EPISDOE 9: SIDE OF THE ANGELS
Oliver just looked at Constantine stunned that the exorcist just kidnapped him at such a bad time. In terms of timing this had to be the worst possible time. Constantine stood up approaching Oliver.
"Look mate I know this may have come out of nowhere but I really need your help," he finished.
Oliver to no surprise to Constantine punched the old friend in the face sending him to the floor. "You better have a damn good reason."
"I saw that one coming," he said wiping the blood from his lip. He got up sitting back down in the airplane seat pouring himself another glass to drink. "I do have a good reason and you should know that I wouldn't have done this without a good reason."
"And what is you reason?" Oliver asked.
"It seems are business in Mexico isn't done," Constantine said.
Oliver folded his arms taking a deep breath, "What are you talking about?"
"He's saying that the past has literally come back to haunt us," a female voice suddenly said.
Oliver turned around seeing another old face. It was a woman around his age of Hispanic origin. She was wearing a black tank top and jeans with a knife strapped to her hip.
"Oliver, you remember Catalina Flores. She just so happens to be are pilot for this evening."
"Catalina," Oliver repeated.
"What he is saying is true Oliver," Catalina said approaching. "Are fight in Mexico isn't finished."
THREE YEARS AGO
Oliver has been with the League for little over a year now and he has adjusted well to the life of an assassin. Even Nyssa has started to acknowledge him an on some cases even be nice. He has carried a few missions while here. Some were simple infiltrate and take out a target while some were big like the Vlatava civil war he and Al-Owal had a hand in. Right now he was walking towards the throne room of Ra's Al Ghul. He suspects he will be given another assignment since it has been some time since his last mission. He entered the room instantly seeing Ra's sitting at his chair with Nyssa at his side. Oliver fell to one knee and waited.
"Al Sah-Him," Ra's said. "I have called you because I must ask for you to take on a mission of upmost importance."
"Whatever the League requires," Oliver said keeping his head down.
"Rise," Ra's said and Oliver did so. "You may come out now," Ra's said. On cue a young Hispanic woman with long black hair came out wearing a tattered and torn jacket with dirty jeans. "As you can see she has traveled a long way to ask for are help."
"I need your help saving my people," she said to Oliver. "My name is Catalina Flores."
PRESENT
Sara stood blankly starring out the hospital window not speaking a word since she heard the news that her brief husband Tommy Merlyn was dead after being gunned down at their wedding. Everyone tried talking to her but she didn't know what to say or do.
"I still can't find Oliver," Nyssa said entering the hospital lobby.
"Where could he have gone?" Felicity asked.
"Don't know," Dinah said crossing her arms. "Diggle and Sin have found nothing either."
"What's with him and disappearing randomly?" Dinah said.
"If I had to guess he is out trying to put Brickwell in the ground for good," Felicity said speaking what everybody was thinking.
"I hope he does," Sara suddenly said. "If he doesn't…I will."
Brickwell sat in the same chair he has been in for hours. He lost since of time a long time ago after the numerous ordeals Malcolm Merlyn was putting him through. He couldn't even begin to explain what was happening him. All he knows is Malcolm is doing his best to keep him alive as long as possible. He looked around the room not sure where his torturer went off too. He struggled to rip his binds and they actually came off. He bolted across the room looking for an exit which was hard in the dark till he finally found a door and opened it.
Brickwell sat in the same chair he has been in for hours. He lost since of time a long time ago after the numerous ordeals Malcolm Merlyn was putting him through. He couldn't even begin to explain what was happening him. All he knows is Malcolm is doing his best to keep him alive as long as possible. He looked around the room not sure where his torturer went off too. He struggled to rip his binds and they actually came off. He bolted across the room looking for an exit which was hard in the dark till he finally found a door and opened it.
Brickwell sat in the same chair he has been in for hours. He lost since of time a long time ago after the numerous ordeals Malcolm Merlyn was putting him through. He couldn't even begin to explain what was happening him. All he knows is Malcolm is doing his best to keep him alive as long as possible. He looked around the room not sure where his torturer went off too. He struggled to rip his binds and they actually came off. He bolted across the room looking for an exit which was hard in the dark till he finally found a door and opened.
