A/N: Hello all and welcome back. Glad to see that some of you liked the story and the changes made so far. We do have a title update. I appreciate what the original did but honestly, I think dropping the 'Father' gives a little ambiguity to it all. Hope you enjoy it!
The Crusade:
Honor Thy
Oliver in his archer suit, stood opposite a handful of men who startled at his appearance. One took the lead to rush at him and Oliver shot him quickly with a blunt arrowhead in the chest knocking him to the ground.
"Who is that?!" shouted Oliver's target for the night, Marcus Redman. Two more men rushed Oliver after seeing their associate go down. Unable to get a shot off he was forced to deal with them hand to hand. Marcus saw his men having difficulty with the assailant and called out to the last one who stayed behind, "Get the chopper back now."
Oliver landed a punch on the last of the two men who had rushed him and looked towards the two remaining men. The one by Marcus was bringing up a radio, Oliver quickly threw a flechette at the man's hand and followed up with another blunt tip to the chest that knocked him to the ground. With the last of the bodyguards dealt with Oliver stalked towards Marcus.
"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! Please, wait, wait!" Marcus pleaded with Oliver while backing up to try and stay away from him. He stopped when he reached the edge, almost slipping onto a ventilator fan box behind him. Oliver approached and seeing the fan behind Marcus kicks him over onto it. Marcus landed just to the side of it and felt the green hooded man land next to him. Oliver grabbed onto his head forcing it towards the fan. "No! Please don't do this!" he screamed.
"Marcus Redman, you have failed this city!" Oliver bellowed at his target to be heard over the fan. "Take out your cell phone, call your partner and tell him to give those pensioners back their money!" Marcus pleaded for himself forcing Oliver to push his head further towards the fan yelling "Do it now!"
"Okay! Okay!" Marcus replied, an once Oliver relaxed his pressure Marcus took out his phone and gave the order. Once the phone disconnected Oliver grabbed him and hauled him off the ventilator and onto the ground next to it. Giving one last look at the man he made his way off the rooftop.
[Break]
Oliver Queen walked down to the mansion's living room in a nice, new suit slightly adjusting the tie around his neck as he did. He had never liked ties, preferring to leave his collar open. He couldn't do that right now though, him and his family were set to leave for court shortly. The sound of the tv in the living room drew Oliver's presence to join the rest of his family. His mother was on the couch a bundle of nerves as she watched a news broadcast on Marcus Redman and his possible coercion by the vigilante. A sketch of him in his hood and mask appeared on the screen getting a scoff out of Oliver.
"This guy gets more air-time than the Kardashians, right?" He said, trying to break the tension he saw in his mother. Thea made a comment on how she was surprised he remembered them. "Well, I've been catching up, interesting to see how much our culture has changed." He responded.
"No, this city used to be different, people used to feel safe." Oliver's mother said. He couldn't agree, perhaps the rich used to feel safe but the rest of Starling City didn't.
"Oh, what's the matter, Mom? Afraid we're gonna be next?" Thea joked, all she got was a look of disapproval and the matter was dropped. Oliver felt relieved, not had yet to think about the possibility. While the list didn't mention them his father had obviously done something worth his confession on the raft.
"Do you have any questions about today, Oliver?" questioned Walter jarring Oliver out of his thoughts. He was still getting used to the man's constant presence in the house. "It's a simple proof-of-life declaration. Just read out the brief, prepared statement to the judge, and then everything will be taken care of from there."
"I appreciate the advice, Walter; I've been in a courtroom before though." Oliver told the man and was surprised to hear the voice of Tommy behind him entering the room.
"Four times by my count." He commentated. "The DUI, the assault on that paparazzi jackass, stealing the taxi, which was hilarious by the way, and of course my favorite, peeing on the cop?" Oliver chuckled at the man's words.
"I'd forgotten about that last one." Oliver said, hearing his mother grumble that she wished everyone would. "You here for the proceeding?" he asked his friend.
"Wanted to be here for you, couldn't miss you being 'resurrected from the dead'." Tommy joked, clapping Oliver on the shoulder. Oliver appreciated the gesture from him, even if it was unnecessary. His sister moving caught his attention and he noticed the school uniform for the first time.
"What about you, Speedy?" Oliver asked his little sister, who stopped and gave him a deadpan stare before answering.
"I think the first four court visits were enough for me." Thea left the room at that, and Diggle entered in her stead, informing them the car was ready.
[Break]
The courtroom was more occupied than Oliver expected, their lawyer having brought a newbie to show the ropes to and others in the gallery alongside his family. Paparazzi was thankfully kept out, not that they hadn't hounded them on the way in. Oliver had found himself swimming in nerves that he had experienced at Tommy's welcome party. Once inside he had needed a minute to calm down, the flashing of cameras having a different reaction than they used to.
Walter had been right about the proceedings being very menial. The family lawyer was doing most of the talking so far and Oliver found himself looking around the room in curiosity. It looked like all the ones he'd been in before, but he could not help but wonder if it was used for one of his prior visits. So lost in his own musings about his past life he didn't hear the judge calling out to him and felt the hand of his lawyer shake him out of his mind.
"Mr. Queen, if we could hear a statement from you." The judge called out again. While his tone carried a level of understanding his face showed the annoyance he held at having to repeat himself. Oliver stood nonetheless and repeated the statement he'd been given the night before.
"The Queen's Gambit went down during a storm at sea, I was the only survivor. I floated on a raft of debris for days before I reached the island, Lian Yu. I spent the next 5 years just trying to stay alive." He was quick in his response, not wanting to draw this out any more than it had been already. A nod from the judge gave him permission to sit down and once again his lawyer stood and addressed the judge.
"Your Honor, in light of Mr. Queen's testimony, and the prior mentioned DNA test submitted into evidence, we move to vitiate the death-in-absentia filed on March 18th, 2008, for Oliver Jonas Queen." The date the lawyer rattled off took Oliver by surprise. He wasn't sure if he was hurt or relieved by it. On one hand it gave them the opportunity to start the grieving process but a small part of him had hoped they kept looking for longer. He squashed that feeling down though, his family wasn't the only one that needed the closure.
The proceedings went quickly from there and Oliver, Tommy, and his family soon found themselves back in the sparsely crowded atrium. The only hiccup being when Oliver had to sign his name, it had been so long and such an unimportant skill to remember that he'd taken a moment to remember how to write in cursive. The pity he received had been a boon so to speak, another 'issue' to use in the future.
Walter and Moira had departed from him as Diggle approached, they had volunteered to deal with the vultures outside. Oliver felt relief flood him, not wanting to deal with it again. Tommy had volunteered his car for an escape after the trek in and Diggle had gone to move it around back while they were in session. Diggle was leading them towards the exit when Oliver caught eyes with Laurel, and unsurprisingly they drew him in.
"Hi." Oliver spoke with hesitancy, not knowing if his presence would be allowed. Laurel seemed to take a minute to think it over as well before answering.
"Hi, Oliver. What are you doing here?" her tone was neutral, and she barely spared Tommy a glance at his own greeting.
"Proving my existence, legally speaking I'm alive again." Oliver closed his eyes, that was a callous way of saying it to her. "Sorry, um… What brings you here?"
"My job, sometimes I have to act as an expert witness for my clients." Laurel replied coolly, not taking his comment well. She took off from there, her heels clicking loudly in his ears as she did. Oliver's proffered good luck not even getting an acknowledgement as she became one with the crowd.
"Come on, buddy, shake it off." Tommy told Oliver, pulling him towards the exit and the waiting Diggle.
[Break]
Laurel settled in the chair on the stand after being sworn in, it still feeling weird being on the side of the pulpit when she once imagined being the lawyer on the other side of it. Her friend Joanne rounded the desk holding both of their client. Emily Nocenti, Joanne had recommended her when she took her case. Laurel admittedly didn't like being used in this fashion but would relent for her friend every now and then. Emily was also obviously hurting, the loss of her father weighing heavily on her.
