Blood Price

[Batman]

Heroes: Green Arrow, Black Canary, Felicity Smoak, John Diggle, Jason Bard
Villains: Brother Blood, Lady Shiva, Count Vertigo, Dark Archer

Summary: Black Canary and Green Arrow were following the trail of Yakuza operations in Star City leading them to the Street Race Kingpin "The House" when following The House to his base of operations they were surprised to find he had been assassinated by the Yakuza for failing to carry out his operation with discretion. Now with only one lead - a USB device, Green Arrow and Black Canary pursue the only course they can to unravel a conspiracy in the making.


Oliver remembers the feeling of a baggy flak jacket on a rock, used as a crude pillow as he slept in the forests of Star fish island. mangy beard had grown upon Oliver's face as he watched a fire and relaxed staring at the dancing flames at the fish roasting over it on a primitive fireplace. He still remembers the taste of beetles, the crunchiness between his teeth felt like eating the kernel of popcorn with the oozy and disgusting after taste of stale barbecue sauce.

He awakes now dressed in a black silk robe, he had passed out due to fatigue that he'd forgotten the time...Not that it's something he wasn't used to. On the island there were no clocks, Oliver had to create his own sense of time using the sun's location and on dark days would use the tides to determine it. He felt his robe open at the chest and between his legs he could feel a cool draft from the open balcony doorway. He jumped and reached underneath his bed for his bow and arrow aiming it towards the open balcony as a sweat came to form upon his brow and those blue eyes narrowed while his lips curved into a sneer. For one moment in the darkness those ocean sapphire eyes changed into emerald gems and what he could've sworn was a Shado. A Japanese woman that wore a modest black leotard with open slits at the shoulders down to her biceps, exposing the notable feature upon her - a red dragon symbol tattoo. It was extraordinary and mysterious.

But the woman wasn't real, she was dead. In an instant his eye faded blue and he dropped his bow onto the floor and fell back onto the bed. The infection in his body must've been playing tricks on him, making his head ache with a sensation equaling that of a hangover. When he rose it was 8 O'clock and with ease a firm hand would shake Oliver, were it not the voice that accompanied it, Oliver would've reached for an arrow underneath his bed for defense. "Oliver? Hey! Get up man." were John's words as he began to pick Oliver up. The archer's robe did little to conceal his manhood, but nothing that the veteran military man hadn't been exposed to serving in both the army and the highschool sports team.

John helped Oliver sit up and could hear Oliver groan, the open robe would allow John to see an infected cut Oliver had sustained from the night before. "Come on, Ollie, we gotta get you cleaned up before your meeting with Canary."

While Oliver was getting ready for his meeting, Black Canary would be following up leads, within the Asian stores, little to Black Canary know the very assassin that killed The House stood nearby observing the vigilante being subtle and attempting to mask her intentions. The assassin, Lady Shiva had seen very little of the woman's combat prowess, but there was something to be said about a woman whom, like herself was confident enough to charge boldly into the scuffs of men. Still, she was but an amateur. Further to Black Canary and Lady Shiva's knowledge, years prior Lady Shiva had personally witnessed Dinah Lance being trained by Ted Grant, at the time Lady Shiva was considering killing Grant, but determined him too great of a champion and set her eyes upon his students for a likely rival in the future. Perhaps it's fate, that someday these two martial artists would soon stand dynamically opposed in lifestyle. For Lady Shiva was a killer; restraint and hesitation has no place in a fight to the death.

It was out of fear for the yakuza that no store clerk would talk about anything related to their business. Rather they would often state "Nice weather huh?" "You're very pretty." It would seem that only one person would give Dinah a moment of time and it was barely a moment at all. A boy would bump into her and slide into her hand a piece of paper written in dark crimson pigment "レディーシヴァ" or when spoken "Redīshivu~a" what it meant, who knew? But Canary did get an answer she would find immediately. The letters were written in blood. No doubt, her police connections would be invaluable with a blood sample.

Bard would pick up and eagerly respond, an English accent all the more pronounced now that he was no longer undercover. From his police station desk within the case, he had to ask first. "I've been working with the D.A and Captain Lance, and we've found a boat load of missing persons. And that's not a figure of speech. On the list of missing persons - the Mayor's daughter, whom they were trying to keep under wraps that she was missing. But get this, too...Soon after we got our people in there the C.I.A and Santa Prisca Consulate in South America called the D.A and Captain regarding citizens and escaped prisoners from some prison called Pena Duros...I did some digging with some contacts out in Gotham and Miami, apparently Pena Duros is a prison where they do medical research on their prisoners. Guard's who've served there have said it's like a Spanish Alcatraz. Somehow this ties into the Yakuza, kidnapping, drug distribution, and smuggling."

Bard spoke with fatigue and frustration, it would seem clear that 'his own people' were blocking him from details that he wanted to know and his way of payback was to share this information with someone he could legally be arrested and federally charged for divulging the information to. But being a man from England, clearly Bard didn't care about the red tape, he was concerned about the body count and the ever rising complexity and conspiracy at hand.

"Did you find anything from your end?" Would be his resigning words, a slight tint of hopefulness that she would be more successful than he.

Black Canary Dinah found herself going from asian shop to asian shop in the district and didn’t get anything. She was subtle, she had tried every angle she could think of to mask her intentions, but any conversation she was having would dry up and they would change the topic to the weather or about her beauty. The fear of these people were so strong. She couldn’t blame them fearing for their loved ones. But it didn’t make the case any easier. There was a woman who seemed slightly familar to Dinah at one of the Grocery Stores, she was watching her carefully as casually sought leads. She didn’t think much about her. She looked vaguely familiar, but she had seen so many of the same people at these stores, that was likely it. Although the woman walked like a puma. Strong intention and grace. (c)

It was when a boy bumped into her, as if running after his friends, that she hardly even noticed the slip of paper he put into her hands. The kid was good, she had hardly felt it, he would have made a good pickpocket. She didn’t look at it though waiting until she was a long ways off in a public restroom before reading it. Well what she could. She didn’t speak any foreign languages, but it was the ink made a chill go down her spine. It was written in blood! (c)

Back in her hotel room, relaxed on the bed after her shower, wearing no more than a robe, she smiled hearing Bard’s English accent. What was it about that accent which made her feel like goo inside? She listened as she heard how hush hush things at been for the police department. Bard was able to get somewhere by using connections in other cities. But obviously getting blocked by his own people and the CIA. And he had been on the forefront of this case! Things weren’t adding up right. Medical research on prisoners who had escaped and are now tied to the Yakuza? Who could have easily have paid the way for those escapees if it suited their purposes. Bard was taking a chance telling her this much, if people were this quiet on things. But he was frustated and looking to her to see if she could help work about the redtape and ‘bend’ a few laws which he couldn’t. (c)

“I’ll see what I can do, I might be able to learn more about the mayor’s daughter and those escaped Pena Duros prisoners.” She gave a sigh as he asked if she had gotten any leads. “Just one. A scrap of paper with something written in another language. The interesting thing is that it’s written in blood. I wonder if anyone would be able to trace the blood type and see if it gets any hints in their official databases…” she teased. “I’m just about to head out to rendezvous with some other of my ‘people’ and see if I can gain anything more. I could stop by on my way and drop it off.” Her sentence ending in a slight purr. After the call, she put on her costume, slipping on some jeans and red t-shirt over the top. Ready to head into the night. (e)


"Sure, sure..." Bard looked at his watch to get a time. "I'll check and see if the lab is still open. Talk to you soon." Bard made his way immediately to the hallways after speaking to Dinah on the phone, he had planned to grab himself a cup of coffee and check the lab for its scientists before moving to the parking lot and awaiting Dinah's arrival, with anticipation he had grabbed a second cup to share with blonde vigilante. The man's world was turning upside down, he was adapting to the situation of Gotham corruption when a vigilante there shook up the cops. When he was prepared to get behind the change, he was then placed on an undercover operation and transferred to Star City, where again he felt forced to work with corrupt cops. [c]

His only ally it would seem was a set of vigilantes. Meanwhile outside as Dinah Lance made her way to her hotel, Lady Shiva would standby, across the street observing the hideout of her prey with sharpness honing in on Black Canary's hideout. The woman would snap to her cellphone as it rang, she answered it calmly. "I'm busy." "He wishes to speak with you." Shiva would sigh and look to a clock upon the hotel wall. "I'll be there soon." She hung up and made her way to the office building, it was empty, each floor of the large mall sized complex. Purely empty office spaces. She entered the elevator and went down into the basement where a man stood with fiery red hair. Shiva would seem impatient and angry as she approached the man and his fancy blue suit and red tie. [c]

"I am not your personal servant." she stated to the man who gave her a charming smile. "You said the whole situation with the House was being dealt with. Why do I get word that there's still an investigation? I would think the Yakuza would aim to remove themselves from the crosshairs of--..." She would growl with impatience. "I do not work solely for the yakuza. They are but a drop to whom I serve." Brother Blood would blink in a mocking manner clearly unimpressed. "There's a detective who's asking too many questions. I believe he might have some outside help from the vigilantes." "Black Canary and Green Arrow. They are aiding Detective Bard." "You know of this? Black Canary has been a thorn in my side for some time. I want everything you have--" "No. Black Canary is mine, and mine alone. The protege of Wildcat will die by my hand and no one else's." [c]

John and Oliver would meet up in the Arrow cave where Felicity would give them the rundown. "I've discovered from the blood with Oliver's insight - the drug you guys found is a steroid. From research on the USB device it's called Copperhead - a military project from Pena Duros. It's supposed to increase strength by massively producing adrenaline in the body. Somehow drug dealers got their hands on it and are attempting to use it as a new high for kicks, takes a new meanie of adrenaline junkie..." Green Arrow would assess this new information and bit his lower lip. "So, the yakuza are trying to use it for what? A new market or super soldiers?"

Black Canary Dinah Lance steps out of the rather run down hotel. The ‘C’mon Inn’. Ted would have been laughing at that one, it sounded like film set in a porn flick. But it was cheap, off the main streets, and with a tip they didn’t keep your stay on the books. She had touched up her makeup and even pulled her hair into a ponytail. She paused a moment glancing at the large business complex across the street. One of those fancy ones which catered to enormous companies which seemed to love flair, like the way men with mid-life crises’ buy sports cars. The door closed as someone entered it. She thought nothing of it, although it was a bit late, and went around the back of the building where her rather signature bike was hiding behind a dumpster. Then she was off! (c)

Her bike purred as she flew down the streets of Star City. The second time within days. Fortunately she didn’t have crazy gang bangers trying to check her into a building this time. The signature screaming canary was missing on helmet this time. Just a gleaming metallic purple which matched her bike. She slowed down, riding like a model citizen as she approached the police station and made her way to ‘visitor parking’. She smirked as she saw a man dressed more like an overworked detective than a biker gang leader, sitting on a bench sipping a coffee, with a second one beside him.Making her way over to him she sat down. “Enjoying some fresh smoggy air?” She teased as she joined him. “I never thought I would see you in a tie.” She smirked. (e)

Bard offered her the cofee and rebuttaled to Dinah's joust. "And I knew you'd look good in a pair of denim." He smiled at her, eyeing over her shoulders and neck for any signs of brushes, naturally he could see her knuckles were probably roughed up from clashing against bones and flesh. "How are you doing?" He asked genuinely concerned about her and her day, before casually switching to business so that if anyone overhearing them wouldn't think it too suspicious. "So what's this present you got me?" He didn't make any motion to receive anything, waiting for her to offer it to him before he would take it and read it. If she gave it to him he would open it and read it out loud. "It says 'Lady Shiva.' Where did you get this from?" [c]

In the Arrow Cave, Green Arrow would begin toy with an arrow between his fingers, rolling the shaft to twirl the arrowhead in front of him. "Oliver?" were Felicity's words calling for his attention and once received she would request of him. "What are we going to do?" This left the archer in a state of uncertainty. "The yakuza were willing to kill one of their own so that their operation wouldn't be compromised. This stuff about vertigo, copperhead, drugs, yakuza...It's not the main thing here. There's something else and...we're just not seeing it." John would chime in. "Then what is it Oliver? We can't just keep making up ghost stories and hope we're on the right track. Black Canary is talking to the detective? Maybe we should be thinking more like them and not jump to conclusions."


Black Canary The blonde took the coffee and smiled at the remark from Bard as his eyes traced over her. “You should see me after I work on my bike. I look good in axle grease too.” She teased. As he glanced over her shoulders and neck, he would see just how good she was with make-up. Foundation was a wonderful thing in her line of work. Her knuckles were a bit roughed and cut up, so she kept her riding gloves on, only a small hint of sore pink flesh could be seen. She was used to dual lives, almost too well. She sipped the coffee. “Do you detectives add any water to the rocket fuel you put in your coffee maker?” She smirked at his question. “You don’t give up do you?” She handed him napkin with a cell number on it. “I think you finally earned that. But I wanted to tell you tha…” she stopped and looked at the cement. “Hey did you drop something?” She leaned forward to ‘pluck’ the paper from some weeds growing in the cracks of the cement. Handing him the paper, smirking at him. (c)

As he read the paper she looked thoughtful. The man was full of surprises. “Lady Shiva? I haven’t heard of her. Have you?” As he asked where she got it from, she shrugged. “If you didn’t drop it, probably some kid. I saw a bunch of them in the asian district, cute kids, but always bumping into people. Not surprised a kid would drop litter about here too.” (c)

“Give me a call if you hear anything okay?” She took another sip of coffee. “I wish I could stay, but no rest for the wicked. And don’t think this counts as taking me out for breakfast.” She teased. She got up and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Get some rest, things might look better in the morning. I hear that the Twelve O’ Clock Diner serves a mean chili omelette. See you later.” She walked off waving to him. Soon her bike gave a rev as she made her way to the park. (end)

"I don't know who or what a lady shiva is, maybe a boat. You learn that criminals like to reference boats when giving out names. I'll keep you posted on the lab results." Bard studied her for a second forcing a smirk to grace his features as she teased him. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." He said teasingly as she rode off on her bike, no doubt her bike's engine too loud to hear what he said. Green Arrow would assemble with Diggle, prompting the two of them to head to Sherwood Park. John was suited up into his 'Spartan' armor with a dark gray and black helmet with a T shaped visor that blocked out his facial features making the man appear more like an armored cop than a vigilante. Spartan and Green Arrow stood by in the woods [c]

with Green Arrow's hands wrapped around the top half of the bow and its curve. He awaited Canary's arrival.


Black Canary’s bike roared as she entered Sherwood Park. It was already getting to be dusk and most of the park patrons had left, just a few people taking their dogs for late night walks. It was a good sized park, with most of it being wooded. She took the main trail which led past the playground. And to the area which had thicker woods. And then she saw them on top of a hill a short ways off the trail. She blinked seeing the man in the dark gray and black armor with the visor. “Is this Little John?” she asked as she offered him a hand to shake. “Black Canary.” she said giving a quick introduction. The blonde gave a warm smile as she looked at the Green Arrow. “Did you get some good rest? I did some poking about, perhaps some of it may add or overlap with what you found out.”

Canary stretched a little as she organized all her notes in her head, starting to go over them as if she had them written in a notebook in front of her. “The police department is finding a larger and larger list of missing persons. One of them being the mayor’s daughter has been kidnapped and is still missing, although the police department is keeping things quiet. The C.I.A has gotten included on this business with the yakuza. Apparently there is a prison in Santa Prisca, a Pena Duros, where the prisoners were being used for medical attention. Apparently they are finding ties of some escaped prisoners with the Yakuza, kidnapping, and the drug rings. I wasn’t able to find that connection yet though. Also when I was asking about the Yakuza and the missing people I was given only one lead. A slip of paper with japanese words written in blood. Our detective friend is running the blood against their databases and will get back to me on that soon. The text on the paper gave a name I didn’t know. A 'Lady Shiva'. Have you heard of her?” she asked curiously.



Green Arrow would smirk at her reference to 'Little John', 'Spartan' was bigger than Green Arrow both size and height, which was iconic of Robin Hood and Little John's tale. John wouldn't seem to react, but Green Arrow did with amusement. Upon getting down to business he would take in this new information and nod. "The mayor's daughter?" Green Arrow's eyes began trailing the grass and mud for some kind of memory search of what relevance that could have...politics has long been tied to criminal operations, perhaps the mayor wasn't playing ball and the daughter was hostage. Green Arrow finally looked at her after a moment of taking in the information. "We got genetic codes and information from the blood types. As well the drugs used are called 'Copperhead' it's a junkie's adrenaline stimulant."

Spartan would then speak. "From what we gather, it's reasonable to assume the Yakuza might be trying to finish what the Government in Santa Prisca failed. They're going after super soldiers." Green Arrow would then speak up. "Lady Shiva? Sounds like someone you don't want to get on their bad side. Perhaps it's a trap." A message would come through Green Arrow's ear prompting him to narrow his eyes. "What?" Spartan would tap his earpiece as Green Arrow reached into his pocket and offered a spare earpiece to Black Canary. "Hold up Overwatch..." Waiting for Black Canary to put the earpiece in, Arrow would pick up the conversation for everyone. "proceed, Overwatch." Felicity would then speak. "I did a search on 'Lady Shiva' and I picked up articles of a mysterious assassin that its like the boogeymen. Tales spread across the entire Asian culture of a deadly assassin. Some believe Lady Shiva is a code name for an organization as victims have been found with multiple injuries incapable of a single person from inflicting them. Would now be a bad time to say this whole thing is starting to sound like a Sherlock Holmes conspiracy?"

Green Arrow would shake his head. "No...It sounds more and more like the League of Assassins." Spartan would look at Green Arrow as if confused. "League of Assassins? When were you going to tell anyone about this?" Green Arrow shrugged. "It never seemed relevant until now."


As they spoke Black Canary listened intently hearing how this was all coming together. Remembering back to some of the things Green Arrow had mentioned about how he had gotten involved in all this. Glad to hear that Arrow's team had learned more about genetic codes and about the drug, which was not veritgo, and how it tied to the prisoners from Santa Prisca. "Arrow, do you suppose this all gets tied back the Glades? You said you found units of blood getting stolen by the Yakuza which were supposed to go to the glades. If the Yakuza needed blood for one of their elder members, they could have gotten it from any hospital they wanted. So instead we see they are helping create a drug which will help make super soldiers. An easy reason to need large quantities of blood for their experiments. But why blood from the Glades? Which brings me to the Mayor's daughter. Do many people blame him for the slow response to help the Glade? Would somebody take her to be part of this research to give the mayor payback?"

As they were talking about Lady Shiva the blonde gave the two men a look as they seemed to be talking to someone on their ear pieces. She took the offered ear piece from the archer and put it in. 'Welcome to team Arrow' she thought to herself. As she listened to 'Overwatch' she foudn it curious, she had heard somet things about the league of assasins from Batman when she had been in Gotham, but little more than that. Now they were being brought up again by Green Arrow. She also found it intereseting to hear the folk tales and articles about Lady Shiva, and was wondering if someone had basically given her, her calling card. Could this mythical martial artist be calling her out? "Hey Overwatch, Black Canary here. With the articles you found on Lady Shiva, were there any reports or rumors of her appearance in the United States? Perhaps locations and years?" she asked. She knew a few other heroes who might have heard more, knowing of her sitings might help her find more about this woman. Black Canary couldn't help but smile hearing about sherlock holmes conspiracies, she was starting to like this Overwatch already.

Overwatch responded easily enough. "Yeah, some of those boogeymen stories are in the United States, throughout the Asian districts...China Town, Korean, Viet namese, and Japanese mostly. A reporter in this article seems to have a thing for this assassin. People refused to talk about her when he tried to interview them, he suspects they are afraid for their families. Sounds like a team up is just what the doctor ordered. Black Canary slash Team Arrow~." The last sentence Overwatch would seem to use a musical tone as if excited when Green Arrow would interrupt the moment. "How about Green Arrow slash Black Canary. If we're dealing with the League of Assassins, I want Spartan covering Overwatch's back. Canary and I will find this Lady Shiva and we'll make her talk."

