"I'm going to make this very simple Merlyn." Bucky growled. "You follow my instructions and you might make it out of this alive." He put his dagger against Merlyn's throat. "and in one piece."
"Bucky." Steve warned.
"I'm threatening," Bucky looked at Steve in irritation.
"Where's Thea?" Merlyn asked.
"Here." Thea entered the holding room. She stood straight with her arms behind her back. She glared at him.
"You're not dead."
"Don't look so disappointed." Thea was shaking. "If it were up to you, I'd be in a ditch right now."
"But he didn't kill you."
"YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT." Thea shouted. "You were willing to trade my life for yours. Just like you had me kill Sara, a friend, just to get my brother, my only family to take my place and accept the league's punishment."
"I'm your family." Merlyn said. "I'm your father."
"My dad is dead." Thea said. "He died 7 years ago. You're nothing to me." then she walked out.
Merlyn looked at Bucky. "Why are you doing this? What do you even want from Ra's?"
Bucky gripped him by the hair and forced his head back. "Ra's took someone I care deeply about. I intend to get her back."
"A girl." Malcolm laughed. "I was taken down because the Winter Soldier got lovestruck. I am deeply shamed."
"She's not just a girl." Bucky growled.
Malcolm looked at Steve. "You can't tell me that Captain America is okay with this."
"I'm a soldier Mr. Merlyn. As far as I'm concerned the League's actions are a declaration of war. And in war there are casualties." Steve stepped forward. "And while I don't agree with Bucky killing you here and now, don't expect me to weep if you get killed in the crossfire."
"What crossfire?" Malcolm asked.
"When we go to Nanda Panda land and take down the League." Tony had arrived. "And don't even think about trying to threaten us with that video, I wiped every trace of it off every device you own."
"You can't seriously expect to just march into Nanda Parbat and take on the demon's head." Merlyn said.
"Funny. You had no problem sending me to my death challenging Ra's." Oliver growled as he entered. He was holding an ice pack over his jaw. "Was it really necessary to hit me?"
"I think it suits you." Bucky muttered.
"We're the Avengers and co." Tony said. "Between us we've taken down alien invasions, an army of super soldiers, Nazis, SHIELD, Hydra (Twice), crazy brothers, terrible character actors, oh and you. I do seem to believe that Robin Hood over here brought you down. How did you survive that?"
"I have my ways." Merlyn spat. "What's in it for you Queen? Now that you've insured Thea's freedom, why are you still here?" he looked at Oliver curiously. "Who is it that Ra's took, exactly?" he tilted his head. "Is it perhaps, Ms Smoak?" He grinned at the looks of anger Bucky and Oliver shot him.
"Why are we even wasting our time on this guy?" Tony groaned. "Tie him up and throw him in the Avenge jet. If he accidentally dies during the big showdown, then I say good riddance. Avengers Assemble." He turned to Oliver. "You and the boys can join us if you like."
Nanda Parbat
Felicity had been tied to the foot of Ra's throne in the middle of the main hall. Of course he had a throne. Ego maniacal psycho. Felicity pushed against the chair. "I hate to impose on your lovely hospitality, but what if I have to go to the bathroom?"
"Silence." Ra's growled. "I need you alive, but you can live without your tongue." There was a crashing noise and the door was kicked down. In the room strode Bucky in full Winter Soldier costume. He threw a bound and gagged Malcolm Merlyn on the ground in front of him.
"Soldier." Ra's murmured "The years have barely touched you."
"You neither." Bucky growled. He hefted the machine gun he was holding. "You have something which belongs to me."
"Yes, I saw her mark." Ra's took the dagger he was holding and sliced off Felicity's sleeve, exposing the star. "It's strange. The Winter Soldier I know was never sentimental." He looked at him. "Could the years have turned you soft?"
"I'm still the same." Bucky said stiffly. He didn't once look at Felicity, he was concentrating on Ra's.
"The Soldier I knew would never have brought a live prisoner." Ra's indicated Malcolm. "And he would certainly never have traveled halfway across the globe for a woman. In fact it was my impression that you had no interest in matters of the flesh, let alone love."
Felicity shuddered.
"Things have changed since Hydra fell. I have more time to pursue my own interests." Bucky stood straight and looked at Ra's. "This woman belongs to me. You had no right to take her."
"I was under the impression that we took her because of her relationship with Oliver Queen." Ra's tilted his head. "My daughter was of the firm opinion that Queen would comply if the safety of this woman were threatened. I suppose we miscalculated, as we didn't factor in your…ownership."
Bucky stepped forward to take Felicity.
"Not so fast." Ra's held up one of his hands. "There is still the matter of my deceased league member. Ms. Smoak was taken in retribution for Sara Lance's death."
"And I brought you her killer." Bucky kicked Merlyn.
"Strange, the Queen boy seemed convinced otherwise."
"As you say, Queen is a boy; he does not have the same understanding of the world as we do." Bucky growled.
Ra's leaned back. "I enjoy your new found voice, Soldier. I will let you take the woman. If…" he paused, his eyes glittering. "You stay here and join me."
Felicity shook her head. "Don't do it." she said. "Not for me."
"For you doll," Bucky finally looked at her and winked. "There's nothing I wouldn't do." He threw 2 daggers one landing in the rope holding Felicity to the chair and the other trapping Ra's' hand to it. "Stark," he shouted over his comm. "You're up!"
