Post by adrini on Mar 4, 2016 23:40:55 GMT -5
Ultimate Green Arrow
Arc 3 Chapter 6: Gutted
When last we saw our heroes…
Dinah, Roy, Diggle and Oliver decide that it's time to move. They fly to the island to set up a larger attack and gather intelligence. The work is laid down but Roy is hurt in the process, nearly loosing his arm.
At home Thea's drug use is getting worse and in a heightened state she tells off Shiva. Jade, who saw it, panics. Afraid of what her mother will do to the girl.
In the forgotten underground tunnels Merlyn and Shiva meet and plan their assault on the house. Merlyn wanting his company back and Shiva's aim still unknown. Serving them Fish Mooney waits and watches, storing the information for her own rainy day.
Amanda makes herself known, with an update of the information from the island. In return she grants Mrs. Queen a future favor.
Thursday morning, 4 am. Queen Manor
Tommy was clinging to his mother as Roy, now effectively one armed, helped as much as he could. Mostly he made minor adjustments as the others loaded the van.
Adrien was loading boxes of files, accounts and records to keep those heading out taken care of in case those staying behind didn’t survive. The others weren’t to the car yet.
“Let us know when you get there.” Jade said, walking over. Tommy could tell something was wrong. His Papa was dressed to go and his mother wasn’t. He was losing her again. And he didn’t like it.
“I will.” Roy said, loudly to be heard over Tommy’s screams. “And when we stop.”
Tommy’s cries for his mother didn’t help Gage and Robby who were now aware that something was terribly wrong. Unable to play it cool, even with her training, Kate was mostly hiding her tears as her little girl fought to cling on and pull back into the house. Spying Renee not far behind she pleaded with both parents to go inside and stay together. Renee put Gage’s bags, enough to last a couple weeks, into the car and pulled out the small plush rabbit that Gage was never without.
Walking over the two shared a look that repeated the conversation they had hated to even think. Gage wasn’t safe here. With recent events she had to be moved out. Whatever the cost, whatever the pain - she would remain unharmed.
Tommy, his screams now full screeching, was being put in his car seat. Working to unlatch the seat next to him Renee began to put the also screaming little girl in hers as Gage arched, wailed and wiggled to stop her. The show hurt, both of the women aching at it, but losing her for now was better than losing her forever.
“The doll.” Kate said and Renee pulled the item from the bag. Gage knew the ploy and rejected it, screaming as she was buckled in.
Walking out Thea was carrying her bags, Mia helping. Her night terrors had been discovered and as they rendered her more of a liability then a help in battle she was being send out. She would also be helping with the kids, as Roy was effectively one armed right now.
“You can call me.” Mia said as they got the car, normally the two would just attend counseling together but there was too much risk. “There’s a backup that I’m not part of, even if you just want me or it’s getting crazy looking after everyone or-
“I know.” Thea said, sympathetic to the screaming kids. “And I will. Just finish this quickly, I don’t want to loose anyone. I know they’ll come after you.”
“We’ll make it.” Mia said firmly, putting the bag in the back. “But you have the little ones, keep them save and I’ll hold the line here. And if you can-“
The reason appeared shortly. Not crying so much as whimpering in terror Robby with curled into his mother, holding on with all his strength. Following behind Oliver was trying to be brave but was clearly no less destroyed then his wife. They got to the van and the infant began to panic, knowing the separation was near. Thea and Mia watched as Di, weeping, let Oliver remove their son and hold him for a moment before putting in the car seat. Robby fully broke into cries, a state both his parents shared, but was quickly covered with a favorite blanket and his two plushies. Thea climbed in, getting her own hugs, and tried to comfort the other passengers. They would likely have to sleep it off, this was traumatic for everyone.
Roy pulled away from Jade, who was still worried about his health getting there, and climbed in to start. Settling in shotgun she buckled in and closed the door.
“I hate this.” They pulled away, their family standing behind them. Just being this separated felt wrong. “It shouldn’t be like this.”
“I’m not doing this again.” Roy said, driving to the gate. “I am never doing this again.”
Monday Afternoon, Queen Manor
Three suit covered forms moved through the house. So recently full and bustling it was now quiet. Starkly quiet. It felt wrong.
