Well, this chapter turned out a lot longer than I expected. I hope you guys enjoy it.
Guest 2.0: Poor Barry indeed. And yet no one ever learns it.
Guest: No.
If you asked Oliver whether he preferred traveling on Ms. O'Leary or the sinking of the Gambit, he would have to say he'd prefer to go another round on the Gambit. He had to cling to the Hellhound's back side in order to prevent from falling off as wild, cold winds roared around them. Oliver was half sure his face had flown off at some point because of how fast they were going.
Then, it all stopped as they appeared on some street. Oliver, in relief, let go of Mrs. O'Leary and fell to his knees on the ground.
"Never again," Oliver chocked out as he caught his breath.
"Yeah, I had the same reaction my first time," Percy said as he got off his dog, scratching Mrs. O'Leary's ears.
Mrs. O'Leary let a pitiful whine as she laid down on the street, looking like she'd run a marathon. Despite himself, Oliver felt concern for the monster.
"She okay?" Oliver asked as he got to his feet.
"Shadow travel takes a lot a lot out of her and she already traveled from camp to Central City to find us. She'll be fine, she just needs rest," Percy said before kneeling down next to Mrs. O'Leary. "Hey girl, you rest a bit, then head back to camp. You did great."
Mrs. O'Leary let out a whine that Percy seemed to take as a 'yes'. Percy stood up and gestured for Oliver to follow him. Oliver followed Percy as they approached a building. Carved into the black marble above the door in gold letters read the words 'DOA recording studios'. Underneath on the glass doors were the words 'No solicitors. No loitering. No living'.
As they entered the building, Oliver's first thought was that Adrian Chase and Malcolm Merlyn would have felt right at home here. The walls were painted steely grey and there was black, leather furniture placed all around the room. Not a single seat was left open and, although at first glance the people there appeared normal, upon closer inspection, they appeared transparent, like ghosts.
Oliver followed Percy towards what seemed to be a podium. Standing at it was a black man, who looked at Percy with some amusement.
"Charon," Percy greeted casually.
It took only a moment for Oliver to remember who this was. The Ferryman of the Underworld, although it looked like that might have been exaggerated.
"Percy Jackson. I don't suppose you're here because you're dead," Charon said in dry amusement.
"Afraid not. We need to see Nico. It's a kind of 'end of the world' thing," Percy said. "I'm sure you'll be rewarded by Zeus for letting us in."
"Is that so?" Charon asked, sounding interested.
"And, if we're successful, Nico will be hailed as a hero. Hades will be so pleased, he might give you a raise," Percy said, sweetening the deal.
Charon seemed to weigh his options for few moments before sighing.
"You're in luck; I was just about to take the next boat down. I can squeeze you two in," Charon said reluctantly. "Come along."
Percy winked at Oliver, who was in a bit of disbelief it had been that easy. The two followed Charon to an elevator. Spirits in line were pushed out of the way, Oliver's skin crawling as he heard their voices whisper things he couldn't make out. Charon pushed two spirits back before they entered the elevator. The doors closed as it began moving. A few moments passed before the air suddenly changed.
Suddenly, they weren't in an elevator. They were in a boat. The clothes of the spirits had been replaced by grey robes as Charon now wore of a dark, black robe. The boat was running down a dark, oil like river.
"Welcome to the Underworld Oliver," Percy said, his good humor having vanished. "Where all your hopes and dreams come to die."
Earth-50, Paris
Same time
"You're sure this is where the Paragon of Hope is?" Thalia asked as she and J'onn entered a museum, J'onn holding a device that resembled a cell phone in his hand.
"According to the remote Paragon detector Cisco and Wells created for us, she's here Thalia. And within a few feet of us," J'onn said.
"Great. So all we need to do is figure out which one of them is my sister. No problem," Thalia said sarcastically.
"Excuse me?"
Thalia and J'onn both looked over at the sound of the slightly accented voice. A beautiful, dark haired woman with kind brown eyes was looking at Thalia with an odd look on her face.
"I'm sorry?" Thalia asked, feeling like she knew this woman somehow.
"I'm sorry, have we met? You seem so familiar," the woman said as she looked at Thalia with an odd look.
"I don't think so, I'm not exactly from around here," Thalia said, unable to shake the feeling she knew this woman.
