Karen couldn't push it back in if she tried, the electricity coating her arm was gnawing, growing and intensifying with the second.
She can't stop it, she cant.
So she did the only thing she could possibly think of. She punched a hole into her car and watched as the yellow bug shook. Karen's car, her self proclaimed baby bliked, hummed and overheated in a second.
Shit, Karen just zapped in the parking lot.
Karen just zapped in the parking lot in public, dressed as Karen.
Shit
"B, seriously what the fuck" Artemis scolded. There wasn't anyone around, but this was a parking lot. A Gotham Academy parking lot, with cameras in every section. Karen usually has way more control than that.
Karen didn't say a word, she was mortified. She of all people..of all capes. She can not be caught using her powers.
"Don't run " Artemis instantly said. Because she knew her, she knew what this meant. " The lot was empty, we can get the tape. The security is never watching it anyways. Besides from this angle it probably only looks like you hit your car, you hid the electricity well enough".
Karen paused her eyes a bit glassy, she could not believe she allowed Victor Stone of all people to affect her this much, " I hacked into Gotham servers a while ago, I can delete the tape from my phone"
Artemis let out a breathe she didnt even wanna think about holding,"Great".
"But I still have to leave" Karen whispered.
"What- No-no" Artemis instantly replied back. This time Karen was the one ignoring her.
Artemis could do nothing as she watched Karen delete the videos from Gotham Academy's servers, replace it with a video from the day before and call a tow truck. Of Course the security asked the duo about the tow, but after a quick look a Karen's beat up bug they shrugged it off and left the two girls alone.
Duh the poor kids have car troubles. Easy cover.
Once Karen had finished paying the man off, she sat on the curb with her friend. "I don't wanna leave…
"Then don't" Artemis bit back. She cant stand it. Everyone was leaving, everyone was always leaving.
"No, Artemis. You and I know that's not an option, If he- if Blood finds me. I- I'm done. You don't know how he is, he has connections. Even with the tape gone, he'll know. I'm gonna go to the cave chill there till I can find a new place, you stay here. Go to class and make friends, make friends so quick no one will remember how I use to drag your ass along with me. Make it so they won't remember us being together at all. Okay"
Artemis bit her lip, she knew Karen was joking but there was a serious tinge to it. Just how dangerous was Brother Blood. "Yeah, Okay" she mumbled as she slung her backpack over her arm and walked away from her best friend.
As if by magic as soon as Artemis reached the hall, the bell a mass of rich snobs and mini socialites scurried to get to their next class. A few of the students bumped into her, some on purpose but Artemis just ignored them.
She didn't have the patience for petty fights. With Karen gone she's not even sure if she would have the restraint for the snobs either.
"Make friends she saids" Artemis scoffed, as she rolled her now sore shoulders and walked into her sixth period. Like she would ever be friends with any of them.
As if to prove her point the most annoying bunch in sixth period English decided to show their faces. The Grade A's were what most would call the popular kids of Gotham Academy. They were the creme da la crem, the best of the best. They were also really annoying jocks.
"Seriously dude if I could've banged any harder, she'd be dead", Jerri Tommalson, the most annoying basketball captain loudly exclaimed. Around him was his swarm of bimbos and dumbos. Each graciously adorned in their best clothing, laughing at Jerri's every word.
Apparently Artemis must have scoffed a bit too loud because the next thing she knew Jerri Tommalson was in her face with his pose in tow.
"Listen charity case, your best bet is to sit quiet and pray we ignore you like usual" Jerri sneered.
Artemis only rolled her eyes in retort. She so didn't have time for this, and she damn sure didn't have the patience for this either. But she definitely can't get expelled from Gotham Academy, not only would it kill her mom it wouldn't look good for Karen's cover either.
So she settled with telling Jerri off. Hey, she was already the standoffish, mean kid, why not add stupid to her bio.
" Is it really ignoring or do you just not have capacity to notice anyone who doesn't kiss your ass" Artemis quipped.
Instantly Jerry inches further to the girl, now swinging his arm back,"What you say".
Partially because she knew the teacher was about to walk in and partially because she really needed to let out some pent up energy Artemis sneered back, "You heard me".
Suddenly Jerri laughed, he inched closer to Artemis. Their nose now touching and sneered back. "Look who's got some spunk, I've heard about you. A real spitfire, I wonder how far that goes". His eyes traveled up and down Artemis body as he spoke. His hands lower and lower.
When his hand got a little to low for comfort, Artemis spat on him.
Jerri now mortified, growled as he grabbed Artemis arm ready to end her. "You disgusting little bitch… he started to yell but was instantly interrupted as a boy with black hair and sparkling blue eyes stepped between them.
" Wayne get out of my way" Jerri bit out.
Wait? Dick Grayson. Again?
"Either you have a thing for stepping into arguments, your stalking me or I'm just that lucky" Artemis sourly added.
Dick grinned for a bit, " Let's say options A and C. I do have this class, you would know that if you, ya know ever came".
Artemis half thought of rolling her eyes at the boy but was instantly cut off by Jerri's loud yell, "I mean it, move".
"You would hit a girl, come on Jerri your much too manly for that" Dick exclaimed with an extra dramatic flare. Artemis nearly chuckled right there, Dick actually did laugh but instantly stopped at Jerri's intensified stare. "Look Jerri, Artemis is just having a bad day, cut her break.".
