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Star City
Oliver Queen, in full Green Arrow suit and gear, crouched on the rooftop overlooking Councilman Gregory Kullens. After having done some digging (because despite what Felicity would say, he knew how to hack fairly well given ARGUS had taught him how to during his time in Hong Kong), he apparently found that the man had been a part of those working with Malcolm Merlyn to bring destroy the Glades with his Undertaking.
Emily Pollard and Frank Chen had also been a part of it but he knew damn well there had to be more members to this… Tempest.
He mentally kicked himself for not realizing Malcolm Merlyn had others outside his mother who were working with him. He knew his grief over losing Tommy and later deciding to abandon the List had been a major reason for it but now, his eyes were open. Tonight, he would bring Kullens down and when he went back to the Bunker, where Thea and Roy were putting the recruits through their paces like he should have been but a certain someone made him slack off. He would be putting his foot down once more. Hard.
Sara Lance, in full Black Canary suit and gear (which Cisco had given upgrades given Laurel’s had shockingly been made of a single Kevlar weave instead of multiple ones like the rest of the other suits were, which made him very suspicious and once more, mentally kicked himself for letting such an oversight pass his radar), landed next to him.
“What have you got?” Sara asked, lowering her voice be a few octaves. She still had her voice modulator, but Batman had shown her a few tricks in disguising one’s voice outside of that.
“Councilmen Gregory Kullens. Took several bribes from many crime lords and businessmen to look the other way along. Basically, he helped in aiding them hiding their inhuman and illegal practices.” Oliver informed her grimly. “That includes James Midas, who is responsible for selling bullets laced with chlormethine along with other poisonous and acidic substances.”
“So, what? You’re going to give him twenty-four hours to confess everything or what?” Sara asked.
“Nope.” Oliver said, standing to his full height. “I need this city to know this kind of corruption and white collar will not be tolerated. He gets exposed now.” He placed a hand on his chest, activating his comm line. “Overwatch, get ready to send the SCPD an anonymous tip along with all we have on Gregory Kullens. Should get the ball rolling on others like James Midas.”
“Understood.” Overwatch said, ending the line.
“Let’s get to work.” Sara said, seeing Green Arrow firing on Arrow through the window of Kullens’ penthouse. She held on to him as the crashed through the window, shattering it as glass fell across the floor.
“OH god!” Kullens exclaimed.
“Gregory Kullens, you have failed this city!” Green Arrow growled.
“You can’t do anything to me! I haven’t done anything wrong!” Kullens argued.
“Oh, and accepting bribes from corrupt scumbags to help hide their illegal and inhuman practices like James Midas and Justin Claybourne isn’t? Along with aid and abetting a known terrorist in Malcolm Merlyn along with Moira Queen, Frank Chen and Emily Pollard!” Black Canary retorted.
Kullens paled. “H-ho-how do you know that?” He stuttered out, looking petrified.
“It’s the 21st century. Everything is digital nowadays. All you need to do is look in the right places and know what you are doing.” Green Arrow said flippantly.
“So what? You’re here to give me 24 hours to turn myself in and confess? Like the Hood used to do?” Kullens asked in disbelief. He laughed.
“Who said anything about 24 hours?” Black Canary asked coyly, making the Councilmen stare at the vigilantes as Green Arrow placed his hand on his chest.
“Overwatch, send it.” Green Arrow ordered. She did and soon enough, the police were on their way.
Green Arrow fired an arrow into Kullens hand, pinning him to the wall as he cried out in pain. Black Canary swung her bo staff, shattering his knee as he howled in agony.
“You think… some Robin Hood wannabe is going to save this city? Along with his maid Marion?” Kulllens chuckled sardonically. “So, what if a few a so-called innocents died? Who cares about them? Everyone pretty much steps on those mongrels.”
“I CARE, YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Green Arrow snarled, stomping on the man’s solar plexus. “AND I’LL CRUSH ANYONE WHO DARES TRY AND STEP ON THEM! Whether it be the likes of you, Malcolm Merlyn, Leo Muller, Damian Darhk, James Holder, John Byrne and anyone else, your days are numbered! Tell them all that the Green Arrow and Black Canary won’t tolerate it in our city any longer. That they’ll wish they were dealing with the Hood and the Arrow once more.”
Soon, they left the now disgraced Councilmen as he heard police sirens from afar, looking down as he realized his political career was finished.
