Chapter 10
Here Come
The Awards!
Disclaimer: This is it y'all, the moment you've all been waiting for since the beginning! The awards ceremony!
Sunday 4:00 PM At The Weisinger Papp Park
The big day had finally arrived in Starling City. A day that would be memorable for a long time to come. No, it wasn't that Aliens had arrived and chosen to make the city their new home while living amongst the humans. Nor was it that Oliver Queen of all people was finally getting married. No, a certain Awards Ceremony had finally arrived and Oliver himself was dreading it something fierce. His paranoia had even gotten him to get Dig to stash his bow and quiver somewhere close by on the stage just in case anything happened. Dig had thought he was just being paranoid but did it regardless if it meant helping his friend have some semblance of peace of mind. Especially since it was hard to come by as it is with Thea and Joe being rather public with one another to a degree in front of Oliver! The archer had also found out from Anatoli that the Russian had been the reason he was getting an award from Russia as he'd let slip that he's the reason Kovar had been stopped while trying to kill a lot of important people during his time there.
Which had honestly worried Oliver considering he figured Alexi wouldn't be too enthused about this and his old friend had even mentioned talking with the man but so far it hadn't yielded anything too promising. Making the archer wonder why the head of the local Starling Bratva chapter hadn't tried anything and giving him reason to feel a bit worried. He'd up surprised however when he saw Laurel on the stage with him and the others. "Laurel? What, what are you doing here?" He asked curiously while keeping some distance between them so as not to get easily hit again by her.
"Apparently I'm here to receive a posthumous award in Sara's name for something she did. Guess I shoulda been paying more attention to my mail this past week."
"Oh."
"Yep. They even tried contacting my mother for this but apparently she's too busy with some project of her's." Laurel told him a bit bitterly.
Causing him to wince. "I'm sorry to hear that." Came his apologetic response.
"Thank you. And don't worry, I'm not gonna hit you again. As it is, I'm sure there's enough talk going on about you and the Pakhan of the Bratva to have that going on too." Laurel remarked dryly.
Which bothered her some that he's friends with a guy like that but she could respect the man for telling her what he knew about Sara at least. Oliver grimaced. "Better then talk about how I'm the… Green Arrow."
A grin couldn't help but form on Laurel's face at how her ex had acted over that name. "I don't know… It is more family friendly then a friendship with the head of the Bratva."
"I'm aware but Anatoli's trying to make the Bratva better then what it used to be. Not an easy thing considering its history but I think he can pull it off."
"Well, I certainly wish him the best." Laurel replied with a small smile.
Liking that her ex had such faith in his friend but figuring such a task would take a really long time to pull off. She then noticed he was scowling into the crowd and when saw who it was, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Thea's got a new boyfriend I take it?"
"Something like that. He's the son of my… Friend, Slade."
"And despite that, big brother just doesn't approve, hmm?"
"Glad to know you find such amusement in all this, Laurel." Oliver said dryly with a brief look towards her and making her grin.
"Would you rather I hit you again? Because finding amusement of your brotherly disapproval is less painful."
Her amusement made him frown in slight annoyance but he could admit she had a point. "You… You have a point."
And now, Laurel felt even more amused over how reluctant he was to even say that! "Ooh, I bet that felt like a tooth was being pulled for you to say that." Came her smirking response and getting a glower that did nothing to kill her smirk or amusement.
Thankfully, Oliver would be spared from further teasing and the like from his ex when an aide rushed up to them to let them know it was time to take their seats next to the podium where President Obama would be speaking. "Well, show time." Muttered Oliver to Laurel while casting one last scowl towards Joe.
Who had excellent timing it seemed and grinned back at him from the crowd while Thea laughed. Making the man scowl harder while Laurel just grinned in further amusement. "I don't know, I'm really enjoying this show myself."
He rolled his eyes and walked on to get to his chair that was next to the podium. Laurel chuckled to herself before doing the same and sitting next to Mei Gulong, who smiled at her and she smiled back. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen." Began President Obama once everyone was seated and attention was focused on him.
