A/N: Hey Leaguers, sorry for the long delay, life has been pretty rough these past few months. I'm thinking about making this story a two parter, the first part focusing on Artemis growing with the League and the second part focusing on her time with the Young Justice team. Undecided at the moment, so let me know what you guys think!

Chapter Eight

Artemis had to admit, she was bored. Sitting in 'her room' as she spun around in her desk chair wondering what else could she do with her time. Dinah has decided leaving a twelve year old in her own with nothing to do other than train or watch tv, which Artemis had taken a liking to, that she needed something else. Homework had been added. It was difficult stuff which Artemis didn't necessarily mind so much, she usually completed it quickly enough. The problem came once she was done.

Three months she had remained under house arrest, she had not stepped foot outside this place. Not even on the porch or balcony. The closest she came to setting foot outside was standing too close to the windows. The manor could always have possible paparazzi people hiding somewhere, the last thing anyone here needed was the media realizing Oliver Queen was housing a child other than Roy. Artemis had to agree it would cause problems, but still she was going crazy here.

She stopped spinning to look at the window seat not to far away, the one she technically couldn't use if the curtains were open. They weren't, she had closed them so if she wanted to sit there she could. The spot was mainly used for when she wanted to meditate, otherwise she wouldn't use it often. Though this morning's meditation had gone horribly for the pre teen. Knocks filled her ears, she jumped to her feet and looked to her left at the door.

"Hey Artemis, it's Oliver," called the owner of the house, "Can I come in?"

Artemis sat down again, "Come on in."

Oliver opened the door slowly, "Hey shadow girl, how's it going here?"

Artemis raised an eyebrow at him. It was such a stupid question, though she wouldn't tell him that. She had to remind herself that he wasn't mocking her or trying to be rude, he most likely was just curious and wanted to check on her. The idea seemed weird to her, but everyone she had encountered since her 'arrival' was strange to her.

"Hanging in there," was all Artemis said as she spun away from him to look back at her completed homework.

Oliver walked over to her desk and looked at her work. She felt uncomfortable with him standing beside her and judging her work, but she said nothing to express her discomfort.

"Nice work," praised Oliver with a smile, "You're one smart kid."

Though Artemis enjoyed the praise, she outwardly brushed it off, "It was easy work."

Oliver chuckled, "I'm sure. Anyway I didn't come here to check on your homework, i have something to tell you. A bit of good news."

This intrigued Artemis. Usually if there was news at all, it was simply just updates on the Shadows movements. That was never particularly good or bad, just news to Artemis really. Though she did pay close attention whenever her sister was mentioned, usually Roy was the one to say the most about Cheshire. Their relationship was weird to Artemis, but she had to admit she hoped they remained friends or whatever they were.

Jade was fond of him for some reason, whenever she spoke of him she would have a hint of a smile. That was more than Jade ever gave away at any given time. The only smiles she had were the sadistic ones she had during fights or the victorious ones after a great fight. Talking about the Green Arrow's sidekick showed the slightest genuine smile.

"What news," questioned Artemis as she leaned forward in her chair.

Oliver grinned, "It's safe to say these past three months you have done a great job here."

Artemis scoffed, she folded her arms over her chest, "Yeah I've done great. All I do is sit here."

"No, you do work and train and behave for the most part," Oliver pointed out.

As any child or teenager, there were bound to be moments of rebellion and disobedience. Artemis never tried to run away or attack them unless in training, however she wouldn't do what Dinah asked or listen to Oliver at times. They were few and far between, but still existed. She was never seriously docked for them, if anything she just lost a privilege here and there.

Artemis had little here she held onto or enjoyed, the worst punishment she had was not having her music pod. Her time here had allowed her to see more areas of life she had completely missed due to her isolated childhood. Music was something she greatly enjoyed, listening and creating some of her own. Dinah had taught her how to play the violin which she picked up on so quickly, the archer had been blown away as were Dinah and Roy.

Roy and Artemis actually bonded over music, they created various playlists and Roy even helped her play some guitar chords. However music was the only time when the wards of Oliver Queen were not fighting or trying to avoid each other.

"Well what's the news," Artemis prompted, an expectant look on her face.

"Tomorrow you and I are going on a trip," said Oliver with a grin that screamed he knew something she didn't.

Artemis nodded, "Okay where? You secretly planning to lock me up?"

Oliver sighed heavily, "We've been over this. That isn't ever going to happen."

Artemis shrugged unconvincingly, "Whatever."

"Tomorrow morning at around eight, we're going to Wayne Manor," continued Oliver, "You're going to meet someone."

"The boy wonder," Artemis asked in surprise, "I'm shocked, why would the Gotham bat agree to that? There's no way it was his idea. He hates me."

