Chapter 59: Ta-er Al-Sahfer(1/2)
Lash waved his hand and removed the ritual mark on the ground. Theatrics did the trick as Sara now sat crossed legged in front of him at full attention. Everyone looked at the both of them with confusion, except for Oliver who had a distant look on his face. Felicity walked over and tugged on Diggle's sleeve because she didn't know what an Oracle was. Diggle tried to explain it in simple terms before Felicity looked at Lash like he had grown a second head.
“So you talk to God?” Felicity said out loud. That made everyone look at her then at Lash.
“I talk to a Deity. If you referee to the Christian God? Then no I don't have their number. In simple scientific terms. The Cosmic being I speak to is an extra dimensional being of great power and knowledge. He uses me as a mouth piece from time to time. He decides when, where, and how much to give. So don't think I can just tell you what ever you want to know.” Lash said to Felicity as his tail coiled around Sarah along the floor.
“But you talk to a God?” Felicity asked....As if that was the most important part.
“Yes, Miss Smoak I talk to a God.” Lash replied, his Wraith shroud began to grow and writhe across the floor like a pile of snakes. Lash turned to look back at Sarah who looked back at him. Though she stared straight forward he knew she was trying her best to read him. Lash cast Insight on Sarah.
Name: Sarah Lance, Ta-er al-Sahfer (Yellow Bird/Canary)
Title: Assassin, Survivor.
Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.
Rank: D-
Skills: See tool tip.
Domains: None.
Disposition: Friendly.
Comments: Sarah looks at Wraith and see's hope for the future. She already had a good impression on the 'Alien' when she saw the news of him helping Starling City, and after speaking with Oliver she feels he is trust worthy.
“Tell me, Ta-er al-Sahfer. Why are you here?” Lash asked, Sarah's body language was perfectly placid but Lash could tell she had flinched inwardly at her League name.
“Because.... I can't live that life anymore.” Sarah said as she broke eye contact with him and looked away.
“You understand that leaving the League with out permission is impossible. They will kill you and your family. Unless you can obtain something that Ra's al Ghul needs, or wants. So tell me... Miss Lance. Do you have anything that he would want?” Lash said, Sarah made a conflicted expression then shook her head in a clear sign of no.
“Oliver, is Sarah important to you?” Lash turned to look at him. Oliver walked over and took a knee next to Sarah. He squeezed her shoulder and looked at her. She looked back with a clear conflicted expression.
“Yes... She is.” Oliver replied, then looked at Lash. Sara opened and closed her mouth several times but couldn't come with a reason to refute him.
“Well, looks like I'll be putting my vacation on hold for a bit. Thea you may have to post a sign outside that business called me away.” Lash said with a sigh.
“I'll take care of it.” Thea said with a smile as she came to wrap her arm around her brother.
So Lash's vacation was quickly cut short, before he went any further he reached out and created a Temporary Pack Bond with Oliver, Roy, Diggle, Felicity, Thea, and Sara. Lash then cast Minor Virtual Intelligence and had his two Tech-Spirits start working on a problem. First he made contact with the Warden HQ in Starling. He needed a way to contact the League of Shadows. Second he went with Felicity and updated Team Arrows computer system. With Minor Alteration, Minor Fabrication, Minor Compression Transformation. With the help of Felicity they made a new program and system for the bunker along with an updated security system. The security system also included Club Verdant above. Lash turned the entire club into a Smart complex.
“So press this code into the keypad and the entire bunker turns into an empty space for those rare moments when you need to hide what is down here. There are several panic rooms in case some one or something gets down here. An updated machine shop, tools, armor, and weapons. Secondary redundant systems, and automated system functions for those rare times Felicity is not here. Side entrance, and one very hard to get in and out of passage into the sewers. This is the original source code the VI. Here you go... Along with a secure and encrypted communication hub. That should be everything?” Lash asked as he looked around the new Arrow Cave.
