Chapter 9

Lian and Chris' Apartment

"Babe I would love a destination wedding but I think it would be easier to hold it in Star City," Lian says as they over various things. "We have our whole lives to be in Star City I say we get married in Jamaica," Chris says. "The rates are insane and the only dates they have are over a year away. I want to be married sooner rather than later," Lian says pulling him into a kiss. "So do I but I want to enjoy this we are only getting married once," Chris says. She about to speak when the timer on the stove goes off. Chris gets up to check the chili he is making. Lian smiles until she look at the TV. She turns up the volume on the news.

"Our top story tonight for the first time in well over a month The Green Arrow has been spotted. This footage captured by cell phone camera shows the Arrow leaving the scene of a the Hell Fire Nightclub where late last night authoresses were able to arrests known drug..." "Thank god," Chris says coming back into the room. "You actually support that him?" She snaps. Chris is stunned by her reaction. "Well yeah... The old Green Arrow saved this city over and over again. And this one's done a lot of good... But hey I get why you may not support a Vigilante," Chris says. She softens. "Chris I'm sorry," She says. "No Lian that's fine. I actually find it kind of sexy you have such clear passion for law and order," He says. "You know me Ms. Straight and Narrow. How can we trust a masked man," Lian says. Before they can say anymore there a knock at the door. "That will be my parents," Chris says. She turns off the TV and buries he hate for the Green Arrow as deep as she can.

The Glades

"Red Arrow what do you see?" Connor asked over the comms. "So fare nothing just the goons at the back standing guard. A car drove by the north end but no sign since," Dana replies. "Overwatch anything?" "Nothing to unusual just the same old broken laws we are used to in the Glade," Felicity says. "Maybe the tip was no good," Connor says thinking. "I trust this source never let me down before," Dana says. Connor fires a line and zips over to another roof as he speaks. "Well if what we are hearing maybe your source isn't as tapped in as he thinks." "Either way we got to figure out how more vertigo is getting into the streets," Felicity says. "Arrow we have a massive SUV pulling up on the south side," Dana says. "I see it. Man that thing is more mini tank the SUV," Connor says.

The door to the back seat opens and a man gets out dressed nicely in a black suit. "I am going to assume that is Mr. Big," Connor says. "Red, Green hold your positions I need to check something out," Felicity says. "What the situation?" Connor asks. "I think I know who Mr. Big is but I need to confirm," Felicity says. Dana suddenly broke in. "Green Arrow we got another group arriving via the roof coming your way." Connor spins around just in time to duck three arrows being shot at him. More arrow were fired as Connor ducked behind an AC unit for cover. "Arrow what is the..." He stopped Dana from finishing. "At least three hostel keep your distance Red," Connor ordered. "I can..." "LISTEN TO ME STAY BACK!" Connor demand wit good reason. He could them moving around trying to surrounded him. Picking his poising he broke to left caught one off guard and took him down with a judo toss before firing a line arrow to tie him down.

From the left a sword is swung at him, Connor barley has time to use his bow to block it. Moving quick he lands a hard elbow to the temple stunning the second attacker one line arrow later he was tied up as well. "So far I'm impressed," A voice says. Connor faces the final threat who stands ready his bow drawn. Connor ran through the options in his mind. "Arrow..." Dana stared to say. "Not now," he said in a whisper. The archer fired and Connor barley avoided it. Connor went for his own Arrow when he felt something strike him in the back knocking him off balance.

Connor stopped himself from falling when he got back up he someone dressed in blue and black. A helmet with goggles blocking his face. "Stand down I will handle this," Blue guy says. "Connor what is going on?" Felicity asks getting concred. "Just a huge idiot," Connor says furious even with the voice modification on. "I said stand down," Blue demanded. Connor heard something snapping and it dawned on him the guy he was trying to fight was cutting his buddies free. "I need help," came Dana's voice over the coms. "Don't move," Blue yells reaching for something. Connor's had it and launches a fachette than hits the mans arm while he is dealing with that he fired an arrow that hits him in the leg. "Next time I won't be as nice" He thretest before firing a zip line off.

On the other rooftop Dana is fighting with one of the hostals. She was holding her own Connor couldn't see the other two. Using the line he came down with powerful kick dropping the guy and this time let a net arrow fly. "You alright?" He asks. "I'm fine the other two went inside the building," Dana says. Sounds of gunfire break out and a car pulling away. Connor ducks already fully aware it had to be Mr. Big shot making his escape. "THANKS A LOT MORON..." Connor turns around to yell only the blue guy is gone. Another loud engine like noise can be heard and a strange blue craft takes off into the sky leaving Connor and Dana stunned.

Chris and Lian's place

"Christopher you actually made this," Lyla says amazed. "As much as I got KP in the army I had to pick something up," Chris joked. "Thank god you didn't have literen duty," Diggle says smiling. Lian is about to say something when her phone starts to ring. "I'm sorry that's work,'she says. "We understand honey. Duty calls," Chris says. She gets up and head to the bedroom. Letting go of her smile she answers. "I can't take a job right now... Really... No I've been working in Star City to much lately... You really think the Arrow will get involved... I'll take it," she says. After going over some details she head back to the living room.

