This chapter is mostly about Killer Frost, but don't expect killing and violence. This chapter will explore her humanity. This may be a fictional story, but I'm not afraid to get realistic.
Leave a review after reading, please.
Special thanks to PJMurray1991, changingdestiny40, XWF1000, and Guest for the recent reviews.
"If someone stands in the way of true justice, you simply walk up behind them and stab them in the heart." - Liam Neeson, Batman Begins
Eighteen years ago
Ten-year-old Caitlin Snow was in the backyard doing an experiment. She made a makeshift volcano and was preparing to put some substances inside. First, she applied baking soda. Next, she added the vinegar. The volcano "erupts". Caitlin cheers.
"Well, well, look who's making a mess in the backyard again."
Caitlin turns around and sees her father.
"Don't worry. I'm not mad," said Mr. Snow. "This for the science fair?"
"Yes," said Caitlin.
"My baby girl. Quite the science enthusiast you are," said Mr. Snow, sitting down next to his daughter.
"I love science," said Caitlin. "It's very fascinating."
"Then you're well on your way to becoming a doctor just like you said you wanted," said Mr. Snow. "Science is key to becoming a doctor. Maybe you should consider engaging in bio-chemistry at college."
"Dad, is it hard to be a doctor?" asked Caitlin.
"Of course, it's hard, sweetheart," said Mr. Snow. "But no matter how difficult the challenge is, you have to try your best, adapt even. Just remember. Being a doctor means saving people's lives."
"That's what I wanna do," said Caitlin with a smile. "I wanna be a good doctor just like you and mom."
A bee shows up all of a sudden and hovers in front of Caitlin's face. Mr. Snow tried smacking it away, but Caitlin grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Dad, no! Don't hurt it," she pleaded.
The bee flew away.
"You wouldn't hurt a fly. You wouldn't even hurt a bee. Those creatures sting, you know that?" said Mr. Snow.
"They only hurt you if you hurt them," said Caitlin.
"That's what your mother and I love about you, darling. Your lifetime oath to never harm," said Mr. Snow with a smile.
"If you hurt others, you're only hurting yourself," said Caitlin.
"Look at you. Already speaking like a grown-up," said Mr. Snow.
Carla walks outside the garden.
"Honey, Caitlin, it's time for lunch," she said.
"We'll be there in a sec, hon," said Mr. Snow.
"I see our daughter is experimenting again," said Carla, noticing the volcano.
"I'll clean it up. I always do," said Caitlin.
"Caitlin Snow, you're gonna do great things for this world. I know it," said Mr. Snow.
Present Day
Caitlin was at her old apartment. Surprisingly, not much has been touched since the public became aware of Killer Frost's secret identity. She picks up the picture beside her bed. It was a picture of her, her father, and her mother. She placed her other hand over her father. It was clear that she missed him dearly, in spite of what she has become.
"I know you'd be very disappointed in me," she said. "But I miss you. You and mom."
She closes her eyes as a tear comes down from her eye and descends upon her cheek. When she opened her eyes again, she noticed that some of her hair has transformed back to its original chestnut brown color.
"I'm beginning to think Savitar was right. Caitlin Snow will remain alive in me no matter what," she muttered to herself.
Caitlin gets a call through her comm-link. She answers.
"Frost, it's Siren," said Black Siren. "Trickster's beginning the convoy. The package is on its way to Star City."
"Be sure he gets his 500 grand and a new stack of firearms," said Killer Frost.
"Snart and Park have retrieved the piece of tech you needed from Keystone," said Siren. "Where do you want it?"
"Just bring it to the bunker," ordered Killer Frost.
"So, is it time to begin Operation: Star Dust?" asked Black Siren.
"Not yet," said Killer Frost. "I need more time."
"You think Chase is willing to wait?" asked Black Siren.
"As far as he's concerned, I'm playing him, so he doesn't really care when it starts," said Killer Frost. "Just lay low. It will all start soon. I promise you."
