Summary:Artemis Crock, sister to the notorious assassin Cheshire, daughter of the ruthless Sportsmaster and merciless Huntress. She was raised in the League of Shadows, groomed to become the killers like her relatives, but she didn't want that, not really. When the Justice League catches her, the Green Arrow offers her something she can't refuse. A chance at freedom. AU.
Chapter Six
When Artemis woke up in her 'room' she groaned in frustration at the memory of her breakdown with Wonder Woman. She hoped no one else would mention it. The pre-teen sat up uneasily, her head was pounding slightly most likely from a lack of water.
Get up lazy before Father gets here.
Artemis could practically hear Jade's voice echoing in the room. There were times when Artemis didn't wake up promptly at the time her father wanted her to. Jade hardly needed sleep, so she was always up and ready. She would make sure Artemis was ready to, this way they both avoided his rage.
"Artemis get up," hissed Jade causing Artemis to jerk awake.
Her storm cloud eyes looked around frantically as she sat up in her bed, panic flickered across her face, but quickly went away. It was just Jade.
"Jade," Artemis said, one brow raised, "What is it? It's not even past 4, why-"
Artemis didn't get the chance to finish when their father all but threw their door open. When the door collided with the wall, both girls visibly jumped at the sudden noise. The four year old Artemis jumped to her feet while Jade simply stood straighter in her spot.
Jade had known her father intended to do a surprise attack on them, specifically Artemis and Jade wanted to ensure her sister was awake before he arrived. This way, she wouldn't be too caught off guard.
Even though that wasn't helping Artemis much in case of an emergency and she was alone, Jade figured her sister deserved a break. Any other day he came in to make sure they were awake and ready, they were hardly ready at this point, barely awake.
"Already up then," said their father, his eyes narrowed at Jade.
She glared at him, "I'm taking her on a morning run. Training for either of us doesn't begin until 7 today."
Their father scoffed, "Sure, that's what you were doing. Artemis, step forward."
It took the strength of a thousand people for Jade not to grab her sister's arm and pull her back.
"Go through the forms I showed you yesterday, Jade do your morning series," said the cold voice of Sportsmaster, "I'll be back soon. When I get back, you're both starting training earlier."
Artemis shook away the memory. It was a random morning, but it stuck with her because of the day that followed. That had been the worst, or one of the worst she should say, days of training in her life. Most of the time, Artemis enjoyed training because she could lose herself in the motions.
Two days ago, she had been allowed to go to one of empty training rooms with Arrow and Batman. Originally it had only been Arrow, but Batman had passed by and watched her fight the robots and run through her forms. Artemis knew that Arrow was impressed with her, she couldn't tell if Batman was though.
Wonder Woman had joined the viewing party shortly after the first batch of training bots was destroyed. The heroine had showed a bit of admiration and had actually complimented her on her technique. Even offered to spar with her one day, teach her some moves much to Batman's annoyance. Not that Artemis could really tell, but she assumed the clenching of his jaw was meant as a sign he didn't like it.
She also assumed that had to do with Arrow's comment about her being more skilled than the boy Wonder, Robin. Batman was clearly protective of his sidekick and Artemis couldn't blame him. His counterpart, Bruce Wayne, adopted the orphaned circus child. Richard Grayson's parents were murdered before his eyes, just like that of the billionaire. Artemis sighed. Speaking of the billionaire, there he was.
Batman had just knocked on the door to see Artemis sitting in her bed looking disjointed and somber. The girl was a strange entity, but he was glad to have found her. The tip he received from someone Aquaman had been in contact with proved good. A rescue of sorts had been put in place for Artemis and would have been put in place for her sister as well had the other assassin stayed put for a minute longer.
Aquaman had said two girls needed to be freed from the shadows, that one way or another they needed help. Batman didn't know anything about them, only that they were both under 20 years old and being raised in a dark place. The only reason Batman agreed to help was for future allies and for the sake of the kids who didn't get a childhood.
"Good you're awake," said Batman monotonically.
He remembered what Wonder Woman and Arrow had said about what happens after Artemis left the monitor room. How upset she was. At first Batman had been a little bitter about it, at least her parents were still alive. However what Diana told him made sense.
Imagine knowing that the people you love are alive, but you can never see them again. That they exist in this world, but you will never see or hear of them.
It almost seemed as bad as death, not quite, but still terrible.
Artemis stood from her seat, pushing the covers away, "Yeah… what's up?"
"You leave with Arrow in less than an hour," stated Batman, "Follow me."
The dark knight turned on his heel, Artemis followed after him a moment later. She figured he was probably going to give her another talk about doing what Arrow says and not screwing up.
