Starling City. Once their home. A place that once they had thought could be saved. Be saved from the corrupted. Be saved from all those looking to do harm to her. A wishful dream. A dream that could never become a reality. They knew this now. Knew this city couldn't be saved and the reason was simple. A reason that took each of them so long to figure out. You can't save what doesn't want to be saved. You can't save someone that doesn't want to be saved and these people have shown this so many times. The thousands of citizens that call Starling City their home. Citizens that are so unaware of the immediate danger that is heading their way as a lone aircraft hovers high above the outskirts of the city descending downward through the clouds so silently as though it isn't there. It's sole purpose unknown to all. At least to everyone except for those aboard the aircraft. A group that in secret has graced the city with their presence a few times in the past before. In times in which the city has been in grave danger.
But if you were to ask them. The two lone beings that wait patiently for the aircraft to land they would tell you the exact same thing. The city has always been in danger. In danger from outside powers that are still looking to gain control of the city for their own selfish reasons. In danger from its very own citizens. These dangers they always knew about. Always knew were out there around every corner just waiting to strike. Such dangers that didn't stop them from doing what they thought was the right thing to do.
And now as they look back on everything they now knew something. Everything they had done. Everything they had worked so hard to achieve. All the hopes and dreams they had for the city were just that. Hopes and dreams. They knew that now. These hopes and dreams they once had for this city were now dead and buried. A city that no longer could they ever find it worth saving. Not anymore. Not after what has been done to them. It truly was a wonder how they didn't see this earlier. To be considered heroes one minute then villains the next. All for what reasons? For another one of the corrupted to be cheered by the masses they worked so hard to save from themselves?
No more! No longer will they care about the opinions of others. No longer will they care about what happens to the citizens of this city. The corrupted that continues to allow this once proud city to worsen by the day. Days that are well numbered now. The citizens just didn't know that yet but they will in time. They will find out just in time to meet their demise and they have no one to blame but themselves for what is about to happen. A cleansing that this city desperately needs to survive for the sake of the rest of the world. That is what they keep telling themselves anyways. A pair of familiar faces being concealed by black hoods that are seen stepping off the hanger a few moments after the aircraft has come to land down with their hands joined looking out into the horizon at the city that they once called their home. These blue and green eyes respectively that look out into the horizon showing no emotion. Showing no signs of joy from seeing their former home. Showing no life from seeing their former life staring back at them.
How could they? This place. This once proud city was nothing more than a disgusting sight to them now. A breeding ground for evil that needs to be destroyed. Needs to be cleansed off the face of this earth. Who better to be given such a responsibility then them? Two faces that the moment anyone was to get a mere glimpse of would cause an instant reaction. Would cause everyone in sight to turn and look their way with mixed emotions. Most looking to suck up to them hoping to gain favor with them. Others that would creep away as though they don't belong in their presence. Those people are right. Not one of these citizens belonged in their presence. Deserved to be in their presence.
But that would be overlooked for a short time. Will be overlooked for the next few days. The very last days for this city. The very last hours the corrupted continue to reign supreme over these weak minded and pathetic excuses that call this city their home. And she couldn't wait to see their faces. Couldn't wait to see every single one of their faces the moment they know it is all over for them. A hooded figure whose smirk is concealed underneath the hood of her leather jacket before the sound of a silent swish of a hood being pulled back is heard making her look over to her side and her smirk widen even further. It was only fitting that this city's greatest hero would be the very one that would make it crumble and wash away as though it never was even there. A man that had returned back home after being away for so long a short eight years ago to this day. A day that she will remember forever. Remember everything that she had felt when she had heard the news. Feelings that she had thought were gone and buried in her past where it belonged but she was wrong. They weren't buried away. No, they had been waiting. Had been waiting for something to happen. Had been waiting for him to return despite everything that he had done and to this day she understands what that feeling is.
He is her soulmate. It was that simple. Despite everything that has happened in their past in the end they always end back up with each other as though fate has them destined to be together forever. A destiny that she long ago thought would never happen but she was wrong. They are meant to be together. It was so clear to her now. Everything that has happened these past eight years have proven this in her eyes. His return from Lian Yu. From the moment his eyes met her own after being away for so long. These eyes that she could always read over the years knowing deep down in her heart that he was holding back from her. Holding back the feelings that he has for her deep down in depths he hoped she could never reach. Depths that she had gone to great lengths to dip down into in order to get actually what she wanted.