The Bunker
Oliver placed his bow on the table, looking grim.
“You okay?” Sara asked, having taken off her wig and mask.
“Not yet.” Oliver said cryptically. “I want everyone in the training area now!”
Everyone in the Bunker heard Oliver’s comment and did as told. Even Felicity, who looked a little terrified.
“Three weeks ago, you all questioned my judgement given you learned I was the Hood and later on, the Arrow.” Oliver said, as everyone who had been present grimaced at the reminder while Everlyn Sharpe scowled at Oliver.
Roy and Thea shared stupefied looks, wondering what the hell had they missed?
“All those bankers and lawyers you spoke about, Evelyn? They were all corrupt little shits who fucked over the little guy, the people who barely make ends meet working 9-5 jobs to feed their families and pay the bills, the ones I’ve ignored for far too long by focusing more supervillains and ordinary crime.” Oliver said scathingly, glaring pointedly at the teenager, who silently shuddered at the look he gave her. “Secondly, if I were a serial killer, then my body count would be in the triple digits, possibly quadruple by this point. As it stands, my kill count is barely thirty during my first year, especially if you discount Malcolm Merlyn, who I had believed I had killed in the Undertaking but later on learned that was not the case. If you don’t believe me, ask Quinten Lance, who was the investigating officer during my first year. I despise killing but I do it because simply put, there are no other alternatives except putting a mad dog down sometimes. This isn’t a fantasy where the good guys always beat the bad guys by always doing the right thing. Sometimes, you have to stoop to their level. Especially in a city like Star City, where its decadence and corruption are only surpassed in Gotham City, where its own vigilante, the Batman, killed the mass murdering psychopath and terrorist known as the Joker after nearly a decade of their ‘game’ of cat and mouse despite vowing not to kill ever since he put on that cowl.”
The recruits looked down in shame as they slowly begin to realize that Oliver was right. Even Evelyn, who wanted to argue against him but even she had to admit that he was right. She had allied with an actual fucking serial killer and psychopath in Prometheus.
“Wait, hold up. I just have one question.” Roy said, looking baffled. He nodded to the young man, motioning for him to elaborate. “Where were Dig and Felicity during all of this? Thea, I get given she was retired and most definitely working at City Hall but those two have been with you since year one. So, what gives?”
“They were there and said nothing.” Oliver informed him, seeing where he was going. To be honest, he himself was also curious about that.
Roy shot the two of them the single most baffled expression he could muster.
“So, you’re telling me you didn’t defend the man who helped save this city at least four times and helped saved the world from an alien invasion quite recently just because he had a List that he targeted corporate scumbags? Have you all forgotten about the Peter Declan case? A guy who was nearly executed due to planted evidence because Jason Brodeur was dumping chemical waste in the Glades and his wife was going to expose him. Have you forgotten that case? Cause I haven’t despite not being a part of his crusade back then.” Roy asked, his expression forming into a glare. Diggle turned sheepish while Felicity looked guiltily at that reminder. “Oh, and if you really want to accuse him of being a serial killer, then that makes all of you, his accessories.”
“What’s even more baffling is how you believe Prometheus word over Oliver’s. A serial killer who has only killed one crime lord in Tobias Church while the rest were innocents who left widowed husbands and wives along with sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, sisters, brothers and more compared to a man who has either only killed in self defense or because they were evil pieces of shit.” Thea said, disgust lacing her tone.
“That’s another thing I want to discuss.” Oliver said. “This is not a democracy. I am the one in charge. While I am willing to hear and accept criticisms, different ideas and alternatives, I will not accept blatant disregard for my authority. Like you, Felicity…” He looked at her pointedly, who gulped before pointing at Rene, Evelyn and Curtis. “… did by having them try and stop me from rescuing John from a prison he did not deserve to be in.”
“Jesus Christ, did everything go to shit when I left?” Roy asked, looking shocked and baffled at the developments.
“To be honest, the best partner I ever had was you, Roy.” Oliver admitted. “The only time you really disregarded my authority, outside of the Mirakuru influence, was with Thea over Laurel being drugged with Vertigo by Werner Zytle. Outside of that one instance, you understood the change of command, even if you disagreed with some of my decisions, which I perfectly understand. Sara as well. Laurel and Thea were pretty close though they did have their moments where they disregarded my authority. Laurel especially with resurrecting Sara using the Lazarus pits in Nanda Parbat.”