Spartan would cross his arms and scoff at Green Arrow. "So you want me to sit in the tower while you and Black Canary do what?" Oliver's attention wouldn't shift from Black Canary. "We're going to follow up the leads from Black Canary's blood sample. In Japanese mafia traditions, sending your opponent a letter written in blood is a death sentence. They want to kill her and I can't be in two places at once." Arrow's attention shifted to Spartan. "You need to take care of Overwatch. Black Canary and I can handle Lady Shiva, we lure her into a trap. It's that simple and it's the only play we have." Spartan would exhale while dropping his folded arms to his sides with reluctance. "Alright." Green Arrow would shift his attention back to Black Canary. "Sound like a plan?"


Canary listened to Overwatch talk about the rumors of in the united states. places with asian districts... "Like New York? and San Francisco? I wonder when she was spotted last..." she nodded to the men as she heard about people not wanting to talk about Lady Shiva. "Yes, I got the same response from the folk I was trying to get details about the Yakuza from. This Lady Shiva is likely working with them." The blonde couldn't help but smile at the excitement she heard in Overwatch's voice as she talked about their team up. She sounded like she would be someone fun to take to a club or a fight for that matter. As she heard about the league of assasins something she hadn't heard much about, except they were boogeymen too.

She frowned a little as she heard how Spartan did not seemed excited about the going at it alone. She was a little bit suprised to hear about the Japanese mafita tradition about the letter written in blood. "Do you suppose I have gotten too close on this case? or that this Shiva has a grudge against me?" she had no idea, she had made many enemies. She noticed how Spartan grudgigly agreed to the plan. "That sounds fine with me. Sounds like the best course of action to learn more while Overwatch and Spartan follow other leads. That reminds me. Overwatch do you or anyone you know anything about metahumans? I wonder if there are any in those DNA samples you have." She smirked at the green arrow. "So archer, you ready to track a ghost?"

Overwatch was curious. "Meta-humans? Umm...Like superpowers? That would make this some crazy super science fiction. Like that TV series 'Heroes' or something. Right? Tell me superpowered people don't exist." Oliver would sigh. "Unfortunately they do, they've just been the center of a lot of Government cover ups. Overwatch, Keep your head in the game. Look into the research, find any kind of DNA that may be considered Meta-human. Lets move out." Green Arrow would move to his motorcycle and rev its engine before riding to Black Canary's side. "Lets check out that neighborhood you got that note from."

Black canary started to giggle a little as she heard Overwatch's reaction to meta humans and super powers. "A lot of them are taken advantage of or are coeerced to become living weapons." she added as Green arrow sighed. She was glad to hear that Overwatch would look into it. She nodded and went back towards her bike, reving her own engine she took Green arrow down the streets of Star City back to the Asian district. Once there she pointed to the grocery store and the alley where the boy had run to give her the note. she pulled down an alley to park her bike. Taking off her helmet, she took out her earpiece, turning it off. "So that is where. It's getting pretty dead her tongiht isn't it? So should we just patrol and stake out to see if anything is going on here tonight? Or do you have some brilliant plan for a trap?" she asked curious, knowing that regardless she was the bait.


Oliver Queen As they arrived into the Chinatown district Green Arrow parked his motorcycle next to Canary's and began to walk with her as she pointed out where she got the note. Arrow wouldn't miss this opportunity to examine Black Canary's strut as he was sure there was intent and purpose behind her movement now that she was on a mission. Green Arrow's gaze then switched from Black Canary's hips and legs to the buildings around them. "Yeah, a real ghost town, it seems. Lets go get some Chow mein." Green Arrow would step out into the street, crossing it and slipping between the narrowly parked cars and the planted trees that weren't very big. He opened the door to the restaurant and began walking to the front counter. "Hi there! We'll have some spicy chicken and chow mein...Oh, and by the way. We're looking for someone named Lady Shiva." [c] [delete]

Oliver Queen The waiter began writing it all down when he spoke of Lady Shiva the man growled. "Get out! Go! We do not what what it is you sell!" Green Arrow smiled. "Oh, what ever happened to service with a smile?" Ollie grabbed the man by the collar and lifted them over the counter. "Listen to me! I want Lady Shiva. There's a bunch of dead bodies and the trail lead me to her. So talk before I start to get ideas about that tray of spicy food on that grill over there!" [delete]

Black Canary It was different being in the chinatown district suited up in her fishnets investigating, she was more used to being in plainclothes or undercover. But to be fair if the yakuza had a beef with her after the incident with the bike race and their stronghold, this would definetly get their attention. She led the Green arrow out of the alley and led him down the streets, her boots clipping on the cement as she strode, hips swaying as purposefully went down towards the asian grocery store. towards the little shrine/garden just beyond it where the boy had slipped her the paper. she paused as she felt eyes on her, but the Green arrow was busy looking at buildings, almost too intently, was he checking her out? she couldn't help but smirk a little. He was right though, the place was empty, eeriely so. she was a bit surprised by Green Arrow's offer for chow mein, but it looked like getting exposure was his idea, (c)[delete]

Black Canary she followed him into the little restraunt, the waiter seemed excited to get business and didn't even bat an eye at their costumes. She couldn't help but roll her eyes as the archer was casual before dropping that bomb, she knew the people were on edge here with the yakuza and Lady Shiva. Well, he wasn't for subtely, she had been and had gotten a death note. and then he pulled the guy over the counter, threatening him. Oh god, did he really expect answers like this?! she strode forward, he liked playing bad cop? fine, she could play good cop. "Sorry about my partner here, but he doesn't get the tension this neighborood has. He gets kind of pissed when someone is killing people in this city. Can't blame him. And I can't blame you, you don't want to be on her list next. Or your family. Tell us something to help find her or someone who does, and we will make sure you're safe, we know people who can protect you. But if you lie to us, my friend is looking or a reason to get creative, (c)[delete]
Black Canary as you can tell..." (e)[delete]

Oliver Queen The man shivered as the heroes shook him down he would seem unwilling to talk only for a woman to speak from the entrance "Stop!" she growled holding a pistol almost point blank at Black Canary. "Lady Shiva is not here. She's a warlord who's in charge of this entire district. She would reward us handsomely if we killed you here and now...But I am no murderer. Please, just leave us alone. We're tired of being bullied by one gang leader...Shiva will kill us for talking let alone allowing you to live." Green Arrow lowered the man. "Oh, someone who is polite." [c][delete]

Oliver Queen Green Arrow lowered the man and then pulled out his bow and arrow and aimed it at the woman. His movements were swift and startled the woman. Green Arrow didn't seem to have a concept of escalation as the woman was now on edge.[delete]
Black Canary And then a woman was at the entrance at the shop with a rather large gun for such a small woman, giving Canary a good look at it, since she was looking down the barrel of it. The blonde was close enough to fight, but the woman had something to say, so she let her. No wonder these people were on edge here, Lady Shiva was their warlord controlling everything here, and they were just struggling to live here. And then the archer pulled his bow. It was so fast and fluid she hardly saw him do it. Oh god, the idiot! He was gonna get them killed! And with how awkwardly the woman handled her gun, already freaking out that they were harassing the people here, and now she was looking at a deadly arrow, the woman was ready to pull the trigger! she put her hands out, palms up, showing she was unarmed, taking a side step to block the woman from the archer's aim. "Look, we don't want to make a bad thing worse. You aren't a killer, I'm not either. I want this to stop as bad as you do. (c)[delete]

Black Canary The merry man behind me is going to put his toys down. Right. Now." she said with an edge for the archer. "And you are going to put that gun down. I know Lady Shiva has sent me a note earlier, likely from poking my nose around here. I just want her to know I got her message and if she wants to dance, I'm ready. You know this neighborhood and what she can do. We are stangers here. What do you want? Want us to go and play like this never happened?" she offered, her voice soft, low, warm. Trying her best to difuse this situation, a bomb, where the archer cut the wrong wire. But the blonde was ready, she was close enough that if the woman so much as twitched, she would be grabbing that hand with the gun and aiming it into the wall, before wrestling it out of her hand, so quick the asian woman would have no idea what hit her. (e)


The woman pondered what to do next as Black Canary laid out the situation. With consideration she would lower her pistol before Green Arrow lowered his bow, but he kept the string ready in the event the woman decided to fire. "I want you to leave before things get worse." She explained to Green Arrow and Black Canary before another woman spoke. "It would be too late for that, Miho." Lady Shiva stood behind the counter, not a single sound made from her entrance as she stood behind the waiter that Arrow was just threatening. "These two should be dead, for that you will pay the price." [c]

Lady Shiva's hands would grip each side of the waiter's head and with a whipping motion the man's head would spin and his neck would snap with a loud pop breaking the tension in the room. The dark haired woman's brown eyes turned her attention to Green Arrow and Black Canary. "Here I am, the villain you seek." Green Arrow twitched his fingers at Black Canary, indicating he was prepared to turn and shoot Shiva at point blank range, based on what just happened, only a shop counter was between Green Arrow and Lady Shiva, the distance so close that it was a tough call who was at the mercy of the other. Lady Shiva held no defensive posture, but was calm and at ease.


Black Canary Black Canary gave a polite smile as the woman put the gun down and heard the archer move behind her. Dodged a bullet literally there. She was about to reply to the woman, complying with her wishes and then there was another voice. Crap. Turning she would realize it was too late. Was this really Lady Shiva? the way the two locals acted, yes it was. And she just appeared there, silent as a shadow. "Look, you don't need to..." and before she could finish, Lady Shiva deftly snapped the man's neck as if it was nothing. the blonde's hands balled into fists, looking like she wanted to pounce on the proclaimed villian. "You didn't have to do that..." she said coldly. Taking a step back to give the archer a shot. the woman was laid back, but she could tell with how fast and fearless she was, that she it was gamble as to whether the archer could hit her even this close. "Did you help the Yakuza with those missing metas?" (c)

Black Canary this might be her only chance to get an answer and she wasn't going to waste it. (e)

Lady Shiva's attention remained on Black Canary. "And the prodigal student of Ted Grant foolishly wonders into the dragon's den." Green Arrow would turn to shoot Lady Shiva, but it would seem that at the same moment she moved and her hand snapped at Green Arrow's neck level, a loud whip would break through the air and for a moment Black Canary might've considered Green Arrow's neck snapped, but as events unfolded Lady Shiva grabbed Green Arrow's full figure by his arm and slammed him down onto the ground with her elbow located onto his neck prepared to crush Green Arrow's spinal column. [c]

The snap would be revealed a moment later as Green Arrow's bow was held in the air with a string dangling by it's curve; her hand at cut the bow string disarming the Emerald Archer and seemingly nullifying him while also holding Black Canary hostage. "Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill him. And another why I shouldn't kill you next." Lady Shiva stated coldly, calculated, and without any sign of toying around. She was a warlord and she wasn't playing games.


Black Canary watched the warlord who apparently ran and owned this section of town. She blinked as Lady Shiva ignored the archer who had his target set on her, as if he didn't matter. What surprised her is that she knew her Mentor's name and that she was his student. Damn it Ted, was this another of his misadventures he never told her about?! She wasn't even sure if Lady Shiva was a real person or a folk tale until now. Perhaps it was foolish to come here, but people's lives were at stake!
And then Green Arrow took action, about to shoot Lady Shiva...

It was so fast, Canary wasn't sure she completely saw what happened. And the snapping sound made the blonde's breath catch. Arrow had been slammed face first into the floor, so fast he had no idea what was going on and couldn't react. In one hand she held his bow by it's snapped string, hanging useless, while she had him pinned with her elbow on his neck, one quick movement and he would be dead or paralyzed, an easy move by someone so skilled. He was helpless, and even if he had his bow, he wouldn't be able to use it, he was out of the picture and warlord's hostage. The blonde thought carefully at hard look given to her.

"You shouldn't kill him because he means nothing to you. He is nowhere close to being a challenge to you. You have him bested before he could even try. He can fight, but his martial abilities. You can kill him right now to try to teach me a lesson. But I just met him, he has no real value to me, except for helping me with my investigation. You kill him and I will just keep going. So why bother? And as to why not to kill me... You have obviously been following me, you know exactly who I am. If you wanted to kill me, you could have at any time already. You have honor with a fight If you want a fight, then bring it! We will make it a fight worth your while. Unless you are waiting for something." Her voice was cool and collected, with a hint of smirk to it, a little cockiness. She wasn't sure if she could best Lady Shiva, but she would sure die trying, if it meant she could save those people and possibly the Green Arrow.

Lady Shiva's gaze was trained on Black Canary, her hands would grab Green Arrow by the wrists and the backside of his waist belt attaching handcuffs to him before throwing him over the counter as his bow dropped he too smashed into the floor with a hiss from his lips. Shiva wouldn't waste time in striking out towards Black Canary with a snapping kick that would aim to strike Black Canary's stomach and likely fumble the heroine backwards regardless if it hit or not the strike would cause even an experienced martial artist to back up and get out of range of a deadly foe. "Waste my time, Canary and I will kill those most dearest to you."

Her threat was solemn and dignified, indicating that Shiva had some kind of twisted honor code. Behind the counter Green arrow struggled with the handcuffs attached to his belt, attempting to break free didn't seem likely as his belt was made of kevlar and the handcuffs were made of steel.


Black Canary Canary watched as the other martial artist watched her as she worked deftly on the fallen archer. Making quick work with the handcuffs, without even watching her hands. Having his hands secured by that kevlar belt, he was handicapped from helping out. Before he was dumped behind the counter of the little restraunt, uncermoniously, hearing him hiss as he came down hard. She watched Lady Shiva get up and without warning a swift kick came at her gut. The blonde caught off guard, jumped back to avoid the strike. Hitting her softer than it was intended, making her step back a bit more, before catching her balance. Lady Shiva had obviouly some odd code of honor she lived by. "Noted. So should we fight here? And possibly destroy one of your building in the process?" She had naturally gottten into a defensive stance as she spoke, ready to strike or react if Lady Shiva even flinched.

"You expose your weakness too easily." She stated in a matter of fact. "You care too much for these people. It makes you hold back your potential." the assassin would move in and swing a flurry of punches that were actually defensive maneuvers used in an offensive manner allowing her to deflect any kicks or punches that came towards her, her strategy was to back Black Canary towards the window behind her while setting Dinah off balance with the furniture within the restaurant. The cramped space didn't seem to bother Shiva as she had fought many contenders in worse conditions.

As Green Arrow scooted off the floor to sit on his butt he sighed against his restraints when he saw three yakuza men approaching with their micro uzi's. "Ohh for the love of...Give me a break!" "Hey! Right there!" Green Arrow shot up to his feet and spoke pointedly at the men. "I'm reminded of a quote I saw in a movie...Look, I don't mean to be rude--" The uzi shots would begin blasting the counter behind him prompting Ollie to jump around the corner and rush into the kitchen placing a large fryer between Green Arrow and the yakuza. Oliver continued to taunt. "--but this is not as easy as it looks, so I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't distract me!" Green Arrow jumped out into the back alley distracting the yakuza from Lady Shiva and Black Canary's fight.

"I feel ridiculous running away with my arms handcuffed to my back."


Black Canary "We all have our missions." Said Black canary back tersely. Cutting herself off quickly as the assasin came at her with a series of defensives strikes, able to take the offensive and block Canary at the same time. Dinah blocked the strikes, trying to get some jabs in, but they were defected, kept off balance as forcing her to go back. The blonde deftly hopped onto a booth, and gave a kick back as she rocked, causing it to flip back and put the feet up towards Lady Shiva, putting a small barrier between them. She heard the Arrow and shout beyond her but didn't focus on him as she fought across the restraunt, feigning a strike in order to catch one of those defensive strikes from her opponent to pull her into a neraby table. Shots and shouting was heard about them as the archer ran into the kitchen, shots ringing off the metal fryer. Canary didn't even focus, she had more important things to focus on, trusting him to take care of the shouts in Japanese. (c)

It must be the Yakuza. She hoped Overwatch was listening to all this, to help the bound archer out.

Shiva was thrown off by the table but only for a moment, her physical body could only react and do so much in a short period of time, the flipped table caused her to back up and twirl on her heels before commencing a dragon wing strike with her fist prompting Black Canary the opportunity to grab her and pull her closer. Shiva's available palm would raise to smash Dinah in the nose before sliding around Dinah's head to grip her hair and attempt slamming Black Canary's head into the glass window right next to the booth they were fighting in.

Meanwhile Green Arrow turned sideways as he approached a passing car in the street. He waved his hands like an awkward tailfeather as he opened the woman's car door - she was very young and probably in her first year of college. "Hey! Who are you?!" "Lady, questions later! Yakuza hitmen are now! Drive!" The micro uzi's would blare out their bullets scraping the car as it screamed off with the woman freaking out. "Alright! Lady! Lady! I'll pay you back for the damage. If you could do me a favor and get these handcuffs off me, there's an arrow in my quiver, has a red strand, give it to me...Times like this I wish I had a buzzsaw."

Black Canary s the Black Canary anticipated Shiva kept up with her step by step, reacting to the flipped table, as she gave a strike, letting the blonde draw her in. Canary was about to smack Lady Shiva into the table, before seeing a palm strike going for her nose. She dodged the strike to find herself moving into Lady Shiva's hand, feeling her grab and yank her hair. Caught like this, she was unable to break out of the grab as Lady Shiva used her own momentum against her as she went to smash her head into the glass window beside them. Canary grabbed Shiva's arms and rocked back, with the slam. Hitting the large window with her shoulders as she went back into it. Pulling and rolling with Lady Shiva through the window with a smashing and shattering of glass falling onto the sidewalk out side. She was gonna feel this tomorrow, Feeling some of the glass cut up her arms. She tried to roll out to get on top of Lady Shiva to pin her in the glass. (c)[delete]


Black Canary Behind them she could hear bullets and car tires squealing. What the hell was the Arrow doing?! Meanwhile in the car the nervese college student was freaking out as she stomped on the gas as bullets riddled her little car. "You want me to what?!" she steered awkwardly, swerving in the street as she pulled out an arrow. "This one?! This is what I get for trying to take a short cut to get to club. People shooting at me. Freaking Robin Hood taking over my car!"


"So long as it's Cary Elwes and not Kevin Costner! You got it right, sweetheart." He took the arrow and began pulling apart its tip revealing inside was a collaboration of lockpicking tools that began to work on the handcuffs. He broke the cuffs off and then pulled the arrow apart to pull out a bow string. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." He spoke to himself and then placed the handcuffs onto his belt where Lady Shiva stole them. And then he placed the pieces together again and then spoke. "Okay, back to the yakuza. Maid Marian needs my help...also my expensive bow is back there." He pulled out a wad of cash and placed it onto the dash board. "And this should cover it. Three grand?"

Lady Shiva used the momentum of their tumble to roll off Black Canary as Canary hit the ground first, she broke free and flipped onto her feet. Three Yakuza men came to surround Black Canary, one raised his gun at her near point blank range, but Lady Shiva would punch him in the throat forcing him to choke before taking his gun away and tossing it to the others nearby. "Do not interfere." The yakuza muscle would die from choking as the other two backed away to respect Shiva's demand, her tone was furious and indicating that she had a fiery temper not to be trifled.

