Well, this chapter turned out a lot longer than I thought it was going to be, but hope you all enjoy it.
TW: Thank you.
Queen Mansion
Night
After everything had wrapped up, Oliver had taken Bobbi and Thea back to the mansion, hoping to check them over for any injuries and hopefully get some food while Logan, Kurt and Steve dealt with Batroc and the rest of Slade's men. As the property was currently abandoned due to Isabel Rochev, they were sitting in the kitchen, which was lit only by candles, as Bobbi devoured a turkey sandwich.
"Well, you were clearly hungry," Thea noted amused as she and Oliver ate their own sandwiches.
"I haven't eaten anything since Slade abducted me a few days ago. I guess he wanted me weak for when you showed up," Bobbi said after swallowing, glancing over at Oliver.
"How did Slade even find you?" Oliver asked.
"He picked me up outside a SHIELD rehabilitation center. I've been going there for weakly appointments for the last few months. I got hurt pretty badly on a mission," Bobbi said, not wanting to get into everything with Ward.
"Well, I guess now we know why Slade wanted to know about that," Thea said and Oliver nodded as it was silent for a moment.
"I'm sorry," Bobbi said and Oliver looked at her confused. "I know Slade was your friend. I can't imagine what you must be feeling."
"I don't regret what I did," Oliver said after a moment. "Just that it had to be done. The Slade Wilson I knew died years ago. Whatever that thing that looked like him was…it was a monster that needed to be stopped. And I did."
Bobbi stared at him, not fully believing him but, before the conversation could continue, they heard the sound of footsteps before a frazzled Moira Queen burst into the room.
"Thea!?" Moira exclaimed and Thea got to her feet.
"Mom," Thea said before she found herself wrapped up in a bear hug.
"Oh my baby!" Moira sobbed as mother and daughter cried in each other's arms.
Oliver watched the scene, a slight smile on his face before he heard footsteps. Turning around, Oliver saw Roy had entered the room, staring at Thea with a relieved look on his face.
"Thank you for driving her back," Oliver said and Roy nodded.
"Wouldn't be anywhere else," Roy said and Thea pulled herself back from Moira at the sound of his voice, staring wide eyed at Roy.
"Roy?" Thea breathed and Roy waved awkwardly.
"Hey, Thea. I'm…me, again," Roy said awkwardly and Thea glanced at Oliver, who nodded in confirmation. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything."
For a moment, it was silent before Thea untangled herself from Moira and walked over to Roy, throwing her arms around him. After a moment, Rory returned the hug and they simply breathed in each other's scents as the others averted their gaze.
"I don't believe we've met," Moira said as she looked at Bobbi, who nodded.
"No, we haven't, I'm Bobbi," Bobbi said as she stood up, holding out her hand to Moira.
"It's nice to meet you," Bobbi," Moira said as she shook Bobbi's hand. "I've heard… some nice things about you."
"I'm sure," Bobbi said with a look at Oliver. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Queen."
"It's getting late," Oliver said, realizing that Thea and Roy weren't going to let go of each other any time soon. "We should get some sleep. Bobbi, I can show you to one of the guest rooms."
"Thank you," Bobbi said, seeing right away it was an excuse so they could talk privately.
"Mom, Thea, Roy…see you in the morning," Oliver said lamely before he and Bobbi exited the room.
"Think they're ok?" Thea asked as she finally looked up from Roy, to where her brother and Bobbi had left.
"I imagine your brother and Ms. Morse have quite a bit to talk about," Moira said softly.
Oliver showed Bobbi to one of the guest rooms and she looked around, as much as she could with the lights out.
"So this is where you grew up. It's impressive," Bobbi noted.
"Maybe. But living at the top came at a price," Oliver said and it was silent.
"Sit down with me," Bobbi said, sitting down on the bed, gesturing for Oliver to join her, which he did with a hint of reluctance. "I think there are some things we need to talk about."
"Yeah," Oliver said and a beat passed. "I'm sorry you got dragged into this. If I had thought for a second that you weren't safe from Slade, that he might target you-"
"You would've warned me, I know. I don't blame you. That's not what I was talking about," Bobbi said, taking his hand and the room was plunged into silence. "It's been a long time."
"Since before SHIELD fell," Oliver agreed softly.
"Since Russia, if we're honest. We never really did catch up after you left for that mission in Kansas," Bobbi pointed out and it was silent. "I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" Oliver asked as he looked at her confused.
