Chapter 10

Disclaimer: Its that time of times once again! And as always, I own nothing but what you see here!

Things had been silent between the group of 7 aside from the echoes of the crash from the room they had fled after Laurel had somehow managed to scream at the huge monster and knock it backwards into a pillar. Thankfully, they hadn't ran into anything else just yet and they were all grateful for that as well. "So..." Began Thea, managing to startle several because of her breaking the silence.

Laurel especially, causing the teen to look apologetic. "Sorry."

"Better you then some nasty bugger, Luv." Remarked Constantine as they walked on.

Idly wondering about the bright light a bit further down and hoping it wasn't trouble for them to deal with. His words got nods of agreement from the others. "Anyway… What was up with that, Laurel? That weird scream thing you did wasn't natural."

"Given what we've experienced so far, that's the thing you're choosin' to focus on?" Digg asked in surprise.

Thea shrugged. "That's all one thing, but someone I know and see as a sister doing something like that is another."

"Copy that." Replied the Vet in understanding.

Laurel shook her head. "I have no idea, Speedy. I really don't."

"Tell me, Milady Laurel, are there any Drakes in thy family?" Randomly asked Sir Justin curiously.

Causing the Lawyer to look his way curiously and a bit confusedly. "Umm… Yeah, my mom's side of the family actually. Why?"

"Would thou mother's first name be Dinah?"

"Yeah, it is. Its actually a tradition for the women on my mom's side of the family to have Dinah as a first name. My first name is actually Dinah but I prefer Laurel to it." Informed Laurel as she wondered where all this was going.

She and those curious watched as the Knight from Olden Times nodded thoughtfully. "I see. I once knew a Dinah Drake some years ago and she too could produce a scream much like you did. She called it the 'Canary Cry' and went by the name of the 'Black Canary' for a time until she chose to retire. From what I recall her telling me, the name 'Dinah' and the Cry are two things that have long been a part of the Drake clan line."

"How many years are we talking about?" Wondered Thea given the fact he'd been around a long while as Laurel took in what she'd been told.

"From the mid-40's to the beginning of the 60's. The Dinah I knew served upon a great team known as the 'Justice Society of America'." Informed the Knight helpfully and making eyes go wide.

"I'm… I'm gonna have a LONG talk with my mom when we get back." Decided Laurel dazedly.

"Might not want to tell your dad about any of that, he might flip." Semi joked Thea.

Laurel nodded absently at that as Digg snorted over the younger girl's words. Having a pretty good feeling he'd really do something like that given how he had handled things where Oliver was concerned with the whole arrest under suspicion of being the Hood situation. "The Drake women seem like the kind of women I'd get along well with then." Mused Zinda thoughtfully.

"Well, you're getting along pretty well with Laurel here so I'd say that's a safe assumption." Added in the young Queen.

"Even after all I've seen and done, the world can still manage to surprise me."

Alec's voice snapped Laurel from her thoughts as she looked at the figure that was once a normal man and noticed the happy smile on his face. "You really think that's a good thing?" She wondered.

He nodded at that. "I do. The fact this particular revelation about your mother's side of the family isn't exactly a bad thing. So it makes this fairly more pleasant then what it could have been had things been different." Replied the man once known as Swamp Thing.

Causing her to think about that for a moment and realize he was right. "You… You have a point. But still, this is a pretty big thing to deal with..."

"Understandable given the circumstances."

"My brother being the Hood, magic, demons, and that Cry of yours. A pretty damn big thing for sure. Say… You think this might be a problem for you when it comes to sex?"

"THEA!" Cried out Laurel in shock and a reddening face as the others aside from Justin, Alec, and Digg snickered at the whole thing.

Though Digg could be seen grinning in amusement over the whole thing. For her part, Thea just shrugged with a smile on her face. "What? Its a valid question!" Defended the girl with that smile widening as she did so.

She got a mild glare in return from her 'sister' that did nothing to dampen her amusement over the whole thing. "Hmm… If memory serves me, the Dinah I knew didn't have that sort of problem. Though she long had gained control of her Cry so that such a thing would not be a problem."

"JUSTIN!"

Snickers were heard again as Justin looked at Laurel in confusion. "Oh, my apologies, Milady Laurel, twas not my intent to cause you embarrassment." He told her apologetically.

