Author's Notes: We're winding down to the end of this particular story. More than likely, I'll leave it open-ended, because there have been whispers in the back of my mind about what comes next. Right now, I'm thinking that Malcolm, Tommy, and Thea join Oliver in various roles. The only question is how that comes about, and how many other changes occur as a result. In the meantime, there are still things to be dealt with. So, in this chapter, Thea tries to come to terms with everything that has changed in her life in the last twenty-four hours; Ginny acknowledges her plans for the semi-immediate future; while Malcolm has a few requests for Quentin. Oh, and don't be surprised if the characters present conflicting viewpoints. You'll know what I mean when you get there.

Chapter Six

Taking Stock

Merlyn Global

Starling City

The day after the Undertaking

Who was she? Did she know anymore?

If you'd asked her that question even two days earlier, she most likely would have looked at you as if you were insane. She was Thea Queen, youngest child of Moira Queen and the late Robert Queen, younger sister of Oliver Queen, and sister by mutual adoption to Tommy Merlyn. But … that wasn't who she was. She didn't have a drop of Queen blood in her veins, and she had no blood ties to Ollie whatsoever. By all rights, her name wasn't Thea Queen at all, but Thea Merlyn … and Thea Merlyn had no idea who she was.

The man who rescued her from China White … Slade … told her that she determined who she was, not her parents. And he was right, she knew he was right … she also knew that she had no business freaking out about her lineage, not when so many people lost so much: their lives, their families, their homes … they lost everything because of her biological mother. She looked up at her biological father, who remained seated beside her in the Merlyn Global lobby. She was finding it hard to work out what he was thinking, since he had a poker face to rival any she'd ever seen … that included both of her parents. The Queens, she meant. She was still figuring out the Merlyns.

Frustrated and exhausted, Thea dropped her head onto the desk beside her birth father's arm … and felt his hand hesitantly settle on the back of her skull a second later, as if he feared her rejection. The sad part was, she was finding it easier to accept comfort from him than just about anyone, except Slade Wilson. Malcolm Merlyn asked quietly as she looked up at him, "Would you like to go lay down for a while? You don't have to stay up here with me, you know. Trust me, I know how rough the last several hours have been for you."

She shook her head, noting the lines of exhaustion drawn into his face. How long had he been up? She knew he regained consciousness the night before, only a few hours before that atrocity was unleashed … but had he rested at all since then, had he eaten? She answered softly, "I'm fine … just giving myself a headache, trying to figure all of this out." A soft, sympathetic smile touched the corners of his mouth, and for the umpteenth time since she entered Merlyn Global with Slade Wilson, Thea studied the face of her biological father, trying to find herself in him.

She'd seen pictures of him, of course … when he was just Tommy's father, the reason why Aunt Becca looked so sad so often. Except he wasn't really dead … he was in a coma, which didn't prevent Aunt Becca from unleashing hell in retaliation. Her birth father said softly, "We'll figure something out. Nothing has to change, Thea. Robert and Moira raised you … they're your parents, your real parents, and they always will be." Thea just smiled at him sadly, because while she appreciated the sentiment … he was wrong.

"But things have changed … regardless of who I call 'mother,' I'm still the daughter of a mass murderer. Aunt Becca unleashed the Undertaking, but my mom went along with her. For five years, from the time the Queen's Gambit went down, she went along with it. She didn't do anything to stop it until the very end, and I don't know how to live with that," Thea answered. Too late, she remembered that the Undertaking was unleashed in this man's name … and how did Malcolm live with that? Judging from his expression, that was an ongoing process.

"That's something we can figure out together, Thea … along with how to reconcile the different versions there were of my wife. You knew her as your aunt, probably inclined to spoil you and Ollie?" her new father asked and Thea nodded, briefly noticing that his fingers were flexing, as if to make a fist … but never completed the motion. She frowned a bit, wondering if his hand had fallen asleep. And that brought up something else … what did she call him? He was her father … but he wasn't her dad (at least not yet). She couldn't very well call him 'Malcolm.' Thea liked to be rebellious, but that was just plain disrespectful, and to someone who truly didn't deserve it (on the other hand, she'd always called her step-father Walter by his given name).

"She told me stories about you sometimes … you were like a cross between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ardeth Bey, with a little bit of Captain America thrown in for good measure," Thea recalled with a half smile. Too late, she realized that her companion had no idea who Ardeth Bey was, and probably only knew Obi-Wan as the 'crazy old wizard' in the original Star Wars movies. The way he blinked at her told her that she was right. She laughed, explaining, "There was a second set of Star Wars movies that came out when I was a little kid, telling how Anakin became Darth Vader … Aunt Becca always said that her favorite character was Obi-Wan, since he was cute and snarky, like you. Ardeth was in the Mummy movies … yeah, they made new Mummy movies when I was little, too."