"Bruce hates everyone," Oliver said with a dismissive wave.

Artemis rolled her eyes, but said nothing in reply.

"It wasn't his idea, myself and the other leaguers think it would be good for the both of you," Oliver informed her.

That also took Artemis by surprise, "Why?"

Oliver sighed, he decided to take a seat on her unoccupied footstool as he thought of answer. The plan to bring Artemis fully into League was still under debate. Arrow and Wonder Woman were the most on board with the idea, Batman was the most against the idea. Superman, Flash and Green Martian were rooting for Artemis, but allied slightly with Batman for the sake of covering all possible issues with having the heir to villainy in their midst.

Robin wanted to meet Artemis anyway, but Batman refused until he knew Artemis was for the most part tamed. The reports were in her favor for sure, now she would be introduced to the future of league and see someone her own age. It was meant to be a form of exposure. For her to see what her life could be like if she continued down her current path and eventually joined the league.

"It's no secret that there are talks about bringing you into the league," Oliver said honestly as he rested his arms on his thighs, "Allowing you to see Robin is a chance for you to see what your life could be like. Training as a heroes sidekick until you become your own hero. Joining this more than dysfunctional family we have."

Artemis glanced away from the archer, an expression of defeat and pain on her face. Of course she knew about the proposed idea, it was the only reason they were protecting her. Down the line she would be an asset, the heroes had praised her abilities in combat when they saw her. Not only was her information useful, but her fighting capabilities would be incredibly useful to their fight.

Her fighting skills were also the real reason she was allowed to keep training, so if she did continue to be cooperative with the League she would be able to keep her skills sharp. If she chose not to, then at least they would see the weaknesses she had and couldn't hide forever. Either which way, the heroes got something out of it.

"That would be the ultimate betrayal to my family, to everything I was raised to believe," Artemis hissed, her eyes focused on anything but the billionaire.

"I understand and I know that's a sore subject, but i do want you aware of what this is," Oliver continued in a softer tone, "But look at it this way. I know you're a little too old for this, but it's like a play date."

Artemis looked back at Oliver with an annoyed expression, "I'm almost thirteen."

Oliver raised his arms in surrender, "I did say you're too old for that term, but you know what I meant."

Artemis didn't say anything. Though she was curious to know what the boy wonder was like, she was not thrilled by the idea of meeting him or seeing the infamous bat again. While she had to respect the Gotham protector for his ability to hold his own against any opponent and his intelligence, she borderline despised him. Oliver noticed Artemis hesitate.

"If you don't want to go, you don't have to and I can cancel right now," Oliver told her seriously, his eyes never leaving hers.

The option to join the League would fall to her, no one would force her to join the Justice League. If she was going to stay, it had to be her decision. Even though Artemis wasn't entirely sure how true that was, she had to admit that having the option to say no was nice.

"No, keep it," Artemis replied, a weak grin formed on her face, "Maybe it will sway my opinion."

Oliver nodded, over these few months he really hoped Artemis would remain with the League somehow. While she had volunteered little information about herself, he felt that he was really getting to know the preteen. A general well balanced child despite the instability of her life and upbringing. Her heart was good, that much could be seen.

"Great," said Oliver as he stood, "Now, I don't know about you, but we just got chocolate chips and flour and eggs."

Artemis smirked as she stood from her chair as well, "Chocolate chip pancakes?"

Oliver winked at her, "You know it shadow girl."

Artemis followed Oliver to the kitchen where the ingredient were set out on the counter, ready to be made into pancakes. It was weird for Artemis to cook or bake with Oliver or Dinah, it was even weirder to play music with Roy in the basement and actually get along. If she didn't think on it, she could pretend that she was the daughter of Dinah and Oliver Queen, she could pretend that Roy was her annoying brother. She could pretend she had a real family who only wanted the best for each other.

Artemis tried not to think about that or the talk for the rest of the day. She tried to ignore the thoughts while she ate pancakes with DInah and Oliver, she tried not to think about it as she listened to Roy's new playlist, she tried not to think about it when she was doing another assignment Dinah had given her. Though try as she might, the conversation haunted her. The only thing that managed to slightly distract her was training.

The gym where Oliver trained was where she was allowed to practice as well, though the Green Arrow did put some safety provisions much to Artemis' annoyance. If not for her charm bracelet blocking her access, she would have disabled them. Today was just workouts, her favorite and one she had never done before was the salmon ladder. Artemis stared at the forest green bar and the black rails that would hold it up, a wry smile formed on her face.

Her father would have loved this. She remembered when she was really young, when her father wasn't as harsh and cruel as he was now, when her mother had been around.

"I don't," huffed a small Artemis as she hung from the monkey bars her father had built in the basement, "like pull… ups."