"I can't wait," said Black Siren before hanging up.
Killer Frost turns off her comm-link and sits down on her old bed. A few seconds later, she lies down. She stares at the ceiling as she contemplates.
"What am I doing?" she asked herself. "Reducing Central City to a crater. Turning Star City into a dystopian wasteland. Is this what I really want?"
She then gets off the bed.
"Don't talk like this, Frost!" she scolded herself. "You're not Caitlin Snow. You've evolved. You're not human anymore."
She looks into the mirror she shattered months ago.
"Your name is Killer Frost," she told herself. "Your an angel of death. A vessel of destruction. You will make the Flash pay."
Caitlin leaves the apartment, walking over a couple bodies she dropped on the way in. One had a shard of ice piercing his chest. One was a frozen, wrinkled husk.
Meanwhile, back in Caitlin's secret bunker, Helena Bertinelli, a.k.a. Huntress, was doing something on the computer. She seemed to be hurrying. She was sweating and typing as fast as she could.
"Whatcha doin'?"
Helena lifts her head in shock and fear. The ice-cold voice behind her belonged to Killer Frost.
"I was... just browsing through the plans, trying to understand what's going on," lied Huntress.
"I told you and the others that this stays secret until it's ready," said Killer Frost.
"I know. I'm sorry," apologized Huntress.
"Don't be sorry, Helena. Curiosity is a part of us," said Killer Frost. "Be lucky you didn't name yourself after a cat, or curiosity would certainly kill you."
"Yeah, I'm lucky," joked Huntress.
"You're still dedicated to this cause, are you?" asked Killer Frost.
"Of course, I am," said Huntress. "From what I can tell, you keep your promises."
Huntress turns off the computer and stands up.
"But something's bothering you," noticed Killer Frost. "You still doubt my promise, don't you?"
"I think we both know there is one obstacle to your promise," said Huntress.
"Be patient. Good things come to those who wait," said Killer Frost.
"So, who among the Flash's family are you going after next?" asked Huntress.
"I got one person in mind. Felicity Smoak," answered Killer Frost.
"What about Linda Park? Or Iris West? Or Detective West?" asked Huntress.
"One at a time, Huntress," said Killer Frost. "I'm not gonna waltz out there and kill them just like that. I have to make sure the Flash watches. Watching his loved ones die in front of him will destroy him."
"And he'll be too down in the dumps to stop you," realized Huntress.
"Exactly," said Killer Frost.
"You're really hitting him everywhere it hurts," commented Huntress. "Physically. Psychologically. Central City will fall without him in full form."
"But before I destroy Central City, Star City comes first," said Killer Frost. "I've sent Flash a message. He and his team haven't figured out what it means, but they know it involves Star City. All I need is to get the Flash to leave the city."
"You think you can make him?" asked Huntress.
"Oliver Queen is his mentor, a hero he looks up to. I know he'll come to his aid," said Killer Frost.
"How do you do it?" asked Huntress. "You're always 10 steps ahead of them. You make Prometheus look inferior. Don't tell him I said that."
"I'll keep it between us," promised Killer Frost. "As for your question, it's all the matter of using the mind as your greatest weapon. Plus, I know Barry Allen. I was his friend. My experience working alongside him gives me plenty of tactics to use against him."
"Siren told me you love him," said Huntress.
Killer Frost's nerves tensed. Her hands curled into fists.
"Let me guess? You think my feelings will get in the way of me killing him?" guessed Killer Frost.
"If you've been in love with him for that long..." Huntress paused, scared to continue.
Killer Frost walks towards Huntress and puts her hand on her shoulder. Huntress felt her nerves tense, fear consuming her, but she kept a straight face.
"My feelings are my own problems, Huntress," said Killer Frost. "But after I kill the Flash, the glory days will begin. Central City will be a city of chaos. Not even his two proteges can protect it. And you, you will have what I promised you."
Killer Frost takes her hand off Huntress' shoulder and walks away. Huntress sighs with relief.
