Okay people, after a month of wait, and on a Thursday like I wanted, here it is, the chapter you've all been waiting for, the Grand Finale!... Sort of. It's just the first half. Now, before you start yelling at me, let me explain. I realized halfway through the actual chapter, that well... it was huge, like tremendously huge. More than 30000 words. Yeah, it got a bit out of hand. So instead, I decided to split it into two, like with Chapters 3 and 4. And like with Chapters 3 and 4, this chapter doesn't exactly ends at the half, rather a bit earlier, at a scene I thought was a good ending point for the first half. And here it is. Now, if you want to read the entire 30000+ behemot thing on one sitting, or you just want to know that the second half is there, you might want to wait until tomorrow, when I'll be posting the second half. But alas, until then, here is the first half. It's a bumpy ride, so get ready for it.
Oh and by the way, here's a WARNING: There will be a lot of tears in this chapter, from both the characters, and possibly, you.
And now, on with the chapter!
Chapter 10 ''Broken Promises Part 2''
Wally jerked awake with a rush. He took several ragged breaths while taking notice of his surroundings. It was nighttime, the sound of thunder filling his ears, and he was lying on a bed in what looked like a hospital room, with the lights off. How had he gotten here? The last thing he remembered was being freed of his cell in S.T.A.R Labs by Alex, and then… darkness. Maybe someone had knocked him unconscious on the way out? But if so, why send him to a hospital?
Sighing, Wally moved to get out of bed. He noticed that there were no devices connected to him, and all the monitoring equipment was turned off. He supposed it was just another way of telling that he hadn't been hurt that badly. In any case, surely he would understand what was going on once he got out of this room and met with the rest. However, as his feet touched the cold ground again, something catched his eye. This whole scene… it looked eerily familiar. It reminded him of when he had been a prisoner inside the Speed Force, forced to relive his worst nightmare over and over. And he didn't liked it, at all.
So instead of walking towards the door, he slowly moved towards the window that looked out to the city, ignoring the ethereal sensation in his feet every time he touched the floor or even moved them.
Once he reached the window, he took notice of three things. First, how lightning flickered in the sky, but without a single drop of rain to accompany it. Second, he noticed that the sky had a dark blue tint, more than it should have by nighttime. If he squinted hard enough, he could swear it looked like it was moving, in a chaotic storm with Central City on the center. And third, he noticed how there wasn't a single soul in the city below.
''Welcome, young runner'' A voice behind him shook him out of his observations, and sent a chill down his spine. There was something about that voice, it sounded sweet and calm, but behind that… he could almost sense the superiority, the raw power of an omnipotent being. But more than that, it sounded… familiar. He quickly turned around, and was met with the sight of his mother, a sweet smile on her face. But that couldn't be right, his mother had died long ago. So who was this impersonator? Suddenly, everything clicked into place. A feeling of dread suddenly entered his stomach. This wasn't his mother. This was the Speed Force, and he was trapped inside it. 'No, no, no, not again. Dammit, not again' Wally thought desperately, panic threatening to consume him.
''You… you're not my mother. This is the Speed Force, isn't it? I'm trapped inside it… again'' Wally said, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.
''Indeed, this is the Speed Force. I am the Speed Force. And while you do are trapped here, in a way at least, you are not a prisoner, not like last time. In fact, that is a part of the reason why we chose this form. And to soothe you, so that it is easier for you to understand what we are going to tell you'' The Speed Force explained calmly, unnaturally calmly. It may look like his mother, but it didn't sounded like it, not one bit.
''Well, I don't like it, at all. So if you really want to soothe me, you may want to change into another form, preferably one that isn't so close to me, because this one isn't doing it'' Wally said, looking away with a scowl on his face. There was silence for a moment, before The Speed Force spoke again.
''Very well then'' It said, before Wally heard a strange sound, and when he looked to it again, it had an entirely different face and body. While he had never even met the new form The Speed Force was using, he did recognized it from pictures he had been shown.
''Barry's mom? Seriously?'' Wally asked. While he did had asked for someone that wasn't close to him, he never expected it to be Barry's mother. Though he did supposed he had asked for it, so he probably shouldn't complain.
''What can I say? I have taken… a liking to this form lately'' The Speed Force said, and Wally chuckled. Of course it would, Barry was The Speed Force's prodigal son, after all. He wondered if that status still remained after all the things Barry had done.
''Well, what was it that you wanted to show me?'' Wally asked, getting straight to the point. The sooner they finished with this, the better. At his words, The Speed Force directed its attention towards the TV that stood in the wall in front of the hospital bed.
''Of course. I believe it's best if we start by showing you your current state. Be warned though, you will not like it'' The Speed Force alerted him, making the feeling of dread inside Wally grow. What did it meant, what had happened to him? Wally took a deep breath and gulped, as he tried to push the feeling of dread away.
''Just show me'' Wally said, walking towards the TV. Soon, it turned on, and it showed a room very similar to the one he stood on now -actually, it looked like it was exactly the same-but with the lights turned on. Besides that, he saw himself, lying on the bed, with medical equipment connected to him, monitoring his vitals. And finally, he saw Joe sitting on a chair besides his bed, eyes red from crying while Cecile stood behind him, massaging his shoulders in comfort. The feeling of dread inside him grew more than he even thought possible. Whatever had happened to him, it had been nothing good.
''What… what happened to me?'' Wally said, not bothering to hide the fear in his voice. The Speed Force sighed before answering him.
''You were paralyzed. During your escape of S.T.A.R Labs, Cicada threw his dagger at you and it impacted your vertical spine, putting you in a paralytic state. I've transported your mind here as you sleep, but right now, your body finds himself in the Central City Hospital'' The words hit Wally hard, and he suddenly felt like he couldn't breathe or stand in his feet. In the corner of his eye, Wally took notice of the TV's screen becoming pure static, as he barely managed to reach the bed, and he almost fell in it, but he managed to actually sit as his breaths became more chaotic. Suddenly, Wally felt a hand on his shoulder, a hand that sent a warm and soothing feeling through his body, relaxing him. When he looked up, he saw that the Speed Force had once again taken on the shape of his mother, smiling sweetly as it stood in front of him. This time, he didn't rejected it as he moved to hug it. He knew it wasn't his mother, but it couldn't hurt to pretend it was, even if it was just for a couple minutes.
They stayed like that for a while, until Wally's breaths evened out and he found himself in a state of relaxation. The pain and fear of being paralytic was still not out of his mind, but he felt much calmer now. Turns out, The Speed Force was actually really good at soothing.
''But that is not all I have to explain to you, young runner. There is something else you must understand'' The Speed Force, still in the shape of his mother, said as it walked towards the window. Its voice sounded slightly more neutral now.
''Well… what is it?'' Wally asked with a certain hesitation in his voice. If it was as bad as the first thing it had told him, then he was seriously not looking forward to it.
''Don't worry, it doubt it will hit you as hard as what I just told you. It's no news either, rather, an explanation, of the consequences of your actions'' The Speed Force said, looking back to Wally, who was more confused now. When he didn't spoke, The Speed Force took it as its cue to speak.
''You see, I was aware of the effect Barry's loss had in him. It hurt him, and combined with the trauma of his prison, I knew it could have bad consequences. That is, of course, if he remembered what happened to him inside his prison, there was no telling if he would or wouldn't. Either way, that was a risk that couldn't be taken. But of course, you, Mr. Ramon, Ms. Snow and a few others, as the loyal friends you were, devised a machine that was supposed to pull him out of the prison. I could not allow that, which is why I offered resistance'' The Speed Force stopped for a moment, to see if Wally understood what she meant, and he did.
''Wait, you mean… The Speed Force storm, and the earthquakes the first time Cisco tried the machine, that was you?'' Wally asked in surprise.
''Indeed, it was. I caused the storm and the earthquakes as a means of disruption. I knew that version of the machine would not work, but I didn't wanted to take any chances. Unfortunately, that was not enough, and eventually you and your friends modified the machine until it was able to pull Barry out of his prison. I could not allow that, which is why I was getting ready to create another Speed Force storm meant to destroy your equipment as soon as the rift opened. But I did not expected the intervention of The Thinker. He, I must admit, took me by surprise. By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. Barry was already out of his prison'' The Speed Force continued to explain, its face suddenly turning more grim.