"It is an honor to be here in Starling City with all of you on this day. Equally so, it is an honor to have several heroes sitting in the chairs to my right. Heroes that have done many things to help keep our country, along with several others safe from harm. Actions that have even resulted in an unfortunate loss of life as they did what they could to defend numerous lives. Though I can imagine that Oliver Queen would have preferred for no one to ever find out about his actions in the past and of current times since coming home, so that his loved ones could be spared the details and be safe in so doing from those would act against him."
That had been and continued to be a worry of Oliver's and he wasn't the only one with that worry as well. "But perhaps those who would seek to do harm to his loved ones would find it in themselves a sense of compassion and decency to leave them be. Same for Slade Wilson, Sara Lance's family, the Yamashiros, and Mei Gulong."
Fat chance of that you American bastard. Mentally sneered one figure as he glared hatefully at Oliver with his hood covering his face.
"And now, as I know you're all eager to see this show get on the road, Mei Gulong, please come forward!"
Loud cheering could be heard and it greatly surprised her as she looked at the crowd in shock and then at her friends. All of whom were clapping and smiling at her and it felt somewhat bittersweet for her as she wished her sister and their father was here for this. Her eyes began to glisten some as she stepped up to the President with a man in uniform standing near him with an open chest containing medals. And next to him was the current Chinese President, Hu Jintao. "For actions of bravery in light of the odds against your father, Yao Fei Gulong, and your sister, Shado Gulong. We posthumously award you the Order of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in their names for their actions in preventing Edward Fyers from shooting down a Chinese Airliner and causing the loss of many lives and perhaps more through potential war."
"These awards are also given for actions in preventing Doctor Anthony Ivo from gaining an old World War 2 serum known as Mirakuru that would have no doubt caused untold amounts of death and violence. And to your father, we are honored to award you and your family the Order of Loyalty and Valor, the Order of National Glory, the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun, the Honour Sabre of the Awakened Lion, the Medals of Army Brilliance, Outstanding Service, Bravery, and the Army Achievement." Here, Mei burst into full on tears as President Jintao gently took the opened chest of medals and presented it to her as cheering and clapping could be heard all over the area.
Part of the reason the Chinese Government was going a bit over board in their awards to the Gulong family was so that she would be a bit more willing to over look what they had done to her father as they quietly erased the wrong doings done to him. Giving her less reason to be willing to speak out against them and potentially cause unrest. Mei knew this too but was willing to let it slide. Especially since she had no intention of remaining in China anymore due to what they had done to her family. "Further more, I wish to personally award you several of America's highest Civilian awards to Shado and Yao Fei. The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
He then stepped up and placed them around her neck and smiled at her as he gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze once that was done. Mei then went to sit back down while holding the box of medals closely to her chest. Another soldier in dress uniform appeared next to President Obama and President Jintao. "Dinah Laurel Lance, in light of your sister's sacrifice to stop Professor Anthony Ivo from being able to get ahold of a World War Two serum that would have undoubtedly caused a great deal of trouble, I am pleased to award your sister, Sara Lance, the Order of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen posthumously. Please, step forward." Laurel did so while feeling very emotional and accepted the medal resting within the chest case.
Wondering if her dad was watching and how he might be reacting at this moment. She whispered a 'thank you' to President Jintao, who only nodded back with a small smile on his face. President Obama then came forward with two more medals for her. "We also posthumously award Sara Lance with the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for defying Doctor Anthony Ivo to protect not only Chinese interests, but American interests as well at great personal risk to her own safety." Announced the man and causing her to begin crying as she lowered her head to have the two medals placed around her neck.
