We're nearing the "finish line", people. Pun intended (if you got it). Get ready and enjoy.
First, I wanna share what I think about the new season so far.
FLASH: It may only be two episodes, but I'm loving it so far. As much as I loved the dark tone of Season 3 (Yes, you heard me. I didn't mind the darkness), it's nice to see that the show has returned to a more lighthearted direction. Yes, it was kinda disappointing that Barry's return came too soon (it should've been in the second episode), but I'm not gonna let that keep me from enjoying the show. I just wish Wally had more of a role to play, since he was given much to do or had a real story so far. The second episode was definitely an LOL-fest. Between Barry's happy behavior, his suit's new functions (I definitely loved the part with the raft), and the therapy session with him and Iris, I cried and laughed for 45 minutes. Caitlin's Killer Frost arc remains one of my most favorite parts about the show, and I really want to know what's the deal with her and this "Amunet" person.
ARROW: I'm really disappointed they didn't kill anyone off besides Samantha. It would be sad to see a beloved character go, but with an explosion like that... you know. At first, I thought it was Diggle and Thea who died, based on the sneak peek I watched before the episode, but, to be honest, I'm really happy that they're still alive. The action scenes are as exciting as ever and I am loving both Dinah and Rene's new costumes (even though it was kinda unnecessary to upgrade Wild Dog, but he looks bad-a). Black Siren had a very entertaining debut in the season and I am really looking forward to seeing more of her. Oliver's story arc as a father to William, well done so far. Baby steps and all that. Last we saw Oliver, he was giving up the Green Arrow mantle and passing it on to Diggle. We all know Oliver will get back in the suit. It's just a matter of "when".
SUPERGIRL: I was surprised that the new season was going down a dark path, but since I loved Flash Season 3's dark tone, I figured I wouldn't mind. As an anti-Karamel person, obviously, it's annoying to hear about Kara constantly whining about Mon-El. At the same time, I'm marveled by Melissa Benoist's acting. She nails at showing the broken side of Supergirl and the hero's desire to not be human anymore. Lena taking over CatCo is a pretty interesting plot point and I am really waiting to see more of how she and James will handle their working relationship. Sam's subplot is truly captivating. A struggling mother who appears to have super strength... yikes. I already know who she is, but I am still anxious to see how her story will go down and how she will fit into Kara's world since she's working at L-Corp. Side note: Psi was a pretty impressive villain and her powers are terrifying. Morgan Edge, meanwhile, just makes me miss Maxwell Lord.
LEGENDS OF TOMORROW: As always, the show is a lot of fun. Seeing how the Legends adjust to life after Rip disbanded them was truly hilarious (Sara imagining killing her manager. The Nate and Wally scene. Ray's lousy new job.) I especially loved Mick's quarrel with Caesar ("You ruined my vacation, and my nose."), as well as his fight against the clown in the second episode ("DIE CLOWN!"). Sara is bad-a as ever, Nate and Amaya are still as beautiful to watch as ever, the rest of the Legends never fail to amuse, whether it's Ray rejecting the name "shrink ray" for his gadget or Martin dressing up as a clown. It's sad that Victor Garber will be leaving soon, but I am still hoping the show can survive without him. There's only thing I don't like about the new season so far. Ava Sharpe. That woman is a [CENSORED].
Leave a review after reading, please.
Special thanks to godspeed 251, Steve993, NeoTyson, psychlover95 and Guest(s) for reviewing the previous chapter.
To psychlover95 (I'm answering the questions to your review in order): Yes. Highly doubtful. Savitar remembers Barry falling in love with Caitlin, so yes. You may want to wait. Can't say just yet. They'll surely be hostile towards Caitlin, "if" they find out who she is, that is. (Read your review again so you'll know which one I'm answering)
Lyla takes Barry, Crystal, and Leonard outside of A.R.G.U.S. Headquarters to talk with them in private. The trio can see that Lyla was not happy about their little stunt tonight.
"I told you I couldn't this to you," said Lyla to Barry. "And you snuck in here anyway?"
