Stifling a yawn reaching up to rub his tired eyes as he pinches the bridge of his nose to glance down towards his desk to see numerous case files scattered all across his desk from a nearby pile letting out a sigh reaching out to gently grab a hold of his coffee mug without any hesitation Quentin takes a quick sip of his coffee before he settles the mug back down and starts to reread through the file in front of him.
An action that he could be seen doing for most of the night. A night full of shocks. A night that proved to be eventful. In more than one way. A night that wouldn't be forgotten anytime soon.
The night where a major breakthrough for the city had occurred. The night one of the most vicious and threatening foes to the entire city in recent memory had been arrested.
An night that seemed so quiet and uneventful. But that had quickly proven to be false once a break in the case had been made. A break that he and the rest of the department would not pass up.
A break that had led them there. To The Docks. Or what was left of them anyways. A place that was thought of to be abandoned for the last couple of months. Ever since The Undertaking.
A place that was once known to be crime central. Once known to be a stage for numerous drug deals to go down on. A scenery that was thought of to be long gone.
But those facts proved to be inaccurate. They weren't abandoned. Instead they were being used once again under secret. Used once again as a place for the criminal underworld to operate.
An underworld that seemed to rise up from the ashes just mere moments after the events of The Undertaking. An underworld that was only getting stronger and stronger by the day. An underworld that had a clear cut leader.
The very same man that could be deemed a serious threat to the city. A man that knew how to get things done. A man that knew how to avoid the law. Knew how to remain under the radar and leave no traces behind. As seen in front of him. Numerous cases one after another that were so similar.
So similar describing each and every victim's demise. So similar in describing a story. The same story of being beaten to death. Not by a foreign object. Not by multiple participants. No they were beaten to death by only one.
One individual that was shown from the medical reports to have tremendous strength. Showed to be ruthless. Shown for having no remorse.
The very same traits that could be found within another. Found within the same man that ran each and every crooked operation inside of the city. The same man that never showed any fear or remorse whenever questioned about for these crimes.
A man named Daniel Brick. The very same man that he never thought he would ever see in custody. Even if it wasn't where he exactly pictured the mob boss to be held. To be held inside of a hospital cuffed to a hospital bed as two officers remained stationed at his bedside.
A situation that he never thought he would ever see. Especially once he had heard the news. Heard the news of the biggest breakthrough that they ever had in their ongoing case against the mob boss. The break of hearing news that the mob boss himself would be making an appearance to take care of what he considered to be personal business.
Business concerning his way of life. Business that would ensure his way of life was no longer being threatened. A threat like many times before he was going to make sure was taken care of.
A threat in the form of a small time drug dealer named Blair Davidson. A small time dealer that had recently been arrested by one of the many undercover officers stationed around the city. A dealer that had quickly cracked giving out valuable information to help build up their case against the mob boss in return for protection.
Protection that he had been given in the terms of a safehouse. A safehouse that was quickly found to be anything but safe. Found early on in the morning to be broken into with his guards killed. Found with the officers assigned to protect him with multiple bullet wounds inflicted across their bodies as though they had been painfully interrogated.
A sight that sickened him once he had seen the crime scene photos. A feeling that he couldn't help feeling once he had seen Blair Davidson's fate just mere hours later. A similar fate that has happened to many before him.
The fate of being beaten to death. Not by an object. No but by a man's bare hands. A severely cracked skull that had been received from many vicious blows to his bloody scalp. A couple of broken ribs that had been severely cracked and fractured. A broken jaw that had been dislodged and a face that looked so deformed as though it had gone through a meat grinder..
A sight that could be seen in many of the case files laying across his desk. Case files he now hoped to close in the next few weeks with their latest breakthrough. The breakthrough of retrieving an firearm that his office has been after for a long time.
A firearm that could connect him to these murders. A firearm that had been left behind inside of a dark warehouse along with more than half a dozen to a dozen of bodies along with Blair Davidson's own. A firearm that would only strengthen their case. Along with this scene.
The scene of many if not all of his most trusted men lying lifeless on the ground at the scene of the crime. A scene that was most surprising. But not as surprising when he heard another piece of news.
Heard about another's return. Heard about from his partner of a familiar scene that often plagued the news a short year ago. The news of two mysterious vigilantes taking down yet another group of thugs. Taking down yet another criminal off the streets using their own brand of justice.
Justice that he could tell after the previous night had changed. They had changed. They had changed into something else. Something more brutal. Something more mercyless.
Something he already knew too well of. Especially from what he had saw just a mere year ago. A sight that he would never forget. Never forget looking down towards the broken body of the man once known as Malcolm Merlyn.
Remembering watching the brutality this vigilante had shown towards every single armed guard that ended up in his way to achieving his main goal. The goal of killing Malcolm Merlyn.
A goal that in his mind was achieved and more so. Especially if the rumors were true. The rumors that this vigilante along with his partner were truly responsible for that horrible night to take place. A rumor that was quickly spread and believed by everyone in the city causing a simple order to be executed.
