Moira Queen for Mayor. A slogan that speaks a thousand words. A battle cry the citizens of Starling City have taken up recently. A cry for change. A cry for the change of leadership. A cry for a new mayor. A mayor they can look up to. A mayor that would do everything in their power to restore this once great city back to its glory days. A wishful thought many inside of the city have had for years. A dream none ever thought would come true. Up until now. The time for change was now. The time to push for change was now. Billboards with a face smiling down towards them seen all around the city. A face they can trust. A face that would never lie to them. Would never cause them harm. Would never do anything to hurt their city. Oh how wrong they would be. So very wrong. This woman. This Moira Queen was anything but the image being painted of her. This hero. This savior. No she was nothing of the sort. A woman that now frolics around greeting every single one of her guests with her trademark smile. A smile that looks so genuine but in reality it isn't. No, they knew better. Knew just who the real Moira Queen is. A mother of two children. A remarried widow whose latest marriage almost ended up the same as her first. A powerful business woman who can take control of a situation if the opportunity presents itself. Common things already known about her by the masses. By the people closest to her. Or so she thought.
No just like everyone else she keeps secrets. Such secrets she hoped none would ever learn of but they did. They know the true Moira Queen. Know the truth she so desperately tries to keep hidden from the public's eye. Know the truth of just who was responsible for all of the lives lost on that fateful night. On the night known as The Undertaking. A night that can still be felt all around them. Can still be felt in the hearts of every single man,woman,and children that calls Starling City their home. A night no one will ever forget. Never forget the shockwaves that had caused a city wide power outage. Never forget how the ground shook as though they were experiencing an earthquake. Never forget the fear they felt as they cowered underneath beds and kitchen tables holding their loved ones close. A night that would cause hundreds of families to be torn apart. Cause for thousands of lives to be lost within a blink of an eye. Cause for what once was considered to be the very worst part of their city to be wiped off the map within a flash. Within just seconds once that bomb had gone off. Once a miniature nuclear device had gone off giving none in that part of the city any chance for survival. Deaths that can be felt all around as citizens lined up outside of the building hold signs with the very same slogan they believe in up high proudly. As tearful mothers hold up pictures of their fallen husbands and children. As young adults start up chants encouraging their fellow citizens to chant with them.
Faces that are not seen right now. Chants that are blocked out by the low volume of the stereo system as numerous men and women dressed up nicely walk around greeting each other as though they are greeting long lost friends. As business men and women walk around with their own agendas on their plate. A pitiful sight if you were to ask them. A lone couple if you were to look hard enough could be found hidden amongst the masses. Could be found away from any prying eyes just watching the scene before them with forced smiles. With fake looks of enthusiasm. An campaign party neither wanted to attend. A rally created by Moira Queen's hand picked team of businessmen and lawyers in the hopes of gaining more leverage against her competition. In the hopes of gaining more allies. In the hopes of crushing her competition for her candidacy for mayor before they can even get their feet wet. A sound strategy. Truly fine thinking on their part. A party that had only gotten more interesting once they knew just who would be in attendance. Once they knew just who else would be here doing the very same thing they are doing.
Isabel Rochev. A woman whose reputation is well known. A cold hearted woman. That is what is said about her among many other things. A woman that has been told could melt even the strongest of steels with her cold piercing look. The very look that is across her face right now making everyone avoid her. Making any who thought of to go over and strike up a conversation turn tail and run away. A woman whose eyes continue to look around the room while she sips slowly on a glass of wine and they knew why. She was observing these people. Observing each and everyone of them. Observing who could be used. Observing who could be manipulated. Observing who could be expendable with a snap of her fingers. Such observations that would prove what people say about her is true. She is an ice queen. She is a cold hearted bitch. A woman who had tried to capitalize on the weakness of the strong. Had tried to take the very thing many in this city have looked up to for years and they now knew why. This woman was well known. This woman once had called Starling City her home. Had once been a part of the Queen Consolidated family. An intern they've found out. A personal intern assigned to Robert Queen. A title she held proudly. Even when the rumors started up. Disturbing rumors. Rumors of an affair. Rumors about blackmail.
