Chapter 13: Flash vs. Arrow (Part 1)
The news of a metahuman who could manipulate emotions and cause violent outbursts – the Rainbow Raider, Roy G. Bivolo – was concerning. But for me, it was just background noise to the main event: the first official crossover. Oliver Queen. John Diggle. Felicity Smoak. This is it. The big one. The moment two universes collide. And knowing my luck, I'll probably get caught in the middle of their inevitable pissing contest.
"Okay, so this guy can make people angry?" Cisco asked, looking at the police sketch of Bivolo. "That's… surprisingly effective. And annoying."
"He doesn't just make them angry, Cisco," I said, leaning forward. "He manipulates their emotions. He can make them feel whatever he wants. And he's going to use it to turn Barry and Oliver against each other." I paused, then added, "You know, just a hunch. Based on their… very strong personalities."
Caitlin looked at me, a worried frown on her face. "You think they'll actually fight?"
"They're both alphas, Doc," I shrugged. "It's inevitable. Especially with a guy who can literally weaponize emotions." I glanced at Wells, who was watching me with his usual inscrutable gaze. He knows. He knows I know. This is going to be fun.
The arrival of Oliver Queen, John Diggle, and Felicity Smoak at S.T.A.R. Labs was, for me, like watching my favorite TV characters walk off the screen. Oliver, brooding and intense. Diggle, stoic and unimpressed. Felicity, a whirlwind of nervous energy and rapid-fire tech speak.
"So, you're the Flash," Oliver said, his voice gravelly, eyeing Barry with a critical gaze.
"And you're the Arrow," Barry replied, a hint of awe in his voice.
The tension was palpable. Oliver, with his no-nonsense approach, immediately clashed with Barry's more optimistic, almost naive, heroism.
"Look, guys," I interjected, stepping forward with my most diplomatic smile. "I know this is a lot. But we're all on the same side here. We're trying to stop a guy who can turn people into emotional grenades. Maybe we should focus on that, instead of who has the cooler costume."
Felicity, surprisingly, chuckled. "He's right, Oliver. We have a psycho with a mood ring on the loose. Let's focus." She then turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "And you are? You've got a good vibe. And you seem to know a lot about… everything."
"Adam Stiels," I replied, offering a hand. "And you're Felicity Smoak. I've heard great things. Your tech skills are legendary. And your ability to talk really fast is… inspiring."
She grinned. "You too! It's like we're kindred spirits!"
Oliver, however, was still wary. "And your 'hunches,' Mr. Stiels? They seem… remarkably accurate."
"Just a knack for patterns, Mr. Queen," I said, shrugging. "Comes from watching too many crime shows. And, you know, being generally observant. Like, for instance, sometimes people who are usually calm can get really agitated really fast. Almost like… someone's messing with their heads. Just a thought." I gave him a subtle, knowing look.
Oliver's eyes narrowed, a flicker of understanding passing through them. He didn't say anything, but the seed was planted.
The inevitable mind-controlled fight between Barry and Oliver was brutal. They were both incredibly powerful, and Bivolo's influence turned their sparring into a full-blown, city-destroying brawl. I watched from the comms, my heart pounding. This is bad. Really bad. They're going to kill each other. Or at least, destroy half of Central City. And then I'll have to deal with the insurance claims.
"They're going to tear the city apart!" Caitlin cried, her voice filled with despair.
"I have to get in there!" Cisco yelled, but Wells held him back.
"It's too dangerous!"
But I couldn't just stand by. I knew what was at stake. I knew they needed to be separated.
[IMMINENT THREAT DETECTED. MULTIPLE HIGH-LEVEL ATTACKERS. EXTREME KINETIC FORCE. INSUFFICIENT PHYSICAL RESISTANCE.]
[ADAPTATION: DUAL ACTIVATION. ENHANCED SPEED (DOUBLING BARRY'S VELOCITY). ENHANCED STRENGTH (DOUBLING OLIVER'S STRENGTH). ACTIVE.]
A terrifying, exhilarating surge of power ripped through me. My vision blurred, the world around me slowing to a crawl. Barry and Oliver, a blur of red and green, seemed to move in slow motion. My muscles tensed, infused with impossible strength. I was a human blur, faster than Barry, stronger than Oliver.
"Holy. Crap. I'm actually doing it. I'm moving at super-speed. And I'm strong enough to punch a building! Okay, Adam, focus. Separate them. Don't get yourself killed. Or accidentally punch Oliver into next Tuesday."
I launched myself into the fray, a grey blur amidst the red and green. I moved with impossible speed, ducking under Barry's super-fast punch, then using my enhanced strength to shove Oliver back, sending him skidding across the pavement. I was a whirlwind of motion, pushing, pulling, separating them, taking the brunt of their accidental blows. A super-speed punch from Barry felt like a light tap, Oliver's powerful kick like a gentle nudge. I was a human shock absorber, a living buffer between two enraged heroes.
"Stop it!" I roared, my voice surprisingly loud, amplified by the sheer force of my adapted lungs. "You're being played! He's messing with your heads!"
My desperate intervention, combined with the team's efforts to disrupt Bivolo, finally broke the mind control. Barry and Oliver staggered back, blinking, their eyes clearing. They looked at each other, then at me, bewildered.
[ADAPT SYSTEM: DEACTIVATED. EXTREME STAMINA DRAIN. RECOVERY INITIATED.]
The power drained from me, leaving me utterly spent. The world snapped back to normal speed, and the overwhelming exhaustion hit me like a physical blow. My legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the street, gasping for air, my body trembling uncontrollably.
Caitlin was by my side in an instant, her face pale with shock and fear. "Adam! Oh my God! You were moving… you were so fast! And strong! What was that?!"
Oliver and Barry stood over me, their expressions a mixture of awe and confusion.
"You… you moved like me," Barry whispered, his eyes wide. "But… you're not a speedster."
"And you took my punch," Oliver said, his voice gruff, but with a hint of respect. "No one takes my punch."
"Yeah, well, you guys are exhausting," I wheezed, trying to force a sarcastic smile, but it came out as a pained grimace. "Worst. Crossover. Ever. Until the next one. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need a very, very long nap. And maybe a new spine. This one feels a little… used."
Caitlin, however, was not amused. Her eyes, filled with a terrifying mix of scientific curiosity and profound fear, stared at me. "Adam… we need to talk. Seriously talk. About what's happening to you."
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