The order of killing the vigilantes on sight. The order of to not hesitate in ending their lives. To do whatever was necessary to make sure they were no longer on the streets.
An order that had been given during the time in which many if not most of the city was mourning. Mourning of their loved ones deaths. Mourning and demanding justice. Justice they wanted in blood.
The same blood that was nowhere to be found. The same blood that had gone into hiding ever since that night. Hiding to only return on this night. A night that would forever be remembered by every single law enforcement officer that was there.
Forever be remembered as the night The Green Arrow and The Black Canary had returned leaving absolute carnage in their wake. Leaving a blood trail in which had never been seen before. Leaving The Docks into flames.
The flames engulfing some of their own. Engulfing the officers assigned the task to patrol the skies. Engulfed by an amazing feat. Not by a well placed bullet striking against the helicopter. No it was known to have occurred by a loud scream according from a couple of officers that had been nearby.
A scream that had somehow caused the helicopter to lose control. A scream that had taken down the helicopter. Something he couldn't believe. Something that he knew as impossible.
But it did happen. This masked woman had indeed taken down an helicopter with a simple scream. According to the officers anyways. She had taken down the helicopter leaving two officers dead.
Something that would not be forgotten. Something that wouldn't be forgiven. Even with what she and her partner had provided them on this night.
Provided them with one of the city's greatest mob bosses unknown to date on a silver platter. Given them one of the most deadliest beings in the city without asking for anything in return. Without showing him or any of his men any mercy. Something he himself wouldn't do if presented the same chance.
But now a whole new set of problems were being presented to him. A good set of problems in the eyes of others. But problems nonetheless. The problem of who? Who would be the one that would be the leading prosecutor in their building case against Daniel Brick?
A list that was very short. A list that was only getting shorter with every call that had been made in the past. A list that was dwindling with the same fears and concerns being given out with every call.
Concerns about their families. Concerns about their own personal safety. Concerns of their loved ones being targeted. The same concerns that would attempted to be put at ease with no prevail leaving the city in this position.
Position of who to turn to. To who to assign the task of putting away this mob boss for good in what was considered to be the city's biggest case to date. Even though there was one name that kept popping into his mind. A name that he hated to even think of allowing her the opportunity to do this for selfish reasons.
But a name that needed to be considered. The name of his eldest daughter Dinah Laurel Lance. A name that he knew once word had been spread that she was the leading prosecutor in the case would cause an instant buzz in the city. Cause an instant spec of hope. But only if she decided to take on the case.
Only if she decided to risk it all in an attempt to rid the city of the mob boss for good. Only if she would emerge back out of the shadows and back into the spotlight once again. Only if she decided to return his calls or text.
Calls that he wished to be returned ever since their heated encounter just recently. Heated encounter that left him with more questions than answers. Questions of where did she go for over a year? What happened to her this past year? Why did she return to the city?
Questions after questions that are starting to pile up every single time he glances over at his cellphone hoping it will ring with a familiar name across the caller id. But it hadn't happened yet. He still hadn't heard anything from his daughter.
And all that he could do now was wait. Wait for her to return his calls. Wait until she decided she wanted to see him.
Letting out a sigh reaching out as he grabs a hold of his mug and takes a sip putting the mug down where it once was just as he turns his head back forward instantly Quentin jumps up in surprise when he sees Laurel standing in front of his desk with her face emotionless while Oliver stands a couple of feet behind her with the same look across his own face.
" This better be good."
Catching his breathe as he takes a deep breathe slowly Quentin nods his head as he looks towards Laurel with a piercing look.
" You are a hard woman to find."
" I like to keep it that way. Why am i here? What do you want?"
Keeping his eyes locked on her own as he sees Laurel's facial features not wavering letting out a sigh slowly Quentin cuffs his hands together.
" I assume that you have seen the news today?"
" We don't have a tv."
Shrugging her shoulders as she sees Quentin reaching up to rub his forehead crossing her arms over her chest slowly a small glare forms across Laurel's face.
" I'll ask again. Why are we here?"
" We?"
Retracting his hand as he sees movement coming from over Laurel's shoulder turning his attention that way instantly Quentin watches Oliver come to stand by Laurel's side laying a hand gently on her shoulder causing him to witness her facial features softening for a split second before she quickly masks them.
" Where she goes, I go."
" With all due respect Mr Queen this doesn't really concern you…."
" No Quentin. That's where you are wrong. Every decision that i make concerns him. Just like every decision he makes concerns me. And seeing as how we both are let's just say very protective of the other, I strongly advise you to stop wasting our time and get to the point."
With his eyes slightly going wide as he looks deep into her own not seeing her budging from her spot after a few seconds of staring into Laurel's eyes letting out a sigh slowly Quentin shakes his head.
" Whatever you say. Late last night an undercover operation to take down one of the city's most well known mob bosses took place. Ever heard of the name Daniel Brick?"
" We may have come across that name once or twice before. What about him and why does this concern us?"
Letting out a sigh without turning his attention away from her slowly Quentin leans back in his seat.