Jerri was practically fuming at the two, " And why the fuck should I do that"?
"Yeah why the fuck should he" Artemis bit back. Oh how she was going to enjoy knocking his eyes straight.
Dick grinned, "Because if you don't I'll have to tell Barbara about your other girlfriends, I know you've been pinning for a date for a while now".
Jerri only grinned back, now grabbing Dick by his shirt, " A bitch for a bitch, sounds fair to me".
As soon as Jerri's fist swung back, another teen this one tall with chocolate skin grabbed it. "Don't think coach would agree".
Victor Stone...was helping? Her? Either he really was ignoring Artemis during his and Karen's spat and has no idea who she is or he doesn't care.
Jerri grimace entirely annoyed with this situation, "Stone and Wayne, you've got some connected friends blondie…. Okay, as one captain to another I'll let her slide. Just make sure the animal stays away from me ".
Artemis couldn't help herself, "How can we do that if your mother lives with you". Instantly Dicks hand was against her mouth and Victor was holding a fuming Jerri back.
"Come on Tommalson, think of your team" Victor said as Jerri inched closer.
"Ow" Dick replied as Artemis bit into his hand. Now with her mouth free she gleefully bit out, "Yeah Jerri think of your stupid fucking team who never makes it to the playoffs"
Oh great Jerri was getting closer and closer.
Victor now running out of patience and strength tried once more to calm Jerri down, "Come on man , cut. It . out. She's not worth it"
Suddenly Jerri stopped, stared at Artemis and grinned, "Your right Stone, Blondie probably just wants to cash in a court check. Ya know rent or whatevers probably due. She's not worth it, in fact she's not worth anything".
And with that Jerri and his band of followers returned to their usual business.
"Eh em" Dick coughed as Artemis gapped at the retreating Grade A's back. Seriously, she wanted to fight.
"I'm not going to say thank you" Artemis replied.
Victor appeared a bit more irritated at her tone while Dick only grinned back, "Hey that's fine, I get it. We did kinda just but into your business there. Guess I should introduce myself, I'm Dick Grayson-Wayne".
Artemis deadpanned, "I know"
Dick didn't even blink, "Ohkay, well I think you already met Victor"
"I did" Artemis quickly supplied. She didn't want to talk to them, especially Victor its his fault Karen had to leave after all. Besides Dick Grayson has ignored her since she came to this school, hell he ignored everyone why is he suddenly trying to be...friends.
Neither boy gave her a chance to ask, when the bell finally rang signifying sixth period officially started each took a seat next to her and pulled out their respective laptops. They weren't the only one every student including stupid Jerri had pulled out their laptop and began typing.
Artemis was the only student still starting at the empty teacher desk in the front. Damn, she definitely didn't want to ask what was going on. She figured she settled for taking a nap, unfortunately at that moment Dick Grayson decided to throw a paper on her desk.
Glaring at the sheet, Artemis could only sigh as she unfolded it and read.
'English is taking a cybertronic twist, since Ms.V had her baby Friday. Again, you would know this if you came to class. All you do is log in and write a ten page essay, no talking the laptops are voice sensitive and will report if you do :)'
Ugh did he seriously happy face the end. Again, Artemis didn't bother thanking him instead she opened her laptop and got started on her own essay.
By the end of class, nearly everyone was filtering out of the classroom and Artemis was heavily aware she may be failing English.
"That wasn't so bad" Dick exclaimed while placing his phone in his pocket. Artemis nearly jumped him right there. Of course it wasn't so bad for him, he finished in half the period.
Still he wasn't her friend, even if his happy go lucky smile was warm and kinda familiar. Instead Artemis rolled her eyes and gathered her things. She almost made it out the door too.
"Move" she said while glaring up at Victor stone.
"Look I get that you may not like me, I did kinda get into it with your friend and all. My temper isn't the best, and after talking with Dick here I realized I may have went to far. I know the cheer team practices during sixth so I can't exactly expect to see her on the field during practice. Do you mind asking her to come to the field so I can apologize" Victor asked.
Artemis scoffed. He wanted to apologize, tuff. "Yes, I mind".
As she pushed past him once more he grabbed her arm,. " I was angry and I took it out on her. It didn't exactly help that she you know has that personality "
Ugh he was not serious was he? There was no way he was gonna get her to..
"Look she was talking to me about my Dad and I-we don't exactly have the best relationship. Plus I wasn't exactly excited about leaving my friends and basically my life behind for Dads new project. So I lashed out. I was angry at my dad not her".
Damn. Yeah, that 'll do it. If there is anything Artemis can relate to it's Daddy issues and anger. But still.
"Karen's transferring tomorrow" Artemis said while turning over to the two teens.
Dick appeared uneased by this while Victor appeared utterly mortified, "Huh, I didn't think I made her that mad. Look she doesn't have to leave tell her I-
"She was already gonna transfer, paperworks been in since last semester. Her mom got a new job, we all knew today was her last day", Artemis easily retorted back.
Victor appeared a bit upset at this but for the most part shrugged it off as pure bad luck. "Guess that's why she was so pressed about meeting Dad. Wanted to know before she left huh. Damn, well if you see her before she goes tell her I'm sorry. My mom, rest her soul would have hated me speaking to another person that way. Well better head out ot practice, coach will skin me if I'm late. I'll see you guys tomorrow". He smiled a bit at the end and quickly left before Artemis could tell if his cheeks were pink or if it was the light.
