Lauriver Chronicles

Chapter 121

"Slade, how'd you find this place?" Oliver asked as he pushed himself to his feet.

Deathstroke stepped through the smoke like he'd been waiting for this moment.

"Did you really think I didn't know about your little clubhouse, kid? It's obvious to anyone who knows your secret. I'm just amazed that all your other enemies are too dumb to figure out who you are."

"Says the man who got both his hands cut off the last time you fought him," Thea shot back, helping Helena steady herself.

Slade chuckled, tilting his head. "Such spirit, Ms. Queen. I'm surprised your big brother had the guts to drag you into his world. Put you in danger. Last I heard, you're no soldier."

"I fight for my city, just like him," Thea snapped, stepping forward as the rest of the team pulled themselves upright behind her.

"It doesn't seem right that you attacked us when we're not dressed for the occasion. Let's fix that. Vey'ra tal'esh."

Kase's tattoos flared a brilliant cyan, the light erupting into a blinding flash that swallowed the room. When it faded, every member of Team Arrow stood fully suited — except Curtis, who still lacked a suit. Even Emiko found herself in her old Ninth Circle armor.

Slade's visor narrowed. "I see you've added some new players since the last time we met."

"And if memory serves," Green Arrow said, drawing his bow, "the last time we met didn't end very well for you."

"I'll give you that," Slade admitted. "I underestimated you. But I promise you — this time ends very differently."

"What, because you've got robo-hands now?" Green Arrow shot back.

"No," Deathstroke said, raising his sword. "Because this time, I came prepared."

He pointed at the team. "Kill them all. But remember — Green Arrow is mine."

His mercenaries surged forward.

With the Barracks already about half collapsed from the initial explosion, it was hard for the fighting to turn into pure chaos as Deathstroke's force were quick to force Team Arrow to scatter. Ravager was quick to engage Spartan and Katana while Terra engaged Kase and Arsenal and Rose Wilson fought Huntress and Red Arrow while Emiko and Wild Dog engaged with the remainder of Deathstrokes' mercs while also protecting Curtis, who seemed to be trying to work on something while hiding behind his workbench.

That left Green Arrow to deal with Deathstroke, who wanted to fight him personally.

"I'm surprised you didn't call in your kids. Though bringing children into this world is shameful and dishonorable." Deathstroke said.

"Says the man who brought two teenagers into this." Green Arrow said, referring to Rose and Terra.

"I needed assets to deal with yours. And I'm going to make sure that your children grow up without a father. Assuming I decide to let them or that lovely wife of yours live at all." Deathstroke said.

The floor shuddered as another chunk of ceiling gave way, dust raining down like ash. Sparks spat from severed cables. The Barracks groaned under its own weight, every sound a reminder that the whole place could come down at any second.

But Deathstroke didn't care.

He advanced on Green Arrow with that slow, deliberate stride — the one that said he knew he was the strongest man in the room and didn't need to rush to prove it.

Green Arrow tightened his grip on his bow. "You're not touching my family."

Deathstroke's helmet tilted, almost amused. "You think you can stop me? You couldn't stop me when you were at your best. And now you're older. Slower. Softer."