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The Black Arrow

Chapter 1 – Origins

My name is James Evans and when I was nine my parents died in a plane crash leaving me alone. With my guardian I fled Starling City for Britain to escape the bad memories and to try to begin again. Once I was of age I returned to Starling City to become CEO and owner of Evans Industries, my family's company. Upon my return I was dismayed by how bad the city really was, crime was rampant and so I began my own private crusade to help the city that I once called home. To do that I had to become someone else, I had to become something else. I am the Black Arrow.

July 1995

The door bell rang and the house echoed with its toll. A young boy raced to the door hoping his parents had returned to take him on the trip too. They'd left him behind since he was still young and they didn't want him bored to tears on the business trip to New York. Arriving at the door James made to pull it open with his butler, a middle aged, stern but kindly fellow called Jack Dowing, just behind him. "May I remind you sir it is technically my job to open the door" he said with a small smile. James pouted before opening the door anyway. There on the door step were two men, one dressed in a dark blue and black uniform while the other wore a suit and trench coat. They had glum and nervous looks on their faces that fell further when they saw the excitable child before them. "Can I help you gentlemen?" Jack said as the two men shifted uncomfortably on the porch while the boy looked on confused.

"I'm Detective Grant and this here is Constable Lance. Could we speak in private Mr…?" spoke the one in a suit nervously.

"Jack Downing, I'm the butler and caretaker of young mister Evans. Need all my spare time just to keep him in line sometimes. If you want Mr. Henry Evans I'm afraid you're a bit late, he and his wife left about four hours ago for a business trip. In fact they should have taken off by now actually" he added with a glance at his wrist watch. One of the officers coughed politely and glanced pointedly at the young boy who was now looking back and forth between them like a tennis match. Jack caught on and looked down at his young charge. "James, why don't you go and work on that Lego set? I believe the castle needed some more fortifications" he suggested. James looked back and forth between the adults a few times before sighing and wandering off into the small mansion house.

"Thank you Mr Dowing, it would be best that what we discuss is done without young ears around" said the police constable gratefully. "May we come in?"

"Yes of course, the living room is just through here." He led them into a reasonably sized room suitable for twenty people to gather in and sat down on one of the chairs while the two officers took a seat on a sofa. "So what can I do for you?" he asked once everyone was comfortable.

"I'm afraid we bring bad news. Almost an hour ago, during take off, the plane Mr and Mrs Evans were on suffered problems. To tell the truth it was a fluke it happened, but an incident ensued and left the plane in pieces. We are still trying to determine what exactly happened so its speculation at best but er...well I'm sorry to say no one survived the crash. It would have been quick if that helps so it shouldn't have hurt but er well yeah so I'm sorry and you have our condolences" Detective Grant said sadly with some sympathy while stumbling over the words.

"Thank you for letting me know. And you're right, he shouldn't have to hear this news this way and from a stranger."

"No worries sir, I'm sorry for your loss. Good luck with the boy. I'm assuming guardianship had already been prepared?"

"Yes I think so, though I'd need to check the lawyers. Now you must excuse me, I have a young boy to inform."

"Of course sir, thank you for your time." The two men got up and walked back to the main door, they nodded at the butler and left the house. Five minutes later screams of anguish, sadness and grief rang through the small manor house as a young boy had to cope with being alone in the world.

1997

There wasn't much more Jack could do. The company had granted them enough money to buy a place in Britain to get away from everything and James had had some tutors brought in for him so he wouldn't have to leave Jack behind to go to a private school. This had worked well for a year or so before Jack had decided that enough was enough and arranged for James to go to a private school to begin interacting with those his age again. Indeed he seemed to brighten up soon after and was happy telling stories of his lessons, a few pranks some in his classes had played and eventfully of the few friends he made. The friends came over every now and again which left the house filled with the happy chatting away of children or the shouts as they played football, or soccer as Americans called it, when they played on the field outside.

During this time the company mostly took care of itself though James was brought in once in a while to the UK offices for their European subsidiaries to talk about the company and give him glimpses to how it operated. He was mostly bored by those meetings though occasionally he found one meeting interesting such as when they discussed the history of the company or the latest devices and tech in its R&D division given the science involved and the 'toys' it had. This did lead to James eventually taking Physics and History as his A-level subjects at 18 along with Business Studies achieving A's and B's.