And the cost? She would call it minimal at best. To simply in her eyes prove her loyalty to this man. Prove to herself that she belongs with her soulmate. A soulmate that looks over her way with so much emotion in his eyes as he turns to face her fully before she feels her hood being pulled back to reveal her face. To reveal her dirty blonde hair that starts to flow freely with the wind erupting around them the moment it is exposed to the elements. Revealing her shining green eyes that happily stare at him before her lips curl up into a beautiful smile when she watches a scene that she has seen so many times in that past unfold right in front of her eyes once again. Watches his eyes close and feels him leaning into her touch the exact moment her hand gently comes up to rest against his cheek while his lips curl upward into a content smile. A smile only she and she alone can produce across his face. A smile that she and she alone will ever be allowed to make come across his face again.
Everything seems so….different now. So much so that it amazes them. A city that they once knew like the back of their hand seemed so foreign now. Seemed so mysterious as though they are walking through the unknown. Though that shouldn't be shocking. It has been a long time since they stepped foot back into this city. A very long time. Three years to this day. Three years that this city has had to deal with the absence of its heroes. Has had to fend for itself without the aid of the only ones brave enough to stand toe to toe against those looking to destroy her. And what a three years it has been. Such long years that have already shown so much change has happened and they weren't surprised at some of the changes. It was always known to them that without The Vigilante out there patrolling the streets. Without The Black Canary out and about spreading her wings this city would fall quickly into the wrong hands. They just didn't think it would end up quite as bad as this so quickly.
Hive. A cute little name they thought for a organization. This organization that isn't well known to the public but in the dark underworld? Oh it is well known. An organization that has taken advantage of the lack of heroes inside of this city making their once city the organization's own personal playing ground. Its own personal project. What that project is they could care less about. Those details had been skimmed over. Details that didn't concern them one bit. Soon enough it wouldn't matter. Soon enough their mission would be completed and they would return back home to Nanda Parbat as heroes to the men and women that follow the same code as they do now. A mission that has been on their minds for three long years now. But never in their wildest dreams did they ever think a golden opportunity like this would present itself to them. An opportunity to wipe out the only resistance that could ever stand in their way towards ensuring a never ending justice will last for the ages.
Justice that is far from their minds as they are seen walking down a sidewalk hand in hand taking in the scenery all around them. Taking in the streets that once used to be known as The Glades or whatever is left of them anyways. It always amazed them how so little has changed over the years. How little the government officials truly care for its citizens. This place. This part of the city doesn't even look as though it has been touched in years. Broken down buildings that are threatening to fall over any second now. Damaged roads with cracks stretching through the pavement for miles. Citizens of all ages seen strolling about in the shadows. Some huddled around metal garbage cans. Others that are seen in dark alleyways with their backs turned towards them while the shadiest of characters can be heard whispering to them. Citizens that once before they would fight tooth and nail for to ensure they would have a future.
But no longer. No longer will they do so. No longer will they fight for these people. Citizens that haven't learned a damn thing. Haven't learned from the horrors they have faced. Haven't learned from The Undertaking. Haven't learned to fight for what they believe in. Haven't learned from the past at all. Instead they have just waited for someone else to do it for them. Have waited on the sidelines for someone else to get their hands dirty. An excuse that wouldn't be tolerated. Not anymore. This scene all around them that makes what they have to do even easier for them as they slowly walk past a huddled group that eyeballs them with suspicion. This suspicion that turns into greed and lust when their eyes drift downward to stare at the passing by backside of the dirty blonde haired beauty that a few seem to recognize from the sudden glint in their eyes before with a nudge and a few nods in agreement a few sketchy characters break away from the rest of the pack and silently start to follow after them. Sketchy characters dressed in tattered clothing. Bundled up in these torn clothings in anticipation of the cold night that is upon them. Sketchy characters that make sure to keep a good distance away from them but not too far away to lose track of them as they stick close to the shadows masking their footsteps as much as possible.