[Batman]

Black Canary The college student balked at seeing the wad of money land on her dashboard. Wondering if it was legit. Regardless, this guy got her car shot up. She pulled over. "Yeah, should. Thanks. Um, I guess this is where you get out? I'm not going back that way." she said with a frown. This wasn't her lifestyle, guns, costumes, She needed to get out of Star City. Black Canary had been hoping that pulling herself and Lady Shiva through the window onto the street would give her an advantage. But her opponent thought too well on her feet and was already sliding off her, to roll to her feet. And before she could react, Canary was cursing herself, for pulling them straight into where the yakuza men had chased Arrow to. And he didn't seem to be around. Just her, Lady Shiva, and three guns aimed at her head. But Lady Shiva wouldn't have any of that! This was their fight, and she struck one of the men in the throat, leaving him choking and collapysing for interferring. (c)

Black Canary The other two backed off. It gave Canary enough time to get back on to her feet, blood from a few fine cuts dripping down her arms, as she got back into a defensive stance. Ready. Not willing to give up, even if she should.


Oliver looked at the woman and as she stopped the car he got out and began running to intercept Lady Shiva and Black Canary. As he ran he kept in mind 150 yards was all he needed to be in range for his arrows and the moment he could get a clear shot he would take it. His boots clunked against the ground and the shuffling of them echoed allowing observers to see him, his attention locked onto a pick up truck carrying fish supplies and swiftly he climbed into the back of it to aid him in a faster lift.

Shiva's eyes were trained on Black Canary's body, observing the wounds, but paying keen attention to her actions. She was able to predict Canary's next move based on her injuries and likelihood of success, but those were minor contributing factors. An expert martial artist could perform a difficult ability while suffering incredible pain, so the assassin would have to wait and see what Black Canary's body would telegraph to her. She moved in closer with a flurry of tiger strikes with her hands.




Black Canary Canary started to circle her opponent, feeling Shiva's eyes tracing over her, measuring her up, assessing her ability and her wounds. Her arms did hurt, but she didn't let it slow her down. putting her forearms up to block the flurry of strikes. she winced slightly, her arms felt weaker than they should. she tried her best to not let her body show what she was doing, reacting, before giving a quick side kick to knock Shiva back and away from her. her strong legs still one of her best assets, despite her wounded arms. she then feigned she was going to knee Shiva in the gut, but instead wrapped her sore arms about the woman, to try and grapple her and pull her down. Some of her wrestling training showing.


Shiva's study of Dinah indicated that she was a grappling expert, so when the kick came at her side it struck Shiva in the waist prompting Shiva to grab the leg for support. She shouted "Ha!" the shout worked in harmony with her hand as it slammed into Canary's inner thigh meant to rip the muscles in Canary's thigh rendering the leg with a numbness only cushioned by Canary's muscle density, it would recover soon but never the less it sensation was painful and humoring. This allowed for Canary to grab onto Shiva and pull her down, what Shiva had been expecting. Shiva collapsed herself as she was brought down onto the ground. Shiva hissed from the pain of crashing into the asphalt of the street and felt the fuel within her soul burn just as much as the gashes on her skin.

A succession of elbow strikes would aim to hit blonde bombshell in the rib cage, the first one having only been annoying, but the second hurt, followed by a third that crushed her muscles and antagonized the bones underneath. Shiva's strikes came quickly and she released a grunt that resonated through the streets. Green Arrow saw the fight now and jumped out of the truck and dashed down the alley ways to sneak around back of the restaurant. He shuffled through crowds of people huddling inside a building. "Excuse me! Pardon me!" He shouted as multiple people were growing annoyed by his appearance. He hopped over a desk and jumped out a window into another back alley and climbed up a fire escape to enter the restaurant from the second floor.

He slipped down into the main room to collect his bow and begin restringing it, his gaze ever so often glancing up to see Canary and Shiva.


Black Canary Black Canary's kick was met by a grab and felt a blow sending a shock down her leg feeling oddly numb. But it gave her enough time to grunt through the pain of her arms as she tried to hang onto Shiva, grapplingand pulling her down hard onto the asphalt. Landing on top of Shiva. Canary tried to pin Shiva down, but that was when her leg woke up enough to give her terrible pain and a leg which felt wobbly and hard to stand on. The delay opening her up to the elbows to her ribs, giving her a nasty bruise, which opened up to bone wrenching pain, oh god, Shiva was going to break her ribs! her body was now acting on fighter's instinct, to preserve itself. her hand snaking in to quickly grab and twist the offending arm, to painfully wrench it, so Shiva would stop her assult on her ribs. wanting to really hurt the asian woman. Dinah had no idea what was going on with Green Arrow, her world little more than the street she was fighting in and Shiva who she was struggling with,

knotted up together. her ribs yelling at her, but not slowing her down, still wanting to fight until she physcially couldn't. that stubborn streak she shared with Wildcat.


Shiva resisted the arm lock but in the compromising position forced her hand. Her off hand would then reach out and palm strike Dinah in the side of the head; aiming to daze Canary and make her light headed. At this time she would use her legs to wiggle and send Canary's weakest limbs off balance forcing Canary to use her hands for maintaining the pin than going for 'the kill'.

Arrow raised his bow and took aim upon the Yakuza men, they were prepared to finish Black Canary if Shiva lost, when an arrow struck one and stabbed them in the thigh forcing them to drop onto the ground. Another arrow would pop open and wrap bolas around the second man dropping him onto the ground.


Black Canary Canary learned how slippery Shiva was, with how she managed to pull out of that arm lock. Giving a small grin, enjoying the challenge. Until she felt a strike hit her temple! she was seeing stars and was having trouble focusing. Feeling her opponent struggle andworm out of her hold, already feeling off balance from the blow to her head, and then being pushed about like this. Her sore arms slipping... It did force dinah to use her hands to hold Shiva down. not able to strike to incapcitate Shiva like she had planned. "We could go on like this for hours... until we both wore or broke the other one down enough..." bodies started to go down about them as she heard the now familiar whine of a bow. "You're a good opponent, it's been an honor." she said softly so only Shiva could hear, the strain showing in her voice. She was grabbing Shiva's shoulders now and started to pick up and slam Shiva onto the asphalt, trying to knock her out.



Shiva felt her head smash into the ground and feigned incapacitation from the blow. Green Arrow jumped through the glass and held his arrow aimed at Shiva. "She's down?" Arrow stated to make sure Black Canary could confirm it, before reaching to his belt and tossing the handcuffs onto Shiva's back so that he could continue aiming the arrow at her. "Hate to say this babe, but you look like a hot shower and an I.V are your next two best friends." -He waited for Shiva to get cuffed to lower his bow and arrow. Tapping his chest to trigger his microphone "Overwatch, send the police the notice; Detective Bard has his mysterious 'Lady Shiva' " "Already got that covered Oliver...I mean, Green Arrow."

Dinah held Shiva down, not wanting to take chances as she sized up her opponent to see if she was knocked out. Panting, aching terribly. Damn, it seemed like her bruises had bruises. and... it seemed like Shiva had broken her ribs, and her arms still hurt from being cut up by the window. She took the handcuffs and started to cuff those arms behind her back. she gave a weak laugh at Arrow at his joke. "yeah, likely, plasma is overrated though. and I perfer hot baths." she said to him with a wink. "And maybe some of the ramen they have here..." and then she heard Overwatch's voice... Oliver?! She was right. She just smirked at the archer.


Once Shiva was handcuffed, Green Arrow would sling his bow and offer to help Black Canary stand up, his boot all none too shy in stepping on Shiva to hold her down and sure up the archer's footing. "Here let me give you a hand." If she took his help, he would slyly use it as an opportunity to pull her closer, but too obvious as it was just enough to support her body while her legs got themselves straightened out. "We make a pretty good team, you and I...And I gotta admit, you look pretty damn good right now, busted lip included." Green Arrow said with a chipper tone. He would now take this opportunity to raise his hand to her cheek allowing her to feel the leather material of his gloves as his blue eyes scanned her cheek for the damage, his eyes would also look into hers as if scanning for any sign of a concussion, but to his best guess she was okay.


She smirked at him. "It's okay, I'm a big girl." she got up and found her legs were jelly. she stumbled and took his hand, feeling him draw her close. she leaned into him, as it was quite obvious what he was doing. She smirked as he called them a good team and commented on how good she looked. "I think I did a big part of that fighting, but yeah, we do. You think I look good now?" she asked as she could taste blood. "Just wait until my bruises bloom, I look even better." she teased. "They offset my blue eyes well." she smiled as she felt his hand touch her cheek. "Well, wanna get that ramen? or should I have that overdue date with my shower?" she ached like hell, but she wouldn't let that show. she would have to give herself a going over at her hotel.

Oliver was caught up in her looks, he had almost forgot about her request for soup. "Ohh...Um, sur--" Green Arrow would be cut off by a police car screeching to a stop and Jason Bard jumped out of the car. Green Arrow would frown and comment. "Looks like your boyfriend is here. Maybe another time~..." Green Arrow said with a charming smirk as his eyes had gone to the police car and then back to her. Green Arrow went to 'hand off' supporting Black Canary to Bard, but Bard rejected the gesture. "I need to take care of Lady Shiva..." Jason turned to Dinah. "Will you be alright to drive alone? Do you need me to pick you up any soup or bandages?"

Oliver would clutch his jaw at the concern Bard was showing for Black Canary. Preparing to speak, Green Arrow's lips would open only to see a crowd of people walking towards the trio. "--We have company." Through the massive crowd of people one man would seem to be leading them, Sebastian, the homeless man that had watched Oliver Queen crash trying to stop the Yakuza mobsters. "We had heard word that the crime lord Lady Shiva had been taken down...Incredible. You three are heroes to everyone in this city and I think I speak for everyone in this community when I say; you have saved this city and given us new hope." The crowd would cheer and applaud, as they stopped Sebastian would raise his hand. "Your work protecting our community has inspired us all,

so much that we realize that it's our responsibility to take care of our community. We must maintain our home and for that everyone here has agreed to support me in my campaign for Mayor of Star City. It would mean a lot to me and the community if Green Arrow and Black Canary would give me their endorsement and show your support for the voice of the people." The crowd behind Sebastian would cheer and applaud once more. Green Arrow was taken back by the request, his heart wanted to support the cause, but his brain was hesitant; a vigilante supporting a politician could seriously backfire and hurt the person and the people the man could help, especially with Green Arrow's history of killing his enemies.


Black Canary smirked as Green Arrow seemed to be at loss for words at once. and then Bard appeared. He thought Bard was her boyfriend? hrm... well they were both cute, but neither was a boyfriend, yet... and then Arrow tried to hand her off, like she was an injured bird to the officer,finding herself having to standon her own, she brushed Green arrow off. As she said, she was a big girl. she gave Bard a smirk. "I'm good I can ride, I have bandages, but they have ramen here." and then a man came up to them praising them, and asking them to endorse him in poltics. What the hell was wrong with this city? "I'm just passing through town, but I do wish you the best with that. But it isn't one person who saves a city or stands up, it's all of us doing our parts." she looked uneasy at the crowd, not liking the limelight. "Well, I need to go... I'll talk to you later..."

she said in general, not specifying either guy and then she slipped back to a nearby ally and got onto her bike, she would then ride off, cursing to herself as she felt her ribs ache as she hit every bump.



Green Arrow took to watching Black Canary leave and then shook his head. "I'm sorry, politics isn't our fight." Green Arrow would arm an arrow to shoot up at the rooftops and scale them quickly climbing over the edge and tumbling over the archways of them. He moved across them and tapped his com. "We'll have to see what new stuff comes up about Lady Shiva's investigation. See you soon, pretty bird."

Jason Bard picked up Lady Shiva as she groaned and leaned against him for support. "Morning sunshine, we got a few questions for you back at the precinct." He grinned and shoved her into the back of his car. More police cars would arrive to escort her as well a forensic team would come to examine the bodies. It would be only a few minutes later that Bard would be preparing to sit down in the interrogation room with Lady Shiva. The door would open up and a man with a polished beard and a freshly combed set of brown hair. "I'm Attorney Henri Ducard, on what charges you are interrogating my client?"

Jason tried to hold back his cheeky grin. "Amazing efficiency, your client is tied to a crime scene two men were found dead and I have traffic cam footage of her fighting two individuals. "I see...Given how two of the men at the crime scene were wounded by arrows, perhaps you're chasing the wrong suspect?" Bard frowned. "I find it unlikely. Two of the vics had their necks snapped." "And the Black Canary is a rising superstar who, if you did any research, is a formidable martial artist. This is the first time she has been involved at the scene of a crime and the...third time this Black Canary has shown up where there have been dead or dying asians. Her and the Green Arrow have been working together and yet you're targeting my client. I suggest we speak about this to your superiors."


Black Canary

Black Canary arrived in the abandoned parking lot near her hotel, parking in the shell of a building which used to be offices above a carport, now just urban ruins. She started to peel off her costume to change, but thought better of it. she was in pretty bad shape and needed her room's bathroom to attend to her wounds. She dug in one of her bike's saddle bags and pulled out a trench coat and a grocery sack. Wrapping up in it she made her way back to her room without much fuss, getting a few looks from people as she hobbled a little. She stopped at an ice machine, filling up her grocery sack. And got a couple gatorades out of the vending machine. Once in her room, she started up the tub with some hot water and pulled out her little medical kit. She took some alcohol out and started to tend to her busted lip, hardly wincing as it stung. She peeled off her uniform and looked at the already showing bruises on her ribs. (c)

She was filthy from rolling about in the street and the restaurant, and she smelled awful too. She started to disinfect her arms next. Downing a gatorade, filling it with water and draining that, while she cleaned the wounds. She shut off the water in the tub and lowered down into the steaming bath, sighing as she relaxed, a little blood flitting into the water. Oh this felt good... she replayed the fight in her head, critquing herself. Shiva was better than her, she shouldn't have won... she certainly didn't feel like a winner right now. Parts of her ached that she didn't know could ache. After relaxing a little, dozing off a bit, she dried off and started to apply bandages, glad the glass hadn't gotten her too deep, her lip was still bleeding a bit though. She had another gatorade, the filled the bottle with water. She drained the bag of ice and while still nude made her way to the lumpy bed of the cheap motel. She turned on the news, lay down and put the ice on her ribs, (c)

drinking water, knowing she was dehydrated and bled a bit much for her tastes. she started to set the alarm clock, knocked it off the night stand instead and started to pass out, pullng her earpiece out as it was bothering her, and was out. The only thing that really pissed her off, was that she had never gotten that ramen! (e)


The news would begin to broadcast "In startling change of events in the absence of Star City's available position for mayor from last year's Undertaking, a new Candidate runs unopposed to challenge the leadership posed by the police commissioner. Sebastian Blood is his name, he is a homeless man and volunteer at the American Red Cross relief effort in the glades of Star City, the hardest hit neighborhood from the Earthquake. The people of Star City are praising him as a true figure of brotherly love. The Police commissioner has gone under scrutiny for the past year as many citizens see his reign over Star City as pushing for a police state as the mayor has been silent."

At the station, Bard and Ducard would step out to meet the police commissioner. "Detective Bard, you have done a good job in this case, I'm here to tell you that your duty here is over. I'm transferring you back to Gotham effective immediately. Detective Gaines will be taking over your cases." Bard froze and tried to assess this new information. "But sir..." "Detective, there's only so much in our budget. I will send your new boss my highest recommendation." Ducard would smile. "So I guess I will speak to Detective Gaines, good night Detective."

At the Arrow Quiver, Green Arrow parked his motorcycle and descended down into the hideout where Felicity Smoak was waiting. "Tell me you got something?" Felicity shrugged. "Well since you let the police have our only suspect; Lady Shiva, what do you expect me to have?" the archer walked over to her computer screens and eyed them over. "I...There has to be something. The Triad or Yakuza are involved with drugs and I need to know why and how they're connected to Copperhead." Felicity would shrug. "The best I have is that Copperhead is some kind of super-soldier serum that is introduced through the blood stream..." It was at this moment Oliver saw the news broadcast on a second monitor.

"Sebastian Blood is running for mayor...If there's anyone connected to the glades and knows where the drugs are going, Sebastian would have the knowledge of who, what, and where." -Oliver patted Felicity on the shoulder. Felicity would tilt her head "So you're just going to go right up to him as Green Arrow? Hello, you're not exactly popular right now." Green Arrow pulled off his hood and smiled. "No, but Oliver Queen...is, kind of..." Felicity blew out some air from her lips. "Right, the family that created an Earthquake device that fell into the hands of a crazy eco-terrorist, I'm sure everyone Sebastian would love your endorsement." Ollie grinned. "If I'm not anything else, I'm at least handsome and charming."


Black Canary Dinah woke up to a beeping sound, bleary eyed, finding it hard to focus. How long had she been out? she couldn't even tell what time of day it was and the clock was somewhere on the floor. was it the clock? no it was her phone. which of course was in the trenchcoat on the floor on the other side of the room. she tried to stand up and her legs gave, damn she was pretty wiped. she crawled across the room and answered it. she smiled seeing who it was. "Hey, how's my favorite biker policeman?" she teased. "Canary, I need to tell you something. Can you meet me in half an hour? I'm on my way out of town." "out of town? find a new lead?" she asked confused. was she still half asleep?! "Look, I don't want to do this over the phone. Perhaps some coffee?" she sighed and tried to stand up, she was really wobbly. "I'm still a bit worn out, mind meeting me instead?" she cursed at herself, she never met anyone as Canary like this or show them where she was staying. She must be crushing hard. (c)

It also didn't help that she was too sore to go anywhere and Bard sounded serious,not takng her teasing at all, or giving it back. Maybe something bad was going down with him. "Yeah, that works. Where?" "Outskirts of town, The C'mon Inn, Room 7." "I'll be there in 15." and then the call ended. Dinah didn't have time to get her spare canary costume, and she didn't want to risk going too far this weak, she would have to get some food in her too. so she dug into the 'prop' suitcase she had for getting the room and put on some pink pajama bottoms and a matching tank top. when did she ever buy this?! not enough time to question. she changed her banadages while leaning on the sink then lumbered back into bed after getting the door unlocked. propping herself up against the wall as she waited for her guest. (e)


Oliver would go on to learn of Sebastians fundraiser in a few days, there was a sense of certainty in Oliver that someone was going to come after Sebastian. Within the police precinct, Lady Shiva would be released due to no evidence found in support of her guilt - the street video had all been missing and all witnesses refused to speak. The case would be handed off from Bard to a new detective. Oliver would contact Black Canary as she was awaiting Bard to arrive at her Hotel. "Black Canary, this is Arrow...I think I have a new lead on drug ring the kidnappings. Sebastian Blood is enemy #1 of whoever is behind this conspiracy. He's holding a fundraiser this friday...I won't be able to be suited up, I'll be at the party...I could use some backup, I think they're going to kill him."

Before she could reply it was when Bard showed up parking his car and moving immediately to her. "I don't have a lot of time before our flight. I've been re-assigned back to Gotham City, they took me off the Lady Shiva and smuggling case. If you leave with me now, we can be together, Canary." Jason took Dinah's hand and smiled. "You can quit all of this craziness and live a normal life." His English accent may have seemed charming, but there was a sense of pleading that she agree with him. A detective like instinct would make her question his sudden concern.


