Phoenix

(I do not own any part of or have any affiliation with Arrow. This is strictly fan faction.)

Chapter Seven

Oliver watched Lyla pace. They decided to tell Lyla about Katana and her desire for revenge after Katana left the Arrowcave. They weren't sure how Lyla was going to react to the news that they had been spying on A.R.G.U.S., and that they in turn retaliated by trying to take Felicity. So far, her reaction wasn't good.

"You've been doing what?!" She said before whipping her head around and zeroing in on Diggle. "I can't believe you kept this from me, Johnny!" She shot daggers at her husband-to-be.

"Look, Sweetie."

She shot him a "don't go there" squinty eyed glare.

"Don't you, 'Sweetie', me. I know you want something, so spill it."

"We want you to set up a meet with Amanda Waller."

She didn't say anything.

"If Katana goes after A.R.G.U.S., she is going to die. We don't want that to happen." Oliver said simply.

Lyla took a breath, nodded and waited for them to continue.

"Because of Amanda, her son is dead. She wants revenge, and I can't say I blame her." Diggle said. "The truth is anything short of Amanda Waller's death will be insufficient revenge in Katana's mind.

"So, what, you just want me to set it up so Katana can kill her?" Lyla asked disgustedly.

"No, of course not. We want to give her a chance to make things right."

"If she did what you say she did, how could she possibly make it right?"

Silence met her question.

Oliver had pondered the exact quandary since he woke from death and found that he had become a partner in revenge. Oliver was no longer a killer. Death resulting in defending the innocent he could do, but flat out murder wasn't possible for him now. How in the world could he get Katana her revenge without Amanda Waller's death?

"She's right." Oliver said quietly. "Meeting with Amanda isn't going to help." He swore and slapped the metal table. "I'm not sure anything will."

"Call Katana." Lyla said. "I want to talk to her. Maybe I can convince her that doing this would get all of you killed, because if Amanda finds out that you had anything to do with this, which is exactly what is going to happen."

Felicity walked to her desk and dialed Katana. No answer. She tried again and left a voicemail to have her call them.

Oliver had a bad feeling, Katana always answered. "Ping her phone."

After a few key strokes a map appeared with a red dot.

"Damn it!" Lyla swore. "She's at Amanda's house." Lyla grabbed her cell phone and scrolled through the contacts, thrusting the device at Felicity. "Call her. See if you can warn her."

Felicity dialed and waited.

"No answer."

Oliver cursed and turned for his Arrow suit while Roy did the same. Diggle ran for his weapons with Lyla on his heels. Felicity got the tech ready and within minutes the group, minus Felicity, were heading out.

Oliver turned to the love of his life and cupped her face. "Keep calling them both, hopefully you can get through." He leaned forward and captured her lips in a swift kiss. "Stay safe and secure the perimeter once we leave. I love you."

"I love you, too. Don't die, kay?"

"I'll do my best." He said with a grin and a sweet kiss to her nose.

With that Oliver led the group to the garage and into the van.

"By the way," Lyla said as they climbed into the black windowless van. "It's about time you two were together. It's nice to see."

"Thank you." Oliver said with a smile as Diggle drove swiftly through the streets of Starling City.

The rest of the frenzied drive across town was made with conversation surrounding tactical plans and possible entry points from Lyla's personal knowledge and their own reconnaissance.

"Guys, you are about 1 minute out, but Katana is already inside Amanda's house."

"Damn it! Oliver clenched his fist.

"What if she already killed her?" Roy asked.

"Then all hell's going to break loose." Lyla said checking her weapon for the third time. "Of course, the fact that Amanda is paranoid could work in her favor. She has the place wired along with a panic room. The second one of her alarms go off she will seal herself inside, and call A.R.G.U.S. Let's hope we get to her before Amanda finds out she is there."

They pulled up to Amanda's house and found it lit up like a Christmas tree.

Oliver swore. It just went from bad to worse.

"A.R.G.U.S. agents will be swarming in minutes." Lyla said as they jumped out of the van and ran to the house. Oliver and Roy notched Arrows while Diggle and Lyla brought their guns forward, fingers trigger ready.

"The alarms been tripped so don't worry about stealth. Let's get in and get Katana out. We can figure out the rest later." Oliver ordered.

They followed Lyla with her knowledge of the interior and soon found themselves up the stairs of the sparsely decorated ultra-modern home.

Katana jumped from a room, sword drawn. She raised it toward Lyla but immediately dropped it as Oliver dove in front of his best friend's fiancée.

"Damn it, Katana! What do you think you are doing?" He demanded.

"I am seeking Tatsu's revenge. Akio cannot rest until her enemy is dead."

"You won't be able to seek anything when you are dead!"

"So, Oliver Queen, has come to kill me." The disembodied voice of Amanda Waller bounced off the walls. "I'm afraid I must disappoint you, and you too, Lyla. I have to say, I knew you were gunning for my job, but I never actually thought you would try and kill me to get it."

Oliver turned and found a small camera in the corner. He looked into it and spoke.

