A/N I couldn't believe how much mail was in my inbox this morning from all the wonderful readers that have already followed, favorited, and reviewed this story. Thanks so much to you all. Special thanks to those that informed me of Wally's real full name. Chapter One has been corrected and updated. I don't usually update a story with a new chapter this quickly, but I wrote about 2 or 3 chapters' worth of material today. It was one of those days the ideas just kept coming. Which means tomorrow I'll probably be banging my head against the keyboard trying to think of something to type. Chapters 3 and 4 are already underway, but they have quite a few wrinkles I'll need to iron out before I post them. I will do my best to have another chapter up by next Thursday or Friday.

As I'm currently reading through the New Teen Titans Volume 2 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez (a very kind gift from a friend of mine who knew I was reading and watching more stuff from DC Comics after taking a Graphic Novels course that I really enjoyed) you will notice a few influences from both the Teen Titans series and show starting in this chapter, however this story takes place in the universe of the Young Justice show, Earth-16, and therefore the characters will remain "the Team" and not the Titans. Events brought in from the Titans comic book series will not occur in the same way as this is set in a different world.

The focus of the story will remain primarily on the Young Justice characters as that was the sole category the story began in, however, just as the show did with Dick Grayson, Wally West, and Gar Logan, I did want to bring in some other characters from the original DC Universe/multiverse that I think would have shown up eventually had YJ continued. So for those unfamiliar with the graphic novels, "Kory" and "Vic" refer to Koriand'r (Starfire) and Victor Stone (Cyborg). The tower mentioned later in the chapter is based on a few different Teen Titans towers and the interior mirrors that of the television show. However, this tower does not have the iconic 'T' shape. While I think that's a pretty cool design for a building, I always thought "Isn't making your headquarters obvious like that practically begging for villains to come knocking on your door?" *shrugs* I guess you could argue it's "hiding in plain sight" like the Team did at Mt. Justice. Then again, Mt. Justice also got blown to bits...so you see my point.

As for Dick's car, the only reason I mention the model specifically by name in this chapter is because we had a vintage car show at an arts center I volunteer at and when I saw this car, it just screamed "Bruce Wayne would drive this" to me. I am in no way an expert on cars.

This chapter is about double the length of the first and introduces elements of the larger plot, so I do hope you enjoy it.

Again, thank you all for taking the time to read this story. I welcome your feedback, constructive criticism included, through the reviews. Without further ado, here is chapter 2.

Artemis felt sure she deserved an Oscar for her performance. Two things restrained her from screaming during the long, two hour talk she had with Theodora and Dick: the thought that her cover mustn't be blown, and that she'd really rather not get on Batman's bad side by killing his oldest son.

"And what, would you say, is the greatest thing about the Hearts for Hearts organization, Ms. Branson?" Artemis asked as (what she hoped would be) her closing question.

"I'd say it's the people," Theodora replied. "The people that benefit from the transplants. The families that see a piece of their loved one live on. The strangers that become the best of friends by making good of a tragic situation."

"I fully agree," Dick chimed in. "The organ donors are heroes in my view. It's because of their selfless acts that others' lives are bettered, even saved. A single life touches dozens, and the bonds the different people affected by Hearts for Hearts form with one another are often lifelong. I think if we had more love like that in the world, we wouldn't have half the problems that we do. That's why it's so important to maintain those connections, wouldn't you agree, Ms. Park?"

Dick didn't need Megan's telepathic link to know the thoughts Artemis was sending his way behind her calm, collected demeanor. Are you really lecturing me on staying connected Mr. I-Fly-Solo-Now? So help me, Dick Grayson, I will kill you in your sleep!

"Well, I think that about wraps it up," Artemis said turning off her recorder and gathering her things. "Thank you both so much for your time."

"My pleasure, dear," Theodora said shaking her hand. "Please do take care on your way home. This weather is downright nasty."

"I'll do that, Ms. Branson."

"Why don't I give you a lift back to your place?" Dick offered.

"Thank you, Mr. Grayson, but I don't wish to inconvenience you."

"Oh, it's no trouble."

"Thanks, but I'm really quite capable of looking after myself."