Malcolm offered a tiny smile in response, and closed his eyes. Thea couldn't help herself … she was feeling more and more at odds with herself. Ollie and Tommy disappeared after the confrontation that Ginny and Slade stopped, nearly an hour earlier. Slade left shortly after, saying he wanted to guide more people here, while Ginny was arguing with Detective Lance about something. There was nothing for her to do, no one to take care of. No one except the man in front of her. She put her hand over his wrist, asking, "Are you all right? I mean … I know that's a loaded question, but you don't look like you're feeling well."

He opened his eyes, smiling at her tiredly, and answered, "Just tired. I shouldn't be … I was asleep for the better part of twenty years." He paused, before asking softly, "Can I tell you something?" Thea bobbed her head, sensing that this was her opportunity to take care of someone else, when people had always taken care of her. He said softly, "I know that twenty years have passed … I know that my son is a grown man, and that I have a teenage daughter. I know that my closest friend from childhood is no longer the young girl I remember. And worst of all, I know that my Rebecca-the sweet, idealistic, kind woman I married-turned our city into this. Everything has changed, but me … I know I'm older, but I feel as if I'm still in my twenties. And I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about that."

Thea didn't know, either … but she also didn't think that how he was feeling was all that strange. Malcolm sighed and offered her another tired smile and stood up, saying, "C'mon … I think that man over there is trying to get your attention." Thea looked in the direction her father was looking, and saw … Walter? She rose to her feet, mouthing her step-father's name, and Malcolm said softly, "Go ahead … he needs to make sure that you're okay." She turned back to smile and thank him … but it was then that his eyes rolled up in his head and his knees buckled. Thea screamed and reached out to catch him, only for them both end up on the floor.

Walter was beside them a moment later, his hand reassuring on Thea's shoulder as she held her newfound father in her lap, calling over her head, "We need help over here!" There was a clatter of feet, and then Ginny Azulay was in front of them, muttering under her breath about stupid men who pushed themselves too much. Walter and Detective Lance pulled Malcolm upright, while Ginny helped Thea to her feet, keeping a protective arm around her shoulders. Thea knew shouldn't, but she leaned into the other woman's embrace. She wanted her brother (either of them, really), but Ollie and Tommy weren't here … and Ginny was.

ARROW

"You're leaving … aren't you."

It was a statement, not a question, and Ginny turned away from the view from the Merlyn Global penthouse to face her childhood friend. Malcolm was watching her, his face neutral. She knew him better than that, though. They hadn't had much time to talk since he woke up … but in the four hours since he'd collapsed downstairs, they'd made up for some of that.

Once Walter Steele and Quentin Lance got him settled in what was his hospital room for so many years, Ginny took a seat beside him and just started talking. He was awake again by that point, and she knew he wouldn't be going back to sleep, even after Thea assured him that she was fine (because of course Malcolm was worried that he'd frightened his daughter). And so, Ginny talked. She told him about her mother and her daughter, and about the life she'd built in New Mexico in the years since she left New York. She wasn't quite ready to tell him about Yonatan's death, at least not yet, and not until she had a steady stream of whiskey or Scotch at hand. Talking about her husband's death always had that effect on her. Malcolm didn't call her on it … he knew she wasn't ready to have that conversation. He knew her every expression … just as she knew all of his. And right now, he was far more upset by her eventual departure than he was letting on. Ginny turned her back on the devastation outside to face him.

"Not right away … but the time is coming, yes. I don't belong here anymore, Malcolm," she answered quietly, "I haven't for a while. And my daughter needs me, just as Tommy and Thea need you." She was still coming to terms with that particular fact … that Thea was Malcolm's daughter. And then when you factor in how Rebecca arranged it … well, she tried not to think about that part. Malcolm expelled a breath and nodded as Ginny sat on the edge of his bed. He took her hand, interlacing their fingers together … something he'd done when they were kids to comfort her (or himself).

"I know she does. It's been good, having you here. I know, you didn't leave until after I … until after. But so much is unfamiliar, it's been good having someone familiar nearby," he answered. Ginny smiled faintly, because she could understand that. Yes, he had his son … however, Tommy wasn't the little boy Malcolm tucked into bed twenty years earlier. Instead, he was a young man approaching thirty. Same with Oliver Queen. Thank God, she and Malcolm talked him into staying. The boy felt horrifically guilty for 'allowing' the quakes. Maybe one of these days, they would get it through his thick skull that he did all he could. There were five of those monstrosities, and a limited number of people. She could probably ask him about the rest of his team the next time she saw him.

