Final part, guys. :) Team Arrow vs the Bratva, and Oliver makes a big decision.

Enjoy!

***

Oliver stepped out of the elevator and frowned when he saw Rene in the hall. "What are you doing here?"

"Working, obviously," Rene answered. "What are you doing here?"

"Felicity and Curtis are working on locating Tarkov," Oliver answered. "He has maybe an hour left."

"So why aren't you home with William?" Rene asked, stopping when Oliver gave him a look of disbelief. "Sorry if I hit a nerve."

"When have you ever been sorry about hitting a nerve?" Oliver asked as he walked into his office.

"That's a fair point," Rene conceded, biting his lip. "Speaking of William . . . "

"Yeah?" Oliver looked up.

"We received a person of interest list from Agent Watson."

Oliver looked at Rene blankly. "She wants to interrogate my son?"

"He's an alibi, and probably not a very good liar," Rene confirmed.

"Absolutely not!" Oliver denied, shaking his head. "She's not going anywhere near him!"

"I don't think that's up to you," Rene shook his head back.

"I'm gonna use every single thing in my power to keep him as far away from this as possible!" Oliver took a few deep breaths to calm himself, then said, "this kid has been through enough."

"All right," Rene nodded. "Lance told me about what happened at school. Kids are mean."

"He's not worried about bullies," Oliver sighed. "He's worried about me. He thinks I'm gonna make him an orphan."

"Damn," Rene whistled lowly.

"I told him, I said, that will not happen," Oliver continued. "I will always come back." He shook his head. "I have never lied to my kid before."

"You know, I'm not exactly father of the year," Rene told him. "But white lies are kind of like an important parental tool. I remember telling Zoe that she came from a cloud. I really hope her mom set her straight on that one."

"So help me with this," Oliver looked at him. "How do I reconcile that he's right? Because every time that I'm in the field, there's a chance I don't come back and that he's alone, and now you're telling me that he's gonna have to lie to an FBI agent so that he doesn't lose his father to prison?"

Rene didn't have anything to say to that. Oliver sighed in annoyance, then took his phone out when it buzzed. The moment he saw the text on screen, he straightened. "We have Anatoli's location."

"All right, you go out the back entrance, I'll lose them," Rene stood up.

"Rene, are you good to get back in the field?" Oliver asked.

"Hells, yeah," he grinned.

"All right," Oliver nodded, and the two of them left.

***

"Team's in position," Dig announced as Oliver walked up.

"You sure this is the place?" Oliver asked.

"Whoa, I am so insulted right now!" Felicity exclaimed.

"Easy," Oliver warned. "It's just that an abandoned shipyard doesn't feel like Anatoli's speed."

"Yeah, well, neither does being a complete jerk. People change. The problem is this is place is massive, so I can't pinpoint the location of the hostage even with satellite."

"And there's a lot of people here," Kara added as she floated down. "But I'll keep looking."

"What're you doing here?" Oliver asked in surprise. "Not that it's not good to see you, but – "

"I'm making sure you get back to your boy," Kara answered with a smirk. "Got a problem with that?"

"None at all," Oliver smiled widely.

"You two really are cute," Laurel remarked from the other end of the comms.

"Figure we'll split up," Dig said, holding out two syringes of the antidote. "I distributed the antidote so whoever gets to Tarkov first can inject him."

The two took their syringes, then Oliver asked, "You OK?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Dig nodded. "Let's do this."

***

"If one of us spots Tarkov, we should have a signal," Curtis said as he and Rene moved through shipping containers.

"Yeah, I was gonna go with something like 'I see him' or maybe even 'hey, over there!'" Rene scoffed, gun raised.

"It's not terribly original, but effective," Curtis nodded. "What about if we spot the Bratva?"

"How about heads up?" Rene suggested.

They moved around a shipping container, and Curtis straightened. "Heads up!"

They ducked around the corner as the Bratva members opened fire. Dig and Dinah jumped down to engage them, Dinah screaming at them as Dig ducked for cover. "You OK?" she asked.

"Look out!" Dig pointed.

Dinah gasped when one of the Bratva members wrapped his arm around her throat, dropping her bo staff to try and get him off her. Dig drew his gun, swallowing when his aim wavered, not able to aim straight.

Blue-white beams hit the Bratva member, and Dinah flung him off her as Kara landed on the ground. "You OK?" she asked Dinah.

"Yeah," Dinah nodded, giving Dig a quick glare. "I'm fine."

***

Oliver left Curtis and Rene to deal with the remaining Bratva, heading further into the docks. "Right around the corner, Green Arrow," Kara suddenly said.

Oliver brought his bow up to bear as he came around the corner and came face to face with Anatoli, Tarkov limp in a chair next to him. "I asked for twenty million specifically because I knew you had it," Anatoli stated. "You trade this man's life for new police station?"

"Not exactly," Oliver shook his head, firing the arrow he had into Tarkov's shoulder.

Anatoli blinked, then chuckled. "I do not think you understand how this whole rescue thing works."