One however could see his lips twitching slightly. "Its… Its fine."

The Knight stared at her for a moment to see if she was being sincere or not and then nodded when he saw that she was being sincere. Thea then grinned wickedly. "You know… It occurs to me that you could probably use that thing to send Ollie flying into a wall for being such a lying jackass."

Noticing the wicked grin on the younger girl's face, Laurel couldn't help but feel amused and tempted by her words. "Hmm… Would be worth it, but I'd need training in how to use it properly so I don't hurt him too badly."

"I wouldn't have a problem with it if it kept him from doing what he's doing."

Digg wisely kept his mouth shut as he didn't want either girl plotting against him! "I'll take that under advisement." Decided Laurel.

"Are things in your city truly that bad that you don't wish this Ollie to be fighting against it?" Zinda asked curiously as she looked at her two fellow girls.

The two looked at one another before looking to the Blonde. "Its… Its not really that, though its part of it." Began the Lawyer.

"But that he's putting his life on the line to fight against bad people. I know Mr. Diggle gave a pretty good explanation for why my brother kills earlier, but the fact he does it still bothers the Hell out of me. And I… I don't want to see him end up in prison or in a grave..." Thea said next sadly as her 'sister' wrapped an arm of comfort around her.

A frown came across Zinda's face as she thought over that before finally speaking. "I see..."

She said nothing else as there wasn't quite anything she could say. Especially where comfort was concerned as she'd long been a soldier and idly wondered what the young girl's brother would think of another joining him on his quest. If only to ensure nothing truly horrible happened to him. She wouldn't have need of concealing her identity since she had no loved ones in this time though she knew it could still be a risk in some way for others like Thea. And from her own experiences in life, Zinda was aware that death of an enemy was a very likely thing to occur as it couldn't be avoided in some case. She had a feeling John Diggle and Sir Justin knew this to be quite true as well and would discuss the matter with the two men at a later date. Who knew if the same could be said of John Constantine and Alec Holland and wasn't about to ask given that it would probably be seen as rude. And as Zinda and the others drew closer to a room where a great light emanated from, she couldn't help but bring out her gun.

Thinking it would be a good idea in case things got hot again. "Is anyone else worried about that light? Or is it just me?" Thea asked a bit nervously as she put back a hand to grab an arrow quickly if needed.

"Not just you." Assured Digg as he brought out his own gun.

"And yes, I'm aware of how this could turn into a Horror movie trope any moment now." He added seconds later and getting snorts of amusement in return.

"I'm so glad it wasn't just me thinking about that or I'd feel seriously guilty right now for it." Admitted Laurel in slight relief as the man chuckled at her.

"I'm confused."

Looks came his way. "About what, mate?" Constantine asked curiously.

"About this Horror movie trope thing and why Laurel would feel guilty for thinking it where Mr. Diggle is concerned."

"You uhh, you haven't watched many Horror films have ya?" Asked the magic man.

"No. Before I became this, I was primarily focused on my work. And afterwards…? Movies of any kind weren't exactly on my to do list."

Constantine and the others nodded in understanding of that. Heck, even Justin knew but that's down to the fact he's had quite a bit of time on his hands over the years! "Umm… I could help educate you on the whole thing with a movie marathon if you wished once things are done here?" Offered Zinda hesitantly as she nibbled on her lower lip.

Ohh, I think this girl's into the Plant Man! Weird but its whatever. Mused Thea thoughtfully.

Sharing a grin and a knowing look with Laurel in the process. Alec looked at her for a moment before responding with a nod. "I would be most willing, Zinda." Came the response with a smile.

One that had the good and lovely Lady Blackhawk blushing some. "I look forward to it then."

Both Thea and Laurel had to resist the urge to start humming Wedding related music. The group hesitantly made their way into the room with the bright light, each of them ready to defend themselves and the other if need be. "Is that what I think it is?" Questioned Digg as he looked towards the source of the light.

Which was the very item they were looking for. The Staff of Chhtk. Constantine grinned widely at the sight of it. "I do believe it is, mate, I do believe it is."

"Great, let's get it and get the Hell out of here." Said Laurel.

