Here it is. The title fight is coming.
Leave a review after reading, please.
Special thanks to Micky-The-Supernatural-Mouse, Nightbat0204, Reven of Darkness, Darkness032, Jerry, LazySpeedster, and GreatRaoOfKrypton for reviewing the previous chapter.
BTW I think Flash Season 3 is awesome. I only have two complaints: Flashpoint storyline feels wasted, and Julian Albert. Besides that, everything else was great. I am really hyped for the finale.
December 25 (Christmas Day)
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas has come. Children all over the world are eager to open the gifts they received from Santa Claus. Their parents are there by their side as they do. Silverstone City is no different than any city on Earth at this time of the year. However, the only thing that's different is that the media is wondering non-stop about The Arrow's involvement in the City Hall bombing, not to mention his mysterious absence.
The only person who knows that The Arrow is no longer in the city is Laurel Lance. She has been calling and texting Oliver multiple times, but he never replied. She was wrapped up on Oliver's whereabouts that when Tommy called her, she pressed "ignore". It seems that all she could think about was Oliver Queen.
Barry Allen couldn't stop thinking about all the people that died yesterday. He blames himself for not being there like he wanted to be. He wonders about the strange messages he got that day. Nothing is clear yet, but what he can understand, whether it's true or not, is that the one who sent him the letters was trying to warn him about the bow-and-arrow-wielding vigilante and/or was trying to push his buttons. Regardless whether it was one of them or both of them, he admits that the sender succeeded. He talked to his dad about what he should do with The Arrow, without telling him that the person he's talking about is The Arrow. He tells his son not to pick a fight, but his guilt over the bombing and the tremendous amount of fear he felt from reading the mysterious messages are pushing him off the edge.
The Flash shows up at CatCo. To his surprise, the only person present there on the holiday is Cat Grant.
"Ms. Grant, you're here," said Flash.
"Yes, and so are you," said Cat. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to send a message to someone," said Flash. "And I thought you wouldn't say no."
"Well, since CatCo is out of business until the holidays are over, I guess I have no reason to deny. Besides, you are, after all, the Flash and I'm sure a lot of people would love to see your face on the big screen," replied Cat. "If you want, you can stand her behind my desk."
"I'll get the camera," said Flash.
Flash zooms out of the room and returns with a camera and a tripod. He can see the look on Cat Grant's face. It's clear that watching him run away in super speed amazes her.
"So, shall we get started?" asked Cat.
To the entire city's surprise, every television and digital billboard shows the Flash at Cat Grant's office.
"Hello, Silverstone City. First of all, I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. I am hoping you are all having a wonderful time with your friends and loved ones. I know how precious it is to spend the holidays with the people you love. Don't ever let go of them. You need them in your lives."
Everyone in Silverstone City responded by hugging their loved ones as they continues to listen.
"But this broadcast is more than just wishing you all a pleasant Christmas. This message is for The Arrow. I had my chance to bring you in, but I let you go, all because I looked up to you. You were my hero. I was wrong. I don't know whether or not you were involved in last night's tragedy, but it's high time we talk. Really talk. You and me. At the heart of Silverstone City. 9 o'clock. Be sure to bring your best arrows. You might need it. Merry Christmas."
Back at CatCo...
"You just challenged The Arrow to a fight," said Cat to Flash.
"I guess," said Flash.
"You do realize this is gonna drive everyone crazy," said Cat. "Well, the good kind of crazy. Hero vs. Hero. If this were the main event, you'd make a lot of money."
"I just want to settle this once and for all," said Flash.
"And you think he'll show up?" asked Cat.
"I know he will," said Flash.
"You sure about that?" asked Cat.
"I am," said Flash.
"I can't help but feel that this is about something more than just The Arrow," said Cat. "Judging from your tone, you don't just sound like someone seeking vengeance or something. You're afraid."
"I am afraid," admitted Flash.
"Afraid of what?" asked Cat.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out," said Flash.
"While I'm hyped as the entire city for this royal rumble, I'm not sure a fight is the best way to conquer your fears," said Cat.
"This isn't about what I'm afraid of. I just want to settle this once and for all," said Flash.
"And how would this end?" asked Cat. "This isn't a battle to the death, isn't it?"
"No, I'm not like him," said Flash. "I used to think he's inspiring people, but lately... I don't know."
"He puts arrows in people and you think he inspires hope and justice?" questioned Cat with sarcasm.
"I watched him torture a man right in front of me. I already knew he was brutal, but it's different seeing it in front of you than just hearing about it," said Flash. "And still, I let him walk free. I let him murder and torture all because I thought he was a hero. Well, not anymore. It ends tonight."
"Well, if it helps with your confidence, I put all my chips on the Scarlet Speedster," said Cat with a smile. "Good luck, Flash."
