Author Note: All comments and reviews are appreciated. They are my addiction, so please feed it!
Sorry that this is a really short chapter but I have been out of my head on pain killers this week, I couldn't really concentrate. But I am working on the next chapter, I promise.
"Green Arrow. It's been a long time," Merlyn said, smirking. "Those reflexes of yours haven't improved. If I wanted, you'd be dead by now.
"Then what's stopping you?" Oliver kept the arrow pointed directly at him, knowing that even in a relaxed stance this man was a threat. He was thankful Chloe was safe in her bed.
"You competed against me once, claiming that your skills surpassed my own. I want to see if that confidence still remains." Merlyn took a few steps towards Oliver before securing his own bow to his back. "I offer you another challenge. This time, however, the stakes will be higher than your bruised ego."
"You want me to challenge you in public again?" His voice distorter could not disguise the disbelief in his voice. There was no reason to challenge him again in public; Merlyn had done that once before and won, completely humiliating him in the process. The only man to best the Green Arrow at his own game.
"Silly boy. I have something more entertaining in mind. Chloe Sullivan has become a thorn in my side, one which you seem intent on protecting."
"I tend to have a problem with the cold blooded murder of innocent people," Oliver snarked. It seemed Chloe's brief presence in his life here was having an effect already.
Merlyn's expression turned to one of seriousness. "I want you to put your arrows where your mouth is. You have chosen to be her protector. Prove you are worthy of the position." There was a bitter edge to his words, an eagerness.
Oliver's arm was beginning to feel the strain of holding his bow taut for so long. He was now beginning to regret not grabbing his crossbow. He relaxed some of the tension, ready to draw it again if Merlyn made a move. "What are you suggesting?"
"I am suggesting a true test of your skills." The smirk returned to Merlyn's face, making Oliver feel uneasy. He knew he wasn't going to like this.
"All you have to do Green Arrow, is keep Miss Sullivan alive for two weeks. Manage that task and I will leave Star City with the promise of letting your little reporter live. If you fail, you hang up your tights and bow for good."
Oliver ignored the tights remark. They were clearly not tights - they were made of leather for crying out loud! "I'm sure Miss Sullivan will be thrilled to discover she is your twisted version of a carnival prize."
Merlyn dramatically sighed. "If only she could. The first condition of our challenge is that she is not to be told of our little bet. If she becomes aware her, life will be forfeit."
Oliver grit his teeth. If Chloe found out that he kept something like this from her, she would never forgive him. She would probably kick his ass too. "What are the other conditions?" He couldn't believe he was going along with this.
"Miss Sullivan is not allowed to leave the city limits."
"How exactly do you expect me to limit the movements of a woman I have nothing to do with?" Oliver was proud of the lie. The Green Arrow may not be able to stop Chloe, but Oliver Queen could. It wouldn't be easy to manipulate her, but he could make it work.
"That is not my problem. Oh, and before you think of it, I am aware of your special little club. If I see a hint of a costumed freak, then all bets are off. I have watched her for twenty-four hours; I have seen her friends, her daily routine, and will continue to watch closely. Anything suspicious, any hint that you have broken the rules, and our deal is off."
"Is this the part where you twiddle your moustache?"
"I see time and public humiliation has not restrained that smart mouth of yours." Merlyn sneered.
Oliver tilted his head and smirked "Some find it endearing."
"I doubt it. So do we have a deal, Green Arrow?"
"It doesn't sound like I have much of a choice."
Merlyn laughed briefly. "No, you really don't. You have twenty-four hours before our games begin. I wouldn't want you to be too tired. After all, you'll need to be at the top of your game!"
Merlyn grabbed his crossbow, Oliver automatically drawing his own bow back into position. Merlyn fired a grapple line into the distance and swung away, leaving Oliver standing on the rooftop watching his exit.
Oliver was sat in his Star City apartment, barely out of his leather. He sat on the edge of his couch, folding his arms over his knees, staring at the phone on the table in front of him.
He couldn't help but wonder if he should have shot Merlyn the minute he saw him on the rooftop. Had he given Chloe a chance to survive Merlyn's attentions, or had he just made things far worse?
Feeling restless, Oliver got to his feet and grabbed a bottled water from the refrigerator. If Merlyn had been following Chloe since the attempt on her life, then he would have seen her with both Oliver Queen and Bart Allen. It could be a blessing in disguise. Bart could be near her all the times he couldn't to keep her safe and visa versa.
Oliver sank back down onto is his couch with the drink. What he really wanted to do was pick up the phone to Chloe and let her know. She would hate being left in the dark like this, and there would probably be a fair amount of pain in his future when she eventually did find out. He let out a sigh. If Merlyn had been able to track her so closely and Oliver had not noticed, then there was a chance he would find out if she was told. He couldn't take the risk.
Merlyn had said the JLA could not interfere in this game of his, but he hadn't demanded they too be kept in the dark like Chloe. If they knew about Merlyn's intentions, they could use their eyes and ears to keep Chloe safe. She had mentioned wanting to meet with AC and Victor again. This could be the ideal opportunity to arrange a nice public reunion. If Merlyn was to see them interacting on a social level with Chloe, he wouldn't question their presence in her life.
Oliver finished his drink and glanced at his watch. It was far too early in the morning to call, and he was bound to take a lot of grief for his timing if he did.
He changed his mind within three seconds and picked up the phone, hitting a speed dial. After seven rings it was finally answered.
"Dude, do you know what time it is?"
If the slur of his words were anything to go by, the person on the other end of the phone was still half asleep. "Yes, I know what time it is Bart."
"This better be important. I was having a great dream - me, Chloelicious, and a jar of salsa."
"Chloe's the reason I'm calling."
"Is she okay? What's happened?" Oliver could hear the panic in the young man's voice rise.
"She's fine at the moment, but things have changed. Her safety is compromised more than ever."
"Where do you need me?"
Oliver sighed with relief. He could always rely on Bart to be there when he was needed. It didn't hurt that Chloe's life was an added incentive for him either. "I need you and the guys to meet me at my apartment in the city."
"What happened?" Bart asked.
"Merlyn upped his game. I've got a plan but I'll need your help."
"No problem, I'll be there. Just give me a few minutes to round up Fishstick and Roboboy."
"Thanks Bart." Oliver hung up and stared out the window. It wouldn't be long before the sun would start to rise, and there was way too much to do before Chloe woke up in the morning.