'Kay, so I should totally be writing He's rescued, now what? or working on my story-in-progress, but I needed to write this.

This is a spin off of Depths, because we can't fake-kill Artemis without writing about it. It takes place in between the fake-death and when the plotters meet in the warehouse.

Enjoy. Oh, and this is a one-shot. It's not going to turn into a multi-chapter story like my other one. Definitely a one shot.

When Paula Crock, the ex-huntress, received a call from the Justice League, she sounded wary and worried. When she was told the news, she was shocked and horrified. She was understandably upset, even starting to sob. The hero on the other end of the phone, Ollie, tried to console her as best he could, but Paula quickly hung up, citing the need to grieve. She stared at the phone for a minute, then turned and picked up a bowl of chips from the table and wheeled her way into the living room.

The TV was playing softly, throwing colors throughout the room. It was a hypnotic display, but none of the occupants of the room were actually watching it. A hand reached out and grabbed the last chip from the bowl. There were soft crunching noises, and then silence until Paula spoke.

"How long will it be until I see you again?"

A sigh.

"I don't know. We need time to infiltrate the base, take down the Light. I won't be able to contact you at all. You know you'll have some acting to do. Playing the grieving mother should help throw off suspicion."

Paula smiled sadly. She knew what she would have to do, and also knew how difficult it would be. Damn Laurence and his bosses for putting them through this. A mother shouldn't have to lose her daughter this way. A mother shouldn't have to pretend to lose her daughter this way.

"I understand. I'll do what I have to do to keep you and Kaldur safe."

The young woman across from her smiled. "Thanks mom. I owe you one."

Artemis reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone, checking the time. "I've got to go mom. We're meeting one last time before I leave with Kaldur."

Paula rolled forward and embraced Artemis. "I love you, and I'm proud of what you're doing. You're trying to help you friends save the world. You're redeeming what your father and I did- or is doing, in Lawrence's case. Good luck, sweetie."

Artemis had tears in her eyes. "Thanks mom." She whispered, then gently disentangled herself from the embrace. "Bye."

As the door shut, Paula smiled slightly and closed her eyes. She was worried, of course, but she knew that Artemis was doing the right thing. And for an ex-con gone straight, that was one of the most important things. That and family, but see where that had gotten her. Hopefully this would turn out better.

And fin!

I just had to write this. I don't know, something just came over me. I should totally have been writing my other stories though.

I just can't see them not telling Paula about this. Making a mother think their child was dead would just be cruel.