A/N: Chapter 18, here we are! It has been a long road and we are almost at the finish line. I am so excited for the future.

Brian Hughes - You'll get an idea of where it ends in this. But don't worry, all your questions will be answered in the next chapter.

alaskanbirdfriend - Thanks for the compliment! Btw, I realize now that the bloodlust thing was unintentionally cryptic. It is explained early in this chapter.

GlisteningAorticArches - Why

SparksamongStars - I can see the 'Supernatural' similarity, although it ain't true. Sorry.

Also, let's do a count. As of 8:48 PM EST on Friday, the day before I post this, we have 60 favorites and 71 followers. Guys. How. I love you all. This is amazing. We are also at 17,563 views. I can't even believe that I've gotten this far.

Anyways, I'll let you read. Enjoy!

-TGO

Disclaimer: I do not own DC, CW, or any of its shows or characters. I do, however, own the plot of Resurrection.

Barry woke up in his room in S.T.A.R. Labs. Sunlight was streaming through the window, dancing across the tiled floors. He sat up tiredly, rubbing his eyes and attempting to remember what happened. He was so worn out that he couldn't remember.

He leaned against the wall behind him, staring at the light from the sun. It's beams danced around the room, showing off its beauty. The beauty of their home star.

At that thought, Barry's eyes widened. His heart started hammering in his chest, breath quickening. All that happened caught up. The war. The Nightwalkers. Rising Star.

The betrayal.

No, not the betrayal. Too harsh of a word for an action taken to help him, or at least they thought they would help him. It wasn't betrayal, it was deception. Pure and simple.

They didn't know that Riser was lying, Barry thought. He had many thoughts, and not a single one blamed Caitlin and Cisco. They all, however, blamed him. Riser. The man that did this. The man that turned his friends against him. The man that spoke words of peace, but only wanted control, destruction, and chaos. At least, that's what Barry knew. Deep down, he knew that it was all just for show. Riser wanted nothing more than to ruin him, and he was using his closest friends to do so.

The bastard.

"Barry! You're up!" Barry turned his head to the doorway and saw Sam standing there.

"Hey, Sam." Sam rushed to Barry, grabbing him in a tight hug.

"Thank God you're okay!" Sam exclaimed. Barry hugged back, separating after a few seconds.

"Why wouldn't I be? How long have I been out?"

"Days. You collapsed after Riser left, and haven't woken up until now. I brought you here and have been taking care of the city since then."

"Wow," Barry said. No one spoke for a moment, letting each other realize truly all that happened.

"What do we do now? Any word from Riser? Threats?"

"Well..." Sam summoned a small portal and pulled out a sheet of paper.

"What's that?"

"After Riser disappeared and you collapsed, I noticed that he left behind a note."

"What does it say?" Barry asked.

"Barry and Sam,

Here we are. Your friends have turned on you. Your sins have combined into this.

I'm going to keep this brief. As I'm writing this, I'm about to paint the blood on the wall that will alert you to my presence. You know, the blood of your mother. Merry Christmas, by the way."

"He knew he would win them over before we even knew him." Barry spat.

"Yeah."

"Because I don't know the date of when I'll succeed, I'll just say this. When I disappear, you will have a week to prepare for my assault. No, not an attack to take the city. But big enough to keep you on your toes. Bring your forces to the S.T.A.R. labs warehouse. We'll fight there.

Oh, and make sure It's enough to take on an entire army.

Oh so sincerely,Riser."

"So he wants to fight," Barry said.

"Yup. He wants a war. What should we do?" Sam asked. Barry looked him in the eyes.

"We give it to him."

"So... what happens now?" Cisco asked. They had just been instantly transported into a large conference hall. Himself, Caitlin, and Riser were the only ones in there.

"Yeah. I mean, I know we need to help those two, but how are we going to do it?" Caitlin asked. Riser chuckled lightly.

"Remember what I said? About my power thriving off of their bloodlust?"

"Sure," Cisco responded.

"Well, it means exactly what it sounds like. As you may have heard, I'm a necromancer. I resurrect corpses and they become my servants. After the few millennium that I have been alive have allowed me to be able to resurrect corpses for the purpose of simple servitude quite quickly. However, I can resurrect people to be who they used to be. Their full personality. That's only if I have enough time, of course."