"Thank you. I was really getting tired of these Hulks on my plane." Felicity heard Tony say. Then Bucky grabbed Ra's. The two began fighting. Felicity began struggling against the ropes. Bucky had managed to aim the dagger exactly so it would cut through them. As soon as she pulled, the ropes came apart.
"James." She said as she tossed him the dagger. Bucky caught it without even looking. Then the hall shook. Ra's and Bucky turned just as both Hulks crashed through the main door. Ra's took Bucky's momentary distraction and pushed him towards Felicity. Then he melted into the shadows. Bucky was about to go after him when a group of League members made a bee line for Felicity.
"SMASH STUPID ASSASSINS" Laurel shouted. Bucky smiled as she joined him protecting Felicity. The rest of the Avengers had arrived. More and more assassins poured into the room.
"Am I the only one who feels like they just poked a nest of spiders?" Tony asked as he blasted a group of assassins who were climbing in through the windows.
"Ra's is getting away." Bucky shouted as he fought with Nyssa.
"I go it." Steve rushed in the direction Ra's had disappeared. Sam, Tony and Rhodey zoomed around the room, picking off league members. The fight lasted a few minutes, but eventually the entire room was silent and only the Avengers were left standing.
"Felicity." Bucky turned and knelt in front of her, caressing her face. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"
She shook her head, putting her hands on his. "I thought you were…gone." She murmured.
"I'm still here, doll." He grinned. "I told you; I'd never forget you again." He kissed her.
"Yay." Clint said "fairy tale ending!"
"Careful Hawkass." Tony grinned as he landed. "Judging from Bucksicle's skill with a knife you're not the only one with good aim."
Felicity pulled back smiling. Then smacked Bucky across the face.
"Ouch?!" he rubbed his cheek. "What was that for?"
"I BELONG to you?" she hissed.
"I had to tell Ra's something he'd believe. Besides you are my girl right?" Bucky ducked as Felicity raised an eyebrow.
"I have found that Midgardian women do not appreciate men claiming ownership of them." Thor added. "At least not in public."
"I'm telling Jane you said that." Natasha grinned at Thor's horrified expression.
"Widow." Nyssa said getting slowly to her feet.
"We've contacted Interpol." Natasha said. "It's only a matter of time before they get here." She looked at Nyssa sadly.
"Which is why you need to get out of here now." Felicity said. Everyone looked at her in shock.
"You're joking." Clint said "I may have to give you a few lessons, Smoak, because that wasn't a very good one."
Felicity got to her feet. "I'm doing this because it's what Sara would have wanted." She looked at Nyssa. "She loved you. She wouldn't have wanted her friends to be the cause of her lover's arrest…yup lover's still a really icky word."
"I agree." Oliver nodded. "There's been enough killing. We're giving you this chance because of Sara, but if you step out of line again, her memory won't be enough to save you."
"Especially if you go after Felicity again." Bucky growled, as he got his feet. "I have no sentimental attachment to the Canary. Believe me; you don't want to get on my bad side. Very few stay on it for long." His stiff stance reinforced his thinly veiled threat.
"I will be seeing you again, little one." Nyssa smiled at Felicity. "Perhaps the next time our paths cross we will be on the same side once more." then she left.
"What about Merlyn?" Oliver pointed to him. He was still bound on the ground.
"Well what do you suggest, since apparently you're giving the orders around here." Tony grumbled.
"He stays here." Steve had just reappeared. "We'll let the authorities deal with him." he looked at Bucky. "Ra's disappeared. This place is like a labyrinth."
"Well he's going to be considerably weakened." Natasha looked around. "I can give Interpol the location of the other main league hideouts. He'll definitely have a hard time rebuilding."
"He's going to want revenge." Sam pointed out.
"Then we'll be ready for him." Bucky put his arm around Felicity. "Does your dashing hero get a reward?"
"Just as long as he realizes he's MY dashing hero." Felicity grumbled, playfully bumping him with her hip. They began making their way to the Avenge Jet.
"All non official Avengers should probably go with them." Steve said. "It might not be the best idea to have you around when Interpol shows up. Just lay low in the Avenge jet."
Bruce and Laurel shrunk back to normal. "We'll join you." Bruce said. They both looked exhausted. When Laurel got to Oliver, she gave him a reassuring squeeze. "You'll find someone else." She whispered.
"What?" he asked as he watched Bucky and Felicity walk away.
"There's someone out there for everyone." She smiled. "Even ex hydra assassins and giant green rage monsters. You'll find yours."
"I like this new Zen Laurel." Roy said. "Going green really did wonders for you." He gulped as Laurel glared at him. "I meant…I …" he let out a sigh of relief when Laurel laughed. "Sorry, I've been hanging around Hawkeye too much."
"How was the battle?" Darcy was bouncing excitedly in the jet.
"When did you get here?" Oliver frowned as he watched her hug Felicity.
"I may or may not have stowed away. I brought med supplies in case anyone needed them." She held up a first aid kit.
"Oliver you're not looking too good." Digg said. "Right Roy?"
"Yeah." Roy said slowly, "I think you might need a medical exam."
"What are you guys talking about?" Oliver looked at them in confusion.
"Listen to them Queen." Bucky said. "Unless you want me to give you a real reason to need a doctor."
"I still owe you for this." Oliver pointed to the large bruise on his jaw.
"That was barely a tap." Bucky retorted.
"Nice to see the two of you getting along so well." Felicity remarked dryly. "We're going to work on that once the base is set up in Starling."
"We're all going to be one big happy family." Clint commented as he boarded the plane. "Queen, your castle has air vents right?"