Watchtower
"So the kids destroyed the robot," Hawkman stated.
"That wasn't their mission," Aquaman replied seriously.
"No, it wasn't. But the outcome is acceptable," Batman said, earning many looks.
"Many governments would be interested in having an army of those things. It's better they no longer exist," he added firmly.
"So we're doing nothing? They disobeyed orders," said Arrow. "Their mission was to escort the trucks and deliver the robot to the labs. Not only that, they lied in their reports," he said sternly.
"You can take it up with Kid Flash if you don't like the outcome," Batman replied. "I'll just say he didn't seem too patient when I questioned the results."
Arrow looked at him, annoyed. "I prefer this controlled outcome. Where's your apprentice?" Flash asked with a serious expression. His apprentice had done a great job—he wouldn't let Arrow belittle him.
"Oh, here we go again with Roy," said Arrow.
"Yes, again with him. He was the first to abandon this team—the same team that stopped Bane, Cobra, Sportsmaster, and now Ivo—while your protégé keeps walking around with your symbol. It's only a matter of time before he screws up, and you'll be the one answering for him," Flash argued seriously.
"The team has performed well so far, and Speedy has been restricted. He only has access to the Cave and your Star City bases," said Batman, looking at Green Arrow, who said nothing.
"Isn't that a bit extreme?" Canary remained silent under Batman's stare. He clearly wanted to finish dealing with Oliver before addressing anyone else.
"The League will not tolerate more of Speedy's actions. If you can't control him, it's better he stays in Star City. If he gets into trouble, the League will offer no support—you'll be on your own, Oliver. If you can't control him, the team will," Batman declared with gravity.
The room fell silent at the Dark Knight's words.
"We still have to deal with Cadmus and the Arkham breakouts," Batman added. "The League doesn't have time to deal with ill-mannered children."
Days Later – Mount Justice
"Recognized: Kid Flash, B3."
Wally entered the Cave in his new hero attire, stealthy as the night. His suit was black with dark green on the shoulders, his satchel tight on the left side, and trench knives strapped at his back near the waist for easy reach. His mask covered everything except his hair, eyes, and mouth. His belt resembled Robin's, and on his chest was a white circle with two crossed lightning bolts—slightly intimidating.
He wasn't surprised to see Batman, Arrow, and a blonde archer standing with the team.
"I hope I'm not late. Didn't mean to keep you waiting," he said as he walked up to the group. M'gann and Superboy greeted him warmly.
"This is Artemis, my new protégé and niece," Green Arrow introduced, pointing at the beautiful tan-skinned blonde. Her outfit resembled a female version of Green Arrow's. She flaunted her toned midriff, a green domino mask, yoga-tight green pants showing off her legs, and her blonde hair tied in a ponytail.
"Your niece? The League's really out of ideas, huh?" Wally laughed, noticing the tension in the new girl. Everyone turned when Speedy showed up.
"Recognized: Speedy, B06."
"For the record, it's Red Arrow now," said Roy.
"Very original. Glad you don't want to be in your mentor's shadow," Kid Flash said, eyeing his old friend, who said nothing.
"We weren't expecting you," Arrow said.
"I see you already found a replacement," Roy replied, glancing at Artemis.
"Well, she's way sexier than you, so don't feel bad. Still not my type," Wally smirked. "No one's been replaced. You're always welcome on the team," Aqualad added.
"As long as you don't ditch us again when the League doesn't kiss your boots for breathing," Kid Flash added coldly.
"Kid Flash, stand down," Aqualad ordered firmly.
"Right, keep kissing the arrogant archer's ass who left us. Much better," Wally snapped.
"Kid Flash—pleasure to meet you, Artemis," he added more warmly, offering a smile, and she returned it.
"I'm M'gann. So glad there's finally another girl on the team," Miss Martian chimed in.
"You're not the only one, sweetheart. I like the guys, but a cave full of dudes? No thanks. Robin took good care of me last time," Kid Flash said, drawing laughter from Artemis and a punch from Robin.
"Anyway, I came for this," he said, showing a picture of Dr. Roquette.
"That's—" Roy began.
"Dr. Selina Roquette. Genius in nanorobotics and arcillotronics. Went missing two weeks ago in Star City. Or kidnapped—if you're here," Kid Flash said, and everyone looked at him. "She ranks fourth among the sexiest scientists in the country," he added with a shrug at everyone's looks.
"I rescued her from the League of Shadows," Red Arrow said seriously.
"She's currently hiding in an old institution," he said, showing the location.
"You left her alone in an abandoned school instead of bringing her to a safer place like Star City?" Kid Flash asked incredulously.
"Then you and I will protect her," Arrow said, but Kid looked at Artemis, who seemed sad at her mentor's words.
"You and me? What about your new protégé?" Roy asked.
"You brought this. The team will handle it," Batman said firmly.
"Fine," Roy said, walking off.
