Arrow to the Heart {4}

Chapter 19

Lydia's in the bunker with the team because two people were found dead. Lydia says, "Milo Armitage. SCPD found him in an alley outside Ellendale, and across town... Phaedra Nixon." Thea says, "Okay. So, what am I missing?" Oliver says, "They were both HIVE." Lydia says, "You probably don't recognize Phaedra and Milo now that they're dead, or maybe you were too busy running for life, but-- they were with Darhk when he held us hostage." Diggle says, "And now they're dead." Thea says, "What, so you think crazy-pants Lonnie Machin's back in town?" Oliver says, "No. His grudge is against Darhk, not HIVE." Diggle says, "You think Darhk is cleaning house?" Oliver says, "Well, HIVE didn't lift a finger to break him out of Iron Heights. That was all Andy and Merlyn." Diggle says, "Okay. Well, if Darhk is settling scores, then now might be the time to hit him." Oliver says, "We have seen how powerful he is. I can't risk losing anyone else." Diggle says, "We can't just sit on our hands, Oliver." Oliver says, "We're not just sitting on our hands, but before we do anything, we need to know that we can counteract his magic." Thea says, "Well, is that even possible?" Oliver says, "I think it might be. I was finally able to get in touch with Constantine. He put me on to someone who he thinks may be able to teach me how to defend against Darhk's magic." Thea says, "Okay. Well, I'm not just saying this because I love "Harry Potter," but why are we not all taking those lessons?" Oliver says, "Well, it is easier said than done and apparently quite dangerous. So, I have to go to Hub City for a day or two." As Oliver goes to walk away, Thea says, "Okay. In that case, can I take the weekend with Alex? Kind of wants to go away, clear our heads." Oliver looks at Thea and says, "That sounds like a good idea. I think that-- actually, I think everyone should take a little time. Lay low but stay available, and we will deal with Darhk when I get back." Thea says, "Okay." Oliver walks away. Later, Lydia walks into a different part of the bunker to see Oliver packing. Lydia says, "You've been living down here." Oliver says, "It seemed to make the most sense." Lydia walks over to Oliver and says, "Where's all your stuff?" Oliver says, "It's in storage. You know me. I don't need much." Lydia says, "Well, what about, you know, a plant. Like a fern or something. They thrive in places like this." Oliver softly smiles and says, "How could I forget?" Oliver zips up his bag and he says, "Come to see my off." Lydia says, "You were pretty stingy on the details about this "magic tutor" Constantine referred you to." Oliver says, "It is sort of my M.O." Lydia says, "Don't talk to me like I'm other people. What has you so worried?" Oliver says, "Darhk's idol, the type of magic that he's using, I've seen it take good people and turn them Dark soulless, almost inhuman." Lydia says, "And you're afraid that's gonna happen to you?" Oliver says, "There's an argument to be made that I'm already there." Lydia says, "That's not funny." Oliver says, "I am not joking. There is no length that I will not go to avenge Laurel, to stop Darhk from hurting anyone ever again, and I honestly don't know where that path will lead." As Oliver walks away, Lydia says, "I'm coming with you." Oliver stops walking and he looks at Lydia and says, "Lydia--" Lydia cuts Oliver off and says, "Just because we're not together doesn't mean you have to do this alone, and I've already chartered the company jet. Mr. Dennis is furious, and I already booked us two rooms." Oliver says, "Should I even try and talk you out of this?" Lydia says, "No. You met my mother. Same DNA." Lydia walks past Oliver and Oliver shakes his head with a soft smile.