A/N: Hi and welcome to my rewrite of Arrow. When reading this story, you might find it too similar and that is by design. It's the subtleties that are going to be the biggest part of this rewrite in the beginning. There is a lot that I like in the beginning but don't worry, some aspects will be different enough. As far as pairings are concerned, I have those planned but journey before destination.
If at any point you feel the characters are acting outside of their show's counterpart, I would just like to remind you that this is a fanfiction where these characters bend to my will. That being said, no choice is made callously. I have plans and reasons.
I hope to not abandon this story but if I end up dropping it, I will post my overview so you will at least have some form of closure.
This first chapter will feel long in the beginning, and I do apologize for that. Now, let's begin.
The Crusade:
Homecoming
The city lights shined the same as they always had, bright and shimmering on one side dim and dingy on the other. Looking out amongst the city he had left so long ago he could not recognize what was once so familiar. Not unlike himself as his eyes focused in on his own reflection in the glass. Oliver Queen looked back at himself.
"Twenty percent of his body is covered in scar tissue. Second degree burns on his back and arms. X-rays show at least 12 fractures that never properly healed. Mrs. Queen, for him to have endured what he did…" The doctor that had been speaking turned and looked to the woman stopping short of his examination. Moira Queen looked at the door that held her son behind it, heartbroken from what she had heard and trembling with worry at who would be on the other side of it. The doctor saw the hesitancy in the woman and spoke up, "The son you lost might not be the one they found, but he's still yours." At that he placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
Moira took a deep breath and opened the door and saw her son for the first time in 5 long years. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw him turn around; he looked different, broken and so much less like the boy that had left.
"Mom." Oliver croaked out as he saw her. She looked the same as he remembered, and it brought everything crashing down. He stumbled forward into her arms and let his emotions get the best of him. Oliver allowed himself to break down in the arms of his mother as they sank to the floor. Moira whispering to him that it was ok and she's here.
Oliver didn't know how long they stayed like that but eventually he stopped and sat back. His emotions had failed him, he had hoped to stay strong when he saw her again but that was not to be. He gave her a closed mouth smile and breathed in deeply to control himself.
"Let's get you home Oliver." Moira told him.
[Break]
The car ride was silent, neither truly knowing what to say to the other. Oliver took the time to mentally prepare himself for what was to come. He did not want to breakdown again and he was going to make sure of that. He had plans, a promise to keep and he could not do that if he kept letting his emotions get the better of him.
"No one has been told anything yet," his mother started, and he turned his head to look at her as the silence was broken, "we wanted to avoid the media circus for your immediate return." Oliver nodded as she finished a thought already brewing in his mind.
"Could it be held off for a few days?" he asked giving her a meaningful look. "I think there are people who deserve to know first." Oliver added, thinking of the Lance family.
"Of course, sweetheart." Moira responded. Oliver could see the surprise in her face at his comment, she probably had not expected the maturity he had shown.
He turned back to look out the window and saw a house slowly approaching and let a smile grace his lips. He was home. The car pulled round, and Oliver slowly got out, as he let the moment embrace him. He walked towards the back to retrieve his bag never letting the mansion leave his sight. It was only the sound of the opened trunk that grabbed his attention as he bent down to pick up the small bag, he had brought with him.
"Mr. Queen?" Oliver looked to voice and saw their driver looking at him questioningly. "There's no need for you to grab that, I'll get it to your room." the man added, and Oliver's confusion turned to realization and remembrance. He was a Queen again, and not everything was his responsibility. Letting his grip on the shoulder strap go Oliver allowed the man to take the bag as he was led inside by his mom.
Oliver entered the mansion with heavy steps, each one accompanied by a memory long forgotten. His mother was rambling, saying his room hadn't been changed. In front of him stood the very familiar staff of the Queen Mansion, all welcoming him home. He immediately gravitated towards one though.
"It's good to see you, Raisa." he spoke as he approached and took her hands in his and smiled warmly. She gave him a watery smile back before welcoming him home. The sound of footsteps drew his attention after a pause and turning to the foyer stairs he saw the quickly moving figure of his sister, Thea Queen. "Hey sis." he barely got out before she barreled into him hanging on like she was trying to make sure he was real. Her quiet sobs made it difficult for him to understand her. It took time and gentle guidance from their mother, but she eventually let him go.
"I missed you." she finally got out, tears still streaming down her face but with an infectious smile. She had yet to fully let go of him and Oliver had to admit to himself that he hadn't minded if they stood there longer.
"You were with me the whole time" he told her.
[Break]
Oliver walked around his old room wistfully. His mom had been right, nothing had changed in it. Though it was cleaner than he remembered leaving it. Opening a drawer, he chuckled to himself, his box of condoms had been removed and hopefully not by a family member. Oliver could not think of anyone but his best friend Tommy helping him there. It was all the same; the old, playboy Oliver on full display. A boy he no longer recognized. Walking to the floor length mirror he stared at himself, taking in the man that now stood there.
He looked nothing like the boy in the pictures, his hair cropped short and his stubble bordering on being classified a beard. Turning away before getting lost in his own ruminations Oliver moved to the only now familiar item on a desk in the room, the bag he had carried off the island. Opening it up he swallowed hard at the items inside. Three rocks, each with a carved letter, a hosen, and a notebook. Reaching inside he pulled out the notebook, his father's last gift and now his mission.
Flashback
Playboy Oliver Queen stepped towards his father and the ship's captain, they had been on the Queen's Gambit for a little over a day now and it seemed the journey forward might be living up to the yacht's name. The captain said something to his father that had him release a heavy breath before nodding to the captain.
"We in trouble?" Oliver called out jokingly to his father, who responded that one of them was causing confusion in the young man. "What's up?" he asked back hoping is father would be up front with him.
"The storm is a bit stronger than expected but I meant who you have in your room with you." Robert Queen said pointedly to his son. Oliver looked like a deer caught in headlights, not expecting his father of all people to call him out. Robert looked at him with both sincerity and disappointment before he spoke again. "That will not end well son, for either you or them."
"I know." Oliver replied. A look of guilt and grief overcoming his face. His thoughts drifting to the Lance sisters, specifically that of Laurel. His feelings had become complicated, everything had since…. He shook out of it, not letting his thoughts drift towards that. He looked back to his father who now wore an uncertain expression and was on the verge of saying something before a voice called out.
"Hey Ollie, where did you put the bottle opener?" the visage of Sara Lance in a racy set of lingerie peeked around the corner. Both men were frozen as they saw her. "Oops." She giggled out as she covered herself, realizing her 'mistake'.
"I'll be there in a minute Sara." Oliver said and watched her disappear back into the room mouthing 'sorry'. Oliver turned back to Robert who only gave him a look before leaving the boy to his guest.
End Flashback
"Ollie?" a voice called out, breaking Oliver from his thoughts. He turned around and saw his sister at the door. "Dinner's ready." She told him as she waited by the door for him to join her. He gave her a nod, putting his memories to the back of his mind as he put back the notebook removed two items from his bag. He walked over to Thea and stopped short of joining her in the hallway.
"I wanted to give you something." He told her as he handed over the hosen. She hesitantly took it, not understanding what the item was. "It's a hosen, it's a symbol of reconnecting. I kept it hoping that one day it would reconnect me with you." Oliver explained seeing her confusion. Hearing him, she clutched it close to her chest, nodding before turning around. She had already cried too much, not wanting to start again. Oliver watched her walk a ways before starting his own trek to the dining room.
