Thanks so much for your reviews! I love the suggestions because I struggled with the choice of villain(s) for this chapter. I also want to apologize for updating this late… been really busy with studying (life sucks…). Well, hope this chapter meets your expectations.
Enjoy!
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Plush carpet, lavender incense, and six-feet tapestries draping the walls—the room reeked of extravagance. Filling the shelves were books of boring, philosophical textbooks. Figurines of all shapes and sizes, of bears gorging on salmons and horses poised majestically, were made of glistening porcelain. To Artemis, it seemed like the owner of this house—this room in particular—wanted to showcase his wealth and intelligence to his visitors through these items that were meshed together by expensive attributes.
"Just because they're loaded doesn't entitle them to make people wait," Artemis had her arms crossed over her chest, waiting impatiently for their host to greet them. "Rich people have no sense of time," she mumbled to herself.
Green Arrow smiled inwardly, laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He's probably adding highlights to his toupee. Give him five more minutes."
"I'll give him twenty minutes tops," Artemis said with a smirk.
Just then the double doors swung open and their host's perfectly squared jaw line flashed before them. His dimples were gorgeously deep, his red hair was sleeked back flawlessly, and his emerald-green eyes winked in Artemis' direction.
Artemis couldn't help but stare. He looked oddly familiar. She soon distracted herself by looking at his butt chin. She tended to have this strange animosity toward clefts in men.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. My lawyer called. Warned me into hiring you. He keeps going on and on how black and white your thinking is." Their host sauntered straight to the wine cabinet next to the bookshelf. He turned around and offered Green Arrow a drink. "Cognac?"
Green Arrow ignored the small talk and stepped forward, restating the purpose for the visit. "Either you let us protect you tonight or we will have to force you to forego the party. The elections even."
Their host downed his drink, slowly walked to his revolving chair, and sat in it. He swung around a couple of times before issuing his response. "I agree with my lawyer. Having the Justice League hounding me will draw suspicion from the public. The press will find out, no matter how much stealth you use. They'll think that I am guilty of something. Even worse, they'll figure out my identity. I am running for Congress after all—I don't need any controversy."
"You won't end up in Congress if they succeed," Green Arrow protested.
"I understand your concern," He said, his face instantly changing from youthful confidence to perceptive gratitude. "But the secret service can take it from here. Thank you for stopping by—"
"Listen here, Mr. Morse. You owe it to yourself, to the people you are vowing to serve, to your uncle and sister to stay in one piece after tonight and the elections. You have worked so hard to reach up to this point, and to throw it all away just like that leaves all your efforts useless."
Their host sighed heavily. He morphed into his original form—his skin turned from the color of human flesh to Martian green.
Artemis gasped at the sight of his alter ego.
"You're—" she started.
He phased through his desk and stopped in front of a stunned Artemis. He held out his hand. "My name's Mark Morse. But people back in Mars used to call me M'arkus M'orzz. You may know my younger sister, M'gann."
"You're—" her hand was limp in his grip.
"Does it bother you that a Martian is running for Congress?" Mark asked.
"Ah, no. Not at all," Artemis said, half-apologizing. "I just didn't know that Megan has a brother."
"Yes, well, because of my interest and active participation in politics, we've decided to keep my identity a secret. Both for personal and public safety." Mark explained. He then continued when Artemis still looked confused. "Unlike Megan, I am clumsy and self-destructive when it comes to physical activity. Although my mental capacity and focus outweighs that of Megan's, I have no passion for using my alien abilities to fight. Rather, I want to use my intellect to help develop some of Earth's erratic policies. It is my way of extending justice other than administering brute force."
Artemis nodded. She made a mental note to barrage Green Arrow with questions and accusations for keeping her out of the loop. She was his sidekick, partner, and protégé. She had the right to know what kind of mission she was in. And that included the disclosure of the Martian Manhunter's nephew's identity. Whether or not he was a candidate of the U.S. Congress.
Gathering her mental bearings, Artemis said, "Green Arrow has a point. You want to make an impact on our country, you have to stay alive. And the only way you can get that is through us. Take it or leave it."
Mark smiled his dimpled grin. "I'll take it."
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"Recognized: Red Arrow, B06," the computer identified their visitor.
"Roy, my man!" Wally rushed from the kitchen to the lounge, grabbing his friend's hand and executing the ceremonial greeting of pumping fists and chests. "What brings you to our lair?"
