The Bolt Episode 17 Calm before the Storm

Earth 1

Rose marched through the hallways of Light-Speed Labs, her fists clenched at her sides. First Sean vanishes, then Olive. The situation was getting complicated and she was becoming more worried every second. So, she looked into what happened that morning with the dimensional rift. The best way to do that was to use the computer Peter used to research it. And what she found was not something she liked. In her anger, she bursts into Peter's office, slamming the door behind her.

"You are unbelievable," She said, marching over to her desk.

"I don't know what you mean," Peter said, looking very puzzled as to why she was so angry.

"Don't lie to me! What you did was selfish and cruel! You endangered innocent lives for what?! An experiment?!"

"What are you-"

"You opened the dimensional rift that Sean had to stop!" She shouted, "I checked your computer, you're the one that fed the rift takions to cause a reaction. You wanted Sean to try and stop it, you KNEW what would happen! Why did you do it?!"

As calmly as he could, Peter stood from his desk and addressed her, "It was to research the dimensional energy of the Multi-Verse."

"The …what?"

"Believe it or not, it's real. And as long as Sean remains in one of these other worlds, I collect data on it and how it works thanks to the sensor in his suit."

She didn't know whether he was messing with her or not. With everything the world has seen, the multi-verse theory isn't too far off.

"You wanted me to be more truthful," he continued, "You're welcome. Sean will find his way home I'm sure. In the meantime, I have work to do."

There was a lot to process in that explanation. Perhaps he was messing with her about the multiverse, but what if he wasn't? If dimensional energy exists, maybe it's not too far off. Either way, Peter deliberately did this, and all for research. Sean, and likely Olive, are lost somewhere. And it's all because of Peter. He doesn't really care about them, not like she did. They were good kids and they didn't deserve this.

She's sick of secrets, so it's time that they finally ended.

The Bolt

Earth 47

Everyone in the cortex stared at Sean, completely baffled. The fact that he would consider making a deal such as this one was unbelievable. Sure, it was selfless, but still unexpected. Olive most of all couldn't believe what she had heard. After the argument he put up about being The Bolt, he was suddenly ready to give everything up? That just didn't seem right to her; The Bolt was who he was, why would he surrender it so easily?

"Sean, you're joking right?" Olive asked, denying the facts, "You can't seriously be considering giving up your speed?"

"I have to," He said, "Doctor Fate has the ability to remove a Meta-Humans powers. If we can trap Daniel, we can remove his speed. In return, I allow Fate to remove mine as well. No fuss."

"Sean!" She shouted, "This is insane! You didn't even do anything wrong! It was all an accident!"

"If it were up to me," Said Kent, reminding everyone he was there, "I would pardon him. Unfortunately, the helmet has a mind of its own. I can't be apart from it forever; eventually it will draw my mind back to it. Sean is making a sacrifice for the greater good."

"Bull crap!" She scolded, catching everyone off guard, "I am not ok with this! There had to be another way! Destroy the helmet for all I care!"

"That will be nearly impossible, miss Camellia," Kent said calmly, "This deal is the best option to avoid any further damage and conflict."

Sean tried to comfort Olive, but she refused him and stormed out of the room. Everyone stood in silence as they waited for the tension to go down. After a minute that felt to stretch forever, Sean finally spoke.

"So, we need to set a trap for Speed Demon. Does anyone have any ideas? Kent?"

"I do, actually," Kent confirmed, "I can create a kinetic energy bubble around him. The harder he attacks, the more energy he'll feed into it. He won't be able to escape. After that it's a matter of the right spell to remove his powers. It will however be up to you and Wallace to lure him into the trap."

"Sounds like a plan. We can finally bring this to an end," Said Wally, "And if we need a lure, I think I know someone who can help with that."

Olive sat in the speed lab, her back against the wall farthest from the door. She felt so emotionally confused right now. What was she supposed to feel about this? She understood that Sean was making a sacrifice to stop a bad guy, but this isn't even their world. Maybe that doesn't matter, but what about back home? As Virtue, she can't fight the city all on her own. She may have powers, but she's always had Bolt to back her up in the field. She prayed that he had some kind of backup plan to avoid this but knowing him that it wasn't the case. He fully intended to own up for a mistake that wasn't even his own, how was that fair on any earth?