" Oliver? Miss Lance?"
Snapping out of his daze turning his attention to look to his left along with his date as he sees a familiar face standing by his side with a neutral expression across his face lowering his glass down from his lips to look him in the eyes showing no emotion whatsoever Oliver nods his head respectfully.
" John."
An old acquaintance. That is the title he would refer to him as now. A man that would always be part of his past. Would always be remembered as someone who had helped him during his first months as The Vigilante. Always be remembered for helping him unlock the courage he needed deep inside to finally reach out and take exactly what he wanted in life and for that he will always be grateful to him. But at this moment? He wasn't sure if he could trust him.
Returning the nod turning his attention to look away from Oliver and towards his date with his best forced smile he can muster up Diggle extends his right hand out towards Laurel. A motion that he swears to have seen a cautioned look coming from her date as though he was trying to sense if he was a threat or not. A look that as soon as it was there vanished within a blink of an eye. A look he would have to put into the back of his mind and think more about later.
" I believe congratulations are in order."
An extended hand she takes with no hesitation. Without showing any emotion despite her lips threatening to twitch up into a knowing smirk. He was right. Congratulations were in order. In fact she still to this day can't believe it. To go from a small time lawyer all the way up to the big leagues. To be promoted from the bullpen all the way up to the front of the line. To be considered as the very best in your field. Such a feat she could only hope would happen in the coming years. As she would scratch and claw her way to the top but it seems fate has other things in store for her. District Attorney Laurel Lance. It does have a nice ring to it. To be forever known as the youngest district attorney in Starling City's rich history. A great honor bestowed down upon her.
" Thank you."
No other words needed to be spoken. No gloating needed. Even if she was so low to do so. Both knew exactly what it meant. Change. Real change. A change of power in and outside of the courtroom. Now real changes would take place. To have someone in power that wasn't corrupted like the ones before her. Someone that couldn't be bought by those looking to gain. Wouldn't feel pity or remorse for those standing across from her inside of that courtroom knowing the truth all along. A true agent of justice. Something that office had been lacking for years. Up until now. Up until a Lance would take up the mantle.
Nodding his head releasing her hand turning his attention towards the crowd of mingling businessmen and women not paying to anyone in particular Diggle's eyes survey around their surroundings. A campaign party that was neither interesting nor intriguing to him in any way. A party he knew was just for show. A way to strengthen her image with the more wealthy and power. The men and women that could truly help this city if they were to put in the effort. If they were truly serious about what they tell the masses about wanting to help rebuild this city for the better. Only time would tell he supposes. They would either for once in their lives be men and women of their word and will help rebuild a new and better Starling City or they will end up like most of the corrupt in this city. Dead or battered and bruised behind bars. He guesses the latter. The better question though would be just who would be responsible for putting them there. He wasn't stupid. He has heard all the rumors. Has seen all of the police reports. The Vigilante was no longer the talk of the town. No now everyone talks about another who has arrived in town or should he say two others. Two vigilantes that have come out of nowhere. Two vigilantes much like the original have taken the law into their own hands targeting the corrupt. Targeting those in power who have abused such power. Those who have used their power to harm others. Corrupt lawyers who were found taking bribes. Corrupt judges found to be guilty of handing out confidential information. Cops who betrayed the very badge they wore so proudly. Oh he could go on and on. Guilty parties in their own right. Parties that each got what was coming to them but how they received justice is what he truly finds interesting. Those who have survived gave detailed descriptions. An emerald archer and an emerald martial artist. An emerald archer whose face was covered by a hood. An archer with so many similarities to Oliver's Vigilante character but the woman with this emerald archer? Now that was what made this truly interesting. A woman who was described to have long blonde hair. A woman whose piercing green eyes through her domino mask was described as looking into the devil's eyes themselves. A woman whose scream could be heard for miles. Some kind of device attached to her neck giving off these sonic waves. Two unlikely heroes that had only shown up just a couple of short months ago and yet have made so much more progress than he along with Oliver and Felicity had ever done.
