Disclaimer: The following is a nonprofit Fan based story; The FLASH and all related characters are owned by DC comics, the CW and anyone I may have missed.
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Reviews: CallMeMiles, Daniel6, Guest, and AReiss215
Favorites: None?!
Followers: NONE!?
Kind of makes me said there weren't too many reviews, no new favorites or follows this time. Lets shoot for some more this time! HOORAY FOR MOTIVATION!
Also, please share this on any social media platform you see fit, get the word out if you love it so much AReiss215 gave me the idea to get it out there the only problem is I am not that involved with the social medias (no twitter, Insta, facebook, etc.) so it is totally cool for you guys to do that on my behalf if you want because I would love for the whole fandom to read this. Hell, I would love it if the stars, writers and Producers of the shows saw this!
The Flash: Survival of the Fastest
Chapter 19: Hope for Team Arrow
March 15, 2036
Earth-Prime, Central City
Esperanza De Santo stood atop the edge of a precipice looking down at the one-hundred foot drop beneath her feet. She had been cursed by her beautiful mind. Due to the Particle Accelerator incident in 2014 Esperanza had found she had developed abilities that allowed her to manipulate the memories of those around her, at first, she used it to her advantage as a ten-year-old child would. But soon it had become far too much for her to bare. She remembered everything perfectly even something like an obscure involuntary twitch made by someone in the background of her line of sight. Unfortunately, she bore no filter so she was essentially experiencing every memory of everyday of her life of a daily basis.
All she wanted to do was be an actress. It wasn't a greedy demand in fact she was quite good at acting even without her abilities.
"So, is this how you intend to end it all? Allowing gravity to take a hold of you as you plummet to the earth like a falling star." Esperanza turned around to see a man in a white suit clad with golden lightning bolt designs.
"Who are you?"
"Just a curious bystander, but you can call me August." The man said as he removed his mask and stopped the vibrations of his voice. "I've heard about you, and your unique talents Ms. De Santo."
"I don't know what you are talking about. I am just an actress."
"A rising actress who's flawless in everything she does, including her own stunts, who just so happens to be tempting suicide at this moment because of her extraordinary memory. Don't be coy I know of your activities. You are a Meta-Human Ms. De Santo. And I can help you."
"What can you possibly do?"
"Your mind cannot keep up with the colossal amount of information that flows into it. In a way, it is similar to my own only mine is short term."
Esperanza was curious. "I'm sorry to break this to you but Meta-Humans cannot have more than one power."
"True, but only in most circumstances. I have seen your future Esperanza De Santo. You can and will be The Goddess of Memory. All you need to do is take my hand." August held out his hand. "With your gifts added to my speed, we can be unstoppable. This city, this entire world will bow to our feet."
Esperanza gave August a look that clearly said 'I don't believe you.'
"Don't believe me Ms. De Santo? Perhaps you might take a look into my memories." He took her hands into his own and lifted them to his head. Almost immediately golden-white lightning flashed everywhere as Esperanza experienced August's whole life not just witnessing it. She felt every emotion August felt, smelled the things he smelled, saw everything he saw and it was a ll glorious. She even saw what looked like flashes of herself along side him, visions of her future that were memories of his past. Despite all of it, it was still too much for Esperanza to bear and she released August but stumbled backwards and over the ledge.
August recovered quickly enough and raced to catch her before running her back up to the roof off the building. "So Esperanza, do we have an accord?" He asked holding out his hand once more.
Olvida hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. "I believe we do August." Instantly a wave of lightning washed over her. While initially white the lightning eventually changed to a shade of violet. Moments later her body went limp and she collapsed into August's arms. Moments later her eyes flickered open."
"Congratulations, you are now a speedster Ms. De Santo. Once you are ready I will teach you everything I know, Olvida."
"Olvida? That's not my name."
"It is now. For you will make our enemies forget everything."
Present Day: January 24 2018
Star City, Arrow Bunker
"Who are you guys?" Ben asked Robin and Bobby once he had a chance to be alone with them away from the prying ears of the rest of the heroes.
"No one of consequence." Robin spoke for herself and her little brother. "We are just a couple of associates of Mr. Queen."
"I guess I am correct in assuming you are the ones we've been hearing about fighting crime in Star City for the last few months?"
"That's us."
"I must say, I am quite familiar with The Green Arrows Team but I've never heard of either of you two, what are your names again?"
"I'm The Black Arrow and this is Sonic Boom." Robin said not revealing their real names. Ben reached out to shake their hands.