Testing the rooms for chemicals Adrien moved to open the window and make Robby’s room non-toxic again. The air was still full of poison from the tanks below, which had now been removed, and the remaining family had moved into Queen owned suites until the house was safe again.
“Downstairs cleared out. Bravebow is checking the grounds. How is it up here?” He asked looking around, shaking his head. “Hell of a goddamn mess.”
“A week, maybe more.” Adrien walked up and the two opened the doors and windows of others to air out the home.
Downstairs Diggle was doing the same and wondered into the Quiver where he couldn’t help but notice that the tracker was still going, the kids were about half way there.
“GA to HQ. Carrier has arrived. Requesting surveillance.” Diggle read the air, it was clean down here so he unmasked.
“Arsenal here. Starting it now.” He said as he pulled up the program. “Good luck.”
Tuesday Morning, 5 am. The Island.
“About there.” Dinah said, looking over the map. “Maybe a few more minutes.”
“Digs says it’s clear below. Let’s do it.” Mia picked up the ear pieces and handed them out. “Are we sure about the trancs?”
“Can’t interrogate the dead.” Dinah said, she was quiet, steeled. Focus on resolving this so everyone could come home again.
At the back Oliver was looking over his tools, the various arrows and grenades. In his black military suit he had less carrying compasity then before but they were also trying to keep a low profile. Errol Flynn costumes and fishnets weren’t a good idea. Dinah had already put on her new tool, a throat guard that would “project” a sonic scream.
“Coming in, get in place.” Zinda said from the front, where she was piloting as normal. “And keep your signal on you.”
“You have your share?” Oliver asked Di and Mia, who nodded. “Good. I’m done with this. Open bay door.”
Zinda heard the command and moved into place, getting as close as she could for them. She pressed the button and kept the craft still. It was a larger one, they were getting people out this time,
“Bonne chance.” She said, adjusting the controls, and the door opened. “This is the best I can do.”
It was only a few feet to the ground and the three made it easily. The plane left for the planned waiting area.
“So this is the camp thing but without the leg thing this time. Okay?” Mia said, pulling out her bow. “No one needs that.”
“Agreed.” Oliver said, shooting a nearby security camera. “They’ll be in the front camp, but parameter first. I want this place done.”
Oliver was beginning to lean over, move more defensively. The feel and fear of the island was coming back. Mia was feeling it to, the set up being eerily close to the camp she had been trapped in as well. She was standing closer to them, nervous. Watching the two Dinah tried to keep a calm face, she may well be required to reign them in. This wasn’t a healthy place for either of them.
“Support posts first. It’ll be easier to go from there.” Di said, and Oliver and Mia moved to attack the nearby tower. It was personal.
Tuesday evening, Star City Underground.
“That’s crowds.” Jade said as they neared listened at the tunnel wall. “And an announcer, it fits so far.”
“The building over it was renovated last year.” Kate looked at the wall, repaired. So much for charity work.
“Ya, part of the program. The moral high society of Star City.” Jade, her ear to the wall, followed the footsteps to a door, a locked door.
“Tumblers.” Kate said, pulling a tool from her belt. There was a popping noise.
“Powers.” Jade replied, on the other side of the door. The sound of gears turning were heard for a moment and the door opened. “Let’s go.”
They walked into a hallway, all too familiar, with cells of teens and villains being held for the fight. Waiting for the footsteps to fade they began to move before a call pulled them back.
“Wait, there’s one more. He’s in soft shoes so he can’t be heard.” Shado, in her black gi, appeared in the hall nearby. As she predicted a last an appeared, in cloth shoes, on watch. “Now, if we all move we can get them out.”
Shado and Kate used pick locks, while Jade manipulated the locks, they slowly got kids into the hallway where others were waiting to carry them away. Uneasy at the unexpected help Jade and Kate realized they had been so focused they hadn’t noticed they were being followed, or maybe they had arrived first.
Shado stood by the door as the guards returned and provided bait as Kate knocked two of the out and Jade used her nails on the other two. The criminals were also taken, they assumed to Anderson for processing.
“Now for the main course.” Kate looked at the door, leading to the entry halls. Watching Jade knew that Kate had a blood lust for Roulette, one that hadn’t gotten better after Adrien had showed them the hospital pictures of Di after the ‘Haven brawls.