She lifted her eyes at the sound of footsteps echoing through the room. Linda was making her way over to the teenage girl, her arms crossed, "Hey there, that spot free?" She pointed to the empty spot next to Olive. Nodding, Linda sat next to her.

"What are they talking about in there?" Olive asked.

Linda sighed, holding her knees close to her body, "They are thinking of a way to take away Daniels powers. But I came to see how you were doing?"

Olive scoffed, "I honestly don't know. I can't believe Sean would pull a 180 like this. He's been talking a lot about how The Bolt is who he is, then he turns around and is suddenly ready to give it up?! I mean, he's starting to drive me crazy!"

Her shout of emotion caused the table across the room to suddenly go flying. In a spurt of purple light, it crashed into the wall and broke. Both Linda and Olive recoiled from the damage, looking at each other.

"…Well I can see you are upset," Linda said, "Boys are strange in the way they work. They're like a whole other species sometimes."

"Tell me about it."

"Look, I've only known Sean for a few days but he seems like a good person. He's willing to sacrifice a lot to protect people, that probably includes you. You're together, right? It seems like he cares a lot about you."

Olive sighed, "I said I loved him. Over a com when I wasn't sure if he was listening, but I said it in a way where I meant it. I know we're kids, and we have so much more time to experience relationships. But after everything that we've been through, I feel I can really say how much I care about him."

Linda nodded, "I think I get what you're saying. I can't tell you how much I hated The Flash way back in the beginning."

"Really? Aren't you two married?"

"Yeah, now we are. But it was different at the start. I thought Flash was causing more harm than doing good. But then I found out who he was, he made me swear to keep it a secret. And eventually, we got together. When Wally proposed, I was dumbfounded. Because how was he going to be The Flash and still have time for me? So, I started helping him here at S.T.A.R Labs."

"Is this the life you would have chosen otherwise?"

There was a small pause for Linda, as she decided on truth or false, "This life isn't easy. You have to earn those special moments of peace. I hope one day we can put all of this behind us and start a real life. But I know how much it means to Wally to protect the city. That's why I helped convince Wally to keep the mask. Because even if it means more time with me-"

"It means he may not be happy," Olive finished, "I get it. Relationships go two ways."

"They do," Linda smiled, bumping Olives shoulder, "If it still bothers you so much, you can try talking to him."

"'Try' being the keyword. Superheroes are stubborn. Which, technically, includes me."

Smiling, Linda wrapped an arm around Olive sympathetically.

Wally stepped up to the door with a sigh, knocking on it gently and immediately stuffing his hands back in his pockets. He's been so busy with all that's happened that he hadn't seen his family in a few days. They must have been worried about him, especially considering his day-job.

Opening the door, a woman in her late twenties faced him. Her skin matched his; she wore a grey pencil skirt and black heels. She gave him a smile, knowing him well, "Hey Wally, what are you doing here?"

"Hey Iris," He replied, "So, we kind of need your help with something. It's about Daniel."

"Daniel?"

"Yeah. We may know how to remove his powers and finally stop him. But we need a lure."

Iris sighed, rubbing her left temple, "And then what? Taking his powers away won't change who he is."

"Iris-"

"I'll help, Wally. But you need to realize that jail isn't going to change Daniel."

Of course, Wally knew this to be true, but he didn't care. This was their brother; their own flesh and blood. If he didn't do something, it would almost feel wrong otherwise. It's not just because he's the Flash. It's also because he's Wally West.

"Thank you, Iris," he said, "We have some new friends we should introduce you to before we get started."

"Sure, but dad wanted to talk to you first."

Joe wanted to see him? That's not usually the case unless he's done something wrong, "Ok, head to S.T.A.R. Labs and get acquainted. I'll talk to dad."

Nodding, Iris walked to the car in the driveway, and quickly took off down the road. Wally walked into the house and saw Joe sitting in his wheel chair, staring at the TV. Some soap drama was playing, and Joe seemed interested.

