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Post by Green Arrow on Mar 14, 2012 0:28:42 GMT -8
Hurt.
One emotion that Oliver Queen thought that he could never feel again.
Standing up for his convictions and losing everything, Ollie felt that he got all the hurt out of his system. After all, when a man loses everything, what else is there to take away?
But...this hurt.
This hurt more then anything in the world. Have the woman he loves more then anything in the world. The woman that he would die for call him a coward...it was the worst type of pain that he could imagine.
Green Arrow could only hang his head in shame, the bridge of his hood hiding his eyes, as Dinah told him off. he didn't feel like a coward, and lord knows he's not self-centered. But he knew better...he knew better because he had actually been there. He watched Gotham react when Azrael became the Batman for a few months, a few months where 'death was suddenly justice' in the streets of Gotham. He saw how the Guardian led Cadmus agents to exterminate their 'failed experiments'. Hell, he stood WITH The Justice League Elite when they administered their own 'brand of justice' to the Royal Flush Gang, an act that made him quit the team in protest. He was nothing. Just a spark on the hero radar...but all it takes is a single spark to ignite a powderkeg.
Then, Dinah twisted the blade.
How she could never trust him again.
He expected her to hate him, amongst other things, but hearing it aloud, it was torture. His teeth gritted before he nodded softly, understanding.
"You won't have to worry about Green Arrow getting himself killed...because Im done..."
Oliver turned his back to Dinah, sighing softly.
"Im glad that I saved you...but if this is really how you feel, you won't have to worry about seeing me again. If it helps you ease the pain...then consider me dead to you..."
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Scarecrow
Junior Member
Nothing to Fear, but Fear Itself
Posts: 36
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Post by Scarecrow on Mar 14, 2012 15:19:53 GMT -8
Jervis more than once suggested I'd incorporate nanotechnology into my tools of trade, but that's more his signature mark than mine. Still the idea had merit so I would consider integrating such devious things into my next fear gas variant. Of course it meant cutting a deal with Professor Strange who still works for Cadmus last I heard.
As for tonight I engineered a situation that would force a confrontation between the flighty Black Canary and the reclusive Green Arrow. The fighting would expose them to another dose of the fear gas I had already seeded into Gotham's underworld through arms and drug dealers. They were eager to have something to give their customers an edge over the costumed freaks as they call them.
The fools would learn that the gas goes after any living subject its exposed to including those who unleash save for me with my counter agents.
I observed the fighting between the thugs and costumed 'freaks' in silence. It looked as if the desired results were already at work with Black Canary and Green Arrow bloodied more than his share of street thugs. Uninhibited violence was not a side effect I'd totally expected to see in this strain yet given the archer's recent history it didn't come as a complete surprise.
As for Black Canary, she's injured, the fighting has done her or so I suspect from my concealed viewpoint. She looks eager to leave these beaten dregs to their own devices whereas he doesn't look done yet.
He in shock recoils at what he's done, I recognize the contortions and then they leave street level. Gone in a blur - always theatrical with their exits - not quite Batman's style - but similar in some ways.
Now they'll turn on each other as they are meant to because the gas will enhance their existing predilections, their buried frustrations, and askew reconcilation. What they could achieve won't happen or so I count on via the gas negating their rationale in favor of their rashness.
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Post by Black Canary on Mar 14, 2012 17:41:58 GMT -8
"your done? the great Green arrow? that will be the day" Dinah scoffed slightly.
"I've been waiting for years for you to even slow down, I gave up the notion awhile ago that we would ever settle down, that we could spend some time together alone, hell maybe you would even take me out on a real date that didn't involve take out during a stakeout or undercover work, retiring, having a family....but you showed no sign of slowing down."
"you will never be done, its not in you. You will continue fighting the good fight until you can no longer stand"
"and i'm glad that saving me made you feel good about yourself but you have managed to turn my life upside down once again, so do us both favor and next time just let them kill me...it will be less painful" Dinah stood up a little unsteady.
"get me off of this rooftop, i'll find a way to get myself home..." Dinah was done with the conversation, she was angry, sad and in a lot of pain. she just wanted to be anywhere but here.
