EPISODE 1: THE RETURN
The sun was high in the sky beating down on Oliver Queens head. He had been walking for who knows how long and he was at his limit. The endless desert was before him and he still didn't know how he was going to survive. He was hot, his whole body hurt, and he hasn't eaten in days. But he had to keep moving there was no other option waiting would be pointless.
He continued for another 3 miles in the desert and he fell to his knees. He stopped sweating a long time ago his body had nothing left to give. He was close to passing out but something caught his ear a noise that sounded like an engine he looked up and a car in the distance was driving by it had an American Flag weaving.
Oliver stood and with all the energy his body could spare which wasn't a lot he sprinted towards the vehicle.
"Hey! Hey! Over here! Over here!" Oliver shouted as he ran towards the car waving his arms like a mad man. The vehicle caught his attention and began drive toward Oliver. But Oliver wouldn't get the chance to thank the people who rescued him because right before he could see them he passed out.
1 Month Later
Oliver sat looking out the window of the jet that was taking him back to his home Starling City. The men he was with did their best to catch him up on the status of his family. His mom was dead she had been murdered they still don't know who did it. His sister Thea was in charge of Queen Consolidated and apparently doing a good job. She is supposed to be waiting for him when he landed. Some other shocking news was that Sara was still alive and was found not long after the Queen's Gambit went down. All these years he thought she had died. She was an attorney now which was a shock to Oliver he didn't see how that happened. He wanted to ask about everyone else but decided not to he was about to be back and he wanted to see everyone for himself.
The plane slowly went down and came to a stop. Oliver stepped out of the plane and looked down to see a black car waiting. He walked down the stairs and approached the car he stopped when he noticed the car door opening. Out came Thea wearing an all red business outfit, with high hills, and sunglasses.
Oliver didn't know what to say she has grown up so much since the last time he saw her. To think she was running a company now his families company. Thea walked up to Oliver and looked up at him she took her glasses off so Oliver could see her eyes.
"I still can't believe it after all this time" Thea said in almost a whisper.
"It's me Speedy" Oliver said smiling.
"Wow nobody has called me that in so long" she replied. She embraced Oliver hugging the brother she thought had died all those years ago. Oliver would have been surprised if he wasn't a second away from doing the same thing.
"Come on there's so much to show you" Thea said while leading Oliver to the car. There was a tall dark skinned man standing by the car who opened the door for them.
"Oh Oliver this is my driver slash bodyguard John Diggle" Thea introduced the well-built man.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Queen" Diggle extended his hand. Oliver took his hand and shook it.
"Like wise" Oliver said.
They all got into the car and drove off heading to their destination.
The car stopped and Oliver looked out the window and saw where he was. Starling Cemetery, he had a feeling what they were doing here. He ended up standing in front of his mother's grave sooner than he thought right next to him was Thea looking down at the grave.
"I heard she was murdered but..." Oliver started.
"You think there's more…well your right she was hit by a sniper Oliver. Someone wanted her dead." Thea said tears forming.
"I wish I could've seen her again." Oliver stated.
"She would have loved to see you again. I'm going to go ahead and get back to the car give you some time."
Oliver nodded and Thea left back to the car where Diggle was standing arms crossed. Oliver stood there looking his mother's grave. Last time he saw his mom he was telling her goodbye before he left for the trip on the Queen's Gambit.
"Hey mom I know you're surprised to see me. I really don't know what to say I had been expecting to see you if I ever made it back so I'm going to keep this short. I know about you and dad and I know what you two did to this city I'm here to right your wrongs. Dad told me everything and I still love both of you, but I will save this city from the things you did." And with that Oliver left his mother grave he thought he might have cried but he hasn't done that in a long time.
He got into the car with Thea and Diggle and with nothing being said they drove off leaving the cemetery.
Oliver found himself walking up the stairs to the Queen's Mansion. He never thought he would see this place again. He opened the door with Thea behind him.
"SURPRISE WELCOME HOME OLIVER" shouted a crowd of people that was surrounding him. Oliver was expecting this. There were no lights on in the mansion but there were far too many cars outside but, he made the best surprise face he could. Thea walked by Oliver.
"Surprised you didn't we?" Thea asked with a huge smile on her face.
"Yea…who's all hear?"
"Walk around and find out for yourself." Thea said while disappearing into the crowd.
People were approaching Oliver shaking his hand and welcoming him home. Some he recognized some he didn't. He was making his way around the party greeting people. Then someone particular caught his eye. Across the room holding a wine glass and staring right back at him was Sara Lance who he hadn't seen since the Gambit down. Who he was sure was dead at the time. He made his way over to her and she approached him and gave him a hug that he returned. She was still the way he remembered same blond hair, same smile, only difference was the business attire she was wearing.