2004

At 18 with his good grades at A-level he went to Cambridge to study particle physics though eventually he dropped out after 2 years as he began to struggle too much with the work load and lost interest in the particular brand of science he was looking at. Therefore he decided to do year of travelling before taking his place at the family company based in Starling City. He eventually landed in Russia after visiting Australia and the gold coast, China and its Great Wall and India with its Taj Mahal. In Russia he visited a number of museums, visited a few companies that had interactions with his own to see how they worked while also sitting at a number of cafes to just enjoy the quiet of watching the world go by, he even went to a number of talks run by scientists and the like at the universities keeping up to date with some of the latest knowledge. After a year and a bit he returned to Starling City to assume his role as CEO and owner of Evans Industries.

5th September 2007

BEEP BEEP BEEP rang the alarm beside him as he woke up in his bed the morning after his return. The jet lag was killing him still, he stretched in bed and yawned as he blinked blearily awake he then slowly walked to the en-suite shower to try and wake up more fully. After ten minutes he finished up and dressed for breakfast. Walking down the stairs at the family manor house he remembered the times when he was younger he'd run up and down these stairs while playing hide and seek with his mother. He smiled sadly at the memory before continuing on to the dining room but then he switched to the kitchen hoping to make use of the small table in there rather than the large lonely dinning table suitable for over ten people. "Hey Jack" James said quietly as he came and sat at the small wooden table in the kitchen.

"Good morning Master Evans, sleep well?" came the reply as his loyal butler toasted some bread and got a few glasses of orange juice ready while also picking up some boxes of cereal for James to choose from.

"So so I guess, jet-lag has got me still but otherwise I'll cope. Mind if I put the news on?" a shrug was his answer so James reached for the remote to a small TV which sat in the room hanging on the wall in view of the kitchen area and the table.

"And the latest this morning, we have reports coming in that a fire in the glades caused the deaths of two families who were unable to get out in time along with reports of two assault and a theft which also occurred in the Glades. SCPD refuse to comment on the lack of action in the Glades leaving some to speculate they're abandoning the area to criminal gangs. More to follow but first the weather."

"Sounds like its gone to hell since we left" James said in dismay.

"Indeed Master Evans, I remember when the Glades was the more peaceful area back in the day."

"So back in the 1800s?" James cheekily suggested. He got a playful glare from Jack in return.

"I'll have you know I meant the 60s not the 1800s. Honestly the cheek of it! But it honestly never used to be so bad."

"Maybe someone should do something about it?" James suggested, pondering the situation. Jack hummed in agreement.

"Yes the police should be doing something but the problem is they don't have the clue where to start and I bet few people in the Glades would willingly talk to cops now. Those that would have left or keep silent out of fear. Maybe we should have stayed near London. At least no one has guns there."

"Still have knives though, and if you know where to go you could get a gun although it'd probably only be a pistol" James retorted. Jack hummed again. "So what's my schedule for today? And don't pretend you don't know, you know this sorta stuff better than I" James said with a pointed look.

"You have a meeting at ten with the board. They'll swear you in so to speak and you sign your life away by half past" Jack returned with a smirk. James groaned.

"Why do I have to do this now? Couldn't I do something else first?"

"The company needs you now, it will help settle investors and it will show the company is moving forward into a new generation. Besides I'm sure you can get some advisors and have the COO or the CFO give you some tips and the like. Mostly you're a figure head, signing off stuff and meeting the board but you still have things to do that they can all help with" Jack explained sympathetically. James sighed then nodded. He wolfed down his breakfast and went upstairs to change into a smart business suit and tie to show up at Evans Industries.

"How do I look?" he asked as he came down the stairs ready to go and struck a pose. He was wearing a dark blue suit and a stripped blue and black tie.

"Devine sir" came the joke reply which he used after they'd accidentally seen an episode of a kids talent show on BBC1 called The Slammer where the Governor asks his employees how he looks to receive the aforementioned answer before starting the prison based talent show to an audience of children who vote on their various talent act such as singers, dancers or comedians.

"Thank you very much" James said doing a bad Elvis impression.

"Lets get going or we'll be late." With that the two got in the black Rolls-Royce and Jack drove them to the EI building in the city.

They drove quickly, catching the quieter time outside of rush hour, meaning it took only 40 minutes to reach the company HQ. Upon arrival James looked up at the glass and steel office block which rose almost as tall as the Queen Consolidated or Merlyn Global buildings which stood nearby. He chalked it up to being a newer company having been based in another part of the US before moving to Starling shortly before his parent's deaths. EI itself was barely 40 years old anyway whereas QC was over 50, almost 60 years old. The Evans family wealth itself though was a little older, though not by much, coming from investments and property. He took a breath and went into the building and came to the reception area. He was was greeted by Simon Davies, a man in his late sixties and current CEO who was now planning to retire, and Carol Saunders, a forty year old woman and was the CFO. "Welcome to our HQ Mr Evans, it's good to see you in person again. Your flight back was pleasant I hope?"
"I'm sure my legs and feet dozed off at some point and I tried myself but it wasn't that bad" James replied with a small smile.

