The next morning, Sergeant Josh Fatu walks into the department and finds two of his colleagues chatting amongst themselves.

They are detectives Kevin Steen...

And Sami Zayn

"Waddup, Uces?" Jey greeted as he walked up to the two.

"Sup, Dawg!" Sami greets back as they share a handshake and a fist-bump.

"What's goin' on now?" Josh asks.

"Oh, just the latest talk about Kevin's anger management problems," Sami smirked and Kevin took exception.

"I do not have anger management problems! I'm generally a happy guy, in fact, and you know it!"

"Yea, happy with an impulsive need to punch people in the face," Sami joked and Josh laughed.

"Well, some people need to be punched in the face, and I only ever do it to criminals. So, you can't really fault me for that."

"So long as you don't cost us the case," Josh smirked and he and Sami both laughed.

"I didn't cost us the case! I... put it in slight jeopardy, I'll admit, but we still got the guy, didn't we?!" Kevin continued to argue.

"Just barely," Sami joked again.

It was then that their conversation was cut short by the leader of their unit, Lieutenant Cody Rhodes.

"Alright, kiddos! We have work to do around here," he almost grinned.

"What's goin' on, L.T.?" Josh asked.

"Commissioner called. He wants us to head over to Elevast Corporation. Apparently, Martin Somers was attacked in his office last night, and a bunch of his security staff got hospitalized."

"Woah, you serious?" Jey asked and Cody nodded.

"Did he say who it was, or...?" Sami asked.

"Just some hooded figure, apparently, and that's all he gave me."

"Wait, just one guy?" Kevin asked. "You sure that's what he said?"

"We'll just have to get down there and find out for ourselves," Cody shrugged.

"Woah, woah, wait, you ain't serious about taking this, are you, L.T.?" Josh asked.

"Yea, I'm with Jey here," Sami followed. "Our department is about taking DOWN guys like him, not helping them out."

"Yea, and speaking of our department, breaking and enterings and random assaults are not part of our deal," Kevin noted. "So, why are we even taking this case?"

"It's not our call, Kev," Cody regretfully stated. "This is Commissioner's orders, and Martin Somers is high profile, which IS part of our deal."

"Yea, I suppose he's gotta remind us how big he is while looking out for his rich buddies," Josh irritably noted.

"Come on, guys. The sooner we get this over with, the better; and I'd like to get this over with as soon as possible."

The other three could not agree more with their Lieutenant's words. So, they all stood up and followed Cody out.

Fifteen minutes later, the four of them were all in the office of Martin Somers, getting his statement from last night. It was actually quite entertaining seeing him so panicked and hearing this bizarre story of his.

"So, just to check through everything," Sami began while looking through his notes; "the perp was a white male in a green leather hood with a matching eye mask and carried... an actual bow with actual arrows?"

"You can see the arrow still lodged in my desk right there, can't you?!" Martin angrily questioned.

"So, basically, a dude pretending to be Robin Hood attacked you?" Josh asked with a raised eyebrow.

Martin just stared at the four cops, seeing the way they were all looking at him.

"Is this some kind of joke to you all?! Do you think I'm enjoying this in any way?! I am not crazy!"

"We're just making sure we have all the facts straight, Mr. Somers," Cody respectfully assured, although doing his best not to smile or laugh.

"Look, I told you all everything you need to know! Now, do your jobs and find this maniac before he comes back and steals from me!"

"We're gonna find this guy, Mr. Somers, but first we're gonna need a list of enemies from you," Cody notified.

"That'll be a fun list to go through," Kevin murmured while facing away from the CEO, earning a slight chuckle from his colleagues.

"Yea, sure, check with my assistant. She'll help you out. Now, can one of you please get this damn arrow out of my desk?!"

Cody glances at his team to see if any of them can or are even willing to do so, but they all just look at each other and shrug.

"I'm sorry, sir, but none of us have our protective gloves on us," Kevin apologized.