And as he did with Mei, the President smiled and squeezed her shoulder. Soon, it was the Yamashiros' turn to be awarded Medals from not only China, but America and Japan for their part in helping stop a certain rogue General from causing things to go to Hell. Akio would earn many laughs as he loudly and happily yelled out 'COOL!' after getting his awards even though he hadn't had a big part. But certain individuals thought it was something he deserved for the Hell he had gone through at such a young age. Oliver had little belief Waller had anything to do with it since she was cold as ice. And once Slade had his turn and was even awarded medals from Australia, it was Oliver's turn. "And now, the moment I'm sure many of you have been waiting for!" Announced President Obama and getting appreciative chuckles and a few cheers.
Chuckling himself, the President continued. "Though he was born into a more priviledged life, it did not stop life itself from taking him into a less then pleasant aspect of it in 2007. His experiences on Lian Yu, in Hong Kong, Coast City, and Russia shaped him into the man you all see sitting near me. A man some of you know rather well due to long time friendship or because of familial means. And for others, he's more then likely a pain in their plans. Plans that would only benefit them and no one else. Oliver Queen's actions as the Hoo-Ahem, excuse me, the Green Arrow may not be ones that many approve of but they none the less do get results in the never ending war on crime." Several cheers and some clapping could be heard while there was a bit of grumbling as well that could be heard.
Thea herself was even grumbling about her brother's Hood life while their mother frowned in a heavily worried manner where her son was concerned. Especially now that she knew about the whole 'Red Death' business that honestly perhaps scared her more then his vigilante actions. Joe had even squeezed Thea's hand in a show of support that she appreciated a lot and even gave him a small smile to show it. "Now I am not saying everyone should repeat Oliver Queen's example as there are other ways you can do some good in the world. As it takes a rare person to be able to do the kind of things like Mr. Queen can. His battles against the likes of the mercenary Edward Fyers during the man's attempts to ruin China with the destruction of an airliner and possibly others."
"Professor Anthony Ivo during the man's pursuit of a serum best left to the past forever more, even Slade Wilson at one point, who is his brother in arms and life, proving that you don't need blood between you to be brothers. China White and the Triad in both Hong Kong and Starling City during their attempt to sell a deadly viral weapon, a weapon that General Walker himself attempted to use to kill many in Hong Kong for horrible reasons, various thugs of Coast City."
Here, he paused to have a drink of water. "Baron Reiter when he tried his hand at harvesting ingredients for the drug known as Slam on Lian Yu later on. Not to mention preventing the man from being able to make use of a dangerous occult artifact that would have given the Baron unimaginable power. Power that is best left alone due to its destructively dark nature. Konstantin Kovar and Ishmael Gregor of Russia. Though at first it was only Mr. Queen's intent to fulfill a promise to Taiana Venediktov to bring down Kovar so that he could no longer continue to do his ill deeds. Ill deeds that saw Gregor betraying the Bratva. Though I am told that because of Mr. Queen's actions, a better man now leads the Bratva. A man whose name I will not mention but from what I've learned, has been doing his best to turn the Brotherhood into something better."
Anatoly smiled from the crowd as he and Oliver shared a look that went unnoticed by many while Oliver's friends and family, along with those who were familiar with him but not that close, were simply shocked by what all they had learned. "Though I can certainly imagine that such a task will not be an easy one but regardless, it is still worth it." Added the President as he gave a slight nod towards Anatoly, who nodded back.
The President then turned his attention to Oliver, who sat straighter if it was possible in his chair. "Oliver Jonas Queen, please rise and come forward." Requested the man and Oliver quickly did so while honestly beginning to feel a sense of nervousness that hadn't been there before.
A smile came his way from the other man once he was by his side. "In light of your many deeds while believed dead over the past 5 years, it is my honor to award you on behalf of America; the Distinguished Service Cross, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom." Declared the man proudly as Amanda Waller of all people came up to Oliver with a soldier in dress uniform carrying his awards as his family watched on with happiness and tears in their eyes.
And despite his frown at Waller, Oliver none the less accepted the medals from her as he lowered his head for her to place them on. He then gave her a curt nod once it was over and she merely nodded back with a small smile on her face. "And for your actions in stopping a bio-weapon attack on Hong Kong that could have been used anywhere else after it was finished causing many lost lives as well, you are hereby awarded the Order of Dr. Sun Yat-sen."