These two heroes that had brought him here tonight. Had brought him here to talk to this young couple before him now. A couple that to this day are his prime suspects for the identities of these heroes. Though that didn't come without some doubts. Some knowing doubts. This emerald woman. This unknown woman couldn't possibly be the very woman standing before him right now. Too many things don't add up. The long blonde hair this emerald woman has isn't present. In fact when taking a closer look he could safely say Miss Lance has never dyed her hair before instead preferring to stick to her natural brunette shade. These piercing green eyes of the emerald woman that are talked about so much not present. Not even the right color as he had looked into her piercing blue eyes. Such eyes he could now tell why so many were scared shitless the moment they learned she would be the one looking to put them behind bars. Obvious differences that have put doubt into his mind but doubts that would wash away once he starts to compare the two once again. This emerald woman and Laurel Lance. Two obviously strong minded women. Two women with strong senses of justice. Two women that could be considered to be the very best in their fields. Too many similarities to his liking. To many coincidences for his liking.
" I'm sure by now you've heard about the new players in town?"
A question he suspected many things from. Suspected to receive denial about the silent accusations associated with this statement. Suspected to receive some kind of angry looks but not this. Not what he receives instead. This scoff. A scoff from Laurel as though his statement truly means nothing to her. This sound that makes him look her way with a questioning look seeing nothing but a stern look across her face being directed his way while she plays with the glass in her hand.
" Oh you don't say? If you ask me it's just another group of vigilantes that will end up behind bars. I'm sure I'll be seeing them shortly and if you're not careful i'll be seeing you even sooner."
Deciding that was as good of a dismal she could think of raising her glass up to her lips to take a small sip of wine with closed eye tasting the delicious contents from within letting out a content sigh opening her eyes finding Diggel still standing right where he had been looking at her with hints of anger across his face lowering her glass down its Laurel's turn to see him a questionable look. Only this time she doesn't bother to hide the faint smirk that comes across her face.
" Is there anything else you would like to discuss or do you not know a dismissal when you hear one?"
Closing his eyes taking a few moments to rein in his anger not even catching the slightly amused look Oliver sends Laurel's way with all traces of anger leaving his face Diggle opens his eyes to focus solely on her.
" We've lost contact with her."
" Her? Oh you mean Sara."
Ignoring the shocked look in his eyes shrugging her shoulders Laurel takes a small sip from her glass as she feels an arm wrapping gently around her waist. A feeling that makes her shoot Oliver a small grin as she lowers her glass back down to look towards Diggle. Oh how she enjoys a good game of cat and mouse. A game she always plays whenever she enters an integration room. Whenever she approaches the witness stand and this was no different. This man. This once honorable man in her eyes holds secrets or so he thinks anyways. Thinks he can outsmart them. Thinks he has the edge on them. How cute. How laughable. There is a reason why she is the youngest district attorney in Starling City history.
" Oh yes we've known all about her. I've known about her. Rest assured she's fine. I merely had a conversation with her. As you can see this had been the result of said conversation. To put it lightly this town isn't big enough for two strong Lance women and she decided it would be best if she left."
Such a strong statement having an even stronger reaction by the way his eyes widen in shock at everything he is hearing. Oh she knows. She knows everything. Lian Yu. About how her baby sister had survived the shipwreck. How her sister had suffered that same treatment Oliver had on that island. The scars she received all across her back. The mental scars from the trauma endured during those years. The very same trauma that had caused her to go down the very same path as him only her path had been different. She had taken another route. To become an assassin. An assassin hidden amongst the shadows. An assassin now being hunted by the very same people that had trained her. A sister that needed to disappear. Needed to go back into hiding. It would be for the best. Not just for her but for the rest of her family as well.
" Now if you will please excuse us. I would like to have a dance with my fiance."