"I'm afraid I can't take no for an answer, Ms. Park. My father'd never forgive me if I let a young woman walk the streets alone this time of night."

"I'll call a cab."

"Oh, please do let Mr. Grayson accompany you back, Ms. Park," Theodora said. "I've lived in this city 40 years and still don't like the look of the streets this time of night. Especially in this cold. If I didn't live here, I'd be booking a room in the hotel myself."

Artemis sighed. "Alright then. Thank you, Mr. Grayson. Goodnight, Ms. Branson."

"Goodnight, Ms. Park. Mr. Grayson."

"Goodnight."

Artemis waited until they were both seated inside Dick's car, an old Art Deco Delahaye Coupe in black, before speaking.

"What, no Bat Mobile tonight?"

"Nah. Little brother just got his learner's permit. He's out taking it for a spin with Al."

Artemis stared at Dick like he'd grown a second head. "Bruce gave Tim permission to drive his car?"

Dick gave a hearty laugh. "'Permission.' To think I almost forgot how funny you are, Arty."

Artemis scrunched her nose. "Didn't you hear? I go by 'Linda' now."

"Missed the memo on that one," Dick said, turning down the street toward her flat. "Been a little busy."

"Doing what exactly?"

"Setting up base in Jump City, Oregon."

"Setting up base? You mean you went and made your own team?"

"Not my own team," Dick corrected. "More like an extension of the Team."

"Huh. Well I guess with all the new recruits it does make sense to spread out," Artemis said. "I imagine the Warehouse was feeling a little cramped."

"More than a little," Dick said. "So you're a reporter now, huh? Wouldn't have figured you'd go for that. Do biology and comparative lit figure much into that profession?"

"Haha, Dick. It was Clark's idea. And speaking of my job, way to hijack the interview, Boy Wonder."

"Hey, I can't help it if I've got all the answers."

"Sure you do, kiddo. Keep telling yourself that. So, then, answer me this. What really brings you to my neck of the woods?"

"Come on, Art," Dick said. "I wanted to check in on you. Catch up with my friend. I was surprised, to say the least, to hear you'd quit the Team. You seemed determined to try Tigress out as a hero the last time we talked."

Artemis shrugged and looked out the window, focusing her gaze on the passing street lights. "A lot of things have changed since we last talked."

"'Things.' Like what?"

"I wanted a normal life."

Dick snorted. "As a civ? Yeah, right. You were bored to tears last time you retired. That's never been what you wanted."

"It's what Wally wanted."

A cold silence seeped into the car. Artemis leaned her head against the window. Dick's grip tightened around the steering wheel.

"Damn it. I'm sorry, Artemis. I wasn't thinking."

"It's okay."

"No, it's not." Dick ran a hand through his hair. "You're mad at me. And not just for the slip up or the interview. I get that. You've got every right to be. I shouldn't have taken off, but I needed-"

"Space." Artemis sighed. "I get it. Believe me, I get it. I'm sorry. I don't have a right to be angry. You took off without much notice, but I didn't do much better. We were all grieving, just trying to cope. How are the others?"

"Managing," Dick said.

Artemis nodded. That's all they could do.

They pulled in front of the three-story boarding house Artemis called home.

"Mind if I come up for a bit?" Dick asked. "There're a few more things I'd like to talk to you about, if you've got time."

Artemis gave a weary, but genuine smile. "I always have time for a friend. Like you said, we have to maintain connections right?"

They both laughed. It felt good to talk like this again. It'd been so long since Artemis could simply be herself.

"Come on up. I've got some things I need to discuss with you, too."

Artemis tried not to make it obvious how much she was leaning against the rail as they climbed the stairs to her top-floor flat. The few extra pounds she'd gained recently combined with the fatigue from her pregnancy weren't helping to stop her winded breath.

As they came through the door, a large boxer barked and barreled down the hall to greet them.

"Hush, Brucely! You'll wake the neighbors," Artemis said.

"Hey, there, Brucely. How are you, pal?" Dick bent to his knees to scratch the dog behind the ears. "Does he get much exercise in a place like this?"

Artemis nodded. "I take him to a daycare during the day and pay one of the kids down the hall to walk him now and then when I'm swamped at work. Take a seat." Artemis gestured toward the small living room. "Let me just go put this stuff up."

