It was never quiet in the Japanese Academy of Defense. Despite the policy of national defense in the country there was always much going on, inside this building. Messages from the Minister of Defense, information from the Academy of Defense studies, Special Intelligence queries, political lobbying and of course the communications with the nation’s other departments like the Department of Social Ethics, Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and Development.

Pillars of light streaked through the high rise glass windows, which ran across the back wall of the Chairman’s office. His maple colored desk’s finish was hardly detectable through the scattered papers which were strewn over his desk. Chairman Akira Hasmara leaned back against his chair letting out a sigh. For the last three days he’d not been home, as he tracked the assassinations and attempts on the lives of the cabinet members, by an assassin that was once a good friend of his. A cup of cold coffee stood to the left of a charcoal back phone that was not making any noise at the moment. The first time in hours Akira had a few moments of peace. Though every break in the action lead him to think about his job and how horribly he was failing.

The last report which was faxed to him two hours ago, was a detailed report showing the American hero known as the Green Arrow, along with Shado’s son Robert arriving on a scene. A scene that very well could have been the death of yet another member of the prime minister’s cabinet. The members of his own agency now dead, but their lives were not given in vein. That was the only good news of this whole ordeal. Akira had made it duty not to involve himself or his agency with meta-humans. But yet now with the reports of these meta-human twins that had been part of the attack on Minister of Justice, he was thinking about changing that policy.

The Meta humans were a pair of twins with a power that allowed them to combine their masses into one being. One large being and this large chimera should have given his men their deaths easily. The Chairman’s chair squeaked as he leaned back against his desk. His tired fingers pulled back the folder once again, nimble fingers swimming through sheets of paper, and photographs. Stopping at an image of green arrow again he scratched his chin. Everyone in Japan knew of Green Arrow, he was something of a legend. Even when news reports funneled in about the Green Arrow’s death, no one could believe this man could have died. Of course Akira knew this was the new Green Arrow. An American Buddhist Monk, he didn’t gather much more information that that. Only that this new Green Arrow was the son of the Original.

The Phone finally rang again.

Akira’s hand quickly slid across the paper strewn desk to hit the speaker phone. --<The convoy has arrived sir >.--

<Have a team stationed on the roof, Miss Shakara, and let them know they are to bring both Green Arrow and Robert directly to my office. >

-- <Yes Sir> --

The Emerald Archer...

OF BOW AND HORSE, Part 5:
"End Game"

Green Arrow #5- Febuary, Year 2 by Jae Lizhini

The night air was cut brutally by the large fog lights that streamed from the concrete roof of the Agency of Defense. A score of Japanese military personnel circled around the yellow landing pad. Each helmet covered skull turned up to the night sky. A helicopter’s dark colored body out lined in a thin back lit glow, as the winds of the chopper’s decent blew clothes into ruffles. The soldiers backed up from the yellow pad in a march, each foot fall practiced and precise.

The soldiers came close to the helicopter again. The aeronautic vehicle finally hit the pad. Both of the long metal skids from the bottom of the craft landed in a non universal scrapping of concrete. The gusts of winds generated by the blades slowing gradually as the door to the copter came open in a thud. Two military officers stepped out first. The two armed soldiers jumping from the copter and clearing the room for the two heroes. Robert and Green Arrow were limping as they made it to the side door. All sets of eyes were on them, as the two brothers leaped from the copter. Green Arrow had to bite his lips not to scream as the landing caused his loosened ribs to wean. He knew that he would have to deal with the pain before healing would come. He still had a job to do. He just hoped that the military were not laying down the law on the pursuit of Shado. Specifically now that it was apparent that none of military had done a particularly bang up job on apprehending her. So many dead, and with her acting as morbid as Robert spoke of. They would have to act fast.

“Sempai Green Arrow! Sempai Robert Tomanaga!” One of the soldiers called out. The Female soldier stood in the center of the ring of green clad officers. Her helmet had been taken off and pressed against her chest as she bowed; stopped in front of them.