President Jintao stepped forward and took the award from the soldier in dress uniform who had come with him and gave a light bow to Oliver. Who returned it before being given Sun Yat-sen award. The Chinese President even thanked him with emotion to be heard in his voice and Oliver nodded at him in a respectful manner. "And last but not least, for stopping Konstantin Kovar from implementing his plan to take power over Russia itself and therefore fulfilling your promise to Taiana Venediktov, you, Mr. Queen, are hereby awarded the Order of Saint Catherine the Great Martyr!"
The Russian President known as Dmitry Medvedev came forward with another soldier in dress uniform carrying a small case. A case that Dmitry took from the soldier and presented it to Oliver while telling the archer thank you for his actions in Russia. Oliver took it with a nod while beginning to feel rather emotional despite the fact he didn't think he deserved these awards since a lot of good people had died over the past 5 years that he had endured Hell. Loud cheering and clapping was heard and President Obama let it go on for several minutes as several figures in the crowd scowled unhappily for various reasons. The President soon had the crowd quiet down and spoke up. "Now… While I could go on a bit more, I think we should let Mr. Queen have a moment to say a few words!" Declared the man and quickly gaining mass approval from the crowd as Oliver looked on in shock.
Many were quite curious as to what he would say while one figure just continued to scowl darkly in the crowd. And once Oliver was at the podium, his shock would be easily seen by all, especially by those watching from their homes. "Umm… Wow..." Muttered the archer and then cleared his throat nervously.
"S-Sorry. I uhh… I wasn't expecting this, like at all so I am fairly unprepared. But I guess that's a part of life in a way, huh? Throwing things at you when you're least prepared." Rambled the man some and wincing while Walter muttered to Moira about how it was apparent he needed some lessons in speech giving. Especially in moments like these.
An argument she agreed on as well! Clearing his throat again, Oliver continued on. "I uhh… I guess thanks is in order to all of you and to those who awarded not only myself, but my friends the Yamashiros, Sara Lance, Slade Wilson, and the Gulongs. I have to say… They, they are probably more of a hero then I ever could be. I, I started my work as the Hood here in Starling because my father asked me to right his wrongs. Something I've been trying to do even if many don't like how I do it. Which is why that the real heroes of this city… Are those like the Police, all forms of Medical Professionals, Fire Fighters, and even Lawyers like Dinah Laurel Lance. Along with various others who do things for this city that are good and for the benefit of others."
He paused, trying to think of anything to say. But anything he could have said wouldn't have a chance to be heard thanks to one voice. "YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THEN MONSTER!" Roared out a voice that sounded Russian.
Causing the crowd to part to see where it had come from and allowing for one thin hooded figure to be seen. And seeing that he had everyone's attention, he threw back his hood to reveal a young glasses wearing teenager with shaggy dirty Blonde hair. "YOU MURDER MY FATHER, A GOOD MAN! AND THEN ARE AWARDED FOR IT!? IT IS INSULT! INSULT I WILL NOT STAND FOR!"
Oliver and many others just stared at him in shock and confusion as President Obama came forward and asked the young man who he was. "I AM YEVGENI KOVAR! SON OF KONSTANIN KOVAR! AND I AM HE-"
"Oh can it, kid! He's ours!" Came a voice that made Oliver pale somewhat.
Flushing angrily, the now known Yevgeni Kovar turned to the source who had spoken. "Who said that!?"
"I did, kid. Now scram before you get hurt." Came the mocking voice of one China White as she took off her wig and glasses as Oliver tensed and various armed security members made their way towards her and the boy.
"It is you who should remove yourself from this place, Triad. For Queen is ours to kill." Declared Alexi Leonov of the local Bratva chapter.
