"Meet me at the foundry" Was Oliver Queen's only words in his text to me. We had been working together only a week.. And it was strictly tracking targets on his list.. Nothing major. He wasn't kidding about not trusting me. I had been prepared for this.. And was determined to earn his trust. I had to stop the Undertaking..save the Glades.

I was second there before Dig. Oliver was doing one handed pushups. I smirked slightly "You know.. John always told me you were a bit of a show off.. But he wasn't kidding." Oliver kept going saying "Training never stops Shuter, you should learn this as well." I nodded "Lucky for me even when not ripped.. I am stronger than the average human, but more training couldn't hurt." That was when Dig walked in and said "You know with all these people working up top you should really consider a side entrence." Oliver popped up and said "just put one in the south alleyway." I nodded "I was wondering when that one got put in, glad it was sooner rather than later. Anyways.. What's up?"

"Something I want to show you" Dig smirked "Finally getting into online dating and need help with your profile" I smirked too "Easy, 20 something, 5'11, brooding male, looking for female, can not go on night dates as am busy running around in a hood killing people from a list. Date ideas: Archery, because I'm a showoff." Dig looked at me and allowed a small chuckle before turning to Oliver and the computer screen. A showing of the news where a bank armored truck was robbed. "I've seen this.. Third truck to be hit this month" John said. Oliver said 'Saw it on the news this morning.. Looked famaliar.. Then I saw this. Kandhar 09, US marines took out an armored taliban truck." John nodded "There is a reason for that.. It's the same swarming technique" I was researching someone.. Bodyguard who works for a private security firm. Blackhawk squad protection group.. His name is Ted Gaynor." John then mentioned that was his comanding officer. Oliver then pulled out the list and said "I'm sorry Dig.. He's on the list." I looked down. "Gaynor is a few hundred thousand dollars short to be on the list." "I never said it was just one percenters did I?" They began arguing. I did not intervene. Oliver and Dig had plenty of arguments I had witnessed in the future.. This was different though.. The trust in eachother wasn't there..

I finally stepped in "Diggle. The evidence is overwhelming. That list... has greater importance than you know.. Than even I know. You need to have some perspective.. Detach yourself from the situation. It's the only way you can survive in this line of work.." Oliver then nodded "I am going to have a pointed conversation with Gaynor tonight. I understand if you want to take the week off. Shuter, are you with me?" I nodded so he said "Suit up then." I smiled slightly "You don't know how much I missed you saying that."

The Hood and the Ghost walked our way into Blackhawk HQ. Oliver threw sleeping darts at men we passed. I followed behind watching our backs. Some guys happened to be on patrol past areas we had just passed, so I pointed my free hand and fired one out of my gauntlet. I then reloaded during our brief moments of nothing. If Oliver liked the tech he did not say anything.. Professional in the field as always.

We found Gaynor, Oliver kicked him. "Ted Gaynor we need to have a conversation. You make a move, go for a gun, anything.." I stepped out from behind him, Gaynor looking extra frightened "And it will be the last mistake you ever make" I said with my voice changer on. I flicked my wrist and a blade came out, emphasizing the threat. A gun cocked. Both Oliver and I turned, pulling an arrow from our quivers and notching it, pulling back to fire "Put the Bows down" John Diggle said. I shook my head slightly. Oliver then fired an arrow at the computer, and we made out escape, Oliver swiping the thumb drive off the desk.

We made it to the Foundry first. Oliver ripped his hood down and I did the same "What the hell was that?" I demanded, Oliver turned on me "I don't know! But I intend to find out. I also got the thumb drive.. So get more evidence to prove to John just how wrong he is." I nodded "Smart move." He narrowed his eyes at me "If you think taking my side to push John out is going to win my trust, you are saddly mistaken Shuter." I shook my head "No. Team Arrow has John in it.. We need to all get along. I am backing you because I KNOW you are right. No name is on that list for no reason. If you were wrong I would back John. I am my own Person Oliver, with my own opinions. Don't forget that." He turned away just as Dig entered "What was that Dig, I could have shot you.. We could have killed you." He said "I am not going to let you kill an innocent man!" I backed off, letting them argue some more.

Finally John said "I got into Blackhawk.. I am going to prove he is innocent." Oliver then said "And if he isn't?" Dig looked at us. "Then I'll be the one to take him down myself." He left. I turned to Oliver "What now?" He said 'Now.. I looked into this thumb drive.. Whatever you do.. Is up to you." I shrugged "Okay.. I'll do some of that training you were mentioning." he left.. And I went to work.