"Thanks, Ms. Grant," smiled Flash. "By the way, I, uh, watched The Talk yesterday. You really know how to speak with your heart."
"Well, I do try," said Cat.
Flash walks out the door before running out of the building.
"That is... wow," said Cat, wowed by the Flash running.
"It certainly is."
Cat turns her head to the balcony and saw Supergirl arriving.
"You just missed him," said Cat.
"I know," said Supergirl. "I heard his message. I wanted to talk to him about it."
"More like talk him out of it," guessed Cat.
"More like talk to him about letting me in," said Supergirl. "I could hear it in his voice. Something's bothering him. He sounds like he's afraid."
"That's what I said to him," said Cat. "As far as I know, he doesn't know what or who he's afraid of and why."
"I just want to make sure he knows what he's doing," said Supergirl. "I don't want him to do something he'll regret."
"Then you should show up for that fight and keep an eye out on things," suggested Cat. "TBH, I'm also afraid that he'll cross the line if he doesn't keep his fear in check."
"I won't let that happen," said Supergirl.
"I know you won't," said Cat.
Supergirl heads outside and takes off to the skies.
Meanwhile, at the Lance household, Laurel was scouring through the internet to see if anyone has any leads on Oliver Queen or a man wearing a green hood. So far, there have been none. She was interrupted when the doorbell rang. She opens the door and finds Thea.
"Hey, Thea," greeted Laurel.
"Hey, Laurel," greeted Thea.
Laurel lets Thea walk in. Thea jumps onto the couch and lies down.
"What are you doing here?" asked Laurel.
"Tommy called," said Thea. "You did ignore his call when he wanted to ask you for breakfast."
"Oh," said Laurel, feeling ashamed.
"But also, I came here to see if Ollie's here," said Thea.
"Well, sorry, but he's not here," said Laurel.
"Where do you think he is?" asked Thea. "He wasn't at the party last night. He wasn't in his room this morning."
"I don't really know, Speedy," said Laurel.
"Are you sure?" questioned Thea, raising an eyebrow.
"W-What are you talking about?" asked Laurel.
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of those people on TV who are unaware when a guy is pining for you," said Thea, sitting up. "I came here not because of Tommy, but because this is the first place I could think of where he could be if not at home."
"Why?" asked Laurel.
"You really don't see it? He still loves you, Laurel. It's written all over his face," said Thea.
"So, you're suggesting that me and Oliver are going behind Tommy's back?" accused Laurel. "Thea, I am not like Oliver, well, pre-island Oliver."
Thea walks towards the dining table and looked at Laurel's laptop. Laurel chased her, but it was too late. Thea saw what she was looking up on.
"Okay, so you're not cheating on Tommy, but you are looking up on Oliver," said Thea.
Thea turns on the history tab.
"And it seems you've been searching for him since midnight," said Thea. She looks at Laurel with crossed arms.
"I'm just worried about him, Thea. We all are. For all we know, he could be in trouble," said Laurel.
"Are you sure that's the only reason?" asked Thea with a smirk on her face, as well as a raised eyebrow.
"Thea, I really like Tommy and I'm not just gonna throw away what he and I have," said Laurel.
"I know, Laurel, but that doesn't change the fact that you still love my brother," said Thea. "I may be 12, but seeing you and Ollie together has taught me a lot. You still love him."
Laurel was about to say something, but she couldn't. Deep down inside, she knows that Thea is right.
On the island called Lian Yu is where Oliver Queen has disappeared. Consumed by guilt and hopelessness, he thought the only way he can cope is by staying in the place the shaped him into the man he is today. He trudges through the forest until he made it to the graves of those he lost. When he arrived, he was surprised by who he saw there. It was his father, Robert Queen.
"Hey, son," greeted Robert.
Oliver didn't know if he was hallucinating or not, but he didn't say a word. He just stood by his father's side as he looked at the graves. Without gravestones, he had to carve the names of those he lost in logs. Robert Queen. Shado. Yao Fei. Taiana.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, son," said Robert. "Everything you've been through, all the struggles, hardships, and losses... I wish I could've been by your side."
Oliver crouches down before Shado's grave.
"She was strong woman," said Robert. "As was her father. That poor girl could've gone through hell after she lost her old man, but you and Slade stayed by her side and gave her hope for a life after her father."
"But I couldn't save her," said Oliver.
"That's the sad thing about life. You can't save everyone," said Robert. "But that doesn't mean you have to stop trying."
Oliver leaves the graves and returns to the shores. He looks at the orange and black balaclava placed on top of a stump with an arrow poked through the right eye. It reminded him of someone who he used to call a friend and a brother.
Robert never left Oliver's side. He stayed with him as he looked at the mask with him.
"He was a good man," said Robert. "If he didn't turned on you, I would've owed him a lot for keeping you alive."
Oliver walks past the mask and looks out at the ocean.
