Chapter 21

The Children's Hospital in the Glades: A Different Side of Marcus

It was a rare, quiet day in the Glades, and inside the Children's Hospital, the air was filled with laughter. Marcus Queen stood in the middle of a room full of children, performing simple magic tricks—sleight of hand and illusions that left the kids wide-eyed with wonder. The sight of this enigmatic figure, known for his cold ruthlessness, kneeling before sick children and making them laugh was something that would warm the heart of even the most cynical observer.

But it wasn't just magic Marcus was performing.

In his hand, concealed within a small leather glove, was an advanced healing device—one modeled after the Goa'uld hand device he had reverse-engineered and manufactured through Queen Consolidated. As he distracted the children with card tricks and coin flips, he subtly passed his hand over them, activating the device's energy to treat their illnesses and injuries. It was subtle but effective, and with each pass, a child's condition improved. Their laughter and joy were a testament to how much better they were feeling, though none of them knew the true extent of what Marcus was doing.

Around him stood his bodyguards—humanoid Replicators, advanced synthetic beings Marcus had programmed to act as protectors. They blended into the background, unnoticed by the children and nurses, watching over Marcus and the kids with silent vigilance.

Marcus's Magic Act

As Marcus performed, a little girl with bright eyes tugged at his sleeve. "Can you do another one, Mr. Queen?" she asked, her voice full of hope and excitement.

Marcus smiled, crouching down to her level. "Another one? Alright, how about this?" He pulled a silver coin from behind her ear, making the girl giggle with delight. "Where did that come from? Maybe you're magic too."

The children around him laughed and clapped, enthralled by the tricks. It was a side of Marcus that few ever saw—gentle, compassionate, and warm. The man who could dismantle empires and strike fear into his enemies was here, bringing joy to children who had suffered far too much.

All the while, Marcus's Bluetooth earpiece was linked to Victory, his ever-watchful AI. Though his focus was on the children, he remained alert to the outside world. Victory fed him constant updates on the situation in Starling City, from Malcolm Merlyn's latest moves to the cabal's nervous whispers. But today, here in this hospital, he allowed himself a moment to just be present.

Victory: "No new threats detected. Humanoid Replicators remain on high alert."

Marcus barely acknowledged the update, focusing instead on a young boy in a wheelchair. With a flick of his wrist, he made a small toy appear out of thin air and handed it to the boy, who smiled up at him in awe.

The Arrival of Oliver and Moira Queen

From different corners of the hospital, both Oliver Queen and Moira Queen entered the room, unaware that the other was coming. Oliver had come to check on a community project he had been supporting, and Moira had been there for a board meeting with the hospital directors. Neither had expected to find Marcus here, and the sight of him interacting with the children left them both momentarily speechless.

Oliver stood in the doorway, watching his brother perform another magic trick for the kids. He had never seen Marcus like this—so relaxed, so… human. For all of Marcus's intelligence and strategic mind, Oliver had always thought of him as someone more removed, more calculating. But here, he was playing with these children, bringing joy to their lives in a way Oliver never imagined.

Moira, standing at the other end of the room, felt a surge of mixed emotions. She had always known Marcus had a strong moral compass, but seeing him here, surrounded by children, treating them with the technology he had developed, filled her with a deep sense of pride—and guilt. Pride because her son was using his vast resources for good, but guilt because of the secrets that still hung between them.

The Moment of Connection

Oliver finally stepped forward, catching Marcus's eye as the children continued to crowd around him. Marcus raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

"Didn't expect to see you here, little brother," Marcus said, rising to his feet. He nodded toward the kids. "They're a tough audience, but I think I'm winning them over."

Oliver chuckled, glancing at the children, who were still enchanted by the tricks and laughter. "I think you are," he said, a note of admiration in his voice. He had come here to check on the hospital's needs, but now he was seeing something far more important—his brother's heart.

Moira, making her way over, spoke up softly. "I didn't know you were involved here, Marcus." She looked around at the kids, many of whom were terminal or suffering from chronic illnesses. "This… this is wonderful."

Marcus shrugged, but there was a warmth in his eyes that neither Oliver nor Moira had seen in a long time. "These kids didn't ask to be sick or hurt. We have the technology to help them, so why wouldn't I use it?"

He gestured subtly to the hand device, still concealed beneath his glove. "The Goa'uld technology can do things that traditional medicine can't. I've been treating them quietly. No need for fanfare."

Moira blinked, a mixture of surprise and gratitude flooding her. "You've been healing them?"

Marcus gave a small nod. "Quietly, yes. No one needs to know how it works. All that matters is that they get better."

A Family Moment

For a brief moment, the three Queens—Marcus, Oliver, and Moira—stood together in a rare moment of unity. They had all been through so much, from the conspiracies that surrounded the Queen's Gambit to the recent war against Malcolm Merlyn. But here, in this hospital, it wasn't about power or secrets—it was about the people they could help.

Oliver felt a swell of pride for his brother. This was the Marcus he had always hoped to see more of—the one who cared deeply about the people around him, even if he rarely showed it.

"You've done a lot of good here, Marcus," Oliver said quietly, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Marcus smiled, but there was still a sharpness in his eyes, a reminder of the battles still to be fought. "There's always more to be done, Oliver. But sometimes… you just have to take care of the ones who can't fight for themselves."

Moira, touched by the moment, placed a hand on Marcus's arm. "You're a good man, Marcus. Whatever happens… I want you to know that."

Marcus looked at his mother, his expression softening just a little. "We all make our choices, Mom. I'm just trying to make sure the right people get a fair shot."

The children's laughter continued in the background as the three Queens shared a rare moment of peace. But even in this quiet moment, Marcus knew the battle with Malcolm Merlyn was far from over. And when it came, he would be ready.