, "Thinking about what?"

Sara chuckled to herself as she placed the last of her things away and joined Nyssa on the bed. She leaned into Nyssa's side as she translated her thoughts in to words, "I can't believe Ollie's alive and working for a corrupt government agency, I passed my trials and gave my oath to Ra's, we got a bioweapon out of the hands of the Triad, we helped stop a coup, and I just moved in with you. It's a lot to take in. I've also never lived with someone I'm involved with before. It's a little new to me."

Nyssa's brow creased in confusion, "Do you not want to live here? We can find you a place of your own—"

Nyssa was interrupted with a gentle kiss before Sara replied, "No, I want to be here. I didn't mean it like that so don't even think that way, all right? So why aren't we looking for any leads on the members that left Nanda Parbat now? Aren't they getting further away the longer we wait?"

Nyssa smirked at Sara's question, "They are, but I have no doubt we will pick up their trail in the morning. As you said, a lot has happened over the last few days, we need our rest if we are going after these cowardly traitors. They will not come with us willingly, we need to be ready."

Sara rolled her eyes in amusement as she rested her head against Nyssa's shoulder, "It's when you say things like that that makes me think the league is like some giant intelligence organization like the CIA or MI6."

Nyssa sat quietly for a while as she idly played with Sara's hair, "I suppose we are in a way. The only difference is we are not affiliated with any country. Ra's al Ghul sends us where he needs us. There is still so much I must show you about how we do things. It will come in time as with any new member. What did my father want with you in private?"

Sara stifled a yawn before answering, "He said he thinks I'm someone that will bend the rules, but that maybe it isn't such a bad thing and that he supports us…at least for now. He said I bring some good qualities out in you. I don't know what else he could possibly expect from you. I mean you've given your whole life to the league, it's made you the best there is besides Ra's."

Nyssa scoffed and Sara sat up so she could see Nyssa's face. The look there was one she was familiar with but hated to see. It was a mix of resentment, anger, and hurt that only Ra's al Ghul could evoke from this woman, "He wants me to be just like him. A mirror image and I am far from it."

Sara knew she needed to move them away from this subject, "Well, I don't want you to be like him. I admire who you are, Nyssa. I see no problem with it. You gotta live for yourself and not your father. I don't think you realize how much you have to offer," Sara felt Nyssa relax as she continued, "I wanted to say I'm sorry about Asli. I know she was a friend."

At the mention of the woman's name, the tension returned and Sara could feel it radiating from Nyssa, "I appreciate the concern Sara, but do not be sorry. She made her choice and suffered the consequences for it."

Sara nodded as she absorbed Nyssa's words. She wondered if they were face value or if she said them to mask the hurt she may have felt at a friend's betrayal. Nyssa did not show her feelings easily, the ability to hide behind a mask of indifference was something she had mastered long ago. Sara turned to look at the woman beside her, the urge to show Nyssa exactly how she felt about her had become a need she could no longer suppress.

Nyssa could feel Sara staring at her intently, something changing between them as the energy in the air shifted to something palpable. Nyssa froze as Sara slid up against her, moving until she was straddling her on the bed. Nyssa felt her breath quicken as her heart started to race. She knew she should deny Sara, knowing they needed their rest for the day to come but she couldn't find the strength to turn her beloved away.

Sara's breath hitched as she felt Nyssa grab her hips reflexively and she began to move against Nyssa sensuously. As she drew back a little, she saw Nyssa biting her bottom lip, eyes dark with desire. Nyssa pulled Sara down, feeling her breath against her skin. Sara kissed Nyssa hungrily, desperately as their mouths opened to each other instantly. Nyssa moaned, eyes closing as their hands began to roam. Nyssa thought she might cry from the sweetness of it and in that moment, she knew this is what she had been missing in her life.

XXXXX

Sara woke a few hours later, smiling as she felt her body pressed up against Nyssa's bare back, her skin burning at the contact between them. Sara's hold tightened as she thought about how she thoroughly explored Nyssa's body with her hands and mouth for several long blissful hours the night before. Sara stretched, feeling the ache in her muscles as Nyssa proved to be an excellent and attentive lover.

Smiling softly to herself, Sara planted several small kisses along Nyssa's shoulder and neck before she heard, "I thought you would sleep until dawn beloved."

Sara almost pouted as she stopped her ministrations to answer, "Will I ever wake up before you? How do you even do that? It's like you can sense I'm about get up and you beat me to it."

Nyssa chuckled as she turned in Sara's arms to face her, "You will never get the drop on me Ta-er al-Sahfer. I have been awake for a while now."

Sara gently traced her fingers along Nyssa's jawline as she furrowed her brow, "Why didn't you wake me up? We could've gotten an early start."