“She’s likely already run.” Shado interrupted, pointing to the decorations – Victorian lights only they weren’t. “Cameras. But I know her escape route. She won’t expect you there. And she’ll be alone.”
Kate couldn’t fully hide a growl of frustration but nodded. Roulette was not getting away this time.
Tuesday Night, The Island.
“By the wall, get the wires prepped and I’ll be over to help.” Dinah as they moved into the cave. Mia moved to set up and get the detonation equipment ready, quickly lining up the lines. Oliver was still hovering near the entrance.
He had been getting worse. Being on the island again was bringing back darker days for him. At first sullen he was now angry and beginning to lash out, even having to be talked out of attacking without setting up. He did finally enter but went to a corner instead. Mia looked at her, wordless telling to her to go.
Normally she was good at talking to her husband. Most days they could have whole conversations without more than a few words. Since coming here she had been more shut out. He would touch her back or hand every now and again here, but wasn’t saying anything and wasn’t meeting her gaze. She hated it.
Pulling supplies from the bag she started a cooking hearth and food to get them through the night. It might be enough to draw him out. Mia waved her away and worked on the wires herself, more concerned about her guardian.
“One cream, two sugars.” Dinah said when the coffee was ready. It was dark outside and aside from the few lights in the cave they were in the dark themselves. “And the MRE, can’t promise it’s great.”
Oliver looked at the meal but took the coffee. Dinah was unsure if she was wanted but the hurt look when she moved to leave told her she was. She grabbed her own mug and joined him, Mia distracting herself with the fire. He grabbed her hand to tightly it began to hurt, but at least he was responding to her.
“I hate this place.” He said quietly, the coffee gone. “I really hate this place.”
She didn’t say anything but noticed that he was looking at the slabs, the beds they would be using. It was a painful look, a terrible look – haunted.
“Shado.” She said simply, and he nodded.
The night wore on and Mia called it, taking the board that Oliver wouldn’t go near. At the wall Oliver sat with his wife, who now knew what had happened, and waited. They moved in at the first of dawn, then they were never come back.
Tuesday Night. Star City Underground.
They had done it again. The brawls were crawling with cops, her fighters were being removed and taken to the hospital in front of cameras, and she had to keep moving. The hidden cameras had given her warning, but she knew that wasn’t going to buy her much. They were going to catch up if she didn’t seriously move.
She took the side tunnels, to the docks. It was the most convoluted path, hardest to follow. She was getting close.
The sudden force that hit was a surprise and the scars on her face hurt all the more for hitting the damp wall.
The hits didn’t stop. Slumped against the wall she felt a blow to her head, her chest. They were hard, fast, with no chance to recover. It was just as well. She was dead either way. Batwoman would make it quick, Shiva might see that it never ended. She was hurt now, wouldn’t be long.
“Stop, Kate stop.” The young woman, she had crumbled last time. She wasn’t now. “You can’t.”
“She never learns!” A kick. “More death, more torture.” A crack, maybe a rib. Not the first. “More children killed for dirty money!”
“The dead can’t talk, and I want them back!” The attack stopped. So close. “I know you do to.”
“Get her up.” Roulette felt a few people prop her up, she was too hurt to move that easily on her own. “Where is Shiva?”
“No thanks, you can kill me. You’re nicer then she is.” There as blood in her mouth, it tasted like iron. “One more to the head should do it.”
“Kate, stop.” The dark haired one. She was holding the Batwoman back. She motioned, taking over.
“Or you, keep it in the family.” Unlike Batwoman Cheshire was steady, she could see a longing. If she knew what it was for she could use it. It was too late for that now.
“The tide is coming in an hour. Boats are there now.” The dark haired woman looked at her. “There’s been enough rebuilding.”
Batwoman began to protest but the woman held up a hand. This was her conversation now.
“You should get there in time get to the border in two days.You likely have enough saved that you’ll be set for some time.” She walked closer. “More then you deserve.”
“Stop putting it off. She’ll never let that happen.” Kate was fuming, she had never seen the red head hold herself back like this before. She clearly wanted to finish the job.