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Scarecrow
Junior Member
Nothing to Fear, but Fear Itself
Posts: 36
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Post by Scarecrow on Mar 17, 2012 5:54:32 GMT -8
I return to my lair certain whatever is left to happen between Black Canary and Green Arrow will fall where it may. The next exposure to overall citizens of Gotham relies upon public transit and upcoming shopping days at the major retailers. It'll bring a new meaning to mean seasons.
How I think of that woman who called herself Calendar Girl. A woman whose fears centered around becoming too old even when she had not lost her attractiveness when turning to crime. Such is a flaw of these times. Self-worth is one of the worst things anyone can lose because without it you'll become bereft thus adrift in the madness of reality. We all need anchors and she lost hers.
However to become consumed by loss is a fear fulfilled in itself. To see nothing more than what was once yours is being afraid to move on.
Fear no matter the source is a powerful force in our lives.
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Post by Green Arrow on Mar 18, 2012 1:21:02 GMT -8
Oliver's "Pretty Bird".
Just as stubborn as he remember.
Just as much of a pain in the ass...
Green Arrow would have quit for her. Frankly, Dinah Lance was the only woman in the entire world he would actually quit the superhero lifestyle for. He felt the constant "power and responsibility" that every hero felt, but for her...it was different. When he was around her, all the guilt and drive he felt to his parents was lessened. She was his rock, and if she ever asked him to quit the business, he would.
Then...there were the other times.
The times when she misses his point. The times when he fires the arrow, and she questions the target. The times when Oliver feels like he gives, and gives, and gives, and yet, it either never seems to be enough, or the concept of his actions not making sense to her.
He REALLY hated those times.
Standing at the ledge, Arrow was ready to call it a night. Dinah had given him a stern talking to, and all in all, as much as he hated to admit it, Dinah wasn't wrong. Hell, with the recent nightmares and constant fears he's been having, maybe playing her 'guardian shadow' was the wrong way to go. Perhaps she had a point about his own ego. He never felt like he was the biggest hero, but deep down in his heart of hearts, he at least felt that he could still make as big of an impact as the Supermen and Batmen of the world. He still stood by his decision, but in the other light, he could see her point.
However, the moment Dinah even suggested that he simply 'let her die', something inside of him snapped. Immediatly turning from the ledge, Arrow immediatly walked back over to his Pretty Bird, and began going the one thing that he was best at, even better then archery.
Yelling.
"Are you huffing glue or something, Dinah!?" As soon as the scream left Oliver's lips, all the guilt faded away. he was running on pure anger now. "Without me, is your life REALLY that bad? Let's say, hypothetically, I did die...is your life REALLY that topsy-friggin'-turvy, that you not only WANT to die, but you'd let these rent-a-cop ducking, lowlife assclowns like THESE be the ones to put you down? Dammit, what the hell is the matter with you? I've never heard you to be such a wuss? Where is the woman who beat the crap out of Lady Shiva by herself? Where is the woman who became Chairperson to the entire Justice Leage? Where is the woman who turned a strung-out heroine addict into the great Red Arrow? Where is the woman who kicks the unholy crap out of anyone who tries to cross path with the Birds of Prey? You're NOT a victim, Dinah! Stop trying to act like one!!!"
Pissing off Oliver was one thing, but when he was on a roll, there was no stopping him. Her command of leaving the roof was no longer an option.
"Leave 'my ass'!" Oliver knew that Oracle and Canary were in constant communication via ear pieces. Without hesitation, Oliver suddenly (practically violently) ripped the earpiece from Canary's ear and spoke into it. "Oracle? Arrow. Yeah, Im alive. Im an asshole. Blah Blah Blah! Two for pick-up! 888 Pinestreet! Book depository rooftop! And make it quick, will ya?"
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Scarecrow
Junior Member
Nothing to Fear, but Fear Itself
Posts: 36
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Post by Scarecrow on Mar 18, 2012 17:46:18 GMT -8
Formulating an addictive fear gas was necessary perhaps to ensure that my intermedaries do as they are told. How else could I achieve control over their minds whilst not appearing to be do anything to them?
Drug dealers are street criminals or at the very most several steps down the chain in terms of city level threats from me. I'd imagine that sooner or later a costume will drop by Arkham. They'll have some surprises waiting for them. Also trapping them within asylum grounds would be counterproductive because once one drops off the radar the others would inevitably take notice.
