I do not own Arrow or The Originals
Oliver and Sara arrived back in the lair with the woman restrained and incapacitated. The rest of the team, Diggle, Felcity, Roy, and Laurel, saw them enter with their captive.
"Sara!" Laurel was surprised and happy to see her sister. She then rushed over to Sara and gave her a hug.
"It's good to see you to Laurel," Sara said, returning the hug.
"What are you doing here?" Laurel asked.
"Questions later. First we should restrain her," Sara said.
Oliver turned to Diggle. "Get the cage ready." Then he turned to Roy. "And get some I.V. bags."
"Why do we need I.V. bags?" Felicity asked. "Also, since when do we have a cage?"
"For situations like this," Oliver replied. "Let's get this done first and then Sara will explain everything."
After they got the woman locked in the cage and hooked up with the I.V. bags, Sara placed a liquid in the I.V. bags and it soon began entering the woman's veins.
"That should keep her out until we need to talk to her," Sara said.
"What was that stuff you put in the bags?" Laurel asked.
"Vervain," Sara replied. "It's an herb that can weaken vampires."
"Whoa hold up, you're saying that woman's a vampire?" Felicity asked skeptically. "That's impossible because vampires don't exist."
"After what we saw that woman do, it's really hard to consider what's impossible," Diggle said.
"Vampires are real," Sara said. "So are other supernatural creatures, like werewolves and witches."
"So there's just this whole other world of supernatural beings that no one knows about?" Roy asked. "That's freaky."
"Sara, how do you know so much about this?" Laurel asked.
"The League of Assassins is aware of the presence of supernatural beings in the world," Sara told them. "I didn't really believe in any of that at the time, but when I was on League missions, there were some things I saw that I just couldn't be explained."
"So our mysterious woman is a vampire," Felicity said. "Will we need some holy water or garlic?"
"Those don't actually work on vampires," Sara said. "As far as the League knows, vervain is the only substance that hurts them, and it also keeps them from using compulsion on humans."
"Compulsion?" Diggle asked.
"It's a kind of mind control that vampire use to make humans follow their commands," Sara said.
Diggle looked to Oliver. "Sounds like what she tried to do to you."
"Do you know how to kill a vampire?" Oliver asked.
"Pretty much the same way you do in the movies, sunlight, stake to the heart, or cutting their heads off can work." Sara said.
"So what are we going to do about our vampire prisoner?" Felicity asked. "And that is the strangest question I have ever asked."
"Right now, we keep her sedated until we can figure out what to do with her," Sara said. "Not even the League would leave a vampire alive, so I'm not exactly sure how we can get her to talk."
"We'll figure it out tomorrow," Oliver said. "I think we all need a break right now."
"Are you sure you'll be fine with Miss Throat Ripper right down here with you?" Felicity asked Oliver.
"I'll be fine," Oliver assured all of them. "Go home and get some rest.
Everyone nodded and left the lair.
When they were all gone, Oliver soon approached the cage and cut the vervain flow from the woman. Now all he had to do was wait.
Rebekah slowly regained consciousness and she realized that she was in a cage with an I.V. tube hooked up to her. She quickly ripped it out and tried to make a run to bars, with the intent of breaking them open. However, the moment she touched the bars, her hands burned and she stepped back.
"The bars are coated with vervain." Rebekah turned to where the deep voice came from and saw the vigilante, the Arrow, standing across the cage "You won't be getting out," he said.
Rebekah groaned, still dazed from the vervain. "What do you want from me?"
"I want to know who you are and if there are any more of you kind in my city?" the Arrow demanded.
"Oh, so you know what I am, well good for you," Rebekah said sarcastically.
The Arrow picked up his bow and drew an arrow, aiming it at Rebekah's direction. "Are you going to answer my questions?"
Rebekah gave a sly grin. "Do your worst."
Oliver fired the arrow, hitting Rebekah in the shoulder.
After the team left the lair, Laurel and Sara had time to talk and catch up.