The entire overhaul had taken a grand total of two hours...Two hours! His work with the bridges significantly increased his expertise, and building speed. His Science, Crafting, Artist, and Computers skills helped a lot. He had gone through dozens of check lists and little wish lists that Felicity asked for. After the first hour Felicity didn't know what else to ask for. So Lash activated Skill Trainer and force fed Martial Arts into Felicity's brain. She was currently asleep in the newly built barracks with in the Cave. Then he force fed Computers skill into every one else. So he gave the source code of the VI to Diggle who put it to the side and massaged his head.
“So...What did you do to us?” Diggle said with a groan.
“I have a way to imprint information into people. Imagine as if a book is now been placed into your mind sea, third eye, or just memory banks. Once you fully comprehend the first page, the second page will reveal itself. Then so on and so forth. I gave Felicity Martial Arts because it is ridicules that she can't defend herself. Then I fed the rest of you Computer skills, so you can actually work all of this new tech I've given you.” Lash said to all of them, then he cast Sooth, Nature's Supplement, Immaculate, and Nature's Kiss. He decided to be a troll and let the orgasmic sensation roll through them all.
“Wh....What.....Fuck.....What about this feeling I have....” Sara asked between her panting.
“That's called the Temporary Pack Bond, while I am in with in range you will have a 10% increase to your overall stats. Strength, speed, intelligence, etc. However, there is a side effect. It optimizes a human form to allow for more development. This will allow you to obtain peak human condition easier.” Lash replied with a laugh as he watched everyone writhe and moan on the ground.
“Is....This part of the whole process of the imprinting!?” Thea yelled.
“Sure...We'll go with that.” Lash said as he continued to laugh, he had pulled his Wraith disguise off but kept his Were-Lizard Transformation active. Good thing too because Thea threw an arrow at him which stuck in between his scales.
“Nice shot!” Lash complimented her and pulled it out with little effort.
Team arrow proceeded to throw anything they could at Lash for the next hour or so. Until it was eight thirty. Everyone continued to have a massive head ache but was well enough to move. Thea ground her teeth as she glared at Lash when she called her mother, Moira Queen. Wraith was in town, and Thea convinced him to come to the Queen resident for either brunch, lunch, or dinner. Dealers choice! Moira was ecstatic and said lunch would be the preferred time. Wraith asked if he could bring a guest, Moira was more then happy to accept. After Thea hung up the phone, Oliver received a call from his mother telling him he had to come to the lunch to see Mr Wraith. Roy was also invited being Thea's boyfriend. Tommy Merlyn called a few minutes later to tell Oliver he and Laurel had been invited to his house for lunch with Wraith? Felicity and Diggle went home to sleep. Wraith followed Sara to her hide out so they could transport her things to the Arrow Cave. She would be staying in the Barracks.
“That's a neat trick...” Sara said to Lash.
Lash walked next to Sara wearing black combat boots, blue jeans, blue t-shirt, and leather jacket. He had pale white skin, bright blue eyes, long blond hair that went to his shoulders but was tied back into a tail. He was built like a brick house. He grinned at Sara with his pearly white teeth.
“Thank you, so where are we going?” Lash said to her. Sara and Lash were in lock step with each other. Something Lash specifically did, it was a common trait that those with military training do. He was trying to play a part. His Acting skill kept prompting with experience.
“In the center of the Glades there is a clock tower. It was rebuilt to its original design due to its historical value. Because of that the upper floor is largely unused, I've been staying there. Good sight lines, you can see the whole area from there.” Sara said in response, she glanced at Lash as they walked down the street together.
“It is also exactly where a League member would go to. Which I assume is why you chose it. The League would never assume you would pick such an obvious spot for your hide out?” Lash said back with a smile. Sara turned back to the street so Lash wouldn't see her smile, but of course he still did.
“Not that I am complaining...But why are you helping me?” Sara said after a few more minutes of walking.
“May I assume you've heard of the Justice League?” Lash asked. Sara narrowed her eyes a bit then nodded her head, yes she had.
“You are aware that The Green Arrow is a part of that League?” Lash asked, Sara's eyes widen at the mention.
“That's why Olly went to Gotham... Are you part of this...Justice League?” Sara asked.
“Not officially. I work for the UNWS, though I am one of the founding members of the Justice League. I am helping you, Miss Lance. Because I am trying to recruit you.” Lash said bluntly. His upfront declaration was jarring to Sara but she kept walking next to him.