''Well, if you so much wanted Barry to stay inside his prison, why didn't you just created The Speed Force storm earlier, before the machine was finished'' Wally asked, a scowl on his face. Either The Speed Force actually wanted Barry out of it, or it simply sucked at its job.
''It is not that simple, young runner. You see, my powers are not infinite. I can only create the Speed Force storms or shake the Earth with earthquakes when I am unstable, which does not happen often, but only on some occasions, like when a breach inside this place is created. Time Wraiths are of no use either, they only go for time aberrations, and as for the Black Flash, he only goes after living paradoxes, or speedsters that have already reached their finish line''
''Then why not use it against Barry now. Didn't you said that he had already reached his finish line?''
''I did. But Barry's power has grown immensely, and I fear that he could overpower the Black Flash. Either way, it would be of no use. As our creator, the first human to be granted the power of the lightning, we could not lock him up or consume him like we did with Zolomon unless it is by his own will. Savitar was a special case because he was simply a time remnant, an aberration. As much as he wanted it to be otherwise, at the end of the day, he was nothing but a substitute of the real Barry Allen. But the one you're fighting, he is the original. The fact that by this point Barry uses the power of the Negative Speed Force instead of our own does not help matters either, since it loosens his connection to us. It does not let us contact him''
''But… why are you telling me all of this?'' Wally asked, confused. The Speed Force's brows furrowed for a second, before returning to normal.
''I thought you would understand by now. My point is that by the end of the day, this, all of this, all this suffering, this pain, including yours, that is all on you. You and your friends. I knew from the beginning that Barry's pain and trauma would be too much for him to bear without breaking, without changing. You should have known that as well. If you had never pulled Barry out of the Speed Force, none of this would have happened. You defied the natural order, and now this, is on you'' The Speed Force said, its voice suddenly becoming more strict. As the realization dawned on Wally, he hid his face in his hands. This was all on them, on him, on Cisco, on Caitlin, and all the others who helped. This was their fault.
''I… I… I don't know what to say. I'm sorry'' Wally apologized, the weight of his actions suddenly feeling almost too strong to bear.
''There is no point in apologizing. It will not change what has already happened… or what is yet to happen'' The Speed Force said. When Wally looked to it again, he saw that it was looking back towards the window, and the empty city below.
''The end of this story is near, I can sense it. Neither side will remain unscathed. There will be more pain, more suffering. The consequences will not be small. What comes next, you cannot imagine'' The Speed Force said, turning back to Wally. ''And remember that you and your friends played a part in all of it'' Wally gulped at the Speed Force's words.
''What now then?'' Wally asked shyly, feeling like a little boy being scolded by his mother.
''Now, we bear witness. We see the events that unfold, the events that will lead to the end of this war. And once it's over, we will discuss them'' The Speed Force said as the TV changed from static and turned dark, but not shut down dark. Wally could tell it was showing something, but the place it was showing was simply too dark for him to see.
''What's that?'' Wally asked, now moving to lie on the bed. When he looked towards The Speed Force, he saw that a chair had materialized right beside his bed.
''You'll see'' The Speed Force said as it sat on the chair.
''Now be quiet, and watch''
The elevator doors opened in front of the heroes once it reached its destination, revealing a dark room that wasn't lit.
''So… this place looks a little too dark, even by your standards, Oliver'' Kara joked, earning a glare from Oliver. Being familiar with the layout of the place, he walked towards a metal column and turned on a switch in it, turning on power in the underground base. Soon, several lights illuminated it, showing Team Arrow's former base in its full glory.
''Everyone, welcome to the Bunker'' Oliver said as the team walked around, those who had never seen it watching it in amazement. Oliver allowed himself to let out a sigh of contentment. This place brought back memories, good memories.
''Whoa, not bad, Oliver. Not bad at all'' Jax said, looking around the bunker.
''Yeah, reminds me of the old D.E.O base back on Earth-38. Remember that one, Kara?'' Alex asked her sister, looking around as well.
''Yeah. And I still remember how a bat bit me in that one'' Kara reminded her.
''Oh, c'mon, you're still sore about that?'' Alex asked in exasperation.
''A little bit'' Kara retorted.
''Okay, everyone, listen up'' Oliver said, gathering everyone's attention.
''First of all… I want to apologize, to all of you. My plan was what put everyone in this situation, no matter who voted for what, I was the one who came up with it, and it failed. Which means this is on me, same as what happened to Wally, and all those A.R.G.U.S agents who died trying to breach S.T.A.R Labs. So I'm sorry. I was desperate, but that's no excuse. I should have tried harder'' Oliver said truthfully, his head hanging down in shame.
''Oliver, don't blame yourself. You devised a plan, it didn't worked, we lost. It happens, it's not on you'' Kara told him.
''Let's be honest here, Kara. I screwed up, this is on me''
''Maybe… or maybe not. Maybe Barry would have won either way. I mean, he even had a kryptonian, there's not much we could do against one. My point is, don't blame yourself. There's no point in it. We trust you, no matter what'' Sara assured him.
''Sara's right, Oliver. We trust you, and we won't leave you now. We're a team, and in a team, we all lookout for each other'' Ray said, who for some reason was carrying his A.T.O.M suit instead of wearing it.
''I haven't known you for long, Oliver, but I can tell you're a man who doesn't gives up against overwhelming odds, and who puts the weight of the world in his shoulders. I respect that, which means I trust your judgment, no matter if your plan failed'' Alex told him.
''We're not leaving you Oliver, not now, not ever. We're with you, 'till the end'' Roy said, and Oliver looked at each of them, everyone nodding to him, and a smile appeared on his face. He was glad he had them by his side.
''In that case, I appreciate it, guys. Thank you, really. I trust you too, and I'm proud to fight alongside you'' He said, nodding to them, and they all nodded in return once again. He supposed it was time to give orders now.
''Now, I know you're all tired, and it's really late at night, and I know the past twenty four hours haven't been easy, so, for now we'll get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll come up with a plan. But we're going to have to sleep here. There are some sleeping mats in the back, should be enough for all of us. They might be a bit dusty, though, like everything else here, but it's better than nothing, especially seeing how most clothing stores are probably closed at this hour, and we can't march into a hotel in our superhero suits. The mats are in the back room, Roy knows where they are, so, some of you should go help him with that. The rest, get familiar with the place and, well… try to relax in the meantime, I know these past few hours have been tense'' Oliver ordered as Roy and a few others went to take the mats, while Ray walked over to him, carrying the A.T.O.M suit with him.
''Hey Oliver, is there a place here where I can work in the suit? Lyla's men found it after they raided S.T.A.R Labs, but apparently, Barry took the dwarf star matrix, the power source of the suit, for some reason. Without it, the suit is pretty much useless'' Ray told Oliver, much to the latter's confusion.
''Barry took the suit's power source? Why would he do that?'' Oliver asked, though it was more of a rhetorical question, since he imagined Ray wasn't sure why either.
''Well, the dwarf star matrix has a lot of power, heck, I'd say it could power up an entire city for a long time, so I'm guessing he might have took it to power up something from his own. Maybe a machine or… I don't know. But hey, you know, this suit is really heavy, and I'm not really that ripped so…'' Roy trailed off, waiting for Oliver to tell him where to put the suit.
''Oh, yeah, just put it in one of the examination tables. Move it to the work station if you want, it's over the salmon ladder'' Oliver said and Ray nodded, walking towards the examination tables, leaving Oliver alone. He was about to walk over to the salmon ladder, try to get some heavy exercise done, when Sara walked up to him.
''You know, it's good seeing you in that suit again. After I learned that you had left Star City and the Green Arrow mantle, I thought I'd never see you wear it again, hell, I never thought I'd see you again, since you cut contact with everyone in Star City. It's good to know that I was wrong'' Sara told him with a smile as Oliver chuckled.
''Yeah, I guess I just… needed some time away from everything. And it helped, it really did. But, I want to change that now. I want to get back in contact with you, all of you'' Oliver told Sara, who nodded at his words.
''Sure thing, Oliver. We'll always be here for you. And speaking of which, I never got the chance to tell you this, but… I'm really sorry, Oliver. For what happened to the team. To the family'' Sara said, putting a hand in Oliver's shoulder, who looked at her with a small smile and nodded.