Who had been none too pleased with the fact this damnedable American Captain was the vigilante known as the Hood. Or Green Arrow or whatever he preferred to call himself. Since there was no telling when he would use his other side to cause problems for them in the city. And he wanted an end to it here and now. "ALEXI! YOU WILL STAND DOWN NOW!" Barked out Anatoly angrily.
"With all due respect, Pakhan, I am afraid have to decline for I can not allow this… American the opportunity to ruin what Bratva do in Starling."
Anatoly narrowed his eyes while the crowd began to get increasingly nervous. "HEY! SCREW OFF! THIS FOOL IS OURS!" Declared a Mohawk having gang banger and getting several agreements from his cohorts of the Culebra gang.
"NO! HE IS MINE! I HAVE RIGHTFUL PLACE IN VENGEANCE TAKING!" Screamed Yevgeni as his face turned red from the anger he was feeling.
"ALL OF YOU, STAND DOWN NOW AND LEAVE THE PREMISES!" Ordered Obama firmly but it seemed he would be ignored.
By then, the various security forces, including the team that had been watching Oliver and his family had circled around the groups that wanted Oliver dead. All of them with their weapons pointed at the would be killers. Just then, a figure in a black outfit appeared, causing Moira to blanch in absolute fear as she knew the figure to be Malcolm Merlyn's Enforcer. "I am sorry, but Oliver Queen has a meeting to attend with my employer. Stand down or I will put you down."
China scoffed as more and more of the crowd started to leave in fear of their lives. "You'll have to do better then that to scare us off. Plus, the fact you seem to imitate the archer is rather saddening."
"Surrender or we will open fire!" Declared Colonel Flag authoritatively as Yevgeni began to shoot murderous looks towards everyone with a crazed smile on his face.
"Sorry, Miss White, but it is he who imitates me."
Yevgeni began to laugh maniacally as he brought out a small tube of orange colored stuff within it. "Will… Not… BE DENIED RIGHTFUL VENGEANCE!" Screamed out the young man as he tipped his head back and swallowed the stuff from the tube.
Which was a mutagen that had been developed decades ago in Russia by a supposed Demon Lord known as Satanus. Who called his work the 'DMN'. And once Yevgeni had ingested it, he gave everyone a mad grin. "Now I get vengeance!"
And to the horror of many, the Russian kid began to transform into an orange skinned creature a row of spikes on the top of his forearms. He was humpbacked and one eye looked larger then the other as several small horns appeared on the top of his head as he towered over many there. Looking like a grotesque experiment gone horribly wrong. Or even like a true Demon in the eyes of some. This change caused many to begin screaming as they fled in fear. "All in favor of killing this thing first and then getting back to who kills Queen?" Asked China White as calmly as she could.
"You have Bratva assistance." Alexi told her.
"I will aide you but I will not be lenient with any of you once this thing is dead."
"Whatever, man, y'all can handle this thing while we kill Queen!" Declared the Culebra leader.
And before Oakes could ask the team leaders what they should do, all Hell broke loose as the orange skinned figure once known as Yevgeni let out a roar and attacked the group of would be killers as the Culebra went after Oliver. "O'Brian! Oakes! You three get the Queen family and Joe Wilson out of here now!" Ordered Lyla Michaels sternly.
"Franky! Use your strength to try and take that orange thing down since bullets and arrows don't seem to be doing much!" Griffith ordered.
"Okay!" Called out Franky cheerfully and rushed towards the orange thing.
Forcing several of the Bratva and Triad members to get the Hell out of the way! "Duchess and Merkel! Ensure Lance and the Yamashiros are taken to safety!" Flag Jr. ordered and the two quickly got on the task.
"Everybody else, let's start taking these guys out while Franky keeps that thing occupied!" Declared Lyla seconds after Flag Jr.'s order had been given.
Oliver and Digg had taken to hiding behind the podium while Slade had jumped off the stage to fight off the approaching Culebras. "Man, am I glad I listened to you about hiding your bow and quiver in this thing." Quipped Digg over the loud gunfire, roars, and screams.