Instead of donning his dark costume, Roy was dressed in slacks and a dress shirt. "Taking a break from investigating the oil spill in the Bahamas. All this conspiracy that every country is out to get the United States is tiring me out. You got anything to eat?"
"Sure, Megan just made a new batch of cookies. C'mon," Wally gestured for his friend to follow.
"Hey, Roy," Dick called out just as he beat Superboy in a game of Tekken. He gave Roy a once-over. "Spiffy."
"Thanks. Day job." Roy chewed on one of the cookies. "Not bad. You might want to cut back on the sugar a bit."
Megan quickly fished out her recipe notebook. "2 ½ cups of sugar may be too sweet. Try 2 ¼ cups on next batch…"
Roy grabbed a few more cookies before positioning himself next to Dick, who continued to kick Superboy's character's butt.
"Any word from Batman?" Roy asked.
"It's been quiet for the past two days," Dick said, dodging a few kicks. "What about you? Any leads?"
Roy shook his head. "My nights have been mostly free. I've tried bringing my work home but nothing beats running around the city in tights and shooting a couple of arrows at the Injustice League."
"Score!" Dick yelled. "No one can beat my Yoshimitsu."
"Seriously man, you should reconsider our offer. The Artemis girl talks way too much," Wally interrupted Dick's victorious proclamation and munched on more cookies. "These cookies are just divine," Wally said out loud."
"Thanks, Wally," Megan beamed from the kitchen. Superboy gave up on the game and was now sitting on the stool, helping her make another batch.
Roy cocked an eyebrow at Wally. "Either she talks too much or you don't stop flirting with her."
Wally chocked on his cookie. "Get out of here. That girl is like the bossier, chattier female version of my big sister. Well, if I had an older sister, she would fit the profile perfectly," he said. "Besides, my taste in women is more on the classy, beautiful, sweet, exotic side…" Wally turned around to glance at Megan.
He frowned at the sight of Megan eyeing Superboy.
Roy patted Wally's shoulder, refusing to comment on Wally's standards of women. "Wanna play a round with me?"
"You're on," Wally said, grabbing the controller.
While the boys were playing their video game, Megan glanced at the clock. "I have to get ready soon." She used her telepathy to make balls of dough and drop them on the cookie sheet.
"Get ready for what?" Conner asked.
"A party," she said, putting the tray in the oven and setting the timer.
When Superboy didn't say anything, she looked at him. An idea hit her.
"Um… Conner?" she started, blushing.
He returned her gaze, waiting as patiently as he could.
"If you're not busy tonight, do you want to go to a pre-election party with me? A friend who works there invited me. He said I could bring friends. Or a friend. If you want to come. If they want to come." She quickly glanced at the guys, whose heads were tilted backwards, straining to hear her conversation with Superboy. "That is, if you don't have plans tonight. It'll be fun," she bit her lip to stop rambling like a hyperventilating teenager crushing on the boy standing right in front of her.
"Sure," Conner said.
"Great!" Megan said, grinning. "I'll let Uncle J'onn know you're coming."
As Megan dialed her uncle's number, she noticed three pairs of eyes watching her. She turned around and found Dick, Wally, and Roy looking at her expectantly. She smacked her head lightly.
"Hello, Megan. Duh," she said. "You guys want to come too?"
"Sweet! I have never been to a pre-election party. Should I wear my yellow shirt or red button-down? I've been told that those shades bring out the color of my eyes." Wally said.
"Preferably a tuxedo. It's a formal event," Megan said, bumping into Kaldur on her way out. "Kaldur!"
"Sorry, Megan," he sidestepped to clear her way. "What is going on here?" He nodded in Roy's direction as soon as he saw their guest.
"Do you want to go to a pre-election party tonight? We're all going," Megan said excitedly.
Kaldur smiled. "Sure. Though I have never been to one. It sounds important."
"I guess so. My friend works there and he invited me. It's basically a formal gathering for the party's supporters. They'll listen to the candidate's speech, after which he'll answer some questions and talk with a handful of people. It's not like those typical college parties but I hear the food's amazing. I think it'll be fun if we all go. There's always a first for everything."
"Indeed," Kaldur agreed.
"I don't think I can go," Conner said, approaching Megan.
Megan whirled around, confusion and disappointment etched in her face. "Why not? You just said you'd go."
"I don't have any formal wear." Conner said, his head slightly bent down in shame.
"That's an easy fix," Roy stood up. "I might have one that's your size. C'mon. We'll stop by my place."
"Mind if I tag along? My house is on the way," Wally said.
