Thea Quinn was left speechless, her jaw practically on the floor, as she watched Helena put on her uniform and quietly leave the room. Her mind was racing, trying to process everything she had just witnessed.
She couldn't help but think, The mouth says no, but the body is very honest!
Not long ago, Su Sheng had seemingly forced Helena into submission. At least, that's what Thea had thought initially. Su Sheng had appeared rough and almost terrifying, as if he had taken off a friendly mask to reveal something much darker. But soon, Thea realized she was wrong. Helena had eventually started to respond, and the two of them had moved in perfect sync, as if they had completely forgotten she was even in the room.
"Is that really okay?" Thea asked Su Sheng in disbelief as she sat on the bed.
Su Sheng chuckled. "Why not? There's nothing a good time can't solve. And if one time isn't enough... then two times should do the trick!"
"I'm starting to believe what she said earlier," Thea remarked, still trying to wrap her head around what she had just seen. After a moment, she turned to Su Sheng and asked, "What was all that in the restaurant about?"
"Your father and your half-brother teamed up to try and save you, but their efforts were weak, and their relationship is complicated. To sum it up, your father wants to destroy the Glades, and he's working with several people to do so. Your stepfather was one of many involved in his initial schemes. Later, when your stepfather had a change of heart and wanted to quit, he was killed by your father—that was the incident with the Queen's Gambit."
"Your brother, Oliver, wants to make up for his mistakes and protect the city. So... he and your father are likely to be at odds for a while," Su Sheng explained simply before getting up to take a shower.
When he returned, Thea was still standing there, clearly trying to digest the shocking information she had just learned.
Malcolm Merlyn, the Black Arrow, was not likely to die anytime soon. The Birds of Prey would certainly investigate the situation. With Catwoman back in Gotham, Black Canary would take the lead. This was why Su Sheng had mentioned to Helena earlier that he had something for Black Canary to do. Su Sheng also planned to tell Laurel that the real mastermind behind her sister's death was Malcolm Merlyn.
This would keep Malcolm busy dealing with both Green Arrow and Black Canary.
As for Green Arrow? He had to find Thea, confront Malcolm, and prevent Black Canary from pursuing her own vengeance. Su Sheng grinned to himself—Oliver Queen loved to play the hero, so he might as well give him plenty to do.
Though Su Sheng could easily kill Green Arrow with a single blow, what fun would that be? Death would erase Oliver's existence too quickly, leaving no time for the world to play out its games.
Su Sheng didn't want to destroy the world, rule it, or become a bloodthirsty madman. He just wanted to enjoy the thrill and fun the world had to offer, or actively seek out new excitement. He didn't want a life as dull as Eobard Thawne's, stuck in an endless loop of trying to kill Barry Allen for over a decade.
"I'm leaving here tomorrow. Are you coming with me, or do you have somewhere else you want to go?" Su Sheng asked Thea.
"Where are you going?" she asked, still unsure.
"First, back to Central City for some fun. Then maybe somewhere interesting," Su Sheng replied with a grin. "By now, the real Harrison Wells' body should be revealed to the public, forcing Eobard Thawne to leave S.T.A.R. Labs. The Flash will be desperate to find evidence to free his father from prison. Eobard can't kill the Flash outright and will even have to help him, which must be frustrating for him."
Su Sheng chuckled, imagining Eobard Thawne's frustration.
"If they send over the Earth-2 villains, then things will really get interesting."
The only issue was that while Su Sheng was fast enough, traveling through universes required more than just speed—it required skill and time.
"I don't want to go home, but I don't know where else to go," Thea admitted.
"Then come with me!" Su Sheng decided quickly.
As the sun set, Su Sheng made his way to the Birds of Prey's base. Over the years, the base had undergone several upgrades, with new equipment and a special glass wardrobe for Black Canary and Catwoman's uniforms and gear.
Felicity was sitting at the computer, focused on something, while Laurel was exercising nearby, dressed in shorts and a tank top.
Suddenly, a flash of red lightning streaked through the room, and Su Sheng appeared out of nowhere.
Felicity looked up in shock, only to find herself quickly embraced and kissed by Su Sheng.
Laurel, watching them, felt a mix of emotions but couldn't deny the twinge of jealousy.
"How about a hug?" Su Sheng released Felicity and opened his arms to Laurel.
Laurel hesitated, glancing at Felicity, who didn't seem to mind. Before she could react, Su Sheng had already pulled her into a hug.
Thump, thump, thump!
Laurel could practically hear her own heart pounding in her chest.
"Now, I can tell you who that person is," Su Sheng said as he let go of Laurel, grinning.
Laurel's eyes widened. "Who is it?"
"You'll be investigating the restaurant, right? Besides Green Arrow, there was another person—Black Arrow. Those assassins dressed as members of the League of Assassins were trained by him. His real identity is Malcolm Merlyn," Su Sheng explained.
Felicity and Laurel were stunned.
It was him!
The Merlyn Group was as influential as Queen Consolidated in Starling City, and Malcolm Merlyn was well-known.
As Laurel tried to process the shocking revelation, Su Sheng and Felicity went to examine the real Dr. Harrison Wells' body. Although his appearance was unrecognizable, the DNA was enough to confirm his identity.
"I'm taking the body, and I'll be leaving for Central City tomorrow," Su Sheng said with a smile.
"Leaving tomorrow? What about Thea Quinn?" Felicity asked, surprised.
"I'm bringing her along. Let Oliver find her on his own," Su Sheng replied with a mischievous grin. "By the way, Laurel, did Oliver look for you when he returned?"
"He did," Laurel said calmly. "He wanted to apologize."
"And?"
Laurel slowly raised her hand, miming a slap.
Su Sheng laughed, giving her a thumbs-up. "Well done. I thought you might..."
"What did you think?" Laurel narrowed her eyes at Su Sheng, challenging him. Did he really think she would forgive Oliver so easily? Holding back from taking more drastic action against him for her sister's death had already been a struggle.
PS: Writing the Green Arrow storyline is tricky. Some parts feel too drawn-out when it comes to Su Sheng's character, so the focus remains on Thea and the Birds of Prey. After wrapping up this storyline, it's back to dealing with the Reverse-Flash, and maybe causing some trouble on Earth-2. To be honest, the plot might feel scattered due to the protagonist's overwhelming power. There's not much that can truly challenge him, so he just copies abilities, stirs up trouble, and plays around. I'm trying to keep the irrelevant parts to a minimum and focus on the main storyline and big events.