Changing The Future

Part 6

Disclaimer: Thought it was about time I updated this idea! Takes place a few weeks after the Oliver/Tommy conversation.

Summary: Our Islander Trio deals with an out of this world story from Moira Queen.

The Islander Trio consisting of Oliver Queen, Slade Wilson (whom had finally been able to come around for a visit and had the Mirakuru removed from his system), and Shado Gulong were all sitting together in stunned silence in the living room of the Queen Mansion. Each trying to digest the story they'd been told by Oliver's mother and considering she wasn't the type to tell tall tales or pull bullshit with people, it hadn't been too hard to disbelieve despite the pure Sci-Fi aspects of it. Slade himself could easily tell she really believed what she was telling them thanks to his ASIS training and it was enough to make him green around the gills. To the point he'd end up breaking the silence when he ended up puking before he could even get out of the room and causing Moira to grimace but she said nothing on the matter. "I… How can you bloody stand to be anywhere near me?" He asked out raspily as he wiped off his mouth.

"While I may not know everything, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, Mr. Wilson. Young Shado is alive and thusly, one of the factors in your path to Madness is no longer an issue. Especially with all the interference I ended up causing when I had those Soldiers show up on the Island to rescue you the four of you." Moira told him in response.

Unfortunately, Sara was still in the Psych Ward months later as the things she'd done in order to survive on the Amazo had seriously screwed with her in ways beyond the apparent case of Stockholm Syndrome she'd gained where Anthony Ivo's concerned. This was another factor in why things between Oliver and the Lances were still rather chilly and Dinah Lance's confession in her own involvement in things really hadn't helped either. "I need some air." Oliver said quietly as he tried to process everything he'd been told by his mother about the future.

Moira gave him a sad smile as he left and Slade decided to follow him as he himself needed some air. Sure, the man is fond of Shado but after being brought back to Australia to be de-briefed and placed in therapy while also dealing with getting rid of the Mirakuru and re-uniting with his family, he realized that fondness didn't mean being in love with her. But more rather, seeing her as a sister and the situation on Lian Yu had just made things more complicated than they needed to be. Shado, for her part, had her eyes closed and doing a deep breathing exercise to try and stay calm after learning of the future. Or at least the little Moira had known that is. The fact that by this point, she was dead and buried within the ground of Lian Yu in the future Moira had come from and that it and other factors had seen to it that Oliver and Slade had become bitter enemies in the future was a hard pill for her to swallow. And like Slade, Shado couldn't help but wonder how the mother of two could be so willing to be anywhere near Slade.

Knowing that Oliver had been using the hood she and her father had both worn as a way to honor them while he went out as a Vigilante was another thing Shado was struggling to deal with. And she had a feeling that was affecting Oliver more so than her given what he'd told her once about his father's last request. But in a way, she did feel some pride in her boyfriend for what he chose to do with the hood while fighting against the corruption of his city. "I won't ask if you are okay, my dear. As I know this is a lot to take in despite its rather outlandish elements."

Shado opened her eye and looked at the older woman. "It is, admittedly, a lot to take in. I can only assume however that you've taken measures to properly deal with the likes of Malcolm Merlyn and Isabel Rochev?"

For telling her and the boys of the future certainly had its risks, most ESPECIALLY where the two she'd just mentioned were concerned. Moira nodded in silence and Shado let out a breath of relief. "And though I have my reservations about it, I think Oliver being a Vigilante is a good idea as this city does need Hope. Hope that admittedly I've had a hand in its slow fade…" Moira murmured shamefully.

"He wouldn't be alone if he chose to go that route." Shado told her before she could so much as stop herself and surprising herself as well.

But there was no way Slade was going to let her boyfriend do it on his own and well, neither would she for that matter. A thought occurred to Shado as she looked towards the mother of two. "You know, this does explain you taking in those two kids, Cindy and Roy, now that I'm thinking about it."

Moira chuckled at that. "One of my other well made decisions, I assure you."

Now… She'd just need to rectify the way she handled things with Samantha Clayton as that truly HADN'T been the best way to handle that situation. Shado smiled briefly at the older woman. "I think I'll go see how the boys are doing."

No telling if those two were beating on the other in order to deal with everything Moira had just told them… "Probably an excellent idea." Moira replied and with that, a still troubled Shado made her leave to go be with the boys.

Well… That went about as well as I thought it would… Thought Moira to herself with a heavy sigh.

Grateful for the fact that Thea, Cindy, and Roy were nowhere near the house for this particular conversation. But she and the trio had no idea however that Tommy had shown up and quietly overheard the entire story when originally, he'd been there for another talk with Oliver. Not about partying, but if he would give him the okay to ask Laurel out for a date. Even if she had already made it clear she wasn't all that interested in him or anyone else due to her focus on School. But Tommy figured he could charm his way past all that but now that he's heard this story and had gotten out of dodge before he could be discovered, all thoughts of Laurel were far from his mind. Especially now that he had a pretty good reason as to why his father was murdered two months ago. That crazy bitch will pay for what happened to my father!

Sure, he and his old man didn't have the greatest relationship but that didn't mean he wanted him dead! But he was at least thankful he didn't have to run the company just yet as he was no where near ready for such a thing. Plus, he just didn't want that responsibility but ensuring payback for what Moira had likely caused to happen to his dad? Well... That was a responsibility he could happily handle.

Author's Notes: To be honest, that last bit with Tommy was unplanned but I think its a nice touch either way. Hope this part of the idea was worth the wait!