[Break]
Dinner was an awkward affair at first, no one really knew what to say. Oliver could tell Thea was trying to stay calm and not get emotional again and his mother just seemed lost. The weight of the rock in his pocket felt heavier than before, and he realized now was not the time to give it to his family. Still, this silence could only go so long.
"You were right," he started, shocking both women out of their reverie, "not much has changed around here." Oliver finished, putting on a small smile. Thea shrugged but also looked a little nervous while his mother just laughed softly before speaking as well.
"A few pieces here and there have, I will not have it said the Queens are out of fashion." Oliver chuckled at her comment, that was the Moira Queen he remembered. "Of course, there are other aspects that have changed as well but we were advised to ease you into those." Oliver looked questioningly at his mother and sister, 'Advised?' he thought. "I spoke with a specialist while we waited for your travel papers to go through. They told us to take it slow with you, especially with the public." She told him.
Oliver nodded and wanted to ask more about what had been going on since he called her from the boat but stopped as their meal was brought to the table. Looking to the staff he saw Raisa trip with a plate coming towards him. He reacted quickly to help her catch her balance and stop the food from falling off the plate. Raisa quickly let out a soft expletive in her native tongue before thanking and apologizing to him in English. Oliver found himself responding back in Russian before he could stop himself. He cursed at himself and took in the shocked looks of everyone in the room. Russian had been his most recent regularly spoken language so he couldn't be surprised how easy it had been to slip back into, just annoyed that it had happened at all.
"I... I prepared a lighter meal for you Mr. Oliver." Raisa said, breaking the silence. Oliver was surprised to see a small slice of chicken with a small salad put in front of him. He once again thanked Raisa, this time in English. The response by his family and the others surprising him, to not just thrust him back into their world. Oliver could not help but feel his appreciation.
"Five-star dining wasn't a common occurrence." He joked, trying to change the subject. His mother seemed to take the joke in stride, giving him a resigned look. Thea though, she looked contemplative.
"What was it like there?" She asked. Their mother sharply called her name, obviously the island being a subject they had been told to keep off-limits. Oliver looked over at Thea not really knowing how to respond, his most traumatic moments flashing before him. "I'm sorry Ollie, I shouldn't have…."
"Cold." He interrupted. His tone had a rough edge to it, one he had not meant to apply. Thea though seemed to understand her faux pas and just nodded before starting in on her dinner.
The three Queens ate in silence after that, it wasn't long before Thea excused herself with an excuse of homework. Oliver had yet to move, not wanting the next day to come, and his work begin.
"I'm sorry about Thea, she…. She took yours and Robert's death hard. We both did, having you back is going to be an adjustment." Oliver released a breath at his mother's words. It was going to be an adjustment for all of them he thought. A soft thunder permeated the silence, and Oliver couldn't help but feel a little calmer. "There are things we need to discuss, but that will wait for tomorrow." She got up after informing him of their plans for tomorrow and wished him a good night's rest.
[Break]
The night found Oliver choosing to sleep on the floor in front of his window, the rainstorm bringing a comfort to his first night home that his soft bed could not. His dreams though, brought memories of a storm 5 years before.
Flashback
Sara sat behind him on the bed as he stood at the butler's bar, still clad in her choice of seductive lingerie now with her robe draped over her arms. He handed her a glass of wine and she gave him a smile that told him all he needed to know. She was feeling insecure, and not without good reason he thought. They had yet to be actively intimate with another, something he was sure she hoped her outfit would change. He couldn't lie, it had stirred the lust within him, however, he was still unconsciously holding back. Every time they started, he would see them, even with Laurel it had been like this. This was it though, and both seemed to know. Putting on his playboy façade he replied to Sara's counting and comment that the storm was getting closer.
"That's not very scientific!" Oliver turned around and saw that Sara was caught off by his comment. He smirked at her as seductively as he could before taking a sip of his drink. She smirked back at him.
"And what would you know about science, Mr. Ivy League dropout?" Sara flirted as he sat down by her, putting his drink aside.
"I happen to know a lot about science." He flirted back, watching her take a sip of her own drink. "I know about fermentation. I know biology." He leaned in and kissed her, only for a second before pulling back. He could feel it all coming back to him again, and it was something Sara seemed to pick up on. She put her drink down and turned back to him adjusting her robe back up to her shoulders.
"Is it Laurel?" Sara asked, looking upset. "Is that why you stop every time we get even close to something more?" Oliver didn't know how to respond. A lightning strike with the sound of thunder quickly after it propelled his thoughts. Laurel was a part of it but not all. As he was about to respond, maybe even tell her everything a noise caught their attention.
The two looked around and saw their glasses begin tipping over before they were thrown from the bed with Sara screaming. Oliver landed by the couch and the ottoman and shakily sat up, leaning on the ottoman. He saw Sara on the other side of the piece of furniture open her eyes and reach towards him from her back. He reached back and that's when the chaos took over. The boat seemed to rip apart and as he lunged towards her, Sara screamed out for him and before he could grab on to her, she was swept out of the boat into the water. Oliver cried out for her in horror before he felt the water drag him out and spin him around in its depths.
He didn't know how long he was under as his lungs burned before he was spat out and his head crested the surface. Gasping for air he began calling out for Sara while treading water. He heard his own name called out to him from the voice of his father and turned around to see him in a life raft with another. Hoping Sara would be with there, he swam towards it and was pulled in by his father and the captain. Coughing up what water was still in his lungs his eyes darted around looking for her. Not seeing Sara there, he began to murmur 'no' over and over again.
"She's still out there!" he shouted swinging back around to the edge of the raft intending on diving back. His father grabbed ahold of him, and Oliver shouted again that Sara was still out there.
"She's not there!" he yelled over his son's panicked shouting. "She's not there, son!" trying again to get through to Oliver while holding on to him to keep him safe. They both looked on as the rest of the Queen's Gambit sunk into the ocean.
End Flashback
Moira had woken from a dream she'd been having off and on for years now, her son and husband returned from the dead. The dream had been recurring for years now and had been less frequent over the last year but had returned in full force every night since Oliver had called her 8 days ago. She now knew Robert returning would never happen, though she still needed the reassurance that Oliver was indeed alive and home. She walked to his room, hoping to catch him fast asleep and just as innocent looking as she had years before, the sound of the storm though stopped her in her tracks. The door to her son's room was cracked and peaking inside she could see him on the floor with his window open and rain drenching him. Rushing in, she began calling out his name and lightly shaking him.
"Oliver, wake up. Wake up, sweetheart." Moira for the briefest of seconds was relieved to see her son open his eyes until she saw what lurked behind them. Oliver reacted quickly, moving to upturn his assailant, and pressing the side of his hand to their throat and knee to their chest he prepared to interrogate before recognition dawned on him.
Oliver removed himself from his mother and began sliding backwards against the window. His eyes widened, mortified as he began apologizing, lost in his own guilt. Moira began coughing as she inhaled quickly and sat up. Looking to her son she saw the same broken man she had held on to on the floor of the hospital. Her heart shattered and tears sprang to her eyes as she realized for the first time just how much her son would have gone through. She moved slowly towards him, the rain soaking her as she sat by her son telling him that it was ok, that he was home, that he was safe.