Black Canary

Dinah heard her earpiece beep and put in in, hearing Arrow talk about that guy who wanted to get into politics. It was all over the news too, she guessed the guy was serious. Green Arrow did seem to have a lead, and it seemed a little pat. the guy who just happened to be in chinatown and going for mayor is also likely having a target on his back? But if he knew anything, he was certainly a target, she saw what happened in their last two raids. And as she was about to answer she heard a car pull up. she turned off the ear piece. She frowned hearing about how quickly bard was taken off the case, had he gotten too close to something? and something else didn't see right, 'our flight'... "you've been on that case for so long and now you're off? and..." and he wanted her to go with him... like run away with him... it was crazy... crazier than fighting assassins crime lords in a chinese restaurant. She felt him squeeze her hand, it was warm cozy... and his words rubbed her the wrong (c)

way again. How could he ask her to give up being a vigilante, how could he just leave when they were so close on finding out the truth? and his tone, while charming, he was begging her to do it. "Bard... Jason. I like you. I like you a lot. but how can you just let yourself get taken off this case? you know there is more going on here. I can't just turn a blind eye on this now... How about I visit you when this is wrapped up?" and then she realized something wasn't adding up right. "Why do you wantme to go with you right now? We could try a dozen other things. You know I can fight and take care of myself and others. You can't ask me to just give up something that is such a big part of me!" her voice was getting louder as the idea that he even asked her to give up being a heroine just to be with him, started to piss her off. (e)



Lady Shiva and Henri Ducard would end up walking through a lair together. Shiva would growl. "I want revenge against Black Canary, she did not defeat me like a warrior." Henri would seem to be amused. "Remember who you are speaking to, woman. As the head of the demon, you will do as I say." Lady Shiva would suppress her desire and bow. "Yes, Master Ra's Al Ghul." Henri or now known as Ra's Al Ghul would wave his hand telling her to follow. "The Yakuza and the Chinese have moving our drugs and our bidding very swiftly. The Yakuza are calling for your head for what they perceive as a failure." Shiva would grit her teeth in fury. "I do not answer to them, I will kill--..." Ra's raised his hand to silence her.

"You do not answer to them, you answer to me...and as such, you have done your mission very well. Deathstroke craves revenge against Oliver Queen or as you know him - The Green Arrow. He is willing to help you get a second shot at revenge while also pushing our plan to the next phase. You and Deathstroke will kidnap Sebastian Blood, I doubt you can get the revenge you seek, but you're welcome to try so long as it doesn't undermine the our goals."

Jason would let go of Dinah's hand as he suddenly felt the ripples in his skin vibrate from her voice. "They're coming after you next, Canary! The Shiva's lawyer has placed you as the primary suspect. All the evidence of her guilt as vanished over night. Something is not right here. I...I don't know how to tell you this but, this is exactly how Gotham was before it turned into the corrupt city that it is now." Jason sighed and turned to walk away from her, rubbing the back of his head and neck. He turned to look at her. "Look, babe...You may think you got a hold of these things, but Lady Shiva and the Yakuza were big fish...but there's something a whole lot bigger at stake here and...I don't want you to get yourself killed! Can't you see that's what this madness will lead you to? You're going to get killed or worse."


Black Canary

Dinah was about to argue with jason, what he was talking about was crazy. How could anyoone think she was the suspect?! They had proof, witnesses... and then he said it was all gone. she looked at him dourly, not liking how he thought this was all so big ad dangerous. She paused a long moment to get her temper andvoice under control. "I knew what was the risk when I started this career. You knew you had it too when you took up the badge. But this 'madness', if we don't try to stop it, who will? how many people will suffer? how many more will face a corrupt police force and suffer? more than just me. I have no plans on dying, and if I do... at least i'm trying to make an effor to stop this. There is something bigger at stake here, and it's more than just me." she sighed, thinking it over. "you oughta get going, your flight will leave soon. I'lll call you after all this..." (e)




Jason shook his head at her last words. "I can see there's no changing your mind...And I can't just up and quit to play vigilante." He said in an almost guilt tripping manner, but her determination dealt a powerful blow to Jason, making him to be the one to give in. "Take care, Black Canary...Drop me a line in Gotham, if you're in the neighborhood. And..." Jason stopped as he got to his car door and then shut his mouth as he shook his head. "Nevermind." Jason said as if forgetting about it and then he finally coughed it out. "I don't know what to make of the hood guy. The boys at the station see him as a nutcase...but the people in the street see him as Robin Hood. Don't get too caught up in the fantasy." Jason slipped back into his rental car and watched her for a moment and drove to circle the motel's parking lot to exit.

It was a few days later, Oliver Queen showed up at the party with John Diggle following behind him wearing a usual business suit and keeping the appearance of a bodyguard. Oliver would take sight of the area and take hold of his cuff link to activate his microphone in his shirt allowing him to speak to the team. "Keep your eyes open. Whoever the master mind is, I'm fairly certain this is their intended target." Felicity would then ask with curiosity. "What makes you so certain all of the sudden?" "It's a gut feeling." Oliver said. He approached Sebastian and Sebastian did the same, both men extended their hands to shake. "Mister Queen, I appreciate your coming and support!"

Oliver would smile back at the man. "I believe the people's voice should be represented and who better than a man who's seen what the people have suffered through." Oliver waved his hand to refer to Sebastian, the politician smirked. "Thank you. You believe me when I say, I had no idea that was you the other day who crashed? Maybe we could be running mates for President, if we pull this off." Sebastian tapped Oliver on the shoulder playfully. Oliver responded with a shake of his head and a faint laugh. "I'm not sure there's a party ticket that would take us." Sebastian dismissed that statement. "Who needs 'em? We'll forget the old way and start fresh." Oliver nodded and picked up a glass of alcohol. "I'll drink to that."


Jason was right, there was no changing her mind. She felt a small pang of pain as he stuck to what he did. But as she spoke about how she was willing to make a difference no matter what, it as like a sidekick to his face! Her current condition proved it. hardly able to stand. Let alone fight. As he started to head out she nodded, yes, she would have to look him up sometime... and then it seemed he had something else to say. He heistated, then it came out. His feelings on the Green Arrow. And then he was gone... He wasn't wholly wrong. But, she was no maid marion. And now she knew, or at least thought she knew, who the Arrow was. But part of her still remembered that girl crazy rich boy who had showed up when she was practically a kid. And who he was now...

A few days later Canary was doing much better and she was ready for the campaign party. She showed up 15 minutes late on purpose. To make sure she would be seen entering the party a little bit later, than with Green Arrow's team. She arrived via taxi a few blocks away, stowed a bag on a fire escape, near where the reception should be. Then made her big entrance. Wearing a dress which must have been made of shadow with the way it traced her contours. Paired with heels and a golden necklace of a bird in flight. A name which Felicity had given her, "Christina Robins" was on the guest list, so she had no trouble getting in. She entered and smiled politely at guests, her posture and gestures of socialite, not a fighter, or grease monkey. She introduced herself to some other guests, and was soon laughing and talking with the best of them. As she went to get some punch, she subtely spoke to her ear piece."I'm present, thanks for keeping me in the loop." She took sometime before working her way to be close to Oliver Queen and new politican.



Oliver Queen's blue eyes scanned the room for any potential danger, when they fell on that girl who seemingly was stalking him again. He took hold of another glass of champagne and gave John an up nod towards Dinah. "John..." Both men took a chance to eye over the woman. "Damn, she looks good man. Try to keep your head in the game." Ollie would smile like a fool. "Keep your eyes out." Oliver would approach Dinah from behind and speak up as she reached to get some punch. "I think you'll need something a little stronger to take the edge off tonight." His hand would extend past her arm to offer her the glass. His approach was probably noticeable by the reflecting utensils on the table, but Oliver made sure his foot steps were at a regular pace not to appear deceitful or aggressive. He would move to stand beside her and offer that charming smile. "No boyfriend tonight?"



Just a slight shiver, gave a hint that her reflexs jumped a little, as she reacted to someone talking to her at such close range from behind. She smiled at the grinning fool. "At a political function? I think I need all the edge I can get or I'll fall asleep." she teased. She watched him carefully in the reflection of the utensils moving her arm out of the way to let him give her the glass, taking it without looking. He was moving at a causal pace, but every movement she made was smooth, like a wildcat. every action had it's purpose. Even when she finally looked at him and smiled. "Fancy seeing you here." she teased. she shrugged. "No, the only contender had business in Gotham to attend to. Anything exciting going on here? I'm riveted by long winded speeches.


He heard her refer to Bard had left town and that was incentive enough for that college boy desire to spark to life. "Fancy seeing you too. I'd hope you would find someone to better keep you entertained and amused while you're here." Oliver would come off disarming as his naturally charming personality was so much different than his vigilante one. It was day and night that seemed to be perfect; Oliver Queen was a spoiled and rich brat, so he played to that personality. As a vigilante he was a lot darker and noble, it was probably why Oliver felt a heart string tug from Black Canary. Unknown to him she wore her heart on top of a badge of courage. "You know, I here this place as a nice view from the window over there." He said with no direction implied, but he was ready to lead her over to a corner of the room.


And for a moment she saw that college boy again, so different from when he wore the hood. Some part of her was wondering if he had split personalities. "what a nice hope. If I find such entertainment, I'll let you know when I find them." she teased, giving a gentle prod at that ego. Although to be honest, just a couple days ago, she had enough entertainment to last her for days. Her 'dance' with Lady Shiva, left her out of commission for a short while. Her apt use of make up covered up her black eye and bruised shoulders. some light make up and a wrap covered the cuts on her arms. The only noticeable souvenir from the fight, was that she was a bit wooden when she moved, her ribs still hurt, if she moved the wrong way. "A window?" she asked in mock astonishment, "Whatever will they think of next." she teased and took his arm, to let him lead the way. "What is the view of? the building next door?" she smirked.


Oliver would feel her take his arm and with a suave smile he would guide her to the 'window' where it was essentially a back corner. "I was thinking...now that it's just us." his arm that she held would feel it move to wrap around her waist to pull her closer; allowing their bodies to meet. "Now where did we leave off the other day?" Oliver was ready to make his move when he heard the name call from behind them. "Ollie?" The voice was familiar and prompted him to freeze and pull away from Dinah as his attention shifted to a woman wearing a white business suit, short blonde hair cut to her shoulders.


Oliver would seem speechless at the sight of the woman. "Chloe?" He smiled genuinely at her. "I thought you were out of town?" She gave him a nod with a soft smile. She extended her hand to Dinah. "Hi, I'm--..." Oliver and Chloe would speak at the same time. Oliver: "My girlfriend." Chloe: "His Ex-girlfriend." The conflicted words made them look back and forth in confusion between each other. Chloe would look vaguely familiar to Dinah; as if they had met or seen each other before, but the details of it were foggy at best. If Dinah took Chloe's hand for an exchanged handshake - a flash within Dinah's mind would reveal Chloe's perspective seeing a young mechanic boarding the Queen's yacht years ago, it was Dinah along with Oliver and Tommy.


The memory transfer would reveal an additional vision; a mysterious dark haired woman with armed with a crossbow standing upon a rooftop. The first image could reflect that Dinah's memory was having a call-back with amazing detail to her past. But the second image would indicate something else entirely, the second memory transfer would indicate the Chloe was a Metahuman and the image she saw was something not from her past, but maybe the future? Oliver would speak to Chloe. "I thought we were still..." Chloe lowered her hand from Dinah and kept a straight face while shaking her head to Oliver. "Ollie, I haven't been there for you. When you left Star City, it made me realize that this is what's meant to be." Chloe gestured to Oliver; a hidden meaning known only to Chloe was that her words applied to Dinah and Oliver.




Dinah smirked as she led into a dark corner away from the others. Feeling Ollie's strong arm wrap about her, pulling her close, feeling her curves against his firm body. "The other day?" she teased as if she had no idea what he was talking about, giving mock surprise. Her lips mere inches from his own, as she looked up at him, lips parted slightly.

And then the moment was interrupted by a voice behind them. Both turning to see the blonde in the smart looking white business suit. Ollie seemed genuinely surprised, but this Chloe didn't. and then they spoke at the same time. He thought she was his girlfriend, but she was saying he wasn't? What did she step in the middle of? She would rather be fighting assassins, that seemed less dangerous! Ollie had said he was going to meet his girlfriend after he picked up his motorcycle the other day. She had been so stupid, led him on too much! And for some reason this woman... she seemed so familiar...

Dinah decided to step in to try to make things a little less awkward. "Hello, I'm Christina Robins." she said offering a hand in greeting. "Have we met before...?" she asked. and then it happened! She got a flash of memory flickering before her eyes as their hands touched. It was a memory of herself, Dinah the first time she met Ollie when she was fixing that boat engine! A much younger version of herself, smeared with grease on her cheeks, wearing that yellow cut off t-shirt and some carpenter jeans which had slid a bit too low on her hips! What had she been thinking when she wore that?! Walking with and teasing Ollie and Tommy. But it was clear. This wasn't her memory. She was looking at herself, like an out of body experience. And then the point of view looked down and she a glimpse of Chloe's figure in a white bikini as if it was her own... Chloe's memory! The detail was amazing! As if she was really there seeing it all over again. And then there was another flash. An image of a dark haired women with a crossbow ready to u
use it on a dark night... she didn't remember her at all, but the impression she got was that... that this hadn't happened yet... a premonition? One thing was clear, like herself, Chloe wasn't an average woman. She was a metahuman too!

And all in a split moment did the thoughts race through her head, a hint of surprise showing in her lifted eyebrows. And soon Ollie and Chloe were talking about their fading relationship, very much feeling like the other woman. The phrase 'meant to be' struck Dinah as odd, was this based on another premonition or something? was this something that Chloe could do? or was she just seeing something and reading it wrong?

She cleared her throat. "Excuse me, I need to visit the ladies room." giving Chloe a look as if to say, 'Would you like to join me?'

[Batman]

It was an awkward situation for most any normal person, but Chloe was a sweetheart, accustomed to Oliver's wandering eye, perhaps that was her youthful naivety. To Oliver, he was so accustomed to his immaturity, the awkwardness of moving from one woman to another didn't phase him at all. Oliver was the jock that got any girl he wanted and stepped on everyone in his path to get her. In the worst cases, Oliver didn't see anything he did as wrong, simply a privilege of being Oliver Jonas Queen.

Chloe would smile at Dinah and nod. "I'll join you!" Oliver would object. "Um, what about me?" Chloe would giggle and decide to have fun at Oliver's expense. "Oh, we're just going to trade secrets about you behind your back, it's okay. Girl talk."

Oliver would lift both of his eyebrows in disbelief, a sudden posture of self-confidence and defensiveness over came him. "Oh...I'll just...be here then." He said awkward and then watched the ladies leave. He then spoke to himself. "I'm going to do a quick patrol. That's right, that'll keep me distracted from other things."



What struck Dinah odd was how casual Chloe was with Oliver being seen with another woman, and even more so that he didn't see anything wrong with it. The only person who felt a hint of guilt seemed to be herself! And then Chloe took her silent invitation and the two started to walk off. She couldn't help but smirk as Oliver's objection of having two women who knew him so well, go off together. And then Chloe captialized on it! She was starting to like this woman already! "Girl talk." she echoed with a smile and the left for the restroom.

Once in, Dinah glanced about to make sure the bathroom was empty and started to fuss with her hair in front of the mirror, using the motion to disguise that she was turning off her earpiece/mic. "So, you remember me?" she asked casually, thinking over the memory she had been given. Wanting to play this slow, not wanting to risk exposing too much or scaring Chloe off. Or... make a really big fool of herself.



"Not at first..." Chloe admitted. "But I would be lying if I said you were the first person I've met with special gifts. When we touched, it was just a flashing memory that showed me what you've done. I can't control it as much as I would like to." Chloe's memory thought about Lex Luthor when she made that statement. "I got the feeling you wanted to talk about something? Or is this about Ollie?"

Oliver paced around the fundraiser meeting up with John. "Anything?" John shook his head. "No. How's your girlfriend?" "Which one?" Oliver turned to look at John with sober expression, John sighed with sympathy for Oliver. "You got more than one? Where are they?" Oliver bit his lower lip before squeezing out the information. "In the bathroom together." "Man, that's gotta be rough. The old and new?" Oliver shook his head and stared into the crowd of people. "I thought that Chloe and I were taking a break, when things went down last year, I felt I needed to get away from Star City. I felt like I failed." "Yeah, but Oliver, when you left you isolated yourself from those who loved you. That includes Chloe, you can't expect a girl to wait around a year or more and still have those same feelings. Things change...Even if you don't, Ollie."



Dinah's eyebrows raised as Chloe admitted she knew Dinah's secrets and what her 'special gift' was. "I do want to talk about Ollie... But my real reason was that I wanted to learn just what you can do.. I have seen what people have done to those like us... I have tried to rescue many of them. I was lucky and had an uncle who helped train me on how to control it... You may have seen what happens if I don't..." she admitted, a hint of guilt in her voice.

"I also wanted to see if you could help me... I'm trying to find some other 'special people' and I'm running into a dead end. Anything you could do to help would be great. If not, I understand. I know how hard it can be... I had to learn a lot about control, of my body and mind to keep my 'singing voice' in check. I might be able to teach you a few tricks too..." she offered.

A nod of Chloe's head would indicate she understood. "I can try to help in anyway I can. I don't have any kind of power ring or a magical lasso, unfortunately. I'm not much of a fighter, more of an investigative journalist. From my past team ups, I usually get Overwatch duty." She admitted humbly, not shy of expressing her flaws and weakness, but confidently displayed her determination to help.

John and Oliver glanced through the crowd allowing Oliver to spot a man keeping his eye on Sebastian, the man then suddenly moved onto an intercept course. "John..." Oliver said indicating for John's attention to shift. Oliver moved to engage and both men stopped to stare each other in the eyes. The killer in both men sparked prompting the assassin to arm a knife from his sleeve and stab at Oliver, Ollie positioned himself between Sebastian and the assassin, parrying the stab with a blow to the man's inner arm. The two men clashed parrying fists and punches.

Felicity spoke in his ear "Oliver! There's a crowd, be careful!" Oliver was and took the hits that would be believable; maintaining a brawler like stance in fighting like an inexperienced rich guy. John came charging from behind and tackled the assassin slamming them down, this prompted Oliver to back up to Sebastian. "Are you okay?" Sebastian nodded quickly. "Yes!"

That is when Gunshots rang out and the black and orange suited man leaped into the room from a glass window shattering it. Guards shuffled and with point precision, three gunshots hit one of each guards killing them instantly. Deathstroke charged at a forth guard and kicked them in the throat forcing them to choke before their inevitable death. Oliver went to charge Deathstroke, only to feel the Deadly Assassin's boot raise up and smash Oliver in the chest throwing him out a window with the crackle of glass following behind him.

Diggle would jump to his feet and charge Deathstroke attempting to save Sebastian, but the attempt was interrupted as Deathstroke turned his pistol and shot twice into Diggle's shoulder dropping the military man onto the ground in pain. Deathstroke looked to Sebastian. "Come with me and no one else dies." Deathstroke stated firmly as his single blue eye leered at Sebastian. The man nodded. "Alright! Don't hurt anyone else! If its me you want, take me! Kill me if you must."



Dinah gave a little chuckle as Chloe mentioned about not having amazing gadgets to help her, knowing who she was talking about. And she wasn't like her, a fighter. Hearing about her other team ups and how she played 'overwatch' before. Wondering if she had played that role for Oliver before, or just knew of the woman who looked up information and whispered it in his ear. Chloe didn't try to play hero, she just assisted. It was refreshing to hear some modesty after having spent the last few days with the Arrow. Not that she didn't have her moments too... "sure, I might take you up on that. Is there a way I can get in..."

And she was interrupted as she heard the sound of doors being slammed, loud footsteps, then guns going off! She gave Chloe a look of apology, as if work called. She started to peel off her dress, revealing her canary outfit under it. opening her handbag to pull a mask out. She rushed to the door taking off her heels and stuffing them all in a large potted fern as she rushed out of the ladies room. She turned on her earpiece.

She rushed into a stunned room of socialites and politicans. She saw the four dying guards.. and Oliver Queen getting kicked out a window in a spray of glass! Black Canary nearly stormed in herself, but Diggle did for her, only to be rewarded by some shots to his shoulder. Watching as Sebastian started to follow the man with the mask. Who on earth was this guy?! He moved so fast... his percision eeriely accurate. Meta-human? Cyborg? enhanced somehow, that's for sure.

She wanted to fight, but if this guy was this fast, and with this many people around, he would likely hurt someone before she could stop him. Only one thing came to mind, and she hated it... she hoped Ollie was okay.

