The sky over Central City was heavy. Blue lightning slashed across the horizon like scars in the heavens. Lucas watched it all from the top of a building, the armor he had forged from the Speed Force itself pulsing around his body.
— He's close — he whispered to himself, his eyes glowing with blazing blue light.
Wally West was running through the streets, streaking across the city like a golden bolt. Young, impulsive, optimistic. Everything Lucas despised.
Inside STAR Labs, Cisco monitored the signals.
— Barry, I'm picking up an unusual frequency. It's like yours... but more... distorted.
Barry stood from his chair, instantly alert.
— Another speedster?
— More than that. This energy is... ancient. And violent.
Wally, grinning, listened through the comms.
— I've got this. Probably just another wannabe speedster looking for attention.
Cisco hesitated.
— Wally, wait. This guy isn't like the others…
But Wally was already gone.
---
In a dark alley, Lucas waited. The steps of time seemed to slow around him.
Then, a golden streak appeared.
— You must be the "echo" we picked up — Wally said confidently. — I'll give you a chance to run before I embarrass you.
Lucas didn't answer. He stepped forward. The sound was like a muffled explosion.
Wally frowned.
— Alright, tin man. Let's dance.
He ran.
But Lucas was faster.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared behind Wally and slammed him into the wall with a punch charged with blue energy. The impact left a crater.
— You're fast... — Lucas whispered as he walked toward him — ...but you're stupid.
Wally stood up, coughing blood.
— Who… who are you?
Lucas removed his helmet, revealing a face marked by the light of the Speed Force.
— I am the first. The beginning of speed. The nightmare of all speedsters.
He stepped closer, eyes locked on Wally's.
— I am Savitar. And you are my first sacrifice.
— Barry… — Wally tried to speak into the comm — He's… he's too...
Lucas kicked him before he could finish, breaking two ribs.
— You're a candle trying to shine against a blue sun.
Wally rose again, blood on his lips.
— I'm not afraid of you!
— Then die with courage.
Lucas ran, and the two collided. Blue and golden lightning exploded across the streets. The clash lasted seconds. But for them, it felt like hours.
At last, Lucas grabbed him by the throat, lifting him into the air.
— You don't deserve this power.
And then, in a gesture of pure cruelty, he plunged his hand into Wally's chest and pulled energy from him.
Wally screamed. His body trembled. His connection to the Speed Force was ripped away.
He fell to the ground. Alive. But now… human.
Lucas looked to the sky.
— One has fallen. Bring me the rest.
And vanished in a blue flash.
---
At STAR Labs, alarms blared. Barry raced to Wally's collapsed body.
— Wally! What happened?!
Wally tried to speak, but couldn't. He only pointed with a trembling finger, tears in his eyes.
— He… he took… everything.
Barry looked to Cisco, who was staring at the readings on his tablet.
— This isn't just a speedster.
Cisco swallowed hard.
— This… is hell running.