AN: i have a HUGE apology for you all for how long this chapter has taken. Time is not my friend anymore i dont seem to have enough. I will try much harder to not let it be so long. Thank you for still reading and enjoy this chapter.
I do not own Arrow or Mutant X i just wanted to borrow for my own crazy ideas
Chapter 19 - Queens Fall
Oliver started awake, something dragged him from a peaceful slumber. He felt Felicity sturr on him snuggling further into his chest mumbling, "Turn off the alarm I'm sick today." As his reasoning returned to him he recognised his phone ringing and dug into his pocket. The screen displayed Mother, Oliver exhaled hard before hitting the call button however he never greeted his mother.
"Oliver what on EARTH have you done now! Where are you?" Moira shrieked down the phone. Before answering he bit down hard to calm himself and then responded, "I... Nothing. My whereabouts doesn't concern you." "Oh yes is does when you have lost Queen Consolidated to that whore. Its all over the news Oliv..." The call ended abruptly. Stunned Oliver lay with his mouth open gawking into space digesting the information he had just received.
After what felt like a lifetime he finally dropped the phone from his ear to investigate why the call ended. His phone was still on but the signal was missing. Strange, he remembered them being jammed unless intentionally unblocked.
Suddenly the meaning of Moira's words struck him. He glanced over to where Thea was meant to be but found the bed empty. He returned to his phone and checked the time, 12:17pm. Groaning he flopped his head back to pretend his problems didn't exist anymore.
Felicity started to stir a few seconds later. She scrunched her eyes up tight and curled closer into Oliver, then after a few moments gave up and relaxed opening her eyes looking up into Oliver's face. "Who died?" Her mouth functioned without permission and she immediately covered it with her hand. Oliver smiled her uncanny ability to say exactly as she thought always brightened his darkest moods. "No one but I think my funeral is looming. Something is going on at QC." He answered.
Felicity processed his reply, it took a little longer than usual due to lack of caffeine but eventually she got there, "We need to get over there, you can't risk losing the company who'll pay for your arrows?" She sat up fighting off Oliver's attempts to lie her back down. "I'm fine nothing hurts anymore." "Felicity." Olivers warning was laced into her name. She turned to face him placing her hands either side of his face, "You saved me from Slade now let me help save you from whatever mess Queen Consolidated is in. Come on let's go see what's happening." She lent in to peck Oliver but he laced his fingers into her hair keeping her in place as he returned the kiss and deepened it. They kissed desperately like it was their first and last but eventually breath was needed and reluctantly they broke apart breathless and flushed.
"I don't want to lose you." Oliver finally spoke as their breathing calmed down. "I know, I will always fight to stay here with you and by your side too." They hugged tightly, Oliver didn't want to let go he knew eventually he would be the cause of her leaving him, either through death or fear of death. "Come on work to be done and Slade to be taken care of." Felicity pulled back and dragged them both out of bed and out the room heading to the lab first.
Roy had arrived at the orphanage at daybreak. He had headed to his place after closing Verdant but found he couldn't sleep. His mind was too hyper thinking about finally being rid of his temper issues and never needing to worry about hurting Thea. Then he couldn't stop thinking about Thea, no more lying to her about his night activities and who her brother was. But how was he supposed to hide birthday surprises from her or tell a little white lie to save her feelings.
He prowled around the place trying to settle himself but it was no good he was agitated and he just wanted to see Thea. He left and jogged to the orphanage, he hadn't thought his plan through as he didn't have any way of entering. Previous times someone was always expecting them and opened the door. Giving up to wait for a reasonable hour he slumped to the floor and rested his back against the wall next to the door.
A few minutes passed before the door unlocked and opened. Roy looked up in surprise. What he hadn't expected was to see Thea stood in the doorway. He leapt to his feet and grabbed Thea around her waist picking her up and moving into the building before kissing her briefly but deeply.
When they broke apart Roy had a sappy puppy dog look while Thea was in shock at the welcoming. "What was all that?" She asked. "I um just..." Roy flummoxed for an appropriate answer to explain the way he had been feeling before seeing her. Thea giggled at Roy's obvious discomfort, "I'm happy to see you too Roy." She kindly answered for him and watched as he relaxed.