"But don't worry, we'll have our people come to examine and remove it later," Sami assured, but it was evident what they were doing, especially to Martin.

"In the meantime, we thank you for your cooperation, and we'll get right to finding this guy for you," Cody stated before all four crime solvers began exiting the office.

Martin Somers just stared at them while shaking his head. As soon as they were out, the investigators all looked at each other before quietly laughing as they left. At the same time, Martin decided to make an urgent phone call.

Once back at the station, the detectives and the sergeant were all joking about the interview they just had with all the officers.

"Yo, I've seen some crazy shit and have heard even crazier stories in my time, but this is on anotha level!" Josh laughed.

"You and me both, and each of us have been doing this for what, roughly twenty each?" Kevin asked.

"Just about, but this is definitely a first for me too," Cody replied and more laughs followed.

However, the laughter began to die down once Sami got off the phone and grew serious.

"Actually, guys, that story may not be as crazy as we think." This brought everyone's attention with curiosity. "I just got off the phone with a buddy from Robbery Homicide. Last night, before Martin Somers was attacked, a guy tried holding up a gas station until an arrow came flying through and knocked his gun away. Guy tried to escape through the back but was knocked out instead. Plus, before that, a couple was about to get jumped by these punks until a few arrows rained down, setting off these flash bangs and smoke bombs before someone else joined the party and took 'em all out. Now, from what he told me, the couple was a bit disoriented from the smoke and flash bangs, but they swear their savior was also wearing a hood."

The others grew a bit surprised as they looked at each other and thought for a moment.

"So, not only does Martin Somers' story check out, but does this also mean Star City has its own protector now?" Kevin wondered out loud.

"Let's just see," Cody replied. "Jey, check that account number and see what you can find; Kev, Sami, start checking through that list we got and see if anyone has a military background or known history with archery and tech, 'cause this guy is definitely a pro and well-equipped. I'm gonna start dispatching a team in case he does return there tonight."

"Got it, Uce," Jey nodded, but was clearly not pleased about helping out a suspected criminal, especially one his girlfriend is currently investigating.

Nevertheless, the unit got to work to find out whatever they could about this new masked crusader and to see if he was the real deal.

Later on, back at Elevast, Martin Somers was waiting at his desk, staring at the arrow left behind by his new friend, until a visitor entered his office.

"Welcome," Martin stood to greet him. "You must be Constantine Drakon."

"That would be me," he nodded. "I appreciate you selecting me."

He firmly shakes hands with his new employer.

"Well, many of my friends spoke highly of your work; but I must say, you're uh..."

"Not as tall as you imagined?" Drakon knowingly asked. "I'm used to that first impression. It holds a true advantage that would surprise you." Martin looked at him with wonder as they sat across from each other. "So, what can I do for you, Mr. Somers?"

Constantine gave a quick, confused glance at the arrow sticking out of his desk. Martin just sighed before he answered.

"I had an unwanted visitor last night, one of those mask-wearing freaks that keep popping up everywhere. Only, this one is looking to rob me. There's a good chance he's working with those do-gooders down at CNRI, too, which have been a big irritation for me in their own right. I'd like for you to find out if they know who he is; and if they don't, then just have them... 'taken care' of, along with any evidence they have against me."

Constantine nodded along.

"That can be accomplished, but first, I need to know what I'm facing with this masked crusader."

"Just some guy in a hood who watches too many Robin Hood movies I'm sure, has a bow with arrows and everything; but he's skilled though, sent my whole security staff to the hospital."

The Greek assassin hums with intrigue at this information.

"How interesting, and I'm sure you're aware that I don't work cheaply, especially in these sorts of matters."

"Get this done and you'll receive every cent that you have earned, but only if you rightfully earn it," Martin promised.

Drakon smiled as he stood and fixed his suit.

"Make no mistake, Mr. Somers, I'm a man who earns his keep. All your problems will be solved by nightfall, and tomorrow will be without any worries for you."