Taking that as their que to leave resting his nearly empty glass down on a nearby table taking her right hand within his own with a gentle tug Oliver leads Laurel away from Diggle in the direction of the opposite side of the rented floor where some couples are starting to gather around dancing not catching how his fiancee flashes once a valuable ally her left hand revealing her diamond engagement ring to him. A sight he didn't need to see. Her look alone spoke volumes of this the moment he takes her in his arms as her arms come to circle around his neck. The way her eyes lit up in mischief. The way she smiles in silent victory as he slowly takes charge leading her around the dance floor looking like a pro while his eyes remain on her. While he just smiles back at her oblivious to the world around them. A sentiment that is shared as the woman in his arms can't help but do the same. As couples around them can't help but stare at them in awe from how in sync they look with each other's every move. From the way they look towards each other with nothing but love in their eyes. With the way their eyes speak the words they don't need to say. If only the couples around them knew what was being silently spoken. If only they knew the one shared statement they share.
It ends tonight.
A statement that would confuse many not knowing the true meaning behind those words but they knew. The latest scheme being cooked up for this city by a couple of outsiders. Two outsiders that have only recently entered into this city with their own agendas. With their own personal scores to settle. With revenge on their minds. Agendas that needed to be dealt with. Needed to be put to rest before the inevitable happens. A silent agreement that makes them leave the dance floor to applause from the crowd gathered all around them and slowly pass by a stoic Rochev who watches their every move with a slightly interested look. Interest that only picks up once she hears Oliver whisper out to her the moment he passes on by her.
" We need to see your boss."
Starling City. It seems so long ago when this place looked so innocent. Looked like a great place to settle down and start a family of their own someday. A place where you didn't need to worry about looking over your shoulder. A place where it seems the opportunities were endless. Now though? Now that the blinders have been lifted? That future looks far off. Looks as though it might not happen for many years to come. Shady deals littered around every street corner. Crooked cops being paid under the table to look the other way. Innocent men and women framed for crimes they did not commit. The rich and powerful looking down upon the weak with crooked noses. The very same individuals that are now down below looking to gain even more power from those they find inferior to them. From those they would sneer at behind their backs without a second thought. These individuals that deserve no quarrel. Deserve everything they will have coming to them when it is their time to have a night visit from a certain pair. Moment neither of the couple standing on top of a rooftop looking down towards the very city they have come to protect with their lives can't wait to happen. The sense of achievement knowing they are putting another criminal behind bars bringing a small ounce of justice to those they had wronged. This warm feeling each would get each and every single time knowing they are making the world a better place. Knowing they are making the city they love a better place.
A city they can't help but stare down at now silently as two figures ascend up a stairwell towards the rooftop. A city still in need of protecting. Still in need of heroes to rise up and protect her from those wishing to do her harm. They just hoped they would be enough. Just hope that one day neither would ever have to wear a mask again. Hope one day that new heroes emerge throughout the city. Citizens with the courage to do what is right. A wishful thought but a dream they have to hold onto. A thought that brings a smile to Laurel's face as she glances away from the city and over her shoulder towards Oliver's face just imagining a life that could be their own. Imagining being walked down the aisle by her father to this man. Imaging holding a small bundle in her arms with the same piercing green eyes she has come to love.
A daydream that is snapped when she feels Oliver's grip around her waist tightening slightly before the sound of the rooftop door creaking open draws her attention. A door that opens up slowly revealing Isabel Rochev who looks around her new surroundings with a critical eye as though expecting some kind of ambush. A woman who cautiously makes her way onto the rooftop revealing another standing by at the open doorway. A man whose one eye immediately focuses in on them. A man she has heard so much about. Both good and bad. A man that you wouldn't want to be your enemy. A predicament they find themselves in now over one thing. Revenge. To avenge a loss. As for Miss Rochev? The jury was still out on that one. Regardless it needed to end tonight.
" Ah the famous Laurel Lance. I've been told so much about you."
Receiving nothing but this predatory smile that would make even the toughest of individuals feel a small ounce of fear wither up their spines feeling Oliver's grip tightening slightly bringing her hands down to rest upon his own Laurel merely grins in Slade's direction.