These men that wouldn't know what hits them until it is too late. Until they watch these two familiar looking faces enter into an alleyway just before a corner of a street making them quicken their haste to follow after them before the unexpected happens. Before the moment they hurry into the alleyway a silver shine is seen that comes too late for the very first shady character that enters into the alleyway. A silver shine coming from a blade that is driven deep into the throat of a shady character right underneath his chin causing the two others following him to drop down in shock from what they have seen transpire. A blade that is twisted and turned with ease instantly making his vision darken as he stares back at his reflection through these green eyes before he knows no more when the blade is swiftly removed causing him to drop down to his knees and then face first to the pavement down below as blood shoots out from his open wound spraying everything it hits. Spraying the walls of the buildings all around. Engulfing the pavement below him in a puddle of blood. Spraying against the side of the leather jacket of Laurel Lance who retracts the blood covered blade in her right hand back while the two remaining shady characters stare up in absolute horror at her. Stare up into her emotionless face as she returns her arm back to her side. Stare up into her green eyes that just stare down towards their fallen comrade with no emotion until those very same eyes look up towards them.
The very last image one of them would see when a knife comes soaring out of the air striking the furthest away clean in the middle of the forehead dropping him back first to the ground with a thud with his eyes showing nothing but shock and fear within them. As for the other? The other many would say had suffered an even worse fate. Would be left a battered and bloody mess with his body twisted and broken down when Oliver takes over walking towards the scrambling back man as Laurel watches on. As she watches the one that she has chosen for eternity systematically pumble and beat away the life of this disgusting man with such ease as this unknown man desperately tries to escape. Desperately tries to call out for help before he is silenced before he can even do so when a hand covers his mouth and a concealed knife is driven directly into his side and twisted in deep. This quick and swift motion that is delivered with such accuracy. With such focus. With no emotion for his actions. With no remorse for his actions as he twists and turns the blade further until the silenced man goes deadly silent in his arms and his lifeless body is tossed away to the pavement down below as though he is nothing more than a piece of garbage.
Sara Lance
A tombstone that neither thought they would ever see. Never thought in their wildest dreams that the young woman buried ten feet down below fate would have ended up like this. Never thought she would have perished at the hands of another close to them. Had been close to them. But they couldn't blame her. They know the truth. Thea Queen might have fired the arrow to end the life of Sara Lance but it came with extreme circumstances. She had been drugged. Simple as that. Brainwashed and controlled to do the deed. A cowardly act by a man that they despise the most. A man that will pay for his crimes. A long list of crimes against The League of Assassins. A long list of crimes against Oliver and Laurel Queen.
And his day would come. His days are well numbered now. It is only a matter of time before they find him once again. Only a matter of time before he answers for his crimes. In the meantime though? Perhaps they can fix one of his wrongs right now. Fix an injustice that had been bestowed upon this young woman. A little sister taken from this world way before her time. A death that has caused a chain reaction of events to occur. For bonds between family members to shatter. For bonds between former lovers to rekindle once again. Cause for decisions to be made. Choices that neither regret. Not for a second. Not with what they know now.
There is more than one city like Starling City out there. More than one city being corrupted by those looking to feed off the week. Looking to gain power. Looking to control everything going on around them. An evil that has spread across the world further tilting the balance between good and evil. An evil that must be destroyed and they will be the ones to do it. An presence that can be felt in the air right now as Oliver and Laurel look down towards the tombstone a few feet away from them. A presence that must be extinguished. Taking his eyes away from the tombstone in front of him to look over towards his wife finding her eyes staring down towards her little sister's tombstone with a hint of emotion in her eyes giving her hand the gentlest of squeezes earning him a glance Oliver looks back towards her with a question silently being asked.
He knew the risks just as well as she. Risks that neither knew about when three years ago they had gone to Ra's al Ghul with Thea's body. The Lazarus Pit. The sacred pit or should he say one of them? A small secret that he has learned the last few years. A pit with amazing abilities. The ability to heal the most fatal of wounds. Having the ability to allow another to never age even a single day. Having the ability to raise the dead. An ability they had watched first hand. Had watched the impossible occur when Thea Queen's body had risen from the deepest depths of the pit. Had taken her first breath with the deep stab wound that had been across her chest gone as though it never occurred. A miracle that both can remember like it was yesterday.
But it had come at a cost. They knew this now. Thea Queen might have risen out from the depths but it didn't come without consequences. Blood Lust. That is what it was described to them as. This almost killer instinct awoken in any that came back from the depths. The lucky ones that is. This lust for vengeance that can only be cured in one way. To kill the very one that had killed them. A death for a death. A high price to be paid. However a price they would not make her pay. They would not do that to her. Not do that to the little girl that they practically raised growing up. The very same woman that is now being held inside of Nanda Parbat surrounded by guards for her own safety. Being held prisoner inside of a cell while they work on a way to cure her blood lust. A condition that has now taken her over. Has caused for the Thea Queen that they once knew to be absent for the time being while being replaced instead by their blood thirsty animal. But they would find a way to cure her. They know they will find a way to cure her someday.