Malcolm Merlyn sat in a chair across from Brickwell as he watched the man get up run around the room and sit back down over and over again. Physical pain was a good method but anybody could endure that till they die. Attacking the mind could break anybody no matter how strong they were. He sat in the chair for several more minutes till he heard the actual door open and Lacroix came down the stairs. He stopped when he saw Brickwell running around like a scarred little kid and then run back sitting in the chair and then did it all over again.
"You really did a number on him," Lacroix said.
"Why don't I feel I've done enough," Malcolm said continuing to watch the thug run around.
"I understand what you are going through but it's time to get back to work," he said to his longtime friend.
"I guess you're right," Malcolm said getting up and walking towards Brickwell who came running at him frantically. Malcolm pulled out his sword and pushed it into Brickwell's chest killing the man.
Lacroix walked back upstairs leaving Malcolm to his thoughts as he now more than ever was dedicated to change the world.
Oliver sat with John while Catalina continued to pilot the plane towards their destination. Oliver remembers Mexico like it was yesterday so if what happened then is returning then it's probably a good idea to handle it now instead of later.
"So catch me up," Oliver said.
"Long story short," Constantine started pulling out some photos. "The Skeletons are back."
"How is that possible? We broke there spell and killed there leader," Oliver said looking at the pictures. The Skeletons were soldiers that wore skull like mask and all red suit. They also just so happened to be undead.
"It seems that someone has been collecting old artifacts of ancient animals. I don't know who is using the Skeletons but I feel there endgame is resurrecting there former leader."
"If that is there endgame then we have to stop them," Oliver said. "I still get nightmares about what happened."
THREE YEARS AGO
Oliver drove a jeep through the open road leading to the Mexican border. In the passenger seat was the woman Catalina that had come and asked for the League's help. Oliver was still running her story through his head. She said that her town was being controlled by a maniac named Jefe who has made a contract with the god of death. Now he controls undead soldiers people call Skeletons and they have been in control ever since. Soon the Day of the Dead was coming and he will be able to extend his contract with the god of the dead and keep his powers.
"This is insane," Oliver said.
"I'm surprised you believe me," Catalina said.
"A few years ago I wouldn't have but being in the League you see a lot of crazy things."
"How long have you been with them?" she asked.
"Little over a year?"
"Helped a lot of people?"
"I like to think so," he said looking to the road seeing the border. "Looks like we're here."
PRESENT
"We're finally here," Constantine said as he got his feet on the ground. He dropped his bags and pulled out a cigarette lighting it.
"Those things will be the death of you," Catalina said.
"I've faced forces you could barely comprehend luv and I can assure you that my death is not going to be by these things."
"Where are we?" Oliver asked coming out the plane next.
"The landing strip the town built so we could start getting deliveries," Catalina informed. "When we go into town you're going to see that a lot has changed since your last visit.
She was right because as they walked through the town Oliver could see the major differences. When he first came here the town was depressing with few people walking outside. Now it was full of life with kids playing in the streets and shops opened. The buildings have been restored along with the roads.
"This place really has gotten better since the last time I was here," Oliver said.
"Well that's enough of that," Constantine said. "We need to start looking for the Skeletons hideout and find out who is behind their return."
In Starling the situation hasn't changed much but Sin got tired of sitting around and she got tired of looking for Oliver. Whatever he is doing he is helping someone so Sin is going to do what Oliver would do in her shoes. Put the mask on and go kick some bad guy butt.
She was dressed in her Arsenal suit currently engaged with some losers that were trying to rob a jewelry store. She easily dodged a punch and then hit the guy with a sharp kick to his gut sending him over a table. The next guy pulled out a knife and came at Sin only to get it shot out his hand by an arrow and then get hit in the leg by another one. Sin looked to the next guy who was practically shaking.
"You going to surrender or just stand there?" Sin said approaching.
"I give up," he said.
"Good," she replied punching him in the face.
Sin sat on a roof with her legs hanging off and her mask and hood down. She had been at it for about two hours and decided to take a load off. She really felt bad for Sara and everyone else. It was times like this that made her question even talking to Isaac. He had so much going for him with his boxing career what if some nut finds out who Sin is and then suddenly decides to get back at her through him or Roy.
"A lot on your mind."