I was doing the step ladder when Oliver walked in, on the phone with.. To my shock.. Felicity. He was talking about some directory and the heists.. I dropped to the ground, grabbing a towel. Once off the phone I said "I didn't know you were working with Felicity Smoak yet." He looked at me weirdly "I don't, how do you know her?" I winced.. "From the future..you do end up working with her eventually Oliver.. I can't say when though.." He shook his head and shrugged it off, saying 'Well at least you are telling me some things from the future.." He looked at the computer, and then jumped up "Suit up Shuter.. Now."

He took the left side of the street, I took the right. He fired an arrow at the guy with the grenade launcher which drew everyones fire. I used the detraction to fire at one of the guys with gun, hitting him in the back. Oliver jumped down to street level and killed a guy. I jumped down just as Oliver dodged the truck and was shot with the launcher. I fired a smoke arrow as I dove and rolled on the pavement, the smoke blocking any further view of us. I then began to fire arrows at the retreating truck.. Hitting a tire.. But they got away. I slide my currently drawn arrow back into my quiver in anger.

Oliver walked up to me and said "I got a good look at his face.. It wasn't Gaynor." I nodded "I know." He then said "I have Thea's party to get to.. Wait outside my house.. I have a plan." I nodded. and we left.

I kept watch from a tree, still in full gear. I watched Dig enter.. And leave.. I watched Malcom Merlyn himself enter and leave. My phone buzzed, I looked and maps opened up.. With a tracking bug. Oliver had placed one on Dig.. I assumed that meant I needed to follow him. I didn't like doing this.. But Dig was bound to get himself in trouble..

That was when I heard voice in my ear.. Apparently Oliver had routed the bug to our Coms. I tapped them on my chest "Whats the plan Oliver?" Oliver then said "Keep an Eye on John, don't intervene.. Until we learn of their next target. Then we will take them together." I nodded and set off.

John finally learned we had been right about Gaynor.. And now was going to help them with a raid to save his sister in law's life. I followed them to the meet and watched from a nearby roof as he took his stand.. Waited.. Waited.. And didn't take the shot. The guys then threatened to kill them.. And Dig reminds them that he has the gernade launcher "Go go go!" Oliver said as I saw him running past me. I nodded and jumped down from the roof I was on, tucking and rolling to keep from breaking my legs. I then ran beside Oliver, keeping pace.

One guy got up and Oliver took care of him. I kept running and made it into the ally way just as Gaynor was taunting John. I pulled an arrow and fired it.. Another arrow whized past my head, both striking Gaynor. Oliver and I walked up to Diggle "You're late" Oliver said "You knew we were coming?" He pulled out the bug "Next time you plant a bug on someone.. Be more discreet. I wish you trusted me though" Oliver said "I trust you.. Them.. Never." I then said "Believe me when I say I trust you both with my life. I hope one day you may do the same." Diggle looked at me and said "I knew you were watching me from Blackhawk, waiting for Oliver's go ahead. Lets just say you are a lot closer to winning that trust then you were this morning." Sirens could be heard getting closer. "You both should get out of here." We nodded and ran off.

Once back at the foundry Oliver got a call.. He said "Thea.. Shes been in a car accident.. I have to go" I twisted around to look at him "Go! Listen.. I know you don't trust me.. But please.. I liked Thea and grew to care about her in your future.. Could you just give me a text letting me know she will be alright?" He squinted his eyes a little and just left... about an hour later my phone buzzed.. It was Oliver "Thea is alive, banged up, but alive." I smiled... maybe I was beginning to earn his trust.

The next day I got a call from Oliver "Yes Oliver?" I answered. He said "Thea has been arrested.. She took Vertigo before she got in a car accident. We have a new target.. We are getting vertigo off the streets."

That night we were out on the streets seperately. Covering more ground.. Our target.. Vertigo dealers. I had already encountered two that night.. And was not approaching the third. He was walking down a street in the glades near an abandoned warehouse. I waited until the perfect moment, pulled out a zipline arrow and fired it, sliding towards the warehouse, I passed close enough to the guy to reach out with my hand and grab him, using my elven strength to pull him up, we crashed through the window.. He rolled and I rolled as well. I came up on one knee, the knee jabbing into his chest, pinning him, I then grabbed his shirt with one hand and ejected my right wrist blade, hovering it over his face "Who supplies you!? I WANT ANSWERS!" He cried out "No.. Please.. They will kill me if I talk" I punched him in the face with my left hand, then grabbed his shirt again and said "And if you don't talk, I will kill you right now, with this blade." I gently rubbed it against his neck as a threat. He finally said "Okay okay okay! The count.. He goes by the count.. No one knows his real name.. Now please let me go." I reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. I removed the sim card and crushed it in my hand. I then dropped it in his lap and got up, walking over to my bow. I then quickly picked it up, fired two bolo arrows, tying him up. I then said "That phone will work for 911 calls only, you want out of here.. You turn yourself in." I then hopped out the window and returned to the foundry to tell Oliver the good news.