"So, what are you doing in Starling? I doubt Oliver called you here just to help with one vampire," Laurel said.
"Actually, I called Oliver," Sara explained. "I called to tell him that I was already on the way to Starling, and he just asked me for help in dealing with that vampire."
"And your here in Starling for what?" Laurel pushed the question.
"I'm here on League business," Sara replied. "Secret League business."
"Alright fine," Laurel said. "At least come see Dad. Seeing you back would make his day."
"No one's suppose to know that I'm back in Starling," Sara said. "I already took a risk calling Oliver and seeing all of you."
"You know we worry about you," Laurel said.
"I know," Sara said. "I promise, once I'm done with this assignment, I'll see you and Dad again."
"Good," Laurel said, smiling.
"Miss Lance!" a voice suddenly called.
Laurel and Sara turned to see a man approaching them.
"I heard that you and your masked friends have been causing problems with my weapon shipments," the man said, giving a sinister smile.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" Laurel asked. She saw that Sara was preparing for a fight.
"Where are my manners," the man said. "My name is Werner Zytle. You may also know me by my predecessor's name: Count Vertigo."
Vertigo then suddenly threw two darts at their direction.
Reacting quickly, Sara pulled out her batons and deflected the darts before they could reach her and Laurel. Sara then charged at Vertigo and attempted to strike him. Vertigo blocked her attack and caught her batons.
"You'll have to do better than that," Vertigo said. He then kicked Sara back, causing her to lose her grip on her batons and drop them. Vertigo then proceeded to attack Sara, hitting her using a series of pressure point attacks. Sara was able to block a few, but was hit by the attacks nonetheless. Soon, she was knocked to the ground.
Laurel then ran to her sister, who was badly bruised.
"It's time to end this," Vertigo said as he walked towards them.
Laurel quickly went through the gear around Sara and pulled out one of her sonic devices. She then activated it and tossed it in front of Vertigo. The device then released a sonic wave, disorienting Vertigo. This gave Laurel the chance to get Sara up and started to run.
"We need to get you out of here," Laurel said to Sara. They then quickly headed back to the lair.
Oliver fired another arrow, this time hitting the woman in the knee. "Are you ready to talk now?"
The woman was completely covered in blood. There were arrows all over her body, her shoulders, parts of her leg, and a few stuck on her side.
Even with all that, the woman still gave a weak grin. "Is that the best you got? Vervain soaked arrows? I've had worse horrors inflicted upon me! For me, this is child's play."
"I need to know if there are any more of you in my city!" Oliver shouted. "If you just tell me, then-"
"Oliver!"
Oliver heard a voice, recognizing it as Laurel's. He switched off his voice modulator, stopping his questioning to see what was going on.
He then saw Laurel frantically heading down the stairs carrying an injured Sara with her.
"What happened?" Oliver asked, pulling his hood out.
Laurel put Sara down in one of the chairs to rest then faced Oliver. "Apparently there's a new Count running the Vertigo business. He attacked us, but we were able to get away."
"Why did he attack you and Sara specifically?" Oliver asked.
"I think he knew that I was working with the Arrow," Laurel explained. "All the weapon shipments you've been stopping might be his operations."
"That still doesn't explain how he knew to target you," Oliver said.
"Well, that answer is clearly obvious."
Oliver and Laurel turned to see the woman speaking to them.
"If I wanted to kill the Arrow, I'd go after the people close to him to lure him out," the woman said.
"We weren't asking for your opinion," Oliver said.
The woman simply turned around, facing away from Oliver and Laurel.
Laurel pulled Oliver to her side. "Oliver, what's she doing awake?" she asked. "And why is she covered in blood?"
Laurel finally noticed the state of the woman. Her clothes covered in blood and the arrows on the floor of the cage. "Were you torturing her?"
"I've been trying to get information from her," Oliver answered.
"By torturing her?" Laurel asked accusingly.
"She's not telling me anything. This is the only way that she'll answer my questions." Oliver said, his voice slightly raised.
