38 Chapter 31

"Cat Grant here, bringing you coverage of the historical summit of the leaders of both North and South Rhealsia. Today could be the first step towards historial diplomacy, as tensions between these two nations have been apart for the better part of the past fifty years. A special abritor will be arriving momentarily to mandate the peace treaty."

Cat Grant stood live outside waiting for the abritor to arrive. From the shadows, Red Arrow observed the scene, the frown deepening in her face.

"And the arribator could be moment's away from getting assassinated, and such an attack would bring both countries to another war," she said. "Speaking of which, do you have any idea who I'm supposed to be protecting?"

"Sadly, no," the voice in Thea's ear commented. "That's a pretty guarded secret. And before you asked, the League doesn't know either or if they know, they aren't telling me."

"Which means no one told Green Arrow if they did know, and he didn't tell you," Red Arrow said a few seconds later. "But, we do know that this potential contract is legit...from the League, right Overwatch?"

"Yes," she agreed. "Which...no offense meant, but I think you could get getting in way over your head if the League of Shadows gets involved."

Red Arrow just responded with a sigh, yes, she could be, but this could also be a chance to prove that she could stand on her own two feet.

"Maybe you should leave this…."

"How can I be worth of the Justice League if I keep crawling to them for help every week?" Red Arrow asked.

"I thought you didn't want anything to do with that now."

Red Arrow did not bother to respond, mostly because she had her eyes on the limo which had been arriving. The entire world did as a matter of fact, including Cat Grant, who looked over towards him.

"And now, the world famous diplomat who will bring unprecedented talks of peace has arrived and it's….LEX LUTHOR?"

Sure enough, the world's most prominent bald billionaire stepped out of the limousine, flanked by a dark-haired woman, who stood stoic, with her arms folded. Red Arrow soaked it all in, wondering how her life had come to this. Protecting Lex Luthor of all people from being assassinated, but she supposed that the political backwash would come even more than the professional pride.

"It's Luthor," she said.

"Thea, maybe you shouldn't get involved," Overwatch warned her.

That warning did not come off short. Lex shook hands with several people in the crowd. He turned to Cat, with a smile on his face. As smug and self-assured as he would ever be, Lex made Thea's stomach turn in knots when he approached the crowd.

"I'm just here as a concerned citizen in the world, hoping that today will mean that we are a bit more at ease," Lex said. "I think it's high time North and South Rhealasia understand that only a border separates them, but truly, we are all citizens of the world."

Red Arrow tore her eyes off of Lex, and noticed the assassin out of the crowd. She knew it, she spotted the assassin, it was Cheshire. Cheshire, who was in perfect position to take Lex Luthor out. And potentially cause an international incident in the process.

The good thing was that Red Arrow was in perfect position to take Cheshire out. She shot an arrow which Cheshire avoided. The next movement lead to Red Arrow dropping down to the ground. Cheshire stepped back and then threw a shuriken at Red Arrow who avoided it.

"You're not the person I expected to intervene in this," Cheshire said. "But, you're not getting in my way."

Cheshire swiped at Red Arrow who avoided the attack by ducking her head. A swipe from the assassin caused Red Arrow's bow to drop down to the ground. Firing back, Red Arrow engaged in some hand to hand, and send Cheshire flying down to the ground, as the terrified people scattered them.

Reclaiming her bow allowed Red Arrow to fire an arrow down onto the ground. A loud bang and then Cheshire had been sealed up in a net. She struggled to break out of the arrow, but despite her best efforts she could not get out of it.

Suddenly, the cops finally swarmed down onto them. Cheshire surrendered to them peacefully, and her eyes locked onto the Red Arrow. Then the cops pointed their guns at Red Arrow. Red Arrow put her hand on the bow, calculating about how many shots she would need to get to the cops.

And the likelihood of her being shot in the process.

"There's no need for that," Lex stated. "This young lady saved my life."

Lex moved over and said something to the officers that Red Arrow could not pick up. They relaxed their weapons. Red Arrow did not relax hers though, especially with Cheshire still there. Despite the fact she had been handcuffed, Red Arrow was not letting the crafty assassin out of her sight.

Something about this entire setup just smelled rotten.

"I don't know how you found out about the assassination attempt, but I thank you," Lex said. "Red Arrow, isn't it now?"