The Emerald Archer then turned to look back at the recruits.
“From now on, I am not going to take blatant disregard and disrespect from the team anymore.” Oliver said, looking at all of them pointedly. “Sara is now the second in command and is the one in charge should I be unavailable for one reason or another. Roy is the third and will take over should either of us be indisposed of. If you want to leave this team, the elevator is right there. I won’t stop you because I will not force you to be a part of this team or even a part of this life if you don’t want to.” His gaze softened a bit. “Not everyone is cut out for this life and if you see yourself in a more normal environment, there is no shame in that.”
“Are you serious?” Curtis asked, looking stunned.
“Yes, Curtis. But if you stay, you’ll be going through intense training because Star City deserves nothing but the best.” Oliver stated. “I went through five years of hell and trained with the likes Yao Fei and his daughter, Shado Gulong, Slade Wilson, and a few others to become what I am along with my training as heir to the demon. Sara trained under Nyssa al Ghul, daughter of Ra’s al Ghul. Roy under me. Thea under a former horseman of the League of Assassins. John was former military and has been training with me for five years. The only one of you who has any proper training as Rene as a former NAVY seal, but he lacks discipline while you Curtis, are at best, a novice and Evelyn is a teenager who attempted to assassinate Ruve Darhk using Laurel Lance’s alias, nearly tarnishing her name. Rory at least has his rags but if they for some reason fail him, I want him to at least have some proper combat training.”
“Can we at least have some time to think on it?” Evelyn asked in a quiet and timid voice. She… she really needed a lot of time to think on several things.
“Of course.” Oliver said. “24 hours. If you are not here at this time tomorrow, I will already know your answer. I won’t judge you if you decide you’d rather have a normal life. There is nothing wrong with one wanting to have that.”
The four recruits left, leaving the others in the Bunker.
“I think you were a little harsh, man.” Diggle said.
“Maybe but I can’t always be coddling them, Diggle. This life is dangerous, and it will get people killed. Laurel Lance is a testament to that. As is Jason Todd, Batman’s third protégé and the second Robin.” Oliver pointed out. “Besides, by that logic, how many of your fellow soldiers would have died in an active war zone because they were too lenient in their training?”
“Most of if not the entire squad…” Diggle admitted after a moment.
Sara whistled lowly. “Finally got your balls from little miss bitch fits purse, back. About time.” Felicity bristled at the comment but said nothing given the thinly veiled venom she detected. Sara then sobered up. “Still, if anything, Oliver was being lenient. In the League of Assassins, they would have been tortured for over a week, the arms hung up as they beat you, cut you and more.”
“For me it was even worse.” Oliver said with a grimace, recalling his training as heir to the demon. The only who truly understood how brutal it truly was Bruce, who had been with the League during his years of training before he became Batman.
Oliver then shot Felicity with the single most icy glare he could muster, making her feel small. “Get out.”
“What?” Felicity squawked.
“You have constantly disregarded my authority, Felicity. Even from the beginning with Ken Williams.” Oliver replied coldly. “Not to mention your comments on my physique while I was working out, your borderline emotional abuse of me, and worst of all, your reaction to William.”
“I’m sorry but who’s William?” Roy inquired, the only one not in the know. Sara had been informed by Oliver after they got back together.
“William is my son that I had conceived with a woman named Samantha Clayton during College.” Oliver informed him.
“Wow.” Roy muttered, shocked.
“How did she react?” Thea asked, looking pointedly at the hacker.
“She threw a bitch fit when I hadn’t told her even though I had just found out about it from what Barry told me before he went back in time to stop Vandal Savage from killing us all.” Oliver explained. Roy looked confused, Thea deciding to explain it all to him later. “Even though I had explained that Samantha had forced me to keep him a secret from everyone, she still believed she had a say in my son’s life when we were only engaged. The only one who knew was Thea, who figured it out and Barry who did the DNA test.” He looked back at the Hacker. “Leave, Felicity. I’ve had enough of you and your bullshit.”
“What’s to say I won’t try to release your identities?” Felicity threatened, shocking them all. Oliver’s face was carefully blank.
“Then you’ll spend the rest of your life in an ARGUS black site.” Oliver retorted. “I still have a few people outside of just the director who owe me several favors after what I did for ARGUS in the past.”
Felicity, seeing she had no support, walked out of the bunker.
“Though I do have one question.” Sara said slowly, stopping the young woman dead in her tracks.
