The next morning, the city was buzzing with news of the Hood's latest appearance. Adam Hunt, the notorious corporate crook, had been terrorized the night before by the mysterious vigilante. He was now being grilled by Detective Lance and his partner, trying to make sense of what had happened.
Adam Hunt was livid, lashing out at the detectives as if it was their incompetence that allowed the Hood to get so close. "Do you people even do your jobs?" Hunt sneered, his arrogance palpable. "How could you let some nut in a hood get past my security?"
Detective Lance, unimpressed, smirked. "Maybe because your security is a joke. I mean, if some guy with a bow can take out your whole crew, you're not exactly hiring the best, are you?" His partner tried to hide a grin while Hunt's security detail shuffled uncomfortably, glaring but remaining silent.
Meanwhile, across town, Marcus Queen had been busy pulling strings. He had spent the night speaking with his people, strategically placing pressure on Malcolm Merlyn's operations. Marcus had quietly been buying up key resources necessary for Merlyn Global's day-to-day operations. By using shell companies and third-party bidders, Marcus effectively raised the prices for materials essential to Merlyn's business ventures, forcing Malcolm to overpay and drain his resources.
In addition, Marcus had his agents bidding on and acquiring properties that Malcolm had shown interest in. His actions were completely legitimate on the surface, orchestrated in a way that didn't seem like a direct attack. To the world, it looked like unrelated business dealings, but Marcus was subtly dismantling Malcolm's plans for the Glades, piece by piece.
Back at the Queen Mansion, Moria, concerned for Oliver's safety after his recent attack, had decided to take action. She hired a personal bodyguard for Oliver—John Diggle, a highly skilled ex-military man with a sharp sense of duty and loyalty.
Oliver, of course, resisted. "I don't need a babysitter, Mom," he argued. His voice was firm, his usual confidence in his ability to take care of himself shining through. He was no longer the playboy who needed protection, but Moria, unaware of his alter ego as the Hood, wasn't convinced.
Before Moria could argue, Marcus intervened. "It's not about you needing it," Marcus said calmly, his tone decisive. "It's about Mom feeling like she's doing something to protect her family. After everything that's happened, she needs to feel like she's taking care of you." Marcus's words struck a chord with Oliver. He glanced at his mother, seeing the fear and concern in her eyes. With a sigh, Oliver relented.
"Alright," Oliver finally said. "I'll keep him around—for Mom."
Marcus knew that, in the beginning, Oliver would do everything he could to slip away from Diggle. His brother was resourceful, especially when it came to evading people. Marcus, fully aware of how Oliver worked, anticipated it.
Later that day, as Diggle went to retrieve the car for Oliver, it didn't take long for Oliver to slip away. With a smirk, he grabbed one of Marcus's restored motorbikes, a sleek black machine that had been upgraded with special materials like Vibranium and Uru metals. Marcus had used his abilities to fabricate new parts, significantly improving the bike's performance and durability, making it the perfect tool for Oliver to evade Diggle and move through the city quickly.
The bike roared to life, its engine a deep growl as Oliver took off. He reveled in the freedom of the ride, the wind rushing past him as he sped through the streets of Starling City, knowing full well that he was once again steps ahead of everyone. Diggle, who was just beginning to understand what kind of person Oliver was, would soon realize that keeping up with him wasn't going to be easy.
Marcus, watching from the window as Oliver zoomed off, couldn't help but smirk. His brother was still the same—always wanting to be a step ahead, always wanting to handle things his own way. But Marcus knew it wouldn't be long before Oliver and Diggle found common ground. Until then, though, Oliver would keep testing the limits, both of his bodyguard's patience and his new identity as the Hood.
As the day unfolded, Marcus continued his efforts to outmaneuver Malcolm, while Oliver began to solidify his vigilante role. But one thing was certain—John Diggle, now part of their world, would play a critical role in helping Oliver on his journey, whether Oliver realized it or not.
Two hours after leaving the Queen estate, Oliver pulled up to the old decommissioned facility in the Glades. The motorcycle, a custom-restored Indian model Marcus had worked on, purred beneath him before falling silent. Oliver took a deep breath as he gazed up at the abandoned warehouse, the structure looming over him like a forgotten relic from his family's past.
He dismounted, his mind buzzing with possibilities as he surveyed the facility. It was the perfect place, quiet and overlooked, where no one would suspect anything significant happening. What surprised Oliver most, however, was that Marcus hadn't yet repurposed the space. His brother had a knack for using Queen Consolidated's properties to their fullest potential, so the fact that this one remained untouched piqued his interest.
"Maybe Marcus just hasn't gotten around to it," Oliver thought, wondering if he could convince his brother to let him take over the place. His brother was pragmatic, though, so if Oliver wanted the property, he'd need a solid plan—one that made business sense.
He began thinking about the future, about using the facility not just as a cover but as a legitimate business. A nightclub. Something that would blend seamlessly into the nightlife of Starling City, while also masking a much more secretive operation beneath it—a base for his work as the Hood. It would be the perfect dual-purpose location.
Oliver's phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking his train of thought. He answered, hearing Tommy Merlyn's familiar voice on the other end.
"Hey man, I was just thinking," Tommy said. "We should have your welcome home party at that building near Hunt Multinational. We could use it as a cover so you can scope out the area. Hunt's still not returning that money, is he?"
Oliver smirked. "Nope, not yet. But he will." He glanced back at the facility, the wheels turning in his head as he walked around, inspecting the exterior. "Speaking of places, I was thinking of opening up a club. You remember that facility my dad shut down before…well, before the accident? It's just sitting there. Marcus isn't using it."