"Ms. Lance, you have been asked here today to serve as an expert witness on behalf of Emily Nocenti in regard to her mental health. Can you provide your qualifications for the court?" Joanne asked, and as she had done a few times before. Laurel rattled off both her obtained degrees and practice, adding in how she had been meeting with the client for a few months now. "So, you know my client well you would say?" Joanna asked her. Laurel answered in the affirmative before Joanna continued. "Emily is here today arguing that Martin Somers, the defendant, had her father killed. The defense has called for the charges to be dropped stating her grief is causing her to lash out at their client. What is your assessment of Emily Nocenti?" Laurel took a deep breath before answering.
"I believe, that while Emily is still grieving her father, she is not having an overemotional response by accusing Mr. Somers. She is simply using the knowledge she has to get justice for her father's death." Laurel finished. This was truly her belief; they had talked in depth over everything before she pursued this avenue. Laurel's time on the stand came to an end quickly enough, the cross examination had been thorough but nothing she couldn't handle. Growing up with a cop for a father taught her to be careful with her words.
[Break]
Oliver sat back in his chair under the old steel factory, he had convinced Tommy and Diggle that he needed some time alone after the hearing. In truth he had planned for it anyways, hoping to simply stroll around the glades while contemplating his next target. Laurel being at the courthouse had given him cause for concern though. Therefore, once he was alone Oliver had made his way to the steel factory basement to research the docket and see what Laurel could have been caught up in. Martin Somers had been an unwelcomed name on the list, the trial against him having started the day before. Watching the interviews the man had appeared in gave Oliver little hope he would be convicted; he was far too confident.
Oliver stood up and walked towards the box containing his suit. Taking it out he began to examine it for any wear and tear he'd need to take care of. The dark green hood was the only piece that seemed to show any, the rest of the suit was made of far sturdier material. A Kevlar weave of some sort, Oliver had only limited attention span when it had been explained to him. The dark brown additions on the torso, forearms, shins, and spaulder were meant to add more protection. The spaulder was attached alongside his quiver and so far, nothing was in disrepair.
Oliver hadn't anticipated going out two nights in a row after two different people, he'd honestly wanted the day to exercise and work on his mobility. The more he contemplated it though the more he saw the advantages of getting Somers over quickly. What he had read did not paint a pretty picture for what was likely the longer the trial went on. The police or D.A. might not be able to do this without help, and Oliver was more than willing to be that help.
[Break]
Martin Somers sat down at his desk while his lawyer spoke on the trial. It was becoming a nuisance, for both him and the others he worked with.
"I don't care what you have to do, get this trial shut down." Somers interrupted his lawyer who looked surprised at the sudden outburst. "The longer this goes on, the longer I'm under a spotlight and that is not something I like. Get it done before I have to." The lawyer let out a haggard breath before agreeing and grabbing at his briefcase to leave.
Just as Somers's lawyer turned to head out the lights went off, the sound of a his and grunts echoed in the air. Somers stood up and rounded his desk as he looked around in confusion. The lights came back on soon after and he saw the two guards he had near him on the ground alongside his lawyer. Another hiss sounded and he felt the swift gust of an object whizzing past him. Somers heard a thunk and turned to see what appeared to be an arrow embedded into his desk. Confusion then panic took hold of him as a rope suddenly wrapped around his neck and pulled him back as he slid across the floor.
Oliver, in his suit, pulled Somers out of the building before shooting the rope over a beam and pulling on it until Somers his balancing on his toes to keep from strangling. Oliver tied it off nearby before approaching the man while nocking an arrow before speaking in a growl.
"Martin Somers, you have failed this city." Oliver drew his bow back aiming at the man who was grasping at the rope around his neck.
"Who the hell are you?!" Somers screamed at him. Oliver narrowed his eyes before letting the arrow loose and grazing the man's thigh making him loose footing for a second and choking before he found purchase of the ground once more. "Please don't do this!"
"You are going to testify in the trial and confess to your crimes, including the murder of Victor Nocenti." Oliver notched and drew back another arrow as he spoke. "There will not be a second warning." The arrow left Oliver's bow this time grazing his target's cheek before quickly drawing another and shooting the rope holding Somers up. He was gone before Somers could look up again.
[Break]
Oliver stood outside on a sidewalk in the Glades once more. He was now back in the suit he wore to his hearing earlier that day, sans tie. He was waiting for John Diggle once more as they had continued with their agreement of him picking Oliver up. His mother was still none the wiser to his time away from the man, and he had tried to keep it to a minimum over the past week or so. Diggle was agreeable for now, but Oliver held no reservations that it would continue like this. Of course, he had done some research on his bodyguard and understood him to a degree. John's loss of his brother might have had something to do with his off hands approach, but Oliver was not going to push it. He needed to utilize this time and could not risk it.
The flash of headlights alerted Oliver to the man's presence, and he made his way to the car and climbed into the back. A simple nod was all Diggle needed before he drove off, it was understood that Oliver was fine. It was once they were out of the Glades did Diggle speak to his charge.
"I suppose we're still too green with one another before you let me join these walks?" Diggle's question had Oliver internally cursing, hoping that this conversation was further away. "Your mother was very curious why I returned without you for the car this afternoon." That was a fair reason Oliver relented, his mother could be a bit much.
"I guess I could give you a general area of where I'll be, if that'll appease you." He offered, hoping that would be enough. Diggle seemed pleased with the compromise, and they left it at that.
They arrived back at the Queen Mansion not too long after, both men intrigued by the car ahead of them that stopped just as the mansion came into view. At Oliver's request they stopped behind and watched as an obviously wasted Thea stumbled out of the car. The sight had Oliver out of the car and calling after his sister as the other car quickly turned around and sped off the property. He had heard the voice of that one friend of hers promising to see her later as it left.
"Thea are you ok?" Oliver asked as he approached her, helping Thea steady herself as she tried walking to the house. She slurred out a response, but it was tough for Oliver to unscramble her words. "Let me help you to the car and we'll drive you the rest of the way." He gestured to the car that Diggle was now standing out of. Thea had none of it though and pushed off Oliver.
"Ca' do it 'self." Thea slurred again; this time Oliver able to understand a little. He watched her stumble towards the house some more before she fell.
"Dad wouldn't want this for you, Thea." Oliver told her, hoping his words might strike something in Thea as he helped her up. The strike to his face was not what he was expecting as Thea slapped him hard. Tears were now working their way down her face as she spoke angrily and clearer.
"Dead people don't want anything. You might as well be with how often you're gone." Thea told him before she stormed up the grounds.
Oliver watched her go with a weight on his heart, perhaps understanding Thea for the first time since he had gotten back. He walked back to the car and let Diggle drive him the rest of the way home. As they passed by Thea Oliver glanced at her with a wish that he'd been able to push back his start on the mission. Thea needed her brother and his mother needed to know her son was safe. He couldn't be what they needed though; the city needed him to be something else.
[Break]
Detective Lance and Hilton walked around the office of Martin Somers with a couple of officers taking in the scene of the previous night in annoyance. Somers didn't want them there, and Quentin could see that as the man watched them from behind his desk.
"Well, I do apologize for the inconvenience Mr. Somers. We were under the impression you needed our assistance." Quentin called out to him as he approached the desk.
"As I've been telling you, nothing requires your attention here." Somers responded as little raspy. Quentin noticed the redness around the man's neck and scoffed.
"So, the stevedore who called 9-1-1 last night about an attack on you and your men by a hooded individual with a bow and arrow…. that was… what a practical joke?" Quentin asked back and all he got in return was a shrug of the shoulders to convey a yes. "Look, I'd be inclined to believe you, as an upstanding businessman of the city. Here's the thing though," Quentin took an evidence bag from one of the officers as he talked and showed the item inside as he continued, "this arrow was found on your docks, and we've had issues with a Robin Hood wannabe galivanting around town. Seems to be following the same pattern as well, robbing from the rich to give to the poor, taking from 'upstanding' businessmen like yourself." He dusted off the area where he noticed a notch in the wood and slotted the arrow in place. "But clearly nothing took place here last night." Somers looked at the arrow in his desk before he looked back up at the detective.