" It has everything to do with you. As much as it pains me to say this and think of putting you yet again in harm's way the city needs you.
This man has hurt people. Has killed people by the handfuls without ever leaving a trace. Without ever being linked to his crimes.
But now? Now we have a chance to put this man away behind bars for good. Now we have a chance to ensure that this man never harms another human being ever again.
You have a chance to ensure that each and every one of his victims receive justice. You have a chance to ensure their families receive the justice that they rightfully deserve."
" And what does this have to do with me? In case you haven't noticed which is very likely we haven't been in the city for the past year. In fact it's been well over a year since i have even held a case file in my hands. What makes you think that i even have a desire to do so again?"
" Because i know you. I raised you. And i know that you will do the right thing."
Letting out a breathe that he was holding without taking his eyes away from Laurel slowly leaning forward from his seat gently Quentin lays his hands on top of his desk.
" I want you to question him. We have built a strong case against him over the past couple of months. But we need someone brave enough to step up and take on the case. When the time comes, I can assure you that you will receive a call to represent the city against him. Interested in the job?"
Straightening in his seat without taking his eyes away from her face as he sees her standing in front of his desk frozen in her spot as though lost in thought waiting patiently for a response just as he sees her looking back up towards him with the same blank look across her face to only shrug her shoulders instantly Quentin's eyes widen slightly for a split second.
" I'll pass."
Without having a chance to react as he watches Laurel turn on her heels and start to take a few steps away from his desk reaching out just as his hand comes within inches of her shoulder instantly Quentin grits his teeth when he feels a hand roughly grab a hold of his wrist and squeeze down onto it with a death grip causing a small pop to echo through the air.
Glancing over her shoulder as she sees Oliver standing in front of her Quentin's desk holding her father's wrist roughly while a look of pain comes across her father's face slowly turning on her heels Laurel makes her way back over towards Oliver's side.
With his facial features hardening by the second as he locks eyes with Quentin to see a mixture of emotions pass through the older man's eyes without any hesitation slowly Oliver increases his grip around his father in law's wrist causing a look of pain to form across the man's face for a split second.
" Try it and i'll break every bone in your body."
Keeping his eyes locked on Quentin ignoring all of the stares he can feel being directed his way from all around the room increasing his grip around the man's hand suddenly as he feels a hand gently resting down on his shoulder snapping his head to look over his shoulder as he sees Laurel staring at him with a blank look across her face despite the emotions that he can feel radiating from her eyes instantly Oliver releases his grip around Quentin's wrist causing the older man to backup a few steps cradling his hand in his chest.
Rubbing his wrist glancing up as he sees Laurel slowly guiding her hand slowly up from Oliver's shoulder to only rest it down gently onto his cheek causing an instance change in his facial features as he leans into her hand turning his attention back towards his daughter's face just as he opens his mouth instantly Quentin closes it shut when he sees Laurel snapping her attention towards him with a small glare across her face.
" I know that you are still hurting but don't throw it all away. It's not worth it. It's not worth throwing your lives away for."
Retracting her hand turning on her heels as she makes her way over towards the front of his desk shaking her head slowly reaching down Laurel tucks her hand inside of her jacket pocket causing her to see movement out of the corner of her eye coming from a nearby officer.
Glancing over to her side as she sees a nearby officer looking at her with an alarmed expression across his face as his hand rests down on his unfastened holster shaking her head without looking away from slowly retracting her hand from her pocket Laurel watches the alarmed expression quickly leave the officer's face as she reveals a cellphone from her pocket.
" Yes it is. She is worth it."
Instantly her head back towards her father without giving him a chance to react with lightning fast speed slamming her closed fist down onto his desk lifting up her hand revealing a broken cellphone underneath her hand slowly turning on her heels Laurel takes a couple of steps back towards Oliver unaware of the confused look across Quentin's face.
" Don't contact me again unless you are ready to do what is necessary."
Unable to say a single word as he watches in silence as Laurel gently wraps her arms around Oliver's own and slowly starts to lead him away unable to suppress it slowly Quentin shakes his head before he whispers out.
" Who are you?"
Coming to a drastic halt looking over her shoulder as she sees Quentin shaking his head at her with a look of confusion across his face slowly a look of interest forms across Laurel's face.
" You're not my daughter. You're not the little girl that i once knew. Who are you?"
Staring directly into his eyes as she sees him staring deep into her eyes as though searching for something shaking her head slowly Laurel turns her head back forward.
" You're right. I'm not your daughter. You're daughter is gone. Laurel Lance is dead."
Without waiting for a response with a slight tug slowly Laurel leads Oliver out of the room and around the corner leaving the entire room in silence and a shocked looking Quentin to stare at their retreating backs.
Are you there Mr Queen?...
Avoiding the eyes of Laurel who has remained at his side in total silence hitting down on the stop button as he slides his thumb over and quickly fast forwards through the tape to instantly smack his thumb back down on the stop button for what seemed like the hundredth time in the past hour as he stood frozen to his spot like a statue just replaying the tape over and over again behind a blank mask that was being watched like a hawk from another nearby with his eyes constantly glued to the recorder in his hand without any hesitation reaching down Oliver slams his thumb back down on the play button causing the recorder to come back to life.
