The day had come for Central City to celebrate their very own Scarlet Speedster. Banners with The Flash's image on them were strung up throughout the city, masks were sold to children so they might show their admiration for their own hero. It was a festive atmosphere, and everyone was ready to celebrate the achievements of their hero. For Barry Allen, the day was a strange one. Whilst he felt flattered to be honoured in such a way, he wasn't really sure if he deserved it or not. And with things between himself and Caitlin slightly tense after their near kiss, god knew what would happen. Still he was dressed in his suit, ready and waiting to get to the stage to accept his key, his heart was steady, he could see Joe, Cisco, Iris, Eddie and Caitlin all there in the crowd, alongside Professor Stein and his wife. The Deputy Mayor took to the microphone and spoke loudly and clearly. "The past year has been one of many challenges for Central City, we have faced hardships and we have had good times. We as a people have worked hard to unite our city. But none of this would have been possible without our very own Scarlet Speedster. And so, it gives me great pleasure, to give the key to Central City, to Central City's The Flash." A Huge roar erupts then, sending shivers down Barry's spine, he flashes to the stage, waves at the crowd, smiling, and shakes the deputy mayor's hand, smiling at the man and taking the key.
Just as he goes to step to the microphone to speak, a figure emerges from the crowd, a figure wearing a skeleton like mask. "The Flash and Flash Day eh? Let's see how good you really are then Flash." The figure moves towards him swatting people out of his way, causing all kinds of chaos.
Barry stands there watching the figure move toward him, internally he sighs, can't the bad guys stay away for just one day? Putting the key on the podium, he nods to the deputy mayor and the flashes toward the guy. He starts speed punching him, and the figure starts to grunt with pain. And just as Barry thinks that he might get some sort of benefit from this, the guy swats at him, sending him flying. Barry crashes into the railings that had been set up to keep the crowd from moving too close to the stage, during the ceremony, and groans slightly. He gets up and moves towards the figure once more. He moves one way then another, avoiding the figure's punches and swats, and eventually manages to land another blow on the man, hitting him this way and that. The figure grunts and groans with pain, but does not go down. If anything, he seems to be getting stronger. The figure moves slowly but then eventually, hits Barry in chest, winding him, before hitting him in the face, sending him flying once more.
"This is disappointing Flash. I would have thought you'd be more of a challenge." The figure says. Barry manages to struggle up to his feet in time to see Cisco fire off the gun he'd made to deal with meta humans. The figure strains against the bonds, but instead of going down, increases in size, breaking the bond on his leg. The figure moves towards Cisco, forcing Barry to flash in front of his friend. He stares at the man, and then begins moving his arms in circular motions, creating wind, just as Wells had shown him how to. The figure is jettisoned back, but continues growing in size. "Is that all you have Flash?" the figure growls.
The figure moves through the wind, grabbing him in a vice like grip, he can feel his bones creaking under the pressure. Somewhere, Caitlin is screaming, and Joe and Eddie are firing their guns, but nothing seems to be doing any damage. The figure continues to hold him in a death like grip, draining his energy and increasing in size. Barry struggles to break free, fighting against the confines that hold him. Eventually, he decides to lean forward, smacking the man in the face, forcing him to drop him. Barry struggles to his feet, only to be knocked to the floor again, he gets shunted to the side, blood falling from his mouth. Barry can feel the game ending, his mind is scattered, his body feels as if it is broken, there's not a chance he could make it through this. Not a chance at all.
Cisco fires off another round of the bonds from the meta gun, only for the figure to absorb them as if they are nothing at all. His strength grows, and Barry manages to get into a sitting position, his brain going hay wire. Caitlin comes to his side then, and he looks at her. "Cait… you shouldn't be here." He manages to slur.
Caitlin looks at Barry, looks at how bloodied and bruised he is, and responds. "Nonsense, you need help."
Somewhere, the figure snarls and moves toward them. "The Flash, and his lovely lady, will make nice trophies on my wall." The figure moves closer to them, toward Caitlin, and something within Barry snaps. Something about seeing the terrified look in Caitlin's face makes him snap. Unbeknownst to him, his eyes flash red briefly, before he moves toward the figure, with a speed he did not know about. He runs and runs, and though memories flicker through his mind, he blocks them out and hits the figure again and again, he runs and runs. He builds up enough speed and energy, that the figure drinks it in hungrily, but seems unable to cope with how quickly the speed and energy is being produced. He runs and runs, and his mind goes haywire, the figure slumps and groans and moans, and then stops. Barry stares at the figure and slumps to the floor. The figure dies before Barry's eyes and Wells's words flicker into his head. That is the second person he has killed.