Robert’s green eyes took a look at the officer grazing her up and down. Her hair shimmered like a raven’s feathers even as it was tied back into a roll laying flat against her head. Her uniform was modest looking with just enough room to leave to the mind what sort of body was underneath the rolls of green fabric that curled into wrinkles across her stomach and below her knees. “Komichiwa... uh” Robert greeted then looked down at the badge that broadcasted the officers name “Lieutenant Kasata.” Robert smiled, even against the pain in the lower half of his body.

“Hai… yes!” The officer looked at the two men who were standing in front of her. It was no mystery that the charms of Oliver Queen blessed both the boys judging by the sudden crimson that reflected across her smiling cheeks. “You two are to come with me. You must report to Chairperson Hamara, he expects you promptly!”

Green Arrow leaned over into his brother’s ear. “So should we mention the need for medical attention again?”

“Not unless she’s doing the nursing.” Robert smiled eyeing the back end of the Lieutenant who was now leading the way from the roof.

“Well we won’t be of much use in the state we are in now Robert,” Green Arrow mentioned.

“Connor, I don’t know how you can be a great archer but are blind when it comes to girls. She’s hot, and I’d follow her wherever she wants to go.”

“Fine, but we should let them know we are injured,” Green Arrow said as he began to walk behind the pace of Robert. His fingers crawled and his back felt strange. He was not use to wearing the costume for so long. It no longer carried that spring fresh smell, as he’d been wearing it for hours now. The lack of a bow also made him nervous. Not for the use of fighting, but just having it. How could he be Green Arrow, when he lacked a bow? That was like seeing Superman without his cape, or Batman not sporting a utility belt.

As Green Arrow walked behind his brother he pressed his hands across his back. His knuckles wrapping across fingers as he tried to keep his body straight. The limp was there, he could feel it every time he took a step. He could also notice the limp his brother had walking like a lost puppy after the Japanese officer. The other soldiers took the end of the long caravan of green clothed people. Robert almost stuck out like a sore thumb with his completely black clothing

Masu’s Tire Emporium
Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo and the Yakuza went hand in hand, as did any organized crime syndicate work well in any large city. But in Tokyo the biggest players in the Yakuza were present. And unlike Nagita City, there was no problem with hired help, no worry at mishaps, everything worked like a well oiled machine. Or so everyone was led to believe.

Masu’s Tire Emporium was a large tire warehouse on the north side of Tokyo, well past all the tourist attractions, and into the seedier side of town. The streets seemed to be mostly littered with produce stores, cheap restaurants and of course warehouses. Most of the shops in old Kyoto were either fronts for the Yakuza or were paying off the crime families as not to be touched. Most legitimate businesses moved out of the place when the families moved in.

The warehouse itself was a perfect front for operations. Below the main showcase floor were two storage areas. A warehouse outlet as it were it had the need for a lot of storage room. Even still the secondary basement was not on any blueprints. Nor could it be accessed from the main floor. There was a fall out floor located in the east wing of the warehouse which covered an auxiliary staircase that would take one down to the bottom most level. It was here on this level that 3/4ths of all the crime in Japan was planned. Almost every head of every family in Japan had heard about it. But only a select few were every given the word to come to this area. Very few had ever seen the face of Kata Omodo.

The secondary basement was scarce in terms of light. The main area which contained a table and small beige sitting pads was almost totally empty. The room was a rectangle with dark crimson carpet that ran to each of the four corners. Each corner was outfitted with a wall paper that resembled paper windows and doors. Yet only the keenest observer would realize it was just wallpaper and the entire place was insulated with forty feet thick concrete. Omodo was a very secure man, and needed to know he was safe no matter where he was.

Omodo sat at the head of the table, his legs crossed over themselves at the ankles. His simple blue silk yakata* was loosely tied exposing a v shape that showed off the rough outline of his pectoral muscles. His skin was smooth-- hairless. His short black hair was styled into short spikes that ran over his rounded skull without question. Smooth faded hair style that showed the impeccable taste not only this man had in security but also self grooming.

