Hi everyone. How are you doing today?
I know it's been more than a significant while but here's the second chapter for Laurel and Thea's journey. And we'll get to see the beginnings of how Thea ends up in Laurel's custody.
I also made this chapter as long as possible in order to make up for the delay in continuing this.
Disclaimer: I don't own "Arrow".
Setting: Star City-Two Years Later
Location: Somewhere Along The City Streets
The now 14 year old Thea and Moira were currently inside of their limo as they enjoyed a mother and daughter outing that afternoon. First they'd gone to a luxury spa and spent their time there relaxing and refreshing their bodies. After which they'd gone shopping at the mall in the downtown area, Thea selecting a new wardrobe for herself and consisting of the latest designer clothes on the market. Then following that they'd gone to have lunch at Big Belly Burger. Thea having ordered a double patty cheeseburger with bacon alongside a large fry and soda.
Moira on her part had ordered a regular burger with a small fry and some water. And when she'd attempted to utilize a knife and a fork for it, Thea had happily encouraged her mom to use her hands instead like everyone else. That they didn't always have to be prim and proper because they were socialites.
Moira had acquiesced and to her surprise had found handling her burger with her own hands to be a pretty fun experience.
After consuming their lunch they'd ordered some dessert from their local ice cream parlor which they were currently enjoying as they headed home.
"I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with you today. And I appreciate you teaching me that it's actually alright to make a little mess with your hands ever so often," Moira said to her daughter with a content smile while referencing having consumed a burger with her hands for the first time in probably forever.
"Me to mom. And thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to spend the day together," Thea replied while returning her mother's smile. She then continued further while starting to become emotional. "I remember we used to spend time together almost regularly. Not just you and me but also with Ollie. Though he's gone now and which is so unfair to us but I still very much enjoyed hanging out with you. Except you've been so busy lately with our family's company and other stuff not that I don't understand why. But I still need you mom and that's why I'm so grateful we got to hang out together. I promise I'm not trying to complain or anything like that but I only wish we could experience more of these moments like today. Just like we used to you know?"
Moira's heart broke upon hearing her daughter's words. Knowing everything the teen had just spoken was the truth and in that moment she felt a wave of shame wash over herself.
She however managed to quickly regain control over her own emotions and with a determined expression addressed her daughter once more.
"I am so sorry my precious daughter. I promise it was never my intention to make you feel neglected. And being focused on our company, while nonetheless necessary since it's a significant part of what remains of our legacy following your father's and brother's passing, is not an excuse to not be present in your life.
"Henceforth I promise that I'm going to make it up to you and we shall have more mother and daughter outings together in addition to experiencing more quality time together in general. For you are the most important thing in my life right now and I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you Thea. But I fully intend to make the most out of every opportunity life gives me in being there for you since we both know life is short and anything could transpire at any given moment. Therefore I refuse to waste another second of it. In fact but from now on you will be my priority and nothing will ever change that."
Thea found herself beginning to cry softly as she listened to everything her mother was saying to her. This had been all she'd truly desired over the preceding year. More than any fancy attire, fine dining, luxurious items, or even all of the monetary wealth in the world. And now her greatest wish was finally manifesting itself into reality.
She quickly leaned forward and embraced he mother tightly.
"I promise you're not going to lose me mom. That will never happen. I love you so much."
"I love you to and just as much my darling. Always and forever," Moira responded with a warm and loving smile. Tears also streaming from her own eyes as she returned her daughter's embrace. Eventually they parted and dried off their remaining tears. After which they resumed consuming their ice cream until it was gone before transferring their cups which had contained it to the side then relaxed against their seats. Thea's head resting against her mother's shoulder.
An idea for their next outing suddenly occurred to Thea and she opened her mouth to voice it.
"You know mom, but there's that zoo that's about to open up next week. Perhaps next week we could…..CRASH
Her words were suddenly and brutally cut off by another vehicle which plowed head on into the left side of the limo. The resulting impact shattering their windows and sending shards of the pertaining glass spinning throughout its interior. The limo itself also spiraling off of the road and flipping over twice until it landed onto its side. Their driver killed almost instantly while blood freely oozed out from a deep gash upon the left side of his head due to the collision.