"I can tell from your accent. My name is Diana," Diana said as she held her hand out to Thalia.
"Thalia," Thalia said, taking Diana's hand in a quick handshake. "I don't mean to be rude Diana, but we're kind of looking for someone. And it's important that we find them."
"We already have," J'onn said as the women looked over him, seeing him look own at the Paragon detector before looking back at Diana. "The Paragon detector is pointing us to her."
"Wait, you mean-" Thalia started, her eyes widening as Diana looked confused.
"The reason that Diana thinks she knows you is because she's your sister. Like you, she is the daughter of Zeus," J'onn said, lowering the Paragon detector as he stepped forward. "Diana, my name is J'onn J'onzz. And we need your help."
Earth-96, Metropolis
Same time
At the Daily Planet, Kara and Annabeth stepped off the elevator, Kara looking around in awe.
"Wow. This puts Cat Co to shame," Kara muttered.
"You're sure the Paragon of Truth will be here?" Annabeth asked and Kara nodded.
"If this Clark is anything like mine, he'll be here," Kara said with certainly.
No sooner had she said that then she bumped into a tall, dark haired man wearing glasses.
"I'm so sorry," Kara said immediately.
"No, it's my fault," the man said as they got a good look at each other. "Have we met before? You look so familiar."
"And you look…exactly like Ray Palmer," Kara said lamely and he raised an eyebrow.
"Who?"
"Never mind, are you Clark Kent?" Kara asked, sensing it was.
"Yes, may I help you?" Clark asked politely.
"My name is Kara, this is Annabeth, and we need to talk to you. It's not underselling it to say that the fate of the universe is at stake…Superman," Kara said and Clark straightened at those words.
"How do you know who I am?" Clark demanded.
"It's a long story that's better away from prying eyes and ears," Annabeth said as she looked around at the civilians and Clark nodded.
"We'll talk in my office," he said.
Earth-1, Mount Othrys
Same time
Barry and Patty jumped out of the Breach they had taken, on the far side of the mountain. However, almost immediately, they felt something was off. They were sounds of grunts and movements, as though something was being lifted and carried. Barry and Patty exchanged a glance, not needing words to know they were thinking the same thing. Barry grabbed Patty and sped towards the sound. From a safe distance, they stopped, staring at the source off all the noise.
Monsters, various kinds, were carrying various items towards some of device. Standing near it, working on it, was Thawne, not seeming to pay any mind to the monsters as he worked.
"What is that?" Patty whispered, careful not to alert the monsters.
"I don't know. But if Thawne is building it, it can't be good," Barry muttered.
"You know him well Barry."
Startled, the pair whirled around. Luke stood before them, dressed in the suit he'd worn earlier, a dark loo on his face.
"Luke? You're alive," Patty said in relief.
"No, I am dead, a Pariah, doomed to witness tragedy, the consequences of my actions," Luke sad in self-loathing.
"I'm gonna guess you're here now because of that machine," Barry said as he glanced back at what Thawne was working on and Luke nodded.
"When Kronos consumes the energy from each earth, he samples a small portion of it and places it in that machine. When he has enough power, he is going to use it in order to turn back time," Luke explained and Barry and Patty stared at him incredulously.
"Turn back time? Is that even possible?" Patty asked as she looked at Barry.
"I've traveled through time, but turning it back, that's another story. What's he even hoping to accomplish?" Barry asked.
"I don't know, it's a recent development. He got the idea from you two," Luke explained, causing them to look even more confused. "When Patty was possessed by Medea, Persuader came back to make sure you didn't save her and The Legion came back to stop him. That gave Kronos the idea to turn back time in order to change history."
"That's what Rokk meant, that's what changed in the future," Barry realized and Luke nodded.
"What?" Patty asked confused.
"It doesn't matter," Barry said as he turned back towards the machine. "No matter what, we have to stop that thing now before Kronos can use it. This isn't a recon mission anymore; we have to make our stand now."
"So let's go back and get the others," Patty said but Barry shook his head.
"By the time they all get here, it might be too late," Barry argued.
"He's right, you are running out of time," Luke said and Barry paused.
"Run…that's it," Barry's eyed widened as he turned back to Luke. "The energy from the other earths, it's unstable, right?"
"Yes. What are you thinking?" Luke asked as he and Patty saw Barry had a plan.