"You've really changed, Oliver," continued Robert. "You're a better man than I ever was. Not only do you have the strength to fight, but you also have a good heart. You still love Laurel, but you never pursued her because of Tommy. Letting her stay with him, that was a noble thing for you to do. I just wish I was more faithful to your mother. She was the most wonderful woman I've met, but I never abandoned my playboy persona even after our marriage."
"You think I'm doing the right thing?" asked Oliver. "I know that The Hood... The Arrow... is not what you had in mind when you wanted me to save my city."
"To be honest, Oliver, I didn't have anything in mind about how you would do it. What I cared about more is for you to do it as a good man," said Robert. "Your methods may be extreme, but you're helping a lot of people, Oliver. I couldn't be any more prouder of you."
Oliver looks at the bow in his hand. Lately, he's been thinking it's an instrument of death, but that was never what it was. It was a tool to help him save the city. The real weapon is himself. He tightened his grip on the bow as he continues to stare out to the ocean.
"Thanks, dad," he said.
He turns around and sees that his dad is no longer there. He didn't care. Real or not, he listened to his every word. He knows now what he has to do.
Meanwhile, at the D.E.O., Alex and Hank were at their usual business, monitoring the country for aliens.
"Hey, did you hear about the Flash challenging The Arrow?" asked Alex.
"Pretty much the entire city, the entire country, maybe the world, did," said Hank. "Why? You planning on seeing it?"
"I can't lie that I'm not excited for it," said Alex.
"Unless they end up killing each other," said Hank.
"Don't be such a sourpuss, Hank. It's like a Christmas gift to the people," said Alex.
"Yes, a duel to the death on Christmas seems like the best show in history," said Hank sarcastically.
"It certainly is."
Alex turns her head to a D.E.O. agent standing near her, face turned away.
"It's gonna be a blast," she said.
"I assume you're a fan," said Alex.
The girl turns her head a little, allowing Alex to see more of her.
"Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?" wondered Alex.
Unexpectedly, the agent elbows Alex in the face, grabs her gun, and catches her in a choke hold. A mask made of ice suddenly pops up in her face. Hank and several agents aim their guns at the rogue agent.
"Let her go," demanded Hank.
The rogue agent's hair partially turns white. When she spoke, she spoke with a different voice. "Not until you give me what I want."
"And what is it you want?" asked Hank.
"The most dangerous alien you have locked up below," answered Killer Frost.
"Are you mad? Do you have any idea what damage that alien can do?" questioned Hank.
"Oh, I do have an idea," said Killer Frost. "Now, you either take me to it or I pull the trigger."
"Even if I wanted to, I can't free it. The lock requires Kryptonian fingerprints," said Hank.
"Oh, I already got that covered," said Killer Frost. "If you really value Agent Danvers' life, you'll take me downstairs right now."
...
Hank had no choice, but to take Killer Frost to the lowest floor in the D.E.O., where they keep the alien prisoner she is looking for. Killer Frost made sure to keep Alex close in case Hank gets any ideas.
"Hank, you have to transform," said Alex.
"I can't," said Hank.
"What are you talking about? Transform?" asked Killer Frost.
Hank and Alex didn't say anything. They soon reached the door at the end of the hall. Killer Frost keeps the gun aimed at Alex as she puts her hand on the print scanner. The door opened. As it turns out, she used the Supergirl look-alike's fingerprints to gain access.
"How the hell?" asked a confused Alex.
"Like I said, I got it covered," said Killer Frost.
"Why are you doing this?" asked Alex. "You let this thing out, people will die."
"I know," said Killer Frost.
"And you don't care?" questioned Alex.
"I want to send a certain someone a message," said Killer Frost. "Your bad boy inside is gonna help me send it."
At the West household, Iris has been listening to the recorder given to her by a mysterious masked woman. She was shocked to hear that the actual man who killed the mayor confessed. Recognizing the voice, she goes through the internet to find videos of Malcolm Merlyn. She compares the voice to a dozen videos until she finally realized that Malcolm Merlyn is, indeed, the man who murdered Mayor Altman.
She realizes that best thing she needs to do is turn it over to the CCPN. However, before she could leave, the front door started to freeze. After it was frozen entirely, a beam of heat melts it. Coming inside the house is Captain Cold and Golden Glider.
"Hello, Ms. West," greeted Captain Cold.
"What are you doing here?" asked Iris.
"Our client would like to have a word with you," said Captain Cold.
Iris runs upstairs. Captain Cold fired his Cold Gun, but she made it upstairs unharmed. She was gonna exit the house through the window in Barry's room. However, Golden Glider climbed up the roof and stood in her way. Iris turns around only to see Captain Cold enter the room.
"Nowhere to run, Ms. West," said Heat Wave.
Golden Glider whacks Iris in the head with her Gold Gun, knocking her out.