Thea and Moira meanwhile found themselves severely shaken. Dark bruises and wounds were also upon their faces and along their arms in addition to the unseen areas of their bodies. Rivulets of blood streaming from their wounds.
Small pieces of thing glass were also embedded within their skin. Both of them in terrible pain.
The teen gingerly turned her face towards the side and where her mother was.
"Mom? Mommy?" she groaned out in agony and called out to her. Struggling due to the pain emanating from her body.
"Thea?" Moira answered in response. Her voice barely above a whisper. She slowly lifted up her currently trembling hand and reached out towards her daughter. Tenderly brushing it against the latter's hair locks.
The 2 of them suddenly heard footsteps slowly approaching them. The sound of each step emanating upon the ground below as the owner's boots crunched the gravel. As they shifted their gaze as best they could to obtain a closer visual of the individual, they saw that the figure was tall and masculine appearing. His attire as black as night and consisting of a hood draped over his head along with a pair of pants. Plus a wide black belt around his waist.
His face was obscured by a black veil with his eyes and forehead being the only visible areas.
He also had a quiver of arrows attached to his back and was grasping a scimitar in his hand.
As he slowly and menacingly drew closer, and closer, and closer towards them, their expressions transitioned into that of terrible fear. Their bodies trembling as though the temperature around them had plummeted. The air surrounding them suddenly cold.
For Moira though, her expression was not only that of terror but also recognition. And if one stared deeply into her eyes, they'd possibly see a hint of acceptance.
The masked man finally stopped once he'd reached them. Standing over them and gazing downwards like a predator assessing his prey. His eyes cold and hard.
"Pl…,ple…,please. Please don't hu…,hur…t my dau…ghter. Please spare her and take only my life. But let her go," she desperately implored him. Tears streaming from her eyes.
The unknown assailant looked into her eyes with a hard stare. Then responded with an imperceptible nod. After which he lifted up his scimitar and, as Thea observed in horror while unable to do anything, he brought it downwards and in a slashing motion swiftly slit her mother's throat. Crimson blood gushing from the wound as Moira's life drained from her body. The light leaving her eyes as her head slumped downwards and towards the side.
The murderer took a moment to gaze upon Moira's body a bit longer then turned his attention towards Thea. The 2 of them locking eyes as heavy tears steamed from the teen's eyes. Thea staring back at him with an expression of anguish and terror.
Thea then turned her head away for a moment and upon turning back saw he'd suddenly vanished. Almost as though he was a ghost. Nevertheless the harsh truth of her mother's dead body lying beside her proved otherwise.
Eventually the pain she was experiencing became too much for her and that, combined with the emotional anguish she was going through, overwhelmed her body. Thea finding herself drifting into unconsciousness as the world around her faded to black.
Location: Downtown Area
Laurel was currently exiting the Thai restaurant where she'd consumed her lunch and was headed to her vehicle when her cell began ringing. Retrieving it from her pocket and viewing its screen saw a number she didn't recognize. Nonetheless she answered on its fifth ring.
"Hello? This is Laurel Lance speaking? May I enquire as to whose calling please?" she politely greeted then questioned with a frown.
"Hello to you as well. This is Nurse Casey at 'Starling General'. And I'm calling you because your number was positioned at the top of Miss Queen's emergency contact list," the woman on the other end of the line politely responded then explained to her.
"Why is that? Did something happen to Thea?" A now deeply concerned Laurel questioned in return. A sensation of dread beginning to emerge within her gut.
The nurse sighed.
"I'm sorry to say that Miss Queen and her mother have been in a severe accident," she sadly informed Laurel. "Upon arrival the first responders discovered her mother and their driver deceased and her unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital where the doctors managed to stabilize her and she's not in any danger. She did awaken in a panic and started thrashing around. Leaving us no other option except to sedate her. She's currently resting."