Nyssa gave her a soft smile, "We had an unexpectedly late night habibi. I wanted you to get your rest."

Sara smirked, arching an eyebrow mischievously, "Oh I haven't slept that well in ages, thanks to someone's incredible skill with their hands and tongue."

Nyssa blushed furiously as she replied, "Why do you tease about our time together?"

Nyssa tried to keep her tone light but Sara heard the serious undertone and responded, "I wasn't teasing, it's the truth Nyssa. You were amazing. I'm glad we didn't just jump into bed together when we first met. I've done that too many times in my life. This here with us, it's different."

Nyssa looked at Sara curiously before asking, "How was it different?"

Sara rolled her eyes, embarrassed as she took a deep breath but answered regardless, "I love you and that's a first for me. Over the past year, I've gotten to know you, Nyssa Raatko the woman, not just the heir to the Demon that the world gets to see."

Nyssa smiled, reaching for Sara's hand when she spoke of loving her, "Am I really that different?"

Sara laced their fingers together, trying not to laugh at the question, "You are and I think you know it. I love how you sing softly to yourself while you cook and read to me before we go to sleep. I love that you take your time at the marketplace to greet all the kids that rush at you for attention and its adorable how you put everything on hold to play whatever game they came up with that day. You're thoughtful, considerate and kind. I feel safe when I'm with you in every way."

Nyssa pulled her hand away, unsure what to say as she felt overwhelmed by Sara's words, "I will cook us some breakfast. Go shower and get ready, just leave me some hot water please."

Sara laughed as she got up from the bed, "I'm not promising anything."

Nyssa sighed in mock exasperation, "I will never have a hot shower again, will I?"

Sara's only answer was the devious smirk on her face when Nyssa's eyes followed her every movement. Walking across the room nude, Sara grabbed the clothes she laid out the night before and disappeared into the bathroom, Nyssa never breaking her stare until the door finally broke her line of sight.

XXXXX

Sara sat in the passenger seat and tried to keep herself from staring at Nyssa as she drove at an insanely fast pace down the highway. When Sara sat down for breakfast after her shower, Nyssa's mood had completely changed and as Sara asked the woman about it, she shook her head and told Sara they would discuss it later. She wanted to push Nyssa to talk to her in that moment but decided to pick her battles wisely.

As they continued at breakneck speed, Sara decided to finally broach the subject and asked, "Where are we going? You haven't said anything to me about what our plan of approach is going to be, but you seem to have it all figured out already. What the hell happened when I went to take a shower?"

Without taking her eyes from the road, Nyssa responded, "Do you remember a while back when you mentioned wanting to meet any one of the hackers as you put it, that the League of Assassins employs?"

Sara tapped her fingers against the car door with nervous energy when she answered, "Yeah, but things have been crazy since then. Do you already have someone trying to track the group that took off last night?"

Nyssa nodded, "When you were speaking with my father privately last night, I had Amal check all the assets we have available in or around Nanda Parbat. He found one of our Jeeps missing. We cannot account for it and Amal said he found multiple sets of footprints in the soft dirt where the Jeep was parked."

Sara shook her head and scoffed, "They're all traveling together? Why the fuck for? Don't they know it would be easier to find them that way? I mean…. if I had any idea how we were going to accomplish that."

Nyssa fought the smile that wanted to break to the surface, "I am going to share something with you that only a few are aware of because I trust you to keep it to yourself. All league assets have hidden GPS locators we can activate anytime if needed."

Sara smirked as she leaned her head back against the seat, "Let me guess. Amal had the locator turned on?"

Nyssa clenched her jaw before forcing herself to relax, "Correct. He called one of our technical contacts, Sumon, that provides services to the league out of Bangladesh and had the locator activated. It showed the Jeep heading northwest towards the Afghan-Pakistani border before the GPS was disconnected as of this morning. Sumon reported the loss of signal to me while you were getting ready."

Sara bit her bottom lip in contemplation as she stared at Nyssa, "How do you know it was disconnected? That would suggest they knew about it and disabled it somehow. You said only a few people knew about it."

Nyssa glanced over at Sara for a moment, "Hamia and Al-Owal were among that group. I can only speculate that they shared that information with the group that was a part of the coup. I think the four were in such a hurry to leave Nanda Parbat, they waited until they were a good distance away before stopping and removing the GPS."

Sara exhaled audibly before she went back to tapping her fingers against the door. What Nyssa had told her up to this point did not provide any clarity as to the change in her disposition from earlier this morning. Sara was blunt when she asked, "None of this explains why your mood went to shit. What's going on with you? I'm your partner on this assignment, I'd like to know where your head is at. I'm also your girlfriend, I'd be great if you could actually talk to me."