"For being so wrapped up in my own pain, I never realized how much you were hurting and pushing everyone away. I should have been there for you," Bobbi said and Oliver took a moment to gather his thoughts.
"I guess there's a reason we were drawn to each other. We both prefer to face our problems alone," Oliver noted and she smiled weakly.
"I guess so. I'm…working on that," Bobbi said and Oliver laughed lightly.
"Me too," Oliver said and it lapsed into silence once one, but it was far from uncomfortable. "I'm sorry it's taken so long for us to catch up."
"it's ok, we both had our own missions. When Natasha gave me your message, she said something about a book. I'm assuming this is about that message from your father," Bobbi said and Oliver nodded.
"When we washed up on Lian Yu, I found a book on his body. It's blank until exposed to fire, then it's a list of names. I didn't understand what it was until I found that message. I came back here to cross every name off that list, it wasn't until it was too late that I realized what a fool I had been," Oliver said with a heavy sigh. "The something terrible my father was talking about was The Undertaking. I treated the symptoms of the disease while the sickness spread. By the time I figured that out, it was too late to stop it. Hundreds of people died…including my best friend. It was all for nothing."
"I wouldn't say that," Bobbi said and Oliver looked at her confused. "I kept tabs on you every now and then, or rather The Hood. You helped a lot of people. Yeah, you didn't stop the Undertaking, and I can't imagine how that must feel. But do you really think that discounts all the people you helped your first year back?"
"I guess not," Oliver acknowledged after a moment.
"I don't know a lot about this city, but I think there are still a lot of names in that book, people who are still using their power and influence to hurt people. You might want to think about that," Bobbi said and it was silent for a long moment.
"I've missed you," Oliver said, surprising her. "You have a way of looking at things that helps me see things…more clearly."
"I've missed you too. And not just because I enjoy setting your straight," Bobbi said with a slight smile and they shared a laugh.
"I'm sorry things didn't work out between us," Oliver said and it was silent for a moment.
"Do you ever wonder…do you ever think about what would have happened if Kovar hadn't bombed the safe house? If our baby had lived?" Bobbi finally asked her voice no more than a whisper.
"All the time," Oliver said softly. "But maybe our baby wasn't meant to live. Maybe we were meant to end up here."
"I don't believe that. I don't believe a baby is meant to die," Bobbi said fiercely, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "I still love you, Oliver."
"I still love you too. But sometimes…love isn't enough," Oliver said quietly and the silence between them turned awkward. "It's been a long few days, for all of us. I should let you get some sleep."
"Yeah. I should call the Director, let him know I'm okay," Bobbi said with a sigh, feeling like Oliver was pushing her away again but not knowing how to help him.
Silently, Oliver pulled out his phone, handing it to her. Bobbi took it silently and Oliver got to his feet, slowly walking out of the room. Once the door clicked behind him, Bobbi fell back into the bed, feeling frustrated but not knowing what to do about it.
Arrow lair, next day
Morning
Team Arrow, the Avengers, Fury, Logan, Kurt, Bobbi, and Lyla all stood in the lair, most of them ready to depart.
"Thank you," Oliver said gratefully. "Without the help of each of you, I doubt we would have been able to stop Slade. Whether they know it or not, Starling City owes all of you a great debt."
"We didn't get into this for the glory, Oliver. I don't think you did either," Steve pointed out and Oliver chuckled.
"Yeah, guess I didn't. But never hurts to be reminded," Oliver noted. "Still, thank you. For everything."
"You don't have to thank us," Rhodey told him.
"A soldier never lets another soldier go into battle alone," Sam added.
"I hate to be a downer, but even with Slade out of the way, Blood is still out there," Logan pointed out.
"And I doubt Amanda will let what we did go unanswered," Lyla added uneasily.
"I can't answer for Waller, that'll be something we have to prepare for. But Blood's should be being taken care of right around now," Oliver said, confusing them.
Blood's Campaign office
Same time
Blood and his staff were cleaning up the damage to his office when Quentin Lance and a few officers walked in.
"Sebastian Blood?" Quentin asked and Blood turned around, flashing a charming smile.
"Yes, Officer Lance? May I help you?" Blood asked politely.
"Put your hands behind your back. Sebastian Blood, you are under arrest for terrorism, conspiracy to commit terrorism and multiple counts of aiding and abetting," Quentin announced, to the shock of Blood and his staff.
Leverage The Team soundtrack plays.
"You're a good liar, Sebastian. I'd almost believe you…if I didn't know you were working with Slade and Isabel Rochev," Oliver said bluntly as he sat across from Sebastian.
