A/N And this is it. We are done with this fic for the time being. Keep watch for its sequel at a later date. No name is set for it just yet.
Oliver's POV
Entering Panov's rooms he noted that everything was being packed up. A frown crossed the younger omega's face. What was going on?
Panov turned to face him a gentle look crossing his face as he said, "Oliver come in. Close the door behind you please."
Oliver did as he was bid the confusion not leaving him. He sat in a chair in one of the corners. It only took a moment for Panov to put away what was in his hands before moving to his own chair.
Panov started meeting Oliver's eyes, "How are you feeling this morning, Oliver? Are things going well between you and Ra's?"
Oliver smiled softly as he said, "It's going well. Ra's showed me this spot on the other side of the wall where I could watch the sunset. It's beautiful over there. I was feeling fine but now I'm confused. Why are you packing?"
Panov blinked at him in surprise then his eyes softened as he asked, "Do you not remember what tomorrow is? I guess I really shouldn't be surprised by all that has happened. Think how long have you been in Nanda Parbat?"
So for a moment, he considered the other's words. He counted back in his head how long he had been in the castle. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Six months in Nanda Parbat was his and Ra's agreement. Tomorrow would be exactly six months since he arrived.
To the young man, it felt like only a few weeks had passed. Time flew by and now he had a difficult decision to make. Did he stay with the fledgling courtship? Or did he return to Starling City?
Panov stated drawing him from his thoughts, "I see that you remember now. If I heard correctly there is going to be a ceremony tonight honoring both you and Eden. There you will make your intentions to stay or leave clear. I, unfortunately, cannot stay as I have other patients who have gone long enough without me. So I advise you to take the rest of today to think and decide for yourself. This choice is yours and yours alone."
Oliver nodded grimly before he left the room. Once again he had a lot to think about. It seemed every time he was about to get things back on track life threw him a curveball. Why couldn't he seem to catch a break?
Like so many other times when he needed to think away from everyone, Oliver made his way to the wall. Sitting out over the top of it he allowed his legs to dangle. Crisp morning air filled his lungs as he watched the sunrise over the desert. It was early much too early for the guard change. That was still several hours off.
If he was still by then they would pass him on their beginning and ending routes respectively. Then he would have a visit from either Ra's or Al Owal. Neither alpha would be welcome at the moment. He needed time to think on his own.
Think he did. The wall allowed his mind to clear of disastrous thoughts and consider the matter at hand. He was in the early stages of courting with Ra's. So far only a handful of gifts had been exchanged. Oliver's favorite by far being the little desert fox he named Nero after the color of its fur.
Ra's seemed to fill a part of him that he didnt realize he was missing. Emotions calmed around the alpha. There were times still when Delta himself known. However, even Delta cowered in the face of an angry Demon's Head. Ra's had brought down Delta once already and he would do so again if needed.
Panov as good of a man as he was couldn't harness Delta's anger. He could stop it to a point but it would always return. Ra's had been able to stop and harness it into something constructive. Even if that was killing in the name of the League.
Oliver came to the League expecting to hone his skills and learn some new ones. The possibility of pushing Delta further down entered his mind but it didnt become a reality until he was actually there. What he didnt expect was to fall for the leader.
As much as he wanted to stay and see where this relationship would lead him he couldn't. A promise had been made to his family. He promised his sister that he would return and he didnt break his promises.
Running a hand down his face he stood up from the stones. His muscles made their complaints known as he did so. No matter how long one sat on the wall muscles always seemed to become stiff. Maybe that was why Ra's used it for punishment more often than not.
The rest of his day was spent pack his own bags. He would have to speak with Ra's but that could wait until this evening. He didnt doubt the alpha was busy preparing for the ceremony.
In all honesty there wasnt much to pack as he came with very little. The only thing he would be taking back with him that he didnt come with was Nero. His little fox had grown on him significantly since he was given.
His hands had lightly run over the bow he had been given by Al Owal. Every part of him wanted to take the weapon with him. It had become as much of a part of him as his own arm. Leaving it behind would be difficult but it wasnt his to take. The bow belonged to the League.
That evening Oliver wore a green button-down shirt and black slacks. The shirt had the crest of the League on its shoulder set right above his heart. One of the runners had brought it to him saying that Ra's asked him to wear it to the ceremony.
Not wearing his League uniform felt awkward as he walked down the halls. He felt naked and uncomfortable at the way the other members stared. Only his pride kept him from outwardly reacting to the stares.
Entering the main hall he saw that Zach was similarly dressed. The only difference was that he wore a dark blue almost black shirt compared to Oliver's green. It seemed every member of the League not on a mission was there tonight. Nyssa stood next to her father at his throne. Not that he ever used it except to scare potential initiates.
