The beeping of the proximity alarm has Malcom's attention but not Oliver's. What is Chase doing. His flight plan doesn't make much sense. Why come back to Star City. Where is really going. Where is he taking everyone. Something about this doesn't feel right. Then again nothing about what Chase has done so far has made any sense to Oliver. "Are you expecting someone."
Sighing Oliver pauses in his search for Chase to address Malcom. "Adrian Chase is working with the likes of Black Siren, Talia Al Ghul, her students, and Evelyn Sharpe that we are aware of. God knows who else he might have at his disposal." There will be others. Chase has been planning this for years. Every time Oliver thinks he's catching up Chase brings someone new into play to throw him over. Black Siren. The betrayal of Evelyn. Talia. He's almost sacred about who else will pop up.
During the course of his crusade. And even back on the island, he managed to make a lot of enemies. Most of them are dead but some of them are still alive. Yes, some of them are locked away but if Chase can find out about Black Siren and then break her out then he can get anyone. Talia being on his side makes that even more likely.
Sending a quick message to Lyla to ensure that China White and Cupid are still in their cells. It honestly wouldn't surprise him if Chase had managed to break in and disarm the bombs in their heads.
Cupid he can easily handle. China White would be more of a challenge. And much more of a threat. He already knows the lengths she would go to, to get what she wants. It's been a while since he last saw her but even with the past few years locked in a cell she would still be far more dangerous then Everlyn could ever dream of.
"So, you called in reinforcements." Malcolm moves to stand next to him his arrogance on full display as usual. "If I wasn't such a confident individual then my ego might have been hurt." Everyone he cares about could already be dead. Thea and Willam could be dead. They could be tortured for all he knows. And Malcolm has the gall to stand there and moan about the fact that he has called in other people for help to save everyone.
He didn't even invite Malcolm he just showed up. He has no right to complain or whine about Oliver bringing in people he trusts to help him. Trusts being the key word there. He would much rather kill Malcom then work with him. Something his partner would agree with.
Holding back his anger Oliver barely stops himself from growling at Malcom. "Your ego is what you are going to have to keep in check." If he can't then he is more of a liability, then an assert. And with everything at stake, he can't afford to have someone screw it up.
"Why." Malcolm spins towards him. "Who did you reach out to."
As if on cue the doors of the elevator open revealing the first person Oliver had reached out to when Chase first started everything. And the only reason she hadn't appeared before was because he had asked her to let them handle it the moment Talia came into play.
Sauntering out of the lift Nyssa barely spares Merlyn a glance before her eyes land on Oliver. "Husband." A small found smile graces her lips. One which he can't help but return.
Their relationship has always been strange and very complicated. Nyssa being his ex's ex isn't the strangest aspect of their relationship. Which in itself is saying a lot about them.
"Wife," Oliver replies with a slight bow of his head. "Thank you for coming." He can feel some of the tension that has built up ever since Chase started attacking his city evaporate in her presence. She has always had a strange calming effect on him. When they're not arguing that it. When that happens, she winds him up more than anyone. But when they are on the same page everything just seems easier with her around.
"You never have to ask." Nyssa turns her attention to Malcolm her previous expression falling behind her stoic mask. "Mr Merlyn. I assume you still don't have a title." Once again Oliver can't help but grin at Nyssa's words. She's the only person he knows who can throw Merlyn off balance.
"No." Malcolm barks at him his bruised ego lashing out in his anger. Oliver can barely stop himself from rolling his eyes.
"Merlyn." He warns Thea's father's voice growing cold and quiet. The threat is clear for everyone to hear.
But apparently either Merlyn doesn't hear it or if he does decides to ignore it. "I will not work with her."
Completely unfazed with the aggression Malcom is showing her Nyssa turns back to Oliver. "I told you." He goes to wave her off. Malcolm will work with her in order to save his daughter. He would do anything for Thea. He just needs to take the moment to work out his own pride. Once that's settled, they can start working on a plan to save everyone and end Chase.
They just need to get to that point first without killing each other.
"I would rather slit her throat," Malcolm exclaims glaring toward Nyssa his hand resting on his sword. The obvious threat lingers in the air.
The air around the three of them suddenly colder as Malcom's words resonate within Oliver. The two former members of the League of Assassins are so focused on each other that they don't see the switch going off in Oliver's head. The one which separates him and the monster inside of him. The switch between Oliver Queen and the Arrow.