"With us in agreement I think it would be best if you gentlemen left the premises, I have a few meetings before I need to go back to the courthouse this afternoon." Quentin scoffed at Somers's response before he picked the arrow back up and put it in the evidence bag and left.
[Break]
The ding of an elevator sounded alerting to the arrival of a carriage before the doors opened and out walked Walter Steele with Moira, Oliver, and Diggle trailing behind. Oliver walked into the offices of Queen consolidated in admiration of the renovations that had occurred. Walter had informed him on the walk in that they'd changed quite a bit too and Oliver found that anything feeling like his father had been done away with. He didn't know how to feel about that, he understood that upgrades were a part of their world, but he found that he missed his father's touch in the place.
"Please take a seat sweetheart, we have an idea to run past you." Moira told him as she grabbed a box off the desk and handed it to Oliver.
"Should I be nervous?" Oliver chuckled out as he glanced at the box in his hand noticing that it was a case for a new phone. His mind spun with possibilities, not knowing what this next conversation would hold. "Could I get a water please?" he called out to the secretary on the other side of the glass separating the main office. The assistant nodded her head before quickly setting to task.
"Queen Consolidated has garnered success over the last years by diversifying." Walter informed Oliver, grabbing his attention. "We have made impressive advances in fields such as bio-tech and clean energy." Oliver stayed silent as he started to understand where they are going. "To that end we have decided to expand our Applied Sciences division and will break ground on a new site in the coming days." A glass of water was handed to Oliver at the end of Walter's spiel and the man looked to Moira.
"The plan is to dedicate the building in your father's name, and we'd like to announce you taking a leadership position in the company." Oliver heard the penny drop at his mother's words. He took a deep breath and swallowed most of the glass of water before giving his awaited response.
"No." The firm reply was met with confusion on his mother's face, but Oliver could see some relief in Walter's. "I'm not saying never but, mom I'm not dad."
"But you are his son." Moira commented. Oliver now saw that this was her idea and she felt hurt by his rejection.
"I don't need to be reminded of that." Oliver felt anger swell up at his mother's scoff but took a moment before he continued. "I didn't spend the last five years at business school, I spent it just trying to live. I've changed, but not like that."
Moira walked over to the window overlooking the city before turning back to look at him, she didn't recognize him and that scared her. There were moments where his old snark would come out but that was it. She was still trying to learn who this new Oliver was and as she looked at him realized he was too.
"Perhaps it was… silly of me to think you were ready for something like that Oliver. I suppose I was worried you would just slip back into your old ways." Oliver could tell there was more to his mother's intent, but he wasn't going to push. He was just glad she didn't intend to push.
"Oliver, if you go down to the IT department, someone there will switch over your contacts to the new phone and wipe the company phone we let you borrow." Walter told him. Oliver nodded his thanks and shook his hand before leaving with a small nod bye to his mother.
Diggle followed Oliver into the elevator after the assistant informed them of which floor IT was on. It was a silent trip, something he appreciated from the man. The numbers dropped down as the elevator descended and soon enough opened back up on the new floor. They walked around for a few minutes trying to find the appropriate help before being directed to the correct office. Oliver knocked on top of the cubicle to gain the woman's attention as she chewed on a pen in concentration.
"Felicity Smoak?" Oliver asked her as she quickly dropped the pen and stood up and nervously flattened the front of her skirt and nodded her head. "Hi, I'm Oliver Queen."
"Of course. I know who you are Mr. Queen." The woman's reply came quickly, and Oliver chuckled out a reply that Mr. Queen was his father. "Right, but he's dead. Drowned, I mean." Oliver's eyebrows rose in amusement as Felicity continued. "And you did not, so you could come down to the IT department and listen to me babble. Which ends in 3… 2… 1. How can I help you?" Oliver gave her a cursory look before handing over the box with the new phone and fishing out the borrowed one from his pockets.
"I was told you could switch my information from this phone over to my new one, and also wipe the old one since it's company property." He informed her and she sat down with both getting to work.
"Of course, I can." Felicity's response held a twinge of ego to it, but Oliver ignored it. He was probably taking up time with this menial task.
Over the next few minutes, she set up the phone for him, showing him the process and getting his input a couple of times. It didn't take long at all before she was done and handed the phone back to him.
"Maybe you could provide a challenge the next time you visit the IT department." Felicity said. Oliver chuckled and gave her a nod before setting out. "I'm sorry for what I said." Oliver turned around at her apology and just nodded once more in thanks before taking off.
The two men left the IT office behind and made their way down to the front of the office building. The car had been pulled around for them and Diggle took over from the valet. Once inside they began their drive, Oliver had planned for them to go to the DMV to get his license again, not wanting to have to be driven everywhere. Diggle had already started that way and Oliver once again felt glad for the silence.
"I was in army for 8 years, 5 of those in Afghanistan. When I returned home you know what I realized?" Diggle's words cut through the silence and Oliver was surprised by it.
"You paid too much for the ruby slippers?" Oliver quipped. Diggle gave a half-hearted chuckle before he responded.
"Home is the minefield. Constantly having to dodge their questions, having to avoid their advice and pity. They want you to open up or just slide back into your old life. Be somebody who you aren't anymore." Oliver cut his eyes over to the window, watched the buildings go by. Diggle's words rang true, that's exactly what everyone seemed to be wanting. The only one who didn't also had no interest in him at all anymore. "Then again, maybe after all that time alone on that island you're not as messed up as you have the right to be."
Flashback
Oliver Queen pulled the life raft ashore panting and soaked from head to toe. Once he was sure it couldn't go anywhere Oliver collapsed on the rocks nearby and closed his eyes. He didn't know how long he may have been out but the sound of seagulls nearby had him cracking an eye open and he saw the birds hanging around the life raft.
"Hey." he tried to call out, the word coming out more as a rasp. Oliver pushed himself up and saw that none of the birds had left. "Hey! Get away from there!" Oliver called out again, this time able to put some volume to it. He ran to the raft waving his hands around trying to get the seagulls away. After a few more wild gestures the birds finally scattered leaving him and raft alone.
Oliver let out several hard coughs from the strain he had put himself through. As he got his breath under control, he looked towards the raft that held his father's body. He walked closer and knelt to check on the body, the life vest he put over the face having not been disturbed he let out a breath. The loss of his father weighed on him, grabbing at the lifeless hand he breathed deeply trying not to break down again. That turned out not to be in his best interest as the smell had Oliver gagging and scampering away as he threw up.
Oliver ventured down to the water to wash his face and mouth before making his way back over, once again having to chase off the seagulls. He couldn't leave his dad here to be food for the birds. Oliver grabbed ahold of his father's body and lifted it up over his shoulder with a lot of difficulty. Once he was sure the body was situated properly Oliver walked further inland.
End Flashback
Laurel stood in the counsel room of CNRI with Emily and Joanna, she had been asked to come back at the behest of Emily. Joanna was doing her job though; Emily was using Laurel as a crutch. She couldn't blame the woman, her father being all she had left before his death. Once the trial was over Laurel would need to assert boundaries, Emily couldn't use her like this forever. Joanna had no issue with her presence though, she even said it might be good for her to keep appearing in the courtroom in case she was needed again. Right no, wasn't necessary though as they seemed to be getting into aspects of the case, she had no business with. So, she attempted to catch Jo's eye when something else caught hers outside the room.
Detective Quentin Lance walked briskly through the offices of CNRI looking for Joanna de la Vega, the attorney for Emily Nocenti. Looking around the desks he saw no sign of her and asking around found that she was in a meeting with said client and surprisingly enough his own daughter. He radioed in the update and address so the uniforms that were to be assigned to each could make their way over. Quentin saw the confused look on his daughter as he approached the room and knocked before entering.