You thought it was over all because you thought i was dead. It's not over. Our game has only just begun.
Hitting the stop button once again keeping his eyes focused on the tape within gently sliding his fingers down towards the rewind button just as his finger graces the button feeling a hand gently resting down on his shoulder slowly turning his head as he instantly locks eyes with Laurel to see nothing but concern riddled across her face unable to keep his eyes against her gaze instantly Oliver breaks off eye contact not catching her eyes going slightly wide from the action as her concern deepens even more.
Concern. A funny word in her mind. A word that would often be described as her feelings whenever inside of Starling City. Concerned for his health. Concerned for his well being. Concerned for his loved ones. Concerned for his state of mind.
A word that was too often used in a description of her for her liking. A description that was so very wrong. She wasn't just concerned. She wasn't just concerned about how much he could take before finally breaking.
No it was different. Something else that she couldn't possibly imagine. Something deeper. Something that would always light a fire inside whenever a tale from his past was revealed.
A fire that would always light whenever someone else dared try to interfere in her life. Tried to seperate them or try to her to change her ways. Even if for the wrong reasons.
The very same feeling that she can feel deep inside causing her blood to boil with every passing second as she sees the effect of the past once again taking its toll on him.
A past that was thought of to be behind them forever. A past that she had been looking to rid his mind of in hopes of building towards the future. In hopes of eliminating his deepest memories that have scarred him for years for newer ones. For better memories.
But a past that would not be allowed to be forgotten. A past that has come back to life within moments of visiting this site. This grave site. This holy ground.
A place that played a significant role in his life. A place that it had all started. A place where he had met the man that would help him survive this nightmare. The place where he had buried his father's body.
The same body that she knew could be seen hanging off from a nearby tree branch. A display that sickened her from the start. Sickened her from the total disrespect being displayed.
A display that left one question in her mind. Who? Who would do something like this? Who would be so diabolical and evil enough to do something like this? To abuse the remains of the fallen?
A special individual. An unique individual. An individual that didn't care what others would think of his actions. Someone that would need to have a deep hatred for another to do something like this. A deep hatred for Oliver. An hatred that would cause this. Cause yet another line to be crossed.
But who? Who could it possibly of been? Who could have done something like this? Something so barbaric and cruel. Who or what could it have been?
A question that she wanted answered. A question that she knew was being answered right before her very eyes. Being answered just by the look across his face. The pure terror radiating from his eyes once the tape had first started playing.
The intensity she can feel radiating from his eyes with every passing second ever since as though he was a caged animal just waiting to lash out.
Traits that she had seen many times before with the mere mention of a name. A name that she would forever remember. The name of Deathstroke. His tormentor. His demon. His ultimate nightmare.
A man that had tortured the man that she loves for so many countless years physically and mentally. A man that she knew was gone. A man that she knew could no longer torment him any longer.
But who then? Who would do something like this? Who would know this information? Who would know of the terrors her husband had faced here?
A list that was very short. A list that she was still unsure even if most of them were still even alive. Still unsure if they could even be found.
Shaking these thoughts away without taking her eyes away from him slowly moving around him to stand directly in front of him reaching out as she gently places her hand down on Oliver's cheek causing an instant change in his facial features leaning forward gently pressing her lips to his forehead with her eyes staying focused on his face gently moving her hand down his cheek to his chin very slowly Laurel raises his head up to stare into his eyes that still remain staring down at the ground.
" Oliver? Oliver look at me."
Slowly as she watches Oliver raises his eyes from off of the ground and directly into her own to see nothing but so many emotions radiating from his eyes leaning forward gently Laurel rests her forehead against his own.
" It's okay. He's gone…."
Instantly feeling Oliver shaking his head against her own with her eyes remaining locked on him leaning forward gently Laurel pecks him on the lips before she pulls back to gently nod her head against his own.
" Yes he is. He's gone. He can't hurt you anymore. Deathstroke is dead."
" But that voice…."
" Oliver? Listen to only my voice. That wasn't him. I don't know who that was but it wasn't him. He's gone and he's never coming back."
Keeping his eyes focused on Laurel's own feeling nothing but determination radiating from her eyes feeling a new sense of strength forming inside of him taking a deep breathe gently Oliver nods his head against own.
Suppressing a grin leaning over grazing his lips with her own reaching down feeling no resistance down below gently taking the recorder out of his hand turning her head away for a split second in a sudden move rearing back Laurel sends the recorder flying through the air towards a nearby tree before a mere seconds later she watches the recorder smash viciously into the tree trunk sending it's remains scurrying over the mountain.
Keeping a close eye on the guard beside his hospital bed that seems to be switch off with another every few hours for what he called babysitting duty with only the sound of a heart monitor going off repeatedly in the background feeling the soft fabrics of some new dressing be applied all over his body with a noticeable smirk across his face letting out a sigh glancing over to his side unable to suppress it the smirk across Brick's face only widens as he watches a slightly horrified look form across the nurse's face.