"Hey dad," Wally said, grabbing his attention as he sat on the couch, "How have you been?"

"I've been good, Wally," he said, turning his chair to him, "How about you?

Wally sighed, and pulled something out of his pocket to show his father. It was the toy racecar Sean gave him. In seeing it, Joe smiled, "I see he got to you, huh?"

"He was right. Someone has to be The Flash."

"That's good. I'm proud of you, Wally. Central City needs the Flash."

"Just wish It didn't have to be me."

Joe sighed, "I know that Barry being gone is sad. But I think it's time we moved on. I knew him better than you. I helped raise him. But I also know that despite how sad I am, it gives me comfort that even though he's gone, he died saving people. The Flash puts others first before himself. That's why he passed the cowl onto you."

Smiling, Wally put a hand on Joe's knee, "Thanks dad, that means a lot."

The mask of The Bolt hung in the owner's hands as he spun around in the wheelie chair. The cortex was empty of everyone except for Sean and Kent. Kent appeared to have been using the white board t work out some equations. Though they looked more related to the mystical arts than scientific. It had been some time since the young speedster even made eye contact with the wizard, and for good reason. Once their plan goes into motion, they would be a step closer to the end. The end of Sean's speed.
Was he ready to give it up so easily? No. Did he know that it was the right thing to do? Honestly, he wasn't sure about that either. He was running out of options, and Doctor Fate would just keep hunting them. Even if they tried to get rid of the helmet, it might just use some kind of magic to find its way back to Kent. Then they would be right back at square one. For the time being, this was the best and only option. Though if it's the best and only option, by default, it's also the worst.
Kent looked back at Sean with a look of worry. He could clearly see the teenager's turmoil, and sighed with grief, "I do want to apologize for everything, Sean White," He said, "I know you're sacrificing a lot for a world that isn't your own. If I could so something about the situation, I would. But it's hard to change Fates mind once he's made it."

"You've been with him for a while, right?" Sean asked, "There isn't anything you can do to change his mind?"
"I'm afraid not. The decision must be his and his alone. There is only so much that I can do to influence him."

Sean nodded, slumping into his chair. He wanted to think of ways he could get out of this scenario and keep his speed. But he had a feeling that losing it was going to be his fate, and there wasn't a lot he could do to change it. To clear his head, he stood up and left the cortex. Kent watched as he left; a look of guilt plastered on his face.

As he traversed the halls, he found his way into another laboratory; It looked like a medical bay. He walked in, shutting the door gently behind himself and observed the rooms and its contents. There were tools scattered on tables, and wires that hung from desks. On the other side of the room was a chair where a patient would sit while being treated. The scene looked too familiar to him, but like always, he could not remember anything.

"I imagine it's tough," Cisco stood at the entrance of the room, his elbow resting against the wall, "Not remembering who you are."

Sean sighed, turning to face him, "Yeah, it is. At the same time, I'm afraid to find out. Like, even this room hints at something in my memory, but nothing comes up."

Cisco rubbed his chin, holding his elbow with the other hand, "Maybe I can help you with that," he said with a grin, "If you think you can remember something right now I could try and vibe us there."

"'Vibe' us?"

"My abilities are pretty cool. Not only can I open breaches to places on this earth, and In the multiverse, but I can also see into peoples past. My ability is being able to tap into the energy of the multiverse. It leaves room for possibilities."

Sean stepped closer, crossing his arms as he listened, "You could vibe me there?"

"It's worth a shot."

This was the first time he had ever had the opportunity to see into one of his memories. If this version of Cisco is telling the truth, then maybe he could finally get some answers. Nodding, Sean took Cisco's hands, and they closed their eyes. He waited for whatever was to come.

A faint ringing entered his ear, as flashes of blue flooded his eyelids. He didn't feel as though he moved, but when he opened his eyes, the area around them was different. They must have entered the memory that was escaping Sean. The scene was like what they were already in, but smaller, and with much more people. Scientists and doctors were running around the room, as a patient was laying on the operating chair.

