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To understand what I’m about to tell you, you need to do something first...you need to believe in the impossible. Can you do that?Good, now imagine that you can travel through shadows and make them bend to your will.Imagine having wild blood just running through your veins, being able to hear and smell everything from miles away in all directions, having claws that just burst from your fingertips and having your instincts guide your every move and have them be right every time.Because that’s what I can do.Now life wasn’t all glamorous for me. For a majority of my life I was a street kid, a thief.A ghost, if you will.My mom was Nora Allen, my dad is Henry Allen, and my big brother is Barry Allen, but I didn’t find out about it until I was 14. According to Barry, our mom was killed by the impossible, and I was thought to be killed along with her. He refused to believe it though, seeing that they never found my body. Apparently I adored him and he adored me. I even threatened to kill someone for him at one point.
14 years ago
“Tell me what happened.” Nora Allen demanded to her son as she cleared the blood off his busted lip. “Those guys were picking on kids just because they weren’t cool, it wasn’t right.” He answered. “You have such a good heart Barry and it’s better to have a good heart than fast legs.” His mother encouraged softly. His dad, Henry Allen, walked in shouting “Hello, I’m home!” “Barry got into a fight today.” Nora sighed. “Oh really?” He asked in shock. “And he won.” Nora added, trying to get her point across. “Really? Way to go slugger.” His dad said proudly. His wife gave him a look. “And uh, no more fighting.” He said. A toy came flying out of nowhere. They all looked to the 5 month old in the bassinet, clearly wanting to be apart of the family moment. Henry came over and picked her up. “No more fighting for you either, little miss.” He teased. He brought her over to the rest of the family. She reached for her brother’s face and touched his busted lip, seemingly concerned. She looked at him dead in the eye with a look that clearly said ‘Do I need to kill someone?’ “How am I gonna protect Raven if I can’t even protect myself?” Barry asked. Their mom laughed, seeing the look that Raven just gave him. “Something tells me that she’ll be able to protect herself.”That night Barry woke up to glass shattering and his mothers scream. Walking downstairs, Barry was greeted with the sight of his mom on her knees with his baby sister in her arms, lights of red and yellow surrounding them. “Mom, Raven!” The young boy cried out, confused and terrified. Henry came down, crying out the names of his wife and daughter. The woman screamed as the deadly light show continued around her and her silently crying daughter, shattering the windows by them and making the lights flicker. Turning to Barry, he yelled “Run, Barry, Run! I’ll get your sister and mom!” Before the boy could move or even blink, he was outside. He raced over to his house, finding his dad arrested, his mom dead and his sister missing.We now go over to an alleyway, where a man in a yellow suit was about to kill the little baby. She had a cut on her cheek and tears in her eyes. The mans red eyes seemed to have softened, and he left her in the alleyway instead, hoping that something or someone else would kill her. A female dog came over to the infant and saw that she was hurt and cold. The dog licked her wound and curled around her, trying to get her warm.
End flashback
So, that happened. I called the dog Banana. I was a little child and the dog was a golden retriever, don’t judge. Anyway, she gave me food and helped me learn how to walk and was my mother figure until I was 6 or 7, when she died of old age. I taught myself how to speak by listening to the people around me. At age 5 I decided to try to get something that resembles an education. Textbooks and little kid books were the first things that I ever stole. That is when I decided to steal everything else that I needed. People didn’t know it was me until I was 9, 10 maybe 11. I stole some food from a Wallmart and I was seen. The employee asked me what my name was and all I said was “I don’t have one, I’m just a ghost.” That’s how I got my name, Ghost.But I don’t steal anymore.Now I am the silent savior in the shadows.Now I am the protector of my pack that is Central City.Now I am Shadow Wolf.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap!” I was running from the police, again. I stole some food and water and I was sloppy and all I’m gonna say is that I now have a cop on my tail. I decided that I should cut through Central City Zoo. I was wearing my normal outfit for when I need to replenish my supplies. A black hoodie with a red tank top underneath, dark blue leggings, a purple gator neck and blue eye contacts that hide my green eyes. When I need to vanish into a crowd, I just take off my gator neck, shove it into my pockets, take off my hoodie, unless it’s cold, and tie it around my waist and take off my contacts and shove them into my bra, cause no police officer is gonna look there without being put on leave.I was passing by the wolf exhibit when I heard voices. Me, being an impulsive idiot, decided to jump into the exhibit and hide. I regretted it immediately. “CHEESE-ITS!”I yelled as I landed. I fell on my ankle, heard a crack and fell on my side. I looked at my ankle and it looked fine, I mean it wasn’t facing the wrong way or anything, but when I put weight on it I wasn’t expecting the surge of pain that went through my foot and I face planted. Dang