A/N: First Flash Fanfiction. I already have enough stories to keep up with, but *shrug* oh well. Not sure why I thought of this, but it just kind of came to me and well la. This happened. Powers might be explored later in the story, but I haven't decided yet. Kind of making this one as a I go.
Reviews are appreciated, but no flames. If flames are found I will dig up Cisco's cold gun.
Summary: Finding the light in the dark is a hard concept for eleven year old Barry Allen to understand. After his parents were murdered before his eyes leaving him orphaned, he can only focus on the bad things happening around him. However with the help of Harrison Wells, his wife Tess and their two kids, Caitlin and Cisco, Barry learns that sometimes the good can outweigh the bad.
Chapter One
Barry hadn't been able to get out of the car fast enough, he just needed to get out of the car and to the house as quickly as he could. He needed to get inside. All he could think about, the only two people on his mind were his mom and dad. The two people who loved him more than anything else in the world, the two most important people in his life and the ones who promised they would always be there. This was the first promise the Allen's couldn't keep.
"Barry," Joe called, a middle aged man with dark skin and black hair, called.
Barry didn't listen to him though, honestly he couldn't hear what Joe had said because he was already inside the front door. The house was still a mess, the lamp was broken on the floor, the glass scattered across the hardwood beneath his feet. The living room was trashed, the green sofa had been pushed over from when his dad had tried to make a shield to protect himself.
The coffee table was in pieces as well, little and big glass shards spread all over the rug his mom had picked out two years ago from a yard sale. Barry bit his lip and turned around to see the foyer in worse condition than the living room. There was white tape still on the ground, in the center of the room that resembled the shape of person and Barry knew it was meant to represent where his mother had been lying when she died.
Get of here Barry!
Mom!
"Barry," Joe said when he saw the boy frozen in his spot, "I told you to wait."
"I couldn't," Barry choked out, his eyes glazed over from unshed tears.
Forty-eight hours ago, Barry had been in this house talking, laughing with his parents like there was no tomorrow and for them, was no tomorrow. They were dead.
No. Mom wake up, please wake up! Dad, Dad where are you!?
"Barr," Joe sighed, resting his hand on the eleven year old's shoulder.
Barry's lip quivered, he looked away from Joe and whispered, "I can't believe they're gone…. I'll find him, I'll find him."
"Barry," Joe said, "We're going to find the man responsible for this, but I don't want you to worry about this."
Barry snapped his head up to look at Joe, surprise on his round face. How could he not worry about this? His parents were gone and it was because of the man in yellow. It was because of him he was about to lose everything he had.
"I have to find him," Barry insisted, anger in his blue eyes, "He took my mom and dad! He has to pay."
Joe responded firmly, "And he will, but I want you to leave him to the police. Do you understand?"
Barry folded his arms over his chest and was ready to protest, but the look Joe was giving him made him pause. Reluctantly, Barry nodded his head to show he understood. Now he wouldn't do anything about his parents killer, but someday he was going to bring the man in yellow to his knees. Although not satisfied with his answer, Joe decided not to press the subject and brought Barry upstairs to his room to gather a few items.
Since Barry's parents were gone, Joe needed to find someone from Barry's family to take him, but so far no one was able to. His grandparents on his father's side were both gone and his grandfather on his mother's side was in a nursing home. Although his father did have a sister, she didn't have the money to care for Barry. In all honesty, she barely had the means to care for her own child at the moment.
Joe had a long conversation with her the previous night. Eventually the state would give Barry to his Aunt, but for the time being he would stay in their custody and placed in a temporary home. His Aunt had been furious. She may not have been rich, but she could take care of Barry if she had to. Joe assured her that he would make sure Barry was taken care of. All she needed to do to get her nephew was to get a little more money, to show she had the means to care for two children.
Neither Joe or his Aunt Donna wanted Barry to be in a temporary home, but for the time being that was where he had to stay. Initially Joe would have taken Barry into his care, but the Captain shot him down. Joe had been prepared to fight for Barry and even Donna's case, but the Captain's mind along with the courts had been made up. The only real thing Joe could do for Barry was be there for the kid and find the murderer.