''I know you are. But still, thank you. I know you cared about them as much as I did''
''Yeah, the news didn't hit particularly easy. It isn't a memory I'm fond of remembering. I guess both of us have a lot of those, don't we?'' Sara asked looking up at Oliver, who grimly nodded. She still remembered the day she found out. Shortly after the Legends disbanded, she went to see her dad in Star City. She spent a couple hours with him, before deciding she was going to see Oliver and the rest, only to be told the terrible news. Losing Laurel had been bad enough, and now this… it was like they couldn't get a break. Now, the only people she had left in Star City were her dad and fortunately, Oliver now as well, though he didn't even live here anymore. Maybe Lyla too, but they weren't that close either. Sara tried to push the memories out of her head. Now wasn't the time to think about that.
''Come here'' Oliver said, moving for a hug. Sara accepted it, and they stayed like that in silence for a while.
''After that, I made some things I wasn't proud of, which is what led me to retire, but… I think after all this months, I think I can say that, all these experiences, they have made me become a better man. I even convinced Joe, Slade's son, to stand down, by talking him out of it. I can't remember the last time I did that. But's it's what Slade would have wanted. I'm glad I could get his son to stop this, as a way to honor his memory. I just… sometimes I wish I could have become the man I am now without those experiences'' Oliver said, hugging Sara tighter. Sara took the cue and hugged him tighter as well.
''I know. Believe me, I do'' Sara said, and they stayed like that for a few more moments, until they broke the hug.
''You know, Barry always told me that I was a good man, a good person. And I always told him that I wasn't, that I had a lot of darkness with me. But, in the inside, I always liked to think that I could get there. That I could one day be the person Barry thought I was. And now that I think I am, Barry… Barry is the one who has fallen into the dark'' Oliver said grimly, looking down to the floor. Sara once more put a hand on his shoulder for comfort.
''I can imagine this is not easy for you, at all. But don't worry, we're going to catch him. And who knows, maybe after a while in prison, he'll get his head out of his ass and realize what he's been doing is wrong'' Sara said lightly, trying to get Oliver to lighten up, and it seemed to work, judging by his chuckle. Eh, it was something.
''Yeah. If only we knew what his plan is, though…'' Oliver trailed off, no doubt thinking about that very same thing.
''You think he has a plan? Like a plan, plan?'' Sara asked.
''Well, he must have taken Ray suit's power source for a reason. The question is, for what? It might have something to do with the metahumans. Even after all the efforts of Team Flash these past few years, there are still thousands of them, most of which don't want to use their powers for crime. But I fear Barry doesn't cares about that, and maybe he's looking for a way of identifying them, or maybe even killing them all in one single sweep'' Oliver explained, as Sara considered it.
''Hmm, it could be. But we'll figure that out tomorrow, for now, we need to get some rest. You need to get some rest'' Sara said, pointing a finger to his chest, knowing full well that Oliver probably intended to spend his night training or trying to figure out Barry's plan.
''Sara, there's a lot of things I have to do, and I want to see William and…'' Oliver tried to explain after a groan, but Sara interrupted him.
''No excuses, mister. William is probably asleep at this hour, and you don't even have civilian clothes that you can wear to walk to my dad's house. And I know that you want to catch Barry just like the rest of us, but that can wait until tomorrow, just like seeing William. For now, you need your sleep, just like the rest of us'' Sara said firmly, almost sounding like her mother. Oliver was tempted to respond with that, but to his own surprise, instead, he decided to give in. Truth is, he did was really tired, and maybe some sleep could help him work better in the morning. Catching Barry could wait until then.
''Fine, I'll get some sleep. Happy?'' Oliver said, trying to sound annoyed, but he couldn't help the small smirk that appeared in his face.
''Yes, very much, thank you'' Sara said, smirking in return, knowing that Oliver wasn't annoyed by her insistence in him getting some sleep. She had to admit, though, convincing him to sleep instead of working was a lot easier than she thought it would be. Looks like he was more tired than he let on.
''By the way, I have to ask… this Green Arrow thing, is it temporary, or do you plan on returning to the mantle permanently?'' Sara asked, and Oliver chuckled.
''Well, nothing really is entirely permanent, is it? But, putting existential questions aside, I… I don't know. I think I'd like that but, I'm in charge of William now, and I don't even live in Star City anymore''
''Well, who says you have to work in here? Star City isn't the only place in need of heroes. I bet Keystone could use your help as well'' Sara suggested, and Oliver seemed to think it over. He had never thought of expanding his crusade other than Star City, but now, he didn't see why not. His home city's crime rate had went down a lot during the past years, even when he had retired, so he supposed he could move his crusade to other places.
''Yeah, I guess you have a point. I'm still a bit rusty, anyways, but… I guess we'll see. Still, William is my first priority now, and if I can't be a good father for him because of my duties as Green Arrow, or he doesn't wants me to do this, then I won't. William will always come first now'' Oliver told her, and Sara nodded, smiling fondly. William had been surprised when he learned that his dad had once again put on the mantle of the Green Arrow, but he had accepted it. Granted, Oliver had told him it would only be temporary. He had no idea what his reaction would be if he told him he planned to do this every night again.
''Of course. You know, I've seen Playboy Oliver, I've seen Vigilante Oliver, but I never thought I'd see Parent Oliver'' Sara said fondly, earning a chuckle from Oliver.
''Well, technically, you still haven't seen it''
''Well… no, but I'm sure it suits you'' Sara said truthfully with a chuckle of her own. She was glad to see that Oliver had grown so much from his days as a spoiled rich kid. Though she had to admit, she did was a bit spoiled back then as well. But both of them had grown and evolved a lot. They were very different from the naïve and foolish kids that got on the Queen's Gambit all those years ago.
''Yeah, I like to think so too. Thank you'' Oliver said with a nod that Sara returned. They stayed in a comfortable silence for a while until they noticed that the sleeping mats had been set up.
''Well, I'm gonna go pick a mat and get ready to sleep. Don't forget to do the same, Ollie'' Sara said, pointing at him as she walked away.
''Don't worry, I won't'' Oliver said with a smirk that Sara returned before turning around and walking towards one of the mats. Looking at her now, Oliver was amazed at how far they had come from the people they used to be. They had gone through so much, both alone and together, and here they were now, with the scars to prove that they had gone through hell, and survived, being stronger than ever at the end. They had both lost so much, but they always had each other. Looking back now, Oliver remembered fondly the few weeks they had been together. While plagued by problems like Brother Blood and the hidden threat of Slade under the control of the Mirakuru, he certainly enjoyed the time he spent with her. They hadn't even broken up because of a fight or anything, but rather, because of Sara's desire to protect them. He wondered if he still had a chance there. A small feeling of guilt passed over him, no doubt because he felt like he was betraying Felicity, but he pushed it away. He knew Felicity, and he knew she would have wanted him to move on, to be happy with someone else. And he would like that. He wondered if maybe, just maybe…
Shaking his head, Oliver ignored those thoughts. Sara was a time traveling Legend that protected not just the world, but time itself, from collapsing. She didn't had time for a relationship, especially one that had other responsibilities and couldn't travel with her. He didn't even knew if she still felt that way about him. Oliver sighed. He had William now, and that would be enough for him.
Oliver was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of someone putting a hand on his shoulder. Turning to his right, Oliver saw that it was Roy, who had a knowing smile on his face. Suddenly, Oliver became self-aware of how long he had been staring at Sara, probably almost an entire minute. God, he hoped she hadn't noticed. Roy looked to Oliver, and the latter could pretty much read the expression on his face. 'Women' it said. Oliver ignored it with a smirk and a shake of his head.
''Anything else you want to talk about, Roy?'' Oliver said, hoping Roy wouldn't try to talk about the reason why he had been staring at Sara for so long. He really didn't wanted to talk about that right now… or ever, actually. Luckily, Roy didn't pushed.
''Actually, yeah, there's something I wanted to give you'' Roy said, and Oliver nodded, signaling him to tell. ''I was just… reminiscing old times, and it came to me. Do you remember the Hozen?''
