*** On the Island ***

I was poking around in the airplane when a creak of metal sounded behind me and I spun around to see Slade enter with his hands behind his back, a small smirk on his face.

I tilted my head to the side. "Whatcha got there?" I asked, a smile spreading across my face.

He walked over to me, stopping in front of me, then pulled form behind his back a small bouquet of about a dozen random flowers. I gasped, and accepted them as my smile only grew, lifting them to my nose to smell them.

"Slade... thank you." I said.

He smiled, then took one from the bouquet, a small pink one, and tucked it behind my ear, brushing my hair from my face. "You're most welcome, Maria," he said softly.

I felt my cheeks beginning to burn, and I lifted a hand to his shoulder, and pulled him forward to kiss his cheek. "Thank you."

He caught my hand, his eyes meeting mine, and he lifted my fingers to his lips. "Promise me something?" He asked.

"What is it?" I asked, tightening my fingers around his.

"That you'll get off this island, no matter what happens."

"And you'll come with me," I said adamantly. "And meet my father and my friends. And we'll find Oliver and make sure he gets off this island with us."

"Maria," he said. "I need you to promise me you'll get yourself off of this island."

I frowned, my eyebrows drawing together. "Slade. We will get off this island. Together. I promise that."

He let out a shaking breath, resting his forehead against mine, and I lifted my hand to his cheek. "What is happening, Slade? Talk to me."

"These people are dangerous, Maria. I know you know that. But you escaped them. As I did. They'll never stop hunting you. I want you to promise me you'll escape, whether it's with me or not. Promise me, Maria."

I felt my eyes suddenly prick with tears. "On one condition," I said, voice shaking. "You promise me the same."

He paused, then said, "Fine. I swear it."

"I promise, too."

There was a pause, and suddenly it became very tense between us. I moved a hand to his cheek, just as his arms pulled me in closer. There was a pause, then our lips met.

For a first kiss, it was certainly something, and my eyes fluttered closed as he kissed me. He pulled away for a moment, but then I surprised us both when I grabbed onto the collar of his shirt and pulled him back into another kiss, my arms wrapping around his neck.

He chuckled a little against my mouth, then picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He walked over to the wall of the plane, carefully using it for support, then his lips trailed down my jaw and to my neck.

I felt a little sigh escape my lips as I tilted my head to the side, giving him more.

His hands gripped my hips securely, one hand sliding up my back as his lips trailed to my collarbone.

He suddenly lifted his head and met my eyes. He was breathing just as hard as I was. "Maria... what do you want next?"

I lifted my hands to his face. "You."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yes. Very. It's ok. I'm ok. Yes."

He nodded, and his lips captured mine in a kiss again, gentle and sweet.

******

I woke up the next morning with Slade, curled into his side with my head on his chest, blankets wrapped around us.

"Good morning, Maria," he said softly.

I lifted my head to look at him, then sat up on my elbow, my hair falling into my face, but he gently tucked it away. "Good morning, Slade."

"How are you...?" he drifted off uncertainly.

"Good. Very good." I kissed his cheek.

He smiled at me, his arm tightening slightly around me. "Get a fire going for breakfast? I'll go get the traps."

I nodded and sat up, stretching and yawning, then stood up, shivering as my bare legs adjusted to the sudden cold, then pulled on my pants, adjusting Slade's shirt and my bra, then pulled on my jacket and boots.

I looked up as Slade appeared next to me, his hand on my back. I turned to face him, and he kissed me once, then turned and ducked out of the plane.

I smiled softly, then got to work on preparing breakfast.

A stick suddenly snapped outside, and I froze, grabbing a dagger and ducking down. I peered out the window to see someone dressed in black with a black ski mask stumbling towards the plane. I tightened my hold on the knife, getting ready to attack, when the man stumbled in, his mask gone, and his eyes wide with fear.

I froze, and dropped the knife with a clang. He tensed all over and turned to face me.

"O-Oliver?" I gasped, my eyes filling with tears.

He spun to face me, his blue eyes filling with tears immediately. "Mia? Oh gosh, Mia!" He exclaimed, and then his arms were crushing me in a hug. I held onto him tightly, and gasped when he picked me up and I laughed, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.

He spun me around then set me down. His eyes honed in on my face. "They got you, too?" He asked, a tear slipping down his cheek.

I nodded, wiping the tear away, and then he was hugging me again, his arms crushing me, but his body shaking. I hugged him back just as tightly, relieved beyond measure he was alive.

The floor creaked and Oliver spun around, pushing me behind him.

"Who are you?" Slade's voice asked darkly.

I pushed past Oliver and said, "Slade, wait! This is Oliver. Who I shipwrecked here with."

I moved between them, but Slade didn't back down. "Hm. And how'd you find this place?"

"I escaped. Was stuck in a cave for a really long time," Oliver said, looking at me. He wiped the tears off his cheeks. "I wasn't followed, I swear. I found this place."