[[*- Yakatas are traditional Japanese Robes.]]

The sudden sliding of the door to the east wing caused the Leader of the Yakuza to look up from his table. The three men in black business suits all went for their guns in quick stealth motions. Only the keen ears of Omodo even heard the swish of fabric from the large Mafiosi. Omodo put his hand up as his rose tinted glasses looked up at the door. Two of the same dressed Mafioso guards spread out from the door way letting Chao and Shado enter.

Shado’s head quickly sprung up looking at the paper that lined the walls then she looked about for the furniture. Aside from the table that Omodo sat at she found nothing but scarce walls and a few showcase glasses. The Archer assumed that all the equipment he used for communications, as well as his desk and personal guards were tucked into the other rooms, given to the suggestion of the many doors. < Don’t worry yourself of finding yourself at home in this parlor, Shado. It is designed to be very secure. In this business it is best to always have one up on your associates. > Omodo smiled.

<We were apprehended by your men the moment we landed in Tokyo, Omodo-San. > Chao spoke not daring to step another foot forward. The look on his face was a nervous reaction, even being amongst the faux paper windows and wooden arcs. <I am still not sure what this is about. This was to be my operation. >

<It was your operation Chao, when in Nagita City. But for your actions here, you must adhere to the standards of Tokyo. And those standards of operations go through me. > Omodo looked at his men a moment. < At rest gentlemen. Shado, Chao please join me. We have much to discuss. I am pleased by the performance in Nagita. Even getting past Green Arrow, and your own son, Shado.>

<There were a few hang-ups. > Chao addressed his only boss as he worked on removing his shoes and placing them by the door. <We did in fact lose two very valuable members of our organization to this cause.>

<Which is the price I am willing to pay to have control of Japan once again Chao. > Omodo looked at Shado. < She is willing to do what must be done to orchestrate this?>

<Yes, sir I believe she is capable of finishing the job. >

<Then you have nothing to fear, this operation if successful. Will wipe your slate clean, especially after the act of treason you almost caused. That… was not acceptable. We have spoken about this before, and that particular… leak was taken care of yes?>

<On the same night as the contract with Shado.* > Chao said his dark eyes scaling up from his hands finally, his eyes finding Omodo’s. An expression that was filled with something f ear.

[As seen in flashback sequence in Green Arrow #3]

<I see, then we do not have a problem. > Omodo looked at the two of them a moment longer before his left hand slid chopsticks between his lithe fingers. The bamboo sticks firmly forking into the air. Omodo, only smiled knowing that with the look that Chao gave him entrusted him. There was no questioning the loyalty fear fosters. <Please join me, in food. We do have a lot yet to speak on.>

Agency of Defense
Tokyo, Japan

Traveling in helicopter, airplane, car, bus… moving from place to place as the job required it, was as common to a Green Arrow, as the bow itself. But being sent from one untrustworthy military person after another was beginning to have the young monk question the motives of everyone in this country. From a far, he had always thought Japan as being trust worthy as a nation, politics and violence second coming. In the west everyone had heard of the Yakuza, but never did Green Arrow assume it was as sticky as he found it to be.

Akira’s head looked up from his caramel colored desk as the two heroes led by the female officer, came to a stop. The lack of lighting didn’t sit well with Green Arrow as he worked on trying to stand still. The pain in his ribs still stung under his spandex. He did however try to concentrate despite the reflection of worry over the masked face.

The Chairman’s eyes looked at the two heroes. Both the ninja costume of Robert, as well as the dark green and red costume of Green Arrow had seen better days. Akira didn’t stand up from his desk, nor did he do introductions. Instead his hand went to a folder located on his desk, thumbing through sheets of paper. “I don’t have time to be coy. Nor do I have time to debate or pretend to be inferior. I think you know why the two of you are here. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time and managed to sit by and allow the Minister of defense to be injured. Your actions also cost the lives of some of our officers, and you let Shado escape.” Akira frowned. “It has come to my attention that you were in contact with a member of our military who happened to be working for the Yakuza, so I will drop all accusations from both of you. I will also allow Green Arrow to return to the United States after this debacle is behind us. If you cooperate.”

