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Flashback 01: Fate

I was never a strong believer in fate. I mean I believed in it a little; after all I always knew it was my destiny to inherit the title of Ra's. However, I never believed that events would happen outside of a person's control that could completely change their destiny… but then I met her.

It was just by chance Athnan was sick, that I took his assignment, strayed off the trial, and was drawn to the water, where I discovered her.

All of these unlikely moments all happened in the right order for us to meet, for that I'd call it fate.

I find myself visiting the Med Bay at least once a day. There were a few days I'd visit two, or maybe even three times. Needless to say, members of the League were whispering. I don't blame them. It's not like this isn't the first time I've ordered members to take a dying person back to the League; after all it did help the League gain many loyal members. But there was one key difference: I, Nyssa al-Ghul, daughter of Ra's al-Ghul, Heir to the Demon, was checking on the woman myself, not sending a scout to report back to me.

It's a common enough occurrence that one of the healers, Tabib, knows who I come for without even asking. Instead he just says tells me the woman is doing fine, or she's doing better and points to her bed. There's even a chair by the bed specifically for me.

Currently, I would say that was good foresight on his part as I haven't left this chair the entire morning. I don't know why, but for some reason I feel like I should stay here for today… it's as if I know something will change. Luckily, today is one of the rare days I have minimal plans, as most of my sparing partners are on missions, I'm not on a mission, and as the Heir, I don't have anyone to instruct.

The woman in the bed is peaceful. Sometimes I watch as she struggles in her sleep. I wonder what she dreams of. Occasionally I hear her mumble some names in her sleep. Laurel is a common one, most of the time it's said in a pleading and desperate voice. Dad and mom are also said in a slightly fearful voice. The names Anthony and Slade are whispered in utter terror. Oliver is sometimes said with concern, but sometimes with an underlying coldness.

Whatever plagues her sleep, I believe it's what keeps her in the lands of dreams, as if she needs to sort things out before she can return to this realm. Although, there's the physical exhaustion to factor in too… When I first found her, her pale skin was blue from the ocean's water, soaked to the bone but dehydrated. She had bits of shrapnel caught in her, probably from the ship that exploded. Her blue eyes were glazed over as she probably was staring at death's door.

She's been here for about a week.

Not knowing her name and finding it a little annoying to refer to her only in pronouns, I often tried thinking of possible names I could call her. But for the most part, I keep thinking of words in Arabic that probably have no meaning for her. I gave up for a little while and instead I tried making conversation. Honestly, the idea of a one sided conversation didn't make much sense, but Tabib told me on rare occasions people in comas do register sounds of the outside world.

At first I just told her of the book I was reading. But for the most part, I found myself asking her why she was on that boat, what those names meant to her, and what her name was. I mainly asked about her world, because father wouldn't be happy if I shared too much of mine with an unknown variable. To no surprise, I never did get any answers while she was in that state.

Reading my book out loud was a growing frustration. There was no problem with the book itself, but for some reason my eyes wouldn't focus on the pages, instead they were drawn to her. I noted the color in her cheeks had returned which I took that as a good sign. Her golden hair reminded me of a canary. Everything about her seemed to captivate me as the concept of time eluded me when I was around her.

"Miss Nyssa…" A quiet voice said beside me.

There is a cup of tea offered to me and accept it with a soft thank you. I take a few sips before asking, "Sila, how is she?" Since Tabib was busy this morning, asking the healer's apprentice was the next best thing.

"Tabib says she'll probably wake up in another week or so, but personally I think she'll be up a lot sooner…"

Since the tea has cooled I take a bigger sip before asking, "What makes you say that?"

In a simple smile she answers, "I can just tell she's a fighter."

"No offense, but I think I'll go with the actual doctor's assessment."

However, the sight of fearful blue eyes proves Tabib and me wrong, "Go get Tabib," I say.

Smiling, Sila leaves after asking, "So does that mean I'm an actual doctor now?"

[]

Blurry vision did not hide a frightening truth. I could tell I was staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. Which meant I was probably with strangers. I heard one tell another to leave. Best case scenario the doctor's coming, worst case a boss like Ivo is coming, even worst case scenario it's a combination. If the AMAZO taught me one thing it was to never take chances.