" Oh i'm sure. Only good things I hope."
An unexpected reaction that makes even the cold hearted assassin blink in surprise for a split moment before his smile returns. It was to be expected. This woman. This unique woman was proving to be quite the adversary. A woman whose intelligence has ruined some of his plans for the young man holding her tightly before they could even begin. Oh yes. A worthy adversary indeed. An adversary he can only look at for a few moments before turning his sights towards Oliver. Towards once who he could call a brother. A brother in arms. A boy he had watched become a man on Lian Yu. Had watched this smart mouthed rich kid become a seasoned fighter. A brother he thought he could trust. A brother he thought would do everything he could to protect her just like how he did but he was wrong. So wrong. He had let her die. He had chosen another over the very women both had come to respect and love. A fabricated tale of how she had told him silently with her eyes to choose her instead of the youngest Lance sibling. How she had just smiled his way before eating a bullet. A scene that replays over and over again in his mind whenever he closes his eyes. A scene that unfolds before his eyes now making the smile on Slade's face drop as his facial features harden.
" If you don't mind let's drop the pleasantries shall we?"
" Very well Miss Lance. Why am i here?"
The moment of truth. A moment they have discussed so many times over the past few weeks since his arrival. A moment that deep inside scares each of them but a moment that needs to happen. The truth needed to be known. Justice needed to be heard and with that gently Laurel removes Oliver's arms from around her and takes a few steps forward without looking away from Slade. A man who shifts his full attention towards her with a look of intrigue entering his remaining eye. Intrigue that only deepens when he sees her reach into her jacket and pull out a yellow envelope from within. An envelope that remains unopened as she flicks it down towards his feet with its contents still a mystery to him.
" Shado Fei Gulong. The woman you thought was dead is alive."
A revelation that leaves him rooted to his spot with his eye widening by the second. Shado alive? Impossible! She just had to be lying! Such a thought that makes him snap his attention back towards Laurel with an intense glare. With his burning anger within him calling for him to silence this woman forever. Anger that for some odd reason stays at bay when he sees the emotionless look across her face. When he looks into her eyes seeing no deceit. Seeing no deception within them. Such a look that makes his eye widen again as he flicks his sight down towards the envelope by his feet before looking back towards her seeing her unmoving. A sight that makes him cautiously bend down to retrieve the envelope before he rips it open revealing its contents from within. A stack of photos zoomed in on another. Photos of a woman disguised out in public along with another. Photo after photo of this woman always wearing a long black jacket and a large pair of sunglasses to conceal her face. A woman who in some of the photos is accompanied by another with so many of the same characteristics as her. Impossible photos. Photos that make his hands shake in fury before he snaps his head to look back up towards Laurel with murder in his eyes.
" You lie!"
" I do not lie. I've done my research Mr Wilson. I've turned over every stone possible. What you have in your hands is real but what you don't know is the truth about what happened. Nobody does except her. Oliver may have witnessed what appeared to be her death but the evidence points to something else. Something much more sinister."
Sometimes the truth can be a wonderful thing but other times it can be the most painful thing in the world to witness.
Her words. Such words that for some odd reason come back to him. One of the only times they had been so intimate with each other. One of the only times they shared the same thought that there was a good possibility they weren't going to make it. Times he didn't know whether he should cherish or curse for the pain it has brought him on so many nights. Such words he can hear repeating over and over again in his mind as though encouraging him to believe what he is hearing. As though encouraging him to truly take a closer look at these photos.
" What I've found is quite telling. I do not know all the details but what i do know is this. Yao Fei Gulong was not the saint everyone believed him to be. During his time in the chinese military he had made certain decisions that resulted in a small fortune enough for him to live the rest of his life comfortably. His daughters found out about this shortly after his retirement from the service. However he had been unwilling to share any of his wealth with them."
Daughters?
A keyword that makes his eye widen. She had told him many things on that island. Spoke of her past life as a college student working her way through school to become a lawyer. Spoke of how her father ever since at a young age had been very strict. Had always expected the absolute best but never had she ever mentioned having a sibling. A sibling that as he takes a closer look at the photos he could say is a carbon copy of her.