"What are you getting at?" Caitlin asked.

"How can you win a war against an enemy whose army is of the dead?" Realization slowly dawned on the duo's faces.

"By not killing." They answered in unison.

"Correct. Force them to fight non-lethally."

"How do you do that?" Cisco chuckled. "I mean, it's not like we're bringing an army into Central City."

"Sure we are." Cisco looked taken aback, while Caitlin seemed frustrated.

"No, we aren't. If you bring an army into Central City, innocent people will die." Caitlin walked around the table and right up to Riser. "You need to realize something. We aren't here because we want to join you. We don't even know if you have another angle or not. We are here only because we want to help Barry and Sam stop their killing spree. So if we do this, we do it without killing."

"Of course. I would expect nothing less of you, Caitlin Snow. While we are going to be marching an army into Central City, we aren't marching an army into an occupied city."

"What do you mean?" Cisco asked.

"We evacuate the city. Maybe it's a bomb threat, maybe it's us simply telling the truth. Either way, I can easily evacuate the city before the fight." Riser explained. Caitlin waited for a moment, before giving in. She nodded and returned to Cisco's side.

"Trust me," Riser walked over to the duo. "When we are done, Barry and Sam will be more receptive to our efforts to save them." Riser placed his hands on their shoulders. Cisco froze, eyes widening, and jaw-dropping. Riser didn't seem to notice and left the room with a short chuckle.

Caitlin, however, did notice. She recognized the face he was making as well. After a moment, Cisco snapped out of his vibe.

"What did you see?"

"I... uh... I'm not sure. It was strange. As if the vibe was encrypted."

"What does that mean?"

"It was almost like a dream. You know, interpreting it. I could tell there was a message behind it all."

"Well, what did you see?"

"I saw a rabbit. It was looking at an hourglass. Behind the rabbit was a grave, freshly dug with a coffin at the bottom. Behind the hourglass were hundreds of black horses, all itching to run forward. At least, it looked that way. All was still until the sand ran out. When it did, two things happened. First, the rabbit turned and hopped into the grave. As soon as it was out of the way, the horses rushed forward and spread over the entire earth." Cisco explained what he saw.

"You're right. That was cryptic."

"Well, let's get to it. We need to prepare for the fight."

"So, let me get this straight," Oliver said. The entire team was in the 'Arrow cave,' along with Barry and Sam. "Your nemesis is launching a war on Central City because he, supposedly, doesn't like the fact that you kill. And you want us to help you fight him off."

"Yeah," Barry said.

"Why wouldn't you just go to your friends in other universes? Or Cisco and Caitlin?"

"We plan on it. As for Cisco and Caitlin..." Barry hesitated. As he was about to finish his response, Oliver cut him off.

"They gave in, didn't they? They sided with him." Barry looked shocked.

"How did you know?"

"They weren't the only ones that Riser appeared to. He also appeared to us. We saw the footage. None of us cared. You have to do whatever it takes to protect those you love. I'm assuming that he tried to sway everyone you know."

"I guess so. I didn't know he appeared to you guys as well."

"I think he's trying to turn everyone on you," Oliver said. He looked around to study the faces of the other members. Diggle walked to the front.

"We're your friends Barry. Through thick and thin. We'll stand by you." Everyone nodded their head in agreement.

"That settles it. You have allies on the battlefield now." Oliver said.

"While I can't help with the fighting, I will do what I can," Felicity explained.

"Thank you. All of you. Now, we need to go find more help." Sam said.

"Of course," Oliver said. Sam opened a portal to S.T.A.R. labs and stepped through, with Barry following.

"That went well," Sam said. Barry was about to respond but was interrupted.

"There you guys are!" The two turned around to find Wally, Jesse, and Harry. Wally was the one speaking. "We've been looking, but no one's here."

"Riser appeared to us. Told us what's going on. We refused to go with him. We came here to look for you guys, but you two are the first we saw. Where's Snow and Ramon?" Harry asked.

"Unlike you three, Cisco and Caitlin fell for his line. They're both working with him, now." Barry explained.

"Damn," Wally said. "Do you know what Riser is shooting for?"

"War," Sam said.

"What do you mean?" Jesse asked.

