Nyssa studied the disposable cell phone, attempting to structure her thoughts. The Heir to the Demon get struck with informing her father that the league's best tracer had yet to report, Abd al Hatim escaped them, involved in recent break in and Mr. Queen was indeed the Arrow. Abd al Hatim/Slade prompted the un-answerable question. Sara worked silently as she helped a hobbling Haytam and sore Al Owal and set up the last of their new base – an old pesticide factory. Apparently their brief encounter still wounded them. "Ask it." Sara's voice broke her trance. Her lover sat beside her. "I know that look."
Nyssa nodded. "You know the question." Her nightmares hinted with murmurs – Shado, Ollie, and Slade dominate the fearful shaking and cries. Slade. That had a new meaning. Worry crept into her soul – not for her, but for Sara. Killing her would be suicide; Sara would be revenge.
"After the Gambit sank, Ivo saved me. For about a year, I helped with… his experiments." Her beloved paused. Experiments? No, not now. "Ivo's goal was to find and use Mirakuru to cure someone close to him. Noble but… cruel. Ollie was caught and we …" Another silence consumed the tense air. "… Slade, Shado, Oliver, and I found the Mirakuru. However after a series of events, Shado… died, killed by Ivo." Sara bit her lip, collecting her thoughts or recalling events. Shado's hood. "Slade was injected with Mirakuru to save his life and he ended up losing his mind. Killing Ivo turned out to the only option to… reduce the chance of Slade killing us. I suggested we kill Slade to have one less thing trying to kill us. Before leaving we believed we burned the Mirakuru, so we moved to return home." She laughed. "It didn't work. Ollie was caught." Her tone turned serious. "Shortly after that, Ivo died, well a finishing blow anyway. Radiation poisoning. The Amazon sank." She swallowed, forcing down memories. "Blow up, really. Ollie and I become separated. I thought he died."
Silent replaced the tense air. The fragments of dreams fitted together into a blurted image – one explaining her blinding fear in Shanghai, unease with lightning at sea, and numerous other traits. The Heir to the Demon wrapped her arms around Sara's waist drawing her close. "It's one in the morning. Get some sleep. I'll be with you shortly." She stated.
"Al Owal was more wounded than he would say, but you probably knew that." Sara chuckled. Nyssa nodded. "Night." A weight hung down the statement, waiting to be dropped. "Nyssa, if Mirakuru doesn't kill you, it can increase physical strength but it twists the body or mind, even both. Do not underestimate Slade… I don't want to lose you."
"That goes for you, too."
Her beloved needed to know about Slade's pestering of the League. So her trust was not misplaced. Telling a stranger before lover… far from an ideal relationship. "Slade has interfered with the league business before." The air froze, only melting when Sara nodded. "How does Mirakuru work?" Nyssa continued. Abd al Hatim raided numerous drug stock pile.
Sara took a deep breath. "A sedate is given, then Mirakuru is injected. You either dead or survive. Most don't make it."
"Thank you." The Heir to the Demon collected her thoughts as she dialed.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
A whimper joined the rhythmic tapping of rain, breaking Nyssa from her current line of text. She read the "Odyssey" at fourteen but it remained a pleasant read, especially in assignment to fine tone her Mandarin and then do a series of missions. The main objective would be required to inherit her legacy but uncontaminated air would be preferred. Her eyes settled on the shaking girl on the bed. A week cured the fever, coughing and shivering, however restful sleep evaded her. Any night her body would toss and turn, possibly completely broking her mending stress fracture. After the first, the guest got her bed and she took the cough. She rise from the cough.
A cracking echoing through the air. Sara clutched the blanket tighter in a fearful grasp. The Heir to the Demon shut the worn book and sat beside the survivor. She ran her hand down her faded, coarse hair to her shoulders, rubbing them. "Ssshh" escaped. Why had she take her in? Her father raised her to be unclouded by emotion… for battle, anyway. Killing her could have ended her suffering. It was the determined but terrified look that banished the foolish notion from her mind. Still, her help came at a cost. Eventuality join the league or return home. The second only existed because of Nyssa's relationship to her father.
"Shado. Ollie." Her ward murmured. She jerked, bumping against her protector.
Nyssa continued to massage her shoulders. "You're safe." Sara continued to shake, deaf to the world around her. "It's just a dream." Could her words broke the nightmare? Dreams could became haunting worlds, all engrossing, enslaving the mind. What either could she say "I'm here"? Did Sara trust her enough? The fits lasted the next five minute, broken by the "Slade stop", "no", or variations of that common statements. She retreated back to her seat.
After two paragraphs, neon blue and white illuminated the sky. Standing to immediately counter the reaction the Heir to the Demon known would happen before her ward hurt herself further. Sara contoured and jerked the moment the crack shattered the still air. Rapid breathing and lifting up her head signaled she woke. "Are you alright?" She placed a hand on her shoulders again.
Sara turned around, fatigue and confusion weighting on her face, but nodded. "Sorry. Did I woke you?" She whispered.
