Starling City Police Department

Same time

"Come to visit me in my confinement?" Jessica asked as Oliver walked into the room Quentin was keeping her in for her safety.

"Thought you could use some company," Oliver said as he walked over to her.

"And a little 'I told you so'?" Jessica raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, I didn't bring it," Oliver joked and she laughed. "That being said, it's not too late for you to drop out."

"And send what message? That on top of the city's other problems, we give in to terrorism? The people here deserve better, they deserve someone to be brave for them," Jessica argued.

"That's what the Green Arrow's for," Oliver protested.

"He's not enough. Yes he keeps the city safe, but who inspires them? Who makes sure there's a city worth saving? That it's a place my daughter can call home?" Jessica asked and Oliver was thrown.

"Where is Madison?" Oliver changed the subject.

"Library. Poor kid had finals, so I sent her back to school. Doesn't worry, Captain Lance sent her with more than enough cops to keep her safe," Jessica assured him as a pit of dread settled in his stomach.

"Maybe you should call her," Oliver suggested, trying not to show his nervousness and alarm her.

Star City

Same time

A cell phone rang around two dead cops, Jessica's picture appearing on the phone.

Star City

Later

"To the man holding my daughter captive," Jessica said as the cameras recorded her. "I am begging you! Please, let my baby go. She's all I have. She's my whole world."

Unable to keep composure anymore, Jessica turned and raced off the stage. As she made her way out of the room, Oliver was reminded of a time when he was in Jessica's position.

Ivy town, two months ago

Afternoon

"You require…incentive," White said as she handed him the pone.

He looked down at the video feed and his blood ran cold. It was his old flame, Samantha Clayton, in a dark room. A young boy was with her, obviously her son. There was no doubt in Oliver's mind that this boy was his son; White wouldn't be trying to use them against him if he wasn't.

Now

Oliver was brought out of his memories by Quentin walking over.

"The man who took her killed the officers escorting her with some sort of electricity weapon. Shot 'em up with five thousand volts, slit their throats for good measure," Quentin explained.

"His name is Lonnie Machin," Oliver told him.

"Do I even wanna know where you got that information?" Quentin asked wearily.

"You can't do this alone, you know that. Two of you men are down, let us help. Or is the life of an innocent girl whose only crime is being at the wrong place at the wrong time worth less to you than your ego?" Oliver demanded.

Arrow lair

Later

"Oliver?" Felicity said, surprised to see Oliver walk in. "I thought you quit."

"I did, but Jessica is an old friend and I know what it's like to have your child in the crosshairs of a psychopath. I'm staying to make sure Madison comes out of this alive, then I'm gone. Any news?" Oliver asked and she shook her head.

"Only the bad kind," Felicity said and Oliver nodded.

"Look, I'm sorry about earlier," Oliver began and she looked over at him. "That wasn't about you or Laurel, you two just got caught in the crossfire."

"Wow, an Oliver Queen apology, I must be special," Felicity joked and Oliver gave her an annoyed look. "Sorry. I know we're not together anymore but…if you want to talk about it…"

"William is scared that I'm going to make him an orphan," Oliver said after a moment. "I can't tell him he's wrong, because every time I put on that suit, I'm putting my life at risk. Slade told me I need to choose between being a hero and being a father. And I chose him, but now with this…how do I just stop when I know there are dozens of mothers and fathers going through what Jessica is now?"

"I don't know. If you're looking for an easy answer to that question, I don't think there is one," Felicity said as the others walked in.

"Ollie," Thea said, surprised and hopeful.

"I thought you left," Diggle said rudely.

"I'm here to make sure Jessica gets her daughter back. Because I know what it's like to have your child at the mercy of a madman," Oliver pointed out coolly.

"You sure you can out up with us for that long?" Diggle sneered and Oliver smiled coolly.

"Unlike you, I can keep my emotions from clouding my judgement," Oliver shot back and Diggle's face clouded with anger.

Before Diggle could blow his top, Oliver's phone rang. Pulling it out, Oliver frowned as he saw Quentin's face on the screen before he answered.

"Captain?" Oliver said and Laurel started.

"Heavy Heavy Club, forth and pierce," Quentin said.

"What about it?"

