AN: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING.
Season 1, Episode 10: "Targets"
Red Arrow
Taipei
September 7, 22:16 NST
Her fist came out of nowhere, though Red Arrow was grateful it was her knuckles that collided with his face rather than her Sai.
He stumbled back, nearly slamming into one of the golden statues. White lights decorated his vision as he watched Cheshire advance. His face was tender where she had hit him, but he ignored the pain as he blocked her next attack with his bow. He hated to admit it, but she was a spectacular fighter. Even though she was wearing a dress that was completely impractical for sparring, she still had the upper hand. There was an elegance about the way she moved – almost like she was dancing.
One step – she jumps on her hands.
Two step – she tries to kick him with her feet.
One step – he steps out of her reach.
One step – she flips backwards.
Two step – she flings her Sais at him.
One step – he deflects them with his bow.
Cheshire smirked at him as they came to a break in the choreography. She hadn't missed a beat in their deadly dance, and Red Arrow was grudgingly impressed.
In this tango, she was the leader - he was just her partner.
Roy Harper
Taipei
September 8, 06:32 NST
Tired, sore, and frustrated, Roy Harper boarded a plane back to America. Kaldur had offered him a ride home on the bioship, but he had already accepted one too many favors from the team.
After passing the first class quarters where he used to sit with Oliver, he began scanning economy for his seat. It was difficult navigating the aisle in his dark sunglasses, but he was determined to hide the indigo bruise surrounding his eye. He eventually found his seat next to an elderly woman wearing a hand-knitted scarf. Roy avoided eye contact as he approached, but he could feel the woman's gaze on him as he put his luggage in the overhead rack.
"You look like you've had quite a night."
Roy looked down. The woman was smiling at him, but he was in no mood for small talk,
"I guess you could say that," he muttered as he took his seat.
"First time to Taiwan?" She asked kindly.
"Yes. And hopefully my last."
"I'm sorry to hear that," the woman said, frowning, "this is my fifth time visiting. It's a very beautiful place. Did you visit the national park?"
"I didn't have much time for sightseeing," Roy said flatly.
"What brought you to Taiwan?" The woman asked.
"Business."
"Oh, what type of business do you work for?"
"Homeland security," Roy answered shortly.
The woman's eyes widened,
"Oh, were you here to protect Mr. Luther?"
Roy hesitated,
"Something like that."
There was a pause, and then the woman leaned towards him and spoke softly,
"Is that how you got that black eye?"
Roy reluctantly removed his sunglasses and turned to face the woman.
"No," he finally responded after a very pregnant pause, "I went out to a bar with some coworkers and I got into a disagreement with one of the locals."
"Oh my," the woman said.
"Yeah, well, I eventually made him see my point of view," Roy said menacingly.
The woman stared at him, her expression perturbed, but the flight attendants began calling for attention before she could respond. Roy turned to watch the safety demonstration, and the woman took the opportunity to discreetly shift her position so that she was seated farther away from him.
When the demonstration was over, she immediately busied herself with an in-flight magazine. Roy replaced his sunglasses and settled back in his seat. The woman didn't question him as they prepared to take off, but from the corner of his eye Roy could see her throwing him suspicious looks every now and again.
Smirking slightly, he closed his eyes and prepared himself for a nice, long, quiet nap.
AN: I've never written Red Arrow before so I hope he is not too OOC! The next episode, "Terrors," focuses on M'Gann and Superboy – unfortunately, no Robin, Artemis, or KF – so the next chapter will skip right to episode 12! Don't forget to review! :)