Huh, guess he does have a heart.
And then there was two. Artemis is not sure at all why Dick Grayson is still here nor does she have any idea why he is staring at her.
"Karen must've been pretty mad to blow her cover like that" Dick said after a minute.
Artemis gapped, he couldn't possibly know. No one was in the lot. " Huh"
Dick said nothing, opting to press a button on his phone instead. He glanced at Artemis, "Guess we don't really have time to change. Here Its a glamour charm. Z gave me and Babs these incase were extra rushed.".
He didn't even give Artemis a minute to gap at him before he placed the necklace around her neck and one along his own. Instantly the two teens clothes transformed to plain black kevlar. Suddenly it was all to clear, everything was clear.
"Your.." Artemis started.
Again, he said nothing instead placing dark shades over his eyes and hitting another button on his phone. Before Artemis could blink the two were engulfed in a bright white light.
Recognize B07 Artemis and B01 Nightwing.
"Hey guys, your just in time to watch me wipe the dust off of Ion" Beast Boy yelled while pressing the crap out of a sparkly gray controller.
Beside him was an obviously teen green lantern, with dark hair and and a giant grin, "In your dreams, Greenie"
"Your practically glowing in green "Beast boy bit back.
Who the hell is Ion, Artemis has no idea.
She wants to ask, but she can't. She can't because Dick freaking Grayson is in the cave with her. Dick Grayson only he's not just Dick Grayson.
He! He..
" The entire time" she yelled out. Beside her Nightwing winced, rubbing his ear dramatically and pursing his lips.
"Artemis", he warned.
Artemis only yelled louder, "You sleaze the entire time".
She started hitting his shoulder which definitely caught Ion, Beast Boy and and couple of others attention. In an effort to retain some pride Nightwing maintained a stoic smile while ushering her into the nearest room.
"Ow, ow, Okay can you cut that out" Nightwing exclaimed as Artemis continued to hit him.
"No" Artemis yelled while sending him a half hearted right hook. After about a few seconds of Artemis half hearted hits and Dicks half hearted dodging, both teens quit moving and simple stared at one another.
It was probably one of the weirdest things about their little group but most of the team doesn't know each other's secret identity. It bothered some members but most agreed with it. It was a security measure and insurance policy. The justice league was the same way.
Arteis didn't care. She never did. She can't remember ever wanting to know who anyone was out of their mask.
But still.
For Nightwing to be so close, to always be right there and not tell her...
Dick was the first to speak, "I would've told you…..But B. You know how he is".
Artemis nodded. Yes she knows how Batman is, hell everyone knows but.. "I don't care" she mumbled back.
"Yes you do" Nightwing instantly replied. " Look, it was nothing personal. I wanted to tell you and hang out with you and Karen, trust me I did. But having five people know my identity was irritating B enough, and mind you Batgirl and Robin are three of the five. Last time I told somebody I had to clean the batcave with a toothbrush. Have you ever even seen the batcave, it's basically a klepto-museum. Come on Arte don't be mad at meeeeeeeee" he whined.
Artemis rolled her eyes, cleaning duties was that really his stupid excuse. "Seriously, I don't care. Why are you even telling me now? Were teammates it's not like were -
"Friends?. Come on Artemis we've been on the team together for how many years. We're friends. Friends who make stupid secrete decisions...and friends who forgive" Dick interrupted.
Oh he can not be serious.
Not that she cared, but if she did…..this was a year of ignoring her. A year of acting like she didn't exist. And as stupid as it is, she can't help but wonder did Nightwing have to even try hard. Or did it come easy, did he realize with his snooty friends just how much Artemis didn't fit in.
Was she that easy to ignore….maybe thats why its so easy for her sister and her Dad and Wally.
Would she ever be enough?
No! She wasn't going to forgive him, nope. No way.
As if he read her mind, Nightwing wrapped his arms around Artemis and softly whispered, ' Don't get in your head. And don't give me that look, you know you were doing it. I trust you, I swear I do. Look, wanna know a secret I wanted to be friends with you and Karen so bad, I joined student council. Which backfired cause you never came to any of Karen's meetings or ya know class and Karen barely talked to me...but yeah. I hate student council by the way..it's literally the worst".
Artemis snorted, Nightwing always complained about leadership positions but their was no denying it, he was great.
"Seriously, I mean it Arte. I'm sorry".
Damn it, did the jerk really just puppy dog pout. Ugh Artemis sighed, "Fine, Fine I'm not angry you gremlin. Seriously I wonder if you have magic sometimes. I guess I'm honored to be your fifth person".
Dick sheepishly grinned, "Technically, your the sixth person now. Wow that's more than a hand, B's definitely gonna kill me".
"Seriously counting members of the batfamily is a bit of a waste don't ya think", Artemis replied.
Dick grin only widened, witty conversations were so much better than arguments. "B, likes to include all variables".
At this Artemis could only slap her forehead and roll her eyes, "Of course he does".
"So...friends" Dick said after a moment.
Artemis paused and then sent Nightwing one of her own trademark smirks,"Friends".
At this the black haired knight and the blonde archer exited the room, and began walking towards the common room.
"Just one question" Artemis said while scratching at her neck once more.
"What".
"Why the hell is this charm so itchy"Artemis exclaimed. Her reply was a half hearted shrug and a "it's never bothered me before".