"Last I checked, we don't torture people for answers!" Laurel shouted.
"You know as well as I do that this isn't the first time I've done something like this!" Oliver shouted back.
"Yes, but you've never done anything this violent to someone," Laurel said.
"This woman is not like anyone or anything we've seen!" Oliver said. "I have to do what is necessary to keep everyone in this city safe!"
Laurel paused at Oliver words. Before she could respond, Sara was stirring awake.
"Could you two take your shouting match somewhere else?" Sara said, still slightly groggy. "Some people are still recovering from bruises."
"Are you okay?" Oliver asked her.
"I've been through worse," Sara said. "So what are we going to do about the new Count?"
"I'll track him down," Oliver said. "Both of you stay here."
"Shouldn't you call the others for back-up?" Laurel asked.
"I can handle this myself," Oliver replied, pulling his hood back on and headed out.
Using her vampire hearing to clearly hear the conversation, Rebekah heard everything that they were talking about. After the Arrow (or Oliver, from what Rebekah heard his name was) left, she continued to listen in on what the two women, Laurel and Sara, were talking about.
"You think he'll be okay? Sara asked.
"Knowing Oliver, there's no guarantee for that," Laurel said.
Rebekah heard enough. These two won't be a problem for her. She saw that her wounds have all healed up and the vervain was almost passed out of her system thanks to the bleeding she had to endure. It was time for her to get the hell out of this place.
Rebekah picked up an arrow on the floor. She then walked towards the lock of the cage. In one thrust, she stabbed the arrow though the lock, causing it to bend and blow a hole through the lock. She then kicked the cage open and got out.
Rebekah saw the surprised expressions of both women. She merely smiled. "Sorry ladies, but gotta run." She then flipped over the table across her, throwing it straight at Laurel and Sara and knocking them back. Rebekah then made her way to the nearest exit.
Once she was out, Rebekah decided to before she left, she would find the Arrow and pay him back what he did to her.
After 'persuading' several thugs to give the information we was looking for, Oliver was able to find the location of the Count, an abandoned warehouse.
As he entered the warehouse through the roof, Oliver saw no one present inside. Seeing that there was no one around, Oliver dropped to the floor and began to stealthily survey the area
However, before Oliver could continue to investigate, he was immediately knocked to the ground.
"We have some unfinished business."
Oliver got up and saw that he was face to face with the woman.
"How did you get out?" Oliver asked.
"Quite easily actually," the woman said. "Now, time for round three."
Rebekah then lunged at the Arrow.
he blocked her with his bow. "I don't have time to deal with you."
"Well make time." Rebekah proceeded to deliver kick to the Arrow side, forcing him to let go of his bow and grab her leg. She then swung the bow, hitting him in the shoulder and making let go of her leg.
"It's time I finish you," Rebekah said.
"Actually that honor goes to me."
Rebekah turned and saw a man approaching them. "Who the hell are you?"
"Count Vertigo," the man answered. "And I am here to make sure the Arrow does not leave this place alive."
"Well," Rebekah said. "get in line." Rebekah then was about to attack again. However, a dart soon hit her in the neck.
"I'm afraid this is a kill I would personally do myself," Vertigo said to Rebekah.
Rebekah pulled the dart from her neck and face Vertigo. "You just made a grave mistake." She then attempted to attack the Count.
However, Rebekah soon saw her vision began to distort.
"My own formula of vertigo," Rebekah could hear Vertigo say, though his voice as well has his face began to distort in her vision as well. "with the additions that show you what you fear the most."
Rebekah was now horrified when she saw Vertigo's appearance change in the face of the person she has been running from: her brother Klaus.
'Klaus' then began to attack Rebekah, delivering several punches to her and knocking her back. Rebekah was too disoriented and frightened to fight back. Rebekah barely moved as she was being beatan by her brother.
Oliver did not understand what was happening. He saw that the woman was barely fighting back against Vertigo. He could see the fear in her face.