Nyssa scowled and mumbled under her breath, "Girlfriend. Such a terrible term."

Sara glowered and shot back in a mock British accent, "Terrible term?"

Nyssa tightened her grip on the steering wheel, ignoring Sara's taunt as she responded, "You are more than that Sara, thet term does not do it justice. That is all I am saying."

Sara let out an aggravated sigh, deciding this discussion could be tabled for another time, "We'll talk about that later. Are you going to let me in, Nyssa?"

Nyssa pursed her lips in thought before she answered quietly, "I believe the four we are looking for are headed to The Hidden."

Sara turned in her seat to face Nyssa more fully, "The Hidden. Why does that sound familiar?"

Nyssa stayed silent as Sara recalled what Nyssa shared with her in the first few days they met back on the yacht, "I remember now. That's the group Talia and Saracon formed. You said they wanted to get rid of the league and take its place."

Nyssa nodded as she added, "It is more than that. They are undisciplined, ruthless and have no honor. They care for nothing and do not value human life. I believe our defectors are going to seek asylum with The Hidden. If they do that, we may never be able to retrieve them. That does not take into account any information they could feed to Talia and Saracon to undermine the league."

Understanding danced across Sara's features, "We're headed there now? Just the two of us?"

Nyssa pinned Sara with an unblinking stare before she brought her attention back to the road, "Yes."

Sara looked unconvinced, "Shouldn't we go back to Nanda Parbat and gather every member in the area and storm the fucking gates?"

Nyssa shook her head, "That would start a war between the league and The Hidden. One that would cost numerous lives and I want to avoid that. We have a better chance if we approach my siblings as we are now."

Sara was skeptical as she voiced her concerns, "This is like a suicide mission, Nyssa. The only experience I have in real combat came from my trials, except what I did on Lian Yu. My skills are far from perfect. How am I supposed to protect you?"

Nyssa's features were inscrutable but her words left no room for doubt, "There is no one I trust my life with more than you, Sara. My trust in you is implicit."

If their current situation hadn't been so serious and time sensitive, Sara would have insisted Nyssa pull the car over on the side of the road and then proceed to show Nyssa just how much her words meant to her.

Instead, she decided to learn more about the group she was about to encounter, "Tell me more about Saracon and Talia. How exactly is The Hidden different from the league? I want to be as prepared as possible before we get to wherever we're going."

"It has been some time since I have seen either of them. Saracon is an insecure and jealous man. He is quick to anger and can be brutal when in a rage. He follows Talia's lead without question in almost everything. He is not a leader and always looks for guidance. Talia is smart, cunning. She likes to play games and toy with people for amusement. She is resourceful but tends to keep her word when given." Nyssa explained, her voice distant and distracted.

Sara moved over as far as her seatbelt would allow and laid a hand on Nyssa's leg to let her know she was there. Despite Nyssa's impressive efforts to remain indifferent, she knew the entire situation took a toll on her.

Sara watched Nyssa visibly relax under her touch as she continued, "I have talked to you before about the league's move away from some of its traditions. We have allowed outsiders to become members, taken to using technology to gain information or track targets. We use contacts that are not league members as assets all over the world. It was these changes that caused those that did not have the same vision to turn against us."

Sara shook her head as she commented, "I agree with you. Anything that doesn't allow exceptions for the changes time brings will become obsolete."

Nyssa gave her a nod of acknowledgment before she went on, "The Hidden is steeped in some of the old ways, taken from the league by Talia and Saracon. Every member they have was once a part of the league in one way or another. They do not allow any outsiders into their ranks. They do not rely on things like running water or electricity. They live and train through the intricate tunnel and cave systems through the Hindu Kush. Any intelligence they receive is from one or more of their members obtaining it through surveillance, kidnap and torture, theft. They have no reliance on technology or modern day devices. The only exception to this that I am aware of is travel. They will stow away on cargo planes or freighters or use vehicles and small planes for long distances."

Sara lazily ran her fingers up and down Nyssa's thigh as she wondered, "How are they even still around? Can they really do any damage to the league? It sounds like they're at a disadvantage."

Nyssa replied, "Talia is resourceful and has no line she will not cross. They will do anything to achieve their goals, no matter who gets hurt or what the consequences are. Their combat skills rival our own, Talia was trained by our father and she has adapted her own fighting style she has passed to her people."

Sara sighed and moved to sit back up in her seat, remarking sarcastically, "Well shit, I can already tell this is going be loads of fun."

Nyssa added speed to the already racing vehicle as it flew down the empty stretch of road through the Tibetan countryside, "Do not be such a pessimist, beloved."