[Break]
Dinah Laurel Lance exhaled slowly with closed eyes as her latest patient left her office. She knew when she decided to open her practice in the Glades it would be challenging and heart wrenching, but some days were harder than others. She would need time to come down from the hour-long session she'd been in. So, with pen in hand, she began her recap of the session. It was a ritual she took to not long after she started her time as a therapist. Wanting to give her undivided attention to her patient she would wait till they were gone to write down notes or deductions or next steps. She found that it also cleansed her of own heightened emotional state from time to time, one that she was in desperate need of. Which is why she was startled when she heard a knock on her door and saw the head of her assistant Clara poke in.
"I'm sorry to bother you Laurel, but there's a newscast I think you should see." Clara spoke quietly and with an anxiousness Laurel hadn't seen since she'd interviewed the girl. She closed her notepad and wheeled over to her computer before going to the Starling City News website. The main headline caused her breath to catch, and with trepidation clicked play on the following news report.
"Oliver Queen is alive." The newscaster's words made the breath she had been holding release in a jagged breath. "The Starling City resident was found on an island in the North China Sea and is the only survivor of the…" Laurel stopped listening at that, hearing all she needed to. Clara was saying something to her, but she could not comprehend it.
Her sister was now confirmed dead, and he was alive. Anger began bubbling up, an anger she thought had dissipated years ago. The feeling of another hand in hers is the only thing that brought her back. She looked over and saw Clara crouched next to her, holding her hand in a comforting manner. Laurel took that moment to begin working on exercises she had taught others to help with their anger or any over emotional moments. It took time but she eventually felt ok. Standing up she hugged her assistant and thanked her.
"I need to go check on my father, can you cancel my remaining appointments and then you can take the rest of the day off." Laurel told Clara who nodded and reassured her it would be taken care of. Giving her another quick hug, she exited the room.
Laurel stood there a couple of moments more taking deep breaths before exiting her office and going to the only place she knew her father would be after this.
[Break]
Oliver had been furious when the news had broken that he was alive. He had wanted to see the Lance family himself and let them know of Sara so they would have time to process without the publicity. It was already a strange morning having learned of his mother's nuptials to Walter Steele and his presence at lunch. The two of them had been on the phone all afternoon trying to deal with the fallout after the original broadcast. The house phone had been constantly ringing with Raisa just standing by responding with "no comment" before hanging up. That was actually a little funny seeing the kind woman be so stern. Thea, who had stayed home from school, was also dealing with her phone going off nonstop.
It had been nice to have the day to be around family again before the crisis, reacclimate with them and his surroundings. He now would have less time for that and his arrangements at the foundry. The only good news he assumed was that his best friend Tommy was joining them for dinner. His father had also decided to join, which was odd, but he looked forward to seeing his old friend. Thea's reaction was interesting to the Merlyn's joining them, she had shut herself in her room and he could hear her tossing clothes around when we passed by earlier.
He was now waiting for them near the front door looking at pictures, one of him and his father had particularly caught his eye. He only looked at it for a few moments before the door opened and in walked his friend. Turning around he saw both men, with Tommy walking to him with purpose. His friend clasped him on his shoulders, like Thea probably making sure he was real before he smirked and told him "I told you, yachts suck."
The laughter that had broken out from the two brought Moira and Walter in to greet both Meryln men. Malcolm clasped Oliver's hand hard when welcoming him back home. Thea arrived shortly after in an outfit, that while not out of irregular for a family and friends' dinner did have him raising his eyebrow at how she tried to interact with Tommy. He seemed none the wiser though and just seemed to take just as much enjoyment as her in having his best friend home.
It didn't take long for dinner to be served, once again Raisa had made sure to provide Oliver with a simple meal. Tommy had seemed confused at first but caught on once he saw their Italian cuisine. Malcolm and Walter seemed engrossed in a conversation with the companies while his mother would pipe in every now and then. She seemed more concerned with keeping an eye on Thea. Thea seemed all too aware of her mother's attention and was not joining too much in conversation with him and Tommy as the latter was trying to catch him up on what he'd missed the last 5 years and asking him to join him in the city the next day. Malcolm would occasionally cut his eyes over to Oliver, almost searching for something. It was once dessert came that the CEO of Meryln Global directed his attention fully to Oliver.
"You're different Oliver." the whole room now silent, waiting to see what the man was getting at. "Will you be seeing a specialist to work through your time on the island?" Malcolm's question hung in the air. Oliver had to admit that under normal circumstances it would probably be best, but his situation was far from normal, and his mission could not work if he was under constant questioning by someone. His mother having already reached out to someone had been on his mind, he hoped she didn't expect him to see them.
"While I do not think it is any of your business Malcolm, I have talked with someone, and we agree that it will be up to Oliver to make that decision." Moira answered on his behalf. Malcolm seemed surprised by Moira's response sitting back in his chair. Oliver mouthed a quiet 'thank you' to her.
"I apologize, of course you are right Moira." Malcolm said. "I guess seeing him so stoic and having the memories of a boisterous you man, I grew concerned." He looked to Oliver for what he said next. "I can only imagine what you went through and knowing the help I needed after Tommy's mother's passing, I just wanted to make sure you got the help you needed." Oliver could hear the sincerity in the man's voice. Tommy though seemed surprised by his father's words.
"It's ok Mr. Merlyn, I understand your concern, but I don't think I'm ready to talk about anything yet." Oliver replied to which Malcolm nodded and smiled at. Taking a breath Oliver stood up asking to be excused. Moira granted his request and as he left Tommy reminded him about their outing tomorrow.
The outing would provide the perfect opportunity for a few things and Oliver realized he would need a space for letting off steam sooner than he realized.
[Break]
Oliver had taken the morning to get in a jog and workout around the Queen property. He was itching to get his hand back on his bow. He couldn't let himself get out of practice. He'd already reached out to the local Bratva chapter and made sure all his equipment was where it was supposed to be. While he was not going to start his crusade within the next month at least he could make sure he was good to go when he did start. There was still just one thing bothering him though from the night before. Thea's reaction to Tommy had been curious, not that his friend had let on that he knew of her interest.
Thea and her friend Leah had come home quickly from school hoping to avoid anyone from asking too many questions. A white powder covered her desk and Leah was scooping it into a baggy while Thea handed her a pill bottle back telling her that her father would be none the wiser. A knock on the door sent the two in a scramble to hide things before Thea announced that the person could come in.
"Hey Speedy." Making Thea exhale easily seeing that it was just her brother. Oliver on the other hand picked up on the fact something was amiss and glanced behind his sister to see her desk in disarray.
"Worst nickname ever." Thea lamented making Oliver chuckle.
"I don't know, chasing you around everywhere when we were younger, seemed fitting." Oliver said. His next words chosen carefully to see her reaction. "Maybe it still is." Thea and her friend shared a briefest of looks before the friend tried to defuse the situation by trying and failing to flirtingly tell him hi.
"I liked that hosen you got her." Her friend told him, getting an annoyed look from Thea. Oliver was about to respond when a voice behind him broke the tension.
