This is it guys! The final chapter of season 1! So this obviously centred around ep.23. This chapter is heavy with emotion and in saying that, the scene I enjoyed writing most would probably be the most heart-wrenching scene between Barry and his mother. Anyhow I'll let you read on. And hope you enjoy the little something I added at the end of the chapter J Thanks for all of you who have been enjoying this story as much as I had writing it.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Flash nor its characters.
Barry's POV
Barry stared at the metal door that separated him and his mother's killer. With his hands balled into his fists by his side, Barry took a breath, turning his head to the side; Barry reached out to the small tablet by the wall. Shaking, Barry's fingers hovered over the door's mechanical lock hesitating to open it. Closing his eyes, Barry inhaled focusing on finding the courage to overcome his fear. Barry wasn't afraid of Wells. No. He was afraid of finally getting the answers to the burning questions that have kept him up at night since he was a kid. This was it. He was finally going to know why him… why kill his mother.
Set in his resolve, Barry's fingers touched the screen activating the system to pry the doors open.
Barry's lips were set in a hard line as he glared at Wells. Wells who seemed unconcerned about his predicament , stepped out of the shadow of his cell, his lips curved into a mischievous smile as he saw Barry.
Barry clenched his fist tighter turning them to a shade of white as he came face to face with man who create this nightmare he was living.
"What? No big belly burger? It's one of the few perks of living in this time. We're out of cows where I come from. You don't care about that. You have questions. Go ahead." Wells blurted out normally.
"I'm not sure where to start. Thawne. That is your real name? Eobard Thawne?" Barry stammered as he became overwhelmed with the crashing tension in his that came with the million and one questions he needed answers to.
"Since the day I was born." Well answered easily.
"And when was that?" Barry continued.
"One hundred and thirty six years from now. This is not what you want to know. Go ahead, Barry. Ask it." Wells whispered edging closer to the glass with a dangerous look in his eye.
No longer bound by his fear, Barry stepped closer looking Wells square in the eye.
"Why did you kill my mother?"
Barry flinched when Wells' lips turned into a smile. Barry watched as Wells stepped away and began to lazily circle around in his cell.
"Because I hate you. Not you now. You years from now." He said unfazed by the question.
"In the future." Barry asked through gritted teeth.
"In a future, yes. We're enemies, rivals, opposites. Reverses of one another." Wells whispered lightly.
"Why, Why were enemies?"
"It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter anymore. What matters is neither was strong enough to defeat the other. Until I learned your secret. I learned your name. Barry Allen. And finally, I knew how to defeat you once and for all. Travel back in time, kill you as a child…" Wells demonstrated with a whooshing noise and a gesture with his hand.
"…wipe you away from the face of the earth. But then you, future you, that is… followed me back and we fought. We both landed some pretty solid shots. And then you, future you got your younger self out of there. I was so mad. But then, I thought… what if you were to suffer a tragedy? What if you were to suffer something so horrible, so traumatic that your child self could never recover? Then you would not become the Flash." Wells continued a glint of something murderous in his eyes.
Smiling at Barry's ashened face, Wells stepped back into the shadow of his cell as he continued to speak like all he was saying was nothing interesting.
"And so I stabbed your mother in the heart."
Barry's heart clenched at his confession. Anger and hatred began to brew deep within his chest. It took everything Barry had to restrain himself and keep his emotions from his face. Although he was sure it wasn't working.
"..And I was free, finally able to return to a future without the Flash, only to realize that in my travelling back, I'd lost my way home. Lost my ability to harness the speed force, and without it, I was stuck here… stranded in this time unable to return to my home… and the only way back was the Flash. But the Flash was gone, and so I created him." Wells huffed as he finished.
"Hm… why train me? Why help me save so many people?" Barry spat, unable to keep the anger from his voice.
"Because I needed you to get fast. Fast enough to rupture the space-time barrier and create a stable wormhole through which I could return home." Wells exclaimed.