Once the duo entered the common room, they were immediately rushed by three eager young teens, "There you two are Batgirl, Zatanna and I have been looking everywhere for you guys", Bumblebee exclaimed.
Next to her was a sheepish looking Batgirl and a red faced Zatanna, "Not really, looking more like just wandering around", Batgirl mumbled.
"No you guys were totally looking for him" Beastboy butted in. Next to him was Ion who despite stuffing his face with potato chips was still able to nod and exclaim "Totally were"
"I barely met you don't get on my bad side" Batgirl quipped.
Zatanna nodded, her glare ver present, " I am not someone you want on your badside lantern"
Ion appeared unfazed by this and contiued with his taunts, " Oh come on, don't be mean. I mean were not the ones lying. Both of you were all Nightwing this and Nightwing that"
"Boys gotta point" Bumblebee playfully added.
Beside her, Batgirl and Zatanna could not be any redder. Both girls refused and argued with the three teens profusely.
Artemis rolled her eyes at both girls, seriously could the be any more obvious. "Well you found us what's the emergency".
" No-nothing" Zatanna exclaimed. "I-i mean well I was hoping Nightwing would assist me with some combat training". Partially because this was now ultra embarrassing and because she really did kinda want to train, Zatanna step closer to Nightwing and grabbed his arm. "So what do you say"
Nightwing grinned, "Uh well I-
"I thought we were gonna practice some new combos today, Nightwing" Batgirl said while grabbing his other arm.
"This should be good" Bumblebee whispered to Artemis.
"Popcorn moment" Artemis whispered back.
The two girls chuckled to one another as Zatanna and Batgirl began a glaring contest.
Nightwing now had the nerve to look embarrassed, " Oh well I- how about we all train-
"Careful kid, not sure Bman would take to his shiny star being a player" Hal interjected while swiping some of Ions chips.
The loud hey Ion interjected as well as both Batgirl and Zatanna was now being ignored.
Instead Nightwing and Hal were doing one of the weirdest handshakes Artemis had ever seen. Well second weirdest, she had seen Hal's handshake with Wally after all.
When they were finished, Nightwing bro hugged Hal and exclaimed loudly, "I didn't know you were back on Earth".
Hal grinned, "Just arrived back. Would've called but you won't believe the cell reception in the 12th universe".
Artemis didn't even bother mentioning how he could've used the comms. Hal was always a act now kinda guy. Beside her both Zatanna and Batgirl had decided to squash their petty pleas for training and settled on fighting Beastboy for the remote.
"Anyways, I thought I'd stop by to introduce you all to Kyle here. My new sidekick, total pain but he's kinda fun. Talk to Bats and got a solid babysitting plan I -i mean he's joining the team" Hal sheepishly finished.
" There was so much insults in that sentence I don't even know where to begin" Ion whined back. He then shrugged Hal's arm off his shoulder and held his hand out to Nightwing. "Names Kyle Rayner, but call me Ion"
"Okay cool, hey man Nightwing here welcome to the team. That's Artemis, Bumblebee, Zatanna, Batgirl and I think you already know BB" Nightwing supplied.
"Oh yeah me and greenie got acquainted while all of you were at school" Ion gleefully said. His reply was a "Stop calling me that" from Beastboy and a giant laugh from Nightwing.
Apparently enjoying his audience Ion decided to provoke Beastboy further by leaning his hand on the shorter boys head, "By the way where is the rest of the team, I know there's more of you. Please tell me some of you live here too. Hal says I'm stuck here while he goes to Ei Nebula.".
BeastBoy now fully annoyed transformed his hand into a tigers paw and swiped at Kyle eagerly, " Your glowing green!"
Nightwing didn't even bother containing the chuckle in his throat, "Oh well not sure if your gonna see the rest of the team today, most of us go to school and live elsewhere. Team Trainings on the weekends so unless we have a mission coming up, I think your living with Greenie there".
" Oh great" Ion playfully groaned. He had even taken the liberty of dramatically shaking his head in shame.
Artemis groaned, he's dramatic. As if the team needed another clown.
Hearing her groan, Ion immediately turned his attention to the blonde. " You feel the despair of living with beasty also" he dramatically whimpered.
Perhaps it was Beast Boy's annoyed cryr, or Nightwings infectious laugh...it sure as hell wasn't Ions stupid grin, but Artemis had to fight the smile trying to grace her face.
Instead she turned her face away and rolled her eyes. Ion's smile didn't even move an inch.
Ion wasn't fazed, " So arrow, come here often".
"No",Artemis bit back.
He frowned at her aggression but then smiled and edge towards her once more, "Well can you"?
Bumblebee sensing Artemis was more than likely to break Ions arm, instantly stepped between the two, "Don't worry bright light you have me and M'gann to keep you company too" Bumblebee said.
" Well there's an upside. You and…. M'ganns the martian right" Ion asked.
Recognize B02, B04, B05, B20, B21 and B26
"Whose asking" Superboy replied. To his left was Robin, Static Shock, Aqualad, Wondergirl and a heavily embarrassed M'gann .
" Uh me duh" Ion replied back. Superboy ofcourse furiously growled and three people immediately went over to restrain him.
No, Artemis was not one of the three.
"What are you all doing here" Nightwing asked.
"Hal sent out a SOS he said everyone was needed at the cave", Robin replied.