“Yeah?” Felicity asked in a small voice.
“Why is my sister’s gear not as well protected as the others?” Sara asked in a calm and cool voice. Thea blinked, looking at Laurel’s costume then back at Felicity.
“I…” Felicity stuttered, having no idea what to say.
“Felicity!” Sara growled, glaring at the hacker. “Why is my sister’s suit not as protected as the others? Why didn’t Cisco upgrade it?”
Felicity stayed silent, which spoke volumes.
“Is it because you believed Laurel still had my heart?” Oliver asked, connecting the dots in his head. “While things could have happened between us, I would not have betrayed you in that Felicity and Laurel would not have accepted being a rebound.” Seeing his girlfriend practically gnashing her teeth at the realization, especially given Felicity’s guilty expression, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Leave. Now. Or you won’t ever be walking out of here alive.”
Silently, a small part of him almost wanted to let Sara end her life but he decided to let it be though he’ll give Lyla a call to send her to an ARGUS black site just to be safe. However, should she escape and do something truly heinous, he would not stop Sara from enacting League justice upon her.
Felicity walked into the elevator, looking terrified. She left the bunker, leaving the rest of Team Arrow alone.
“What about you, John?” Oliver asked, looking at a man he considered a friend. “You’ve done some shitty things in the past.”
“Yeah…” Diggle admitted, looking shamefaced. He and flyboy had a talk where he admitted a few things with Hal calling him out on his bullshit. It had given some time for introspection. “I’m staying to help but don’t expect me to not call you out when you are in the wrong.”
“I have no problem with that, John. That’s the reason you came on board. To remind me of who I am.” Oliver said. “But I’m still going to be wary for some time.”
“Believe me, that’s a hell of a lot better than I deserve.” John said. The two shook hands, a look of understanding passing between the two.
“For now, I think Roy should go on patrol. Get reacquainted with the city and show the criminal underworld Arsenal’s back.” Oliver said.
“Sounds like fun.” Roy quipped. “Gives me a chance to try out some of the new trick arrows Cisco made.”
“Actually, I designed and built some of the earlier trick arrows.” Oliver admitted.
“Wait, what?” All of them asked incredulously.
“Yeah. You guys didn’t know that?” Oliver asked.
“No.” Sara admitted, looking at Roy and Diggle, who were just as floored as she was. She then recalled Oliver worked on his father’s planes with him when he was younger. “Now that I think about it, you did like working with your father on his planes.”
“Yeah.” Oliver smiled, recalling those memories. “Those were good times.”
“Well, damn. Guess you’re a hell of a lot smarter than you look.” Diggle remarked.
“Well, I kind of had to be given until we met Cisco, we didn’t have anyone to make our gadgets and gear, especially when I first started out.” Oliver said. “Plus, I’m pretty good at math. You kind of have to be as an archer.”
“Wait, so all those complex geometry problems you gave me after the Siege were for Archery?” Roy asked, his eyes widening in realization.
“Yup.” Oliver said.
“I take back every bad thing I ever said about them.” Roy mumbled.
Oliver walked into his apartment, rubbing his face. It was nearly 1am. He should probably get some sleep given he had to be at City Hall around 8:30 in the morning. Sara decided to go out with Roy but said she’d back before 3am and would around before he had to go to City Hall.
He was making himself a relaxing cup of tea when he heard a knock on the door.
He grabbed a steak knife, holding behind his hand as he slowly walked towards the door. He looked through the keyhole, seeing Hal Jordan waving cheekily at him.
“Mind if I come in?” Hal asked.
Oliver opened the door, looking surprised. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing bad. Just something I wanted to speak to you about.” Hal said, ignoring the steak knife. He was in the army for a bit before joining the Air force, so he knew when someone was hiding a weapon. Oliver stepped back, allowing the test pilot to enter. “Nice place. Real homey. Where’s Canary?”
“Out on patrol.” Oliver said. “What do you want?”
“Me? Not much.” Hal shrugged. “But they…”
He heard a gust of wind, seeing Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, Diana Prince, Barry Allen, J'onn J'onzz, Arthur Curry, and surprisingly, Sara Lance.
“What’s going on?” Oliver asked, looking at them in confusion. He spared a stray glance at Barry, knowing the Scarlet Speedster, who had been infatuated (because it wasn't romantic love) with Iris West had broken things off with her.