"In a few days, he'll bring an army to the S.T.A.R. labs warehouse. We will fight there." Sam explained.

"And we need numbers. We have the help of Team Arrow, but we need more. We were actually going to look for you guys next." Barry added.

"So you want us to help you guys in the fight?" Harry asked.

"Yup," Sam responded. Harry looked at Wally and Jesse. Both nodded their heads.

"Looks like you got three more on your side," Wally said.

"Good. Next, we need to find the Kryptonians." Barry said, looking at Sam.

"You do that," Harry said. "We'll train up. I probably won't be much good in a fight, so I'll help with planning."

"Alright. Let's go." Sam said. Barry punched the air to his left and ran through the breach he created, Sam following.

They emerged in the center of National City, on top of a high rise.

"You know her better than I do. Lead the way," Sam said. Barry nodded and looked around the city. First at Catco, then at the DEO, and lastly at her apartment. Because of his speed, he was able to search every inch of the locations before Sam even knew he was gone.

"She's in her apartment. Keep in mind what happened last time."

"Of course. Should we tell her about..."

"No. Riser probably already told her. She will probably a little hard to convince, but since she didn't go with Riser, we already have a leg up. However, if she asks about your legend, tell her the truth."

"Yeah," Sam agreed. Barry grabbed Sam and ran him to the door of Kara's apartment.

Barry knocked on the door softly. He waited a second before smirking at the door and waving.

"What are you doing?" Sam whispered.

"She can see through walls. She can also hear you."

"Oh..." After a moment, the door opened and an annoyed Kara appeared.

"You have some explaining to do, Barry," Kara said.

"May we come in?" Barry asked. Kara squinted her eyes before stepping to the side. Barry nodded in thanks as he walked in, Sam behind him.

"Sit," Kara ordered, pointing to the couches at the other end of the apartment. Barry and Sam quickly sat down. Kara sat in the chair across from them.

"I assume you know why I'm angry?"

"Riser."

"No. It's what he showed me."

"Videos of me killing."

"Yup."

"Kara, listen-"

"No, shut up. I need to talk. When you saved me from Darkseid and his parademons, we talked about the incident on that other earth. We also talked about you killing. Now, I don't have that much of a problem with killing when you need to. However, what Riser showed me? That was not necessary. You killing the men that attacked me? Not necessary. You slaughtering all those people in the war? Not necessary. You tearing apart the man that killed you? Not necessary. You have a problem Barry, and I don't intend on fueling it."

Barry hung his head and thought long and hard about his response. Eventually, he responded.

"Then don't. You don't have to, and I'm not asking you to."

"Then what did you come here for?"

"Riser, when he disappeared with Cisco and Caitlin-"

"Wait, they went with him?"

"Yes. They bought into his line. He is lying about only wanting to help me. All he wants is me and Sam out of the way so he can have dominion over the earth."

"How am I supposed to believe that what you're saying is the truth?"

"So you believe Riser?"

"Hell no, I don't! But that doesn't mean that I trust you. He is the only man that threatens your bloodlust, so it only makes sense for you to slander him! So how do I know that what you're saying is the truth?"

"YOU DON'T! Alright, Kara, you don't! I don't have some mystical piece of evidence to prove that what I'm saying is true. All you can do is decide who to put your faith in. Me, or Riser." Kara looked away at this but didn't respond. Barry continued.

"Look, when Riser left with Cisco and Caitlin, he left behind a note. This note said that in a week's time, he would be bringing an army to the S.T.A.R. labs warehouse, and told me to do the same. Would a man who only wants peace wage war so close to a city?" Barry finished. Kara thought about it and eventually raised her head.

"What do you need?" Kara asked. Barry gave a smirk.

"You. Our numbers are going to be nothing compared to his, which is why we need powerful beings like you and your friends in the DEO."

"Alright. Anything I need to know about who we're gonna be fighting?"

"Riser is a necromancer, so his army is going to be comprised of already dead people, except for Cisco and Caitlin. In fact, they might not even be at the front. He knows that I wouldn't harm a hair on their head, so he's probably going to send them in later."

"What are you getting at?"

"Two things. One, they're already dead, so you don't have to worry about me killing unnecessarily. If anything, we'll be doing them a favor by freeing them from his grasp. Two..." Barry leaned in. "Don't hold back."