"Ladies, sorry to bother you but there has been an incident involving Martin Somers." Quentin's words put all three on edge immediately. "I would like to speak with Joanna to explain the situation first if that's alright." Laurel shook her head at her father, knowing Joanna he should have led with that.
"I believe that would put my client more on edge than you already have, Detective Lance." Joanna replied, Quentin seemingly realizing his mistake at her words. "I believe it would be best for you to just tell everyone now, seeing as Emily will know anyway." Joanna turned to Laurel at this point before she added, "Laurel, why don't you step out. Emily can…"
"Actually, I would like Ms. Lance to stay as we are taking her into consideration at this time." Quentin cut in before Joanna could finish. Laurel who was in the process of standing looked at her father in shock before sitting back down. With a go ahead from Joanna Quentin informed them of the pertinent details. "Martin Somers was attacked last night; we will be assigning each of you a protective detail."
"Do the SCPD know who attacked him?" Laurel couldn't help but ask, curious who would do such a thing. Joanna also seemed like she wanted to know but followed up asking if the protective detail was necessary.
"I'm not at liberty divulge the identity of the suspect. However, it was a concern that if Somers is responsible for the death of Victor Nocenti, and any other possible crimes, his response at being attacked during the trial could be against you." The logic of Quentin's statement was sound, if flimsy. Quentin had no concrete evidence that Somers was attacked due to the trial but covering all fronts was in their best interest. "I have Joanna's detail here with me, the two of yours will be here soon. They had been dispatched to your place of employment originally." Quentin could see question in Laurel's eyes but couldn't answer her before she asked it.
"Why am I in need of a detail, I have only been on the stand once and briefly at that." Laurel wasn't entirely convinced it was due to her involvement in the case that she was getting one.
"Your role as Emily's therapist was put into consideration, whatever knowledge you have was a concern. But yes, I was the one to bring it up." Quentin's answer both annoyed and satisfied Laurel's concern. Quentin looked over the three women before addressing them one last time. "Don't worry, the SCPD will keep you safe."
[Break]
Martin Somers was slowly pacing behind his desk, he was worried. The afternoon session of his trial had been put on hold in light of what occurred, he was grateful as he needed the time. When he got involved with the Triad, he'd expected some difficulty but not this. Somers only hoped that they had a plan to get him out of it. In worries in mind the sight of the Chinese woman approaching brough both relief and dread.
"Thank you for coming." Somers told the woman known as China White. Her response put him on edge though.
"Anything for a friend." Her voice was almost as sultry as it was dangerous.
"We're business partners, not friends. And our partnership isn't worth nearly enough to have arrows shot at me." Somers replied. "This Nocenti mess has gotten out of control, that maniac wants me to confess."
"He is of no concern to the Triad, his pattern is narrowed to the wealthier citizens of the city with questionable dealings." China White brushed his attacker to the side with her comment quicker than Somers liked. "Nocenti's daughter is the true factor here." She added.
"You take her out and that lawyer of hers won't drop this, not to mention we don't know what Emily has told that therapist." Somers fired back. This was not going how he expected, he had hoped the crazed archer would be her focus.
"Then we will kill them all." China White stated. Somers paled, not sure how this was going to work in his favor.
[Break]
Oliver had changed out of the more business-like attire he'd worn earlier that day to the office, pausing while putting on his shirt as a newscast reported on the Martin Somers trial. The lawyer had informed the media that the man still had no intention of testifying. Oliver hadn't anticipated that his attack would postpone proceedings, another approach may have been more beneficial. He didn't have time to mull on it though as the voice of his sister cut through the air.
"Oh my god!" Thea exclaimed, this was the first time she had seen him without a shirt on and his scars were not subtle. "Ollie, how did you get those?" she questioned as she moved closer to get a better look. Oliver let out a groan of annoyance and frustration before he replied.
"Don't you knock?" he rushed to get the shirt over his torso, but Thea stopped him before he could button it up. She opened it up a little to see it more as she talked to him.
"Mom mentioned you had scars, but… Ollie, how did you get these?" Thea went to touch one across his chest before Oliver stopped her hand and finished closing his shirt up.
"I don't want to talk about it." He told her, the tone he conveyed one of finality. He hoped she wouldn't push it and as he looked over at her he could see the conflicting emotions in her eyes. While tears had built up in her eyes as she saw the trauma his body had endured over the years, he could also tell she was angry at his response.
"No, why would you. You only want to talk if it's to judge me for how I socialize." Thea began to storm out at that. Oliver could tell his recent interactions with her had soured their relationship; he didn't want that. So, before she could leave his sight, he called out to her.
"Thea! Hold on, don't leave." His words had her stopped as she turned to look at him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have reacted like that. I just never wanted you to see me like that." Thea looked at him confused so he continued. "Knowing is one thing but seeing is another. I didn't want you to see them because I guess I still think of you as the 13-year-old I left behind."
"I'm almost 18 now Oliver, I don't need you to protect me." Thea replied, obviously annoyed at his comment.
"I know, and I don't mean to judge you for how you coped. I just don't want you to ruin your life like I almost did." Oliver meant it as well, her actions had him concerned by what it would mean for her future. Their mom and Walter only able to sweep so much under the rug. Thea seemed to ponder what he said and nodded after a minute, seeming to understand his meaning.
"I won't ruin my life, I guess I could ease off a little. This morning was not fun." Oliver chuckled at what she said, remembering the hangover he would often have after a night out. "Could I show you something? Do you have a minute?" Theas asked. Oliver nodded and followed after her.
Thea directed Oliver outside the mansion to the side, an area no one ever really visited. He understood where she had taken him though, he'd seen the headstones from afar on his runs. Oliver had not yet ventured close enough to see what was on them though. They stopped in front and Oliver took a minute before he read the engravings. He read his father's first, it was simple enough naming him a father, husband, and leader with little else besides his name and dates.
"Mom doesn't come out here anymore, she stopped not long after the funerals. She stopped talking at all around the same time." Thea began, and Oliver knew she needed to get all this out. "I would come out here though… take care of the stones… talk to you and dad." She knelt at his headstone, brushing it off. He saw the inscription as she did and internally scoffed at what he read. He might have still been alive, but his 'light' had dimmed considerably in his eyes. If it had ever burned bright at all. "It wasn't anything profound or all misery. I just talked about my life, what me and my friends were up to, what boy I liked." Oliver had to swallow the lump that began to form as he thought about how alone his sister must have felt when he was gone, her next words hitting the hardest. "Some days, when it was hardest, I would sit here… begging you and dad to come home. Then you came home, and I thought it would be better, that you would be that same big brother you had always been for me. But you're different, and honestly I felt closer to you when you were dead." Tears were now streaming down her face as she stood to look at him.
Oliver pulled Thea into an embrace, hugging her fiercely. It hurt him to know what she had gone through and as well how she felt currently. Perhaps keeping everyone at arms-length was going to hurt them but he didn't know how the mission, or his family might suffer if he let them closer. Thea eventually pulled back, wiping her eyes. Her mascara was ruined but Oliver doubted she cared.
"I know you probably went through hell, but it wasn't easy here either." Thea stood resolute, and he knew the truth in her words. "Please Ollie, don't stay shut off from us. Please find a way to let us in." Silence hung in the air after she finished. Once Thea realized Oliver wasn't going to say anything in response, she left him standing there.
Oliver looked back down at his headstone; something would need to be done about it. He was alive, and it no longer served any purpose. He closed his eyes as he thought on what Thea had said. Even if he was ready to open up about his time away, he could never tell Thea the truth. He wondered if he'd be able to tell anyone the full scope of it all. Oliver knew he needed someone to talk to though, and there was only one person he wanted to in that moment.
[Break]
Laurel was had spent her afternoon and evening adjusting her schedule with patients, not wanting anyone to feel like they'd been tossed aside. Night had come quickly though and with her dinner done she finally had a moment to consider her situation. She was nervous and starting to feel paranoid. She had already double checked her locks on the doors and windows. Everything was fine so far, and she felt she knew enough to fend off an intruder. She wasn't weak after all.