“....Is that the only reason?” Sara asked after a minute of thinking.
“Of course not. You are important to Oliver. On a personal note I think you will make a good friend.” Lash replied honestly.
Thanks to the Temporary Pack Bond Sara could tell that Lash wasn't lying. Sara's lips tugged upwards at the clear admission of his motives. It had been many years since Sara had some one be so honest with her. On their walk Lash stopped by a food truck and bought them both some street taco's. Lash left a hundred dollar bill in the tip jar which made the chef super happy! Lash also bought food for several people near by. Sara tried to fade into the shadows but Lash snagged her hand and pulled her to his side. Sara looked at him in confusion then snuggled up close like a girlfriend would after she had seen him wink at her. They both had a part to play.
Sara ended up with her arm wrapped around Lash's. He bought food for people at every ice cream truck, food truck, and little candy shop along the way. He always tipped hundred plus dollars, and talked with everyone he met. They both worked as a visiting couple to Starling City. They asked questions about the Wraith Effigies, and visited buildings that the Wraith had fixed with his Alien technology. By the time they reached the clock tower Lash only had two hours before he had to be at the Queen resident. Before he walked into the clock tower Lash made sure to run his hands along a side walk tree they had passed a few dozen in their walk.
“How long had they been following us?” Sara asked, then climbed the staircase of the clock tower.
“Since we left Verdant, we should assume the Shadows know about the Arrow cave, bunker, club house?” Lash said as he went down the names for the cave. Sara laughed at his antics as she let go of his arm and returned to her stoic assassin persona.
“Awwwww...The pretty girl stopped walking with me. What ever will this poor lizard do now?” Lash said with mock depression. Sara rolled her eyes at him but kept a smile on her face.
As they came to the top floor of the clock tower Lash found a bed roll, box of food, water, and a weapons case. Simple and organized Sara definitely was use to moving quickly and with little luggage as possible. Sarah walked over to the weapon case and broke everything down with quick precision. Lash walked to the middle of the room and sent out a Technomancy pulse. Three different bugs for listening, tracking, and video of the Shadows popped and fritz out. Sara didn't jump to her credit she just stopped to look at him then went back to her packing.
“Looks like they knew you were hiding here. Which means they have orders to leave you alone until someone with a specific set of skills, or a rule maker comes to collect you.” Lash said to her. Sara nodded in agreement. Picked up her case and came over to him.
“No matter how this plays out. Thank you for helping me.” Sara had planted her feet, pushed her shoulders back and looked up at him when she said it. Lash smiled then offered his arm to her once again. She smiled at him after she accepted the offered arm.
Lash and Sara walked down to the street but before they walked out into the public eye he cast a obstruction glamour. He walked right up to the tree and placed his palm on the trunk of it. Sara looked at him in confusion, and then felt his arm around her waist. Sara was pulled flush against him. Then her eyes went wide as the tree pulled its trunk open and they were both sucked into it. Tree Stride.
A tree near club Verdant that was a little out of the way opened its trunk up. An obstruction glamour was cast quickly around it and Lash stepped out of the tree with his arm wrapped around Sara's waist. Sara's looked pale, and was clearly disoriented as she looked around with a confused expression. The tree trunk closed up, Lash fed some Nature Domain magic into it as thanks. Then 'helped' Sara back towards the Arrow's side entrance. Sara's legs felt like jelly underneath her.
“So you can do that to any tree?” Sara asked after she had a glass of water and her head stopped spinning.
“Any tree I am familiar with, yes. It's one of the reasons I came to Starling City. I am creating a fast travel network so if team Arrow needs extra help I am just a Tree Stride away.” Lash replied as he peeled his civilian attire off and went back to being a were-lizard with Transformation. He called his Wraith disguise up with his Illusion Domain. Lash reached out with Connectivity and called for a public transport through the Warden's.
“What would you like to wear for the lunch?” Lash said as he turned to look at Sara. The question brought clear confusion to her face.
“What lunch..... Wait!? I'm your plus one!? No! No! Laurel will be there! I can't! I...” Sara started until Lash cast Calm Emotions on her.