"We've got to stabilize him!" One scientist said.

"You said you were afraid to find out," Cisco said, "Is this why?"

Sean took a step closer to see who was sitting in the chair. And as he suspected, it was himself. He looked to have been in a lot of pain as the doctors tried to treat him.

"I had a theory that someone gave me my powers," Sean said, "I wonder …"

He looked around the room again, until his view came upon a window. On the other side, a group of people stood. One of them was none other than Peter Morrison.

The vibe ended, and they returned to the lab they stood in prior. With a gasp of air, Sean released Cisco's hands. His eyes were wide, but not from surprise. He knew Peter had something to do with it, this only confirmed it. And if Peter really did give Sean his abilities, who's to say he was the only one?

"Guy's, come into the cortex," Wally said over the speaker, "Iris is here. We're ready to get started."

Not many other words were traded between the two Meta-Humans before they made their way out of the medical bay.

Speed walking into the cortex, Wally was there with another woman whom Sean assumed to be Iris. Kent was still at the drawing board, awaiting everyone to arrive. Sean took a place next to Wally, glancing at Iris a few times. Once Linda and Olive had arrived, Kent began to speak.

"Thank you all for coming," Kent said, holding a ruler against the white board, "In order to catch Daniel West, A.K.A Speed Demon, we need a concentrated and precise plan. Iris West, you will need to lure Daniel to us, as you are someone he truly cares about. Once he arrives, we'll contain him with a Meta-Human dampening wave created by Mr. Ramon."

Cisco quickly cuts in, "Which may or may not work so be ready for that."

"Right," Kent continued, "Once he is contained, Doctor Fate will use a spell to cut his connection from the Speed Force. Daniel will lose his powers, and we can arrest him. Everything has to go just as planned for this to work."

"Hence why it will probably falter," Iris said, "As someone I knew once said, 'Make the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to go off the rails, throw away the plan.'"

Wally put a hand on her shoulder, "We'll keep you safe, Iris. Sean and I will do everything we can to protect you."

"I'll take your word for it," Iris moved past Wally and faced the younger speedster in question, "So you're the breacher. Wally told me about you. I'm sorry that you had to be dragged into this."
"It's alright," Sean assured, "It's what heroes do, right?"

"Unfortunately," Iris sighed, "Ok, so when do we do this. And where?"

Kent set his ruler down on the nearby table, then walked over and grabbed the Helmet of Fate. Sean and the others grew tense as he grabbed hold of it, knowing who they were about to meet once more. However, hopefully Kent will keep Fate calm long enough to get the job done. Carefully and with a heavy sigh, Kent placed the Helmet on his head. It seemed to magnetize to him as a loud glow overtook his entire body. As it dispersed, what remained was Doctor Fate, fully clothed with his cape blowing from the energy. His eyes however were shut.

"You don't see that every day," Iris said, "Why isn't he moving?"

"He must be talking to the spirit inside the helmet," Wally said, "Telling him what's up; what the plan is."

Iris noticed how tense Sean suddenly looked, as if he was terrified of him. She carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, "Hey, you alright?"

Sean nodded, "Yeah. It's just …to get Fate to help we had to make a deal. I'm supposed to give up my speed when this is all over."

"What?" Iris said dumbfounded, "That doesn't seem fair. What did you do?"

"The way I jumped universes was uncontrolled and unstable. Apparently, that means I might do it again and threaten the multiverse."

Years ago, Iris would have thought all of that sounded crazy. Now, however, she had gotten used to the multiverse and time travel, and all those science fiction theories proven true. Still, it was a shame Sean had to sacrifice something so important to him.

The room felt heavier when Fate finally opened his eyes and looked around at the inhabitants. Upon seeing Sean, he floated over to him, looking down at him. His glare was angry yet focused on his target. Sean simply stood there, waiting to see what happens.
"Kent Nelson has told me of our situation," Fate spoke with a double voice, "I will assist you, in return you relinquish your speed to me. No exceptions."

Sean gulped, before nodding, "That's the deal."

"Good," Fate lowered himself to the ground, "This Speed Demon. Tell me everything."