"Aw that's so sweet," Oliver turned and saw Tommy at the doorway. "I didn't know we got gifts." He smirked at Oliver. "OH! Can mine be a t-shirt that says, 'My friend was a castaway and all I got was this crappy t-shirt'?"
"Funny." Oliver responded, rolling his eyes at his friend's antics. Tommy just chuckled and asked if he was ready to go. He took the moment to see Thea's reaction to the man, but it was not as noticeable this afternoon.
"Don't let him get you in too much trouble" Thea said. Tommy clasped his shoulders and began leading him out while her friend called out that she'd see him around. Once around the corner Tommy made a joke about how Thea's friend looked about ready to jump Oliver. Oliver gave him a look but ended up snickering with him. He had forgotten what his presence could do to those who knew of him.
"So, what do you want to do first man?" Tommy asked his old friend as they climbed into his car. "What did Oliver Queen miss?" Tommy waggled his eyebrows at him as if he knew the answer. Oliver chuckled at Tommy, his meaning obvious. He knew what he missed though; he closed his eyes remembering how she had helped him in the end.
"Laurel." He eventually got out, and the sigh he got out of his friend was expected.
"Hundreds of people are happy you're back and you want to see one of the few who isn't?" Tommy questioned him. Oliver could understand his point, it was voluntarily going into the lion's den. He needed to do this though, needed to talk to her.
"Tommy, please." His tone left no room for argument. Tommy relented and began their drive to the Glades.
[Break]
The last 24 hours had been stressful. Laurel had found her father at the bar, staring down a glass of bourbon. According to the bartender he had been there for half an hour. Neither had said anything, they just sat until later in the night when he let her lead him to an AA meeting. She stayed for a little bit, to make sure he didn't leave before heading home. She appreciated the silence of it all, having been afraid he would lash out or go off on a bender. Quentin had only been sober now for about 4 months, she wouldn't have blamed him if he slipped over this.
Laurel had also had time to figure out her own feelings over the reappearance of Oliver Queen. To say she was conflicted would be an understatement. Everything was all jumbled up; one aspect wasn't connected to another. Grief, rage, solace, relief, and on it went. She just wished she'd been able to deal with it all before everyone knew. The texts and calls she'd been getting from friends, old classmates, and professors, it was all just too much. The one call she had wanted never came though. Her mother hadn't wanted to be in her life for years now, she should have known this would change nothing. She had her dad, and he her, that was enough.
Walking back into her office building she couldn't help but feel relief at being back. While the night before brought silence her lunch with her father today had brought resentment. Quentin was determined to get one on one time with Oliver, and Laurel didn't know if words or fists would be thrown if he got his chance. She had been able to help him talk some things out, but she knew it would only be time before he showed up at the front door of the Queen residence.
Now that Laurel was back at work, she would need to shift her focus for her late afternoon patients, and then the call with Joanne to discuss legal moves against the building owner. He had swindled her out of some funds with bogus claims of building repair and now was raising her rent for the 4th time. She was all too keen to help her friend sink the bastard. So, with a deep breath she opened the door to her office space ready to not think anymore of Oliver Queen. Shock was the first thing to register in her as she saw Tommy Merlyn on her waiting room couch with an anxious look on his face. Not the first time she'd seen him anxious over the last few years, but he'd always kept his distance from her office.
"Laurel, he... he's waiting in your office." She stiffened at his words, never imagining he would seek her out. "I'm sorry." Was the only other thing he said. She looked over at Clara who seemed just as perplexed as her but anxiety plain to see as well. Robotically she walked to her door and for the second time in as many minutes took a deep breath to center herself before opening her door.
Oliver stood at the window, looking out over the Glades. Pride was all he could feel standing here. She had done it, exactly what she set out to do. The Lavender's Embrace, her love of flowers and mother's florist shop reworked for her own brand of helping and healing others. His own goal of healing the city by removing the disease came to the forefront of his mind. He knew where he would start now, Adam Hunt. When he first walked in the office and wandered around a bit, he had noticed a Letter of Intent from him, apparently, he was raising the rent for the building. The amount nothing to scoff at, how Laurel was staying afloat was beyond him. He was drawn out of his musings though when he heard voices from the other room and the sound of a door opening.
Laurel couldn't believe the man that stood before her was the same as the one who left her on that dock five years ago. He was broken, that much was obvious, but there was so much more to how he presented himself and the impression he put off. It was the sound of her name from his lips that made her breath catch.
"Hello Laurel." Oliver didn't know where to go next. he had so many things he wanted to say but the only words that came to him and had him inwardly cringing were "I'm sorry."
"You… sorry?!" she shouted and immediately regrated it. She was better than that, and she wouldn't let him see her weak because of him. "Sorry, sorry does not cover what you did." She leveled her eyes at him daring him to say something. Seeing that he wouldn't she continued, "You 'died', while cheating on me with my own sister. Do you understand the emotional devastation that you inflicted because of that?" her tone was even and unwavering. "I knew, I knew something was wrong for weeks and I tried to get you to open up, but you wouldn't."
"You're right." Oliver told her, getting a bit of surprise for her. "I took Sara on that boat because I knew it would hurt you, because I didn't think I deserved you anymore." Oliver took a step closer as he spoke his truth, at least part of it. "My selfishness, my weakness cost you more than a broken heart and I'll never forgive myself for that. I didn't come here to beg your forgiveness, and I never will." He took a breath, giving her the opportunity to say anything back.
"Then why are you here, you obviously aren't going to spill your heart out now." Laurel said, everything word off his lips contradicting the weight held on her heart. She saw him slip a hand in his pocket pulling out a weathered and worn picture.
"In the early days, I looked at this every day, promising myself and it that I would come back, be the man you deserved." Laurel had to hold back a scoff at that. "I lost it, had to learn to survive another way. I found it again when I needed it most, not long before I was found. Your memory saved me that day." Oliver spoke with conviction and gratitude before handing the picture over. Oliver headed to the door and paused with his hand on the doorknob. "I wish it was her standing here with you, I'm sorry." With his final words he opened the door to leave.
"Oliver, when you're ready, I can recommend some colleagues." Oliver turned around to see that Laurel was still facing away from him moving to her desk. He gave a polite thank you and exited, Tommy following quickly after him. The two exited the building and turned to the alley that held Tommy's car.
"Alright so we did that, I say we go somewhere to get a well-deserved drink." Tommy suggested to Oliver and put his arms over the top of the car to get a read on his friend. He had opened his door but was somewhere else entirely, and Tommy couldn't get a read on him at all like he used to. He glanced up at the sound of a door opening and a man with a trash bag came bumbling out. Turning back, he saw Oliver on the verge of saying something when a van screamed into the alley behind them and three men in red monster masks with guns exited the vehicle. One word came to mind, "Shit."
One of the men raised a gun at Tommy shooting a dart into his neck knocking him out while another did the same with Oliver, who did not go down as quickly. He heard a shout from the man with the trash bag and heard the burst of gunfire. Turning he saw the man fall limply to the ground. His eyes hardened and looked back at the assailants. He fell to his knees dizzy, the dart's contents finally starting to work before feeling a hit to the side of his head rendering him unconscious.
