When Oliver got the call to meet at some club in the Glades, he was suspicious as to why he was even needed. All he was told was that this needed to stay confidential and that as the mayor he had a right to know. At about three in the morning, the police had been called an attendant and reported of a man found unconscious and covered in a lot of blood. By the time the police got there though, the man bled to death, but that wasn't even the tip of the iceberg. A massacre had occurred in a private backroom of the club.
When Oliver got to the room he saw just how bad it was. He asked the police detective what happened here but no one knew.
"Did anyone survive? Do we know who might have done this?" Detective Malone only shook his head in defeat, "All we know is that whoever did this was very thorough. He left no evidence indicating his involvement. And to answer your first question; yes only one person survived."
"Well that is good. We can get him in a room and-" but he was interrupted, "He won't be of any use to us Mr. Mayor. The only other guy who could be of assistance didn't even see who knocked him out. In short, we are screwed."
"Wait, how wouldn't he be of use to us? He could identify who did this." The detective then pulled Oliver over to the side to speak to him in private. "He had his eyes gouged out by the man who did this. Look whoever did this, is a professional. The only reason we know that this was done by a man is because the man we found unconscious in the hallway said the voice he heard from behind was a man's voice. No one and I mean no one in the club saw who did this. Think about it; a club full of people and no one has any idea. We might be looking at a professional hitman or assassin."
Oliver sighed heavily at the news. On top of all of his predating responsibilities as the mayor and as the Green Arrow; now he has some unknown assassin on the loose in his city. It was times like this when he wished he had Diggle to confide in.
"And one last thing before I go back; these men weren't choir boys. They were part of the Russian mafia, otherwise known as Bratva, and if they have half of their reputation, then retaliation will come soon." After that, Malone left to join his team in trying to figure out who did this. Oliver stood there still and in shock that the Bratva was back in the city. When he had returned he used their resources to help his crusade, but after what Slade unleashed unto the city they decided to leave because of the threat to their organization. As a former member himself he knew exactly what the Bratva would retaliate with. War.
Oliver decided to leave to go see Felicity about this. He needed to hurry up and build his new team. He even made a note to call Lyla to ask about Dig. He needed to find whoever did this before the Bratva got to them because they don't have a shred of mercy for those who kill their brothers. As he left he saw a new detective that he's never seen before in the precinct. She was looking at the bodies before they get carted off for autopsies. What put him off was that she didn't seem phased at all by them, like she's seen stuff like this happen which was out of the ordinary considering she was new here as far as he knew. As he left the club he knew he had a whole laundry list of people to talk to but first off, he had to have a long awaited talk with the former police captain Quentin Lance.
Sin woke up to hearing someone walking inside of the loft. She opened her eyes and saw Thea Queen walking in with her bags. When Thea saw that Sin had woken up, she went over to her and gave her a hug for comfort. Normally, Sin would have pushed back on the hug since she wasn't really into that type of sappy thing, but she made an exception given the circumstances. She was glad to see her friend again she really was, but she still was worried about Sam, Max, and especially Christian.
"How are you feeling? I know it must be hard." Thea asked. "I'm doing as fine as the next girl all things considering. I just want this nightmare to be over."
"Well just look on the bright side." Sin gave her an incredulous look before responding, "What exactly is the bright side?"
"You get to get out of that dump for once if only for a little while." She answered playfully. Sin laughed her off as she playfully gave her a shove. "Hey it's not much, but that dump is still my home so watch out."
They playfully laughed together like good friends do. Thea missed Sin and even though she only wound up leaving for a few days, the whole time she was gone all she could think about was everything she left behind in Star City. Everything from her brother to the old team seemed to weigh on her mind. I guess what that stranger said was true; you never forget your home.
"So how was your little soul searching trip? Did you find whatever it was that you were looking for?" Sin asked.