"You mean try." Nyssa immediately responds showing that the threat didn't bother her. Unlike Merlyn Nyssa knows how to keep her feelings in check and not to let her own pride be her downfall. It's only when Nyssa goes to look back at Oliver that she notices the look on his face.
It's the same look he shot towards her father after it was demanded that the two of them would marry. The same look she has seen on his face before he's wiped out hordes of people. The same look that was once directed to her sent shivers down her spine.
She's seen that look when other men have made unwanted advances towards her. Said people usually end up with either a broken jaw or arm following their attempts to touch something that does not belong to them.
A look that both frights her and excites her at the same time. His inner warrior fighting its way to the surface. Now that rageful gaze is locked on to Malcom Merlyn.
"I'll do more than try." Merlyn threatens unaware of the danger lurking right next to him. "We all know you couldn't beat me should we-
Bang.
Merlyn is slammed against the metal railing by the neck. Oliver has made sure Malcom can't use either of his hands or legs to fight back as he chokes the man who dared threaten his wife. His voice resorting back to the ice cold voice of Al Sah-Him. The deep growl that makes even the most fearless step back in fear. The true demons voice. "If you ever... Ever threaten my wife again. Or as so much as glare in her direction, I will do far worse then cut off your hand." Oliver's eyes burn with an intensity Merlyn has never seen before. If he could he would have swallowed thickly at the mere sight. "Now you said you would do whatever it takes to save Thea. So, you will work with Nyssa. And you will follow her orders. Do I make myself clear."
Oliver releases some of the pressure on Merlyn's neck so he can stagger out his answer. "Yes."
"Good," Oliver states letting go of his godfather and taking a few steps back. He looks over towards Nyssa to gauge her reaction. It's not the first time he's come to her defence. Nor will it be the last. Not that she needs him to defend her. She is just as dangerous as he is. Still, a threat to her is a threat to him and vice versa.
The way she is looking at him has his body losing its anger but not its heat. It's the same look she shot him the first time they laid together. Back when they were ferociously hunting down Sara's killer. They had tracked down an enemy of the league who was operating in the city. Neither he nor Nyssa had been merciful that night. Unleashing all of their pain on the target and the group he hired for protection.
After the fight and... interrogation they had returned to Nyssa's hideout both high on adrenaline and battle lust. It had been a long time since he had killed. Especially killed like that. He forgot the rush he used to feel when he let the monster out of its cage. Mix that with a lot of pain from Sara's death, Felicity's rejection and another argument with Nyssa about Merlyn thing between the two of them had turned violent. Their frustration brewing over.
However, there is another way to vent frustration. And at some point, he still isn't sure who moved first but they ended up kissing. And one thing led to another. The two of them didn't speak of it the next morning. They went about their business like it never happened... Until the next time they hooked up. And the time after that. And then the time after that.
"Does she know," Malcolm asks rubbing his throat breaking up the married pair from gazing at each other. Now he really is wishing that Malcolm stayed away.
Blinking Nyssa's eyes steel over as she turns her attention back to Malcolm. "Know what." She takes a few steps closer towards Oliver. The question if he hasn't told her anything yet hangs between them. Not that he's worried. Nyssa already knows everything he does about the situation. And has for far longer than Malcolm has been involved.
Feeling the smugness rolling off of Malcolm Oliver shifts closer towards Nyssa. Using her as a force to stop him from reaching across the room to grab Malcolm by the throat again. "One of the people we are facing... Is your sister." Malcolm then has the sheer audacity to send a smirk in his direction.
"I know." Nyssa simply replies her own sense of smugness destroying Malcom's. Much to both of their pleasures. "My husband has kept me up to date on events here in Star City." She had wanted to come back sooner. But when he discovered her sister was involved, he begged to stay away. The last thing he wanted to do was force Nyssa to choose between him and her older sister. Didn't want her to be involved should it come to it in another death of her family member "I still believe I should have returned sooner to help you deal with my sister."
Turning to face her he says, "I didn't want you to be forced to pick between me and your sister." He tells her softly ignoring the fact that Malcolm is in the room. This is a conversation between the two of them. "I still don't."
"I know." Nyssa sends him a small smile running her hand down his arm in a soothing gesture. "And I appreciate the gesture but there isn't a choice. I stand with you. Always." Her declaration is said without no room for doubt. A simple fact to her being spoken out loud. A sentiment, he returns to her.
Whatever was about to happen next was cut off by the loud beeping of the proximity sensors.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
"Are we expecting more people," Malcolm asks watching the two of them closely as they break apart.