Still sooner or later they will have to succumb their fears and their own worst enemies - themselves literally. If what I observed briefly of Black Canary and Green Arrow means much than the gas is working by degrees to turn their fears into actual people. Before long those people will become familiar faces and those they once didn't need to fear will be the ones they fear most and eventually themselves as well.
Also wrangling insiders from major department stores is already beginning. My first insider subject works the perfume counter in Bergduffs. She wears too much make-up it would seem or she dreads people seeing what she really looks like without any make-up.
"Hello Geena Pomor." "Who are you?" "Fear the unknown do you?" "I'm not afraid of you." "You will be... you will be."
I fill the chamber with the gas and lower a mirror. Within minutes she cowers. More mirrors glare at her from multiple directions. She closes her eyes and begins to cry running her mascara.
"What are you doing?" Geena whimpers. "Helping you face your fears." I reply. "You are that Scarecrow guy aren't you?" "Aren't you the clever one?" "I'm sure someone will be after." "Tell me something I don't know." "What do you want?" "Your obedience." "I submit to no man. Least of all a freak like you." "That suppose to scare me?" "Guess not," she chuckels weakly.
I walk and wait for her screams. She'll hold, but everyone has a threshold with the gas. She'll crack and begin to spread the gas components through Bergduffs' Make-Up counter supplies. For now I'll search for my next commercial pawn.
[TBC: All characters involved in Fear's Here]
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Post by Black Canary on Mar 18, 2012 19:34:06 GMT -8
Though Dinah had said the last part just to hurt him, it did make her wonder if maybe she did have a death wish deep down. She had royally screwed up the fight tonight, maybe she wanted to...She quickly snapped out of her thoughts as he began to yell at her.
"Maybe I'm tired of having to be that person Ollie, Maybe for once I didn't want to be the hard ass that buries her feelings and pushes on with anger. I've always fought because I have had something to fight for but to be honest I don't know what I have left...."
"and you lost the right to yell at me the night you decided to fake your death, if i'm not good enough for you to trust and to help you through whatever you are dealing with than you have no right to come at me with your attitude. if any of us deserves to be yelled at its you!"
Dinah turned slightly looking for a way off the roof when Ollie ripped her ear piece out of her ear. "OWWW! why do you insist on hurting me?!" Dinah had enough, she couldn't hold her anger in any longer and she didn't care how much it hurt her to do it, she took another swing at him.
[TBC: Arrow, Oracle]
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Post by Oracle on Mar 18, 2012 19:39:20 GMT -8
Barbara sat back in her chair, face illuminated by the glow of her holo-monitors. Hearing the argument between Black Canary and Green Arrow progress, she cringed just faintly.
She understood the hostility. She couldn't blame either one of them. The while 'Lover's Quarrel' thing was happening before her eyes. And she just sat in the front row to watch all of that go down.
She didn't want to interrupt them. She couldn't. It would be rude, after all. But Barbara knew Dinah. She was a strong willed woman, sure, and every bit as stubborn as herself. She knew that Dinah was going to need a transport. Especially in her condition.
Locking onto Canary's com-signal, she pulled up a general location of Canary's whereabouts on an enlarged grid of the city.
"Zinda...?" she said, opening a new line.
A cheery voice greeted her. "Hey there, Skipper! What can I do you for?"
"I... was wondering if you were available for a pick-up...??"
The sound a moving chairs could be heard in the background. "Of course! Tell me when and where and I'll be right there!"
It was then when Barbara heard Green Arrow's voice break through coming in louder than Dinah's.
{Voice print confirmed.} Her computer chirped, it's auto recognition software running in the background before spelling out the name of the print's analysis.
"I sent you coordinates." she responded after a moment. "Canary is injured. Bring them homebound, asap?"
"Aye, aye, Skipper. See you soon!"
-click-
"I hear you loud and clear, GA." She grunted. So... he was alive. Which.... honestly capped a lid on their original investigation. At least that was done with. There were so many questions she had. So many things she needed answered... but... that would have to wait. Dinah needed her and she couldn't let her down.
Not again.
Not ever.
Though, Green Arrow technically just screamed at her best friend. Her best friend, that moments before, she could have sworn was dead.
She inhaled. Shuddering at the thought of her vision.