“We’ve been talking, Ollie.” Sara said. “Ever since the Dominator invasion and Washington DC.”
“What Allen and Kent said was true.” Bruce said, his arms crossed over his chest. “The world is changing with threats that are becoming far greater than anyone one of us, even those who can rule the planet with ease can handle. Even with all the resources and knowledge in the world, I couldn’t even begin to work on contingency plans for any number of scenarios.”
“Not to mention supervillains like the ones you and speedy Gonzales have fought are becoming more common.” Arthur said, taking a look around at his apartment. “David Hyde, a mercenary known as Black Manta who wants my head for killing his father 6 years ago. Not to mention my half-brother, Orm Marious. Calls himself Ocean Master. He was the king before I took the throne. He… isn’t exactly my biggest fan.”
“And in space it’s even worse.” Hal said, earning looks from all of them. “The Yellow Lanterns, led by my former mentor and friend, Thaal Sinestro. They used fear to power their rings instead of will like us greens. The Red Lanterns are led by a survivor of the forgotten sector, which was destroyed by the original peacekeepers before us in the Manhunters, Atrocitus. They’re powered by their rage and hate. Not to mention the Dominators were just the long line of bastards in the universe. Defeating them is going to send one hell of a message to the universe.”
“Not to mention others like Brainiac, Despero, Mongul, and Darkseid.” Clark added.
Hal whistled slowly, his expression grim. “You went to the top of the top with those assholes.”
“Who are they?” Bruce asked, narrowing his eyes. Diana, Arthur and J'onn did as well, given they were most militaristic in mind set as did Oliver and Sara.
“Let’s just say that all four of them are bad news but Darkseid is easily the worst out of all of them.” Hal said, grim. “Given how we just sent the Dominators kicking, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them come to Earth.”
“Brainiac will. Eventually.” Clark said. “He was the one who took Kandor and Argo, sped up Krypton’s deuteration given we had been used our planet’s very core to power up our technology.”
“Geothermal energy…” Barry trailed off, horrified. “That’s… really dangerous.”
Bruce silently vowed to look into Wayne Enterprises and any subsidiaries they own to see if they were working with geothermal energy. If they were, then he would shut down all projects working on it effective immediately.
“Yeah, it is.” Clark sighed. “But because I’m the last Kryptonian for all that I know, he may very well come to Earth for me. To try and capture me to study the effects a yellow sun can have on a Kryptonian along with taking Earth’s major cities before destroying it. However… Earth 38 Kara did inform me of Dru-Zod, a disgraced military General of Krypton who attempted a coup before Krypton. He and all of his allies were locked up in the maximum-security prison, Fort Rozz in the Phantom Zone.”
“Is there any chance they could escape from the Phantom Zone?” Diana asked as Bruce, J'onn, Oliver, Arthur, Hal and Sara all looked at the Kryptonian.
“Unlikely. Given it’s been almost thirty years since Krypton blew up and it hasn’t left the Phantom Zone, I sincerely doubt it.” Clark said.
“I know one guy who’d be bat shit insane enough to do that.” Hal informed them all grimly.
“Who?” J'onn inquired.
“A cosmic being known as Mar-Novu. Calls himself the Monitor." Hal explained, grim. " He’s ravaged countless worlds for his so-called higher purpose, but he’s never said what exactly it is. Nobody knows what it is but the Guardians of the universe have wanted him locked up for many years now. Me, Sinestro and several of our best have tried to capture him but he avoided us like the plague.”
“I’m imagining running this asshole with my trident right about now.” Arthur grumbled.
“Not before turning his back into a porcupine with my arrows.” Oliver added.
“This…” Barry said, motioning at the entire room. “With one meeting, we’ve already discovered how many threats out there.”
“That’s not even getting into certain others like the White Martians.” J'onn said, looking downtrodden.
“They were the ones who slaughtered the Martians right?” Hal asked.
“Yes.” J’onn said, earning looks of sympathy.
“I should also mention some of my supervillains though the only any of you would have truly had to worry about is the Joker and Ra’s al Ghul but they’re both dead now.” Bruce said, leaving out that he had begun hearing rumblings in the criminal underworld of a masked mercenary from the corrupt prison of Santa Prisca in Pena Duro known as Bane, who he had faced during his second year (in which he had adopted Dick Grayson but was still quite distant with the then 13 year old) as Batman due to a bounty of $50 million placed on his head by Black Mask though it had actually been the Joker, who had taken over his operations, forcing him to rebuild from practically scratch for years.
