WOW. I DO surprise myself sometimes.
Oliver Queen is brought in chains and made to kneel before Rashe Al Ghul.
Death comes to all things Mr. Queen. Even one as powerful as myself.
Oliver looks up with resolution. “Kill me. With me out of the way, the Arrow won't be a problem for you anymore. We both know why. But spare the life of Captain Lance.” He took a breath and closed his eyes a moment. “Quentin Lance. Let him go. I will BEG for it if needs be.”
“His life means that much to you.”
“If you wanted to force me onto my knees, all you would need to do is threaten his life. Like you I am many things; a liar isn't one of them. Please, don't punish him for his loyalty.”
“You have shown tremendous strength, fortitude, power. An honor and integrity all but absent from the world outside the League.” Rashe sheathed his sword. “But you mistake me. I don't want to kill you. I want you to take my place. I want you to become the next Rashe Al Ghul.”
“Tell me how is Malcolm Merlyn getting along?”
“Why would he matter to you?”
“Malcolm Merlyn as he is known now chose family over destiny.”
“Malcolm was one of you?”
“After his wife died he drifted. When he killed the man responsible he felt even more lost. He came to us seeking a purpose, a direction for his life. A way to not simply seek justice but execute it. We gave him that.”
“And now he has found new purpose in life; being there for his daughter.”
“You know the man?”
“I am not eager to give you more people to use against me.”
“So long as he does not murder an innocent, Malcolm Merlyn and his family are safe from us. But that's not why you hesitate. You were talking about your own family. How is that so?”
“Tommy Merlyn and I were as close as brothers growing up. His father was nearly non-existent in his life. Two years ago Tommy died. Forging his own path...and dying a hero in the Glades. Eight months later I learned that my sister, Thea...is biologically Malcolm's daughter.”
“Learning he has someone in his life to protect...that would shift ones priorities.”
“He felt he could correct his mistakes. He hoped he could be a better father to her that he was to Tommy, or perhaps than Robert had been to her. And to tell the truth THAT would not have been hard. Robert was...as good a father as he knew how to be. Now that Malcolm and Thea have each-other...their lives are complete.”
“As it should be."
“Will you let the Arrow rescue Captain Lance?”
“Why do you specify?”
“As Oliver Queen I could never successfully rescue him. But I was also asking if you will help me keep my secret. Let him think of the Arrow however he thinks of him. And let me don that hood at least one last time to rescue someone so...so important to both of us.”
“Tell me, do you ever get tired? I've been alive for 280 years Mr. Queen, I've never met anyone who spoke of their various identities as you do. Do you ever get tired, protecting as the vigilante and as Oliver Queen anyone important to either man?”
“In this case, that doesn't matter. Quentin Lance matters to the Arrow as much as he matters to Oliver. But to answer your question... Yes I do get tired caring so much about everyone that matters to 'us'. But I only ever get tired from it not of it.”
“You speak quite wisely. You do realize I am still going to...”
“Yeah I kind of figured that.”
“Your audacity is as refreshing as it is unwise.”
“Somehow I got the impression that lying to you was far less advisable than being stupidly honest. Besides, I'm more concerned with getting Quentin out in time. It's kind of drowning out all other considerations.”
“Rescue the Captain. Go back to Starling City and continue looking after the ones you care about. We will continue this conversation another day. I don't have to tell you, you have indeed given me another tool I can use to break your will IF I choose.”
“If that day comes we shall see what 'God in Heaven has in store'. Until then I will simply say thank you for your consideration...in letting me save my friend.” He continued pointedly.
"I understand Loyalty Oliver Queen. And I respect it."
Dressed once more as the Arrow, Oliver marched through Nanda Parbat. He searched through the cells as well as the open rooms. He heard a cough. Oliver looked through the bars of Lance's cell. The man was sitting up, holding tightly to the edges of his bed. He was looking hard at the floor. With one well-aimed kick Oliver broke down the door.
“Captain Lance, I have to get you out of here.”
“Oliver.” Quentin Lance said faintly. Oliver froze in place. “...Save Oliver Queen.”
Trying not to let his relief show. “Don't worry, he's safe. He told me to
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