Green Arrow looked at his brother a moment, his neck cracking as he turned, there was no smile on the monk’s face only a grimace. “I have an international Visa. You cannot hold me here. But we fully intend to prevent any more lives to be taken. That is why I came.”

“Your Visa does not prevent you from crimes against countries, but yes we will be willing to forget this mess. You are after all a newbie. You had no idea what you were walking into Green Arrow, nor did you know the Defense of this nation does not rely on Meta humans in costumes.”

“I am not a meta human, Chairperson.” Green Arrow admitted, “You must have me confused with someone else.”

“What ever the case might be Green Arrow, we are putting very much on the line. And if I had any other choice, I would. But as you said… the death count is too high.”

“We came here to put Shado down, Mr. Chairperson. And we will. I guess you’ve come to the same conclusion we have about only two possible locations?”

“Yes, and we have men at both locations even now staking out the positions, and tailing the two ministers. But both you and Robert are injured, so we should see to that, and forgive me for asking… but it does appear that an archer requires a bow.”

“Very well sir. Robert and I are at your disposal. As long as we have the chance to not risk anymore lives. Everything you’ve said is the truth. Thank you Mr. Chairperson.”

Akira’s eyes narrow at the young hero. “of course, Lieutenant, see that Green Arrow and Tomanaga-san are taken care of in the medical wing. They will need to be in fighting shape for tonight’s mission.”

It’s the end game Chao, and to your royal flush I have but two of a kind.

Tomasi Laboratories
Tokyo, Japan

At one point in his life Sam Fletcher assumed he’d never have another chance at life. The ex-scientist from S.T.A.R. labs was sure that his exodus from the Laboratory would forbid him from ever having a decent job again. That was until he got a call from a Mr. Heiyoshi Chao who wanted to hire him to continue his work. Research in human memory, and function that lead him to begin work on what he believed would be one of the greatest finds in scientific history. The brain holds memory by a series of small electronic pulses. It was his theory that if one could recall these patterns they could capture those functions, and thoughts and transport them to another mind. The applications of such a device would have been… legendary.

Second chances are what led so many people to do things they never would otherwise. The way that Chao himself had betrayed the woman he loved. The way that Connor Hawke would pick up the mantle of Green Arrow to at least feel close to a father he never met. Everything had gone full circle. Everyone had something to fight for.

The over head neon lamps buzzed, scarce light emitting down on the work table, as Dr. Fletcher’s hands worked against time hurrying to place the last wires into place over the circuit conductor. His dark ebony skin was now a bruised purple color. Deep bags of fatigue puffed below his eyes. It was silent, at this time of the early morning. He would have it done. Finally he would show the world his invention. And use it to have the fame he was rightfully robbed.

It had been something he dreamed about. Always knowing his genius was over looked. Not this time, no super heroes and no governments were going to get in his way for success. As he closed the cover of the small triangular shaped metallic contraption, his eyes darted straight to the watch on his wrist. He surely would be cutting it close.

After this final battle… all would become apparent. It was win or lose, but Dr. Fletcher had little to lose. The chair squeaked across the floor, as his large body rose from the stool. A white lab coat whisked in a crumbled mass as his finger snatched up his invention. As he dropped the small triangular piece of metal close to him his phone rang, vibrating his pocket.

The Doctor’s throat gasped as his free hand searched into the billows of his white coat fingers plunging deeply into the confines of his slacks. Plucking the phone from his pockets he flipped it open. Full well who was one the other line. “Mr. Chao?” Fletcher said in a frantic and bubbly voice.

“Yes.” Chao spoke back to the doctor in English. “I do hope you are ready to go.”

“Yes I just finished, sir,” Fletcher said his throat feeling rough, his hand shaking.