"If you're going to lecture me about not screwing up, you can save your breath," said Artemis as she quickened her pace to keep up with Batman's strides, "I know what's at stake."
"Exactly what is that," questioned Batman, though he already knew.
Artemis focused ahead, "Freedom to some extent. My mom really… what did Arrow mean, when he said you had pulled it off? Or really how had you pulled it off, with the body?"
Batman looked down at her, "Unimportant."
"I think it's pretty important, how could you get a fake body with dna that was mine all over it," asked Artemis, her eyes on Batman now.
"It's none of your concern Artemis," Batman said, using her name for the first time, "If you must know one thing, know this. I had two 'bodies' and dna samples prepared."
Artemis jumped in front of him, "You had one for Jade to? Was the facility a set up for us? Why did you want Jade or I?"
"Prove yourself not to be a threat or loyal, whichever comes first, and I'll answer your questions," answered Batman flatly.
Artemis folded her arms over her chest, she looked like she wanted to argue, but something stopped her. She froze in her tracks.
"How could I possibly be loyal or not be a threat," Artemis asked bitterly, "I was born to be a killer. The child of the ruthless brute Sportsmaster and the merciless killer Huntress…."
Artemis looked away, her shoulders sagged. Batman could practically see the burden she carried on those small shoulders, a burden too heavy for a child to bare. He felt a bit sorry for her. Looking down at her, she really looked like the twelve year old girl that she was.
His tone never changed though, "You don't have to be a killer. The choice is yours."
Artemis looked at him, "It's not that simple. Jade and I, we had a legacy to uphold…. we-we would take control of the Shadows one day."
This was news to Batman, he hadn't expected that. The League If Shadows wasn't one to have heirs or inheritance, but given recent works with the League of Assassins, Batman wasn't too surprised. Artemis stepped in front of a window, looking out into space.
"You and your sister were heirs," Batman inquired.
"Three of us were heirs to the shadows," said Artemis sadly, "myself Jade and another boy, we weren't allowed to know his name and he wasn't allowed to know ours."
"Did you ever meet him," Batman asked curiosity.
Artemis nodded, "Several times…. Jade had been cut out of the inheritance years ago, it was placed on me and the boy, but when I was nine, he was killed."
"So you were their last heir," Batman said.
Artemis nodded again, a slight grin on her face, "Yeah… I suppose with me gone it will fall to Jade. Not that she would accept it, she hates being tied down."
"Perhaps you will see her again on better terms," commented Batman, "in the meantime hold out your wrist."
Artemis lifted her left arm a bit warily, "Alright."
With her left arm suspended in air, the Batman pulled out what looked like a charm bracelet. Artemis watched as he clicked into place. It felt warm against her wrist, she figured from the electricity that was inside of it.
A tracker no doubt, probably a shock bracelet similar to a shock collar used on dogs. Artemis was prepared to make a remark about it, but decided not to say anything when the bat started to speak.
"This bracelet will work as a tracker and as an extra watcher. Should you decide to run away or out a range of League member, it will shock you and give you five minutes to get back in range."
"And what if they leave me," Artemis asked, "I mean I know Arrow and Canary aren't going to be with me 24/7, his sidekick isn't a league member so what if they leave?"
"It will recognize any League member, hero or sidekick, and as long as you are in a certain range it will not be a problem," answered Batman, "If you ignore it, then it will release an injection that will render you unconscious. If you decide to try and gain access to anything in the Justice League system without permission, the bracelet with shut down whatever computer or device you use," explained Batman simply, "When you have gained the trust of your team and the League is when it will be removed. Do you accept?"
Artemis studied the silver chain and found the charms on it to be the most interesting. Each charm represented a memory of her times here she suspected, the Oreo for the Martian, the moon from Diana, the arrow from Oliver, a star from Superman and she smirked at the bat. Though she had to admit she was slightly pleased to see that Batman had given her a charm.
"It looks nice," said Artemis as she let her hand fall to her side, the charms brushing her skin, "I accept. Your terms."
Batman nodded, "Good. Follow me, Arrow's waiting for us."
Artemis spent the ride with Oliver in silence, she wasn't in the mood to talk and Oliver wasn't too eager to talk either. He was nervous about bringing Artemis into his home. Though he was certain it would go well, he knew Dinah wasn't completely on board and Roy was even further than his wife. Besides he was also concerned with whether or not Artemis would adjust to this life well.
For the first part of the ride they rode in almost complete silence aside from the noise the ship made, but Oliver couldn't really stand the not talking. So he filled the quiet by telling her some stories, mainly about a mission of no consequence or even something about Dinah and Roy.
