The air at night is cool and crisp. It bites at the surface of your skin like a lover too greedy, turning painful with time. Star City always tends to be colder than other places- although Gotham has them beat without any trouble- but this was one of those nights where the city seemed empty, near everyone holed up inside with their heater. It seemed eerie to most, places usually busy turned desolate. However, a body crumpled on top Winick Tower found the only thing in it's mind to be Finally, a fucking break.
In the past two weeks there had been 27 articles about White Arrow posted to various news sites. Some speculated about her being linked to the city's Emerald Archer, some questioned her trustworthiness, but most climbed all over what she'd been doing. Twelve hour patrols hurt, they did, but the internet was already shifting the spotlight towards her. Soon, she was sure she'd get a call. Look at the news, he'd say. You've done well, he'd say. But as the comm indeed crackled to life, Mercy's curt voice grated in her ears.
"Chrysi. You've been ordered to return in the next two hours. We've been monitoring your vitals and determined the most recent improvement hasn't worked as well as we'd hoped. We're going to run a few tests and try something different. Luthor needs you to stay out for longer."
.. She wasn't surprised. She needed to push harder, it was unavoidable. Nevertheless, she'd end up just as exhausted. It wasn't going to be easier- it would only get longer. She didn't spend long on the though, opting to push herself to her knees.
It didn't work out for her, however, because as soon as she did the taste of bile flooded her throat. Her vision swam as she fought not to heave, barely hearing the comm in her ear.
"Change of plans. Return as soon as possible."
Weakly, she pressed a finger to her ear to respond.
"Copy. En route."
It took her several minutes to be able to get up. If she was anyone else, she would've been down for the count by now, but she eventually pulled herself to her feet, disregarding the way every part of her had a dull ache. It was the same day over and over- twelve hours to patrol, four to rest, and eight accompanying Lex Luthor. Soon, though, he'd be back in Metropolis, and just maybe, Mercy would let her breathe a little.
It was during this little moment of thought, letting her mind wander while she fumbled with her grappling arrow, that she felt eyes on her. Her pulse kicked up a notch as she whirled around, arrow nocked.
***