Canary noticed Diggle was still near Sebastian, even though he was on the ground. She followed her educated guess. "Spartan, I doubt you can answer me." she whispered.
"but can you catch Sebastian's ankle if he was knocked off balance? If so, slap the floor..."

She widened her stance and forced the tension out of her shoulders. "Just let the politican be... we don't have to make this uglier than it already is..." she drew in a deep breath, ready to let out an ear piercing blast of sonic sound. Waiting for Diggles cue.


Chloe nodded. "We can talk later." Chloe would watch as Dinah left and did what she could to 'clean up' after the vigilante. As Black Canary took her stance John groaned from her question. "I'm down." John grunted with defeat in his voice as he clung to his wounds.

Deathstroke heard Black Canary and shook his head. "If you want him so bad, come and get him!" Deathstroke wrapped his arm around Sebastian and jumped ten feet into the air and out the window, his hand pulled out a grappling hook from his belt and shot it to the rooftop springing him up and away.

"Black Canary!" Felicity's voice commanded Dinah's attention. "To your left, a stairwell directly to the roof Medical units are on the way, John, hold on." "I'll be fine, Felicity...better than others."

As Deathstroke reached to roof a blackhawk helicopter came flying in and easily Deathstroke tossed Sebastian into it and then turned around to wait for Canary's arrival. Drawing a bo staff from his lower back he pressed a button and its full length extended revealing its silver shaft that was taller than his 6'4" height.

While the prior events took place, Oliver had smashed into a bush below the window as his suit was damaged. He climbed out of the bush and ran to the nearby black van that contained his equipment allowing him to equip his collapsible compound bow, a quiver of arrows, and the missing pieces of his outfit. He pulled the hood over his head and dashed out to see Deathstroke grapple line to the rooftop, prompting the Arrow to scan the building design and then dash to the edges to begin climbing up the side of the building as he heard the helicopter closing in on the rooftop.



Dinah could see the masked man's muscles flex as he suddenly grabbed Sebastian. The lunatic was going to jump! She darted after him, but he was out the window! Before shooting out his grapple hook, flying to the top of the building. She nodded to 'no-one' as she heard Felicity tell her how to get upstairs. Darting that way. Wishing there was a way up, that wouldn't be easy to ambush. She ran up the stairs two at a type. She could hear the helicopter. Great, he as going to get away. She thought on her way up. This guy obviously wanted a fight, he invited her to it. Would he run, or stay to fight? If he ran, he would already be gone. So, plan on a fight! she stopped as she got to the top of the stairs. She pushed the door open slightly, just so it would unlatch. She ran back to the end of the landing before the door and dashed, going down on her side, kicking the door open as she slid out, lower than he expected hopefully. And then she screamed, as soon as she spotted him, trying to knock him off balance as she rolled onto her feet. It as a short blast, enough to knock the man down, and if he had super senses deafen him. She needed every advantage. She winced, her ribs still ached. But she didn't stop! She dashed toward the helicopter, trying to jump on to it, before the pilot tried to take off. Even without his 'boss'.

Canary was later than Deathstroke expected; but unknown to the blond bombshell, Deathstroke could smell her perfume, he could hear her footsteps, and anticipated her arrival. As she opened the door and prepared to scream the edge of his staff would pointed at her already and fired a concussive blast to strike her in the stomach. She would only hear a "WOOSH!" sound as a blast of energy would surge at her; the blast itself would be a beam of orange with a gust of white air sucked in its wake.

Deathstroke would warn her. "I wouldn't do that if I were you...Helicopters are unstable and if my understanding is correct; your sonic scream could tip the vehicle over harming your precious politician and anyone below." His caution and warning would be made and if she proceeded to blast him with the sonic scream, the Helicopter would bank to the side to topple off the building.

Earlier - Deathstroke stood with the pilot. "When Black Canary screams at me, bank the helicopter off the building. It will appear as reckless."

Now - Deathstroke opened his arms as if helpless to make Canary's decision for her, but if she wanted to get to Sebastian, she would have to fight through Deathstroke.

Green Arrow climbed over the edge and aimed his next shot at Deathstroke. "Freeze..." Green Arrow paused and then spoke with rising tension. "No....It can't be...You died! Where did you get that armor?!" Green Arrow shouted with his deep voice modulator deepening his voice. Deathstroke narrowed his eye at both heroes. "The past has a funny way of coming back to haunt you, doesn't it?"


Canary had just landed, sliding across the rooftop, when she saw orange fill her vision. She didn't have much of a chance to try to avoid it! She shifted her weight and managed to roll in order to try to miss the blast. It hit her in the leg and knocked her across the rooftop a ways. Ooh, that ached! and her ribs weren't enjoying this either. What the hell was that?! His staff was still smoking. Lovely. Such marvelous toys... This masked man had knew she was coming, and was so fast to react! Was there any way she could fight this guy fairly with having such quick reflexes? Were his senses that keen? Her cry died in her throat, unattempted. She knew her skill, she could scream and not hit the helicopter. She remembered her training, hitting tin cans with out disturbing milk jugs suspended above them. But he was right it was too risky, and this guy seemed to think of everything. And he seemed to know what she was capable of, he had done his homework. Who knew what kind of counter plans he had for her. He seemed confident. Far too confident. And that would likely be the way she could beat him!

She rolled up onto her feet. "You want a fight? a fair fight? I like a good challenge. I just fought one of the best martial artists I've seen my life this week. Do you even have the honor to fight me fairly, like Lady Shiva did?" she asked skeptically. "No guns, or toys, or tools. Just you and me. I won't use my special ability. And I don't know what abilities you can keep in check." she walked forward, stood a respectable distance from him. Got into a defensive stance and grinned at him. She let him act first for a beat.

And then she heard the voice of the Green Arrow. He... he was freaking out! Great... She didn't bother to answer the question. She took the opportunity to strike! Leaping and doing a double hand strike at the big man's knee. Time to cut him down to size!


As Black Canary went into a monologue of events and her past, Deathstroke simply allowed her to speak. Once Arrow arrived, both heroes would hear Deathstroke say. "This isn't a fair fight." He charged at Canary as she charged him. Her double strike would swiftly clash against his power staff as he posted it into the ground and lifted himself into the air. An arrow shot towards him but Deathstroke's hands manipulated the shaft and watched as in a slow motion the arrow swim between himself and Black Canary as Deathstroke flipped over Canary. He tapped the back of his staff on her head and simultaneously he fired a concussive blast at Green Arrow. "You'll need more men, if you were looking for a 'fair fight,' Black Canary. As much as I like the fetish outfit, I have no quarrel with you, Black Canary."

Green Arrow the concussive blast came before Green Arrow could react striking the hood directly in the chest causing Oliver to howl with pain as he fell backwards and smashed into the concrete fence of the building crackling its formation. He planted his hands on the ground and forced himself to jump and tumble arming another shot he fired it towards the opposite side of Deathstroke; his intention was to give Black Canary a chance to strike Deathstroke from behind; a two-pronged attack, or at least this was Green Arrow's plan. He wanted to force Deathstroke to choose between one hit or another. Unfortunately, that would require Green Arrow and Black Canary to have control of the situation.


Black Canary had hoped that having Green Arrow there as well would be enough of a distraction that her strike to the knee would succeed, but her fists clanged against the staff. Damn he was fast! she winced a bit, her leg still hurt from that blast she had gotten from that staff. And suddenly the big man was flipping over her! how could he be this agile?

She felt a tap of the staff on her head as he fired it at the Green Arrow this time. She frowned, he was teasing her. He was obviously more than human and was using it to his advantage. Mocking her as he spoke about needing more men to take him down. Teasing her uniform. and he thought they had no quarrels?! 'Kidnapping people is starting a quarrel with me.' she thought but kept it to herself, now was the time to fight, not talk.

And now the archer was sending a barrage of arrows towards the masked brute. Dinah charged from behind, but instead of just charging, she lept, did a hand spring and flipped up to try and land on Deathstroke's broad shoulders. It was a risk, but he wouldn't hear her footsteps this way, and maybe she could bring him down from the top!


Green Arrow watched as Black Canary charged head first at a man she knew nothing about and there was no time to give her the rundown. Deathstroke didn't hear her footsteps; but he heard her hands planting themselves against the roof as equally as he knew where the arrow was coming from. Deathstroke was going to have his cake and eat it, too. His hand reached out to grab the arrow in mid flight snatching it and redirecting it to Black Canary's leg as she landed on his shoulders; his hand would aim to run the arrow straight through her bone; no doubt the shock and pain would come unexpected, but it was expected by Deathstroke and he would capitalize on it by reaching to grab Black Canary by the chest; gripping his hands between the breast of her bustier he would yank and swing to throw her overhead whilst his knees bent to send her balance forward and into his hand.

Green Arrow would move to catch Black Canary, aiming to wrap his arms around her and bear the force of her crash. Oliver couldn't believe this nightmare, whoever was behind this entire plot seriously wanted Star City to suffer. Though Oliver couldn't help but feel that Deathstroke's appearance is strictly a personal vendetta, the assassin practically stated such when he told Black Canary he had no quarrel with her.



Canary grinned as she landed on the big man's shoulders, her thighs suddenly gripping down hard, trying to choke the big man. And then she felt it an arcing pain in her leg! The arrow! He had somehow plucked an arrow out of the air then proceeded to try to drill it into shin! the pain lanced through her leg, forcing her thighs to loosen up. She tried to recover and grip again, but she felt his fingers slide into her bustier, from the top! feeling those thick fingers snuggle in between her soft flesh and the hardy bustier. He had a good hold on her, and she knew it. As he started to pull her off as he leaned forward, pulling her down with gravity, using her own weight against her, trying to keep her balance off as he moved to fling her. Feeling him do so, she grinned. suddenly loosening up her hold with her thighs on that neck, bending her knees pulling her legs up as he pulled her down. As he flung her off, her legs kicked back, kicking off him. He forgot, she was wearing heeled boots! she hoped she would be able to wound him a little, hopefully to slow him down. But it was so quick! she was flying through the air, trying to curl to roll in case she landed somewhere on the roof. only to find herself landing in a strong embrace hard!


Green Arrow caught her and crashed down with her, breaking her fall but knocking the wind out of both heroes. Black Canary could feel Arrow's warm breath upon her neck and shoulder as his gaze locked onto Deathstroke. Deathstroke would be struck by the heels only pushing him backwards as his armor protected him from physical harm. "So it ends the only way it could." Deathstroke's helicopter began flying away and with superhuman strength he would leap into the side of the helicopter and place his hand upon Sebastian's throat before shoving the man into a seat.

Green Arrow would slip out from under Black Canary, patting her on the arm and then pulled an arrow from his quiver before shooting it at the tail belly of the vehicle. The tracking arrow latched onto the helicopter allowing the vigilante to sigh with relief before turning to his comrade to kneel by her. "You're going to need that looked at."


The blonde heroine's lungs ached as the wind was knocked out of her, gasping for air like a fish out of water. Feeling the warm breath of the man underneath her on her neck, it made her breath stagger again. She growled softly as she heard Deathstroke mock them, looking over her shoulder in time to catch him leaping beyond what even she could do and right into a moving helicopter. Damn, he got away with Sebastian! She felt a consoling pat on her arm, it didn't calm her down any. She was mad and all she wanted to do was wipe the smile off that mercenary's face, with a few extra teeth knocked out for good measure. it wasn't until she was reminded about her leg, that it shook the adreniline and anger within her enough that she could feel the lancing pain! she gritted her teeth as she grabbed the viglante's shoulder and pushed on him tried to stand up. Damn, it hurt! He probably fractured her leg or at least bruised her to the bone. She tried to hobble back to the stairs. "Let's get our bikes and trail him." ignoring the fact that she likely wasn't in any shape to follow anyone. She had spent a few days laying in bed from the beating from Lady Shiva, like hell she would let a bum leg slow her down. "I don't need anyone to look at it." she said coldly. "Later." -e-


Green Arrow observed the pomposity of her conduct. "Canary! You're in no shape to fight! Don't be stupid!" Perhaps it was the first time Green Arrow openly rebuked the woman and scalded her. "He out matched us two to one. Our combine strength wasn't enough to stop him! I have a tracking arrow on the helicopter. I'll go after them..." Arrow tapped his earpiece. "John? I need you to take care of Black Canary and see to it she gets medical attention."

Unknown to Green Arrow - Black Canary was a stubborn woman and she was capable of walking despite the pain and vulnerability she was in. Green Arrow brushed off her fight with Shiva as a matter of survival, but against Deathstroke Black Canary could see evil in the man. The man's foot steps inside the event were purposeful, intent with an agenda, and with his anticipation of Canary arriving on the rooftop, his evil intent likely involved Black Canary or Green Arrow - perhaps both of them.

Green Arrow's words cut Canary deeper than the arrow in her leg. He had never rebuked her like this before. But she didn't get to be as good of a fighter and detective as she was by letting pain slow her down. "Then you better brief me on where he goes." she said simply as she disappeared down the roof access and into the stair well, working her way down, holding the railing. She found her dress and tore a big panel off it as she sat on a stair. She held her breath and pulled the arrow out, hissing softly as she did it, quickly tying the cloth about the wound, a makeshift bandage until she got to her bike. It was deeper than she would have liked. She might need stitches... But as she applied some quick first aid, she thought about their encounter running it through her head. That scene on the rooftop was staged. The man had it all planned and had done his homework. And he was clearly enjoying his show. He enjoyed inflicting pain and harm. To her, to Sebastian, and from what she gathered the history he had with Green Arrow. It wasn't enough to track this guy, they had to keep dogging this man, if they wanted to save sebastian and others.

Deathstroke clearly didn't care who he hurt, in fact he seemed to like it. A dangerous and wicked opponent indeed. At least Lady Shiva had her reasons, even if it was to keep her own power as a warlord in her corner of the city. She quickly exited the stairwell as she heard Arrow send John after her. She didn't need him playing the protector and nursemaid for her. She would zig-zag down the building, taking back hallways, just to try to lose John from 'helping' her. Deathstroke had a grudge and plans and they had to act before those plans did them all in.


Green Arrow would get the signal from John to respond and promptly he switched attention. "Overwatch, you got a signal on Sebastian?" Felicity spoke up immediately. "Yes, they're heading North towards the main bridge out of the city." Green Arrow nodded and then pursued after Black Canary and John. He approached Canary from behind as she slipped through the back ways of the building. Once they were on the street, John would arrive wearing his body guard outfit, which was a business suit and an ear piece. "What's the play, Oliver?"

Green Arrow pointed to Black Canary. "Get her to the Arrow cave and get her patched up." While his finger pointed at her he would command. "You will go with John and get that properly bandaged. Overwatch and I will keep you both updated on my progress. No one can handle Deathstroke, it has to be me. Go." Green Arrow turned and walked away prompting John to stare at Oliver before saying to Canary. "I get the feeling he's not telling us something...again."

Green Arrow jumped onto his motorcycle and stormed off in pursuit of the tracking beacon. His mind flashed with the memories of the woman from Star Fish Island, the way Shado and Oliver tumbled through the trees with their bow and arrows in hand and their quiver's upon their backs. Oliver, Shado, and Slade were a trio of crime fighting warriors. But after the death of Shado, Slade blamed Oliver for the recklessness of his actions. Oliver burdened that pain for many years and as he used it to turn himself into a stone cold killer in the name of justice, those wounds were being re-opened. Deathstroke should've been dead, Oliver Queen killed him.

Canary would hear Arrow behind her but would keep up her pace as he followed behind her. And Of course John would be waiting at her bike... She could take down John if she had to... not that she wanted to, he was a good man, just doing his job. But with Arrow still behind her there wasn't much she could do. She gave Oliver a dangerous look as he commanded to her on what he expected her to do. Chin lifted slightly, silently challenging him, he was stubborn too.

Making sure she was on mute as the Green Arrow disappeared on his bike, she answered John. "He warned me of going after Deathstroke alone or with him, and then he goes on his own? and he calls me stupid..." she pursed her lips. "He is very much not saying something, they do have a history. So are you going to let him do this soldier?" she asked, "follow his order? or should we make sure he doesn't kill himself?" she nodded towards her leg. "I've had worse, it'll keep. Besides, you know you can't make me do anything." a slight cocky smile appearing on her lips.


John was dead serious at this point in time, but he was very different from Oliver in a specific way - John knew his sense of morals and knew where the line was on every issue across the board. "I would prefer we take care of that leg..." He stated simply, no doubt to Dinah's dissatisfaction. "...But this Deathstroke, seems bigger than any of us can take on alone. If Oliver is not thinking straight, he's going to need his friends to watch his back. I'll get the car..." John pulled out of his suit jacket a pair of pain killers. "You might need these."

"Oliver, the Helicopter is landing at the August Hotel. I don't have any ground footage..." Felicity was reporting as she tapped away at her keyboard. Green Arrow would arrive on the street and park the motorcycle across the street and begin moving towards the building watching as the helicopter's propellers began to slowdown.


Deathstroke and Sebastian would enter the hotel with a set of guards following. As they entered a conference room, Lady Shiva stood by the head of the table. Sebastian adjusted his coat. "So, what is so urgent that you had to see me?" Lady Shiva was then suddenly shocked and narrowed her eyes at Deathstroke. "You're working with him? You lied to me." Deathstroke would remove his mask revealing Slade Wilson's face with an eye patch over it. "I didn't lie, Shiva. Mister Blood and I's relationship is not a concern of yours." Sebastian nodded and began to explain. "The city will tremble and fear about the crisis that vigilantes are plaguing this city with. Public sympathy will shift in my favor, a kidnapping that has a happy ending. I'll win in a landslide and reinforce an Anti-Vigilante task force because that is the demand of the people. Star City will be ours to do with as we please." Deathstroke then pointed at Blood. "Do not mess this up, Sebastian. After tonight, you will leave the Green Arrow alone. I will deal with him." Lady Shiva then slammed her fist down onto the table. "What about Black Canary?" Slade Wilson turned to regard her. "She and the Arrow should be on their way here now. I'll wait on the roof for Green Arrow."


Dinah's smile faded as John became serious and told her what he wanted, his concern and seriousness actually getting to her. But then she heard his thoughts, Oliver should don't this alone. She nodded in confirmation, letting him get the car, they should face this together. Even if it meant they had to be creative. She quireked a brow as she was hadded something. Painkillers. The protest died on her lips and she took out a few and swallowed them dry. "Thanks." she said simply, as he went off. she un-muted herself. "Overwatch, a word?" she asked, hoping Felicity would get the idea and make sure Ollie wouldn't hear their conversation. "We are going after them. It's a hotel, does it have any meeting rooms or private sweets booked which may seem irregular? like for long periods of time? are there any service cooridors which lead to them?" The blonde heroine having no idea what lay instore for them or how all of these advisaries and potential allies were all stacking against them.


The squeal of the arrow line would scream across the air as Green Arrow landed upon the roof and walked past the helicopter a guard stood by holding a small Soviet like machine gun, turning around the guard saw Green Arrow and raised the gun only for a swift karate chop to strike the man's neck, allowing Arrow's hand to grip the man's shoulder and force the man into Arrow's knee dropping the man onto the ground.

Green Arrow entered into the top floor of the hallways slowly moving his eye head perked and his senses keen on any kind of concern or worry. 'No! Not like that...' Shado's voice spoke into Oliver's head. Her hand came flush with his as she smiled at him beautifully. 'You're handling the bow like its a tool...Make it a part of you, Ollie...' Shado and Oliver's eyes met and became locked onto each other. Green Arrow snapped to and then saw the man standing at the end of the hallway wearing a business suit and mask. "Welcome Green Arrow." The man's voice was modified by a voice changing device - much like Green Arrow's was. Arrow was hesitant and spoke cautiously. "Where's Deathstroke and where's Sebastian Blood?" The figure would gesture to the walls. "Interesting name, Sebastian Blood...I'm personally fond of it. Blood is the life essence of all things. Without it nothing survives." Green Arrow pulled his arrow and aimed towards the man. "Answer the questions." "You'll be too late to save him, with a name like Sebastian BLOOD, do you think Brother Blood would not come to collect? Sebastian will make a fine addition to our collection."