Even though Artemis never looked at him, Oliver knew she was listening. Despite everything she had done or been through, she was still a child who was lacking a childhood. It broke Oliver's heart if he was being honest, he hoped while she stayed with him he could give her some semblance of one.
After an extra hour of travel after their landing to make sure Oliver Queen wasn't seen as Arrow and that Oliver Queen wasn't seen with a child in tow, they had to take a lot of strange routes and back roads. Artemis didn't mind really, she was along for the ride at this point.
It would be an adjustment and her fear had risen since landing back on the planet, but she was confident in her story of the Shadows did come for her. If they happened to, she would say she was spying on the League and trying to get away would be foolish. Though after inspecting the bracelet on her, she could think of at least thirty ways to get out of it.
The problem was it each option would notify them immediately and she would need at least fifteen seconds. Until she could figure that part, she had a somewhat excuse for the Shadows. She imagined her father would be less than pleased with her for taking so long to escape, he got annoyed when she didn't get out fast enough.
That was the best thing she learned from the Shadows, being able to escape any and all traps. It was the most useful thing really. The only trap Artemis usually struggles with were mazes, Jade was brilliant at those. There really wasn't a trap Jade couldn't get out of, Artemis lacked this, but came up in everything except mazes. They confused her and she got frustrated too easily when it came to them.
"Here we are," Oliver said as the car stopped in the garage, "Welcome to Queen Manor."
Artemis had seen it in pictures and when they passed by, but she wasn't paying attention and neither had Oliver really. Both of them were distracted by their own thoughts. Artemis stepped out of the car after Oliver and looked around the incredibly too big garage with too many cars that were probably never used.
The pre teen forced herself not to growl, she really couldn't stand overly rich people. They never seemed to use their money appropriately. Though technically she thought Queen and Wayne used their money well since they were making weapons and fighting crime.
"Why so many cars," asked Artemis as they walked forward.
Oliver sighed, "They were my dad's and I didn't have the heart to get rid of them."
Artemis nodded, she supposed that made sense. Inside was even bigger and more unnecessary. It would be quite the adjustment, that much Artemis already knew. However she didn't have time to dwell and take in the new place she would call 'home'. Oliver was already walking away and she wasn't in the mood to be roaming around or be accused of running away or setting off the charm bracelet.
Artemis looked down at her wrist then, it didn't feel any different so she figured it's range was either incredibly long or flexible. Artemis quickly caught up to Oliver who was briefly explaining where things were, what doors lead to where. He didn't really say where she couldn't go or where she could go, Artemis had a feeling Dinah would be the one to tell her the rules. Oliver tended to be more laid back, but he had a slightly strict side.
The pair arrived to the kitchen to see Dinah wearing civilian clothes, jeans and a black shirt. Beside her was a teenaged boy with auburn hair and dark eyes, Roy Harper.
"Hey just in time," Dinah said, "I was about to order pizza."
Oliver grinned, "I love pizza."
Roy rolled his eyes, then brought his gaze to Artemis. She was smaller and looked much younger than he had expected. Dinah said the assassin was a kid, but the heroes tended to call anyone under 21 a kid. Yet he shouldn't have been surprised to see a girl who could barely pass for ten years old.
"So you're Artemis, the Shadow girl," Roy said keeping his eyes on Artemis.
The young blonde nodded, "Yes and you're Roy, also known as Speedy."
Roy replied, "A ridiculous name, but yes. You'll be here with us for awhile, with Dinah and Oliver busy with the league, I'll end up being the babysitter more often than not."
Artemis wanted to retort at the term babysitter, but decided against it. Roy was similar to how her sister described him, she had to wonder if Roy knew they were related. As far as Artemis knew, Jade never mentioned that he knew she even existed.
"It looks that way," Artemis answered somewhat cautious.
"I'll be watching you very carefully," Roy said, his tone a bit darker than Artemis was prepared for, "If and when you mess up, I'll be there."
"Roy," Dinah scolded.
Roy glanced at her, "Just making a point." "Cut it out," Dinah said curtly, "She is a guest and will be treated as such."
"Yes ma'am," Roy said reluctantly.
Oliver clapped his hands together, "So what pizza are we getting?"
That night
Sleep didn't find Artemis. The alarm clock beside her bed read 2:47, the dim green lights barely giving her shapes of the items on the night table. She had expected her first night here would be difficult despite the comfortable bed she was lying in. After all, she was in the house of a senior member of the Justice League, along with two other members. One a middle member and the other a barely sidekick.
It was clear to see he would not be her biggest fan, and honestly she couldn't blame him. If she had been in his shoes, she wouldn't have been so willing to accept a stranger let alone an assassin. Artemis turned on her back trying to get comfortable, but to no avail. It would be a miracle if she actually achieved any semblance of sleep.