XXXXX

Sara stood and watched as Nyssa dug through the trunk, "They will see us before we ever see them. Talia has eyes everywhere in the mountains."

Sara nodded her understanding as she took the things Nyssa handed her. Her signature bo was broken down into two pieces, allowing for easy concealment. She threw on a long sleeve shirt and strapped tranquilizer darts and small throwing knives to her wrist and forearm as precaution. She changed into hiking boots to support her ankles and gloves to protect her hands against the rocks.

Nyssa did the same, only carrying her prized compound bow slung over her shoulder instead. It was mid-morning and the sun was low in the sky but the heat was already starting to climb as they worked their way up small footpaths worn into the ground.

"You know where you're going?" Sara asked as she easily moved beside Nyssa.

"I do. I have been here before." Nyssa replied casually as they continued upwards.

They walked along in comfortable silence for about an hour before Sara heard rocks starting to slide down from above. She put her arm in front of Nyssa to stop her forward movement but she was already still, her attention focused on danger she sensed lurking unseen.

Sara already had both ends of her bo staff in hand as Nyssa nocked and readied an arrow when two men appeared before them, having glided down the rock face from a hidden area overhead.

Nyssa feared Sara would act precipitously to the presence of these two men and shook her head to communicate that she needed to stand down.

Sara reluctantly relaxed her stance as Nyssa lowered her bow, though she kept the arrow nocked as a precaution.

"We are here to see Talia." Nyssa said in Arabic, her voice matter of fact as her face showed no emotion as she spoke.

"Put your weapons away. We will take you to her." One of the men responded in kind as he gestured for them to follow.

Sara stowed her weapon as Nyssa did the same before they began following the two men Sara assumed were members of The Hidden. Not that Sara doubted her, but Nyssa had been absolutely correct in her assessment that they would be seen before ever realizing it. Sara was trained to detect threats in her environment but she never saw the two men until it was too late.

Nyssa was frustrated that she had not been aware of their escorts until they had appeared to obstruct their path. It indicated to Nyssa that members of The Hidden were exceptionally trained, much more than she was aware of the last time she had an encounter. Talia has done well and that only made her more of a threat.

Nyssa kept a rough estimate of the time as the sun inched crossed the sky, seeing that it was early afternoon when they arrived at the main entrance for The Hidden, traps setup for any unsuspecting, unexpected visitors.

It took a moment for their eyes to adjust when they entered the cave system, the harsh light of the sun replaced by torches along the walls. They took in their surroundings as they walked through the natural corridors, finally exiting outside once again. On a plateau nestled within the mountains, there were wooden buildings strewn along its expanse.

"I had a feeling I would be seeing you dear sister." Nyssa heard Talia call out in Tibetan as she exited from what looked to be the main structure.

Nyssa responded in English, "I prefer to communicate this way."

Talia smirked as she drew closer, her eyes roaming over Sara as she switched to English and replied, "Having to make exceptions for the outsider?"

Sara's hands clenched into fists as she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from making a snide comment. She was out of her element here and needed Nyssa to take the lead.

Nyssa ignored the question and stating calmly, "We are here because we believe four members of the League of Assassins have come to seek asylum with The Hidden."

Talia continued to step closer to them, her eyes shining with amusement, "Yes, they are here. Arrived not long ago with the most interesting story. It seems father's foolishness is finally catching up with him."

Nyssa remained stoic, not rising to the bait, "Then you have heard about the coup. You must also know it was unsuccessful. I am here to bring the four back to Ra's al Ghul for punishment."

Talia laughed melodically, "Why would I ever hand over four perfectly good warriors that I can use within my organization? Father would do nothing but kill them for their betrayal and it seems I agree with their reasoning. It would be such a waste."

Nyssa was all too aware of her sister's games and knew she was toying with her instead of being upfront with her demands, "What do you want Talia? You did not grant them sanctuary out of kindness. You want something and are using them as bargaining chips."

As Talia stood in Nyssa's personal space, all pretenses dropped, "I must say, I am disappointed that I appear so predictable. An archaeological dig in Egypt has unearthed the Khushu Idol. I will release the four traitors to you in exchange."

Nyssa's stoicism broke when she heard what Talia was seeking, her voice taking on a hard edge, "I am aware of the myth behind the Khushu Idol. Why would I ever put that kind of power into your hands? You must know I would never agree to such a thing."

Talia stepped away from Nyssa, allowing more distance between them as she spoke in a voice laced with boredom, "I thought as much. I want to test a theory but that can wait a moment. Tell me Nyssa, did father ever consider that the idea to eliminate the Demon's Head and his heir may have started outside of a few disgruntled senior league members?"