"He literally just showed up, Slade," I said. "Please. Let him stay."

He looked at me, and I moved a hand to his arm. He took my hand and gave it a squeeze and Oliver looked at us with a confused expression, his eyebrows drawing together. "Very well. Are you hungry, Mr. Queen?"

Oliver met Slade's eyes, a tense moment passed, then he said, "Yeah. Very hungry."

I looked between them, then said, "Good. I was just making breakfast now."

The air was tense.

******

I had travelled through enough airports by now that I was accustomed to how they ran. Getting picked up by the League was another matter entirely.

No weakness, even if I felt ready to collapse and sob until my voice was raw. No weakness, even if I felt so tired I could pass out at any minute.

I was the Blood of the Demon, and they practically worshipped me for it. Me, and Nyssa, that is.

The people who came to get me from the airport were two members, assassins who mostly just guarded the main temple. They wore suits, and bowed their heads respectfully as I approached them.

"Sparrow. Welcome home. Come."

I nodded, following them out as they each took my bags. I pulled out my phone to text Oliver I had landed and would try to talk to him again soon before I shut it off again.

The League members led me outside and to a car, where another stood and opened the back door for me, bowing as I entered the car, and once certain I was seated comfortably, closed the door.

The four-hour ride was silent. By the time we made it to the helicopter to go to the island, the adrenaline had worn off, and the pain began deep within me, starting as a pit in my stomach, and making my chest hurt and my throat feel like it was being squeezed.

But I couldn't show them any of this weakness. Any of this fear and grief that was tearing me apart inside and out. By the time the helicopter landed and I was escorted into the fortress, Nanda Parbat, any emotions were stuffed deep, deep down inside.

I was greeted at the landing pad by Nyssa. She smiled, and opened her arms to me, pulling me into an embrace. I hugged my cousin back, and she pulled away, her dark eyes meeting mine.

"Welcome home, cousin. We are glad you are back. It has been too long. I trust you are well?"

I hesitated. "I have much to discuss with you and Ra's al Ghul. Many things have transpired since I was rescued from the Island."

She nodded her head solemnly. "Yes. My father will want to hear all about it. Come." She looked past me at the two assassins and said, "Bring her things to her quarters and stand guard outside the door. The Demon's Second shall retire when she feels ready."

The assassins bowed, then left with my belongings.

Nanda Parbat hadn't changed since I arrived for the first time. I walked through the familiar halls and passages, following Nyssa.

We entered the throne room, and Ra's al Ghul stood from his throne and walked down the steps, stopping in front of me and lifting his hands to my shoulders, his eyes studying my face.

"What's wrong, Maria?" He asked, his voice soft, and eyes staring into mine intensely. When I didn't respond right away, he lifted a hand to snap his fingers, and the other assassins in the room left.

I felt my breath hitch in my throat, and I met his eyes, then said, "I discovered the leader of the renegades, uncle. Malcolm Merlyn seems to bear two hats. It also seems that this discovery conflicts with my original mission. The renegades were not going to kill Malcom Merlyn, but were working for him."

My uncle's hands fell from my shoulders, and he clasped them behind his back. His expression unreadable, he only murmured, "Go on."

"My father came to me. He saw my tattoo. He told me there were assassins after him. He asked me for help. I moved him into a safe house, but our home in the Glades was decimated, and the renegades had tortured my neighbor. I captured one, and after torturing him for the information I needed, went to the safe house. Only... I..." I clenched my jaw, refusing to let the tears appear. I would not be seen as weak. I would not falter. I would not waved. "I was left this note, and blood, and my father was gone."

He stiffened all over, turning to me with his eyebrows drawn together in anger, his breathing hitching, and he squared his shoulders, tilting his head back as he released a slow breath. My heart hammering, I watched in silence as he slowly lowered his head and leveled his dark eyes on mine.

"I will be sending you back to Starling City, Maria. However, there is someone I'd like for you to meet. Someone who surfaced much the same way you did. I did not plan for this introduction to come so suddenly. I had planned to orchestrate this better. To give time for you to meet. To explain better. But this news you bring... complicated things greatly."

I paused, my eyebrows drawing together. "Alright... Who is it you want me to meet?"

"You see, when you were born, there was another. A boy."

The floor seemed to tilt under my feet. Before I could ask anything, he turned to me and said severely, "I am sorry I did not say anything before, Maria, but your separation at birth was vital, and keeping the two of you from knowing who the other was was also vital. This you must understand. Your birth had to be erased from anyone's knowledge."

"I.... I have... I have a brother?" I managed, my voice coming out hoarse.

"Yes. A twin brother. I can tell this news has shaken you, Maria. Please. Come with me." He turned and left the throne room and I looked at Nyssa, who seemed just as shocked as I was, and I followed my uncle out of the throne room.

"You have been dealt much hardship in a short amount of time, Maria. I believe good news will be welcome at this time."