Green Arrow was now puzzling it all together. "The blood banks...The cure for the disease...Santa Prisca. You're behind everything! Lady Shiva, Deathstroke, the Yakuza..." Green Arrow began gripping the wire tighter. "Make it a part of you, Ollie." were the words of Shado, standing next to him. Green Arrow turned to look at her when she vanished before his eyes. Lady Shiva stood in her place and the crime lord had said nothing as she pummeled Arrow in the face knocking him unconscious.

Felicity would speak. "There is a parking garage underground to the building. There's twelve floors with a conference room on the twelfth floor in the Executive suite. There's a manager's office on the first floor and a dance hall next to it with a bar..." Felicity shifted over to the console and then spoke. "Arrow are you there?...Oliver, come in?" A moment went by and she checked the comlink to make sure it was still active. She then turned to the communications. "Canary and John? Green Arrow's not responding to his communications. Be careful."

Green Arrow would awaken and find himself strapped to a chair with duck tape and an IV suckling blood from his arm. Sebastian Blood was next to him as well with an syringe in his arm. Oliver would feel his hood and mask still concealing his identity and glance over at Sebastian. "Sebastian?" "Whoa...You're awake! Green Arrow, I'm glad you're here. Can you get us out?" Struggling against the binds he found it was pointless. "I'm trying..." Arrow growled with annoyance to his bonds. Sebastian signed hopelessly. "Hey," Arrow spoke to Sebastian. "help is on the way, we'll get you out of here." Sebastian smirked. "The shortest political run in the history of this city. All I wanted to do was help Star City. So we could believe in a brighter future." Oliver nodded. "-That's why we can't give up, Sebastian. The moment we let evil win, more innocent lives are lost." Sebastian nodded. "Your bow is over there, on the table." Green Arrow spotted the bow and smiled. "Things are looking up already."


Dinah rode in silence, feeling odd to be in the backseat while someone else drove her in the car, she wasn't used to such treatment. Also, she was used to flying on her bike. The control and thrill. But they had to enter quietly here and work their way up. dinah nodded as she listened to Felcity. "Thank you, that should help. Is there as service or frieght elevator from the parking garage?" she asked. she looked at John through the rear view mirror. "that sounds like our best entrance. Overwatch, can you get us in to the parking garage? Most of these have key cards right? John, let's work our way up. She sighed and stretched a bit in the back seat, the painkillers were kicking in, the pain was a dull growl now. "thanks for your help so far Overwatch, I know you're limited with this building, if we can help you get into the systems, please let us know. We will need all adavantages here." when stopped she would have to pull herself on the door to get out, her leg stiff, unable to put full weight on it.

It may have seemed as a surprise or perhaps natural; but Black Canary's sense of command wasn't challenged by John or Felicity, neither of them 'took charge' because of Green Arrow's overly aggressive style of leadership. Taking inquiries and requests while also receiving commands made the transition feel a lot more inspiring than usual. As they pulled into the garage John parked by the service elevator. He stepped out of the van and pulled out his glock in preparation for a fight. "We should make our first priority getting Sebastian Blood." John spoke like a soldier, recognizing the Oliver could either handle himself or accepted the chance of death when he took on the role of vigilante.

Deathstroke would enter the room with Oliver and Sebastian Blood, approaching the two men. "You were foolish to come alone, Green Arrow. Did you think you could beat me?" Green Arrow smirked and verbally jabbed. "I did the last time." Deathstroke didn't seem amused and promptly grabbed Green Arrow's hood and yanked it down by the base of his neck raising his claymore to Oliver's neck. "Do you think I'm laughing?" Green Arrow could feel the blade choking his throat causing him to gag. Deathstroke's blue eye stared down into Oliver's blue set. Deathstroke looked to Sebastian Blood. "You of all people should know my anger is not something to incur...I always come to collect." The claymore lowered and Deathstroke's grip released Arrow shoving the Vigilante back as the assassin moved closer to Sebastian. Arrow looked over and snapped. "HEY! Leave him alone! Its me you want!" With calmness the assassin stroked Sebastian's hair. "Yes, that is true. But I do have a job to do." Deathstroke grabbed Sebastian's chair and ripped the syringe out of Sebastian's arm before dragging him off. "Who is Brother Blood? Are you not man enough to face me? Are you a coward?!" Green Arrow taunted to hopefully delay and stop Deathstroke, but the assassin continued walking ignoring the vigilante.


Dinah wasn't used to working with others, she had a few times in the past. While she was out travelling the country and honing her skills as a heroine. Looking into her own cases. Occasionally there had been a few team ups. She led them, because it had been necessary. And now she was leading Oliver's team. It was also necessary. And the two followed her lead well. She just hoped she wasn't leading them into more trouble. There was just a natural flow with asking them quetions while giving guidance, and at time commands. It surprised her with how well they fit together. It was nice having someone to have your back for a change. It encouraged her, to step up and to succeed on their mission here. Her steps were slower and stiff as she hobbled a bit, favoring her good leg as they made their way to the service elevator. Smiling as John got ready. She nodded at his suggestion. "Since there seems to be a lot of conflict with Deathstroke focused on the Arrow, if we can covertly rescue Sebastian, let's do so. Overwatch, let us know if you find anything on your end to help give you better access, we will keep you posted. I also want to see if we can get more information from the Executive Suite, we stil have a lot of loose ends to tie up here. Anything we learn, will be to our advantage." Once in the elevator, Canary would rest against the wall, conserving energy, keeping her weight of that leg. Once they got close to their floor, she shifted into a more ready position, incase there was a guard at the door of the elevator. If so she have given an uppercut which would have made her mentor proud.

The door opened and John followed Canary's lead as she uppercut the first guard knocking them back. A gunmen came to line of sight Black Canary, his gun pointed but, John's pistol fired first striking the shoulder and the arm of the man knocking them backwards. "Overwatch, we're in. Going silent." John reported and then aimed his gun to check the corners of the room moving with military strategy. "What level is the Green guy on?" "8th floor, 8th---" the conversation between three men was cut short as they raced into the hallway with Canary and John. Before anyone could fire a shot, John grabbed one and elbow struck them in the side of their head and forced their body onto the ground. A second man would charge to football tackle Black Canary, and the third guy stumbled backwards and fell into a plant before raising his gun.

Upstairs Green Arrow struggled within his seat, He tried to move inching it towards the quiver and his bow, when a black leg stomped between his legs and placed a woman's heel in front of his groin. Lady Shiva would grab Arrow by the throat and come to stare him in the eyes. "Black Canary is injured...how?" "...D...Deathstroke..." She released his throat and allowed him to speak. "Go on." She spoke impatiently. The archer paused and then explained. "I shot an arrow at him and he took it and stabbed her with it...What do you care?" Shiva crossed her arms. "I wanted to kill her at her best...She's damaged goods now. Justice is balance, Mr. Queen." Green Arrow stared at her. "If you want justice...tell me where Slade Wilson is." Shiva stepped back and shook her head. "Deathstroke damaged what's mine...So I'll have to take it out on his pin cushion." Lady Shiva cracked her fist and then smashed Green Arrow across the face knocking his chair over and onto the side.


The first guard went down hard. The sound of a pistol rang in Canary's ear as she watched the gun in her face go back from John's quick action. Canary rushed forward with a haymaker to rock the guy to sleep while he was off balance from the shot in his arm. The blonde heroine looked over her shoulder and gave a smirk and nod at John, a quiet thank you for his quick shot. Dinah Let John scan and clean the room as they went into the hallway, they heard the men, and then everyone was in the hallway! Dinah could catch John taking one guy out of the corner her eye. But she had bigger problems to deal with, like a guy tackling her! He was easily twice her size! She waited, squaring her shoulders at the man. And at the last moment started to turn and lean back as she grabbed his arms. Black canary was able to dodge slightly, but was holding to him. She lunged off her good foot as she went down with the man. The next thing the guy knew was that he went down hard but Canary had flipped him onto his back! She stradled teh big man and went to work on his chin, giving him a string of blows, she was pissed and it looked like she would pulverize anyone in her way! Canary rolled off him to take cover in an alcove in the hallway from the gunman. She tapped her earpiece. "overwatch..." she whispered. "he's on the 8th floor, quickest route to get there?" She would glance to see if John had the last guy, if not she would interviene with a canary cry.

The remaining thug would aim and fire a few shots as Canary and John both ducked for cover the thug went to run away firing his gun frantically. Glancing at Canary for her course of action when they both turned they saw no sign of the man as his footsteps dashed down the hall away from the scene. John proceeded forward aiming his gun to peer around the corner. "Clear." He reported to Black Canary. Overwatch spoke now. "Fastest way to the 8th floor, directly ahead on your left there is an elevator that goes directly to the roof." John waited for Canary to pass the hallway they were jumped before proceeding to follow her past it. Once they entered the elevator they moved to the 8th floor.

A blow would hit Green Arrow's face again and then Shiva picked him up off the floor. "W-...who are you? You're not some crime lord...Who is Brother Blood? What does he want with Sebastian Blood's blood? The yakuza...they're just a pawn in all of this." Lady Shiva would run her fingers through Oliver's hair scratching the scalp underneath Green Arrow's hood. "Unlike you, I'm not in the habit of sharing secrets." Green Arrow would grit his teeth. "I know you were the one who killed The House back at the ducks. I read the autopsy report, the man had his neck snapped in several places, his hand was broken as was his wrist. A technique used by the League of Assassins." It was then five men entered the room and spoke. "Black Canary is here. Brother Blood wants you to prepare for her arrival." Lady Shiva would smile and place her hand upon Oliver's cheek. "I am ready." Shiva then forced Green Arrow's head to tilt to the side exposing his neck to her. "Such a fragile part of the body...I admit, it's too easy. But I like the sensation of feeling it buckle under my grip..."

Green Arrow knew death was coming - it would likely be used to taunt Black Canary and get revenge on Deathstroke, he would have to do something. "If you're going to kill me, get it over with...Unless you're afraid Deathstroke will kill you." Green Arrow turned his gaze to look at the woman. "You might be good against someone like me...but him? He's a class above you." Shiva's blank stare watched him. "If you think I won't kill you because of Deathstroke, you're wrong. There is more than one kind of power, Mr. Queen." When the elevator rang, gunshots opened up and John Diggle looked to Black Canary. "I'll cover you!" He turned to fire but was met with a hail of bullets stopping him from even firing a single shot. "Damn! I can't get a shot in!"


As the thug ran off firing his gun erratically out of fear, Canary took a deep breath, but the man was gone.Just as well, she needed to save all she had left for rescuing Sebastian and the Green Arrow. She nodded and the went toward the elevator, going cautiously, staying alert with the number of thugs which were guarding the place. Again she leaned against the elevator wall heavily. This time she did not leave the elevator with a charging punch, they were known to be here now...

The elevator dinged and Canary nodded to Diggle, it was a good plan. Even with her bad leg she could take on anyone. Whether she should, was another story. But the welcoming party greeted them with a spray of bullets. Keeping them pinned to one wall in the elevator. "Just be strong for me and grab my calf." she sidled up to John, and climbed him, using mostly her arms, climbing onto his shoulder, lettiing him hold her bad leg so she wouldn't have to put weight on it. she opened the door to the roof of the elevator and hoisted herself up. she peeked down at John. "When I drop in, start spreading them thin." she found a ventilation shaft which opened into the elevator shaft. She pulled the grate for it free and army crawled through the vent. Once she got to the right place she punched down on a vent hard and came spilling out right before Arrow and Shiva. "Let him go." she said curtly as the asian woman held that throat. Favoring one leg, but clearly in a fighting stance.


Lady Shiva watched Black Canary and studied her. "I can't say I'm surprised you didn't bring a weapon against Deathstroke...Are you surprised I'm here and not with the police?" Green Arrow would explain. "She's an assassin. Not a crime lord." The words were meant to clue Black Canary of the task at hand. Shiva would swiftly smash her palm against Green Arrow's head; his teeth gritted just before impact indicating that he knew she would hit him. He tumbled onto the ground with his chair; the IV bounced and cackled with Green Arrow's blood being siphoned into a blood bag.

The shooting would slow down and Diggle would be able to fire a few shots before the guards began to close in. "Damn it...Canary?! You're on your own!" He tapped the elevator and shuffled it to go up one floor. "I have to find another way to get to you." THUMP! The sound echoed over the microphone prompting Overwatch to speak. "John? What was that?" John looked to the roof of the elevator. "Company...Deathstroke." John began firing multiple shots at the ceiling and then slipped through the doors of the elevator as they opened on the 9th floor. "Felicity, I have one mag left."


Canary stepped toward Shiva, her limp evident, even though she was good at hiding it. She smirked at Shvia. "I'm not here for Deathstroke and you know that. No I'm not surprised either." Dinah gave a look at the Green Arrow. The kind which said, 'yes, I know'. "You learn a lot about someone from fighting them. Canary's fists balled as she saw Shiva smack Arrow down, making him crash on the ground his IV coming down cracking as his blood start to smear the waters. She hear gunfire behind her and the sound of the elvator door closing as John apologized as he left. "Lady Shiva. Nice to see you again. Are we ready for another round? Or are we both left to clean up the mess Deathstroke and Green Arrow made?" she smirked.


Lady Shiva shook her head. "I wanted to fight you at your best, Deathstroke ruined that for me. But I already have fought you and you were beaten." Shiva began to walk towards Canary, when Green Arrow saw Brother Blood approaching Black Canary from behind. "Canary cry!" were the words shouted from Green Arrow. The words made Lady Shiva jump into the rafters of the room to take shelter from Black Canary if she were to try and Canary crying her...But the words and point of view from Green Arrow were different. A trained fighter knew what was ahead of them if they could trust their eyes, their back was their most largest point of vulnerability. Brother Blood stood ten feet behind Canary with a scarecrow like mask holding a pistol, he fired a dart from it that missed Canary and sparked against the wall behind her He began firing multiple darts at her unless she Canary cried at him.


"We fought, but it wasn't a good win for either of us. I know you bested me, but I got you down for the count enough the police could get you. And there was interference... No one won." And then Green arrow shoutedfor her to canary cry. Dinah smirked, and glanced at Arrow, he wasn't looking at Shiva... it was behind Canary herself! Shiva spran into the rafters and disappared. While she spun about Catching a glimpse of a dart, dodging it just in time. and it looked like this man in the mask was just starting... Canary took a breath and let a wave of sonic screeching smack the darts like a wall before slamming the scarecrow like man into the rear wall. the vibrations hurting everyone's ears, the glass in huge windows shattering. She walked backwards to where Green arrow was, keeping an eye on the figure. She had no idea who this guy was, she just didn't want to meet deathstroke again so soon.


"They took Sebastian Blood. This guy named 'Brother Blood' he was behind the Yakuza, Deathstroke, and Lady Shiva. And for some reason they want our blood..." Green Arrow fought against his restrains still helpless to do anything. "I thought my orders to you were clear, though. You shouldn't be here right now." Brother Blood hit the wall and immediately shuffled to his feet to run away. Just the floor above them, John Diggle was running for his life, using his last magazine to take down three men and take their machine guns for self defense against Deathstroke.

He entered into a stairwell and began running down it when a heavy boot smashed into John's back throwing him down the stairs and into a wall. John's machine gun fired off bullets but, none of them hit as they scattered across the wall. Deathstroke leaped ahead of John and cut him off. "For a bodyguard, you do a poor job guarding your charge." taunted Deathstroke who took Diggle by the necktie and threw the man down the stairwell with one arm. John rolled and felt his face and torso getting ripped up by the carpeted stairs and rug burn that was to ensue. John began to crawl and spoke. "Felicity, is Arrow safe?" John pulled out a grenade from his inner jacket and prepared for a martyrdom, but his heroism was cut short by Deathstroke stomping on Diggle's wrist. "I wouldn't do that. My armor is immune to the explosive impact, you'd only kill yourself." John looked up at Deathstroke with a leering gaze. "Better to die like a soldier than a coward."

Deathstroke's blue gaze observed John and then released him. "You're a fool for following Green Arrow." Deathstroke began to walk away, prompting John to sit up and hold the grenade. "What's your beef with him? And are you going to kill me or not?" Deathstroke looked over his shoulder; exposing only a black shaded face to Diggle. "If I wanted you dead, I would've done it back at the politicians party. No, I have better plans for you. For now, you're needed alive." Deathstroke walked away and down the hallway leaving John to sit panting from his wounds.


Canary listened to Arrow as she watched the Brother Blood guy hit the wall and scamper away. Canary went over to the bonds and started to work on them. "Blood? They're not related are they?" she teased. She smirked as he chided her. "I think you forgot something... I don't work for you. I'm freelance. I do whatever the hell I want. It doesn't look like you were going anywhere anyhow. You could say thanks." she teased with a smirk. she tapped her earpiece. "I got arrow, we're good. Doing okay John?" she asked. she looked over Arrow. "Can you stand and walk?" she was still favoring her good leg. She made their way to the elevator which had the stair well next to it. "We might need to go up to get John..." she said, waiting for him to respond. "Need help?" she asked into her earpiece. "We're ready to go."


Green Arrow stood up once his bonds were freed and he pulled the syringe out of his arm ripping the tape off. "I'll give you a kiss later." Green Arrow teased back at her comment of showing gratitude. He took hold of the blood bag and walked it over to his quiver of arrows to pull out one particularly odd arrow. He stroked his thumb across the feathers on the arrow causing the shaft to unlatch and open a small compartment that he placed the blood bag into. "Last thing I need is my blood found at a crime scene. We need to find John and Sebastian. That man you just saw was Brother Blood."

It was at this point things began to escalate; the helicopters would begin blasting spotlights onto the hotel. The roaring propellers gave the sound of thunder outside the windows. Green Arrow would grimace at the flash of lights. "Black Canary! This is the Star City police department. Surrender or face the full might of the law!" John spoke into the head piece still sitting on the ground in front of the stairwell. "Well, not the backup we were hoping for...They're going to lock down the entire building."

[Batman]

Canary watched as Green Arrow stood up and stretched, untangling himself from the syringe and confiscating the unit of blood they had taken from him. Watching him carefully to see if he was light headed from blood loss. She smirked as he promised to kiss her later to thank her, wondering if he was kidding or not. And then the building lit up! spotlights were shining on the widows, it was hard to see. The roar of helicopters was filling the building with noise. Great... the police were getting involved. And they were asking for her and not Green Arrow. Part of her wished that Jason was still about to help take some of the heat off her. But apparently someone called about her being here, who else would know she was here? Was it Slade? She went to the stairwell to find John there. "So, they want me, well they can have me. Arrow, can you find a creative way of getting John out of the building? I think I'll be taking his SUV out." she said with a smirk, offering a hand for his keys. "I'll create a diversion barreling out of the parking garage. Overwatch, can you hook me up to the police frequency so I can talk?" she asked with a smile. If they wanted a show, she would give them one.



Green Arrow locked gaze with her. "No, we're going to regroup and work this out together." The shadow was brief and swift as Lady Shiva dropped down on Green Arrow and Black Canary "HA!" Her fist came down to strike Green Arrow in the shoulder and then wrapped her arm around his shoulder. She kicked the back of Green Arrow's leg and swung him with a jujitsu shoulder throw tossing him across the hall. She spun on her heels and raised his fists defensively at Black Canary and John Diggle. "Sebastian Blood is on the floor above. If you want him, the clock is ticking..." John panted due to his fatigue and then he looked to Black Canary. "Are you gonna be alright?" His words hinted that he was prepared to fight Shiva with her or go after Sebastian. His pistol was out of ammo so that left him to brawler fighting.