He was already there. I as I walked in "I have a name" Oliver then said "The Count.. I just got it myself.. How many dealers did you take down?" I shrugged "3.. Not enough though." He nodded "Me as well." He made to go back out again and Dig stopped him "You are forgetting something.. Thea. She needs you by her side for this hearing Oliver." I nodded "I could go back out there for you Oliver.. I can't be buy Thea's side like you can." He nodded "Do it."

I spent into the wee hours in the morning out on the streets.. I took down two more dealers.. But no more information on who the Count was or where he was. I returned to the foundry empty handed. That was where I caught a few well deserved hours of shut eye.

Oliver was more distant than ever. He was focused on saving Thea.. And nothing could get in his way. My current orders were to wait until I was needed, I was not happy about that.. But I got why.. Oliver did not trust me.. He could not risk me screwing everything up for him. However that was when I got a glimmer of hope, a call from Oliver. He said "Come to my house.. Wear a suit, there should be an extra of John's somewhere down there.. Bring a gun.."

I did as I bid, and rang the door bell. John answered "Ahh, Mr Shuter, thank you for coming, we have a meeting with the Queens now." We walked in together. Oliver and his mother were in the living room. I greeting them "Mr Queen, Mrs Steele, A pleasure to meet you." Oliver then said "Weren't you are my party a few months ago Mr Shuter?" I nodded "Yes.. Couldn't pass up the opportunity to party with the Queens." John chuckled "Yes us Bodyguards do still like to party once and a while." Moria said "Be that as it may.. I still do not see the point of paying another bodyguard when you already have one Oliver." Oliver just smiled "The Glades are a dangerous place mother, with vertigo on the loose.. It is best to have some extra help." John nodded "I have seen this man in action.. I can think of no better partner in protecting Oliver." Moria then said "Okay... you are hired Mr Shuter.. You start immediately. Think of this as a probationary period however... if you are not a right fit or there is no need for you, you will be let go" I nodded "Thank you Mrs Steele."

It turned out Oliver had a planned to meet with the Count as himself.. And wanted the 'extra bodyguard' as muscle. He had made it clear this was temporary. I still saw it as a step in the right direction. Dig and I were in the next room during Oliver and Thea's meet with Laurel. Dig got a call.. Them meet had been set. We walked into the room after Oliver had spoke with his mom. Dig said 'The russians calls.. The meeting is set.. Its tonight."

That night, Oliver, Dig and I were waiting in a parking complex, A russian man... from the Bratva, was there to mediate. He said "You know why they call him the count? When he was developing this drug, he experimented on the homeless, prostitutes, runaways. The police would find their bodies, puncture marks on their neck, like a Vampire." I raised an eyebrow. Just then the count arrived, with body guards of his own.. We were outnumbered.. The count said 'Thank you for this! Although I am not to worried about the SCPD. Now I hear you boys are interested in the feel good business. Why this that?" Oliver said 'Well I am opening a nightclub, and I'd like my customers to have a little, something extra." The count smiled "Well, as it happens, I'm looking to expand my brand. Good wines value its vintage.. The number of years it took to ferment. Vertigo is measured in lives. 56 people died to perfect this high. Believe me when I say, they did not die for nothing."

Cops then arrived on the scene. A gunfight ensued. Oliver, Dig and I took cover behind a car. We watched as the Count made a run. Oliver ran after him. "Oliver!" Both Dig and I called out. We then ran after him. We found him having been injected with vertigo. Dig carried him and we made for the foundry.

Dig hopped to work, mixing a healing potion of sorts from herbs I assumed were from the island. Oliver tried to kill him but I helped Dig hold him down. He drank, then passed out.

The next morning he woke up "Good Morning" I said standing over him, Dig smiled. "How are you feeling?' He asked. Oliver responded "Feeling like I am getting the worst hang over of my life." I smirked "Must be REALLY bad then." Oliver then said 'Think you could uncuff me.. I'm not going to kill you.. Promise." I smiled "Well I just might hold you to that one day." I threw the key to Dig, who uncuffed Oliver.

They talked about the SCPD getting the Count, which they did not.. And how they could analyze vertigo. Oliver then got up and walked away to be with Thea. We made it to the house, where the SCPD was waiting.. They accused Oliver of being at the Drug deal, which he did not deny. He mentioned looking into the Count.. The SCPD did not press charges.

