Wally slowly opened his eyes. He had no idea where he was. The last thing he remembered was Artemis kissing him and then everything went dark. He strained his wrists, grimacing as rough rope dug into his sensitive skin. "Think, Wally, think." He pondered the multiple possibilities on how to get out of this mess. He could easily vibrate himself loose, but there was a possibility of the rope cutting through his bone at that speed. His flesh could easily burn and never properly heal. Wally sat there in the dark. Maybe if he played opossum...
Dick knocked on Wally's door. He had seen Artemis storm past him with tears in her eyes. He figured it hadn't gone well. "Wally?" Dick called, knocking on his door a second time. Still no answer. He pushed open his best friend's door and stepped inside. Wally wasn't on the bed and he wasn't at his desk studying. He left the room ans bumped into Artemis. "Art, have you seen Wally? I can't find him anywhere." Dick asked the archer. She frowned and said, "No, I haven't seen him in over an hour. Last place we were was by the Bio-ship." He was confused now. "Can you check the kitchen? And then meet me by the Bio-ship if he isn't there?" Artemis found herself nodding, a pang of worry growing in her stomach. The two friends split.
Meanwhile, Wally was still trying to figure out a strategy on how to escape. Suddenly, a bring light explodes into the dark room, making him temporarily blinded. He closed his eyes tightly. "Who's there?" he calls. "Your executioner." answers a cruel voice full of hatred. Wally slowly opens his eyes, allowing them to become adapted to the harsh light. "Sportsmaster." The villainous father of his hopefully soon-to-be-girlfriend smirked. "Yes, Wally West. It is Sportsmaster." He froze. Sportsmaster knew his identity. It occurred to him the his mask was missing and part of his costume was ripped. "I don't know what my daughter sees in you. Playing the hero card. You could be a large asset to the Injustice League. I would spare your life if you joined us." Wally set his mouth into a tight line. "Join you?" he spat. "Never. I would rather die or lose my powers than join you." Sportsmaster narrowed his eyes. "Maybe another person's death can change your mind." he growled, selecting a knife and running his finger along the blade. Wally tried to keep the shock off his face. "Yes... I am speaking about Artemis."
Artemis popped her head in the kitchen. "Baywatch?" she called. He wasn't there. "Where are you, Wally?" the now very worried teen murmured. She quickly made her way to the Bio-ship. "Nightwing?" Artemis called. He was kneeling next to a bloodstain on the floor. Her hand flew to her mouth. "Is it..?" she whispered. Dick looked at her. "I'he tested it twice Artemis. It's definately Wally's blood."
Wally glared at him. "If you touch Artemis you sick bastard, I swear I will kill you!" Sportsmaster grinned. "It won't be a problem to 'abuse' my daughter to her limits. And much more over them." Wally leaped up, only to cry out in pain. Sportsmaster rolled his eyes. "What is it with teenagers and love these days?" He stepped forward and raised the knife to begin his handiwork.
Artemis stood up. "I don't understand. Who would..." she trailed off and Dick snapped his eyes over to her. "Sportsmaster." She turned around and bolted. "Wait, Artemis!" Dick called, running after the furious blonde. He pressed his com and shouted, "Kaldur, M'Gann, Conner. Meet me at Sportsmaster's hideout. Wally is in danger." Artemis grabbed her quiver and bow. It was payback time. She sighed. "I'm coming." she whispered.
Wally couldn't hold back the moan of pain. He wailed it out, and that made Sportsmaster press the knife even harder into his skin. He closed his eyes. The pain was getting worse and worse. "Maybe she won't find you attractive with tatoos." he cooed. Please someone help me..., he whimpered mentally. A sudden door slammed onto the ground and Wally looked with hope in his green eyes. "What did you do?!" Artemis screamed. His face was bruised and cut. He had blood trickling down his cheek from her father's latest cut. His wrists screamed in pain as he tried to break free. Artemis locked an arrow into her bow. "Get. Away. From. Him." she seethes. Sportsmaster dropped his knife and opened his arms in a gesturely-manner. "Artemis, he would not join the Injustice League. He only deserved what he got." Wally stared at her. She had never looked this mad before, not even during their arguments. "He shouldn't! He is a hero! He keeps people safe while you go out and terrorize them. While you take away their families. He brings hope to everyone. He is my hero!" Her father smiled evilly and said, "Artemis Crock... you're in love." She released her arrow and felt satisfaction as it sailed into his chest. "I'm lucky to know what love is." she whispered. Dick jumped into the room just to see Artemis start pounding on the corpse. He saw Wally and rushed over to him. "Wally!" M'Gann cried, flying over to him. Wally smiled weakly and his friend untied his wrists. He stands up slowly. Dick runs over to Artemis and pulls her off of Sportsmaster's body. Her arms flail as she shrinksh in Dick's grip. "I'm okay." Wally says. Dick stands up, Artemis still in his protective grip. "Says the guy whose face is bleeding really bad." Kaldur stepped up, avoiding the corpse. "We all need to go home. Kid Flash needs to be checked for major blood loss. And Artemis..." Kaldur pauses. "May need a sedative." Wally stumbles over to her and Dick. "I got this..." the tired speedster says, gently pulling Artemis into his arms. The panic-stricken girl clutched him tightly and sobbed on his shoulder. Wally looked at everyone else. "Under no circumstances, does anyone bring up her crying." Everyone nodded. They understood why Artemis was reacting this way. "To home..." Wally murmured into her hair as they boarded the Bio-ship.