Sin turned to see Nyssa standing behind her fully dressed in her black and red League gear. "I guess," she replied. "What are you up to?"
"I think I'm in the same boat as you and got tired of looking for Oliver. I was running around the city and found some punks robbing a jewelry store," she tells Sin as she sits next to her.
"Me too," Sin said. "The cops take a hit and the first thing that comes to their minds is trying to make a quick buck."
"That's why there called scum," Nyssa said with disgust. Nyssa then looked over to Sin, "I see what Oliver sees in you."
"What do you mean?"
"When he first told me about you he said there was something unique about you. I can see he was right."
"Okay enough talking," Sin said getting up feeling embarrassed. "The night is young and I know there are still punks out there."
"You lead," Nyssa said.
"Welcome to Team Arrow," Sin said.
THREE YEARS AGO
Nyssa stood firm in the middle of the training room as three League members circled her. They suddenly all charged her sending attacks her way. She ducked and dodged as she tried to keep up. She grabbed one of the League member's punches and kicked him in the chest then quickly turned to deflect a number of punches before hitting him across the face. The last one sent a kick at her which she caught then kicked his other leg from under him the kneed him in the face as he fell down. She turned around to see her father who was not wearing his usual robe.
"Come for a little exercise?" Nyssa greeted her father.
"Even I must sharpen my skills from time to time," he said approaching his daughter. "Leave us," he commanded the others
The father and daughter waited for the hall room to empty before each took a stance. Nyssa charged in first throwing quick jab followed by a kick the Ra's ducked under then pushed Nyssa to the ground. She rose up with a series of kicks that Ra's blocked with one hand. Nyssa tried to sweep her father's feet from under him but moved catching Nyssa's next punch and flipping her onto her back.
"This is unfair," Nyssa said getting up. "Hundreds of years of combat experience."
"You will get there over time," Ra's assured her. "What do you think of Al Sah-Him?"
Nyssa was slightly put off by the question, "He has improved much since he first came here. He is a quick learner and has mastered some of our methods faster than most and everyone agrees he is the best shot with an arrow aside from yourself of course. Why do you ask?"
"I just wanted to hear your opinion of him," Ra's said walking out the room.
Oliver followed Catalina through her town which looked really worn down and depressing. There were few people out and the stores that were open had few selections. He has seen his fair share of poor places from not only his time in the League but with the Suicide Squad as well. He hated to admit it but Catalina's home was one of the worse.
"So how do you want to go about this?" Oliver asked her walking by an elderly man he hopes was sleeping in the middle of the road.
"I got information that tells me Jefe's gang hangout at an old cemetery. We go in and get more information out of them."
"Didn't you tell me his men were a bunch of undead zombies?"
"Those are his mindless soldiers," Catalina said stopping at a building. "He still has men that follow him because he promises to give his followers power."
Oliver followed Catalina into the building and saw that it must have been a bar at some point. There were tall tables and stools with a lot of old liquor bottles on a shelf.
"Your place?" Oliver asked following her upstairs.
"Yes," she answered. "Haven't been open for some time though." Catalina walked into a room, "I'll be out in a minute," she closed the door leaving Oliver in the hallway.
"You know maybe it will be best if I go alone," Oliver said. "If it's as dangerous as you say it is maybe you should wait here." The door opened and Oliver's eyes shot wide open. "Or not."
PRESENT
Oliver and Constantine sat in Catalina's Bar/Home as they waited for her. John went straight for a drink as Oliver watched him.
"So Queen," Constantine said. "What is like to be a hero?"
"I'm no hero John," Oliver responded. "Just a man trying to make his city a better place."
"That's what they all say," John said. "How's the League doing with Ra's being dead and all."
Oliver's head shot to John who just gave him a smug look. "How did you know about that?"
"A man like Ra's Al Ghul doesn't die without it making a little noise in the underworld," he said. "Who's the new Leader?"
"Me," Oliver stated plainly.
"Guess I could have guessed that one," Constantine said. "I know I may have grabbed you at a bad time."
"What gave it away? The fact that I was in a hospital when you did it," he replied.
"Someone close to you get hurt?"
"My best friend Tommy was gunned down at his own wedding," Oliver said not really wanting to talk about.
"Christ…sorry to hear that mate," he said. "Who did it?"