"Sometimes it pays to be paranoid!" Replied Oliver as he quickly got his quiver on.
Just in time as well as several Culebras showed up on the stage just as those who'd still been on it had been rushed off! Forcing Digg and Oliver to open fire on them. Those watching at home were shocked as Hell that this was going on as it was just simply too crazy to be happening! But yet it was! "VENGEANCE IS GENI'S!"
"AUGH!" Yelled out one unfortunate Triad member as Yevgeni sent him flying with a backhanded hit.
"Hmm… Perhaps I will let you handle this while I attend to Oliver Queen."
That didn't particularly sit too well with China White and the two quickly began to fight while another figure joined Oliver and Digg. "Well now, I am very glad I came to this ceremony after all, Oliver!"
Oliver quickly turned his head in the direction of the voice. "TALIA!?"
"Well, who else would it be?"
"You know her!?"
"She's one of the last people to train me, actually."
"And what a delightful student he was." Purred Talia as the three of them fought off Culebra members and even a few Triad and Bratva ones.
The arrival of Los Halcones would prove to be an interesting one during the chaos. As they weren't there to try and kill Oliver Queen, but to try and put away their long time rivals, the Culebras, for good. And now seemed as good a time as any to finally do it too. One particular shock however would get everybody, including the mutated Yevgeni to stop what they were doing thanks to a random fireball from Constantine accidentally hitting the Dark Archer in his covered face. Forcing him to tear off his mask and inadverdently revealing himself. "Whoa! Malcolm Merlyn's got a double life!?" Shouted out one of the Culebras.
Malcolm sneered at the gang banger as he stared in Oliver's shocked expression. "I don't know what all your father told you, Oliver! But I will put an end to you like I did him as my Undertaking will NOT be stopped!" He then got punched in the face by China White as she wasn't about to let this little revelation deter her for long as Oliver went from shocked to downright pissed off while Talia wondered if her father knew what one of his was doing.
Her student soon joined the battle between Merlyn and China as the battle resumed all around them. "And just what is this 'Undertaking' of yours, hmm? A girl just can't help but be curious."
"A plan that's taken years of planning and doing whatever was needed to ensure its happening! A plan that would wipe out the Glades and all who live there! For they all DESERVE TO DIE!"
"You're insane!" Shouted Oliver in horror as that very same feeling was felt by many who were watching the events unfold since no cameras or their live feeds had yet to be destroyed or shut off.
He then got slugged in the face by China and he quickly shook it off and delivered a kick to her mid-section. Causing her to stumble back with a grunt and giving him a deathly glare. Unfortunately for her, she wouldn't get to go after him thanks to Scandal Savage blocking her path and the two would soon duke it out as Franky went flying past them and into the stage. "Griffy! Weird man make me flyyyy!"
"Ooh, kid's gonna feel that one in the morning!" Shouted out Bolt with a wince as a bit a ways away in an alley, Anatoly executed Alexi with a shot to the head for betraying him and Oliver.
And then quickly took command of the Bratva that had been under Alexi since they weren't foolish enough to disobey the Pakhan himself. With the Bratva numbers doubled for the most part, it made fighting the Triad's numbers much easier since the Culebra and Halcones gangs were largely fighting it out now while Griffith, Flag, Lyla, and their bunch did what they could to fight Yevgeni's mutated self since they didn't have to quite worry about other fighters trying to kill them. "When I'm done with you, Oliver, I'll ensure the rest of your family meets you in Death! I did not allow your father to ruin my plans and I will not allow you, your mother, or your sister to do the same!"
Oliver narrowed his eyes at the man whom had long been a good friend of his family's. The same man who had evidently sabotaged the Queen's Gambit for his own ends to ensure they would bear fruit. And though he knew this would cause problems between himself and Tommy, Oliver knew he had to bring Malcolm down. "Tell me, Merlyn, does my father know of what you are doing here?" Talia asked as she joined the battle.