As for Sara Lance though? Now that is a tricky subject. They knew this now. With Thea things had been done quickly. From Ra's words himself, her soul had yet to depart from this world. For Sara though she had been gone for years. Her soul has passed on. There was no telling if the Sara Lance that they knew would rise up out of the depths of the pit or if something else would do so instead. Something more terrifying. Another spirit using Sara's body as a vessel. A risk that would be taken if they were to use the pit on her now. A risk that can be seen being asked through Oliver's eyes right now. Being asked to Laurel if she wants to do this. Asking her if she truly wants to do this. A conversation that they have had multiple times over the last few months. A question that is answered when she looks away and back towards the tombstone before nodding her head slightly.
" I want her back. I want my little sister back."
Looking back over towards her husband with tears threatening to fall from her eyes as she suddenly feels his right arm wrapping around her waist pulling her close while his left hand reaches up to rub away the few tears that have escaped her eyes leaning into his touch Laurel wraps her arms around Oliver and steps further into his embrace to rest her face against his shoulder.
" You will. I promise."
Why isn't she surprised? It was just like him to go back on his word. Just like him to lie straight to her face. Everything around her was showing her this. The stench of dirty dishes piling up in the sink coming from the kitchen. Countless garbage bags sitting at the front door. These things she could have looked past. But what invades her nostrils as she speaks? What she sees before her now she couldn't overlook. A once clean countertop that she has on more than one occasion has had dinner side by side with her father talking about random things now littered with empty alcohol bottles. Bottle after bottle of different varieties. A sight that sickens her. Sickens her even more as she silently stalks through the apartment with her unable to avoid the countless more empty bottles down near her boots.
And the man of the hour that she is looking for? He is found easy enough in a state that she has seen him too many times in. passed out on the couch with his right arm dangling off the side barely holding onto a half filled bottle. This sight she can only scowl at and shake her head down towards. After everything she had been through. After the countless lectures that he had given her during her darkest time this was how he repays her for listening? This is how he repays her for finding the strength within her to quit drinking? To reduce himself to this state?
This state that angers her deeply to her core making her do something she has only imagined about doing in the past. Making her reach down towards the coffee table by her side to grab an empty bottle before in a swift motion she smashes the bottle right over Quentin's head causing him to snap upright howling in pain as shards of broken glass spread around the couch. As blood starts to trickle down from a gash across the top of his head and down his face as his eyes glance around angrily for his attacker before they come to rest on her causing an immediate reaction out of him. Cause any anger once in his eyes to disappear into nothing but shock as his facial features soften until softly he whispers out.
" Laurel?"
A response that earns him a scowl in return as Laurel crosses her arms over her chest and looks anywhere but at him. As her eyes look around his apartment taking in everything with a critical eye. Taking in the countless empty bottles she sees everywhere she looks. Taking in the piles and piles of empty takeout containers that start to pile up in the corner of the room. Take in the stench of alcohol that fills the air all around her all the way into his bedroom. A sight that she has seen once before and hoped to never see again.
" You wanna know something? I used to admire you. Your sense of justice. The way you always talked about ensuring everyone no matter what race they are would be ensured justice. The way you carried yourself whenever you were out in uniform. That man, I admired but this? The man that i see before me right now?"
Turning her attention back towards him leaning down until she is almost eye level in a sudden move Laurel delivers a hard slap across Quentin's cheek that echoes through the empty apartment. Such a vicious slap that snaps the older man's face to the side with a hand print mark already starting to form across his cheek.
" You make me sick."
Glaring down towards her father that doesn't even bother to raise his eyes up from the ground to look at her and instead starts to rub his bruised cheek shaking her head sadly down towards him turning on her heels not caring about the damage it might cause Laurel stalks her way back through the apartment kicking away every empty bottle in her path causing the sound of glass shattering against the walls to echo through the apartment before she comes to a stop by the apartment door with her right hand down on the doorknob. She knew she should just leave. Should just forget about the reason why she came here in the first place. But she couldn't. That reason and reason alone is why she is still standing inside of this apartment. One reason alone that makes her grit her teeth and glance over her shoulder back towards the living room finding Quentin now standing upright looking her way while rubbing his bruised cheek looking ashamed.
