Lore/The Origin Story

***December 25th, 2015 - 20:00***
***Mountain Office, Panau***
*He looks over his old gear as he wonders if this is truly a good idea. While the entire world was out celebrating Christmas, Oliver is busy in his own. He sends out messages to the group and asks for one last meeting. As he waits, Oliver goes over the plan.*

*Shortly afterwards, David Cage lands with his K-24, bringing along Billie West. As those two enter Oliver’s office and get settled, Dexter Moser and Alexov Gorbajovski walk in.*

Oliver turns and says, “It’s Christmas, so I’ll be quick. David, you’ll run evac once all the troops move in. Billie West can take me to you once Dexter makes the shot. Alexov, get your magic healing herbs ready. Dexter, you’ll only get once chance, so make sure it counts. Once it’s all over, David can evac us out to the Old VP Warehouse.”

*Everyone looks confused while Oliver continues to explain his plan. He shows them the Casino area and his predictions of where Peacekeeper and Enforcer troops will move in from, along with their evac locations.*

Oliver explains, “I assume Lilith’s under orders from Nytes, and I know he’s out for blood. Tonight, we’re going to give him some. I’ll host a party for New Years here, at the Casino.I bet that’s where Lilith and her squads will strike!”

David Cage shakes his head slowly and states, “Dammit McQueen, you really have lost it.” Billie West adds, “I am sorry that I could not do anything about Bolo Santosi, Oliver. She is as determined as you, but suicide isn’t the answer.” Alexov explains, “Oliver, I can heal people that are actually alive, not dead.” Dexter mummers, “So this is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.”

David Cage interjects, “Hold up, so let me get this straight: your solution is to get shot by Panau’s most deadliest sniper, somehow get revived by a guy that used to be dead himself, and then expect to casually fly out of the country? No offense Alexov.” Oliver corrects him, “Well to be fair, he’s as accurate as he is deadly, so…” Alexov folds his arms and asks, “What are you trying to prove, McQueen? Why not just make a file against her and take it to the law? Let those bastards handle it.” Oliver responds, “I don’t have to prove anything. This has nothing to do with the law, it has to do with justice.”

*Oliver picks up his old wooden box and sets it on the table. Opening it, he reveals his archery gear from the island.*

“Nostalgic… You’ve kept it all this time, why?” asks Dexter. Oliver looks at the box and reveals, “To remind me of my roots. That island, you, Nytes. It changed me into something else…”

***January 1st, 2016 - 0:00***
***Panau Falls Casino***
*… A loud sniper shot cuts Oliver off, and just as Lilith clears the crowd, the fireworks begin to go off in the background. Astonished at what she just saw, Lilith races to attempt to catch Oliver while people panic and take cover inside the buildings.*

*Blood splatters all over his sharp tuxedo as Oliver falls over the ledge and into the dark abyss of the freezing waterfall.*

*As he falls through the dense, cold fog, Oliver remembers Izzy and all their moments together, the Reapers with all the great battles, and his closest friends. He hits the rough water hard, passing out from the impact. Billie West pulls him onto her boat and begins administering CPR as Alexov makes his way down. Eventually, Oliver coughs up the water. Billie West begins boating away as Alexov patches him up.*

*Through Billie West’s surprisingly good motorboating skills, they avoid all the local troops and make it to David Cage, who evacs them to the Old VP Warehouse.*

*Back at the Casino, Edward Nytes folds his arms as he stares over the edge and into the darkness, wondering who truly won.*

***January 1st, 2016 - 1:00***
***Old Vehicle Parts Warehouse, Panau***
*As they all arrive to the airport, Dexter parachutes in.*

Oliver jokes, “Couldn’t you have used a smaller round? Geez man.” Dexter laughs as he states, “You’ll be fine kid, it’s just a flesh wound. Keep the herbs on and you’ll heal up in no time.” Alexov pats Oliver’s back as he says, “Oliver, you don’t have to leave. You can stay, we can protect you and Izzy.”

Oliver quickly puts on his gear and holds his bow and arrow, stating, “You don’t get it, it’s not just about me or Izzy. It’s about letting people like Santosi and Nytes ruin this world.” Oliver grips his bow tighter as he continues, “This. This is what I am. This is who I am. Come hell or high water, if I deny it, I deny everything I’ve ever done. Everything I’ve ever fought for…”

David Cage responds in a jitter-like fashion, "Aw shit, this is like your origin story! Yo, you need like, a superhero name. Hmm, let's see." Oliver raises an eyebrow and claims, "I'm no hero, and I definitely don't need some na-" David interrupts and says, "Wait, that's it! It's what you're holding! You should call yourself, 'The Bowman'!" Alexov laughs and Billie West lets out a giggle as Dexter says, "Choose something more fearful, kid. How about 'The Green Arrow'?" Oliver immediately replies, "Yeah, no. That sounds exactly like a lame superhero name." He holds up an arrow and states, "I must be something else," he shows the arrow to the group as he continues, "I must be The Arrow."

*After remembering about his flight, Oliver packs his things. Alexov embraces Oliver after he gives the rest of his herbs to him. David Cage begins to give his own beret to Oliver until Oliver slightly shakes his head in disgust, then gives him a fist bump. Oliver salutes Billie West, who salutes back with a worried expression.*

Dexter sighs and asks, “Well, this is it, huh? I never really thought we would actually say goodbye, kid.” Oliver smirks and replies, “I hate goodbyes. Take this encrypted number, you’ll know when to use it.”

*Oliver hands Dexter a small piece of paper before they shake hands. As he boards a Cassius prepping for take off, he looks back and sees everyone waving. Oliver nods and leaves Panau.*

*Major Winston Wolfe puts up his binoculars as he finishes writing on his notepad…*