Still, as she sat on her sofa Laurel felt something was amiss. That was why when the knock sounded off her door, she startled a little before grounding herself. She was slow to approach and instead of looking through the peephole to see who was there, she stood away from the door and called out asking who was there.
"It's Oliver." Laurel closed her eyes in exasperation, she might have preferred an attacker. Opening the door though she saw Oliver Queen on her doorstep with a brown bag in hand. "Sorry to drop by unannounced, I saw the cop cars outside though. Is everything ok?" Laurel simply crossed her arms over her chest and looked over at him not caring about his concern.
"What are you doing her, Oliver?" she saw him take a breath at her question. His slow response had her intrigued though.
"I hurt you with what I said at the party, I wanted to apologize." Laurel stared at him, surprised by his comment. She moved to the side to let him in, and he stepped into her apartment.
"What happened to make you realize that a week later?" she asked him. While she was interested that he had realized anything at all, taking a week was frustrating.
"I actually figured it out that night, but when I came to see you the next morning you already had company." Laurel's eyes widened as she realized he meant Tommy. She wondered how much he had overheard but got her answer as he spoke again. "And you were right, you owe me nothing. Neither of you need to explain away your actions or ask forgiveness. I get it." Laurel was shocked by the maturity Oliver was showing, he really was different she surmised.
She watched him walk around as he checked out her place, letting her digest what he said. It was a new place to him, as Laurel had moved a couple of times since his disappearance. She led him further into her place and thanked him when he finally commented on her new abode. As they moved into the living room, she turned to face him.
"Thank you for being mature, about me and Tommy." All Laurel got was a nod in response which she thought was fair. They didn't need to go any further with it. "You said you wanted to apologize?" she asked, and Oliver gestured with the bag that was still in his, she had forgotten to ask about that.
"Yes, I'm sorry for once again taking the choice away from you. I'm sorry, truly. If you would like to know what happened before the Gambit, I'll tell you." Once again Laurel's eyes widened in surprise at what he said. The apology being one thing, but she had not expected him to offer her this.
Laurel honestly didn't know if she wanted to know anymore, he had been partially right in his assessment. She wasn't sure she wanted to open up old wounds, or risk new ones. There was also the fact that when she had asked a week ago it had been out of emotion, had he told her at that point it might not have gone well for either of them. If she was going to learn the truth, she needed time to prepare herself.
"I… another time Oliver, when I'm ready." She almost expected him to retract the offer, but a nod was all she got in response. Another answer would suffice for now. "What's in the bag?" Oliver chuckled at her question before answering.
"There was a lot I thought about on the island, a lot I wanted to do once I got back. One in particular I would actually dream about, vividly. And it was always with you, so I promised myself that when I got back my first time would be with you." Laurel's breath hitched as Oliver reached into the bag after his declaration. She was not prepared for a request like this, she expected him to know better. So, as she prepared her beratement of him the words died in her throat as she saw what he pulled out. "Eat ice cream."
Laurel froze and before she could stop herself, she was laughing hysterically. Oliver seemed perplexed by her reaction, and it seemed to take a moment for him to understand. His eyes bulged for a second before he joined in. Minutes ticked by before Laurel could compose herself and as she did her simple reply was that she would get the spoons.
They ate in silence, Oliver opting to sit away from her on the floor as Laurel curled up on the sofa with her own small tub of the frozen treat. He watched her eat, she savored each bite, and something told him she needed this just as much as he did. For the first time since he saw her that first time a week ago, he allowed his eyes to roam over her. She had changed, not quite as lithe and lean. She seemed to hold power in her form, she had obviously taken to working out and while a muscular definition was there it was understated.
Oliver soon brought his eyes back to hers as they locked eyes. Laurel was scared she'd see that darkened stare that use to send shivers down her spine but all she saw was understanding and appreciation. She wasn't going to call him out on it, she had also allowed herself a once over of him. While he had always taken care of himself, he seemed to have built himself up in a way that surprised her. She had researched those who had been shipwrecked and when it came to physical changes, emaciation was always mentioned. Oliver though did not seem to have suffered much of it though. Laurel had caught herself though before she went down that rabbit hole.
"I think it may be better than I remember." Oliver announced, and Laurel could see that he had more to say.
"You want to talk about something, don't you?" she asked him, and he let out a haggard breath as he nodded.
"My mother offered me a position in the company today." Oliver offered up, and Laurel couldn't help but remark on how out of place he seemed for it. "That's why I told her no, but then Thea. She obviously took everything hard, and she wants me to open up." Laurel felt conflicted at his words.
"You chose me and not her though." Oliver nodded as she spoke. "Why?"
"I guess I was hoping that there would be no expectations of me." Oliver let the truth of his words wash over them both. As he looked at her, he could see that there was some merit to his hope. They both knew no apology or act would be enough for what he did, that's why this was simple. Laurel held no expectations because he had already failed her.
Laurel looked on the verge of saying something when a small noise on the fire escape caught Oliver's attention. His attention moved towards that direction as he focused his hearing. Laurel's use of his name in a questioning manner barely phased him as Oliver heard the soft landing of feet outside. He reached for the butter knife as he stood, his hand reaching out for Laurel's.
"Someone's on the fire escape." Oliver whispered to her, Laurel questioning him as he grabbed on to her. "We run to the front door." At his words Oliver pulled Laurel off the couch and they raced to the entrance of the apartment.
As they neared the entrance the door was forced down before them as a man broke through and brought a pistol up to shoot. Oliver pulled Laurel down towards them as they moved back to the living room just as shots rang out, the bullets whizzing by them. The sound of gunfire had signaled the man on the fire escape as he broke through Laurel's bedroom window and exited the room flashing his own gun. They were cornered.
Footsteps sounded as a third figure entered the apartment and walked towards Oliver and Laurel. Oliver immediately recognized the woman as China White, cursing his luck. He would have to show his skills in front of Laurel. Oliver moved into a fighting stance, surprised to see Laurel do the same beside him but reasoned that she did work in the Glades. China White smirked at the two of them and brought her own blades up calling out in Chinese for the other two to stand down. Just as Oliver was about to strike out the rapid sound of footsteps then gunfire put a stop to all of it.
Oliver and Laurel watched as the gunman by the entrance fell as bullets pierced his back. China White moved back against the entrance wall as Diggle charged in. The bodyguard saw the second gunman and fired before the assailant had time to process. Diggle began to scan the area before China White brought her knives around his hands and gun and stripped him of said weapon before she lashed out with an elbow to his face. Diggle backed up in shock before blocking another blow from the woman as she attempted to stab him.
Oliver watched as Diggle engaged China White, the latter obviously having the upper hand with her weapons in close quarters. Oliver gripped the butter knife harder as he watched and hoped Diggle would pull through and win. That hope died down as China White brought the bodyguard down to the floor and prepared a killing blow. Oliver dashed over from the living room to the entryway to get a clear angle before expertly throwing the knife in time to knock the one in China White's hand away from dealing the blow on Diggle.
China White looked up in shock at Oliver and with her advantage gone she sliced at Diggle with the knife in her offhand before she fled the apartment. Diggle scrambled forward to grab his gun before standing up and taking aim down the hallway the woman escaped to. Not seeing her he moved towards his charge as Laurel barreled into Oliver.
"Are either of you hurt, Mr. Queen?" Diggle yelled. At Oliver's insistent 'no' Diggle moved back to the entryway for one last glance down the hallway. The army veteran moved back towards them and told Oliver, "This is why you need to have me around, sir."
Oliver simply nodded and held onto Laurel as she clung to him.
[Break]
Half an hour later had cops and a medic team moved through the apartment. The cops had already grabbed a statement and the medics had checked all three over. Diggle had been bandaged over his arm where China White's blade had swiped him but for the three of them that was the extent of injuries. Laurel had kept close to Oliver but no longer needed the physical attachment to ground her. The call of her name had her moving away from Oliver for the first time since the incident as Quentin Lance raced in and embraced his daughter.