"No, I think I do," Oliver smirked, nodding at Tarkov.

Anatoli examined Tarkov, watching him start to breathe easier. "Some sort of antidote," he said bitterly. "Very clever."

"Now step away from him, Anatoli," Oliver ordered. "He's not part of this."

"I made him part of this," Anatoli glared.

Wind whipped through the room, and Anatoli grunted in pain, clutching his now broken hand, and Oliver found himself with a gun at his feet. Oliver balked at the idea of Anatoli about to shoot the Markovian, then looked up. "What the hell has happened to you? Not even Gregor would have done that!"

"Yes, he would have," Anatoli growled. "You never saw because you were too naïve. You still are."

"We were friends!"

"Yes, but I see how you treat your friends."

"No, Anatoli, no," Oliver shook his head. "This is on you. You used to be an honorable man!"

"I am an honorable man!" Anatoli snapped. "Did I have bomb planted in your son's school? Did I have him kidnapped, tortured? No, because even though we stand apart, I am still good man." He tilted his head. "I wonder what would happen to William if you ran afoul of someone who's not good?"

A growl echoed in Oliver's ear as Anatoli started to walk away. "He did not!"

"He did," Oliver confirmed quietly, raising a hand to draw an arrow. "Anatoli!" he shouted, stopping the man in his tracks. "Don't you move."

"Don't bluff," Anatoli scoffed. "We have been here before. We both know you will not kill me."

Oliver fumed, but lowered his hand. "Why did you leak that picture of me?"

"As Kapiushon?" Anatoli raised an eyebrow. "I did not. I told you – I am honorable man."

Oliver ground his teeth, watching Anatoli walk off. "Oliver?" Kara asked.

"Let him go," Oliver told her with a sigh, walking over to free Tarkov. "Nice catch with the gun."

***

"Thank you for agreeing to meet," Oliver told Watson as he entered her office.

"I can always make time for the subject of my investigation," Watson nodded. "But I should advise you have a lawyer present."

"Why do I need a lawyer?" Oliver frowned as he sat. "I haven't done anything wrong."

"You know the kind of person who says that?" Watson raised an eybrow.

"No."

"The kind that needs a lawyer."

Oliver chuckled at that. "Agent Watson, if you feel the need to investigate me, I am more than happy to open up my entire life to you, with the exception of my son. He's off limits."

"You're aware that telling an FBI agent how to conduct their investigation is obstruction of justice?" Watson asked.

"If I really am the man that you think I am, how far do you think such a man would go to keep his son from being scrutinized by the FBI?" Oliver countered.

Watson leaned forward, about to open her mouth, when there was a knock on her door, and a man entered. "Oh," he paused, seeing Oliver inside. "Ms. Watson?"

"A little busy here," she snapped.

"There's something on the news that you need to see," he told her, reaching for the remote and turning on the TV.

Channel 52 appeared, the newscaster already broadcasting. "Channel 52 just received exclusive evidence which conclusively establishes that the photograph of Mayor Queen as the Green Arrow was digitally doctored," she said, and Oliver barely refrained from smirking smugly as Watson leaned back, pursing her lips. "This is the second time that Mayor Queen has faced allegations of being a vigilante and twice he has been exonerated."

"Lucky you," Watson remarked.

"Not really," Oliver did smirk that time. "Like I said . . . I'm not the man you think I am."

"No, Mr. Queen," Watson shook her head. "I think you are. And if you think this means I'm dropping my investigation, then you're the one who's mistaken."

"You should do whatever it is you have to do," Oliver nodded, standing up and leaving the office.

***

"The evidence received by Channel 52 showing that Mr. Queen's face had been placed on the Green Arrow's body was received earlier today from an unknown source," the news continued as Felicity and Curtis watched.

"Nailed it!" Felicity whooped, turning the news off.

"You know, I don't want to sound arrogant, but we may very well be the smartest human beings on the planet," Curtis grinned.

"Oh, well, it's not arrogant if it is accurate," Felicity smirked.

Curtis chuckled. "True that."

Felicity frowned, looking at him. "And you still find the time to look bummed out. Crazy."

"I mean, our photo analysis algorithm was right, right?" Curtis asked.

"Yes," Felicity nodded.

"The photo of Oliver was doctored, so . . . " he trailed off.

"So, what is the problem?" Felicity asked.

"So who would want to frame Oliver for being the Green Arrow?" Curtis wondered.

"Wow," Felicity winced. "Way to kill the mood."

"Sorry," Curtis sighed.

"No, listen, that is future us' problem," Felicity held up her hands. "I'm not gonna, like, let you take away my buzz right now, OK? Present us is only worried about you quitting your nobody-told-about job."

"When are you gonna let that go?" Curtis groaned.

"When you go into business with me," Felicity grinned widely.

"I'm sorry, go into what with you?" Curtis's eyes bugged. "What?"