Roy suddenly thought about Thea being up so early and was about to ask when Thea carried on talking. "Adam's got something to show you." She said excitedly before grabbing his hand and practically running in the direction of the lab, he allowed himself to be dragged along.
As the two youngsters entered the lab they were greeted with a tired but happy looking Adam. Behind Adam was a 3D projection of a DNA strand slowly rotating. Thea bounced on the spot with excitement. Roy felt his mouth curl up in a smile as his brain jumped to its own conclusion. His stomach developed butterflies and his heart started to race, "Is that what I think it is?" He blurted.
Adam's eyes seemed to get a mischievous glint, "That would depend on what you think it is? If you are thinking that the DNA behind me is yours you would be partially correct. This is a real time prediction of your DNA with modifications to the Mirakuru serum enhancements. It has stabilised and theoretically should reverse the side effects you're experiencing.
The building presumptive excitement in Roy just exploded into absolute joy. His brain didn't process any of the particular wordings Adam had used. He was just itching to get things over with now. "When can you treat me?" He whispered almost scared to ask in case it was still too good to be true and he was dreaming.
Thea's excitement calmed hearing Roy sound so vulnerable, she slipped her hand into his. "Roy I am 90% confident this will be successful. The 10% I have no way of defining unless it's on a subject. If you still want to go ahead we can start when you're ready." Adam explained.
Roy thought about what adam had said. The guy had shown himself to know his stuff, Felicity had trusted him and when Thea had needed him he had saved her too. He looked at Thea checking with her, she had already adopted the team's mind reading ability and he received a huge smile and hand squeeze. "I'm ready now." He announced in a clear confident voice as he turned to face Adam.
"Do you want to wait for your team?" Adam checked. "No this is my problem. Besides Felicity trusts you so I do too." Roy replied. Adam chuckled, "Okay then let's get you prepped.
As Oliver and Felicity opened the door they were met with loud screams. It sounded like someone in pain, Oliver thought they sounded familiar but it couldn't be. The pair looked at the other and as their eyes met a silent agreement passed between them. Oliver took lead keeping Felicity behind him. He was on guard for any type of attack.
They slid along the wall inching closer to the lab where the screaming was the loudest. Oliver peeked round the door frame and what he saw made his stomach turn. He stepped round the door frame and instructed Felicity to stay before marching into the room and over to Adam.
Felicity nodded to acknowledge Oliver's instruction and watched him disappear into the lab. She couldn't not know who or what was making those pained screams so she decided to peak. Carefully she slid round the frame and blanched. It was Roy. If she had had any food in her system she would have lost it. There was no immediate danger so she moved into the room.
Oliver turned Adam partially to face him and away from Roy, "What the hell is going on?" Oliver demanded. Adam only took his eyes off the tablet he held for a moment to see who had grabbed his shoulder, he couldn't afford to be distracted. Then he heard Oliver, "I'm altering his DNA. He knows the risks. If you want to help him keep back and wait." Adam replied bluntly as he returned his focus to Roy.
It was then Oliver noticed Thea stood near Roy's side tears streaming down her face but never moving from Roy. Felicity suddenly grabbed him taking his attention away. He saw her tears and wrapped his arms around her whispering in her ear. "Shhh, it's okay Roy knows what he's doing."
Time seemed to slow down hearing Roy's pained cries. Each one was worse than the last, it would be a sound to haunt everyone. It felt like hours but 10 minutes after the procedure started Adam got the readings he needed to stop. He cut the scanners red beams and moved to Roy's side. As the beams stopped Roy's cries slowly died down to whimpers then heavy breathing.
When the scanning beams vanished Thea tore her eyes away from Roy to meet Adam's. He motioned to her that she could move to Roy and she instantly did grabbing his hand and running her free hand through his hair to comfort him.
"Roy it's finished. Your vitals are all good. Just get some rest now." Adam gently spoke to Roy. Thea heard and relaxed just a little at the news that Roy was okay and it was over. Adam moved away and deposited the tablet into a docking station on the countertop, then moved over to Oliver and Felicity. He motioned for them to head out the room and he followed.