"Are you alright?" the father asked his daughter while checking her over. All Laurel did was nod as she held on to him.
"Mr. Diggle said the cops outside…." Laurel started asking before her dad cut in.
"Yes, they're dead." Laurel hung her head, feeling somewhat responsible for their death. They there to protect her. Quentin untangled from Laurel to shake hands with Diggle. "Thank you for saving my daughter, Mr. Diggle."
"I was just doing my job, sir." He replied, not feeling completely comfortable with the attention.
"Protecting Queen." Quentin supplied. The detective's eyes moved over to the man an hour ago he would have shouted at for being around his daughter. Luck, that's all it was that Laurel was alive right now. Luck that Queen had been there. "Do not think Queen, that this clears you of Sara's death." Laurel seemed perturbed by his comment, but it was Oliver's response that had them both questioning his character.
"I know, there is nothing I could do that absolves me of that. For what little it is worth to you, coming from me, I am sorry." Oliver felt as if he was staring down the barrel as Quentin Lance stared him down.
No words were spoken as Oliver retrieved his coat and nodded in farewell to them both as he and Diggle left Laurel's apartment.
[Break]
Oliver and Diggle entered the Queen mansion after a quiet drive back, Oliver excused himself momentarily and came back with a glass of water. Diggle accepted offered glass and drank heavily from it. Oliver watched the man intently, ideas forming in his head. The bodyguard could be an asset to his crusade, Oliver would need to pepper in questions to see how willing Diggle could be. Now was not the time though, he had business to attend to.
"I know you told Lance that you were just doing your job but thank you." Oliver told Diggle, truly appreciating what he did for Laurel. The bodyguard chuckled, garnering a confused look from Oliver.
"I could say the same to you, that knife you threw saved all of us." Oliver knew the man wasn't wrong in his assessment. He still needed to play it off as luck though, perhaps with a hint.
"I got lucky, wasn't exactly what that knife was designed for." Oliver's reply was met with a shake of the head, Diggle didn't seem to believe him.
"I'm not a fool Mr. Queen, what you did takes skill." Diggle's words hung in the air as both men stared at the other. "You've been quite a mystery, Mr. Queen, but I'm starting to understand the man I think you are." He added.
"Let me know if you do, I'm still trying to figure it out." Oliver knew the honesty in what he said. He needed to go now though, while the adrenaline of the night still flowed through him. "For now, this man needs sleep, good night."
"See you in the morning, sir." His bodyguard smirked back at him. Acknowledging his reply Oliver took to the stairs, planning his escape from the grounds.
[Break]
Oliver had made it to the steel factory and changed into his suit. He added his accessories and made sure he had plenty of lethal options. China White was a member of the Triad; he knew he would need to go all out if they were with Somers. He had been willing to give the man the chance to confess but now he would take it. Oliver threw up his hood and walked towards the motorcycle he used to get around. It was time to dispense his form of justice.
[Break]
Somers moved through his office, grabbing whatever incriminating evidence he could muster and stuffing it in his briefcase. China White had failed in her mission; it was shocking when his men staking out Lance's place informed him of it. He had hoped she would move on to the next in line but after an hour and no word from his men staking out the lawyer and Nocenti Somers began to panic. He knew it would be easier for them to just install a new player in his role rather than mop up this mess. He would need to get as far away as he could tonight. The boat he kept on the docks would have to be his exit strategy.
"Radio Wallace and tell him to get my boat ready to head out!" Somers urgently called out to one of the two men with him. The men nodded before one pulled a radio out to relay the message.
"Wallace, you copy?" the radio was silent, no return call came. "Wallace, do you copy?" he tried again. This time they were met with the crackling of a return message, the voice having Somers look up in terror.
"Wallace is sleeping." Somers remembered that voice from the previous night.
"We need to move, now!" Somers announced, panic clearly in his voice. The man dropped the radio, and both pulled out their machine guns, as they moved to guard Somers as they made their way to the boat.
[Break]
Quentin watched his daughter as she began putting away a few clothes in the drawer of his second bedroom. Laurel had agreed to stay with him until her door and window could be replaced. He was glad she hadn't put up a fight about it, as well that she hadn't accepted Queen's offer of his mansion. The man being there that night already rubbed him the wrong way. That conversation had been put on the back burner though as Laurel had used her time packing asking about Joanna and Nocenti. Neither one had been attacked so far, more men had been placed at both with some either inside or outside the residence.
"Why was he there?" Quentin finally asked. Laurel closed her eyes and breathed out as she put the last of her clothes in the drawer.
"He needed someone to talk to. I'm not really sure what about, he heard the man on the fire escape before we could truly start." She answered, now that she thought back, they truly hadn't gotten into anything before the attack. "I'm not going to fall back into his charm, if that's what you're worried about."
"I… I'm honestly not sure what I thought, I just didn't like that he was there." Quentin admitted. "It feels wrong to be glad he was at the same time." Laurel agreed with his sentiment, she didn't want to think about what would have happened if Oliver's bodyguard hadn't saved them. "He was right though; his apology means nothing."
Laurel didn't know what to make of the apology to her father. She had already been surprised by his willingness to apologize to her. Then his offer to tell her why he took Sara on the boat to begin with. Oliver was showing the maturity he had gained during his time away, 5 years ago he wouldn't have even tried apologizing to her dad. She did wonder though what he wanted to talk about, to the point she contemplated being the one to reach out. The sound of her father's phone took her away from that thought for now.
"Lance." Laurel watched as her father listened to the call, hoping that it wasn't about Joanna or Emily. "I'm on my way." Quentin responded to whoever was on the phone before he addressed her. "There's something going down at Somers, I'll be back soon." Her dad left in hurry leaving Laurel to hope that it would all end tonight.
[Break]
Oliver watched from above as Somers came out with two men guarding him, one in front one behind. They hadn't seen him yet and he was ready to use that element of surprise. Bringing up his bow Oliver leveled it at the man in the front and let loose his arrow. The arrow struck the man in the knee forcing him to the ground screaming in pain. It had only been a blunt tip, so no penetration, but that didn't make the pain any less.
Oliver jumped across off the landing he had been on after the arrow left his bow. His position would be compromised, and other guards were scattered across the docks. Once in a new position he saw Somers take off towards another warehouse, his guard trailing behind. Oliver couldn't run straight towards him; the open docks would make him a sitting duck. So having noted the warehouse he began his search for an alternate entrance.
Just as he turned to make his way between buildings another bodyguard popped into view, Oliver had to find cover behind wooden crates as the man let loose a barrage of bullets. Seeing a gantry way above he clambered up to it only to find his way blocked by another guard who had raced over at the gunfire. Oliver ran forward as the man took aim and felt the sparks from below as the man he left shot up towards him. As the man ahead of him was about to shoot Oliver took a flechette from his thigh and threw it forward clipping the forearm of the gunner. He took the opportunity of the man checking his injury to take out an arrow and fire it at the right shoulder. The arrow went deep, protruding from the back and the man dropped his gun from the shock and pain.
Oliver rushed forward and slung the man over his shoulder and into the line of fire of the guard below forcing him to cease. Oliver used the time to gather his surroundings, he was closer to the warehouse Somers ran for. He could use the path below to get around to the side of it. Oliver ran to his left and seeing his path on the gantry coming to an end he grabbed the railing and vaulted over landing safely on his feet. He took out an arrow and fired at the gunman who followed, hitting him in the ribs with a blunt tip and watched the man crumple to the ground.
A door burst open from above and Oliver turned to see another guard race out and take stock down the direction he needed to go in. Oliver would need to get closer for a clean shot as the both of them were partially covered by beams and scaffolding. The new man didn't seem to care as he shot at Oliver anyways, most of the bullets ricocheting around as the found purchase against metal. Oliver ran forward and took out an arrow in preparation to take down this foe. The hiss of an arrow and the tearing of flesh sounded as Oliver found his opportunity. He'd gone for the hip this time, and the man fell clutching at the arrow.
