Chapter 54: Initiation
Green Arrow's head was spiraling as he struggled to hold himself up. He barely managed to look up to see the towering figure of Werner Zytle, now going by Count Vertigo.
"H-how…" Arrow mustered.
"How am I doing this?" Count Vertigo presumed. "When I was younger, I was diagnosed with an inner ear defect that affected my balance. Vladava's top scientists created this device," he tapped his headgear, "to compensate. It was afterwards, with mild modifications, that I learned I could use it to inflict my suffering upon others."
"You… you're the one who… took me out on the roof."
"I had hoped that dullard daring to use my title would finish you. Still, he has his uses, including creating the poison with which I can kill Perdita."
"Vertigo…"
"Indeed. He nearly ruined everything by selling it as a common street drug, but it won't matter soon enough."
"What… what are you… talking about…?"
"As we speak, the Justice League's cure is being transported to Star City Metro General to heal Perdita. My men have been given orders to take it once it arrives and replace it with a specialized version of the Vertigo poison."
"No!" Arrow mustered. "She's… a child… your own niece…"
"I killed my own brother for the throne. You think I will think twice of eliminating her? She's an obstacle, one that will soon be dealt with. Permanently."
"So… you're just fine… with cold blooded murder… of your own family…"
"It's called Regicide. And whatever it takes to gain me the throne."
"You… will be stopped…"
"By who? The League has no clue what I am truly capable of. And who would they believe? A grieving uncle, or a known vigilante who has shown signs of excessive force?"
The words burned Arrow deeply, knowing all too well that Vertigo was right. The Count then bent down, removing something from his pocket.
"Either way, I can't have you getting free and ruining everything." He removes a syringe from his pocket, injecting it into Arrow's neck. "But you should be happy. You just took a deadly hit for my beloved niece. You might even be remembered as a hero."
Vertigo then tossed the needle aside before going over to the door to the penthouse. He opened it, and two security agents walked in.
"Dump him near the hospital. Make it look like he's been there awhile. This will not be traced back to me. Understood?"
The two guards nodded before heading inside, approaching the drugged hero as Count Vertigo took his leave. Arrow just writhed in pain as he fought to get back up, but the effects of the drug were already starting to take effect. He was just about to collapse and surrender himself to the pain, but an all too familiar voice stopped him.
"Get up, Oliver…"
Arrow looked up, seeing none other than Laurel standing over him.
"Laurel…?"
"You can't end like this," she told him, kneeling down to him. "You have to get back up."
"I can't. I can't stop him… I failed everyone… I even let you die."
"You didn't let me die, Ollie. You fought to save me. Because that is what you do. You fight to save everyone. I know I called you a murderer before, but that is not who you are. You are a hero Oliver. You survived Lian Yu, you survived Merlyn, and you will survive this. You honor the dead by fighting Oliver, and you are not done fighting. So get up. Get up and fight."
Just as one of the thugs took hold of Arrow's arm, Arrow quickly grabbed his and threw him to the ground. He then pulled himself back up to confront the second goon, shaky, but determined. The second goon took a swing at him, but Arrow ducked under it, delivering two concise blows to the stomach. This caused the goon to stumble backwards so Arrow could run towards him, jump up and double kick him in the chest, knocking him to the ground as he fell. Arrow slowly picked himself up as the second goon got back up and drew a gun.
"So much for looking like an accident," he remarked, leveling his weapon.
Before he had a chance to pull the trigger, a red flechette embedded itself in the goon's wrist. He turned to see Roy in his red hoodie running towards him. The goon didn't have a chance to respond before Roy punched him out, knocking him to the ground. Once the goon was down, Roy ran over to Green Arrow and quickly helped him up.
"You ok?" he asked.
"Not… really…" Arrow replied. "What are you… doing here?"
"Your computer friend asked me to find you in case something happened."
"She was… right… drugged again…"
"Thought that might happen too."
Roy fished into his pocket and pulled out a needle loaded with the cure. Arrow took it and injected it into his arm. It would take a minute to kick in, but knowing he was cured was enough for him.
"We need to move," Arrow told him. "Werner Zytle is one behind everything. He's going to kill Perdita."
"How can I help?"
"Vertigo's men are going to steal the cure and replace it with poison. I need you to stop them."
…
At the loading area of Star City General, a S.T.A.R. Labs van pulled up, allowing Caitlin and Cisco to jump out. They rushed inside, being greeted by a man in hospital scrubs.
"This needs to get to Queen Perdita, ASAP!" Cisco insisted, holding up a small briefcase containing the cure..
The man took the case, nodding silently before heading back to the elevator. Instead of heading to any of the upper levels, the elevator went down, taking the man to an underground garage. He walked out, being greeted by another man in scrubs carrying a case that held an IV full of a very familiar and dangerous liquid.