Out in the corridor Oliver started on Adam, "What do you think you are doing inflicting that kind of pain on a person. And secondly what about letting our team know you had the fix, I... we should have been consulted." Oliver demanded. Adam let Oliver have his outburst before replying. "Firstly I'm doing my job helping anyone I can. Secondly Roy's condition is his own to deal with if he so chooses. Thirdly I only devised Roy's treatment, Slade's is still under investigation. I understand your concerns for your team mate but I and my team are doing our utmost to help you and yours. We have no ulterior motives, no hidden agendas, any actions we take without consulting you are done to ensure others safety or wishes. If you don't like how we operate then leave." Adam responded.
Oliver shrunk back at the power, depth and conviction to Adam's words. He never considered Roy would want to deal with the Mirakuru on his own, since he had been injected Oliver had watched over him knowing he was responsible. Then all the team had been helping him deal with the changes and side effects until now. "I and the team appreciate your help and hospitality. Will he be okay?" Oliver almost whispered his mind replaying the screams from Roy.
"He should be fine. There is a 10% chance it might not be completely successful but Roy was well aware of the risk. The regeneration gene will speed up the process and recovery. I had to catalyse the reaction for the DNA and cells to change that's what caused Roy's distress." Adam explained.
Felicity released a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding. Roy's chances were good and she was hopeful for him. Then she remembered what had brought them to the lab. "We need to get access to a computer something is happening at Queen Consolidated."
"Jesse's in the helix, head up there." Adam answered. The group disbanded, Adam returned back to the lab while Oliver and Felicity headed up to the roof.
News reporter "Queen Consolidated has announced its new CEO this morning. A unanimous decision has been made by the board and Isobel Rochev has taken the sole position in the company. Previously she co-shared this with Oliver Queen son of Robert Queen the founder of the company. We are still waiting to hear from the Queen family on this sudden change."
Felicity muted the news channel before looking over her shoulder at Oliver. She didn't have a clue where they were going to start at fixing this problem. Oliver's face didn't betray any emotion, that worried Felicity more. "Oliver?" She questioned with just his name. Oliver sighed, "We need to get over there. Call Diggle and Canary. I need to sort something out and we can leave when they arrive." Oliver instructed and then left the helix.
As soon as Oliver left Felicity sagged into the chair and put her head in her hands in despair. Even though they had found out Slade's plans they hadn't been able to stop it. He always seemed to be several steps ahead of them. Felicity heard movement and remembered she wasn't alone. Quickly she lifted her head up hoping she hadn't been caught but she was too late.
Jesse had overheard the news report and the conversation. When Oliver left he risked a glance back and couldn't see Felicity so he stood up. He saw her head in her hands on the desk. Carefully he moved around to her workstation and crouched down at the side. Her head shot up out of her hands almost fast enough to cause whiplash and her face was a look of horror.
"Are you okay?" Jesse asked concerned. "Yeah totally fine, just needed to get my head organised." She lied thankful it wasn't Thea asking she didn't want to show that she hadn't a clue how to help Oliver. "It might seems that everything is against you but it will work out, hero's always win right?" Felicity giggled, "I'm pretty sure that's on shows only. Can I unblock my phone, need to get in touch with John and Canary." Felicity asked trying to get back to work and move focus from her. "Yeah just watch how you reset, we had an anomaly this morning. Still investigating what happened." "Oh. I will be extra careful. Promise." She replied her brain now working overtime on that new information.
Jesse returned back to his computer. Felicity unblocked her phone and set about ringing John and Canary. She briefly outlined that they needed to get to QC and that Oliver wanted Canary as backup. She felt bad not explaining the full details with Jesse around but Roy's condition wasn't her story to tell. Once the calls were done with she set the block back up and then sorted through the backlog of missed calls, texts and voice messages all from Isobel trying to contact Oliver.
"Jesse I've set the block back up, not sure if you want to check it. I will see you later." Felicity said. Jesse looked up from his terminal, "Okay, I trust you. Take care." Jesse replied. Waving Felicity off.
Felicity sat on the roof getting some quiet time. When she heard the roar of a bike approaching she headed downstairs knowing it was probably Canary and Diggle wouldn't be far behind.