Sean cleared his throat, "He's been stealing the speed of others, and killing innocents, and I think I know why."

Wally cuts in, "Wait, really?"

Sean nodded, crossing his arms, "He ruined his life when he hurt Joe West. He said to me that he doesn't have enough speed and needs more of it. I'm just thinking …what if he wants enough speed so he can travel through time? Like how Barry did with Flashpoint?"

Linda perked up, "Wait, that actually makes sense. If he gained enough speed he could break the time barrier. So, why hasn't he already?"

"Maybe the speed-force won't let him? Or maybe stealing speed doesn't make you able to break the time barrier. Maybe it needs to be your own speed to work."

Doctor Fate nodded, "There is only one way to find out."

His mind only held one thing. The desire for more.

As Speed Demon sped through the streets, he felt his speed trailing off him; lightning crackling in his wake as glass shattered when he passed by. He was addicted to the feeling. No drug or drink could ever compare to the taste of the Speed-Force. But he was inpatient. He didn't want to wait and build up his speed. He wanted more instantly, and only other speedsters had what he needed. Taking it felt like his only option as an addict. Whoever he used to be was drowning in the desire and didn't bother to try swimming up. He wasn't really searching, he was just running and hoping he'd run into something. It's almost like he had to keep moving, to feel the Speed-Force at every second. If he stopped, he would go mad. He needed more speed, more power.
The part of him that's still Daniel knew this had a purpose. Though he could move fast, it's like he couldn't do everything other speedsters could. He couldn't time travel, for starters. He always imagines if he could, what it would be like. He could go back and fix his relationship with his father. Or perhaps it would be better to kill him and avoid the conflict all together. Why couldn't he? Maybe he needed more speed. More …just more.

His nose trickled, and his muscles tensed. It was as if he could sense something. It was like smelling the aroma of dessert from the kitchen. The Speed-Force; a source was calling to him. He could feel it pulling like a compass. And he had no self-control to resist. He quickly made a U-Turn and made his way toward the source, scorching the ground as he did. His compass took him to a warehouse near the water.
When he entered, it was nearly empty. There were a few boxes in the corners, both large and small. The large room was dimly lit, full of catwalks close to the ceiling. The only thing that stood in the center of the room was a woman, one he recognized.

"Iris …?" Speed Demon said, stepping only a few steps closer to her.

"Hi, Daniel," She replied, wiping sweat off her fingers with her thumb, "It's been a while."

In seeing her, it was as if he felt a sort of comfort. Just for a second, the urges for more power dwindled; he felt safe. In this moment of weakness, the molten rock that covered his head like a mask peeled back, almost fading away into dust and sparks. Revealed under it was a black man, nearly bald due to the pressure and friction always on his head. There were a few scars on his face, but he could still be recognized as Daniel West, the brother of Iris and Wally West. He grinned, shrugging his shoulders, "Guess I forgot to call," His voice sounded normal; nothing was there to disguise it in any way.

Iris adjusted her stance, spreading her feet apart slightly, "Yeah, me too. Wally has been talking about you. You piss him off."

Daniel chuckled, "Well I wouldn't if he was fast enough. Guess the Speed-Force likes me more."

"That's not it and you know it. You've been stealing the speed of other speedsters. You're cheating the Speed-Force. Why do you think you can't time travel?"

"You know about that?" He tilted his head as he questioned her.

"I do. Wally believes you want to change our history."

Daniel stepped forward, making Iris tense up, "Yes, I do. I hated my childhood! I hated my relationship with our family! I want to fix everything!"

"You know why history can't be changed-"

"Barry did it! He created Flashpoint! If he can do it! Why can't I?! The Speed-Force doesn't control me! I control IT! I'll make sure that you love me again. Maybe I'll get struck by that lightning instead of Barry."

Iris took a deep breath, looking around the room quickly, "Daniel, I want to help you. You don't have to change the past to fix things."

Daniel scoffed, "So what? I'm supposed to go back with you and Wally? Repair everything that I broke?"

Iris looked around the room again, "Yes, I do."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, getting uncomfortable closer to her, "You keep looking around the room. Why is that? What are you looking for?"