“That’s up to me, not her. Our business is with my mother. And as you say we are nicer then she is. Tell us where she is and today you walk.” It wasn’t believable but Batwoman, unhappily, was in agreement. “It will be a week or more before she moves to find you. Can you work with that much of a lead?”
“And then I’m dead.” Heroes, always talking. It was what she hated the most. “Just finish it.”
“If you follow old patterns, yes. Never go underground again, never go near a meta child, never look at a stage, swear off brawls for the rest of your days and you may yet live.” They were face to face now. Hatred was clear in her eyes, both of them burned with it. “Go back, and my mother can have you with my blessing. If we don’t first. Life or death, Roulette.”
She felt herself slump, they had her. They had blocked off all other ways.
“Card, left pocket.” The woman took it out. “It’s where they plan, she’ll be there.”
Cheshire handed it to Batwoman and nodded. She was released.
“I’d run if I were you.” In the fever of panic she never could tell who said it.
Wensday, Early Morning. The Island.
It was shortly after first light, early dawn. The barely red hues were only just over the horizon. It was a peaceful time, but not for long.
The early morning quiet broke as explosions went off, more than anyone there could even after make sense of. Seemingly from all directions metal broke, wires were torn apart, and the towers fell. Shallow whistles came soon after, targeting the guards. In the chaos of the destruction few saw the arrows coming, and for those that did it was already too late.
The internal guards, who were away from the walls, rushed to provide back up. They arrived in time to be taken out by three assailants in black gear.
Beginning to enter into the yards the captives watched as the armored and armed guards were taken out by two archers and a woman, an expert in hand to hand. Confused they watched, the three were taking out the guards handily. And without the towers there was no more back up.
“What century is this?” A man in the remains of an ARGUS uniform asked as he looked on. “Are we fighting the Saxons now?”
“We’re going home, don’t complain.” He heard an inmate say.
Oliver shot two of the incoming as Mia took out the west flank. These guards were trained, and kept trying to out flank the three. Something they were trying again.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Dinah leaped ahead and took on the sudden rush. Mia kept an eye on it, as did Ollie, but she took out the four quickly. “Can’t say they aren’t staffed.”
“Anyone else?” Oliver said as the last of the four went down. “We can do this all day.”
“Look at them, little Bitches.” Mia said, smirking as the remaining troops dropped their guns and surrendered.
“Mia, language.” Dinah hissed. “You know better.”
“Get em’ on the bus. We have things to do.” Oliver pulled out an arrow and moved the surrendered troops away from their weapons. “We have people to report to after this.”
“Report to the plane and have her in place, I’ll move people.” Dinah said and Mia pulled out a radio. “No one pull anything, he has an itchy trigger finger right now.”
Mia smirked again, and radioed Zinda. They’d have the babies back in no time.
Wensday Evening. Star City.
“Adrien, have a report ready.” Dinah said softly into the phone as they drove in, checking into the main building before going home. Mia looked at her as Adrien talked on the line. “We can talk later but we need to deal with something.”
She listened a little longer and closed her eyes, looking tired. She sighed, nodding.
“Okay, have we’ll swing by the house so we can look the part. Thanks for the warning.” Dinah nodded at Zinda who waved she had heard. “It’ll be about an hour, break out refreshments.”
“I don’t want to hear this.” Oliver said, exhausted.
“Guess who beat the charges?” Dinah asked, putting her phone away. “I think I know who he bought off to do it to.”
“No way!” Mia looked at her. “What does it take keep that man in jail!”
“What is he doing now?” Oliver asked, as the car turned around. “Do we need to call Bowstring?”
“Adrien already did, they’ve holed up. But it gets better. He’s suing for his company back. Press are waiting for you.” They looked out the window to see the media cars building up already. “How do they know?”
“Always did. Into uniform again, we have battle to do.” Oliver said, tied as he looked out the window. “Always battle to do.”
“I’m calling Roy when we get home.” Dinah said. “To check on Robby. Then we can go.”
“How long will it take to clear up?” Mia asked as the last of the reporters left. She was perched Oliver’s desk sipping coffee.
“Forever or no time at all.” Adrien said, smiling at her. “And there’s no way to know. I’ll stay on it. Let’s wrap up, we can have dinner at the house.”