" She never told you did she? Shado has a sister Mei. A twin sister. At first glance you won't be able to tell them apart. Not until you get up close."
And she was right. Even looking at these photos you wouldn't be able to tell. The way these two sisters have the same smile as they walk around some marketplace. The way they both present themselves whenever they walk. Whenever they sit almost matching the other perfectly. The way they both have the same cautioned and forced smiles when they are talking to a group of known men in a secluded spot not wanting to be seen.
" She played you. The both of you. Edward Fyers did not kill her. No, from what I've gathered he was working with her. I'm guessing it was to ensure she and her sister would inherit the small fortune while Fyers would be given the perfect escape goat."
So many revelations. So many truths being revealed. So much information making Slade rooted to his spot staring down at the photos silently while Isabel looks indifferent. While looking almost fearful in her eyes as she sees her mentor and partner's resolute crumbling.
" Now that you know this we ask you to seize all activities in this city."
A powerful request making Slade look back up towards Laurel while Isabel snaps her attention towards her with an icy look. No this could not happen. This was unacceptable. All of the years planning. All of the years she worked so hard to make this moment possible.
" Your need for vengeance has proven to be misguided. You no longer have a need to avenge a death. At least we don't think so. That is why you came to Starling City isn't it? To avenge her death."
It was true. Every last word of it. If what he holds in his hands is true. If Shado is indeed alive he no longer needs to be here. He no longer needs to seek out revenge in her name. No longer has a reason to punish the very man he once called his brother. This silence coming from him that is all the answer she needs from him, making Laurel turn her attention away from Slade to meet Isabel's eye.
" As for you…."
" You know nothing!"
" Oh but I do. It's no secret of the affair you had with Robert Queen. According to multiple sources it had been you to instigate such an activity. Though i do wonder to this day what you thought the end game would be? Did you expect him to leave his wife for you?"
From the way the woman's eyes changed she knew she was hitting the nail right on the head with that one. The way she scowls at her with her hands clenched into fists by her side. She truly had expected the late Robert Queen to choose her over his family. She truly expected to be the next Mrs Queen.
" I'm getting warm aren't I? Judging by your look you did. You did expect him to leave her for you but there's something else isn't there? You didn't just want him to leave his wife. No you wanted him to leave his family didn't you? You wanted to run off into the sunset with him and start fresh elsewhere. A possibility that you had to know deep down wasn't possible. He may have been a lot of things but a coward wasn't one of them. He would never leave his family. Even for someone like you."
A harsh truth but a truth that needed to be heard. She knew him. Knew Robert Queen personally. Knew how much Oliver and Thea meant to him. Knew deep down he would do anything to protect his children.
" But that begs the question of why? Why are you so hellbent on destroying Robert Queen's legacy? Is it because you feel hurt he chose his family over you? Is it because you feel less of a woman now that he had deflowered you? Well tough shit. That's life. Get over it and move on. If you don't and decide to continue with this little plan of yours, I promise you will fail."
How dare she!?
The nerve of this woman to say this to her face. The nerve of this woman to look her way with this smirk just challenging her to prove her wrong. A look she meets with an icy glare as her nails dig deep into her palms drawing blood. A smirk she just wants to wipe off from her face before movement out of the corner of her eye catches Isabel's attention. Movement coming from Slade as to her shock he tucks the envelope into his jacket and nods his head towards the couple before making to leave.
" Slade!?"
Getting the desired result in him coming to a stop to look over his shoulder her way ignoring the couple Isabel turns her icy glare towards him and growls out.
" We have a deal."
" No my dear. We had a deal."
A quick response that leaves her stunned. Makes her eyes widen as she watches Slade leave the rooftop without looking back closing the door behind him, leaving her along with the couple. A couple that just stands there staring at her before slowly Isabel turns her attention to glance back and forth between them.
" So Miss Rochev? I believe you owe us an answer."