" Easy there doll face. Wouldn't want to ruin that pretty face."
Glancing over as she sees a sinister smile form across Brick's face that instantly sends a chill up her spine taking her eyes away from the man trying to be as quick as possible the nurse quickly applies the rest of the new dressings across his injured body before without glancing back she quickly retreats out of the room nearly avoiding a new comer that is slowly rounding the corner to emerge inside of the room.
" Ah detective Lance. It's been a while hasn't it?"
Keeping a stone cold blank expression across his face glancing over towards the police officer stationed at Brick's bed with the slightest of nods as he watches the officer lean off the wall and slowly make his way past him slowly Quentin turns his sights on Brick as he slowly emerges further into the room.
" Comfortable i see? Well we'll just have to change that won't we?"
Reaching out without giving him a chance to react grabbing a firm hold of the strap raising up his severely bandaged up leg with the slightest of tugs instantly Quentin raises up Brick's bandaged up leg hearing only the sound of a muffled cry of pain coming from the mob boss.
Jerking his bandaged arms forward to only feel his arms staying right as they are from a pair of handcuffs that have his wrists secured firmly attached to his hospital bed staring up angrily at Quentin just as he sees the officer turning to look over towards him with his anger only evaporating slowly a smirk forms across Brick's face.
" Ah much better. If you don't mind. I've got an itch. Right up there. Why don't you be a good lad and take care of it for me."
Keeping the smirk across his face as he watches a mixture of emotions quickly come across Quentin's face instantly Brick grits his teeth and closes his eyes shut when he feels his bandaged leg getting raised up even higher into the air causing a surge of pain to run up and down his leg.
" Is that better for you or should we continue?"
Snapping open his eyes as he sees Quentin smirking down towards him unable to help himself slowly Brick returns the gesture.
" Oh we'll get along just fine. By the way how is your daughter? I've seen recently that she has just returned home. Pretty little thing isn't she?"
Closing his eyes taking a deep breathe slowly Quentin opens his eyes to only smile down towards Brick.
" She's doing just fine. She'll be doing even better once you are behind bars where you belong. Personally after everything you've done, I would have just let you bleed out instead of bringing you here.
Unfortunately for me, I took an oath as an officer to ensure justice is served. Even to the likes of you. Fortunately for me as you're crime empire or whatever you want to call it has grown you've made a lot of enemies along the way.
Powerful enemies. Political enemies that have been just waiting for the day that you would slip up. And now here we are. Danny Brickwell. One of the city's most known greatest threats in recent memory now tied down awaiting his trial like a whipped dog."
Instantly as he sees an intense glare form across Brick's face feeling his smile only widening slowly Quentin leans over to look him in the eye.
" But that's not the reason why i'm here. I hope that you've enjoyed your stay here because it's about to end. You see i've pulled a couple of strings and have managed your very own personal escort over to Iron Heights.
They are expecting you. So enjoy your last remaining hours here. Enjoy remembering what it feels like to not be locked up inside of a cage. You're gonna need it."
Retracting his head without any hesitation turning on his heels slowly Quentin makes his way out of the room hearing only the sound of Brick's handcuffs clinging off the bed repeatedly before slowly as he emerges out of the hospital room and around the corner to see a few of the officers assigned to watch over Brick huddled up in a corner talking amongst themselves slowly Quentin makes his way over towards them.
Stifling a laugh glancing over his fellow officer's shoulder as he sees Quentin making his way over towards them quickly straightening up a lone officer quickly masks the smile across his face into a stone cold expression.
" Sir?"
" Erickson how many times have i told you? Enough with the sir crap. Now i want you and the rest of these jokers to secure the prisoner. In two hours time a small convoy will be here to escort our celebrity here to Iron Heights. Make sure he is ready to be transfered."
" Yes sir, I mean Quentin."
Letting out a sigh turning on his heels without glancing back slowly Quentin makes his way through the hospital and out of the hospital before mere minutes later as he emerges inside of his police cruiser just as he brings the car's engine to life unaware to his knowledge off into the shadows a lone blonde haired woman looks over towards the scene with interested eyes before mere moments later as she watches Quentin drive the car out of the parking lot and down the road pocketing the cellphone in her hand slowly she glances up towards the hospital.
Reaching out grabbing a hold of another stone by her side without any hesitation as she places the stone down on an already huge pile right in front of her glancing over to her side as she sees Oliver doing the same just a couple of feet away without needing to think twice reaching out once again slowly Laurel repeats the motion.
A scene that could be seen for the past hour. A scene that had been done a few times before. But not like this. Not how it all started. Not how it had all began.
Began with a simple discovery. A discovery of a burial site tainted. A burial site that had been destroyed. A site that has been slowly rebuilt this past hour.
A site that she hoped would never be tainted again. Hoped would never be touched again. Hoped to never see the look in his eyes ever again.