" I am only going to say this once so pay attention. There is a way for Sara to come back to us. Come back to the land of the living. How is of no concern to you. What matters truly is this. Leave town. Leave Starling City. Put the city and your past behind you before it is too late."
Unphased by his questioning look opening up the apartment door only to stop and lean up against the open doorway hearing the sound of bottles being kicked indicating of his approach from behind in a sudden move Laurel raises up her left hand causing the footsteps to stop. Cause for a sound to be heard coming from behind her and she knew why. There is a good reason why she is raising up her left hand instead of her right and from the sound her father is making from behind he sees it too. Sees the wedding band on her left ring finger. A wedding band that ever since that day hasn't come off her finger. Will never come off her finger.
" You are probably asking yourself where I've been these last three years? Actually, correction where we have been. This should give you a real good idea. I told you long ago to never make me choose between the two of you because you wouldn't like the answer you would hear. That very same man that you despise is also the very same man that will help bring your youngest daughter back to us. I'll say this to you one last time. Go pack your things. Leave Starling City behind you and don't bother trying to find us. We'll find you. We'll always find you."
Without waiting for a response closing the rest of the distance Laurel closes the apartment door behind and slowly makes her way down the long hallway heading directly for the elevator at the end of the hallway where another is waiting patiently for her leaning up against the wall. A presence the moment he sees her approach leans off from the wall and hits the button calling for the elevator as she comes to stand right next to him.
" I didn't tell him everything. Just enough to give him the motivation he needs to leave the city. If he's not gone by tonight then it's his choice. I've already made mine. It's time that he makes his."
Nodding his head in understanding taking his wife's hand within his own hearing the sound of a ding coming in front of him without any hesitation with a tug Oliver leads Laurel inside of the elevator and watches the elevator doors close a few seconds behind them unaware of the pair of eyes watching their every move from down the hallway.
Mayor Darhk. Ruve Darhk. The son of a bitch actually had the balls to rig an election. Actually had the balls to make sure his wife would become the mayor of this city. The truly only resistance left in the city between Hive and total conquest of Starling City. A masterful move on his part. A stroke of genius on his part. But they already knew this. What they didn't know was what their end game possibly is? That is until this night. A night filled with surprises but none were as surprising as this. To be standing inside of a domed city hidden well below Starling City. This perfect community hidden well below what used to be The Glades. A community that they can't help but look at in awe right now as they make sure they are not seen. This place is truly perfect. No artificial grass. Clean and breathable air. Well built houses and streets found all around. A simply put perfect place to live.
And its occupants? They weren't surprised at who calls this place their home. The members of Hive. Government officials that have been bought. Families belonging to the most loyal members of the organization. All these people that have sealed themselves to their own fate. Have sealed themselves to their doom no matter how innocent some of them might be. This dome that has caused them to rework their plan quite a bit. After all it would do no good to exterminate Starling City if the very ones that would catapulize on the aftermath are left alive. And the solution is simple. Is so simple. This domed community would serve as a test subject. The test subjects needed to test the final solution for Starling City.
It has gone by many names but it is well known as The Alpha-Omega. A deadly bio weapon that had been briefly used long ago and the results? The results had been terrifying. So terrifying especially when only a small amount of this bio weapon had been released causing hundreds to lose their lives in Hong Kong. The perfect weapon for them to use on Starling City that wouldn't cause too many questions to be asked. A weapon they have brought with them from Nanda Parbat and is currently being protected well within the heart of Starling City in the last place anyone would ever expect. At least they didn't think so anyways. A place nobody has stepped foot in ever since both of its owners had died.
But plans have a way of changing. Have a way of causing adjustments to be made just like this one. Now they have a way of crippling Hive once and for all with one crushing blow needed to do the job. To unleash this virus on the unexpecting citizens inside of the dome and retreat to higher ground before they can be affected by it. A plan they will put in motion shortly but first there is a certain matter that needs to be attended to. A person that needed to be dealt with inside of this dome. Never in their wildest dreams would they have fought they would find him here. Never thought he could ever stoop so low but he had.
