Chapter 10 - The weakest link

Nyssa had been in Starling City for over three weeks now; ever since she overheard Roy and Thea discuss the murder of her beloved Sara. She had somehow managed to curb her outburst of rage long enough to not attack the girl at that very moment, but it had been unfathomably hard.

With this new piece of information, the motive behind Oliver Queen's actions suddenly became crystal clear. Nyssa knew the Arrow would give his life to save his city, but it took Oliver Queen to sacrifice himself for his sister. Protecting one's family is definitely one of the few reasons to die for a crime one hasn't committed.

Instead of being rash, Nyssa tried to be patient – like Sara – and had remained in Starling City to keep a close eye on all of them and to plan her revenge.

Having to restrain herself again – when she had spotted both Merlyn and Thea in the same room – had been one of the most difficult things she had ever done. Her heart wanted to swing in and bring them both down, but her mind was smarter than that. Two against one was more than she could handle; at least when one in the pair was the Magician.

Even if the wait and reconnaissance had been tormenting, her father Ra's al Ghul had sent word back and promised her justice. Apparently he had sent Sarab together with a reborn and brainwashed Arrow to back her up. This meant the time for justice was now near. Nyssa could almost smell the murderers' blood flow in the streets already.

The three assassins met up outside of Verdant.

At first it had been difficult for Nyssa to fathom what a different person Oliver Queen had become. It was suiting that he had been given a new name, because it was like the person standing in front of her was either a clone or a twin; completely devoted to serve the League of Assassins with no previous memories what so ever.

The trio took some time to stake out the premises around the club from a nearby roof.

"Watching them, I have found that the easiest thing to do is grab the girl when she is alone. She has been taught to fight, but only the basics." Nyssa said and then stared at the entrance to the building. "Her friends will likely try something heroic, but they don't pose much of a threat. If they interfere, we will take them out as well. Her father – a defector of the League – is the greatest challenge. He will definitely come to her rescue, but the kid is his weakness. That will give us opportunity to dispose of them both."

"Your plan is good," Rohe' said before turning to face her. "But there is an even easier way. Grab the weakest link in the chain, and the rest will be forced to come along as well."

"Wasn't that what I just suggested...?" she replied sceptically.

"Partially. But you've forgotten one important thing. Friends can also count as family. If these people are such a tight team as you claim, go for the one without any combat training. Let's take the computer-hacker-girl Felicity. The others won't jeopardize her safety, which will give us the advantage."

His eyes were completely dead. There were no traces left at all of Oliver Queen. The people he discussed could just as easily have been sacrificeable chess pawns and definitely not the closest people in his life.

Nyssa was slightly shocked. She had never doubted her father's methods, but was still surprised that he had managed to convert Oliver into such a faithful League-member this quickly.

However, his suggestion was the best strategic move out of the two. If Thea possessed even part of the pure heart Oliver had, she too wouldn't let someone innocent die in her place. If they controlled the daughter, they also controlled the father. Nyssa could only agree with the suggestion, but silently cursed herself for not thinking of it first.

Sarab observed the discussion, but said nothing. He was deep in thoughts; having split opinions about what was happening. He himself had always placed family first, and would have made the exact same sacrifice Oliver did, if it had been one of his family members on the line. He believed that the young man was a great contribution to the League, but to watch as he helped plan the assassination of his own sister – without even having the knowledge of it – was just wrong.

"That's her." Nyssa hissed as Felicity exited the building, pulling Sarab momentarily out of his thoughts.

During their stakeout they had watched the four arrive in a joint band. Roy, Diggle and Thea had then come and gone multiple times, but always at least in pairs. This was the first time any of the four had been alone. Even more suitable was the fact that it turned out to be their target who appeared on her own.

Oliver hadn't shown recognition for anyone in the quartet when they passed earlier, and now he stared down from the roof towards Felicity like a lion hunting a gazelle on the savannah.

As Felicity rounded the corner and headed into the alley where she had parked her car, the three assassins made their move. Simultaneously they jumped down; two in front and one behind.

Felicity was given quite a fright when Nyssa together with another masked assassin appeared from out of nowhere, blocking her way. It took about two seconds for her to gather herself and ask the question that had lingered on her mind twentyfour seven the last couple of weeks.

"Nyssa. Where is Oliver...?" Felicity asked, even though she was horrified to know the answer.

"He's dead." she boasted and smirked as Felicity visibly paled. "But we're not here about that. We've come for you."

As that last sentence registered in Felicity's mind she froze. She then spun on the spot, only to find a third individual invading her personal space; also dressed completely in black with face hidden.

She was completely surrounded.

The man grabbed a firm hold of her left arm. In an attempt to break free, Felicity swung a right hook at the individual's face. Her nails managed to claw away the disguise hiding the man's identity.

"OLIVER?!" Felicity gasped and stopped struggling.

The man stood rigid and unresponsive like a statue. The face was definitely Oliver's, but it was as if the eyes belonged to someone else. He stared emotionless back at her with such a cold gaze that her neck hair rose.

"Oliver...? It's me; it's Felicity!" she tried again, while placing her trembling hand on his cheek.

His lips slowly parted. Felicity thought for a moment that she had reached through to him, but was gravely mistaken.

"Oliver Queen... is dead. He was killed for betraying the League. Now will I – Rohe' Nool – together with my companions be the bringers of justice to Starling City."

That was the last Felicity heard before she felt a sharp sting in her neck. Her hand immediately found what caused it; a tiny arrow. A numb sensation radiated out from that area and quickly spread throughout her body.

"N-no... Ol...i...ver..." she mumbled, staring into his lifeless eyes.

That was the last thing she saw before the whole world became blurry. Everything then tilted to the right while simultaneously vanishing into a black mist.

A/N: Stephen Amell posted his definition of the word "sinceriously" today on Facebook, but the definition in the story will remains as "sincere & serious"… ;)