Once Barry had packed a small bag to last for a few nights, he walked back down the stairs and stopped to look in the foyer again. This would be the final sweep of the crime scene before they would remove their caution tape and have the place cleaned up again. Barry didn't know what was going to happen to the house after this, but he hoped no one would take it. This was his home and he was going to come back to it.
"Come on Barry," Joe said, his hand on the boy's shoulder.
Barry shrugged his backpack onto his shoulder and walked out of the house to get to Joe's car. Joe took another glance at the house as he walked down the front steps. Joe had known Barry since Iris, his daughter, had asked to go on a playdate with him when they were seven. After that first meeting, Joe had always been close with Barry and not to mention had been close to his father.
When Joe came last night, to see his dead friends and their son alone, he couldn't believe it to be true. However he knew the pain he felt to losing his friends was nothing compared to the pain Barry was feeling at the loss of his parents.
"Don't you worry Barr," Joe said as he climbed into the cruiser, "Everything's going to be alright."
Barry didn't say anything, instead watched as his house faded into the distance until it wasn't there anymore.
"Harry."
"Yes?"
"I need you to stop by the police station for me."
Dr Harrison Wells, walked out of his office to see his wife standing by the kitchen counter fixing breakfast for the two of them. Most days they would have breakfast with their children, but since the science fair was coming up the two of them had left early to get on the bus and get their assignments. Rarely did their daughter and son want to ride the bus, but today was the exception leaving Harrison and his wife, Tess, to have a breakfast together.
"Alright," Harrison replied grinning, "What do you need from the police anyway?"
Tess took a sip of her coffee, brown eyes shining with mischief, "Let's just say your wife forgot to pick up the accident reports from the police to give the insurance company."
"I see," Harrison chuckled, "I'll inform your husband of the situation."
Tess rolled her eyes, but still smiled at him sweetly. This made Harrison's smile grow. Even as the years passed, the love he felt towards his wife would never fade away. Just looking at her, still in her pale blue bathrobe and grey pants made his breath hitch because he was certain she looked like an angel.
The way her honey brown hair hung loosely over her shoulders, or the way her eyes always seemed to shine like the stars. The way her light olive skin would glow in the sunlight, or moonlight or really in any light as far as Harrison was concerned.
"No worries my dear, I will pick up the report now," Harrison told his wife, "Besides I need start heading out anyway. The lab is waiting after all."
Tess grinned, "I'll bring you something. See you at the lab."
Harrison kissed her cheek before leaving the house in his BMW. It had been a little over fifteen years ago that Harrison had proposed to her and fouteen years since their wedding and they were happiest years of his life. Three years after their marriage, Harrison and Tess moved to Central City. Originally they lived in Starling City, but Tess thought it would be a good idea to move to a new city and see some new sights. Harrison didn't disagree, so the two of them packed their belongings and traveled to Central city where they built their lab and started a family.
For the next four years, they lived in Central City and created their Lab. A science and research facility they named the Science and Technological Advanced Research Labs or STAR Labs for short. Initially Harrison wanted to name it after Tess, but she vetoed that and it had been changed to STAR Labs. It wasn't until they hit a slow part in their life that things started to pick up speed.
Harrison had never been as adamant about having children as his wife had, but she eventually wore him down. Unfortunately when it was discovered that Tess couldn't bare a child, they never talked about having children of their own again. However that soon changed when Harrison and Tess met a little girl named Caitlin and shortly after Caitlin came Francisco, or Cisco as he liked to be called.
It wasn't until he first met Caitlin that night that he realized he really did want to have children. Tess had always liked children and when Caitlin and Cisco came into her life, she knew she would never let them go. Harrison felt the same and now he couldn't imagine life without his adopted son and daughter.
Harrison arrived at CCPD in record time. He climbed up the steps and hopped into the elevator. Once he was certain he was on the right floor, he walked into the main area where a number of police officers and detectives were waiting around near the desks. It was still early and most crimes didn't happen until later in the day, so the cops were all pretty content with where they were at the moment.