Thea had to really think before she answered. On one hand she did find her answer, but on the other it wasn't the trip that gave it to her. It was the stranger she met just before she got on the train that helped her most. After how she threatened to kill Darhk's daughter, she felt like she had become he very thing she was fighting to stop; a killer. But this time she couldn't blame it on the league or her father. That act was completely on her and to do that after Laurel's death made her feel unworthy of donning her mask anymore or even staying in Star City. But after speaking to him and having it put in clear and basic perspective; she realized that she could never leave her home.
"Yeah my trip was pretty useless. I found out that I should have never left to begin with. Star City is no utopia, but it is my home and it will only get better by us not giving up on it. So it's safe to say that I am here for the long haul."
Sin shook her head at her answer. "You know you sound too much like Christian." Thea raised an eyebrow at that. "And who might this Christian person be?"
Sin sighed before telling her about everything that has happened since she left. She told her everything from Christian saving her from that creep, to hanging out with him the whole next day, to what happened with the Russian Mafia, and to her friends being taken and him going off to try to find them.
"Wow, looks like you found yourself a real boy scout. Have you heard from him since last night at all?"
"No I haven't. I just wished he'd stop with the whole superhero shtick; it is getting annoying."
"Superhero shtick? So what does he plan on solving world hunger or something?"
"Who knows with Christian…all he told me was that he would contact me somehow and that he'd bring Maxine back." She doubted whether he could do it though. In her mind he was just regular GA. The crooks of the Glades and the whole city for that matter didn't fear men like him, but to be fair they stopped fearing Green Arrow and the rest of the vigilantes a long time ago.
"You know could at least try to sound hopeful. Don't give up okay." Thea then sat down next to her to cheer her up. "If I have learned anything these past few years it's that we can accomplish a lot as a city if we work together and be honest with each other. So trust him to do the right thing."
"And the right thing for him to do is to stop and let someone else do this before he gets himself killed."
Thea then stood up and pulled Sin up off the couch. "Let's get out of here. I need to see my brother and you are honestly bringing the happy reunion down with all your worrying. So come on get ready to head to the mayor's office with me."
Sin then went to the restroom to freshen up not that she could do much what with her stuff still being at her place. All she could do was brush off her clothes and make sure her hair wasn't too unruly. As much as she didn't care for the mayor, she did care for his sister so showing a little respect after going off on him last night could help ease any tension. After she felt ready she felt her phone vibrate she pulled it out and saw a text from Christian. It read that he was alright and that he still hadn't found Max yet. He then asked for a picture of her since in all of his haste to go out and be hero he forgot that he had no idea what she looked like since he's never met her at which she shook her head at reading that.
She told him that she stayed the night at Thea's place and that she was about to go hangout with her soon. He let her know that he'd still be out looking and that he would try to pay her a visit either later tonight or early next day. After that she smiled and headed out with her friend to see her jerk brother.
Oliver was in the apartment of former police captain Quentin Lance. To say that the man was in a rough patch would be putting it lightly. He was taking Laurel's death harder than he had thought. His apartment was filled with pictures of her back when times were so much simpler. The door was then opened and then came the former detective who had a reaction that was hard for Oliver to read.
"Really, how do you do this? I mean have you ever heard of knocking Queen?" He said sounding frustrated.
"I'm sorry Lance, but I need your help. I have a lot on my plate and not enough time to do everything I need done."
"Now when you say you need my help; is this Mayor Queen talking or the Green Arrow talking?"
"Both. As the mayor I need someone on my staff with your level of experience to assist me and as the Green Arrow I could use as much help as I can get because ever since you've left the crime in Star City has been emboldened and the Green Arrow and the police are not making any progress in stopping them."
"No, I am done with that type of stuff. I have lost everything to that life. I lost my wife, both of my little girls, hell even my reputation so please just let me get drunk and drown the rest of my life away."
Oliver narrowed his eyes at him, "Wait, you're drinking again? Lance if Laurel were here she'd-" but he got interrupted by Lance pulling out another bottle and taking a sip of it.