"The others should arrive soon" Wondergirl added. "But what's the emergency I swear on Hera I will help you with whatever dastardly galactic foe you have come across".
Hal shrugged, 'Oh there's no foe, I just texted you guys so you could meet Kyle here"
His response a series of irritated groans, should've knowns and punches. He literally had to put a shield around Superboy to stop him from destroying the cave. After an hour, things had calmed down. Hal ever the idiot had even convinced the team to throw Ion a welcoming party. One M'gann was more than happy to cook for.
Now here was Artemis with a old party hat on from last summer's luau glaring at the sky while everyone else partied in the cave.
"Hey" a voice said the moment a hand touched her shoulder. Immediately she turned her attention to Hal Jordan.
She didn't give him back any form of a greeting. They weren't exactly friends. He was the cool uncle to Wally, Roy and Dick. But to her..he was just Hal.
He fidgeted a bit under her stare and whistled, "Geez kid let your guard down will ya. Seriously the glare plus the blonde hair is giving me heavy Canary vibez. Did I ever tell you about the time she-
"Stop trying to appeal to me by talking about old times with my mentors wife. Just get to the point. What do you want", Artemis rushed.
Again Hal figited, "Whew, okay. Look I heard from BB earlier about you and the Kid".
Ugh, again. Seriously did Beast Boy tell everyone that walked past him.
Artemis shifted as her glare intensified, "Okay you heard so what.. Did you come to blame me for why he didn't show up to your stupid party for your new sidekick"
"Huh, No! Look I know he's suspended. I mean now i know. Definitely didn't know that earlier. Kid didn't even mention it when we caught up today" Hal instantly replied back.
Wait . Hal saw Wally… He saw him today?
In that moment as angry as Artemis was. She had know, she had to ask.
"H-how is he" Arteis murmured. Her voice soft her eyes glazed. She was entirely to vulnerable at the moment.
Hal softened at the sight, he knew that look. The look of being totally at war with your own heart. The look where you just wish you could hate someone. " I'm not sure. He was a bit distracted today. Kyle and I had to help him with Captain Cold We didn't talk much afterwards, I went straight to the cave and Kid went back to school.
"Oh".
Oh was all Artemis could say back. Hal didn't exactly leave her with much to go on.
He's distracted when fighting Captain Cold, that means he's at least affected by the breakup right?
But he's actually going to school, Artemis would've stayed "sick" if her mother hadn't pestered her.
Maybe he's not distracted after all.
Maybe he doesn't care.
Her thoughts were instantly interrupted as Hal spoke once more, "Look I know I'm probably the last person you want to talk to especially about Kid, but I'm kinda an expert on the whole breakup thing"
Huh. Artemis eyes narrowed of course hal was an expert on the break up thing. She pretty postive Wally learned all his stupid pick up lines from Hal.
"I don't want to hear about how you bounce back and play the field. Save that talk for your darling nephew" Artemis scoffed.
Hal looked confused for a moment before his blush and Artemis words truly sunk in, "Huh, oh wait wait. I didn't mean like that. I meant…..uh look.I get what your uh wow this is hard.. I uh"
"Just go away" Artemis mumbled.
"Look Artemis I didn't mean-
"GO AWAY" She yelled back, throwing her stupid party hat at Hal as well.
Unfortunately the hat wasn''t as heavy as she thought so instead of hitting the retreating green lanterns face , it simply floated on the ground.
Tears fogged her vision as she glared at the offensive flamingo pink hat in utter anger.
"Typical" she muttered as she stomped the hat flat into the ground. It was typical wasn't it .
Its typical that she gets the worse pep talk ever form the Justice league's manwhore of the year.
Its typical that while everyone is having the time of their life at this stupid party she's miserable.
It's really fucking typical that the one good thing she has in her life leaves.
It's all just so typical.
She closed her eyes and tried her best not to scream.
Why, Oh why can't I ever just have something. She wondered.
She waited, even thought she knew no one would answer. Even thought she knew she would be met with silence.
Except she wasn't met with silence.
The sound of pencil scribbles on paper rang in her head louder than a gong.
Her eyes opened.
There in the corner was Ion, scribbling on a notepad profousy.
"What the hell" Artemis yelled.
Ion flushed, instantly pushed the notepad up to his chest and cheekily replied, "Hey".
Hey? Hey? Is he foreal?
"Having fun" Ion added, instantly making Artemis want to kill him more.
He's so gaudy.
His stupid green lantern uniform is adorned with a cheap hawaiian t- shirt and an even cheaper mass amount of leis. His stupid black hair was messily sprawled under an exact replica of the flamingo pink hat Artemis had just thrown. And don't even get her started on his smile.
"What the fuck do you want teen nightlight. I just scared off your mentor, I don't have the patience for two lanterns" Artemis sneered.
Ion raised an eyebrow and whistled, "Whew, definitely marking you under the 'not having fun' section".
Ugh is he even for real.
"What do you want" Artemis bit out.
Ion shrugged an gestured to the sky, "Don't get much of this in LA , and I'm not really a party guy. Trust me you do not wanna see this try to dance. And that's all everyone's really doing besides eating and video games. So yeah went outside, saw you asked a question, got my head bit off and yeah did I miss anything".
" The pad" Artemis pressed.
Oh would you look there, Ion actually can look flustered, "It's a sketchbook, I was gonna draw the sky every hour since I'm stuck here for the next couple of months. I started when we first got here at 1 and well it just turned 10 soooo".