Nyssa was not fast enough to mask the surprise that flashed across her face and Talia smiled smugly before Nyssa answered, "You know father. You tell me."

Talia voice took on a dulcet tone, "I do not have to. The look on your face spoke volumes to how closed minded the both of you have become. Maybe you should ask our father about his life before he became Ra's al Ghul. It makes quite the interesting story. Now, I would like to test a little theory of mine."

Talia waved her hand and in an instant, thirty arrows were released into the air to land in the dirt at or around Sara's feet. Nyssa put her arm in front of Sara's body and stepped forward to shield her from the attack, a gut reaction based on instinct.

Talia looked almost disappointed when she said, "So it is true. You have fallen in love with an outsider. I never would have thought you capable of such a thing."

Sara sensed a presence behind her causing her to twist back at an angle as she brought her elbow up to strike her assailant on the bridge of his nose, breaking it instantly. She then pulled one end of her collapsible bo from its spot and placed it against his throat as she simultaneously turned him so his back was against her. She pulled in and up in a quick fashion, breaking the man's neck. She let his body drop as a second man came towards her. She struck out with her weapon once he was in range, hitting him in the lower portion of his ribcage on the left side, breaking the bones there with little effort. She was about to follow up on the attack when a second set of arrows slammed into the earth around her, stopping her in place. The man Sara had attacked took advantage of the distraction, grabbing her from behind to hold a knife to her throat.

Nyssa watched helplessly as Sara dispatched her first attacker with ease but was taken captive by the second, Talia's bowmen using higher ground to their advantage as they rained arrows down on them in warning. Sara wanted to use her leverage to bring this man down but decided against it. She had no idea how Talia would retaliate if she made a move and she didn't want Nyssa to get hurt.

Nyssa turned to her sister, her features showing nothing but hostility, "Let her go. Now!"

Talia smirked, seeming pleased at the reaction, "I do not think you are in any place to be demanding anything from me. I want the idol. You bring it to me and I will return your beloved and the four traitors you traveled here to capture unharmed."

Nyssa clenched her fists, torn in her decision. She was aware of the Khushu idol's mystical properties that allowed the one who possessed it to harness the power of dark magic, enhancing physical attributes and psychic abilities. It drew its strength from the death and fear of those around it. It could drain the life force from its victims while accelerating healing, enhancing strength, and providing telekinetic powers to the person controlling it. The user would often fall into insanity and become overpowered by blood lust. The power of the idol would corrupt the one controlling it, compromising their moral and mental capacity, giving them a need to kill.

Sara could see the internal struggle raging within her love and called her name softly, "Nyssa."

She turned to Sara, fear and uncertainty flashing in her eyes, emotions only Sara could discern under Nyssa's stoic facade. She had no knowledge of the idol Talia was inquiring about, but she knew it was of no good if Nyssa was so adamant about keeping it from her sister.

She tuned out everything around her, focusing solely on Nyssa, "Don't do it. Don't give it to her."

Nyssa continued to watch Sara as Talia chimed in, "If you do not do this, I will kill your beloved and the four you wish to take back to Nanda Parbat."

Ignoring Talia's words, Sara gave Nyssa a sad smile, "I don't know anything about this damn idol, but I'm sure Talia shouldn't have it if she's going through all this trouble to force you to get it."

As Nyssa took a step towards Sara, the man holding her captive tightened his grip in warning, causing her to wince from the discomfort. Nyssa stopped immediately, her blood boiling at the pain being inflicted on Sara knowing she was helpless to stop it. She shook her head as if it would erase the entire situation from existence as she spoke, "I cannot just walk away knowing she will kill you."

"You have to and you know it." Sara responded vehemently as she tried to convince Nyssa to do what they both knew was the right choice, no matter how devastating it was to them personally.

Nyssa let out an audible breath, aware of what was required of her, what Ra's al Ghul would expect her to do. She knew more lives than just Sara's would be lost if Talia ever gained control of the idol and it was her duty to stop such things from happening. As these thoughts tore through her mind, she turned to Talia, her decision made, "I will do it. Give me the exact location and I will bring it back to you."

Nyssa heard Sara protest from behind her as Talia chuckled derisively, "You have grown weak, Nyssa and I benefit from it greatly. I now know your weakness and I am sure the great Ra's al Ghul shared similar concerns. I have no doubt he allowed you to follow the path you are on now, only to wait for the time you put your personal life over that which is best for the league. It seems that day has finally come. You should know as well that assumptions are a deadly thing in our world. I never said the artifact was for me. Regardless, the excavation site is south of Kharga. The coordinates are twenty-five degrees, twenty-six minutes, and ten seconds north and thirty degrees, thirty-three minutes, and seventeen seconds east."