"Now we have to clean up his mess too," Kid Flash complained. "I just wanted a beach day after class..." he groaned, flopping down.
"I have the coordinates," Aqualad said, ignoring Wally.
"I'll prep the Bio-Ship," Miss Martian said.
"How is it possible someone escaped the League of Shadows without injury?" Kid Flash asked Batman, who glanced at him.
"Your opinion?" Batman asked seriously.
"They let him escape so he'd report back and lure the League or our covert team. Then false info spreads that one of us leaked it to Roy. Every time Roy brings something, the League shows up—yet he walks away untouched," Wally said seriously.
"You suspect your teammate?" Batman asked, showing a trace of approval.
"A true friend doesn't abandon their team for personal goals. They ask for help. They don't drag others through the mud and expect them to follow later," Wally replied with intensity, and Batman studied his expression. The boy was clearly tense.
"Do you trust your new teammate?" Batman asked.
Kid just smiled and replied, "Do you trust everyone in the League—even those not from this world or dimension?"
Batman nodded.
"Report any concerns or information," he said.
"Yes, sir," Wally replied with a mock-salute.
(M'gann, leave Dr. Roquette out of the mind link. She needs to focus on her work—not on our thoughts.) —Kid Flash.
(Understood.) —Miss Martian.
"Thanks for that," the doctor said, relieved to stop hearing the team's chatter.
(You know how to keep everyone happy, huh?) —Artemis said.
(I know what ladies like.) —Wally replied, grinning while scanning the school.
(So Artemis, how long have you known Green Arrow? And what did you have to do to become his protégé… and pretend he's your uncle?)
She didn't reply.
(I see. I'll wait for your answer later, sweetheart. Secrets always come out—it's better to hear them from the source than the enemy.)
Kid Flash walked calmly near the pool.
"Wonder how much they're paying you, Cheshire," he said, stopping and turning. There she was—long black hair, a tribal-style mask, green dress, black boots showing off her strong and stunning legs, and her sais ready.
Kid Flash drew his trench knives, focused. This woman was as dangerous as she was attractive—perhaps more than Artemis.
"Impressive you noticed me," she said, hiding a smile at being discovered by the Flash's apprentice. "Tell me, Red Arrow—what does the League of Shadows want from him?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," he answered.
"A shame. Still, you're easy on the eyes," she said, drawing her weapons.
"So, we're doing this the hard way?" Wally asked seriously. Both jumped into battle.
"We're here!" said Artemis, arriving at the pool with Miss Martian as Cheshire escaped and Kid Flash fell into the water.
"After her!" Artemis yelled.
The team regrouped.
"We didn't find her," Miss Martian reported to Aqualad, who nodded.
"They used the mist. Robin and Superboy will investigate. Artemis and Miss Martian stay with me to protect the doctor," Aqualad ordered, and everyone moved to their posts.
Two Hours Later
"So, she escaped," Kid Flash said, looking at where Cheshire had been. He looked at Artemis, who nodded.
"Well, she's one of the best. A shame I didn't get to know her. They say she's beautiful—I wonder if it's true," he said to himself.
"Welcome to the team, sweetheart," he added, hugging Artemis. She smiled, and Miss Martian embraced her too. Superboy nodded in welcome.
Mount Justice
"Dr. Roquette has been relocated to Star City. Green Arrow will handle her protection. Good work," Batman said seriously.
"Good, I'm starving," Kid Flash said, heading to the kitchen.
"Hope we can hang out," Megan told Artemis, who smiled in return.
Artemis stepped out of the old phone booth, quickly turning with her bow drawn.
"Good reflexes," said Roy, stepping from the shadows.
"Are you stalking me now?" she asked, not lowering her bow.
"You're not Green Arrow's niece," he said seriously, making Artemis tense.
"Just know this—if you hurt them, I'll make you pay," he said coldly.
"Aww, you do care. You don't show it much," said Kid Flash suddenly in Roy's ear, who turned surprised at how close he was.
"I think that's enough, Roy. Not cool trying to intimidate our new teammate," Robin said, appearing behind Artemis, startling her.
"I was just—"
"We appreciate your concern," Robin said seriously as Kid Flash placed a hand on Artemis's shoulder, pulling her gently beside him.
"But we can handle things here, Red Arrow. Go back to your city," he said. Roy looked at them, saw their serious faces, and nodded before leaving.
"Thanks. I could've handled him," she tried to say.
"No, you couldn't. You were about to take the hit. We'll meet again… daughter of Sportsmaster," Kid Flash whispered in her ear. Her eyes widened, but before she could speak, the two boys had vanished, and she could only walk home.
"So she's Sportsmaster's daughter and Cheshire's sister?" Robin asked.
"She is. And one day she'll have to tell the team. It's her story to share," Wally replied as they sat on a rooftop.
"Now let's get food, old friend. I'm starving."
They laughed and returned to the Cave to rest and eat, while Artemis made her way home.