At S.T.A.R. Labs, Barry was checking on the security cameras all over the city for any signs of The Arrow. Suddenly, S.T.A.R. Labs gets a call. It was Felicity, who is contacting him through the earpiece he gave her.
Barry vibrates his vocal cords before he answers the call. "Ms. Smoak, I assume you're finished."
"Yes, but I have a problem," said Felicity, sounding like she's panicking.
"What's wrong?" asked Barry.
"Heat Wave is in my house!" shouted Felicity. "Please, help me! I'm too young to die!"
"Burn, baby, burn!" said Heat Wave in the background.
Barry wastes no time. He puts on his Flash suit and makes a beeline for Felicity's house.
...
At Felicity's house, Heat Wave constantly fires his Heat Gun while Felicity runs for cover. She tries kicking a chair at Heat Wave, but it barely did anything. Heat Wave corners Felicity and prepares to fire, until the Flash shows up and punches Heat Wave out a window, knocking him out cold.
"Oh! Thank you," said Felicity, grateful.
"You're welcome," said Flash.
"Here you go," said Felicity, giving Flash the drive.
"You've done this city a huge favor, Ms. Smoak," said Flash with a smile.
"As much as I love to take credit for this, I prefer not to be arrested for hacking," said Felicity.
"You break the rules to help people, just like I do. You're okay in my book," said Flash.
The two suddenly heard a car start up. Heat Wave knocks out a man with his gun, steals his keys, and uses his car to escape.
"Are you gonna go after him?" asked Felicity.
"All in good time," said Flash. "What's on this drive is more dangerous than he is."
"I hope this doesn't make you mad, but I read the file," said Felicity. "Shouldn't we tell Supergirl about Project Kr?"
"I will," said Flash.
Flash leaves the house in super speed.
"Again. Wow," said an amazed Felicity.
Barry returns to S.T.A.R. Labs to check on the drive. He opens the file named "Project Kr". He was shocked to find out that Maxwell Lord is using a comatose civilian as a test subject.
"What would Killer Frost want with this?" he wondered.
He then finds out that Felicity has cracked the code of who hacked into the system. Something in the code captured Barry's attention. "120515"
"That's the date when Caitlin's mother was murdered," said Barry. "Either this number was recommended in the hacking program or Killer Frost just loves reminders of her kills."
Suddenly, something hit him.
Caitlin was never in S.T.A.R. Labs when he faces Killer Frost. She shows up at Maxwell Lord's Christmas charity party without telling Cisco and Dr. Wells just to "keep an eye on him". When he hugged her, her skin felt cold. She also told him that he should've locked up The Arrow, and the tone she used to say those words didn't sound like her. His mind wandered back to the messages. The one who sent them knew his identity. The messagers were written in big, blue letters, and Caitlin's favorite color is blue.
"Hey, Barry."
Barry turns around and sees Cisco. He looks like he just exited a haunted house.
"There's something I need to tell you," said Cisco. "It's about Caitlin. She..."
"She is Killer Frost," said Barry the same time Cisco did.
"Wait, you knew?" asked Cisco.
"I just figured it out," said Barry.
Barry slams his hand on the keyboard in anger.
"Hey, whoa. Take it easy. This stuff isn't cheap," said Cisco.
"I can't believe I didn't see it before," said Barry, angry at himself.
"Hey, dude, there was no way we could've ever known," said Cisco. "She's our friend. We loved her. We have every reason not to suspect her."
"When did you know?" asked Barry.
"Last night," answered Cisco. "Remember that device I used to find out what happened in your house. I used it in Caitlin's room. Images were pretty blurry without speedster lightning, but I know it was her who killed her mother."
"You were supposed to be celebrating Christmas with your brother," said Barry.
"Yeah, not happening, buddy," said Cisco. "So, what did you find out?"
Barry shows Cisco what was on the drive.
"So, Caitlin hacked into Lord Technologies and found out about Project Kr, but what does she need with a half-human, half-Kryptonian? And why would she send you those scary messages?" wondered Cisco.
"I don't know," said Barry. "But I'm going to find out."
"You're still going to the fight, right?" asked Cisco. "Seriously, Flash vs. Arrow. Epic. Everyone's going crazy for it, myself included."
"I don't know," said Barry. "Something tells me that fight is part of Caitlin's plans."
Suddenly, an alarm sounds. S.T.A.R. Labs' systems were being hacked. A message pops up on screen. Barry opens it and sees a map of Silverstone City. A big red dot appears where CatCo Worldwide Media is.
In the bunker at Queen Consolidated's factory, Laurel was watching the news, waiting for a certain news report to pop up. While she waits, she practices archery. She grabs an arrow, draws back the bow, takes a deep breath, and fires. The arrow misses the center of the target by only half an inch.