"Well guess what Mr. Mayor; my daughter isn't here. She's dead and i know me drinking won't bring my little girl back, but it sure will make me feel better. So my answer is no now go away and leave me alone."
Oliver could only shake his head in resignation at how low Lance had fallen. "I know this may not mean much to you, but I look up to you as an example of what this city could be. It could be a strong, pillar that no matter how hard it gets hit, it won't fall. I think it's time we both moved on from her death. Me by finally letting people help me and you by stopping yourself before you go down this path again. I'm leaving but if you need anything you know where to find me."
He then left after that which Quentin grumbled before stumbling back to his drink. He was about to take another sip before remembering Oliver's message and seeing a picture of him and his family together for a portrait. He stared at Laurel's picture for what seemed like forever before he put the bottle down and broke down in tears over the grief of losing his daughter.
After he left Lance's place, Oliver was in his office looking over some paperwork because Felicity was still running late on getting the locations of the potential recruits. The names of the recruits were Evelyn Sharp, Rene Ramirez, and Curtis Holt surprisingly. At first Curtis wanted no part of the vigilante life, but after looking for Wild Dog in the streets of the Glades and getting beat up and robbed, he changed his tune and decided that he wanted training. They weren't much in terms of talent or credentials, but he has no other choice but to work with them for the time being.
After about a half hour Felicity had sent him a text saying that she was in the lair. Thea and Sin walked into his office just as he was about to head down to meet Felicity. Because of his meeting with Lance he didn't get the chance to greet his sister when she got back so the first thing he did when he saw her was hug her. He wasn't an overly emotional guy, but when it came to his sister he'd always cherish being able to embrace her. When they pulled away he asked how her trip was.
"Well I'm back, aren't I? I think that pretty much shows how the trip went." She answered.
"Well for what it is worth to you, I missed you and seeing you hear really takes a huge weight off of my shoulders." Thea then teased him for his response, "Aw look at you Ollie, I never pegged you for the sentimental type. But I guess I missed you too." She said with a playful smile.
Sin, feeling like the awkward third wheel, decided that she had had enough of the sappy love fest. "Okay, I get it. You too missed each other. But in case you forgot Mr. Mayor, there is a girl who is missing and this city doesn't have the best track record of recovering lost people unless they're dead first. So do you have any idea as to who took her or where she might be?"
Oliver's good mood instantly soured. He didn't forget how she scolded him last night so he knew that she didn't think too highly of him or the Green Arrow apparently. He turned to her an offered her a comforting smile.
"The investigation is still ongoing but you have my word that she will be found alive and safe."
"Yeah I've heard this broken record before so let me stop you there. Let me make myself clear to you; I don't care about words or empty promises. If you want to change how people think about you, then start by your actions. I believe you can do it, not because I believe in you or your ideals, but because this city deserves better. It deserves a guardian angel."
Thea went to defend her brother, "Ollie may not be perfect but he is trying his best to-," but Oliver stopped her. "It's okay she's right. I need to change this city by action, not words. And I will start by getting your friend back."
He then left for the elevator that would take him to the cave but not before giving his sister one final kiss on the cheek and letting her know that he wanted to speak with her about working with him again. She really had no desire to be speedy ever again but the least she could do was hear his offer so she told him that they could talk later tonight. For now though her main focus was Sin and her apparent beef with her brother.
"Hey what the heck was that about?" Sin shook her head in response. "You wouldn't understand so just drop it, okay?" Thea wanted to press on with the subject but she knew Sin was under a lot of stress from yesterday so she let it go and decided not to ruin a good day.
"Okay, I understand. So what's next for us to do today?" Sin only had a downcast look on her, "To be honest, I just want to go back to the loft and lay down for bit. Just something simple for once, you know what I mean?"
