Disclaimer: WB/DC own these characters. I do not, just the original ideas.

AN: Thank you for all who are still reading this story. I sure hope you are enjoying it. It would really be appreciated if you let me know if you are or not.

Previously:

Nyssa again mourned the relationship she never had with her father. It wasn't until recently, with getting to know the Lances, she'd realized what was missing. What she never knew was supposed to happen between parent and child. However, she had to be strong, to do what was right. For herself, as well as for the League. Because, no matter how strongly her father believed, Oliver Queen wasn't the person to lead the fearsome League of Assassins. Nyssa squared her shoulders and resolutely looked out her window, and began to make a different plan.

Nyssa was uncertain what she should do, but one thing was for sure. Reaching out to Queen's team in Starling was one possibility. Her father may think he knew all that was going on in Nanda Parbat, but he didn't know everything.

Thinking out all possibilities, she decided she needed to trust Al-Saher. It did seem the best bet to believe the man would want to help the brother of his daughter. So she took out the special stationary and writing pen of the League, and wrote a letter to Al-Saher. The message hidden by code and with the invisible ink of the League in the body of a letter supposedly to be sent to her contact in North Africa. Instead, it would be diverted to Starling, to a LOA contact there who would ensure Al Saher would receive it.

Knowing her father, Nyssa knew the so-called wedding to Queen would be taking place as soon as possible. However, if they went according to tradition, certain ceremonies needed to occur before the 'nuptials' took place. This would take two weeks, giving them enough time to put her plan into action. The ceremony would be the perfect opportunity to do what was required of her: kill her father. Whether or not she would then place him in the Lazarus Pit she would consider later.

So she included all the details in the letter, sealed it, and called a messenger. One whom she trusted. The only one her father would not have corrupted. As she sent it on its way, Nyssa hoped she was doing the right thing.

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~

Previously:

Thea rolled her eyes at him. "Dad, you aren't going to rub it in their faces, are you? I understand why they aren't so thrilled about having to trust you, you know."

The smile disappeared from Malcolm's face, and he became serious. "Ok, Thea. I will help you get your brother back. Because I know how much he means to you."

"Dad, are you serious about this? Because I need you to be serious."

"Yes, Thea, I am serious. Does the team have a plan they're considering?"

"Not completely. They have several ideas, but...they needed to know whether you were on board."

"So, please tell them I'll meet them at the Foundry tomorrow at 9am to discuss strategy."

Thea nodded. She took out her phone and sent her team a message. She could just imagine their reactions, but she didn't care. Getting Oliver back was the only thing that mattered at the moment.

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~FS~~

Previously:

"Yes, your friends left several days ago. As a gesture of good will, I thought I'd release them. Since I no longer required their assistance. Or presence." Pausing for effect, Ra's then continued. "Unless a reason develops."

That must mean Ra's thought he had him where he wanted him. Part of him was relieved, because his loved ones were no longer in immediate danger. On the other hand...Oliver was certain he wasn't comprehending all it could mean. One thing for sure. Ra's did have Oliver exactly where he wanted. For now.

Looking up to again meet Ra's' eyes, Oliver was again unsettled by the satisfied gleam he saw in those orbs.

Oliver swallowed. He felt Ra's was challenging him in some way, but this time he was unclear as to what exactly.

"Are you saying the wed…the wedding will happen shortly?"

"Of course. Why wait?"

Not for the first time Oliver questioned the sanity of the man in front of him. Either that, or the man loved playing games more than anyone else Oliver had known.

"Of course, there are certain traditions to be fulfilled first. To cleanse the body and mind. Because of this the wedding wouldn't be held for two weeks. At that time, with all conditions met, you will then truly become my Heir."

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~FS~~

Two weeks later Oliver found himself standing at the end of the aisle in the chapel, in front of the High Priestess, with Ra's on her left, waiting for his bride to walk down the aisle. Talia was standing behind her father. Oliver hadn't seen Talia since their first meeting weeks ago. She met his gaze with a slight raise of her eyebrow, followed by a glance down and up his body. Smiling slightly she flashed him a wink.

Dressed in the formal uniform of the LOA, Oliver felt stifled in the heavy gray overcoat over the black T-shirt. A black and gold sash laid over his right shoulder. He was trying not to sweat, or tug at his collar, as he watched the heavy doors to the chapel open to reveal Nyssa, waiting to walk down the aisle. Despite where his heart laid, Oliver admitted she looked beautiful. Her ornately black dress appeared to be influenced by Asian design, with an intricate lace applique bordering the neckline and down the middle of the bodice and trimming the bottom of the skirt. Her hair in an upswept, the veil covering it made of antique lace, held in place by a gold and silver tiara, which matched the several intricate necklaces around her neck.