Laurel grabs another arrow. Before she could fire, she senses a presence behind her. She turns around and fires. The "intruder" grabs the arrow before it his face.
"I see you're getting better at both control and staying alert."
It was Oliver. Laurel drops the bow and immediately rushes towards him, wrapping her arms around him.
"I was so worried," said Laurel. "Where were you?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm home," said Oliver.
Laurel smiles as a tear of joy rains from her eye.
"What made you decide to come back?" asked Laurel.
"Let's just say I have quite the history with ghosts," said Oliver.
"I'm not even gonna ask," said Laurel.
"What are you doing here, Laurel? You should be with your dad," said Oliver.
"I know, but I was worried about you," said Laurel. "By the way, I have some good news. I discovered who the copycat archer is. He's not an asset of Malcolm Merlyn. The copycat is Malcolm Merlyn."
"How did you find out?" asked Oliver.
"I forced him to confess," said Laurel. "Don't worry. I was wearing a mask. He doesn't know it's me."
"And how did you make him give up the truth?" asked Oliver.
Laurel hesitated, afraid to know what Oliver would think of her. After a few more seconds, she chose to tell him the truth. "Tommy."
Oliver took a few steps back, shocked. "Laurel, how could you?"
"It's okay. Tommy's alright. Well, apart from a few bruises on his face and discovering that his old man is a murderer," said Laurel.
"Laurel, I can't believe you would hurt someone you love just to get information out of Merlyn," said Oliver, disappointed and still shocked.
"Oliver, you've taught me that I have to do whatever it takes to get the job done," said Laurel.
"But hurting Tommy? That's a step too far," said Oliver.
"I didn't know what else to do, Ollie. Tommy is the only person in this world that Malcolm cares about," said Laurel. "What's important is that we can prove you're innocent."
"How?" asked Oliver. "Unless you recorded his confession..." He paused, thinking that is what she did.
"I gave the recorder to Iris," said Laurel. "Before you lecture me about putting an innocent person in danger, I did it to help her. Not only will we clear The Arrow's name, but this story will give Mason Bridge a reason to respect Iris. Kill two birds with one stone. Besides, no one knows I gave it to her. She'll be fine."
"I hope so," said Oliver.
Oliver turns his attention to the news channel on the computer. Hundreds of people are gathered at the heart of Silverstone City. The police used barriers to keep them under control. Multiple cameras and a CatCo chopper were on the scene. They were all waiting for the big showdown, which was only one hour away.
"I assume you heard the news," said Laurel.
"The Flash wants a fight. I'll give it to him," said Oliver.
"Oliver, people already think that The Arrow killed the mayor and is involved with the bombing at City Hall," reminded Laurel. "Killing the Flash won't help."
"I'm not going to kill him," said Oliver.
Laurel realizes what he intends to do. "You're gonna use this fight to show the people that you're not a killer."
"And, with any luck, ask for his help," added Oliver.
"The Flash looked and sounded scared when he was broadcasting the message. Something tells me he's not gonna hold back," said Laurel.
"Don't worry. I have it taken care of," said Oliver. "Remember when The Arrow paid Ray Palmer a visit?"
"As a matter of fact, I do," said Laurel.
"If and when I do have the Flash's cooperation, I need you to suit up," said Oliver.
"Really? You mean it?" asked Laurel.
"Merry Christmas, Laurel," said Oliver with a smile.
"Well, lucky for you, I already picked out a suit," said Laurel.
Meanwhile, on the top of CatCo, Killer Frost was standing close the edge, looking up at the sky. Thunder was rolling and lightning was flashing. She looked down when she saw a streak of yellow lightning heading her way. She smiles, knowing who it is. The streak runs up the building and just a few feet behind her. It was The Flash.
"When Mick told me that he failed to steal the drive from Felicity, I figured you'd find out," said Killer Frost. "After all, you're a smart guy, Flash."
"Take off the mask, Caitlin," said Flash. "I know it's you."
Killer Frost takes off her mask and shows her face. Flash, in turn, takes off his cowl.
"I like this. Face to face," said Caitlin. "No more secrets. Everything out in the open."
"How could you do this?" asked Barry. "How could you kill your own mother?"
"That was an accident," said Caitlin. "An accident I'm glad happened. My transformation required a first kill. Accident or not, this is who I am now."
"You used Jesse just to get a secret out of Harrison Wells," said Barry, remembering that day. "Is that what it's all about?"
"This is more than just about Harrison Wells, Barry," said Caitlin. "You. Supergirl. The Arrow. You three represent a ridiculous concept that shouldn't exist. Heroes. Cisco once told me that I was a hero for helping the Flash save the people of this city, but that was a lie. These past few months, everything I've done, were for nothing. Silverstone has no heroes, and I am here to prove that, using any means necessary to make sure everyone believes it."
"The City Hall bombing. That was you, wasn't it?" asked Barry. "It's no coincidence that I received your messages at the time it happened."