Oliver had to stop this. He drew his bow and fired an arrow over the two. It then exploded and released a bright flash. Vertigo was temporarily blinded from the flash, which gave Oliver the chance to grab the woman and make their escape.
When he got back to the lair, Oliver saw that the rest of the team were all there.
"Laurel and Sara filled us about this new Count. What happened?" Diggle asked Oliver carrying the unconscious woman.
"Vertigo," Oliver said. "Put her back in the cage."
"Yeah, that's not an option considering there's a huge hole on the lock," Felicity pointed out.
Oliver sighed and placed the woman down on the table instead. "Get the vervain and keep her asleep."
"Are you sure you don't want to have another round of torture?" Laurel remarked.
The rest of the team looked between Oliver and Laurel.
"I think we clearly missed something," Felicity observed.
"You think," Roy said.
"Laurel can I speak with you," Oliver said as he pulled Laurel to another side of the room. "This is not the best time to discuss this."
"I think it is," Laurel firmly said. "What do you plan to do with this woman Oliver? Keep her drugged and locked up forever?"
"What choice to I have?" Oliver asked.
"You could talk to her like a normal person," Laurel suggested.
"She's not normal!" Oliver said. "She is something none of us have any knowledge or experience on how to deal with. We need to know what she knows"
"You know I think I know why your acting like this about her," Laurel said. "You're scared."
Oliver didn't reply, confirming Laurel's accusation.
Laurel continued. "It's because we don't know anything about this world full of vampires that your acting like this. You don't know how to deal with which is why your using your old methods."
Oliver sighed. "I am scared. I don't know anything about these vampires and if I don't then it will get everyone killed."
Laurel put her hand on Oliver's shoulders. "Oliver, this is new territory for all of us. We can get though it together. Till then, you don't have to be the man you were before."
"Then how can we get the answers from her?" Oliver asked.
"She may be a vampire, Oliver," Laurel said. "But she should have some form of humanity in her. Every person, whoever they are, should have that at least. Appeal to that."
Oliver gave a small smile. "How do you always know what to say to me?"
"Easy. I've known you that long," Laurel said smiling.
"Hey guys!"
Oliver and Laurel went back to the others, who now have news for them.
"I got a location on Zytle," Felicity said. "He's at the docks shipping out more weapons and he is not being discreet about it."
"He's trying to lure me out," Oliver said. "Let's give him what he wants."
As Oliver, Digggle and Roy prepared their gear, Oliver saw Sara getting ready as well.
"Are you sure you can go?" Oliver asked.
Sara smiled. "I've got some bruises to pay back."
Oliver, Sara, Diggle, and Roy headed out to face Vertigo.
At the docks, Oliver and his team saw Zytle and his men loading the weapons into the cargo.
"Take out Zytle's men and stop that ship from leaving," Oliver said to Diggle and Roy.
"What about you and Sara?" Diggle asked.
"We'll handle Zytle," Sara said.
The team then went to their separate tasks.
Oliver and Sara approached Vertigo and his men. Sara threw her sonic device and it emitted its sonic wave, causing the men to clutch their ears and lose focus. Oliver then proceeded to fire several arrows at each man, hitting them at either their shoulders or legs, incapacitating them. The only one left was Vertigo.
"It's over Zytle!" Oliver said, pointing his bow and arrow at him. "Your weapons aren't going anywhere."
"I beg to differ," Vertigo said. He then threw several Vertigo darts at Oliver and Sara.
They dodged the darts and Sara made her way straight to Vertigo. She pulled out her batons and combined them together, forming a bo staff.
This time, Sara twirled the staff, hitting Vertigo in his arms and preventing him from pulling out any more of his darts. Vertigo blocked her attacks, but Sara was able to get him into a proper position before she swooped her staff under Vertigo's feet and knocking him off balance. Sara then kicked Vertigo in the chest and pushed him back.
Using that chance, Oliver fired an arrow which then released a rope, tying itself around Vertigo and restraining him.