"How do you know I've been working with them?" Blood asked, unaware that Oliver's tie was also a tie camera, and that it was recording everything.
"Felicity," Oliver said as he prepared to leave to go meet with Blood once more. "I need you to do something for me."
Using the technology at the SHIELD base, Felicity was able to modify the footage, erasing anything that incriminated Oliver as well as disguising his voice.
In the early morning after the Siege, Quentin was leaving his apartment when he saw The Arrow standing in his doorway.
"Hey. Don't suppose this is a social visit," Quentin said dryly.
In response, The Arrow held out his hand, which had a flash drive in it.
"Show that to your boss."
"What is it?" Quentin asked as he took it.
"Everything you need to take down Slade Wilson's accomplices," The Arrow told him.
Less than an hour later, Quentin and Pike were watching the footage of Oliver's meeting with Blood, having already gotten to the point where Blood confessed to working with Slade and Isabel.
"You think that there will be a city to be saved after you unleash Slade's Mirakuru army?" Oliver's disguised voice asked.
"They'll only cause enough damage to make the city ready," Blood argued.
"Son of a bitch," Quentin muttered in shock as Pike paused the video.
"Get a few officers ready, and bring Blood in. Now," Pike ordered.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law," Quentin said as he cuffed the stunned Blood. "You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you."
Blood was too stunned to even respond, hardly believing this was happening as Quentin and the officers escorted him from the building and to a squad car outside. And, as he was thrown in the back, he knew who was responsible for this.
Arrow lair
Same time
"Not bad kid," Fury said with a laugh after Oliver had explained his plan.
"You really think that'll stick?" Roy asked uncertainly.
"And what about Blood's threat to expose you if you exposed him?" Diggle pointed out worriedly.
"The police are probably already questioning Blood's security, and Blood wouldn't surround himself with men who didn't know his plan," Oliver reasoned.
"And nothing forces cowards to confess more than the thought of going to prison for terrorism," Bobbi noted and Oliver nodded his agreement.
"And even if Blood does try to throw me under the bus, he's made his hatred for Starling's wealthy, especially my family, very clear. Working with Slade, who kidnapped Thea and tried to murder my mother, won't help his case any. It'll just look like he's trying to blame the people he hates so much," Oliver pointed out.
"Either way, Blood is done," Felicity said gleefully.
"Couldn't happen to a nicer guy," Sara said with a smirk.
"That still leaves Amanda though," Lyla pointed out.
"Leave Waller to me. I've already got everything I need to take her down. Might take a few days though, I'd lay low until then," Fury said with a glance at Lyla.
"Won't be a problem, you can crash at my apartment for a few days. We…have some things to talk about anyway," Diggle pointed out and Lyla nodded his agreement.
"I suppose we do," Lyla said vaguely.
"So, what are you gonna do now, Oliver?" Wanda questioned.
"This battle may be over, but there will be others. Starting with getting my families company back," Oliver mused.
"Well, if you want my advice, don't ask Ned Foster for help with that," Fury said and Oliver looked at him confused. "When I was investigating Wilson and Rochev, I found out Foster was on Rochev's payroll. He started working for her months ago."
"Shit," Logan muttered as Oliver took a moment to process this.
"I shouldn't be surprised by this, Isabel covered all her bases," Oliver mused.
"At least now you know," Felicity said softly and Oliver nodded with a tight smile.
"Yeah, of course now my mom and I will have to start from scratch, find a new lawyer," Oliver mused.
"What about the lawyer who defended your mom during her trial?" Roy asked and Oliver shook his head.
"Jean is a criminal defense lawyer. This really isn't up her alley. It'll be an uphill battle just trying to find a lawyer we can trust," Oliver said in frustration.
"I might know someone who can help," Natasha said after a moment and Oliver looked at her surprised. "One of my first solo missions for SHIELD was going undercover in New York. I…met an up and coming lawyer at Columbia University. He's made a bit of a name for himself since then. I can email you the details so you and your mom can make your own decisions."
"Would you trust him?" Oliver asked.
"With my life," Natasha said with a slight smile and Oliver nodded.
"Well, that's good enough for me. Send me the details later," Oliver said and she nodded.
"On that note, we should probably get out of here. We need to get back to the Compound. God knows what Tony will do when he finds we're still gone," Rhodey pointed out and Steve nodded with a slight chuckle.
"Rhodey's right, we really should be going," Steve added.