Quickly glancing to my left I noticed a small tray on a near by table. I grabbed the nearest scalpel I could and held it up at my eye level, the blade pointed to the woman in the chair.

Hair dark as the night was pulled into a low ponytail, I noted how that made her come off as practical above all else. Skin was lightly tanned, must go out in the sun a bit, probably athletic… Her dark eyes were focused on me; unlike when most people stared I didn't feel threatened or self-conscious. Her face was impassive and hard to read, but she didn't seem like an enemy, but then again neither did Anthony at first. I realized I was staring back; it was only when I clenched my fist out of nervousness I remembered the knife was pointed at her.

"Who are you? Where am I?" I sputter.

She didn't seem bothered by the fact I had a knife, in fact she seemed a little amused. Other than amusement there was no signs she even acknowledged the blade's presents, instead she just sits down and pulls out a book. A page turns before she speaks, "You're in the Med Bay, also I am Nyssa…"

It felt like she had something more to say then just Nyssa, but trailed off for some reason. I tried not to be distracted by that accent and replied, "I can see I'm in the Med Bay… I mean where is the Med Bay?"

"Nanda Parbat."

Great, and now is the time I regret not paying attention to geography in school…

As if reading my mind, she answered, "Along the China Seas."

Ok, so I'm not that far from Lian Yu.

Two others walked in. At this point in time a fight with three to one odds were bad, especially one considering my condition. Instead of opting to fight I quickly slipped the knife under the mattress before they noticed.

One seemed to be a man in his mid fifties to sixties, probably African American. His hair was slightly grey, but that was the only indication of his age. For a man in his fifties, maybe sixties, he was very in shape and at least six feet tall. I presumed he was the doctor since he was checking all of my vitals.

His massive height only made it more apparent that the girl who followed him barely made it to his shoulders. Based off her height and face I'd peg her for a teenager at best, maybe even a pre-teen if one really factored in her height. Chestnut hair was tied into two low pigtails that barely reached past her shoulders. Her grey eyes seemed to reflect light, making them much brighter than they should be. But what caught my attention was she was smiling. It was just a simple smile, but it reminded me it's been a long time since I've seen anyone smile, including myself.

I was about to ask Nyssa who they where, but the woman in the chair had disappeared.

The man also left after taking some vitals and pulling out some AV tubes. However, the kid stayed her back turned to me as she placed a small bag onto the chair Nyssa sat in earlier.

I figured this was my best chance. Grabbing the knife from earlier, I held it up against her neck. She turned to face me, the smile still ever present. What was with these people? Didn't they understand the dangers of a knife? Did this kid not get I could slit her throat in seconds?

"Oh, so I was right!"

She didn't even flinch when I pushed the knife a little closer to her neck, but maybe it was because there was still an inch or two between the blade and her flesh. If anything she seemed somewhat happy? Is this kid a psycho?

"You are a fighter!"

Yup, probably a psycho…

"So you'll probably survive."

The word "probably" followed immediately by "survive" was never a good combination… But I think the chill down my spine doubled because one, a kid informed me, and two, she did it without dropping the smile …something's seriously not right with this girl…

I felt something nudge my chin, looking down I saw her finger pointing up as if she were wielding a blade of her own. In my panic my grip loosened and she snatched the knife from me. The smile widened, "Sorry, but you'll hurt yourself with this more than me, that or you'll pull out your remaining AV's, or both. Also, the knife isn't necessary, I'm allowed to answer your questions."

"Allowed," that meant there was defiantly a boss in charge here and if I had to guess I'd probably meet him or her soon. Best to start there then, "Who's in charge?"

"The Demon's Head."

The fact this girl says anything; be it happy, sad, or terrifying with that nonchalant smile is really starting to bug me.

"That's his name in your language, but here he'd be referred to as Ra's al-Ghul."

I'm guessing it was Arabic, but since I failed my world language for all I know it could be French…

"Oh, I'm Sila, if you don't mind I'd like your name please."

For a moment I debate if I should lie just in case this place is like the AMAZO but in the end I tell her Sara Lance, just in case it will help me get home. Since we're on the topic of names, "Who was that?"

"Tabib? He's the doctor… actually his name is doctor here. He's aptly named might I add."

