Invaded

Chapter Twenty-One: Epilogue

Author's Note: Enjoy and leave a review.

Star City
July 4
12:42 AM PDT

I wrapped my arms around myself, watching Kaldur place his bouquet of flowers at the base of Kid Flash's holographic memorial.

"Today we not only honor Wally's sacrifice to the world, but we also acknowledge our Team's anniversary," Kaldur stated somberly. Artemis melted into his side, burying her face in his neck as she cried.

I tuned out Kaldur's speech with a numbing white noise that rang in my ears.

Wally's memorial service was held at Queen Manor since both the Cave and Watchtower were now out of commission. Everyone poured in and out of the Quiver to gawk at Kid Flash's holographic statue.

I stared at the statue, watching it flicker every few seconds.

Wally is dead—there was no use denying myself of the truth, even if Dick was. Dick had refused to acknowledge Wally's death; instead, he drowned himself in theories involving the Speed Force. As much as I would love to believe that Wally was simply drifting through the Speed Force, we had no evidence to support that.

Wallace Rudolph West is dead.

"What do we do now?" M'gann asked, sniffling.

I blinked, abruptly refocusing my attention to the present.

"We begin to clear our names," Kaldur answered sternly. I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I shook my head slightly.

"What's your problem?" Connor questioned, glaring at me.

"Connor," Kaldur warned, placing a hand on Connor's arm.

"No," Connor protested, shrugging Kaldur's hand off, "Someone needs—"

"My problem is that Wally is dead. My problem is that we are all wanted criminals. My problem is that I am done being a hero and risking my life to protect this stupid ass planet and its stupid ass people."

Connor's glare intensified as he clenched his fists; before he could speak, M'gann stepped in front of him, cupping his face with her hands.

"Ashley," Kaldur said, timid, "we understand your anger—"

"No, you don't!" I shouted, "None of you will ever understand my anger when you all have someone to come home to. He was retired. This," I gestured towards Kid Flash's memorial statue, "wasn't part of the plan. We were supposed to save the world one more time and retire."

The anger that had so quickly swelled had subsided as the sadness settled.

"He's not dead," Dick stated flatly. I glared at Dick before exhaling loudly and exiting the Quiver.

Hunter sat beside me, handing me a bottle of brown liquor. He glanced around my large closet before scoffing, "This is really pathetic, even for you."

I rolled my eyes beforeing bringing the bottle's opening to my mouth. I took a swig, hissing and coughing at the burning aftertaste of the liquor. Hunter took his own swig, easing the liquor down with ease.

After the memorial service had died down, I had come to my room to be alone. Yet, within minutes, I found myself in my second closet, ripping my uniforms from their hangers, throwing boots across the room, and even breaking every mirror.

"You throwing a tantrum is really immature," Hunter stated, toying with the cap of the bottle.

Although Hunter was often too brash, he was never one to sugarcoat anything. I was always thankful for that—even when his words hurt my feelings. He always meant well, even if his method wasn't the kindest.

"I know," I admitted.

"Then why throw one if you know they're dumb?" Hunter questioned, taking another swig from the bottle.

"Because I'm angry," I justified.

Hunter glanced at me before erupting in a wry laugh.

"Hunter," I scowled.

"Oh, you're serious," Hunter paused, gathering himself, "You're throwing a tantrum because you're upset."

"Wally's dead," I stated firmly.

"So are millions in Bialya! Aren't you mad about that?" Hunter shouted, rising to his feet.

"I am!" I shouted back, rising to my own feet

"So, why aren't you shouting about their deaths too?" Hunter retorted.

"I...I…" I sputtered, unsure.

"Look," Hunter sighed, "I get it. Wally's gone, but you're not the only one who lost someone. You can't just sit in here and sulk. There are people counting on you to help pull us through this," Hunter argued.

"I'm done," I said.

"Good," Hunter nodded.

"No, Hunter," I paused, gesturing around us, "I'm done with all this. I'm done being Phoenix."

Hunter furrowed his brow, "Why?"

"I'm tired of losing," I whispered; hot tears welled in my eyes as I watched Hunter silently absorb my words. Slowly, he placed the bottle of liquor by my feet and walked towards the door of my closet. He hesitated at the threshold, glancing over his shoulder.

"If that's really your reason for quitting," Hunter said, lowly, "then you were never really a hero to begin with."