A horrified Laurel released a sob upon hearing the news regarding Moira. Having been significantly close to her and viewing her as a second mother. And her heart shattered for poor Thea. Viewing the teen as a second baby sister. She immediately leapt into her vehicle and after starting her engine began the drive to the hospital. Her hand still holding her cell to her ear as she hurriedly drove while utilizing all of the shortcuts available.
"Thea is alright otherwise like you said right? No serious injuries or complications?" she questioned in anguish and to be certain. Tears streaming from her eyes as she raced to the hospital.
"That's correct Miss Lance. Her injuries were mild and she's asleep as of now," the nurse confirmed.
Laurel nodded. Still crying.
"I'll be over there shortly," she said to the nurse afterwards who acknowledged it and agreed to meet her there.
Once their conversation concluded and they'd disconnected from each other, Laurel dialed Tommy Merlyn immediately afterwards. The man having been hers and Oliver's shared childhood friend and now best friend to them both before Oliver's passing. They'd also been friends with benefits ever so often. Having a few one night stands almost every blue moon. Though eventually putting an end to it and concluding their relationship operated better as platonic yet familial.
Tommy answered on the fourth ring.
"Hey Laur. What's up?" he cheerfully greeted her. Calling her by the nickname he'd given to her.
"It's Thea. She and Mrs. Queen were in an accident," she responded without preamble. "Mrs. Queen didn't survive it however and Thea's been admitted to Starling General. They have her stabilized but oh my gosh Tommy this is horrible," she tearfully continued. "First her father, Ollie, and now her mother?"
She then heard a horrified gasp followed by the sound of rushed movement as he promptly got inside of his own vehicle.
"You're absolutely correct and nobody her age should have to endure any of this. And especially to our little sister," a now just as emotional Tommy replied as he operated his engine and began driving hurriedly. Though he was careful not to violate any speeding laws. "I'll meet you at the hospital."
"Alright and thank you," Laurel returned after which they'd disconnected their call and together they continued speeding to the hospital though still following the official rules of the road. For the last thing either of them desired was experiencing their own traffic accident and leaving Thea also bereaved of her surrogate siblings.
Location: Starling General
Laurel and Tommy had arrived almost simultaneously and rushed through the entrance and to the desk within the reception area.
"Where's Thea? The 14 year old who was transported here?" Laurel questioned the male receptionist behind the desk. Herself and Tommy highly anxious.
"Are the 2 of you family?" he questioned them in return. His tone polite yet with a hint of firmness. Hospital policy clear on only speaking with a patient's family members. Though it was greatly understandable in order to assure the patient's security and well-being.
"Not biologically or by marriage. But we're all she has along with Laurel's father," Tommy answered and calmly explained. Gesturing towards the aforementioned woman while doing his best to reign in his anxiousness and not create a scene. Though just as eager as Laurel was to see the teen. "Her mother as you know is currently dead, and her father and older brother perished a couple of years ago. She truly has no living family members left now and our names are on her emergency contact list. Which is why we're present. Please sir. Let us see her," he continued further and implored the man.
The latter frowned and took a deep breath. Understanding the situation. Before he could make a decision however a red headed and portly appearing nurse in her late 30s and wearing purple scrubs and thick blue gloves approached Laurel and Tommy. Her hair in a bun.
"You're Laurel Lance?" she questioned the brunette. Having overheard their conversation with the receptionist.
Laurel immediately recognized the voice.
"That's correct. And you must be Nurse Casey," she answered in the affirmative then added upon realization to which Casey nodded.
"That would be me. As for Thea but she woke up recently and is much calmer but won't respond to anyone. Only staring at the wall," she informed the other woman and the man who'd accompanied her. "I also heard you guys say that you're the only ones available for her and she has no other family is that correct?"
They quickly nodded in affirmation to which Casey pursed her lips. That info, along with Tommy and Laurel being the ones chosen to be contacted in the instance of an emergency, enabling her to make her decision.
"You may go ahead and see her if you'd like. Perhaps she'll respond better to the 2 of you. At least we can only hope," she permitted them with a kind smile.
"Thank you so much!" Laurel emotionally expressed. Hers and Tommy's expressions displaying that of gratitude.