"It's where Lonnie Machin is holding Jessica Danforth's daughter," Quentin told him.

"Thank you for the tip Captain," Oliver said before hanging up. "Suit up, I know where Madison is."

Star City

Later

Machin was about to kill Madison when the glass window's above them shattered. Machin looked up as Team Arrow landed on their feet, aiming their weapons at him.

"Something wrong with the front door?"

"Get away from the girl!" Green Arrow barked.

"Can you come back in an hour? We were just getting started." Machin said sadistically.

Machin pushed Madison away and Green Arrow fired. Machin took cover behind a barrel, dodging the arrow. Machin pulled out a flame thrower and turned it on Team Arrow. They took cover, dodging the intense flames. Machin turned it off and fled deeper into the building. As Spartan and Black Canary raced over to Madison, Green Arrow tapped his comms.

"Felicity," he began.

"See, this is why I need a code name, now he knows you're working with a Felicity," Felicity whined.

"Not the time Felicity," Green Arrow said annoyed. "We got Madison, but he split."

"There's no movement outside the club, he must still be in there," Felicity explained.

"She needs medical attention," Spartan said, holding Madison in his arms.

"Get her to safety, we've got this," Green arrow assured them.

Spartan and Black Canary nodded before they turned and walked out with Madison. As Speedy turned to go, Green Arrow put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, can you handle this?" He asked her.

"I'm good," Speedy assured him.

Green Arrow nodded, knowing he would have to take her word for it for the moment.

The two archers walked further into the club, their bows notched with an arrow. As they walked in different directions, searching for their target, Machin jumped out behind Speedy, shocking her with his weapon. She cried out in pain, drawing her brother's attention.

"Speedy!"

As she went down, Green Arrow fired at Machin. Machin deflected the arrow with his weapon and charged at the archer. Machin tried to strike at him with his Kama but Green Arrow dodged the strikes, blocking them with his bow. Machin managed to knock him to the ground with a well-placed strike with his Kama and pulled out his electric weapon to strike the archer. But the archer dodged it and, with a well-aimed kick to Machin's feet, knocked the psychopath off his feet. As Machin reached for his electric weapon, Speedy rushed in and grabbed it as Green Arrow punched him. Machin got up and he and Green arrow exchanged a few blows. Green Arrow sent a powerful kick to Machin's chest and he stumbled back, running into a shelf full of liquor. It collapsed around him, spilling his clothes full of liquor, flammable liquor. As Speedy rushed to him with the electric weapon, Green Arrow realized her intentions.

Green Arrow quickly notched an arrow and fired. His arrow hit the weapon in his sister's hand, knocking it out of her hand. She blinked before it landed in Machin's hand. He shocked her and she cried out as she went down. Enraged, Green Arrow rushed Machin as they exchanged some more blows between bow and Kama. As Speedy watched dazed, Machin managed to land a blow with his Kama. Green Arrow stumbled back before firing an arrow. It went low and hit Machin in the hand. Machin cried out as Green Arrow slugged him, making him drop his Kama and Green Arrow punched him once more. Machin, to his surprise, simply yanked out the arrow, groaning as he did.

"Should've aimed for the heart," Machin said as he picked up his electric device. "You know, I wish you'd gotten here a few minutes later. The things I would've liked to do to that girl, oooh. Her momma would have had nightmares for life."

Oliver didn't remember reaching back into his quiver or notching the arrow. All he remembered was letting go of the jaw string. The arrow went flying and hit Machin in the chest. Machin stumbled back, shock and pain on his face as he fell back, dead.

"Ollie?" Thea said alarmed as her brother simply stared, stunned by his own actions.

Star City Police Department

Later

Oliver smiled at the reunion between mother and daughter before walking over, making his presence known.

"Madison, are you alright?" Oliver asked and she nodded.

"A few bumps and bruises and probably the world's worst case of insomnia but I'll be fine," Madison said, smiling through her tears as Quentin made his way over.

"I'm sorry about this but I have an army of reporters out there, asking if you want to give a statement." Quentin said apologetically.

"Yes, I'll be out in a few minutes." Jessica said as she wiped her eyes.

"You don't have to do that tonight." Oliver said immediately.