Oliver continued his charge forward, now unimpeded by guards. It took no time to locate a different entrance to the warehouse and he entered quietly as to not alert his prey. As he stepped inside, he took stock of the interior. It was sparse, obviously an overflow building or just no longer in use. The search for Somers was easy due to the echoes of the building. The guard commenting on how quiet it seemed outside. Oliver rounded a corner and let a blunt arrow fly towards the guard, it hit him in the back sending him forwards.
Somers skidded to a halt as Oliver appeared and ran to his right. Oliver quickly approached the last guard as he attempted to gain his bearings on the ground. Oliver forced the man's head down harshly against the ground knocking him out before he raced after Somers. Somers glanced back at the sound of rapid footsteps and Oliver fired a shot to his left. The fleeing man moved to the right cowering from the arrow and slammed into another crate. Oliver stalked over to him before he forced Somers to his feet and slammed him against the crate. He brought up another flechette and slammed it into the crate just beside Somers head.
"I want the truth about Victor Nocenti." Oliver growled out and slammed an arrow through Somers's shirt pinning him against the crate.
"I'm a dead man if I say anything." Somers replied, fear laced into his words. Oliver backed up and notched another arrow.
"You die if you don't talk." Oliver fired another arrow just above the man's head to prove his point. The Triad would undoubtedly be after Somers, the least Oliver could do was make it quick. Blood trailed down Somers head as the arrow had grazed the top of him.
"Shit, alright, alright I'll tell you!" Somers cried out as he felt the blood streaming down his forehead. "The Triad killed Victor, they did it!"
"On whose orders!" Oliver bellowed out. He notched another arrow and leveled it lower on the man's body.
"Mine!" Somers screamed out, as he noticed just where the archer was aimed.
A soft noise alerted Oliver to a presence behind him, and he turned and fired at the individual. China White had entered the building, most likely while he was interrogating Somers. She dodged the shot; she had anticipated it with Oliver's response and the arrow already notched. She approached quickly from there and forced Oliver into close quarter combat. Her intention to make a ranged fighter uncomfortable. While Oliver preferred the distance, he was no slouch in these situations. He parried her attacks and locked her arms up in his bow.
"You've come a long way from our last meeting, archer." China White announced to Oliver in Chinese. He snarled in response, hope that she wouldn't recognize him being doused.
"You have no idea." He replied back in the same language before pulling at their locked embrace and slamming her against the pinned Martin Somers.
Oliver took the moment to grab at and store the flechette next to Somers head before he kicked out at China White. The woman was forced to roll backwards and away from Oliver. He fired at her as she steadied herself and blocked the shot with one of her knives. She smirked at him, it only infuriated him more. Oliver knew he couldn't get another shot off before she attacked again, she was far too close for that. Instead, he switched bow hands, he preferred his right for close quarters.
The sound of sirens permeated the air, China White seemed not to care as she launched at Oliver. They traded blows back and forth, neither gave ground to the other. Oliver was annoyed, the bow doing more to work against him than assist. He knew it was sturdy but didn't want to take the chance if it broke in the fight. It was fortunate that China White seemed to be more about speed than strength. Oliver ducked down at a high strike and swept his leg out only for her to strife back and away from him.
The sirens had gotten closer during the fight and were now right on top of them, the loud sound of a door alerted them that they were no longer alone. Both gave a heated glance to the other before a hasty exit was made. Oliver was forced out the back of the warehouse and grabbed at a flechette. He continued his escape as quietly as he could, the shipping containers around him having provided cover. As he rounded a container, he heard a voice from earlier in the night night call out.
"Freeze! SCPD, do not move." Oliver halted and looked towards Quentin Lance. "Put your bow down and kneel." Quentin called out. Oliver for the first time appreciated the mask he wore, it allowed for him to be able to look straight at Quentin and feel ambiguity. Oliver held his bow in the air and feigned a slow surrender before he threw the flechette in his hands at the man and took off.
Quentin felt his gun ripped from his hands before he could get off a shot. He had felt smug about getting the drop on the archer and hadn't noticed the projectile in his hands. Quentin watched as the man fled before turning to locate his gun. He found it only feet away hanging from the small looking arrow against a container. As he approached, he noticed a green blinking and threw himself down and away from it. He expected another explosion like at Hunt's, but none came. Quentin got up and walked towards it, after inspection he found a button and hesitantly pressed it to hear Martin Somers confession.
"Son of a bitch." he said before looking around for the vigilante once more.
[Break]
Oliver walked into the basement of the steel factory; his mission complete if a little messy. China White's appearance had been expected but not for her to recognize him from years ago. It was of little consequence, she had little to go on for who he truly was. He set his bow down on the table and inspected it. He knew the bow had been expertly crafted, but that was years ago. Oliver would need to think of ways to improve its structure without making it obsolete in its intended use. A snapped or cut string was one thing, a broken bow another.
Oliver began to remove his suit and thought back on the night. He'd hardly gotten to talk to Laurel and knew it was out of the question now. Expectations surrounded him and it was good to not be with someone who held so many. It might have been wrong of him to go to her for advice, but she was the only one he felt would give him the truth. Oliver would just have to move forward with his plans without her input.
He would need to make his ambitions known soon, get this place up and running. It was one thing to have an excuse for being in the glades, another to settle his mother's worries.
Now dressed back in his regular clothes Oliver sat at his desk and pulled over the book that held the list and opened it up to the page that held the name Martin Somers. Oliver took a pen from nearby and put a line through the name. Another one down.
Flashback
Oliver set down the body of his father, intent on giving him some sort of burial. As he was about to get up to look for something he noticed a book that had slipped out of his father's pocket. Oliver took it up and noticed a pattern on the front before thumbing through the pages seeing them all blank. Confusion tore through Oliver as he wondered why his father would have this with nothing in it. Why this was important enough to save among everything his father would have had on the boat.
Oliver shook his head; it didn't matter for now. He stood up and began looking for something to cover his father's body with. He had to find a way to keep him safe until…. he had to find a way.
End Flashback
The day that followed held the Queen Consolidated announcement of their new building. Oliver stood with his mother and Walter behind the stage, talking over how the proceeding would go. As he looked over the stage and out into the crowd Oliver was surprised to see both Tommy and Laurel. Tommy, he supposed should have been expected but Laurel was a wild card. The hand of his mother brought him back to the moment, as he realized he had been addressed.
"Sorry mom, what did you say?" Moira just shook her head at his words before she talked again.
"I was asking, one last time, if you would agree to the position we offered?" her question had Oliver exhaling slowly. He thought this was done with, but apparently his mother needed to hear him say 'no' one final time.
"I'm sorry mom, but I can't do it." Oliver told her, inwardly wincing at the look of sadness on her face.
"I understand." Moira's reply was accompanied with a strong grip of her hands on his before she joined Walter up on the stage. Oliver took one last breath himself before following.
They sat to the side of the podium that Walter walked up to and as the man began his speech Oliver looked back to his friend and former lover. Both caught his gaze, Tommy giving him a wave and smile while Laurel just looked at him questioningly. He took his eyes from them though and listened in to Walter and for his queue to join him at the podium. It didn't take much longer though before the English man had gestured towards him and invited him to the podium. Oliver shook the man's hand and stepped toward the mic, ready to address the attendees.
"Thank you all for coming, this afternoon. You'll have to forgive me if I seem out of sorts, haven't done something like this in a while." A few chuckles were heard throughout the crowd at Oliver's joke. "As Mr. Steele mentioned, today we break ground on the new Applied Sciences building, I'm here to help with the dedication." Oliver took a moment with his words, both in playing the part and nerves. "Queen Consolidated, I, am proud to dedicate this building in the name of my father, Robert Queen. The hope is that the building will stand as a monument to the legacy and vision he had for both Starling City and the company." Applause was held across those in attendance, even from Tommy and Laurel. "I am honored to make this very symbolic gesture of breaking the ground."