With that, Constantine left the office, leaving Martin with the utmost confidence in him.

Little did they know that the arrow still in his desk had a listening device on it, and Benjamin had been watching and listening the whole time on the roof just across the street from them.

Benjamin removes the earpiece and begins making his way down the fire escape. All the while, he takes out his phone and calls up his old pal, Eddie Fyers, who is ecstatic to receive a call from him.

"Miss me already, huh?"

"Oh yea, desperately," Benjamin smirked and Eddie laughed.

However, he was certain of the reason he was calling.

"So, made any new friends yet?"

"Absolutely, and he brought in a new friend of his own, too," Ben informed as he kept walking. "Does the name Constantine Drakon mean anything to you?"

Eddie shot up his brow as he leaned back in his chair at his office.

"Yea, that name rings a bell alright. Man's been a killer since he was a preteen; and unfortunately, that's not an exaggeration either. He literally had his first kill when he was just 10 years old; and it's almost for certain that he killed his own family too. He's well-conditioned, highly skilled, wanted in countries that would surprise you, and takes great pride in his work. He is not someone you wanna take lightly, Ben. Many others have, none of which lived to tell about it."

"Aww, Eddie, don't tell me you already forgot who your boy is. Honestly, I'm disappointed in you, man," Benjamin got a good chuckle from his agency pal.

"Just watch yourself out there, and give 'em hell," Eddie granted.

"I always do."

Benjamin hangs up the call and heads off to set up for his new date with Constantine Drakon.

However, as he walked, he passed by someone stepping out of a coffee shop. This gentleman recognized Benjamin, but McFarland didn't even notice him. Not until...

"Hello, Benjamin."

The young man stopped dead in his tracks, clenching his fist upon hearing that voice. He turned to face the man who addressed him, seeing a face that was familiar in the worst of ways.

"Simon Lacroix, didn't expect to see you again. At least not so soon," Benjamin stated.

"Touche, but you certainly look better than ever," Simon said as he approached Ben with his two guards. "I suppose I should welcome you back home."

Benjamin dryly smirked.

"And I suppose I should congratulate you on starting your own company."

Simon raised his brow with impression.

"You catch up fast in such a short amount of time."

"Well, I just caught notice of your billboard. I'm sure my dad would be proud of you."

A slight hint of anger sparked deep within his eyes as he did his best to compose himself, taking in a small breath before letting it out.

"Yea, well, I'm terribly sorry for what happened, for you and him."

Benjamin could easily tell he didn't really mean it but played along all the same.

"Ah, well, you've said it yourself: we become who we are through our struggles, right Simon?"

Simon just continues to stare a hole into the archer, knowing the hidden message behind that while also glancing down at the object around his neck.

"That's a beautiful totem," he dryly compliments.

"Thanks, it was the last thing Dad gave to me," Benjamin proudly states. "I'm kinda surprised you know what it is," he notes with a hint of suspicion.

Once again, Simon is doing his best to keep himself under control. Just a moment of breathing exercises later, he gives his final words for this interaction.

"See you around, kid."

He's escorted into his limo by his security detail before they enter the car and drive away. Benjamin stares daggers into its passenger the entire time until he fades away.

"Count on it, you son of a bitch."

Meanwhile, back at the police station, the Organized Crime Unit continues its investigation.

"Yo, L.T.! You needa check this out," Josh calls to Cody, who walks over to his desk and looks at his computer.

"Did you find anything?"

"Only that it belongs to some weird offshore account that looks impossible to trace. I can't even really gain access to it. It's not like any other bank account I've ever come across before."

Cody shared the confusion of his sergeant, thinking the same as him as he stared at the screen.

"You've done enough on this, Jey. Just send it to our tech people and see if they have any better luck."

"Got it, Uce."

"Sami, Kev, anything on your end?"

"Nothing yet, boss," Sami answered. "At least, not on the same level as what we're searching for."

"Either way, there's no way we're gonna get through all these names before 9 p.m. tonight," Kevin added.

