So, here we are at the final chapter. It's been a wild ride and I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Jinero: It should be up in a few months' time.
Guest 1: I disagree. I doubt it would even cross Percy's mind after three years tbh.
Guest 2: Jay was never part of the story and his earth, like Diana's, was one that wasn't really affected by the multiverse rebooting.
Olympus
Mid afternoon
After the ceremony, Zeus had decreed that a party was to be thrown in honor of the Paragons. It reminded Oliver vaguely of the galas his parents would throw every year at Christmas. Music was playing, but for the life of him he couldn't tell you what it was.
The gods had shrunken down to normal size, moving about, chatting among themselves. Percy was talking to Poseidon, the two laughing at something as J'onn and Athena talked quietly on the other side of the room. Thalia and Diana talking in the corner while Clark was talking casually with Hermes and Barry was surrounded by several gods, taking notes as he received the names of their demigod children. Oliver was standing in a secluded corner, taking a breather after being welcomed by the latest minor god into godhood.
"Exhausting, isn't it?"
At the voice, Oliver nearly jumped. Turning around, he saw Hades behind him, drinking a glass of what Oliver assumed was Ambrosia.
"My family is…a bit much sometimes. Sometimes, it helps to take a moment to yourself. I imagine you'll learn that for yourself soon enough," Hades said as he took a drink.
Oliver nodded silently as he eyed Hades cautiously. He was…not what he had been expecting when he pictured the Lord of the Dead. But he should know better than anyone that the human race fears what it does not understand. Then, he thought of something.
Reaching down, he pulled Al-Fatih's sword from his heath and offered it to Hades as the God of the Underworld raised an eyebrow.
"This sword was a gift from you to your son, wasn't it? Seems only right that I return it to you," Oliver said honestly.
Hades seemed taken back by his offer before getting hold of himself.
"I…appreciate the offer Oliver Queen, but that sword was made for a mortal, I have no use for it. Besides, I feel that it is destined for another," Hades said as he eyed Oliver thoughtfully. "You are very unusual, even for a new god. I look forward to seeing how you adjust."
With that, Hades walked off, rejoining the party. Oliver was left alone, staring down at the sword thoughtfully.
"He's right you know," Oliver looked up to see Apollo looking at him with a smirk. "That sword is destined for another owner, one besides you."
"Who?" Oliver asked.
"You'll know when the time comes," Apollo assured him. "In the meantime, go enjoy the party. Might be your last chance to enjoy yourself for a while."
Apollo walked off, leaving Olive alone with his thoughts. Placing the sword back in its sheath, Oliver rejoined the party. Spotting Barry now alone, staring down at the list of names, Oliver approached him.
"Hey," Oliver said once he reached Barry.
"Hey," Barry said, not looking up from the list, a full page.
"Those all the names?" Oliver inquired.
"No, these are about a quarter of them. But I had to stop, because I ran out of room to write," Barry said blankly. "What was I thinking? I can't do this; I can barely lead Team Flash."
"You were thinking that you care about people. Because that's who you are. The guy who didn't hesitate to come look for me when you found out I was missing. The guy who thought he was gonna die and still chose to try and stop Kronos. It's who you are Barry. Which is why I know you can do this," Oliver said passionately and Barry was silent, taken back.
"Thanks Ollie," Barry said gratefully once he got over is surprise. "I'll try not to disappoint. But before I can even start, I need to have an uncomfortable conversation with Iris."
"About Patty right?" Oliver said, smiling slightly at the surprised look on Barry's face. "You kind of made out in front of everyone before we went back in time."
"Right," Barry said embarrassed as he remembered that.
"She's the girl you were seeing when you asked my help with Vandal Savage," Oliver said and Barry nodded.
"During the last Titan War, Chiron sent her to Central City to find demigods. She was supposed to see if I was one, but she fell in love with me instead," Barry said wistfully.
"You love her," Oliver noted and Barry nodded.
"I know it's a mile passed complicated, that there's Iris, and I've tried not to. But when I thought I was gonna die; I had a moment of clarity: I love Iris, I probably always will. But I'm in love with Patty," Barry said and it was silent for a moment.
