Chapter 10: I'll be watching

"He's alive"

...

Immediately after Digg had told them Oliver survived the comm link went dead. They called out to him, wanting answers, receiving nothing but static. They didn't know what to think. Nysa stared at Sara, confused by the tears streaming down her face. In the 4 years they spent together she had known Sara to be hard, emotions buried deep. She could see how much Sara had changed since coming back to Starling, see how clear it was that she didn't belong with the league anymore. As they came to a stop outside of city hall Nysa kissed Sara deeply, whispered, "I will be watching, I will always love you" and then disappeared into the night.

Lance had tried calling for an ambulance from the car, but the hospital was overrun and emergency services had no vehicles left. Roy offered a solution, pulling his phone from his pocket. After a quick phone call explaining Oliver and Sara had been injured, but Thea was safe, he hung up letting the others know a chopper would be on the way, it would take the injured group to a nearby emergency room outside of Starling city. Lance was still trying to figure out what strings the kid had pulled as Laurel came into view.

"Dad!"

"Laurel, baby are you okay?" After a hug and a kiss on her temple he pulled back and shook her lightly, "didn't I say to stay put, it's not safe out here!"

"After a handful of grenades knocked out a support wall at the station, that's not really the safest place either." Lt. Pike's voice sent a chill down Lance's spine as he silently prayed he hadn't seen Sara without her mask, that he wouldn't see Oliver."I escorted here, I overheard what she told you on the phone- I'm alone though, I haven't gone in yet. An army truck labeled A.R.G.U.S. Pulled out as we arrived, I've got Simmons following them. Let's get down there and see if Queen survived."

At that he felt as though he had been sucker punched, finding it hard to breathe as he greedily sucked in air.

Pike caught his reaction and readily followed his own words, "like I said, I heard the conversation. I know Queen is the Arrow, but I think you're right, the hood and the arrow aren't the same guy, and all the warrants are for the hood- so if you ever figure out who that guy is, we'll have to deal with it then." Drawing his gun he motioned forward, "let's go."

Head still spinning Lance looked to his daughters, "hand me that first aid kit and stay here- Harper, give me your ear piece so I can keep in touch with Sara. You guys let's me know when the chopper gets here."

... ... ...

When the men arrived downstairs they quickly found Slade in the middle of the room. A piece of an arrow sticking out from his shoulder, sword through his chest, and a trail of blood coming from his left eye.

A short distance away, pressed up against one of the large metal machines was Oliver. They found him by following a trail of blood. He was slumped in the corner, shirtless with cuts, scrapes, bruises and a mangled leg. In his lap lay the bloodied blonde. His shirt torn to shreds and wrapped around her head and arm as some sort of makeshift bandage.

"Oh my God." Lance breathed out to a quick response from Sara, "dad, the medics are here, I'm sending them down."

... ... ... ... ...

Roy refused to be airlifted, as Digg had already stopped the bleeding and stitched him up. He did allow the medic to give him a sedative and some painkillers, though he pocketed the sedative for Thea.

Walter Steele had been the one to bring the helicopter and once he arrived they left together, Roy hot wiring a car and Walter driving. When they arrived at the clock tower, Roy cursed his leg for being unable to run up the stairs to check on her. Instead Walter went and came down with both girls, and to everyone's surprise, Malcolm Merlin.

When Thea saw Roy she started to run to him, only to be halted by Malcolm's grip on her arm, "I have to go Thea, I know he will protect you. You may still hate me, for the undertaking, for Tommy," his voice broke slightly, "but I love you and I always have, you and Oliver both. I'll be watching over you." He pulled her into a hug she didn't resist, though she didn't hug him back either. With a quick kiss to her forehead he was gone in the shadows of the night.

... ... ... ...

AN- almost done, thanks again for sticking with me!