Cody just thought for a moment before coming up with the best solution he could.

"We may just have to wait until 9 o'clock tonight when he comes back. If he does, we'll nab him and know everything we need to. In fact, who knows, if we're lucky, maybe he can even help us take down Somers as well."

This sparked interest in his teammates.

"Now that's what I'm talkin' about," Josh nodded.

X

It is currently 7:08 pm, two hours until the deadline.

Beth is standing out the front of CNRI, bidding her coworkers a good night as they make their exit. Today was busy as usual with everyone working their hardest and Beth couldn't be more proud of her people. She waved goodbye at the last of her employees leaving before returning inside. She had some final work of her own to finish up before she could head home herself. She goes back upstairs and walks to her office, located in the back corner of the main office area, guarded only by a glass wall with blinds.

However, once she returns there, she finds someone else inside, sitting at her desk and using her computer.

"What the..." She storms to her office and nearly swings the door open. "Excuse me! Nobody else is supposed to be in here now, especially in MY office. So, what exactly do you think you're doing here?!"

Unfortunately, she is unaware of who this individual is, who happens to be Constantine Drakon himself, now dressed in a leather jacket with a Kevlar vest.

He grants her a menacing stare in return as he finishes up his work on her computer before standing up.

"Forgive me for my rudeness, but I'd say it's rather fair given your own habit of snooping around in other people's affairs."

Beth grew defensive and looked to reply, but stopped when Constantine pulled out a gun, earning a gasp with a panicked expression.

"Martin Somers sends his regards."

He raises the gun and fires a shot, but Beth is suddenly yanked to the side to avoid the bullet!

Constantine grows slightly confused before rushing out of the office. He sees Beth being rushed away by the very hooded figure that sent his boss into a frenzy. Constantine takes aim and immediately begins firing off. Benjamin pulls Beth into a protective embrace, keeping his back towards Drakon as the bullets bounce off the armor of his ballistic attire. This keeps up until Drakon runs out of bullets, forcing him to reload, which he does quickly and fluently, but this also creates a perfect opening for his opponent. Benjamin shoots an arrow straight at his gun, knocking the pistol out of his hand. Drakon is actually impressed by this as he glances back at the emerald archer, who's keeping another arrow on him with Beth safely behind him.

"You must be the one my new employer spoke about. You truly live up to your hype, but this is one matter you best stay out of," Constantine warned.

"I'm sure he's making you a generous offer, but some things aren't worth the money. So, how 'bout you let this one go?"

Drakon just smirks.

"Who said this was just about the money?"

Benjamin can tell this won't be a talk down, so he proceeds to fire his next arrow, but Constantine catches it!

"You've gotta be kidding?!" Benjamin angrily asks, both shocked and taking offense to that move.

His anger only increased when Drakon snapped the arrow in half.

He throws the two parts of the arrow at Benjamin before he has the chance to curse him out. He then takes out a knife and throws it at the archer, who blocks it with one of his gauntlets before shooting another arrow. The assassin dodges before retrieving his sidearm, moving through the small office maze as Benjamin and Beth stay hidden. He carefully searches as he moves, waiting for any sign of movement.

Then, Benjamin jumps out of nowhere and grabs the gun and wrist of Drakon. He disarms him and sends the gun flying away. Constantine attempts to retaliate, but both hits are blocked before Ben lands two hard hooks; but after the last one, Drakon just looks at him with rage, unfazed by the hard hits. Benjamin just gives him a look before they begin trading shots. Drakon ducks another hook and counters with a spinning back elbow to the sternum. He follows it with a spinning backfist and attempts a roundhouse that Ben ducks and blocks the next kick that follows. He fights back, but only for Drakon to block and sweep the legs, tripping him down.

