AN: Another chapter for you oh so patient readers! Hope you enjoy this interesting (or so I think) chapter! Please, Review and comment!
Chapter 9
As always, we were the last ones to arrive for the briefing. Dickie was a little annoyed that we had to wait for Roy and Kaldur to change, but, hey, he could've made them change before they left, just in case.
When everyone was ready, Dickie got to work.
"The Riddler was spotted outside a bank in Gotham a few days ago. Normally, we'd send a small team to go pick him up, but he was spotted with Cheshire and a few of her LOS friends."
"She's really starting to piss me off," I mumbled. Roy took my hand and squeezed it.
"Don't worry," Artemis said, "she'll get one good butt-kicking once we find her."
"Artemis, did I mention that you're my favorite?"
Several people, including Roy and Wally, said, "Hey! What about me?"
"You're all my favorites," I said, rolling my eyes, "but Artemis is my favorite of the day."
"Let's continue with the mission," Dick said.
"Is this just a grand pick up/take out mission?" Connor asked.
"Very."
"Then let's go."
"Fine. We'll make a plan in the bioship. Erin, stay online."
I nodded.
"Let's roll," Dick ordered.
I stopped Roy on his way out.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I just wanted to give you this," I dug into my pocket and pulled out a small box.
I watched Roy open it slowly. He picked up the present by its chain.
Roy was stunned. "You're Doctor Who fob watch? Why are you giving me this?"
"Why don't you just open it?"
Roy did and gasped. I knew what he was seeing. On the wall of the pocket watch, the side that opens up was a picture of me that I had professionally fitted onto it.
"I have something that reminds me of you. So I figured that you should have something too." It felt awkward when Roy didn't say anything so I just started rambling. "I know it can be a weird thing to give–"
Roy pulled me in and kissed me so deep, I didn't even think it was possible. I finally pulled away after being the only one to hear the many, many clearing throats.
"Now, why did you really do that?" Abby asked when the team was gone.
"I just wanted him to have something to remind him of me," I said.
"Erin…"
"Fine! But only because I know that you won't ever let it go." I took a deep breath. "I'm scared, Abby. I don't know why, but I'm scared that I'm going to wake up one day and Roy will be gone. And I don't mean 'dead' gone. I mean gone to Jade."
"That's not possible–"
"We don't know that, Abby." I walked over to the main computer and started shifting through files.
"What are you doing?"
"Running facial recognition through all the security cameras in Gotham to try and keep an eye on the team."
Abby's eyebrows furrowed. "Won't that take forever?"
The computer beeped and brought up live footage of an alley near the bank Dick had mentioned earlier. The Team was battling Riddler and Shadow goons, but no Cheshire. Weird.
"I thought Dick said Cheshire was with them?" Abby wondered.
"I know," I brought up communication with Dick.
"Kind of busy here, Spice."
"Robin, where's Cheshire?"
"No clue – oof. She's not here."
"Well, do you–"
BOOM!
The ship entrance exploded, sending Abby and me into the computer.
"Erin! Abby! Are you guys okay? What happened?"
"We're okay. The ship dock exploded." I heard rattling. "Someone's inside!"
A familiar laugh filled the hall.
"Come on," I taunted. "I know it's you, Cheshire. Show yourself!"
"What is with that chick?" Abby mumbled.
Cheshire dropped from nowhere and landed in front of us.
"I thought you were supposed to be in Gotham?" I asked.
"I don't like group dates," Cheshire answered. "I prefer one on ones."
"Well, it won't be like this for long, I'm afraid. Half the team's on their way."
"I hope lover boy's with them."
"Count on it." I half-turned to Abby, "Do you remember what's in my room? Under my bed?" She nodded. "Go get it."
Abby ran towards the dorm hall and Cheshire sprung. I intercepted, giving Cheshire a good kick to her face, just like Artemis taught me. It felt good. Cheshire's mask went flying, revealing Jade Crock underneath with a busted lip.
"Someone's been taking lessons," Cheshire cooed as she rubbed her jaw.
"I've had a good teacher," I said.
"Cute."
She took a swing at me with her sai, barely clipping my cheek.
Where's Abby?
I was already sweating, as I blocked, punched and kicked in an outrageous spring match against Cheshire.
"Erin!"
I saw Abby waving my folded up bow and quiver, resulting in a kick to my stomach and me landing on my back. Using what Roy had taught me, I successfully got up quickly using my legs and knocked Cheshire aside before she could reach Abby.
I unfolded the bow and grabbed a random arrow from my quiver. Cheshire stood up, twirled her sais and laughed.
"Well, well, well, doesn't that bow look familiar?"
"I should've known," I smiled.
"Yes, that cute little prank was me. I had Witch Boy do me a favor."
"It was more than a little prank. It's sad that you stooped so low."
I pulled back my bow and fired. The arrow exploded revealing a net. Cheshire easily avoided it. Just as I grabbed another arrow and pulled back to aim another arrow zoomed over my head, exploding into another net headed straight for Cheshire.
Being the cat that she is, Cheshire dodged the net, made her way to the gaping hole where the ship entrance used to be, waved and said, "Another time, kitties."
She was gone.