"Thank you for all your help, Steve," Oliver said as he walked over, holding out a hand. "If you ever need anything, just call."
"That goes both ways, Oliver," Steve said as they shook hands.
"Take care, Oliver," Natasha said as she walked up him, Oliver and Steve dropping hands.
"You too," Oliver said as, to his surprise, she hugged him.
"Don't be so surprised. I'm human just like you," Natasha quipped as she let him go.
"I think we all know that no one is like you," Oliver noted with a grin.
"I need to take off too; I need to get started on my plan to take down Waller. Morse, want a lift back to SHIELD?" Fury asked with a look over at Bobbi.
"I'd appreciate that, Sir," Bobbi said gratefully and he laughed.
"Like I told Oliver, you don't need to call me that anymore. You don't work for me anymore," Fury said amused and Bobbi merely smirked at him.
"Bobbi," Oliver said gently and she looked over at him, a thousand unsaid things seeming to pass between them. "Just…take care."
Bobbi nodded, seeming to hear everything Oliver couldn't say in that moment. Then, to Oliver's surprise, she walked over and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. After a moment, Oliver returned the hug, breathing her in for a moment.
A few feet away, Sara averted her gaze, the hug somehow feeling more intimate than if the pair had kissed.
"You ever want to talk…you know how reach me," Bobbi said, pulling back and placing something in Oliver's hand.
Looking down, he saw it was a small piece of paper with a number on it. Chuckling, Oliver nodded, pocketing it.
And then, the Avengers, Fury and Bobbi walked out of the lair, only Vision noticing how Wanda glanced back at Kurt one last time before they vanished.
It was silent for a moment, and then Kurt turned to Logan.
"We should depart as well, Logan," Kurt pointed out.
"About that. I think I'm gonna stick around for a few days, see everything Staring City has to offer," Logan said, surprising them all.
"You just want to avoid giving the lecture," Kurt accused and Logan chuckled.
"Well, that is a perk, I admit. But there's just something I gotta do here," Logan said, avoiding looking at Sara. "Tell the Professor I'm sorry and I'll be back soon."
"Very well, my friend. I shall see you soon," Kurt said before disappearing in a burst of smoke.
"We can set you up at the mansion if you want, we have plenty of room," Oliver offered and Logan chuckled.
"I appreciate that Oliver, but not my style. Besides, like I said, there are some things I gotta do," Logan said and Oliver nodded in understanding.
"Ollie," Sara called out to him and he turned to him. "Can we talk? Privately."
"I think that's our cue to leave these two alone," Lyla noted.
"I agree. We'll be…over there," Felicity said, gesturing upstairs before, one by one, the others left until it was just Oliver and Sara.
"What's going on, Sara?" Oliver asked and Sara was silent for a moment, trying to put her thoughts into words.
"I love you, Oliver," Sara said.
"I know. I love you too," Oliver told her and she smiled sadly.
"But you're not in love with me," Sara noted and Oliver grimaced but didn't deny it. "How can you be? You're still in love with Bobbi."
"I've been trying not to be for the last four years," Oliver said softly.
"It's okay, Ollie. Really, it is. We don't choose who we love, it would make everything a lot easier," Sara said, walking over and placing a hand to the side of his face as she smiled at him sadly. "But I can't be with someone who's in love with someone else. I've been on the other side of that, I know how much it hurt Nyssa when I wanted to be with you. I won't put myself through that."
"I never meant to hurt you, Sara," Oliver said in remorse.
"I know. But its better we do it now than down the line," Sara said before lowering her hand to his side. "I will always want you in my life, Ollie."
"I'll always want you in mine. So…friends then?" Oliver asked and she smiled tightly.
"Eventually, maybe. But for now…let's start with co-workers," Sara said and Oliver nodded his agreement.
"Co-workers."
Starling City
Later
Sara was sitting at a bar, drowning her sorrows when someone sat down next to her.
"I'll have what she's having," the startled Sara whipped her head up to see it was Logan.
"Logan? What are you doing here?" she asked in in surprise.
"Like I said, I need to stay to do some things," Logan said vaguely as the bartender put down his drink in front of him. "Thank you. So, you ended things with Oliver?"
"He told you that fast?" Sara asked dryly as Logan took a drink before answering.
"No. I knew you were gonna end it; you don't seem like the kind of woman who would settle for a man in love with someone else. And it was obvious to anyone paying attention that Oliver is still in love with Morse," Logan pointed out.