"I'll stay a while … but yes, I do need to leave. Mom's great about taking care of Jazz, but she's not as young as she used to be and a girl needs her mom. Especially at Jasmine's age," Ginny answered and Malcolm inclined his head. Ginny paused briefly, wondering if she should bring up what else was troubling her, before asking, "Do you have any idea what happened to Rebecca?" It continued to un-nerve her … how Rebecca went from a compassionate woman who wanted to heal to a vengeful psychopath. And she wasn't even sure if that was the correct term, but Rebecca wasn't sane … not for a long time. And once more, she wondered how close she came to following Rebecca's path. She shivered a little, hoping Malcolm didn't notice.

It probably was in vain, but if he noticed, he didn't make a comment. Instead, he said softly, "According to Tommy, Rebecca left for a time after I was shot. I don't know who took care of me while she was gone, but Tommy was in the care of the Queens. Something I find strange, given her opinion of Robert and Moira. She's very evasive about where she went and what she was doing, but I believe that was where she learned to fight. She may have learned … other things." Learned other things. Yeah. And leave it at that.

Ginny stared at her childhood friend, who appeared pensive … and maybe a little distressed as well. What separated her from Rebecca, aside from resources? She might never know the answer. Instead, she turned her attention to someone else who was struggling in the wake of … everything, asking, "Do you think Thea will be okay? It seems like every time she might be able to grab a handhold, another wave knocks her off her feet." Malcolm looked troubled by the question, and no wonder. After she reassured herself that Malcolm was in good hands and that her step-father was okay, the girl vanished to the rooftop.

"Eventually … she's a strong girl, but like you said, the waves keep coming. The people who seem to provide her the most comfort are Oliver and Tommy, not surprisingly. A little more surprising is the effect Slade Wilson has on her. I think she draws strength from him. She isn't sure of me, which is only fair. She only just found out that I'm her biological father, when she's still mourning the death of the only father she ever knew, and almost her entire life has been based on a lie. I'm still not clear on how Rebecca managed it, but by now, I should be used to my wife's resourcefulness," Malcolm admitted. Without meaning to, two sets of eyes strayed to the window and the devastation left by Rebecca's 'resourcefulness.' As one, they shuddered and returned their attention to each other. Ginny wasn't entirely sure Malcolm was correct about the way Thea saw him, but that wasn't her business. And because that was how he took care of others, Malcolm asked next, "Is there anything I can do before you go? Anything you need?"

Ginny offered a smile, answering, "I'm fine, Malcolm. We're all fine. But there is something I've been missing." Malcolm's face went blank for a moment … but then, a heartbeat after that, she found herself enfolded in his arms, her head resting under his chin. Ginny exhaled slowly, clinging to her friend, and whispered the words that she'd been wanting to say for weeks, ever since Rebecca led her into the room where Malcolm lay comatose, "I've missed you, old friend … so, so very much!" Malcolm didn't say anything … just held her all the more tightly.

"If you ever need me, I will be there … though hell should bar the way," he answered softly. He already knew that she would come if he called … she'd already done it once before. But it wasn't time for her to leave yet (even if she could leave town, which wasn't really possible right now), and until that day came, here was where she would stay.

ARROW

Because that was the way life worked, only a few moments after Malcolm's promise was made to Ginny, she was called away by one of the staff members (and he really needed to start learning names). She offered him an apologetic smile, but he waved it off, because she was needed. And he needed to have a few other conversations as well. Thea would come back when she was ready. Same with Oliver, and Tommy would know when that time came. The sound of a throat being cleared drew his attention to the door, where he discovered Detective Lance standing there, looking more than a little uncomfortable. He beckoned the other man into his former hospital room, and asked quietly, "What can I do for you, Detective?"

"Came to see how you were doing … and if there was anything you needed," Lance responded. Malcolm studied the other man. According to Tommy, the detective investigated the shooting, but given how shaken Rebecca was, it went nowhere. Of course, given what he knew now, he had to wonder if Rebecca took care of the shooter herself once she returned from wherever she went (Nanda Parbat … didn't sound familiar, but it was a big world out there). And as it happened, there was something he needed from the father of his son's girlfriend.