"It is so good to see you again." Sara said while still hugging Oliver.
"You to" Oliver said. They released each other and made their way to an area where little people were so they could talk. "So how have you been?"
"I've been great actually after making it back home after the Gambit sunk I made it a goal not to waste the second chance." Sara explained.
"I believe you." Oliver said while pointing down at Sara's hand which had what looked like an engagement ring. "Who's the lucky guy?"
Sara was about to say but someone interrupted "I am." Oliver recognized the voice instantly. He turned to see Tommy Merlyn standing right behind him. "And I would appreciate it if you stop talking to my fiancé." Tommy said in a serious tone. Oliver was speechless he didn't think talking to Sara would be a big deal. But Oliver kind of understood due to his and Sara's past. Oliver was still looking straight at Tommy who began to form a smile on his face and start chuckling. Tommy took Oliver's hand and pulled him into a hug. "Only kidding it's great to see you again."
Oliver felt relived "You had me worried for a second."
"I told you that was stupid joke. I'm sorry Oliver." Sara said while being annoyed at Tommy's bad since of humor.
"Okay. Okay sorry. Come on lets go catch up." Tommy laminated before they went outside where nobody was.
Oliver, Sara, and Tommy were sitting outside on the porch talking like it was old times. Oliver honestly didn't think he would get the chance to do this again.
"Man 5 years and it still feels like I know you" Tommy said while holding Sara in his arms.
"I'm still the same guy just older and with some baggage." Oliver stated.
"I guess you don't want to talk about what happened when the Gambit sunk do you?" Sara asked.
"Just like you two don't want to talk about Laurel." Oliver said bluntly. It caught Tommy and Sara off guard. They hate to admit it but they were trying hard not to talk about Laurel to soon.
"Laurel is different Oliver." Said Sara.
"You mean Dinah" Tommy said in a sarcastic tone.
"What?" Oliver asked
"She likes being called Dinah now. Ever since that incident in Central City she was been a completely different person."
"Can you blame her Tommy she almost died?"
"Well that doesn't give her an excuse to drop in and out whenever she feels like having all of us worried."
"Wait!" Oliver shouted. "What happened in Central City?"
"How could you not have heard?" Tommy asked.
"Well sorry I've been out of the loop for a while."
"About 2 years ago there was this guy named Harrison Wells who activated this machine called the Particle Accelerator. It malfunctioned and sent this wave of energy that hurt and killed some people across the entire city. Laurel at the time was there and she was in a really bad wreck that nearly killed her. Doctors say it's a miracle she's walking." Tommy finished explaining.
"It was very hard for her. She stopped speaking for about 3 months. And when I finally thought she was getting back to her old self she started leaving for days which turned to weeks then a couple times a month. We barley hear from her anymore." Sara finished.
"I see" Oliver said soaking in what he just heard. The rest of the night was quit Oliver, Tommy, Sara, and Eventually Thea were the only ones left and they stayed up talking long after the party.
Two Weeks Later
Oliver woke up finding himself on the floor of his room. He was going to have to get used to sleeping in a bed again. He knew Thea was already gone she ran a company now. But Oliver already had his day planned he was going to start his mission to save this city. He quickly left the Queen mansion and headed to the first place on his agenda the Glades. As far as he could tell it was still the same crime filled place it was when he left. He put the hood on his hoodie on and made his way around the Glades listening to conversions trying to learn where to start or more accurately who to start with. He did this for about 2 hours. He gained enough information to follow up on a couple of things. He wanted to find this Sin person he heard was a good source of information. There was also the current kingpin of organized crime in Starling City. Daniel Brickwell most just called him Brick. Oliver felt this was good enough and if this Sin person was as good as people said then he will get the info he needed from him or her.
Oliver was making his way back home when he spotted a girl getting chased by some guys. She turned into an alley and the men continued after her. Why do they always turn into an alley Oliver thought to himself? He went in the alley and saw three guys. One was holding the young girl, another was holding her face with a knife to it, and the other was just watching rubbing his hands together.
"You think you could get away huh well let's see you try to get away now." Said the man with the knife. He began to unbuckle his pants. It didn't take a genius to know what they were planning to do. Oliver stepped out from behind the shadows. The man that was rubbing his hands turned and looked at Oliver.
"Hey you move along nothing to see h…" The man's sentience was cut short wit Oliver's fist connecting with the man's face instantly knocking him out. The other two men took a second to respond before the knife wielding man charged Oliver and the one holding the girl through her to the ground and followed.