"I'm The Fla- I mean, I'm Godspeed." He said. Robin and Bobby hesitated for a moment before accepting the handshake, it was oddly firm, like each of them was trying to crush his hand.
"So that's it really." Barry finished explaining their situation to Oliver and the rest of the team. "You're all members of Team Arrow and you work together to protect Star City. But you're more than a team, you're all family. Each one of you is a hero." The Flash looked to Oliver. "The Green Arrow." Then he turned to Dinah. "The Black Canary." He swapped his gaze to Diggle, Rene and Curtis. "Spartan, Wild Dog, Mr. Terrific." Finally, he turned to Thea and Felicity. "Speedy and Overwatch."
"This is all Crazy." Diggle shook his head in disbelief. "I don't know what's going on but I need to get home to my wife and son."
"And I should arrest all of you right now." Dinah said instinctively reaching for a gun that was no longer there. "If you're all vigilantes I cannot allow you to run wild, plus you kidnapped us."
"I…" Barry started to say but Dinah cut him off.
"Don't try and argue, you took us from our homes against our will, that's kidnapping."
"Look, we're not asking any of you to believe us. But we are telling you the truth. Please, I have a plan that might restore your memories but I can only do it if I have your consent." Caitlin pleaded.
"And what is it you propose?" Curtis asked.
"Electroshock." Caitlin said. "Your memories are working properly but there is a block that is preventing you from accessing your actual memories."
"Doesn't Electroshock run the risk of you know frying their brains?" Barry asked.
"Which is precisely why I would only do it with their consent." Caitlin argued
"No one is getting their brains zapped." Robin said.
"Thank you!" Rene replied.
"Electroshock Therapy is like trying to unplugging someone connected to The Matrix. The only way to properly restore memories that have been altered is to wear them down with contradictions and emotions. Oliver might not remember William but he certainly still loves his son. Hell, all we really need to do is put everyone in situations where their emotions are stimulated to such a degree that their true memories burst forth."
Everyone turned to look at Robin, there was something odd about her but Ben could not seem to figure out what. She had all the tell tale marks of a time traveler and yet she gave off the semblance of someone born and bred in the present. And yet her knowledge of Team Arrow in addition to her tech was more advanced than today's technology could produce. In a way, Robin and Bobby's actions reminded Ben of Derick and Daphne when he met them months ago, hostile and apprehensive.
Whatever their reasoning Ben needed to earn their trust. "I have an Idea that might help restore all of your altered memories." Ben said. "We need Esperanza De Santo's help."
"Esperanza De Santo? Who's that?" Barry asked.
"She's a Meta-Human with the ability to manipulate memories. There's only one problem."
"What's that?" Caitlin asked
"It's 2018, which means she's" Ben looked like he was counting in his head and on his fingers for a moment. "She's ten years old."
"So the fate of Team Arrow and Star City lies in the hands of a Central City Elementary Student?" Barry asked.
"Pretty much." Ben replied
"OK, I'll go back to Central City to pick her up." Caitlin said. "Tell the rest of the team to bring her to CCPD."
The Next Day: January 25 2018
Central City, S.T.A.R. Labs Cortex
The remainder of Team Flash was gathered up in the cortex when an alert came through. Barry had just contacted them about searching for a little girl named Esperanza De Santo claiming she could help them return Team Arrow's proper memories to them.
"So, who wants to go to Central City Elementary and pick up a little girl?" Cisco asked "And who wants to deal with this new Meta-Human alert?"
"Eddie and I will handle the Meta-Human."
"And I'll go pick up this Esperanza." Iris said. "It'll be much less creepy."
"I'll go with you Iris." Joe interjected "Remember I'm still a cop."
"Ok, come on Eddie, let's suit up." In a flurry of yellow lightning and blue flames Kid Flash and Cobalt Blue were on their way to the source of the disturbance.
"Come on baby," Joe said as he led Iris out of the Cortex to his car leaving Cisco alone in the Cortex. Cisco kind of wished Harry, Jesse and Jay were still here so he'd have someone to talk to but he had to settle with opening the comms with Wally and Eddie.
"How're things going Kid Flash?" Cisco asked sipping his Slurpee
"We might need some help here Vibe!" Wally voice said from the speaker. "We've got a Meta-Human who can manipulate the ground!"
Realization spread across Cisco's face. "That's who Barry fought before he ended up in his Coma! You cannot let her get away!"
"Easier said than done!"
"I'm on my way over there now!" As fast as he could Cisco gathered up his Vibe suit and opened a breach to where Eddie and Wally were facing off against.