I was going to comment that I was asking about Nyssa but then I flinched when she pulled something out of her bag, part of me worried it was a weapon. Jeez, Lance, she'd just a kid; there's no way she'll handle a weapon… she's more likely to poison you… oh, wait, spoke too soon… she has a vials… oh great… more colorful vials… I'm so dead. …and this is where I should start berating myself for being so paranoid… as she mixes some together, yup, she's not helping…

A cup is held out for me, I stare at it cautiously not daring to take it, just in case it is actually poisoned. She seems to notice and pulls out another cup, pours a small amount into that cup and drinks from it, "It's just herbs, it won't hurt you."

Sighing in defeat, I take the cup and drink it, it's a little bitter, but considering it's the first thing I've eaten/drank in who knows how long… "Oh, but then again since I had a smaller amount it's much more lethal for you… or maybe I built up my immunity…"

I feel sick for a few seconds before she laughs, "Sorry, I do that to everyone who comes here… It's fun!"

It's official: Sila is a psychopath…

[]

Based off the liquid meals, apparently my stomach isn't strong enough to handle much solid food as of now, I've been in this Med Bay for three days. Most of the time Tabib comes, runs his tests, gives me simple instructions, and promptly leaves. He's definitely the type who only keeps a very professional relationship with his patents. Sila is the one who visits me the most often, which is fine since once you get used to the constant smile, she's actually ok. At least she answers my questions; it's a lot more than I can say for anyone else.

The only other visitor I've had is Nyssa. But unlike the other two she doesn't come in, she just watches from outside the door for a little while. Honestly you'd think it would be creepy, but her stares never felt unnerving, maybe it was because I started the staring contest before? Anyways I never really made much of it until today.

All it took was a simple plate of actual food to break the pattern. What I mean by actual food is it was solid and not another meal I had to drink. Nyssa came in towards the end of the day, I'm guessing it's dinnertime, but it's hard to tell since dinner is either really early or really late here. Based off the moon in the sky, I'd say it's very late tonight.

"I thought drinking your meals would be a bit, tiresome."

Is it strange to say that that accent of hers can make anything sound poetic? No matter how mundane?

Oh, right, back to reality…

"Thanks," I say.

There's a silence, it's not an uneasy one though, it's kind of peaceful. Though I will admit I wasn't entirely sure what I was supposed to say to this woman, after all she just graduated from doorsill stalker to a regular person having a conversation. Not wanting the food to get cold and to fill the silence I dug in… which was a mistake. I held back the urge to gag, no offense to Nyssa, but it's clear she's never cooked before… then again I'm not much better.

If anyone wants the honest opinion: good cooking is a recessive gene in the Lance family and I only got so lucky with the blonde hair and blue eyes. On the bright side, I wasn't as bad as Laurel, she could only do hot chocolate and mac and cheese. In my case, I had to practice something for a while but after that it was at least editable… this came from mom… Dad however was pretty stealer on his select dishes, other wise he was in the same boat as I was.

But despite all the years of conditioning from Lance family cooking, this stew was still a challenge.

"Do you like it?" Nyssa asks, she sounds a little anxious and the look in her eyes makes it hard to say anything but, "Oh, it's good, really it's unique. I've never tasted anything like it!"

So I dug my own taste bud's graves and continued eating, albeit, a little slower than usual, but she didn't have to know that.

[]

Father asked me to meet him in the main room. I make sure I'm punctual, ridiculously punctual, because I can guess what this summons is about, meaning he's in a rather foul mood. I kneel in front of him as he speaks in his calm, but weary voice, "What is the status of the woman?"

Straight to the point, he might be a poetic man at times, but today he's direct, clearly his patients is a little thin today. So I don't beat around the bush either with my reply, "She's well, not exactly in perfect recovery, but it has only been a week. According to Tabib she should be fully recovered in another week or two."

Despite my intentions I don't think he and I were on the same page, "You know that's not what I meant."

"Father?" I ask, not sure of what he's expecting, but I have a guess.

"You know the policy Nyssa, we don't take prisoners."

My eyes focused on the ground before me, not daring to look my father in the eyes as I speak, "She is not a prisoner." Technically she was a rescued soul from collateral damage. Father may not have prisoners, besides those to be tortured/interrogated, but he does have some compassion and a moral conscious. He does allow us to care for some wounded from our battles, most of the time they have a choice after: join us, or be returned to their home and to never speak of Nanda Parbat.