Nyssa committed the location to memory before she turned her attention back to Sara to see her being escorted away at Talia's command. She would find a way to stop her sister in time, of that she had no doubt. She could only hope Sara did not hate her for her choice. If she did, Nyssa would bear it as long as her beloved was still in this world.

XXXXX

Nyssa was restless the entire trip to Egypt on the propeller-driven Cessna 120. For all her faults, Nyssa knew Talia would keep her word and not harm Sara as long as she did what was required of her. Nevertheless, she despised leaving Sara in the hands of her enemy. It didn't sit well with her to be separated from her beloved, and she found no relief from the anxiousness that flowed through her veins.

Nyssa sighed as she stared out the window, Talia's words plaguing her thoughts despite her efforts to push them aside for the time being. She wondered why Talia wanted her to ask their father about his time before becoming the Demon's Head and if the coup did indeed start from a source unbeknownst to the league. The fact that Talia hinted that the idol was not being retrieved for her own use was disturbing as well. There was an unknown element seeking its power and it was concerning. Nyssa felt like she was missing crucial information and that did not sit well with her. She felt exposed and wholly unprepared.

It was early evening when the plane finally touched down at a small airstrip west of the excavation site. She was flown here by one of Talia's pilots, using one of the few modern resources The Hidden had available to them. From this point forward until she returned to the plane, Nyssa would be on her own. She left her bow and quiver behind in favor of carrying concealed weapons. She also removed any clothing and under armor that would distinguish her as a member of the League of Assassins.

She looked around the sparse airstrip, trying to locate a vehicle that would have GPS navigation and the ability to travel over rough terrain. It took a search of the entire area to find a 4x4 Chevrolet ZR2. Counting herself lucky that the door was unlocked, she climbed in and had the truck hotwired within a few moments. After inputting the geo coordinates Talia had given her, Nyssa took off east towards the excavation site.

XXXXX

Sara had been relieved of all her weapons before being escorted into a large room that looked to be a library or study. The room was dim as day turned to night and the only light available was from the torches along the wall and the candles placed strategically around the room. She took a seat in a chair furthest away from the door, facing the exit to keep her back protected from anyone that may enter.

She tapped her fingers against the wooden surface of the table out of frustration as she watched for any sign that she may have company. She hated that Talia was using her as leverage to get Nyssa to comply with her wishes. She certainly didn't want to die but she had hoped Nyssa would not have agreed to assist in recovering the idol Talia seemed so desperate to obtain. She knew Ra's was going to be displeased at the events that transpired here, and she wondered how bad the downfall would be. In the short time she had encountered Nyssa's sister, Sara knew the woman to be conniving and manipulative. The way she cryptically provided information without divulging details was exasperating, leaving her with questions she knew Talia would never answer.

She stopped tapping her fingers when she saw someone approach the door. Her entire body tensed as the door opened to reveal Talia with two plates of food in her hand. Sara eyed her suspiciously as she walked over to her, setting the plates down on the table before sitting across from Sara.

"I would not be a very good host if I did not offer a meal after the long day." Talia said as she pushed one of the dishes closer to Sara while taking the other for herself.

Sara ignored the offering, opting to stare at the other woman as she began to eat. Talia must have noticed Sara's reluctance to accept her generosity, "Your food is safe to eat. If I wanted to harm you I would not do it in such an indirect manner."

Sara scoffed and shook her head but decided to eat after hearing Talia's declaration. The words rang true to her and she was hungry since she had not eaten since breakfast.

Talia broke the silence that settled over them, "I have a confession. You confound me and I want to know what it is about you that has made Nyssa change the way she has."

Sara glanced up from her food and replied, "You tell me. You've known her longer than I have."

Talia laughed wickedly, "What is your name?"

Sara thought for a moment and realized they had not been properly introduced, she found no harm in sharing the information, "Ta-er al-Sahfer."

The other woman looked amused, "That is not your given name."

Sara finished the last of her food and pushed her dish away before stating, "That is the only name you're getting."

Talia tilted her head to the side as if she were considering something before she said, "You are stubborn and a good warrior. You showed no fear, willing to give up your life if it meant keeping Nyssa from compromising her beliefs. You have a certain confidence about you. You are also not legacy to the league. I think my sister finds that appealing about you. You bring a different type of element to her life."

Sara forced herself to remain still, keeping her hands in front of her to avoid crossing her arms in a defensive manner, "What's your point?"

Talia shrugged as if suddenly bored with the conversation, "You are either her greatest weakness or her greatest strength."