“Excellent, our reports are showing that it should go without a problem. As we planned before, separating Robert and Green Arrow, giving them two possibilities, and making sure that Green Arrow is stationed at the right place.”

“I see.. so it is still the American Embassy?” Fletcher ventured.

“Yes, we’ve also got a surprise in order for Robert Tomanaga.” Fletcher could hear the Mafioso smile through his voice.

Taska Square
Tokyo, Japan

Robert Tomanaga’s ribs were still weaning and throbbing even as he came to a stop of the countless stairs that lead him to the roof of the tallest business building that over looked Taska Square. Robert’s eyes looked at the gray cloud coverage that loomed over looking the city he had lived in most of his life. From this vantage point even the bright street lights and checkered illumination from the store fronts seemed dismal. Like Connor he had spent the last eight hours in a government hospital, having stitches put into his flesh and bones reset. His brother told him he did not have to go out tonight, but Robert knew full well that he did. Just as much as Connor had to take on the mantle of Green Arrow, Robert to had to protect his country-even if he was protecting the people from his very own mother.

The soldiers came to a stop surrounding him as Robert turned away from the skyline. Eight hours, no sleep… though somehow he still missed the daylight. The ninja couldn’t help but wonder how long it’d been since he actually saw the sun. Not since his sparing match with Connor, at the ranch in California*.

[[*As seen in Green Arrow #1-Jae]]

The wind easily ripped over the archer’s face, as he turned to face the seven men and women, who wore the olive colored uniforms. Each one of their tan faces marked up with night vision goggles, or camouflage paint. Despite their equipment, Robert was sure that only instinct and skill would get them through this night. Each one of them was well trained members of Japan’s special ops defense division. Each one well trained at many forms of battle, and urban warfare. But would that be enough? The boy’s wooden sandals clanked across the cement of the roof, his form uneasy. Despite his conviction for being ready to take his mother down, he felt nervous. After how she handed him his balls after their last meeting, was he kidding himself? He wasn’t a hero, nor was he even close to the same level of skill as his mother. Connor didn’t stand a chance either. Despite being asked to try out for the Justice League of America*, Connor was just another monk after all. And how many men just like Connor had his mother bested in the past? A dozen? Two dozen?

[[from the now Classic JLA #2--Jae]]

<Snipers set up at different angles, as we don’t know where they will be dropping in from.> Robert spoke up his hand franticly feeling the basil wood of his new bow, that the Agency of defense had supplied him with. Small mists of rain sprayed across the small exposed flesh that his hood and mask did not cover. <Support you will need to create a defensive ring around the snipers, we don’t know how successful we will be. But as in previous encounters Shado will have back up. It’ll be your job to deal with them.>

Not wishing to sound like a Drill Sergeant he instead watched the soldiers get into place. His foot falls attacked the off white concrete as walked back to the edge of the west side of the roof. There was no indication that she would come from the west side of the square. But if she assumed a Green Arrow was to be there, well he’d be ready for her. Shado always had certain affection for the west. The archer pulled back the binoculars from inside the folds of his clothing. The precipitation was thick, like watching one of those old movies from the forties. Crouching down onto his haunches he watched through the glass lenses he held stiffly across his face.

Silence beckoned over the roof, only the sounds of the soldiers shifting in their uniforms covered any sort of void. Robert’s palms itched ready for a moment, for anything. Down below him he could see the Minister of Education, sitting on the modest bed in the governmental suite of the motel, he chose to stay at while in Tokyo. Of course even from the rooftop a significant amount away, the archer could still detect his uneasiness. Though he was not told by the Agency he was going to be hit tonight. It was evident his personal security agents surmised this.

A sudden thud raised the archer’s site from the hotel’s window. A second thud which was his heart beating against his chest, as the archer drew back the binoculars. His hand was quick to bring the concrete as he flipped his body back. Two feet thudded harsh on the roof. The scent of sulfur burned across Robert Tomanaga’s nostrils as large pair of claws gripped the side of the roof where Robert was sitting moments before.