Oliver makes a quick check of the camera before replying. Would have been really embarrassing if he said yes and then it was someone attacking them. He's dreamed of that once actually. "Like I said we have no idea who we're up against. To fight an army, we need an army of our own."
The dinging of the elevator echoes around the room as they open revealing one of Oliver's former teammates and his own protégé.
"Been a while since I've been back here," Roy states wearing his red hoodie as he scans the room. "Nyssa good to see you again." He nods in her direction getting a nod back in return. Nyssa and Roy have been in contact more than he has with Roy. The two of them have worked together on missions outside of America together with a few others. He still isn't sure what those missions were about. It was all very hush hush with nobody involved talking about it. He does wonder what was going on but understands that there are some things he doesn't need to know. He trusts if it was anything that could affect him or endanger anyone he loves they will fill him in.
And when the alien invasion happened, and he called Nyssa for help he went to pick up Roy before joining them in Central City. They had perfect timing too. Showed up right as everyone else was being mind controlled and attacking him and the Flash.
He's glad that Roy has been able to keep in contact with Nyssa. When he took the fall for Oliver and was forced to leave the city, he had thought that he would never see Roy again. That contacting him would be too dangerous with the number of eyes on him. Roy had sacrificed everything for him, and he didn't want to disturb his new life.
Nyssa however can meet up with Roy and not draw any attention. And it's because of that, that Oliver and Thea have been able to keep in touch with Roy. Losing Roy was painful. When he thought the young man had been killed in prison it was like losing Tommy all over again. Like Slade descending into madness all over again. He's already lost two brothers. He couldn't handle losing his third and younger brother as well.
Watching Roy drive away while he was holding his heartbroken sister was just as painful but he was happy that Roy was still alive and still able to make his own way in life. Roy made it clear that he would come back whenever he was needed. And right now, seems like a perfect time for a reunion.
"Roy." Oliver greets moving forward to greet him as he brings the younger man in for a quick hug.
"I came as soon as I could," Roy replies pulling back and offering a welcoming smile before turning more serious. "What's the situation."
"Chase has kidnapped every member of my team. Thea and my son included. He has an army at his disposal of highly trained assassins, A meta human who looks like Laurel and so far, has managed to always stay at least ten steps in front of me." Oliver quickly fills him in on what he's going up against.
"My sister supplied him with the bulk of his forces. And personally trained him. So, expect him to be highly trained in all aspects of combat." Nyssa adds on leaning against the table.
Roy nods taking everything in. Oliver would never force him to fight with him again. And would understand if Roy doesn't want to be involved in this. He had walked away from this life and started a new one. He has already given up everything once in order to protect Oliver. He would never force Roy to get into something this dangerous if he didn't want to. "When do we leave," Roy asks determination burning brightly within him.
Oliver grins at Roy. Thankful that he has decided to join them. The odds of winning this slowly falling back into his favour. "Soon." Not seeing Roy carrying a bag he asks, "I assume you need a suit." At Roy's sheepish grin, he walks over to the main console pressing a button. A panel in the wall opens up revealing a dark red suit equipped with a bow and quiver as well as batons. He has this and a few others installed in the bunker in case people outside of the team come back. Then entire left side wall is made up of compartments housing different suits with a few more in storage. "Despite the circumstances, I'm glad you're here Roy."
"Me too. I've missed this." Roy walks over to his stand admiring the new version of his suit. It's basically the same suit but a darker shade of red not to be confused with Thea's. Which is his old one. And has black sleeves running half of his arm and the middle part of his chest is also a black triangle from just under his neck to his waist. His pants are black with red threaded stripes. Having it black and red instead of it being all red also helps to tell the difference between him and Thea. His bow was black and red then all red as well.
Beep Beep Beep.
"Another one." Merlyn groans.
"Malcolm," Oliver shouts in a warning.
Roy taking amusement in Oliver's suffering turns to Nyssa who is wearing a similar look of amusement. "Why do I get the feeling Oliver's going to kill Merlyn before this is over."
"Because there is a very high chance he will," Nyssa replies getting a small laugh from her husband protégé.
"How are you," Roy asks more concerningly as Oliver checks who coming and Malcolm glaring at him leaving the two of them to talk somewhat privately. "I mean. How are you feeling about going up against your sister."
"Willing to do whatever it takes to rescue those that Oliver cares for." Comes Nyssa's almost emotionless reply.
"That's not what I meant." He pushes. The two of them not really having a long relationship but do hold a great deal of respect towards one another. They have worked together on more than one occasion helping them to become friendly towards each other. Of course, both knowing the other would do whatever it takes to protect both Thea and Oliver has always been the foundation of their partnership.