She entered her small bedroom that doubled as an office and dropped her purse on her desk. When she returned, she found Brucely curled up with Dick on the sofa. Artemis took a seat on the other side.

"Aren't you going to take off your coat?" Dick asked, a puzzled expression on his face.

"In a minute, maybe," Artemis said. "It's a bit chilly in this old place." Artemis gave Brucely an affectionate pat. "So what else is on your mind, Dick?"

Dick took a moment to study the floor, then looked his friend straight in the eye. "I think that you should move to Jump City."

"And join this new extension of the Team?" Artemis asked. "I appreciate the offer, Dick, but I'm out the game. For real this time."

"You don't have to join the team if you don't want to. But I know for a fact the League wouldn't object to you moving there. You'd be close to me and Megan, Conner, and Gar. Your friends. Your family."

"Those three agreed to move?"

"Yeah. They…wanted a bit of a fresh start, too."

"Who else is part of this new West Coast branch?"

"A few new people. Cyborg you met briefly during our last meeting. Then Kory- that is, Starfire, she's new. Like, 'new to Earth' new. She and Meg seem to get along. I think the Tamaranean and Martian cultures have some overlap."

"Another alien in the group, huh?" Artemis asked, noting the hint of a smile that crossed Dick's face when he said Kory's name. Artemis fleetingly wondered what Zatanna would think about that. "Is she cute?"

"I, uh…" Dick cleared his throat and tried to keep a straight face. "Sure. She's pretty. And really nice. Great with the younger members. Easy to see how she and Meg hit it off."

"Younger members? Do you have more kids there besides Gar?"

"Yeah. We've sort of worked out a weekend arrangement with some of the mentors and parents, but...why listen to me tell you about them when you can come to Jump and meet them for yourself?"

Artemis smiled. "Nice try, kiddo. But I'm just now getting settled in here. I can't just pack up and leave whenever I feel like it."

"Why not?" Dick asked. "It's just you, right? And Brucely here. Why stay in a boring blue-collar town?"

Artemis took a deep breath and crossed to the other side of the room. "Because," she said, shrugging off her coat. She heard her friend gasp as she tightened the loose dress around her waist to reveal her baby bump. "It's not just me anymore."

A long moment of silence passed. The stillness broke with Dick's uneasy laughter.

"I'm guessing that's not you emulating Wally's eating habits?"

Artemis shook her head.

"Artemis you're…pregnant?" he asked, shaking his head like he couldn't believe his eyes. "You're having a baby."

Artemis smiled. "Nice work figuring that one out, detective." Her smile faded and a look of deep sadness and wisdom beyond her 22 years passed over her as she pressed her palm to her stomach. "This is why I can't leave, Dick. I need a boring blue-collar town. This is my life now. No excitement. No danger."

Dick nodded. "I understand. Not to pry but…when? How?"

"In June."

Artemis didn't have to say more. After months apart, the few hours between missions she'd been reunited with Wally afforded them more than enough time to create the little life in her womb. They'd been, understandably, caught up in the moment, and of course after that endless day drew to a close she'd been too consumed by grief and loss to give her birth control pills a passing thought. Artemis shook her head. How could so much good and so much bad come from a single day?

Dick rose from the couch and pulled her into a hug. And for the first time in months Artemis let herself cry. For Wally. For herself. For the unborn child that would never hear his father's laughter or see Wally's smile.

"Does anyone else know?" Dick asked when she'd settled down a bit.

Artemis shook her head. "You're the first. I've hidden it from everyone. Even my coworkers. I just couldn't bear if something happened…I couldn't put everyone…through it again."

"It's alright, Artemis. It's alright. It'll be okay."

"Am I a horrible person, Dick?" Artemis asked. "I don't know how to feel about the baby. I want this child, but I'm..." She took a deep breath and let the bitter words cross her lips. "I'm scared out of my mind."

When Wally died, the lingering regrets, the unspoken words screamed, echoed, round and round in her thoughts. For days all she thought about was how they'd never have the life Wally wanted. How she should have listened to him and treasured what they'd had: a normal life. A safe life. She thought about how they'd never finish college together or get married or have kids. At least now she could make one of those dreams reality.