Oliver grabbed the shovel next to the podium, it looked like it had never touched dirt in its life. Probably never would after this. The trek off the stage and over to the where he was to dig was short enough, and he had quickened his stride to get it over with. Oliver plunged the shovel into the earth and pulled the dirt up and set it next to the hole he had created. He heaved the shovel over his head in celebration before he handed it over to someone for safe keeping. Once again, the crowd applauded as Oliver made his way back over to his mother and Walter.
"I may not be who you would like me to, but I hope this proves that I'm not the same either." Moira nodded at Oliver's words and hugged him tightly. He moved away from her and went to join Tommy and Laurel in the audience. "I'm surprised to see you both."
"Moral support buddy." Tommy answered as he clapped him on the shoulder. "You did good, if a little wooden." Both chuckled at his words, Oliver appreciated it. He looked over to Laurel who did not join in.
"I wanted to check on you after last night, see if you had any relapse from what occurred." Laurel answered the unasked question. Oliver understood her concern and saw the same concern on Tommy's.
"Thank you for checking, I'm fine though." He replied. "How are you doing?"
"I was a little shook up; I took the day off work to make sure." Laurel responded. Oliver could see the turmoil in her, she wanted to ask more. "I'll see you two around." Was all she said before taking off. Both men watched her go before Tommy spoke up.
"You two are more… friendly than I expected." Oliver had to agree with Tommy. He had half expected the door to be closed in his face the previous night.
"Yeah, not sure how long it'll last though." Oliver said. The two men turned to look at each other and Oliver saw a hint of jealousy in the man. "If you have some free time over the next week or so I have an idea I'd like to run by you?" he asked, the current topic not something he wanted to get into.
"Yeah, just let me know when and where." Tommy replied.
[Break]
Laurel walked back into her father's apartment and was glad to find she wasn't alone. Part of the reason she went to the dedication in the first place was out of boredom and to keep herself busy. While she knew taking the day off was for the best it didn't stop her from feeling like she needed to be doing something. Ted had to practically kick her out of the gym earlier she'd been there so long.
"Hi, daddy." Laurel greeted Quentin as she walked over a sat on the couch next to him. As she looked at him, she saw that old familiar paperwork exhaustion etched into his face. She'd learned the signs of which kind of tired meant which over the years, paperwork always seemed the worst on her father. "I thought paperwork day wasn't for another week for you?" she asked and got a chuckle out of him.
"It is, I still had to fill out reports from last night though. They got on my ass about how the archer got away from me." Quentin told her. Laurel couldn't help but feel grateful about the archer. His involvement got Somers put in jail and Emily could start the process for closure.
"He did help with Somers though, and because of that people he's hurt can have some form of closure." Laurel voiced. Quentin looked sharply over at her. "He just seems to be trying to help is all."
"By breaking the law Laurel, nothing he's doing is legal." Quentin replied hotly. Laurel should have kept her thoughts to herself, now she was glad she'd never mentioned the returned funds after Hunt's run in with the archer. "People are getting hurt, it's lucky no one's ended up in the morgue yet!" he stood up as he talked to her and moved away. Laurel had to wonder if it was luck or if this guy was just that good. "Trust me Laurel, this guy is not any different than any other criminal and he's going to learn that when I catch him."
[Break]
Moira Queen waited in the back of her car; nerves tore through her. A face-to-face meeting in this regard had become rare over the last couple of years. She had hoped one would not be necessary, but he had felt otherwise. Oliver had yet to do anything to tip them off, as far as Moira was concerned. The fact he denied a position notwithstanding, she had felt it would be a waste of time. Oliver had never showed any interest in the company and to expect that interest now was lost on her. Another approaching car took her from her thoughts and had her nerves raised even more.
The car stopped by Moira's, and she got out to enter the other one and sit across from the man in the back. Moira sat and poised in such a way to put off an air of indifference. The man across sat comfortably, like he was entertaining a business interest.
"Moira, thank you for meeting with me." The man said, his voice gave the same tone as his body put forth.
"Of course, though I admit to not understanding why we are meeting." Moira replied.
"I was surprised not to hear or read about Oliver joining the company, we agreed that would be the best way to keep an eye on him." The man reminded her. Moira knew it would be the easiest method, but the bodyguard was still in play.
"My son is not unlike yours when it comes to our companies, Malcolm." Moira responded, and Malcolm showed his first sign of displeasure. Whether it was towards her or the reminder of his son, she wasn't sure. "He had no interest before, and it was pointless to think he would be open to it at this point after his rescue." Malcolm narrowed his eyes at her for her glib. He let it go quickly enough though with a sigh.
"It was a longshot I suppose, you do still have the bodyguard on him at least." He relented. Malcolm pulled out a small book with a pattern. "As of right now we'll continue to operate as planned. Just make sure you're kept up to date about him." Moira nodded at words and inwardly relaxed. Her family was still safe, for now.
[Break]
Oliver took his leave from the grounds crew and Diggle he had brought with him, having asked for a moment. He walked solemnly over to the graves Thea had brought him to a couple of days before. There was no use for his own, and now was as good a time as any to have it removed. Before that though he wanted a moment to address the more formal grave of his father. Oliver stopped as he approached and knelt before it.
"I didn't know, had no idea it was going to be this hard." He started to tell the headstone. "I didn't know… the pain it would cause to… You asked me to save the city, and I will in the way I know how. But keeping the truth form everyone, what I've done… who I am… it's hurting mom and Thea. I can't be who they need me to be and who the city needs me to be at the same time. I wish you hadn't said anything on that raft, that I had never found that book or the video." Oliver took a deep breath before he continued. "I will honor your last wish though; I'll honor the promise I made over your grave on the island. I'll honor the man I've become by doing my best with my bow and name."
Oliver stood up as he finished his talk to his father. He looked over at the headstone that held his name, the memorial to who he had been. That boy was long dead, the thought of who he had been brought both pain and hatred. Oliver briefly wondered if he should have it saved for a little rage therapy, he banished that thought though. His family would want to keep it somewhere. He turned away and walked back over to the group he left and gestured at his headstone before ordering for it to be taken down. Oliver didn't slow down as he left them behind, Diggle walking briskly behind him to catch up.
"Will you be taking a stroll tonight, sir?" Diggle asked him. Oliver could hear the emphasis on stroll in the man's voice. He was undoubtedly starting to suspect something.
"Yes." Oliver answered.
Flashback
Oliver picked up another rock before walking over to the makeshift grave over his father. Several other rocks had been placed over the man and this was going to be the last one. He approached the grave and gently put the rock in place. He stood up and looked on in grief, not knowing what to do next. The sound of a hiss had him looking up before he felt his flesh pierced by something.
Oliver screamed in pain and fell to the ground. He looked at his shoulder to see an arrow sticking out of it. He went to grab at it and gasped in pain again. The shipwrecked, starved young man began to search his surroundings before his eyes landed on a figure in the distance. They approached him, a bow in hand and green hood covering their face. As the man got closer Oliver began to plead towards the figure before darkness begun to take him.
A/N: There we have it. Surprise on the early introduction of Felicity, don't worry it's not just to have her in earlier or anything like that. The reason will be revealed next chapter when she originally had her introduction. Malcolm has been revealed earlier as a conspirator, honestly from a writing perspective it doesn't make sense for me to jump through hoops to keep his identity secret.
I would like to take a minute to address one review. The reader felt that Oliver would not have broken down in his mother's arms, I disagree. Oliver is shown to be a bit of a mama's boy and even then, when looking at the last flashback of Season 5 we are shown Oliver breaking when just taking with his mother over the phone. If you don't think this man breaks after seeing his mom for the first time in 5 years, I don't know what to tell you. He will keep it together from here on out though.
As always constructive criticism is appreciated.