"Like I said, you're a smart guy, Barry," said Caitlin, confirming his guess.
"Was scaring me part of your master plan?" asked Barry.
"I know you, Barry," said Caitlin. "You may be a symbol, but even a symbol can be broken. I just needed to give you a push." She then recites some of the messages she sent. "Barry Allen, you are not fast enough. Barry Allen, you have failed this city. You let your family die."
"And you knew I would challenge The Arrow," said Barry.
Caitlin chuckles in response.
"The assassination on the mayor. That was also you, right? Right?" guessed Barry.
"It's all been me, Barry," said Caitlin. "And now, it's time for the main event."
"I'm not gonna fight The Arrow if that's what you want," said Barry.
"Oh, but you can't deprive the people of a good show," said Caitlin, gesturing to the people of the city.
"Was me finding out about your secret identity part of your plan? Because if it is, how do you expect to force me to fight The Arrow?" asked Barry.
"Motivation," said Caitlin.
Caitlin takes out some photos and throws them down. There were photos of Iris. She was tied up, gagged, and beat up. This shocked and horrified Barry.
"Iris. Iris. Iris," sad Caitlin. "The woman you loved for half your life."
"Where is she?" asked Barry, anger present in his tone and face. "Where is she?!"
Caitlin started laughing, amused by Barry's desperation and anger.
"I don't know," said Caitlin, still laughing. "I told the Snart twins not to tell me where they'll be hiding her. Now, if you so much as think about looking for her, I'll give them the green light to either freeze Iris to death or turn her into a gold statue."
Barry collapses to his knees, feeling hopeless. Caitlin once again smiles. She turns around and looks down at the city.
"Red and Green. Fight night. The greatest gladiator match in the history of the world," said Caitlin, speaking like a commentator. "God versus Man. Day versus Night. The Scarlet Speedster versus The Emerald Archer."
"If I beat him, you'll let Iris go?" asked Barry.
"No," answered Caitlin. "If you kill The Arrow, then I will free Iris. Or he kills you and I will let Iris go. Either way, you lose, Barry."
Barry gets back up and puts his cowl back on.
"This isn't over," said Barry.
"I agree," said Caitlin. "Now, run along. You don't want to be late for the show. Oh, and by the way, if you don't uphold your end of the deal by 9:30, she dies."
Flash leaves the building while Killer Frost continues to watch the sky.
The Arrow arrives at the very center of Silverstone City five minutes before nine o'clock. The only thing keeping the authorities from shooting on sight is the fact that the Flash challenged him to a fight, so they were not to intervene. The crowd waits anxiously for the Scarlet Speedster. When the clock stroke nine, he didn't show. It started to rain as everyone in the heart of the city waits in anticipation. After three more minutes of waiting, the Scarlet Speedster finally arrives. The crowd cheers. Supergirl, watching from the skies, smiles at the sigh of him.
"You're late," said The Arrow.
"You came," said Flash.
"I never run away from a fight," said The Arrow. "So, here I am."
"Listen to me," said Flash. "This has been a huge mistake..."
"You bet," interrupted The Arrow. "With all these innocent people around, they'll likely be harmed."
"Actually, I expected all of them to be here," said Flash. "That's why I whipped up a little something."
Flash activates four devices planted on the streets. Four barriers are activated, blocking the four roads of the intersection to make sure the civilians are unharmed. The barriers are transparent, which still allows them to watch the fight.
"Smart," complimented The Arrow.
"You don't understand. We don't have to do this. There's no time," said Flash, trying to reason with The Arrow.
"I understand," replied The Arrow.
The Arrow quickly fires an arrow at the Flash. Seeing the arrow come to him in slow motion, Flash manages to lean back to the right, allowing the arrow to pass by. He then catches the arrow. The crowd reacts in amazement ("Ooh!").
"You're not listening," said Flash, tossing the arrow aside. "I don't want to fight you anymore."
"You started this," said The Arrow. "So, let's finish it."
The Arrow fires an arrow that ties up the Flash in strings. The Arrow pulls hard, causing the Flash to fall.
"You need to learn your lesson, kid," said The Arrow.
"And you need to hold on," said Flash, standing up.
Flash started running in circles, dragging The Arrow across the road. After five laps, he stops, causing The Arrow to crash into a barrier. While on the ground, The Arrow fires another arrow at the Flash. Flash catches it before it hit his chest.
"Nice try," mocked Flash.
"Think again," said The Arrow.
The Flash looks at the arrow in his hand. It glows and then detonates, creating a burst of fire that knocks him down to the ground. He lifts his head and looks at the spot where The Arrow was lying, only to see that he wasn't there anymore. When he got back up, something hit him at the back of his shoulder. It was an arrow.
"2,000 milligrams of horse tranquilizer. Should be hitting you any time now," said The Arrow.