"To save Caitlin's life, Lyla, I'll do anything," said Barry.
"Not anything," said Lyla. "I saw the whole thing on the security feed. You could've left Snart to die. You didn't. Instead, you risked your freedom and Caitlin's life to save him."
Lyla decides to give Barry the power source, much to his surprise.
"You're just gonna give it to me?" asked Barry.
"Just take it. I know you'd do the same thing for me if John's life were on the line," said Lyla.
"Thank you," said Barry, taking the power source from Lyla's hand.
"Just one thing," said Lyla, eyeing the white-haired woman. "Caitlin Snow is responsible for the deaths of over three thousand people and nearly demolished two cities to satisfy her vendetta. Why should I let her walk free after you stop Savitar?"
"Because she wants a second chance, Lyla," said Barry. "Look, I know I'm supposed to be madder than everyone else for what she did. She killed a lot of people. She killed Iris. I agree that she should face the consequences of her actions, but if she's seeking redemption, I have to give her that chance."
"Just keep your eyes on her at all times," said Lyla. "I'm trusting you on that, Barry."
"I'll keep you updated," promised Barry.
Lyla then turns her attention towards Leonard Snart.
"For helping the Flash save Central City, the Vice President pardoned you for your crimes, but now you do this?" questioned Lyla.
"Isn't this what heroes do? Always lend a helping hand?" replied Leonard.
"I may have to inform you. He's engaged to Sara Lance, so if you want to lock him up, you're gonna have to take it up with her," said Crystal to the A.R.G.U.S. director.
"I look forward to the meeting," said Lyla. She looks at Leonard and says, "Just don't try anything like this again, you got me?"
"No promises," said Leonard with a smirk.
"Now, go," said Lyla to Barry. "Stop Savitar and save the world."
"Thank you," said Crystal.
"Don't try to sweet talk me, Dr. Snow," warned Lyla.
"It's Dr. Frost, actually," said Crystal.
Leonard grabs Caitlin's arm and drags her away before she says anything that will make Lyla second-guess her decision to let the ex-biochemist walk. Barry smiles and waves goodbye as he follows his friends. Lyla sighs as she watched the trio walk away. She's hoping they don't make her regret her decision to let them go.
Since Barry can't carry both Crystal and Leonard back to Keystone City, they take the mode of transportation they used to travel to Star City. A train. They managed to catch the last train of the day before it took off. The only person in there with them is a man reading a newspaper, who falls asleep not too long after the train left the station.
Barry sat across Crystal and Leonard. He kept looking back and forth between them.
"So, uh, this is awkward," said Barry.
"It wasn't until you made it," replied Leonard.
"I'm just surprised," said Barry. "You were so mad at her for Mick, I thought you'd want revenge."
"It was tempting, but I knew that it was the wrong thing," said Leonard.
"Since when does Leonard Snart care about doing the wrong thing?" asked Crystal, still not used to this new Leonard Snart.
"Since he stole a kiss from the lovely Sara Lance," answered Leonard.
"I'm happy for both of you," said Barry.
"So am I," said Crystal.
"She'll be happy to have you back in one piece," said Barry.
"About that, Allen, I'm not going back to the Waverider, not yet," said Leonard.
"What?" asked Barry and Caitlin simultaneously.
"You think I wouldn't find out about, Lisa?" said Leonard. "My sister is being held hostage by Savitar. She and I may be on opposite sides now, but I'm not leaving until she's safe."
"Sara won't like that," said Barry.
"Yeah, well, it won't be the first time we fought," said Leonard. "Whether you like or not, I'm staying. Lisa's my sister, Allen. I'm sure you of all people know how valuable family is."
"I do," agreed Barry.
"Cold is an effective weapon against speedsters. Since I can't reveal myself, it's nice to have someone who can use something cold against Savitar in front of everyone," said Crystal.
"But why not tell them?" asked Leonard. "I know Joe, Wally, and Jesse would be unhappy to see you. Ramon would probably have mixed feelings about it. H.R., well, that guy's unpredictable. I wouldn't know how he would react. Point is, if you're looking for redemption, you should start by telling Team Flash the truth."