''Oh, Roy, really, you should keep it. Thea would have wanted you to…'' Oliver said, but he was interrupted by Roy, who had already pulled out the Hozen. It had a couple of small cracks, as well as a darker color, no doubt from the burning from the explosion in Lian Yu, but the words were still readable, and it didn't looked like it was going to break anytime soon.
''Yes, I know, that's the same thing you told me seven months ago when you got it back. But, she told me this symbolized reconnection. You told her that. And lately, from what I've seen, you've reconnected with a lot of people in your life, including me, as well as with the identity of the Green Arrow. It's only fitting you should take it back. And I won't accept a no for answer'' Roy said firmly.
''Roy…'' Oliver was about to reject him once again when Roy took his hand and put the Hozen in it, quickly pulling his own back so that Oliver couldn't place it back.
''Like I said, I won't accept a no for answer'' Roy said, as Oliver looked at the Hozen. To him, it not only symbolized reconnection, but it was a memory of everything he had went through ever since he got on that boat. And how he had come out stronger of all of it. He supposed it wouldn't do any harm to keep it. Maybe he could even pass it to William one day.
''Okay then, I'll keep it. Maybe I'll pass it to William someday'' Oliver told Roy, who smiled and nodded.
''I'm sure he'd like that. How is he by the way?'' Roy asked as Oliver put the Hozen in the back pocked of his suit.
''He's okay. A bit shaken up by everything that's going on, but he's okay. Much better than he was eight months ago'' Oliver told him. The first thing he had done after he escaped S.T.A.R Labs and regrouped with A.R.G.U.S had been asking for a phone to call William. Luckily, he got one quickly, and he made sure to let his son know that while they wouldn't Face Time that day, he was perfectly fine. God knew the kid had enough worries as it was. ''Our relationship has improved a lot from those days as well''
''I'm glad to hear that. He's a good kid, and you're a good father'' Roy said, and Oliver nodded, grateful by his words. ''By the way, have you ever thought about… passing on the mantle of the Green Arrow to him some day?'' Roy asked, and Oliver took a moment to consider it. Lately, the thought had crossed his mind a couple times, and before that, when he thought he would have to wait until his son was eighteen to have any chance to see him again, he thought about it as well. And yet, to this day, he still wasn't sure if that was what he wanted for his son.
''I don't know. A part of me would definitely like it, knowing that my son carried out on my legacy as the Green Arrow, but on the other hand, well… you and I both know this job requires a lot of sacrifice, and it comes with a lot of pain, and I don't want him to go through that. I just… I don't know, I'm not sure. Then again, I guess at the end of the day, the decision will be up to him. And I'll be there to support him, whatever it is that he chooses to do'' Oliver told Roy, who nodded.
''Well, whatever he decides, he'll always have a family in all of us as well, all these people that you've gathered. A family that will always have his back'' Roy said, and Oliver nodded, as they both looked to the rest of the heroes, most of which were already getting ready to sleep. Tomorrow, they would all work together with a single goal in mind. It really was amazing to think how far they had all come from just a guy with a bow. Oliver smiled to himself. In a way, they were all indeed a big family. And Oliver was grateful for it. Oliver's smile diminished a bit, though, when he remembered that this family could have been even bigger, had a few things gone differently. If only…
His line of thought was interrupted by a yawn from Roy. Looks like the exhaustion was getting to him.
''Sorry about that. Man, I think the exhaustion is getting to me. I should go to sleep. See you tomorrow, Oliver'' Roy said, earning a nod from Oliver before walking towards one of the mats. Left alone with his thoughts once more, Oliver took notice of how light his head felt, too light. Apparently, the exhaustion was getting to him as well. But before he went to sleep, there was one more thing that he needed to do for the night.
He walked around, looking for Kara, until he caught sight of her. She was about to lie down in her own mat to get some sleep.
''Hey, Kara, wait up. There's something I need to talk to you about before you go to sleep'' Oliver said, getting her attention as she stood again.
''Oh, okay. What is it?'' Kara asked, arms crossed as Oliver took a breath.
''You were right'' Oliver said simply, to Kara's confusion.
''Uh… about what?'' Kara asked, not understanding what he meant. Oliver sighed before explaining.
''About Barry. I think you're right, maybe the Barry we know isn't as gone as I thought. Maybe… he isn't as bad as I believed he was'' Oliver explained, surprising Kara. She had not expected this.
''Oh, well… wow… I mean, I'm glad you think that but… what made you change your mind?'' Kara asked, still not understanding completely.
''Well, when we were prisoners, he came to me. And… we talked. And I guess I saw something, in his words, in his face, I just… I saw something in him that felt a lot like the Barry I know. And maybe this is just wishful thinking, but it made me realize that… he can still be brought back to us. He really believes he's doing this for us, to protect us. I think he's just… broken. And he needs help. Our help'' Oliver said, while Kara smiled brightly. It was great that finally someone understood what she saw, especially Oliver, since he was their leader. Granted, it was also what surprised her the most, but she was definitely not going to complain. She was happy that finally someone agreed with her. Maybe now they had a real chance to get Barry back to them.
''Thank you'' She said simply but truthfully, now confusing Oliver.
''For what?''
''For understanding, really understanding. For seeing what I see. You have no idea how good it feels to not be alone in this anymore'' Kara said, earning a nod from Oliver. She really was grateful for this.
''So, what now then? How are going to convince him to stop this and return to us?'' She proceeded to ask.
''Well, by trying to talk to him, to talk some sense into him. We just need to keep trying. We're still gonna have to face him, though, but… maybe we could focus more on talking rather than fighting, at least with him. I can't say the same for the others, but with Barry… it's worth the try'' Oliver said truthfully, to which Kara smiled and nodded.
''Tomorrow we'll talk more about it, but for now, we should get some sleep''
''Got it, boss'' Kara said cheerfully. This news had certainly improved her day a lot. Oliver nodded to her once more before she moved to lie down in her mat, while Oliver spotted an empty one and walked over to it. Man, he really felt tired. But he was also hopeful, for what tomorrow would bring, for them, and for Barry.
Suddenly, however, a familiar whooshing sound, partnered with a red streak, made him go in full alert. He turned towards the source, and saw that it had come to a halt in front of the elevator doors, revealing The Streak, Killer Frost, Black Siren, and Reign, all ready to fight.
''Hello there'' Barry, with his mask on, said mockingly, but Oliver ignored it.
''How did you found us?'' Oliver asked.
''Well, once I learned that S.T.A.R Labs was under the control of A.R.G.U.S and you were nowhere to be seen, it wasn't much of a stretch to figure out you were here'' Barry explained.
''So, you came here to finish us? Is that it?'' Oliver asked, looking around and seeing that everyone else was up and in full alert.
''Well, I mean, I've lost a couple people, but I still have superiority in strength, so I thought: Why not put you back under my custody? And that led me here'' Barry told them. Before Oliver could respond, another voice intervened for him.
''Barry, please, stop this. This isn't who you are, you can be better than this'' Kara pleaded with Barry, who turned her attention to her. Oliver turned his attention to her as well, and when he turned to her, he saw her nod to him, a clear indication that she was asking for help. And this time, she would get the help.
''She's right, Barry. You don't have to do this. You don't need to protect us, we can protect ourselves. And we can help you. Let us help you'' Oliver said, extending a hand towards him. To say Barry was surprised by this would be an understatement. He was the last person Barry thought would try to talk him out of this. It looked like their talk back in S.T.A.R Labs had a bigger effect on Oliver that Barry thought. But it still wasn't going to work.
''It's too late for that now'' The Streak said, before looking to Frost.
''Attack'' He said with a nod, and immediately the fight begun. Everyone moved into cover as Reign shot her heat vision across the Bunker and Frost fired ice blasts. Thinking quickly, Oliver ran towards a metal column, dodging a couple ice blasts in the way before reaching it. Peeking, he saw that the Siren Scream from Laurel had knocked Sara and Alex off their feet, while Cisco and Ray where hiding behind cover as well, H.R and Harry hid behind the work station, Roy hid behind another metal column, devoid of his bow and arrows, and Firestorm and Kara fought against Reign. Killer Frost on the other hand, was firing ice blast at those that were under cover, including him. He had to put her down, now, especially since Barry was nowhere to be seen. That wasn't exactly a good thing, but in this case, it could help.