"No." Nyssa didn't fight the uplifting curves of her mouth. "I quite enjoy the rain. It is calming." It only snowed in Nanda Parbat, rain become a treat.
"Lightning isn't."
Lightning radiated beauty, with its rapid and crumbling power joining it… for her. Nightmares for her ward. She clearly was not going to sleep. "I'll brew some tea. You look like you need it."
"Thank you."
Stepping in the kitchen, the Heir to the Demon heard the springs of the bed shift. "Relax, I'm not walking, mom." The other end of her mouth curled up. Causal conversation and jerking grow on her. Her father proved rightfully formal… and intimidating and as such prevented it from him and others. A silence consumed the space. "What were you reading?"
"Homer's 'Odyssey'." Nyssa turned off the stove as the metallic pot hissed.
The crack of lightning shattered the developing pause. "Interesting chose" escaped in a shaking but collected tone. She mixed the streaming liquid with the dried leaves before adding another mug to the tray.
Entering the room, Nyssa kneel in front of Sara, lowering the tray onto the bed side table. "No one will hurt you. Rest." She stand up and turned on the radio as the state news filled the air, blocking the quiet but constant cracking. She sat beside her ward, handing her a now filled mug. "Why is it an 'interesting chose'?"
"It is something my literature professor would read."
"They must have good taste then." Sara looked at her before a shadow of a laugh flee her fragile frame, numbed by her ribs and nightmares.
"Rest. This storm will end soon." The assassin comforted. No answer followed. Introducing her father's dilemma now would only torture her further. Sara kept insisting she couldn't go back to her family after the Island. Apparently too much happen on the island. However the League may not be the ideal place for her… after her recovery. She lowered her head on Nyssa's shoulders. Sara nodded no.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
A tremoring cradled in her arm woke the heiress from her rest. "I have you." She was only shook like this when "resting" on boat during a storm. Progress. "Sshh." She checked the new burner phone. 11:30 in the morning. She would give Sara another hour, then she have head out the met the informant. Haytam's limp still pained him. Reassigning Al Owal to this would result in another cold war. With Slade lurking in the shadows, Nyssa wanted her lover in her sight or close enough to protect. No. Sara knew what to do. "I'll be back."
The Heir to the Demon dialed the number after turning on the phone. "Hi, this is Mr. Queen's office."
"I met Mr. Queen, last night. Please tell Miss Lance's friend wishes to spoke to him. " The assassin replied.
"Uuhh… sure." The sectary froze. "I'll be right back."
Cute. Keeping his allies close. "Hello, Miss Raatko." Oliver greeted. Capable allies. "I'm sorry about last night. It could have gone better."
"If you are talking about the guest agreed." Sara would mourn the loss of her friend. Besides, he may prove useful. Nyssa continued. "We should discussion the matter in person."
"Will she be there?" Mr. Queen inquired. "I am sorry for the mess, last night."
The Heir to the Demon paused. Sara would love to but she would be in even more danger or Slade knew her importance. No, Slade was not a convectional opponent. Her beloved could dead if… still. "Yes. We need met at a safe location."
"What kind of location? Thai? Italian?" The Arrow asked.
Nyssa felt a laugh start before shutting it down. "The least amount of people present or able to blend in but comfort for both of us." The rest should prove self-explanatory.
A silence filled the other end. "5 pm, Verdant."
"See you then, Mr. Queen." She hung up.
Sara pulled herself from the blankets. "Thank you for not completely freezing your tone."
"His code is honorable, however soft." What would cause that change? A fatigued smile crossed her Canary's face. With Slade… and their history, did she make the right decision? Nyssa, he is not a threat. "It is best you get ready soon."
The smile faded. She retreated in the backroom. Nyssa walked out to the central living chamber.
Sara footstep tapped the air. The Heir to the Demon turned around. Now dressed in street clothes she headed out. She close the distance between them. Her eye soften as worry mixed with confident. "Where and when should I met you?" She asked.
"Park, 4:30. We'll met Mr. Queen at his club." Nyssa replied. "Be safe." She wrapped her hand around Sara's. Her stomach twisted.
Her lover met her tense glare. Leaning forward their lips met, "I will give you a better one when I return." The Starling City Native stated
"You better." Nyssa almost laughed.
x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Nyssa's eyes scanned the passing stream of people. Blondes with updos, or pixie cuts but no even that red head caused her eyes wandering until she saw that long blonde hair and black baseball cap. Good. No limp or crimson flowing down. "See, I survived."
The Heir to the Demon smiled. Leaning in their lips touched. "A deal is a deal." Affection meant revealing their connection but it was worth it.
"It was my deal, but yours is acceptable." Sara challenged.
Acceptable? A grin spread across her face. In a different situation, she would have took the challenge; still she half considered drop her fedora over the cap. They joined the stream of people.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"Good afternoon, Mr. Queen." Sara stood up after sneaking in and embraced her former lover. Oliver sat down. He nodded as his body tensed. "Let's address the main matter then. I have been… enlightened on Mr. Wilson." Well, at least he wanted to be here as much as she did. The Arrow's wandered to Sara. "I can offer limited support in the quest to eliminate this threat."