It was one of the things that made Ra's different. He did not Lord over his men like so many others Oliver encountered. He sought out a connection with each and every one of them. Some connections were stronger than others but he made sure every man and woman under his command felt needed. That they were doing something that mattered.
Ra's had an army greater than any nation's and far more loyal. A fraction of their forces could take out several countries if Ra's so wished it. No one would defy his orders either. They found peace within the League and would not risk it for someone's ideals.
Bowing Oliver greeted Ra's per League's customs, "My liege."
There was the smallest quirk of the alpha's lips to indicate his amusement. Instead of saying anything, however, he simply waved Oliver off. To which he went to join his friend and the other initiates.
Ra's stood from his throne and the hall went silent. All eyes were upon the man waiting to see what he would say.
It was eerily silent for a moment before Ra's said, "Six months ago we had two men join our initiates. It was unusual given that both men were being hunted by us to bring back peace. I, myself, was misled by inaccurate information. As such, they were given the chance to come here and heal their minds and sharpen their skills. In that time one of them has proved himself more loyal than any initiate. He took a bullet meant for me with no thought to his own safety. We have all watched these two grow from broken soldiers to healed warriors. Now they have a decision to make. Our agreement was six months with us and they could return home unhindered. No matter your decision both will be welcomed here. Their loyalty is absolute. Do not ask them what their decision is. Instead, let them enjoy either their last night here or their first night as full fledged members."
Both Oliver and Zach bowed their heads at the praise. Around them, members of the League and cheered. A few gave them pats on the shoulder or back in congratulations. It was bittersweet for the omega who knew that this would be his last night at least for a time.
From the far corner hidden by shadows almost completely was Al Sayf. The man gave Oliver a curt nod and half a smile. It was more than he expected of the recluse of the League. How Ra's even got him to agree to come was a mystery.
A hand touching his shoulder alerting him to Al Owal's presence. His mentor had been interesting, to say the least. When it came to the training he pushed Oliver to the very edge of his endurance. Building upon what he knew and slowly getting rid of bad habits to replace them with good ones. Talking wasnt exactly the man's strong suit but if someone needed an ear to listen he was there.
Al Owal questioned only slightly louder than the noise as members began to move about, "Are you well, Al Sahim?"
Oliver smiled falsely in return as he said, "I'm fine, Al Owal. It's not an easy decision."
Al Owal sighed, "Dont give me that. I knew from the moment you entered you had made your decision. I wouldn't be surprised if Ra's knows it as well. You are little more than a pup as such you need to at least see your family again. Get a clear head before you decide whether or not to make Nanda Parbat home. Once that decision is made you cannot take it back so lightly."
Oliver's shoulders slumped he knew this but it didnt make it any easier. Al Owal gave him a clap on the shoulder before disappearing into the crowd. For a moment he hesitated giving a glance to Ra's who was speaking to his daughter before following his mentor's lead.
The celebration went on late into the evening everyone enjoying the rare occasion to be laid back. Oliver learned that Zach would not be returning to Starling. Instead, he chose to continue his life within the League. Oliver was happy for his brother in arms. Part of him knew this wouldn't be the last they saw of each other. If there was one absolute in Medusa was that they were nothing without each other. Harming one brought down hell upon you. They would always answer a call to help a brother.
When the celebration finally found down Oliver found Panov waiting for him. It was the early hours of the morning and if they wanted to return to Starling at a decent time they had to leave soon. It only took a moment for him to go and grab his bag and Nero. Then they made their way out to the airstrip. Goodbyes were not said in their way of life. It was always we will meet again or saying nothing at all. Anything else was considered bad luck.
At least that was what he thought until they reached the airstrip. Ra's, Al Owal, Al Sayf, and Nyssa all stood before the plane waiting on them. Words between Al Sayf, Al Owal, and himself were not exchanged. Instead, they simply grasped each other's arms.
Nyssa hugged him tightly before shaking hands with Panov. She said formally, "Safe travels both of you. May we meet again."
Ra's was the last. His face was no longer stoic as he had grown accustomed to. There was a longing in his dark grey eyes and understanding. He wouldn't stop Oliver though he longed to keep the younger here.
Oliver pulled the older man into an embrace rubbing his cheek against the other's. Then he stepped back and said, "I will be back Ra's. This won't be the last we see each other."
Ra's shook his head as he said, "No, Al Sahim. Go live your life if we are meant to see each other again it will happen. Do not force it."
Oliver opened his mouth to argue but Panov had grabbed his bicep. The older omega pulled him up the ramp of their plane. He kept ahold of Oliver until they were out of sight of the man.
When it looked as if he was going to argue the man stated, "Dont let his last memory of you be an argument. I am almost positive we will be seeing them again. The only question is how. So for now relax you are finally going home."
He didnt feel as if he was going home if anything it felt as if he was leaving it.