Thea responded with a stoic nod, she hated the fact that Lex had pretty much saved her from being arrested. Lex motioned for her to follow him, which Thea did, although reluctantly.

"The League targeted you of all people," Thea said.

"Well, yes, it's not like Ra's al Ghul and I belong to the same country club," Lex said with a chuckle. "The truth is, that there are people who are not interested in the unification of these two countries. They want to keep North and South Rhealasia on the opposite ends of the political spectrum for their own reasons. I hoped to change some minds today, and hope to bring enlightenment to the world. I'm here on a mission of peace and despite what some say about me, today I'm on the side of the angels."

Skepticism spread through the Archer's mind. Lex's history spoke for itself to be honest.

"You have your own interests in mind," Red Arrow said in a very accusatory voice.

"At times, yes," Lex admitted. "But today, I have the interests in the world. Peace can be just as beneficial to business as war."

The two paused, as Lex motioned for his bodyguard to make sure no one had followed them. After all, the League of Shadows would be sloppy to send just one assassin in an attempt to take him down if they really wanted me dead.

"I want you to investigate this attack and what their intentions truly are," Lex said. "And more importantly, if Cheshire's the tip of the iceberg."

Lex put a hand on Red Arrow's shoulder, who pulled away in disgust.

"I'll even pay you for your fine work," Lex said.

"I don't want your blood money," Red Arrow said.

"And you would offer your services for free," Lex commented with interest. "An honor, from a woman of your status."

Thea wondered what the hell Lex meant for that. Regardless, she really did need to investigate the matter, not for Lex, but rather to make sure this summit went through as planned. Tensions were already high, and she had a feeling that this attempted assassination would cause the fingers to be pointed in some already hostile waters. Thea brushed a hand over her face and sigh.

"Fine, I'll let you know if I find out anything," Thea said.

"Good to know," Lex said.

"You know, if this is deep, maybe you should bring in help, someone," Overwatch told her when Thea was out of earshot of Lex. "I could call O…."

"No, Felicity," Thea hissed.

Red Arrow had no patience for Overwatch motherhenning her throughout this entire investigation. She had some ideas of how to go first.

"Okay, maybe you should go and talk to Cheshire first, that might be the best way to start the investigation," Overwatch suggested.

Exactly what Thea was thinking. Cheshire would be in lock on, but Thea had a pretty good idea how to slip in to visit the woman. She would just have to be careful because normally assassins traveled in packs, and Cheshire was one who had a few allies.

After spending the better part of the weekend together, Donna, Harry, and Megan prepared for their first day of school of Happy Harbor High School. Donna and Megan were more intrigued than Harry, although Harry was keeping on a happy face for the sake of the girls.

Karen, J'onn, and Diana stood, ready to see them off.

"The first day of a new education," J'onn said wistfully. "And there is the ritual of the school lunch which I find to be most intriguing."

"Oh, it's going to be so exciting," M'gann said. "This is going to be like a new adventure, who knows what excitement we're going to find?"

Harry just smiled at Megan, she was rather excited about high school. Personally, Harry hoped for a nice day to relax. He doubted the material would be that much of a problem for him to retain.

"Donna, you will be your very best and keep up on your studies," Diana said.

"Of course," Donna said with a smile. "I've got a reputation to uphold….I'm thinking of trying out for…."

"Oh, we should be cheerleaders!" Megan shouted.

Donna shook her head and caught Harry's eye, frowning She was not sure about that, but Megan seemed extremely excited about the entire prospect.

Karen waved for Harry to come over towards her and Harry followed her across the room. Karen smiled at him, surveying him with a smile.

"I know, I know," Karen said. "But, it's just to maintain appearances. I think the fact that you tested so high is going to mean that you're going to have no problem at all dealing with the challenges of high school. And I know you're going to be the very best."

"Hey, I have no problem with it," Harry said.

"And it's just a year," Karen said. "Even though you're smart enough to teach the classes, it will be over before you know it...and just think of all of the attractive seniors you're going to meet."

"Well, that's some encouragement if there ever was one."

Lois and Claire arrived at the edge of the steps. Harry turned to them with a smile.

"You made it," Harry said.