Green Arrow rolled and tumbled onto his toes and knee look at Shiva from behind. A throwing knife shot across the hall from Green Arrow's side where Deathstroke stood, Arrow rolled towards Shiva, but twisted his body to face Deathstroke, with a swift motion an arrow was loaded and shot towards Deathstroke, before another was shot. Green Arrow was shooting as fast as he could releasing three arrows within a frame of one second, but the assassin would slash the first and second arrow, then vertically raise his blade to block the last one before closing distance completely. "Coming here was a mistake, Oliver. Either way, you or someone you care about will pay for it!" Slade's hand grabbed hold of Arrow's arm and with superhuman strength he swung Oliver's body into the wall, smashing through the corner made of two plaster slates.


Black Canary frowned at Green Arrow as he wasn't about to let her do her plan to just get them out. But before she could respond, someone helped make a decision for them. Shiva dropped down between them and took out Green arrow before he could react, throwing him down the hall behind them. Canary instinctively got into a defensive stance herself. She was blocking Shiva from Diggle. She smiled hearing the tidbit Shiva fed them. They still had to rescue Sebastian. But she wondered how much of him was left, and there was this Brother Blood guy about still too... She could hear John panting tired from their fight so far. and from what she gathered he was out of bullets. she nodded and gave a gesture with her head for him to go up.

"Yeah, I'm alright. Go up and rescue him, don't take risks if you can help it." she said to John, without looking back at him. Shiva was right, the clock was ticking. The building would be stormed by the police task force soon. Canary pivoted a bit as a blade came towards them, noting that Slade was on the far side of the hall, closer to Arrow. It looked like he was still ready and wanting to take Oliver out. Great, just what they needed... the sound of arrows and slicing could be heard...

Canary's eyes didn't stray from Shiva, but glanced beyond her to watch Slade pick up the Green Arrow like a ragdoll and plow him through the plaster and drywall of the hall's corner. she inwardly winced. Shiva was between her and Arrow, she had to wait. "Our fight still isn't over. You want to fight me now? or shall we fight another day? When we are both at our best?" she knew of warrior codes like Shiva seemed to follow, she just hoped she was making the right bet with her. "You know I won't leave until I'm sure the Green Arrow is out of here safely. If I have to fight through you to do so, I will. But I would rather fight beside you and get us all out of here." she said, offering an arrangement. -e-


Shiva's stone cold expression kept focused on Black Canary, she didn't have Deathstroke's supernatural powers. She was left to trust his ability to watch her back as she focused on Canary. "Our last encounter was not fair. Neither is this one, but considering how *you* aren't playing by the rules, why should I?" Shiva jabbed and shuffled to the left to circle Black Canary's side and jabbed again attempting to throw Canary off balance and corner her into the wall.

Green Arrow crashed into a fire extinguisher and grunted with pain. Deathstroke's katana would swing to strike Arrow in the head only to clash with Oliver's bow. Twirling the bow, Arrow managed to deflect the katana blade into the wall, and allowed the hooded vigilante to kick Deathstroke in the stomach before punching him twice in the mask. Ollie was sure these were hits Deathstroke was giving him, but a free hit was not something he would pass on for this fight, the potential to stop Deathstroke was worth the reward. After the series of punches, Deathstroke grabbed Oliver's arm and squeezed it before swinging it backwards and cracking Green Arrow's forearm splitting it. "Grrr-Aaaaaahhh!!!" Ollie screamed at the top of his lungs from the pain before crashing into the ground from the force of Deathstroke's throw. Green Arrow was gritting his teeth as he felt tears swelling in his eyes from the pain. Deathstroke walked over to Green Arrow and stomped onto the archer's chest to hold him in place.

"Do you think you know pain? I hope we have a better understanding of each other, Green Arrow. I'm stronger, faster, and will know more about pain than you ever will!" Deathstroke looked to Lady Shiva and then began jogging down the hall to leave. Green Arrow was sobbing with pain in his arm, holding it close to nurse it.



Canary just gazed back into Shiva's eyes, looking determined, one leg up slightly, to favor that bad leg. "No it wasn't, we got interrupted." she wasn't sure how she wasn't playing by the rules now, but it seemed like Shiva was ready for a fight now. And with that Shiva jabbed and shuffled to prepare for a better blow. The pain killers in her system were fading a bit and she couldn't put direct weight on her leg with out a lance of pain going up her leg into herself. she blocked the first jab, but as the second jab came at her at a different angle, she quickly caught onto what the other fighter was doing, she was trying to trap her against the wall! Canary hopped towards the right, away from the Shiva's shuffling, dancing, trying to keep balance and control. As the second jab came in, Canary blocked, but grabbed Shiva's arm as she pivioted on her good leg in an attempt to throw her into the wall! If she succeeded, Canary would attempt to pin Shiva there. Dimly aware of the fight going on just down the hall, hearing Ollie scream in pain. She willed herself to not look, she couldn't protect him when she was injured and fighting herself. She had to trust him to hold his own for a moment, even though she knew he had little chance with Slade. She heard heavy steps leading away, but didn't turn, giving Lady Shiva all her attention. "I can't control my companion's actions. I do what it takes, just as you do. You know I stand by my own code as you stand by yours. We are more similar than either of us wants to admit!"

Shiva was thrown into the wall but, her legs were swift and reflexes nimble. She shuffled her weight onto Black Canary and raised her legs to land on the wall Canary was throwing her into. She kicked off the wall and bound up and over Dinah, landing her legs onto Black Canary's shoulder in a remarkable stunt, her own hands latching onto Black Canary's attempting to use built momentum and force Black Canary to fall backwards. Shiva held Dinah's grappling arm and used it for leverage in the maneuver and if successful they both would wrestle-slam into the floor with sharp pressure beating down onto Black Canary's arm as it settled between Shiva's legs. Shiva would immediately follow his by wrapping her ankles around Black Canary's throat and her knees around Canary's arm. Her stranglehold was ruthless, their method clearly intent on killing Black Canary right now. "Don't fight me. Just accept it will all be over soon."

Green Arrow would crawl to the stairs attempting to follow Deathstroke the best he could, but the only clue Oliver would get was the ping of an elevator. He picked up his bow and began using the wall for support as he proceeded to seek out Deathstroke, Brother Blood, or Spartan.


Canary knew how fast Shiva was, her reflexes rivaled her own. Albiet Canary's were not matching today, the pain in her leg, was slowing her down. When shiva kicked off the wall, the assasian's grip on her arm easily pulled Canary off balance, making her wince as full pressure was put on her bad leg, the natural reaction to catch herself. And so they both went down. Canary's free hand zipped up protectively, used to wrestling moves. Damn, Shiva's thighs were crushing her arm! but fortunately as those ankles came up about her throat, her hand was there to catch a leg, making her strain to hold those ankles back, feelign that crushing pressure. The blonde struggled, but managed a smirk. "If you wanted to be this close to me, you should have boughten me dinner first." she teased. Inappropriate, but as Wildcat taught her, taunting was a weapon as well, get them off their game, make them mad or disgusted. She used the time to her advantage though, turnign her hand to grab one of Shiva's ankles, rubbing along under her foot with her thumb, finding a pressure point on the arch of her foot, before pressing in with her thumbnail, digging in sharply, to force Shiva to let go of her throat, ready to tuck up her good leg's knee to wedge the assassin off her while rolling out of the way. It would be hard to get back up on her feet, but if she could lunge towards the elevator or stairwell, whichever was closer, it would be worth it.

Not able to focus on Oliver, just trying to not get killed.


Shiva wore a pair of ninja slippers with wraps around her feet, the feeling of pressuring her underfoot didn't faze her as Black Canary would've liked, but it did give Canary a hold on Shiva's foot and ankle, which while non-fatal, could seriously cripple the assassin if either of them did the wrong move. Shiva would attempt to roll them both over using Dinah's arm to signal her in the direction she wanted Dinah to twist; onto her stomach. Lady Shiva knew by rolling Dinah onto her stomach it would give Dinah's knees the leverage she wanted with the angle they would be rolling, but it would've pinned Dinah's hand holding Shiva's ankle to the floor and allow Shiva's ankles to properly collapse around Black Canary's throat. Shiva would've preferred to have smashed Black Canary in the face with her fist, but both of Shiva's hands were binding Dinah's dominant arm and that was leverage she didn't want to give up for good reason.


The pressure point wasn't successful with that thumb into those ninja slippers, but she had a great grip on shiva's foto and ankle, and she smirked knowing that. She felt shiva starting to roll! This would totally pin that free arm adn she wouldn't be able put pressure on that ankle anymore, taking away her advantage. Dinah would normally allow such a pin, because she could then tuck her knees and buck off Shiva, but she had a bad leg, it would put pressure on that sore shin. and she might not have the time to prevent Shiva getting a good grip on her throat to crush her windpipe. Too risky! And Shiva couldn't risk letting go of her dominant arm, which would surely let Dinah break free. Dinah tried her hardest to roll the opposite way, to prevent being rolled, trying to free her arm from those powerful thighs. Then she played her trump card she wrenched Shiva's foot and ankle inward, trying to break it! at the very least the pain might make let her go. At least they would be equally matched!



Shiva's legs were strong, but compared to Dinah's hands and arms in the position they were struggling to stay in, they would begin to fold and twist prompting Shiva to growl with increasing pain. "Rrrrrggg!!" She at last yank on Black Canary's arm attempting to either break it or dislocate it, settling for a crippling strike than a killing blow. Doing the damage to the arm allowed Shiva to hold it loosely in her legs and then reach her hand to grab Black Canary's hair and yank it up to cause blood flowing to her brain to daze her from the strain. Shiva and Black Canary could hear the police foot steps shuffling through the floor closing in, which prompted her to suddenly release Black Canary completely, she would grab hold of Dinah's hand to peel her ankle free so she could escape and gain distance from Black Canary. "Now its your turn to enjoy handcuffs. Consider I owed you one."


Canary felt Shiva's thighs tremble as she tried to keep Dinah's arms and hands trapped, but hearing that growl of pain as she tried bent that ankle the wrong way was enough to make the blonde smile. And then Shiva changed tactics wrenching back at that arm, feeling the muscles and joint strain as it gave a sickening pop, dislocating it, the arm was now screaming with pain and was limp, she couldn't get it to work right, but the stubborn bird kept twisting that ankle, trying to break or disolcate it. But feeling the now freed hands of the assasin grab her hair and pull as if to tear them out by the roots. making her feel dazed from the aching strain. "How noble... fighting like a common girl, pulling my hair..." she grunted. as she was quickly losing hold of that foot feeling the assasin let go and pull of her, slipping from her weakened grasp, peeling her hand off that foot. The thundering sound of police officers coming, soon to surround them... and the assasin was gone, with that last barb. Her turn to enjoy handcuffs... this was so not over! Dinah started to crawl, using her good arm and good leg to push herself toward the elevator. "Overwatch... can you access the elevator yet? I'm in bad shape, about to get collared..." she said, her voice filled with pain and struggling.


Overwatch was stunned into hesitation from all that was happening, this was an entire cluster of madness. As Dinah crawled towards the elevator, John arrived to immediately wrap his arm around her and lift her off the ground. "The police are cornering us. They grabbed Sebastian. You look like you got into a fight with an eighteen wheeler. Where's Oliver?" The elevator would open and they would enter it. He pressed the button to the basement and allowed it to carry them down. "Overwatch come in? We need you!" The silence was haunting to John, their team felt like it was falling apart.


Dinah felt a strong arm pick her up and hold her close, she looked up and gave weak smile at John. "Yeah, they're gettin' close... I feel like I got hit by a truck. Or a really expensive Japanese motorcycle..." she said still trying to keep things light. she said what didn't need to be said. "Thanks. Good try with Sebastian... Ollie? ohh... He uh, went up stairs after Slade... I think he's in bad shape too." it was getting hard to focus as how her scalp, leg, and arm throbbed in pain. she cleared her throat. "Overwatch... get us a way out. We need you to put that beautiful brain of yours to good use here..." she felt tears in her eyes form the pain, but was too stubborn to let herself cry.

Feeling a little more secure as they were in the elevator going down. but who knew how far down they would get?


When the elevator reached the basement Spartan and Black Canary would see the level was empty and with haste they would move to the van to escape. "If Ollie went after Slade Wilson, then only luck can help the man now." John looked around the parking lot for a sign of escape. "I can't take off with the police helicopters and SWAT outside..." John was frustrated but, maintaining a calm nerve under pressure. "Is your arm broken?" He asked, trying to change the topic. Once she relayed her status he nodded and reached into a medical kit for a wad of gauss. "Want to bite down on this while I try to set your arm?"

Meanwhile Oliver reached the roof and began looking for an escape around. He was left with only one good arm and he was surrounded by police in pursuit of him. A helicopter spotlight was shining near him, he cleared his throat and then dashed out into the helicopters spotlight "3-2, we have movement on the roof - suspect spotted - Green Arrow, Heading East." The two helicopters trained their bold lights upon him attempting to blind the vigilante as he ran. He reached the ledge of the hotel and saw the distance to the next building was too far to leap and with one arm he couldn't shoot a grappling line while jumping. He analyzed the situation and then decided what he would do. He pulled out a grappling arrow and armed it to the bow and bit onto the edge of it with his teeth, he aimed high so it would have a greater chance of success as he wasn't sure if it would or wouldn't. He fired and the arrow reached the rooftop of the building next door as the police shouted. "STOP! Drop the weapon!" Arrow jumped and wrapped his legs and bow onto the cable, he leaned back and reached to yank another grappling arrow from his quiver and shot it towards a helicopter adjusting positions This time, Oliver used his legs to hold the bow curve and his hand to hold the arrow.

The line's tail latched onto the bow curve and the arrow latched onto a helicopter. Grabbing onto the bow and releasing his legs he went into a free fall until the line snagged and swung Green Arrow towards the ground. He swung just five feet from hitting the ground and into the streets but it was enough that he could release the tail and drop into a roll on the ground. "What the hell? Who is this guy?!" Some of the police sad in awe as they watched him race into an alley and rev up his motorcycle. The police cars would siren and helicopters would fall in pursuit. Ollie pressed the button on his motorcycle. "Spartan, do you have Canary? I'm attempting to draw the police away, see if you can escape."


Canary tried to hobble along if John let her, but for once let him play the white knight and carry her. She sighed knowing that what John said was true. If Ollie went after Slade, he would be lucky to survive or get out of here. The silence from Overwatch was almost deafening. She hoped that someone could help out Ollie. She would, but she could hardly care for herself now, but at least as she bought Diggle some time to try and help Sebastian. she slumped into the van as Spartan helped get her in there. "Hrm... we'll come up with something." she said distracted with pain and thoughts of Shiva and Ollie. Canary looked up as John focused on caring for her, she was caught a little off guard, by his offer to help her arm. She had been working solo for so long, she had forgotten how it was to have backup. "It feels pretty bad, I think it's just dislocated... could be broken. yeah if you could... that would be great." she looked at him as he offered her a wadding of bandages and gause. "Yeah, safer that way. Don't wanna make me scream..." scream... that was an idea. she opened her mouth so he could put the wadding in her mouth, biting down hard on it. Bracing herself for the pain, well worse pain.


By the time they all returned to the Arrow armory under Club Verdant, it would be Black Canary's first time in the armory The warehouse design was basic with arrows and a vertical factory lift that was used for Oliver's Salmon ladder workout. The team would see Felicity cupping her hands in front of her mouth frowning. "I'm...so sorry..." Ollie removed his hood and glared at her. "Felicity, we can't have our eyes and ears going silent on us when we need you the most." Felicity was shivering and whimpered out. "I'm not a fighter like you guys are...I don't hit people or get shot at..." John would chime in. "It's okay, Oliver. Canary and I, we made it work." Oliver shook his head. "That's not the point! The point is we are up against the deadliest supervillain we've ever met and everyone is not bringing their A-game."

John seemed to take offense to this. "What do you suppose I could've done better?" His words dipped in resentment as he folded his arms across his chest with his hard gaze on Ollie. Oliver met his back. "You could've done EXACTLY what I told you and take Black Canary back here so that she could heal and recover. You both deliberately disobeyed my instructions."


Hearing Ollie finally speak up on her earpiece, hearing he was okay, Canary gave a little smirk. Glad he was alright and that he was helping them out.

When they got to saftey Dinah looked about the odd warehouse like space under the club. It was rather strange. Why did he need all this space? Part of her wondering if he was trying to keep up with the Batcave. She listened to Oliver tear his team up to shreds for disobeying him. For Felicity freezing up. She stayed quiet, glaring at ollie unil he was finished. "Right... leave you there all doped up and hog tied while they took your blood and possibly do some wonderful experiments on you with all this research we've been seeing. it looked like you were really building their confidence up for a fall there..." she said sarcastically. Dinah was pissed about how he treated his team and it showed. "Fortunately I don't have follow your orders and saved your life. I was willing to take my lumps, and kept that damned assassain away from you. And I woudl do it again! so don't blame these two for just doing the best I asked from them. Cutting them down won't make them perform better. They saved you Ollie. That's what support is for." she smiled at Diggle, giving a nod of thanks. "I'm not used to someone backign me up. I'm glad they were there. And don't forget Felicity isn't used to this life style. She did above and beyond her experience here. Most tech folk never have this kind of pressure. She should be praised not chided for getting stuck. Knowing her, she will come up with new ways to help her keep moving and helping from all this." Dinah was up in Ollie's face at this point, nearly nose to nose. "So if we're done for the night. I'm going to take some painkillers and crash!"


Ollie watched as she fought back defending his team members --or making excuses as he saw it. "I had everything under control...I need a splint for my arm." He walked away from Dinah, not wanting to continue arguing with her. Felicity would step towards Dinah and speak quietly. "I know he's not going to say it, so I will...thanks for saving him and bringing John back alive. Same that I'm glad you're alright." John scoffed and began walking away. "I'm calling it a night, Canary do you need a lift?"

Oliver went into a back room to change his clothes, when he returned he spoke. "I have to go to the hospital. When I get back, we need to talk about a game plan for Deathstroke."


Dinah looked skeptically at Ollie as he spoke about having everything under control. She let him walk off. The blonde just stared at him, not backing down, even though she couldn't get out of her chair alone. She smiled a little as Felicity spoke to her. "No need thank me. A team cares for each other. I appreciate you caring for me too. Thanks for letting me part of the team." Dinah took Felcities hand to help get up. Smirking at john who was also bothered by Ollie's tirade, her anger slowly burning off at their kindness. "Yeah, I'm a bit far from my bike, it's still back where the reception was. Although to be fair, I may not be able to ride it well." a bitter tone heard in her voice, she loved the freedom of her motorcycle. she would hobble after John.

they were nearly gone when she saw Oliver in his street clothes. "we're out for the night." she said cooly. "You'll be no good planning, if you can't cool off and rest. Call me when you're actually ready and not just boiling over a bad night." and with that she left with John.

Oliver watched as Canary and John left, Felicity looked at Ollie and spoke meekly. "Do you need someone to take you to the hospital?" Oliver shook his head. "No...I called my sister, she can take me...Look, Felicity. I know you're not a trained fighter and you think you're not like us...But that couldn't be further from the truth. You're apart of this team because you can contribute just as much as any of us. When I see you make mistakes like tonight, it risks people's lives." Oliver's tone was clearly agitated and annoyed, but he kept his voice soft and an attempt to be sensitive and emotional.

Felicity nodded and explained softly. "I know that, but what am I suppose to do...what are *we* supposed to do against someone we know nothing about and you're not telling us anything. I didn't suddenly grow mind reading powers and last I checked neither did John or Black Canary." Felicity crossed her arms over her chest and softened her facial features at him. "We'll follow your lead, Oliver...but you have to tell us what we're up against. Tonight? Black Canary was more of a leader to our team than you have ever been. John and I felt confidence in ourselves for once, that we were truly doing the right thing. And we've only worked with her for what? A few times?"

