Revenge is a dirty game. No matter what side you're standing on, pain is inevitable. The lives of those you love, and those you have come to love, will change forever. Creating a new identity. Forging toxic relationships. Taking a dangerous path. It's all part of the plan to take down the people that wronged the world. You have to be willing to go to desperate measures. It's whether you're willing to push it all aside and finish the game you so triumphantly started that will ultimately decide your fate.
[6 MONTHS EARLIER]
Felicity looked at her reflection: blonde locks, blue eyes, square-rimmed glasses atop a dainty nose. She looked down at her right wrist; a tattoo of a four pointed star sat there, unwavering. She had gotten that tattoo for her eighteenth birthday, as a present from her foster sister. That was not the only present that sister had ended up given her.
Her heart was racing. She studied that face staring back at her. She studied its features. For so long, she had lived by a different name, but now, she was taking it one step further.
She placed brown contacts in her eyes. A brunette wig was placed atop her head. Taking some foundation, she rubbed it on her tattoo, the mark she had become so accustomed to completely vanishing within an instant. That mark was the only thing she had left of her old life. She was trying so desperately to save that life, for it had been lost the minute her mother was framed for a crime she did not commit.
"Play ball," Felicity whispered to herself, relieving her red blazer of any creases. She reached into her expensive designer handbag and retrieved her phone.
"I'm on my way. Have everything ready." The voice on the other end obliged, and hung up moments later.
"Welcome to Star City, Maggie Lamarr."
Felicity sauntered out of the bathroom, her plan just being put into motion.
/
"Here's everything. Hackers. Bugs. Voice modulators. It's all here." John Diggle sat next to her on a blue park bench. The two tried to appear as nonchalant as humanly possible.
"Thank you so much for this. Having you by my side for this whole thing is going to make it easier."
"That's my job." Just as Diggle finished speaking, a football flew over their heads, almost knocking Felicity backwards. Diggle vanished soon after, moving swiftly, like he were a ninja.
"I'm really sorry, miss. My aim is apparently really tragic."
Felicity looked up to see a face that looked familiar. They seemed safe. He reminded her of….
"My name's Oliver Queen. I haven't seen you around here before? Are you new to Star City?"
Felicity had trained for many years to train her emotions, so her cover would not be blown. Had she not have been hiding behind another identity, she would have frozen in her tracks at the sight of her childhood best friend.
"Maggie Lamarr. I am new. I just moved here."
He flashed a smile that was filled with perfectly straight, perfectly white teeth. His grey wife beater formed to his muscular chest, and his black athletic pants moved softly in the wind.
"Do you need a ride home?" Felicity always remembered how sincere Oliver was. She was glad he maintained that quality into his adult years.
"No, I'm okay. My car's parked over on the curb." Felicity moved behind the park bench and retrieved the lost football. She handed it to Oliver, her pale skin contrasting with the rough brown leather. "It was nice meeting you." She flashed a sincere smile, before booking towards her car.
Her white porsche did not stand out amongst the other cars parked curbside. Star City was known for its large population of wealthy socialites, who took pride in their fancy cars and clothing. Star City had evolved into something completely different than what it was when she was just eight years old. The whole world had seemed to change.
Felicity reached into her glove compartment and retrieved a photo. Two smiling children stared back at her; a girl with long blonde locks and a boy with dazzling blue eyes and short cropped hair. They were beaming. Felicity could remember that moment as if it were yesterday. She could remember the smell of the beach, and the heat from the sun. She could remember feeling the sand between her toes, and the laughs exchanged between her and Oliver.
Felicity put her car in gear and drove away from the park, leaving her old life and her old friend in the distance.
/
"My sweet girl,
If you are reading this letter, it means I could not provide the life you so rightfully deserve. For that, I am truly sorry. I wanted to explain my situation, and relent to you the people that have wronged me, people I thought I could trust. Malcolm Merlyn was my colleague, and what I thought, a friend. Turns out, he was the sole conspirator behind putting me in this prison. He stole the money, he obtained the necessary resources, and made this whole ordeal look as though I were the one responsible. I am telling you now, my dear Felicity, that I am not responsible. I did not explode the Merlyn Enterprises building. I was framed…"
There was a sudden knock on her door. Rising from her chair, Felicity sauntered to the door, the view of the city abundant and bright.
"I saw you with Oliver today. You need to be careful." John Diggle emerged from the door and made himself known inside Felicity's lavish apartment.
"Don't you think I know that? I never expected to see him at the park. He just happened to be there and I ran with it." As she spoke, Felicity removed her brown wig, placing it on the kitchen table. She relinquished her blonde locks from their updo, letting them fall free.
"Well "running with it" wasn't part of your plan, Felicity. Don't hurt those that are closest to you."
"I know what I'm doing, Digg. Oliver isn't going to get hurt. I would never do that to him." She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at one of her oldest friends, standing there in front of her, strong and determined. Diggle knew her mother well. They were friends. They worked in the same circle. Diggle remained loyal to Felicity's mother, despite the other colleagues abandoning her for the opinion of Malcolm and Thomas Merlyn. John Diggle was trusted to keep an eye on Donna's daughter, and help her take down the Merlyn's from the inside.
"You should give someone a call. We could really use more manpower here." He flashed a sincere smile before leaving her apartment.
Felicity debated his request for a few moments, before reaching into her back pocket to retrieve her phone. She dialed the second number on her speed dial.
The person on the other end picked up immediately. "I was wondering when I was going to be hearing from you. I take it you and Diggle need my help."
"Another cook in the kitchen wouldn't hurt." Felicity sat down on her grey plush couch, kicking her legs up on her coffee table. "You able to come out here?"
"Of course. I'll always make time for you. You're my favorite person." Her voice on the other end sang a sweet song, like a canary.
"Good. We might need her help down the line too." She simultaneously removed her contacts as she spoke. Her blue eyes were now free and breathing fresh air.
"Just give me the cue and I'll call her. She'd be happy to help."
Felicity smiled. "Thanks Sara. See you soon."
Revenge is a dirty game, especially when played alone. When played in a team, the danger becomes submissive. It seamlessly glides between each team member, the blame not solely focused on one soul. Revenge played in a group can be equally as deadly.