A/N: Chapter is shorter than I wanted, but it ends on just the right note. Anyway hope you guys enjoy the chapter, a bit of jumping around from place to place, but two new and important faces make an appearance.

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 Seven

Roy wanted to go after her, to keepi fighting her until he won like he knew he should have, but he didn't move once he stood up. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, but as the echoes of a previous conversation entered his mind with a certain assassin and his anger lessened.

Cheshire was the last person he would dare call a friend, but he could not deny that two had a level of respect for each other. While not enough trust existed, Roy could not deny that there was something between them that neither could entirely deny.

He shut his eyes, the echoes of her voice rang in his ears as the memory came to mind.

"My sister is-" the assassin stopped speaking, as if the air had taken from her lungs, she forced the words out, "my sister is dead Harper."

Roy stuffened at the use of his last name from her, "Alice right. She's really gone?"

Cheshire glared at him through the mask, "Dead."

"What will you do," Roy asked, his eyes narrowing, but his frown conveyed sorrow.

Cheshire drew in a sharp breath, she looked away from him out over the city, "I don't know… better watch your back with those good doers. I intend to make a point."

"Is that so? Why tell me this," Roy asked with a furrowed brow, "I could go back and te-"

"You won't because then you'd had to admit that you haven't entirely lost touch with your quote on quote evil side," Cheshire interrupted darkly, "I'm letting you know because for some reason I'm fond of you. When the League goes to hell, either be prepared or be gone."

Roy stared at her for a moment, "A warning. Warning me of the danger to come."

Cheshire nodded once, "Alice was more valuable to a lot of organizations, more so to her family. When the time is right, your league will pay for her death."

Roy released a heavy sigh. Dealing with Cheshire may not have been his favorite past time, but it was something he couldn't deny enjoying. Tonight had been different, he saw her pain, could feel it coming off of her and hear it when she spoke.

She warned him to be prepared for an attack, Roy knew he wouldn't be able to tell anyone though. That would cause too many problems, he'd have to play his cards right, but for now, he needed to sleep.

"You shouldn't antagonize her like that," Dinah said coming out from her spot in the shadows, "Our job is to watch her, look out for her, not bait her." Roy crossed his arms over his chest, of course Dinah would be here now.

"She attacked me first," Roy huffed, his tone aggravated.

Dinah raised an eyebrow, "Are you seriously saying she started it now? Artemis is young, she's alone and hiding her terror incredibly well. Her family thinks she's dead, you threaten her sister and she's just supposed take that?"

Roy said rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Has everyone gone mental? She's a child assassin, raised to kill and fight. Just because her family thinks she's dead doesn't give her a pass, neither should her age."

Dinah narrowed her eyes, her voice caused the temperature to turn cold, "Are you seriously being this childish? She's twelve years old, almost thirteen who has spent her whole life being used as a pawn for bigger players and lord knows what she has suffered at their hands. You were imprisoned by the Shadows before, or did you forget their torture? Who's to say she didn't go through worse simply for being born into it!"

Roy released an aggravated breath at her mention of his time in the Shadows hands. How they nearly broke him and he had hardly been the same since then.

"You're transferring your anger at the Shadows onto this girl," Dinah continued, though her tone softened slightly.

"Regardless of what happened with me, I know she is dangerous," Roy replied bitterly.

Dinah acknowledged this, "I never said she wasn't. You were dangerous when Ollie and I took you in, but look at you now. Still dangerous, but fighting for a good cause. Why can't the same be offered to her?"

Roy gave no answer.

"I know the situation is not ideal, but I am asking that you be civil with her," Dinah said, her tone borderline pleading, "Alright? Please don't try to push her."

Roy wanted to argue, he desperately wanted to yell and scream about this entire situation, but he held his tongue. He nodded once and walked away.

Location: Wayne Manor

Richard, Dick, Grayson liked to think himself observant, especially since the lessons his guardian had given him over the past few months he'd been here. The past couple of days, Dick noticed that something wasn't quite right with Bruce Wayne or Batman.

Both personas had a slight edge to them, especially when he returned from his more frequent visits to the watchtower. Though Batman informed Robin about a new prisoner on the watchtower, he had no idea who it was, where they were from, how they got caught or even why they would be brought to the watchtower.

It seemed crazy to think a prisoner was so dangerous that they had to be close by to the League to be guarded. Though from what Robin had gathered from a conversation he was eavesdropping on the other day, he learned that the prisoner was a girl, Alice and she would be staying with Arrow. The conversation had been between Batman and Wonder Woman.

Dick leaned back in his chair, he had spent the better part of the morning hacking into one of the Leagues softwares trying to find out more about the prisoner. He got in for a solid five minutes before Bruce opened his door, expression a mix of pride and annoyance.

"Dick, what are you doing," Bruce asked walking in, just as his computer crashed due to the virus Bruce placed in it.

"Darn it," Dick said with a dramatic sigh, "I was practicing my hacking and detective skills. I want to learn about the prisoner Alice, but you won't tell me anything so I've had to do digging on my own."