He's an artist? That made no sense. I mean, aren't artist suppose to be calm and collected.
"Let me see" Artemis proclaimed as she held her hand out for the book.
"What? No!" Ion nearly yelled back.
"Come on just let me see" Artemis pressed.
Reluctantly the black haired boy let go of the pad with a sigh. In less than a minute Artemis was shuffling through the pages gapping at the most amazing colored sketches.
Page one was absolutely gorgeous, the clear blue of the sky only paled to the shiine of an early afternoon sun.
Page two didn't disappoint, it was similar to page one but there was subtle changes. The shade of the sky was slightly darker the shadows of the trees smaller.
Page after page she was me with pure beauty. Everything was so realistic, so there that she almost forgot they were drawings. Then she saw it, page nine.
Page nine was what he was working on before she caught him. The dark blue of the sky was unfinished but still shone bright with the freckle of white stars surrounding it. The trees were shaded in a mysterious yet familiar way. The ocean reflected the moon and the sand puckered against the cave.
It was all so beautiful but none of it had her attention. There in the center of this beautiful scenery was her. Eyes closed and that stupid pink hat on floor. Her black kevlar suit wasn't shaded in and her braid was unfinished but it was obvious it was her.
From the fly aways to the thickness of the braid. Everything was so….. Exact. Every single detail of her.
Ion still flustered , blurted out, "I- I know I should've asked but when I see a shot…
"It's fine" Artemis cut in. "You -uh your really...good. I've never known anyone who could draw like this"
"Really? Thanks I definitely need to work a bit of my lines and schemes but…
Artemis flushed, is he joking. How could he possibly critique himself when he created ...that. "Are you kidding? The sky, the water, the trees. I've never seen something so amazing. I mean you made me look so pretty and- ".
"I just sketched what was in front of me".
Oh. Oh Artemis did not want to even think about how red her face must be.
Thankfully before she could say anything J'onn J'onzz 'The Martian Manhunter' fazed in front of the two.
"Artemis a word" The Martian Manhunter asked. Instantly Artemis nodded and before she could blink, J'onn had grabbed her arm and led her into a seperate room.
They weren't alone in the room. Hal, Batman, Nightwing, Flash, and Aquaman were there as well.
"Whats going on" Artemis asked Nightwing once they made eye contact.
Nightwing shrugged and opted to annoyingly slurp his drink instead, " Not sure, they've been keeping a tight lip. I thought maybe somebody was actually gonna talk to me about my brother but seeing as they brought you-
"There's been an incident." Batman instantly cut off.
Artemis nearly scoffed, there's always and incident. She expected Nightwing to interject bring the subject of his not so dead little brother back but he didn't instead he stared up at Batman.
"Who" Nightwing murmured.
Who? What is he talking about.
"Night-
"WHO" Nightwing yelled back.
He knew just as much as Artemis knew, they weren't there for a pleasant chat. Something was wrong, very wrong.
Wait! Where was Green Arrow, Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Canary.
" Superman is watching over Green Arrow to make sure he doesn't do anything he will later regret" J'onn said after reading her mind.
He.. What?
This time Artemis was the one staring at Batman, "Canary?"
"Is in Themyscira with Wonder Woman so she doesn't do anything she'll regret" Flash solemnly answered.
Oh. Oh no.
Artemis could literally hear the tears falling down Nightwing's face. She could literally feel the air leaving her body. Dinah and Ollie were under house arrest, it doesn't take a genius to know who was hurt.
"How bad" Nightwing weakly asked
Batman still in his stoic monotone voice answered, "Melvot prison was blown up Monday afternoon. 80,000,000 people died. Roy Harper also known as Speedy was one of the prisoners".
No.
"No! No your wrong" Nightwing hurriedly replied back. He had began to pace and quickly type on his phone. "I'm sure its a has o be a mistake, I mean I'll just cross check the prioner list with the-
Batman sighed plucked the phone out of Nightwing hands and said, "Nightwing you need to calm down-
"No"! Nightwing yelled out as he pounded on Batman's chest, desperately reaching for the phone "No he's fine, he's not there. He must have got out, he's not there. I mean why would he even be there? No, no Bruce please, please tell me he wasn't there. Please".
If anyone had noticed that Nightwing had yelled out Bruce they didn't show it.
Instead everyone pitifully looked at the crying teen. His glasses had fallen out in his rage letting his sparkling blue eyes shine bright with tears. His fist was balled up and red as he repeatedly hit his mentor with all his might.
Batman finally getting tired of the abuse grabbed the teens arms an pushed them to his side. Now with nothing to do but sob, Nightwing let his tears soak Batmans shoulder.
It was sad watching Batman hold his son. It was sad because Nightwing was not Nightwing. Standing there he looked so small, so broken.
Batman must have agreed for in no more than a second he turned his attention to Artemis."Inform the team Nightwing will be taking a leave of absence for a few weeks. As will Robin".
Artemis didn't even get the chance to nod before the caped crusader pressed a button on his belt and embraced the Zeta tube.
The light faded, Batman and Nightwing were gone. Nightwing was gone but Artemis could still hear his sobs.
'He's not, he's not'
Dick was right, he wasn't. He couldn't be….
Dead. Roy Harper was not…. He can't be dead.
