Cherreads

Chapter 31 - End to the Underground Caper

When I was dealing with the memories of my past life, I came to realized the differences between the two realities I called home. 

Make no mistake, nothing I did in my past life would be considered ordinary, but in this life I have witnesses several extraordinary events, the likes of which I have never seen before. And it can all be attributed to the existence of superheroes. 

What they can do and how they interact with the world around them is incredible and awe-inspiring. Now one such individual is standing right before us. 

"Is everyone alright?"

The Flash

His presence was like a breath of fresh air within this rundown mine and many of the townsfolk showed expressions of joy at his arrival. The sheriff stepped forward 

"Flash? Does this mean?"

"Yes... I was sent to investigate the situation here after numerous calls to you and other townsfolk went unanswered. I have reported the situation to my teammates and help from the nearest Arizona guard post are on their way. You all did an incredible job surviving and looking after each other."

We all breathed a sigh of relief at his words, but our troubles weren't over yet. We still need to get out of the mine.

The sheriff asked a question "Flash, two men went to the roof of the mall to call for help. Did you see them? Are they alright?"

"They are fine. I found them running along the main street and took them to the town limit."

The Sheriff looked relieved to hear the news.

"Okay listen up everyone! Because of the poor condition of the mine it will take me twelve minutes to get everyone out safely. I could probably push it to nine minutes, but the repeated movement will attract the spiders to this location. I am going to need some people to act as a rear guard while I evacuate everyone. Any volunteers?"

 The sheriff and deputy both raised their hands immediately. Mike tried to raise his hand before his sister stopped him. Three men from the town also raised their hand. But the one raised hand that shocked everyone was mine.

"I volunteer!" I said

Everyone was shocked at my declaration. The Flash was stunned for a moment before he walked towards me. Bending down to meet me face to face, he smiled and said.

"It takes a lot of courage to stand up for the sake of others, what's your name?"

"Carmen"

"Well Carmen, we might have just meet, but my instincts are telling me that you have the heart of a hero and that is no easy thing to acquire. Today leave the heavy lifting to the adults, ok"

"... ok"

"Good"

SHRIEEEKK!!! 

Suddenly four spiders entered the area, racing towards us. 

THUD THUD THUD THUD

Each spider was struck by a stone, moving at an incredible speed, penetrating their heads and killing them instantly. Turning back the Flash was catching a stone he tossed into the air. 

"Alright everyone time to get moving, who first?"

...

The town folk scrambled to form a line, the children, including me, were at the front followed by the elderly. Those who volunteered to go last remained vigilant against more spiders. 

WOOSH WOOSH 

At ten seconds per person it took a minute to reach my turn, but before the Flash could pick me up I had one last thing to say.

"Flash! this mine has a methane leak. One spark and the whole place will be filled with flames. It is our best chance of thinning out the problem!"

"Could work, but many are still wondering around above ground. Any ideas how to lure more down here?"

"I do" Reaching into my trench coat I pull out a parrot and had it to the Flash. Looking at the parrot he begins to inspect it. 

"O? A toy? No... the eyes are cameras and the mouth has a speaker inside... where did you get this?"

"UPS delivery sir... doesn't matter right now, there is no time to loose. All you need to do is switch it on and it will attract the spiders to it. Then you will need to create a spark and get out quickly."

"Okay... not a problem, but once this is over we are going to talk about why you are carrying a fake parrot with a camera and speaker embedded inside it young lady. Now hang tight"

WHOOOSH

eight minutes later

It was almost over, the Flash had just finished bringing out the last person before returning inside to set the 'device'. Once it's done a new problem will arise, at least for me. I could probably equip my boots and fly off, but if he returns when it happens that will create even more suspicion about me. For now removing my highly noticeable red trench coat and hat should by me a bit of time. 

I don't know how long he will remain inside the mine, but he should be able to escape any situation that might arise. 

BOOOOM!!!

...

...

Or not 

"FLASH!!" 

An eruption of flames engulfed the mine entrance preventing anyone from getting close and, from a distance, a tower of fire escaped the roof of the mall before the mall collapsed inward. 

"Here... I'm *gasp here"

Turning around to the voice, everyone could see the Flash with his hands on his knees. He had a few spider webs covering his body, but appeared unharmed. 

"That went a lot harder than I expected"

"What happened?" Someone from the crowd asked

"While... lets just say I got a little tangled up" He said removing the spiderwebs from himself. Looking at the group he smiled from a moment before a look of concern crossed his face. 

"Hey... were did the little girl in red go?" Flash asked

Upon hearing the Flash's question the townsfolk looked around and noticed they were one person short.

"Carmen? Carmen! Where could she have gone?" Mike asked, but now one could answer him. 

3RD POV

Good morning Arizona I am your host Crispin Roberto and this is channel 12News. Today we have a special report. Around 11pm last night, multiple eye witnesses called in about national guard troops leaving the base in Florence. This in conjunction with potential sightings of the Flash indicating a situation occurring within our fair state, we now go live to the governor's mansion where our reporter Isabel Cob has more on the situation, Isabel?

Thanks Crispin 

About an hour ago a statement was released by the governor's office saying that a situation had occurred in a town called Prosperity about 35 miles from the state capital. The exact nature of the situation is still unknown, but I can confirm that the Flash was on sight helping in search and rescue operations. 

Isabel is there anything else that you share at this hour?

Only unconfirmed reports that the EPA and CDC have been called to send investigators, which could indicate the involvement of chemical or biological agents. For now all we know is that there was a situation in the town of Prosperity, it has been resolved, and that search and rescue operations are underway. 

Thank you Isabel and we will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available. Coming up next is Sarah Wilt with international news, this is channel 12News. 

.....

Message from the author -AR

Thank you everyone for reading my story so far. For those of you who might be interested in contributing ideas to my story or just want to chat, please consider joining my discord channel. Have a great day! 

https://discord.gg/ky6y8959M

 

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