"If I can run around it, generate enough energy, maybe I can make it explode," Barry said, to Patty's shock.
"That might work. And it would also take out every monster on the mountain," Luke noted.
"Okay, just one problem. How do you plan on surviving that?" Patty demanded.
"He doesn't," Luke said when Barry remained silent.
"Rokk told me that today is the day I die. And he's right Patty. This is it. This is how I vanish in Crisis," Barry said gently.
The Underworld
Same time
After the ride from Charon, Percy began leading Oliver down a path. It didn't escape Oliver that Percy had been here before.
"Twice," Percy said when Oliver asked. "Neither time was a cheery visit with Uncle Hades. I wouldn't call him evil, but he's not the guy you want to invite over for Christmas."
"And Nico? He's one of those children of Hades you told me about?" Oliver asked and Percy nodded.
"He's a friend. If we can talk to him, I think we can get in and get out. Trust me, you do not want to stay down here for long," Percy said darkly.
Suddenly, they heard the flapping of wings. Looking up, the pair saw something flying down. It landed in front of them and stared with glowing eyes. It had leathery skin that matched the wings that sprouted from her back, a shriveled up face and talons on her feet.
A fury.
"Mrs. Dodds," Percy greeted and she hissed at him.
"You know this…thing?" Oliver asked wearily.
"Long story. We're here to see Nico," Percy declared.
"The son of Hades knows you are here. I shall…escort you to him," she hissed.
Earth-50
Same time
"Other earths?" Diana said as she, Thalia and J'onn stood in her office.
"I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. And they are being threatened by Kronos," Thalia said.
"And I'm some sort of Paragon of Hope," Diana said as she crossed her arms. "I have seen many strange things, but this is beyond all of them."
"If you need convincing, allow me," J'onn said as he stepped forward.
Diana looked at him curiously as he placed a hand on the side of her head. Suddenly, she gasped as her mind was suddenly assaulted with images.
Storms raging on Earth-38.
Pariah appearing with other heroes as he explained the situations.
Armies of monsters attacking J'onn, a blonde woman and a man dressed in a suit similar to Kal's.
The Monitor informing the heroes that Earth-38 was gone.
Diana stumbled back as J'onn lowered his hand.
"I'm sorry," J'onn apologized. "But time is of the essence. Your world, along with the rest of the multiverse, is at risk. We need your help."
"Will you help us?" Thalia asked.
"I will not stand by in the way of evil sister. If you need me, let's go," Diana said firmly.
Earth-96
Same time
"So I'm a Paragon of Truth, whatever that means, and you need me to help stop this Crisis?" Clark asked as he, Annabeth and Kara stood in his office.
"I'm sure it sounds crazy," Annabeth started.
"I've heard crazier," Clark said with a slight smile. "When do we leave?"
"Just like that?" Kara asked in surprised.
"I like to consider myself a good judge of character. You two don't seem like the deceptive type. Or good liars," Clark said. "Plus, if I can't trust my cousin from another earth, who can I trust?"
"You have a lot of plaques on your wall," Annabeth noted and Clark looked away.
"Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Lois Lane," Kara read the names before turning back to Clark. "Why are all these names on your wall?"
"A reject from Gotham felt we didn't cover him enough, so he played what he called a practical joke. He gassed the building," Clark said lowly, pain on his face. "My friends, my wife. I lost everyone in one fell swoop."
"Almost as though you'd endured a loss more than most mortal men could endure," Annabeth muttered, remembering the Monitor's words.
"You are the Paragon of Truth," Kara said after a moment.
"Then let's go," Clark said, speeding away momentarily before retuning, now dressed in his suit. "Let's stop this Crisis."
"We're with you," Kara said, blurring out as well before returning in her suit.
"Well, isn't this cute."
The trio turned around as a woman with caramel skin and long dark hair entered the woman. Her smile was supposed to be sweet, but instead seemed sinister.
"Who are you?" Kara demanded and she smirked.
"Miss Chase knew my son. He helped Kronos rise during the last war," she said and it took only a moment for Annabeth to understand.
"Ethan…you're Nemesis, goddess of revenge," Annabeth breathed. "What are you doing here?"
"My job. You see, I've had many men and women kill each before…but I've never made Kryptonians kill each other before," Nemesis smirked as she looked over at Clark. "You don't know how to unleash you pain, your rage. Let me show you how."