"Good, good. Today is mostly formality James, sign a few things, speak to the board and then we're done. Should take no more than an hour or so and then you come in tomorrow as the new CEO and I can find a nice beach somewhere to retire to." They all chuckled at the common jest many retirees make.

"Lets get started then" James proposed. Simon smiled and led the way to near enough the top floor. They found a well furnished level with a few desks and offices along with a large meeting room for twenty or so people. Simon showed them to the largest office that had the name Simon Davies – CEO engraved on the glass. Once everyone had taken a seat Simon spoke briefly about recent activity the company had engaged in and then talked him through signing a few documents that acknowledged his shares, his taking the CEO post as well as creating an account on the EI network of computers. "Okay is that everything?" James asked once he'd finished creating a password and security questions for the system. Simon dismissed the tech person before replying.

"That seems to be everything yes. Just the board meeting now. Do you need anything before meeting them?"

"I'll have a glass of cold water if possible?" Simon nodded and asked his secretary to grab a bottle of water from a nearby fridge. He then led James, Carol Saunders and Jack down to the meeting room which was now occupied by twelve men and women. They looked up and greeted the four politely. Once they were seated Simon took charge from the head of the table with James sitting to his right. "Thank you all for coming. As you know I retire at the end of the week but James here has come to take control of his families' company and so is all but in charge as of ten minutes ago. Formally it will be at the end of the week."

"Are you sure it's wise to let him given he is so young Simon?" asked one of the men, a middle aged man with slowly retreating hair, with concern. Simon looked at James and indicated he should answer.

"Hello, I'm James Evans though I guess you probably know that already. This is my family's company and I want to be a part of it. Why not just go up the ranks like anyone else you are no doubt thinking? This is my company, it needs me. I learned about it when I was younger by visiting our UK and European operations and by talking with Simon over the phone and occasionally in person. I studied business at school and have visited some of our subsidiaries around the world and those connected to our company when I travelled about. But I am...home now. I want to make our company, my company, the best in technology and industry. I want to make us world leaders on green energy and develop some of the best tech for computers and satellites we can. This company has potential and with you behind me, guiding me when I am unsure, we can make this company better, wealthier and stronger than before. Thank you." Most lightly applauded or nodded their heads favourably when he finished. The rest merely sat there looking impressed or accepting.

"Does that answer your question Mr Dallard?" Simon asked with a smirk.

"Indeed. I meant no offence Mr Evans but like I said you are young so I wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing" the man spoke again apologetically.

"No worries Mister...Dallard was it? I know I am young and hope you will all be able to chip in if I need anything as we work together to build this company higher." The rest nodded and the meeting then continued.

An hour later James was walking along the river side having just escaped EI at the conclusion of the meeting and so was not far from where the major companies of Starling City were based. It was a reasonably busy area as people milled about sitting at benches having lunches or just enjoying the relative peace since the riverside in this area of the city was pedestrianised. The occasional tree and grass patches littered this section of the river bank since it had been redeveloped when the new QC, EI and Merlyn Global buildings among others were built back in the 90s.

Seeing how busy the other benches were he decided to sit down on a bench where a young woman, possibly in her late teens or early twenties, sat wearing a grey suit jacket and a pale blue shirt by herself. He approached slowly before speaking carefully. "Er excuse me, do you mind if I take a seat here, it's a bit busy elsewhere?" The girl, for now he was closer he could see she was only 18 or 19, nodded while staring aimlessly out at the river. She looked sad but also angry with a hint of regret thrown in which marred her admittedly pretty Asian, possibly mixed heritage, face. James sat there for a minute pondering whether to ask the young girl what was wrong before deciding to just man up and ask. "You alright? Bad day huh? You seem a mix of pissed and sad, wanna talk about it?" The girl looked up at him, the anger and sadness was there but so was confusion at him asking her stuff. She turned back to the river watching a few gulls dive in and out of the water.

"Why you asking" she asked defensively.

"Why not? It seems too nice a day to be upset and you look like you need to unload."

"British?" she asked after a moment.

"Yeah kinda, American actually but grew up there, the accent give it away?" She nodded slowly.