Three months ago
After spending the entire night of Christmas Eve drinking at a bar, Killer Frost returns to Alchemy's old warehouse. She still felt chafed that she couldn't waste herself because of her hyper-metabolism.
"Times like this, I wish I could still feel drunk," she said.
"Pathetic!"
Killer Frost turns around when she heard the voice.
"Wallowing in self-pity like some lost animal!"
"Lord Savitar?" Killer Frost recognized the voice. "Show yourself."
Savitar did as she said and showed himself to her.
"And I thought you were free of Caitlin Snow," said Savitar, sounding disappointed.
"What are you talking about?" asked Killer Frost.
"That little fiasco at the bar. You wouldn't be drowning yourself in so much processed liquid unless you feel troubled," said Savitar.
"And I assume you know what bothers me?" questioned Killer Frost.
"Deep down inside, you wish you were spending the holidays with your loved ones," said Savitar.
"You're wrong," said Killer Frost.
"No, I'm not," said Savitar. "I'm beginning to doubt your true form will dominate you."
"Caitlin Snow is buried deep in me, so deep that she would never rise," assured Killer Frost.
"That is a lie you tell yourself," said Savitar. "Deep down, you know you miss them."
Killer Frost was about to protest, but didn't know what to say.
"As I thought," said Savitar. "Remember which side you're on, Caitlin Snow. Remember who you are destined to be. Embrace the killer within you. That way, you can bury your old self even deeper. But no matter how hard you try or how much you deny it, Caitlin Snow will remain alive in you."
Savitar leaves, leaving Killer Frost to think.
Later, Killer Frost heads back to Star City.
She stands on the roof of an abandoned warehouse and looks at the city.
"Lovely view, isn't it?"
Killer Frost didn't need to turn around to know who the voice belonged to. It was Slade Wilson, dressed in his Deathstroke suit.
"You think you can play me and get away with it?!" yelled Deathstroke.
"Prometheus told you," guessed Killer Frost.
"Before I stick my sword into your eye, tell me, why help me?" asked Deathstroke.
"My reasons are my own," said Killer Frost, refusing to spill the beans. "Why don't you go home and get back to that serum of yours?"
"But you'd want that," retorted Deathstroke. "You need me to finish the Mirakuru because you want it."
"Well, well, looks like you've figured it out," said Killer Frost, smirking.
"No more talk. Time to finish this," growled Deathstroke.
Killer Frost turns around and fires two icicles. Deathstroke blocks them with his sword. He runs towards Killer Frost and tries to hit her with his sword, but she dodges every swing he unleashes. She then kicks him in the stomach before spin-kicking him to the ground.
"Very well. No swords," said Deathstroke, putting down his sword.
Killer Frost and Deathstroke get into a fist fight. Deathstroke fought with so much ferocity that Killer Frost was beginning to feel outmatched. She gets hit in the face five times before getting kicked off the roof. Killer Frost lands on the ground hard, but she was still alive. However, she was in too much pain to stand up at this moment.
Deathstroke jumps down to the ground and walks towards Killer Frost.
"What are you waiting for, Slade? Finish it," dared Killer Frost.
"Can't do it if that's what you want," said Deathstroke. "That's why I have this."
Deathstroke injects a syringe in her arm.
"An improved version of Crane's toxin. Enjoy," mocked Deathstroke.
Deathstroke leaves Killer Frost to suffer the effects of the fear toxin. She lied on the ground, shaking like she was having a seizure.
When she finally had the strength to stand, Killer Frost entered the warehouse and sits down on a chair as she tried to shake off the toxin's effects.
"Don't fight it."
Killer Frost's head lifts up, surprised to hear a familiar voice in the shadows.
"You know you need a cure for that."
Killer Frost turns around and saw what appears to be her mother.
"You're dead," said Caitlin.
"And who's fault was that?" questioned Carla.
"You're not real. You're in my head. It's the toxin," muttered Caitlin, closing her eyes and clutching her aching head.