"We are not here to kill you, Amanda. We are here to stop your death." He turned toward Katana. "Killing her will not bring Akio back. Believe me. It will only drag you down into darkness. Do you really believe that is what your son would want?"

"My. Son. Is. Dead." She said, spitting each word.

"Actually, your son is alive." Amanda said.

"What?" Oliver spun back toward the camera until a noise on his right got his attention.

He turned as a shot rang out. The bullet ripped through his side. He grunted with the impact but didn't allow it to slow him down. He raised his bow and let three arrows fly in quick succession. He pinned his assailant with the first and second, while the third arrow buried itself in the second assailant's leg. Oliver kept a fourth arrow notched as he surveyed the area. More were there, he could feel it.

Katana rushed forward, sword raised, but Oliver grabbed her and pushed her against the wall.

"No!"

"They must pay!"

"Didn't you hear Amanda? Akio is alive."

"She lies!" Katana spat.

"She may very well be lying, but we need to make sure before we start an all-out war with an intelligence agency. I will not risk my family for your revenge!"

"Oliver!" Felicity's voice came through the ear piece. "I heard a gunshot, is everyone okay?"

"We're okay."

"I hacked the A.R.G.U.S. satellite. I'm seeing heat signatures all over the property." There are five on the first level as well as another six on the perimeter."

"Thanks, Felicity."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know yet. Hold tight."

Diggle and Lyla disarmed the A.R.G.U.S. agents and set up position at the end of the hall. Roy moved to the open rooms and closed the doors.

Oliver turned back to the camera his strong arm securing Katana against the wall. Blood seeped down his leg and the bullet wound itched like crazy, but he ignored it and addressed Amanda.

"What do you mean Akio is alive."

"Exactly that. The men who blew up your boat took him."

"You blew up our boat. You even threatened my family with Akio's fate." He thought back to that moment in the helicopter with his body aching and his ears still ringing. Her words echoed from the past.

"I mean that if you don't do exactly what I want, when I want it done, Maseo, along with your mother and sister, Thea, will all meet the same untimely death as Akio." She leaned forward. "Do you understand?"

"I may have accepted blame for it, but only to keep you in line. I needed you, Oliver, do you actually believe that I would risk your death with something as reckless as blowing up the boat you were on?"

"I think you are capable of just about anything."

"I am, but I'm not guilty of this. I only used the situation to my advantage."

"I don't believe you." Katana hissed.

"Go into my bedroom, and I'll show you."

Armed and ready for any surprises, Roy and Oliver along with Katana swept into the bedroom. The curtains were drawn and the room swam in darkness. Diggle and Lyla remained in the hall, eyes on the lookout.

The T.V. in Amanda's room suddenly came on. She came on the screen.

"I'd ask you to have a seat, but I don't really care if you are comfortable since you broke into my home." She said humorlessly. "Please watch the screen."

Helicopter footage along with audio filled the room.

"How far out are we?"

"The boat is just ahead."

The boat came into view, via a portion of the windshield that had become a translucent computer screen. The boat was too far away to see anything clearly. With a push of a button, the pilot zoomed in on the boat.

"The target is at the railing."

"When you drop, I want tranq darts used and Queen taken. I want it done fast and quick. Leave the boy as well as the others, I just want Queen."

"Ma'am. It looks as though we may have a problem." They watched as a man grabbed the boy and jumped from the boat, his back hitting the water first, before they both disappeared below the surface. A speed boat made its way over to the ship. Men lifted a metal cylinder and pointed it at the ship. It was a missile launcher.

"Shit!" The pilot said. They watched as a missile was shot into the hull. The boat lifted from the concussion. Fire and debris shot into the air. Oliver and Maseo were flung into the drink.

"They are under attack!" The pilot said. Using the computer he searched for signs of life. The speed boat fled the scene behind the curtain of smoke, it was not visible from the other side of the compromised vessel.

"Should we pursue the boat?"

"No. Our objective hasn't changed. Oliver Queen is in the water. We need to see if he is still alive." She slapped the wall of the chopper. "Damn it!"

"Mitchell, call HQ and give them all the info on the speed boat. I want to know what just happened here."

The screen went to black. Oliver shook his head and tried to wrap his mind around everything he just saw.

Amanda's image replaced the darkness.

"Unless you think I managed to somehow fake the video in the few minutes I had here, that is what happened."

"Who took my son?!" Katana cried.

"Your father."

"What?!"

"Your father believed you were dead and he blamed Maseo for not keeping you safe. He took your son left your husband for dead."

"My father has Akio?"

"Yes. Now, if you don't mind, leave my house. I have an early day and would like to get some sleep."

"That's it?" Oliver asked.

"Why shouldn't it be? We poked around your house, and you poked around mine. I'd say tit for tat. But, this leaves us on even ground. Any further moves from your side will be met with brutal force. Do we understand each other?"

"We do." Oliver agreed.

"Oh, and Lyla," Amanda called. "I want to see you in my office first thing."

"Yes, ma'am."

Oliver spoke into his coms. "Felicity, we are coming home."