"I said I would tell you once everything was handled, not before or during," Bruce stated, his tone was bored, but Dick could see the faint amusement on his face.

Dick shrugged, he wore a half hearted grin, "I'm impatient. Why is it called impatient anyway? Why not jus say, not patient. Why the im?"

Bruce stared down at the barely eleven year old boy, "Very well. Alice is her code name."

"Yeah, partnered with Cheshire," Dick interrupted, his blue eyes lit up, "From the League of Shadows. A great and near unstoppable duo, hardly ever even seen. I'm pressed."

Bruce shook his head with a faint grin, Robin had a thing about words and finding their middle or neutral form. Pressed meant he wasn't impressed, but he wasn't unimpressed either.

"Yes, well known amongst heroes and villains alike," Bruce replied with a nod, his tone grew serious, "Her real name his Artemis Crock, she's about thirteen years old. Aquaman gave me a tip about Alice and Cheshire, about wanting to get them out of the Shadows."

Dick titled his head to the side, he nodded slowly, "So it was like a rescue mission? Were they forced to do those things?"

"In a manner of speaking, but from what we've gathered she and Cheshire did what they did for reasons involving family," Bruce answered with a sigh, "Artemis is staying with Oliver for the time being. She's providing information about the Shadows and could one day join the Justice League."

Dick grinned at that, "You mean you're considering that proposal I came up with Aqualad and KF?"

"It was never either of your proposals," Bruce stated, his tone a little too cold for Dick's liking, "It's possible and almost likely that you and the others would replace us Leaguers down the line."

"And wouldn't a strike team be a great way to start," said Dick with a knowing look, "None of us are ready now, no where near actually, but I think one day it would be good for us sidekicks to be in your shoes."

"Perhaps," Bruce acknowledged with a nod.

"Anyway, back to Artemis, when can me and the other's meet her," Dick asked leaning forward, looking at Bruce expectantly.

"Who said anything about meeting her," Bruce asked, the question rhetorical.

"I did, just now," Dick answered cheekily, he ran fingers through his raven hair, "Come on Bruce. You can't say it wouldn't be safe, I can handle myself since you taught me well and are still teaching me. You and other leaguers would be there to. Besides I'm sure Roy has already met her because of living arrangements."

"Richard, the answer is no," Bruce said, finality in his voice.

Dick made a face at the use of his name, he replied smoothly enough, "Will you give me a reason why? I've been fighting beside you for weeks, months now even. Soon to be years. What is so bad that I can't meet her? Maybe all she needs is friend."

"And you would do that," Bruce asked surprised, "She is not to be trusted. Do not let her age or appearance fool you."

"I wouldn't trust her, but I don't see the harm in offering her a friend of sorts," Dick said, his tone a bit defensive.

Bruce took a quiet breath, the echoes from the conversation with Diana and Oliver about the girl. How when they saw her in one of the training rooms, they knew she would make an excellent asset. Not to mention how they both thought it would be good for her to meet Robin.

Batman analyzed her abilities in comparison to Robin's, he was biased towards Robin, but he knew Artemis would likely best him in close range. Robin did best away from people, Bruce had a feeling Artemis did better at close range, though he couldn't be sure.

It had intrigued him, the idea of the two of them sparring, but Bruce did not want her near his ward at all. However he knew he was letting his protectiveness of his ward get in the way.

"Fine," Bruce said after a brief moment of pause, "Oliver will be reporting to myself and few other members about her. If she is deemed no longer a severe threat, I will arrange a meeting between the two of you."

Dick's eyes grew wide, he jumped up in excitement, "Yes! I think she'll join us, who wouldn't?"

Bruce shook his head, already regretting his decision.

Location: Queen Manor

When Artemis woke up the next morning, at five o'clock, she was nervous to leave her room. The anxiety came from her altercation with Roy, she did attack him after all and she felt like she was already on thin ice with the League.

How could she justify her attack? That she was angry or that he threatened her, both were somewhat true, but still. To blow off some steam, she did several exercises and stretches to try and keep her mind off the possible confrontation from either Oliver or Dinah.

It started out as simple exercises, but it quickly turned into her fending off at least ten imaginary attackers. Her skin shined with sweat as she finally stopped her movements to catch her shaky and labored breathing. Stopping was not something she could ever do, the idea was beaten out of her by the time she was eight.

"You must find a way to keep going," said Talia with a stoic expression as she stared down at the eight year old girl, "Regardless of how tired you are, how sore your muscles have become, how much pain pulses through your body. You must not stop."

Artemis gasped for air, "That's impossible! I'd have to stop, if even for a brief moment."

The dagger Talia held was suddenly at her throat before Artemis could blink. Her eyes widened in surprise, she jumped away, but Talia caught her arm in tight grip. Dark green eyes bore into her grey ones, Artemis swallowed her nerves as she tried to stare defiantly at the young woman.