"Yes, I do. I have to tell them what I've decided," Jessica said and Oliver was thrown. "I've decided that redrawing my candidacy. I'm not running for mayor."

Oliver and Quentin both watched sadly as Jessica and Madison walked off. Then, Quentin turned to Oliver, anger clear on his face.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't book you for murder?" Quentin sneered.

"I don't imagine your superiors would be too thrilled with how often you gave access to police information and evidence to a vigilante that you later tried to arrest," Oliver said and Quentin stiffened. "I have a record of each and every time you helped me out as The Arrow. You wanna arrest me, fine, but I'll take you down with me if I have to."

"You would do that, out of spite?" Quentin demanded.

"No, for what you did to Roy. Because you can try and spin it as much as you want until you actually believe that I caused Roy's death, but you and I both know that if you had given Roy proper protection, he'd still be here. I know I'm not innocent, but neither are you Captain. And if you ever make a move against me or any member of my team, just remember, I'll take you down with us if I have to. We don't have to be enemies Captain, but that's up to you. Just like it always has been," Oliver said before he turned and walked off, leaving the stunned Quentin staring after him.

Arrow lair

Later

"So, you're going back into retirement then?" Laurel asked hesitantly as they saw Oliver hang his bow up.

"No," Oliver said to the relief of all but Diggle. "That was said in the heat of the moment in a time when I was overly stressed and at my limit. And this situation with Madison has taught that, whatever my issues with all of you, I shouldn't let it impact what I do here. I can put my ego aside if all of you can."

"I got caught up with the rush here…and maybe the blood lust had something to do with it. Maybe you were right to worry about me, I'm sorry," Thea said as she stepped forward.

"I will always worry about you Speedy. Because I am the big brother," Oliver said as he wrapped his arms around his sister and they shared an embrace of familial love.

"I was thinking of taking her away for a few days, to a spa getaway," Laurel mentioned as they let each other go.

"As long as there aren't any hot tubs, 'cause that's what got me in this mess." Thea said dryly.

"I think that's a great idea." Oliver nodded to Laurel in thanks, who mouthed 'you're welcome' at him. "And I wanted to apologize Laurel. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you, that wasn't fair."

"It's fine, I understand," Laurel smiled before looking at John and Felicity. "Think you two can handle things while we're away?"

"I think we'll manage," Diggle said, eying Oliver grimly.

"Great, I'll see you when I get back," Thea said as she walked over to Laurel and they walked ff.

"Oliver, we need to talk about what happened at the club," Diggle said and Oliver sighed.

"Great, another thing for you to criticize me for," Oliver said sarcastically.

"Why don't you tell us what happened," Felicity suggested, trying to avoid an argument.

"He made a crude comment about what he was planning on doing to Madison and I snapped. It wasn't my intention to kill him but I'm not sorry he's dead," Oliver said apathetically.

"Oliver, that's not how we do things anymore," Diggle said and Oliver scoffed.

"Yeah? Well, maybe if we did, my son would still have his mother," Oliver said and there was a stunned silence in the lair.

"You don't really believe that Oliver," Felicity told him.

"Oh, but I do. When I came back after The Undertaking, I could have killed China White but I thought that killing anyone would dishonor Tommy's memory. I allowed you two to convince me that I could do this without killing and my son lost his mother as a result. That is a mistake I will never make again. I need to get home to my son, I'm done talking about this," Oliver said as he moved passed Diggle and Felicity.

"You never listen to me!" Diggle snapped and Oliver stopped. "Never! I don't know why I bothered for so long to turn you into something you're clearly not!"

"Yeah, because I'm as dark and twisted as The League, right?" Oliver asked as he turned around and walked over to Diggle. "And it's the opposite. I listened to you for far too long. I allowed myself to be fooled into thinking I could do this without killing. I was wrong. Just as I was wrong about you John."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Diggle demanded and Oliver smiled tightly.

"You hate me because of what I did to Lyla, to Sara. But do you know what any member of the League would have done in my position, what Maseo wanted to do? They would have killed Lyla and taken Sara as leverage," Oliver said bluntly and Diggle paled. "Am I proud of what I did? No, but I did what I had to In order to keep everyone alive. Every decision I made while undercover was to make sure everyone came out of this alive. The man I recruited three years ago would not need me to explain this to him. That man would have come to this conclusion himself by now. He would not hold on to a petty grudge and denounce me as this unredeemable monster. The John Diggle I recruited was a good man. He was my closest ally, constantly guiding me, setting me on a better path; he reminded me what it meant to be a human being. He was my best friend. But what I finally realize John…is that you aren't that man anymore. And you haven't been in a long time."