"Caitlin, sweetie," started Carla, walking towards her daughter. "It's not too late to turn back."
"Shut up!" yelled Caitlin. "I wouldn't listen to you when you were alive. What makes you think I'll listen to you now that you're dead?"
Caitlin covers the warehouse in freezing smoke so she doesn't have to look at her mother. However, another figure comes out of the shadows.
"Ronnie?" asked Caitlin.
"Yeah, it's me," said Ronnie.
Knowing he's just a hallucination, Caitlin looks away.
"Do you know why I'm here?" asked Ronnie.
"Shut up. Just go away," said Caitlin.
"It's the toxin. It causes you to see your worst fear," said Ronnie.
"Yes, Ronnie, I am completely aware of what this stuff does to people," said Caitlin sarcastically.
"The reason you're seeing me is because you're afraid of what the people you lost would think about you if they were here," aid Ronnie.
"And I assume you're disappointed," guessed Caitlin, still sounding sarcastic.
"This is not the woman that I fell in love with and married," said Ronnie. "She may be cold, sometimes temperamental, but she's a good person with a good heart."
"Please, just shut up," growled Caitlin.
"Just look at me," pleaded Ronnie.
"You're not really here," said Caitlin.
"But I'm not leaving," said Ronnie.
Caitlin turns around and looks at Ronnie, or at least, her hallucination. He placed his hand on her cheek. She smiled.
"There it is. There's that smile that was so hard to earn," said Ronnie.
"I miss you," said Caitlin. "So much."
"You know I would never want this," said Ronnie. "Look at yourself. Don't you see what you've become?"
"I know what I've become, Ronnie. I know what I've done," said Caitlin. "You don't have the right to lecture me, especially since you're not really here."
"But this is your mind telling you that you're not lost," said Ronnie. "Caitlin Snow is still in there. You just have to reach her."
"And then what?" questioned Caitlin. "I've killed hundreds of people in my pursuit of vengeance, and you think that my friends are just gonna welcome me back with open arms?"
"Barry would," said Ronnie.
Caitlin didn't respond, a little taken back.
"I know you love him," said Ronnie. "So, why do you want to kill him?"
"I don't want to kill him yet," said Caitlin. "Not until I kill his family and burn his city to ashes."
"And will that make you feel better?" asked Ronnie.
Caitlin started to tear up. Some of her hair was turning from snow white to chestnut brown. She turns around and looks away from Ronnie. After taking her time to calm herself and wipe the tears from her eyes, she turns around to see that Ronnie is gone.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Black Arrow was returning to her secret place after her evening patrol. She killed three car robbers and put two muggers in the hospital. When she arrived, she saw someone she didn't expect to see. It was Killer Frost.
"Hey, Laurel," greeted Caitlin. "Nice to see Chase didn't damage you too much."
"What are you doing here?" asked Laurel.
"The cure for Crane's toxin. I need it," said Caitlin.
"And you think I will just give it to you?" questioned Laurel.
"It's just a favor for an old friend," said Caitlin, trying to sound cute.
"You're not my friend. Not anymore," said Laurel. "You want that cure, you're gonna have to go through me."
Laurel started kicking. Caitlin started blocking. Caitlin kicks Laurel in the stomach before hitting her in the face with a roundhouse kick. Laurel throws a flechette and hits Caitlin in the leg, casing her to drop. Caitlin pulls out the flechette, shouting in pain as she did, before using her cold powers to heal her wound.
"Wow," said Laurel.
Caitlin get back in the fight and unleashes quick attacks on Laurel. Laurel manages to block and counter all attacks. Laurel blocks Caitlin's incoming punch by blocking it with her arm. Caitlin grabs Laurel's arm and freezes it. Laurel shouts in pain and collapses. Caitlin grabs Laurel's head and slams it into the wall, knocking her out. Fortunately for her, she slammed Laurel's head into the secret keypad in the wall, breaking it. With the keypad destroyed, the door to Laurel's secret room opens.
