The rain was cold, chilling in fact. But it didn't faze the monk who sat on the roof of a meager farm house. A farm house that had been quite demolished two months before by a creature called the Predator.* Connor had felt responsible for the destruction of his grandfather's farm, but his feelings of guilt went deeper than just bringing Kyle Rayner, the Green Lantern to spend the night at this farm. Part of Connor was lost on that trip. Part of his beliefs his moral fiber; his way was lost in a blink of an eye.

[[*As seen in Green Lantern 4-6—Jae]]

Growing up Connor Hawke had a bad temper. That was putting it lightly; Connor would get into fights, quite a lot. This was due to the children at school laughing at his mixed race appearance; Connor was of course half-Caucasian, one-fourth African, and one-fourth Korean. Not the run of the mill appearance by any margin of the imagination. Though Connor's violent tendencies caught his mother off guard, and she had to finally make a decision. That decision was to send him away to the Ashram, at thirteen years old. The Ashram saw potential in Connor as his father had gone to their temple many years before, his father known to the world as the Green Arrow . . . the original Green Arrow – Oliver Queen.

The Ashram, gave Connor a center, and taught him how to turn the other cheek, to live a life without the constructs of what life poured down upon the soul. It was here in this way of life that Connor became the man he is – or rather was. On top of learning his way as a disciple of the Chen School of Buddhism and like most monks learned the three sisters of internal martial arts, Tai Chi Ch'uan, Hsing-I Ch'uan and Pao Fu Chuan; he also learned now almost forgotten form of Chinese martial arts, Qi-Gong. Qi-Gong was a form of Chinese archery practiced by Tibetan monks before the seizure of the Chinese government in the 1960's. For most of his life, after going to the Ashram, Connor's life was that of a monk, training to be one with himself, and focusing on the internal. Connor learned that things of the mortal world only induced suffering, and to find oneself one must remove themselves of such concepts.

That was until a man came into the Ashram, confused and needing to find himself again. This man was known to everyone as Oliver. Oliver and Connor hit it off right away. They both were experts in Archery and both had a fondness in their hearts for the other. Oliver soon told Connor he was the Green Arrow, and together Oliver and Connor began to fight side by side with each other. It was in these adventures that Oliver and Connor realized they were father and son. Tragically, though Oliver died before Connor and he could have a real father-son relationship.

For a time after the death of Ollie, Connor knew he had to fill in his father's footsteps. Yet at the same time he needed to also follow the truths his time at the Ashram had given him. Then it happened. After getting a letter from his sensei Master Jensen, about the state of affairs at the Ashram he knew what he had to do. Kyle went with him to take back the Ashram. Connor could still remember seeing that Zen World sign. It was that moment. That second . . . Connor lost it. Lost his center, lost everything, Connor is just now trying to get that back. Or rather was.

The sudden sound of a bamboo shaft whizzing through the air catches Connor to consciousness. The would-be monk lets his neck jerk to the side ever so slightly as his hand lunges upward, fingers spreading out to catch the shaft in the air and snap it. Connor's hands feel the rough shingles of the house, fingers sliding upwards as his body flips around, feet moving in an arc as he shifts his center of gravity to his shoulders. Connor's body lunges into the air. Connor's form is quite fluid and fast landing on his feet in a blink of an eye to face his opponent. The man with the bow was perched on the chimney, a silken mask ran across his face, and a hood covered his scalp. The piercing green eyes stare at him a moment. Connor, not having his bow was at a disadvantage. He'd need to get close, before he spoke.

Connor sees his would be assassin pull another arrow from his quiver and begin to notch it back in his bow. The assassin is fast, and well trained. The man known as Green Arrow flips forward again, his body stretching out ways in a full motion. The assassin hesitates only a moment, which is all that Connor needs. Letting his open hand come forward – he lands his fingers bracing the assassin's wrist. The Assassin looks at him and takes a step back. Connor takes not a second of reflex as his right arm comes in close. His forearm lining the bow as two fingers snap the arrow notched. The Assassin comes down low, with a powerful sweep busting Connor's ankles together. Connor loses his balance and can feel his feet falling from the chimney. The Assassin offers him a hand, but Connor won't have it. Flipping back towards the Chimney, Connor lands. <What are you doing here? > Connor asks in Japanese. The Killer leaps forward following Connor's own descent. Connor sends an open handed jab at the man cloaked in black. This jab is easily blocked. Connor knew this guy was defiantly faster than he.