"Then you should tell her that. If this has taught us anything, it's that we never know how much time we have," Oliver said and Barry nodded.
"I will, once I tell Iris everything. She deserves that much," Barry said firmly.
"Yeah, yeah she does," Oliver agreed and it was silent for a moment. "When this started…I could never have imagined all this. Gods and monsters and Titans…"
"I think that's why they have The Mist. Some people just can't handle it," Barry said and Oliver nodded in agreement. "But even then, this new world…we need to protect it."
"The heroes need to come together, form a team so that nothing like this ever happens again. They'll need a leader," Oliver noted.
"Yeah, but who would be able to lead them?" Barry asked and Oliver gave him a pointed look. "Wait, you mean me? I think the Dominator Invasion proved I'm not cut out to lead a whole team of us."
"You weren't ready then, you are now," Oliver said simply but Barry still looked doubtful.
"I'm not like you Oliver," Barry said skeptically.
"I know, you're better. You inspire people in ways I can't. They look up to you, admire you. You help them believe in something better, you give them hope in a way I can't. It's why they look to you," Oliver said as Barry looked at him blankly. "It's why I know you can do this. You're the better man Barry. The right man."
"Couldn't have said it better myself," The pair turned around as J'onn approached them. "I don't know you as well as Oliver, but I've learned in my life that the people who don't want to lead are usually the ones best suited for it. I have every faith that you'll do just fine."
"It's not gonna be easy. It'll be hard, you'll make mistakes, you'll doubt yourself. But that's why you were chosen," Oliver finished and Barry sighed.
"Okay…okay, I'll do it," Barry said, giving in.
"You'll do great. And I'm sure Kara will agree," J'onn assured him. "I came to say goodbye. I've been talking with Athena about my new position; I need to head back to National City. Talk with Kara and Alex."
"Good luck J'onn," Oliver said and J'onn smiled dryly.
"I think I'll need it. Take care you to," J'onn said before he turned and walked off, leaving them staring after him.
"Things are gonna be different now, for all of us," Barry noted.
"Yeah, that are. Its why the world needs the Flash, now more than ever," Oliver said before looking over at Barry. "I'd like a favor."
"Name it," Barry said immediately as he looked over at Oliver.
"William…he's very mature for his age, but I don't think he'll be ready for this, to understand what happened. When you think he's old enough…would you tell him what happened? And tell him that I did this for him, so he could live his life. And that if he ever needs me, just call for me and I'll be there," Oliver said and Barry nodded.
"Yeah, yeah I'll tell him Ollie," Barry promised.
"Thank you Barry," Oliver said gratefully and it was silent between them as the two just enjoyed the party.
Arrow lair
Later
"He's been gone too long," Felicity muttered as she paced back and forth. "What could they possibly be keeping him so long for?"
"Could be anything," Roy said from where he stood in the corner.
"There hasn't been a new god in a very long time. Who knows how they'll react," Slade added with a shrug.
The lair was silent as each of them waited for Oliver to return. Laurel tried to help Felicity calm down, holding Mia in her arms while she did. Diggle, having awakened a while ago, was sitting at the computers, going over security feeds from around the city as Rene nervously cleaned his gun. Thea sat on the steps, staring absently, deep in thought. Roy stared at her for a moment before approaching her.
"Hey. How you doing?" Roy asked as he sat down next to her.
"Honestly, I don't even know. I was half sure he wasn't gonna come back, now he's a god? What does that even mean?" Thea asked, looking over at him, hoping he had some answers.
"I don't know, and I grew up around this kind of thing. I wish I had the answers for you, but I don't," Roy said and it was silent between them for a moment. "I know this is probably the worst timing in the world…but I'm sorry about leaving the way I did."
"It's okay, you were going through a lot," Thea said but Roy shook his head.
"No, it's not. I should have never left, especially not the way I did. I thought I was over it all, Luke, my dad, the guilt, but I guess some demons are a little harder to put to rest," Roy said and paused. "This whole thing with Oliver…it's given me a new perspective. Oliver, he gave up everything, his family, his life. None of us knows how much time we have…and I don't want to spend another day without you."
"I…don't know what to say," Thea said after a moment.
"You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know how I feel," Roy said.