“I guess.” Mia got off the desk and finished the mug. “It’s not home anymore, though.”
“I miss them to.” Adrien walked over and offered a hug. “Soon, keep flying.”
Mia smiled, the phrase had been getting around. Oliver arrived, Dinah was seeing about her building reopening. He was still a little distant.
“I’ve seen the company lawyers, they’re working on it. I should see to all this.” He motioned to the piles on his desk. “I’m going to call it a late night, best to be paranoid right now.”
“I’ll help.” Mia said, pulling over a chair. He handed her a pile and she got to work. “Highlighters.”
Adrien shrugged and went to her own desk, the house was depressing right now. The two got started.
“Seems we both have milti-teir organizations.” Adrien heard a voice behind her. Turning she saw a heavy set black woman in a government suit walking in. “We have matters to discuss.”
“Ollie!” Mia spotted the woman first, standing up. She quickly moved behind him as Amanda Waller walked in. “She’s not supposed to be here.”
“Got bored?” Oliver asked as he looked up. “We’re a little busy running a multinational conglomerate at the moment but Ms. Rivers will be more than happy to make an appointment for you.”
“Next year.” Mia grumbled glaring at her.
“Whenever there is a mutually convenient opening.” Oliver finished, hiding his smile at Mia’s addition. “We’re not available at the moment as you can see.”
He went back to looking over the work on his desk. Waller smirked.
“Would that appointment be with the CEO of Queen Industries or the City’s stalwart protector? It helps to know the context of a visit.” Waller said, expecting some kind of shock or panicked denial. There wasn’t any.
“She’s new.” Mia said and shrugged, still staying near her guardian. “Must not know the city that well.”
“A surprising number of people don’t, it’s more of a trivia question for archery enthusiasts.” Adrien said, dropping off one pile and taking another. “To be fair how often would it even come up?”
“Not a common rumor, but not an uncommon one.” Oliver said, finishing a form. “We are high profile. This is Star City, Ms. Waller. Guns are near impossible to get your hands on and archery is almost entirely unregulated. The majority of the people you meet own a bow, and most of them are at least quite good at using it. The city has a population of over three million. Do the math.”
“I know who you are.” The woman said, almost feeling rebuffed. “How many of your amateur archers have equipment and private planes to get where they need to go? Or take first place at local fairs. I know you’re good.”
“I’m excellent, actually.” Oliver corrected. “There are a number of millionaires in the city, and that precludes outside funding which is always possible. Like I said, it’s not an uncommon rumor when we’re in the paper every few days but it’s just not plausible. And do you really think a hero group would expose themselves at public sporting events.” Oliver sighed and finished another set, putting aside. “Adrien, whenever works for us. I have no preference.”
Waller glowered, hating that he had a point, and turned to leave. If that’s how they wanted it.
“Hey, any break-through?” Adrien looked up to see Dinah walking over.
“Maybe, how are you holding up?” Adrien watched her sat down and look over the board.
“Pumped for Robby, Outreach will be ready to open next week, checked in with Jade and Kate.” Dinah looked exhausted. “Oliver might be short for a while, send him my way.”
“Do I want to know?” Adrien asked and Dinah didn’t meet her eyes.
“When did you have Shado?” The woman asked, surprising her. “It’s the bone structure, the chin, very distinct.”
“I was nineteen.” Adiren sat down. “A child.”
“In ‘haven. Working for the Court.” Dinah filled in and she nodded. “You got out.”
“The last Mrs. Queen, Moira.” Adrien explained. “Her family from there to, but in the better side of town. Caught me trying to leave her house with valuables, gave me few more to take with me so long as I got something to eat. Said I looked like a skeleton.”
“She was quite the woman.” Dinah said, half looking at the board. “Wish I had the pleasure. And you followed?”
“Her family took me in. When she started dating the dashing Robert I saw a chance.” Adrien sighed, the young woman was working things out in her head. “Even if I had to leave some things behind.”
“It was a mess, but then ‘haven makes messes.” Dinah sighed. “They need to end. We can’t keep paying for them.”
She got up, heading back to the main house and the husband who was going through a rough time. Adrien realized that something had happened, she had seen something in the board. Looking up again she was gone.
“What are you going to do, Di?”