Malcolm Merlyn. The Dark Archer. Oh they could go on and on with the names they have heard for him. To them though he is nothing more than Merlyn. A man no matter if he is or isn't wearing a mask is a nuisance. A thorn in their side and not just their side. No also in The League of Assassins side as well. His crimes are endless. Crimes that can only be paid in one way now. Be paid with his death. A death that would not come easily for him. Not now. Not after everything he has done. Though a small piece of them wants to thank him. If it hadn't been his scheme putting things in motion maybe they wouldn't be in the position they are right now. Just maybe they wouldn't even be together right now.
What ifs that will be just that. What ifs. What they do know is on this day blood will be spilled. This man's blood will be spilled on these grounds. A man that is being reported by their loyal followers can be found in the very house they travel silently to right now. This house that is identical to the others in every single way. Even the backyards. This easily accessible yard they get into with ease before silently sliding open the glass door and enter inside as though they aren't even there. This silence that follows them as they stalk through the house while making sure to stick close to the walls. While making sure to listen closely to their surroundings to see if there is anyone else inside of the house. It wouldn't surprise them in the slightest if there is yet another level hidden underneath this dome. This level only the top members of Hive would be housed in away from the others. So far though that hasn't been the case in their travels but they knew it was here somewhere hidden within one of these houses. A level they would have to make sure to find before departing back to the surface.
For now though that will wait when they see a familiar set of black hair looking out a window with his back turned to them. With his hands tucked behind his back while he is already suited up in his Dark Archer outfit as though expecting their arrival. As though sensing a battle would take place on this day.
" I was wondering when you would decide to show your face."
Staring hard at the back of Malcolm's head remaining rooted to his spot with his hand coming to rest down on the handle of his sword attached to his belt as he watches the older man slowly turn around to face them with this emotionless look across his face not giving in an inch Oliver returns the look as Laurel stands a step behind him with her arms remaining pinned to her sides.
" It's over Malcolm. Come quietly and you will be spared your punishment for your crimes against The League for the time being. Once you are back in Nanda Parbat it is a whole different story."
Keeping eye contact with Oliver seeing how serious the young man is being right now a silent chuckle escapes Malcolm's lips that is quickly followed by another then another until it becomes full blown laughter. This laugh that can be seen angering Laurel as her gloved hands come down to graze two familiar looking objects attached to her belt.
" Oh how the mighty have fallen. I must congratulate you Oliver. You as well Miss Lance. I never thought you out of all people would ever be consumed by the darkness. It was such a pity what needed to happen to your sister Sara. She was such a lovely girl."
Expecting to get some kind of reaction from the eldest Lance daughter as he looks over expecting her to snap and attack him at any second Malcolm is suddenly surprised when he sees nothing but a calm expression across Laurel's face. Almost too calm. This look that intrigues him. Intrigue that only deepens when he witnesses her lips curling upward into a slight grin.
" You're right. She is such a lovely woman. You can tell her that yourself the next time you meet. As for right now? I do believe my husband and I are long overdue for a fight. It's so hard to find a good challenge these days but I suppose you will have to do."
A statement that causes an interested look to come across Malcolm's face before he starts to smirk when he sees Laurel stepping forward to stand in front of Oliver with the very same batons that she could have been seen using three years ago as The Black Canary being clutched firmly in her gloved hands. This image that makes his smirk widen and him turn to face her fully as his hand comes down to clutch the handle of his concealed sword. To look straight into her green eyes waiting for her to make the first move. A mistake that he would come to regret in the coming days when out of nowhere he feels a pinch in his neck. This sudden pinch that makes him jerk to the side as he feels a stabbing sensation on the side of his neck that makes him reach up and attack the area before he retracts his hand to find a small needle within his fingers.
" You are so predictable."
Feeling as though his body is systematically shutting down on him shaking away the cobwebs staggering to stay upright glaring angrily towards the pair in front of him the moment he reaches down to draw his sword suddenly another pinching sensation is felt landing clean against the side of his neck once again. This sensation that makes him drop down to one knee as the sword in his hand drops down to the wooden floorboards down below with a clang.
" There were so many to choose from. So many different options at our disposal thanks to the land. But what you are feeling right now? That I made special just for you. What you are feeling is the effects of Wolfsbane. Enough of it to ensure you will not cause any trouble for us as we return you to Nanda Parbat to face your crimes against The League of Assassins."