"Work with me on this," Felicity straightened. "We work so well together, OK? The photographic analysis algorithm is just one of many in a long list of amazing tech that you and I have collaborated on. Think about all the good we could do, all the cool stuff we could do, all the cool things we could make! Please don't say no!"

"Yes," Curtis nodded after a moment.

"Oh, thank God," Felicity sighed in relief. "Good, because I already filed the paperwork."

"Oh, man, this is so cool!" Curtis gushed. "We'll be like Woz and Jobs, like, back in '76."

"Wait, who's Woz and who's Jobs?" Felicity frowned.

They paused, then both called "Shotgun Jobs!" at the same time.

***

Dinah was running through exercises with her bo staff when Dig walked up to her. "Hey," he said. "Can we talk for a second?"

Dinah sighed, planting her staff on the ground. "There's nothing to talk about."

"We both know that's not true, Dinah," he shook his head.

"What do we both know?" she asked. "I need you to say it."

"You nearly got killed last night because you couldn't rely on me," Dig admitted. "And you might have gotten killed if Kara hadn't saved you."

"Because you're compromised," Dinah nodded.

"I know," Dig nodded as well. "I know. Things just got worse than I was willing to admit."

"That's OK," Dinah assured him. "But what are you gonna do about it?"

"Tell Oliver," Dig answered with a sigh. "Go from there."

***

Oliver walked into William's room to see him playing a videogame again, Kara watching him. "Hey," he greeted.

William looked over, pausing the game. "You're home early."

"So I am," Oliver nodded. "Hoping to make that more of a regular thing, if that's OK with you."

"What?" William straightened in surprise.

"I would like to apologize," he told him.

"For what?"

"For making you a promise I wasn't 100% sure I could keep. You were right, and I was wrong."

"Hmm, what was that I heard?" Kara asked teasingly.

"I think he said he was wrong," William answered.

"I think Raisa said you have a hard time admitting when you're wrong," Kara grinned.

"Shut up," Oliver sighed, unable to keep from smiling. "But yes, you have no idea. Buddy, I heard what you said in the limo and here, and I hear you, but I also meant what I said. I am going to do everything in my power forever to make sure that you never end up alone in this world, and I know that you think that that's not up to me, and that's a fair, smart point . . . which is why I think I've found a way so that maybe it can be."

"How?" William frowned as Kara tilted her head.

"I'm working on the details," he promised. "I want you to believe me when I say that I am trying to make it happen, all right?" William nodded, and Oliver nodded back. "One more thing. I promise that I will do my best every single day to be the very best father that I can be, and that I know how to be. That promise is 100%."

William's grin made the statement all worthwhile. "OK," he agreed, then gestured at the TV. "You want to play with me?"

Oliver tilted his head, looking at the game. "What is this?"

"Honestly, I don't know," William laughed. "All you got to do is just button mash and see whoever can win."

"He's beaten me," Kara offered.

"Oh, has he?" Oliver smirked.

"Want to try?" William looked at him.

"Yeah," Oliver grinned, and William handed him another controller.

"Well, I'll leave you two to that," Kara smiled, standing up from her chair. "But I have to go back to my Earth now."

"Already?" William almost whined, turning to her.

"Alex's bridal shower is coming up," Kara nodded. "Sister's duty to help her get ready. You all got your invitations, right?"

"We'll be there," Oliver nodded, standing up to hug her. "See you soon."

"See you," Kara hugged him, then whispered quietly, "Are you sure about this?"

"Never been more sure," Oliver nodded, and Kara nodded back, kissing him.

***

Oliver stood looking at his suit that night, then turned when he heard footsteps approach. "Thanks for meeting me," he said.

"Yeah," Dig nodded. "Well, I wanted to talk to you about a few things, and . . . " He trailed off when he saw the look on his friend's face. "What is it, Oliver?"

"I'd like you to do something for me," he answered.

Dig raised an eyebrow, looking at Oliver's suit. "If it's suit up as Green Arrow, Felicity and I already talked about it, and we don't think it's enough to take the heat off of you."

"That's not why I'm asking."

Dig blinked, looking at Oliver. "You're serious."

Oliver nodded. "Every time that I'm out there as the Green Arrow, I'm a target. Of the FBI, of the Bratva, of the threats that are out there, and the threats that are undoubtedly coming. And on my own, I can take it. I'm not on my own anymore. I cannot be responsible for my son losing the only parent that he has left."

"Oliver," Dig began.

"Star City needs the Green Arrow," Oliver told him. "It just can't be me anymore . . . so I'd like it to be you."

Dig took a moment to let that sink in, then his face set in determination, and he nodded, shaking Oliver's hand in agreement.

***

And so Dig becomes the Green Arrow. Ta da. :)

Next up, we're back to Supergirl! "Far From The Tree" will be shorter than the other chapters, because I do not plan on writing out everything that happened on Mars. Team Arrow will certainly be at the bridal shower, which will be where I concentrate a lot on.

Speaking of order, I should probably make sure I really do know what order I'm going in for episodes . . . oops. O.o