Thea nodded her head and smiled in return, "Yea I know what you mean. Come on, let's go back then." They then headed back to the loft to rest and just talk. They could try getting out for a bit at a later date. Sin, despite trying really hard to, couldn't stop thinking about Max and Christian. In her short life, she's already lost so much from her parents to Sara, to even her friend who was named Max that she found dead a few years back. That's why she is so desperate to see her friends alive again.
Speaking of Christian, he was currently back in Bludhaven. He was there to pick up his new suit from his friend Don so he could officially become the Dark Angel again. It felt good to be home again, but he knew that this was only temporary and that he wouldn't stay long. He was currently at his old base of operations that was located deep in the underground catacombs of the city. With the base being underground, it made tracking him virtually impossible to track and at the same time gave him plenty of choices of how he wanted to make himself know to whoever he was tracking or making a bust on. It was a strategy that Christian was going to employ again once he got back to Star City.
"So Don, explain to me what upgrades you've made to the suit and the weapons." Christian said.
Don then pressed his hand unto a palm scanner and what rose from the ground was the display that held his Dark Angel suit, but the suit wasn't just upgraded, it was changed systemically from top to bottom.
"Don, what did you do to the suit, it looks…new. Where are the blood stains and knife tears? And what about the fact that it looks made of fabric instead of the normal Kevlar armor, what gives?"
Din laughed and shook his head at his young, naïve friend. "Oh Christian my boy, this suit is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I pretty much rebuilt you a new one from scratch. After our last mission before you called it quits, I saw some serious flaws that prevented to from achieving your true potential out there in the field. So because of that I introduce you to the Dark Angel suit Mark 2.0, or as I have dubbed it Thanatos."
"Wow, the name of the fourth and final horseman of the apocalypse, death. How ironic can you be Don?"
Don laughed and put a hand on Christian's shoulder, "Hey I would have called it Azrael but that name is taken from what I here in the newsfeed of Gotham."
Christian shook his head and laughed, "Gotham, now that is a dumpster fire. Well it can't be helped then. Well enough about that, how about you tell me about the new suit."
"Okay man, The Thanatos suit is made up of a titanium dipped Graphene tri-weave mesh with a STF underlayer that is mounted with promethium plates which creates a uber-protective bodysuit that has a high resistance against blunt, high-impact forces and knives, as well as protection against firearms, and even has protection that ranges from lower caliber weapons those of high caliber but beware that consistent damage dealt can still harm you. Trust me though, the graphene is light-years better than kevlar, and the STF, which is liquid body armor, give you reinforced protection from knives and gunshot wounds; all while only being a fraction of the weight of Kevlar, it's the real deal man. Now included with the rest of the protective materials, the suits liquid material allows you as its wearer to still be light and agile, which will provide you with the ability to fight and move without restrictions thus giving you complete use of your lateral mobility, flexibility, quickness, and speed. It features two masks; the first being a dark blue domino mask, fixed in place with spirit gum, and includes a built-in radio transmitter, a receiver and starlite night-vision lenses. The latter is a metallic, bowl-shaped black and mask, that houses an intercom, scanning system and voice modifier to hide your identity. It has knee-high black boots and black gauntlets with hidden blades under each forearm which can mainly used to block or counterstrike against knives or other stabbing weapons along with compartments to hid items. The protective interior of your suit is now laced and held with promethium, which is the hardest metal known to man. It allows you to take some serious damage and high level impact. You could fall from a 50 story building and land like you were jumping from your bed to the floor. The chain rope dart is located in your left gauntlet and can be used in tandem with the gauntlet, using its line to slingshot or catapult the user into the air or towards the opposition at great speed while the weight of the user and his skills of balance and precision allows for a steady glide and controlled decent. You can even pull back on your weight, if you're good enough, and allow yourself to dive through air at great speeds, especially as a means of a surprise attack. The Dark Angel suit also has a sophisticated weapons holster which contains the majority of the technologically advanced equipment which you can use to fight crime as Dark Angel such as promethium throwing knives, an assortment of grenades, and other toys I think you'll like. The tough gray exterior fabric that is where the majority of the promethium is laced that stretches over the armor bits, it will mislead criminals with the idea that it's a simple costume which will lead to their quick downfall by you. I know you want to avoid killing so I replaced your sword with a tomahawk axe. It too is made from promethium and can withstand anything you put it through. Now I must warn you man, having a suit like this may give you a huge edge, but don't rely on it for it may lead you to get sloppy which could have deadly consequences. Also the suit has its weak points; the connecting joins are less armored to give you maximum mobility so be careful, okay?"