"Why would I ever do that?"
"Because… Barry Allen… if you give me what I want, I'm going to give you what you want. You can go back and save your mother. You can prevent your father from going to prison. You can reunite the Allen family."
"No. No, I don't believe you." Barry protested shaking his head in disbelief.
He couldn't take anything Wells said at face value. He all but admitted that he hated him… that they were enemies and more than once tried to kill him. So why should he believe that all of that was just for him to get home. No. None of it was true.
As Barry looked back up at Wells, he just smirked at Barry.
Before Barry knew what he was doing, he slammed his hand onto the glass. His rage pounding in his chest Barry slammed his fist against the glass again
"I want to kill you right now!" Barry threatened his voice like poison.
Wells just continued to smile. Barry didn't flinch as Wells edged closer to the glass so that they were now just the thickness of glass from each other.
"I know that rage. I used to feel that rage every time I looked upon you… and now somehow… I know what Joe and Henry feel… when they look on you with pride. With love." Wells said never breaking a smile.
Barry closed his eyes for a second. His hot breath fogging up circles on the glass.
"No. No, don't you ever say that to me!" Barry ordered, with another frustrated punch to the glass.
"I know you're upset, but I'm giving you a chance. I'm giving you a chance to undo all the evil I've done. Don't you want that chance?" Wells finished continuing to glare down at Barry with a smug smile.
Barry took a moment. He wasn't going to give into Wells. No. He wasn't going to give him what he wanted. He wasn't going to let him. Not again.
Glaring into Wells eyes, all Barry saw was darkness. Shaking his head, he backed away his lips in a hard line as he gritted his teeth. Without blinking Barry reached out to the tablet closing the door shut.
*Cortex*
Barry trudged back to the cortex, his hands intertwined around his neck. Breathing out a heavy breath, Barry rounded the corner into the cortex. Lifting his head, Barry stopped. He didn't expect to see that Ronnie and Dr Stein decided to extend their stay. As Barry's eyes guided from the professor he noticed Caitlin beside Ronnie. An urge of jealous bubbled in his chest. Overwhelmed with emotions, Barry pushed it away, distracted with the offer Wells had just presented him.
"Rare opportunity to go back in time and write a wrong… and save your mother's life! Hm quite the paradox Harrison has presented you with, Mr. Allen." Stein bubbled as his eyes grew with wonder and excitement.
Barry knew that the team had been listening on his conversation with Wells, but being down there, face to face with his mom's murder, Barry had forgotten about the audience so he was a taken back by Stein's comments.
"The chance to be with someone you love? Seems pretty cut and dry to me." Caitlin mumbled looking over to Barry.
As he caught her eye, she immediately looked away.
"At first blush, Dr. Snow, it would appear so, but this gift has unparalleled risk. Barry, the night your mother died the night you saved yourself from being killed… that event altered the timeline you were on and changed the course of history." Stein cautioned.
"So, what you're saying is we're living in a parallel universe?" Cisco quizzed skeptical.
"Just like when I time travelled before." Barry whispered.
"But he only changed one day that time." Cisco added.
"Exactly! Now imagine fifteen years of compounded experiences. One different decision, no matter how big or small, impacts everything that follows. Moments upon moments, choices upon choices, new relationships… Nothing would be as it is today, and you'd never know the difference… because you'd never remember any of it."
Barry's head was pounding. He didn't know what he should do. Rubbing his hand over his face, thinking… he looked over at the Professor.
"So if I go back and save my mom, my dad doesn't go to prison…. I never live with Joe and Iris." He said warily.
"You might never meet me or Caitlin… or Ronnie." Cisco said saddened.
Dr. Stein nodded in agreement before looking back to Barry with an answer.
"Truth is there is no real way of knowing what your life will be."
*Iron Heights Prison*
Barry smiled kindly to the security guard as he buzzed the door open. Taking his hands out of his pockets, Barry shuffled through the door taking a seat across from his father.
