I Forgot to Mention

You've Got a Friend in Me

Oliver Queen was emotionally involved in the search, more so than the other Justice Leaguers could tell. As much as he may joke around and complain about Bruce Wayne, the fact of the matter still stood. Beyond the man's butler, Ollie is his best friend. Bruce may not have said it ALOUD, but the fellow billionaire could still tell. It's something the more "live within their means" heroes just didn't have the ability to understand. When you have money, everyone wants it.  Except for those who already have enough of their own. So, this led to the only option for a true friendship that Bruce Wayne had being Ollie. It was almost kind of sad in a way, as being Green Arrow afforded Ollie more than enough companions that Bruce simply could never access, no matter how much cash he threw at them because of Batman's unseen persuasion abilities. Heh, now THAT was a bromance if Ollie ever saw one!  Although Batman never seems to show up to any of Bruce's parties or galas, and Ollie is always on the lookout for guests that could potentially fit the caped crusader, that doesn't seem to stop Bruce's admiration for Gotham's only hero.

Who just so happens to be busy when his "number one fan" needs him the most!

After confirming that the kids weren't hidden on this street either, Ollie let out a sigh before marking the location off of his map. When the league members first arrived, it was decided that they would each take a section of the city to search. While Bruce seemed a little...twitchy at the suggestion, as he didn't wish to upset Batman with a sudden influx of heroes prowling the normally restricted Gotham, Superman assured him that it would be alright. After all, how could they rescue the children without a proper investigation? That seemed to placate him for the moment, and it also didn't hurt that he had been called away to work before he could argue the point any further. Honestly, the man worked so much Ollie wondered how he made any time for his sons. Roy alone was a handful and then some, and none of the Wayne boys seemed like the easiest children. And, he just kept adopting MORE! After taking in little Dickie Grayson six years prior, Bruce proceeded to then adopt two more younger boys soon after, and now fourth one only a year ago.  While Ollie wouldn't argue that Wayne Manor was more then spacious to accommodate at least several orphanages worth of children, maybe Bruce should consider a limit.

No more new orphans until the first three reach high school?

Ollie shrugged as he turned a corner. He wouldn't fault Bruce for wanting to be generous, as literally everyone knows the story behind his mass inheritance at age ten. It was probably even in the textbooks at Gotham schools, seeing as he is the city's "White Knight." Yet another bonding point between Bruce and Gotham's "Dark Knight." Perhaps that's why he supported Batman so much, as he is lauded as a hero of their city as well?  Whatever, it's not like it really pertained to the reason Ollie was currently scouring the streets of Gotham in the middle of the night. There were plenty of other reasons someone would try and kidnap the children of Bruce Wayne, and the thoughts of each one made Ollie's stomach turn.  It was probably a good call not telling Roy the full story, as his own adopted son would have been more interested in tracking down his boyhood friends than babysitting the Team. 

As he reached the end of the road, with still no sign of any children, much less the two missing Waynes, Ollie considered calling up Bruce and offering his support as Queen rather than Green Arrow.  The man could certainly use a friend in these uncertain times...but then that would only beg the question of how he knew what the situation was.  Green Arrow could not be considered a blabber mouth, as Flash already cemented himself in the role as the league's loudmouth member.  It also wouldn't elevate himself in the eyes of the Batman if he went around "sharing" important information about the state of Gotham and its important citizens.  Man, secret identities could be annoying some times! 

"Help!  Please!"

Speaking of annoying, that was the sixth cry for help Ollie had heard that night.  Of course, he immediately shot a couple arrows down the nearby alleyway, scattering the lowlifes like cockroaches, but this was getting ridiculous.  Everywhere he turned, there was another armed robbery, or drug deal gone bad, or vandalism of public property, and he even saw someone littering with a trash can RIGHT NEXT TO THEM!  Star City on its worst nights didn't hold a birthday candle to Gotham when Batman was busy. 

Has it always been this bad?  Ollie silently wondered as he retrieved his arrows.  This wasn't his home, so he couldn't just leave them lying around for anyone down on their luck to pawn off.  Batman probably wouldn't appreciate that. 

Ollie, unlike the other members of the Justice League, has spent a considerable amount of time in Gotham prior to tonight.  However, he quickly learned that there is a stark difference between "Rich Gotham" and "Actual Gotham."  Bruce Wayne was the master of Rich Gotham, while Batman protected the actual city, all alone.  That had to be quite the burden at times, if Ollie's experience was anything to go on.  Maybe, they could cut their fellow hero a little slack when it came to his cynical attitude?  Suddenly, his communicator began to ring.  However, before he could even greet whoever was on the other end, the deep voice of Batman filtered through.

"I have completed your mission, and the Wayne children have been returned to their home.  All Justice League members are required to leave my city immediately, as you are no longer provided with any jurisdiction.  That is all."

As the line went dead, Ollie felt the awkwardness of the "exchange" rush over him.  Even when he's not officially working with them, Batman could still find a way to upstage them all...and be a jerk about it.  Not a single please or thank you, just a "I like, totally did your job. Now get out, lol! #sorrynotsorry!"  Shaking his head, Ollie wondered if Dinah was onto something about his "problematic regression issues."  It wasn't HIS fault kids didn't have such "leet" sayings when he was growing up!  Besides, keeping up with what the kids say is the only way he's going to properly relate to Artemis, as he desperately wants to provide her with at least one "cool" relative to hopefully offset the more...violent ones.  Once again, his communicator rang, revealing Superman to be the caller this time.

"Alright, I just confirmed that the boys are back at the manor, so I suggest we should all just return to Mt. Justice for the time being."

The different voices of the other heroes filtered through with their agreement, however, Ollie couldn't help himself from adding just one last thing.

"Roger that, Clark.  I bet Richard got a real kick out of seeing you!  The kid's more than a little obsessed with Superman to be honest."

Superman was quiet for a few seconds, causing Ollie to wonder if he had just given Flash a run for his money for League Loudmouth.

"Interesting...regardless, we should still return to the mountain to look over the prisoners-"

Out of nowhere, a frantic voice interrupted the de facto leader.

"Everyone, we have an emergency at Mt. Justice!"

It was Dinah, startling Ollie a little.

"What's wrong, did something happen with Roy and the kids?"  He answered back before anyone else.

"Roy?  He's here?"  That response was certainly worrying, though a bit expected considering how moody the young man has been.  Leave it to him to ignore Ollie's one simple request! 

"I believe you said that there's an emergency," Wonder Woman reminded, snapping Ollie back to the conversation. 

"There is, the prisoner incapacitated me and escaped! I only just regained consciousness."

Startled gasps were shared from all of the heroes, as was the call to return to the Gotham zeta tube immediately. As he raced through the streets with a new purpose, Ollie pulled out his cellphone and selected Roy's name.

"Headed back to 🏔!  Got Dinah's 🆘, what happen?! 🙀"

🏹💚Ollie