"I've been thinking about that, Leonard, but I'm not sure if I should," said Crystal. "All the terrible things I've done, fooling them into thinking I'm dead, I'm not sure how they'll ever forgive me. Cisco might, maybe, but it's close to impossible."
"Close to, which means there 'is' a possibility," said Barry.
"I'm surprised to see your optimism return this soon, Barry," said Leonard. "I'm guessing 'Dr. Crystal Frost' here really fixed you."
"Ironic, isn't it?" said Barry. "The person who caused my pain in the first place is the one who is supposed to fix me."
"Technically, you're wrong," said Crystal. "Crystal Frost was an entirely different person who never caused you harm and only wanted to help you cope with your grief."
"Why separate yourself from your false identity?" asked Leonard.
"Long story," said Caitlin.
"We got a long ride back to Central City. Plus, that guy over there..." Leonard gestured to the sleeping passenger. "He won't be listening in."
"Long story short, I erased my memories and forged a new identity so Barry would allow me to get closer," said Crystal. "I literally had no memory of my actions as Killer Frost or my life as Caitlin Snow. So, technically, Crystal Frost was someone else. Someone who isn't me."
"You're wrong," said Barry. "Crystal Frost may have helped me run again, but Caitlin Snow was the one who truly helped me move forward."
Caitlin smiled. Barry smiled back. Leonard looks back and forth between the two, suspicious of the way they were looking at each other. He immediately realized what the staring meant.
"Well, talk about double irony," said Leonard.
"I think I know what you mean," said Crystal, smiling sheepishly.
"Do you?" asked Leonard.
"How can Barry love the very person who took away the woman he's loved since forever?" said Crystal.
"Care to provide an answer, Allen?" asked Leonard.
"Maybe it's because those feelings have always been there. I just never saw it until recently," said Barry.
"Pining over Iris while you have a fine lady in front of you, I'm kinda disappointed," commented Leonard.
"Since when are you Cupid? The name's taken," joked Crystal.
"Have you two decided on whether or not you want to hook up?" questioned Leonard.
"Savitar comes first, then maybe... we'll talk about it," said Barry.
"I can't believe you would do this to me," said Crystal. "Be so nice and so loving after everything I've done. I know you have your reasons for not being furious, but I'm still shocked."
"All this drama is certainly CW-worthy," commented Leonard. "I'm surprised neither of you have decided to audition."
"Our lives are like a CW show," said Crystal. "Full of soap opera drama. Complicated love. Difficult friendships. Trust. Betrayal."
"Maybe we should make our own show," joked Barry.
"And what would we call it?" asked Leonard. "Flash?"
"Well, it's always been about Barry, so..." Crystal agreed.
As the three expressed their amusement in their jokes, a flash of white lightning phases through the train. It was Savitar. Leonard immediately takes out his Cold Gun, aiming it at the evil speedster, only to realize that he took the core out of the gun, rendering it useless. Barry's eyes flashed with lightning as he prepared to run. Crystal's hand started freezing, showing that she's ready for a fight.
"Congratulations. You have what you need to stop me," said Savitar with subtle sarcasm.
"Why are you here?" asked Barry. "It's not midnight."
"True," said Savitar. "But before I kill Caitlin, I need her for something."
Savitar immediately slams Barry towards a wall, giving him a concussion. Crystal manages to hit Savitar with an ice beam, freezing his armor, but the speedster escapes by phasing out of it. The God of Speed knocks out Leonard, attaches a power-dampening cuff to Caitlin's wrist, and then takes her.
The sleeping man wakes up to find Barry and Leonard knocked out. He also noticed a dent on the wall, which was caused when Savitar slammed Barry on it.
"What just happened?" wondered the civilian.
Savitar takes Crystal to Mount Buccelato.
"Why'd you bring me here?" asked Crystal.
"This is where my ascendancy will take place," said Savitar. "But before I become a god, I need to remove an obstacle from my path."