Flash was about to pass out, but gathered his strength and stood up. He rips the arrow out of him. He started vibrating, which allows the horse tranquilizer to leave his body aerosol form. After regaining his full strength, Flash started running circles around The Arrow, trying to cut off his oxygen to suffocate him. The Arrow fires a grappling hook arrow the top of a building, zipping himself up.
"Where are you going?!" shouted Flash.
Before The Arrow can get to the top of the building, Flash had already ran to the top.
"We're not done," said Flash.
Flash rips the arrow off the wall, causing The Arrow to fall. The Arrow fire another grappling arrow on the wall, allowing him to stop a few feet from the ground. Flash returns to the ground and faces The Arrow.
"Is that all you got?" taunted Flash.
"No," said The Arrow.
Flash runs towards The Arrow. The Arrow throws punches and kicks and even tries to whack the speedster with his bow, but Flash's super speed allowed him to dodge every swing and duck under kicks. The Arrow stops for a moment to think. He throws a punch, which the Flash dodges by ducking. The Arrow times his dodge and finally hits him in the face with his bow.
Flash started speed-punching The Arrow left and right. The Arrow feels so battered that he can't retaliate. The Flash elbows The Arrow in the face, punches right, and then knocks him down to the ground with a strong quick punch.
"Stay down!" yelled Flash. "If I wanted to, you'd be dead already."
"Not a chance," said The Arrow.
The Arrow takes out an arrow and slams it to the ground, creating a burst of light that blinds Flash. When the Flash opened his eyes, The Arrow disappeared. He then felt something hit his leg, causing him to fall to his knees. It was another arrow. He rips it out and stand up, but started to feel strange.
"You feel that? Nanites. Emitting a high-frequency pulse that's disabling your speed. You're not gonna be running for quite a while," said The Arrow.
Flash throws a punch, but The Arrow catches his fist. The crowd reacts in amazement again, especially Cisco, who was watching from S.T.A.R. Labs.
The Arrow quickly punches Flash in the neck before twisting him arm, following it with a sweeping low kick, tripping Flash. Flash gets up and throws punches at The Arrow. However, since he's de-powered, The Arrow manages to dodge and block his strikes. Flash manages to punch The Arrow once in the face, but The Arrow retaliates with a series of punches and kicks, finishing with a spinning bow strike, knocking Flash down.
"Get up!" shouted The Arrow.
Flash did as his opponent says and stands on his two feet.
"All that speed, all that power, but no skill," said The Arrow. "You rely too much on your gift."
Ticked off, Flash attacks, but after one missed punch, The Arrow punches him in the face, knees him in the stomach, and kicks him in the chest. Flash tries and fails repeatedly to land a hit on The Arrow. The Arrow blocks one punch, and then punches Flash in the face. He throws another punch, but the speedster dodges it.
His powers were returning.
The Arrow takes a few steps back. Flash zooms forward, grabs The Arrow, and slams in into the barrier again. Flash speed-punches The Arrow multiple times before grabbing his by the throat and holding him against the barrier, electrocuting him continuously. He stops after five seconds. The Arrow kneels down on the ground in pain.
"Are you ready to listen now?" asked Flash.
The Arrow slowly gets up, grunting in pain. He drops his bow, telling Flash that he gives up. When the Flash thought so, Arrow immediately grabs an arrow from his quiver and slams it on the barrier, causing it to detonate. Half of the perimeter within the barriers is covered in smoke. Flash rotates his arms and creates wind funnels to clear the area. The spot where The Arrow was standing was empty.
Once again, Flash gets hit from behind. This time, by two arrows to the back. Flash screams in pain as he falls to his knees in pain.
"How about you listen to me?" said The Arrow. "You challenged me because you think I was responsible for the bombing. Since when does a hero jump to conclusions without being completely sure? You gave me a chance to prove my innocence for the mayor's murder, but this time, you announce on live TV that you want to fight me."
Flash rips out one arrow from his back, hurting himself.
"I know you're afraid," said The Arrow.
Flash rips out the other arrow, causing himself to scream and grunt in pain again.
"The question is what are you afraid of?" said The Arrow.
"I'm afraid of trusting you again," said Flash.
Flash started vibrating, generating more electricity. After ten seconds, he stops. Electricity surged throughout his entire body. He speed-punches The Arrow. The electricity surging from him causes his punches to inflict more pain and give The Arrow minor shocking. Flash kept on punching until The Arrow was knocked back to the very center of the field. Flash stations himself a couple dozen feet away. He runs towards The Arrow as fast as he could. His strike knocks The Arrow through a building wall.
Inside the building, away from the cameras, Flash continues hitting The Arrow until he collapses. Flash grabs The Arrow and throws him to a wall. While the Arrow lies back on the wall in pain, Flash started vibrating his hand.