"And who would your father be?"
"Ra's Al Ghul." She told him and smirked when he paled while Oliver jerked some as he hadn't been expecting that!
China White even paled some too as the Triad had had some unfortunate run ins with the League of Assassins in the past and decided to make a very smart tactical decision then and there. "TRIAD! RETREAT!"
Knowing not to ignore an order from a leader of their organization, those still alive soon hauled ass. "Another time, Queen! For this girl isn't foolish enough to stick around to possibly end up dead by the hand of a Daughter of the Demon!"
"Pity, it could have been fun." Mock lamented Talia with a fake put upon sigh while Digg gave her a weirded out look.
The retreat of the Triad had ended up momentarily distracting a certain Task Force that had been fighting off Kovar's son. Allowing for Yevgeni to charge at Oliver with a loud roar and making several of his opponents thank their lucky stars they hadn't gotten trampled to death by his large size. Malcolm, being Malcolm, took note of the oncoming mutated teenager and scoffed as he notched an arrow and let it loose on the creature. Only for it to take no effect and for him to try several more to no avail. This, and his ego and determination to ensure no one would destroy his Undertaking, would cause him to get backhanded by the former teenager. The strength of the hit instantly breaking his neck as he went flying rather fast into a tree and collapsing afterwards at the base of it. His impact with it having truly finished the job that Yevgeni had started without actually meaning too. Thus ensuring any plans Malcolm had in mind would not come to fruition and later on, giving Moira a great sense of relief. Of course there would be some issues between Oliver and Tommy over it but they eventually got past it.
Especially after Tommy realized there wasn't much his best friend could have done at the time considering how wild things had gotten. "GENI CRUSH YOU! FATHER REST PEACEFULLY WHEN GENI CRUSH YOU!"
Oliver narrowed his eyes and quickly shot off an arrow at the son of Konstantin. One that managed to successfully make an impact right in Yevgeni's left eye. Causing him to roar out in pain. And then even louder when it exploded seconds later and blood went flying. "Your father was a man who would have killed thousands for his own ends. If he's in Hell right now, its because he deserves it!" Oliver told the mutated kid as he groaned in massive amounts of pain.
"Geni's father not in Hell! He NOT IN HELL!" Roared Yevgeni as he gave a death glare to his father's killer with his one good eye.
"Let's test that theory when you go there to meet him!" Declared a voice the mutated teen didn't recognize as it jumped on him from behind.
Said voice belonging to Duchess after she had returned and immediately pounced on the one eyed monster's back much to his annoyance. With a mad cackle and little concern for her own safety, Duchess wrapped her steel charged whip around the mutated kid's neck and with the rather pointy end of the whip, managed to shove it in his eye. Causing him to roar out in pain once again. "Fry you ugly piece of s**t! Fry!" Duchess screeched out with a cackle and charged up her whip.
Causing electricity to surge all through out it and right into Yevgeni's head as his screams of pain quite possibly heard all through out the city of Starling. "Jesus." Murmured Digg and Lyla and quite a few others couldn't help but agree.
"Oooh… Weird man look like weird Christmas tree!" And as you can tell, Franky was definitely not one of those.
Duchess soon stopped her attack as smoke came off Yevgeni as life left him thanks to her rather electrifying attack. She'd hop off him as he fell to the ground with a loud thud as certain gang members hauled ass as it was definitely not a smart idea to stick around. "I think I might need to come around more often if this is the kind of excitement your city has to offer, Oliver." Talia said with a grin.
"I'd be happy to enjoy the sights with ya, pretty one." Constantine said with a lecherous smirk that got him a disgusted look from the older woman.
"I'm afraid I have much better taste then that, John Constantine."
"Ah, I see. A pity then."
A huff escaped an approaching Slade. "Kid, its a lot quieter in Australia compared to here."
"I don't know… Lian Yu's probably quieter."
"That Hellhole lacks the essentials so its quietness doesn't mean a damn, Kid."