Iris took a step back, putting her hands on the back of her neck.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Iris looked up, "Protecting my neck from the whiplash."

Timed perfectly with her words, a streak of red lightning swept Iris off her feet and carried her out of sight. Daniel stepped back, his body sparking as the molten rock covered his head once more. Before he could use his speed and run, he bumped into an invisible wall that pushed him back. As he hit the ground, he finally noticed the markings drawn on the ground. They looked like old symbols he couldn't recognize. But they were glowing a violent golden color. Just then, Doctor Fate appeared above him, moving his hands around and making symbol gestures, chanting a strange language.

Flash dropped Iris off at the edge of the room and moved closer. He watched as his brother struggled to try and escape the spell he was currently under. He looked enraged with he intent to kill.
"You lied to me!" Speed Demon said, looking directly at Iris who turned away from him.

Speed Demon pierced his claws into the invisible shield and started pulling the walls of magic apart. However, before he could make any real progress, a beam of purple energy shot at him, knocking him back down and closing the wall. Virtue floated down with her hands out, "How much longer?!" She asked.
"Almost complete," Doctor Fate said, "But the Speed-Force is fighting me …It's proving challenging to cut it!"

"Because it's not yours to cut!" Speed Demon shouted, as he started running around in circles within the walls. The friction he created started to throw the spell off balance. Suddenly, one of his footsteps disrupted the drawing on the ground, completely shattering the spell. Doctor Fate was knocked farther into the air, and Speed Demon escaped. Quickly he sped over to Iris and grabbed her by the throat.
"I knew you didn't love me, sister," He said sinisterly, "I always knew."

Flash tackled Speed Demon away from her, and they engaged in a speed battle around the room. Lightning crackles as they run along the walls and the ceiling, trying to get the best of one another. During the confusion, Bolt speeds into the room next to Virtue, watching the action unfold.

"Should we help him?" Virtue asks.

Bolt shakes his head, "I think this is his fight."

Speed Demon quickly grabs Flash and flips him forward, sending him to his back. As he threw his foot down, Flash quickly rolled out of the way and got to his feet. Sweeping his left foot, he trips Speed Demon and sends him down to the ground. However, he immediately gets up and pins his enemy to a nearby wall. They partake in a trade of fists too fast for the normal eye. As they fight, Doctor Fate attempts to redraw the symbols on the ground with a piece of chalk. Fixing where Demon had broken it, he looks to Wally for confirmation and nods.
Wally grabs Daniel by the shoulders and rolls forward, dragging him along. Using the momentum, he threw Demon into a roll and watched him tumble back into the circle of symbols. Doctor Fate quickly floated back into the air and chanted his spell. The symbols began to glow as the walls of magic were put back up. Speed Demon got to his feet and tried to tear his way through again, running around in circles.
"Oh no you don't!" Bolt yelled, running around the outside of the circle. Bolt swatted Demon away every time he tried to break the wall, causing him to roll off balance and land on his back. When he tried to get back up, he found he couldn't. It was as if the gravity around him had suddenly increased. It was so powerful that the molten rock that formed his suit started to peel away, revealing the man inside. During the chaos, Iris stepped closer and watched the scene unfold. Daniel looked at her with sorrow in his eyes.
"Iris ….please …"

Iris said nothing and avoided his gaze.

With a final scream of terror from Daniel, Doctor Fate made a slicing motion with his hand, and a wave of kinetic energy released. The wave made everyone stumble from their balance, but quickly they recovered. Daniel laid on the ground, motionless but alive. The molten rock appeared to cool down and fall off him, every trace of sparks seeming to disappear or fade away. The only trace left was the lightning in his eyes, until that too vanished. Silence filled the room as everyone surrounded Daniel, though keeping their distance.

Doctor Fate floated to the ground, his cape waving from the air resistance, "Daniel Wests Speed-Force connection has been cut. He no longer possesses the ability to channel the Speed-Force. It is over."

