Chapter 13: The New Canary and the Lucky Break
The city was still recovering, and the team was still grappling with the fallout from Slade. But life, and crime, marched on. And in the midst of it all, Laurel Lance, in her own way, was beginning her transformation. Arrow S03E03: "Corto Maltese." Adam knew this was a pivotal moment for her, and he wanted to help.
He found Laurel in the gym, punching a heavy bag with a ferocity that spoke of deep-seated grief and frustration. Oliver was there, trying to train her, but his methods were, as usual, less "supportive coach" and more "brooding drill sergeant."
"Poor Laurel. She's trying so hard, but Oliver's emotional baggage is heavier than that punching bag. Time for a little Adam Stiels intervention. And maybe a shiny new toy."
Adam approached, a small, intricately carved bird-shaped amulet clutched in his hand. It looked like something you'd find in a high-end gift shop, not a powerful artifact.
"Hey, Laurel," Adam said, his voice softer than usual. "Mind if I interrupt this very intense, very sweaty therapy session?"
Laurel stopped, panting, her eyes red-rimmed. "Adam. What do you want?"
"Just wanted to give you something," Adam said, holding out the amulet. "It's a family heirloom. Very old. Very... special. My grandmother always said it brought good luck. And, you know, amplified the wearer's voice. Great for karaoke. Or, you know, yelling at bad guys."
Laurel stared at the amulet, then at him, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. "What is it, really?"
"Honestly? It's a sound-amplifying artifact. A small one. It's not going to, like, blow up buildings or anything, but it might give you a little edge. A little boost," Adam explained, trying to sound earnest. "Consider it a gift. From one person who's trying to figure things out to another."
[ARTIFACT TRANSFER: SOUND-AMPLIFYING AMULET TO LAUREL LANCE. COST: 60 NON-PLP (ARTIFACT FINDING/TRANSFER).]
"Sixty LP for a bird necklace? Pricey, but worth it if it helps Laurel. And if it eventually leads to her becoming the Black Canary, then it's an investment in the future. Plus, it's shiny. Everyone likes shiny things."
Laurel hesitated, then took the amulet. It felt warm in her hand. "Thank you, Adam. But... why?"
"Because you're a good person, Laurel. And you're trying to do good things," Adam said, shrugging. "And sometimes, even good people need a little extra luck. Or, you know, a magical bird necklace. Whatever works."
Oliver, who had been watching the exchange with his usual intensity, finally spoke. "Adam, what exactly did you give her?"
"Just a little something to help her find her voice, Oliver," Adam said, winking. "Figured you, of all people, would appreciate that."
Later, during a training session, Oliver was pushing Laurel hard, trying to get her to tap into her inner strength. She was struggling, frustrated, her punches lacking power. Adam, watching from the sidelines, activated the System.
"System, give Laurel a lucky boost. During this training session. Make it subtle, but effective. Something that will make her feel like she's finally getting it," Adam whispered.
[LUCKY BOOST ACTIVATED. COST: 0 NON-PLP (MEMBER BENEFIT).]
As Oliver threw a punch, Laurel, almost instinctively, dodged it with a newfound fluidity. She then countered with a powerful kick that, while not landing perfectly, sent Oliver stumbling back, genuinely surprised.
Laurel gasped, her eyes wide. "I... I did that?"
Laurel (POV): She felt a surge of adrenaline, a flicker of power she hadn't known she possessed. It was like something had clicked into place. The amulet around her neck felt warm, almost humming. Adam had given it to her. He had believed in her. Maybe, just maybe, she could do this.
Oliver, regaining his balance, stared at her, a flicker of surprise and grudging respect in his eyes. "You're improving, Laurel."
"I... I think so," Laurel said, a small, confident smile blooming on her face. She looked at Adam, a silent thank you in her eyes.
Adam just grinned, giving her a subtle thumbs-up. "See? Told you. A little luck, a little magic bird, and a whole lot of inner strength. Laurel Lance, future Black Canary, is officially on the fast track. And I'm getting paid for it. This is great."
[MISSION COMPLETE: CORTO MALTESE. REWARD: 150 NON-PLP.]
"One hundred and fifty LP for helping a future hero find her calling? Best investment ever. Now, if only I could get Oliver to admit he needs a lucky charm. Maybe a tiny green arrow necklace?"
Adam felt a genuine sense of satisfaction. He wasn't just surviving anymore; he was actively shaping the future, one lucky break at a time. And watching Laurel find her strength, even with a little nudge from his System, was surprisingly rewarding.
System Status After Chapter: Non-PLP: 255. PLP: 4.
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