Dick Grayson was rushing through the corridors of Gotham Academy. It was lunch time and Artemis was at school. He knew about the other students. He also knew that she would be hiding in the school library. It was one of the safest places in the school if you were trying to avoid someone. Unless that someone was Dick. He was almost there when a person stepped in to his path.

"Dick can we talk?"

Barbara Gordon was standing in front of him and she didn't look as if she would take no for an answer.

"Alright but make it quick. I have some where I need to be."

He followed her down another hallway, hoping that he would get to talk to Artemis.

Artemis wasn't sure why she had come to school. Maybe she wanted Dick to come find her. So far though she had spent all day avoiding him. People had noticed the bruising but most had ignored it. The few who looked like they cared had kept to themselves though. That was normal. Though right now Artemis wished that Conner was here. He wouldn't have let her walk by.

Artemis was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the approach of the seniors. Male and female.

"Hey look. It's the assassins' kid. She still hasn't gotten the message."

Only then did Artemis look up and notice that her tormentors blocked off the ends of the aisle she had sat down in. For a second the thought of fighting back crossed her mind. As the first foot came swinging towards her jaw though she let go of that thought and let them go for it. She was too tired to fight back anymore.

Dick Grayson was getting anxious. Barbara had insisted they talk in an empty classroom. Far away from the library.

"Well?" He knew he was being short with her but he was worried. Artemis needed someone. Soon.

"Why are you still hanging out with her?"

"What? You're still carrying on about Artemis. She is my friend and right now she is having a rough time. Now if you will excuse me I have to go meet my friend in the library."

Dick went to leave but Barbara grabbed his arm and started talking again.

"How can you say that? You know who her parents are. This could be some kind of plot against everyone here and you don't care. So she saved your life. It doesn't mean that she isn't exactly like her Father."

At that Dick spun round pulling his arm from Barbara's grip.

"How can you say that? You don't even know her. If you did you would know that you couldn't be further from the truth. Artemis has every right to attend this school and I hope you can deal with the consequences of your actions."

With that Dick turned and left. Barbara didn't know it but Bruce was looking into everything this morning. He was also telling the Commissioner of his daughter's actions.

Dick sped towards the library. There wasn't a lot of time before the next period started. He arrived with five minutes to spare and ran straight into the librarian. Who decided to walk with him.

"Not a lot of people ask for the Shakespeare section so of course I remember your friend-"

The librarian was cut off by the sight they found in the Shakespeare section. Artemis lay sprawled in the centre of the aisle. There were books scattered around her and she wasn't moving.

"I'll get help."

The librarian tried to sound calm as she raced off for help. It didn't work. After she had left he moved closer. Artemis's left arm was angled backwards under her body whilst the other one crossed over the top of her body. Her legs were tangled and he noticed that her shirt and skirt had ridden up slightly. The sight of her midsection black and blue from bruises brought Dick to his knees. It was from this angle that he noticed the cut on her forehead. The carpet was soaking up the blood. Artemis's blood. Dick hadn't thought anything could make him feel worse than that.

How could he who went to school with her have overlooked this? He had failed her. Even though he knew he shouldn't, Dick reached out and grabbed Artemis's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I'm sorry Artemis. I'm not going anywhere though. I promise this time you won't be alone."

Dick Grayson didn't move from there until the paramedics showed up and then insisted on accompanying Artemis to the Hospital. He was going to keep this promise. If he didn't then Artemis might never be okay. He knew it was silly but he wished he could have saved her. She had been there when he was falling. Somehow he had missed her fall. He wasn't going to miss being there for her recovery.