<To find you Connor Hawke> the assassin mentions to Connor, as he comes in with his own jab. Connor lets his body glide away from the punch his hand sliding the length of the killer's arm, before his palm catches the man's shoulder.

<Yes, I understood that part. > Connor braces the killer, his hand easily pressing on the shoulder blade. <I want to know why.>

<I need your help.>

<My help, well you've got a strange way of asking for it. Who are you?>

<My name is Robert Tomanga. I'm your Brother.> Connor looks into the killer's bright green eyes. For a moment he saw Ollie, for a moment he sees his father.

	The Emerald Archer... OF BOW AND HORSE, Part 1: "A Bond of Blood"
Green Arrow #1 - October, Year 1	by Jae Lizhini

Connor stepped back his foot fall flinching; the long reserved emotion driven response of shock surging over his body. Connor had no idea he had a brother . . . or a half brother, and this man was Japanese. Connor's eyes didn't leave the assassin even as the Kyudo trained archer took a step forward, a graceful step of pure control of his motions. Connor wouldn't doubt any less from anyone who shared the DNA that he was given from his now dead father, Oliver Queen. < I had no idea . . . no idea I even had a brother, but it's undeniable. >

"I speak English, Connor." The olive skinned hand thumbed back the hood of the cloak, fingers letting the mask come loose exposing the face of the son of Shado and the original Green Arrow. His features were quite well formed, high cheekbones, a square jaw, a small button nose, and those green eyes, that caught everyone off guard, no matter the gender.

"Surprise, surprise." Connor said trying to soften the mood. The Green Arrow wasn't sure what to say. A loss of words was hidden by quick quips. There was happiness there, Connor could feel it. Unlike Roy Harper this man . . . was the closest thing to a brother, and even without knowing him Connor could feel the bond of blood, even as he just stood there.

"Its prerequisite in school, we all have to learn English. My mother wouldn't have had it any other way regardless though." Robert informed the emerald archer.

"Which brings me to my question," Connor asked as he looked at this man who had to be his brother. "Who is your mother?"

"Blunt and to the point, The rain spilled down both the boys' faces as they spoke, goose flesh pricking against the wet flesh. "Well perhaps we should get out of the rain. I do not wish to impose, but . . ."

"Yeah, okay . . ." Connor nodded his head water flinging from the short blond hair that covered his scalp. Connor felt a little strange about brining yet another stranger into his grandfather's home. After what happened when he invited Kyle to stay, and his grandfather almost died – he had no idea what kind of baggage Robert was carrying.

"Come on in, we'll get you some new clothes as well, and you can tell me, why you've come seeking me out. Just know I don't want anything to affect my grandfather. I don't want to live with people I care about getting caught up in my life as Green Arrow."

"I understand, Connor." Robert nodded his head gracefully as he followed his half brother across the roof, towards the open window. Robert couldn't help but notice the way Connor spoke and acted. Something was bothering him. Though, he wasn't quite sure why this had become apparent to him, he noted it as he slipped through the window.

Connor's lithe hands grabbed the window shuttering it firmly with a thud, as he heard the stepping of his grandfather's feet from down the corridor. "Connor is that you?" the deep haggard voice called out from the hallway.

"Yes Grandfather, I uhh . . . well we have company." Connor mentioned as his eyes found the doorway where his grandfather was standing. Nathan Hawke was a large man whose ebony features worn with age didn't seem to mask his energy or his power. A cattle farmer for most of his life, his body was both worn and very fit. His lips turned into a smile as he looked to the Japanese man who stood beside his grandson.

"Are you another superhero?" Nathan asked remembering the last friend that Connor brought to his home. This one, even being Japanese reminded him a lot of his grandson.