XXXXX

Nyssa parked the truck among the other vehicles at the dig site. There was no good vantage point for approach as the terrain was flat and open, so she decided a stealth advance was useless. She got out of the truck but stayed by the vehicle as she surveyed the area. The camp was not as populated as she had expected for a site that had just uncovered the Khushu Idol. The sun had finally dropped below the horizon and the temperature had dropped from the stifling heat earlier in the day. Nyssa could see light in various tents that were running on generator power and felt the warmth from campfires around the dig.

Nyssa watched as a woman made her way to her position, most likely coming to see who had pulled up at the site as the headlights from the truck had drawn attention to Nyssa's arrival.

Nyssa took a few steps backwards, drawing the woman further away from the edge of camp to cover any action she would bring against her.

When the woman was close enough for Nyssa to strike, she quickly stepped forward at a forty-five-degree angle, grabbing the woman's arm and twisting her around until the front of her body was slammed into the side of the truck.

Nyssa held one of the woman's arms behind her back while covering her mouth with her free hand, "I will uncover your mouth but if you call for help, I will snap your neck."

Nyssa felt tears dripping on her wrist as the woman nodded eagerly. Nyssa moved her hand and whispered in the woman's ear, "What is your name?"

"Ami. Please don't hurt me!" Her voice cracked as she answered hesitantly.

Nyssa wasted no time as she asked, "Where is the Khushu Idol being held?"

Ami let out a strangled breath at the question, answering reluctantly, "It's in the large tent at the back of camp closest to the generator. You can't miss it."

"What type of security is surrounding the artifact?" Nyssa asked as she grabbed a tranquillizer dart with her free hand.

Ami scoffed though her voice wavered as she said, "We don't have security. The University of Pennsylvania Museum is funding this dig and we couldn't afford it. We weren't even looking for the idol. We were excavating for the ruins of a fortress thought to be located here."

Satisfied with the information, Nyssa pierced Ami's neck with the dart she had readied and waited as the woman passed out. Nyssa maneuvered the woman between two SUVs where she would be hidden from view and laid her sleeping body in the sand.

Knowing it would not be long before someone noticed Ami was missing, Nyssa moved with silent speed around the edge of camp towards her destination.

XXXXX

"What I am to Nyssa is none of your business." Sara spat before she took a deep breath to reign in her emotions, the tension in her body releasing as she began to calm. She refused to allow herself to be so transparent in front of this woman. She did not want to give Talia any further insight into herself, Nyssa, or the league that she could use to her advantage.

Before Talia could speak again, Sara rested her arms on the table in front of her, bracing her weight as she leaned forward, "I'm curious about something. Why do all this for something you don't plan to keep for yourself? Or if you don't want to answer that, why are you making Nyssa get the idol instead of your own people?"

Talia rested back in her chair, her body nothing but relaxed, showing nothing of what she was thinking, "I do not plan to keep it for myself, I will give you that much. The one seeking it will remain anonymous for now, though I know that will not stay true for long. Your league has enemies you are not even aware of, enemies of Ra's al Ghul. If he does not believe they are near, then he is a fool. As for why I did not send my own people, I did not need to as you can see."

Sara clenched her jaw, the only outward sign of her irritation, "I'm not impressed. Forcing someone else to do your dirty work makes me think you're a coward. Maybe your people just couldn't pull it off themselves. Either way, forcing your sister to do it is pathetic."

Sara could easily see the anger in Talia's eyes as she baited her but she suppressed it in her response, "Given the fact that you are an outsider in every way possible, I do not expect you to understand how The Hidden conducts business. I doubt you have any real idea how the League of Assassins really operates under the guise of justice. Nevertheless, Nyssa had a choice as you well know, and she chose to do this in exchange for your life and the lives of the people you came here to capture. I did not force her to do a thing."

XXXXX

The outer edge of the camp was shrouded in shadow and darkness. Nyssa was grateful most of their light was focused towards the center of the site. This allowed her to circle around to the back of the tent Ami had indicated undetected. She listened for a moment but heard no movement or voices inside. She took out a dagger and began to slowly cut a slit in the fabric at the back of the tent. Once done, she put the dagger away and quietly slipped inside. Nyssa looked around quickly and saw there was only one man present, his back turned away from her as he examined the idol on the table before him.

She silently approached him, sticking his neck with a tranquilizer dart once she was in range. She caught his body before it fell and helped to lower him gently to the ground. Knowing the idol had the potential to corrupt anyone that touched it, she hurriedly looked around the tent for something to carry it in. She found an empty bag under one of the tables and grabbed it before placing the idol inside. Once secure, she slipped back out of the tent and headed back to the truck, circling around the edge of camp once again to remain concealed. Nyssa opened the driver's side door and placed the idol on the floorboard on the passenger side before she got in and turned over the engine. The noise drew the attention of several people within the camp and Nyssa knew it would only be a matter of time before they investigated.