“Sara. The League of Shadows already knows you are here, they know about your family. Keeping them in the dark will not protect them. So, yes you are my plus one. We'll go to the lunch together, you'll see your sister and eventually see your father. Now...What do you want to wear?” Lash said and began to create clothing for her.
Sara ended up with flat footed boots, with white skin tight khaki pants, a yellow silk blouse, black leather jacket with several knives tucked into the seams. She wore several silver and gold earrings that covered both earlobes, just a touch of skin complexion and massacre. She practically vibrated with nervous tension in the car on the drive over to Queen manor. The driver of the Warden vehicle eyed her with worry a few times. Lash reached over and gently squeezed her hand. She jumped with surprise as her head was clearly someplace else.
“I really don't think this is a good idea.... I... I mean Laurel thinks I'm dead! We are just going to show up...For lunch!?” Sara squeezed Lash's hand tightly.
Lash shrugged his shoulders and began to rub his thumb and fingers over her hand back and forth. He was careful of his claws so he wouldn't cut her. Sara eventually stopped vibrating the whole car with her jack hammering legs. She looked out the window but didn't take her hand away from Lash. The driver pulled through the gates that led the estate. The car pulled up and the driver jumped out to open Lash's door.
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The servant do the Queen's was in the best suit they could provide. They stood at perfect attention as the car door opened and the billowing shroud of smoke and shadow flowed out of the car like a living animal. With in the darkness was two glowing yellow green reptilian eyes. Clawed hands reached out and pulled the alien monster from the car. Scaled and clawed feet stepped onto the ground as a massive tail seem to...grow from the shroud. How did his tail fit in the car, then the creature known as Wraith turned around and offered a hand towards someone in the car. A beautiful woman with yellow eyes stepped out, clearly nervous to be next to Wraith. The servant could understand...that.... Wait.... That woman looked familiar.
As the tattered cloth of smoke and shadow writhed across the floor the servant came back to attention. He bowed from his waist, and opened the door leading into the main foyer. The servant had to pause a few times as the woman seemed incredibly nervous to continue on. Agent Wraith spoke softly to her and coaxed her on like a parent would a frightened child. Despite Wraith's massive size he moved through the manor with agility not fitting of his massive size. Even his massive tail moved about with careful precision. The servant brought them outside to the grounds towards the awaiting Queens, and guests. Then when they arrived Wraith stepped forward and in his renowned animalistic voice that every servant had been told about but still jumped when he spoke.
“Miss Lance! I would like to introduce you to your long lost sister. Miss Lance...” Wraith said to everyone. That is when the servant recognized the woman. Sara Lance! The woman that went to with Oliver Queen on the boat and reportedly died!?
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There was a pin drop silence out in the gardens as Lash stood between them. His tail had wrapped around Sara to prevent her from running away, and she had tried...More then once! Walter, and Moira stood stone still as they looked at Sara. Oliver and Thea looked at Sara, and back at Laurel, then back at Sara. Tommy looked just as shocked as Walter, and Moira. Laurel had tears welling up in her eyes as she took step after shaky step towards her sister.
“S...Sara?” Laurel said with a crack in her voice as tears rolled down her cheeks. As soon as Laurel said her name, Sara stepped out from Lash's tail walked over to her sister and they hugged one another.
Congratulations User! You've accomplished a hidden objective! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased!
Lash read the prompt and expected further explanation....But nothing else popped up. Odd. Lash took a moment to look around the grounds of the Queen's estate, they must have at least a few miles in every direction, gardens, hedge maze, green house, a small forest, on top of the three story manor. Some one coughed lightly to draw Lash's attention as he had spaced out a bit. He looked back and saw Oliver standing there with a forced smile and a look of 'What the fuck?' written on his face.
“Right! Explanation! All of you should remember tech summit tour I took last year. While traveling I came across Sara Lance. The specifics of me finding her should be discussed at a later time preferably with alcohol. I had planned to introduce her sooner but my assignment with the UNWS pushed it back. I hope you can forgive me Laurel. Why didn't Sara come on her own? Well that has to do with how I found her. I am perfectly happy explaining everything in further detail. But should we call Captain Lance?” Lash asked the crowd...