The man with the knife try to stab Oliver but Oliver was much quicker. Oliver grabbed the man's knife hand and twisted instantly breaking it. The man dropped the knife which Oliver quickly grabbed before it hit the ground and plunged it into the man's shoulder blade. Making him fall to the ground in pain. The last man tried to tackle Oliver but, failed as Oliver flipped over the man using his own momentum against him. The man tried to bring his around to backhand Oliver but that to failed as Oliver caught his arm and using his elbow broke the man's arm the followed with bringing his foot on the man's leg braking it.
The young girl had her mouth wide open not believing what she just saw. This guy was a badass he just took 3 guys by himself. Oliver turned and looked at the girl while trying to keep his face hidden.
"Are you alright?" Oliver asked.
"Yea I'm fine…thanks" the young girl said. Oliver gave her a nod and began to leave.
"Wait!" shouted the girl. "What's your name?"
"Don't worry about it." He simply stated.
"Well I'm Sin." Sin said. Oliver paused eyes going wide. What were the odds? Oliver turned to Sin slightly still trying to hide his face.
"Sin. The Sin with information on all gang activity in the Glades. That Sin?"
"Glad I'm so popular…I guess you need some information? Of course it's going to cost you." Sin said while trying to get a look at who she was talking to.
"I want to take out Daniel Brickwell. Can you help?" Oliver asked bluntly. Sin burst out laughing. "Something funny."
"Take a good guess at whose guys you just took out." Sin said. "Bricks been trying to track me down he doesn't like I know too much about his operation."
"So are you going to help or not?"
"I'll help on one condition…you take me somewhere to lay low." Sin said with a worried look. "Look once he finds out these guys failed he'll send even more I need somewhere to lay low until you take him out."
Oliver was conflicted he had places he could stash her but his identity was at risk. Then again he had to start somewhere.
"Okay we have a deal. Follow me quickly." Oliver said in a hurry. Sin followed behind with a smile.
Oliver led Sin to abandoned Queen Factory that his father had built. They went down to the lower basement where Oliver turned on the lights. The first thing Sin saw was a crate in the far corner of the room a mattress in the middle and a computer on a desk against a wall.
"This where you live?" Sin asked making her way across the basement.
"Part time but you are more than welcome to stay here until Brickwell is out of the picture." Oliver stated while keeping his distance.
"I guess it will due. So I'll keep my end of the deal." Sin said while reaching into her pocket and handing Oliver a slip of paper. He took it and looked at it. An address was on it. "That is the address of a shipment Brickwell's crew is supposed to be picking up…tonight." Sin explained.
"Tonight all right thanks." Oliver stated. He started to go up the stairs.
"So how do you plan on beating Brickwell. I mean I know you can handle yourself but he has a lot of guys with you know guns." Sin expressed her concern.
"I can handle it. You just make sure to stay down here until it's over with any luck I'll be given his full attention and you can walk the streets safe again." And with that being said Oliver left the factory.
Oliver found himself walking the halls of Queen Consolidated in the suit Thea had brought to him. She said she had some news to give him. He opened the doors to find a blond woman with glasses the desk leading to Thea's office. The woman was typing frantically on the computer. "Excuse me…" Oliver started.
"If you don't have an appointment please be seated over there if you do have an appointment sign in here." The blond woman said without looking up from the computer.
"Could you just tell…?" Oliver again was cut off.
"Sir everyone's time is important please wait." She responded still not looking up from the computer.
"Could you tell my sister I'm here to see her?" Oliver comely asked.
The blond woman froze and looked up at Oliver immediately recognizing him. "Oooooooooooh my god I am so sorry please go right ahead in."
Oliver couldn't help but smile as he walked into his sister's office. Thea was sitting there with a man across from her he had black hair that was graying on the side.
"Oliver hey" Thea said with smile while also getting up to greet her brother. "Oliver this is we might be going into business together soon." Lacroix got up from the chair and shook Oliver's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you mister Queen and I look forward to discussing business with you I'll be in touch." Lacroix then left the room.
"It is still hard to believe my little sister is running an entire company" Oliver said while he and Thea sat down.
"I get a lot of help from the board. Which is why I wanted to talk to you." Thea paused for a second. "It took some convincing but I was able to get you part of my shares in the company." Thea handed Oliver a sheet of paper. "You are now a chairman at Queen Consolidated."
"Thea...you didn't have to do this."
"I know but this is our families company and that's who should be running it…family." Thea finished with a smile.
"Mom would be so proud of you." Oliver really not believing his little sister grew up into the woman she is.
"Alright where you want to go for dinner my treat." Thea said while standing.
"I appreciate it Thea but I have plans tonight." Oliver said a little disappointed.
"2 weeks back and the playboy returns just don't take this one on a ship okay."