Looking to his right, he saw the armory, with a bow and a full quiver in it. It looked like it had been accumulating dust since he left it behind, but it would do the trick. Taking a deep breath, he quickly ran to it, avoiding another ice blast in the way before reaching it, taking the bow, putting the quiver in his back and shooting an arrow at Frost. The arrow would have hit, had it not been for The Streak's intervention. He sped in front of Frost and easily caught the arrow before it hit her, tossing it aside.
''Didn't thought I'd see that?'' Barry said as he walked towards Oliver, who growled. Dammit, now he had Barry's attention of all people. 'Well, at least it can help me in trying to talk Barry out of this' Oliver thought.
''It feels too loud in here, doesn't it? Too crowded? Yeah, I think it does. You and I, we're going to take our fight somewhere else, somewhere more private'' Barry said, and before Oliver could do anything, Barry had sped up to him and grabbed him, speeding them both elsewhere.
For a second, everything was a blur for Oliver, before the lights and colors that were too fast for him came to a halt and he found himself being thrown to the floor. He took a breath before taking a hold of his surroundings, grateful for the fact that unlike Diggle, Oliver's stomach handled being carried around at superspeed better than Dig's used to do. Looking around, he saw that they were on the roof of the building that hid their base, cars and people moving below them. The light rain that fell over him and his team when they arrived had turned into a full on storm, heavy rain dropping over him as lightning flickered and the sound of thunder filled his ears. And in front of him, stood Barry.
''What do you think, it's more quiet here, right?'' Barry said, while Oliver quickly put his hood up. He didn't had his mask, but the hood would do. Barry, on the other hand, took his mask off, revealing his face. Oliver didn't asked, but even in the dark of night and through his hood, Barry saw him narrow his eyes, wondering why he had taken off his mask.
''It's better this way, don't you think? No more masks, no more hiding, we look each other to the face as we fight. I'm locking you p, Oliver, for your own good, and you won't escape again. This ends tonight. With you and me. The Streak versus Green Arrow, God versus Human… Barry Allen versus Oliver Queen'' Barry said as he smirked and narrowed his eyes at Oliver, who decided to try and plead with his friend.
''Barry, you don't have to this, not to protect us. We just want you back, that's all we want, even if it costs us our safety'' Oliver pleaded with his friend, letting out a more vulnerable side of him.
''But I can't let that happen, Oliver. And if it means that you have to lose me, the man I was, in order to be safe, then so be it'' Barry said loudly, making himself heard over the sound of thunder and rain falling.
''But Barry, only we can decide if our safety is worth losing the man you were, you can't choose for us…'' Oliver said just as loudly before being interrupted, already knowing what his choice would be if presented with it.
''I can! I will always choose for you if it means keeping you safe, and I won't stop, no matter what you do!'' Barry yelled, now in anger rather than to try and make himself heard, as red sparks danced in his body. Oliver tightened the grip on his bow, since it looked like this discussion was getting nowhere, this one at least. He wouldn't stop trying, though.
''Barry, please…'' Oliver started, only to be interrupted once again.
''No, that's enough! I came here to fight, and that's what I'm going to do'' Barry said, lightning flickering in his eyes as well as in the sky, as he charged at Oliver, who barely had time to grab an arrow from his quiver before Barry shouldered him, sending him to the floor near the edge of the building, but he rolled it off and with the arrow still in his hand, he aimed to Barry and shot him, but the speedster easily caught it with a smirk on his face. It wasn't long before he realized this wasn't a normal arrow, though, judging by the beeping red light in one of its sides. He quickly launched it away, barely getting it away from him before it let out a small explosion. Taking advantage of Barry's distraction, Oliver went at him and punched him in the face right as he turned around, before attacking him with his bow, but Barry managed to catch it before it hit him, prompting the speedster to retaliate with several punches to the archer's stomach, before pushing the bow away from his face and aiming a hit at Oliver's face, who managed to avoid it by ducking down, but he couldn't avoid the next punch directed at his face as well, which sent him tumbling again, almost falling off the edge, and Barry landed yet another fist on his face, which now sent him falling from the building. Luckily, the building wasn't tall, barely three floors, which meant that with some luck, if he fell to the floor he would only end with a few broken bones, but not dead. Either way, there was another building that was two stories tall right beside the one they were just fighting in, stopping him from falling to the floor, which helped a lot. But still, he wouldn't fall alone. He managed to grab a hold of Barry's suit and pushed him towards him, bringing him down as well, both of them falling to the next building as lightning continued to flare above them, lighting up the area every few seconds.
Luckily, Oliver didn't felt any bones in his body break. The fall still hurt, but the pain would pass. He started getting up, seeing Barry do the same, though at a slightly lower speed. Oliver took advantage of the momentary break in the fighting to try and reason with his friend.
''Barry…'' But he didn't got anything else, as Barry sped up at him, shouldering him in the chest, which made him slide back a bit, but he quickly regained his bearings and barely managed to block with his bow another punch to the face, which Barry followed with a punch from his other fist, and Oliver avoided it by arching his back, but Barry made a full turn and with the momentum, hit him hard in the face with his elbow, which he followed with another upper punch to the face, sending him to the floor. 'Okay, this is not looking good' Oliver thought. He needed to get some breathing room. Slowly and weakly, he took an arrow out of his quiver, making it seem like a last stand.
''What are you gonna do with that, Ollie? Hit me? You know that won't work out for you'' Barry said confidently, as Oliver kept with the act.
''We'll see'' He said, before throwing the arrow at Barry's feet, and immediately turning his face away and covering his ears. Barry barely had time to realize what type of arrow it was before it let out a flash of light, blinding him temporarily. Oliver took this chance to get up and shoot an explosive arrow right in front of Barry, before shooting a grappling arrow towards the edge of the next building. This one was bigger with much more floors, Oliver counted ten, which meant that a fall from that one to the streets would definitely mean death. As he was pushed towards the building by the grappling arrow, he heard the other arrow explode behind him, sending Barry to the floor, which would buy him a few more precious seconds of breath.
Once he got to the top of the building, he took this small break to take a couple of breaths, before taking his quiver and checking it, looking for one type of arrow in particular. He didn't kept nanite arrows in all of his quivers, but he did kept them in a couple of them, and hopefully, this one would be one of them. 'Bingo' Oliver thought when he found one after a couple seconds of searching for it. It looked like luck was on his side this time. He wouldn't use it just yet, though, he had to wait for the right chance. He put it slightly away from the rest, so that it would be easier for him to get it once he was going to use it, and instead took another arrow. Looking down towards Barry, Oliver saw that he was starting to get up. Quickly, Oliver moved to the center of the roof, since he preferred to be away from the edge of the roof once the fight continued. He took notice of how the next building was almost as high as this one, probably only two stories smaller, and it looked like it was still in construction, with another construction site besides it as well. That would be good to know, just in case.
Taking another breath, Oliver turned towards the direction he had just came from, aimed the arrow, and hoped luck would be on his side again, before he started counting.
''One, two, three…'' He counted before shooting the arrow, which soon became two, just as Barry sped towards him, right between the arrows. What the speedster hadn't expected, though, was that two wires were suddenly shot from the arrows, taking a hold of the other. So close to them, Barry couldn't come to a halt or turn around before the wires trapped him, knocking him off his feet and to the floor. Oliver decided this was the perfect chance to use the nanite arrow, so he got it from his quiver and aimed at Barry, but before he had the chance to shoot, Barry recovered from the dizziness of the hit and sped up at Oliver, slapping the bow, and while Oliver didn't lost his grip on the bow, the arrow fell to the floor. Barry followed by pushing Oliver to the floor, who looked to his right and saw that fortunately, the arrow was still intact. He had to get it back. Barry walked towards Oliver, who took advantage of their closeness and kicked Barry in the leg, who yelped in pain, before Oliver kicked him again in the other leg, making him fall to his knees. Seeing his chance, Oliver quickly got up and ran to the arrow, taking it and putting it back in his quiver. It looked like it wasn't time to use it just yet. Instead, he took another arrow and turned back to Barry right as he sped up at Oliver, who managed to duck and get behind Barry before shooting the arrow, which he managed to caught, something that once again proved to be a fatal mistake as the arrow started to disperse a gas into the air, making Barry's mouth, face and eyes suddenly feel like they were burning.