it, it’s sprained! I heard a rustling and saw yellow eyes peering at me through the darkness. “Holy frick.” I muttered. I scrambled to sit up as they came closer. A black wolf with yellow eyes came toward me in a rather nonthreatening manner. She put her head under my arm. Then I caught on. I put my hand on her scruff and hauled myself up to my feet. We slowly walked over to a door with scratch marks. This must be the way out, and by the way the wolf was looking at it, she wanted out too. “If I help you get out, will you help me?” I asked. She nodded, somehow understanding me. I pulled out a lock pick from my pocket and picked the padlock. We limped out and doubled back to the entrance. Sadly, when we limped out of the Zoo entrance there was someone waiting for me. “Stop right there Ghost!” I heard someone yell from behind me. I sighed and turned around. The officer was African American man with black hair, a goatee with a few white hairs and brown eyes. “I would, but I really don’t want too.” I said in a sickly sweet tone. “Your not gonna get too far, with that ankle of yours.” He told me. I raised a single eyebrow at him. “I’ve outran you people with worse, remember last year?” I told him.Last year a rookie decided that it would be a good idea to shoot me in the leg. I ended up in a hospital and I stole a wheelchair and booked it, after I destroyed all record of me being there. Then I broke into the CCPD forensics lab and took my blood sample, cause honestly, I don’t want to know the people who I’m related too, the people who abandoned me in an alleyway when I WASN’T EVEN A YEAR OLD! Simple as that.I even had a brief run in with the forensic scientist there, Barry Something-Or-other. The wolf and I gave each other a look and ran into an alleyway. I heard the cop run after us. ‘Sucker.’ I thought. I scaled the wall, though slower than I normally do because of my ankle. While the wolf, you know what I’m just gonna call her Lupa, hid behind a dumpster. The cop looked around the alleyway for us. “This is West, I lost her. Yes, again.” He said into his walkie talkie. He left.I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I dropped back down into the alley. “It’s safe now.” I whispered. She crept out from behind the dumpster. I placed my hand on her scruff again and we, slowly, ran out.
2 Hours Later, at STAR Labs
‘Why am I here, I hate large crowds. Oh wait that’s right, my love of science triumphs my hatred of humanity. Ok Ghost, it’s only for 30 minutes, at least. Just get through this than you can go back to avoiding everyone tomorrow, you’ll be fine.’ I mentally converse with myself.Oh like you haven’t talked to yourself.I left Lupa in the front, hidden of coarse, cause if someone sees me walking around with a wolf that escaped with The Ghost, than they’re gonna get suspicious and call the cops and I wasn’t wearing my Ghost costume for obvious reasons.See, I have smarts.I overheard the conversation behind me. “Actually, while I was away, I had the chance to think about...you know, relationships.” Oh my god, this is either gonna be a total wreck or COMPLETELY ADORABLE! Either way I’m not missing this. I turned around and watched it happen. “How I’m not in one, and you’re not in one either. You’re my best friend, Iris.” The man said. Oh hey, I think that’s the Forensic scientist at CCPD, Barry or something.”You’re mine too.” The woman, Iris I think, said. Ohh honey, that’s not the point he’s trying to get across. “That’s not what I meant. What-“ The woman interrupted him. “I know what you’re gonna say, Barry.” Yes, I knew his name was Barry.”I’m not sure you do.” He tries to intervene. Train wreak in progress, whoo whoo!”Even though we pretty much grew up in the same house...and kinda like brother and sister... because we’re not brother and sister, it can get really...weird and awkward when you talk to me about girls. But I want you to know that it shouldn’t be awkward. There’s nothing more I want for you than to meet the right person... that totally loves and adores you for the amazing guy that you are.”Ohh, train wreck.“Took the words right out of my mouth.” He said. No, no don’t give up. He looked in my direction and I made a face that said ‘That’s rough, dude.’ and went back to paying attention to Harrison Wells, the genius who invented the Particle Accelerator. “Thank you. My name is Harrison Wells.” Well no s**t Sherlock. “Tonight, the future begins. The work my team and I will do here will change our understanding of physics, will bring about advancements in power advancements and medicine. And trust me, the future will be here faster than you think.” He finished. “No! Hey my laptop! It’s got my dissertation!” The woman behind me panicked. Her name is Iris, right? Yeah, it’s Iris. Her friend...Barry... took off after the mugger. Hmm... science or mugger. Well, I can always steal a laptop and see the video on YouTube and than return the laptop afterwards. I shot after them.Now, you may be asking yourself why I’m going after a fellow thief. Well, you see, if it’s stealing something you absolutely need, than I don’t have a problem with it, but if it’s stealing something just cause you want it, than you and I are gonna have some problems, bud. I shot after them. I passed Iris, who gave me a strange look. When I turned a few corners I saw Barry on the ground, nursing his nose and the mugger about to get away. I sped up and tackled the man. The laptop went flying. I scrambled up to my feet and raced to get to it before it hit the ground. It was about to hit the ground, so I dove to the ground and caught it before it hit the ground. In the time that that happened, the mugger managed to come to his senses and ran away. Unfortunately for him, he ran right into the fist of a cop. “Barry!” His friend shouted. “Are you alright?” She asked. “Yeah.” He said breathlessly. She swiveled her head around. “Where’s my laptop?” She asked. I was still on the ground, laying on my back as I was catching my breath. “Right here!” I yelled from my spot on the ground. I raised my hands to show the laptop. “Thank you.” She speed walked over to where I was and lifted the laptop from my hands. “You ok.” She asked. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just tackled a person stealing a computer. Normal day for me.” I said breathlessly. She held her hand out for me to take. I grabbed it and she lifted me off the floor. “Thank you Miss...” She trailed off, looking for a name. Oh no. Come on, Ghosty, think, think. “Amy.” I lied smoothly. “I oughta go back, my mom will be looking for me.” I lied once more. “Don’t let me stop you.” She said. I started jogging in the general direction of STAR Labs. “Thank you.” She yelled after me. I looked back and waved.After a few minutes, Lupa found me. “You know, I’m sad that I missed the Particle Accelerator, but I can always find a video of it turning on online, right?” I said to her. She made a noise. Weather it was an a agreement or an argument, I’ll never know.I walked down the dark street. The shadows whispered to the knowledge that they held. The told me of the affairs of others, of the crimes that happened in their darkness, of the thoughts and feelings of the people who walked through them. Then suddenly
Boom!
I heard an explosion behind me. I looked back to see STAR Labs exploding and a huge wave of energy going out in all directions.Holy motherf***ing h**l. Lupa and I ran for our lives. I tripped and fell. Lupa came to a stop and tried to help me get up. When I got on my knees I looked back and saw that there was no way that we were going to outrun it. I wrapped my arms around Lupa and when the wave hit, everything went black.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Nine months later at STAR Labs.
I woke up with a gasp. I looked around at my surroundings. I was in...a lab? Or maybe urgent care. Oh f**k no, I’ve got to get out of here. “Ok, she’s up.” I heard a voice say. I looked over to see a guy with long black hair, dark brown eyes and tan skin. He pressed a button and spoke into a device. “Uh, y’all might want to come into the med wing.” He said. (A/N I have no idea what it’s called so bear with me here). Half a second later, a red blur ran into the room. I yelped and scrambled back. “Whoa, sorry about that.” He awkwardly apologized. The person who ran in here faster than a cheetah had brown hair, stormy blue eyes and pale skin. Oh hey, it’s him, the forensic guy at CCPD, um...BARRY! Ha ha, yes, I did it, I’m smart. “Barry, don’t startle her, she could hurt someone, or herself!” A woman scolded him as as she walked in. She had brown hair, green eyes and pale skin.When she got to the foot of the hospital bed she shone a flashlight in to my eyes. “Pupils equally reactive to light, pulse 120.” She said, along with a whole bunch of other medical stuff I don’t understand. “Whe-where am I?” I asked, my voice slightly scratchy. “You’re at STAR Labs.” A voice said from the doorway.I looked over to see a girl, seemingly a little older than me. She had the same skin as the first man, reminding me of milk chocolate. She had freckles splashed across her nose and cheeks, sea green eyes and black hair, with her tips dyed red. “Why am I at STAR Labs?” I asked, utterly confused. “You were in a coma for about...nine months.” The girl in the doorway said nonchalantly. My jaw dropped. Nine MONTHS?!WHAT?!Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a hand reach over and close my mouth. I turned and glared at the owner of the hand, the first person I saw after coming out of a NINE MONTH COMA! “I need you too urinate in this.” The doctor person held out a cup and looked at me expectantly. “Not this second.” The first man took the cup from her hands. “Ok, I don’t mean to sound rude, but who the h**l are you people and why the flip was I in a coma.” I asked, annoyed. “Right, right. I’m Cisco Ramon, that’s Caitlin Snow-sorry-Dr. Snow.” The first man introduced. “Barry Allen.” I knew that, but he didn’t know that I knew that so I nodded, playing along. “Moxie Hawkins.” The other girl added.The looked at me, expecting a name. Oh thank god, I made up a name before I was sent into a coma. “Amy Mitchells.” I lied. “You’re lying.” What?”You’re lying.” Moxie repeated. “N-no I’m not.” I said, making sure to seem very utterly confuzzled.“You’re not Amy Mitchells.”No no no no no.She waltzed in, stopping at the foot of my bed.“You’re The Ghost of Central City.”S**T!I lurched out of my seat only to be yanked back. I looked around and saw that I was handcuffed to the bed. I did a double take cause I saw something...impossible. My upper arm, was COVERED, in a thin layer of black...fur? No, this can’t be a thing. Bursting from my fingernails were...claws made of some sort of black metal. “Wha-what’s going on?” I asked quietly, my voice slightly trembling. Barry looked at me sympathetically. I gripped my head a little bit and felt something. I felt the thing on my head and my eyes widened. “Ar-are these ears?” I semi-shouted. I felt my pulse rise and I started hyperventilating. The others eyes widened as the beeping on the monitor signaling my heartbeat quickened significantly. I heard voices, but I couldn’t hear anything over my own heartbeat.