"Promise."
That night Oliver went back to the Queen Factory where he found Sin playing games on the computer. He made sure he was properly covered up and went down the stairs.
"It's about time look I'm starving" Sin explained.
"I figured here I brought you a burger" Oliver said handing a bag.
"Thank you." Said while digging into the bag.
Oliver walked over to the crate in the corner of the room which was locked. Hey pulled the key out and unlocked the box and opened it looking inside. He took a deep breath it was the night this city would most certainly change. Sin came over a looked over Oliver shoulder. "That is badass…what's with you and hoods."
Oliver was looking down on tons of Brickwell's goons moving crates. He was wearing an all forest green suit with a hood and mask that covered his eyes. On his back was his quiver and in his hand a compound bow. Oliver drew an arrow and aimed and fired. The arrow hit one of Brickwell's man right in the chest causing the surrounding men to look up to see the hooded Oliver. Some of the men quickly pulled out guns and began firing at Oliver. Oliver quickly moved out of the way running along the containers. He fired another hitting one of the gunman and jumped down from the containers firing another arrow hitting another gunman. He ran behind some shipping containers hiding in the shadows. The gunman ran to where they last saw the hooded figure. But he was gone.
"Spread out and find that son of a bi…" his words were cut short by an arrow to the chest. Oliver jumped from what appeared like nowhere and began engaging the goons in combat. Oliver hit one with his bow and kicked another in the chest he then quickly turned around and slapped a gun out of another ones hand and proceeded to stab him with an arrow. He noticed three other thugs approaching and quickly put them down with a single arrow each. Oliver surveyed the area and concluded there were no more. He noticed one of the goons he didn't put down starting to move. Oliver made his way over to him and pinned against the wall with an arrow.
"You tell Brickwell that his time in Starling is done and that I'm looking for him."
"Whatever you say just don't kill me." Shouted the thug.
Oliver left the man pinned to the wall and left.
The news was ablaze by what had happened that night with reports and speculation being thrown everywhere. Detective Lance was at the scene where apparently a hooded man shooting arrows took down all these guys by himself.
"What do you make of this detective." Asked an officer.
"A nut-job if he's really trying to go after Brickwell. Let's get this cleaned up!" Detective Lance shouted. He had a ton of work to get done.
Oliver went down to the basement to see Sin who was at the computer looking at reports about the hooded figure. Sin turned around and saw the hooded man coming down the stairs.
"I honestly did not expect you to come back. That was amazing." Sin said.
"Well that should get Brickwell off your back for now but if you ever need anything…give me a call." Oliver said handing Sin the same paper she gave him with the address on it this time it had a phone number on it.
"Wow a phone number didn't know we were getting series." Sin said.
"Emergencies only other than that I'll contact you." Oliver explained seriously.
"Understood I'll see you later." Sin then left leaving Oliver alone in the basement.
Daniel Brickwell was not happy and that was a huge understatement. He was pacing back and forth some of the men in his crew was waiting for his order. They were at their hideout in the Glades. Daniel stopped pacing and looked at the only crewman to make it back from the hooded man's attack.
"So one man took out all of you. Do you know what that shipment could have done for us? Everyone one ofyou would be armed with the latest in military weapons now we're stuck with what we got. Not to mention the Triad is going to hear about this and most likely make a move!" Brickwell finished.
"I'm sorry." Said the thug in a quivering voice.
"You look like your about to piss you pants. Have some dignity before you die." Said Brickwell. The thug caught on to what Brickwell just said. Brickwell punched the thug as hard as he could causing him to fall to the floor dead. He then turned to a thug with a black eye. "You. Have you and your men found that little bitch."
"No Sir." He answered quickly.
"Well forget about her I need all my men at the pickups from now on. No pansy playing dress up is going to stop us." Brickwell finished.
Oliver dressed in his costume was on a high building looking down on his city. He had a good night the other day but there were more to come and he had to keep at it.
"You certainly know how to make yourself known don't you." Said a voice behind Oliver.
Oliver turned already knowing who it was. "Ra's."
"Good to see you again boy." Ra's said.
"We had a deal." Oliver said.
"Oh I know and I will keep my end." Ra's said slowly approaching the edge of the building where Oliver was standing. "Prove to me this city is worth saving and I will not set my plan in motion. But if you can't convince me then this entire city along with its people will fall. I hope we don't have to cross swords if it comes to that."
"I don't want to either but if you try to hurt innocent people I will try and stop you." Oliver said determining voice.
"I know, that is what I always admired about you. Even in the League you were true to who you were." Ra's said putting his hand on Oliver's shoulder. Ra's turned and left leaving Oliver to his thoughts.