He could hear her sigh. "See you soon."

They made their way slowly from the premises. No one took Amanda at her word. Once they were in the van and headed away without being followed conversation resumed.

"Drop me here." Katana said quietly.

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to find my father and take back my son."

"Wait, you should give it time. Come up with a plan."

"My father will not harm me." Her furious gaze met Oliver's. "Though, I cannot promise I won't harm him."

"That is exactly why you should wait."

"I'm done waiting." She put her hand on the van door. "Let me out."

Diggle watched Oliver in the rearview mirror. Oliver didn't move. A part of him wanted to demand that she listen to reason, but the other part knew there was no reason to be had. If the position were reversed, nothing would stop him.

"Oliver. Let. Me. Go."

He searched her eyes for the raw vengeance that haunted them since she revived him and he found them sad and angry but not vengeful. He looked over and nodded to Diggle who stopped the van.

Katana got out. "Thank you for your help. I'm sorry, I put you in danger." With that she turned and faded into the darkness.

Oliver watched her go and tried to feel okay about it, but he couldn't. It felt like watching Sara go back to the League, but it was her choice and her life. He had no right to demand that she live her life the way he believes she should. He only hoped having her son back would lead her toward peace and leave vengeance in the dark.

10 Minutes Later

Felicity wrung her hands as she waited for Oliver and The Team to return. Finally she heard footsteps. With only a few steps she flung herself at Oliver and hugged him tight. He groaned and laughed, but she only held him tighter. Suddenly her midriff felt wet. She glanced down and found herself covered in blood.

"Oliver! You're hurt!"

"What? Oh, yeah, I caught a bullet. It doesn't hurt though."

"YOU WERE SHOT?!" Felicity hurriedly lifted his shirt and found a raw pink wound on the front and back of his side. She touched around the area and Oliver hissed. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" She asked with concern.

"No, your hands are cold."

She shook her head and examined the entry and exit wound. It was healing quickly.

"It doesn't hurt, Felicity, I swear. It itches and tugs a bit, but it doesn't hurt." He lifted her chin. "Side effect of the Lazarus Pit."

"Nice side effect." She dropped his shirt went up on her tip toes and kissed his lips. "I'm glad you are okay."

"You can show me later how glad you are." He winked.

"All right, well we better go relieve the sitter." Diggle said after stowing the last of his and Lyla's weapons.

"Yeah, and I'm going to be up half the night writing the report for A.R.G.U.S." Lyla grumped.

"How much trouble are you in?" Oliver asked.

"With everything I know, not much. If there had been casualties, then I'd be in a shit storm without an umbrella, but seeing as how we stopped a would-be assassin, which is how I'm going to spin it, then I'll be taken to task for not following protocol, officially. Un-officially, there is an Op that Amanda has been trying to get me to run, but I haven't wanted to, this will give her the leverage she needs to see it done."

Felicity hoped that really was all that Lyla faced from A.R.G.U.S. punishment. She also hoped the Op wasn't something that would compromise Lyla's integrity.

They said goodbye to Diggle and Lyla, then Roy and Oliver cleaned up and changed. Felicity took off her stained top and replaced it with one of Oliver's shirts. Roy put his suit back in its case and tugged on his red hoodie.

"Well, that made for an interesting night, though I think it's time I headed home, too."

He hugged Felicity goodbye and shook Oliver's hand before making his way out, leaving Oliver and Felicity alone.

When the door closed, Oliver turned Felicity so they were face to face. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him in close.

"So," he whispered in her neck, "how glad are you to see me?"

Felicity went up on her tip toes and brought his mouth down to her. She felt his breath moments before their lips met. He smelled sweet and delicious. Her tongue flicked out and took a taste before her lips parted and drew him in deep. She threaded her fingers though his short hair and relished the feel of his hands gripping her shirt, pulling her against him. She put all the fear and relief she felt from earlier into her embrace and soon Oliver moaned.

"I guess you are pretty glad." He whispered as she pulled back.

She stared into his eyes, the intensity brought concern to his.

"What is it?"

"Oliver, I love you. I know who you are and I know you do what you need to do to keep the City and your friends safe, and I accept it, but you should know it also scares me to death. When you are home, safe and sound, I'm relieved," she shook her head, "more than that, I can breathe."

She stepped back and held his hands.

"Do you want me to stop being The Arrow?" He asked. She could hear fear in his voice.

"No." She clasped his face between her hands. "I love you, Oliver. All of you. I support you, no matter what. I just want to be honest with you."

"Felicity, when I got back and this all started." He gestured to the Arrowcave. "I was adrift in my vengeance. I only fought for what I lost." He gripped the sides of her face gently. "Now, I fight for what I've gained. You. My sister and my friends, too, but above all…you. I will always fight to come back to you, no matter the odds. I love you."

His words enveloped her soul in warmth and their truth filled her with light. Together they would continue to keep the City and their friends safe and they would always fight to come back to each other. No matter what.

I hope you enjoyed this story. Please send me a review and let me know what you think!