"A dead man," Oliver said not thinking of Brickwell but Malcolm Merlyn.
"You boys ready," Catalina said coming down from the stairs.
"Looks as good on you as remember," Constantine said.
Catalina was wearing an all brown suit that had armor fitting perfectly to her body. She was wearing a mask covering her eyes and on her chest was a black spider.
"The Tarantula is back in business," she said.
THREE YEARS AGO
"They call me the Tarantula," Catalina said standing before Oliver. "I've been trying to fight Jefe and his dark power alone for too long but now with your help we can finally end this."
"Just be careful out there," Oliver said.
"I will," she promised. "Now you suit up to because we got a long night ahead of us."
She was right as Oliver mentally prepared himself looking in the mirror in the bathroom. He opened the bag he brought that held his League of Assassin armor in it and suited.
Moments later Oliver and Catalina or Al Sah-Him and Tarantula made their way to the cemetery under the moonlight. As they approached they could see a light probably coming from a fire at their destination. Oliver signaled to the trees getting a nod from Catalina as they both jumped into them looking down at the scene. They could see a few of Jefe's thugs around a fire but they also saw a man tied up lying on the ground.
"Who is that?" Oliver whispered to Catalina.
"No idea," she said.
They both looked back and watched as one of the thugs walked up to the tied up man. He lifted him up putting him close to the fire.
"Who are you and who do you work?"
The blonde man with a smirk just lazily looked back. "The name is John Constantine and I've come to spread the good news." Constantine was punched in the face by the thug making him hit the ground hard.
"You are here to try and kill are leader just admit it!" he yelled at him.
"Try and will are two different things," Constantine said in his usual smartass tone. "Haven't you heard of do or do not there is no try? Even you blokes must have seen Sta-." The thug punched him in the face again.
"I'm getting tired of your talking."
"Then stop asking me questions," he was punched in the face again.
"Should we save him?" Oliver asked.
"If he knows a way to stop Jefe then we have to take that chance," Catalina said jumping from the tree. Oliver followed close behind as they both landed in the middle of the crowd of goons. Oliver pulled an arrow back as Catalina unsheathed her blades from her suits gauntlets.
"Get them," a thug shouted
Oliver released his arrow hitting a gut center of his chest then proceeded to engage in close. Catalina thrusted her blades in to a guy then spanned around cut two more in the neck. Oliver now with his sword out cut through foe after foe. He moved quickly across the field cutting down any who got in his way. He kicked on across the face then plunged the sword through his back. He turned his head seeing another guy coming behind him and quickly pulled a knife out throwing it right into his head. Catalina jumped from one man to the next as she continued to cut down Jefe's men. It was soon over and Oliver turned to here clapping. It was Constantine now untied.
"That was quite the show," he said.
"I thought you were tied up," Catalina said.
"I was," he replied moving over to his things and picking up his trench coat putting it on. He lifted his bag pulling out a strange golden rod of some kind. "Now thanks for the save but I must be going."
"Wait!" Catalina stopped him. "You know a way to kill Jefe."
"I know a way to get rid of him," he replied. "Why?"
"Because we are looking to do the same thing," Oliver said.
"League of Assassins huh?' he said to Oliver. "I suppose I could use some back up considering he has an army of the undead."
"Then let's get to him before he extends is contract with death," Constantine said. "But, first let me properly introduce myself," he whipped out a card from his coat. "John Constantine: Exorcist, Demonologist, and Master of the Dark Arts."
PRESENT
Dinah stood in her sister's apartment bedroom as she finally went to sleep. It took a lot of convincing but she was finally able to get Sara out of that hospital and get a good night sleep. She closed the door trying not to wake her sister. She took a seat in a chair rubbing her head from exhaustion. She herself has not have time to grieve for Tommy because she was trying to be strong for Sara. She heard the front door open and quickly got up to see Sin and Nyssa walk in.
"You should really lock these doors," Nyssa said.
"We went by the hospital and they said you left," Sin said.
"I was finally able to talk Sara into coming home to get some rest," Dinah replied to them as they all took a seat in the living room.
"How is she doing?" Nyssa asked concerned.
"As good as can be expected," Dinah said.
"Guess you haven't heard from Oliver either."