A statement that for the first time since the passing of his wife has left him speechless. Has left him truly terrified. He had to find a way out of this situation and fast. That is what his mind is pleading for him to do right now but his body? His body won't listen. Won't respond to his commands as everything goes numb. As his vision starts to darken from whatever else had been mixed with that deadly poison already. All these things that make him unknown to the figure approaching him. Make him unknown to the pair of heels that clang against the ground before with the last of his strength he looks up just in time to see a baton coming down towards him causing his world to go black.
Silence. This uncomfortable silence. That is what he awakens to. This silence that is broken by a groan that escapes his lips before the moment he tries to lift himself off from the ground this sudden resistance pulls him back down. This resistance that is followed by a cackle of a chain making his eyes snap open and look down to find his wrists chained to the ground. Find this collar chained around his neck pinning him downward leaving him just enough room to raise his head up slightly. A sight that makes his eyes go as wide as saucers before his eyes snap around to look at his surroundings. Look around to find himself inside of a familiar place. Inside of the very room used to house the prisoners of The League of Assassins. A room that he has heard many stories about. Heard many tales of the hospitality given to those imprisoned here. To go without food or water for weeks on end. To have unimaginable pain inflicted upon your body when you don't give the answers they seek. A prison he needed to escape from and fast. A place that would be his final resting place unless he can think of something fast. Unless he can think of an exit strategy. And the answer suddenly comes to him when he sees a shine coming from the only lit side of the room. This shine he turns towards finding it coming from a sword laying down on the stone.
A sword well out of reach. A sword that is there as though someone had planted it there to put an idea in his head. To put a certain idea in his head and he knew what. He knew what message this was sending. It was an offer. An offer for him to challenge for the right to leave this place unscaved. To leave never having to worry about them coming after him again unless he crossed their paths again. The very same idea that he had planted inside of another's head a few short years ago. The very same man that he wouldn't be surprised had planted this sword inside of his cell almost daring him to make the same decision that he had. But a part of him didn't think it was him that had done this. No that simply didn't fit his profile. His profile suggests he would have challenged him outright or would have simply killed him without a care in the world. After all it wouldn't be the first time or the last time he has killed someone. All of this just points in a different direction. Points in the direction of another. The one who would have the motivation for him to take on such a challenge. A woman that would love to see him fall.
That just left one question left. Who would he be facing? He was no fool. No matter what he stands no chance if he is to duel Ra's al Gul. There is a very good reason why they call him The Demon's Head. If he was to face any of the others though? Perhaps he would have a good chance to come out alive. Then again this could be wishful thinking on his part. They have changed. The Oliver Queen and Laurel Lance that he has encountered recently aren't the same ones he used to know from three years ago. That was obvious from their latest encounter but how different are they?
How many days has it been? Three? A week? Weeks? He couldn't remember now. All he could remember is this room. Remember every detail about his prison. Remember every little detail about his own personal hell he is living in. All the beatings he has suffered that have left no part of him untouched. All of the damage inflicted across his body that has caused the stones down below him to be drenched with his blood. For his breaths to become more shallower by the day. For his limbs to weaken by the day. And there was nothing he could do about it. Absolutely nothing. Despite everything one thing has always remained the same.
The sword. That damn sword. That clean sword that is still out of his reach. Is still staring at him as though mocking him. Just like they are. Not once since his arrival has he seen them make an appearance. Not once since he has woken back up in here has he seen their faces. He could only imagine the looks on their faces with every passing day. Imagine the smug looks across their faces as he is tortured. The smudged looks knowing his salvation is staring at him in the face and yet it didn't seem like it was one either. Everything was starting to become clear to him. He wouldn't be allowed to leave this place. He wouldn't be allowed to leave this fortress alive. The sword had been planted here inside of this cell as a taunt. As a way to break him and give him false hope. He knew that now. So why couldn't they just kill him already?
A question that has been repeating itself over and over again in his mind as he stares off into the darkness. As he stares at the stone walls closest to him. What are they waiting for? Wouldn't his death be enough for them? In truth he knew it wouldn't be deep down. Not after everything he has done. To orchestrate what happened to The Queen's Gambit. To thrust Oliver Queen into a life of torture for five years before he returned back to Starling City. For all of the damage he caused the night of The Undertaking. The death of his son. The eventual death of his daughter. So many sins. Too many for one man to bear. If this was his punishment so be it. He could only hope that one day she would understand what he tried to do for her. Hoped one day his daughter would be able to forgive him.