Hearing the ding of the elevator, everyone looked up as the doors opened and Oliver got off.
"Sorry I kept you waiting so long. There was a party in our honor," Oliver apologized.
"A party? You stayed for a party?" Diggle asked incredulously.
"When the gods throw a party in your honor, you stay for the party," Roy said blankly and Oliver nodded in agreement.
"There were was also a ceremony where Zeus welcomed me as a god," Oliver noted.
"What does that mean exactly? I-I don't understand," Felicity said confused.
Oliver stared at her for a moment, trying to gather the worlds. He knew that Felicity, someone who based her entire life around being smarter than everyone else, would have a hard time understanding this. He just hoped he could help her understand.
"Guys, can Felicity and I have the room?" Oliver asked.
"Yeah, yeah sure," Diggle said, sensing this was a private conversation.
After a moment, everyone walked out, leaving only husband and wife together.
"I'm sorry," Oliver said once they were gone. "I know this must be confusing. It was for me to at first. I wish I could show you what happened, help you understand."
"Oliver, why does it feel like you're trying to say goodbye?" Felicity asked a sinking feeling in her stomach.
"Because that's exactly what I'm trying to do," Oliver said as he walked over to her. "The gods, they're real, my mother, my birth mother, is Artemis, goddess of the hunt. And in order to make sure we all survived the Crisis, I had to become a god to."
"This is insane," Felicity said in disbelief and Oliver cracked a tight smile.
"It is," Oliver agreed. "I had a hard time with it to. I wish there was another way Felicity, but there are laws. I can't stay here. I can't go back with you. I'm a god now, I don't belong here anymore."
"No, there has to be another way," Felicity said immediately in denial.
"There isn't. What's been done to me, it can't be undone. My mother confirmed it," Oliver said as he gently took her in his arms. "I'm sorry, you deserve better than this. But you need to be strong for Mia. She'll need her mother."
"She'll need her father to," Felicity protested and Oliver smiled sadly.
"I will always be there, watching over her. But I can't be present as she grows up. She'll need you for that. And I know you will do the right thing by her," Oliver said, his voice thick with emotion.
Felicity, words failing her, clung to him as she cried into his shoulder. Oliver simply held her, stroking her hair as he silently wished that things could be different.
Star Labs
Same time
"I need a drink," Joe muttered, sitting down after Team Flash, plus Patty, had finished explaining everyone. "So, the gods from Greek myth, Zeus, Athena and all them, are real? And Barry's mom was Aphrodite in human form. And Kronos was the one behind the Crisis. And Oliver Queen is now a god. Did I get that all right?"
"I think that covers it," Cisco said.
"It doesn't get any easier when you've had to grow up with this, trust me," Patty muttered.
Iris, who had been silent for most of the explanation, finally spoke up.
"And you've been with Barry through all of this?" Iris asked as she looked at Patty with a suspicious look on her face.
"Not the whole time, no. I ran into him about two weeks ago, after he found out about his mom. He helped me out of a tricky situation," Patty explained as she thought of Medea. "It's kind of a complicate story."
"You're a daughter of Athena," Iris said and Patty nodded. "Did you know about Barry when you left?"
"Not for certain. When I figured out he was the Flash, I thought he might be a demigod, but I didn't know for sure until he nearly stabbed me with a Celestial Bronze knife two weeks ago," Patty explained and everyone stared at her incredulously.
"Allen nearly stabbed you?" Harry asked and Patty nodded.
"You're sure we're talking about the same guy here?" Ralph asked skeptically.
"When you get attacked by monsters every few hours, you shoot first, ask questions later."
The ground of six whirled around as Barry walked into the room. Joe got to his feet, examining Barry. There was something…different. It was Barry for sure, but it was the little things. The way he walked, the way he carried himself, even the look in his eyes. It was still Barry, but at the same time, he was not the same man who had left Central City all those weeks ago.
"Barry," Joe said and a slight smile flashed across Barry's face.
"Hey Joe," Barry said before he turned to look at Iris, his smile fading a bit. "Iris."
"Barry," Iris said, surprised by how awkward she suddenly felt.
For weeks, she had wanted him to come home, wanted to scream at him, demand answers. But now that he was finally in front of her, she found herself at a loss for words.