"I didn't get the job or money I needed" she finally said bitterly. "I needed it to help my mom. I don't know where I'll get the money now. And I don't know why I'm telling you all of this, I don't know you."

"I have one of those faces, you know the sort you can trust and tell anything to, plus I won't judge" he joked and the girl seemed to smile weakly. "So what was the job?"

"It was at Queen Consolidated. I had a plan, blueprints, everything but he wouldn't hire me just because -" she caught herself before finishing though there was anger and bitterness in the way she spoke.

"Because..?" he prompted going into his sort of counselling mode he'd used when some of his friends back in England had been upset with their relationships or school work etc. He liked helping his friends as he was a good listener. Or at least he thought so and no one had complained so far so he'd take that as a win.

"Sorry who are you? Why does it matter? I doubt I'll find somewhere to work and we'll have to move and.."

"Whoa, easy there. Don't panic" and he immediately thought of Lance Corporal Jones from Dad's Army shouting it out while also panicking, he chuckled internally. "I'm sure you will find something, what area of business was it?"

"I was proposing a Queen Materials Inc. involving engineering and science, sort of mixing what is the QC Applied Sciences division with its steel making arm and a few others."

"Impressive, hell I'd have hired you so why didn't whoever it was do so?"

"It was my father, he didn't want people to know about me, especially his wife and children, which he'd have to reveal if I was employed there."

"I'm sorry, my parents died when I was nine in a plane crash. At least you know yours, I barely remember mine." The pair fell silent before the girl spoke again.

"My condolences then, I don't really know my father that well either. He abandoned me and my mom when I was eleven after his wife forced him to. I'm not sure what was said but he left us and I only saw him from a distance. We've struggled ever since especially with my mom's illness, god I wanna hate him so much" she spat out bitterly. The pair fell into an uncomfortable silence again before James spoke up.

"Don't let the anger cloud your judgement, it will blind you and narrow your vision. I'm sure he must have had a reason for leaving, perhaps a his wife found out and threatened him with divorce and leave him with nothing? Anyway before we go further allow me to introduce myself, I'm James Evans, I was appointed CEO of Evans Industries this morning. Are you perchance looking for a job?" She looked at him again in surprise and gave him a more careful look over, taking in the suit and tie. She gave him a weak smile after.

"Yeah I did hear my mom mention something about his wife forcing him to choose. He still abandoned us though!" she said angrily.

"And what would you have done if force to choose between two kids with your wife and the one you had via an affair huh? I can't blame him for his choice to stay though equally I would have tried to find a way to help you" James pointed out. The girl slumped, realising that perhaps she had been harsh on her father but the resentment still lingered.

"What job could you offer?" she asked curiously after taking a few moments to control her anger before adding "I can't give you numbers or plans since I don't know your company, sorry."

"No worries, perhaps you could be my assistant or work in my company's R&D division?" he suggested while quickly thinking of what he could offer the girl. He could tell she was truthful and not just spinning a sob story to get sympathy, plus she'd looked to be expressing the right emotions when he'd shown up. "Look there's no rush right? So just think it over for a day or so and drop me a message" he said pulling out his wallet to pick a business card out and handed it over to her. She nodded slowly and took the proffered card.

"Thanks Mr Evans, I'll think on it."

"Please we're almost the same age, call me James, and surely it's better than doing anything risky right?"

"Yeah we live in the Glades so I know risky, it's been going downhill for a few years now. I'm Emiko by the way. Emiko Adachi."

"Good to meet you Emiko, let me know when you wanna start."

"Start? I haven't given you an answer yet?" she asked in surprise.

"Not yet" he replied with a smirk and even Emiko looked more hopeful than she had barely five minutes earlier.

That night he sat outside on the lawn to the rear of the mansion pondering his new job in the morning but also the girl he'd found outside crying. He was nervous, he could not deny, but hopefully his experience back in the UK with the European subsidiary and his journeying around the world would help and the girl seemed to have talent so at least she might make a good assistant. He sighed and turned his attention back to his telescope where he looked up at Saturn and its rings. Astronomy was a little hobby he'd picked up after watching one too many Star Trek and Stargate episodes. He hadn't been able to see too much back in the UK due to living near the city but now living well outside and in some more dimly lit surroundings he could view more, like the Orion Nebular and the Andromeda Galaxy. Now that was a thought, perhaps he could task his science division to do some astronomy stuff with NASA and ESA? Maybe being CEO wouldn't be so bad after all.

AN: So here's a little something I cooked up after reading a number of Arrow stories so I just wanted to try my hand at one. What do people think, good premise?