"To everyone but them, it seems," Sara said with a roll of her eyes. "What are you doing here, Logan?"
"Believe it or not, I know how you feel," Logan said and she stared at him incredulously. "The woman I loved was in love with someone else too."
"Loved. You finally get over her?" Sara noted his use of past tense.
"Not exactly. She died," Logan confessed and Sara was stunned into silence.
"I'm sorry, Logan," Sara said in remorse and Logan shrugged.
"It's ok. It happened right around the time I met Oliver. It…isn't always easy, knowing she's gone. But eventually, you have to move on," Logan said and it was silent for a moment. "You finished with that beer?"
"Why?" Sara asked warily.
"Because I want to take you somewhere. Somewhere that I think will help you," Logan said and Sara stared at him for a moment.
"All right, fine," Sara said, pulling out her wallet and putting a couple tens on the bar. "Where are we going?"
"You brought me to a church?" Sara asked incredulously as Logan led her inside. "Never thought you were religious."
"I wasn't. Until after Jean. Kurt took me to a church where Mutants were accepted. I…wasn't happy about it at first. The Father almost had an aneurysm from all the names I called Kurt," Logan said, laughing at the memory. "But I kept going back. And I learned something."
"What, that there's no God? What kind of God would create something like Slade? Would kill the woman you love?" Sara asked bitterly and Logan chuckled.
"We don't always understand the greater purpose. Trust me; I had those exact same questions. But what does it hurt, to have faith? You believe that everyone has given up on you. Trust me; until I meant the Professor, I was the same way. There's an awful lot of bad in the world, don't get me wrong, I've seen my fair share. But there's also a lot of good in it," Logan pointed out and Sara couldn't deny that. "Maybe the angels need a sharp sword too. That's why God created people like us and Oliver, to fight the fights that no one else can, to do things no one else will. There's a passage in the Bible that always stuck with me.
"'I give thanks to you, Lord, for though you are angry with me, your anger turned away and you comforted me. I will trust and not be afraid,'" Logan said and Sara looked at him oddly. "God's plan is a mystery, and sometimes I doubt Kurt's right about it. But what does it hurt, to look at the world with different eyes? Wouldn't it be better to accept love rather than to condemn the world? Look at the good in things for a change?"
Sara frowned, considering Logan's words when a voice spoke u behind them.
"May I help you Sir, Ma'am," Logan and Sara turned around to see the Father standing behind them.
"Just having a conversation about faith, Father," Logan said respectfully and the Father smiled.
"That is my area of expertise my son. May I offer my help?" the Father asked.
"Not at the moment, but I'll let you know," Logan assured.
The Father merely nodded before walking off. Logan turned around to see Sara staring up at the cross in the church.
"Can we…just sit?" Sara asked and Logan nodded.
"Sure."
Logan and Sara then sat down, Sara still staring up at the cross. Logan knew he wouldn't make a full believer out of her overnight. He still wasn't a full believer. But if it helped Sara, then he'd have that conversation with her.
ARGUS base, a few days later
Morning
"Any word on Agent Michaels?" Waller asked as she stood in the briefing room.
"She hasn't attempted to contact us in the last few days. None of her accounts have been accessed either," one of her operatives informed her.
"She's laying low. But she'll have to come out of hiding eventually," Waller said with certainty. "And Rochev and Batroc?"
"At home in their cells. Are you certain we can have them on Task Force X?" one of her operatives asked uncertainly.
"They will do their jobs. Now, back to work," Waller ordered.
They were about to leave when suddenly Talbot walked into the place with his men.
"General Talbot?" Waller questioned, "What're you doing here?"
"Amanda Waller, you're under arrest for using your position as a means to blackmail, and for endangering lives by trying to destroy Starling City," Talbot announced to her shock as his two men grabbed Waller and a third one put cuffs on her.
"What is this?" Waller said angrily, "Let me go!"
"We have proof of all the illegal activities you have done over the years. Edward Fyers, the Suicide Squad, all of it." Talbot announced as his men started leading her away.
"Well played Fury," Waller muttered under her breath. "Well played."
The White House
Hours earlier
Matthew Ellis was watching the footage of the confrontation with Waller before looking up at Fury, who sat across from him.
"And you have backups of this?" Ellis asked.
"Dozens. Plus, I have various ARGUS agents who would be willing to testify of Waller's shady activities," Fury said and Ellis sighed.
"This is gonna be a mess," Ellis said.