"At least this way," Artemis whispered aloud. "At least this way I have some part of him here with me. But Wally won't be there with me in the hospital holding my hand. He won't get to hold his child and teach them to walk or hear their first words or any of it. It's a blessing and curse all rolled into one."

Dick held her closer. "You are not a horrible person, Artemis. You're a good, strong woman. And you're going to be an amazing mother. You're not in this alone. You'll have me and Megan and everyone at your side. You have your mother and sister and Rudolph and Mary. Barry, Iris, we're all here for you. You and this baby, Art. We love you and we're going to get through this. Together. Okay?"

Artemis nodded and dried her tears. "Thank you."

"Hey, what are for friends for?"

Artemis laughed. "So, who do I tell next?"

"I think I know who."

"Achoo!" Megan sneezed.

"Gazoontite," Gar said, hanging by his tail from the ceiling. "Hey, sis. You know what they say, right? Every time you sneeze someone's thinking about you." He added in a lower voice, "Maybe Conner?" Gar raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Megan just laughed and ruffled his hair as Beast Boy jumped to the floor and resumed his human form. "Go finish your homework."

Gar groaned. "Fine." The green boy morphed into a bird and flew towards his room, soaring over Cassie's head as she came down the stairs to the living room.

"Everything alright, Megan?" Cassie asked as she noticed the Martian staring absently out the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Jump City base, a small apartment complex along the river that'd been gutted bottom to top and armed with the latest tech and security.

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine," Megan said. "Just admiring the view."

Cassie nodded. "It's pretty isn't it with the city all lit up and stuff? The way the lights reflect off the river? Nightwing says the view is 'optimal for spotting crime,' but whatever the reason they chose this place, it's pretty cool."

Cassie made her way to the kitchen in the corner of the open space and dug out some coffee powder and a mug.

"Should you really be drinking that so late?" Megan asked. "Won't the caffeine keep you up?"

Cassie laughed. "That's kind of the point, Meg. I've got three book reports to do and a history test tomorrow. Besides, it's only 8. Want me to fix you a cup?"

Megan shook her head. "No, thanks. I've been having enough trouble sleeping as it is."

For weeks Megan had been having dreams that she couldn't make sense of. The world on fire, a high-speed realm, a deadly battle. The visions were hazy, half-remembered things she'd recount upon waking, but one thing rang crystal clear in her mind each and every morning: an overwhelming sense of fear and isolation, like a soul crying out for help.

"It could be the stress of the move keeping you up," Conner said as he came into the room. "Sorry, advanced hearing. Couldn't help eavesdropping."

"It's no problem," Megan said.

"You can go on to bed if you want," Conner said. "It's just Gar and Cassie here tonight among the kids."

"I am not a kid," Cassie grumbled under her breath as she marched back towards the stairs.

"We can hear you!" Megan and Conner called after her at the same time.

Megan laughed. "Jinks."

Conner looked puzzled. "Didn't we put her jail last week?"

"No, I mean- never mind. Are Kory and Vic still out?" Megan asked.

"Yeah. They should be back in a bit. But like I said, you can go on to bed if you want. I can hold down the fort for a couple of hours. You can trust me with that much. Get some rest."

Megan was about to take Conner up on his offer with an alarm sounded throughout the tower sending red lights flashing across the floors.

"Looks like sleep will have to wait," Megan said and flew toward the control room.

"Seems like a pretty routine assignment," Conner said as the group analyzed security footage on the large set of screens before them. "Cassie, Gar. How do you feel about a little solo mission?"

"An armed robbery at the bank?" Cassie said. "So boring. Can't the police take care of it?"

"It's more than that," Megan said. "There's a hostage situation involved."

Cassie still looked unimpressed. "I'll go, but sending Gar and me both is overkill. I've got this one covered. Be back in 5."

"Honestly, Cassie, this is more of a stealth mission," Megan said.

"Why does everyone always think that I can't do stealth?!" Cassie groaned, her voice ringing across the metal walls.

"Ladies and gentleman, I present to you Exhibit A," Gar said gesturing toward the room. "Sis and I will handle this. A little camouflage with density shifting on Meg's end, I go in, literally, quiet as a mouse, beat some bad-guy butt, and we call it a night."