Yet, his identity had never been revealed despite his best efforts to learn the truth. And anything the Joker said warranted extreme scrutiny.
"Yeah, Ra's was my handiwork." Oliver admitted.
"Thank you." Bruce said, grateful not have the League of Assassins up his ass anymore.
“My point still stands. I think maybe the world… needs people like us. Working together to fight the battles no ordinary cop or soldier could handle.” Barry said. “Hell, I don’t think any of us alone could have fought back the Dominator invasion.”
“Then why ask us nine and not the others, Barry?” Oliver inquired.
“Because outside of Clark, though given what Kara has said about her cousin, I can imagine he’s very similar, all of us are the ones with most experience and have been doing this longer than almost everyone else.” Barry said. “And I… I don’t know. My gut tells me you guys are the one.”
“And you would be correct in your judgement, Mr. Allen.” Everyone whirled as they saw a man in a golden helmet in mostly blue looking leather with bits of gold. “You nine are the paragons of heroism.”
“Who are you?” Oliver said as everyone looked tense as the man’s presence.
“My name is Doctor Fate, agent of the Lords of Order.” Dr. Fate said, with Diana’s eyes widening in realization as did Bruce’s. “Why do you believe Oliver Queen decided to give such a speech on live television, prompting most of those in this room who were hiding in the shadows to step into the light?”
“Because we were outnumbered and Kara gave us the idea.” Barry answered, unsure.
“Not quite, Mr. Allen. Certain forces at play such as the Council of Time Masters and Eobard Thawne have changed the timeline.” Dr. Fate explained. “Originally, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter were to join forces to combat Starro the Conqueror, forming the Justice League which would later be compromised of them along with the Green Arrow, Black Canary, Shazam, the Atom, Huntress, The Question, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and others who are still hiding or have not gotten their powers yet. When Thawne went back in time to kill Barry Allen’s mother, it caused a ripple of effects. Clark Kent never became Superman, Diana Prince remained in hiding, Bruce Wayne would have retired in disgrace after killing the Joker and having his spine shattered by Bane, Arthur Curry would have been killed in a joint effort by David Hyde and Orm Marius before the latter took the throne of Atlantis, Hal Jordan would have become a host of the fear entity known as Parallax who destroyed the Green Lantern corps. Barry Allen, Sara Lance and Oliver Queen would have been all that was left but even then, they would not have been enough to stop the coming wars and crisis that will ravage you in the next 8 years. The Source, who many see as God himself, has seen the outcome and decided to prevent it by having the Spectre, God's wrath, plant the idea in Kara Zor-El of Earth 38’s head.”
Everyone took a moment to absorb this information, completely floored by it.
“Dear lord…” Clark trailed off, placing a hand on his mouth in horror. Everyone looked much the same.
“Thawne… he was responsible for this?” Barry asked, looking grief stricken and horrified. At Dr. Fate’s nod, the Speedster slumped on the ground to his knees, looking despondent.
“Who is this Thawne?” Hal asked, looking confused.
“Eobard Thawne is a time travelling speedster who idolized the Flash and wanted to become him, even gaining his powers. In the future, the Flash would have travelled to his time and the two would work together to save lives. However, once Barry Allen returned to his time, the people turned him. In that moment, he decided to become the Reverse of everything the Flash stood for, further cemented by him learning of the Reverse Flash’s identity as it had never been revealed to the public records in his time.” Dr. Fate informed them. “He travelled back in time to kill Barry Allen as a child but an older version of the Flash, the one from the original timeline, saved him. The Reverse Flash decided the best way to hurt his nemesis was to kill his mother.”
Clark and Diana shot the speedster sympathetic looks while Bruce and Hal grimaced. They both knew what it was like losing their mother before they could ever have the chance to say goodbye. They wouldn’t wish that upon anyone. Clark also understood what it meant to say goodbye to a parent before they should have. His dad had passed away only a few months ago from a heart attack and he practically threw himself into the preparations for his funeral and burial, not wanting his mother to deal with anything.
“Is there anything else you can tell us?” Bruce asked as Oliver and Sara placed a hand on either side of the speedster.
“That Oliver Queen is the key to stop all of this.” Dr. Fate said, looking at the Emerald Archer. “To stop the dark future that will lead the world and its heroes to utter ruination.”
The Mayor of Star City’s eyes widen in shock. “Wh-what?”