Tommy was silent for a moment, then laughed. "A nightclub in the Glades? Sounds like you're trying to bring some serious attention to that area. But hey, I think it's a great idea. Knowing Marcus, if you can pitch it right, he'd probably hand it over to you to keep you busy—and to make sure you don't get into too much trouble."
"That's the plan," Oliver replied, smiling. "He's all about business these days. If I show him a legitimate way to turn a profit, he might just let me have it."
Tommy laughed again. "Alright, I'll drive over and check it out with you. You know, scope the place and make sure it's not haunted or something."
Oliver grinned. "I'm sure it's fine, but I'll wait for you."
As Oliver walked around the facility, waiting for Tommy to arrive, he mentally outlined how he'd pitch the club idea to Marcus. A high-end nightclub in the Glades could bring in the younger crowd, turn a profit, and give the area a much-needed economic boost. He would highlight how it could revitalize a downtrodden part of the city and how, with his name and Marcus's resources behind it, it could become a symbol of hope for Starling City.
But the club itself wasn't the main attraction for Oliver. Beneath the facade of neon lights and pulsing music, there would be something much more critical—his new base of operations. Hidden underground, it would be a safe haven for the Hood, equipped with everything he needed to continue his mission to save the city, away from prying eyes.
Tommy arrived shortly after, and as they explored the facility together, discussing potential layouts and features for the club, Oliver felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was more than just a cover—this was the next step in his journey. The birth of the club would mark the beginning of his next chapter, and in the shadows below it, the Hood would rise.
Oliver knew one thing for sure—he would save this city, and he would do it by any means necessary.
Oliver returned home after his adventure, walking into the Queen mansion with a sense of both satisfaction and a bit of apprehension. Waiting for him was Moira, John Diggle, and Marcus. As expected, Moira was the first to launch into him.
"Oliver! Where in the world have you been? You can't just run off without telling anyone!" Moira's voice was sharp, her eyes narrowed with maternal concern.
John Diggle stood beside her, arms crossed, clearly not impressed by Oliver's disappearing act either. "I'm supposed to be your bodyguard, not some guy you shake off whenever you feel like it."
Oliver shrugged, trying to deflect the lecture with a bit of charm. "I needed some air."
In the corner of the room, Marcus stood with a slight smirk on his face. His brother had, after all, swiped his prized motorcycle without asking. While Moira continued to scold Oliver, Marcus remained quiet, but his smirk betrayed him.
Oliver, catching his brother's expression, mimicked playing the world's smallest violin, rubbing his thumb and pinky together with a grin. It was classic sibling banter, but the brief exchange provided a welcome release from Moira's tirade.
Eventually, Oliver managed to break the tension by bringing up his plans. "Mom, Marcus, I've been thinking about that old facility Dad shut down in the Glades. I want to turn it into a nightclub. Marcus has control over the company and the property now, so I'm hoping he'll give the okay."
Moira glanced toward Marcus, whose brow furrowed slightly as he considered the request. He finally shrugged. "I'll send the construction staff over and have them take a look. We'll have to make sure the place isn't hazardous. The last thing we need is guests getting poisoned or developing cancer. But if it can be turned into a club, I don't see a problem with it."
Oliver's face lit up. His brother had granted his wish. "Thanks, Marcus. I'll make it work."
With that, Oliver prepared for the evening's festivities. Tommy Merlyn had planned a welcome home bash for him—a grand party that would serve both as a celebration and, for Oliver, as cover for something far more important. The party would be near Adam Hunt's building, and Oliver had one more task to complete: ensuring that Hunt kept his word.
As Oliver dressed in a sharp suit for the party, his mind was already working on how to slip away from Diggle's watchful eye. The night would serve as the perfect opportunity to assault Adam Hunt's building as the Hood.
Later that night, the bash was in full swing, the music loud, the lights flashing. Oliver mingled with guests, playing the part of the charming billionaire heir returned from the dead. He was the center of attention, but in the back of his mind, all he could think about was Adam Hunt. He had given the man a chance to return the money he had stolen from the innocent, but Hunt had refused.
With Diggle distracted, Oliver slipped out unnoticed, donning the hood and arming himself with his bow. His first real mission was about to begin.
Breaking into Hunt's building was almost too easy. The Hood moved like a ghost through the corridors, neutralizing Hunt's security with terrifying efficiency. Arrows flew, disarming and disabling guards before they even had a chance to react.
When Oliver finally confronted Adam Hunt, the man tried to bargain, but Oliver wasn't interested in negotiations anymore. Without a word, he fired an arrow that embedded itself in Hunt's computer, hacking the system. The funds Hunt had stolen began to disappear, drained into a phantom account that Oliver controlled, set aside to repay the people Hunt had wronged.
As Oliver stood over Hunt, the man trembled, begging for mercy. But this wasn't just about the money. It was about justice. Oliver knocked Hunt unconscious, leaving him bound for the authorities to find.
Moments later, Detective Lance and his team arrived on the scene, guns drawn. They were too late to catch the Hood, but they did witness something remarkable. Across the street, a massive party was in full swing in one of Starling City's skyscrapers, the flashing lights and loud music serving as a stark contrast to the violent scene in Hunt's building. Lance caught a glimpse of the Hood ziplining across the gap between the buildings, disappearing into the night.
Lance cursed under his breath. "Who the hell is this guy?"
The legend of the Hood had begun, and from that moment, Starling City would never be the same.
Back at the party, Oliver returned just in time to be the life of the celebration once more. His double life was now in full swing, and as the music thumped around him, Oliver's mind was already on the next name in his father's book. The city needed saving, and the Hood was ready to answer the call.