Barry's eyes red and strained as he stared back at his father with a weal smile. His father looked at him with wondering eyes. His father indicating to the phone, Barry dropped his head as he picked up the phone, bringing it to his ear.
As Barry finished telling his father everything that had happened, everything he could change, he took a deep breath before looking up at his father.
"Dad, look, I know this sounds crazy." He continued his eyes wide with hope.
"I think we're way past crazy, slugger. Look you're fast, I get it. But turning back time-" his father began to say as he shook his head.
"Nah… no I wouldn't be turning time back… I would be going back. To that night… to save her." Barry protested, his hand gripping tighter onto the phone.
"And what does Joe think about all this."
"Uhh, he thinks I should do it." Barry muffled, the phone covering half of his mouth.
"No. You can't." Henry said with finality.
Barry looked at his father bewildered. He couldn't understand what his father was telling him.
"Dad… I can make it so that night… will never have happened. We'll be a family again."
"We are a family." Henry reiterated, pleading with his son to see reason.
"No. Not like this, not without mom." Barry protested, feeling the heat reaching his eyes.
"Barry… there's a natural order to things. Okay. Things happen the way they do. We may not know what at the time, but there must always be a reason. Now, I believe that. I've had to believe that."
Barry let his hand fall forward. He could, he didn't want to hear what his dad was saying. Leaning his head against his hand Barry looked back up at his father, his eyes heavy with tears.
"I- I can save mom." He choked back.
"At what cost? You said time would change… what if it changes you?" His father argued.
"Well I don't care." Barry replied, sniffing back the tears as he shrugged his shoulders defiantly.
"I do. I am in awe… of the remarkable man that you are becoming. All the things you've achieved, and not just as the Flash… but You, Barry. Your honesty, your heart. You were always a hero. And your mom would be just as proud. And if she had a say in this, if she thought for one second that you going back to save her would mean you losing what makes you so special… she would never want that!"
Barry's heart was torn. With his chest aching, he couldn't hold back the tears he'd being trying so hard to conceal. He let them fall.
"Barry, what I hoped for you… maybe the greatest thing that a father can hope for his son, is that one day you will become a father yourself. And then you will know how much I truly love you." Henry finished raising his hand against the glass.
Through the tears, Barry reached out, his hand covering his fathers through the glass.
Caitlin's POV
Without knowing where Barry had run off too, Caitlin found it harder to think with him gone then when he was around. She bit down on her lip as she took Ronnie's temperature.
As the thermometer beeped, Caitlin removed the device her eyes scanning over the numbers.
"98.6. Normal." She said with a small smile as her eyes meet his.
"Don't know what that word means anymore." He laughed, taking off the wires from his body.
"Me neither. I know that Barry really appreciates you coming back to help him stop Wells." Caitlin said trying to fill in the conversation.
"That's not the only reason I came back, Cait…"
Caitlin looked into Ronnie's burning eyes. He still loved her. That much she could see. She didn't know how to respond. Yes, she loved Ronnie and probably always will, but she gave her heart to another and he still had it.
"…You called and I answered. I'm here now… and for good." He continued after he realized she couldn't speak.
"But I thought-" she said clearing her throat as her eyebrows pulled together in confusion.
Ronnie's expression turned serious. As he propped himself off the stretcher, Caitlin took a step back giving them a bit of space.
"I thought too. I thought too much about what might have happened if the government tracked us down. That you said you needed some time and space… and that's the main reason I stayed away… I thought too much if we couldn't control out powers and we hurt someone, if we hurt you… But I realize that, although sometimes, I'm more than one man… I'm not whole unless I'm with you. I love you Cait—" He confessed taking her in his hands.
Caitlin froze. She didn't know what to do. Her heart was beating fast. She knew she should try and stop him, but the flash of Barry… Iris… the by-line, she found it hard to move.
Ronnie took a moment; he looked into her eyes before leaning down and kissing her.