The knife was pressed against her skin, Talia hissed, "You see what happened when you took a moment? I got the upper hand and now, I can kill you with the simple flick of my wrist."

"You could, but you won't," Artemis said with hard tone.

Talia applies more pressure to the blade, a small bit of blood appeared, "You want to bet I won't?"

Artemis took a shuddering breath, "You can't. You said it yourself, I'm the best heir to the Shadows. You kill me, you deal with the League of Shadows and Ra's Al Ghul. While skilled and powerful, you cannot fend them off."

Talia quirked an eyebrow at the girl, a smirk grew on her face, "Interesting you know that."

Talia shoves Artemis away, she fell onto her back with a thud and gasp as the wind was knocked out of her. The older woman was on top of her in an instant, Artemis struggled to keep her emotions in control as fear began to fill her.

"Let's take it from the top," Talia said with a sweet smile that looked twisted and sadistic on the woman's face, "If you stop for even a moment, you get a new scar. Understood?"

Artemis shook the memory away. The cuts along her upper arms were a testament to the technique Talia Al Ghul used against her eight year old self. It was safe to say after that day, Artemis could not stop or hesitate. From that point on, she could only get act after a spit second of thought for her plan.

Those months with the League of Assassins had never been pleasant, but she did learn a lot of her most valuable skills from them. The hours were long, the training harsh, but she handled it better than anyone could have predicted.

Knocks at the door started Artemis bringing her completely back to the present.

"Hey Artemis, it's Dinah," called the Black Canary, "You mind if I come in?"

Artemis scrunched her brow in confusion, wondering why the woman was asking at all.

"Uh, yeah I guess," said Artemis unsurely.

The door opened to reveal Dinah wearing a t-shirt that was too big for her, probably Oliver's Artemis assumed, and black pants. The woman offered her a genuine smile, it didn't ease Artemis' concerns though.

"What did you need," Artemis asked still standing her in her spot, "Is it about last night?"

"Roy shouldn't have said what he did," Dinah told her before the young girl could continue, "Though you shouldn't physically attack him for that, but I won't say he didn't deserve it."

Artemis tilted her head to the side, "Really? I thought you'd be angry."

Dinah shrugged, she folded her arms over her chest, "I'm not pleased, but I'm not angry either. If you must fight back, use your words before your fists."

Artemis glanced away from the woman, those words were opposite to what Artemis had been taught. Even though the assassin didn't always agree with the Shadows, she found it was definitely easier to fight first and talk later.

"I know this isn't easy for you, with what's happened now and throughout your life," Dinah started, her voice sounded understanding and even reassuring, "But Oliver and I will be here to help you. With whatever you need. You may not believe that, but I promise it is true."

Artemis licked her lips, she lifted her head so grey eyes matched the woman's, "I don't believe you like you have no reason to believe in me."

"Maybe not, but I mean what I say," Dinah said with a soft smile, "Now, you like pancakes? Ollie makes the best ones."

Artemis bit her lip, "I've never had them before. Father said they offered no nutritional value, so Jade and I weren't allowed to eat them. Though Jade said they were good when she tried them with her friend."

Dinah made a face of mock offense, it brought a weak smile to Artemis' face, "Now that is tragedy. Come on, you are in for a treat."

Location: Atlantis

Aqualad had hardly been able to sleep this week, his mind continued to wander back to the girl on the watchtower dubbed Alice. It had taken him far too long to finally reveal her and her sister, he regretted not doing t sooner, but he knew the timing was right.

"Kaldur," said the hero named Aquaman who swam over to the fifteen year old boy.

Aqualad, his real name Kaldur'ahm, turned to look at his mentor and King. His skin was brown like milk chocolate, shaved blond hair and striking teal eyes. The teen bowed to show his respect to the King.

"None of that," said Aquaman with a dismissive hand wave, "What are you doing out here at this hour?"

Kaldur turned away to look out at the open waters, he could make out the city of Atlantis from the balcony, "Much weighs on my mind my king."

"Such as," prompted the Atlantian King.

The young boy answered dejectedly, "The one they recovered from the League of Shadows, Alice."

Aquaman nodded in understanding, "She is safe Kaldur, I assure you as far as I know she is just fine."

"Perhaps," said Kaldur softly, "But it took me too long to finally help her after what she had done for me."

"You burden yourself too much Kaldur, you did everything you could and she is now safe because of your efforts," assured Aquaman with a knowing expressions

The Atlantian teen nodded even though he was not convinced, "If you say so my king."

Aquaman inquired gently, "Are you sure you would not like to see her? I'm sure she would remember you."

"I am sure my king," said Aqualad, his tone and expression sorrowful, "To her I am dead. I feel it would be unwise to overwhelm and add another surprise to her life."

"That's understandable, hopefully you will get the chance to see her again," Aquaman said with a nod, "In the meantime come along Kaldur'ahm."

"Where to your majesty," questioned Aqualad as he came to the King's side.

Aquaman smiled, "A mission of course."

"Of course," echoed Aqualad with a smirk.