Her father didn't reprimand her or yell at her that he didn't care. Instead, he wore a small smile as he chuckled lightly at his daughter's words.

He answered gently, "If you happen to be hanging from a really high place baby girl, you're going to want to be able to do a pull up."

Artemis sighed as she did another one, "Still."

Lawrence Crock ruffled his daughter's blonde hair, "Five more, then we're done for the day."

Artemis shook the memory away and got to work.

Wayne Manor

Dick had just changed out of his Robin costume and into pajamas, though sleep wouldn't find him. He was too excited about tomorrow. Tomorrow, Oliver Queen was bringing Artemis, her unoriginal code name was Shadow Girl. When they arrived at the manor, Bruce Wayne would bring them inside for a brief tour and to discuss some business plans.

In the meantime, Dick would entertain Oliver's new ward who had yet to be discovered by the world. It was going to be a great time, Dick was sure of it. He spent most of his time with adults when it came to the league, Roy was a teenager and even though Dick was mature for his age, he still acted too much like a child for Roy's taste. Aqualad wasn't much better, he was older as well and far too much of a small adult to have as much fun as Dick wanted.

It was getting pretty lonely. At school he had a lot of friends like Barb, but she didn't know about the struggles he faced at night, no one else did. He couldn't share it with anyone or risk putting them in danger. His hope was that if Artemis chose to stay they could become friends and share the same burden. It was wishful thinking, but Dick could hope for the best.

Sleep came and went for Dick, before he knew it his alarm had gone off, his clock glowing the 5:00 am. He blinked the sleepiness away, jumped out of bed and headed downstairs to meet Bruce. This was going to be great.

When eight o'clock did roll around, Dick was a ball of energy, far too much for the calm Bruce Wayne to be bothered with. Though he was pleased to see his ward in such high spirits, he would have preferred that his adopted his son be more excited about other events going on instead of the assassin being allowed into his home. It was bad enough that she knew their secret identities, seeing the inside of his home made it worse. The Green Arrows words echoed in his mind.

I'm telling you Bats, she is not as dangerous to us as you think. She really is just a kid with a poor background.

I fail to see how that is relevant to allowing her here.

You know it's in discussion for allowing her to join in the ranks of League one day, let's not forget the real reason why she hasn't been sent away. The others agreed, based on her progress reports it's time to start working her into it.

"Bruce," Dick called, his voice rising in volume.

Bruce glanced at his ward hiding his surprise, "Yes Richard."

Dick raised an eyebrow at his birth name, "You alright? I called your name at least ten times and you didn't answer. Are you really that concerned about letting her come here?"

"You know the importance of our identities being kept a secret," Bruce reminded the boy, "She is an assassin with known ties to one of our greatest enemies, should she managed to escape she will not only have our names, but she will know the inner workings of this place. How is your excitement for a play date overshadowing the dangers of this situations?"

If not for the tone, Dick would have made a remark about the play date wording. However since Bruce was technically scolding him, he had to admit his adopted father and mentor was right. An unknown threat was coming into their home, would see their real faces and could potentially use that information against them. Dick had a good feeling that she wouldn't do that, but he didn't know her. There was really no telling what she would or wouldn't do.

Dick adjusted his blazer as he replied hesitantly, "She gave you the SD card and told you all that she knew. It may not mean much, but it was a step in the right direction. None of us are perfect, we have all done things we aren't proud of. Maybe all she needs is a chance. It's not her fault that she grew up in that anymore than it's your fault you grew up in this one."

Bruce was prepared to reply, but halted when the sound of the doorbell rang. Company had arrived.

"We'll finish this discussion later," said Bruce with a sigh, he clicked on phone that was sitting on his desk, "Alfred, please let our guest in."

"Certainly Master Bruce," came the reply.

Bruce and Dick stood in silence for the next few moments while they waited for the company and Alfred to arrive in the foyer.

Finally Bruce spoke, "You are too keep your guard up at all times and watch her every move, I will quiz you on what you noticed and we will compare notes."

Dick sighed, but nodded nonetheless signaling he understood.

Alfred ententes the room then, "Oliver Queen and his young ward have arrived."

Oliver stepped into the foyer after the butler wearing a forest green blazer and black pants. He smiled broadly at Bruce and Dick, but didn't say anything yet. The green hero looked to the side to see Artemis has yet to join him, she was standing hidden from the hosts. For a moment she looked like a shy child and the sight threw Oliver for a loop. Oliver offered an encouraging smile, trying to convey to her that he was right here.

Even though Artemis was more comfortable with him, he knew there was still a long way to go. Artemis could honestly say she did have some faith in Oliver, daresay she trusted him. Maybe not 100%, but enough that it meant a lot to her and little did she know to him. The Bat of Gotham was someone Artemis didn't trust, being entirely in his domain was unsettling to Artemis and she hadn't considered just how much she was not looking forward to the idea of being here.