"Not at all," Roy said. "Hey Megan, what time should we leave?"
"The party starts at 7. So we'll meet here at 6 so we can all leave together. Does that sound alright to everyone?"
"Sounds great to me, beautiful," Wally said, smiling at her.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
He was cleaning his rifle when his iPhone beeped to life. Picking it up, he read the message.
'Got a mission for you.
Code: Killshot.
Target: Mark Morse
Location: 632 Civic Hotel, Star City
Event: Pre-election party
Bring a tuxedo in case you have to make close contact. Further details will be sent to you soon.'
With the rifle in hand, he stood up from the window and walked to the bedroom. He closed his eyes, basked in the quiet simplicity of his room. Guns and bare walls were the only essentials he needed to concentrate for the next mission. Breathing in deeply, he organized his sniper case and began packing his set of knives, explosives, and granola bar.
His iPhone beeped again.
'Morse checks in at 5. Will keep you posted on the hotel room.'
He pulled his mask over his face. Amateurs never understood the benefits of having a mask conceal the entire face. It not only secured one's identity, but it also calibrated one's breathing techniques. Taking in long, slow breaths cleared the mind and helped put it at ease. He soon found out that deep breathing gave him focus and clarity, making killing more exhilarating.
After arranging his equipment, Deathstroke closed his eyes and breathed once more.
It was half-past four.
Time to leave.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Artemis was leaning against the wall when Mark finally emerged from his bedroom. A surreptitious glance into his room showed her that he still lived a simple Martian life in the midst of the accumulated wealth he had earned over a short period of time. The walls were gray—almost metallic—and no sign of expensive rugs and porcelain adorned his room. Like his candidacy, he was living a façade of extravagance when in reality all he wanted was to maintain peace and develop good economy in his state. Maybe instating Martian politicians to take over the office might prove to be more promising in the long term.
"Where's Green Arrow?" Mark asked, breaking her reverie as they walked down the hallway. He was dressed in a crisp black suit, his freckles were slight yet cute in close-up, and his butt chin was ever more prominent. But that didn't stop Artemis from staring into his green gaze.
"Getting ready for the party," she said, looking away.
Mark stopped short all of a sudden. "Don't tell me you're going to the party dressed in that?"
"What's wrong with the way I dress? And isn't green supposed to be your favorite color?" Artemis felt slightly offended. Although she held no initial affinity toward green, she soon developed a growing attachment to it.
"It's purple, actually," Mark said, brushing imaginary lint off his collar. "Just because I'm Martian doesn't mean that green is my favorite color. If color preferences ran that way, Martians would love green and humans would love peachy colors. How bland life would be, don't you think so?"
Artemis laughed. "And here I thought Martians didn't have a sense of humor. You're one interesting Martian."
"And you don't feel the same way about my sister?" Mark inquired as they reached the landing. They began making their descent.
"Megan's nice, but she apologizes way too much and keeps smacking her head and says, 'Hello Megan!'" Artemis mimicked Miss Martian's gestures perfectly.
Mark snickered. "That's Megan for you. She has a heart of gold."
"That she does," Artemis nodded.
When they reached the last step, Mark turned to his butler and said, "Pick a dress for this lovely lady. Dark purple will look lovely on her."
"Wait, I'm on rooftop duty. Green Arrow is in charge of close contact." Artemis glanced up at a groomed Oliver Queen walking into the foyer. "Speaking of the devil…"
"Green Arrow, might I request for a change of guards? I believe it will draw less attention if I have a woman by my side. I'm afraid people will get the wrong impression if they notice you posing as my date."
Ollie smiled. "Good point. But don't you think she's a little too young to be your date?"
"You think so?" Mark looked at Artemis.
Artemis felt her cheeks grow warm.
"I think a little bit of makeup will transcend her youthful exterior." He brushed a stray strand of hair off her face. "Not that you need it really." He paused before continuing, "I'll be practicing my speech in the study."
Just as the doors to the study closed behind him, his butler appeared with a maroon halter dress and some jewelry. Artemis reluctantly accepted them.
"I don't really wear makeup. Or earrings."
"Not to worry, Miss. The stylist will be with you shortly after you dress. The changing room is this way," he left her to follow him down another hallway.
She looked at Ollie. Her frightened look elicited a sympathetic smile from him.
"He dumped me for you. Be happy," He nudged her to move. "I'll be in the car suiting up, and I have a couple of things to give you for the mission. Be sure to contact me once you're done."