"What obstacle?" asked Crystal.
"The Speed Force doesn't like it when speedsters mess with time," said Savitar. "When it happens, they send guardians to punish those who do."
"I know about them," said Crystal. "The Time Wraiths. Zoom."
"I cannot take control of time as long as the Speed Force continues to resist," said Savitar. "That is why I brought you here."
"I know what you want me to do," said Crystal. "But what makes you think I'll help you?"
Savitar walks towards a tree and pulls out from behind it an unconscious body. It was Black Siren. Savitar holds his arm blade close to her neck.
"Either you do as I say, or you will have another death on your conscience," threatened Savitar.
Crystal knew she only had one choice. If she resists or fights back, Laurel dies, and she couldn't let that happen.
"If I help you, will you let her go?" asked Crystal.
"I will consider it if you agree to aid me," said Savitar.
Reluctantly, Crystal nods.
Savitar started running circles in the middle of the area, opening a breach into the Speed Force. He then takes the power-dampening cuff of Crystal, causing her hair to turn white and her lips blue.
"Get ready," said Savitar to Crystal.
Black Flash comes out of the Speed Force, roaring. As soon as it saw Savitar, it ran straight towards him. Before it could lay its hands on the God of Speed, Black Flash gets frozen in place by an ice beam, courtesy of Crystal Frost. His entire body froze and then shattered.
"Bye-bye, Hunter," said Crystal.
"The one thing Black Flash can't stop. Cold," said Savitar. "Now that he's out of the way, there will be nothing standing in my way once the time has come."
"The Flash will stop you," said Crystal.
"You may have helped him recover, but he is still not fast enough," said Savitar.
"Turning Barry into a monster, you're insane," said Crystal.
"You know me, so you know why I'm doing it," said Savitar.
"You're overconfident, yet you still kept your backup plan in case you fail," said Crystal. "You want Barry to take your place in the event you do fall."
"You are a rare crystal on this planet, Caitlin Snow," complimented Savitar, admiring her intelligence.
Barry runs back to Mercury Labs with Leonard. He shows up at the lab to see Wally helping Jesse walk.
"Jesse, you're awake," said Barry, surprised.
"And ready to run," added Jesse.
"No, you're not," said Wally, worried that Jesse is being premature.
"You don't tell me what to do," said Jesse, sounding slightly flirtatious.
"Did you guys get the power source?" asked Cisco.
"We did," said Barry, holding up said power source. "But Savitar took Crystal, and we're running out of time."
"But how do we even find her?" asked Joe.
Team Flash suddenly gets a message through their computer. It was a video message from Crystal.
"Hey, guys. Savitar thought it would be nice if you were present for my death, so he's allowed to tell you where my death is taking place. Infantino Street. Be there before midnight. I'm counting on you guys. And Barry, I know you can do it. I believe in you. But... just in case things go... I want you to be strong. For me. I want you to promise me that."
The message ends and all Barry can do is touch the screen where Caitlin's face is showing. Fear was present on his face.
"I'll tell Tracy," said H.R., taking the power source and rushing to the other lab.
"Cisco," called Leonard. "I need a new core for my Cold Gun. Care to assist?"
"Sure," said Cisco.
Midnight is almost here. The Flash, Kid Flash, and Jesse Quick arrived at Infantino Street, waiting for Savitar to show up. Cisco, H.R., and Tracy are inside a van, monitoring the area. Joe and Leonard are stationed on a rooftop overlooking the speedsters. Joe had Harry's rifle in his hand, while Leonard uses his Cold Gun, which has just been installed with a new core.
"Okay, everybody is in position," said Cisco, nervous.
"Just keep your trap shut and keep watch, Ramon," said Leonard.
"Are you sure you want to be here, Jesse?" asked Flash. "You just woke up."
"I know I can do this," said Jesse Quick. "This isn't about me, Barry. It's about you. We can't let Savitar cause you any more pain."
"We'll be here for you, man," said Kid Flash.