"Guys, can you give Iris and me the room?" Barry suddenly asked, taking everyone back.
"Sure, we'll give you two some privacy," Caitlin said, shooting everyone else a pointed look.
"Yeah, okay. Good to have you back buddy," Cisco said as they all left.
Patty shot Barry one last look before following after the others, a look that Iris noted that Barry returned. An uncomfortable feeling began to form in Iris' chest.
"I'm sorry," Barry said once they were alone, taking Iris back. "I know you must be confused and angry with me, I don't blame you."
"Why didn't you come home?" Iris demanded.
"I had some things I needed to work through, things I needed to figure out by myself," Barry explained.
"But you didn't do it by yourself, did you? You did it with Patty," Iris accused.
"Patty had nothing to do with it," Barry said but it sounded hollow even to his own ears. "Okay, maybe just a bit. But this wasn't about you or Patty. This was about me."
"And what did you figure out, huh? Why did you need to leave in order to do it?" Iris demanded angrily.
"I've lost who I am with you," Barry said, taking her back. "After my dad died, I couldn't lose anyone else. So I clung to you, not even realizing the damage I was doing to everyone around me."
"Barry, what are you talking about?" Iris asked confused.
"By clinging onto you so hard, I've pushed everyone else away. Look at what happened with Wally. He left because I was too focused on you to help him find a place here," Barry pointed out.
"Barry, Wally made his own choice," Iris argued.
"Maybe, but I can't help but feel I could have done more for him if I actually tried to reach him," Barry argued back. "And that's not the point. Iris, I love you, I do. But being with you has made me the worst version of myself. If I'm going to be the hero this city deserves, I have to be the best version of me."
"Barry, we can go to counseling for that," Iris argued.
We could," Barry agreed. "And maybe it would work; maybe I could find a way to be the best version of me without ending this. And I know I would be a good and faithful husband to you. But you deserve a husband who is more than just faithful. You deserve a husband who loves you and only you. And that's not me. I can't stay married you to you while I'm really in love with another woman."
"W-what?" Iris stammered, looking like her whole world had been stolen as Barry looked at her with compassion.
"I'm sorry Iris. I don't want to hurt you, but if I don't hurt you now, I'm going to hurt you worse in the future," Barry said compassionately.
"Patty. You're talking about Patty," Iris realized and Barry didn't bother telling a lie. "Barry, please don't do this. We took vows, we love each other."
"I do love you Iris, But what I've learned from my mother is that there is a difference between loving someone and being in love. And I'm not in love you," Barry said gently, hating the pain he could see on Iris's face. "I'm sorry, but it's over. You can keep the loft; I'll be by to pick up my things later in the week."
Barry almost leaned in to plant a kiss on her forehead, but thought better of it at the last second. He then walked out, cringing as he heard Iris start crying. But he knew he had made the right choice. Iris would move on, but he knew he would regret it for the rest of his life if he let Patty walk away a second time.
Star City Cemetery
Night
Laurel was on her knees, crying as she stared at Quentin's grave. Behind her, Sara stared at her sister sadly, knowing how hard this was for her, as she had always been closer to their father than Sara was. While Sara had certainly loved their father as much as Laurel, Laurel had undeniably had a stronger bond with him.
"I'm sorry," Laurel said thickly and Sara looked at her confused. "I'm sorry that I'm back and he's not."
"Don't ever say that," Sara said fiercely as she walked, kneeling down next to her sister. "You think I could have chosen between you two if I could? I'm just glad you're alive and wherever he is, dad's glad of that to. Don't ever be sorry that you're alive."
Laurel didn't respond, just clung to her sister as she cried, Sara holding her as Laurel finally allowed herself to mourn their father.
Arrow lair
Same time
Oliver stared at his suit display, deep in thought as Diggle walked up next to him.
"So this is it then. The mission is finally over," Diggle noted and Oliver chuckled.
"The mission will never be over, but it is for me," Oliver said before pausing. "Can I give you some advice?"
"Well, you're probably due, sure," Diggle joked and Oliver smiled tightly before speaking.