"How is not telling me I have a twin brother for 28 years good?" I asked pointedly, then faltered. "I... I mean no disrespect, this is wonderful to know I have more family, but you must also understand why discovering I have a twin brother has left me so... confused."

He didn't seem phased by my curt reply, and merely replied, "Your father is resourceful. One does not be a member of my family and not have training and protection. I will send my best trackers to begin the hunt for him. I need you here for a few weeks."

I scowled, noting his refusal to acknowledge my statement regarding my supposed twin brother. I scoffed. "A few weeks? For what? Family bonding?"

"Sarcasm, Maria? That will get you nowhere in the following weeks. Do you understand?"

I stopped walking, and the Demon paused, turning to look at me. "What?"

I clenched my fists, then met his eyes. "No more secrets." There was no waver or shake in my voice, even as I felt my eyes begin to burn. "My father may already be dead, and you know this, so what is the point of not going out there to apprehend Merlyn now? We know that he is behind this. That he is directing the renegade assassins. That he is involved in a dangerous plot. Why are you choosing to introduce me to a stranger who happens to be my brother instead of sending help to-"

"Maria." He cut in firmly. "I am introducing you so that you may deal with Merlyn together." He sighed heavily, and clasped his hands in front of him. "Your Oliver Queen is skilled, yes, but he is not one of us. This is a League matter, and his vigilantism is one thing. You taking part in it is a choice, but your brother will be able to help you with Merlyn far better than Mr. Queen and his bow." He lifted a hand to his face, releasing a heavy sigh. "You and Adler will make a good team. But, you must get to know one another."

I looked at the floor. "Adler..." I paused, saying his name felt strange. "Why were we separated? Why reveal us to one another now?"

"That is a conversation for another time. All will be made apparent soon enough. For now, rest, greet your brother." He stopped outside a door and knocked.

There was a pause, then the door opened. I sucked in a sharp breath.

Standing in the doorway was a tall man with dark hair and gray eyes like mine. He had a scar across his jaw, and had a permanent scowl that seemed to be ingrained into his face. I felt strange and uncomfortable as his eyes examined my face before locking onto my eyes.

He leaned against the doorframe, any trace of tension or hostility melting away, then looked at Ra'as al Ghul. "My sister." It wasn't a question. He was cold, and yet, I wasn't sure I believed this coolness was anything more than the same cover I maintained in our uncle's presence or not.

"Yes. I will leave for the two of you to get acquainted." Our uncle bowed his head once, and the two of us bowed at the waist, then he turned left the hallway.

There was a long, tense pause as we just stared at one another. Me in the hall, and him in the doorway.

"Maria, right?" Adler asked finally, shifting slightly on his feet.

"Yeah. Adler?"

He nodded. His eyes narrowed slightly, then asked, "The people who did that to you are dead now, correct?"

I nodded, crossing my arms. "By my hand."

"Good. Come in. You look like you could use a drink. Or something to hit."

I tilted my head to the side. "Seems that thing they say about twins is true."

He smirked, his gray eyes flashing with mischief. "You're like me if I was a woman. It's.. weird."

I rolled my eyes. "Again... the twin thing is so strange."

He tilted his head to the side, then closed the door. "You don't trust me," he stated.

"Why should I trust you?"

He shrugged. "Has uncle ever lied to you before?"

"Yes."

He snorted. "Touché. Look. Maria. Don't you think this is weird for me, too? I mean, it seems we basically traded parents."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well... I grew up with mom. And you grew up with dad. We were both told one left the other, correct?"

"Yeah..."

"And isn't that, I don't know, weird?"

I shrugged, then crossed my arms over my chest. "I guess so? Maybe mom left dad to take care of you. Because she had to."

"And maybe dad left mom to take of you. Because he had to." He paused, studying my face as the mention of our father struck that deep ache and grief I was holding captive deep inside. "Something happened. What?"

It hadn't been a full ten minutes and he could read me as if we had known each other our whole lives. I squared my shoulders, and met his eyes.

"They took him. The renegades that betrayed the League I was sent to kill. And our old friend Malcolm Merlyn is directing them."

He smirked. "I didn't know it then, when you first arrived here, that you and I were related. I was just one of the many assassins wearing a mask. Uncle said he would reveal my identity when the time was right, but trained me personally. You and Merlyn really hated one another."

"More like he was jealous of me," I corrected. "He wanted the position I have."

He chuckled. "You're better at it. And based on what we know now about the bastard, you're the better choice, too. Listen. You look like you're about to collapse. Go rest. We'll talk tomorrow."

I nodded. "Ok... yeah. That sounds good to me." I turned to leave when he stopped me.

"Maria? I just want you to know I'm glad. Even though I'm pissed at uncle for keeping us separated. I'm glad. I always did want a sister."

He smiled at me, a sudden sadness appearing in his gray eyes momentarily, and I returned his smile. "And I always wanted a brother."