Artemis and Roy had never been close. Sure they shared a mentor but by the time Artemis and Ollie began their mentorship, Roy had begun to sever his.
Artemis was always more in Ollies pocket. She watched as he worried himself sick about Roy. She could never understand why Oliver and Dinah put up with him, especially when the redhead made it clear he wanted nothing to do with any of the Arrow Family.
She remembered arguing with Roy about four months ago. She told him how stupid and pitiful he was being. And he told her she was just his stupid replacement what did she know. Then she threw his stash in the toilet and he broke her bow.
No, they had never been close so why does her heart hurt so much right now.
She felt the hand on her shoulder before she realized the tears falling down her face.
Flash
Oh god, Wally.
"Wh- Why isn't he here" Artemis asked through her sobs. "He should be here. We're fighting but he should be here. He shouldn't be alone, I know what Roy meant to him-
Flash bit his lip as he shuddered, Roy's death was obviously taking a toll on him as well"He doesn't know Artemis. Today he had, we had a bit of spat. He's on punishment and relieved from being Kid Flash for a while" Flash replied.
"So? He deserves to know, we have to tell him. Tell him and-
"And I will, but not the same day I took away his suit. Kids angry enough, besides this is news I wanna break to him gently not at 10:30 and night Okay." Flash interjected.
No! No it was not okay. None of this was okay. Wally wouldn't want to know after he gets his suit back or whenever Flash had planned. He would want to know now.
Mimicking Batman, Artemis pressed the some buttons on her own wrist and watched as the rest of the leagued faded with the light.
She pressed his phone number the minute she stepped onto the street and removed the glamour charm.
Tears still falling from her eyes she waited as the phone rung.
"Come on Wally pick up" she murmured as she l began walking down the barren cold streets.
Come on,Wally . Pick up
It didn't matter if they weren't together or if he was a jerk. None of it mattered at all. Not right now.
She waited. Waited until the last ring hung from the phone and fell on her ears. She waited until his stupid voicemail rang out and the stupid beep signaled she was recording. She waited until that very moment, to hang up.
She wants to tell him, god did she want to tell deserves more than anyone to know..but leaving a message. That wasn't the way.
She couldn't walk to his house. She had only been to his uncles and aunts home, and Flash did say they had a fight…..Wally probably was with his parents.
His parents.
It was in that moment Artemis realized she had never met his parents. Never talked to them, never seen them…..god was he ashamed of her all this time.
Maybe it was for the best. Most people didn't really find her friendly. His mom's probably some Suzie Q who bakes pie and his Dad is probably the happy go lucky business guy who wears his sons baseball number as a badge of honor. Hell his aunt and uncle did, so why would the parents be any different. She wouldn't belong in their happy ending.
She wouldn't have fit in with them at all.
She continued walking never once looking up from her thoughts to actually see where she was going. She continued walking despite her feet hurting, despite the cold gnawing her exposed legs. Despite it now being 1 o'clock in morning.
She continued walking until she was met with the familiar hue of brimstone brown. Tentatively she walked passed the open gate an towards the front porch of the large mansion.
She should've went home, she shouldn't be in another place where she doesnt fit in. She knows that.
But….Wally isn't the only person she's worried about. Biting her lip, she uses the ostentatious knockers to bang on the door.
Instantly she is met with her favorite butlers Jellmen solemn face.
He smiled, gestured for her to come in an led her to the fourth den. Inside was Oliver Queen and Superman.
Superman didn't really look like himself, he had these dorky glasses and the most ridiculous civies. But still, he looked better than Green Arrow.
Oliver was dressed down in sweats littered with dirt, grime and tears. He was sporting bloody knuckles, red eyes and defeated frown. In his hand he was clutching some paper tight, almost as if he wanted to embedded it in his skin.
He was broken.
Both men looked up to her upon her arrival. One with a slight smile, the other with small glance.
Walking up to Oliver, Artemis could not help but feel some sort of conflicting spell in her chest. He had lost, hadn't he. The long race of trying with Roy, Oliver had finally lost it all. And in the middle of it Ollie had lost himself as well.
Which was conflicting.
If there was one thing Roy and Artemis agreed on it was they are not the children of Green Arrow and Black Canary. No matter how much the public wants to wield this tale of super hero generations. Artemis was content with just being Ollie's sidekick, she had her mother anyways. And Roy, he was adopted but that was only so they could train in peace.
Naturally a normal mentor would be upset at their sidekicks passing, Artemis had seen it even with the Shadows. But also naturally a normal mentor would get over it. They wouldn't lose themselves, they wouldn't be this broken.
It was in this mosment she realized this wasn't normal, Oliver, Roy and Dinah's relationship wasn't normal.
It wasn't just a mentorship, was it?
In that moment Oliver said nothing, he looked right through Artemis. Just as he had Superman. He looked right through the both of them as if he was still waiting for something, for someone.
"Ollie" Arteis murmured. Again the man said nothing he just stared. "Ollie" Artemis tried again. At eye level she could see just how broken Oliver Queen was. Every crack in despair was deeper and harsher than she could imagine.
"Ollie this isn't your fault" Artemis said after a moment of silence.
That snapped Oliver out of whatever trance he was in. Instantly he shook his head and murmured " It is, it is"
Artemis shook her own head in response, "No, no it isn't Ollie. Roy was-
"It's my fault. I- I thought if I can't get him to stay off of 'em with me, maybe prison would do him some good. He can't get any in Melvot, it's too secure. I set him up, to be sent there. I did it! I killed him" Oliver yelled. He threw the paper on the floor in his fir of rage.