Although Caitlin saw it coming as if in slow motion, she couldn't help but feel the kiss catch her off guard. Out of all the things that could have happened today… this, she was not expecting.
Pulling away Caitlin, looked to the ground guiltily. Was this the right thing to do? She asked herself as Ronnie tilted her head up so he she could see him.
"Once upon a time and a particle accelerator or so ago you agreed to marry me..." Ronnie paused, his face light but his eyes serious.
"Yes I did." Caitlin whispered cautiously.
"What do you say we do that?" he whispered.
Caitlin stared back at him. Stunned. Her mouth suddenly dry, she couldn't form words.
"I-Can I have some time to think about it… It's just that a lot has happened." She excused, slipping out of his hands, turning away busying herself with re-organizing her tools on the tray.
"Barry?" he asked sadly.
Caitlin closed her eyes. Opening them, she took a deep breath before turning back to face Ronnie.
"Something like that." She said offering a small smile.
"Are you guys still tog- Do you still love him?"
"No." She said almost immediately, hoping that he'd believe her lie.
"Please Ronnie. I just need time… a lot has happened in the past year then I could have imagined. I just need to do something first. I promise I'll give you an answer by tonight." She said more lightly.
"Okay."
*The Rooftop*
As she reached the top of the stairs, she faced the closed door, her heart pounding in her chest and her body shaking. This was how it's supposed to be. She told herself repeatedly. Hesitating, Caitlin reached out pushing the door open. As she stepped out onto the gravel, like she's done so many times before, she knew this time… what she was about to do, would be the last time she could ever come back here. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out further onto the roof, the rough nature of the roof crunching underneath each step she took forward.
"I heard you were back… I looked everywhere for you and I thought I might find you here." She said.
"I needed to get out of the lab." Barry mumbled, turning around with a smile across his face.
Caitlin stopped with some distance between them. She looked around, taking in the view, as the sun began to hide itself behind the towers of Central City.
"How's Ronnie and the Professor." Barry whispered his eyes glued to the floor as he shuffled around with some pebbles with his foot.
"They're fine." She replied, he mouth running dry.
"Good."
Taking a deep breath as she closed her eyes, she knew it was now or never. Opening her eyes with resolution she opened her mouth.
"Barry that's not the reason I came up here. I have something I need to tell you." She blurted out nervously.
"Sure you know you can tell me anything." He said suddenly concerned.
As Barry gestured forward, Caitlin held up her hand stopping him dead in his tracks. If she was going to have a chance, she needed the space.
"Look I don't know how to say this so I'm just going to come out straight."
Barry nods but remains where he stood, aware she didn't want him to get any closer.
"Ronnie asked me to marry him. And I'm going to say yes." She confessed.
There was a long silence. Caitlin took the courage to look up at him. It broke her. She could see it in his eyes as her words tore him apart.
"Cait—" his voice pleaded with her.
His voice ripped at her. Her eyes began to fill with tears as she watched him. She's never him so defeated then now. And it broke her knowing she was the reason.
"Barry… I just can't keep doing this anymore." She indicated between them.
"I can't keep holding my breath waiting for the day you wake up and realize you love her. We tried. We know how this ends. It's better this way. You'll see." She finished, wiping away a tear that fell down her cheek.
"Cait—that—"
"No. Please." She pleaded with him.
Barry looked at her for a moment. She was trying so hard to control her tears. Not to let herself break down in front of him.
"I'm marrying Ronnie." She said as she straightened herself up.
Barry didn't say anything. She knew he couldn't. There wasn't anything either of them could do. At least not in this lifetime.
"I'm happy for you." He whispered, smiling at her even though she could see in his eyes he was dying.
Caitlin returned the smile. That was that. This was there end. Caitlin nodded, Barry walked over to her taking her into his arms.
"I hope he does right by you." He whispers before pulling himself away and kissing her on the forehead.