Benjamin stays guarded while Constantine allows him to stand, both men staring each other down. As soon as he stands back up, Drakon advances again, landing every punch, kick, and forearm attempt that he can as Benjamin stays quick to block every shot. He throws back every shot that he can, which Drakon also manages to block, before missing with a jumping knee. Drakon goes back on the offense, having his kicks blocked before attempting some forearms and elbows. Benjamin blocks two spinning back elbows before shoving his opponent face-first into the office space wall. He adds a left roundhouse to the face and a spin-kick to the gut. Drakon is able to recover to block a few more attempts, but not the rapid punching combo to the face.

The two foes then start trading punches before Drakon catches his left arm in a wrist-lock. He forces the hooded hero into a bending position in order to kick at his ribs and face. Ben does his best to defend before rolling to escape the hold. He then grapples his arm and head before driving his knee into the ribs. Constantine reverses the grapple to return the knee attacks, but Ben shields himself before throwing his arms up to escape. The assassin is quick to transition, though, as he switches momentum into a sleeper hold. Benjamin pulls at his arm with all his strength while forcibly backing the both of them into another wall. This enables him to drive his elbow back into Drakon's side, loosening his grip before flipping him over his shoulder. Drakon kicks up at Benjamin to keep him from advancing before kicking back up to his feet. He then throws back a heel kick to continue knocking him away before knocking him down a spinning roundhouse.

Beth, who had been watching the fight in awe, now once again panics from seeing her rescuer knocked down, running for the exit as Constantine gives chase. He almost has her when Benjamin rushes in and scoops him up into a German suplex. It happens right in Beth's way no less, so she is forced to take cover again. The two fighters, meanwhile, slowly reach their feet again. Benjamin launches into a knee to the face and a spinning heel-kick.

"Bow!" He calls to Beth, who had been holding his bow for him, and she tosses it to him.

He quickly pulls out an arrow and fires it, almost fast as lightning, but Drakon is just as quick to dodge. Not just dodge, but also catch the arrow and throw it right back at its shooter. He sticks it right in his right thigh, Benjamin groaning in agony, before jumping off the wall for a flying forearm to the head. He follows with a flying spin-kick that sends him crashing through the office wall. Constantine stomps on the leg with the arrow in it, earning another painful cry from the archer before ground and pounding him. Benjamin tries to cover up as best as he can before trapping his arm and head in a sleeper variation. Constantine struggles while hammering elbows into his side, but Ben doesn't let up. In fact, he transitions into a Kimura, rolling to where Drakon is the one on the floor and further increasing the pressure. Drakon groans as he fights to break free, but Ben maintains the hold, getting closer to snapping the assassin's arm. Then, with his free hand, he grabs the computer monitor on the floor next to him and smashes it over Ben's head. The crusader is knocked off and the intruder is free.

The two opposing fighters square off again with Constantine advancing first. Ben turns his momentum against him and sends him head-first into a glass vase, shattering on impact. Benjamin capitalizes with a backfist before swinging his bow like a baseball bat, smacking him across the face and knocking him down.

"Whoo!" Benjamin blew out as Drakon appeared defeated, then turned back towards the frightened Beth. "It's alright now, go call the police."

She thankfully nods to her hero before beginning to exit, but she stops when she sees Drakon reaching for something. It seems that he was near where his gun had landed and was able to retrieve it.

"LOOK OUT!"

*POP!"*

Benjamin collapses to the floor from the bullet hitting the back of his head. The legal aid gasps as she rushes out of the office area. Constantine groans as he regains his stance, growing more angered upon realizing his target escaped. He breathes hard while wiping the blood from his head and checking the bruise on the side of his face. He glances down with frustration at the man who has disrupted his work.

Then, he grows intrigued by a most interesting discovery. He kneels down to discover the bullet had been caught in the protective material of his hood. Drakon turns his new rival over to confirm that he's not dead, just unconscious.

Drakon laughingly scoffs with an impressed smirk.

"What a challenge you were. Now, to showcase my impressive work...."

(A/N: Thankyou everyone for reading! Cool chapter, huh? Stay tuned to find out what happens next and take care!)