"Of course," Casey nodded then directed them towards Thea's room and its designated number.
Following her direction the 2 close friends arrived there pretty quickly and entered inside. Cautiously approaching Thea who was sitting up on the bed and wearing a sky blue and white dotted hospital gown. Staring at the wall.
"Thea? It's me. Laurel. Along with Tommy. Are you okay?" she softly addressed the younger female.
Thea's body jerked in response. The young woman startled. Shortly thereafter her mind registered the individuals before her. After which a distressed expression emerged upon her and she reached out her arms towards them. To which they hurried forward and enfolded her into their arms. All of them holding each other tightly.
"It's alright Thea. We're here. Everything's going to be fine," Tommy gently said to her as they all continued to embrace. The 3 of them sobbing heavily.
Thea could not find it within her to speak and instead buried herself deeper into the arms of her older surrogate siblings.
After some minutes had passed, though it has felt like forever, they'd eventually disengaged from their embrace and sat together in silence outside of the older individuals continuing to offer Thea words of comfort. Laurel more so. Then following that they'd later spoken with Thea's doctor. Known as Doctor Schwartz. Who'd insisted she remain under observation for two more days. Just a safety precaution in regards to her health. To which they'd acquiesced.
Once those two days had passed and it was clear there was nothing wrong with Thea physically, she was finally discharged and her aforementioned friends handled the appropriate paperwork relating to it before Laurel helped her redress into some casual clothes the latter had brought with her and then she and Tommy had escorted her out of the hospital and into the passenger side of Laurel's vehicle. The 2 females driving to Laurel's apartment while Tommy followed behind them.
Location: Laurel's Apartment
Once the 3 of them had arrived at then entered the pertaining apartment, Laurel turned towards Thea.
"Perhaps you could go make yourself at home in the guest bedroom. Relax for a while," she warmly suggested and Thea nodded quietly in response before retreating.
Once she was gone, Laurel and Tommy reclined upon the living room floor and began discussing the details of Moira's funeral arrangements. Including the guest list, the date and time, the location of her burial, and everything else in regards to it that needed to be addressed.
The official aspects related to her passing would be handled by her lawyers.
As for Queen Industries, Moira had taken control of it sometime following her husband's accident. Maintaining its operations efficiently and ensuring the satisfaction of its board members.
Due to her own recent death however, the board had elected Walter Steele as the new Queen Industries C.E.O. The aforementioned man having shared this news with Laurel sometime during the preceding days of Thea's hospitalization. Walter having been Robert's best friend and an extremely close and trusted family friend of the Queen family.
Laurel on her part shared it with Tommy during their current conversation and he'd found himself agreeing with the board's selection. Knowing Walter quite well and thereby trusting that Queen Industries would be in capable hands.
As they continued to discuss everything there was a rap, rap, rap upon her door. Ending their conversation for the time being as Laurel removed herself from the floor and headed to her door. Staring through its peephole for cautionary reasons before opening it and allowing the 2 individuals on the other side to enter. Them being her father along with his partner and good friend Hilton. Both of whom served as police detectives within the S.C.P.D.
"Dad? Hilton? Is everything alright?" she questioned them, eyebrows raised, while also inviting them to take a seat.
"Everything's fine baby girl. Nothing to worry about," Quentin assured her and smiled as he and Hilton accepted her invitation and reclined upon the sofa. "We just wanted to check on Thea and see how she's doing emotionally. And if possible and you're agreeable to it, receive her statement. Particularly since we need to ask her a few questions regarding what happened."
Laurel and Tommy exchanged a glance with each other in response to Quentin's last sentence. Both of them a bit surprised.
"I see. And I'm aware its standard procedure and all but I'm not certain as to what info she could reveal to you," Laurel responded with a confused tone. "According to what I'd gathered it was a hit and run case."
Quentin and Hilton looked towards each other after which the latter addressed Laurel next.
"About that, and apparently you weren't informed of this, but the first responders reported seeing a deep slash along Moira's throat. Indicating it had been slit. And during an autopsy afterwards the coroner ruled it as the primary cause of death," Hilton explained to her. His tone grave. "Therefore this case has just transitioned to a murder investigation."