"I'm recovering. Ginny was here for a while, making sure I didn't overdo it … again, as she so eloquently puts it," Malcolm answered. Lance smirked when Malcolm indulged in an eyeroll. After a moment, he said more seriously, "And yes, there are a few things I need. First, if you see Slade Wilson the next time he returns with people in need of shelter, let him know that I would like to speak with him. Secondly … Tommy seemed spooked when he went to the roof earlier. My … Rebecca's body isn't up there, is it?"

The detective stared at him for several long moments, before observing, "I have no idea how you know that … but you're right. I sent a few men up there to retrieve Mrs. Merlyn's body not long after Wilson, Queen, and I came down with Ginny. It wasn't there. I hope I don't need to tell you why this is going to remain under wraps?" Malcolm shook his head, because he understood it entirely too well. If people realized that Rebecca's body was gone … well, things could get uglier than they already were. Lance went on, "As for Wilson … sure, I can do that. This have something to do with Ginny leaving once things settle down?"

Ah. He wasn't expecting that. That didn't stop Malcolm from answering, "I hadn't realized I was being so obvious. She needs to go home to her mother and her little girl … and I need to make sure she's safe. Even before I was shot, I was a target, just for being who and what I was. With recent events, that will be even more true … not just for me, but for anyone who matters to me. My children … Oliver … even Ginny. Even if he can't protect her himself, Mr. Wilson may be able to shed some light on someone who can."

Lance was nodding slowly, and Malcolm couldn't help asking, "And feel free to not answer … but what is your tie to Ginny? I don't remember the two of you being particularly close when the three of us were kids." Lance's smirk returned and Malcolm couldn't help wonder what sort of opening he left for Lance. But he was telling the truth, as he understood it. No, he didn't know everything about Ginny and her friendships with others when they were kids … but he did remember that Ginny didn't have that many friends aside from him.

"We weren't … really, I didn't even know that Ginny was from Starling until the last few days. I knew her late husband, Yonatan … he was a fellow cop and we were friends. After he died, and she left New York, I kept an eye on her as often as I could. Not easy, considering she lives in New Mexico, but whenever I was in the area for a conference, I'd look in on her," Lance answered. Malcolm inclined his head … that made sense. The detective added, "So what made you think of Wilson to look out for Ginny? Not saying you're wrong, just couldn't imagine why you would think of him, aside from the fact that they'll both be leaving soon."

Yes, and that was something Malcolm was trying to forget. Weak, he knew, but he wasn't ready for her to go. He was painfully aware of the way she looked at him … how young he seemed to her. And despite what she believed, Malcolm also knew (and had for some time) that she was in love with him (at least, was at the time he was shot, and may still be). It was Rebecca who pointed that out to him, observing how much she admired Ginny for her grace in accepting Rebecca, when she was so obviously in love with Malcolm. Tommy had just been born, and Malcolm saw only wistfulness in his friend's smile as she cuddled the newborn close. Ginny left town for a year or so after that, giving Malcolm time to come to terms with his wife's revelation.

He needed to think about how to react. Should he be upset that he had no clue how his friend felt about him? How was he supposed to feel? In the end, he never admitted to Ginny that he realized her feelings for him went far behind friendship. He was actually more than a little embarrassed that he never picked up on that. Lance was still waiting for his answer, and so he replied, "Wilson is a dangerous man, but he's not … he protected my daughter after the quakes, and he's been leading people to safety. He's a dangerous man … I think the best person to protect my friend as she returns to her family is someone just as dangerous as anyone who might want to harm her. And he seems to at least respect her."

Lance hummed under his breath, but didn't argue, and finally said, "Sure, I'll send Wilson up here the next time he gets back. And for what it's worth, I agree … on all points." Malcolm merely smiled at that, and Lance departed, leaving him alone to think about what came next. There was another reason Ginny was leaving … oh, she was telling the truth about needing to get back to her daughter, and about no longer belonging in Starling City. But Malcolm knew her well enough to read between the lines, and he knew that she was leaving because of him. He needed to 'grow up' and come to terms with the changes in his life during the last twenty years, needed to mourn the loss of his wife and his dreams. And he couldn't do any of that if he was leaning on Ginny, especially with the disappearance of Rebecca's body.

They would move on with their lives separately, at least for now. Who knew what the future held? Malcolm wasn't about to say that he did. He hadn't foreseen being shot when he went to the clinic to apologize to his wife, much less spend the next twenty years in a coma. And he certainly hadn't foreseen Rebecca's response to that event. You couldn't see around corners. Life just didn't work that way, and you adjusted to it, in whatever way you could.

TBC