"This is Robert, Gran . . . he's my brother . . . well half brother I guess."

"Yes, I have a different, mother." Robert nodded as he took a step forward bowing to Nathan Hawke. "And I thank you for your hospitality."

"Well if Connor has one thing, it's a lot of kind friends . . . and relatives. So you're another one of Ollie's bastard sons then . . . like Connor and Roy?" he asked.

"Roy, is more like an adopted one . . ." Connor explains as he lets his hand slide over his scalp again. ". . . but I'm beginning to see why monks stay celibate."

"Well I'm sure you two have a lot to discuss. I'm going to go make you all something to eat. Just try not to get into another fight . . . okay?" Nathan waved his hand as he turned his back to the two brothers and began to walk back into the hallway.

"My mother is Shado." Robert mentioned after a few moments of silence. His eyes went dim his words echoing through his lips, dry words that slid almost to vividly into Connor's ears.

"Well that explains a lot. Mainly why you are Japanese, and why I never knew about you. But then again it seems like there's always something new cropping up that I never knew." Connor didn't blame Ollie, or anyone else for the mysteries. Not even Ollie knew they were father and son until the very end. His mother knew, but she didn't know every detail about the Green Arrow. He left her a long time ago. His mother was dense in regards to those she cared about as well. Her relationship with the criminal Arms Dealer, Milo Armitage proved that aspect simply enough.

"That is why I have come, as Green Arrow I feel is the only one who can stop someone of my mother's skill. She is perhaps the greatest master of Kyudo in Japan for at least three decades. I for one don't have the skill. Our father bested her before, but he is no longer with us. You are really the only shot, I have . . . in bringing my mother down. The status of Japan depends on it."

"I won't claim to know your mother very well, Robert. I've only met her twice, but she was always a noble person, something of a hero in her own right." Connor said.

"Yes, my mother is noble, and it was Father who changed her after he battled her for his own life."*

[[*For more information check out the classic Mike Grell story arc, The Long Bow Hunters.—Jae]]

"Then what are you saying?" Connor asked not sure how to gauge exactly what he was needed for. Connor had no intentions of wishing to fight anyone, especially now when he was trying to regain his center. Yet, if his abilities as the Green Arrow were needed, if a whole country was in trouble – who was Connor to deny them anything?

"I wish I knew what has happened, Connor. But I do not." Robert took a step forward his body slacked, mottled. "My mother had gone missing, about a month ago. She took a job to track down an informant who was relaying information to a known member of the Yakuza, and she had not returned from the mission. No one had heard from her. That was until four days ago when the Narita City Police department found the informant she was looking for. The informant had been impaled by an arrow. It was a carved with my mother's ensign . . . Connor."

Connor brought a hand up to lay on his brother's shoulder. "If your mother has become an assassin again, then we have to stop her . . . together."

"The problem is that the alleged member of the Yakuza, Keiyoshi Chao, had been linked to laundering funds into the Japanese government to assist in a reformed cabinet for the prime minister. That is how they found him, and why he is wanted. There is more at stake than just my mother killing. I fear that if she's some how returned to the Yakuza, then . . . there might be a lot more at stake . . ."

Near the Port Docks
Narita City, Japan

Shado's form was rigid and firm as her legs folded neatly under her, feet pressed against a wooden banister. The Kyudo master's eyes were cold and dismal peeking out from a black mask, grated and armored. Her cloak she wore fitted completely about her slim figure, her chest pressing against the thin fabric in every breath she took. She watched the men below; they sharply dressed in, fitted in designer tuxedos and sports jackets. Each voice a rhapsody to her, once voice alone was that of her attention. Keiyoshi Chao, the man who held the key to her state. Below the recently reformed assassin the men dictated business; her roust undisturbed, her body quivering for the first sound of instructions, her ears focusing in those sounds like a dream, each word Chao spoke made her even more connected to that tired voice, deep and booming. The bass lows calling the very beating of her heart.