At the lab she found Roy sat up looking better than he had earlier, Adam was hunched over a microscope and Thea was now sitting next to Roy looking relieved. "Hey." Felicity nervously announced her presence. Thea and Roy looked over and smiled. "Hey." They said in unison. Adam glanced up smiled and returned to his work. "Sorry I'm in the middle of a trial please excuse me." He apologised. "Oh no carry on, I was just looking for Oliver." Felicity explained. "He." Roy started to answer sounding rough he stopped and cleared his throat before carrying on, "He left to let Sss... Canary and Dig in." Roy closed his eyes in embarrassment he has almost slipped up and revealed Sara's identity. As he mentally scolded himself he also noted the lack of overwhelming anger that normally would have flared in himself. "Thanks. How are you feeling?" Felicity asked worried about her friend, his screams still echoing in her ears. "I'm better much better. I'm under orders to not move." He mock pouted. Thea scowled back at him, Felicity stifled a giggle.
"I will see you in a bit, going to find Oliver see what's happening." She turned to leave. Roy whispered to Thea and pushed her hands towards the doorway and the retreating Felicity. Thea tried to argue not wanting to leave but it was half hearted as she was torn between being with Roy and needing to know what was going on. "Fine, I'll be back soon." She huffed. Standing she kissed Roy then moved from his side. Every few steps she looked back at him, he had his dopey smile on his face, it made her smile. Then she was gone.
Oliver quickly briefed Canary and Diggle on Roy and what he knew of QC just as both ladies arrived. "What's going on?" Thea asked. Oliver started to think up a cover story and as soon as he went to talk he snapped his mouth closed, then he decided on the truth. "I need to get to Queen Consolidated Isobel has taken over the company. While I'm gone Canary is going to keep watch on Roy." "Okay but I'm coming with you." Thea demanded. "No you need to stay here where its safe and..." Oliver started to argue but deep down selfishly he wanted Thea by his side. He had been fighting too long alone, finding Diggle and Felicity had helped as well as Canary and Roy but Thea was his sister and she had accepted who he is.
Thea felt the lie in his words and cut him off before he could make more of a hole for himself. "No, Queen Consolidated is Dad's company we are not going to lose it. Now I'm going." Thea confidently ordered. "Fine." Oliver quietly conceded internally happy he had another backing him up.
Canary kept quiet watching Thea, Roy had said she was like Felicity but hadn't explained further. Now she saw her eyes changing colour, completely different to Felicity red and blue flecks changing when Oliver spoke. That wasn't one she remembered reading about she would have to find out what Thea could do.
"Oliver I think it could be a trap, not to dampen the mood further but Jesse mentioned an interference on their barrier system. He didn't know anymore but it could be Slade playing games, drawing you out." Felicity voiced her concerns. "I know, he's been steps ahead for weeks, hopefully Adam will have a cure by the end of the day and we can be ahead and end this."
"You might want this suit for now." Diggle interrupted changing the subject and moving things forward. The group relaxed and chuckled at the joke. "I got clothes for you too Felicity. And I hope you don't mind the assumption but I picked up some of your clothes Miss Queen." Continued Diggle. "Thanks Dig." Felicity said taking the dress bag from him. "Thank you Mr Diggle, call me Thea." "Okay but call me Dig. Diggle replied handing over a carry case for Thea.
The team disbanded to get changed, Dig stayed with the car. Thea and Felicity went together to get changed. Thea asked Oliver to let Roy know where she was going. Oliver took Canary to the lab before getting changed himself.
Oliver, Felicity, Thea and Diggle arrived at QC. On the executive level they were challenged by Isobel's PA. Oliver ignored the man and charged right into the conference room. The others held back but Thea moved to the front of the group. The PA dashed forward stuttering an apology to Isobel. "Can you give me the room." The other occupants to the room cleared out including the PA.
"What did you do Isobel?" Oliver ground out. Isobel smirked then stood to address him, "Me?" She asked innocently. "I just followed the board members instructions." "What instructions?" Oliver was losing patience he wished he was hooded with his bow that would wipe the smug look off her face. "The entire board were tired of yet another meeting missed by you. A unanimous vote across the board to remove you and put me in sole charge. I accepted."
Oliver lost his cool, he charged at Isobel, "What did Slade promise you?" He spat out as he pinned Isobel to the table. Isobel just laughed, "Nothing only revenge, all this is my hard work Slade only suggested my appearance would lure you back to Starling City. I had my doubts but Slade does indeed know you." Violently turning Isobel he pinned her again facing him this time. "Why revenge?" He asked confused now, he didn't know Isobel before the take over. "The sins of the father are the sins of the son."