"Of course we made it," Claire told him with a smile. "I remember the bundle of nerves my parents were when I got sent off to school for the first time. Granted, with me, it was Kindergarten...but they were scared to death, because it's the first time that I was left alone, and they hoped that nothing would happen, because I didn't know my own strength for a while."

"But, you did okay," Harry said.

"Yes, the best," Claire said. "You couldn't blame my parents though. My adoption wasn't exactly the most conventional and if someone had a reason to look into it, they would have a lot of trouble. They would have freaked out about an alien then, well the world would have."

"Now, with Superwoman, everyone's a lot better off," Harry said.

Claire just broke out into a smile. She hoped so, and most of the time, Harry was right. And yet, there were some times where it seemed as if some people still clung on to old prejudices.

"I've got to be on a plane in about thirty minutes," Lois informed them. "Got an interview with a high ranking government official in North Rhealasia. It's going to be a big one, huge even."

"Hope you stay out of trouble," Harry told her.

Lois put her hands on her hips and broke out into a soft smile.

"Since when do I get into trouble?" Lois asked.

"Since the moment I've met you," Claire commented with a grin. "But, seriously, be careful."

She would be keeping an eye on the news, not just for Lois's sake, but for the fact that Lex Luthor was over there, and Claire knew that him being over there meant nothing but trouble. The League just found out he was the arbitrator chosen by the United Nations at the eleventh hour.

"Okay, good luck, don't do anything I wouldn't do," Lois said with a smile and a hug directed towards Harry before she went off.

"Don't do anything that Lois would do either," Claire told him in undertone.

"I heard that, Smallville!"

Harry smiled and turned towards Megan and Donna and the trio moved off to take the challenge of high school. J'onn wiped a finger away from his eyes.

"Time passes so fast," J'onn said.

"They'll be fine," Diana said.

She knew that Harry would be able to be there if Megan and Donna needed anything, and they would be there for them. They were all ready for this experience. Diana taken some college classes during her time in Man's World and she found them extremely interesting, although some of the teachers did not bring the subject to life as much as they should.

Red Arrow slipped past the guards, who moved to the otherside of the prison. They left Cheshire unintended which was both good for her, and bad if Cheshire intended to break out. Still, Red Arrow was not leaving this woman out of her sight. Red Arrow walked up to the cell, where Cheshire had been casually stretching against the wall and looking out towards the night sky.

Her face matched her match with the wide, knowing grin as she turned around.

"What are you up to?" Red Arrow asked. "Why did someone hire the League to kill Lex Luthor?"

"Mmm, surely you should know that Lex has many enemies," Cheshire said. "You amuse me….you come here all alone, in a very hostile political environment. To stop an assassination attempt on a man that you can't stand. And have no reason to help."

Red Arrow did not say anything. She remained cool and collected, her arms folded. She stared Cheshire down, who broke out into a soft smile.

"Being out here all alone is extremely brave or entirely foolish," Cheshire said. "Maybe you should have brought someone out here….I'll say something about the Junior Justice League...they fought well together, because they watched each other's backs...but the again, some of them were too busy watching Superman...can't say I blame them."

Cheshire broke out into a dreamy smile, which was pretty much a show to cause Red Arrow to be agitated.

"I can vouch for the fact that Superman lives up to his name," Cheshire said. "But, I'm sure that you know that, don't you, Speedy?"

"Red Arrow," she tensely corrected Cheshire.

"Oh, well, you don't know that, do you?" Cheshire asked. "I forgot. Superman only sleeps with League members."

Thea tightened her fingers around the bow, but did not rise to Cheshire's bait.

"Who hired the League to go after Luthor?"

"I don't ask questions, I just do my job," Cheshire said. "Although if you're not going for Superman, then maybe you're holding out for the Green Arrow."

It takes every ounce of strength that Thea has not to gag at those implications.

"Although, if I heard the rumors, these days, he's not shooting straight," Cheshire said. "How do you explain how him and Black Canary are no longer a thing?"

There were so many reasons, personal reasons why any trust shattered, but Red Arrow was not going to have this particular argument with an assassin. She hoped to get some information.

An explosion from the wall outside caused it to cave in. The guards moved over to investigate, and got javelins to the check. The calvary came in the form of Sportsmaster, who Cheshire did not look too particular pleased.

"It would have to be you," she grumbled.