A photo of himself and an eight year old Roy.
No, this wasn't just a mentorship at all.
In that moment Artemis knew. Oh she knew, Oliver saw Roy as his son.
She didn't want to wonder if Roy saw this too.
Eyes now glassy she embraced Oliver as gently as she could and bit back a sob as the grown man cried on her shoulder.
Tuesday, Tuesday Night and Roy Harper was dead.
Okay so this was all originally one chapter but I lowkey hate when chapters are to long so I broke it up to two. I hope that wasn't to much for you guys.
Also these two chapters are just Tuesday from Artemis POV. Tuesday was ( CH. 7 and 8) the same day Wally woke up from the party, and got cut up. I got a request to show Artemis and the rest of the teams POV which was already coming up but now its sooner lol.
How did ya like it. I told you the Melvot mission was uber important. It fucks with a lot of people's lives. Oh btw currently writing Wally's reaction to it and yah, its gonna fuck up our freckle faced boy even more. How do y'all feel about the new characters? BTW every character is an actual DC character just with my own twist .
Karen aka Bumblebee God, how do I love Bumblebee forever a fav. Her relationship with Gizmo as well as Brother Blood will be explored in later chapters. Her eco friendliness is a nice nod to the recycle can near me while writing lol. Her and Victor were so fun to write.
Victor aka pre-Cyborg- Another favorite of mine. I had planned to introduce him earlier but it was never the right moment. After seeing him in the Young Justice Outsides and getting that pleasant request, I decided now was the time. He's such a hot head but solid fun.
Kyle aka Ion- I technically introduced Kyle in earlier chapters but I don't think You all really got to know his personality till now. He is such a clown, but with Hal as a mentor can you really blame him. Despite that, there is definitely a quieter calmer side of him. I know the flirting and jokes are gonna make people think he's just like Wally but he isn't. While they do share a lot of similarities, there are many differences especially calabar of jokes. Personally I find Wally west way funnier. If you read the comic you know that Kyle is usually friendly open faced lantern. Unlike most lanterns he got his ring for his vivid imagination not for bravery, so that causes a bit of self doubt. That also makes him the most creative lantern when it comes to using his ring. I will explore all of this in future chapters.
Also before I forget definitely planning other stories on other members of the Young Justice Team. While this one is on Wally, I have a lot of others I'd like to focus on. Let me know who you would like me to write on first.
Jason Todd, Roy Harper, Aqualad, Bumblebee, or Beast Boy. Please feel free to mention others, these are just the ones that I have planned stories on already.
Review Responses
thebestoftherest
Thank you for your review! I agree poor Wally lol. I honestly feel bad for all the stuff I have planned.
nomnomthegreat
Thank you for such a kind review! I am so pleased you like the story! I wish one day to write novels so your review literally made me beam. Thanks again!
grungekitty
Sorry lol
Ifonlywallywereabat
No, thank you so much for reading! Your review is honestly too kind, thank you. I'm sorry it took me so long to update.
WildlyLaughing
Thank you for reading and reviewing! Per your request i gave you some Artemis POV. I'm sorry if the constant Wally Jinx Pov was a little weird. I wanted to make sure the audience really knew them and their motivations before I introduced anyone else's. Guess I kinda got carried away lol. Is Artemis moving on? Hmmmmm that is question I have yet to answer myself. I think you can tell Kyle certainly has a thing for our bushy haired blonde, but does she have a thing for him…...who knows. She definitely wants to make things right with Wally again. I'm not sure if the main pairing is Wally and Jinx. While I enjoy writing about their budding relationship, I'm still not sure if they will be end game. Those two are definitely the main characters of this story but again I'm fickle and swerve between what I want for the end constantly. Yes! Other people will definitely butt in lol. Where is his team during all of this? I mentioned in earlier chapters that while the team does often try to hang out with him, they do not know where he lives. Because everyone doesn't know everybody's secret identity. I also think I mentioned in earlier chapters that the team is very aware Wally is distancing himself. There a chapter where Wally thinks of how certain members of the team have approached him about ignoring them. While Wally's abuse is nothing new, the amount is. In early chapters I mentioned that Iris and Barry's job promotions have caused him to have to spend more time at home, thus more time with his Dad. Because of this he has had to hide his injuries more and spend less time with his team. As for the team checking up on him, I think this chapter made it kinda clear that to most of the team Wally appears fine. There is nothing they think they have to check on. He is happy go lucky Wally when they see him, so they assume he is like that when they don't see him. To most of the team, when he is ignoring them ( really getting abused) they just assume he is hanging out in his civies with his friends. Because there all sure he has friends. In addition to all of that, everyone on the team has their own things going on as well.I've let you all get a grasp on Artemis and a bit on Dick, but Karen is a homeless teen running from Brother blood, Zatanna has lost her father to a mask, Aqualad has to live with the fact that his dad is a villian and the list goes on. So , yah in no way are they just using Wally for his powers. They care for him tremendously, and would hate it if they knew what was happening to him. But they are al in their early teens and this is usually the time where we tend to focus on ourselves and our perception of people instead of reality. Sorry this was so lengthy, hope I answered all your questions.
Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed. See ya soon!