All except one, a cop who was standing near a boy looking at the "art" of this building with a gold sculpture and the words, liberty, truth and justice, written around it. Harrison looked at the officer and the boy in the red jacket curiously. From what the scientist could tell, the boy was clearly upset and the officer was trying to comfort him.
Joe had been trying to assure Barry that everything would be okay, but Barry wasn't listening to him anymore. His mind was too far away, his emotions too jumbled for him to understand. In the blink of an eye, everything Barry had once known, everything he had, had was now gone and never to be seen again. Not his mom or dad. Not his house. Not his school. There was nothing left for him.
"Joe," the Captain called, "I need you."
Joe looked over his shoulder to see his boss waiting in the door frame. He really did not want to leave Barry alone, but he still had a job to do.
"I'll be right back, then I can show you the lab upstairs after I take care of some stuff," Joe said, a small smile on his face.
Barry just nodded, still staring at the golden statue overhead. Reluctantly, Joe walked away from the boy to go and talk to his boss, most likely about another case he needed to work on.
Harrison had watched the exchange with curiosity, wondering why a young boy was here and where his parents were. Since Harrison had to wait to speak to an officer about the accident report, he decided there was no harm in keeping the boy company while he waited. However the closer Harrison came to the boy, the more he noticed the shaking of his shoulders and the choked sounds he made.
"Are you okay," Harrison asked the boy.
Barry kept his head down and shook his head no I reply.
Harrison frowned, "I'm sorry."
"Not your fault," Barry whispered sadly, "It's all his fault."
This confused Harrison, he bent down so he could be eye level with the young boy who looked at Harrison with pure sorrow on his face. His pale blue eyes were shimmering with unshed tears, his nose and cheeks turning red as he tried not to cry.
"Who's fault," Harrison asked, his eyes focused intently on the boy.
"The man in yellow," Barry said earnestly, "It's all his fault."
Harrison hesitated, "What did he do?"
"He took everything from me," Barry said angrily, his hands clenched at his sides.
This made Harrison wonder what exactly had this man in yellow done to him? What has this boy been through? Despite having two children, Harrison was never good at being able to comfort them despite what they or his wife said. He always tried to cheer them up if they were sad, but he didn't have the magic touch that his wife had. Harrison was better at distracting.
"I'm sure the police will find this man," Harrison said unsure of what else to say.
Barry looked up at the statue as he said, "If they don't find him then I will."
"I hope you do," Harrison said simply, "What's your name?"
Barry looked away from the statue to look back at the man he had just met, wondering if it was smart to give his name. Even though it seemed he had no intention of hurting him, the man was still a stranger and his parents along with Joe warned him about that. However Barry decided there would be no harm in telling him his name. After all, pretty soon most of Central City would know his last name and he wouldn't even be in town much longer. The news spoke about the murder of the Allen couple and how their son was left on his own. He extended his hand.
"Barry," the blue eyed boy said, "Barry Allen."
Harrison took his smaller hand and replied, "Harrison Wells."
Barry's eyes widened in surprise, "The Harrison Wells?"
"You've heard of me," Harrison questioned with an eyebrow raised.
Barry nodded excitedly, "Of course! You started STAR Labs. I've gone to almost all of the tours and the events."
Harrison smiled broadly, "I take it you like science."
"Uh huh, I want to be a scientist when I'm older. I want to make the impossible, possible," Barry said.
"I look forward to seeing that happen," Harrison replied, "May I ask what you plan to make possible? Or is it a top secret?"
Barry thought for a moment before replying, "I suppose I could tell you some ideas I have. Maybe you could help me."
"I'd be honored to," Harrison answered grinning.
"Barr," Joe called, scanning the room for the eleven year old.
Barry looked over his shoulder to see Joe waiting for him by the office doors. It looks like he has to leave and head to wherever the police send him.
"I have to go," Barry said sadly, the reality of his situation coming back to him.
