So, some of you might recognize this as a story I put up briefly only to take it down, back when I had grown frustrated with this site's technical difficulties and had decided to move to AO3. However, after some time, I realize when it's working, I do like this site. So, since I only had one chapter written for this when I posted it, I decided I'm bringing it back. For those who haven't read this before, see below.
A few things you need to know: This is canon up to after Oliver killed Ra's with a few twists. Roy never faked his death, Thea was never stabbed. Those events were prevented after Roy was arrested by Oliver, in an attempt to keep everyone else he loved safe, agreed to Ra's' terms. The rest of season three happened relatively the same except no Thea visiting Roy.
Before anyone asks, this story is based on the movie Fast Five, but can be read alone.
Starling City Court house
Afternoon
Oliver sat in the benches, his arm around his younger sister as he attempted to comfort her. He never would have thought he would be here, sitting in the crowd as someone he cared about was punished for crimes that Oliver had committed and some that neither of them had committed. Roy stared at the judge fearlessly as he began speaking.
"Mr. Harper, your attorney has argued that your actions as The Arrow, both good and bad, are merely a result of the cruel hand you were dealt in life," the judge began, "I am sorry for that, and I am grateful for the help you have given this city. We all owe you a debt we can never repay. However, we cannot ignore the trail of bodies you have left in your wake, most recently that of The Mayor. And so, with that said, I find you guilty on several counts of aggravated assault, breaking and entering, vigilantism, and first degree murder. I hereby sentence you to life in Iron Height Maximum Security Prison with possibility of parole."
As the judge slammed the pallet, Thea cried silently, large tears rushing down her face. Enraged, Oliver stood up and stormed out of the room as several people turned their heads to watch him go. As Oliver left the court house, Laurel rushed to follow him.
"I don't wanna talk Laurel." Oliver said as he met her at the exit.
"Well you will, because I need to know something," Laurel said and Oliver stopped, looking over at her, "you're not just gonna let Roy rot in prison, are you?"
"What do you think?" Oliver asked sarcastically as he exited the building, being swarmed by reporters.
Starling City
Night
Roy was on the bus, being transferred to Iron Heights with the other prisoners. He could feel the burning gazes of the other prisoners and knew this was not going to end well for him. Roy leaned his head against the window, closing his eyes, appearing to be asleep to his fellow prisoners. But he was far from it, he was perfectly aware of everyone and everything around him.
Which was what let him hear the roar of a motorcycle approaching the bus before anyone else. Roy's eyes snapped open as he stared out the window, seeing someone on a motorcycle ride up next to his window. They were dressed in back and had a quiver on their back, a bow mounted on the bike above the handle bars. Hearing another roar of a motorcycle from the other side of the bus, Roy guessed they weren't alone.
Outside the bus, the two cyclists circled the bus, causing the bus to slow down. One of the cyclists broke off, seeming to drive away as the other one drove to the front of the bus. Pulling an arrow out from his quiver, the cyclist fired. It hit the front of the bus and exploded. The bus was sent flying before it landed on the road upside down.
Next morning
"Good morning Starling City. Our top story this morning remains the attack on a prison transport bus that was intercepted on its way to Iron Heights. It was attacked by two assailants on motorcycle and the bus itself was knocked on its roof. Miraculously, no one was killed or seriously injured in the attack but the objective is clear. One prison remains missing: Roy Harper, AKA The Arrow," Susan Williams reported on the news, "The current whereabouts of Harper and his accomplices is currently unknown. Where they are now is anyone's guess."
Russia, one week later
Afternoon
A car pulled up outside a local bar, or what looked like a bar. The car turned off and two people, a young man and woman got out. Roy sighed, his breath visible in the cold air as he turned to Thea. She smiled at him and took his hand reassuringly as they entered the bar. Immediately, all activity stopped in the bar as everyone turned to look at them. Roy got the feeling like they were the new kids on the block and he supposed they were.
"We're looking for the Pakhan." Roy said and they all stopped, staring at him and Thea in shock rather than sizing him up.
A Russian male voice spoke up and everyone parted. An older, bearded man approached them and Roy eyes him wearily. Despite what Oliver said, Roy felt like there was something about this man, something dangerous.
"Anatoli Knyazev," Anatoli said as he held out his hand, which Roy shook, "Oliver says you are in need of my help."
"You could say that." Roy nodded as he eyed Anatoli, making a mental note to keep an eye on the man.