Clicks of guns turning to the figure as a solo form rushed in a spiral a raven black cloak flittering in the wind. As the assassin came to a stop so did the noises of his clothing. His face was unseen; shadows beckoned across his face, the ruby hemmed hood drew forward enough to only give the shape of a pencil thin nose. “FIRE!” Robert called out as his hand went for his bow. The cloaked figure moved almost as quickly as the archer his body moving his cloak being hit with stray bullets. His body moved to the support soldiers. Hands like blurs delivering a quick succession of strong fists, and blocks. Even Robert’s trained eyes could not watch the trained flurry of swipes. All he could see were the short streams of blood. Robert’s own hand came free with an arrow as he notched it in his bow. Bright green eyes watching his pattern of motions as the four men fell in clumps about the cloaked man. The snipers finally looked up with shock large rifles turning to face him.

Robert let the arrow go already drawing a second as the first one slipped through the air. The cloaked figure steadied in silence, side stepping the arrow. “Lucky for your country I have not come for the minister.” Robert kept his eye trained on the cloaked figure. Many names were running through his head. The voice was American, undeniably so. What was this man who ever he was come here? There was no time to rationalize now. The archer let another arrow fly as the man in the black cloak launched at him.

The cloaked figure was fast on the ground, but his agility appeared to not be as sudden, in aerial acrobatics. The arrow caught him in the shoulder even as his claws stretched out to grapple at Robert’s neck. Robert brought his bow up, but it did little good against the momentum. Robert felt his back throb in pain as he fell back on the concrete. As Robert looked up he could see the scaly face breathing on top of him. Robert’s knuckles were still clinched against the bow pressing the bow up he brought his legs forward feet implanting into the side of the creature.

The creature fell face first as Robert moved out of the way regaining his footing. “What the hell are you?” Robert grumbled the warm blood curling down from his nose. The archer wiped away the blood as his hand plunged to his quiver for another. “and where is my mother.. Where is Shado?”

“I am just the diversion; to make sure you don’t turn the tables on the real show.” The reptilian man grinned rows of knife like teeth exposing themselves towards Robert.

“The real show… you mean… you were planning on using her to take out Green Arrow, and the Prime Minister?” Robert felt like his heart had been replaced with a large ice cube. The creature’s large hand moved up to pull out the first arrow that was still sticking out from his shoulder. Robert took that moment to fire an arrow at the opposing shoulder.

“Exactly…ahh!” The robed lizard growled the shock taking him a step back. Robert didn’t take another moment of breathing room as he lunged at the creature he leaped with left foot using it as a balance as he brought his hips around, the right leg swung out connecting with the creatures face. The impact sent a few pearl white fangs from the maw of the thing…dropping him hard on the ground.

“So what they don’t think I’m talented enough? Guess I should have figured, they’d have wanted Green Arrow before me.” As the archer landed he smiled pulling another arrow and pointing it at the assassin. “Snipers aim.”

Even as the creature turned his head spitting some blood from his now full exposed reptilian head, the remaining sniper turned from their hidden spots with guns all aimed at the Meta human. “Now how’s this for irony? FIRE!”

The Reptile looked up at the son of Shado as the snipers all took their shots. The Reptile turned from the first shot the second and third imbed into his sides as he leaped off the building. Robert watched him disappear into the night, leaving a trail of blood as proof of his departure.

American Embassy
Tokyo, Japan

Green Arrow sat firmly against the sill of an open window, which stretched out over the city of Tokyo. His green eyes were peeled directly across from his perch though-watching the meeting between the prime minister, and another figure he did not recognize. Like Robert he was given a small dispatched of defense operatives to help set up surveillance and protect the lives of the government official in question. The five men and he were set up in an empty office room, where now the support troops were sitting across from one another in a game of poker.