Getting nods of agreement in return as Constantine moved forward but was stopped by Sir Justin. "Hold! We know not if there are traps in place to prevent those like ourselves from getting to the Staff."

"He's right." Zinda added in thoughtfully as she looked about the place.

"Only one way to find out." Declared the magic man as he produced a ball of light and flung it.

Allowing it to go all over the place and even near the Staff to see if there was any potential danger. And when there was none, Constantine nodded in approval as the ball of light dissipated. "Well, that's kinda disappointing. Was expecting some last minute thing where we had to run for our lives." Muttered Thea dryly with a shake of the head.

Constantine grinned at her. "Can't always be like the movies, Little Queen. Would make life boring."

"But probably safer." She countered.

"Good point." Of course he wasn't about to tell the girl and the others that doing what he'd just done hadn't been something he usually did.

"So, who's gonna grab that thing?" Laurel wondered curiously.

Digg spoke up. "Maybe you and Thea should, given the reason behind all this."

The two looked at one another and then shrugged, thinking it made sense where Ollie was concerned. They then looked towards the Staff and began to step towards it with the others not too far behind in case something unexpected came up despite Constantine's action moments ago. As it never hurt to be cautious. "So, on three?" Asked Laurel.

"Sounds good to me."

Together, the girls counted down to three once they were at the Staff and reached out and grabbed it. Pulling it away from the light that surrounded it, the light soon vanished and the group looked around in a suspicious manner. Waiting for the other shoe to drop after having grabbed the Staff. And when everyone realized nothing was going to happen, they all breathed a sigh of relief. "Way to be anti-climatic." Murmured Laurel and gaining nods of agreement in return.

A flash of light then appeared behind them, startling them some as they quickly turned towards it to see Shhtk herself within it. "Greetings, Questers, I am pleased to see you have managed to do what no other has been able to do where my son's Staff is concerned. Even gaining new friends as you did so. Come, let us return to Verdant." Commanded the woman.

"But what about our Horses!?" Thea worried as the Demonic woman's eyes glowed.

"Worry not, they will return to Madame Xanadu, though Winged Victory will be found outside of Verdant."

Thea let out a sigh of relief as they were all transported back to Verdant. Which startled Moira, Tommy, Roy. Felicity, Chas, and and Zed quite a bit since they hadn't been expecting it! But they were all greatly relieved to see those they cared for having finally returned! Although, perhaps oddly dressed all things considered. A loud noise could even be heard from outside as Roy and Thea hugged. "Was that a Horse?" Tommy asked in confusion while wondering just what the Hell was that weird looking green guy! Though he couldn't help but admire the Blonde chick some as Hello! Something Laurel noticeably glared at him for and he winced and gave her an apology.

"Indeed, young Thomas. Winged Victory as Sir Justin refers to him as." Replied Shhtk as she indicated the figure known as Sir Justin.

"Indeed! And my most sincere gratitude for not leaving my long time friend near those woods, Milady. Now, I must see to him momentarily, but I will return after having done so."

He hurriedly walked off to do as he said as he wanted to see if his old friend was alright after having been left on his own for so long. "Wait a moment, what of my transport?" Suddenly wondered Zinda.

"Fear not, young Blackhawk, for it resides in the backyard of Queen Manor."

Moira went wide eyed at that. "I'm sorry, but what's in my backyard exactly?" She asked a bit archly, not even bothering to ask if they had succeeded as clearly they had given that the Staff the… Woman had sent them to get.

And coming back with more then just that. "My Helicopter, my apologies even though this wasn't my doing."

Moira regarded the black clothed woman and gave a nod, acknowledging the fact it was beyond her control and settled for giving a mild glare to the Demonic woman. A glare she ignored since she had better things to do as her son's Staff floated in front of her. "Not to annoy or anything, but shouldn't Oliver be out of that thing you put him under?" Questioned Digg curiously.

Shhtk nodded at that. "Indeed, Mr. Diggle. May what has been cast upon Oliver Queen be undone." Intoned the Demonic Woman.

Oliver then shot up with a loud gasp as he looked around wildly and couldn't help but widen his eyes at some odd looking woman and some green man thing! "What the Hell!?"

