Dark Arrow

The memorial garden on the Watchtower was silent and still. Not even birdsong sounded here, as if out of respect for those this space was dedicated to. There was an air of solemnity here, an almost physical weight that bore down on Artemis as she made her way through the trees to her destination. She had finally made herself come here, out of guilt and sorry. It had been the right decision, but not an easy one. She fought the urge to cry, holding in her tears through sheer willpower. Not yet, she thought.

She wasn't surprised to find someone already standing in front of Wally's hologram, least of all that it was Bart. The two of them had been growing close recently, and his death had hit him especially hard.

"You look good," she called, striding into the empty space. The enormous window looking out into the vastness of space and the planet below made for an impressive backdrop, it made little impact on her. She only had eyes for the likeness the hologram captured.

"Really?" The young man turned, spreading his hands to gesture at his new uniform, the yellow and red of Kid Flash. His voice was tinged with disgust. "'Cause I feel like a fraud."

"Well don't." Artemis stopped in front of him, affectionately placing a hand on his shoulder. She resisted the urge to look up into Wally's face. She knew that if she were to look into those eyes, she wouldn't be able to hold back anymore. Not yet. "You're honoring Wally's memory by becoming Kid Flash. I know he'd be proud."

"Thanks." Bart smiled, looking abashed as he scratched his red hair. Idly, he gestured to her own costume. "So, you suited up. But, as Tigress?"

She sighed. "Artemis was Wally's partner. I need some distance. I need a change." She paused long enough to raise her mask to her face, making sure the strap held it tightly. "So, let's see how Tigress does."

"As a hero?" Bart raised an eyebrow. His voice took on some its usual levity.

"As a blonde," she replied, forcing a smile. God, it was so difficult. Even pretending felt like a betrayal and added to her guilt. Not yet.

"Yeah, well..." Bart coughed, looking uncomfortable. "I, uh...I'll give you some privacy." He flashed a half-hearted smile, then was gone in a blurring whoosh of speed.

Artemis sighed, steeling herself for what she'd come to do, what she'd needed to do. She turned, facing Wally's hologram, and forced herself to look up.

Those eyes. How could those eyes be so empty, and yet so accusing at the same time? They seemed to stab at her with rage, boring into her skull. She could almost hear them whispering, "Why? Why? Why?" With that one look, the dam inside of her burst, and she collapsed to her knees, letting loose the tears she'd been holding in.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, sobbing uncontrollably. "Wally, I'm so sorry!"

Things with Kaldur'ahm had been so wild and unexpected, and she'd been swept up in the taboo pleasures, the wrongness of the situation. She'd known it wasn't right, but she hadn't been able to help herself. She could see it clearly now, and it was a wonder she could stand under the weight of all her guilt, the burden of her shame. She had wanted to tell him everything, wanted to confess to the seemingly endless nights spent in Kaldur's embrace, wanted to beg on her knees for his forgiveness, for him to take her back. She loved him, and he loved her. That was all that really mattered.

But she'd hesitated. She'd looked into those eyes, so full of love, so happy that they were back together, and hadn't found the courage to avow herself. She hadn't wanted to watch that wonderful smile melt away, and for that love to be replaced with the same disgust she saw now every time she looked in a mirror. How could she ask him to understand? What was there for him to understand? She had been weak, and she had betrayed him.

Now, it was too late. Wally had given his life in the line of duty, sacrificing himself to save the planet. He'd gone to his grave never knowing of her infidelity. He would never know what she'd done, or how much she regretted it.

"Please, Wally." Artemis hung her head, unable to bear that gaze. Her tears dripped freely, mixing with the dirt and grass under her hands. "Please, forgive me!"

But there was no answer, no forgiveness to be found. There were only those eyes, those haunting, damning eyes, and the whispers that seemed to echo inside her skull:

"Why? Why? Why? Why?"

The End