Iris kneeled and looked over her brother, running a hand on his forehead. She felt sorry for what they had to do, but she knew it had to be done. Daniel was finally cured of his curse. Perhaps in time, they can learn to fix him emotionally as well.

Giving no time to be wasted, Fate approached The Bolt with a stern stance, "It is time to hold up your end of the bargain, Sean White. Relinquish your speed to me."

Bolt looked between everyone in the room, a feeling of sorrow overtaking him. This was really it for him, wasn't it? The Bolt had to come to an end. It wasn't something he was proud to do, nor excited to. However, he made a deal. If he didn't hold it up, Fate would likely just take it by force. He thought about how they were going to protect the city without his speed, but he knew Olive was capable as well. He just wished he could continue to fight by her side.
Taking off his mask, Sean faced Fate with his chin up, though his lip quivered slightly, "I'm ready."

He may have been ready, but she wasn't.

Olive stepped between Fate and Sean, taking off her mask and throwing it to the ground, "No," She started firmly, "You aren't taking away his speed."

Even though he wore a helmet, anyone could tell Fate was angry, "Olive Camellia. Stand aside immediately."

"No!" She shouted, "The Bolt has saved countless lives these past months! What happened that brought him here was an accident! I'm sorry, but I will not let you punish him for trying to save people! He even put his speed on the line to help a world that wasn't even his! How can you punish someone like that?!"

"Out. Of. My. Way," Fate scolded, "Or I shall have to inflict harm upon you."

"Yeah?" Olive questioned, "Go ahead."

Obliging, Doctor Fate shot her with an energy blast, sending her into Sean's arms, "DO not make me do that again," Fate said.

"Olive," Sean worried as he helped her up, "Don't do this."

She looked at him with confidence and determination, "I have to try."

She squared off against Fate as everyone else backed away. Wally grabbed Daniel and dragged him to the side. The two opponents floated into the air, and immediately shot streams of energy at one another. The gold and violet streams collided and pushed agsinst one another. The colors mixed at the center and fractured, sending smaller beams at the floor, walls and ceiling. The beams scorched the surfaces they touched, even creating holes in the buildings structure. The energy from the two superpowered beings was unreal, as if there was no end to it. Though after a short time, Olive found herself beginning to fatigue. She began floating back down though she fought greatly to stay afloat.
"Give up! Your power does not rival my own!" Fate said.

"Oh, have some patience!" She retorted, "After all, it's a virtue!"

As if she granted herself an extra boost, she floated above Doctor Fate and her beam became stronger. Her hands caught a purple fire, engulfing her stream with heat and power. The veins under her skin started glowing, to a point where her eyes were consumed by the same glow. Random objects around the room started to float, including the people standing by. Sean had to grab onto a post just to keep himself from floating away.
All Olive could think about was Sean. She thought about everything that they had been through. Even though they were kids, she truly felt something special for him. Something she didn't want to lose. His speed was more than just a power to him. It was a tool he used to help others, and she felt he deserved to have that tool. He may not be the fastest speedster, but he was one of a kind.
With a final push, her stream broke Fates, and he was sent to the ground with a thud. As he tried to get up, Olive pinned him with her foot and pointed her glowing hand at him, "What happened was an accident. You hear me?! If Sean promises never to mess with the walls of the multiverse in that way again, will you swear to leave him alone?! Will you?!"

Doctor Fate was surprised by the young girl's power. It took something special to best him He had assumed her power was just energy she generated. But after that display, there was something more too it. It takes more than a simple Meta-Human power to best the magic arts. There was something about her abilities that she had yet to understand. Perhaps in time, she could grow to be a force of nature. And if he played his cards right, she'd make a powerful ally. Stubborn as he was, he knew when he was beaten.
He nodded, letting his body relax, "I swear," He said.

Olive removed her foot and let her power dwindle away, rolling her neck to stretch it. Fate got to his feet, and brushed himself off, holding out his hand to her, "You bested me in combat. You've and the young speedster have earned a pardon this time. But the next time something like this happens, I will be there."

Olive shook his hand firmly, "It's a deal."