The room was darkened, only the small glow from a few surveillance monitors and the lenses of infra red were all the light that was dictated across the room. The rumble of the soldiers talking to one another led the monk trying to concentrate on other things. Yet those thoughts kept returning him to his loss of control again. A loss of control that led to him possibly killing the chimerical twins known as the Blood Brother*, deep inside the archer’s mind he wondered if he truly had what it took to be a super hero and a monk. Part of him knew he could not be one without the other. Or at least he could not be Green Arrow, if he did not possess the control and skills he learned training in the Ashram. Yet he could be a monk and not be Green Arrow. Yet neither one would be true to himself.

From the corner of Green Arrow’s eye he saw a small dot leaping from building to building. He brought the emerald colored bow’s scope to his eye looking in the direction of the small blip, tracing it trying to follow the movement of the small speck. Zooming in he saw the form. The black cloaked figure carrying a bow in one hand as it ran. Pulling the scope from his eye he stood up his hand sliding to his quiver to pull out an arrow. He felt for the peace of mind in aiming watching the speck pattern claiming it as his own, feeling for the spot in everything. He let the arrow go.

Shado did not see the arrow coming. As she landed on the roof of the embassy building, the green shaft came out of nowhere thrusting itself into her thigh. Her eyes went narrow as the pain flamed through her body. Her eyes darted around to see something, anything. Her free arm grabbed at the arrow breaking off the shaft leaving the arrow head inside. As her fingers brought the shaft up her eyes caught the green tint of the arrow.

A sudden sounded thudded behind her. Her body flipped around to see the green arrow embedded into the cement wall. A simple line attached to the shaft. Her head followed the line upwards. Her ears pricking to the zipping sound of the one approaching her. Shado took a prone position as she quickly removed an arrow from her quiver and aimed it at the blurring hero. Her eyes watched the blur for a few moments before firing her arrow.

Green Arrow saw the blur of the arrow as he let go of the line the arrow sinking into his wrist. The monk buried his back his shoulders clipping in a roll as he hit hard the pavement of the embassy building. “I see you took after your father in theatrics as well.” Shado spat.

Green Arrow muffled his pain as he brought his hand up the arrow sticking out of his arm. The red blood draining off his finger tips. “You knew my father better than I did. So I guess you’d be a better judge. Then again, everything changes.” Green Arrow brought his free hand forward snapping the shaft short that was still lodged in his wrist.

Shado pulled another arrow from her quiver and notched it on her bow. The monk brought his leg forward in a sweeping kick hitting the shaft the ninja had notched. The arrow head clanked on the ground. “But as you can see I’m not my father.”

The ninja brought her newly free hand forward in an upper cut her wrist turning as she neared the young archer. Green arrow’s wounded forearm came up batting the hand away, sprits of blood floating into the night air. The pain fueled him, the anger and embarrassment caught way to a more aggressive tactic. The monk brought his right arm forward sending a chop towards her chin.

The assassin brought the bow forward in quick succession batting the hand away, and using the boy’s momentum to spring a step backwards. “No your not, but after all you’ve been through I can see you possess even greater ignorance than Oliver ever had!” Drawing another arrow she flung the shaft at the monk. Green Arrow moved his body to the left, the control over his form being shown as his whole body snaked to the left. Using the motion himself he pulled the bow from across his shoulders. “There is a great sadness in your voice, you should embrace it. Not fight it, Shado.” The green eyes of the archer’s narrowed, “I will pacify you, tonight your self injuries end.”

Shado pulled another arrow from her quiver, just as Green Arrow lunged towards her. As she knotted the arrow into the bow she saw the green heel drawing up across her face. The kick landed hard clipping her shoulder causing her to loose her balance. She somersaulted to regain footing her bare feet slapping pavement. As she looked up to meet her opponent her own brown eyes saw the glint of the green arrow head

The emerald monk’s eyes did not move they stayed steady through the green mask he wore tied across his face. For a moment Shado saw her ex-lover in those eyes. She saw her son. The woman screamed out as he lunged towards him her bow catching the hero off guard. Green Arrow’s jaw swam backwards as the two of them vaulted across the roof, with more momentum than either of them thought they had. The bodies slammed hard into glass, the shards raining down amongst them. Moving his body to the left he pushed himself away from Shado before impacting the board table that was in the center of the room. Bring his hand across the wall he rebounded using his momentum to land near the door.

