Ch - 56 Felicity?

Barry didn't hesitate to follow Oliver Queen's instructions. Oliver was someone Barry deeply admired—his advice, optimism, and encouragement were key reasons why Barry chose to become a vigilante and hero. He wanted to help people in need, just as Oliver had been protecting Starling City from the shadows, asking for nothing in return.

***

As Barry sped off to capture the metahuman, Swayam and Oliver resumed their silent standoff. Swayam decided to break the tension, extending his hand toward Oliver and saying, "It's nice to meet you, Arrow, Vigilante of Starling City. I'm Shadow."

At first, Oliver tensed up when he saw the hand extended toward him, expecting an attack. But once Shadow introduced himself, Oliver relaxed and offered his own hand for a handshake.

While they shook hands, Oliver said, "Since you already know who I am, I don't need to introduce myself."

Just as Oliver finished speaking, Barry returned with the runaway metahuman slung over his shoulder, knocked out, blindfolded, and with his hands tied behind his back.

If Swayam had remembered the events of this particular episode from the TV show, he might have been surprised by how different this timeline was. But since his memory of the show was incomplete, he could only hope that, despite his presence altering events, the actions of those around him would remain somewhat consistent with what he remembered.

Oliver, being naturally cautious about whom to trust with his secret identity, didn't immediately warm up to Shadow, even though Barry seemed to know him. When Barry returned with the metahuman, Oliver turned to him and said, "Flash, we need to talk. Come with me." He then headed toward his parked bike.

Noticing Oliver's cautious attitude toward Swayam, Barry glanced apologetically at him. After handing the unconscious metahuman over to Swayam, Barry said, "Don't mind Arrow's behavior, Sam. That's just the way he is. He doesn't trust people right away."

Swayam quickly realized that Barry was misunderstanding the situation. In a nonchalant tone, he replied, "Don't worry about it, Barry. I don't mind Arrow's behavior. You shouldn't either. He asked you to go with him, so you should. I'll take care of this metahuman and secure him in the pipeline. Go on." After reassuring Barry, Swayam headed toward S.T.A.R. Labs, and Barry followed Oliver.

Upon returning to S.T.A.R. Labs with the unconscious metahuman, Swayam was immediately spotted by everyone there. Caitlin, Cisco, and Harrison Wells, noticing Barry's absence, bombarded Swayam with questions, especially Cisco and Wells. As he made his way to the metahuman prison, Swayam filled them in on what had happened at the 1600 block of Pass and explained that Barry had left with Arrow.

***

After Swayam finished explaining what had happened and where Barry was, while subtly acquiring that metahuman ability, he also completed securing the captured metahuman in the pipeline.

He headed off to change from his superhero suit into civilian clothes. Just as he was about to slip on a S.T.A.R. Labs T-shirt, Barry suddenly appeared in the room, bringing Felicity with him using his superspeed. The velocity of their arrival proved too much for Felicity's clothing, causing them to catch fire.

Barry quickly helped Felicity remove her burning clothes, leaving her in just her bra. Instinctively, she tried to cover herself and move out of Barry's line of sight. That was when she noticed that they were not alone in the room—Swayam was also there, shirtless, as he had been in the middle of changing.

Although Felicity had briefly met Swayam before at S.T.A.R. Labs and knew he had a muscular and attractive physique, she hadn't expected his body to look godly, as if sculpted by divine hands, with every part perfectly proportioned. She was so mesmerized by the sight that a visible drool formed at the corner of her mouth. But before she could further appreciate the view, Cisco and Caitlin entered the room. Upon noticing Felicity's awestruck expression, Caitlin hurried over to Swayam and hastily pulled the T-shirt over his head.

Seeing Caitlin's actions, Barry cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and said, "You guys remember Felicity."

Cisco, always one to speak his mind, snapped back to reality after witnessing the chaotic scene. Still visibly impressed by Felicity's appearance, he blurted out, "I'll always remember this," his eyes lingering on her.

Unlike Cisco, Caitlin, having just helped Swayam get dressed, grabbed another T-shirt and handed it to Felicity to cover up. While doing so, she subtly positioned herself to block Swayam from Felicity's view and greeted her, "Hi, Felicity. It's so good to see you. What brings you back to Central City?"