Mythical

Chapter 1

Mutiny.

Author's note: This one starts after episode 16 of season 6 of Arrow. So forget what you've watched after, enjoy what this is now and enjoy the adventure!

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Nanda Parbat

Athena removed the bandage from where Thea Queen had stabbed her. The pain was still there, but the wound was healing.

"We've managed to apprehend Emily Carson," one of the guards said.

"Bring her in," Athena ordered.

"Hera," Athena said as the woman was dragged in, then dropped to the floor.

"You know I never fully accepted this nickname. I do not share your affinity for Greek mythology. Always preferred the Romans. And I don't appreciate being put in chains.

She made a sudden movement and shattered her shackles as if they were mere plastic instead of steel, then rose to her feet. "You forget your place, Athena. I am the first in command of the Guild."

Athena whipped out her sword and put the tip to Emily's neck.

"Stop the playacting, Athena," Emily spat, clearly unafraid. "I was there when Malcolm perished, forced to listen to the final words of the love of my life on commlinks, too far to get to him in time before he had to sacrifice himself for that ungrateful, irresponsible brat of his on Lian Yu. While you were where? Here, 'holding down the fort', the remnants of what Nyssa Al Ghul had laid to waste when she disbanded the League!"

Emily reached out and grabbed the blade, squeezing it until it drew blood, showing no signs of pain. "So are we to go on with this grandstanding charade, or continue our conversation, like the friends we have been for years?" She asked in a calmer tone.

Athena removed her sword. She invited Emily to sit with her at the table. The servants poured them goblets of wine. Athena ordered one of them to bring some bandages for Emily's wound. They obliged within seconds.

"So, where were you all this time, Hera...um Emily. Grieving?" Athena asked in a softer tone.

"Oh yes, quite a lot of that, would you expect anything else of me? I am sure you did too," Emily said as she let the servant dress her wound. "I know you held Malcolm in great regard. However, I've also done some observing."

"Observing, as in spying, infiltrating?" You've always been particularly skilled at this." Athena complimented her.

"Yes. I did what needed to be done. But, first things first. You know I was always close with Malcolm, I saw him rescue Thea on multiple occasions and he helped Oliver so many times, even after that idiot severed his hand, after he hurt him more than could be imagined, until it led to the Island..." Her breath hitched slightly.

"I did often quarrel with Al-Saher about his soft spot for Thea and Oliver," Athena remarked.

"He had a kind heart and this is what I loved about him," Emily said. "But the way they so blatantly abused it, I cannot tolerate. And now is the time I tell you what I observed."

Athena nodded.

Emily started to explain.

"I went undercover, spying on the Green Arrow and his precious sister. And it was sickening, Athena. I mean, Thea was slightly mopey about Al-Saher's sacrifice for maybe a second, then moved on as if nothing'd ever happened. Her brother was no better, and it really sickens me.

"I saw Thea become a hypocrite, which I think she's always been anyway, only now she is honing her skills, apparently.

"I saw Oliver try to be a mayor and fail abominably in the face of the many threats to the city he always so adamantly claimed he wants to protect.

"And this new team of recruits he's gathered? Don't even get me started on that!"

Emily huffed and took a sip of her wine.

"Still the same passionate Emily Carson." Athena smiled. "I'm glad to have you back, friend."

"I'm glad to be back." Emily grinned.

"So about your observations," Athena prompted. "Thea Queen seems hell-bent on defying her legacy."

"Yes, and this is what I hate, but it's more than that," Emily took a gulp of her wine. "I witnessed Malcolm rescuing her time and time again, but all she was and is doing is thwarting his plans, because she's too stupid to understand the greater purpose. Now, she and Nyssa are on a quest to destroy the remaining Lazarus Pits, and the Lazarus Pit is what brought Thea back to life! Bloodlust or whatnot, our Thanatos Guild was always meant to bring LIFE back, in a healthy form, not an evil one they think it is. We need to make them understand it! We were working on it with Malcolm, on methods to improve the Pits, make the resurrection process safe. Then stupid Nyssa came along."

Athena lowered her head in shame. "It is my fault she and Thea have the map to the Pits' locations now. I was not vigilant enough and Nyssa infiltrated the Guild. Then I was not strong enough to fight them and they outmanouvered me. I'm pathetic."

Emily touched her arm gently. "You are not pathetic. And the game is not lost, Athena."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"We fight on, despite all odds, just as Malcolm always taught us."

Athena rose from her chair and put silver pendant in the shape of a bow on the table, the symbol of the leader of the Guild.

"It is yours, Emily. "With Malcolm gone, you are the leader now."

"Only until he returns," Emily smiled as she put the pendant on.

"What?" Athena exclaimed.

"Let's say I have a few aces up my sleeve."

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Author's note: Cliffhanger, people, always love those, right,? Chapter inspired by the episode 16, I have not yet watched the others. I like the character of Athena and hate the way Thea is going about Malcolm's legacy. My other stories are still very much in the works.

I would appreciate your opinion on this!