They sit in silence as Batman pilots the Javelin back to the cave. Zatanna can't help but look over at Robin and Batgirl, deep in conversation with each other. She wanted to know what they were talking about.
After a while Batman hit the auto-pilot button. He turned around and stood up. His chair melted into the ground.
'Whoa.' Thought Artemis. 'This must be like the Bio-Ship.'
Batman begins speaking in his dark, brooding voice.
"Your performance was acceptable to say the best. Zatanna, you proved yourself extremely valuable and powerful. For that act of bravery and skill, the entire Justice League wishes to congratulate you."
"The entire League?"
She nearly mimicked what Superboy said months ago when he defeated Amazo.
Batman simply nods. Everyone, except maybe Batgirl, knew she was talking about Dr. Fate.
He continues.
"However, you managed to get the zeta-tubes on Paradise Island destroyed so they will need repair, and since Adam Strange, our zeta-tube technician, is not allowed on Paradise Island, that will be difficult. We've arrived at the Cave."
The Javelin landed on one of the edges of the cave. An opening melting into the floor and the team jumped out. Robin asks Batman if he is coming with.
"No. Killer Croc has been on a robbing spree and I haven't yet traced his new headquarters."
"Then I'm coming with you. I am still your partner you know?"
"Fine."
"Me too!" exclaims Batgirl. Batman says nothing and the two join him back in the jet.
Artemis and Zatanna watch it fly off until they notice they have standing there for almost five minutes and they weren't even holding hands.
They decided to go back inside.
When they enter they hear Superboy's voice saying "So does she have a name?"
Then, to Artemis's surprise, she hears Wally's voice.
"Yeah. Her name's Linda. Linda Park. She's totally into me. Oh, hey Artemis. We're just talking about this girl who likes me. You'd love her."
He smirked.
Superboy and Miss Martian had no idea he was mocking her.
But Zatanna knew.
She put her hand on Artemis's shoulder.
"I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow Zee."
"Wait."
"What?"
"When are we going to tell the others? I mean, Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad already know. Why are we keeping it from Conner M'Gann, Rocket, and Batgirl?"
Artemis shrugs and says "I don't know. We'll tell them tomorrow. But right now, there's something I need to take care of."
She walks over to the Zeta-tubes and activates them. She walks through and is teleported away.
Artemis reappears back in Gotham City. All she can hear is Wally mocking her. She can't help herself. She punches the wall right next to her but instantly regrets it.
"Shit!"
She shakes her hand in pain and sees it is bleeding.
She wipes off the blood and begins climbing up the fire escape of the building. She jumps across the rooftops much in the same manner as the Bat Family.
She finally reaches her apartment and she realizes she is yet to come out to her mother.
She sighs and goes inside.
She looks around and finds her mother watching TV.
"Mom?"
"Hi, Artemis. Why aren't you at the Cave?"
"Something, uh, something came up. But I really needed to talk to you. Could you shut that off please?"
Paula turns off the TV and Artemis sits next to her on the couch.
She doesn't know how to start so she just begins talking.
"You'll love me no matter what, right?"
"Of course, Artemis. Why?"
"I need to tell you something. Something really important."
"You can tell me anything."
She's too scared to respond. She has no idea how her mother will respond.
"Mom, I'm, well, I-"
Her mom is still waiting for her response.
"Artemis?"
"Mom, I'm a lesbian."
She blurts it out and her mother's eyes widen, but she then smiles.
"Artemis that doesn't change anything between us. I hope you know that. You're my daughter."
"Thanks, mom."
She hugs her mother and sniffles.
"So, is there a special girl?" asks Paula.
"Yeah. It's Zatanna. In fact, I should probably get back to her at the Cave, if that's okay with you."
"Of course. I will see you tonight."
"Bye."
With that, Artemis departs and runs all the way back to the Zeta-tube, but when she gets there, it is blocked by her least favorite person in the world.