The Return of the Queens

Chapter 57

At the next family dinner, Emiko thought that it was time for her to come clean about some of her past, especially the part of being part of the Ninth Circle. She knew that this could end all the progress that she had made with Oliver and Thea, but she knew that it had to be done for them all to continue to move forward.

"Not that we aren't happy to be invited to your apartment for dinner Emiko, but you said you had something important to tell us." Oliver said.

"Yes, I do, but I think we should wait until after dinner. It might make you look at me differently once you know." Emiko said.

"I doubt that will happen." Thea said.

"Well, I guess we will find out when I tell you. So, let's get to the meal so I can get this over with." Emiko said as the family sat down to eat.

The group that was at dinner included Oliver, Laurel, Thea, Sara, Conner, Olivia, Nora, Emiko, and Kuzumi. Conversation was had and nothing seemed to be awkward since there was going to be a big announcement later on Emiko's part. Once dinner was over and everyone was ready, Emiko stood up and she looked very nervous.

"I just want to say that I have really enjoyed being a part of this family and I hope that things don't change once I tell you what I am about to." Emiko said.

"It won't. You need to trust us when we tell you that. We have all done things that we aren't proud of, and we have all forgiven each other for it. Now we will do the same for you." Laurel said.

"I hope you continue to think that when I am done. Well, here goes. I was traveling a lot in the past like I said, but it was with a group known as the Ninth Circle. I joined up when dad decided he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. The leader at the time, who was Dante, took me in and treated me as though I was his own blood. I worked my way up through the ranks and I was the leader until I was thrown out. The group knew that I wanted revenge on dad for what he did to me, and they had no confidence in me because of that. You knew the reason that I really came in for the job interview Oliver and you called me on it. Everything has changed now, and I know that you and Thea are not like dad, and I couldn't thank you more for what you have done for me since I joined the company. I just hope you still want me there after what I just told you." Emiko said.

"That is a lot to take in and if we didn't know that you had changed your ways, we might not be so excepting. That being said I think you did the right thing coming to us with this information. I just have one question though. Do we need to worry about the Ninth Circle attacking the city?" Oliver asked.

"I am really not sure since I am not in charge anymore. It is possible that they will come after me because I am an ex-member of the group, and you normally can't leave until you are dead." Emiko said.

"Ok. So, if they do come, what would we need to be looking for?" Thea asked.

"They would come after me, but in doing that, they will not be scared to take out the whole city just to make sure that I am dead." Emiko said.

"Well, we aren't going to let that happen. What kind of skills do you have, fighting wise?" Oliver asked.

"I am trained in multiple forms of martial arts and just like my brother and sister, I am an archer." Emiko said.

"It is obviously a family thing." Laurel said and Thea nodded.

"What is the Ninth Circle's go to form of weapon?" Oliver asked ignoring what Laurel said.

"They have used many different things over the years, from gas, to sending assassins until I am dead. It just depends, and you won't know until it is too late." Emiko said.

"I would say that you might be right about that if it wasn't for the fact that we have two computer geniuses on the team. Come with us to our base tonight and we will be them started looking into the Ninth Circle." Thea said and Emiko nodded.

"Bring your suit as well, since you will be joining us in the field, since you know what to expect." Oliver said and Emiko nodded again.

"I can't believe you are being this understanding about this." Emiko said.

"Have you heard of the League of Assassins?" Laurel asked.

"Yeah. They are a group that we wouldn't cross because they would cause the Ninth Circle a lot of trouble." Emiko said.

"Well, up until the last couple of months, Oliver and Thea thought that they were going to have to join them in order to stop Ras Al Ghul from attacking our city. Oliver ended up being well enough prepared to take Ras on in a dual and Oliver ended up winning and now we don't have to worry about them anymore. What I am trying to say is that they were going to join a group like the Ninth Circle because it was the only way they thought that we would be able to protect the city. It is similar because you joined the Ninth Circle to protect yourself and your mom. I can understand that." Laurel said.

"Thanks Laurel. You know, I really like you. I hope we can get to be good friends soon." Emiko said.

"You will get to know all of us well. I wouldn't be surprised if you and Sara don't become best friends though. She is the one who is easy going and can get along with anyone. If we didn't trust you after what you told us, she would be the one to forgive you first. That is just the way she is." Thea said.

"She is not wrong. I am a very easy-going person, and I get along with pretty much everyone. So, let's get to the bunker so that we can get our computer tech and Batgirl to look into the Ninth Circle." Sara said as the group left Kusumi at home and headed to the bunker to see what they could find out.