Shado’s body did a similar function but landed near the far window. Both archers brought forth arrows notching them into bow strings. “Neither of us will die.” Green Arrow groaned trying to catch his breath.

“I know you honestly believe that.” Shado mentioned between glinted teeth. The monk let his arrow go first, only moments before Shado did. The two arrows hit dead center of one another the two arrows fell to the floor in clank. Both combatants looked at each other. Shado snarled and lunged at Green Arrow.

The nineteen year old archer flipped backwards his flip angling from a wall. Using the wall again for rebound he spread his left leg out coming down hard against Shado’s bow. The Ninja’s bow snapped on impact. Shado only turned her body, plunging the bow into the back of Green Arrow.

The monk let out a cry as he fell hard on the ground. The wooden bow handle sticking out of his back. Its then that he heard the door open. To the board room, Shado looked upwards from where she stood at the bleeding form of Connor Hawke. Her hands were stained with the dark blood of the archer. A frown came over her face.

A single berretta clacked and loaded pointing at the woman; Eddie Flyers did not smile as he held the gun dead center at the woman’s face. To his left the face of Master Jensen. “Don’t move Shado, you're coming with us.”

Shado flung herself at the ex-C.I.A expeditor. Her leg curved into a kick, knocking the man hard against the wall, in a sick crack. Green Arrow tried to keep his eyes open as he reached in his quiver.

Shado looked down at Flyers with little remorse before she looked at Master Jensen, wrinkled face. “Are you going to arrest me as well monk?”

“No, I do think Connor has the right idea.” Jensen finally smiled.

Shado’s head tuned just to see the blur of two arrows catching her sleeves and fixing her to the wall. “Just like Ollie…” Shado mumbled.

And the new Green Arrow lost consciousness.

Epilogue

Chao stood at the rooftop of the American Embassy building. Glittering lights of police helicopters and even below police vehicles, the landscape of Tokyo emitted with the checkered strobes of red and blue. The leader of the Yakuza, smiled, as he let he plucked the cigarette from his mouth. “Come out now Dr. Fletcher.” Chao called to what appeared to be an empty rooftop.

From behind the chimneystack that still had a single arrow imbed in it the lanky Doctor pulled himself from the shadows. “I… I have the moves recorded.” The doctor spoke to him.

“Excellent, Fletcher, you did good. We should soon be ready, to take over the other families of the Yakuza, and then finish what was started this day.” Chao smiled his head turning to him. “Your part of the plan went without a hitch. It was of course a back up plan. But now that is the primary directive. You’re finished here.”

The doctor turned his head, “I can… I can just go?”

“In a manner of speaking!” A snarled hissed cried out as a large claw launched forwards. The speed was uncanny as the green scaled fist burst through the back of the doctor. Spittle of blood misted out of the hole in the man’s back.

“Thank you Reptile, now it is done, gather up his invention, we should get out of sight.”

Reptile bowed haphazardly as he bent down and grabbed the triangular gadget still in the lifeless hand of the doctor. “Omodo will be looking for you.”

“Yes our Benefactor, Mr. Artmirage has set us up a place to get out of sight for a little while.”

“Yes sir.” Reptile hissed, “but you are not done with the Yakuza yet?”

“No, Nagita City will need a new head during my fall from grace though, and I do believe that you would make an excellent stand in.”

“And what about Robert Tomanaga?”

“Well I’ll leave him to you.”

Next Issue: The next adventure starts next issue as we meet Crackshot for the first time in this book. Milo Armtiage gets out of Jail, and goes after Crackshot’s father who has something the man wants, and he’ll do anything to get it, which includes sending Hatchet and Sonar to Italy after Crackshot and Green Arrow. Be here for “ Trust in Words”

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