Artemis nodded and practically ran after the butler.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"Wally, you handsome fellow," Wally admired his reflection in the car window. They were standing outside the cave, waiting for Miss Martian to come out.
"I dunno, think you just made a crack in Roy's window. See," Dick pointed at the window.
"Such a liar," Wally said, bending down to look. "Where?"
"Made you look," Dick said, slapping Wally in the back.
"Seriously, Rob," Wally glared at his young friend.
Dick snickered like a little mischievous schoolboy.
Suddenly, bright light enveloped Miss Martian's figure as she stepped out of their lair.
All eyes were on her as her fair complexion glowed under the moonlight. Her waves were tied back in loose fashion, causing some wisps of hair to cup her face. Her strapless white dress revealed toned shoulders, and her golden earrings and necklace highlighted the whole ensemble. Her nude-colored heels were high enough that it made her look regal.
"I'm sorry to make you guys wait," Megan said, taking one faltering step forward.
A series of blundering no's escaped their lips as she approached them. She looked expectantly at Superboy, who stared at her with longing puppy-dog eyes.
"It suits you. The tuxedo, I mean," she said, blushing like mad.
"You too. The dress. You look… nice," Conner said, smiling.
"Hi, beautiful," Wally stepped in, half-apologizing as he reminded them that they were running late. "Shall we?" he offered an arm to Megan.
She hesitated at first but relented when his smile never wavered. She gave Conner an apologetic smile and walked up to Wally, taking his arm. She could have sworn that his grin got wider.
"Okay, you lovebirds. As much as I want to take the traditional mode of transportation—that would be my Cadillac—we're taking the jet. It's the only one that fits six people without rumpling our suits. And dress," Roy said.
"Well, I won't mind you sitting on my lap," Wally told Megan.
Megan just smiled. "Guess that means I'm driving."
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"I don't understand how women can wear high heels. I might as well be walking on water," Artemis said, nearly falling over. Green Arrow caught her arm.
"Here, try these black heels. They're only an inch long," Green Arrow handed her the Michael Kors.
"My feet already feel bruised. How am I supposed to protect him if I can't even walk more than two feet from where I'm standing? Heck, I can't even stand still without waving my arms around."
"This might help," The stylist took the black pumps from her and inserted gel soles into each shoe.
When Artemis slipped them on, she breathed a sigh of relief. The stylist resumed to adding more hair product to Artemis' curls. She was about to swat the stylist's meddling hands away when the door opened. Mark Morse crossed the threshold and gazed at her as if he was presented with a trophy.
"Well done, Isabel. Grazie," Mark said. She bowed slightly and went to the dressing table to reorganize her things.
"Look, Mr. Morse," Artemis started.
"Mark. And may I say that you look beautiful tonight," he gently took her hand and pulled her closer.
Artemis felt like turning to mush just then.
Mark's butler interrupted their staring contest. "Sir, it's already a quarter past 5. You were scheduled to arrive at the hotel by 5."
Green Arrow mulled it over a bit. "There's no rush. It's safer to be flexible sometimes." He gave Artemis her comm. link and purse. "You'll have everything in there. Your knives…"
She patted her upper thigh, slightly above the slit in her dress. She then looked inside the purse. "What did you put in here?"
Green Arrow pulled her to one side, far from earshot. "A mini crossbow and pepper spray. And an extra knife in case you run out of knives down there. And don't forget to wear your night vision contacts before entering the building. Keep your eyes peeled, and alert me when you notice something amiss. Understand?"
"I got it," Artemis said, clasping the purse shut. "Pepper spray. Seriously?"
"Wouldn't you feel insecure without your bow and arrow?"
"Are you asking me or are you justifying yourself?"
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
A beep and vibration interrupted his vigilance.
'Mark Morse didn't check in. You at the rooftop?'
'Yeah, freezing here. Owe me double the sum.'
'As long as you stick to the mission.'
'Not a problem. This will be over before you know it.'
He looked at the flashing camera lights below and the dark limousines disgorging its anorexic, narcissistic passengers. He touched the tip of his arrow. A drop of blood oozed out. He sucked his finger and tasted metal. He couldn't wait to deliver some bloodshed tonight.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
It was 6:30. Thirty minutes before the big event. Majority of the guests had arrived, and the reporters were flashing their cameras and practically shoving their microphones in Mark's mouth or nose—it didn't matter to them. Artemis felt even more self-conscious when photographers were following her every move. But Mark's grip on her hand was reassuring enough. His hand was big and warm, despite the night chills creeping up her dress.