This thought that is broken up when the sound of footsteps echoing from behind the locked off cell door is heard causing him to snap his eyes upward. Cause for him to cover his eyes as the light from outside of his cell breaks on through inside of the room the moment the door is opened. These silent footsteps that are faintly heard entering into the room making him squint his eyes to look towards the new arrival. And what he sees? What he sees shocks him to his core. Makes his eyes go as wide as saucers as he starts to shake his head.
" No? It can't be!"
He had to be seeing things. It just wasn't possible. Not after everything he had seen. A woman standing before him now looking down sadly at him. A woman with a familiar face. A woman that he has dreamed about so many times. Has dreamed about the day they would be reunited again. But not like this. This just had to be a dream.
" Hello Malcolm."
Rebecca Merlyn. His wife. His dead wife. How she is standing before him now is beyond him. It simply wasn't possible. There had been nothing left of her body. Her ashes had been spread according to her last wishes so how is she standing here before him now.
" It's time."
Time? Time for what? This confusion that can be seen in his eyes. In his watery eyes as he watches his wife kneel down next to him just a little bit out of his reach. Even this close he can smell her perfume. Her favorite perfume which brings up the question again how is this possible? This just couldn't be real.
" Your time is up. You have been playing a dangerous game for a long time. Now it's time for you to let it go. You must or you will die."
Suddenly feeling himself being drenched in cold water snapping his head upright off from the ground as he finds himself staring into a couple of cloaked faces that just stare down towards him with no emotion staring angrily up at them before he has a chance to respond the sound of heels clanging against the stone tiles causes Malcolm to change course and snap his head to look where it is coming from. Heels that he follows only for a scowl to come across his face when he finds himself staring into the green eyes belonging to Laurel Lance. A woman that gets another reaction out of him when she simply grins at him making him lunge towards her causing his momentum to be halted by the chains attached all around his body. A big mistake on his part when he feels multiple of her followers suddenly hitting him all over across his body.
These vicious blows that send him back down face first to the stone tiles as he feels blunt objects smashing into his exposed back. Feels his skin being broken. Feels his bones being fractured with every blow dished out to him. Blows that keep coming until a nod from Laurel causes the blows to come to an halt allowing him a few precious seconds to compose himself. These precious seconds he uses to relax his aching and bruised body as he silently listens to his attackers backing up from his downed form. This aching sensation he can feel all over before the sound of her heels once again clanging against the stones causes him to look up from the ground once again until before he knows it he is staring into her eyes from just a mere few feet away as she comes to kneel down next to him.
" I hope you've enjoyed your stay here. I know, I have but as you know all good things must come to an end."
Growling at her smudged smile before he has a chance to have an ideas Malcolm glares angrily at her when he feels Laurel roughly grabbing a hold of his chin with her right gloved hand.
" Make no mistake about it you will die before the next sunrise but it won't be by my hand or any assassin, I command."
Such a response that leaves him confused until the sound of footsteps approaching causes Malcolm to look away from Laurel's eyes to look over her shoulder finding a cloaked figure approaching. A figure that comes to a stop a couple of feet away. A figure whose face is hidden underneath this hood. This mysterious figure that he can't look away from as he feels Laurel letting go of his chin and watches her move over towards this figure out of the corner of her eye. But nothing could prepare him for what transpires next. Nothing could prepare him when he watches Laurel come to stand behind this cloaked figure with her hands resting on their shoulders before she slowly throws back the hood of this mysterious figure to reveal their face.
A face he never thought he would ever see again. The face of Sara Lance staring back at him. Not after the last time he had seen her. Had seen her lifeless eyes staring up towards him. Had seen the look of shock in those lifeless eyes that couldn't believe what she last saw. These eyes that stare back at him now. These eyes filled with life and yet filled with something else. Filled with this emotion that he couldn't quite place.
" I'll just leave you two alone."
Giving her little sister a quick hug from behind motioning for her men out of the room with Malcolm's eyes following her every move Laurel makes her way out of the room with the door closing shut behind her. A door the moment it closes Malcolm looks back over towards Sara through the darkness finding her eyes still focused directly on him while her right hand moves downward into her cloak and he knew what she is reaching for. That is until she retracts her hand revealing a black arrow. A familiar black arrow that makes his eyes widen in shock before a chuckle escapes his lips. A chuckle that turns into a full blown laughter as he watches her slowly approach him with arrow in hand.