Catching Oliver off guard Isobel pushed him of her and tackled him resulting in both falling to the ground and rolling apart crouching ready for attack. "Maybe if you didn't spend so much time on your night activities you would still be CEO." Isobel bragged her knowledge of Olivers secret. Both lunged at the other exchanging blows matching strengths. "Slade trained me. You won't win." The taunt gave Oliver pause for thought while he exchanged blows his mind replayed moves Shalimar had used against his.
Changing styles to moves he had never done he tried to mimic Shalimar's. He dropped down into a crouch and spun with his leg out knocking Isobel into the floor. Lunging forward he pinned her back to the floor immobilising her upper body, "No you won't win. I will fight you every step until I stop both of you." "Good luck. Tell me how is Moira taking the news?" Isobel kicked out and caught Oliver's head causing him to release his grip on her. She got to her feet and as Oliver stood three security men entered. "Please escort Oliver and his groupies out of the building." Two of the guards moved forward for Oliver who shrugged them off. "I'm leaving."
As the group headed towards the door Isobel shouted one more thing, "Oh Miss Queen, you have a few days to vacate the steel works factory. Its an asset of Queen Consolidated." "Sure your highness." Thea sarcastically replied. Before Oliver guided her out. They were escorted out to their car by security.
"What did she mean by mom taking the news?" Thea asked the silent car. "I don't know, she warned me that Isobel couldn't be trusted. I didn't listen." He said feeling depressed that he had let this mess get out of hand. "Why did you and mom stop talking?" Thea carefully asked, it had been bugging her for a while now. "She knew Merlyn was your biological father all along and Felicity uncovered the secret but Moira still wouldn't tell either of us and when I knew I couldn't bring myself to tell you." Oliver answered, he took his phone out and dialed Moira. "I think we need to talk to her." He announced while the phone rang.
Moira picked up, "Oliver where have you been? I'm trying to fix your mess and you're being impossible to contact. I have the family lawyer booked for four o'clock at the house I need you and Thea there. Have you seen Thea she has been just as impossible to contact as you." When Moira finally took a breath Oliver spoke. "Where are you? Me and Thea are together and need to talk to you." "I'm at the house." Moira replied. "We will see you there." Oliver ended the call.
"Diggle the mansion please." Oliver instructed. "Thea we need to be careful with our secrets and mom. She can't know who I am it could put her in danger especially if she's the mayor. And we have to protect Mutant X secret too." "I don't like the lies Ollie, but I can understand them they aren't as bad as the undertaking lies mom told. I will tell her about Malcolm and that I've been staying with Roy. No lies." Thea said.
Felicity noticed no reaction in Thea's eyes so her mind flying ahead tested a theory, "You were kidnapped by Malcolm and have been staying with Roy." As she spoke she watched Thea's eyes they turned red and stayed red. "That's strange when you say things your eyes don't react." She commented her analysis. "So I can lie and you guys can't hide your lies and truths from me." Thea cheered a little. "I have been with Felicity because she was seriously ill." Oliver said. He watched Thea's eyes turn red. "Truth. I think as long as we stick to vague details and believe its true we are okay." He commented his theory. "We're here so time to test your theories more." Diggle said as he climbed out the car.
Diggle opened the back passenger door to allow the occupants to get out. Thea went first then Oliver. Felicity stayed in the back but Oliver reached in and dragged her out, "You're family too." He said to answer her confused expression. "Dig keep watch." To which Oliver received a nod. The trio set of inside the mansion.
Inside they found Moira in the sitting room she appeared to have a contract type paper in her hands, she was concentrating and chewing the end of her pen. Thea took lead, "Mum." She called out moving across the room towards Moira. As Moira heard her name she looked up and placed the papers down standing and hugged Thea. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick." Moira scolded Thea. Then she noticed Felicity, "What is she doing here?" "She has a name, its Felicity, and I invited her because she's family." Oliver challenged his mother. Indignantly Moira let it slide, there were bigger problems than Felicity to deal with currently.
"Well." Moira turned her attention back to Thea. "I well, Mum I know." Thea decided to go with cryptic. "Know what Thea?" Moira asked confused now she looked daggers at Felicity and then Oliver. "I know that Malcolm Merlyn is my biological father." Moira looked stunned for a brief moment before closing off. She kept her focus on Felicity believing her to be responsible. "Mom Malcolm is alive, he found me and told me." Thea continued at Moira's silence. "What?!" Moira pretended to be surprised.