Laurel's eyes widened in shock while her lips parted as she released a horrified gasp. Tommy on his part just as shocked and the color draining from their faces.
"You mean to tell me that Mrs. Queen was murdered?!" he exclaimed in disbelief.
"But who would do that? And why?" an anguished Laurel questioned them. Sorrowfully shaking her head.
"I don't know honey," her father answered in a pained tone. "But it is imperative we question Thea and as soon as possible since she could be an eyewitness."
Laurel nodded in understanding but suddenly her hands flew to her mouth in further distress as her mind registered the subject of Thea being an eyewitness. Now understanding that what the teen had been through was far more traumatizing than she'd realized. Especially if Thea had actually witnessed the moment her mother was murdered. Not to mention fear in case the perpetrator targeted her.
She quickly managed to regain control over her emotions however and after considering, provided her answer.
"I'll see if she's prepared to give her statement," she finally answered her father and the other man. Understanding that the sooner the murderer was apprehended the sooner Thea could be safe. "But if she agrees then I must implore you both to go easy on her. Can you do that?" she added as a prerequisite and looked at them both expectantly.
The 2 men nodded in acquiescence. After which a now satisfied Laurel went into the guest bedroom and gently attempted to coax Thea to return with her to the living room. Explaining that her father and his fellow detective needed to interview her regarding her mother's murder. That it was extremely important in order to hopefully guarantee Thea's protection and the more details the authorities unraveled the better.
Especially since her mother's death needed to be answered for. Laurel also promising that the latter be beside her the entire time during the interview.
Thea quietly listened all of the older woman's words and after a bit nodded hesitantly. Afterwards the 2 females reentered the living room where Quentin and Hilton waited expectantly. Thea then seated herself upon the sofa and Laurel with Tommy each positioned themselves on either side of her. Flanking her.
"First I'd like to say that I'm deeply sorry in regards to your mother's passing. She was one of my closest friends and I have no doubt her loss hurts all of us who cared for her. Yet what we feel cannot eclipse the hurt and sorrow you're currently experiencing and if I could remove that pain or change it I would," Quentin began first and addressed Thea. His tone emotional and sympathetic while meaning every word. A few tears beginning to fall from his eyes. Though he was extremely prompt to wipe them away with his knuckles and maintain his composure.
"Thank you Mr. Lance," Thea responded softly yet gratefully. Releasing a few sniffles while, unlike him, she was unable to prevent her own tears from streaming down her cheeks.
Laurel meanwhile and in response placed her hand onto her back and began rubbing calming circles against it. Somewhat comforting the latter female.
Quentin patiently waited for Thea to relax then when she seemed a bit calmer he continued.
"I know this will be difficult for you to relive but anything you can share with us about your mother's death would be extremely helpful. And so we can hopefully locate them apprehend that monster who did this to her. Would you be up for that?" he softly said to her and explained the importance of her testimony. Desperately hoping his second to last sentence proved truthful in the long run despite the tragic truth that a number of perpetrators not only and regrettably evade the consequences of their most horrific crimes but in a number of cases go on to becoming repeat offenders.
That wasn't something he desired for Thea however. She instead deserved justice. For her mother and for herself.
Speaking of whom, her body trembled a bit before relaxing slightly. The teen taking a deep breath and nodding her head. Then began.
"Mom and I we….we were, um, in our limo and were headed home. Following a pretty fun afternoon together. All of a sudden this other….other vehicle came charging into ours from the side. Our limo. It, sniffles, causing it to flip around until it was positioned upside down. Mom and I in the same position."
She paused and swallowed while wiping away her tears. Then emotionally resumed.
"We were just hanging there. Bloodied and bruised. Then mom reached out to me and touched my hair. Next this guy came walking over. Some sort of part Ninja and part archer. His clothes were black, he wore a thick black belt, and his face had some sort of black veil around it. He also held a sword while attached to his back there appeared to be a quiver along with a sheath. I guess for his sword.