At first it hadn't really been a cause of concern, but now as she stood here, it was troubling. The young blonde noticed Oliver giving her an encouraging look, a message that told her he was here and that he wouldn't let her fall. Artemis mentally kicked herself, Talia and her father would have had such a fit to see her acting this way.

She was supposed to act unafraid regardless of how terrified she might have been. The young pre-teen steeled herself, calling on the words of her mentor for the first time in weeks as she walked forward showing herself to the bat and his pet bird. Despite her protests, Artemis wore a white blouse with green dessy pants that Dinah had forced her to wear. This previous anger Artemis held at the song and dance from this morning fueled her, the initial concern for being in this place gone.

The boy with raven hair, Dick Grayson, smiled at her, "Welcome to Wayne manor."

Bruce acknowledged his guests with a nod and slightly narrowed eyes, "Arrow. Shadow girl."

"Guess you woke up on the wrong side of the batcave," Oliver said with a light chuckle, knowing just how much Bruce hated any of the leaguers in his home, "Artemis I know you're familiar with Bruce, now meet his ward."

"Richard Grayson," acknowledged Artemis, "Ten years old, born to John and Mary Grayson from the circus in Romania."

Dick swallowed at the mention of his parents, but quickly pushed the thoughts aside as he grinned smoothly, "I mainly go by Dick, but yeah that's me."

Dick extended his hand to Artemis, his smile never wavered. Artemis hesitantly looked at his hand, wondering why he was holding it out to her. Though she knew what a handshake was, she wasn't sure why he intended to do it to her now. Handshakes were meant to see if someone had a weapon up their sleeve for a meeting, not pleasantry as far as she was concerned. However after leaving his hand in midair for long enough, she took it with a plastic smile.

"Pleasure," said Artemis as she lowered her hand.

Dick continued to grin, "Glad you both could make it. What's on the agenda today Bruce?"

Bruce answered his ward in a neutral tone, "You will be entertaining our guest, you know where you can and cannot go. Alfred will be monitoring the both of you. In the meantime, Oliver and I have some important business to discuss."

Artemis struggled not to roll her eyes, she knew they would be talking about her mostly with a few other topics mixed in. At least that is what Oliver had told her before their departure this morning. Whether or not Artemis cared what they discussed had yet to be determined. It was not something she was unfamiliar with.

She was used to adults always talking about her and analyzing her every movement when she stepped onto the floor or went on an assignment. Artemis flicked her gaze to Oliver, the conversation about a spar happening with the boy wonder would occur. When or where exactly would be decided in the coming hours depending on how long she and the green crusader remained here. Dick nodded to show his mentor he understood.

"You hungry," asked Dick with a twinkling smile, "Alfred makes the best french toast ever."

Artemis raised an eyebrow. Dinah had told her french toast was not bread from France toasted, but a combination of batter, eggs and bread put together to make a breakfast delicacy. Whipped cream and fruits were sometimes added, along with chocolate. It sounded okay in theory.

"I've never had it before," commented Artemis with a shrug.

Dick's eyes widened in horror, Artemis couldn't tell if it was real or fake, "I'm appointed in you, but cited to see your reaction when you try them."

"What," Artemis questioned at his word choice, "You mean disappointed and excited?"

Dick smirked, "In a manner of speaking. Come on, follow me."

Artemis followed Dick and Alfred out of the foyer with one last look at Oliver who nodded his end in encouragement. Once the trio was gone, Bruce turned to the fireplace and moved a statue. After a few moments, the fire disappeared and a opening leading to a staircase was revealed. Oliver could not get over how many secret entrances Wayne manor had. The Queen heir was almost jealous of the bat.

"I still do not like the assassin in my house," said Bruce as he descended the stairs with Oliver behind him.

The Green Arrow snickered, "You don't like anyone in your house. Come on Bruce, Artemis is harmless."

"Interesting use of the word harmless," commented Bruce as he walked briskly.

"Okay, she is dangerous, but no more dangerous than you and I," Oliver tried to explain.

The dark knight looked over his shoulder, "Is that so?"

Oliver sighed heavily, "You know what I am trying to say. She's just a kid with a lot of talent who was raised with a less than desirable upbringing. It's not her fault she grew up in the Shadows anymore than it is our fault we grew up in lives of privilege. Give her a chance."

"Show me the reports you and DInah have made," Bruce said sternly as he and Oliver entered the batcave, "Then I will consider what you have said."

Oliver frowned, but nodded in reply. It would be a long journey before Bruce warmed up in the slightest to the idea of Artemis no longer being a threat, but this would be a good place to start.