"Beggars, can't be choosers, little girl," Sportsmaster told her. "Let's go."

The duo departed from the area, with Red Arrow in pursuit once she regained her bearings. Cheshire vanished from the shadows as quickly as Sportsmaster arrived. She got some kind of static in her ear, blocking her connection to Overwatch.

"Green Arrow was quick to replace you, wasn't he?" Sportsmaster taunted her. "With you being suched damaged goods, they should start calling you Broken Arrow."

A kick to the stomach knocked Red Arrow off of the roof. She just barely is able to avoid slamming down onto the ground, with the breath knocking out of her body.

"Thea?"

"I'm fine," she said. "Sportsmaster broke out Cheshire, and I'm going to pick up their trail right ow."

Tonight just kept getting better and better.

The moment Harry, Megan, and Donna arrived at Happy Harbor High school, all eyes were on Harry. Many of them attractive females, and given the lack of males at the school, they stood out in the crowd even more. A ratio of about one male for every five or six girls, and a few of the males looked kind of sickly. Donna closed her eyes, and Harry put his hand on hers, smilign at her.

"Hi!" a dark-haired girl said waving over towards them.

She had been joined by a tall curvy black woman, dressed in nice tight shorts and a tank top, and a shorter black woman with shoulder length hair, wearing a Cheerleader uniform similiar.

"Hi, we're new here," Megan said.

"We noticed," the taller black girl said as she surveyed them. "You kind of stand out...you have look."

"Which is the same look you had last year," the shorter girl responded with a smile.

"Anyway," the first girl who spoked. "My name's Wendy Harris...it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Karen Beecher," the shorter of the two other girls commented.

"Anissa Pierce," she said as she shook hands with them all.

"My names Harry Kent," Harry said.

"Megan Morse."

"Donna Troy."

"Well, nice to meet you all...don't worry if you're nervous, it can be a pretty big school, but...where is your homeroom anyway?" Wendy asked.

"95," Megan said.

"Us too," Wendy commented. "Imagine that, we're in the same homeroom together...with Ms. Rushman."

There were a few people who were staring at the entire group.

"And if you're interested, we're having Cheerleader tryouts after school," Wendy said.

Megan almost squealed in excitement, to Harry's obvious amusement, and the amusement of the others as well.

"Sorry, Megan was looking forward to cheerleader tryouts," Harry said. "She's always wanted to be one."

Karen had been looking at Megan curiously.

"So, you didn't have a cheerleader squad at your old school?" Karen asked.

"No, I was homeschooled," Megan said. "We all were, but we were friends for a long time...and we figured that we should get one year of actual school experience before we head off to college. It seemed so cool on television."

Wendy, Anissa, and Karen stared at Megan, and Harry just smiled. He could see how she could be an acquired taste until you really got to know her and Harry knew her well.

"I keep telling her it's nothing like it is on television," Donna said with a shrug.

"So, do you want to try out for the Cheerleader squad too, Donna?" Wendy asked.

"I don't know," Donna said.

"It would be fun!" Megan told her.

"Maybe," Donna grumbled.

"You do have the build for it," Karen offered.

Anissa just shook her head and looked over Donna, yeah she had quite the build alright, it was hard not to notice the build she had.

"Maybe she doesn't want to be a cheerleader," Anissa said. "You know not all of us are cut out to be that preppy...although I think that she would join the Football team well."

Only girl on the Football team last year, which caused a bit of a stir from some of the boys on the team until Anissa proved herself. The coach did not give a fuck, as long as Anissa played hard and helped bring home the championship to happy High.

"Don't be nervous though about being new," Wendy told them. "Anissa was new last year, I was too….Karen was the only one who had been here since the beginning."

"Three long years," Karen said.

"We better find our lockers," Megan said to them. "And we wouldn't want to be late for our class on her first day."

"We'll see you in homeroom then," Wendy said as the three of them walked by.

The moment the girls thought they were out of earshot, Anissa just sighed, when she watched Harry leave. She looked at a gaggle of girls, some of them talking in undertones, and the type of giggly voices which grated on Anissa's ears.

"Poor boy's getting eyed up like he's some fresh meat," Anissa said.

"Well, if you're so concerned, then why don't you look after him?" Karen asked. "I didn't think that he would be your type….being a guy...and besides I think he's with both of them, by way."