"Oliver-" Diggle began but Oliver cut him off.

"We've said all that needs to be said John. We may be out there, but we are not out there together. Every story needs a villain John. I'm sorry you see me as the villain in yours," Oliver said softly.

Without another word, Oliver turned around and walked out of the lair, Diggle too stunned to call after him.

"Are you happy now John?" Felicity asked once Oliver was gone. "Have you finally punished him enough for what he did? Because you've finally driven Oliver away. He's finally given up on you. I hope it was worth it John, I really do."

Oliver's apartment

Later

"You're home early," William said, not looking up from the book he was reading as Oliver walked into his room.

"I'm trying to make that a regular thing," Oliver said.

"Whatever," William said disinterested and Oliver sighed.

"I would like to apologize William," Oliver said and William finally looked up.

"For what?"

"For making you a promise I wasn't one-hundred percent sure I could keep. You were right and I was wrong," Oliver admitted.

"Raisa said you have a hard time admitting when you're wrong," William said and Oliver chuckled.

"You have no idea. Can I sit?" Oliver gestured to William's bed.

William nodded and Oliver sat at the foot of his bed.

"I want to tell you a story. It's about me, the first year I came back from the island," Oliver began and William raised an eyebrow. "My friend Laurel, she was helping these people who a bad man had wronged terribly. They were going to expose what he had done. So, this bad man hired an even worse man to kill them. He did, but he didn't get to their son. But the son had seen his face, so now these bad men wanted to kill their kid, who wasn't much older than you are now."

"What happened?" William asked softly.

"Laurel took the son into her custody, temporarily. They stayed with me and my mom at our house. The bad man showed up there. The cops couldn't stop him, our security couldn't stop him."

"But you could," William noted and Oliver nodded.

"But I could stop him," Oliver agreed. "If I hadn't, the son probably would have died, so would my mom, Laurel, my friend Tommy, and everyone in my house. Because I stopped this man, they all survived and that boy got to go live with family, got to grow up. When I see something like that, I can't just turn away from it. Sometimes I wish I could William. Every day, something like that happens in this city. If I can do something about it, I feel like it's my responsibility to do something about it. You hear me?"

"Yeah," William said, a bit of understanding in his eyes.

"Good. And I want you to know, I hear you to. And no matter what happens, I will make sure you never end up alone, ever. And I promise every single day to be the best father I can be and that I know how to be. That promise is one-hundred percent," Oliver said as he looked over at William.

"Okay," William said after a moment.

"Okay," Oliver learned over and kissed William on the forehead before standing up. "Don't stay up much longer, you still have school tomorrow."

Oliver walked out of William's room, gently closing the door behind him. He walked out into the living room where Raisa was getting ready to leave.

"Thank you Raisa, I don't pay you enough for everything you do here," Oliver said gratefully.

"I never been after money Mr. Oliver," Raisa smiled. "It good that the Green Arrow saved Ms. Madison, yes?"

"Yeah," Oliver said with a faraway look, something Raisa noticed.

"Something on your mind Mr. Oliver?"

"It's nothing. Just…Captain Lance and Jessica both said something to me, that this city needs something the Green Arrow can't offer. Raisa…I think I'm gonna run for mayor."

Starling Cemetery

Same time

"Are you sure you wanna do this?" Thea asked Laurel as they stared at Sara's casket, which they had just dug up.

"Too late to turn back now," Laurel muttered as she jumped down.

Laurel then opened the casket and stared down at her sister's rotting corpse.

Sorry to any Diggle fans but honestly, that is my view on his character. Diggle went from Oliver's brother in arms, a sort of replacement Slade to Oliver, to just a verbally abusive person who never has Oliver's back and just tears him down over and over again. I think the only reason Diggle is still on the show as Oliver's wingman is because Oliver is so broken inside he thinks he deserves the way Diggle treats him.