It was taking every ounce of strength in her not to lash out. Though.. through her synthesized voice, any trace of anger, sarcasm, or joy probably wouldn't translate well anyway.
"...good to know you're alive and kicking. I'll have some questions for you later... But for now, I've already got a fix on your location. You'll have air pickup within seven. Please stand by."
[TBC: Black Canary, Green Arrow.]
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Post by Green Arrow on Mar 18, 2012 19:49:15 GMT -8
"Fine."
Green Arrow was short and to the point. He knew all about Barbara Gordeon being Oracle, so the entire guise of the 'robotic overlord' was lost on him. Though frankly, he could care less. Dinah always brought out the best in him...and also the worst. As soon as he heard her once again playing the victim, he could only roll his eyes and sigh.
"Oh really now, Dinah..."
He tossed the earpiece back to her, knowing that instincts would easily let her catch it.
"Is that what you think? You seriously THINK I enjoy hurting you? You think it was fun to pretend to be dead? Hurting those I held close? Dammit, Dinah! It was the worst feeling in the entire world! It was like ripping my own arm off! You think you felt pain? It was no wear near the pain I felt having to fake my death! It almost killed me! It broke my heart! It wasn't something that I wanted to do, It was something I HAD to do. And if you can't see that..."
Oliver had to catch his breath, knowing that if anything, she still had one point: he really was in no place to yell at her. She was through so much, and even though she pushed him, he could only push back so far. He softened his voice, wincing in a light rage and shrugged.
"...then maybe you really don't know me as well as I thought..."
TBC: Black Canary, Oracle
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Post by Black Canary on Mar 18, 2012 20:30:03 GMT -8
Dinah caught the earpiece and put it back in her ear. She hoped that transport would arrive soon. She couldn't take much more of this, a handful of painkillers and some sleep was the only thing she yearned about at the moment.
"again ollie, all of that was brought on your own accord, the rest of us didn't ask for it but i'm tired of arguing about it so lets just agree to disagree..."
She sat back down and calmed herself a bit as his tone shifted.
"yeah maybe we don't know each other at all...." She put some pressure on her ribs to try to stop the throbbing. She just sat there staring at the ground waiting for this night to be over. TBC: Arrow, Oracle
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Post by Oracle on Mar 19, 2012 18:04:50 GMT -8
Zinda Blake was more than happy to stay on call for Barbara whenever she needed. Considering it had been a while she had been called in to assist in any particular mission, she figured that whatever this was, Barbara really needed a hand with.
Flying overhead, Zinda pushed the Aerie Two forward. The helicopter's blades churned as she headed toward the coordinates that were plugged into the dash in front of her. Pushing the throttle down, she circled Gotham Savings and Loan heading toward where Pine street was located. She squinted, taking note to a Green and blonde and black dot.
She had to do a double take when she saw the green hood.
Hmm... Naw... couldn't be. Could be someone else.
"I have her in my sights." she said into her mouth piece. "Looking for a landing spot."
Almost dropping in like magic, Zinda brought the helicopter within a reasonable distance of the two figures.
She raised an eyebrow catching sight of the Emerald Archer. Okay, maybe her mind wasn't playing tricks on her.
But...
Wasn't he... DEAD?
She stared, in amazement. She was curious about the story behind all of this now. She made a note to ask a bit later. For for the meantime? She had her mission.
Zinda waited.
"Copy that." Oracle responded back, making her way through her back room. She started pulling out her usual to prepare for Dinah's battle wounds. Some habits would never die in that respect..
TBC: Canary, Arrow
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Post by Green Arrow on Mar 19, 2012 21:07:59 GMT -8
Arrow kept his arms crossed, watching quietly as the helicopter landed. Dinah was in no mood for listening (or, at least, her version of listening), and frankly, Oliver was in no mood for talking anymore. He still stood by his decision, and there clearly was no explaining his side to her. Dinah couldn't see it. Hell, maybe no one would be able to see his side, but Oliver didn't care anymore. The cat was out of the bag, and maybe it was for the best.
As he stared back at Zinda, Arrow's expression had never changed. He didn't know the world famous Lady Blackhawk very much, but from what he heard, she was one of the finest pilots in the world. At this point, it was all he needed to know.
"Ma'am."
His greeting was short and sweet as he passed Zinda, getting into the back of the helicopter. From this point, he knew how it was going to go.