A look that would often cause a surge of anger to flow through her. A look of pain. A terrified look that had only gotten worse as he would stare up towards a pair of bodies.
Bodies of the fallen. Two males. Two men that had meant so much to him on this island. Two men that could be argued had helped start it all. Start his crusade back home. Their crusade.
Men whose bodies had been disgraced. Whose bodies had been torn badly with their skin and decay noticeably ripped apart. Most likely from nearby animals.
A sight that had made her sick. A sight that she had to make sure would no longer be. A sight that has led up to this. Them rebuilding the burial ground. Led to them covering the remains of the bodies in total silence with each lost in separate thoughts.
But known to her their thoughts were much different. While her own was still trying to solve the mystery of who could have done this his was off in another world.
Off in a memory. A memory he would never forget. The memory of when his nemesis had met their demise.
Wiping the sweat off her brow looking at her work as she nods her head approvingly at the newly made grave in front of her wiping her dirty hands down on her jeans looking over to the side as she sees Oliver slowly emerging up from his spot just as she opens her mouth quickly Laurel closes it shut when she sees Oliver extending a hand down towards her.
Without any hesitation as she gently takes his hand within her own and feels herself being pulled to her feet feeling the slightest of tugs without putting up any sort of resistance feeling herself being pulled forward slowly Laurel follows after Oliver.
" Where are we going?"
" I need to make sure."
Nodding her head in understanding gently squeezing his hand turning her attention back forward slowly Laurel follows after Oliver through the woods in total silence before what she thought of was to be hours later as she watches them emerge into a clearing suddenly feeling Oliver coming to a drastic halt instantly Laurel does the same.
Looking over towards his face as she sees a cold blank look form across Oliver's face giving his hand a gentle squeeze turning her head back forward Laurel can't help but look around their surroundings making sure to memorize every single detail that she can see.
Details that we're horrifying to see. Bullet holes through broken pieces of tree trunks that were still standing. Arrows sticking through a few trees as though they were landmarks.
Taking a deep breathe giving her hand a gentle squeeze with a slight tug slowly Oliver emerges down a steep hill bringing Laurel gently along with him as he looks around his surroundings.
" This was the place. This is where it all began and where we finished it. It was where i was first captured and brought aboard their boat.
After a while once i was truly left alone here on this island with him, I decided that it was time that i became the hunter and instead of the hunted.
This was where i lured him to. I left a trail of arrows along the trees leading him straight here. I waited for him hidden up in those trees."
Following his eyesight looking up as she sees a pair of tall trees off into the distance gently Laurel squeezes Oliver's hand.
" I lied waiting in wake for him. It must have been days but eventually he showed up. I set a couple of traps around the ground from everything that i had left from camp.
I knew that he would find them with ease and would approach with caution so i had to wait for the perfect time to strike.
So i waited up above in the darkness until he emerged here in the opening. Before he died Yao Fei had managed to steal some explosives from a couple of the men that he had crossed paths with.
I hide them among the branches and dirt as best as i could and just waited for him to get close. When he did that was when i striked.
I would send down arrow after arrow down at any explosives that were in his area. In return he had sent gunfire blazing through here. I would count the number of rounds he would use and when i knew he was out for sure, I pounced down on him.
We fought up to over there."
Coming to a stop without taking his eyes away from Laurel extending his hand out as he points his index finger off towards a section of the forest to see Laurel following his eyesight instantly Oliver watches her eyes go wide from what she sees.
A site that she would never forget. A small hole with a tree trunk hanging just above it with numerous sharp wooden stakes sticking up out of it. But what makes her eyes go wide wasn't the stakes but what she sees hovering over the branch. Two massive tree trunks attached to a few nearby tall trees swinging freely.
" How?"
Feeling her hand being squeezed glancing back over towards Oliver as she sees him looking back over towards her trying to read her emotions giving him a small smile as she sees him returning the gesture for a brief second feeling a slight tug slowly Laurel feels herself once again being lead through the forest.
" He underestimated me. Once we fought over here, I unleashed the tree trunks and before he had a chance to dodged he was slammed in the ribs by one of them.
Once he fell he tried to get up but i didn't allow that to happen. Right once he raised up his hand, I unleashed an arrow and hit him directly in his right eye."
Nodding her head turning her head back forward as she looks around in surroundings in total silence after a few moments instantly as she feels Oliver's hand stiffen in her own as his body comes to a drastic halt following his eyesight suddenly Laurel's eyes go as wide as saucers.
A sense of deja vu. A destroyed burial ground. Rocks and stones scattered everywhere in a heap. But this was different. This time there was no bodies hanging from a tree branch. No instead there was only a symbol.
A symbol that she recognized from his stories. A mask. A black and orange mask staring directly at her with an arrow sticking through it's right eye hole. An image she would never forget.
Feeling Oliver's hand shaking within her own turning her attention away from the mask as she looks back over towards his face to see him staring directly at the mask with a shock expression across his face just as she opens her mouth instantly Laurel closes it shut when she sees him shaking his head.
" Ollie?"