Harrison put a hand on Barry's shoulder, "Don't you worry Barry. I'm sure everything will work out. I'll be in touch with you soon. I still want to hear your ideas."
Barry smiled weakly at Harrison before walking away from him and into the main office area. Once Barry was seated at Joe's desk, the officer decided to go talk to the man Barry was with. He didn't like the idea of a stranger speaking Barry, it made him unsteady. Joe approached the man in question.
Arms folded, Joe asked, "Who are you and why were you talking to Barry?"
"Harrison Wells and I was merely keeping the boy company," Harrison replied, "Are you his father?"
"No, his parents are dead," Joe said flatly.
Harrison couldn't stop the surprise from showing on his face. No wonder Barry had been so upset and angry about the man in yellow. Now Harrison understood what Barry meant when he said the man in yellow had taken everything from him. Whoever the man was had taken his parents.
"That's terrible," Harrison said, "Does he have any family he can stay with?"
Joe narrowed his eyes slightly, "I don't see how that is any concern of yours."
"I just want to make sure he will be okay," Harrison said and it was the truth.
He simply wanted to know if Barry would be taken care of. Of course he could understand how a stranger asking a cop about a boy he just met is odd, but he meant it to be genuine concern. Barry reminded him of his own children and it broke his heart to know that this boy was having a hard time.
Joe wasn't exactly sure what to make of the man standing before him. After spending so many years as a cop, Joe liked to think himself good at reading people and learning about their intentions. Despite the small part of him that didn't trust this guy, he could tell there was something good in the man's intentions. He just wasn't sure what it was.
"Why the interest," Joe asked, his gaze leveling with Harrison.
Harrison bit the inside of his lip and replied, "I have children of my own who… have lost much. I just want to know that he will be okay. It may not be a concern of mine, but he's just a child who needs help."
Harrison pulled out a sticky note and pen. Quickly he wrote his phone number down and handed it to the police officer.
"Please, I just want to help Barry," Harrison said extending the piece of paper to Joe.
Joe lowered his arms, he wasn't ready to trust Harrison, not in the least. However he knew Barry needed as many people on his side as he could get because right now there weren't many people willing to stand with him. Not to mention, the state would be sending someone to take Barry to a temporary home or a foster home for an uncertain amount of time. If no relatives of Barry's could be found, the state would have full custody of Barry and he would end up in the system. That was the last thing Joe wanted to happen.
Joe pushed that from his mind and focused on Harrison again.
"I won't take it," Joe replied briskly, "I want to do what's best for him. You don't even know him or the situation."
"I don't need to know," Harrison told Joe, "All I ask is that if Barry finds himself in need, I want to be able to provide some form of help."
Joe only glared at the scientist, "You can't help him."
Harrison dropped his arm to his side, the little sticky note still in his hand as Joe walked away. Joe wondered if he made the right decision turning Harrison down. There was nothing that man could do to help Barry, nothing that would fix their problems. It was best for him to mind his own business. Joe took another look at the scientist before walking up the stairs to speak with someone
Harrison waited until the officer was out of sight before looking to Barry who was sitting at a desk looking bored and lonely. Quickly, Harrison made his way over to Barry with the sticky note still in his hand.
"Barry," Harrison said and kneeled in front of the eleven year old, "Take this."
Barry took the sticky in his hand and looked over the numbers. He could tell it was a phone number, but wondered why Harrison was giving it to him. Although Harrison had said he would be in touch, Barry wasn't sure if that was actually true or how exactly they would stay in touch. He had no idea where he was headed.
"What's this for," Barry asked looking up at Harrison.
Harrison smiled fondly, "If you ever need anything, I want you to call this number and I will be there."
Barry's eyebrows furrowed, "Really? Why?"
"I have two kids who are about your age," Harrison explained, "If they were ever to end up in a bad situation, I would want someone to help them if I couldn't. So please, if you need anything don't be afraid to call."
Barry nodded in understanding, "Thank you."
Harrison nodded in reply. Without another word, Harrison left the office, got the information he needed for Tess and left the station. He would be back though. He wasn't going to leave Barry behind.