Christian whistled in awe and amazement of his friend's latest work, "Wow that is a mouthful that you just said there. This suit sounds like the future of fighting crime. How long have you been working on it?" Christian asked.
"Well since before what happened to Kate, but when we got the materials because of her, it went into overdrive as a sort of coping mechanism and because I wanted to make sure we never lose anyone again."
Christian hugged his friend, "We won't let Tobias get away this time, and we won't let any criminal have their way. Because of you, there is a new dawn, a rebirth."
"Just promise me you'll get payback and make him live to regret what he did to her. I know you don't want to kill this time unless you are forced to but please end this."
"I won't kill him, but I'll make him wish I had. Don't worry Don I have plans for Church and all of the cancer that has infested the world. Just keep your eyes on the news."
Don then backed out of the hugged and smile, "Okay I will be watching. Oh and me and your new partner have already prepared a base of operations for you in Star City so don't worry about it. You can take your suit back in your new ride."
"What new ride? Dude I came here in a train and if we don't hurry this up, I'm going to be walking back to Star City."
"Well this would be the perfect time for you to give it a test run, put the suit on."
"What now? Wait why?" Don then opened the display and handed Christian his new face mask, "Because evil doesn't take a day off, so why should you?" Christian smiled at his friend and took the mask. He then put it along with the rest of his suit on, thus becoming the Dark Angel once again.
"How do I look?" Christian asked now, because of the voice modifier, sounding half robot and half demon. "You look like a man on a mission. So what is the first thing you're going to do with your newfound crusade?"
Dark Angel then grabbed his new axe and felt it for the first time. It felt alive to him and he knew he'd be using it a lot in the near future. "I'm going to get Max back. Take me to the vehicle now."
"Now that's what I'm talking about. Come on." They then left for the garage and found Dark Angel's main source of transportation. "This is a modified motorcycle that is on steroids that also serves as an auxiliary vehicle. Armed with dual front-mounted cannons, machine guns and grappling hooks, the dark-cycle achieves greater mobility at the cost of some protection. It's slick, quiet, and faster than anything you'll find this side of Gotham. In fact, it was our friend Mr. Wayne that gave me the idea for it."
"I like it." Dark Angel then got on it and turned the ignition on. He noticed that the engines are mounted in the wheels themselves, instead of on the bike directly. The navigation system was nuanced and advanced to the point where it was driven with more his shoulder than with his hands. In short, this was just what the doctor asked for.
"Thanks Don, let Patricia know that I'll be back in town by the time the night falls. First I have to pay a few visits about where to find Max and I only have a day left before she's gone for good so I am in no mood for games. This is goodbye for now." Christian then rode off towards Star City to fulfill his promise to Sin and get her friend back.
"Goodbye my friend, go give them all hell. Show them just who the Dark Angel was and still is." Don then headed back to his main computer to alert Patricia that Christian was on his way back with the suit and to prepare the base for his return. It was up to her to guide Christian on his crusade now, but he had the upmost faith and trust in her to watch over him. He's going to be a guardian angel for that city, but not what they think they want, no he'll be the guardian that they need to finally cure the city of all the filth. Just you watch Star City, the Dark Angel is back at last and he's become better than he ever was before. Just sit back and enjoy the show he's about to put on.
Author's note: That took a while but the buildup is over. Next time we get to see him officially in action as the Dark Angel. Till next time guys and gals, please read and review.