"You're gonna know Hell when I'm done with you, Ollie." Came his little sister's dark promise, making him look at her in confusion and wondering how the Hell she had his bow!

Sir Justin then made his return with a pleased smile on his face, happy that Winged Victory was doing just fine. "You seven have my most sincerest thanks for managing to get me my son's Staff. I will be forever in your debt and should you ever need me, simply call my name and I shall come. Farewell, 7 Soldiers of Victory." Proclaimed Shhtk before vanishing.

"Aww, and no kiss? I'm hurt." Joked Constantine and getting eye rolls from Chas and Zed.

"John?" Wondered Oliver in confusion.

As seriously, what the Hell was going on!? The magic man grinned at him as he came over and helped him up. "Nice to see you in better circumstances now that you aren't on an island or stuck in a mystical bubble of sorts, mate."

"Right. I'm… I'm not even gonna ask."

He then rocked backwards in some pain as Thea slapped him hard across the face, a move no one save for maybe Laurel had been expecting! "THEA!" Reprimanded their mother as her brother stared at her in shock as he rubbed on his face.

"Even I felt that one." Rumbled the mysterious green figure.

Zinda chuckled at Alec's joke as she came to stand next to him. Oliver was about to ask what the Hell that had been about from his sister when Laurel decided to deck him, causing him to stumble back some more. "STOP HITTING ME!"

"Trust me, we're barely getting started you lying asshole!" Screamed out the Lawyer irately as she advanced on him, ready to hit him again as he backed up.

"Well now, seems we're in for a show mates, let's all sit down and enjoy it." Constantine said with a huge grin on his face.

"JOHN!" Yelled Oliver unhappily.

"Uhh, which one, there are two of us right now you know." Quipped Digg and making Thea giggle as she watched her 'sister' go after her brother.

"I don't care which one of you does it, but please, STOP HER!"

"Why!? You're the mighty Hood! Surely you can stop little old me!"

That made the archer stop in his tracks in shock as he hadn't been expecting to hear that from his ex. Which allowed Laurel to hit him again, sending him into a table with a groan. She then smiled in satisfaction. "Damn that felt good!"

"You're uhh, you're not gonna hit me too are you?" Tommy wondered a bit fearfully.

Laurel looked at him cooly for a moment. "I catch you looking at my friend again and I might." She replied as she indicated Zinda.

He gulped at that and promised to be a good boy and not do anything, including making any sort of jokes. "I may assist you." Announced the strange green figure and causing Tommy to be even more nervous then before.

"While I appreciate it from you two, I am more then capable of defending my honor."

"Oh, we know, Trust me, we know, but putting the fear of God into my boyfriend feels strangely pleasing for me. Especially when he's been hiding the fact Ollie's the Hood from me." Laurel said with a glare in said boyfriend's way.

Who backed up with his hands in front of him in a defensive manner. "I'm not the Hood! I don't know what made you think I am, but I'm not!"

"Oh please, and this isnt the bow you use while out as the Hood." Muttered Thea aloud.

"That's… That's not my bow. Also, can someone PLEASE tell me what the Hell's going on!?" Tried the man but no one was buying what he was selling.

Moira sighed. "Oliver, we know. Okay? We know. As for your question? It appears an old tryst of yours decided to get back at you through magical means. Which is how your friend, John Constantine got involved and showing me more then I ever wanted to know of existing."

"Got some kick ass armor out of it too. Even became a member of the modern day Seven Soldiers of Victory too." Added in Thea in a pleased way.

"Sounds like I missed out on quite a bit." Roy said in a put out way.

But Thea kissed him to make it up to him. Which worked some for him. "Don't worry babe, I'm sure something will happen that you'll get to take part in next time."

"Works for me." He'd focus on the whole Thea's brother being the Hood another time.

As he had a feeling trying to join the guy's crusade really wouldn't be the best way to stay on his girlfriend's good side. One could see that Oliver was not very pleased about his secret identity being outed to his loved ones. Nor was he too pleased that his sister had apparently been involved in some thing to help save his ass from some old hook up's actions against him. But before he could do or say anything, a swirling blue light appeared and deposited a piece of paper in his hand before vanishing. Looking at it in confusion, his eyes widened at what he read. "What is it?" Wondered Laurel while itching to punch her ex again!