"Goodluck Cait." He says before walking away and returning to face out towards the city.
Caitlin let the deep breath she'd been holding. That was her cue to go.
Barry's POV
As Barry looked down at the city, he tried hard not to think. If he did he felt as though his head might explode. Not only that, but if he thought… his mind would think of one person. And his heart couldn't take any more pain. He was sure he wouldn't be able to survive if it did.
"Barry... Barry, you up here?" Iris voice called out into the cold night air.
"Ugh yeah..." he coughed clearing his throat wiping away a tear.
"What you doing up here?" she asked nearing him, as she shrugged into her coat, trying to escape the cold.
"I thought this would be a good place to think…" he laughed, turning back to the city below as she settled herself beside him leaning slightly over the edge.
"Wow the view is amazing… I can see why it would be a great place to escape to. That's what you are doing right?" She called him out.
Barry cocked his head to the side. "Wh-What makes you say that?"
"Barry how long have we known each other? I think it's safe to say I know you pretty well." She laughed rolling her eyes.
Barry let out a little chuckle. Yep they had known each other for a long while.
There was a silence that passed between them before Iris's voice cut through the air.
"So are you going to do it?" She whispered looking at him, her expression serious.
Barry took a sharp inhale of cold air as he turned to face her.
"It's just so huge. It's the biggest decision of my life, and if I'm wrong… I can't undo it." He mumbled.
"Why would you want to? I mean you'd get to see your mom again… your dad. Have a great career… even get married." She teased at the last word.
Barry's eyes widened. How'd she know?
"Iris West- Allen huh? I never really thought of myself as a hyphenator. Must be a 2024 thing. Is that why you were so weird about everything the past few days… with me… with Caitlin?"
Barry sighed.
"We don't know that—that's going to happen. I mean—" he mumbled lost for an explanation. Hell he didn't really understand it himself. He thought he had his future planned. A future with Caitlin.
"Exactly! So man up and go get your girl back!" She ordered slapping him across the arm.
Ouch. He mouthed flinching at her act violence.
"I don't think that's going to be an option anymore. In this future anyways." He muttered rubbing his arm.
"Why? What happened between you two? And don't say nothing because there has to be a reason I saw Caitlin crying as I was coming up here?"
Barry's heart clenched at the thought of Caitlin hurting. But it was her decision. She made it and there was nothing he could do to change it.
"She's marrying Ronnie." Barry huffed out, as pale clouds filled the air in front of him as she spoke.
"Oh."
"Yep." Barry nodded.
"I'm sorry." Iris cooed sympathetically, placing a consoling hand over his.
"So what are you going to do?" She asked.
"I don't know…"
"Do you think that because you didn't live us… that's why things are different there?" She quizzed.
Barry gripped to the outer edge of the ledge and leaned back stretching out his arms. As he pulled himself back, he retreated his hands back into his pockets, shuffling around so he faced her.
"Growing up together… and knowing so much about each other… it was hard to admit how I felt about you… and then I met Caitlin and my world changed just like yours did with Eddie. And I waited too long to get her back and to fight for her and now she's with Ronnie. But- living with you and Joe… I've had a great life Iris." He smiled genuinely down at her.
"Come here Barry." She cried, pulling him into a tight hug.
"What do you think I should do? I need someone to tell me." He pleaded, tightening his arms around her.
"I think… that every once in a while Barry Allen, you should stop thinking about other people. I think you should what's in your heart. Do what you need to do for yourself." She advised as she pulled away.
* Treadmill Room*
"So if I don't run fast enough to collide with the particle, then I'm dust and if I do run fast enough but I'm not back here in time then a black hole will form , swallow up the city and possibly the world…. You still sure you want to look me in the eyes and tell me that this is for the best?" Barry shouted, turning to Joe as he stopped pacing the room.
"I'd be lying if I told you I did." Joe replied.
"Hmpf"
"To be honest I don't know what to think." Joe continued watching as Barry ran his hands though his hair.