< The informant has been eliminated, but at what cost Chao? > one of the Yakuza members asked, his shaded eyes turning to look at the proud form of the older gentleman in the Armani. < Shado, is a skilled assassin, but she's been working with the police. She also has ties to American heroes, and let's not forget about her son Robert. >

< Her ties to the Americans was Green Arrow, and as I'm sure you are well aware Oliver Queen is dead. As to her son, he is no match for his mother. Even if he tries to stop us, he has no chance in hell of besting his mother. He is still a kid, and is nowhere near the level of Shado. > Chao told not just the younger man criticizing him but the whole group.

< And what about the police? This informant was to take you down, and assuming you would take us all down. They know how she works, and it's only a matter of time. This is too dangerous. >

<Yes I am sure the police already are aware of Shado's return to our ranks. They probably also know how she works and will try to stop us at every turn. But she has never failed. And what do we have to lose? If we succeed in this operation, we will not have anything to fear from the government, with our own candidates in place. Should we pull out, well the consequences will be more people coming forward, like the late Mr. Omikado. >

< Does Shado know the risks? Can we trust her? >

< Well let's just say, I have mind, body and soul. If she goes down, we will not be linked to her. Trust me gentlemen, the main assembly in Tokyo, will be pleased at our results. >

< If we get results, > another mentioned, taking a step forward, his long black beard was braided into two pieces and fell easily against his scarlet silken tie.

< I have every confidence in the world, that we can do this gentleman, and Japan will be the country that it was always supposed to be. >

The Hawke Cattle Ranch
Idaho, USA

"I picked up this mantle, because I believed that it's what our father would have wanted." Connor mentioned as he sat down across from Robert. The couch squeaked a little at the added weight that suddenly was pressed upon it. "I'm not really sure if I am what you are looking for. I'm still new to this super heroing. Even after working with our father before his death, I still feel . . . meager."

"You have skills, Connor. You are still fresh, as a hero, but don't let that get in your way," Robert said leaning forward. "If your skills were not great, you could not have caught my arrow, as you did."

Connor sighed, his head turning up to his brother. "It goes deeper than that. I lost my center, Robert. It was a few months back, when my friend the Green Lantern and I went to take back the temple I grew up at. You see I was . . . am training to be a Buddhist monk. But my home, seeing it like it was I lost my way. I lost control of myself. I acted on impulse, on anger."

"Buddhism honors in oneself though Connor, for everything is internal. You are suffering because you lost direction. You must just find it within yourself. Remember the training you had, and find it again – it's there. You shouldn't hound yourself because you lost it. You cannot step forward until you find yourself. Your purpose, remember why you have taken your path, and familiarize with that."

"You're right . . . and this thing with your mother is not about me. Lives are in the balance. Not to mention now that I've found you, my brother, I don't much want to see you go by yourself into certain death."

"Does that mean you will help?"

"Yeah, I just need to tell my grandfather."

"Tell me what?" Nathan asked as he poked his head from the kitchen, his apron a darkened green.

"You heard the whole thing?" Connor asked as he turned his head to face his grandfather's large skull still looming over the doorway.

"Most of it I already knew Connor," Nathan mentioned to him. "By the way, I hope you boys like spaghetti. You can eat that, right Connor?"

"As long as the sauce doesn't have Parmesan cheese."

"You don't eat cheese, Connor?" Robert exclaimed.

"I don't eat any animal byproducts," Connor informed him.

"So you're what . . . like a vegan?"

"Well sort of, but for me its only dietary. Vegans have a whole life style. I'm not really in it for ethical reasons. Just my beliefs."

"Now, Connor . . . ethics are beliefs." Nathan grinned

"Yeah but a vegan's beliefs and a monk's beliefs are not the same."

Nathan slipped his head back into the kitchen as he heard the boys rumbling in more of their chatter. The old rancher, enjoyed it quite a lot to have his grandson staying with him, but the repairs on the ranch had been done two weeks ago. Nathan himself would have liked Connor to have stayed longer. He knew this deep down that Connor could not stay here forever. There was a lot on the boy's plate. Nathan himself tried many times to put himself into Connor's shoes. When he was Connor's age he was already working two jobs. A year later he'd have left for the armed services and met his wife, lord knows he missed her. Sometimes Nathan wished he could make it easier on Connor somehow. His grandson was still having trouble finding himself.