Oliver looked at her and the others in the room with him. "Its… Its a note, telling me where Walter is. Apparently that… Woman or whatever the Hell that was here decided it'd be one way to help pay a piece of her debt that she owes you and the other six."

Moira let out a loud gasp as that was unexpected but great news! Though Malcolm would surely be displeased by it but at this point, she couldn't give a damn! Thea stepped forward with a determined expression on her face. "Let's go get him!"

"Thea..."

"No, Ollie. Either you let us in on getting him back or so help me God I will hurt you badly." Threatened his baby sister darkly.

"And I'll help." Laurel added.

"I would be most willing to aide my comrades in this endeavor." Declared Sir Justin.

"Same here." Threw in Zinda with a nod.

"You shall have my aide as well."

"And mine, cause a brother never lets his brothers and sisters go into a fight on their own."

"I'm coming too." Threw in Roy firmly.

As he didn't want to miss out on this one! The Six, plus Roy looked towards Constantine who got a look from his two friends. "Oh, what the Hell, I'm in. Sleep's for the weak anyway."

Felicity let out a cheer with a fist bump and then blushed at the looks she got from everyone. "Sorry, couldn't help it." She said embarrassedly and getting a few amused smiles in return.

Everyone then turned to Oliver who was even more unhappier then before! Seeing that he wasn't gonna win this one, he let out a defeated sigh. "Fine, but first, let me research the place first to know what we're dealing with fully and then we'll move out to get back Walter."

That got him nods of approval and once research had been done and Oliver had gotten his bow back after quite a bit of arguing with his sister over that saw her getting Digg to take her back to the Manor to get her's, the group was off on a plane Oliver acquired while Sir Justin and Winged Victory flew next to them to rescue Walter. While a worried but hopeful Moira, Tommy, Chas, Felicity, and Zed hung out in the basement to listen in on things. The mission would turn out to be a success much to Moira's immense happiness and after a reunion between wife and husband had been had, a party of sorts had been held until late into the night. And though Zinda and the figure known as Alec disappeared somewhere, no one really wanted to know what the two were up too as they felt it was for the best. Oliver would have to deal with some very unhappy loved ones in his life for a few weeks over his being the Hood and the actions he sometimes took.

Even having one Hell of a fight on his hands when trying to keep Laurel and Thea from going out and doing what he does. Though perhaps a bit less violently. Thankfully, he had his mother's help where Thea was concerned to some degree. Of course, Moira wanted to ensure her daughter had quite a bit of training before going out on the field. Which had brought its own problems considering a few revelations she had shared with her children but Thea complied for the most part since even she knew she wasn't fully prepared for what the city's more unpleasant types had to offer. Laurel would even get her answers from her mother where the Canary Cry was concerned. And while her mother wasn't too pleased her daughter would be pulling a great grandma Dinah, she did promise to keep it all a secret from Quentin since both knew he really wouldn't be happy about it. Even handing down great grandma Dinah's old suit she'd used back in the day. A suit Laurel had modified to be more protective and Tommy definitely liked what he saw there!

But even with Moira coming clean where Malcolm was concerned, something that Tommy had a few issues over, the man would still manage to be a problem where the Markov device was concerned. Causing the deaths of 501 Glades citizens in the process. And when Slade's Siege began, Laurel would helpfully enlist the aide of John Constantine, Zinda, Sir Justin, and Alec to help in the fight against him and his men. Unfortunately, this wouldn't keep Sara out of the League since that deal had been made before Laurel had gotten the bright idea to call in the rest of the Seven Soldiers. But with Malcolm in prison and Moira showing just how much of a kickass Mayor she could be, she'd be safe from the Magician's mechinations. Which could also be said for Thea and even Roy as well. Oliver's more brutal methods, which included killing would lessen thanks to his loved ones' influences but would still be seen from time to time when there was no other choice. Thankfully though, he would have their support no matter what through it all.

Author's Notes: Well folks, here it is, the end of this story! Hope you all enjoyed and many thanks for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following! Who knows if a sequel will happen but anything is certainly possible! And with the ending of this fic, comes the closing of my current poll as it looks like my next fic will be a Flash one that continues the 'Day Is Saved' 'Verse! R and R!