Arrow ~ Shifting Allegiances ~ Part One

***

"So on this Earth, your dad is the mayor of Star City," Ruby asked William in clarification as they walked through the loft.

"Yup," William nodded. "He's the mayor."

"And he's also under investigation for being the Green Arrow."

"Mmmhmm."

"And recently some drug lord called Diaz is trying to take over Star City and at the same time ruin your dad?"

"If you want him to sound more dangerous, his street name is Dragon," William offered.

Ruby shifted on her feet uneasily. "He's never targeted the house, has he?"

"No," William hastened to assure her. "No, no, he's never come anywhere near here."

"Good," Ruby sighed in relief, dropping down on the couch. "I just don't want another Luthor mansion problem."

"If that ever happened, I think Dad would either call Uncle Barry or Aunt Sara," William thought. "Either S.T.A.R. Labs or the

"And your uncle is the Flash," Ruby said quietly, staring at the floor. "Who my mom also has fought many times."

"No," William shook his head. "Ruby, your mom and Reign are two completely different people. They're complete opposites of each other, and Aunt Lena will find a way to help her." Ruby bit her lip and nodded, then William smiled sheepishly. "Besides, Aunt Sara once tried choking Reign with her bo staff."

"What?!" Ruby's head shot up, eyes wide.

"Our trip to Fort Rozz," Kara nodded in remembrance as she walked into the room, looking comfortable in a cardigan and jeans. "Me, Imra, Thea, Laurel, Sara, Amaya, Zari, and two supervillains."

"Wait, what?" Ruby blinked rapidly.

"The funniest part is only females could go," William grinned. "Apparently blue stars kill anyone with a Y chromosome."

"That'ssomething I'm trying to understand," Oliver grumbled as he walked out, adjusting his cufflinks. "And it wasn't fun to be on Earth while you were about to crash into the star."

"Hey, everyone lived, and we got to see the Legends again when we typically don't," Kara smiled at him. "We're all fine."

"How weird is it having completely different enemies?" Ruby asked.

Kara snorted. "I couldn't be a politician to save my life, and typically my enemies just show up and want to punch me."

"Which is when I'm not helpful because typically they're aliens and have powers that I can't go up against in any shape or form," Oliver huffed.

"But that's when everyone gets to work together," William smiled. "It's like several family reunions."

"That involve fighting everyone except each other," Kara grinned.

"Wow," Ruby smiled widely.

"So, it's your first day in Star City," Kara leaned on the back of the couch, smiling at Ruby. "Where do you want to start?"

"Dad?" William looked at him.

"I'm needed at City Hall, buddy," Oliver sighed. "Quentin's done a lot of heavy lifting, especially when the impeachment thing was going on. I need to work there, and after that, I actually need to ask Cisco for a favor."

"Cisco?" Kara asked in surprise.

"Let's just say I might have a way to appeal to Anatoli that was inspired by M'yrnn," Oliver told him.

"Anatoli?" Ruby frowned, looking lost.

"Russian mafia," William elaborated.

Ruby's jaw dropped. "You know the Russian mafia?!"

"I actually was part of it for a while," Oliver admitted. "It's a long story."

"Pretty much about our superhero lives is a long story," Kara chuckled.

"True," Oliver nodded in agreement. "I'll see you all tonight, OK?"

"OK," Kara smiled, kissing him.

"Thanks again for letting me stay here," Ruby smiled.

"Of course," Oliver gave her a quick hug, doing the same with William. "We just want you safe, Ruby."

***

"Man," Rene sighed happily as he walked down the hallway of his apartment complex, looking at the dull green walls. "I can't believe how good this crappy hallway looks."

"Yeah, it really crappy," Curtis agreed, snorting and peering at the color. "I mean, this paint looks like it's been here since the sixties."

"It has," Rene snickered.

"But it must be good to be home, right?" Curtis smiled widely.

"Yeah," Rene chuckled as Curtis hugged him. "To be home and to see my baby." He stopped outside his door, something coming to mind. "You told Zoe to come straight here after hockey practice, right?"

"Actually," Curtis smirked, "she wanted to skip hockey practice today."

The words sank in, and Rene hastily opened the door, and was greeted by the sight of Dinah and Zoe turning around, both smiling widely. "Welcome home!" they cheered.

"Oh!" Rene rushed forward and hugged Zoe tightly, smiling when she clung to him just as tightly. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you, too, Dad," Zoe beamed at him. "I'm so glad you're back."

Rene kissed the top of her head, then looked at the banner they had hung in the apartment. "You guys didn't have to do all this!"

"Hey, you've been in the hospital over a month," Dinah shook her head. "You deserve a hero's welcome."

"We have cake, too," Zoe added. "Your favorite."

Rene stared at the cake Curtis held out, then looked at Zoe. "Is that red velvet?"