Central City Elementary
Little Esperanza De Santo skipped down the hallway towards the main office. She had just been called to the office by the very nice secretaries. This was about the time her mom pulled her out of school anyway so she could be on time for gymnastics practice, however when she arrived at the main office and opened the door she was not met by her mother.
"Who're you?" Esperanza asked. "Where's my mommy?"
"It's OK sweetie." The dark-skinned woman smiled as she crouched down to the little girl's level. "I'm here to bring you to her."
"Mommy and Daddy say I should never talk to strangers." Esperanza said cowering slightly behind her backpack.
"Alright Esperanza, my name is Iris." Iris greeted her by reaching out to take her hand. "See now we're no longer strangers."
"It's OK Esperanza." Ms. Heran, the secretary said. "I talked with your mother she said it was OK."
"Really?"
"Really, Really."
"OK…" The little girl said she reached out and took Iris' hand gently.
"Come on, let's go see your mom."
Wally, Eddie and Cisco's Location
Kid Flash and Cobalt Blue ran literal circles around the feme fatal. She kept trying to hit them with stone fragments and stone constructs but they avoided every movement.
A breach opened and Vibe leaped out and fired a concussive blast at her. "Stay down Quarry Queen." Her new nickname rolled off his tongue since she uses her powers to mold stone she rips from the earth.
"Quarry Queen… I like the sound of Quarry Queen." She smirked before flicking her finger up
"HOLD STILL DAMN IT!" She screamed. She collected rocks around her right arm A spire of earth erupted at her feet and launched her into the air as she came down she punched the ground. The land shook as a wave of rubble raced out like ripples in water.
Wally and Eddie jumped at just the right moment to clear over the rubble wave while Cisco fired a concussive blast which shattered the wave and blasted Quarry Queen off her feet and into a wall.
"Cute abilities you all have." She said as she stood up and wiped blood from her lip. "But three against one is a little unfair don't you think?" The earth around her rumbled and out form it formed nine golems, three for each hero.
Eddie moved first running around all of the golems and produced his maximum level of flames. The ground at their feet heated up before becoming liquid and trapping the golems before they could make any move. Cisco blasted the immobile golems until they were all nothing but rubble while Wally ran around Quarry Queen creating a vacuum to suffocate Quarry Queen.
Moments later Quarry Queen was clutching her chest desperately trying to catch breath before she collapsed to the ground giving Wally ample time to rush her and slap on a pair of cuffs.
"And done!" Cisco practically cheered while Quarry Queen struggled against the cuffs. Her golems had since become completely immobile.
"That a new record?" Wally asked
"Sure is."
"I'll bring her into the precinct for questioning." Eddie, ever the cop, said.
Star City, Arrow Bunker
Barry, Ben, Robin, Bobby and The rest of Team Arrow waited for Caitlin to return with Esperanza when an alert went off on one of the computers.
"What's that?" Kurtis asked as He and Fleicity crowded around Robin, who was sitting at the monitor.
"Break in at the Papp's Jewels on 11th and Weisinger." Robin said getting
"How do you know that?" Dinah asked skeptically folding her arms across her chest.
"Felicity has all these computers connected to almost every major alarms systems company in Star City." Robin said turning eyes to Felicity.
"Me!? I mean, I might dabble in computer but I am by no means a computer wiz." The blond tech savvy woman said. "I'm just Mayor Queen's secretary."
"This will all make much more sense once Caitlin comes back with Esperanza." Robin said standing up and walking to the stand holding her bow and quivers.
"We'll take care of it." Ben said as he shared a look with Barry. The two speedsters nodded simultaneously and in a flash of yellow lightning they were both back in their suits.
"Oh, Hell no." Robin spoke up. "If anything my brother and I will be protecting this city. Oliver left it to us in case anything happened to him and or his team."
Barry and Ben shared another look. "When did he say that?" Barry asked suspiciously
"Doesn't matter." Robin grumbled. "He said it and we agreed."
"I think despite everyone's memory trouble you and your brother are the only ones we cannot trust." Ben accused. "Barry and I know the whole Team." Ben paused for a moment when he looked at Laurel. "We know most of the team." He corrected. "And in their six years of operations neither of you two has been mentioned! Not once!"
Robin was visibly getting ticked off. She grinned her teeth. "I CAN'T STAND YOU!" She suddenly shouted while pointing a finger at Ben. "I DON'T KNOW WHO THE HELL YOU ARE OR WHY THE FUCK YOU ARE HERE! YOUR FACE IS A DEAD RINGER FOR A FRIEND OF OURS WHO DIED YEARS AGO! HELL I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU LOOK LIKE HIM BECAUSE YOU'RE NOTHING LIKE HIM!"