"Walk away," Diggle was taken back. "I don't get to go home to my wife and children. You still can. But not if you stick around here, going out there and risking your life. Slade told me once that we can only walk in two worlds for so long before we have to choose. He was right. I chose this and look what it cost me. Don't make my mistake John, walk away."
"I will consider it," Diggle said after a moment. "I'm gonna miss you man."
"Waste of time," Oliver said, smiling at Diggle's look of consider. "I'll always be there, watching over you, over all of you. Even if you can't see me, I'm never really leaving you guys."
"Right. Guess I'm still getting the hang of this 'god' thing," Diggle muttered.
"So am I," Oliver admitted.
Out of the corner of his eye, Oliver spotted Roy walking over to the elevator and knew it was time.
"Time for the finishing act," Oliver told Diggle. "Roy."
Roy paused as he heard Oliver call his name. Turning around, Roy saw Oliver and Diggle approach him.
"What's up?" Roy asked.
"You got any plans?" Oliver asked.
"Well, I was gonna go grab some dinner," Roy asked, although he had the sense that Oliver wasn't just asking about tonight. "What's up?"
"Before I leave tomorrow…I have something I want to give you," Oliver said.
Roy raised an eyebrow as Oliver walked over to a corner. Picking up a case, he walked over to a table. After a look from Diggle, Roy followed him. The two men neared the table as Oliver placed the case on it. Oliver opened it up and Roy looked inside, surprised at what was inside.
"It's your bow," Roy said dumbly and Oliver nodded.
"Try it on," Oliver said simply.
In disbelief, Roy looked over at Diggle, who only gave a slight nod. After a moment of hesitation, Roy reached into the case and pulled out the bow. Roy gave it a few whirls, getting a feel for it. It felt…strange to be holding Oliver's bow.
"How does it feel?" Oliver asked.
"Like it's someone else's," Roy said honestly.
"It isn't," Oliver said simply.
Roy straightened, the bow feeling a little heavier in his hands now. When Oliver had asked him to carry on as the next Green Arrow, Roy hadn't thought he was serious. But with the way Oliver was looking at him, there was no doubt now.
"Thank you. I'll do my best," Roy said humbly as he held out his free hand to Oliver.
"I know," Oliver said as he took Roy's hand in a handshake. "That's why it's yours."
Star Labs
Same time
In the longue, Barry was staring out the window, looking over Central City, deep in thought. Hearing someone walk up behind him, Barry turned around and saw it was Patty.
"Hey," Barry said before wincing. "Okay, that was lame."
"Really lame," Patty agreed with a smile before frowning. "You okay?"
"Well, I just told my wife our marriage was over, I'm kind of homeless, and Joe and I had…words," Barry said with a wince. "Besides that, I'm good."
"I'm sorry. I never wanted to blow up your life," Patty said in guilt.
"You didn't," Barry said immediately. "Patty, this is on me, not you. I never should have let you leave without fighting for you; I've regretted it every day since. And I couldn't let you leave again without letting you know I feel. Iris is my first love, I'll never forget her. But you are the love of my life; it just took me until now to see it. Even if you say no, that you don't feel the same way, it won't change my mind, because I can't lead Iris on."
"I used to have this fantasy in my head," Patty said after a moment. "That we'd run into each other, that we'd catch up and, out of nowhere, you'd kiss me. I kind of lost hope after I heard about you marrying Iris, but I couldn't help but return to it time to time."
"It's not a fantasy anymore," Barry said as he walked over, taking her face in his hands.
Patty closed her eyes as Barry leaned down, their lips meeting in a kiss. They kissed for a few moments before they heard a cough. Breaking apart, they saw Cisco, who had coughed, Caitlin Ralph and Harry standing behind them, all with red faces.
"So, should we come back or…" Ralph trailed off uncomfortably.
"No, it's fine," Patty said as Barry's hands dropped to his sides.
"We heard about you and Iris, sorry buddy," Cisco told Barry.
"It's fine. But I don't think she or Joe will be coming around here anytime soon," Barry noted.
"She can't anyway, this is a business in this new multiverse Headquarters is usually your and Iris' loft," Harry pointed out.
"I guess for right now, it'll be my place," Cisco noted.
"Just until we can find a new place to set up shop," Barry said and Cisco nodded.