Clark closed his eyes, shaking his head for a few moments. When he opened them, he was not the same man. His eyes were now filled with a dark rage.
In a blur, he sped across the room and punched Kara, hard. She slammed into the wall, the plaques falling as she hit the floor.
"You don't belong here," he sneered.
"Kal, we need your help," Kara said as she pulled herself to her feet.
"Help? I couldn't even save my wife, my friends. I don't care about your Crisis or your universe! Clark snarled.
"Yes you do. If you're anything like my Clark, you care more than anyone I know," Kara tried to reach him.
"Shut up!"
Nemesis laughed cruelly, disappearing in a dark mist as Clark lunged for Kara. Grabbing her by her suit, he tossed her through the window. Glass shattered as she flew out the window, Clark taking flight and going after her. In horror, Annabeth raced to the window, watching as Kara stopped herself just short of crashing into a nearby building.
As the civilians on the street watched, Clark and Kara began a cat and mouse chase in the sky that went on for several moments. Then, they flew towards each other, their arms thrown out in a punch.
"You can't let Nemesis change you Kal! The Multiverse needs you!" Kara tried once more.
"And what about what I need!?" Clark snarled angrily.
Their fists met in the sky, the resulting shockwave sending them flying back as the glass in the nearby buildings shattered. The shockwave sent Kara crashing back into Clark's office, Annabeth just barely managing to avoid being crashed by the falling Kryptonian. Clark flew back inside and, before Kara could do anything, grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall.
"This world isn't big enough for the two of us," Clark sneered, his eyes glowing red.
"Clark…this isn't you. This isn't the man you are," Kara gasped out.
"You know nothing about me!" Clark roared.
"I know more than you think. You remind me a lot of my Clark. He was kind, selfless, the whole world respected him, he was their protector. He always tried to do what was right, no matter the personal cost. If there is any part of you that is like him…don't let Nemesis win," Kara pleaded.
For a long moment, nothing happened. Then, the glow faded from Clark's eyes. He let Kara go and she fell to her knees, gasping.
"I'm sorry," Clark said shakily.
"It's okay," Kara said messaging her throat as she got to her feet. "I know a little something about going nuts and trying to kill people."
The Underworld
Same time
When Oliver and Percy entered the throne room, escorted by Mrs. Doss or Alecto as she preferred, it was occupied. A young boy, about fifteen or sixteen, was sitting on a small, makeshift throne, wielding a dark sword. He had dark hair and eyes, along with pale skin. He was wearing a black jacket with a white T-shirt underneath and blue jeans with holes in the kneecaps.
"Nico," Percy greeted as Nico got to his feet. "Where's Hades?"
"My father is with the other gods, searching for Kronos. He left me to oversee the Underworld while he's gone. What are you doing here Percy…and who's your friend?" Nico asked as he looked over at Oliver.
"Oliver Queen, son of Artemis," Oliver introduced himself and Nico stared.
"Wasn't expecting that," Nico admitted.
"I get that a lot," Oliver said dryly.
"Nico," Percy said and Nico looked over at him. "We need your help."
"With what?" Nico asked.
"A being called Mar Novu has been sending us on a quest for the past month. He says he knows how to stop Kronos, but we need you to do it," Oliver explained and Nico raised an eyebrow.
"And you trust him?"
"About as far as I can throw him. But he hasn't led me wrong so far and I trust he wants to stop Kronos as much as any of us," Oliver said.
"Nico, we need you. And, didn't want to play this card, you still owe me for getting me locked up down here three years ago," Percy pointed out and Nico winced.
"I told you I was sorry," Nico grumbled. "Okay, I'll listen to what he has to say."
Earth-1, Mount Othrys
Same time
Barry and Patty were arguing as loudly as they could without alerting the monsters to their presence. At some point, Luke had vanished again, but neither of them were paying much attention to that.
"Patty, I have to do this," Barry insisted.
"Okay, say you're right. How do you plan to get past that army of monsters and Thawne? As fast as you are, even you can do that. It's not possible," Patty reasoned.
"Not without something to draw their attention."
The pair whirled around. Luke had returned and he wasn't alone. With him was a black man dressed in a blue suit with lightning bolts on his chest.