That one caught Ben off guard. Apparently Robin had a friend who looked like Ben but he was dead. Perhaps Robin and her brother were actually from an alternate Earth, it explained a lot.
"ENOUGH!" The sound of Bobby's voice filled the room and actually made it and it's occupants tremble. Everyone fell silent and turned to the man with a scarf around his mouth. "We're wasting time." Bobby spoke up drawing attention due to his raspy deep voice. "I'm going to stop this crime with or without you guys. If you wanna help that's great if not that's fine as well." Without another word Bobby walked towards the elevator and got in not even waiting for anyone to join him as the doors closed.
Central City, CCPD
"Thank you for this Mrs. De Santo." Joe said.
"Of course, detective." Mrs. De Santo replied. "I'm not even going to try to pretend I understand exactly why S.T.A.R. Labs is interested in my daughter, I'd know if my baby girl were one of those Meta-Humans."
"I personally trust the doctor who's interested in your daughter. She's saved the lives of all my children. Your daughter will be in phenomenal hands." He heard the elevator open up and he turned his attention there to see Caitlin walk out and make her way towards him. "Here she is now. Mrs. De Santo I'd like you to meet Dr. Caitlin Snow."
"Dr. Snow, thank you for offering to check on my daughter." Mrs. De Santo reached out for Caitlin to take her hand which the young female speedster did.
"Of course. Ever since the Particle Accelerator Explosion STAR Labs has been dedicated to helping those affected and potentially affected by the unknown elements."
"What makes you think my daughter was affected."
"We're just covering our bases." Caitlin replied. "Honestly I believe your daughter is an exceptionally talented young lady."
"Thank you." Mrs. De Santo said.
"Mommy!" The three adults turned to see Iris and little Esperanza stepping out of the elevator. "You're here!"
"Of course, I'm here baby." Mrs. De Santo hugged her daughter. "Listen honey, Doctor Snow would like to check you over at S.T.A.R. Labs."
"Doctor? Why would I need to see a doctor mommy? I'm not sick."
"No, you are not. But Doctor Snow thinks you might be even more special than you already are."
Esperanza tilted her head in confusion as she looked form her mother to Caitlin. "You think I'm special?"
Caitlin shrugged a little. "We believe so. In fact, we think you might be as special as The Flash."
Esperanza's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Most girls her age were interested in being Disney princesses or having tea parties but not Esperanza. At recess, she would join the boys in playing superheroes often calling out she was Lady Flash. She adored the Scarlet speedster and every other member of the Flash Family, specifically the Female speedster she liked to call Lady Flash. "OH WOW!" She clapped her hands together excitedly.
"Calm down Esperanza." Her mother said.
"Sorry mommy." Esperanza gave her mother some doe eyes and gingerly folded her hands behind her back.
"How long will this take?" Mrs. De Santo asked Caitlin.
"If all goes well, it shouldn't take too long."
"She will be home by supper time." Iris added.
"Maybe I should go with her." Mrs. De Santo said. "I feel like I would be a horrible parent if I didn't."
"Mrs. De Santo, I know you have your concerns but there is nothing for you to be worried about." Joe stepped in. "I promise you, your daughter is in excellent hands."
"That's good to hear Detective." Mrs. De Santo adjusted her purse strap and clutched her bag a little tighter. She was clearly still uneasy about leaving her daughter in the hands of some strangers even if one of them was a well-respected cop.
The room was suddenly filled with the crackling of lightning and thunder roared. Papers whipped through the air and everyone ducked for cover as a thunderstorm seemingly erupted in the precinct. Little Esperanza ducked behind Caitlin and Iris while everyone scrambled.
When the wind, lightning and thunder died down a woman stood in the middle of the precinct with every officer's gun trained on her. She wore a skin tight black and purple suit with a large X spanning across her chest in the shape of twin intersecting lightning bolts.
For Caitlin, this woman was triggering a sense of Déjà vu. Like she had met her before but she couldn't remember for the life of her.
"Heard you were looking for me." The woman said with the signature vibrating tone all speedsters took. "Here I am." She held out her arms as violet lightning coursed around her. Then, in a crackle of violet lightning she was inches away from the little girl hiding behind Iris and Caitlin. "Wanna go for a Run?" She smiled wickedly before grabbing the little girl and disappearing with a roar of thunder.
Immediately Caitlin raced after her moving so fast no one would even notice she left. They had just promised that Esperanza would be completely fine yet here she was being abducted by a mysterious yet somehow vaguely familiar speedster. Either way, Caitlin was going to get her back.
This is the end of the chapter
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