Mr. Queen's jaw tighten. "Handle him."
"Your code is amicable, however ineffective."
"Support?"
She nodded. "Up to seven men under my command. We would work as equals." She could draw from her personal guard but they would needed to negotiate the techniques. The other archer's eyes studied her. "He has pestered us in the past. My father will be pleased to see this situation resolved. "
"There is more to even accepting your… proposed help." Oliver stated. His body growing more rigid.
Coordinating their efforts would eliminate the need for… payment of any sort. "We need to respect each other sources and allies. You're not hiring us. We would be working toward a common objective."
"Your family does have conversational history."
The league performed many tasks but they kept their honor. "I assure you, Mr. Queen you would owe us nothing." His point was valid however with his secret confirmed and possible deals later should prove sufficient to get complete backing from her father. Maybe even she could collect further intelligent while respecting the agreement… however she could not betray Sara like that. The Al Ghul silenced her thoughts before speaking again. "My family is many things, honorable is one of them. That is carried over to the League."
The Queen paused for a moment. "We still have one more matter to resolve."
Yes. "They are not as different as you believe." Most guards survived their encounters with the League. Disabling or bribery proved enough. They did not take prisoners though. The Arrow's recent change of tactics didn't even bridge the difference in philosophies.
"These bring in will be spared."
"Should be and agreed." The League didn't dishonor itself with such acts. Leaders and the more willing should not expect mercy aside from a prompt death. "The threats however…" Oliver forced her tighten jaw open but no words escaped. "… would remain a threat even imprisoned."
"That still is not grounds for your suggestion."
"It is not a suggestion; it is the league's code." A vibrating shook her pocket. She pulled up the burner phone. Father. "Forgive me. I will be back soon." Oliver studied her. Sara looked at her. Nyssa nodded.
Standing outside she flipped open the phone. "Greeting, Father."
"Have you find the lead?" The Demon intrigued.
His heir answered. "Not yet. I expect it in the hour."
"Any more information on Abd al Hatim?" Ra's continued his interrogation.
Ala Qamar's disappearance stretched their resources. One of them would need to guard the hideout. The rest of them, including one of Slate's targets, would actually scout out locations from two targets. "No but we will checking for possible locations once we have the information."
"I will sent two more tracers. Shayma for the traitor and Badr for the pest. Both report to you upon arrival." He informed her. "I want you to finish both targets."
What if Slade, or worse Merlyn, exited her? She was his heir, weighted down by expectations. Maybe his brother's disappear could help speed up Badr's work. "What if only one can found?"
"I trust your judgment." Hints of understanding entered her father's voice.
"Which one would you prefer?"
Footsteps echoed through hallway. A tall lean young woman marched toward her. The Arrow's sister. "The traitor."
Merlyn first. Good. Understand your blind spot. "Thank you. I'll see if anything will result from this however details may need to be negotiated." Nyssa replied. The Arrow knew Slade, would prove an useful ally. Miss Queen stopped.
"Man of clouded wills proved hardest to agree with. Work within reason." The Demon stated.
Nyssa smiled. "Yes, father." She shut the phone. "Hello, Miss Queen. I am Miss Raatko. I am here to discuss a business deal with your brother about a potential business venture." She extended her hand.
"Oliver didn't tell me about them." Thea gathered her thoughts.
"It was sudden." The assassin covered.
The young woman paused. "Oohh. Then tell him I need speak with him when you guys are… done."
"I will." The Heir to the Demon stated before the other Queen retreated. Not the party girl her reputation implied. She returned to discussion. "She didn't see anything." Oliver nodded. "Let's agree to find a way to eliminate them as a threat. Neither of us have enough to act on now."
"Agreed." Mr. Oliver stated. "There may be a possible cure."
A cure. How amusing. They did agree to find a way to eliminate the threat. The cure would need to fully remove the Mirakuru to work. "Your sister asked to speak to you during our business meeting." Nyssa stated.
"Thank you, Miss…" He extended his hand.
"…Raatko." She took it.
Mr. Queen stood up. "Let me walk out with you." His eyes wandered to Sara. Nyssa combated the insult; she trained Sara better.
"I'll manage. You can catch up for a few minutes. It has been a while for both of you." To her lover's ex-fling she must sound collected, but Sara could hear the hint of hesitation.
"I'll see you soon." Sara stated. Nyssa placed a kiss on her forehead before leaving.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Stepping past the bar, the Heir to the Demon paused as Frank Bertinelli face flashed on the news. Captured, finally. Maybe now his daughter could finish the dishonorable convict. She studied the interviewee name for a moment. Laurel Lance. Lovely. Apparently, she was trying the case. This week bordered on complete tutorial on her lover's past. Her pocket vibrated. Al Owal, no doubt.