"We have the cure in hand," the first man confirmed.
"Perfect," the second man replied. "Proceeding with part 2. Make sure the cure is properly disposed of."
The first man nodded as the second one got into the elevator and went up. The first guy started heading off to meet with two other goons in a van, looking to dispose of the cure the first chance he got. Suddenly, the sound of a motorcycle ripped through the complex as a single headlight illuminated the space. The goons all shielded their eyes as a motorcycle tore across the lot, heading for them at top speed.
"Punch it!" the first goon demanded, running towards the van.
He tossed the case to the others just as Roy drove up, hitting the first goon with his bike. The other two goons got in the van and quickly took off. Roy quickly turned around and chased after them.
…
Back at the hospital, the remaining goon made his way up to Perdita's room, where Werner and the League were waiting.
"I can't thank you all enough for this," Werner told them. "You have done so much for my niece."
"Of course," Wonder Woman replied. "She is a strong child, and I am confident she will be an amazing Queen."
"Indeed."
Werner looked down at Perdita, smiling at the thought of what was to come. He then looked up to the goon in scrubs as he began to hook up the IV. Before he could connect it, an arrow sailed through the adjacent window, striking the bag and pinning it to the adjacent wall. The contents spilled out onto the floor as Green Arrow bust through the window.
"It's over, Zytle!" Arrow let out.
"Arrow, what are you doing?!" Flash demanded.
"That wasn't the cure," Arrow insisted, tossing his bow aside. "It was more poison. Zytle's the one who arranged the assassination."
"What?!" Werner let out. "How dare you accuse me of such atrocities!"
"Arrow," Batman spoke up, "watch what you're saying. Now is not the time for wild accusations."
Arrow lashed out, grabbing Diana's lasso and wrapping it around Zytle's arm. It began glowing almost immediately.
"Tell them what you've done!" Arrow demanded.
"I-..." Zytle gritted his teeth, trying to free himself, but Arrow's grip was firm. "I has my brother killed… then I..." he swore in Vlatvian, still trying to pull free. "I hired Deadshot to kill Perdita. When he failed, I turned to the Count..."
"Still don't believe me?" Arrow remarked. "Check my arrow."
GL turned towards the arrow and used his ring to pull it out, seeing it had some kind of recording device on it. He pressed it and played back the audio.
"I killed my own brother for the throne. You think I will think twice of eliminating her? She's an obstacle, one that will soon be dealt with. Permanently."
"So… you're just fine… with cold blooded murder… of your own family…"
"It's called Regicide. And whatever it takes to gain me the throne."
Arrow finally released the lasso, handing it back to a stunned Wonder Woman.
"I'd say that's sufficient enough evidence," Arrow assumed.
"Agreed," Wonder Woman agreed, turning towards Werner. "It's over, Zytle."
"No!" Zytle let out, using his device to disorient the League.
…
Back with Roy, he continued racing through the streets, keeping pace with the van. He swerved past numerous cars on the road, doing his best not to lose sight of them. He then revved the bike, causing him to speed up and quickly pull alongside the van. Taking a chance, he leapt off of his bike and leapt onto the van, grabbing hold with all his might. He then opened up the back of the van and made his way inside. He saw the goon holding the case with the cure inside and darted towards him, grabbing hold of it.
The two tussled over the case for a few minutes before Roy pulled out his flechette and stabbed it into the goons hand, causing him to let go. Roy then moved backwards, falling back and ending up rolling out of the back doors of the van. He hit the ground hard, rolling along the road before eventually coming to a stop. Everything hurt, his hoodie was torn, but he had the case. He quickly got back up and began moving back to the hospital before the goons could catch up with him. He ran right through the front doors, startling the nurse.
"Get-" he grimaced, his pain making it hard to focus. "Get this… to Queen Perdita… It's the real cure..."
He shoved the case into the arms of a shocked nurse before finally passing out.
…
Back in the hospital room, the League was still suffering from Vertigo's effects as the villain turned towards the young queen.
"I suppose it's true what they say," he remarked, taking his cane and drawing a sword from inside. "If you want something done right, do it yourself."
Just as he raised it, Arrow rolled towards his bow and grabbed it before notching an arrow and firing it at the sword. It knocked the blade from Vertigo's hands, allowing the emerald archer to face the villain head on. The two exchanged blows back and forth, keeping an even pace. Finally though, Vertigo managed to shove Arrow against a wall, hitting him with the device at full power.
"You've made a valiant attempt, Archer," Vertigo commended as Arrow grunted in pain. "But I am afraid it's over."
"It is…" Arrow mustered. "For you!"