"Alright. I'll be there, along with everyone I can scrounge together."

"Thank you," Barry said.

"Oh, and Sam?" Kara asked.

"Yeah?"

"The thing about you being that evil guy. Is that true?"

"I don't know. It very well could be, but I'm not sure."

"Alright. Well, see you in a few days."

"Goodbye, Kara. Train well." Barry said, before opening and breach and exiting through it along with Sam.

It was the day before the attack. The city was being evacuated after threats of all kinds. Joe came to S.T.A.R. labs before he was forced to leave as well.

"Barry, what's going on?"

"Riser is making his move soon. I guess he cleared out the city for a less interrupted battlefield."

"Well, if you're fighting him, then I'm staying."

"No, you're not."

"Barry, I'm not letting you die again."

"I won't die. I promise. I need you to do something, however."

"What?"

"Iris. Stay with her. Keep her safe. I don't know what's going to happen during or after this battle. All I need is for you to make sure that she's safe. That way I can fight without worry."

"Of course. Are you sure you don't want me here?"

"I'm sure. Now please, go. Get far, far away from here. Get her away from here."

"Alright." Joe hugged Barry. He quickly reciprocated. "I love you. Stay safe."

"I will."

The day had come. Once dawn came, Barry and Sam prepared. They performed their usual routine, gathered their gear, and prepared. Barry got his suit. He had multiple versions of the Wraith suit, but only one was right for him. It was the same one that he wore for the majority of his time in the Speed Force. It was more damaged than the rest, yet provided no less protection. Its blade was also unique. Every set had a replica blade, but this one was special. Holding it in his hand, he felt comfort. He smiled at the feeling.

After both Sam and Barry were ready, they departed. After arriving, they went their separate ways to collect the rest of the forces. Sam opened a portal to the Arrow cave and helped them get ready while Barry traveled to Earth-2 to collect Harry and Jesse, and then Earth-38 to collect Supergirl and whoever she found. Wally arrived on his own.

It was 7 o'clock now. Everyone was present and accounted for. From Team Arrow came Oliver, Diggle, Felicity, and the other members. From Team Supergirl came Kara, J'onn J'onzz, Winn, and Alex. Lastly, Team Flash, if it could even be called that anymore, brought Barry, Sam, Wally, Harry, and Jesse.

"So, we need to plan," Barry said. He was addressing the entire group, all of them listening intently.

"Obviously," Oliver said. "Where do we start?"

"Well, some people here aren't going to be able to fight. Those people will help lay traps and plan. When Riser and his forces appear, I will rush them to S.T.A.R. Labs.

"Who are these people?" Wally asked.

"Felicity, Winn, and Harry. You four will help plan our attacks and will be taken to safety to monitor everyone when the time comes."

"Alright. Let's get to it."

It was 11 o'clock. The planning was mostly complete and everyone was making their final preparations. At one point, Oliver pulled Barry aside.

"Barry, you got a minute?"

"Course, what do you need?"

"I've just... are you okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I get that this is stressful, even for you, but you just seem... off. Like something isn't right. Like you feel uncomfortable in your own skin."

"It's probably just nerves getting to me. After all, everything hangs on the outcome of this fight."

"Yeah, I get that. You're movements just seem, I don't know, unnatural. Just slightly."

"Like I said, I'm nervous. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Thank you for worrying, though." Barry smiled before leaving to join the rest of the group.

"Yeah... no problem."

The clock struck twelve. As soon as it did, a man appeared in front of the building. He was armored, heavily. The team immediately knew who this was.

"Hello, Barry. The time has come."

"Riser. Where's the army you promised us?" Barry approached Riser, with everyone else hanging back slightly.

"They'll come. I just wanted to see what I'm up against."

"Well, I hope you're impressed." Barry spat. Riser chuckled.

"I must admit, you really did call upon every favor, didn't you? You managed to scrounge up quite a powerful force within a week's time."

"What can I say? I've got good friends."

"More like foolish ones. Even with them, you are no match for who I've brought with me. In fact, you might even recognize a few of the faces on the front lines."

"What does that-" Barry was cut off by a loud screeching sound. He was confused for a moment, about to ask Riser what the hell that was.

Then they appeared.

And Barry couldn't move from the faces he saw.

A/N: :D