''Aaah, what did you do to me?'' Barry asked as best as he could through the irritation, his throat suddenly feeling very dry.
''Tear gas arrow. The name says it all, like the grenades used on riots'' Oliver explained.
''Ah, I see… using all your... trick arrows this time, Ollie?'' Barry asked between coughs.
''Don't worry, with your powers, the effects should stop in a matter of seconds. But that's enough for me to get the upper hand'' Oliver said, and seeing that the gas had dispersed, he walked towards Barry and hit him twice with his bow, first on the gut, then on the face, before grabbing him and pushing him towards the direction in which the eight stories building was. He didn't allowed Barry any time to recover, though, and starting hitting him in an avalanche of punches. He wasn't a speedster, but he was still very fast. With all the hits, he managed to push Barry back until the speedster was at the edge of the building. Oliver finished with another hit to the face with his bow that served to stun Barry long enough for Oliver to quickly walk back and shoot an explosive arrow at Barry's feet, who just recovered from the dizziness of the punches. He managed to notice the arrow at the last split second and tried to speed away, lightning once more dancing around his body, but he didn't had time to do so before it exploded, sending him flying towards the building in construction. Running towards the edge, Oliver saw that as luck would have it, Barry had fallen over a few tables that were covering a hole in the roof, and with the force of the impact he had broken them, causing him to crash in the interior of the last floor. Huh, it seemed like luck was definitely on his side tonight.
Oliver took a couple steps back as he took a deep breath, getting ready to jump to the building. He had done this many times before, but it was always something he should be careful doing, especially when the building was still half finished, and he did not want to end up like Barry had. He took a couple more breaths, before jumping towards the next building, rolling once he reached the ground, having landed a perfect landing right besides Barry's crash site. As for the speedster, he had recovered his briefly lost consciousness just in time to see Oliver jump towards the building. For a second, Barry was confused. What was he doing here? Had he been teaming up with Oliver? If so, what for? It was also weird not having Cisco or Caitlin yelling in his ear. Then, he remembered. Cisco wasn't on his side now and Caitlin didn't existed anymore. And Oliver… he hadn't been teaming up with him, rather, he had been fighting against him. The thoughts sparked a fury inside Barry. He wasn't that person anymore, he had changed in order to protect them, and he would prove it. He turned towards the hard concrete floor and spit a bit of blood, trying to ignore, besides the fury, the aching in his chest, which wasn't precisely caused by the fall. Though, he did had to admit, everything did hurt, which is why it was probably costing him so much to get up. He was starting to feel the tiredness as well, but he had to get up. He had to.
As for Oliver, he took a moment to look down at his defeated friend through the hole in the roof, before deciding to give talking another shot, though he did took the nanite arrow and aimed it at Barry. This was the perfect chance for shooting him with it, after all.
''Last chance, Barry. Give up… please'' Oliver ordered firmly, as Barry remained with his back facing him, his head looking towards the floor. After a few more seconds of no answer, Oliver prepared to shoot the arrow. He had given Barry enough time, and he couldn't risk it anymore. Just as he was about to shoot, Barry turned back to him, red lightning flickering in his eyes.
''Never'' Quickly, he sped back to the roof of the building. Seeing this, Oliver put the arrow back on his quiver, aware that there was no way he could hit him. Soon, Barry started running circles around Oliver, trying to get him to run out of oxygen and fall unconscious. Oliver remembered when Barry had tried a similar strategy years ago. Back then, they had been fighting for entirely different reasons. That seemed like a lifetime ago. Oliver missed those days. He wasn't entirely sure he could say they were better than this ones, but he sure preferred them.
Aware that he couldn't hit Barry and with no other choice, Oliver decided to use the same strategy he had done back then. He took another grappling arrow and aimed back at the ten floor building, but Barry saw this and before Oliver could fire the arrow, he came to a halt a few feet away from the archer and took advantage of the charge he had generated from running around him, shooting a lightning bolt at his feet, sending him crashing inside the same hole Barry had fallen through. But the speedster wasn't about to give him time to breathe. Before Oliver even made contact with the floor, Barry sped back to him and grabbed him, slamming him against several concrete columns across the building's several floors, until he was thrown back to the floor. Similarly to how Barry had done before, Oliver spit a bit of blood on the floor before doing his best to get back up as he took notice of his surroundings. They were inside the building now, being much more obvious that it hadn't finished construction, judging by the wood tables and the mantles over some walls. And with a wall still missing, they also had a direct view of the construction site that was behind them, and judging by their distance from the ground, Oliver guessed this was the third, probably second floor. He also took notice of how much it costed him to get up. Clearly, he was getting tired, and even the adrenaline from the fight was wearing off. But he still managed to pull himself back to his feet. Either way, he knew he couldn't keep this up much longer. He had to finish this, now.
''What's the matter, Ollie? Getting tired?'' Barry asked mockingly as Oliver got up.
''And you aren't?'' Oliver shot back with a question of his own, stretching his shoulders a bit.
''I still got some fight left in me'' Barry answered, closing his fists.
''In that case, so do I'' Oliver said before charging at Barry, who sped up at him.
They clashed in the middle, Oliver trying to punch Barry with his bow, but the latter grabbed it before it hit him. They both pushed towards the other, before Oliver pushed towards himself, making Barry tumble towards him, a chance Oliver took to punch him in the face, making him tumble back. Oliver then drew an arrow from his quiver and prepared to shoot it at Barry, but the speedster recovered quick and lunged himself at the archer, who managed to duck below one of Barry's sides and with the sharp arrow, cut him over his ribs, earning a small scream of pain from Barry, who took a second to look at the wound, same as Oliver. It hadn't been too deep, which meant it wouldn't have a great effect on Barry.
''Dammit, can't you people stop ruining my suit?'' Barry said, before Oliver launched the arrow at Barry who, having learned from his mistakes, directly tossed it aside instead of grabbing it. Once more Barry tried to lunge at Oliver, but the archer ducked and positioned himself behind Barry, who quickly turned around.
They both charged, meeting in the middle, as Oliver tried hit Barry on the face with his bow, and once more Barry caught it, before Oliver tried to hit him in the face with his fist, however, Barry managed to block the punch with his free hand, which led to a match of strength to see who could overpower the other. It wasn't long before Oliver started to get the upper hand. Barry may be a speedster, but Oliver was definitely stronger than he was. He knew, however, that if he won the match, Barry would speed away and try to get close to him with a different strategy, which meant that he had to surprise him now while he still had the upper hand. Without further notice, Oliver kicked Barry hard in one of his legs again, making him crouch and use the knee of that leg as support as he winced in pain. The momentary distraction also caused Barry's grip on his bow and fist to lessen, a chance Oliver took to take the bow away from his grip and hit him in the face with it, before doing the same with his fist. Oliver then realized he had to use this chance to finally put an end to this fight. Taking advantage of the momentary dizziness in Barry coming from two hits to the face, Oliver stepped back and quickly took the nanite arrow, aiming it at Barry. 'Well, third time's the charm, right?' Oliver thought, before shooting the arrow at Barry, piercing him in the shoulder. As soon as the arrow hit Barry, Oliver allowed himself to think that he could win this, that they could win this. That finally, he and his team would win this war. And while he hadn't managed to convince Barry to stand down on his own, maybe, in due time, Barry would finally see that what he had done was wrong. Maybe, one day, Barry would walk out of prison a free man, having realized the error of his ways, and willing to make amends with the people he hurt. Willing to be a hero again. Maybe, but he was sure of one thing. Like Barry had said… This ended tonight.
Barry pulled the arrow out of his shoulder as he winced in pain. It wasn't long before he noticed what was missing.
''My speed… you took away my speed'' Barry realized.
''A nanite arrow, yes. I've been waiting for the right moment to use it during the whole fight. This is it, Barry. You know you can't beat me without your speed. You lose, Barry'' Oliver said, just in case Barry didn't understood.