Thea felt herself go cold and she quickly closed her eyes, she didn't want to try and explain that. Oliver noticed Thea and quickly stepped in, "Mom I'm sorry about losing Queen Consolidated. You said not to trust Isobel and I didn't listen." Moira moved away from Thea to face her son. Thea felt the cold change to warm, this is not going to be fun.
"Why Oliver? What was so hard about keeping your head down and looking after a company that runs itself. This is what your dad wanted you to do, he built this for you. Was it her fault?" Moira accused. She had heard the rumors at QC. They had moved in together and Oliver's attention had grown steadily worse. At the accusation Felicity's mouth dropped open speechless. Thea opened her eyes in shock. "NO!" Oliver cried out in complete horror at his mother. "If I didn't have Felicity I would have lost the company sooner. I told you I wasn't ready and you wouldn't listen." Moira shrunk back at Oliver's outcry. She felt a little shame, if she hadn't been involved with Merlyn's ridiculous Undertaking Robert would still be around to run the company.
"I'm sorry. I do what is right by you both, even if it has disastrous consequences. I love you both so much." Moira explained her actions. Thea felt the truth in her words. Before more could be said Raisa interrupted, "There is a gentleman in the reception wishes to speak to you all." "Send him through." Moira answered presuming it was the lawyer being early.
The group moved to take seats, Moira still didn't appreciate Felicity being present but Oliver was keeping her close and Moira decided to pick her battles where she was concerned. It wouldn't last she was certain of it. Raisa appeared at the doorway and motioned the guest through to the room. Oliver and Felicity stopped breathing in unison. Moira surprised stood and welcomed Slade, "Mr Wilson. To what do I owe the pleasure." She said shaking Slades hand. "Oh the pleasure is all mine Mrs Queen. I came to offer assistance to your current situation if you require any." He smoothly responded. His eye kept glancing about the room to meet Oliver, Felicity and Thea's gaze. He hid his shock at the strangeness in Thea's eyes.
Thea felt the icy chill to Slade's words. She knew they were in deep trouble. She tried to catch Oliver or Felicity's attention to show them he was lying but they were watching slade like hawks. "Thank you for your concern Mr Wilson but we are dealing with the situation." Moira answered. "You are welcome to join us for a cup of tea before you leave." Moira kindly offered. "No thank you I have other arrangements." Slade replied with a coy smirk. Thea felt the truth and her mind raced with scenarios of what might happen now.
Oliver's stomach dropped when he saw that smirk. This was going to be bad and everyone he cared about was here and in arms reach of Slade. Adrenaline flooded his system he would fight until there was no breath left in him before he let Slade harm his family. "Let me see you out then." Moira replied motioning for Slade to go first towards the doorway. Slade turned making to leave. He took one step, then another and another. Moira matched him keeping a pace behind. Just before the doorway he abruptly stopped. Oliver stood at this but was not quick enough to prevent what Slade had planned.
Slade swung around and his hand connected with Moira throwing her across the room and into the wall. She was unconscious as she fell to the floor. Thea screamed for her mum as she ran to her side. Felicity cried out and as she watched Oliver charge at Slade she moved to Thea's side.
A moment Oliver was paralysed as he watched his mother fly through the air and land on the floor. Then he sprung into action charging at Slade. Unfortunately Slades strength was too much of a match for Oliver. He got 2 hits in knocking Slade back but Slade didn't relent on his assault. Oliver was thrown across the room hard. He landed on the floor and took several moments to catch his breath. Slade moved towards him, then Oliver heard Thea and Felicity call his name both sounded distressed but it was enough to give him another wave of adrenaline.
Standing Oliver charged Slade again but he was slowed by injuries sustained from the fighting. Slade deflected Oliver's moves like he was swatting a child. After a few minutes Slade twisted Oliver around in one of his lunges and pulled his back into him hooking his elbow under Oliver's chin and slowly pulling tighter. Oliver struggled trying to get fingers between his throat and Slades arm. Everywhere hurt, he was struggling to breath and his vision was starting to go black. At the back of his mind he could hear Thea and Felicity. That was the last conscious thought he had his silent apology to them.
AN: please let me know what you think. The end is in sight.