Turning back to face Oliver and Malcolm who are watching the lift coming down. "I'm aware Mr Harper. Me and my sister are far overdue to having this conversation." The dark tint of her voice talking about her sister reveals a lot about their relationship. But he can also see that this isn't really something she wants to do. She hides it well but he's spent too much time around Oliver to be able to see cracks in the stoic masks they wear.
"If you need anything you know I have your back right." He tells her meaning every word. He can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to go up against your sister. To might have to kill her. With her father it was different. Kind of. But this isn't that. This isn't about saving a city from genocide. This is Oliver or her sister.
Hearing this Nyssa offers Roy a small smile in thanks. "Thank you, Roy."
The clunking indicating the opening of the hideout doors draws their attention. And who would emerge. A woman looking around Oliver's age with long dark brown hair.
"I got to say this place looks so much better than your last hideout." The woman states entering the room and eyeing the people gathered around. Two of which she knows. Malcolm because of his action of the undertaking. And Roy Harper. The man who died in prison after confessing to being the Green Arrow. The woman leaning on the table near Oliver however she does not know.
"Helena." Oliver greets somewhat unsurely. "I take it you understand the deal."
Roy's head snaps towards Oliver at the mention of her name. He only knows one Helena. The one who is also known as the Huntress. A woman both Felicity and Dig have complained about and thrown at Oliver more than once when questioning his judgement.
Her attention turns back to her ex-boyfriend. "Yeah. I help you save everyone and stop a madman with a vendetta, and I get to go free." Her words are sharp but not in an unfriendly way.
Oliver knows it was a huge risk to invite her here. He helped to put her in prison. And trying to kill her that one time soured their relationship. But he has kept in some kind of contact with her. Not giving up his promise to help her turn her life around. She seemed to be remorseful about her actions the last they talked. But that was a while ago. "Can I trust you."
"Do you have much of a choice," Helena replies smirking towards him. In response, Nyssa pushes herself up from the table moving next to Oliver. Her own eyes narrowed at the huntress. She has heard of this woman from Sara and from Oliver. Both of them offering very different opinions on the woman. Nyssa will have no issue removing her if she poses a threat to the mission.
"Helena this is a joking matter," Oliver states unhappy with the tone she was using. "The people I love are on the line here and if I can't trust you then I will send you straight back to Slabside." He warns her making sure she is aware of the consequences.
Seeing her mistake Helena moves to assure everyone she is with them. "You can trust me, Oliver. I've made mistakes in the past. Mistakes that hurt you and I'm sorry for that." From what she can tell the person they are going after is following the same path she once did. The anger at losing someone they love and the need to destroy the person responsible for that. To make them feel just like they feel.
Only Helena isn't the same person she was once. After her father's death, she thought she would feel free and justified. She didn't she felt empty and hollow. She had hurt so many people in her need for revenge. Destroyed so many other people's lives without a second thought. Becoming worse than her father in the end. All for nothing. It didn't change anything. Didn't take the pain away.
She was wrong back then. Oliver had been right. Now she has the chance to make up for everything she did to him. A chance she won't' waste.
Seeing the truth in her words Oliver decides to trust his gut and trust her. He always knew she was lost in the darkness. He knows how consuming it can be. How easy it is to lose yourself. He had done that in Russia. Talia being the one to bring him back from the brink. Giving him purpose and an identity to separate himself from the dark forming that protective barrier. Allowing himself to become Oliver Queen again. Something he had failed to do with Helena when she needed him. "Your old gear is stored here. I figured you would want to use it again. If not Nyssa or Roy can get you whatever you need."
"Thank you," Helena says as one of the walls opens up revealing her old purple suit with a crossbow proudly on display.
Oliver looks at her with the same sad eyes he did the night she started a gang war and realised he couldn't save her from herself. "Don't make me regret it. Please."
"I won't," Helena promises walking over to her suit.
An alert sounds from the computers quickly draws everyone's attention as Oliver informs everyone where Chase's plane has gone. The moment he reads the coordinates dread sets in. Something which everyone can pick up on when he pauses mid-sentence staring at the screen.
"I know where's he taken them."
"Where," Roy asks first as everyone watches on waiting for Oliver to drop the bomb.
"Back to where this all began," Oliver states eyes flicking over everyone as they get what he's saying. "He's took everyone to Lian Yu. Back to the Island I was stranded on."