As for the speedster, the grim familiarity in Oliver's words didn't sit right with him, at all. It brought back memories, bad memories. And he hated it, those words: 'You lose', very, very much. He could not lose, not after everything he had done, all his efforts, not after what happened to Cisco and Wally, not when he was so close to victory, he could not lose. Helplessness overcame him. He had been helpless when his mother had died, he had been helpless when Eddie and Ronnie had died, he had been helpless when his father had died, he had been helpless when… when Iris had died. And he was helpless now. Once more that pathetic man who couldn't protect his family. But he refused to man, he would not be that man anymore. He would not lose. The helplessness started to give pass to anger, anger which Barry turned inside him, and made it become lightning.
''No, I can't lose. Not again. My… mission, it can't fail. It can't. I will not fail. I refuse. I. Will not. LOSE!'' Barry yelled as his skin lit up, lightning swirling inside him. Oliver took a couple steps back in surprise, not entirely understanding what was happening. Barry let out a scream as he felt the lightning inside him, running through all of his body, looking for the nanites, destroying them, burning them, killing them. Soon, they were all done, and Barry felt his speed back. He let part of the lightning in a small pulse of energy, while some of it stayed, dancing outside his body, powering him, yet none of it turned his eyes red beyond lightning flickering in them, meaning he was in control of his anger. He looked at Oliver, and sped at him, leaving the man no room to defend himself. He punched him in the face, drawing a bit of blood from his nose, before following up with an avalanche of punches to the stomach, making him tumble back until he was almost at the edge of the building, when Barry finished with another punch to the face, and slapped his bow away, making it fall to the ground a couple floors below them.
''No, Oliver. You are the one who loses'' Barry said, before speeding a couple feet away and turning back towards Oliver again, using the momentum to hit him hard on the chest, sending him flying towards the ground below, like his bow had a few seconds earlier. Whatever energy the rush of anger, of power had in him, had finally left him, and the wave of exhaustion returned to Barry. He had no idea he could do that, but he was glad he could. It meant he didn't lost, after all. In fact, after that beating, maybe he had even won. Barry took a second to collect himself, before walking towards the edge of the building, to see if he had finally beaten Oliver. The sight below, however, horrified him.
Oliver had fallen right in the way of a construction beam that had stabbed him through the back and was coming out through his stomach. He was still alive yet, fortunately, but he was losing blood. Barry's mind raced with a thousand thoughts per second. He suddenly became hyper aware of every single hit he had landed on Oliver, all the pain he had caused him. He had hurt him. But now, Oliver needed help, immediately.
''No, no, no, no, no, no, no'' Barry said frantically, before speeding besides Oliver, whose hood had fallen back and was no longer hiding his face, or protecting it from the weather.
''Oliver… God, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…'' Barry trailed off, not sure what to say or do.
''Barry…'' Oliver managed let out weakly. Barry's mind started to device a hundred ways of getting him out of here and back to the Bunker, or a hospital, or anywhere where he could be treated. But first, he had to pull him out of that thing.
''Okay, Oliver, listen to me, I'm gonna pull you out of this. I'm going to phase you, so that it's easier and more harmless, but as soon as I pull you out of the beam and stop phasing you, you need to put your hands in the exit wound, make pressure, okay? Judging by the entry point, you'll barely lose blood from it once I pull you out, but the exit point is a different story… Okay, you just got to make pressure, okay?'' Barry asked, and got a weak nod from Oliver.
''Okay, don't worry, everything's going to be just fine. At the count of three…'' Barry said, before taking a deep breath, and Oliver seemed to try and do something similar. ''One, two, three'' Barry finished counting before grabbing Oliver and starting to phase at the right frequency. Slowly but surely, he pulled Oliver out of the beam, until he was out completely. Quickly, he deposited him on the floor and stopped phasing him, putting Oliver's hands over the wound himself.
''Okay, that's it, make pressure, Oliver'' Barry told Oliver as he considered taking him to a hospital at superspeed. It would be risky moving Oliver at superspeed in the state he was in, and his identity would be exposed. He could also take him to the Bunker, but the only real doctor there was Frost, if she hadn't been knocked out. If she did was conscious, she probably wouldn't be interested in helping Oliver. He was sure he could intimidate her into doing so, but any loyalty he may have with Laurel and Reign, especially Reign, and maybe even Frost herself, could be lost at seeing his desperation to save one of their supposed enemies. Another place he could try would be A.R.G.U.S, considering that was more confidential, Oliver's identity probably wouldn't be exposed, but on the other hand, he would be in big trouble, especially after the battle of S.T.A.R Labs. In any case, Oliver was dying, he didn't had much time left. Barry had to choose, now.
He was pulled out of his analysis when he noticed Oliver's hands were barely making any pressure, and blood was leaking out of the wound.
''Oliver, make pressure! Make pressure, dammit'' Barry said nervously, removing Oliver's hands and making pressure with both of his own.
''Barry… you and I… we both know…'' Oliver tried to say, but Barry didn't let him finish.
''No. Don't say anything, Oliver. Save your strength, please'' Barry pleaded as he continued to make pressure.
''Barry… it's okay'' Oliver said, trying to make Barry understand. Funny, it seemed like luck hadn't been on his side after all.
''No, it's not okay. I made this to you, it's my fault. I should've never fought you, I got carried away, I…'' Barry's frantic ramblings were interrupted by Oliver, who could already feel that he didn't had much time left.
''It is okay. I'm going… I'm going to meet the family I lost now. I'm going to rest'' Oliver said. Soon, he would be reunited with everyone. With his mother, his father, his sister Thea, Shado, Tommy, Laurel, Rene, Dinah, Samantha, Nyssa, Slade, Felicity, Diggle. He would meet them all now.
''No, Oliver, don't talk like that, you're going to be okay. You're strong, okay, stronger than anyone. Stronger than I ever was, ever will be. You're better than me, you deserve to live'' Barry pleaded, tears leaking out of his face and mixing with the rain, but Oliver could already feel himself starting to slip away. It was a shame he couldn't get the chance to visit Joe in prison, like he had wanted to. That was a promise he couldn't keep. But what truly hurt him the most, even more than the injury that was draining him of life, was that he couldn't be there for William. His boy would now lose the father he had left, the one that had never seen him grow, that had only been a part of his life for so little time. Oliver would never get to see him grow even more, to graduate, get a job, fall in love, start a family of his own. He would never get to be there for his son, the thing he loved the most in the world. Oliver let out a single tear. That was truly what hurt him the most.
He looked at Barry, and gave him a weak smile, before shaking his head. Slowly, Barry, as his head hung down, seemed to come to the realization that there was nothing he could for Oliver.
''Barry, I need you to take care of William for me. Just… watch him. Make sure… make sure he has a happy life'' Oliver said, and Barry seemed like he was about to protest, no doubt to tell him he was going to live, before it closed again. A second later, he nodded.
''Okay. I'll protect him, Oliver. I'll make sure he's okay. Don't worry, he's going to be happy'' Barry said truthfully. He was going to watch over William, make sure he was okay and happy. And if he wasn't, for whichever reason, he would do anything to make him be again.
''Thank you…'' Oliver trailed off, coughing, a bit of blood coming out of his mouth. He hoped his team, the family he had formed, would be okay. He knew they were more than capable of handling themselves, but he feared that his death would take a toll in them. But he knew them, and he knew that they would rise above it, and continue to be the heroes they always have been. They would be happy, and they would continue to protect this world -and Earth-38 too- as they will know that is what he wanted. Oliver was going to miss them, for sure. And speaking of which, there was one more thing he had to ask of Barry.
''Barry, I… I need you to promise me one last thing, please…'' Oliver trailed off, feeling himself weaken.
''Of course Oliver, anything. What is it?'' Barry asked, willing to accomplish his friend's last wishes.
''This mission… it won't lead you to anything good, believe me. I… I need you to promise me… that… that you will stop this… all of this… that you will stop this mission and… and stand down… come back to… to your family… be good again. I need you to promise me that… please'' Oliver pleaded. He really hoped Barry would grant him this wish. As for Barry, he was taken by surprise. He had not expected this. He… he didn't knew what to do. He couldn't stop his mission, not after how far he had come. But his dying friend was asking him to, asking him to promise that he would. He couldn't say no to him, not now.
''I… I promise, Oliver. I'll stop this mission. I promise'' Barry said with a small smile, nodding to Oliver, who smiled weakly in return. He was glad he had gotten his friend to promise this. He hoped Barry would make true of it. It really seemed like Kara had been right. Talking did was the solution, after all.