"Thanks, guys," smiled Flash.
Savitar appears, holding Crystal up, who was wearing the power-dampening cuff again. She was visibly frightened by what's about to come. Flash and his fellow speedsters prepared to fight. Joe and Leonard hold their guns up, ready to fire. Those in the van gulped nervously as they prepared to watch the epic showdown.
"This is it. Now, the moment is upon us," said Savitar. "My ascension to become a god."
"Not tonight," said Flash.
"Show me you're the hero," dared Savitar. "Let's see what happens."
Savitar puts down Crystal. Flash speeds away and returns with the Speed Force Bazooka. He fires a beam of extradimensional energy, but Savitar dodges it. Kid Flash and Jesse Quick do what they were assigned to do. Keep Savitar down long enough for him to get sent back into the Speed Force. Flash continues firing, but Savitar was too fast. Kid Flash and Jesse Quick gave chase, trying to catch the evil speedster.
Just as Savitar ran back to where Crystal was, Kid Flash clocks him in the face. Jesse Quick zooms over and hits Savitar with an electrically-charged uppercut. Flash fires the Speed Force Bazooka again and hits Savitar. Jesse Quick grabs Crystal and takes her away from the God of Speed.
Everyone watches as the Speed Force Bazooka does what it was created to do. Savitar collapses on his knees as he feels himself getting closer to being sent back to the prison that drove him nuts. However, something went wrong. Savitar started to stand up. He repels the extradimensional beam, freeing himself from its hold.
"It didn't work," cried Tracy, shocked.
"Why didn't it work?" wondered Flash.
"I spent an eternity in a trap just like that. You think I didn't know how to prevent it from happening again?" said Savitar, holding a familiar artifact.
"The Philosopher's Stone," realized Flash.
"It's made of calcified Speed Force energy, and you gave it to me," said Savitar.
"Dad! Snart! Now!" yelled Kid Flash.
Joe and Leonard were about to fire their guns, until Savitar threw lightning at them, causing them to duck. In the blink of an eye, Savitar breaks Kid Flash's leg, knocks Jesse Quick towards a lamp post, and grabs Crystal. He returns to the spot where he was a few seconds ago with his blade activated.
"You stuck me in the Speed Force for eternity of hell!" yelled Savitar. "Now, welcome to yours."
"No, don't do this," pleaded Flash.
"Now, finally, I am free of you," continued Savitar, preparing his blade.
"I'm begging you, don't do this," begged Flash.
"Barry!" cried Crystal.
"You lose, Barry," said Savitar.
Flash screamed with fear as he ran straight for Savitar in a desperate attempt to save Crystal. Unfortunately, he was too late. Savitar had stabbed Crystal through her back with his blade. He drops her dying body and runs away, taking the Speed Force Bazooka and Cisco along with him. H.R. and Tracy exit the van to tend to the two injured speedsters.
Flash holds Crystal in his arms, begging for her to be okay. Her eyes started to open slowly as she tried to breath.
"Barry," she said faintly.
"Caitlin, I'm here. I'm here," said Barry, trying to smile. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," said Crystal. "Just promise me. Be strong."
Crystal closes her eyes while Flash begged for her not to. He kept on begging for her to wake up, but nothing happened. Crystal's eyes closed and she stopped breathing. Flash can only bury his head on her shoulder as the tears began to rain down from his eyes. He promised her that he would save her, but he couldn't keep it and now she's gone. Again.
Flash was beginning to feel the same pain he felt when he watched Iris died. It was consuming him. He couldn't do anything but cry. He had just gotten Caitlin back, but now he lost her again. Her chances for redemption and love have been taken away from her, and it's all his fault, he thought. He created Flashpoint, and because of that, he created Savitar. He created all this madness. Caitlin had just become yet another price for his mistake.
Everyone looks on as Barry let out all his sorrow. They were all sad. Sad that they failed to stop Savitar. Sad that they failed Barry.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1...
This is not the end, but you will have to give me some time to plan the ending. I'm still contemplating on how Savitar's ending will play out.