Green Arrow then shot an arm out and grabbed hold of his headgear, tearing it out and tossing it against the wall, shattering it. This caused Zytle to drop to the ground in pain and disorientation as Arrow shook his head in annoyance. He braced himself against the wall as Flash went over to help him up.
"Nice work," he commended.
"Just remembering what I'm fighting for," Arrow remarked.
…
Later, Roy slowly started waking up. He was in a hospital bed, a good portion of his body covered in bandages due to bad road rash. He groaned in pain, turning his head slightly to see Thea sitting next to him. She was reading a book, but from the bags under her eyes, it was clear she hadn't slept in awhile.
"Th-Thea…?"
Thea turned towards him, a massive smile on her face.
"Roy!" She dropped the book, sitting up and taking his hand in hers. "You're finally awake."
"How… how long was I out?"
"Two days. Doctors said you were exhausted and looked like you'd been through hell. Only a, and I'm not kidding, royal decree from Queen Perdita kept them from looking further into it, or calling the cops."
"Then she's alive."
"Thanks to you. They got the cure to her in time and she woke up. First thing she did was banish her Uncle, leaving him in the hands of Star City's finest."
Roy chuckled upon hearing that.
"Good riddance." He then looked her over. "What about you? What did I miss?"
"Well, with The Count now in custody, the judge had a new target to throw the book at. My lawyer managed to get me a plea deal. I have a crap ton of community service to do, but this Queen is staying safely out of prison."
"Good," Roy replied, tightening his grip on her hand.
"And… I know, I chewed you out for playing hero before… but I am proud of you for what you did out there. You saved lives… and I'm sorry I ever doubted you."
He pulled her hand closer to him, planting a gentle kiss on the back of it. She just smiled, leaning in to give him a proper kiss.
…
Back at S.T.A.R. Labs, the League and Team Arrow reconvened to revel a moment in their success.
"Ok, that was cutting it close," Cisco commented. "We were this close from things turning out ugly."
"But they didn't," Flash commented. "Thanks to Green Arrow."
"You really saved the day, Robin Hood," GL commended. "Nice job."
"Just did what I had to."
"Sorry we doubted you," Flash spoke up. "Without you, this story would have ended a lot differently. We were wrong-"
"No, no you weren't," Arrow cut off, holding up a hand to stop him. "There was still a lot of the Hood left in me, the murderous vigilante who thought he was the only one who could save this city. But now… now I see that I don't have to do this alone. I have my team, and I don't need to be the Hood to make a difference. Star City… it doesn't need a vigilante. It needs a Hero. A real hero."
"If the events of the last few days are anything to go by," Wonder Woman spoke up, "you are well on your way to becoming one."
"Thank you."
Batman came over, placing a hand on Arrow's shoulder.
"I know more than a little about solo crusades, and they tend to work better when those close to you know the truth. All those lies, they add up, and one day, you'll have to pay for them. The sooner you come clean, the sooner you can fix your relationship with your sister."
"Maybe you're right…" Arrow considered. "She deserves to know the truth."
"Then go, man," Diggle insisted. "Go and be with your sister."
Arrow nodded before heading off. Felicity let out a breath at that, then rose herself.
"And to think, all it took for him to finally accept Thea was attempted Regicide, and a double dose of Vertigo." She turned to Cisco, giving him a smile. "It was nice working with you, Cisco. We should do this again. I mean, without the drugs… or the dying Queens… or… well, you get it."
"Yeah," Cisco agreed. "You wanna… trade emails or something?"
"Uh, yeah. Sure." She grabbed a pen and a paper, quickly scribbling down various contact information. "Here. Feel free to reach out whenever."
"Cool."
"Why do I feel those two are going to be a volatile combo?" Diggle commented.
"Probably because they are," GL retorted.
…
Later, Roy was cleared from the hospital and he and Thea were heading out. As they stepped out the front doors, they were surprised to see Oliver waiting with a car, leaning against it and waiting for them.
"Glad I finally arrived on time for once," he quipped.
"Ollie?" Thea let out in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Trying to make up for lost time. If you'll let me."
"What's all this for?" Roy questioned, looking at the car.
"There's something you both need to see." He turned to Thea, his eyes softening with regret and fear. "Something I should have shown you a long time ago."
The two turned to each other for a moment before finally deciding to go along.
…
Later, the three drove up to Queen Consolidated, pulling into the parking garage. They got out, heading into the building before Oliver led them to a private elevator. He pressed his thumb on a small scanner and it opened, allowing him to usher the two inside.
"Ollie… what is this?" Thea questioned.
"Something I had installed after the quake," Oliver answered. "You'll see why in a minute."
