May 5, 2002

Outside the Queen Mansion

I watched my five year old self learning to shoot a bow with my dad. I really was a natural and plus he was a great teacher. "Alright Maryse, steady your hand and aim for the can on the fence" my dad said with a big smile. I watched as I took aim and and the arrow went straight through the center of the soda can. My dad hugged me tightly and I was so proud of myself.

I smiled and watched as my mom came in, all dressed up in a pantsuit and returning from a long day at the courthouse. At that age she looked like a superhero putting the bad guys away and she still did to me now as well. She always held her head high no matter what. My parents kissed and that's when I saw a shadow lurking in the bushes. I could make out the silhouette of a man. He was watching us. I tried to call out but I couldn't. It was just a dream. I closed my eyes and when I opened them I was at a different memory.

January 1, 2012

Outside City Hall

This time I was fifteen and watching my dad accept the job as mayor. My mom was beaming with happiness and I looked like a train just hit me. I swear I was so moody then. I didn't even have a reason. I had close friends, a loving home and family and I was even doing great in school. I was just the queen of mood at that point.

I smiled and watched as my dad gave an empowered speech about making this city safer and more accessible for everyone. He was always thinking of others. He spent his own money on building affordable housing and hospitals to help those without a lot of money. He started job training programs and opened schools for the deaf, blind and other handicaps. He passed laws to protect the LGBT community and other minorities from discrimination. He also held my Aunt Sara and Aunt Nyssa's wedding right on the steps of city hall.

I looked around and saw that man again. He was watching us from the shadows. It was the same silhouette as before. I knew I had to warn someone so I took a deep breath and screamed.

April 8, 2017

Back to the present

"Maryse wake up, wake up" I heard Felicity say over and over and my eyes flew open. I looked around. Felicity and Ray were staring at me and I couldn't help but notice the shattered window and television screen in my room. "How did that happen?" I asked groggily. Felicity and Ray looked at each other. "You did that Maryse" Felicity said softly. I stared and fell back on my pillow. "It's all true then" I said to no one.

Felicity looked at Ray and said "what's true sweetie"? I sat up. "My parents left me a note saying that I had something called a canary cry and I'm guessing that's what caused this" I said tears starting to form. "Your mom has the same cry" Ray said smiling. I looked at him and smiled.

"Let's get you ready for your party and let's try not to scream ok" Felicity said trying to lighten the mood. I nodded and she got me into my party dress. I hated dresses but I agreed to doing it this once.

When I got downstairs the ballroom was full of people I knew and didn't know. Everyone clapped and wished me a happy birthday. I smiled and thanked everyone for coming. The party lasted all night and was a nice way to forget the pain I was feeling.

When everyone left I headed upstairs to my room where I found a gift on my bed. I went up to it slowly and opened it. Inside was a black leather suit with a black mask inside. Underneath was a note,

"your parents were going to give this to you today so I believe that you should have it and find them, i know you can. Love, Grandpa Quentin"

My eyes teared up. First thing tomorrow I would go and thank him. I quickly shredded my party dress and slowly and methodically put on the outfit. It fit perfectly. It contoured itself to my body and the mask looked awesome. It was like a luchador mask but much more refined. I looked in the mirror. I smiled at myself.

As I looked at the outfit the scene in the mirror changed. It was no longer my reflection but my mom and dad. They were chained in some sort of dungeon. They were both bleeding and had bruises everywhere. Their clothes were torn and dirty and they looked very malnourished. I looked around the scene and tried to figure out something from it and that's when I saw the building through the window. I had seen it before. When I traveled with Auntie Nyssa to Nanda Parbat. They were in Nanda Parbat and that's where I was headed as well.

I packed my arrows and bows and checked my outfit one more time in a smaller mirror. I looked back at the scene fading in front of me. "Mom, dad hang on because the Black Arrow is coming to save you" I said as it fully vanished. I would stop by and see if Sara and Nyssa would help and then I was on my way. Watch out world because the Black Arrow was coming for you.