Arrow had nothing but respect for Oracle. He knew her to be the eyes and ears of the hero world, so he felt that it was only proper to 'check in' with her, now that he was back in action. He knew that the scolding was going to follow. Maybe not as bad as Dinah's, but a scolding nonetheless. Still, it was a scolding he needed. Without finances or an overall goal, he would need re-placement in the world. Maybe she could help.
With a quick buckle, Arrow was in the back of the copter. He wanted to stay out of the way. Give the 'Birds' a little girl time, himself just along for the ride. Still, trapped in a helicopter with a woman he knows full well he shattered the heart of.
This was going to suck...
TBC: Black Canary, Oracle
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Post by Black Canary on Mar 19, 2012 22:12:02 GMT -8
Dinah couldn't help but smile when she saw Zinda. That girl had a knack for showing up just when Dinah needed her. She slowly got into the helicopter and plopped down beside Zinda in the front.
"boy am I happy to see you..." She smiled at her. In all honesty Dinah would have been ecstatic about anything or anyone that got her off of that roof.
She looked back at Ollie who wouldn't meet her eyes, she wanted to say something smart ass or sarcastic but she held her tongue and sighed.
"there is a bottle of pain killers with my name on it, next girls night drinks are on me if you can get me there asap with no questions" Dinah couldn't talk about things anymore tonight, she knew Zinda would respect her privacy for the time being, after a few drinks on girls night not so much...
Dinah rested her head against the glass as she looked down with her birds eye view of Gotham. The cool glass felt good on her increasingly pounding head. Soon she would be back at the tower taking a scolding from Barbara while she patched her up, maybe this time she would give her a pass...maybe Ollie would get the scolding or if she is really feeling up to it they will both get their turn.
At any rate the night would be over soon and maybe with a little drug assistance, Dinah would finally get a decent nights sleep...
tbc: Oracle, Arrow
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Post by Oracle on Mar 20, 2012 16:28:50 GMT -8
As Green Arrow made his way into the helicopter, Zinda tipped her hat. "Sir." she greeted, looking over his shoulder, making sure he found an appropriate place to sit his keester.
Apparently something had gone on. And she could easily tell by the look in his face. It was stamped ALL over like one of library stamps all over the inside of one of their books.
ALL. Over.
Oh. The itch for knowledge was afoot. And OH how she needed to know!
She smiled when she saw Dinah. "Oooh, girl--! Your hair is a MESS...!" She gently leaned over to brush a few blood soaked strands from her face. Not like it really helped her overall cause, but she was hoping Dinah would catch onto her 'Trying-to-Cheer-You-Up' deal. "It's going to need some mad conditioning after tonight."
Dinah carried the same look Ollie did.
Oh. Sooo not good.
Listening to Canary's request, she held her gloved hand up, as if she were being sworn into a sacred duty. She then made the motion of zipping her lips shut and saluted.
She knew the deal.
Reaching into an overhead compartment and tossed her a tinted orange bottle of pills. "That's the good stuff." she informed Dinah, wondering if she just broke her little 'keeping her mouth shut' promise. "If you want anything less strong, you'll have to talk to the Skipper."
Looking over her shoulder, she double checked to make sure Arrow and Canary were strapped in before taking the Aerie Two skyborne again. "Please keep your arms and legs inside of the vehicle at all times." she mused, circling around Wayne Enterprises. Pressing a button on her earpiece, she buzzed Oracle. "We'll be landing in four. I hope you're ready for us."
"Always am." came the reply.
[TBC: Canary, Arrow]
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Post by Black Canary on Mar 20, 2012 21:20:38 GMT -8
Dinah smiled at her as she tossed her the bottle of pills. "see now that is why you are my favorite" She opened them and popped a couple of pills.
"and don't worry about my hair, not matter what happens it will still be bouncier than yours" She smiled jokingly. It had really been awhile since they two of them spent anytime together, the should really do a girls night out soon, Dinah needed a girls night out...
"thanks for picking my broken butt up again, Its nice to know your up there somewhere waiting to drop down"
Dinah shifted her weight a little trying to get comfortable. She glanced back at Ollie one more time before landing, even as angry as Dinah was with him seeing him like that still upset her.
tbc: Oracle, Arrow
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