Flashback
Three was all that was left, Oliver sat frozen against the side of the raft, Robert was digging through a bag beside him, and the captain was busy setting up a light atop the inflated beam overhead. Robert seemed to find what he was looking for and uncapped a jug and handed it over to Oliver, telling him to drink up. The captain shouted at him that they didn't have enough for Oliver to gulp down like he had. The cool liquid had done nothing for his shock but had dissolved the nausea churning in his stomach. The announcement from his dad that Oliver would be the one to survive if only one of them made it out had him turning to his father out of shock and worry.
"I'm sorry son, I thought there'd be time. I failed, I failed you and your sister, your mother, and I failed the city." Robert declared to him to his confusion. "We all did."
End Flashback
"Mr. Queen, wake up Mr. Queen." A scratchy voice called out before an itchy, black hood was removed from Oliver's head, who was now zip tied to a chair. The three men stood before him: one right in front of him with a taser, the other beside taser with a dart gun, and the last of them standing over a still unconscious Tommy, holding an automatic weapon. "I ask questions, you answer them or..." at that a taser was pressed into his chest, making his point clear. "Understand?" he asked.
"Yes." Oliver growled out, his rage bubbling at the surface. The man nodded and asked his first question.
"Did your father survive the accident?" the man's question alarmed Oliver. Things were going to be much more complicated now. He began to work his way out of the zip ties subtly, not wanting to alert any of them. Another tase gave him the opportunity he was looking for to snap the ties, his scream hiding the noise. The man asked his question his again.
"He did." Oliver confirmed. He made his choice back in the alley as far as these men were concerned. Telling them about his father didn't matter. So, when he was asked if his father told him anything he responded with venom. "He told me to kill you, and others like you." Laughter rang out as they reminded him of the zip ties. Oliver brought his free hands around in full view while saying "I think they were broken."
The response was quick. Oliver's interrogator went to tase him again as he stood, but Oliver caught the arm and body checked his interrogator into the path of the one with the dart gun forcing him to dodge out of the way and the one dealt the body blow to land on the floor. Oliver had a brief second to check on the one by Tommy, as he was raised his weapon to find a shot, before he had to reach for chair behind him and swing it around to knock into the man taking aim with the dart gun. Watching the man fall to the floor and the dart gun skitter across the floor Oliver quickly spared another glance at the automatic weapon seeing it leveled towards him.
Oliver moved to the left as shots rang out in the warehouse, positioning himself so that his interrogator now stood between them. He had no time to spare though as the sound of the taser had him hold the chair up just in time for the arm clutching it to crash through the back rungs. Oliver wrenched one of the rungs loose directing the man in front of the one with the gun to keep him shielded and shoved the broken chair piece into his interrogator's chest. Oliver let the body drop and turned to the other one and blocked a punch high before using the momentum to force the man in front of a spray of bullets that shielded Oliver from being ridden with holes.
Oliver let the body drop and saw the last one takes off in fear. Running to Tommy he knelt and quickly checked his pulse. Feeling a steady rhythm he charged after the runaway, not seeing Tommy's eyes open for a brief second.
Now outside the last man ran for his life, not understanding how things went south so quickly. It was supposed to be an easy job, the idiot had been marooned for years. Hearing rapid foot falls he looked back to see the maniac still coming for him and let loose with a blind spray from his gun. Navigating the rooftops, he ran down some stairs to his left and tried to get out of eyeline. Hearing grunts he turned back again to see Oliver Queen launch himself from above and using the wall across from him as a launch point to continue his pursuit. Ripping off his mask the man crashed through some doors hoping to find somewhere to hide. That was when he felt a body from behind barreling into him and forcing both to the ground and his gun sliding ahead of him.
Oliver rolled forward to put himself between his last kidnapper and the lost gun. He was glad he did when the man pulled a small knife from his boot and swung wildly. The kidnapper got up and thrust the knife towards him, and Oliver blocked it wide. Grabbing onto the man's wrist as he attacked and made a sharp twist hearing the snap of bones forced the man to call out in pain and drop the knife. Oliver used his hold on the man to maneuverer his head under his arm. Oliver took a breath, the man called out for mercy which only made him snarl.
"You shouldn't have killed that man." The sound of a neck breaking echoed in the empty warehouse. Oliver dropped the body and swore. While the three kidnappers may have deserved his wrath this had undoubtedly put a wrench into his plans.
[Break]
"So that's your story?" Detective Quinten Lance asked, unable to hide the ridiculousness of it all in his tone. "A guy in a green hood ran in and took out three men, saving you for no reason. And you have no clue why or who he could have been?"
"No Detective, but if you find him, you could always ask him." Oliver replied. Trying to be civil to the man whose daughter's death he felt responsible for. He understood the man's hostility but surprised he'd been assigned the case to begin with. Detective Lance turned to Tommy asking what he saw and not for the first time since Tommy woke up, he saw a glance to him in uncertainty before answering that he'd been to out of it to comprehend anything further than blurred movement.
"A few days back and already back in the limelight." Detective Lance muttered. Oliver could see that his mother was getting more and more incensed with how the man was treating them but ignored it once more asking if the men had been identified. Lance's partner responded saying they were still running prints through several databases but doubted anything would come back, calling them professionals. "Probably looking for a payout, figuring you'd pay a 'Queen's' ransom for the prodigal son. After all, what wouldn't a parent do for their child." Quentin added, letting his contempt to truly manifest for the first time.
"I don't appreciate your tone Detective." Moira directed to Quentin, letting her own feelings known finally. Oliver could see that this was not the first time these two had a conversation concerning what occurred. Walter intervened before things could escalate saying they'd be in touch if either of the boys remembered anything. Quentin looked to leave a last remark but was dragged from the room by his partner.
Oliver excused himself from the room not long after, promising Tommy to see him later. He'd been surprised when his friend mentioned a welcome back party he was organizing and told him to send any requests his way. He now sat at the desk in his bedroom thumbing through the list, a desktop computer his mother had gotten him to use to catch up on the world. That was not it's use tonight as Oliver was researching city buildings. He'd long found what he was looking for and now sat back considering his next steps. He was now going to have to begin earlier, and with Quentin gunning for him he would need to be careful and plan accordingly. His thoughts were disturbed though when he heard a knock at his door. Turning the computer off and closing the book he invited the person in, relieved to see Raisa.
"I've brought you dinner Mr. Oliver, your mother thought you might be too tired to join everyone else." Raisa announced on entry. Oliver got up and took the tray from her setting it aside. "I also wanted to ask if you were doing ok as well, with today." Oliver looked to her seeing the worry in her eyes.
"I'm fine Raisa, just a little shaken up." He answered her. There was truth to it, he'd been surprised by both the abduction and the callousness of the men. "You don't need to worry about me, I promise." She shook her head with a small smile at his words.
"You're still a good boy." Raisa told him.
"I think we both know I wasn't." he replied, a feeling of bitterness towards his old self.
"Perhaps, but a good heart." She implored, placing her hand over his chest. Oliver considered her words with his actions of the last five years and what he was yet to do. He wasn't sure, and his response was in kind.
"I hope so."
[Break]
The next morning saw Oliver up and planning to find a way to the city when his mother stopped him in the foyer, a man in a functional business suit. The man gave off the air of one who had been in the military and Oliver had a sinking feeling of what his purpose here was.
"Oliver, I would like you to meet John Diggle. He'll be accompanying you from now on." Moira informed him, her tone leaving no room for argument. Oliver was going to try, nonetheless.