Most chose to stay, since most had nothing or no one to return to. Those who left never learned enough of our location, purpose, or anything for the matter to be a threat. Any rumors they spread only make them sound like a loon. Either way, while father is a man of compassion at times, at his core he is a man of opportunity. He knows this offer ensures more loyalty from them; the alternative is results in no hindrance.

"Oh, but she is the only survivor of the AMAZO wreck, therefore she is the only remaining associate of your last target. Have you forgotten?"

Of course I didn't forget I was to kill Anthony Ivo for his unnatural and cruel experiments, experiments that could potentially be a big threat or asset to the League. My father was no fool and decided to play if safe with such a bounty on the line by just ordering me to kill everyone and take whatever information possible. "I remember you said I could use any means necessary." But maybe he wasn't expecting a visitor in him home.

A slight sigh escaped him, "Yes, that is true, however, that does not mean you should have brought an unknown variable into the heart of our home."

"I'm sorry, father, but in the state she was in it would have been immoral to leave her. If she were to join us, I can tell she'll make an excellent warrior, given the proper training of course. Also, I carefully ensured nothing but the bare minimum of Nanda Parbat was revealed to her, so she would be no threat if she were to leave instead."

He didn't reply immediately, gears turning in his head. "She will not receive the normal policy."

I keep my eyes to the ground to hide the visible surprise as my eyes widen a little. Knowing father, he probably knows my reaction. True enough he seems to know and elaborates, "Based off your reports, she survived not only one but two ship wrecks, two mad men, and several days of starvation and dehydration. I can probably say many things about that woman, but I can't deny she is a survivor. You are right: she definitely has potential. But where you are wrong my child is where there is potential for one thing; there is equal potential for the opposite. While this woman could potentially become a great warrior in service of the League, she could just as easily become a lethal threat." [1]

Still not daring to raise my head I merely ask, "Father?"

"Because of this predicament: she will either pledge her loyalty to us, or die."

Ok, rules for flashbacks:

1) Perspective: As you can tell, unlike the rest of this story so far, this chapter is in first person point of view. I plan to make some chapters purely first person perspective (mainly Sara and/or Nyssa's perspectives), some chapters will be written in purely third person point of view, and some will even have both in it. If this is too confusing for too many people down the road, I'll stick to one later (but this is kind of how my brain works).

2) Time: The amount of time between the flashbacks will vary: it could be minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or the next flashback will pick up right where the last one ended. This is mainly because I'm focusing on the highlight moments so we won't have to sit through a ton of filler chapters (I'm talking about you Season 3 & 4 flashbacks...)

3) Writing: While writing the flashbacks I view them as separate one shots that exist in the same universe, as a consequence there might be a difference in my writing style, formatting, or length.

4) Updating: Depending on how long each flashback is I may update more than one at a time later, it also depends on what story I'm telling at the time.

[1] Ok so I had this exposition on League rules for a simple reason: the Arrow Comics (the ones tied to the TV show and not the actual DC comics). In the comics Talibah (the woman who freed Nyssa in season 4) is given a choice to join or leave (no death penalty implied if she refuses), but its implied and stated Sara didn't have this choice, so I came up with this reason to explain why.

Reviews:

MoonlightCove: Lindsay was nice and all, but I'm still a Nyssara shipper. (though currently Nyssara is only happening in the flashbacks, present day and the future is a bit into spoiler territory and undecided) Sorry Captain Canary, you're more like a brother sister relationship in my eyes. Yup, the Lance two sisters are badass and awesome, I hope a Lance sister team up happens in cannon soon too, even if one sister is time traveling.

highlander348: Not much action in this chapter, but next chapter! It's kind of hard to have Sara fighting here when she's in the hospital…

Guest: Hope you like this update as well!

Dell03: Thanks I hope this chapter is enjoyed, even if it's probably not what you expected.

So this actually is the longest chapter I've written (based off the word count), I think it's because first person is a lot easier for me to write… Ok, you have no idea how happy I am Legends addressed the ideas of the 50's like they did. We can do this people one more week of waiting! …is a week done yet? Anyways who else is hoping we see some of Sara's League flashbacks next episode, since it's all about Nanda Parbat?

Next time (yes I'm adding this here): Sara's League trials.

Thanks for reading and please review!

3/20/16