Alright. I am back with another chapter. This may not be pretty long. I hope you guys will be patient as I work on this story, and will be fine with updates taking a while at times.

Let's get to it. Sorry about the bad chapter title.


Chapter 2- Into the Fire

Bucky leans against the table, sighing as he recalls the recent attack.

"So, explain this to us. What exactly happened?" Felicity asks, as she, Curtis, Rene, and Rory all look at him and Laurel. After the attack by the masked man, the pair had retreated to the lair and called the rest of the team to meet them there. Diggle was still missing, though.

Bucky sighs again, then says, "So me and Laurel were heading to grab a bite to eat. On our way there, this man just attacked us out of nowhere. He was wearing some kind of dark uniform, with a hood and a strange mask. He had a bow and arrows, a sword, and had shurikens attached to the front of his uniform."

Dark recognition crosses the faces of the veterans of Team Arrow. "I was afraid of that," Felicity mutters.

"What?" Bucky inquires.

"Bucky, you encountered the man we've been dealing with for a little while now. He calls himself Prometheus. He's turned a former ally of ours against us. He's been determined to destroy Oliver. And…he manipulated Oliver into killing my boyfriend Billy by disguising Billy as Prometheus," Felicity explains.

Bucky and Laurel just stare at her for a moment, taking that in. Then, Bucky asks, "How long has he been active here in Star City?"

"A few months is when he first showed up. He killed a police officer, then killed a crime lord who tried to kill Oliver himself. After that, he started killing random people whose initials matched those of Oliver's initial targets when he first become a vigilante as a message to Oliver. He hasn't done that in a while though," Curtis explains.

Bucky nods with understanding, concerned about Prometheus' vindictiveness. Then, Laurel asks, "When was the last time you encountered him?"

"Only a few weeks ago, when he fought Oliver, and we found out that he had turned our former teammate Evelyn Sharp against us," Curtis responds.

Bucky nods again, then asks, "Do you have any idea who he is?"

Felicity sighs. "Oliver had a theory it was Justin Claybourne, a man he thought he killed during his first months as a vigilante. But, we're not sure about that anymore," she says.

Bucky looks down at his hands, thinking hard about what to do about this situation. Finally, he says, "Well, that's our first step. From now on, I want to focus on trying to figure out who Prometheus is under that mask. Also, I want to figure try and find out where he and this Evelyn Sharp are operating from. I feel she'll probably to be easier to track than Prometheus. We find her, maybe she can lead us to Prometheus."

Bucky looks at Felicity and asks, "Have you found any clues yet as to who he may be? And what led you to suspect he was Justin Claybourne?"

"He had used a former factory of Claybourne's as a temporary base. But, now, we think he may be Claybourne's illegitimate son. We found several documents in that factory, as well as a picture of a baby that we suspect was Claybourne's. According to the dates attached the photo and documents, it would mean the baby in the picture would now be in his early 30s. The perfect age to become Prometheus," Felicity replies.

"Do we have any idea where his mother may be, or who she is? She may be our easiest chance at finding him," Bucky says.

"I've been looking for her. So far, I haven't found anything. But give me some time, and I'll find something," Felicity says with determination.

Suddenly, there's a beeping from the computer station. Felicity hurries over to the computers, her fingers dancing across the keys. For a moment, she stares at the screen. Then, her eyes widen in horror. It takes her a moment before she manages to get out, "John's been captured by the Army!"

Everyone snaps their head towards Felicity, stunned. "What?" Curtis bursts out.

"I've been monitoring Army transmissions to make sure they don't come after John. It seems like they faked a call from his wife, Lyla, to draw him out. They've taken John back to prison!" Felicity says, full of concern.

"What is going on?" Laurel asks, feeling very confused.

"John was in the Army, and he was serving under a general that tried to steal a nuclear warhead and sell it, while framing John for it. John managed to escape with Oliver's help, and has been in hiding here in Star City. Now, General Walker has him again," Felicity explains.

"And there's no way he's gonna let John get out free again. He's not gonna risk John getting the truth about him out. If he can, he's gonna find a way to kill John," Curtis says.

Bucky stands there, thinking for a moment. Then, he says, "Alright. Felicity, I want you to keep monitoring the Army's transmissions. Try and find out where he is being held. And I want to know every transmission involving John. And I'm gonna try and go see if Lance can get me a meeting with the district attorney. See if we can get him to help."

"What do you want me to do?" Laurel asks.

"I need you to stay here. I don't want to leave this place unguarded. And I'm worried about you being seen before we figure out how to introduce you to Star City. So, I want you to just stay here for now," Bucky says. Laurel looks disappointed, but doesn't argue.

"Alright. Let's get to work," Bucky says before he leaves to go ask Quentin to meet with the district attorney to ask for help on John's case.


(City Hall)

Bucky looks up as the district attorney, a man apparently named Adrian Chase, walks into the conference room in City Hall.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, District Attorney Chase," Bucky says.

"Of course, Mr. Barnes. Though, I must say I'm confused as to the reason for this meeting. Mayor Lance didn't say much," Chase responds as he sits down.

"Well, I've come to you for legal advice. A friend of mine, John Diggle, has been recently arrested wrongfully," Bucky says.

"Yes, Sergeant Diggle. I am aware of his case. Theft of a nuclear weapon. Murder. Escape from prison. Espionage. Quite some serious charges," Chase says.

"He's innocent," Bucky says.

"Why did he escape from prison then?" Chase asks.

"Because he's innocent. His opponent was a general and Sergeant Diggle didn't think the general would allow him a fair trial and the opportunity to tell his story. I want to see him get fair treatment. So I want to ask your help, or at least your advice on how I can help him," Bucky says.

Chase seems to consider it for a moment. Then, he says, "Let me think on it. I may be able to help you try and get him out. Give me a day to think on it, and I'll get back to you."

Bucky nods, then stands and shakes hands with Chase. "Thank you," he says before he leaves the room.


(Prometheus' hideout)

Prometheus calmly sharpens his sword, the sound of the stone grinding against the metal sounding eerily loud in the otherwise quiet warehouse.

"You went after that new guy?" Prometheus stops and turns his head towards Evelyn.

"The Winter Soldier escaped me. His new friend is stronger than I thought. But it matters not," Prometheus responds.

"What do you mean?" Evelyn demands.

Prometheus stands and sheaths his sword. "I need to go visit someone. You will remain here and wait for my return," he orders.

"You're just gonna leave?" she asks.

Prometheus laughs. "I won't be leaving them without challenge. You'll be sure to keep them occupied in my absence, won't you, my dear?"

Evelyn realizes he's not talking to her. She turns her head to look where Prometheus is looking, and sees a woman standing in the shadows.

"Of course," the woman says before she turns around and walks out of sight.


I'll end there! I hope this was alright.

I'm sure you're wondering who this mystery woman is. Well, she's who I have designated to take Talia al Ghul's place on Prometheus' team. You'll find out who she is soon. Feel free to leave your guesses.

As always, leave a review, and stay tuned for the next chapter.