Green Arrow's voice broke her reverie.
"Focus, Artemis. I'm on the rooftop opposite the hotel. See me?" He was atop a thirty-story building, while she was on the ground with camera flashes blinding her on every side. But she utilized her night vision contacts to search for any sign of Green Arrow's watchful presence. She caught sight of his green hood staring right back at her. She confirmed his question.
"Got a call from Batman. He intercepted a comm. line that was heavily encrypted. It was even more suspicious because the receiving phone is within a five-mile radius at an elevated level. Like on a rooftop. You might have to cut the photo shoot short and quickly get inside."
Artemis nodded slightly, tugging Mark to follow her into the building. As she pulled him through the revolving doors, she didn't notice the reporter in front of her. She bumped into him and cursed under her breath.
"Sorry, didn't see you there," Artemis said, looking up at the tall figure looming above her.
"Not a problem. With a huge crowd like that, it's only natural for you to make a run for it," Clark Kent said, offered his hand. He introduced himself to Mark and asked if he could ask a few questions later.
"I can answer them now. Walk with us," Mark said graciously.
They finally reached the double doors that led to the big ballroom. Guests were already seated in their respective tables. Some were chattering amongst themselves, while others busied themselves with appetizers. Artemis saw a flash of red that looked familiar…
Mark's bodyguards gestured for them to go around back.
As Mr. Kent questioned Mark about his childhood in Ireland, Artemis scanned her surroundings, eyeing each individual who walked past them. They reached the backstage area. Mark adjusted his tie and glanced at his notes. His advisor chatted with him, reminded him to relax and remember their purpose for being here.
Just then, a young woman ran up to Mark and hugged him. Stunned, Artemis stared at an overexcited, light-skinned Megan laughing with her brother. Mark glanced at Artemis and Megan followed his gaze. Megan's face lit up when she recognized her teammate.
"Artemis! You look wonderful!" Megan hugged Artemis.
"Same goes for you," Artemis nodded. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Conner leaning against the wall. He met her gaze and smiled lightly, but his eyes instantly locked onto Megan when she released Artemis from her tight grip.
"I didn't know this was past of your mission," Megan whispered.
"Well, I didn't know you have an older brother running for Congress," Artemis countered.
"Yes, family secret," she turned to look at her brother. "It's good that you guys are getting along." The lights went dim and that meant that the presentation/welcoming introduction was about to begin.
"I should get going. Good luck, Mark," Megan hugged her brother once more before walking toward Conner.
Artemis simply stared, noticing how Superboy beamed at Megan.
"Artemis," Green Arrow's boomed in her ear. "What's your situation?"
Before Artemis could respond, an explosion hit the stage. Artemis immediately flung herself over Mark, dragged him down as the ground shook beneath them. Debris and plaster flew past them everywhere. A menacing creak above them made Artemis look up. One of the cable lines broke and an overhead lamp was precariously hanging by a thread. Knowing it was futile, she still shielded her head and waited for impact to crack her skull open. But something—or someone—got rid of the falling lamp before it hit her head.
Superman stood tall before her.
How did he get here so quick? Wasn't this her and Green Arrow's mission?
"You alright?" He held out his hand, pulled Mark up to a standing position.
Artemis told him to lean on her when he faltered a bit. Megan flew to her brother's aid with Conner in tow.
But something about Conner's demeanor was different. He looked angry, brooding, and anxious. All rolled in one. Superman didn't even give him a second glance. The Man of Steel merely nodded in Artemis' direction and disappeared into the crowd, helping those who were in need of it.
Conner's gaze followed his idol's every move.
Meanwhile, Green Arrow lost contact with Artemis after the explosion. He was about to call her phone when an arrow zipped past his face by mere inches. Judging by the angle, it came from the building next to his. He quickly ducked when two more arrows zoomed past his head.
Merlyn.
He plucked his explosive arrows and ran to one side just as Merlyn barraged him with flame-tipped arrows. He stopped, turned to where Merlyn was standing approximately, aimed his arrow, and released.
His dance with Merlyn had only begun.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
So close.
Superman's presence was an anomaly in the plan.
He was mere inches from accomplishing his mission. He could have easily struck the blonde girl and pulled the trigger at Morse's head.
But then again, Superman was busy with the visitors. He just had to move fast.
No problem.
