New Earth: Arrow

Chapter 39

As Team Arrow was finishing suiting up, to head back out, a breach opened and Cisco jumped out.

"Cisco, what brings you by?" Oliver asked before he noticed the case Cisco was holding.

"Special delivery and I'm guessing it's well timed." Cisco said.

"I'm guessing that's the mirakuru cure?" Roy asked.

"Yep. I know that right now Slade is likely the only Mirakuru soldier you have to deal with, we figure it doesn't hurt to have a backup supply, just in case." Cisco said as he handed the case to Oliver.

"You thought correctly. Thank Caitlin for me." Oliver said and Cisco nodded.

"Good luck. I gotta get back." Cisco said as he breached out.

"So, I'm guessing this changes the plan a bit." Thea asked.

"Emiko, where is Slade hiding?" Oliver asked.

"He's based in a penthouse off 6th and Maple. But Oliver, that place is heavily fortified. No way to get in undetected." Emiko said.

"Maybe, but knowing Slade, he'll likely let me pass, since he'll want to deal with me face to face." Oliver said.

"That's a pretty big gamble to take. Especially since we both know that Slade won't exactly play fair right now. I'll admit, the man I eventually saw Slade become proved otherwise, but right now, he has no honor." John said.

"I know. But I also know that Slade is obsessed with revenge on me. He'll want to settle it personally. Especially if I call him out." Oliver said.

"Even so, how are you going to get out of there after you cure him?" John asked.

"I restore his mind. Trust me, when Slade and I actually work together, it's not pretty for anyone opposing us." Oliver said.

"I hope you're right." Laurel said.

"I know what I'm doing. Besides, the city is still in panic." Oliver said as Quentin entered the bunker.

"Dad, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out trying to help restore peace?" Laurel asked.

"I should be asking you the same question." Quentin said.

"We were about to head out, but now I have a lead on Slade's location." Oliver said.

"Good, because I have a feeling that he's the reason the riots are only getting worse." Quentin asked.

"What do you mean?" Oliver asked.

"SCPD has had numerous calls of men in masks that sound a lot like deathstroke masks popping up and actually leading some of these charges." Quentin said.

"Wouldn't be surprised if it was Slade's men that started the initial riots." Oliver said.

"He's moving a lot faster than he did before." John said.

"His plans have clearly changed. We need to adapt to it. I'll deal with Slade, the rest of you focus on dealing with his thugs and calming things down in the city." Oliver said and they all nodded, though some were rather reluctant to let him go alone.

Green Arrow landed on the building across from the complex Emiko told him about.

"No guards, yeah, this isn't a trap." Green Arrow said.

"Of course it's a trap kid. And you fell right into it." a voice from behind him said and Green Arrow turned to see the original Deathstroke standing in front of him.

"Slade." Green Arrow said, not even surprised, since he half expected this.

"I'm surprised that you're not shaking with fear now kid." Deathstroke said.

"I'm not afraid of you Slade. You might've scared me once, but I'm not the same kid you once knew." Green Arrow said.

"Posture all you want. We both know you can't beat me. I taught you everything you know." Deathstroke said.

"I've picked up a few new tricks since then. We don't have to do this though Slade." Green Arrow said, knowing it was pointless.

"Yes we do. I've dreamt of nothing but this for years. After all these years, I will finally get justice for Shado." Deathstroke said.

"You say that like I was the one who killed her. You forgot that I loved her too. And Slade, she wouldn't want this." Green Arrow said.

"She'd want you to pay. Everything I have done and will do is for her." Deathstroke said.

"And she would be horrified by everything you've done in her name. Shado was a good person. She never would've wanted her memory to inspire you to do anything like this." Green Arrow said.

"Enough of this. You really thought that you could talk me down?" Deathstroke demanded.

"Call it wishful thinking." Green Arrow said.

"I call it stupidity of the highest level. Even for you." Deathstroke said as he unsheathed his sword.

"Figured it was worth a shot. Now let's get this over with." Green Arrow said as Deathstroke lunged at him and he barely managed to raise his bow in time to block the blade as the two former friends clashed.