We next went to Queen Consolidated, Oliver was weak from overdosing, so there were multiple times either John or I had to catch him to prevent him from falling. That was when I got to see Felicity in person for the first time in over 900 years. I smiled slightly at her. She said "Oliver.. You look like someone the car dragged in. Well once a cat did get in.. But a guard tazed it. It smelled like fur and static in here for like a week." Oliver asked Felicity to step away from the window because of a hangover, I rolled my eyes, but she did it.

Oliver said "my buddy kevin is starting an energy drink company, he says its fantastic for curing hangovers, but I am very particular about what it is I put in my body. I'm trying to find the secret recipe. Could you please do a spectroanalysis? To find out excactly where in the city its made?" Felicity said "If its an energy drink.. Why is it in a syring?" Oliver said "I..uh.. Ran out of sports bottles" We then left, as we did Dig said "Your B.S stories are getting worse." I smirked "Were they ever really better?"

A couple hours later Dig was on the computer in the foundry, when he said "Looks like Felicity came through for us." We both gathered around as he pointed out where Vertigo was made. One place it could be.. An old juevinille detention centre that was abandoned for three years. Oliver went to his trunk and began to suit up. "Woah woah woah. Slow down there Oliver.. You are still suffering after effects from vertigo!" I said. Oliver said "You heard the Count.. He is taking this drug city wide.. If we don't stop this now it will become and epidemic!" Dig said 'I can stop you from leaving." Oliver said "Try." I half shrugged "If I can't.. I can." Oliver looked at me "And then you will be off the team.. Forever." I raised an eyebrow and stepped back. Diggle held a ball near his head and said "Oliver if you can hit this tennis ball, you can leave." Oliver went to his bow aimed.. And then put the bow down. Oliver said "You should remember one thing Dig.. I don't need a bow." He then pointed at me "Stay. Don't do anything. I think you proved I can not trust you.. Not now at least." I glared at Oliver "You will regret that Oliver Queen, you need me now more than ever." He shook his head and said again "If I see you out there.. I will kill you. Nothing can stop me on my mission." He then suited up and left. I looked at Dig "He will get himself killed." He looked back at me and said "You go.. And he will kill you in the state he is in." I shook my head and went to my suit and began suiting up "No... I don't think he will."

I was too far behind Oliver. The police had already arrived just as I entered the building. I was a floor up from Oliver, The Count and The police. They had Oliver in their sights. Detective Lance said "Put the Syringe down!" Oliver then called back with his voice changer on "He deserves this!" Lance said back "Then you will disappoint everyone who thinks you are a hero.. Including my daughter.. However you will prove what I have known all along.. That you are nothing more than a killer." Finally I called out "Enough!" my voice changer on, my voice coming out deeper than Oliver's. I jumped down and landed in between the police and Oliver. Lance turned his attention to me "Ahh yes, the other Vigilante.. The Ghost people are calling you? They'll promote me to captain after I bring you three in." I bowed my head "That is not going to happen Detective. What will happen is the Hood and I will leave, you will take in the Count.. Like we were never here.. Like ghosts." He chuckled "Like I'm going to let that happen." I simply responded "I wasn't asking permission." I dropped a smoke bomb and quickly caught up to Oliver in his escape, watching his back.

Upon returning to the Foundry Oliver turned and me and said "I told you to stay." I looked back "I think you are trying to say Thank you." He shook his head "I had that." I stood up to him "No. You were compromised.. Both physically and emotionally. You got lucky Oliver. I know trust comes hard to you since being on the Island, yet what you did was stupid. If you want to kill me for it so be it, but you will regret it. I am your ally Oliver, a partner. The world knows it as of tonight.. I don't need you to blindly trust me, in fact I would think less of you if you did. Just..stop... resisting the possibility of trust. More importantly, don't let personal feelings get in the way of the mission." He looked at me for a long time before his features softened a small bit "Why did you intervene David?" I was shocked he had called me by my first name, but said "because you are a hero Oliver.. Maybe not right now.. But one day you will be.. And you will inspire others to pick up this fight. I wanted to show that you were not a mad man in a hood with no backup. The Hood will always have The Ghost watching his back.. Whether as his friend or work acquaintance." He then said "My family has a saying.. Trust.. But Verify. The Hood Trusts the Ghost.. But I had to verify to what lengths you would go to protect this city. You've made it clear that you would risk me killing you or kicking you off the mission to make sure this City is safe.. That I am safe. It is verrified." I nodded and said "And how does Oliver Queen feel about David Shuter?" He let a small smirk touch his lips "Thats the million dollar question now isn't it?" I rolled my eyes. Oliver Queen did not trust me fully... but I think I had at the very least.. Cemented my place on Team Arrow.