"He slowly approached us until he stood over us. He stared at my mom briefly. And then he swung his sword down and he, he, he slashed mom's neck and he….he….killed….sniffles. He then disappeared. Like he was a ghost or something. And my mom….she….sniffles….she was….sniffles….sob."
Thea burst out crying once more. Covering her eyes and the rest of her face with her hands as she wept. Laurel meanwhile enfolded her into her arms and held her against her side while Tommy grasped ahold of the teen's shoulder.
"You did very good Thea. I'm so proud of you," Laurel whispered to her and rocked her for a bit as she continued to hold her. She then turned her attention towards her father and Hilton with a pleading expression.
The 2 men acknowledged her unspoken yet understood message. Plus they could see they'd received everything they could from Thea. The case now more complicated since it would clearly be impossible to identify the assailant. Especially if he was like a ghost to the crying teen.
"Laurel's right. You were most helpful and we will use this information you've provided for us to apprehend the individual who did this," Quentin stated with a gentle smile. "And if there's anything else you need from me during this difficult time and it's within my power, please feel free to reach out."
He and Hilton lifted themselves up from their seats afterwards and exchanged farewells with Laurel and Tommy. Quentin embracing his eldest daughter then shaking Tommy's hand. Hilton doing the same.
Laurel then escorted them to the door and requested that her father also send her love to her mother. Which he gladly agreed to do when he returned home to the aforementioned woman. They exited afterwards and Laurel closed the door behind them.
As he and Hilton headed to their vehicle, Quentin recollected on how he'd processed his own grief over Sara's loss. Hoping Thea wouldn't make any foolish and self destructive decisions in the future to address her family's loss.
He remembered how two years ago he'd nearly turned to the bottle as a part of escape from his sorrow. Having gone and stood in front of a bar for some time before a stronger part of himself overpowered that notion. Him realizing the cost of that would've been too high and would've only led to his ruin and possibly that of his family.
That while his youngest daughter may be gone, Laurel and his wife were still present. And the thought of jeopardizing their presence in his life was not an option to him.
All of that had given him the courage to turn away from that bar and instead search for then join a support group whose members had experienced sorrow and heartache. And over the next two year and with their support he'd slowly yet steadily begun to heal. Laurel, his wife, and Hilton assisting in that endeavor. Also enabling the Lances to overcome their emotional suffering together as a family. His wife and Laurel also joining the previously mentioned group. All of which resulted in a more solidified marriage with his wife and a stronger father and daughter relationship with Laurel.
The afternoon eventually transitioned to evening and Tommy decided to remain for dinner. Assisting Laurel in preparing chicken quesadillas followed by them calling for Thea after their food was ready. The young Queen joining them as the 3 of them consumed their quesadillas along with a glass of soda each.
Afterwards they worked together to wash then put away the dishes.
Once done, Tommy bid the 2 females goodbye. Embracing them both and gently holding Thea for a bit. Before exiting Laurel's apartment and returning to the mansion he shared with his father Malcolm Merlyn. A billionaire who happened to be the richest and most prominent member of Star City's elite. In addition to having a significant number of connections throughout the city.
After he'd left, Laurel and Thea had cuddled on the sofa together and watched some television before retiring for the evening. Wishing each other goodnight and going to their rooms where they changed into their sleepwear and got underneath their bed covers. Falling asleep soon afterwards.
A Few Hours Later-Past Midnight
Thea stared back in sheer terror towards the hooded archer who'd just murdered her mother. His cold, unforgiving eyes boring into her tear filled eyes.
"Please. Please don't," she whispered to him. Pleading for her life.
The archer gazed at her for a while longer. Then turned and began to walk away. Resulting in her breathing a sigh of relief. She then slowly turned her head towards the other side and suddenly he was standing right there. Faster than she could blink. Then before she could react he swung his sword downwards at lightning speed and towards her own neck.
U
She immediately bolted upwards from her bed while releasing a terrified scream. Her body sweating while her heart beat rapidly.
The door to the guest room then opened up and Laurel rushed inside. Awakened by the younger female's screams. She sat upon the bed and promptly gathered Thea into her arms. Resting her own chin atop of the latter's head.