As a Middle Eastern song began to play, Nyssa began to walk towards them with her usual regal stride. The LOA soldiers lining the aisle raised their swords as Nyssa glided under them towards her 'groom'. Ten soldiers were lined up on either side of the aisle, with an additional line behind them. They consisted of the higher-ranking officers in the LOA army, being privileged enough to both attend the wedding of their ruler, as well as providing security at the same time.

While Nyssa made her way down the aisle, Oliver reflected on the past two weeks. It had been a grueling period of time. Certain 'traditions' and ceremonies had to be completed before the wedding could take place. Among other ceremonies, he had endured another three days in the "magical" forest, and then he had to fast five days with only drinking the "magical" tea. Which created more visions. It was a good thing Ra's didn't ask him what he had seen, for the only thing he saw was Felicity. Living, dying, accepting and rejecting him, in all sorts of scenarios. It was as if something was trying to excise her from his soul, but of course that hadn't happened. Felicity was his one true love. Nothing could, nothing would, take his love for her away from him.

As he watched Nyssa come down the aisle, Oliver could have sworn he saw movement coming from the back of the room. When he looked in that direction, Oliver couldn't see anything unusual. He returned his gaze back to his prospective bride, as she approached him.

As expected, Nyssa met his gaze without any expression on her face as she took her place on his right. However, a sudden wink almost caused him to break his demeanor. He quickly schooled his features to prevent any reaction from showing as he and his bride turned in tandem toward the High Priestess.

In a movement so quick it made Oliver's head spin, Nyssa pulled a knife from a pocket hidden in the voluminous skirt, turned and stabbed her father in the heart. Almost as instantaneously, three robed figures jumped out from the crowd to stand between the wedding party and the rest. Oliver recognized Roy, Diggle and Malcolm, wearing LOA uniforms, who all drew swords and began to fight the LOA soldiers.

Oliver returned his gaze to Ra's, who had fallen forward in an ungraceful heap. Talia leaped to her father's side and was cradling his head on her lap. She screamed at her sister, "Nyssa, what did you do? Why did you do it?"

"What I had to, dear sister. What I had to."

Oliver was about to step forward towards Ra's and Talia when a sword was thrust into his hand. He turned, meeting the eyes of Maseo, who suddenly appeared next to him. Maseo nodded silently in acknowledgement, as he turned quickly to meet an upturned sword from the High Priestess, which was about to come down upon Oliver's head. Oliver then turned and blocked yet another sword thrust from another soldier on his other side. He became preoccupied with fighting. The battle ensued for a few minutes until Nyssa was able to gain control. She turned towards the crowd. "Enough!" Nyssa's voice rang out, and all combatants stopped.

"By League law, I have incapacitated our leader under the suspicion of inability to continue to lead due to mental instability. By rights, I remain Heir to the Demon, for Wareeth's initiation, though extensive, is at this time incomplete. I am taking over command of the League until my father is able to once again resume the position."

Nyssa, with her head high, glared at the High Priestess as if she was daring the Priestess to contradict her. The High Priestess considered her words for a moment, then nodded grandly and lowered her sword. "The Heir of the Demon has spoken." Getting the attention of the soldiers to her right, she said, "Now bring our Master to the Preparation Room for the Return of Life ceremony." She then returned her gaze to Nyssa, who nodded gravely in acknowledgement.

Looking into the crowd of soldiers, Nyssa said, "Squads Bravo and Charlie, you may stand down." Twenty-five soldiers proceeded to march out of the chapel.

Nyssa turned towards the three from Starling City. "I trust you three are uninjured?"

Diggle looked at the other two and replied, "No, we're okay."

Nyssa addressed Malcolm. "Al-Saher, you received my message without complications?"

"Yes, I did."

"I am very grateful." Nyssa then turned towards Oliver. "I am sure you are disappointed, but I declare our nuptials to be void. I also release you from the obligations of being Heir to the Demon."

Oliver bit back a sarcastic remark. Instead, he nodded. "So. I have you to thank for orchestrating my rescue?"