Oliver took a moment to think about that and realized his brother in arms was right and said as much. "Man, if it wasn't for the s**t you guys have already been through, I'd say you two were taking all this way too easy." Muttered Bolt with a shake of the head.
And then nearly lost his balance as a Blonde and Brunette blur ran past him and straight towards Oliver. Revealing themselves to be his mom and sister who were both damned relieved he was okay! The Yamashiros, Mei, and Laurel also made their way to the group and while Mei and Akio wasn't very surprising when it came to them hugging him, Laurel definitely was a surprise!
Epilogue
With Malcolm Merlyn's death, the Glades wouldn't be at risk for being destroyed and Moira would even come forward with what she knew of in regards to his plans as part of an agreement to avoid prison time. Though Thea, Oliver, and Walter weren't necessarily too happy with the fact she'd been keeping things like that from them for a time. And despite a few problems here and there, the rest of Oliver's first year back in the city was relatively quiet. Slade and Joe, along with the Yamashiros and Mei would stick around for awhile. Which would be one reason Oliver would end up chasing after Joe with his bow after catching him in Thea's room in a rather alarming position. Slade had naturally found the whole damn thing to be funny as Hell and what neither of them had known is that it wasn't exactly the first time Joe had been in Thea's room.
As she'd chosen to take his virginity a few days after the awards ceremony despite not really having to do so but wanting too since she genuinely liked him. Plus, she wanted to help him gain more confidence when it came to talking with girls. Thea would even be in tears and not quite wanting to stop hugging him when the time came for him and his dad to return back to Australia. Akio had thankfully been somewhat luckier in that regard as the worst she had done was leave lipstick marks on his cheeks much to his embarrassment! Mei would end up staying in Starling to start a new life and set up a well established shelter in the Glades for those that needed it. Funding coming from the Queens and Merlyns and this being how Thea would end up meeting Sin and Roy sometime later and even falling for Roy despite how different they were.
The presence of the Bratva in Starling would also disappear due in part to an agreement between Oliver and Anatoly. So that way, there wouldn't be a conflict of interest due to his other life if he ended up having to deal with the Bratva there. And because of Oliver's connections with the Bratva, it made things both difficult and easy for Anatoly as he led the organization. Though thankfully, it wouldn't send him on a darker path. Things between the Lances and Oliver would improve and though it'd take several months, the folks at STAR Labs were able to cure him of his Red Death problem. Making for him to be far less broody and a lot more happier much to everyone else's immense pleasure. Sara showing up during his second year while having to deal with Isabel Rochev and her need for revenge would also be one reason things between Oliver and the Lances would improve. As her returning allowed for the final bit of healing needed to occur and even allow for Oliver and Laurel to start slowly coming back towards one another.
Mei and Tommy had even begun to grow closer to one another as well and it was one of the reasons Laurel and Oliver were able to start going back to something between the two of them. Even if the Lawyer did have to argue a great deal about getting him to let her be involved with his night life. Something not even her father or her sister could talk her out of. But as Sara ended up putting into light, it beat being an Assassin and slowly losing your soul because of it. Not knowing that an alternate her from the future had orchestrated things to turn out to be much different and infinitely better thanks to having become part of a new established order of Time Protectors. All of whom would even make certain to have a talk with Barry once he became the Flash so he wouldn't fool with time or create Flashpoint and erase baby Sara's existence. All in all, despite a certain letter about awards, life for Oliver Queen had ended up turning out to be rather good for him despite the occasional problem!
Author's Notes: HOT DAMN A LAM! THIS IS FINISHED! I know some might not like how I ended it and I am sorry for that. But I do hope none the less that you all enjoyed this chapter in some way! Many thanks once again to AlexiaBlackBriar for having been the reason this fic exists! I will say now however that I have no plans in mind for a sequel but I do have plans for other fics. But for now, a Gotham fic I have in progress, along with a Flash one need to be taken care of first before I do anything else. R and R!