"It's alright sweetie I've got you. It was just a nightmare," she soothed while gently rubbing the back of her head. Rocking her for a bit while kissing her forehead.
Thea shook her head vehemently. Crying while her body trembled in fear.
"No Laurel. That archer guy came back after he killed mom and he killed me. He's gonna come back and kill me Laurel. He's gonna…"
"No he's not Thea and don't you dare even think like that!" the older female immediately interrupted her. Releasing her from the latter's embrace and cupping her face with both hands. Staring intently into her eyes.
"I won't allow that monster to come anywhere near you. That's not going to happen. Besides he's probably long gone anyway and he probably does not have a reason to harm you since you could not even see his face like you said," Laurel continued strongly then attempted to reason. "But even if he does I will do whatever's necessary to ensure your safety. We might not share blood but you are still my sister. As much as Sara was. And I will never let anyone or anything harm you. And if they attack you they attack me and will have me to answer to."
Thea in response nestled closer into Laurel. Which the older female allowed. Absorbing the latter's words and allowing them to comfort her.
"Would you like for me to remain with you tonight?" Laurel then offered her to which Thea nodded. Afterwards she lifted the covers and situated herself underneath them and beside Thea. They then reclined themselves upon the bed and Laurel wrapped her arms around Thea's midsection. After a while they finally drifted off to sleep once more.
Location: Star City Cemetery-One Week Later
All of Moira's loved ones and friends were currently in attendance at her funeral as it was being held. Individuals which consisted of her daughter, Laurel, Walter, Quentin, his wife, Tommy, his father Malcolm, Hilton, everyone from the Queen Industries Board, and others. The attendees all dressed in formal black attire.
Following the pertaining service, Walter provided the eulogy. Sharing how wonderful a friend she'd been to him and everything he'd found admirable about her. The love she had towards her children being at the top of the list and how she'd cared for Laurel and Tommy as though they'd been her own children. And that she'd be deeply missed by all of those who'd truly known and had cared for her.
Once the funeral and burial had concluded, everyone present went up to Thea and offered her their condolences. All of which she'd accepted including Malcolm's. Who'd given her an extra long hug and stated that Moira had been an extraordinary woman. His eyes filled with sympathy and what appeared to be regret. Something which Thea noticed in regards to the latter emotion and found herself wondering about. Yet dismissed it shortly afterwards. Not considering it to be of importance.
Afterwards they'd all exited, one after another, until only Thea, Laurel, Tommy, Quentin, and Walter remained behind.
As the last 3 men conversed amongst themselves, Thea moved closer to the grave where her mother had just been buried. Clutching a yellow tulip in her hand. Bending downwards she rested the tulip onto the mound of dirt which covered the grave. She then collapsed onto the dirt and rubbed it with her hands as she seeped heavily over her mother.
She then felt herself being gently lifted up and turning her head behind her saw that it was Laurel. After which she allowed herself to be lifted back onto her feet and guided away from the grave. Laurel's arms around her shoulders and her head resting against the former's side. The 2 of them with Tommy, Walter, and Quentin all somberly exiting the cemetery together.
To Be Continued
A/N Poor Thea. She's gone through so much already.
I hope all of you found this chapter to be satisfactory.
If you noticed, I made some changes to the narrative. Such as Quentin not becoming an alcoholic, Moira being her company's C.E.O. before Walter, the Lances having a closer relationship with Moira, etc.
The reason was because as I wrote this chapter, I ended up feeling like giving my own spin to certain elements. Perhaps to truly give this story its own identity. I'm addition to leaning more heavily into multiversal differences since this is part of a series that's been entitled "Multiversal Saga".
If anyone here doesn't like the alternations to canon or said alternations are not for you, I respect that.
Regarding the Dark Archer's uniform, it's the exact same version worn by the League Of Shadows members from the DC tv series entitled "Gotham". Which aired on the FOX network. Though his facial covering is the same one from "Arrow".
The Dark Archer will also serve as Thea's personal nemesis. Both her and Laurel having their own nemeses as they operate as heroes in the future.
See you next time hopefully and have a great day.