He started walking toward where Morse stood when he noticed Superboy standing a few feet from him. Before he could find a way of eliminating Superboy out of the equation, the Superman look-alike dove from the stage and into the heart of the ballroom, lifting tables and fallen plaster and helping people find their way out of the room. He then eyed Morse and saw two girls and a couple of secret service agents standing like hulking apes on either side of the girls.
A small complication but no matter. He had his rifle and knife.
He was going to get the job done at whatever cost.
Although he hardly needed extra help in an assassination, having Merlyn take care of Green Arrow gave him the pleasure to enjoy killing at a less hurried pace. Not only was he able to time the explosion, Deathstroke always preferred committing murder at closer range.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"I'm alright, Megan," Mark coughed up dust from his throat. "Go help them."
"But Mark," Megan began to object.
"I'm fine. Artemis will keep me safe," Mark reassured her with a smile.
Megan reluctantly backed away and then flew to the dance floor where Kid Flash carried a young woman in his arms.
While Megan helped the guests escape to safer ground, Artemis held onto Mark and urged him to run toward the exit. They were gaining momentum when the two agents cried out in pain and fell to the floor behind them. Turning around, Artemis was faced with a masked man holding a bloodied knife in one hand. She recognized that costume anywhere.
Deathstroke.
"Give it up, Senator. There's no way to run. Especially with the useless Justice League ignoring the very reason for why I am here," he said, getting ready to pounce on them.
Artemis pushed Mark to one side and grabbed one of the knives. She flung it toward Deathstroke, missing him by a few centimeters.
"Guess again," Artemis responded. She dodged his kicks, rolled to the side, and grabbed her purse. She pulled out the crossbow and aimed it at him.
"Doubt Huntress has a following," Deathstroke said. He ran toward her and slashed her cheek when she was unable to deflect one of his blows.
Cursing loudly, Artemis threw more knives at him. One of them scratched him though it didn't make him flinch. He then aimed his gun at her. Artemis inched backward, poised to move to either side for cover.
Just as he was pulling the trigger, a flying ceiling beam hit him from behind. Artemis saw Mark nearly fainting from the intense concentration. Right on cue, Artemis pulled the trigger of her crossbow and the arrow turned into an electric-charged net in mid-air, detaining Deathstroke. He yelled and writhed in pain before he fell unconscious.
Artemis then rushed to Mark's side. She caressed his face and his hair.
"Told you I didn't need the Justice League," Mark mumbled, drifting off.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Morse," Artemis said.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"How're your feet holding up?" Green Arrow asked. He sported two broken ribs, a bruised cheek, and a sprained ankle. Luckily for him, his wounds were nothing compared to the final blow he gave Merlyn: a cryonic arrow. He'd rather be beaten black and blue than catch pneumonia any day.
"A couple of blisters here and there, but I'll live," Artemis said, leaning against the ambulance.
"Ollie," Roy acknowledged his former partner. He turned to Artemis and still eyed her suspiciously. "Artemis."
"Harper."
He narrowed her eyes at her before stomping away.
"Just give him time," Green Arrow said.
Artemis shrugged her shoulders. "Doesn't really matter, does it? Not like we're working together."
"Never say never. Good work by the way," Green arrow patted her shoulder before walking in the direction of where Black Canary arrived in her motorcycle.
Artemis walked toward Megan, who hovered over her brother like a vulture. She was holding his hand.
"It's only a headache. There's nothing to worry about," Mark said, trying his best to reassure her.
"But you were their target. I should have sensed it. Why didn't you tell me that you were threatened? And don't even start about not wanting to worry me," Megan said. This was the first time Artemis saw Megan being genuinely pissed off.
Mark only sighed and stroked his sister's hand. "Come visit me when you have the time. Bring your friends over too," he said, glancing at Artemis.
Megan sensed that it was her cue to back off, while Artemis followed Mark into the ambulance.
Looking around her, she finally caught sight of Superboy staring into the distance. She walked up to him and followed his gaze. He was staring at Superman, who was repairing broken glass with his heat vision.
"He didn't even say hi to me," Conner said, clenching his fists.
Megan didn't say anything, but slipped her hand into his. She squeezed it—something she and her brother always do to calm each other. She could feel the tension ease off his shoulders.
They stood like that for a few minutes before Kaldur alerted them that it was a school night and it was time to go. Megan prayed that Superboy would feel better the next day. Maybe a new batch of cookies would lift his spirits.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
To be continued…
You like? No? Reviews and/or suggestions are most welcome!
Next chapter will deal with Kid Flash and his famous, most comical mentor. Any suggestions for the villain?