Oliver took a deep breath and nodded giving Felicity a pat on the shoulder. "Go get some rest. Thea is picking me up here."

Dinah was so tired that night that she hardly had time to patch herself up a bit and was soon out. The next day she could hardly move, but the swelling had gone down a bit. Dinah promptly checked out of her hotel and found a new one. It was a dive, but with a wardrobe change and a dark wig, she took on another alias. She also went to a small walk-in clinic to get checked out, under the guise of a mugging. some strained muscles and torn ligaments. So with many painkillers and muscle relaxers she took her own advice for once and begrudgingly rested up. It had been too close to the last fight too. The doctor had thought she was in an abusive relationship and kept trying to get her help... nice. the only person she really needed saving from was herself. She spent her time watching some horrible soap operas and calling about to a few friends of hers about town. Sure Felicity could track down any kind of payment from anyone. But she had earned the trust of people in this city, who knew things you couldn't get from a database or record. Some bikers who flirted with illegal things as well as D&D. An old crazy cat lady who kept her eyes open who lived in the narrows. And Chloe. The meta-human clairvoyant. She tried to learn all she could about Slade's activities, rumors about Sebastian and Brother blood. Making sure not to ask about Shiva, she didn't need to get her attention again.


Ollie spent the night in a hospital recovering from his wounds from falling out the window at the party and naturally Ollie didn't remember everything that happened at Sebastian Blood's party, not remembering 'Deathstroke' or a helicopter on the roof. Ollie would hear from the news 'Star city police rescue Mayoral Candidate Sebastian Blood from Black Canary and Green Arrow terrorist attack.' Ollie furrowed his brows at the announcement. "This just in...Star City police commissioner and Sebastian Blood for a press announcement..."

Police Commissioner Anderson: Last night during a coordinated police and swat operation we received an anonymous tip that the vigilantes Green Arrow and Black Canary were behind the kidnapping of Mayoral Candidate Blood. Mister Blood has given the police his full statement of events and will speak shortly. I want to thank the men and women who helped carry out this mission and rescue operation of Mr. Blood, and we ask the citizens of Star city to please, if you hear anything or find any suspicious activity in regards to Black Canary or Green Arrow, notify the authorities, immediately. Now, Mr. Blood."

Sebastian stepped forward and spoke. "I want to thank the Star City police department for carrying out my rescue...Last night was...an eye opener for me. The police explained everything to me and from being close to the action and everything happening so fast, it thought there were forces at play trying to save me...but I was wrong. I was tortured and stolen from my friends and family by these...weirdo's in masks. I thought I could count on them and I thought Star City could count on them. But maybe Star City is better off without them. Maybe I wouldn't have been kidnapped if this 'Deathstroke' character didn't come here. Maybe our streets wouldn't be filled with violence if our 'heroes' weren't so quick to utilize that as a first means of communication. We need real heroes without masks, bows and arrows, martial arts...We need people like Oliver Queen, who him and his bodyguard tried to save my life last night. I wish my friend a speedy recovery.

I don't want to get too political but, last night was an eye opener for me. Green Arrow pretended to be there to help me. All to start a fight with criminals? Did they not think the police would show up? I pledge to the citizens of Star City. If I'm elected as your mayor, this vigilante business comes to an end. We are a city of law and order. We will hire more police and train them to deal with this vigilante crisis that's running a-muck in our world. Gotham, Midway, Fawcett, Metropolis, last year's Undertaking...Are these heroes here to help or to harm? So I pledge to create a Counter Vigilante task force. No one is above the law in Star City. Thank you and God Bless." Sebastian moved off the podium and the news returned. "Polls have shown Sebastian Blood gaining a 10 point lead in popularity and soon we'll have a live reading of his statement addressing the vigilante situation in Star City.

And Ollie sighed from his bed reflecting on this and then began making his move to leave when Sebastian Blood walked in the door, spotting the news on TV, Sebastian offered Oliver flowers. "Hey, did they clear you to leave yet?" Ollie smiled. "I think I'm ready to get out of here, it was just a few cuts and bruises, compared to time at sea, it's nothing." Sebastian smiled back and shrugged. "Well, no one can stop you. How's your bodyguard?" Ollie nodded. "He's good, Deathstroke did a number on him, but John's a strong man." Sebastian nodded. "Glad to hear it. I appreciate your friendship a lot Oliver...Do you think I was too harsh on the vigilantes in that speech?" Ollie considered it for a moment and then shook his head. "No, Sebastian...I think they let you down last night. I think they let us all down." Ollie patted Sebastian on the shoulder before shaking the man's hand and then leaving.


In Dinah's search, no doubt she would hear from some news source or papers "Sebastian Blood slams Green Arrow and Black Canary!" As Dinah caught up with Chloe, Chloe cringed at Dinah's outfit. "You should consider wearing sweats instead of jeans and leather for a bit...There's a real witch hunt out for you and Oliver's alter egos." When asked about Deathstroke, Chloe shrugged. "I don't know anything about him." Chloe and Dinah would be meeting in a little coffee shop, sitting by the front window on a small sofa in front of a coffee table.


Unknown to Dinah and Chloe, Slade Wilson walked into the coffee shop and took position to hearing Dinah and Chloe speaking, his superhuman ability allowed him to eavesdrop intently waiting for his moment to approach Dinah directly, to once again offer her a chance to step out of the way and let him torture Oliver.



Dinah sighed as she about Sebastian Blood's comments on Green Arrow and Black Canary. Nice, just nice. You try to save a guy, bought him some time from some crazy folks, tried their best to rescue him, and this is the thanks they get. At least they helped get the heat off of him from his kidnappers, so the police could rescue him. And now he wants a special unit to try and catch them. Great... Wouldn't be the first time being a vigilante put a target on her. And it wouldn't be the last time either.

As the blonde met up Chloe in the coffee shop, she sighed at the comment about her clothes. Were they really that similar to her Canary outfit? No mask, hair put up in a pony tail. It helped right... but black leather was black leather. She had a point. Dinah smirked a little at the suggestion. "I have black yoga pants, but no sweatpants. Have a pair I could borrow?" she teased. Dinah sighed a little as Chloe hadn't heard anything about Deathstroke. "I take it you have 'heard' nothing about the dissappearing people?" putting a little emphassis on the word 'heard', wanting to see what the clairvoyant's powers had been telling her. Dinah couldn't notice Slade in the crowded coffee shop. Only the man's size would have given him away, since she had no idea what his face looked like under his armored mask. His ability also let him be across the room and shielded by people, and still able to hear her. She only mentioned Deathstroke once and being an expert in covert missions kept the topics light, hinting only at aspects of the conversation. She didn't want to get Chloe targeted either. She was a nice woman. Even thought the blonde still wondered about how close she was to Oliver... Oliver... She felt a pang of anger and pity for the man, who didn't fully trust and understand his team, but wanted to help his city so much. As the conversation died down she gave Chloe's shoulder a squeeze, as if to say 'take care' and got up to go her own way, heading down an alleyway,

she would walk slow. If the police, yakuza, an assassin, and whomever might be after her, she would give them a chance to catch her. Better to have a fight in an alley and get things over with, than to lead them to her hotel and possibly to Ollie's team.

Chloe listened to Dinah and nodded. "I had a vision about a basement of somekind....There's a blood siphon hooked up to children....There's another vision, separate from the first...It's a military facility outside Central City. General..." Chloe began to shake as she placed her hands onto her head to concentrate. "Wade...Eiling...I also see...Jump City...2012...Tara Markov...Hive...Deathstroke...Deathstroke!" She said and repeated the last name. "I don't know anymore than that. That's the future, Dinah. Nothing about the past. I need to see or feel something personal of Deathstroke to get a better understanding. Do you think Ollie would know?"

Slade listened and found the new information curious, he didn't know any Tara Markov, not yet at least. The same applied to Hive...Slade would have to keep note for future reference if it involved him. As Dinah slipped out, he made his move to approach her before she reached to the door of the coffee shop, he approached from the front so she could see him coming, his hand moving to intercept her forearm as if to shake it. "I need to speak with you, Ms. Lance." The man's distinguishing features would be a white beard and white hair with a black eye patch over his right eye. "You don't know me, but consider we share a mutual interest in the professional sense." Slade spoke like a gentlemen and a soldier, if she touched his arm she could feel his incredible strength and the manner in which he spoke was very much that of a covert operations specialist and not just some old man.

"We need to talk about Oliver Queen." He would gesture to the area. "Where ever you'd prefer to speak." He extended the courtesy to her on the venue.


Dinah bit her lip a she watched Chloe use her ability. A glimpse of the future... it didn't sound promising. But to her at least, the future was often just a foreshadow of what 'could' happen, if current events kept going on the same path. She just hoped that she could help change that path... Deathstroke was a formidable opponent. And he knew what he was up against... She gave Chloe a nod. "Thanks for 'listening'." she said with a smirk. "Ollie may know something, but he has his secrets, we will have to see what he will share. He might also have something of that 'friend's', you never know."
Dinah thought about the names and a hive... a terrorist cell? she had no idea. Perhaps these things hadn't happened yet. She didn't know. she will have to talk to Felicity, maybe she could find some details...

And then her thoughts and exit were blocked. A large man was intercepting her. So much for exiting down an alley. And he knew her name. She lifted her hand to accept that offered handshake. The blonde sized him up. He was polite, spoke carefully. Obviously in the know of certain things. and clearly a soldier, likely something covert. So this man clearly had business with her and Ollie. professional sense... great. Well, she had to bite on this obvious bait. Besides it was clear he wouldn't take 'no' easily... "Let's take a walk..." she offered guiding him out of the coffee shop. Walking down the public street towards a nearby mall. Keeping things public, would be in her own best interest here. It would discourage a fight and if something did happen she would have the space and opportunity to get away. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage... you know my name, but I don't have yours..." Her voice going up a bit at the end, hanging... waiting for his response.


"Slade. Slade Wilson." He responded simply as they walked out onto the street his blue business suit would flap open revealing a white dress shirt and a blue tie with golden patterned stars. The man was wealthy but, didn't seem to flaunt it like most men of Bruce Wayne or Oliver Queen's caliber did. He buttoned his suit jacket as he walked with her by the side. "I've come to tell you to separate paths from Oliver Queen, darling. He will only bring you pain and anguish, as he has brought me." Slade stopped mid pace to look at her with his blue eye giving a sense of his compassion and yet rage given the subject of the matter. "As you were told on the roof of Sebastian's fundraiser...This doesn't involve you." He began walking again looking to the street and the surroundings to maintain a CIA level of casualness to his profile. "Oliver Queen betrayed and killed a mutual friend of ours, Shado. I do not respect traitors or honorless men, you owe him no loyalty and there's no reason you should die because of him."


Slade Wilson... she would have to gather some intel and see if he was using an alias. But she could tell he was wealthy, tailored suits often came with such things, but he wasn't as... loud or obvious, as other playboy millionaires she knew. She watched how he moved, keeping things casual as they talked and walked together. Damn, he was well trained. CIA level. great... She gave a low chuckle as he spoke about not staying on the path with Oliver. "I am perfectly good at bringing my own pain and suffering on myself. I don't really need his help. If anything... I'm using him to get what I want." she said with a little smirk. She pursed her lips slightly as he spoke about the rooftop conversation. Holy crap! He knew the conversation. Either he had good intel, was a leader in some of this, or he was Deathstroke himself... he had the build... Those were the only ways he would know of that conversation... she let a long awkward pause follow his little speech. "I appreciate your warning. And I'm sorry about your friend. We all have lost those we are close to..." she sighed softly. "No, I don't owe him anything. And I don't plan on dying yet. But there are missing people in danger. And I must find them. To keep them from being exploited or worse. If they are free, I have little reason to stay here. But until I know they are safe. I'm staying." she said flatly. Pushing her shoulders back defiantly.

Slade observed her and listened carefully. "You're referring to the Yakuza and their ties to copperhead. Then you're wasting your time. They left last night, Lady Shiva has remained strictly to partner with me so she can kill you, but we didn't agree that I wouldn't be allowed to converse with you. Shiva is heading to Hong Kong, the Yakuza are heading back to Japan along with a shipment of those missing children." Slade pulled out of his pocket a transponder and handed it to her. "This is the ship's frequency, they have a one day head start on you. Regardless of what you or Green Arrow's team may think of me, I am not a monster. All of this is because of Oliver Queen." A limousine would pull up on the street and Slade would stop to nod at Dinah. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Miss Lance. I hope in the future, we may be considered allies than enemies. Don't send any wedding invitations."

[Batman]

Black Canary She noticed how Slade observed her, as if weighing her reactions. She frowned as he talked about the Yakuza experiment and there was the name of Copperhead again. Those experiments in south america she had heard about... and it was clear he was working with Lady Shiva. Or she was using him to try and killer. Until today, she had never heard of her. What did she do to piss her off?! As he reached into his pocket, she had to supress the urge to defend herself, and then she saw the transponder. She blinked surprised he was helping her. She wasn't sure why he kept blaming things on Ollie. There was obviously some grudge. She gave a tight lipped smile and gave nod. "Thank you." she said softly, thanking him for the transponder. A day ahead of her... she could take a speedboat or even a plane and get there in time... her mind already starting to go over plans and details when he said that last line. she blinked caught off guard. "wedding?! whose... you don't mean..." she made a face. (c)

Black Canary Sure she had feeling for Ollie but not... she swallowed a bit hard. Once he left she tapped her earpiece. "Overwatch. I got details, the hostages are on a ship to Japan. I'll need transport. Also I'll need to talk to our friend." she was already running down the alley to her bike, making her way to towards the 'arrow cave'. (e)


Slade's reference to a wedding wasn't about her and Oliver, as it seemed Oliver would be out of the picture. Slade's words would be aimed to remind her of that wound in her ankle with Green Arrow's arrow head piercing through her when they double teamed Deathstroke. Green Arrow would lash out at Black Canary and John Diggle about Deathstroke, stating the man was dead and only Oliver could confront this ghost. This cowboy approach resulted in Green Arrow being captured by Deathstroke and Lady Shiva as a trap that almost got all three of them killed and the Star City police hunting Black Canary as a criminal fugitive. Her reputation as a hero was being tarnished ever since teaming up with Green Arrow.

Overwatch would inform Oliver that Black Canary wanted to speak with him and at his convenience Oliver would arrive in the Arrow cave and talk with Felicity. "Deathstroke is pulling the strings to Brother Blood...If we get Brother Blood we can find out where Deathstroke is and stop him once and for all." Ollie would tap his hand on the workbench full of arrows as his gaze scanned the arrow heads he had made. Felicity sat in her computer chair and scoffed. "How are we supposed to fight Deathstroke when we hardly know anything about him? We know even less about Brother Blood other than he's got a pint of Oliver Queen's blood."



Black Canary Dinah, still clad in her street clothes let herself into the the Arrow Cave, she was just hearing the tail end of his conversation between the archer and the computer expert. "Deathstroke... he wants you dead doesn't he? You know you're putting this team at risk by not telling them what all you know about him. No one goes into a boxing ring without sizing up their opponent. Or at least they shouldn't." she wouldn't admit how often she did that herself. "I have a feeling this all goes back to Slade Wilson, doesn't it?" she placed the transponder on Felcity's desk. "The hostages were shipped out. I'm going after them. If any of you want to join me, I welcome the support." she then gave Ollie a frosty glance. "But I'm not fighting Deathstroke. Not yet, he is a smaller target than ensuring these kids are safe. After that, call me I'll help out. But last time you went after him on your own, you almost got me and Diggle killed. You either need to step and share so we can plan this, (c)

or let him go so we can catch him in the act. Regardless, I'm not slowing down from rescuing these kids." she turned to focus back on Felicity. "Please tell me there's a speedboat or something I can use." It was a time to make judgement calls and prioritize. If she let these kids go out to sea one more day, there may be no finding them out on the open waters. (e)

Felicity's expression of conversation shifted to be serious and take on the task she was given. Oliver would look at Dinah as if in disbelief. "This does have to do with Slade Wilson. You're in no position to tell me about jumping into the ring unprepared. You joined up with a criminal street gang to get close, you were lucky that Detective Bard was undercover and capable enough to watch your back. Right now he's not here and we are. And as long as I'm the leader of this team, we handle Deathstroke my way because none of you know what he's capable of and I do."

Felicity threw her hand into the air and shouted to the two. "Got it!" She turned around in her chair to look regretful of her interruption. "Do you two want to continue yelling at each other or do you want to go save some kids? They're almost at the half-way point to Japan, inside international waters...You'll need something a lot faster than a speed boat to catch them. There's a private flight taking off out of Star City Airport, it leaves in 1 hour. It'll be hard to sneak on a whole crew of vigilante's, but maybe one or two of you could sweet talk your way on board?"

Oliver would shake his head. "I'm not going." He looked to Dinah and gave her an understanding nod. "Go save those kids, last I checked we haven't quit being superheroes and if there's anything that is clear cut right now in all of this confusion, it's this." Ollie bit his lower lip as he was clearly frustrated and angry with her, but those feelings needed to be stifled for now.


Black Canary Dinah stood chin out a bit defiantly as Oliver roared at her. She knew she took risks she shouldn't, but that wasn't what she would do for Felicity and Diggle. It was okay to put one's self in harm, not your team. Not like what Ollie would do. She didn't care that he threw it back in her face, but obviously Felicity did. This wasn't mom and dad fighting, but it was clear the techie blonde didn't like being caught up in the middle of it. She nodded as she heard about the private plane. "Thanks, I owe you one." she said softly to Felicity. Adn then Ollie spoke up. Well, he gave her his blessing to go. Despite looking like he wanted to either punch her or kiss her. Perhaps both. She gave him a curt nod. "Good luck then. I'll see you all later." as she passed Felicity she whispered, "Keep me up to date." and with that she was gone. (c)

Black Canary Soon she was roaring towards the airport on her bike, seeking to find this private flight. She stoped in the airport's bathroom with her travel pack, coming out in a cute pink ruffle skirt and a white blouse, scarf about her neck. Sweet talk to get aboard a plane, sure thing Felicity. Even her makeup had been touched up, matching shades of pink. She was contemplating whether she would have to steal a parachute or would have to threaten the pilot, better to size up the situation first. Part of her thought about Ollie, she sure hoped he wasn't doing something stupid. (e)

Oliver's next big lead would occur only minutes later. As the television broadcast would have the voice addressing the city. "Citizens of Star City. I have successfully taken control of all blood banks in Star City and have contaminated them with poison. Emergency services will be delayed as the culling of the weak shall begin. Any additional serviced blood banks will face risk of contamination by my agents...That is, unless the Green Arrow reveals his identity to me. What shall it be, Green Arrow? Your life or your city's?"

As Dinah went to board the private jet, she would see the owner walking up the flight of stairs gripping the railings as he moved. When she called for his attention he would shift and reveal to be Slade Wilson, with a knowing smile he looked at her. "Time is short, we should get underway." It was at this point a man in a trench coat approached Dinah from behind. "It would be wise to follow." He offered his hand to her. "John Lynch, a pleasure. Who are you?" John spoke as he walked ahead of her to get on the plane where the passengers in the back revealed to be Slade Wilson, who she knew but two additional people she didn't know...yet; Amanda Waller and Alex Fairchild.



"It's a trap." Felicity stated to Oliver and John at which point Oliver smirked. "Of course it is." Ollie was looking at his equipment and analyzing how he could conceal weaponry to escape. John would speak. "Knowing it's a trap, the only thing we can do is prepare for Lady Shiva, Deathstroke, and Brother Blood all at the same time. And without Black Canary." Ollie would think for a moment. "We can reach out to Roy. John and Roy can back me up."