"We're wasting time," Conner growled, his short patience just about spent. "We'll all go."

Megan didn't say it, but she was glad she and Conner were supervising the assignment. The kids had the situation under control, but ever since Wally's death Megan found herself unwilling to take unnecessary risks, especially with her adoptive brother Gar.

When the younger members of the Team telepathically reported the mission complete, Megan should have flown straight to her bed, tired as she was. But, for reasons she couldn't entirely explain, she found herself saying, "Conner, you and the rest of the team head on home. I'll meet you there in a bit. There's something I need to look into."

"Uh, sure," Conner said. "You need any backup?"

"No. I think I've got this."

An instinctive urge tugged Megan toward the city park, drawing her to the center of a small woods. The feeling led Megan to a young girl in a long blue dress lying motionless at the base a large, old tree.

Megan rushed to the child's side, checking her wrist for a pulse. Good, Megan thought. She was still alive, but her energy was severely low. Megan pushed aside the girl's long, tangled black hair to feel her forehead. Though the girl had no fever, her skin appeared white as a sheet. Megan's shoulders tensed as a dark, familiar meow sounded from behind her.

The Martian whipped around just as a golden cat with ruby red eyes jumped down from its perch among the branches. A childlike, eery laugh echoed through the woods as a devil-like form emerged from the shadows.

"Klarion," Megan said.

"Oh well, if isn't the Martian girl. Much as I'd love to play with you little Leaguers tonight, I've got a job to do and I'm in a bit of a rush. So how about you step away from the girl and I'll be on my merry way?"

"What have you done to her?" Megan demanded. Klarion's high pitched laugh sent a shiver down her spine.

"Me? Why I haven't harmed a single hair on her head. Frankly I'm insulted, Miss Martian. Even we Lords of Chaos know to show respect to our princess."

"Your princess?" Megan repeated.

The golden cat hissed in warning. "Oh, perhaps you're right, Teekl. I wouldn't want to say too much. The boss wouldn't like it if his precious gem was compromised."

"You're not going anywhere with her," Megan warned, spreading her arms protectively in front of the girl.

Klarion sighed. "You heroes are so annoying. Always looking for a fight."

Megan smirked. "Won't be much of a fight, Witch Boy."

Klarion started to utter a spell, but was cut off as an invisible force slammed him backwards into a tree.

"Not fair!" he whined, picking himself up off the ground. "You stupid Martians think you're so great with your telekinesis!"

"That…wasn't me," Megan said, looking perplexed.

"It was me."

Megan turned and found the girl struggling to her feet.

"So the little princess is finally awake," Klarion said, a chilling smile spreading across his face. "That inter-dimensional travel wear you out, little girl? Does your human body make you that weak?"

"Silence, demon," the girl whispered in a weak, but dangerous tone.

Rage boiled in Klarion's eyes, but he didn't say another word, as if he had no choice but to obey the child's command.

The girl started to mutter a spell under her breath, but stumbled. Megan caught her before she hit the ground.

"Don't try to use any power right now," Megan warned telepathically. The girl seemed startled at hearing the Martian's voice in her head. "It's okay," Megan assured. "You're the one that was calling to me for help, right? Well I'm here. And I'm about to send this creep packing."

Megan looked Klarion straight in the eyes, melding her mind with his in order to take control.

"Go," Megan mentally commanded the villain. "Leave us and don't return."

Klarion smirked. "Stupid Martian. Your mind games don't work on me. I only answer to-"

"Do as she says," the girl said aloud. Klarion's entire body froze. He gave the girl a menacing glare, but she didn't back down. "Go."

The witch boy slowly turned and walked back towards the woods. This isn't over, Klarion's voice whispered in their minds. The cat turned its fiery gaze on the girl, hissed, and walked off behind its master as the two faded back into the shadows.

"For now it is," Megan said. "Whoa, easy." Megan tightened her hold as the girl's body slumped against her. "Your energy is low. Just rest now. You're safe."

The girl, who Megan now saw looked no older than 12 or 13, gave a barely perceptible nod and closed her eyes.

"Miss Martian to the Tower," Megan thought as she carried the child in the direction of home. "I think I'm going to need that backup after all."