"I'm not sure a bodyguard is necessary." His reply was met with a firm stare, and her own counter of how else he was going to get to wherever he was off to with the limited drivers they had. She also played on her role as his mother, saying his safety was something she needed. Oliver had to relent with that.
The drive to the city was silent at first, having only informed his new bodyguard of a general idea of where he was going. Oliver had stewed until they reached the city proper, then planning his escape. It would need to be quick, and he would need to let John Diggle feel in control. So, he started a conversation with the simplest of questions.
"So, what do I call you?" John Diggle gave a quick glance back at him through the rearview mirror before answering his Question.
"Diggle's good, Dig if you want." His response was quick and to the point, something he'd had to answer many times before. Oliver considered him for a second before asking if he had served. "Yes, sir. Army, I'm retired now though. Moved over to private security about 4 years ago." He sighed before adding on. "After speaking with your mother, I don't want there to be any confusion, my ability to keep you from harm will outweigh your comfort. I do realize though, that you are a different circumstance. Work with me and I'll work with you the best I can. Do we have an agreement?" After a couple of seconds of no response Diggle called out to him, a couple of more before he looked in the rearview and realized his charge was no longer there.
Diggle slammed on the breaks taking a quick look back at the rest of the car. Not seeing Mr. Queen, he swiftly got out of the car and began searching for him in the streets and the sidewalks. Muttering a curse at the lack of his presence he knew he was in for it.
[Break]
Oliver made his way down a sidewalk in the Glades, keeping his head down trying not to attract attention. He eventually stopped in front of a gate that held an old business venture of Queen Consolidated, a steel factory. Taking a quick glance around he clambered over the fence to the other side and walked towards the factory. Getting in the building was easier than he anticipated and was glad to see he wouldn't have to deal with any squatters. Glancing around he was glad to see that despite the mess overall, it looked like he remembered. He just needed to make sure all of it met his standards.
Ten minutes later Oliver had found the door to the basement, smirking at the lock that had been added. Putting in the code the lock released, and he was able to make his way inside. Taking out a flashlight and shining it around once he made it to the bottom, he found a tarp that seemed to have a pile of items beneath it. Throwing the tarp aside Oliver took an appraising look at what lay beneath. A letter was taped to a box, retrieving, and opening it he read in a quick scrawl in Russian 'Good look my favorite American.' Oliver smiled a small smile before taking stock of the equipment. A generator was the first to catch his eye, he scanned over a functional computer system, a few collapsible tables, and chairs, and two chests. Kneeling he once again found a lock that he quickly solved to unlatch and opened a green chest. Inside were many items but he only had eyes for two, taking out and looking over a green hood before setting it down gently and removing a bow. He grasped it hard, his resolve building as he looked over all the items once more. It was time to get started.
It took most of the day, but Oliver had done what little cleaning was necessary for the basement and set up the equipment. The generator blew through gas, but it was only a temporary measure. The computer was all set and ready to go, and the other tables held his archery equipment and whatever else he ended up needing. Looking over the setup he noted how bare it was, he would need to do more once he had the time. Time, he had planned to have, the abduction forced his hand though, accelerated his timetable. He could of course blame himself for his actions, but he couldn't deny that seeing Adam Hunt's name in Laurel's office had lit a fire in him.
He moved to the computer, pressing play on a news report for Adam Hunt. Moving past the table he lifted his bow and began shooting at a target he'd set up. He wasn't rusty at least, and it felt good to have the bow back in his hands. The one he had used for the last few months on the island had only been functional and not completely to his tastes. The arrows were also of better quality, and he made sure to train with both his lethal and nonlethal arrow heads. He groaned as he brought up a mask from his neck, grumbling about loss of vision but lamented that he knew of no better way for concealing his identity. He'd need practice with it on though.
The video concluded with an impending verdict of Hunt being exonerated, Oliver knew the truth though and justice was coming.
[Break]
A man surrounded by three associates walked briskly through a garage parking lot. His steps echoed through the parking garage as he walked briskly towards a car at the far end. It was his words though that thundered over the footsteps.
"You remind Grell that I put him on the bench, I can take him off of it." His words met with an affirmation and calling him Mr. Hunt. "And the therapist with the late rent and talking to lawyers, tell her that she can either pay or I will find someone who will." The man had kept pace with Hunt and had nodded his agreement. When Hunt noticed he was still with him he shouted "Now!"
Hunt shook his head in annoyance as the man rushed off and continued his trek to a car. A hiss in the air and the crash of the overhead light had him stopping in his tracks and looking back in confusion. Another hiss sounded and he heard the man to his right let out a huff as he was knocked back and onto the ground. Hunt didn't wait to see what it could have been before launching himself to his car and getting in quick with his other bodyguard closing the door behind him and firing randomly into the dark.
"Hey, you missed." A voice called out, with a hint of sarcasm. Two more hisses sounded, and Hunt watched as the guard fell to the ground. Footsteps echoed and a man in a green hood brought a bow crashing through the window by Hunt before reaching in and pulling the man out. Hunt was groaning out in pain as he questioned what the hooded man wanted with panic in his voice. "You're going to transfer $40 million into Starling City bank account 1141 by 10 p.m. tomorrow night." He growled out.
"Or what?" Hunt spat out, his greed and avarice outweighing his fear.
"Or I take it, and you won't like how." The attacker answered before shoving Hunt roughly into his car making him stumble to the ground. Hunt got up quickly seeing that his attacker had moved away and called out into the garage that he was a dead man if Hunt saw him again. An arrow hissed through the air one last time and imbedded itself in the door frame inches from Hunt.
The hooded man took his leave, and Oliver Queen felt pleased with himself.
[Break]
Later that night Oliver stood on a sidewalk waiting, everything had gone to plan. He'd been able to avoid outright killing someone, and his message was delivered. Taking out the phone to check if any funds had already been deposited, he was unsurprised to see nothing. Hunt wasn't going to let go of the money that easy, and Oliver had no reputation yet to scare it out of him. A pair of headlights had him putting the phone away and putting on a smile as it parked, and John Diggle got out.
"I half expected a S.W.A.T team, I'm sure my mother gave you a hard enough time." Oliver quipped.
"I didn't tell her, just made a few stops here and there. Figured you call me when you were ready." John Diggle surprised him with his answer and Oliver said as much. "When I got back from tour, I found myself down here a lot too, something about the constant feel of danger being familiar, a comfort." Oliver nodded at his assessment.
"It's not the quiet, it's the ease of it all." Oliver offered up. Diggle nodded and that's all there was.
[Break]
Quentin Lance found himself taking a witness statement about a man in a green hood for the second time in two days, and he liked the witness just as much. Adam Hunt did provide a new piece of evidence saying that he'd brought a bow and arrow with him this time. Quentin was handed an arrow, most likely taken from the scene by the idiot. The hospital had handed over the other arrows used, and they'd mostly been different. Only one had a tip that could be considered lethal, it had been embedded in one of the bodyguard's arms. The others were something else as the other bodyguard was just bruised badly.
"Well, thanks for you statement. We'll put out an APB on Robin Hood." Quentin remarked sarcastically at the end. Hunt seemed to take offense and reminded him that the guy was coming back that night and to coordinate with his head of security. "Alright, well thanks for your time." Quentin muttered before he and his partner left the room.
