Justice League II: Dread

Chapter Seventeen: Mount Justice II

Mount Justice II, 8/28/15, 2:24 PM

Five days after the attack...

Aqualad sighed as he stood next to Red Tornado as the android directed the reestablishment of Cave security.  The entire system was being redesigned, after the attack five days ago.  The League was working within the Cave now, since the Hall and the Watchtower were both out of commission.  Aqualad was still not over the death of his mentor and king, Aquaman.  He could barely believe it had happened, and just after he lost Blue Beetle, one of his most trusted allies.  It seemed as though friends were dying left and right.  After all, Batman had died five days ago by the Joker's hand as well.

"Kaldur."  A voice said behind him, he turned around as Dick walked up to him.  He had stayed with the Team since the attack to attempt to help them all with the recovery.  Kaldur hoped he might consider staying.

"What is it?"  He asked turning towards him, "Any word on Jason?"

Dick shook his head as he hung his head down.  "No.  We have no clue where he could be.  But I have other news too."  He began walking away, and Kaldur followed.

"What is it?"  He repeated himself as Dick reached the kitchen.

"Look.  I don't think it was a wise idea to keep Green Arrow and the Flash here."  He said looking at him straight in the face.

"They are a League problem, so the League is dealing with it."  Kaldur replied staring Dick straight on, "That's the rule."

"I know, but they could break out if they wanted to.  And if they were to, then we would not stand a chance.  Wally can't keep up with Flash, and Green Arrow is skilled as it is.  Plus, Artemis isn't exactly-"

"Dick."  Kaldur sighed, "I have something you should...you should know."  Kaldur looked around to see if anyone was within ear-shot, there was no one nearby.

"What?"

Kaldur turned to him and whispered quietly, "Artemis is not dead."

"What!?"  Dick asked stumbling backwards, "What do you mean not-!  I mean..."  He whispered now, "What do you mean not dead?"

"That hooded-girl that killed Roy."  Kaldur began, but Dick knew where he was going.

"No.  She couldn't-"

"She is."  Kaldur replied sighing, "It's true."

"Who else knows?"  Dick asked raising an eyebrow.

"Her allies and I."  Kaldur sighed, "I found out in Uraria during the battle.  I couldn't tell anyone else they would only think of her differently.  She is still Artemis, our friend."

"Kaldur.  They deserve to know."  Dick sighed, "But I can understand why you did it."

"I was going to tell Megan, but...I can't."

"Why not?"  Dick asked moving towards the counter.

"Because I can't ruin her memory for all of them.  Artemis' 'death' was honorable and brave.  She saved us from Savage-"

"Doctor Fate."  Dick scowled, "I can't believe that monster is still alive."

"We had no choice."  Kaldur sighed, "He's too powerful to be killed."

"I have one last question now."  Dick sighed sitting down on the counter, "What are you going to do with the kid?"

"You mean Eddie?"  Kaldur asked tilting his head.

"Yeah, he's good Kaldur.  You need his skills, plus with Blue..."  Dick cursed under his breath as he remembered their old friend, "You know.  You need a new member to replenish the squad."