"Where am I? Who are you people?" The man asked as he looked around at them. "Send me back to Freeland!"
"I'm afraid we can't do that Jefferson. Your world is no more," Luke said sadly.
"My world? What are you talking about?" Jefferson demanded.
"There are multiple worlds, multiple earths. Yours…was just wiped out by a being known as Kronos," Luke said and Jefferson stood, stunned.
'"So...Lynn, my girls-"
"I couldn't save them, I'm sorry," Luke apologized.
"You should have saved them, not me!" Jefferson snarled as he got in Luke's face.
"Hey, hey," Barry said as he got between Jefferson and Luke. "I know how you must be feeling, but we cannot lose our heads. Luke, why did you bring him here?"
"Because Patty's right, you can't get through those monsters. Not without Jefferson's help," Luke said as he looked over at Jefferson. "You can draw their attention so Barry can do what needs to be done."
"And what is that?" Jefferson demanded.
"I can't stop Kronos…but I can stop what he plans to do," Barry promised and, after a moment, Jefferson nodded.
"Just tell me what to do man," Jefferson said.
"On my signal, you go out there and take out as many as you can. Once you have their attention, I'm gonna do what I have to," Barry explained and Jefferson nodded.
"No. Barry there has to be another way," Patty said desperately. "You can't-"
Patty was cut off when Barry grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss. Although surprised, Patty gave in. The two kissed passionately for a few seconds before Barry pulled back.
"I love you," Barry said emotionally. "I have tried not to; I have tried to fight it, told myself all the reasons not to. But I can't help it."
"Barry…" Patty breathed, tears falling down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry," Barry said before turning to Luke. "When that thing blows, get them out of here."
Luke nodded and Barry looked at Jefferson. With a roar, Jefferson rushed out there, raising his hand as a stream of electricity burst from his hand and deep fried an Empousa Demon. Alerted to his presence, the other monsters tried to pounce on him but, using his lightning powers, he disintegrated them. Barry wasn't sure what Jefferson was seeing, but he clearly knew that it wasn't real.
As the army of monsters tried to stop Jefferson, Barry sped towards the machine. Using his knife, he stabbed several monsters along the way. However, Thawne sped in, blocking his path.
"I don't think so Barry," Thawne said with a smirk. "I told you I'd see you in the next-"
Barry, knowing he didn't have time for this, sped over and stabbed Thawne in the abdomen with his dagger. Thawne gasped as he fell to his knees, not expecting that. Barry then sped over and started running around the machine. As he built up the energy needed, the partially built metal railing around it started to fall apart. The machine started sparking as the unstable energy inside began to have a meltdown. But Barry kept going, knowing it was necessary. It was not just his life at risk.
"No! Don't you understand what you've done?!" Thawne cried as he saw what Barry was doing.
Just like on Earth-38, Luke's hands glowed gold as little specs flew out, this time only two. Patty and Jefferson were hit, vanishing in gold flashes of light.
"Evacuate! Evacuate!" Thawne cried out.
Barry ran fast, faster than he ever had before. As the machine started to break, images suddenly flashed before Barry's mind.
His mother and father tucking hi into bed their last night as a family.
"I got you," Joe assured his child self as he held Barry.
Laughing with Cisco as they walked through Star Labs.
Singing at dive bars with Caitlin.
Drinking beers with Oliver after the Dominator invasion
Kissing Patty after their first date.
Barry cried out before the machine exploded.
The entire mountain shook from the force of the explosion. Only the fact that it was mystical prevented it from being destroyed. Every monster on the mountain was disintegrated by the blast. And, in the center of it, the only thing left of Barry Allen was a lightning emblem.
Charon would be played by Tony Todd, Alecto by Famke Janssen, Nemesis by Gina Torres and Nico by Dylan Minnette. Thank you to Aragorn II Elessar for his help with the castings.
As many of you suspected, the DCEU's Wonder Woman is the Paragon of Hope.
I just had to include Kingdom Come Superman turning evil, especially against Kara (let's face it, Kara could use to get taken down a peg or two). Oddly, Kara talking him down feels more fitting than Lois.
Despite not having seen the Black Lightning show, I really enjoyed him in Crisis and wanted to see more of him. So Jefferson will have a bigger role as opposed to Crisis.
Did I just kill Barry Allen? Well, you'll have to keep reading.