Oliver then contacted Diggle. "We have Zytle. What about the shipment?"
"Not leaving this dock," Diggle said over the communicator. "Police are on their way."
"Good," Oliver then switch his communicator off. He then saw Sara grab Vertigo and pulled him up to his feet.
"Who told you that Laurel Lance was associated with us?" Sara shouted.
"What would you offer me for that information?" Vertigo sneered.
Sara then punched him right in the face. "I'll offer not to kill you slowly."
Oliver pulled Sara away from Vertigo. "What are you doing?"
"Finding out who told him about Laurel," Sara said.
"Don't worry," Vertigo said to them, spitting blood out. "I'll tell you. He told me to tell you if you caught me. Didn't think that I would get caught though."
"Talk," Oliver said.
"He was an archer," Vertigo explained. "Wore black and had his face covered. He told me to give the blonde vigilante the name Al Sa-Her. He said you would understand."
Sara had a grim expression on her face and walked away from Vertigo. Oliver soon followed her.
"Sara, what did that mean?" Oliver asked.
"That man who told Zytle about Laurel is the reason why I'm in Starling," Sara said.
"Who is he?" Oliver asked.
"I can't tell you Oliver," Sara said. "This is League business. You can't get involved."
"Sara, this guy put Laurel in danger," Oliver said. "We're already involved. Now who is the man you're looking for in Starling?"
Sara paused for a moment before speaking. "It's Malcolm Merlyn."
Oliver's expression became one of shock and horror. "Malcolm Merlyn is dead."
"Not according to the League," Sara said. "They have proof that Merlyn is alive and they sent me here to find out anything. Looks like he knew I was already here."
"That's why he told Zytle about Laurel," Olvier realized. "To distract you."
"And now I have to find him," Sara said. "I need to go Oliver. Merlyn is out there and I need to fine where he's hiding."
Oliver nodded. "Just be careful Sara. I know Malcolm and he's dangerous."
"So am I," Sara said. "Tell Laurel...just tell her that I'll keep my promise." Sara then headed off her own way.
Oliver then headed back to the lair, needing to inform everyone about the unsettling information he learned.
"Merlyn's alive," Laurel said, shocked at the new information.
"That's what Sara told me," Oliver said.
"Great," Felicity said. "Just another one in the thought-you-were-dead-but-actually-not list of people we know."
"What are we going to do about this Oliver?" Diggle asked.
"Right now, nothing," Oliver said. "Sara said the League are handling this and I'd prefer to stay out of their way right now."
"Good plan," Felicity said. "Oh also one more thing, we are out of vervain for our vampire guest, slash, prisoner."
"I'll handle it," Oliver said. "The rest of you should go home."
As the team left, Oliver pulled Laurel aside. "Are you okay?"
"That my sister might be risking her life going after the man who caused the deaths of innocent people including his own son," Laurel said. "I'll survive. What about you and our vampire guest?"
"I think I'll try your advice," Oliver said.
Laurel smiled. "Good answer. She then left as well.
Oliver then checked and saw the woman still on the table unconscious and being pumped with vervain.
Oliver breathed in deeply as he unhooked the I.V. from the woman. He then put on his hood and switched his voice modulator on as he saw the woman slowly stirring awake.
"What happened?" the woman said groggily.
"You were shot with a drug and it caused you hallucinate," Olvier said.
Rebekah groaned. "I feel like I'm having a century's worth of hangovers."
"Is that how long you've been alive?" Oliver asked.
"Longer," Rebekah replied. She then realized that she wasn't in a cage, shackled, or being vervained. "Why am I not imprisoned?"
"Because I want to talk," Oliver said.
"No arrows this time?" Rebekah asked sarcastically.
"No," Oliver said. "A friend of mine told me to try something different." He then switched his voice modulator off and took his hood off as well.
"My name is Oliver Queen," Oliver said, extending his hand.
The woman gave a surprised and hesitant look for a while. However, she then took Oliver's hand and shook it.
"Rebekah Mikaelson."