“Among the many misconceptions much of the universe holds dear is the fallacy that all beings are created equal. In truth, there are those who are greater. They are called heroes… but even among heroes, there are different echelons. The highest belong to those known as the Paragons. The nine of your those paragons but Oliver Queen is special.” Dr. Fate said. “Superman is the Paragon of Hope. Batman the Paragon of Courage. Wonder Woman love. Green Lantern Will. Martian Manhunter honor. Black Canary perseverance. Aquaman duty. The Flash compassion. But the Green Arrow? He is the Paragon that represents the best of humanity.”
“Me?” Oliver asked, stunned. “Why? I… I’m far from good. I’m not a hero. Not like they are.”
Everyone else (except Dr. Fate) was stunned at the Emerald Archer’s admission.
Diana and Arthur, the most military like-minded were wondering how this mind set come to root in Oliver’s head. Because in their book, he was a hero. Was he a perfect one? Absolutely not but no one ever was. Was it because of the lives he’s taken? Even cops had to end situations lethally at times and they were hailed as heroes by many.
Bruce silently understood where the man was coming from. Out of everyone in this room, he understood Oliver the most outside of perhaps Miss Lance because they had both been through very similar training regiments under Ra’s al Ghul and thus, it showed in their mindset and tactics. Not to mention he’s begun to find closure for the fact he killed the Joker, who was nothing more than an evil monster who should have been killed years ago. Still, perhaps the losses he had suffered had been weighing on him more than his loves one may have realized.
Hal and J’onn shared a look, both of them knowing what the other was thinking. ‘Survivor’s guilt.’
Clark, who had felt inspired by Green Arrow’s words, felt as if his world has just been flipped on its axis. Oliver Queen was a hero through and through, even if he had done some dark stuff in the past and even killed. But Clark understood that he was a being with godlike abilities and Oliver was just an ordinary man. Admittedly, a very skilled one but still a man and sometimes, you had to make tough decisions.
Barry and Sara, who knew Oliver the best, were agape at his admission.
“Perhaps… but that is what makes you special. You have towed the line far more than everyone in this room, even Miss Lance.” Dr. Fate said. “But your potential for heroism is so much more than you could ever realize. After all, if you say you weren’t a hero, why would they…” He waved his hand over to Clark, Bruce, J’onn, Diana, Arthur and Hal. “… have stepped into the light to fight the Dominators? Despite what some might say, you were the one leading the charge against the Dominators. You, Oliver Queen, The Emerald Archer, are worthy of the title of hero. For the hero does not cower to death. For that would belittle life. The hero knows he cannot defeat danger but for a moment, he can free others from fear. Legends live on… only man comes to end. And I assure you Mr. Queen, the Legend of the Green Arrow will be spoken across for generations. A hero for the people in a way no one in this room ever was.”
Oliver swallowed, taking a moment to process this information. He then felt Sara wrap her arms around him while Barry looked on at him.
“So, what happens now?” Clark asked.
“I… cannot say.” Dr. Fate admitted. “The future for a time was clear but with all of you here together have made things difficult to foresee. Perhaps the chaos that I had foreseen while be greatly diminished. While it shall never be eradicated, the nine of you here will hail a Golden age of heroism, one that shall transcend beyond what many of you have foreseen.” Dr. Fate said, an ankh appearing behind him. “But before forewarned, for every justice, there is an injustice.”
The Agent of the Lords of Order disappeared.
“Therapy.” Hal said bluntly. “You and I think everyone else in this room needs fucking therapy. Bad.”
“Agreed but you most of all, Oliver.” Bruce said in agreement. “Especially if what this Doctor Fate said is true.”
“How can you believe him so readily?” Oliver asked quietly.
“Because a childhood friend, Zatanna Zatara and her father, who was one of my teacher’s during my 7 years of training, Giovanni Zatara, spoke of Doctor Fate.” Bruce said. "And they are Homomagi, Oliver. Making them magically inclined."
“Mother spoke of the lords order along with the Source.” Diana revealed. “It is true and perhaps something we should all consider.”
“A close friend of my father, Leslie Thompkins, should know a few trusted individuals. If not, I know a Doctor Chase Meridian who could help.” Bruce said. His phone then rang. He grabbed, it putting it next to his ear. “What is it, Barbara?”
The Dark Knight motioned for them to turn on the TV, seeing reports of an alien… starfish.