"Yeah. But you can make it easier on yourself by appointing Lyla Michaels the next Director of ARGUS. She's willing to make the hard calls, but she knows where the line is. She'd make a great Director," Fury said and Ellis nodded.
"I'm willing to agree with you. Thank you, Mr. Fury," Ellis said as he got to his feet.
Queen Consolidated
Afternoon
"Mr. Queen, I don't see the point of this meeting. We know what the outcome will be," one of the board members said as they and Oliver sat in the boardroom.
"You might be surprised. But for now, let's just wait for my lawyer to arrive," Oliver said with a smile that irritated them all.
As if in answer, the door to the board room opened. Everyone looked up, all but Oliver surprised to see a seemingly blind man with a walking stick enter the room dressed in a suit.
"Mr. Murdock, thank you for coming," Oliver said as the man sat down in the seat next to him.
"It's part of my job, Mr. Queen," the man said with a smile.
"And you are?" one of the board members asked snidely.
"Matt Murdock, of Nelson, Murdock and Page. I'm representing Oliver Queen and the Queen family in this matter," Matt said, folding up his walking stick.
"Well, I hope he's paying you a lot, because you're wasting your time," another board member said, confused by the smile that crossed Oliver's face.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that," Matt said, putting a recorder on the table and turning it on. "Now, let's get to the facts of the case: when Thea Queen was kidnapped, there was a meeting that needed to be held in order to vote on new officers. Due to SEC regulations, it needed to be held at that time. During this meeting, while my client was preoccupied with his sister's kidnapping, Isabel Rochev was appointed sole CEO by this board."
"What is your point, Mr. Murdock?" a member of the board asked.
"My point is that, due to the nature of Mr. Queen signing his power over to Ms. Rochev, whether my client understood what exactly he was doing is a matter of debate. There were also not witnesses to my client appointing Ms. Rochev, and even the fact that it was not in proper writing, no procure of how this kind of hand off of power was followed. It all makes Ms. Rochev's status as Mr. Queen's proxy legally questionable, at best. Which means the ousting of Oliver Queen as CEO is a gross overreach by this board," Matt finished and the several of the board members squirmed.
"Mr. Murdock, your client has been negligent in his duties as his CEO for months," One of them protested.
"Whether he was or wasn't is irrelevant. There are proper channels in which this board could have removed Mr. Queen from his position as CEO, channels that were not followed. The fact is that my client has every grounds needed to press charges against this board for abuse of power and overreach," Matt pointed out and the board squirmed.
"Mr. Queen, what is it exactly that you want?" one of them finally asked Oliver.
"I believe my attorney has that well in hand," Oliver said, trying not to sound smug as Matt opened his briefcase, pulling out a couple piece of paper and placing them in front of the board.
"This board has two options. The first option is that you can try to fight Mr. Queen in court, where my partner and I will prosecute the members of this board for knowingly and willfully abusing their power to hand over control of Queen Consolidated to a woman that we now know was working with Slade Wilson and helped him pull off the greatest terrorist attack in this city's history due to a vendetta against the Queen family," Matt said and almost smirked when the members of the board squirmed at this. "Or, you can all sign this document, which reinstates my client as CEO and restores all shares of Queen Consolidated and assets that belonged to him and his family to the Queens. You may take a few moments to look it over, of course."
They did look it over, of course, for about ten minutes. But, realizing they were backed into a corner, each member of the board signed the document, reinstating Oliver as CEO.
"I guess I should say welcome back, Mr. Queen," another of them said uncomfortably.
"You may, but it would be a waste of breathe. Because my first act as CEO is firing all of you," Oliver declared, to their shock.
"You can't do that!" one of them cried in protest.
"You'll find that I can. Even with my diluted stock in the company, just yesterday I purchased another ten percent," Oliver revealed.
"You have no money to do that," another agued.
"Not that this company was aware of. But, while I was running Verdant, I put all my money I made from there into a trust that I was saving for a rainy day. And it's been pouring lately. With that added ten percent, I am now owner of sixty percent of the company, making me the largest shareholder," Oliver said, his eyes growing icily as he stared at all of them. "I admit; I have been distracted as of late. For that, I apologize, and I can forgive and understand your lack of loyalty to me. What I cannot forgive is your lack of loyalty to my family and my father. My father wanted this to be a family company, and this board's actions spat In the face of that. So as of today, you are all fired. You have until the rest of the day to clean out your offices and get out of this building."
With whatever dignity they had left, the former members of the board got to their feet and exited the room. Once the door was shut, Matt spoke.