"Looks like Queen was telling the truth." Hilton remarked to Quentin who looked annoyed at the mere thought of it.
"There's a first time for everything." Quentin replied and began to walk off when his arm was grabbed.
"You need to be careful Quentin. I know you're hurting, and you hate him for it but as a cop you can't let it get out of hand again." His partner was whispered to him. "A little sarcasm to guys like these is fine but someone like the Queens? You're asking for trouble." All Quentin could do was nod, he knew Hilton was right. There was just a deep seeded anger in him, one he needed to direct in a healthy way. He groaned internally; his daughter was rubbing off on him.
[Break]
Oliver walked into an event building across the street from Adam Hunt's office. He'd gotten Tommy to procure the venue for his welcome home party. Diggle had taken him through a back route, seeing his hesitance for the crowd. Oliver hadn't expected that to be an issue, he'd spent time in crowds before. It was different now though he reasoned, people knew immediately who he was in places like these. So, taking a deep breath he checked his phone for the funds and time and seeing Hunt had made no movement he accepted he would have to force his hand. Now he needed to put on his old face he surmised. Oliver walked out into the crowd towards his friend who immediately grabbed a hold of him.
"Man-of-the-Hour! Let's give him a proper welcome, ladies!" Tommy loudly announced after getting the music to stop and getting him to stand up on a makeshift stage. Oliver grabbed a shot that had been handed to him and downed it quickly. Tequila, definitely not a taste to grace his lips in a while.
"I missed tequila!" he announced, trying to match Tommy's energy. "Thank you for being here, let's have some fun!" The music started back up immediately, and bodies began moving to the beat. Landing down by Tommy he was taken aside to be handed another drink as Tommy started talking to him.
"Now, by my rough estimate it's been 1,839 days since you've had sex." Oliver grimaced at that. He'd stopped counting days in general a long time ago, it felt…. like he was lost again. "As your wingman, I highly suggest Carmen Golden." Tommy said pointing the girl out mentioning that she looked like an older Katniss. "Oh, a movie that came out since you're uh…. Anyways her." Oliver nodded and began looking around in general, seeing Diggle in his peripheral and an unwelcome sight ahead of him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked his younger sister after stomping up to her. She seemed bewildered by his question and said she wasn't going to miss his party. "Thea you're 17, this isn't where you belong." He retorted, not at all liking her here.
"Ollie, you did things just like this at my age. So don't be a hypocrite." Her words rang true, and he found himself at a loss of what to say next. She slipped by him and went deeper into the throngs of people with her friends.
Oliver walked over to a trashcan and dumped a baggy of some substance that he'd seen Thea try to hide in her purse. She was right, he couldn't judge or stop her from acting like he had in his youth. He shook his head, wondering if his mom and Walter had tried something yet. He'd need to talk with them. He made to head back to Tommy when he saw Laurel staring at him from afar. She wanted to talk, that much he could understand. He gestured his head to the floor above where the party had yet to spill to and met her up there.
"I didn't expect you to seek me out, this soon at least." Oliver told her, having an idea of why she was here.
"I need to know about Sara, did…. did she suffer?" Laurel whispered out. Oliver thought back to the moment he last saw her, it wasn't an easy answer. He could be kind though, for Laurel.
"No." he answered her, and a weight seemed to lift off her. Her next question though caught him off guard, not expecting that she would care at this point.
"What was it, Oliver? What did you do that was so bad that you, that you would do that with her?" Laurel asked, her eyes were beginning to well up. Oliver looked away in shame, he'd thought a lot about why he had done it, why he hadn't just talked to Laurel. The answer was clear to him, he'd been afraid. He still was, but words spoken to him long ago on the very thing came to his mind as he stayed silent. "You still won't tell me, will you?"
"Does it matter? Whatever my reasons, whatever my intent, it's only the consequences that matter." he repeated a revised version of words still ringing in his head.
"Of course they do!" her words soft but heated. "You took away my choice, MY choice, and condemned my sister for your cowardice." Oliver looked at her unflinchingly, nothing she said a thought that had not already occurred to him. "When you came by the other day, I thought you might be different." She walked away at that, hurt and tears beginning to drop down her face.
Oliver stood there for a moment after, his own pain at his actions eating at him. Maybe he should tell her, tell her everything, but that was a conversation he wasn't ready for. Nor did he have time for it as his phone went off signaling 10 p.m. It was time to make his move, he just needed to lose his shadow. He made his way to the service corridor, with Diggle following him closely. Once inside Oliver leaned his back against the wall, hoping he would take the bait as an invite to come closer.
"I tried not to overhear anything sir, and I might not know your whole story with her but even I can tell how hurt both of you are." Oliver tried not to let what Diggle said get to him, he had a job to do. So, as he walked closer Oliver made his move. Diggle had let his guard down for what he thought would be a continued emotional moment for the other man. He didn't expect to find his head in a choke hold under Oliver's arms and be put unconscious. Oliver apologized to him before taking off.
[Break]
Quentin and a handful of S.W.A.T waited out in the atrium of Hunt's office with the man's own personal guards and head of security. Hilton was on the other side of their backup as they waited for Robin Hood to show up. 10 p.m. had come and gone with nothing happening and everyone was on edge. So, when the elevator dinged signaling its approach it wasn't surprising for everyone to raise their weapons quickly to cover it. An empty carriage was surprising though, and all of them seemed to slightly lower their weapons. A hiss and a thunk sounded out as an arrow embedded itself in the floor before them. Gunfire sounded as those on Hunt's crew let out a spray of bullets. Quentin though was puzzled by the device on the arrow itself blinking green.
"You missed." A sarcastic voice called out and the blinking green light turned red seconds before it let off a small explosion.
Everyone hit the deck and Oliver in his hood and suit shot out from above the elevator and began his assault. He quickly took stock of the situation; many had gone down from the small explosive arrow but those who had not were beginning to shake out of the shock. He took aim at one of Hunt's men, letting loose with an arrow that embedded into the man's shoulder making him drop his weapon and fall to the ground screaming. Oliver looked to his right and saw a couple of SWAT take aim. He rolled to the right taking aim with a blunt tipped arrow and shooting the SWAT in the helmet knocking him back into his buddy both stumbling to the ground.
"Shoot him you idiots!" shouted a voice from the side with Hunt's men and Oliver had to hide behind a column to avoid the gunfire sent his way. He looked to the side seeing more SWAT getting up and looking for their weapons. Oliver moved swiftly towards the closest to him and kicked the SWAT in the back hard launching him into the opposite column rendering unconscious. More gunfire rang out and Oliver felt several bullets go wide, a few finding home in a SWAT member next to him. Once more taking cover behind a column, Oliver waited for the firing to stop before taking a peek around the column to see the closest shooter. Reeling back, he pulled an arrow from his quiver and took aim from around the column firing into the leg of one of the shooters.
Feeling movement beside him, Oliver ducked and swept his leg back upending the individual. Moving atop he punched out a now recognized Detective Hilton. Oliver looked up and took a flechette from his arm and tossed it at another one of Hunt's men getting him in the hand forcing him to drop his gun. Picking his bow back up Oliver shot at another one of Hunt's men pinning him to the wall. He noticed Detective Lance slowly getting up having gotten a good part of the explosive arrow from earlier. Oliver made sure to deal with him quickly by forcing his head against the column he was by, knocking him back out. Another SWAT member attacked Oliver from behind pushing him up against the column. Oliver grunted in more annoyance than pain and threw his elbow back into the man's face forcing him to stumble back. Oliver removed another blunt arrow and unleashed it at the chest of this last remaining SWAT knocking him out.