" It's not possible. I….I know that i killed him. He didn't have a pulse."
Squeezing his hand tightly taking a couple of steps towards the arrow as she feels her hand being squeezed tightly ignoring the pain in her hand reaching out with a flick of her wrist ripping the mask off the arrow slowly Laurel raises up the mask to eye level as she sees Oliver out of the corner of her eye shaking his head.
" Nobody could have survived that. Not at that range."
Glancing around the closed space around him finding a two pair of eyes watching his every movement reaching up as he rubs his sore wrists to only see his nearest companion lowering their hand down from his gun holster suppressing the urge to roll his eyes with a smirk coming across his face slowly Brick glances back and forth between his two guards.
" First day on the job huh boys? Didn't your father tell you? Never send a boy to do a man's job."
Letting out a snort turning his attention away from his prisoner ignoring the sudden bump in the road straightening up in his seat slowly a lone officer looks across from his seat to stare at the far end wall as he sees out of the corner of his eye his partner leaning his head back.
" Ah i see. I'll tell you what boys. I'm in a giving mood so i'll make you a deal. How does a hundred grand sound to each of you. I'll you have to do is let me out here and now."
" You have it in cash because we don't take checks."
" Don't be stupid kid. How much do you make? Sixty six thousand a year?"
" Not even with over time."
" Loser. More than a good reason why to do so. Uncuff me and i can personally guarantee you once you wake up tomorrow morning you will have your money. I'll you have to do is release me. You make up any kind of story up about my escape if you like."
" Tempting but i'll pass. Erickson?"
Turning his head as he looks over to his side to see Erickson staring directly at Brick just as he nudges him gently in the side instantly the guard's eyes widen when he feels some kind of sharp object striking directly into the middle of his throat.
Staring directly in the shocked guard's eyes feeling the man's hands instantly wrapping firmly around his wrist smacking his hands away with his grip around the knife increasing with a flick of his wrist as he twists the knife further into the guard's throat in a sudden move Erickson pulls back his knife causing a stream of blood to instantly shoot out from his wound splattering blood all across the far end wall.
Reaching up as the guard quickly covers up his throat that continues to send squirt after squirt of blood into his palms before he has a chance to react the guard's eyes go even wider when he feels a knife driving into his chest.
Keeping his eyes focused on the guard's own as he sees the man turning to look at him with confusion in his eyes with an extra thrust Erickson drives the knife further into the man's chest before after a couple of seconds as his world goes black slowly the guard's lifeless body leans forward.
Retracting the knife out of the guard's chest pushing the lifeless guard over to the side reaching down with a flick of his wrist Erickson sends the knife flying off to the side.
" About time boy. Get these cuffs off of me. Now!"
" Yes sir."
Quickly getting up from his seat reaching back grabbing a hold of the handcuff keys from his back pocket just as he sees Brick holding his hands up suddenly Erickson feels himself stumbling off of his feet causing the keys to fly from his hand when he feels the armored truck shake drastically as the sound of a loud bang echoes from outside.
" What the hell?"
Looking over his shoulder as he hears another loud bang echoing from outside of the truck without having a chance to react Erickson grits his teeth when he feels a well placed boot kicking him in the stomach.
" Don't just sit there boy! Get these cuffs off me!"
Keeping his balance and his eyes focused on his target with only the sound of the motorcycle's engine echoing through his ears reaching back grabbing a hold of an arrow from his quiver instantly as he sends an arrow soaring over his companion's shoulder into the back right tire of the armored truck causing a loud bang to echo through the air as the truck starts to shift dramatically to the right right before it is right just mere seconds later returning his hands back to his companion's side leaning up quickly Green Arrow whispers in Black Canary's ear causing her to nod her head as she speeds up the motorcycle towards the armored trucks left side.
Stepping hard on the gas quickly rounding the armored truck looking up towards the driver's side as she sees the driver sticking his head out with his firearm lowering down in their direction before Canary has any chance to react instantly she watches an arrow soar over her shoulder that instantly connects into the driver's arm causing the man to quickly pull back as the man's firearm lands down onto the road.
Without any hesitation with lightning fast speed retrieving another arrow from his quiver taking careful aim instantly Arrow sends an arrow soaring through the air that connects into the left front wheel of the armored truck causing the armored truck to drastically start to lose control on the road.
Keeping a firm hold on the handlebars as she sees the truck starting to close in on them at high speed slamming her heel down on the gas instantly Canary sends the motorcycle soaring forward nearly avoiding the armored truck by inches.
Glancing over his shoulder as he sees the truck a couple of feet away from the motorcycle slowly getting up from his seat without any hesitation rearing back Arrow leaps up off from the motorcycle towards the truck before a mere moment later he grits his teeth when he feels his side slamming into the windshield.
Feeling his feet starting to slip from underneath reaching up grabbing a hold of a bar on top of the armored truck just as he turns to look towards the windshield to see the driver eyeballing him with shock riddled across his face in a sudden move rearing back Arrows sends both of his feet crashing through the windshield sending glass scattering across the inside of the truck as he slides into the passenger's seat.