"You realize you'll now have to appoint a new board," Matt pointed out.
"Already working on it, I have meetings lined up for new board members. I'm meeting with a Ray Palmer on Tuesday," Oliver said and Matt nodded. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Murdock."
"Please, call me Matt. And it was pleasure. A friend of Natasha's is a friend of mine," Matt said and Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"I never said who put me in touch with you."
"No, no you didn't," Matt said and a beat passed. "Well, I have to make my way back to New York. We'll discuss payment at a later date."
"Of course," Oliver agreed as he watched Matt leaving, wondering what it was about Matt that had him so suspicious.
The Playground
Same time
Bobbi was in the lab, going over some notes when she heard someone enter the lab. She looked up, about to yell at Hunter to leave her alone for a minute when she paused, seeing it was Mack.
"Mack. Sorry, I thought you were Hunter," Bobbi apologized.
"He's been hovering a lot lately. But you know it's just because he's worried," Mack noted.
"I know. But I need some breathing room," Bobbi said, going back to work. "Was there something you wanted, Mack?"
"I just wanted to see how you were," Mack paused, trying to put it into words. "How was it…seeing him again?"
"I thought I had put it behind me. I thought when Oliver went back to Starling City…that was it, we were over for good," Bobbi finally said. "But now…I know I'm with Hunter, and I love him. Just…"
"Not in the same way you love Oliver," Mack said softly and Bobbi nodded without looking at him.
"Does that make me an awful person?" Bobbi asked, not turning to look at him.
"No, but…Bobbi, you have to be honest with him, tell him about Oliver," Mack said gently and Bobbi sighed.
"Trust has never been our strong suit. But you're right. I owe him the truth," Bobbi said, knowing she had to tell Hunter about her past with Oliver.
Outside the room, neither Mack nor Bobbi were aware of Hunter having been listening, a look of confusion and hurt on his face.
Avengers Compound
Same time
Wanda was in her room, playing her guitar, or at least trying but the music just wasn't coming to her today. She put her guitar down in frustration when Natasha walked in, holding a small package in brown wrapping.
"That guitar do something to you?" Natasha asked and Wanda shot her a look.
"No. Just…I guess I'm in a mood," Wanda sighed.
"Well, hope this cheers you up," Natasha said, walking over and holding out the package. "This came in the mail for you."
Wanda took it curiously, seeing there was no name, only an address. Shrugging, Wanda opened the wrapping, revealing a package. Wanda stared at Bible in front of his before seeing a small note on top of it. Putting the book down, Wanda opened it, reading.
'Wanda, I have marked some passages I think you might find rewarding. Remember Wanda, in His grace, we are never alone.'
There wasn't a name, but Wanda had no doubt who it was from and felt butterflies in her stomach.
"You okay?" Natasha asked.
"Yeah…yeah, I think I'm fine," Wanda said softly as she picked up the book, a reverent look on her face.
Natasha repressed a smirk, realizing who it was from. But she wouldn't say anything. After all, she was hardly the only Avenger to have a thing for a Christian.
Hell's Kitchen, years earlier
Natasha awoke in a bed, hearing someone walk into the room. Sitting up, she saw Matt walking in with two mugs.
"Here, I made it the way you like it," Matt said as he handed one to her.
"What a way to wake a girl up," Natasha joked as he accepted it, sipping it and humming in approval. "You should open a coffee shop."
"Thanks, but I think I'll stick to being a lawyer, if I ever graduate," Matt said with a laugh.
"Just apply yourself. And if you ever decide this lawyer thing isn't working out for you, SHIELD always has a place for someone of your abilities," Natasha told him.
"Thanks, but I think I prefer New York. I…could never be away from the city for that long," Matt said as he sat down next to her.
"I get it. But while I'm here, let's enjoy the time we have," Natasha said coyly, putting her cup down and pulling him into a kiss.
Queen Mansion
Morning
Oliver was asleep, tossing and turning, his mind on the past.
Oliver and Slade were standing on Lian Yu, dressed in the clothes they had worn the day the attacked the Amazo.
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Slade," Oliver said remorsefully and Slade was silent for a moment.
"You did, kid," Slade said and Oliver looked at him incredulously. "You freed me from the Mirakuru. I will always remember that. You didn't damn me, Oliver. You saved me. I am…proud of the man you have become. I will watch over you as I watch over my son. And remember kid…there's no giving up these guys."
With one last smile at Oliver, Slade then turned and walked off before vanishing in a flash of light.