“Starro the Conqueror…” Hal said. He grinned ferally. “Always wanted to kick his ass.”
“It would seem somethings are always meant to happen.” Barry mused, looking at the Emerald Archer.
“The never-ending battle…” Clark remarked.
“Let’s go kick some alien ass.” Hal said, his ring glowing.
"Suit up!" Oliver ordered.
Gotham City
Talia al Ghul registered into the Gotham Royal Hotel under one of her aliases, Miranda Tate. She entered the Suite, seeing Malcolm Merlyn and Simon Morrison, currently under the alias Adrian Chase (which hadn't been as hard to acquire as one might believe) awaiting her.
“Took you long enough.” Malcolm grumbled
“I needed to avoid an old acquittance’s gaze.” Talia said in way of explanation.
“You mean the Batman?” Malcolm asked, earning a look from the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul. “Your father wasn’t exactly the most tactful in his interest in the vigilante. His tactics were very obvious. Especially to an initiated. His former horsemen no less.”
“No, I suppose not.” Talia conceded, knowing the Dark Archer had a point.
“Why are we here?” Simon asked, looking a little impatient.
“Patience is a virtue. I thought I taught you better than that.” Talia said chidingly, placing her coat on the chair in front of the desk. Her student looked down, clearly chastised. “But if you must know, I do have an ally in Gotham who could be of some of help.”
“And why would I ever refuse your summoning?” A large man stepped out of the shadows, starling both men though Talia remain composed.
“Bane…” Talia said, an almost fond look on her face for the hulking beast of a man.
“So, you are the one they call Bane?” Malcolm said, looking at the man in surprise. “Consider me… intrigued.”
The hulking man looked at the Dark Archer. “While your reputation may proceed you, Mr. Merlyn, your age is clearly beginning to show.” The former Horsemen scowled at the comment, but Bane ignored him, looking at Talia. “Though I must ask for the reason for said summoning.”
“It would seem my former beloved and a student of mine have begun to work together due to recent events.” Talia said. “I believe it would be in our best interest for us to join forces.”
“I have a better idea.” They all whirled around to see the giant form of a mechanized suit in a mostly dark grey/black suit with blue lighting.
“Who are you?” Talia demanded to know.
“I am Savitar, the God of Speed.” Savitar said as he grabbed all their weapons before they even think of to grab them, dropping them in the ground in front of them. “I am not here to kill you. If I did, then you would all be dead before you even knew I was here. I simply come with an offer.”
“What do you want?” Malcolm asked.
“The invasion showed the likes of the Flash, Batman, and Green Arrow along with those who participated in the fight have joined forces. The balance of power has shifted to their side.” Savitar. “But I have a way in tipping those scales back in our favor.”
“Do tell…” Malcolm said, looking intrigued as did Talia, Bane, and Simon.
“For every justice, there always be an injustice.” Savitar said. “So, if they are going to form a league of sorts, shouldn’t we have a League of our own?”
Two hours later…
Talia unzipped the bag, gently placing the corpse in the Lazarus Pit. It had taken some time to find it, especially in hiding its location from the ever-paranoid vigilante, but it had been very worth it. While she had little doubt her and her allies combined efforts along with this Savitar would fail, her father had always taught her that is always best to have a backup plan.
A few moments, the corpse returned to the land of the living, lunging out of the pits.
“Rise.” Talia said, walking over to him slowly, seeing the Pit madness in his eyes. She made herself be as unthreatening as possible, getting close enough. Once she did, she sedated him quickly. He quickly went limp in her arms.
“Soon… soon you shall have your vengeance upon the man who replaced you so quickly.” Talia said soothingly. “You will have it and I shall help you… Jason.”
She looked at the other body bags, silently grinning at the potential for vengeance. She also decided to get in contact with the Ninth Circle as their support would be invaluable to her plans. Especially a certain someone among their ranks…
Star City
Vigilante sighed as he entered his safe house, unceremoniously dumping his gear on the worn out couch.
He dropped his mask on the floor as walked inside the bathroom, seeing his face on the mirror.
Images flashed through his mind, a woman and two kids, one a boy and the other a girl.
He growled, punching the mirror wall as it shattered.
He walked away, knowing there was work to be done. He grabbed an encrypted phone and dialed a number.
“Hey, Chris.” He spoke to person on the other end. “How would you like to help me out in Star City? Help keep the peace, if you catch my drift.”