"I just don't think you should get involved outside of being supporting," Lyla says. "I'm with your mother on this. Connor has to work this one out on his own," Diggle says. "I just think I could be a voice of reason," Chris says. "Sorry about that... So what are we talking about?" Lian asks. "Christopher thinks he should try talking to Lisa Brown," Lyla says making no effort to hide the fact she thinks its a bad idea. "Awful idea. I know he's your best friend but this has to something he handles alone," Lian stresses.

"How you doing man?" Chris asks walking into Connor's room. Connor sits on his bed his face blank. "Why does everyone keep asking me that? Or how you holding up? Or how are you? Or something else like it? How does everyone think I'm doing?" Connor says. Chris sits in a chair across from him. "People just want to make sure you are okay," Chris says. "Well I'm not. My dad's dead. So I'm not okay got it Chris," he yells getting up. Chris is stunned at how mad he's getting. Connor seeing his reaction takes a breath. "Can we just not..." "I got it man," Chris says.

Arrow Liar

"Did we really just fight ninjas and a guy dressed like a giant blue bug?" Dana asks. "And lost a crime boss," Connor says. "If it helps I manged to facial renegotiation on the guy in the mini tank. Meet Rupert Thorne head of the his own crime family and long time ally of the Triad," Felicity explains pulling the crime bosses face up. "That explains Okada, Naito, and Makabe... aka our Ninjas the Three Hands of Death three killers who were for the Yakoza who are attempting take over the Triads US territory," Connor says. "Oh don't tell me a mob war is about to break out in the street of the city again," Felicity says. Connor takes a seat as he nods. "So who do we go after first?" Dana asks.

"All three. Thorne isn't here just to site see, the Hands are dangerous end of story and Blue boy is going to get someone killed," Connor says. Suddenly the computere starts to act strange the screen changes to a logo of a blue beetle. "This is your last warning Green Arrow!" A voice says. "Can you..." "Already on it," Felicity says to him. "You will no longer be tolerated in this city. I the Blue Beetle will protect Star City from now on," The voice says before the screen returns to normal. "Impressive he hacked but he left a trail," Felicity says.

Ted Kord's Penthouse

Ted walked entered smiling. He figured Connor would get the message and at least not be as active. Sure he could go the cops but just hacking into his systems should scare him. Last thing he would was to be exposed after all. Heading for his bar he poured himself a drink. "WHAT THE HELL?!" He yelled when he turned around and saw The Green Arrow standing in the middle of the room. "We need to talk Mr. Kord!" Connor said his voice disguised. Ted was stunned he had how many security measures in place? And he had never heard him. "What about?" Ted said forming a plan. "Don't be a moron and throw the drink in my face assuming it will blind me for one. And for two you dressing up in blue and getting my way," The Arrow says. "I have no idea what you are talking about?" Ted says after all he could dig his way out of this some how.

"Look Blue Cockroach I have enough I'm dealing with right now," The Arrow warns. "Its Blue Beetle... Oh I shouldn't have said that," Ted realizes to late. "Because of you dangerous criminals are out free," The Arrow says. "You methods don't work!" Ted says getting mad. "And what are your methods? Show up be commanding stand in a proper posture this isn't a board room Kord," Connor says. "I am well aware if had been a board room Xavier Wintergreen would be alive," He says. Connor clinches his fist. Officially Wintergreen's was just missing thanks to ARGUS. Still just the memory of the man pissed Connor off. "You have no idea what you are talking about," Connor warns. "I know enough that my personal security team is on its way in five four three two one," Ted mocks as the door bursts opens.

Connor heads for the balcony and zip lines away. "Mr. Kord sir are you alright?" One of the guards asks. "Sorry guys hit the button by mistake," He says.

"Connor please think about this punching Ted Kord isn't going to help," Chris pleads. "It will make me feel better," Connor says taking a drink at the party they are at. "And piss Dana off. Just let it drop," Chris pleads. "The guy asked my girlfriend out right in front of me," Connor says. "No he asked her to hang out as a friend. It was a clear move to piss you off and it worked," Chris lectures. Connor is about say something when Dana walks up to them and Connor from behind. "Thank you for being mature enough not to take the bate with Kord," She says happily. "Come on beautiful its going to take more than Ted Kord to tick me off," Connor says. Chris suppresses a laugh.

The Next Day

"I just don't understand why you have to leave," Chris said as Lian packed her bag. Chris I explained this already. I need to visit another site. I'm only going to New York I won't be gone long," Lina tries to explain hating she is lying to him again. "I thought you were done doing travel," He says. She takes his hand. "Chris I am for the most part. Its just the one project Code Green its near and dear to my heart," She says.