"Yes, it took some doing to outsmart my father, but I finally succeeded. Another sign of his continued deterioration, being able to both outsmart him and to stab him. If he had been at optimum health, none of this would have succeeded."

Oliver couldn't help adding, "Neither would it have been necessary."

"Touché, Mr. Queen. Touché."

"So, Nyssa, as such, may I assume we can leave now and we will be left alone? Neither your father or anyone else will be disturbing me or any of my loved ones again?"

Nyssa shrugged. "I guess that is exactly what it means. My father will take months to recover from this. With each submersion in the Pit, the recovery takes longer and longer. Often, memories of the past six months before death are wiped away. Forever. So, needless to say, when he returns to lucidness, my father will no longer remember his obsession with you, Mr. Queen."

"Won't say I'm hurt or disappointed." At Nyssa's frown, Oliver shrugged. "Trying for a little levity." Nyssa cocked an eyebrow at him. "Okay. So, we good here then?"

Nyssa nodded. "Yes, I have no further need of your assistance, and no one will be keeping you here. You all are free to go." Looking at Malcolm, she said, "Thank you again."

Malcolm nodded. "So, guys, let's get the hell out of here."

Oliver grimaced. "Gladly."

Diggle approached Oliver and put an arm casually and carefully around his shoulders. "Your ride is waiting outside, Mr. Queen."

Oliver turned to find Nyssa one more time. He was about to say something when Nyssa said, "Just go, Queen. Anything else needed, I will be in touch."

Oliver nodded and allowed himself to be led through several hallways through the castle. As they approached the front doors, Diggle said, "We got a surprise for you, by the way."

He was led to a SUV, parked directly in front of the door. The driver's door opened and suddenly Oliver had a handful of a blonde tornado in his arms. He had to steady himself against the onslaught of one happy IT expert.

"Oh, Oliver, I can't believe we did it! We did it, right? We are able to leave?" She pulled out of his arms and looked around, then at Diggle, who smiled at her. "Right, Dig? I don't see any ferocious LOA soldiers gunning for us, so I guess we're okay?"

Oliver smiled down at her. "Yes, Felicity, it's finally over. We can go home."

He allowed her to pull him towards the SUV. Felicity jumped in the back seat, with Oliver and Roy following her. Diggle took the driver's seat as Malcolm got into the passenger seat. The group was silent, allowing Oliver the opportunity to regain his equilibrium before they boarded the plane.

~~OQ~~FS~~OQ~~FS~~

"Felicity, I was wrong."

She heard these words coming out of Mr. "Never-admit-you're-wrong" Queen over hors d'oeuvres at Anton's, one of the fanciest restaurants in Starling City.

After the plane landed in Starling, Oliver wasted no time in asking Felicity out for supper. Diggle luckily had caught the subtle hints Oliver had thrown his way when Felicity asked about whether he and Roy would also join them and politely declined. He did have a wife and daughter to go home to. Roy said he needed to go check on Thea, which Oliver silently acknowledged.

The plane barely landed and the stairs lowered when Thea burst in. Rushing to her brother's aisle seat, she pulled him up and enveloped him in a huge hug. "Don't you ever do that again!"

Laurel met them on the edge of the tarmac. She also gave Oliver a huge hug and said, "I'm glad we got you home."

At Anton's, Oliver had arranged a beautiful table for two in one of their semi-private window alcoves. Felicity had been to Anton's only a few times, and not in such a grand fashion. The thought momentarily crossed her mind, as she was led to their table, that Oliver had something more in mind than just supper.

"About what, exactly?" She said now with her head cocked to one side, giving him her standard "what are you talking about" look. Similar to the look she had given him their first meeting.

"About pushing you away."

Felicity was screaming inside, but she was able to control her facial expressions. For once. She looked at the man across from her and quirked an eyebrow.

"So what are you going to do about it?" she murmured.

Oliver could no longer resist what he had wanted to do from the first moment he had seen her today. He leaned across the table and kissed her.

AN: Well, that ending came up suddenly. Sorry about that. It just happened. I hadn't been sure exactly how I was going to end this. Ra's kept changing his mind as to what exactly he wanted from Oliver. Then this idea popped into my head the other day. Thank goodness! So, I sure hope you enjoyed this crazy adventure of a story. Out of all my Nanda Parbat stories, this was the most outrageous, I believe. If you wish, and I really hope you will, let me know what you liked about this story. Always appreciated! Check out my other stories and stay tuned for more in the future.