Nathan turned down the stove as he reached up in the cabinet to place his hand on the spaghetti strainer. Though his mind was on other things, he found himself easily draining the spaghetti in the metal bowl. Nathan had always been quite fond of Connor, even when he was a troublemaker for his daughter. Growing up, there was something Nathan had seen his grandson. Perhaps it was that drive . . . that same drive that he himself had. "Okay boys you better eat this up. It's not the greatest food, but I'd say you'll need your strength." He grinned as the boys walked into the kitchen. Unlike Kyle, Robert had perfect manners and found himself at a table, this too proved to warm Nathan's heart. Eating like normal folk.

"Grandfather," Connor mentioned stepping aside to let Robert take a seat at the table, "I'm not sure how much you heard but I'm leaving in the morning, to go to Japan with Robert."

"Yes, I know." Nathan nodded his head. "It's a family thing. I know that you need to be elsewhere. I suspect we won't be painting the barn this weekend then." He laughed. "You are a hero after all and as much as I would like you here, people need you. And if you are ever going to find that which you lost . . . well you're not going to do it keeping an old man company."

"We'll paint that barn soon enough Grandpa."

"You bet yer sweet ass we will. Now how about you sit down so I can have one last rabbit meal before you head off to save the world?"

Connor silently nodded as he walked towards the table unsure if he was up to this. Doubting himself was something all young super heroes did, and Connor was used to that voice in his head. He was walking in shoes of a man who had died saving a city, a man who almost every living person had heard of, and most of them seemed to know him better than Connor had. But tomorrow was another day, and somewhere deep inside his heart Connor knew his father was there, watching his back.

Near the Port Docks
Narita City, Japan

The men in the suits left hours ago. Though the assassin known as Shado did not move from her position, she continued to watch, her bow firmly placed between her fingers. The silence did nothing to settle the spirits from within. Her gaze was constant, even the cold of the almond banister on her feet and right hand did nothing to wave in the emptiness of her mind. Not a thought seemed to stem aside from her function, that of a hunter waiting for the next season to be announced. Her ears did register the thumping of heels behind her though.

< My dear Shado, > the deep voice began. A voice not too unlike milk and honey to the ears of the archer assassin. < It warms my heart to see you back in the circle. It is where you belong. > Chao let a smile rise across his lips. Shado did not turn around to face him. Though her ears were listening to every word, remembering his words, putting them all to memory, even if all she gave in return is silence.

<I am sure you know that your son is going to try to stop you in your tasks. He is convinced of measures of your stability. > Chao mentioned, as he turned to look at the empty warehouse floor.

< Robert. > Shado said dismally. For a moment there was a slight twinge of remorse scrapped by the love she had for her son, the product her devotion to the original Green Arrow.

< Yes, but Robert will not be a threat. > Chao reminded her, < I would be more concerned about the authorities than your son. Do not engage the authorities, flee, if hit you even once. But your son . . . kill him if he becomes a problem. >

< Yes . . . kill Robert if he becomes a problem. >

< Yes, that is correct. > Chao took another step forward letting his hand slide across her shoulder. < Now are you ready for your next assignment? > Chao knew the answer, but he enjoyed the control he had currently. It brought much contentment to his placement… especially now with his faction of Yakuza facing disclosure.

< Yes . . .> Shado said distantly.

< The Minister of Defense, Ishiba Shigeru, will be arriving in Narita City this morning. He is the first on your list, > Chao mentioned. < Follow the caravan to his suite, at the Square/Enix Hotel, where he will be staying. It's in his suite that I want the hit to take place. >

"Hai . . ."

The Hawke Cattle Ranch
Idaho, USA
6:35 am

For Connor Hawke it was not easy to sleep, especially when he was being taken back into the world of heroes and villains by his brother . . . a man he had no idea even existed. Connor had finished packing a few hours ago. Connor had found himself on the front lawn of the ranch taking in the beautiful day, by throwing slow Tai Chi kicks into the air. Connor could feel the burn in his muscles even as he finally let down his bare foot to feel the damp moist earth beneath it. He was leaving his Grandfather again, and he knew he was not ready. But he was a hero before anything else.