"Mmm," Anissa commented. "Can't say I fault his taste."

"And I can't say that I blame any of them, although they could be a lot more subtle about it," Wendy commented, folding her arms. "But, it's been a rough year...for a lot of us."

That was true, many of their friends and classmates and a few of the teachers would not be returning to school after the Amazon's attack with the bioweapon. Some of the boys who did survive, they looked pretty fragile indeed and many could not even attend school, having very fragile immunity systems despite surviving the worst of the virus. Which is why someone like Harry arriving would catch planety of interest.

If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Although another mantra hit Red Arrow hard, and that was the definition of insanity was trying the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

She picked up the trail of Cheshire and sportsmaster. They were in the process of meeting with someone, and it was the Demon's Head himself, Ra's al Ghul.

"The first attempt to kill Luthor was thwarted," Cheshire commented.

"Yes, and I understand our slippery friend has upped the security," Ra's said. "But, the League is good at exploiting openings, and we hire only the best."

"Yeah, just give me five minutes alone with chrome dome, and I'll have him crying uncle," Sportsmaster said.

"No one is going to get in the way of my plans," Ra's said. "Not even that girl."

Ra's eyes snapped towards Thea's perch point. Sportsmaster followed Ra's gaze and Thea jumped out of the way of an exploding javelin, and she came down. She realized the jig was up and the League was on her tail.

The thump, thump, thump of her heart signaled a spike of adrenaline. Thea fired a flare arrow to protect her escape and disappear into the shadows, with a minimum of difficulties.

It would only be a distraction, and Thea had to shake off the League. If Ra's al Ghul made the trip here, then this was far bigger than she thought.

Harry, Donna, and Megan took seats next to each other, with Karen, Wendy, and Anissa taking seats near them as well. There was a blonde across the room, giving Harry googly eyes, and Harry just took it casually.

A very attractive redheaded woman swept into the room. She was gorgeous, and at the same time looked like she meant business, and anyone who crossed her in the classroom. She wrote her name on the blackboard, "Ms. Natalie Rushman." She turned over and flipped on the news, where the growing situation in Rhealasia was only escalating. Images of Red Arrow and Cheshire fighting caught Harry's attention, and he wondered what the hell just happened.

Unfortunately, Harry had a full seven period day before he could find out anything, and by then, all of the chaos would be over.

"And we're just hours away from the first meetings of peace, where Lex Luthor has claimed that despite the attempt on his life, he intends to go through it. Many in the United Nations have cautioned Lex to forestall the talks, but he had this to say."

"They intend to shake the foundations of freedom with fear mongering and aggression," Lex said. "If I stand boldly out in the light, then I gain power. This summit will go through, and we will have peace today. I am confident today's events will go through as planned."

"Yet, despite Lex's words, tensions between both countries are at an all time high," Cat reported. "Both North and South Rhealasia officials blame the other side for the attack which nearly silenced Lex Luthor forever. We will report more on this story as it break. And later this evening before the summit, a special interview conducted by Lois Lane, by a high ranking official in North Rhealasia."

Ms. Rushman moved over to turn on the television.

"But, why are these two countries at odds with each other?" she asked.

"They were not always at odds," Harry said. "There were differences sure, but the split happened, when the people in the North favored a more communist influenced regime, and the people in the South called for Capitalism. The split in 1950 was a nasty one, and the war raged on for nearly a decade, before a peace treaty caused a ceasefire, but it's always been tenuous at best. And with both sides alleged to have dangerous chemical and biological weapons, it's a powderkeg which is ready to explode….but truly they've lost sight with how much they've had in common. Thousands of years of history, wiped out by ten years of war."

Harry shook his head at the sight.

"They are all the same, humans, Rhealasians, they are," Harry said.

"It's true," Ms. Rushman agreed. "But, both sides have spent the last fifty years being told that the other side is the cause of the split. They are the enemy and they should not be trusted.Any evidence to the contrary is dismissed as propaganda. Unfortunately, that is the cause more and more as time passes, as people tend to be fixated and divided among party lines, and demonize the other side so."

"And people continue seek out the news that they want to believe to confirm their biases," Anissa said. "And anything that doesn't back up their biases, they'll dismiss it off hand as false information, as alternative facts."