"I'm glad your back. Being leader is…harder than you make it look," Caitlin admitted.
"I'm sure you did fine," Barry assured her. "Do you mind leading for a few more weeks?"
"You going somewhere?" Ralph asked as they all looked at Barry curiously.
"I'm starting an organization, well, two actually. I need a few weeks to get things up and running. While I do, I need you guys to handle things here. If you absolutely need me, just call. But outside emergencies, can you handle things?" Barry asked.
"Of course. Do what you have to," Caitlin said and Barry nodded.
"When things are more settled, we'll all go out for drinks, on me," Barry promised.
Arrow lair, next day
Afternoon
Slade poured nine glasses, eight filled with Australian Rum, and the other filled water. He passed the one with water to Laurel before passing out seven of the others to Diggle, Roy, Felicity, Thea, Rene, Sara and Oliver before picking up the last one himself. For a few moments, it was silent.
"Well, this is depressing. This feels more like a funeral than a going away party. I'm not dying guys," Oliver pointed out.
"We know kid," Slade said lowly.
"It's just…hard to say goodbye," Sara said, trying not to cry.
"It's not really goodbye. Like I told John last night, even if I can't be right there with you, I will always be watching over you. And if you guys ever need my held, just call for me and I will be there," Oliver vowed before raising his glass. "I propose a toast."
"What are we toasting to?" Diggle asked.
"To all of you. To those of you who have been with me from the beginning. To those of you whose journeys have just begun. To those of you who have somehow returned to us," Oliver said as his eyes lingered on Laurel for a moment before returning to the others. "Because without each of you, I would not be standing here. And I know that all of you will do your best to carry on the mission in your own ways. So to you."
"To us," Roy toasted as they all took a drink.
Once the glasses were empty, everyone put them down. Oliver then walked forward, reaching Rene first.
"Thanks for never giving up on me. I know I didn't make it easy for you," Rene said and Oliver chuckled.
"Trust me Rene; my teachers were a lot harder on me than I was on you. You're a good man. And I know you'll be a great mayor," Oliver said with a smile.
Rene chuckled before the two shared a hug. Letting Rene go, Oliver then made his way over to Diggle.
"You think any more about what I told you?" Oliver asked and Diggle.
"I did. And I decided that I'm gonna take some time off, then go from there," Diggle said and Oliver nodded.
"Sounds like a good start," Oliver said before the pair hugged. "See you John."
"See you Oliver," Diggle said as they let go.
Oliver then made his way over to Sara, who looked somber.
"Out of everyone, I never thought I'd be saying goodbye to you," Sara said and he smiled slightly.
"Like I said, this isn't a goodbye," Oliver said before they hugged. "Stick around for a while. You never know how much time you have."
"Way ahead of you. I told Nate to handle the Legends for a while so I can spend some time with my sister," Sara said as they let go, Sara glancing over at Laurel.
"Smart choice," Oliver said before walking over to Laurel. "I'm glad that I got the chance to see you again, one more time. You're one of the best people I know. And I know that you will go on to do great things, as Laurel Lance and the Black Canary."
"I'll try," Laurel said emotionally as they hugged. "Take care of yourself Ollie."
"You to Laurel," Oliver said before they let go. "You have a second chance at life. Don't waste it."
Laurel nodded before Oliver walked over to Felicity. Her eyes were red from crying but she stood strong.
"Before I go, there's one more thing I have to ask," Oliver said and she looked at him curiously. "William and Mia, I don't want them raised apart. I want them to grow up with each other. Make sure they get that chance."
"Of course," Felicity said with a jerky nod.
"I know it's gonna be hard on you, but I'm always watching, "Oliver said gently before kissing her lightly. "I love you."
"I love you to," Felicity shakily. "I just…"
"I know, me to," Oliver said with a sad smile.
Letting her go, Oliver then walked to Roy, who stood patiently.
"They'll all be looking to you now," Oliver told him.
"I know. I'll do my best," Roy promised. "Thank you. You gave me a purpose, made me see I could do more with my life. I won't waste it."
"I know," Oliver said before the two shared a hug. "And I know you'll do great."
Letting Roy go, Oliver then walked over to Slade.