The Liar

The sound of tennis balls being fired and than hit by an arrow rang out. After securing give to the wall Connor looked over at Felicity who was work. "Could you break the pattern a little? Use five balls and five arrows than you ask if I'm done yet," Felicity says. "I just want to make sure Kord can't hack back in or find this place," Connor says. "He can't and won't. The real issue if you thinking he knows you are the Green Arrow," Felicity says. Connor started to pace again. "Given the way he was trying to bait the Arrow," Connor says says annoyed. Felicity presses a few more buttons. "Well that should re-secure our network. He's good and I mean Cayden James good to even get in once,' Felicity says.

"Please don't start praising the guy. His ego is big enough already I'm sure he plans to unmask at some point and get a parde," Connor says reading another series of balls. An alarm starts to go off. "Oh this time I'm breaking his noise just one punch..." "Its not Kord we got a lead on your ninjas," Felicity says. "Dana's still at work guess I"m heading in solo," Connor says. "Connor I think you should wait. Last time you went up against one assassin it didn't go well. Now it' s three," Felicity says. He wasn't sure if that was Overwatch or his mother talking but he saw her point. As if on cue flash of purple light appeared in the liar.

"Greeting from Central City I bring gifts," Cisco Ramon says walking through his vibe. "Please tell its a new suit that holds up to metal claws," Connor says. Cisco scoffed. "Metal claws ha I laugh at your metal claws. This will hold up to pretty much cutting weapon out there even a freaking battle ax. Which was fun to test by the way," Cisco says tossing Connor his new gear. "See mom its fate," Connor says heading to change. "I do wish you would let me make some more changes," Cisco says. ""The hood stays," Felicity says. "Well I gotta get going the Twins are lost without me," Cisco says.

The Streets of Star City

Chris hated himself for doing this but he had to find out. Something just felt off with Lian. He loved her that was why he wanted her to marry him. But she kept putting off leaving her job. She had claimed she didn't need a ride because the company was sending a car. Yet as he left for the gym he saw a cab pull up. He waited and saw her get in and decided to follow. To his shock she wasn't heading to the airport instead into the Glades. The cab dropped her off and drove away after she paid. She headed into a abandoned house of some kind. "Okay what are you up to," Chris thinks to himself.

The old Subway Tunnels

Connor made his way down a tunnel. Officially this route was closed for repairs. Unofficially the mayor's office was cutting down on public transports a short sighted cost cutting measure. He had a flash light out scanning a head. "Overwatch how much father?" He asked. Power had jumped in one of the areas recently around the same time the Hands would likely have traveled in on a flight from the part of Japan they were believed to use a headquarters. "Another five hundred yards." A soft hum could be heard. "Power is on head. This would be great place to hide out. Central access to key areas in the city," Connor says. "Lets hope. Thorne is bad enough last thing we need are these three out there chasing him around," Felicity says.

Down the tunnel a light could be seen. He informed Overwatch she tried to access security cameras but couldn't. The assumption being the Hands had gained access and returned power to some systems but not all. Crunching low he waited in the last of the shadows Sure enough he could see Okada the believed leader at a makeshift table going over plans of some kind. "Bingo," Connor says. He starts to back up when he heard movement behind him. Spinning around he kick but its blocked. Makabe the biggest and most powerful of the three. Having Connor's leg he tossed him to the side. Connor kipped back up. Makabe tossed a throwing star that Connor blocked by throwing a fechett that took it out of the air. Makabe backed up a mistake allowing Connor to firing an arrow that hit his shoulder. The man yelled in pain. Connor heard quick footsteps coming his way. Make that two sets of foot steps. Naito the speed of the team reached him first and tackled. Okada he assumed was heading for Makabe. Naito was fast and Connor had to block off his blow. "We have to leave," Okada yelled in Japanese. Suddenly a smoke bomb went off and when it cleared it was gone.

"Overwatch I lost them," Connor says. "You need to get back to the liar," Felicity says. He misses the seriousness of her tone. "No I'm going check around here see if I can find a clue about..." "CONNOR!" Her voice says. "I'm on my way," Connor says knowing something if very off.

The Liar

Connor parked hit motor cycle without thinking he pulled down the hood and removed his mask. "What was so important I needed to get back here something on Thorne?" Felicity just points off to the side. Connor feels like a rock just hit him in the gut. Lisa say at a table in shock. "Its true you are the Green Arrow," She says. "Is Katie alright?" Connor asks. Could this be another game from Cupid. "She's fine she's with the sitter… that night you left to save those cops that's why you were the hospital," Lisa says connecting the dots. "Yeah I was. If I could redo that…" "How did you find out he's here tell us?" Felicity interrupts. Apparently Lisa had refused to talk until he go there. "Ted Kord told me. He also has a message if you don't stop he will expose you to the world and something about Harper and Waller will come out," Lisa says. In many way for Felicity this was de ja view. "Connor what are we going to do?" "I don't know," He says.