Oliver walked to the center of the room, bow drawn searching for any last remaining men in the atrium. Movement caught his eye and he loosed the arrow at one of Hunt's men rendering him useless. Oliver though found himself being tackled through the doors to Hunt's office, his assailant having used the distraction of his man to get in close.
Oliver felt his bow leave his hand and heard it clatter nearby as he landed on his back. The man above him sitting up and throwing a fist down on his face. Fortunately, Oliver's mask had kept his nose from breaking and before the man could land another one, he struck with a fist of his own in the man's chest and got out from under him. The two traded a couple of blows before Oliver got frustrated and jump kicked the man back into the atrium, finally knocking him out.
Oliver quickly located his bow while throwing his hand back to his quiver, searching for the ridges of a particular arrow. Standing swiftly back up once he had it all in hand, he drew his bow string back and leveled his aim at Hunt. Hunt threw his hands up immediately asking for mercy.
"Adam Hunt, you have failed this city." Oliver growled out. Hearing the groans of the men in the atrium and stumbling foot falls he aimed to the side of Hunt's head and released his arrow
Detective Lance made his way into Hunt's office and watched the hooded figure leap out onto a makeshift zip line, sliding over it to the building across the street. His partner staggered up next to him asking if he saw what he thought he saw. Lance gave orders to move out and the group moved to inspect the building.
Once inside they realized if they were going to search properly, they would need to shut down whatever party was being held. Lance made it to the DJ and ordered him to cut the music before radioing out for the search to start. He was unsurprised once he got affirmatives from those mobilized to see Tommy Merlyn approaching him asking what was happening.
"SCPD business Mr. Merlyn, party's over." He told the young man before adding, "Sorry you can't drug anyone special tonight."
"Detective!" rang the angry voice of Oliver Queen as he approached, obviously having overheard his comment. "May I ask why you are forcing your way into a private party and insulting people?" Oliver questioned him, with a quick look towards Tommy. His friend had gone pale at the detective's words.
"There was an incident across the street, the suspect entered this building. Your hooded savior to be exact." Quentin relayed the pertinent details to Oliver. Oliver offered to quicken the search and put forward a monetary reward to the room. They all laughed at his nut-job comment. Quentin already high on adrenaline and angry with the suspect's escape got in Oliver's face. "Did you even try to save her?" Quentin felt a hand grasp his shoulder and his partner telling him they should go. "Did you even try to save my daughter." Her repeated with a quiet rage. Hilton started dragging him away at that point, leaving Oliver Queen to his memories.
Oliver schooled his features as the detective disappeared in the crowd. He had tried, he knew the truth. A truth he knew he'd never be able to tell them. Shaking out of his thoughts he climbed up next to the DJ and with a call to him and the crowd the party started back up. He followed his friend to the bar who took a quick shot before looking over at him.
"It's funny, the hood guy showing up across the street after you asked for this to be the venue." Tommy commented. Oliver looked over at him contemplating what to say to his friend.
"Just be glad you're alive to wonder about it Tommy." Oliver said, in his mind referencing the abduction. "Why would Lance accuse you of drugging someone?" he thought a change of subject would be best. He regretted it though when a pained look came across Tommy's face.
"There was an incident, not exactly my fault but Lance never lets me forget it." Tommy left it at that, and Oliver knew not to push. He just nodded and looked up at the building across the street.
Adam Hunt was currently screaming at his accountant asking how $40 million dollars had gone missing.
Flashback
Robert held the water jug aloft in his hands, there wasn't much left. He looked at the other two occupants of the raft and thought about the solution. His son hadn't said much, the Lance girl's death having an effect on him. Robert knew what he had to do. He couldn't watch his son die.
"There's not enough for all of us." Robert whispered to himself before leaning over to his son. "You can survive this, you'll make it home, make it better. But you need to survive this first, son. You hear me?" he urged him. Oliver's only reply was for Robert to rest.
Robert gently placed his son away from him making sure he was secure. Looking over at the other occupant he reached for the gun he had found in the supplies and quickly leveled it at the man. The movement had alerted him, and he pleaded no, hoping to save his life. The trigger pulled easier than Robert expected and the bullet tore through the former captain's chest sending him over the raft and into the water. He felt Oliver scramble away from him and look at him in fear. Trying to convey everything he could to his son without words he gazed at him, taking in his only son one last time.
"Survive." Robert pressed to his son. Oliver watched in horror as his father brought the gun to his head and pulled the trigger.
End Flashback
Laurel sat in her living room staring at the business's bank account in wonder. The full amount that she'd been swindled out of by Adam Hunt had appeared on the account. She'd called her friend Joanna to ask if a settlement had been reached or something else. Joanna had advised her not to look too much into it, that she wasn't the first of Hunt's clients they had calling in asking the same question. More was going on apparently, but Laurel wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, per her friend's advice.
Laurel was now on her way to the office, excited to tell Clara the good news when she saw Tommy climb out of his car at her approach.
"Can I help you, Tommy? She asked, not really in the mood to deal with another rich man.
"I didn't expect to see you last night, especially not disappearing with Oliver." Tommy said, and Laurel groaned. She really didn't want to deal with his insecurities right now.
"Nothing happened, not that it's any of your business." Laurel replied, only to have him ask if she was sure about that. "Yes Tommy, there's nothing there or here." She meant it too, Tommy was an alright guy and had his qualities, but she didn't want to go down that road again.
"Do we tell Oliver?" Tommy's question had her annoyed even more. When she looked at him though, she saw why he was asking.
"If you need forgiveness from him Tommy you go right ahead, I owe him nothing." She walked to her door and into the building, not letting him get in another word.
Around the corner Oliver watched Tommy get in his car and drive away. He'd had Diggle bring him here early to speak to Laurel. He had spent the rest of his night mulling over her words and realized she had been right. It was only for him that reason and intent did not matter, for her it could offer closure. After what he witnessed though he knew he would be an unwelcomed guest adding undue stress. It could wait for now.
Flashback
Oliver had been on the raft alone for days now, the water having been gone for half that time. He was getting tired. No ships or planes had come by, and he was feeling hopeless. Then he heard it, the sound of birds and their shadows passing over him. Looking up at them he followed their flight path seeing an island in the distance
End Flashback
"Another abduction is ill-advised at this juncture; I feel it would bring the wrong kind of attention to your family." Moira Queen listened to the voice over the phone, a dead eye stare on the door across from her. "We will just have to keep a careful eye on him, see if he lets on if he knows something."
"Understood. The police were unable to identify the men who abducted them, nothing to connect us to it." Moira responded, her tone dead and clinical.
"Good." Moira heard the click of the phone going dead at that.
She took her own phone and slipped it into a box before closing its top and shutting the drawer she left it in. Moira glanced around her small home office before dropping her head into her hands and wept.
A/N: That ended up being a hell of a lot longer than I expected. Hopefully it's not always this bad but something tells me it might be. Well, any constructive criticism is always welcomed and appreciated. Till next time!