"Hard to believe this all started when I walked into the fuselage, huh?" Oliver asked.
"Seems like a lifetime ago, several," Slade agreed. "I know what you're going to say and I'll keep my promise kid."
"I know. You're a good man Slade; I know that better than anyone. Don't let your guilt over the past stop you from enjoying life," Oliver said, holding out his hand to Slade, who took it in a firm handshake. "Thank you Slade. For everything."
Slade nodded as they dropped hands, leaving only one last goodbye. Oliver walked over to Thea, knowing this would probably be the hardest one.
"You think I'd be used to saying goodbye to you by now," Thea said with a weak smile.
"Some things you never get used to," Oliver, pulling her into a hug. "I love you Speedy."
"I love you to," Thea taking in a few breaths before letting go. "And I will always love you, whether you're here or on Mount Olympus."
"I know," Oliver said as a feeling of certainty came over him. "I have something for you."
As Thea raised an eyebrow, Oliver drew Al-Fatih's sword. Apollo had said he'd know when the time came and he did. Somehow, he knew without a doubt that this sword belonged with Thea.
"This sword belongs to the heir of Ra's al Ghul. It should go to you," Oliver said as he held it out to Thea.
"I don't know," Thea hedged. "What do I have use for a sword for?"
"To lead," Oliver said, taking Thea back. "Maybe instead of remaking the League of Assassins, you can make it into a League of Heroes."
"Making the Assassins that killed into a force for good. Malcolm would roll over in his grave," Thea noted before grinning as she took it. "Okay, I'm game. Just don't know where to start."
"I know Barry was planning on making an organization, sort of an Outreach Program for demigods. Maybe start there," Oliver suggested.
"Yeah, maybe," Thea mused before it got quiet. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you to," Oliver said before looking around at the others. "I'll miss all of you. My time may be over, but yours is just beginning. Good luck."
Oliver walked over to the elevator and pressed the button. The doors opened and he walked in. Stepping inside, Oliver nodded at them before the doors closed. Then, it was silent.
"So…what do we do now?" Rene asked.
"Now…we continue the mission," Roy said lowly.
Camp Half-Blood, a few weeks later
Afternoon
On the beach, a crowd was gathered. Percy stood next to Aphrodite in a tux, watching as Annabeth, in a white dress was escorted by her father.
A distance away, Luke watched this, out of view from everyone else, a smile on his face.
"Not planning on joining in?" Hades asked as he walked up beside Luke.
"No, I've caused enough trouble for her. Let Annabeth have this," Luke said before glancing over at Hades. "What do you want?"
"I'm to tell you the good news," Hades said before pausing. "Looks like I'm too late. "
Confused, Luke looked down, stunned as he saw that he was fading, his skin translucent.
"What's happening to me?" Luke demanded.
"Your punishment is over. Your penance has been served. By helping stop Kronos for good, you've paid for your sins. Now, you can finally rest Luke Castellan," Hades said as Luke finally faded.
Central City
Same time
In the Star Labs hanger where the Earth-1 heroes had trained against Kara for the Dominator Invasion, Barry looked around, satisfied. With help from Harry in regards to equipment, Barry had spent the last few weeks revamping the hanger, turning it into a sort of base. There was still room for improvement, but now the hanger resembled Team Arrow's bunker more than it did a plane hangar.
"You okay?" Patty asked as she walked up to him.
"Yeah. Just…taking it all in," Barry said.
Barry then turned around; taking note of the team he had assembled. Kara. Clark. Mari McCabe. Even Jefferson. It wasn't much so far, but Rome wasn't built in a day. It was a nice start though.
"Okay team. Let's get to work," Barry ordered.
Let's be honest, Crisis should have ended with Barry taking command of Earth-Prime's heroes. But since Oliver and Barry seem to be the writers' favorite 'how can we shit on them today' targets, we're forced to make it happen in fanfiction.
Hope I did okay on the beak up scenes between Oliver/Felicity and Barry/Iris. Not really a fan of either couple but tried to keep everyone in character.
Roy Harper is the only acceptable successor to Oliver as the Green Arrow. That's it, just him.
I went back and forth on what to do with Luke but ultimately, I think him finally atoning for what he did and finding peace is a good ending for him.