She threw the truck in reverse as she hit the accelerator to feed the engine gas before shifting into drive to head back east to the airstrip.

It took her longer to reach the plane than originally anticipated. Even though she reconfigured the navigation system to guide her back to the airfield, driving in an unfamiliar area with only the lights from the truck made the journey time consuming. As they flew back to the strip near the Hindu Kush, Nyssa took the time to inspect the idol as it sat in the bag on the seat beside her. She was surprised to see that it was incomplete. The jewel that rested in the face of the idol was missing, rendering it useless. Nyssa sighed in relief knowing it currently had no power. This would give her time to try and search out the missing jewel before Talia could locate it.

XXXXX

Nyssa's eyes never left Sara as she handed the bag containing the idol to sister. Seeing her beloved unharmed sent a wave of relief through Nyssa that made her feel almost lightheaded. She had an almost overwhelming need to pull Sara into her arms and not let go. She fought the urge knowing it would leave them vulnerable.

After Talia inspected the contents of the bag, Nyssa said, "I held up my end, Talia. Give us our prisoners and allow us safe passage back to our transportation."

Talia smirked, "It is interesting that you issue commands in my territory. I will honor our deal, though the jewel is missing from the idol."

Nyssa's voice raised as she answered what she thought was an accusation, "It did not have it when I recovered it. The two pieces must have been separated. I did not take it, Talia."

Talia raised her hand and motioned to one of her guards before addressing Nyssa, "I am aware. I knew it was incomplete when I sent you to retrieve it. Knowing that the other piece is still lost, I imagine the league will start a search for it to keep it from me. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other again in the near future."

As Talia walked away, Nyssa turned her attention to Sara, her eyes shining with concern as her fierce protective nature took over. She whispered, "Did she hurt you?"

Sara shook her head and replied in an equally soft voice, "I'm fine, though I think you need to talk with Ra's about a few things."

Nyssa nodded, "I agree."

Any further discussion was cut off as the four traitors were brought out by Talia's guards, hands bound behind their backs. Sara watched as their eyes grew wide when they finally saw who was there to retrieve them. They hid their fear poorly even as they attempted to show indifference to their impending situation.

Nyssa's features hardened as she saw the four ex-league members standing before her. Without looking at Sara, she commanded, "Ta-er al-Sahfer, you will take Dawa and Dohna with you in the Jeep back to Nanda Parbat and I will follow behind you in the vehicle we brought today with Dorjee and Dolkar."

XXXXX

It was almost morning when they arrived in Nanda Parbat. With the prisoners safely locked away until Ra's was ready to deal with them, Nyssa and Sara went in search of the Demon's Head. As they walked, Sara grumbled, "Please tell me when we're done reporting to Ra's we can go back to your cottage and get some sleep."

Nyssa smiled genuinely for the first time since Talia bargained with Sara's life, "We will do whatever you wish."

Sara laughed and it was the most beautiful sound Nyssa had ever heard, "Well, when you put it that way Nyssa, I have a few things that just came to mind."

Nyssa blushed at the innuendo but kept her smile, "Except for that, beloved. We are both too tired and when I have you again, I do not want exhaustion to cut our time short."

Sara quirked an eyebrow as she gave Nyssa a salacious look, "Fine, you've got a deal."

Suddenly Nyssa gently grabbed Sara's arm and stopped them in a secluded part of the corridor, humor gone when she said softly, "I was worried about you the entire time I was gone. I did not think Talia would break her word but she loves to play her games. Are you angry because I chose to do her favor for your life?"

Sara wrapped her arms around Nyssa's shoulders, pulling their bodies closer as she answered, "No, of course not. I confess I was scared that after all this happened, you wouldn't want to be with me anymore. Talia used your feelings for me to get something she wanted. It's what Ra's always warned you about."

Nyssa cupped Sara's face and brought her into a slow lazy kiss, full of fire and passion but unrushed as they savored the moment. Nyssa pulled away, a smile forming as Sara's eyes fluttered open, a look of love, appreciation, respect, and devotion passing between them.

Nyssa moved her hands down to Sara's waist, holding her protectively as she replied, "I understand why you would have those thoughts but I promise it never crossed my mind. My life is better with you in it. I could never go back to the way I was a little over a year ago. The good you bring into my life outweighs any bad that might come with it."

Sara pulled away from Nyssa's hold and motioned for them to start walking once again, "Come on, let's get this over with."

Nyssa straightened herself out and replied, "Agreed. My father has answers to questions I did not even know to ask until now."