Sean couldn't believe what he was seeing. Against the odds, Olive defied Fate and fought for him. Even though she could have been hurt or worse, she fought for his speed. She was truly someone worth loving.

Nodding, he approached Sean, "Do you swear to this?"

"I do," Sean said, "Thank you for this second chance."

"You've earned it, for now. To ensure no further casualties, we must return to our world.

Fate created symbols of magic in the air, and a portal of gold and blue suddenly appeared before them. On the other side looked to be their home; Earth 1. In view they saw Light-Speed Laboratories, with people walking in and out of it. Fate turned to face the two breachers, "When I pass through, you will not see me. I shall return to my tower, not that my work has been …concluded. If we ever meet again, I pray it be on better terms."
"Of course," Sean said, "Goodbye Fate, and goodbye Kent."

Though Fate said nothing, he did lift his hand and wave. Sean had a feeling that wasn't Fate who waved. But before he could ask, Fate flew through the portal and was gone.

Wally removed his mask and approached the two heroes, a smile on his face, "You sure you don't want to stick around for a while?"

Sean shook his head, "It's best we get going. Our home needs us," he stepped forward and gave Wally a hug, "I'll miss you though."

Wally hugged back, "I'll miss you two. Maybe we'll meet again, huh? Anytime you need us, get your Cisco to give us a call."

"I'm sure my and your Cisco would have wonderful conversations."

Iris quickly approached Sean, holding her hands together, "On your earth …is Barry …?"

Sean put a hand on her shoulder, "Yes. And he loves you very much."

Smiling, she gave him a quick hug, "I'll tell Cisco and Linda you said goodbye."

"Thank you," Letting go, he approached Olive and took her by the hand.

"Ready?" She asked.

"One more thing," Sean said, "About what you said-"

Olive cuts in, "Sean …I get it. It's not about being a hero. It's about helping who you can however you can, just because you can. I was wrong to try and take that way from you, just because I wanted more time with you. From now on, I'm letting The Bolt be in our lives. Virtue too. We're going to figure out what Peter is planning, and we're gonna stop him."

Sean smiled, "Thanks, but that's not what I meant …I heard what you said on the comm."

Olive turned red, "Oh …and?"

His response came quick, ad he pulled her in for a kiss. This wasn't like the other ones however. This one seemed different; special. It was a signature of proof, showing everything, they had been through up to this moment. It was proof that no matter what, even if they were driven apart, they would always be there to protect one another.
The kiss ended when they saw Wally smirking, "Stop that," Sean said, picking up his and Olives mask, "Time to go home."

With a final goodbye, Sean and Olive stepped through the portal, and it closed behind them.

The Bolt

Earth 1

Sean and Olive returned to the Storm Center, where everything was left right where they put it. Sean dropped his mask onto the counter, where his finger trailed over the flash drive given to him by Charley. He picked it up, examining it closely. He had done nothing with it after he discovered its contents. At this point, he knew that Peter was trying to create Meta-Humans. He knew that he himself was one of his experiments. And he had a hunch that the Meta-Mutant was perhaps a failed experiment. He had been ignoring the clues, perhaps out of anxiety. But that was just something he couldn't do anymore.
Removing the cap, he plugged the flash drive into the computer, and began to pull up several websites. Olive approached him and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Peter continues to get away with everything because he can hide. Well what if he can't?" He replied, "What if we expose him to every news outlet? Even if no one believes its true, it would put attention on him. Maybe then we can finally figure out how to beat him."

"Sean are you sure you want to do this?"

Sean put the files of the flash drive into several emails on the laptop, ready to his send, but he hesitated and looked at Olive. He knew that there needed to be trust if this was going to work, "Yes, I'm sure."

Nodding, Olive pressed the enter key.

Next Time: The Bolt Episode 18:

"Crimes Unsolved"

Written by TimeLord 2024

I do not own DC Comics or any of it's extended universes. This includes the CW shows ARROW, THE FLASH, SUPERGIRL, LEGENDS OF TOMMOROW, AND BLACK LIGHTNING

I DO NOT OWN DOCTOR FATE

All original characters created by Timelord 2024

THE BOLT created by Timelord 2024