Crossover with Smallville.

He walked off the stage. Staggering and swaying to the sound of the camera shutters closing. He was disgusted with himself. The acid in his stomach churned and he felt that familiar burning sensation that seemed to be his constant companion since returning.

This was necessary.

He had made a vow.

One day he could show them the man he had become, but for now this game was going to keep them safe.

"Nice act." Oliver turned at the voice in the shadows. "Oscar worthy even."

"I'm sorry?" He tried to act to confused as the short blonde stepped out of the shadows.

"Chloe Sullivan." She thrust her hand at him and he took it out of habit. A shock running up his arm at the contact.

" Do I know you?" The confusion was genuine.

"Not in this world." He saw a flash of sadness and loss in her eyes before she covered it up.

"I have to…"

"Listen Ollie," another flash and he couldn't help but notice the familiarity with which she said his name. "You can put on your show for everybody else but when you need someone, when the burden becomes too much, find me. I can help." She reached out and grabbed his arm. "Vengeance is a path no one should travel alone."

"You don't know me."

"Not this you. I know another you. A version." She looked away for a moment. "It's complicated and if I try and explain it I'm going to sound insane. The short version involves a crazy magician and Einstein's theory on black holes."

He stared at her like she insane and she only smiled back.

"Fate is a cruel bitch." He smiled at that. "Remember Arrow, no one should travel alone." She turned and started to walk away. He wanted to call after her. Wanted to tell her she was crazy.

There was something about her. Something familiar that pulled at something deep inside him. He suddenly wanted to go after her. But it wasn't to make sure she kept her mouth shut. Instead he wanted to know everything. Wanted to understand that sadness in her eyes.

"How did first contact go?" Zatanna was sitting on the couch in Chloe's new apartment.

"He thinks I'm crazy." Chloe laughed sadly at that. There was a tiny part that thought he would recognize her. How was that possible though when she didn't even recognize him? He was her archer and he was a complete stranger. It was all so confusing . She felt the familiar confusion start to creep in. The questions.

Paradox.

That is what Zatanna had called it. She had ripped apart space and time to give Chloe and Oliver a chance. After the helmet of Fate had shown her Oliver's death she knew the only way to change it was to go away. Far Far away where she could never be found.

Z had been her only choice.

The black magic that the woman had used to rip a hole in the universe was terrifying but it was nothing if it kept him safe.

"He'll come around." The dark haired women stood and started to walk towards her friend.

"I hope so." All she could think about was the shadows she had seen in his eyes. The scars that he was trying to hide. Not the ones in his file, although those were terrifying, she meant the ones on his soul.

Z said she could help him. Have a second chance at her happily ever after. She didn't agree with that. He wasn't her Ollie. He was a stranger but having a poor imitation was a small price to pay if it kept him safe. If she was lucky she could help him and maybe help the city.

She could go on. She had to.

"Trust me Chloe. This is for the best." Chloe tried to smile as her friend faded into the mist.

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