''Thank you, my friend'' Oliver said, before coughing once again. His end was near, he could feel it. There was one last thing he had to tell Barry. In the memory of all the good and bad things they have been through together. Oliver didn't regretted any of them. Because it meant that he had gotten to know this man, and form one of the strongest bonds of his life. And even at their darkest times, when it seemed like that bond had been broken, it was clear now, right here, than that bond was still there, as strong as ever. Oliver was really going to miss Barry. Through the years, this man had become his family, and Oliver had never told him. It was time to change that.
''Barry, before I go… there is something I need to tell you…'' Oliver said as he gathered the strength to say some final words, while Barry listened intently.
''You're my friend, Barry. But more than that… no matter what, you will always be my brother. I want you to know that'' Oliver said, as Barry nodded, more tears falling from his face.
''I know, Ollie, I know. You're my brother too. There's something I need to tell you too… You saved this city, okay? You did. And I'm glad you were a part of my life, Oliver Queen. Thank you… for everything'' Barry said truthfully through his sobs.
''Thank you as well, my brother. You taught me so much… you taught me… than even in the darkest of persons… there is light. Remember that. And I'm glad you were a part of my life too, Barry Allen'' Oliver said truthfully as he looked at his friend one last time. At his brother.
''One last hug, Barry?'' He asked weakly, reversing the roles they always had, as Barry memorized every detail of Oliver's face. He was going to miss him so much. Once he memorized it, he looked at his friend one last time. At his brother.
''Of course. Come here, Oliver'' Barry said as they hugged once again, one last time. Both of them put all of the strength they had in the hug, expressing their emotions through it. Slowly, as the rain fell over his face, as he looked up at the night sky of this city he loved so much, the city that he had saved, Oliver felt how his eyelids grew heavy, and he saw his entire life flash before his eyes. All of it, from being a spoiled rich kid, to being in hell for five years, not entirely sure of who he was, to being the Hood, then the Arrow and finally, the Green Arrow, then leaving the mantle behind and then taking it again, until now. Oliver Queen remembered all of it. The good, the bad, everything. All he had lost and all he had gained. Every punch he threw, every kick he landed, every arrow he shot, every single moment, all of it made him into the man he was today. All of it led him here. And Oliver didn't regretted it. He was at peace. His life may not have been entirely happy, but it didn't mattered… Because it was full.
Barry felt how Oliver's hands slipped from his back and stopped hugging him, he heard how Oliver's breathing stopped, and he felt his body stop moving. In that moment, Barry knew, and the fear inside him grew even more that was possible. Pulling his face away from his shoulder, Barry looked at Oliver, and pleaded.
''Oliver? Oliver? Oliver, please wake up. Don't leave me, please…'' Barry said, but he got no answer. Oliver looked so peaceful, it was almost like if he was sleeping. But Barry knew that wasn't the case.
''I'm sorry, Oliver, I'm sorry…'' Barry said between sobs, repeating the same words over and over as he cradled his brother's face in his chest, hugging him tight. And as the rain fell above them, washing away the blood, as lighting flickered in the sky, and the sound of thunder went completely ignored by the speedster, one thing was certain.
Oliver Queen was dead.
Inside the Bunker, the fighting continued as Kara engaged in a heat vision match with Reign. That wasn't the only thing she had to worry about, though. She didn't saw Oliver since the fight started, and neither did she saw Barry. They definitely weren't in the Bunker, which probably meant that Barry had taken their fight elsewhere. She hoped Oliver was okay, that they both were. They probably were, Kara was well aware that Barry wouldn't hurt Oliver too much, and vice versa. But she still worried.
Her questions would soon be answered when red lightning once more filled the Bunker, and came to a halt nearby them. Momentarily, every fight stopped to see the result of the battle between their leaders. Both sides were surprised to say the least.
In front of them stood Barry Allen, his head hanging down in sadness. In his arms, he cradled the body of Oliver Queen, which was holding his bow in his inert hands. Kara hoped it only meant he was unconscious. But when she saw the blood on his stomach, as well as in Barry's hands, and then searched for a heartbeat, only to find none, she knew. Neither side attacked again.
Barry slowly walked towards one of the examination tables, and carefully set the body on it, the eyes of everyone present following him. The scene reminded him all too much of when he had lost Iris, and it made him want to vomit, but he pushed it back. He stepped back, allowing Sara and Kara to see the body. He could hear Sara's whispers, asking Oliver to wake up. Kara simply stood, on the opposite side of Sara, besides Barry, though he still kept his distance. She looked like she was in shock, but soon, it passed as she grasped the reality of the situation. The shock soon gave pass to sadness, and Barry could see how her lips trembled, struggling to stay closed. Barry felt like he had to say something, he wasn't sure what, but he knew he had to say something. He walked closer to her and made a move to put a hand on her shoulder.
''Kara, I…'' He started saying, but he was interrupted when Kara shrugged his hand off with sharpness as soon as it made contact with her shoulder, and didn't allowed to continue talking.
''Don't touch me'' She said in a whisper that sounded like a yell, bitterness and venom present in her voice. The way she said it felt like an actual punch to the stomach for Barry. The sadness was still present in her face, but there was also anger there now. Barry stepped back and looked down at his hands. Oliver's blood was all over them, but he knew that wasn't why she had pushed him away. She had pushed him away because his hands were bloody, metaphorically, not just with Oliver's blood, but with so many others. And she probably hated him for it.
He considered walking towards Sara, but he knew the chances of getting his hand broken, or worse, were big. A part of him felt like he deserved it, but at the end, he decided not to get close to any of them, and instead, speak from the distance.
''It was an accident. I didn't mean to…'' Barry said, but he trailed off. Accident or not, he had been the one to kill Oliver. This was his fault. He let out a small sigh as his head hanged down.
''I'm sorry'' He said, but his words fell in deaf ears. He turned around and slowly started walking towards his team. Kara and the rest needed time to mourn, to grief. He wasn't going to take that away from them. He didn't chanced any looks at the rest of them. He was afraid of seeing their faces, of the way they would surely look at him.
''We're leaving'' He said to his team, much to their surprises. His voice was barely above a whisper, but it was loud enough for them to hear.
''What? What are you talking about? We have them, this is our chance to…'' Laurel started saying, but Barry didn't let her finish.
''I said we're leaving! NOW!'' He started off low, but by the end he was yelling. Laurel quickly retracted for any further complaints, not that Barry would have given her the chance, as he quickly took her with him and left the Bunker at superspeed, Reign following close behind carrying Frost.
As soon as they left, a small part of the tension left the room. It was still there, though. Kara stood beside Oliver's body, at no time letting the tears flow. She was supposed to be the Girl of Steel, and yet right now, she felt like she was made of glass, barely managing to compose himself. It wasn't long before she felt a hand grasp hers. When she looked to her right, she saw that Alex stood beside her, a sad smile on her face, letting her know that it was okay to let it out. Just this time, she complied. As the tears started to come out, her sister put an arm around her shoulders, for comfort, holding her.
And as she continued to cry, Kara realized that maybe Oliver had been right. Maybe he had been right all along, and she had been too blind to see it. Maybe if she had seen it, Oliver wouldn't have -wrongly- agreed with her, maybe he would be alive right now, and Barry would have been defeated, on his way to be incarcerated.
Maybe Barry wasn't worth saving after all.
To be continued...
So, there it is, the first part of the finale (or rather, second ;). I hope you're liking it so far, especially the fight scene, which I think it's probably the best in the entire story. I literally got into the Arrowverse Wiki to look for what kind of arrows Oliver has, and see which ones he could use in the fight. So I hope you liked it... and as for the final result. I know it was unexpected, and sad, believe me, it was for me too. I cried a bit writing that part. But I really wanted something to surprise you and that really set the stakes in the finale, as well as the mood. It will be touched a lot in the second half. You didn't really think I gave Oliver all that screen time for nothing, did you? ;)
Now, as for The Speed Force's very long explanation, I felt it was necessary, just to clear a couple things, just in case. But I'll tell you one thing, just one thing, there is more to it than meets the eye. You'll see.
So that's all for now, I'll see you tomorrow in the final part of the finale. Until then :)