"Nope," Dinah said leaning back on the chair.
"I'm sure he's fine," Sin said optimistically. "He probably needs time alone."
"I hope he hurries backs soon because it's going to be a matter of time before the criminal element realizes he's gone," Nyssa reminded them.
"Till then we'll pick up the slack," Sin said.
Oliver, Catalina, and Constantine walked to the front of an old temple where the ceremony is supposed to be going down. As much as Oliver wants to be in Starling he knows this is important and has to be taken care of. Oliver didn't have his Arrow suit or even a League of Assassin armor to wear so he was in his civilian clothes. He pulled a handgun out the Catalina gave him got ready.
"No bow & arrow," Constantine said.
"You really didn't give me a chance to pack," Oliver retorted.
"You two ready?" Catalina asked.
"Let's do this," Oliver said taking the lead into the temple gun raised.
The other two followed close behind him as they followed the lit torches on the old walls. Catalina looked up hearing noise coming from the top of the temple.
"There watching us," she said ready to pull her blades out.
"Ever since we walked in," Oliver said not paying attention to the followers.
"We are getting close," Constantine said lighting a cigarette. "I can feel some very uneasy magic up ahead."
As they turned a corner the stalkers finally fell down in front and behind the trio. Oliver got some unsettling flashbacks as he looked at the skull mask, red suit, wearing soldiers. They were all wielding swords ready to attack. They could hear footsteps approach and they saw a young man wearing an all-white suit behind the Skeletons.
"Remember we need the exorcist alive," he ordered the soldiers.
"One of you wouldn't have happened to become an exorcist in the last couple of years would you?"
"Nope," Oliver and Catalina said together.
"Bullocks."
The Skeletons charged at the three and all-out battle started.
THREE YEARS AGO
Oliver, Constantine, and Catalina walked through a forest as Constantine led the way. Oliver kept an arrow ready to fire as they made their way across the dark forest. Constantine lifted his head commanding them to stop. He pointed making their eyes lock on to a smoke cloud rising a few feet away. They moved quietly towards it as they saw a big fire with the man himself Jefe standing in front of it as his soldiers kneeled down before him.
"Someone's got an ego," Constantine said.
"You have no idea," Catalina agreed.
"So what's the plan?" Oliver looked to the magic user.
"You two go in and kick butt keeping him and his lackeys distracted so I can sneak up on the bloody bastard and take him out."
"Sounds good enough for me," she said.
"Me too," Oliver said as they both jumped down attacking the herd of soldiers.
Oliver hit one right in the head with an arrow making him fall to the ground. Constantine said that taking the brain out was the only way to drop them for good. Oliver saw Catalina handling herself pretty well as she cut down foes with her blades. She blocked a sword attack coming from one of the Skeletons then pushed her sword into its face make black blood fly everywhere. Oliver fired a lot more arrows nailing headshots every time till he aimed for the boss himself shooting to arrows. They hit him in the chest but he did not fall to the ground. He pulled them out tossing them to the ground. Now that Oliver got a better look he could see he was wearing some kind of makeup that covered his entire face with a day of the dead like design. He lifted his hand at Oliver making him fly towards Jefe catching him by the neck. He slammed Oliver to the ground leaving a crack in the ground.
"You do not know the power I have obtained," Jefe said starting to choke Oliver.
Catalina saw what was happening and kicked the undead soldier she was fighting away and pointed her gun at Jefe firing a web like net at him. He struggled to get the trap off him but it was too late as Constantine appeared behind him holding the golden rod and aiming it at Jefe.
"See you in hell you bloody wanker," he said pushing a button on the rod that spit out a green flame hitting the man. He yelled in pain as the flame burned him. Constantine began to shout in a language nobody understood but as it went on the flames around Jefe grew stronger and soon they disappeared along with him. Oliver and Catalina watched as the undead soldiers fell to the ground.
"Well that was fun," the exorcist said spinning the golden rod in his hand.
PRESENT
Oliver fired his gun hitting the Skeletons in the head as they ran at him. Catalina whipped out her blades cutting through the attackers trying to keep on her toes. Constantine fought off the things that were trying to capture him. He punched one in the face knocking its mask off reveling a decayed appearance.
"Dear god, you're hideous," Constantine said punching it again.