Oliver opened his eyes, finding himself in bed. Sitting up, Oliver felt as though a load had been lifted from his shoulders. For a long moment, he was silent. Then, looking over at his desk, he saw a familiar book. Getting up, Oliver walked over to it, opening the List and going through the pages until he stopped on the page he was looking for.
Oliver stared at Isabel Rochev's name until he picked up a pen, crossing out the name. Checking the time, Oliver decided he would head over to Verdant before work.
Arrow lair
Later that morning
Sara was working out when she heard someone walk down the stops. She paused, looking up to see Oliver. The sense of déjà vu wasn't lost on her.
"Hey," Sara said in greeting.
"Hey," Oliver echoed, looking at her in concern. "You okay?"
"Getting there. You?"
"Getting there," Oliver echoed and Sara nodded. "We need to talk about a few things."
"Okay, what is it?" Sara asked, looking at him in concern.
"First, it's a bit more…personal," Oliver said, trying to put it into words. "I know things are gonna be awkward between us for a while. But you are one of my best friends Sara, regardless of what happened between us. This city isn't okay; I need us to be okay."
"We'll always be okay, Ollie. It'll just take some time for things to get back to…well, as normal as we've ever been," Sara said and the two of them shared a laugh. "Since that was personal, I assume the rest is more professional."
"Yeah, it is," Oliver said, pulling out the list and handing it to her.
"This the famous List?" Sara asked as she took it, beginning to go through it.
"Yeah. After Tommy died…in my guilt, I tossed it aside. I'm thinking that might have been a mistake. There are still a lot of names on that list. People who are still using their power and influence to hurt this city. It needs to stop," Oliver said and Sara nodded in agreement.
"You don't need an argument from me. I used my skills on a lot of corrupt men and women while I was in the League. It'll feel nice to do it without all the killing," Sara said as she handed the List back to him. "Anything else?"
"Yeah. Slade, he almost won. Even with all of us working together, plus the Avengers, Logan, Kurt, even Fury and Lyla, he almost beat us. I can't ever let that happen again. I need to be as prepared as possible," Oliver said, pausing, unsure how to say it. "You were trained by Ra's al Ghul. I want you to teach me everything he taught you. So I can be as prepared as possible the next time someone like Slade comes to Starling City."
Sara looked at him in surprised, although she supposed she shouldn't have been. It was just like Oliver to want to be prepared for that kind of thing.
"Okay," Sara agreed. "We'll start tomorrow. For now…we both need to get to work."
Oliver nodded, walking back the stairs with Sara, feeling a bit lighter than he had before.
And that's the end. A lot to break down here, so let's get to it.
The Oliver/Bobbi scene was pretty difficult to write, given all the history, but I hope I did decent enough on it.
And Blood finally got exactly what he deserved, creating a clear path for Moria to become mayor.
I've long suspected that Ned Foster was on Isabel's payroll, because any competent lawyer could argue that given Thea's kidnapping, Oliver's decision making was impaired and the transfer of power to Isabel was questionable at best, given that Oliver basically just did it on a post it note. And it would be very much Slade and Isabel's style to do that.
While I love Oliver/Sara, I'm not going to have them end up together in this series. That doesn't mean I'm going to downplay how important Oliver and Sara are to each other, unlike the showrunners of Arrow and Legends of Morons, along with Olicity/Laurel/ AvaLance fanatics.
I can see Logan, pre Last Stand, being a bit more open to faith if he had someone like Kurt around. Hope the scene with him and Sara was enjoyed.
And Waller got what she deserved as well, allowing Lyla to become Director of ARGUS two seasons earlier. The scene of Talbot arresting her was taken from Aragorn II Elessar's 'The Devil and The Arrow' with his permission.
And Matt Murdock has appeared. For Daredevil's timeline, this would take place after the third season.
Regarding Oliver firing the board, as long as Oliver is the biggest shareholder, he can legally do that, although it would normally be inadvisable.
Yes, Matt and Natasha have a history. This was a decision I made, not only because I've never done a Matt/Natasha pairing before, but it establishes a link between Matt, Oliver and the Avengers, which will be important later.
Regarding Oliver's dream, was that the real Slade? Was it Oliver's subconscious? Who knows, but it gave Oliver his closure regarding Slade.
And with Sara training him, Oliver will have his season five skill set by the time of the next story.
So, that's the last real chapter. All we have left is a mid-credit scene, which will be up sometime tomorrow.