Little less then an hour later a cop car zipped up the driveway towards the Queen manor. Quentin Lance practically dove out of the car and bull rushed into the manor. There in the foyer was Sara and Laurel. Quentin froze at the sight of his two daughters standing side by side. He dropped to his knees and started crying. Sara and Laurel rushed over, pulled him up and hugged him. It was a very emotional moment shared by the entire group. Lash walked past the group and turned off Lance's car and repaired the minor damage it had caused to the front awning. He walked back in and began to admire the art found in the mansion. Lash had wondered off a bit but was followed by Walter and Moira.
Walter Steele had a tailored three piece black and blue suit on. He was tall, athletically built charming black British man, with a soul patch. Moira walked with her arm wrapped around his, she wore an expensive tailored made dress skirt, three inch high heels, and silk top with a half jacket on. She had a warm smile on her face as she watched Lash admire their home. All three of them heard Quentin start to talk to Sara about where she had been. Sara started to fill them in on the 'explanation' Lash had provided her.
“Mr Steele, Misses Queen. I know this is radical subject change but I need to ask... What do the both of you know about The League of Shadows?” Lash asked them, his voice not as gruff as it normally was. Both Walter and Moira went rigid at the name, then both looked at one another in surprise.
“I know they are dangerous band of thieves, spies, and assassins.” Walter said after a minute of thinking.
“In their own twisted sort of way they also have a code of ethics. They are killing machines, but machines with a purpose. They never do anything with out purpose.” Moria added to the conversation.
“During my tech summit I was shot down by the country Bialya. However, it was the League of Shadows that helped give them our flight route as well as hold the UN from acting for two days.” Lash said to them. He had come across the information on the dark web and the Warden information agency.
“So it's true then.... I had looked into it. I'm sorry.” Walter said, and explain to Moira when she looked at him.
“Sara is part of the League of Shadows, isn't she?” Moira asked, Lash nodded. Moira had picked up on a few things when ever Sara moved, looked, and talked.
“Yes, and no. Sara was adopted and trained by the Shadows. But she doesn't want to be a killer, she never did. I came to Starling for several reasons. The primary reason if you can believe it was to take a mini vacation. Another was to check on Green Arrow and Arsenal to thank them for helping in Gotham. The last one was to drop Sara off at her home. But there is a chance that the Shadows wont let her go. So I thought it best to inform the both of you. I hope our little skirmish wont spill into your home, but I felt obligated to tell you that it might.” Lash said as he turned to look at them.
“I think we can handle ourselves.” Moira said with a smile as she hugged her husbands hand who nodded in agreement.
“Good! I'll let you decide if you wish to tell your family or not.” Lash said to them, as Walter and Moira believed Oliver along with Thea were...'Normal'. Lash had actually been surprised when Thea didn't react to Team Arrow coming up out of the cave. It appeared she had known for a while.
The three of them returned to the foyer, Quentin rubbed the tears out of his eyes. Walked over to Lash to shook his hand and thanked him profusely for bringing his daughter back to him. The cover story was simple, all be it a bit brutal. Sara had been found while he was traveling he had recognized her after he had done a thorough background check on Quentin and Laurel. Where did he find her? Sara and Lash both went foggy on that aspect simply because it was not something to easily talk about, but had happened was heavily implied. Slavery, sex, drugs, murder, etc. Quentin's eyes turned fiery at the idea that someone had hurt his little girl. After that he had her come back to the states under protective custody but couldn't bring her home due to his assignments. However, she may or may not still have people after her. So she still needed to be careful.
“So I am sorry to say but when I leave, Sara will be coming with me back to a safe house. But, we are hoping to deal the the over hanging issue in the next few days. If all goes well she may return officially and start her life over again. But, if it doesn't we'll have to keep hiding her. The people coming after he may choose to use you both as leverage. Please be aware that we have not told you everything. Why? Not our secrets to tell.” Lash said this specifically to Laurel and Quentin who both nodded.