"I see you are already up." A voice called out to him. The voice with the heavy Japanese accent was easy to place.

"I had trouble sleeping, butterflies in my stomach." Connor groaned as he admitted something he was trying to make up a cool sounding lie for.

"Me too, my brother." Robert nodded as he came to a stop looking up at Connor. "But, for me it's more than just going out there and being who I am supposed to be . . . but it is something of destiny for us both."

"Man, you are so cryptic." Connor grinned as he stepped back and crouched into a crane stance. "I can see through it though. Cause it sounds just like one of my excuses."

Robert brought a hand forward as his left arm slid to his waist, as he assumed a monkey stance. "But it's true, Connor. See I am going to fight my mother . . . to show her I have excelled her teachings . . ." Robert drew an arm up to knock away the first chuan strike that Connor launched at him. "And you are finally putting back on that stupid looking mask and being Green Arrow again."

"The mask is not stupid." Connor responded as he stepped to the right his forearm arching up to block a roundhouse.

"You look like one of those Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Robert smiled as he flipped backward avoiding Connor's sweep kick.

"Says the man who looks like he stepped out of a Ninja Gaiden video game."

"The mask is a tradition, for the Shinobai."

"And mine is a tradition of gaijin super heroes."

"The flight is at 9am."

"Then I'll kick your ass really quick." Connor leaped into the air, his leg angling towards his brother's head.

NEXT ISSUE: Of Bow and Horse gets underway as Connor and Robert land in Japan, and brings a whole new meaning to the word 'Bishounen'. Though as the two brothers start putting together the puzzle, Shado makes her first hit . . . I'd hate to be a member of the Prime Minister of Japan's cabinet. Oh yeah and more fighting too.

A-Mail

I couldn't think of a cool name for the notes at the end of issues so I suspect this will have to do. I was going to make it coincide with Buddhism or something, but couldn't think of anything witty enough. So, yeah! Anyways, first issue's over and I'm sure there are a lot of questions you're seeking answers to. And I'm gonna guess on them and try to make everyone happy.

Why Green Arrow?
Well I know a lot of people hated Connor Hawke, but some of us really liked him. Liked what he brought the cookie cutter world of super heroes, and Connor though wasn't really established like he should have been. So I picked to write this series, cause, one, I really like writing martial arts action, and two, I really think Connor is a really great character and I want to show everyone of you. Why he rocks so much. Not to mention it's nice to have a character who has the same dietary habits as me. X_X

Didn't Robert and Connor meet before?
Sadly no they haven't. This story was actually spurred by an AOL chat log where Chuck Dixon really wanted to write a meeting between Robert and Connor but never got a chance to. So I figured what a way to open up the series. By doing a brothers story, as I'm a dork for connections, and as you can see Robert and Connor have a brotherly bond they are just beginning to understand. It really is going to be a lot of fun to write this... as *sniffs* I don't have brother and as a kid I always wanted one. Not that my two sisters don't rock socks though!

Why the change from Kyudo to Qi-gong?
If you noticed this, I love you… okay not really… but this is the biggest change I've done in this series from the canon version of Connor. I decided that it'd have made more sense if Connor studied the archery form actually practiced by Buddhist monks. I always felt that Connor was not researched, and his way of life was not accurate in the slightest... not to mention there are enough Kyudo masters... and not one Qi-gong master. So I decided to change Connor's style for realism. If you have good ideas you'll be able to note the differences. It's going to be more apparent when Shado, Robert, and Connor are flinging arrows side by side, than later on in the series. But yeah, hope it doesn't annoy you all too much. I just felt that it made more sense, and plus there aren't any Qi-gong archers in the DCU.

Well that's it for the first issue of Green Arrow . . . Be sure to send me feedback . . . I really want feedback. I will even answer them in the next issue . . . I promise.

-Jae

Story © 2004 Jae Lizhini and may not be reproduced without permission.