Ba-Bum
A person sat down on my bed and gave me a hug.
Ba-Bum
I latched onto them as best I could with only one arm.
Ba-Bum
“Hey, what’s wrong.” The person said softly.
Ba-Bum
The voice belonged to Barry.
Ba-Bum
“I ha-have fur a-and ears and I-I can only a-assume that th-the thing between m-my legs is a t-tail.” I said, still hyperventilating. “Is that the only thing bothering you?” He asked gently. I shook my head and buried my head into his chest. He began gently raking his hands through my hair and put his head on top of mine. I began crying. “I-I don’t want t-to be put in a c-cage like an a-animal. P-please do-don’t put me in a-a cage, p-please.” I begged softly.He pursed his lips. “What’s your favorite color?” He asked, changing the topic.“Purple.”“What about animals, what’s your favorite animal?”“Does it have to be a real animal?”He chuckled.“Yes.””...Wolves.”I stopped hyperventilating and my pulse slowed down. I detached myself from him and took a few shaky breaths. “You good?” Moxie asked, concerned. “I-I think so.” “Good, because we have a lot to discuss.” In the doorway stood Dr. Harrison Wells, or rather sat, seeing as he was in a wheelchair. And standing next to him was a cop.Oh s**t.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Oh s**t. “Hey.” I said awkwardly, doing finger guns at the cop. Pretty sure he’s the one who chased me the night I went into a coma. Officer...North? Or was it West?I don’t know. Either way I’m screwed.“Is there perhaps a small chance that you’re not here to arrest me for thievery and breaking and entering.” I said, a smidge hopeful. “No.””F**k.” “Um, Joe? I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Caitlin - I mean - Dr. Snow said. “Yes, listen to the good doctor, please.” I said. “Can - can we talk outside.” “Of coarse. Miss Hawkins, please stay with our guest.” Dr. Wells said. And with that said, everyone but Moxie left. “Soo...” “How would you like to be cultured.” I shrugged. “Sure, why not.”
3rd POV
Officer Joe West wasn’t happy.“Caitlin, what the h**l.” “She just had a panic attack and part of the reason was because she was scared of being put in a cell. What do you think will happen if we actually put her in a cell.” Joe sighed. He knew she was right, he just didn’t want to say it. “Well we can’t just let her walk out.” “And we won’t, we just need to find a solution.” And just then, Barry had an idea”Hey, what if we have her stay here? I mean, we would have to monitor her, but then that way she won’t have another panic attack and we won’t be letting her go free.”Joe sighed once more. “It’s better than nothing.” He reluctantly agreed. They walked into a strange scene. Let’s just say they were pleasantly surprised.