After a few seconds, the elevator finally stopped, opening up to reveal the Bunker. With a slightly shaking hand, Oliver flipped on the lights, letting them see everything. Both instantly recognized the multitude of arrows, as well as the green hoods on display. Thea walked out into the room, completely shocked by what she was seeing.
"You're… you're him…"
"I am," Oliver confirmed. "I know my saying this doesn't mean much… but I lied so I could protect you. I see now though, that those lies were driving us apart."
"Then..." Roy let out, "That night… in the warehouse. It- It was you… You saved me..."
"All this time..." Thea said, her voice barely a whisper, "All those times I got so mad at you for being a flake...or telling me something I knew was a lie..."
She turned to face her brother, eyes glistening with tears. Oliver braced himself, mentally debating whether he was about to get punched, slapped, or both. Instead, she just walked shakily over to him, just like she had when he'd first returned from Lian Yu.
"You were saving lives..." she realized. "You saved… so many lives." With a slight hiccup, she rushed forward, burying her face in Oliver's shirt before hugging him. "Thank you."
Oliver barely wasted a second returning the hug in kind. He held her tightly, a hand gently petting her head. Roy just watched, still stunned at the revelation, but beyond happy to see the Queen siblings finally reunited properly. They remained like that for a good minute before finally releasing one another. Thea wiped her eyes, still shaking a bit, but clearly much better. Oliver's eyes were wet with his own tears, though he quickly cleared his throat and wiped his eyes.
"Someone told me that my crusade would be easier if those I cared about knew the truth. But I want you to do more than just know." He looked up at Roy. "You saved my life, Roy. Not only that, you were the cornerstone of saving Queen Perdita. I want to help you become an even better hero. I want you to become my partner."
Roy had to do a double take upon hearing that.
"Are you serious?"
"Very serious. I've seen what you can do Roy. More than that, I know you care about what happens to this city. You have potential, and I want to help you hone it. If you'll let me."
Oliver held out his hand. Roy looked down for a moment before smiling and taking it.
"I'd be honored."
"What about me?" Thea spoke up. "I want to help too."
"You sure?" Oliver asked. "It's not an easy life, I can promise you that."
"I know, but I don't want easy. I want to be with my brother, and I want to save our city."
Oliver thought for a moment, before turning back to Thea.
"... alright."
She smiled, and they hugged again, and this time, Thea pulled Roy into it to. The road to this point had been messy, but they were finally together.
…
The following night, Green Arrow stood on the roof of Queen Consolidated, looking out over the city as the Flash sped up next to him.
"You're late," Arrow remarked. "Must be a new concept for him."
"You'd be surprised, actually," Flash replied.
"I just wanted to thank you. For talking with me that night. I guess I really needed some of your light."
"Glad I could help. Though I get the feeling I just brought out a light that was already there."
"Either way, I owe you for that, Flash."
"Actually," Flash interjected before lowering his hood to reveal his face, "you can just call me Barry. Barry Allen."
Arrow chuckled a little.
"Well, thank you Barry. Hopefully, the next time we team up, things will go more smoothly."
"Funny you should mention that," Flash replied, pulling his hood back up and activating his comms. "Go ahead, Vic."
Just then, a Boom Tube opened up in front of them, much to Oliver's confusion.
"What's this?"
"An invitation," Barry answered, stepping towards it before gesturing to Arrow. "You coming?"
Arrow was hesitant, but followed regardless. The two stepped through the Boom Tube, emerging onboard the Watchtower. Arrow was floored by the sight, turning towards a nearby window and looking out to see the Earth below.
"Whoa…"
"Heck of a view, isn't it?"
Green Arrow turned around to see not only the Leaguers from before, but Superman, J'onn, Aquaman, and Cyborg as well. All of them were standing there, smiling as they watched Arrow. The man lowered his hood in confusion, looking around.
"What… what is this? What's going on?"
"Like Flash said," J'onn spoke up. "An invitation."
"We want you to join the Justice League," Superman told him.
That caught Arrow off guard.
"Why me?"
"Because you have the potential to be a great hero," Wonder Woman shared. "It merely needs to be nurtured."
"So you want to keep an eye on me?"
"More or less," Batman confirmed. "But this way, your circle of trust is that much wider."
"Plus it would put you one up on Batman," GL added. "He still hasn't made it past part timer."
"Now that is tempting," Arrow admitted.
"It'll also give me a chance to get back at you for shooting me in the back," Flash quipped.
"Less tempting."
"So we can take that as a yes?" Superman asked.
Arrow looked around at everyone, seemingly weighing his options. After a brief moment, he smiled.
"Yeah, I'm in."
Superman extended a hand to Oliver, smiling warmly.
"Welcome to the Justice League, Green Arrow."