Part of her was tempted to continue lying in the dark, but the stronger side of her decided to leave her new room and do a bit of exploring. The closer she got to a restricted area, the warmer her little bracket tracker would get.
It helped to avoid places, however it was annoying because she knew learning all of her surroundings would be near impossible. Plus pushing the limits of her freedom was not a good idea. It had barely been twelve hours since her arrival to this manor, she couldn't blow it yet.
Despite the situation, she immensely prefered the Watch Tower to this giant house. Artemis may have spent several hours training in elaborate compounds, but a lot of her time was spent her apartment in Gotham. Her parents lived there, Jade and herself were born there. It was home.
Three bedrooms, a kitchen and living room along with two bathrooms. When Artemis was an infant to early childhood she had her own room which allowed Jade her own space. However by the time she was six, around the time when her mother was arrested and paralyzed, she and Jade shared a room. It made finding them easier and allowed them use the extra room for exercises and training.
Artemis sighed as she walked down the carpeted halls, her blonde hair hanging loosely around her face. It spent so much Ike in a ponytail that at night she usually let it hang down. On rare occasions would she wear her hair down with anything there to see.
Though Talia often told her to train with it down. If her hair was really that much of a distraction, then it should be cut. Artemis didn't want to cut her hair though, so she would endure it constantly getting in the way until she could work around it. Eventually she managed to, much to Talia's annoyance and approval. The demon heir really just wanted to cut her hair, but she wouldn't take away one of the few freedoms Artemis had.
After several minutes of wandering, Artemis found the kitchen with one light still on. She went to the fridge and got a bottle of water, this way her endless wandering wouldn't leave her empty handed. As she opened the bottle of water, she froze in her spot when she heard faint footsteps and slightly labored breathing.
Roy.
Artemis turned around today we him standing in the doorframe roughly fifteen away from. His eyes were narrowed at her, his Auburn hair darker than normal due to sweat or unless he showered then just water.
"What are you doing," he asked her gruffly.
Artemis held the bottle of water up, but said nothing. The way Jade talked about Roy, Artemis expected him to be more hostile. Apparently he was a teen with anger issues and generally suspicious of his own shadow.
"Cheshire spoke of Alice, I assume that's you," Roy said.
Artemis shrugged, again choosing not to speak. Roy was not someone she wanted to be bothered with. Not because she was afraid, but simply because he was a nuisance she didn't care for. Besides it was only a matter of time before he start asking questions she can't answer. It wasn't the time for a fight.
Roy sighed, clearly agitated, "What, cat got your tongue?"
"I'd rather not waste the air," remarked Artemis, her chin held high, "Besides, anything I say to you will fall on deaf ears. Give Cheshire my regards or don't, either way I don't care."
"I saw her earlier tonight on my patrols," Roy said, his tone flat, "She thinks your dead."
"I know that," hissed Artemis, "What are you trying to say? That it bothers you to see her knowing her sister is alive and say nothing? That you're glad to see us suffer?"
"Suffer," Roy asked with an eyebrow raised, "You think you're suffering? You think she knows what suffering is?"
Artemis growled and moved faster than she ever had. Attacking him would not put her in good standing with the league, but she didn't care. His thinly veiled threat against her sister was not something she would let slide.
At the last second he ducked away from her, his reflexes were fast, but she was faster. Her smaller size and extensive training gave her the advantage she needed to catch his ankle as he tried to flip away. Against a slower target, he would have gotten away and into a defensive stance. Since her hand caught his ankle, she tugged hard stopping his momentum and forcing him to the ground.
In a heartbeat she was on his back, pressing his shoulder blades down with her knees. A hand on each upper arm, the weight of her body keeping him down. There were ways he could escape from her hold, it wasn't very secure and she wasn't very strong. Her words would be brief.
"You would have gotten away if you hadn't tried to show off with a flip," Artemis mocked
"Go to hell," Roy hissed at her, his face pressed against the floor.
Artemis our more weight him on him in warning, she leaned down and bared her teeth as she spoke into his ear, "You don't know anything about my life. Cheshire and I don't get along, but I love her and if add to her pain in anyway, I will kill you."
Roy smirked despite his position, "Threatening me isn't going to help your case here or appearance. You step out of mine and they'll lock you away."
"Hurt my sister and they will do more than lock me away," Artemis challenged.
She shoved him down and got off him, she needed to calm down. Once he told Dinah and Oliver about this incident, the conversation would not go well. Remaining calm during that altercation was a priority.
Artemis took her water and walked away, leaving Roy alone in the kitchen. His own anger rushing through his veins.