Raven’s POV
”So yeet can be used in any situation?””Pretty much, yeah.” “Yeet.” “I have taught you well, young one.” “Um.” We looked over to the door to see the adults in the doorway. “Are you culturing her...without me?” Cisco asked, sounding heartbroken. “You snooze you lose, sucker.” Cue the offended noises. The cop started towards me. I balled my fist, ready to fight. I had already picked the lock, benefit of having claws now, and got ready to fight or run. I’m not going in a cage, not now, not ever. “Ghost,” He said. “We’ve come to a conclusion.” Welp, I need to get ready to run. In321”We’ve decided that you are not going to go into The Pipeline.” Wait what. “The what now?””The Pipeline is where we put metahumans who broke the law.” “Metahumans?””People who were affected by the Particle Accelerator explosion.” “Ok, continue.””We’ve decided to not put you in a cage.” Moxie said, sounding a tad annoyed. “Oh, well, why didn’t you just lead with that?” I asked. “However,” Officer...whatever his name is, said.” We’re not just going to let you go. You’re going to stay here where you will be monitored.” I shrugged. “Fair enough.”He pulled out keys to take the cuffs off. I held out a hand. I slipped out of the cuffs and tossed them to him. They all looked at me in a ‘WTF’ manner. I lifted my hand. “I have claws now.” I stepped off the bed and started wobbling. “Whoa, jelly legs, going down.” I fell and Barry caught me. “Hoo, thanks buddy.” I patted his back and tried to take another step. I didn’t fall, but that was probably just because Barry was holding onto me. I patted arm to signal him to let me go. He did, but he was prepared to catch me if I do fall again. I took a few steps and did not fall this time.
Victory!
“We’re good.” I said. “I’m gonna need you to stay right here, I need to grab some things.” Dr. Snow said as she walked out of the room. “So,” I started, a little awkwardly. “How did you know that I was...you know.” I asked. Moxie answered. “You had your backpack on you, which happened to hold your costume and the scar on your leg matched with the gun wound reported a year ago.” I nodded. “I’m back.” Dr. Snow walked in with some sort of kit. She opened it and I saw what it was.
A blood drawing kit.
Oh h**l no. “GET THAT D**NED NEEDLE AWAY FROM ME!” “I just need to get a sample-“”YOU AIN’T GETTING S**T FROM ME!” She continued to bring the needle closer to my arm. She continued to try to calm me down but I just kept on yelling at her. “Ok, if you just tell us who you are, than we won’t need to do this.” The police officer told me. “Trust me, if I knew, I’d tell you, now get that instrument of death the f**k away from my arm!” “What do you mean ‘If you knew.’ I mean, you have to know your name, right?” Cisco asked. “Jokes on you, stupid, I’ve been an street kid since before I was an infant.” That got them to be quiet. They all stared at me with confusion and pity in their eyes.“Yeah, I’ve-uh- I’ve been on my own for a while.” I said, trying to avoid their stares. “Well, don’t you want to know who you are?” Cisco asked. “I know who I am, I just don’t want to know who I come from.” I tell them. “Don’t you want to know who your family is?” Moxie asked. I scoffed. “No, why on earth would I want to know who abandoned me in an alleyway.” A silence filled the air. “H-How are you alive?” Cisco asked. “Cisco!” Dr. Snow scolded him. “I survived with the help of a golden retriever named Banana until I was...7? After that I have absolutely no idea. Dumb luck, most likely.” “Listen, I’m very sorry that happened, however, we still need to get a blood sample so we may study it and find out how the Dark Matter affected you.” Dr. Wells told me.“Ok, listen up bucko,” I growled.” I’m not your lab rat, I’m not your toy, and I’m certainly not letting that thing anywhere near me.” “Listen, kid, we just need one little blood sample.” “I don’t think this is a good idea.” Moxie said. “Yeah, I agree with Moxie, this is a bad idea.” Barry said. They kept on arguing. Dr. Wells, The cop and Dr. Snow saying that they need a blood sample and Moxie, Barry and Cisco saying that they shouldn’t do it if I don’t want to. Meanwhile, I was just in the corner, trying to find out what to do.
‘What do I do?’
‘You need to listen to what I’m saying.’
’What the f**k! Who are you?!
‘I am Lupa.’
’Wait, the wolf I broke out of the zoo?’
‘No, that was Shadow. She left for the woods a little after you were picked up by these people. She wanted me to tell you that she thanks you.’
‘I’ve finally gone insane.The usual voices are normally never this loud.’
‘On the contrary, pup, I am the one that is keeping you sane. Every shadow user needs a spirit with them to keep away the...less than savory voices.’
‘Shadow user? Other voices? Wait.’
I paused to listen. I heard the others arguing, the weirdly loud voice in my head, but…no whispers.My head was quieter than it had ever been.It was…peaceful.And slightly maddening.
’Where…did they go?’
‘All will be explained, but now, you must do what I say.’
‘I don’t listen very well but ok.’
‘Good, you need to continue backing into the corner.’
’Won’t that make me look weak?’
‘Trust me, child.’
I continued to back into the corner. I looked closed my eyes and expected to hit the wall. What happened next totally caught me by surprise. I went...through the wall, through the shadow I cast on the wall, and into another world. Everything was black and grey and there were these random spots everywhere that looked like they would take me back to the real world.
‘Where am I?’
‘Welcome to the Shadowlands, child.’