Without giving the driver anytime to react rearing back Arrow sends a back handed strike that lands clean against the driver's face causing the man's head to snap back before with lightning fast speed reaching out grabbing a hold of the driver's head without any hesitation Arrow sends the man's head viciously into the steering wheel of the truck causing the truck's horn to echo through the air.
Releasing his hold around the unconscious driver's head reaching out to grab a hold of the driver side door with a flick of his wrist as he opens up the door without any hesitation Arrow pushes the driver out the open side causing the man's body to tumble down to the street with a thud.
Glancing over her shoulder as she sees Arrow firmly in the driver's seat lowering down the motorcycle's speed to match the truck's own suddenly as she hears the sound of the truck tires screeching across the ground trying to bring the truck to an halt with a sharp turn Canary brings the motorcycle away from the screeching truck.
Letting out a groan from the ground shaking his head as he feels a small gash opening up on the side of his head shaking away the cobwebs looking over to his side as he sees Erickson stirring down on the ground in front of him ignoring the pain he is feeling across his limbs slowly Brick rises up to his knees.
With the sound of a loud engine echoing outside glancing around his surroundings as he sees the handcuff keys nowhere in sight turning his sights back on Erickson just as he opens his mouth suddenly hearing the sound of the roaring engine coming to an halt instantly Brick snaps his head to look at the back doors of the truck.
Keeping perfectly still with his eyes not wavering reaching down blindly as he feels nothing but the cold ground underneath his fingers just as he feels something small across his fingertips suddenly the sound of a loud pitched scream coming from outside causes Brick to snap his hands up to cover his ears.
Without wavering as she continues to scream at the top of her lungs causing the back of the truck to crunch slowly underneath the force while Arrow watches the scene from a couple of feet behind her taking a couple of steps forward as she watches the back doors of the truck crunching causing a small opening to start to open up unaware to Canary's knowledge a figure is watching the scene unfolding in front of her eyes up from the darkness of a nearby rooftop.
Bringing her screaming to a drastic halt keeping a firm grip on the staff in her hand without any hesitation slowly Canary stalks her way forward towards the crunched doors of the truck.
Reaching out with all of her might smashing open the doors as she sees a police officer slowly starting to get up from the ground as her target is seen standing at the far end of the truck covering his ears without any hesitation rearing back Canary sends a vicious kick across the officer's head causing the man's head to snap back and his body to fall to the ground with a thud.
Slowly opening his eyes as he sees Canary standing at the end of the truck staring directly at him with a cold expression across her face without having any chance to react feeling the end of her staff striking viciously into his face instantly shattering his nose upon impact snapping his head back Brick covers his bleeding nose instantly.
Hearing the sound of a muffled scream coming from the inside of the truck taking a couple of steps forward just as he sees Canary stalking her way further into the back of the truck towards a bleeding Brick hearing the sound of a pair of boots landing silently a couple of feet behind him in a sudden motion retrieving an arrow from his quiver snapping his body around with his bow ready Arrow points the end of an arrow at the new arrival seeing a woman doing the same from a crossbow.
A woman that he had never seen before. But a woman that he recognized from everything that he has read about her. Another vigilante. The vigilante known as The Huntress.
A vigilante that has made headlines in a couple of cities. A woman that was not to be taken lightly. A woman that was much himself and his partner easily recognizable from the outfit she is wearing.
Skin tight purple and black bodysuit with noticeably only her well toned abs being exposed. A purple cape flowing freely through the air along with her long black hair. A unique purple mash with large triangle ears. A pair of purple high combat boots that end up just below her toned thighs.
But most noticeably a crossbow. A purple crossbow that is be pointed directly at his head. A crossbow that was not wavering even for a split second.
Keeping her eyes focused in on Green Arrow as she hears the sounds of banging coming from the inside of the truck suddenly as she sees a body being thrown out of the back of the truck glancing away from Arrow for a split second Huntress looks over towards the ground to see Brick staring up towards the sky with a blood covered face as noticeable gashes could be seen all across his face.
Turning her attention back over towards Green Arrow as she sees his aim not wavering for a split second seeing another figure emerging out of the back of the truck looking over her shoulder as she locks eyes with the vigilante known as Black Canary to see a cold expression being directed her way without having any chance to react instantly Huntress watches as Canary leaps off the back of the truck onto Brick driving her heels viciously into his face causing a sickening crunch to echo through the air.
Without taking her eyes away from her own twisting her heels further into the face of her target taking a couple of steps forward twirling her staff around the air slowly making her way over towards Green Arrow's side in a sudden move as she gets into a fighting position and locks eyes with Huntress just as she is about to take a step forward the sound of a sirens coming from the distance causes Canary to come to an halt.
Turning her attention over towards Green Arrow slowly locking eyes with him taking a hand off her crossbow raising her free hand up into the air as she sees him slowly lowering his bow down following his example Huntress does the same before instantly as she hears the sound of the sirens getting closer turning on her heels Huntress races away from the scene as she hears them doing the same.