"Looks like my day is beginning to turn around for the better," said Caitlin. "But first..."
Caitlin creates an icicle and prepares to stab Laurel with it, until another voice in her head spoke to her.
"Caitlin, don't!"
Caitlin turns around and "sees" her father.
"Dad?" she muttered, dropping the icicle in her hand.
"Don't do this, sweetheart," pleaded Mr. Snow.
"You know I do," said Caitlin.
"The cure is all you want. You don't have to kill her," said Mr. Snow.
"I have to," said Caitlin, looking back at Laurel.
"Why?" asked Mr. Snow. "Why all this bloodshed? Why claim all those lives? Is it because you enjoy it? The thrill of the kill is too much for you to resist?"
"It's who I am," replied Caitlin.
"No, it's not," said Mr. Snow. "My little girl would never hurt a fly. She would always value the lives of human beings. This... this monster is just a mask to hide your fear."
"My fear of what?" asked Caitlin, daring him to tell her. "If you were here right now, I know you'd be disappointed. You wouldn't approve of what I have become. I already know what I'm afraid of."
"Honey, look at me," pleaded Mr. Snow. "Look at me, sweetie. Look at me."
Caitlin wouldn't comply. Mr. Snow gets in between his daughter and Laurel.
"Look at you," started Mr. Snow. "White hair. Blue lips. That doesn't change who you are."
"And you still think I'm redeemable?" questioned Caitlin.
"Underneath all this, I still see my daughter," said Mr. Snow. "I know that you know it."
"I've been trying to bury Caitlin Snow, but she never stays buried for long," said Caitlin. "She keeps... I keep... no matter how hard I fight it..."
"Then stop fighting it," said Mr. Snow.
Mr. Snow gives his daughter a hug. Hallucination or not, Caitlin hugs back and started to cry. Half her hair was has reverted back to its natural color. Her eyes stopped glowing.
"I love you, dad," she said, still crying.
Mr. Snow looks at her daughter in the eye and says, "I love you, too, sweetie. In this life or the afterlife, that will always be true."
Caitlin wipes the tears from her cheeks.
"Do your old man a favor. Spare her life," pleaded Mr. Snow, gesturing to Laurel.
Caitlin looks at the still-unconscious Laurel for a moment before looking back at her father. "I can't promise you that Killer Frost is gone."
"I know," said Mr. Snow. "I just want you to be Caitlin Snow just this once."
Caitlin enters Laurel's secret room and finds her case where she keeps the cure, all in syringes. She picks up one and sticks the needle in her arm. She injects the cure in her and closes her eyes, trying to relax and let the cure do its work.
She looks outside the doorway. Her father wasn't there anymore.
Caitlin found a mirror hanging on the wall and looks into it.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice cracking. "Caitlin Snow? Or Killer Frost? Is it too dangerous to be both?"
Caitlin looks at the cold smoke coming from her hand.
"Caitlin Snow was afraid of her power, but she was truly furious at the Flash for what he did. Killer Frost fueled that rage and added bloodlust," said Caitlin to herself. "Caitlin Snow would never harm innocent lives. Killer Frost kills because she enjoys it. It satisfies her."
Caitlin looks back at the mirror.
She tells herself, "If being Caitlin Snow and Killer Frost at the same time hurts, then you have to choose one. But who? The biochemist who wants to help people or the cold-hearted monster who kills just for the fun of it?"
After contemplating for five minutes, she taps her comm unit and contacts Black Siren.
"Change of plans, Lance. 'Operation: Star Dust' will begin sooner than planned," she said.
Caitlin leaves the room just as Laurel was beginning to regain consciousness. The black-clad archer looks up at her uninvited guest, only to notice something different about her.
"Caitlin?" Laurel spoke weakly.
Caitlin responds by kicking Laurel in the face, knocking her out cold again.
What is Operation: Star Dust? Well, you're gonna have to find out soon. Hope this was an okay chapter. Leave a review and let me know.