"Why the change of tactic? You don't kill," said The Arrow.
"I didn't want to do this, but I will if it saves somebody I care about," said Flash.
Flash was about to kill The Arrow, but he hesitated. His hesitation gave The Arrow a chance to make a move. He throws a flechette at Flash's leg, causing him to kneel down in pain again. Flash rips out flechette, but The Arrow quickly kicks him in the face.
"I was convinced you started this fight just to bring me in," said The Arrow.
Flash gets back up and throws a punch, but The Arrow blocks it and kicks Flash in the stomach hard, hurting him badly. The Arrow ties up the Flash with another bola arrow and takes him back outside.
"Just surrender and spare yourself more pain," said The Arrow.
"Never," said Flash.
Flash exerts all of his strength until he breaks free of the cords. He grabs The Arrow and takes him to the top of a building, threatening to throw him off of it. This causes the crowd, and Cisco, to gasp in horror and surprise. Supergirl descends on the building.
"Stay out of this!" yelled Flash.
"I can't let you do this," said Supergirl. "You're a hero, Flash. Don't cross this line. You might never come back."
Flash ignores Supergirl and looks back at The Arrow.
The Arrow says, "You kill me, these people will never look at you the same way again."
"A price I'm willing to pay," said Flash.
Before Flash can let go, another voice speaks out.
"Stop!"
Flash stops and turns around. He sees a masked blonde woman wearing a black leather suit, armed with a metal bo-staff.
"Who are you?" asked Flash.
The masked woman turns on her voice modulator and speaks. "I'm the Black Canary."
"Nice," said The Arrow.
"You two know each other?" asked Flash.
"He's my friend," said Black Canary. "Please, don't kill him."
"I have to. It's the only way to save my friend," said Flash, sounding afraid again.
"Is this why you're fighting him? Because someone threatened a person you love?" asked Black Canary.
"If he lives, I lose her," said Flash, on the verge of breaking into tears.
"Who is she?" asked Black Canary.
"I can't tell you that," said Flash.
"We can help you," said Black Canary. "Just tell me. Who is she?"
Flash hesitated, but spoke anyway. "Iris. Iris West."
After hearing the name, Black Canary comes to a realization. She turns off her voice modulator and says, "Barry Allen?"
"Laurel Lance?" said Flash, recognizing her voice.
Black Canary gently removes Flash's hand from The Arrow's neck.
Flash looks at The Arrow and Black Canary back and forth. He stops at The Arrow and says, "Oliver Queen."
"Funny. That girl at the charity party joked about you picking a fight with me. It turns out you did," joked The Arrow.
"That girl at the party. That was Caitlin Snow," said Flash. "She is my friend. Or 'was' my friend. She threatened to kill Iris if I don't kill The Arrow."
"You don't have to kill The Arrow, Flash," said Supergirl. "You should've asked for help."
"I know, but I had no choice," said Flash.
"So, are we done here?" asked The Arrow.
"We are done here," said Black Canary, emphasizing "are". "No more fighting each other. It's time we take the fight elsewhere."
"Okay, but the cameras are still rolling," said Supergirl, pointing at the CatCo chopper.
The Arrow looks at the Flash and says, "You need to punch me in the face."
"What?" asked Flash.
"Just do it," said The Arrow. "And don't hold back."
After a few deep breaths, Flash throws his hardest punch, knocking Green Arrow the ground.
The crowd below, watching from the giant digital billboard, cheers.
The Arrow gets on his knees and gives the Flash his bow, "telling" him that he "surrenders". Supergirl flies towards the chopper and tells them to turn off the camera. They did.
"So, what now?" asked Black Canary.
"I have to find Iris, but Caitlin... Killer Frost... she doesn't know because she told her hired rogues not to tell her," said Flash.
"Supergirl has super hearing and x-ray vision, right?" asked Black Canary. "I think she can locate her."
Suddenly, the four see a burst of energy far way. The power in the entire city started shorting out, as seen by the lights flickering non-stop.
"Two guesses on who or what that could be," said Flash.
"It's Caitlin," guessed Black Canary.
"I don't understand," said Flash, confused. "What else could she be planning besides killing Iris if I don't deliver?"
"You should get over there," said The Arrow.
"Iris needs me," said Flash.
The Arrow looks at Flash and says, "Wait. I'll make you a promise. Iris won't die tonight."
Flash nods, telling The Arrow that he trusts him.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the sewers, Killer Frost was directing electric energy towards a huge pod. There was something inside the pod. It was trying to get out.
"Easy, my friend," said Killer Frost, placing her hand on the pod. "You'll be out soon, and when you do, it's doomsday in Silverstone City."
Well, what do you think? Was the fight as epic as you hoped? Did I choose a good enough reason for the punches to stop? Leave a review and tell me what you think. I'd really appreciate it.