“Agent Wraith you work for the government I expect you not to tell me everything.” Quentin said with a dry tone. Then he smiled slightly, the joke was so out of the blue that everyone froze. But Lash understood and laughed at him. That broke the tension and everyone else laughed as well.
“I don't suppose you'll be asking the Starling vigilante's for help?” Tommy asked carefully.
The Green Arrow, Arsenal, and the new Spartan (John Diggle) had been on the fence with SCPD. Team Arrow didn't kill people...at least not any more. They helped fight crime, handled the criminals the standard police couldn't. Thanks to Wraith's interference and good public relations especially during the Glade destruction vigilante justice had started to crop up across the US. Central City had Flash, Metropolis had Superman, Gotham had Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Wraith.
“I've already spoken to them, specifically that another criminal element may be coming to the city. No offense Captain, but I try to talk to everyone when I'm walking around in someone's backyard. Ah! I also need to head to your precinct Captain and build you a meta-human prison cell.” Lash blurted out.
“A what now?” Quentin asked.
Lunch soon turned into a early dinner at the Queen manor. Walter had organized double security at the manor, along with Verdant. Thea had refused to close the club but thanked her step-father for the extra security. Thea, and Roy left early as they had to go open the club. They left with several guards following behind them. Then before Lash and Sara left he made a beautiful eastern mystic dragon statue. The dragon wrapped around a tree and lay across its branches lazily. Lash carved the lines in the trunk, the delicate leaves, scales, and even the irises in the dragons eyes. He channeled Essence Imbuement while he carved it.
“That is beautiful! Thank you Wraith! I remember your ability to create material but a solid piece of crystal is still an amazing sight.” Moira said with a large smile on her face.
“That's not crystal, that's diamond. Alright lets go!” Lash said as he clapped his hands and walked towards the car with Sara. Moira and Walter stared at the Diamond statue that was probably worth more then the entire house. Walter opened and closed his mouth a few times.
“Di...Diamond?” Moira said as she pulled her eyes from the statue but Lash was already gone.
Sara was in a much better mood on the drive back to the Arrow cave. She had a little smile on her face and tapped her fingers on the passage side door. She hummed a little tune and glanced at Lash every few minutes. Lash had created a Phantasm computer screen in front of him. Purely aesthetic as he could connect with out it. But he didn't want Sara to think he was ignoring her. The Warden's had given him a contact for the League of Shadows. The Shadows agreed to send an envoy to Verdant to discuss Ta-er al-Sahfer punishment.... Or payment for her release. Two women would be arriving.
“Sara do you recognize these two people?” Lash pushed the screen over to her and her good mood evaporated.
“That is Nyssa second daughter to Ra's, and Alsiyada. Alsiyada is one of the League's best hunters. Nyssa is.... We are...were. We are lovers.” Sara said after a bit of conflict.
“So not only did you attempt to leave the League, but you also left her?” Lash asked.
He had already known this information. But didn't want to use Cosmic Awareness to break the fourth wall. Sara turned to look out the window again. She white knuckled her hands, and clenched her jaw. She jumped as Lash reached over to squeez her hand and soothed her worries. He was good at that Sara had noticed. After a bit she nodded her head, yes.
“....Great.” Lash said as he pulled the screen back. He continued to stroke Sara's hand as she had not pulled it away.
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Nyssa cleaned her throwing knives one by one then set them into her black laced garter belt on her thigh. Once she was done with them she slipped her feet into her high heels and stood up in front of the mirror. Nyssa was 5'9” with blue eyes, and black hair. She wore a stunning red dress on that went to her ankles, and had two slits up both sides of her legs. The dress was sleeveless with a red collar around her neck, it had a diamond shaped opening that went from her neck between her breasts to just above her navel. Her light colored caramel skin was highlighted by the red dress. Her shoulder length black hair was swept to one side to reveal her long neck and a single diamond ruby earring. She posed in the mirror to reveal her voluptuous figure and thought briefly about Sara, she always said Nyssa looked good in red.
“Should I be worried that you have dressed up for the Alien? Or is it not for him?” Alsiyada said behind her.
“It's for Ta-er Al-Sahfer, perhaps once she see's it -->>