"Yes, I couldn't have said it better myself, Ms. Pierce," Ms. Rushman agreed.

Donna and Megan both broke out to sighs.

'It's just like the war with the Greens and the Whites,' Megan thought.

'And the Bana,' Donna thought.

'Prejudice grows through generations, and it's learned, on both sides,' Megan thought helplessly. 'A white Martian was slaughtered by her people by being in a relationship with a green Martian, and the Green Martian was shunned by his society, being branded as a traitor, and that was a fate worse than death, given how no thoughts are guarded on Mars.'

Harry squeezed Megan's hand underneath the desk.

"The point for this, is that those are doomed to repeat history time and time again, unless they understand the root cause of why people go into conflict," Natalie lectured. "And there will always be great divides, with many people having lost sight of who they truly are. Many of us want the same things in life, but we focus too much on the differences, rather than the things which dry us all as people, no matter what race, religion, gender, or nationality we are."

"Amen," Anissa murmured.

After school, Harry sat up in the stands, to watch the Bumblebees cheerleader tryouts. And Anissa joined him to watch the the practice from the stands.

"You've made quite the impact today," Anissa said. "And you're not just a pretty face either."

"Well, I try to learn from history," Harry informed her as he watched one of the girls whiff on a cartwheel. He really hoped that Megan and Donna would better.

"I think that even Rushman took notice of you," Anissa said. "And she seems as cold as ice...well personality wise. Otherwise, she's pretty hot."

"She is," Harry agreed.

"Although, I prefer brunettes more than redheads," Anissa said.

"I don't really have a preference," Harry commented with a shrug. "Unless you count strong capable women as a preference."

"Good preference to have," Anissa said with a smile. "Last year's been rough for a lot of us...and lot of good friends died. And most of my team died as well…"

"I'm sorry," Harry said.

"And it's just because of some vengeful Amazon," Anissa told him, scooting a bit closer towards him. "Just when I was starting to get my life back together. I was pretty mad last year...because my mother uprooted my sister and I and moved all the way up here to Rhode Island, after my parents got divorced and I don't even know why they did….but I got over it, I guess, made some friends."

"Life changed for a lot of people."

Anissa nodded, her life did before then. She thought her family was stable, and to be honest, maybe she was reading the sighs wrong. Still, after the events of last year, it made her think a lot about what she was going to do with her life.

Harry smiled, Megan and Donna appeared to make the team among others. Anissa grabbed his arm to catch is attention.

"Here comes the best part," Anissa told him.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Just watch," Anissa said.

"Well, congratulations, you've made the squad, both of you," Wendy said. "I think that you'll be excellent Bumblebees, and I'm really sorry about this."

"About what?" Donna asked.

Karen and a couple of the other cheerleaders behind them and dumped a cooler full of gatorade on both Donna and Megan. Both of the girls were dripping wet, their uniforms clinging to their fit and nubile bodies.

"See, told you, the best part," Anissa said.

"You didn't lie," Harry said to her.

"So, you're with both of them, aren't you?" Anissa asked.

"Yes, but that's obvious, isn't it?" Harry asked.

"Mmm, just a little bit," Anissa said. "Would have been mad a year ago...but now, not so much. Can't fault your taste...or there's as well."

Most certainly she had taken more of a shine to Harry than she normally would of a boy. Just something about his gorgeous green eyes intoxicated her.

"I'm partial to Donna," Anissa said leaning in a bit close to Harry. "Megan...she's nice and all...but a bit too out of a 1980s sitcom for my liking."

Harry smiled and he moved down to congratulate to two girls, and potentially help them out of their soaking wet cheerleader uniforms.

"Ra's al Ghul is personally involved," Thea told Lex.

Lex put his hand onto the palm of his chin and titled his head back, musing at this.

"And they'll try again," Lex said. "But, you'll be my secret weapon. If it's Cheshire or anyone else, I think that you can handle her and anything else."

Lex moved off and left Thea to slip into a disguise, so she can blend into security. She decided it was now time to check in on with her mission support.

"So, are you still going to go after them on your own?" she asked. "Because, I think that you're nuts if you do."

"Actually, you have a point," Thea said. "Time to unleash my trump card."

"So, you're finally going to call Green Arrow?"

"No, I have someone else in mind," Thea said.