They began to corner the three friends trying to secure the exorcist. Catalina suddenly dropped a smoke bomb blinding all the attackers. The young man in white looked around searching for Constantine. He turned to see the blonde coming at him fist ready. He caught Constantine's fist and threw him against the wall. As the smoke cleared he saw that Oliver and Catalina were gone.
"Bring him! We can't waist time," he ordered his men.
They dragged Constantine to an alter where the room was already lit with candles ready for the ritual.
"You sent my father Jefe to hell and now I'll bring him back," the man said. "The only way to do that is to use the one who sent him there as a portal to bring him back. After what you did I made a deal with the god of death and soon father and son will be reunited to rule this earth.
He set Constantine in the middle of the alter and started to shout the spell as the followers around him bowed up and down for the ritual. He lifted his hands in the air and with all his might shouted, "FATHER RETURN TO THE WORLD OF THE LIVING!"
They all waited but nothing happened to their confusion. The son of Jefe was confused why the spell didn't work and looked down at Constantine who was not Constantine but Oliver. Oliver stood up wearing Constantine's trench coat and pulled out the golden rod firing a green flame at the man. Catalina and the real Constantine jumped out and Constantine began to shout the same spell he did on the boy's father sending him to hell to be reunited with his dad. The Skeletons fell again with no hope of returning.
"I guess I owe both of you thanks," Catalina said.
"Just put towards my tab at your bar and I'll call it even," Constantine said.
"Nice try, you better pay for that booze you drunk," she said walking off.
"Does damning people to hell ever get old?" Oliver asked as he and Constantine walked along.
"It got old for me a long time ago and doing it to bastards who deserve it always make it fun."
"If we are speaking the truth my soul probably will be with them eventually," Oliver said solemnly.
"I wouldn't say that," Constantine said stopping. "Without people like you and me willing to fight darkness with darkness this world would have ended a long time ago. Sure those colorful blokes flying around on their high horses may question and even judge us for how we handle things but at the end of the day despite everything," he paused for a second. "We are on the side of the angles."
"We just don't need to act like angels to make a difference," Oliver said listening to what Constantine was saying.
"If you don't mind I have a gift for you. A sort of apology for yanking you out of your situation."
"What is it?"
Outside the Queen Mansion Oliver stood on the front lawn. It was night time and there was not a cloud in the sky. He approached the house from the side looking through the window. He could see Thea making her way down stairs and into the kitchen. He went around more see he could see the dining room where he saw Moira, Malcolm, Quintin, Thea, Dinah, Sara, himself, and Tommy eating dinner. His eye began to tear up as he and Tommy made eye contact.
Moments later Tommy came out the house meeting Oliver on the lawn.
"Should I even ask how you got here?" Tommy asked with a smile.
"You could but to be honest I really couldn't explain," Oliver not believing he was talking with his dead friend. "So this is your personal heaven?"
"Yeah, pretty sweet right?" he said looking back at the mansion. "That's the thing about having your own personal heaven," he explained. "You can do whatever you want."
"So what did you do?"
"Here you and Sara came back home together after the Gambit went down where me and her still got together."
"And my mother?"
"Married to my father making us brothers," Tommy said. "I got to talk to my mom to over in her heaven."
Oliver took a moment to process everything he was feeling. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Oliver," Tommy assured him. "I also check up on all of you from time to time and I know everything."
"I was trying to make a difference," Oliver said.
"I'm not here to judge…not my job," he said looking up at the sky.
"Tommy…your father."
"I told you I know everything," he repeated. "I know you are going to do what you need to."
"Tommy are you coming back!" Sara called from the front door of the house.
"On my way!" he called to her. "Guess this it."
"I'm going to miss you Tommy," Oliver said.
"It was great having you back Oliver," the two friends sometimes like brother embraced for a final time. "I don't want to see you up here to soon you got it," Tommy said.
Oliver closed his eyes, "Got it," he said. When he opened his eyes he was sitting in the room where Constantine had set up the spell in Catalina's home. He looked over to Constantine who was smoking a cigarette leaning on the window seal. "Thanks John," Oliver said.
Constantine smiled, "Don't mention it mate."
NEXT. EPISODE 10: BOOM! BANG! POW!