"I thought you were the sure one. I—I was kind of banking on that when I made the decision the first time." Barry laughed as he collapsed to sit on the treadmill.
"I was faking it." Joe shrugged, sitting himself beside Barry.
"Yeah."
"Sometimes parents do that. Most of the time parents do that." Joe paused before continuing.
"Look of course, I'm scared but I didn't want you not to help your mother because you were worried about me." Joe explained.
Barry shook his head.
"Well, I'll always worry about you Joe. Just like you'll always worry about me. Sorry but you can't stop that." He huffed out as his eyes sought out his father.
Barry saw a glint in Joe's eye as he pulled an arm around Barry's shoulders.
"Do you think I can do this? Do you think I can save my mom? I mean, do you think I'm fast enough?" Barry whispered as she leaned into Joe's shoulder.
"Yes." He replied without hesitation.
"I know you are." He said squeezing Barry's arm.
"You know, I've dreamed my whole life about… saving her, freeing my dad and… I never thought I'd have to lose another parent to do that." Barry mumbled, tilting his head to face Joe.
Joe looked sadly at him.
"Barry—"
"Joe, it's true. It's- It's true. I've always been focused on everything I lost that night. But I gained so much too. I—I was born with one father but that tragedy gave me… another. And I don't think I can lose you." He stammered.
This time Joe took Barry into both of his arms, pulling him into a hug. Barry held onto his father tightly. With everything going on, he was glad he always had Joe on his side.
"You will never lose me! Ever, you hear me? Ever."
Barry nodded into Joe's shoulder. Never. He repeated.
Caitlin's POV
Caitlin stared at herself in the mirror. As her hands slide down the lace of her dress, she drew in a deep breath. This was how it was meant to be. She loved Ronnie. And for now that was enough. She smiled to herself, reassuring that this was how it was all meant to play out.
Sighing, Caitlin stepped to the side, her hands shaking as she reached down to pick up her bouquet of yellow flowers. Gripping them tightly as if for dear life, Caitlin brought the flowers up to her nose. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes trying to relax.
She heard him approach and stop behind her. Without looking up she opened her eyes. She took one more deep breath as the silence ate away at them. Caitlin whirled around to face him to beat him to the punch before he could say anything that would make her crumble to her feet and change her mind. She knew that just the sound of his voice could break her.
As she turned, he stared at her with the strangest look on his face. He looked as though he had gotten dressed in a hurry, like he wasn't sure he was going to make it. But could she blame him? He was well dressed. He stood before her in an untucked white shirt rolled to his elbows, in his well-worn jeans and a black bow tie that hung untied around his neck. Still, as rugged as he was dressed, he still took her breath away. And standing there, looking into his eyes, it took everything she had not to run to him.
"Barry what are you doing here… I thought you'd be… well anywhere but in here." She trailed off.
"I know… I know... but there's something you need to hear." He whispered taking a step closer towards her.
Caitlin's breathing hitched as the air between them electrified.
"Barry ple—" she began to plead.
He shook his head. "I'm not her to change your mind." He said his voice saddened by the look in his eyes.
"Then—" she began, but was stopped when he raced forward pressing his fingers against her mouth.
Caitlin held her breath. When Barry was sure she wouldn't interrupt him again, he removed his fingers and took a step back.
Caitlin was relieved for the space. She needed it to think clearly.
"I'm not here to change your mind." He repeated.
"I just wanted you to know, that I understand why you're doing this. And I'm okay with it."
Caitlin's heart stopped. Really? She wasn't expecting what she was hearing. How could he get over her so soon? She guessed she was to blame hell how could she accuse him when she was about to marry another man. Still, it crushed her.
She didn't know what to say or if she had the voice to say anything at all. So she just stood there barely holding back the tears.
"I'm okay with it… because I've finally decided on the future…"
Caitlin looked down to the ground as she prepared herself for what she was going to hear. He had finally realized he was in love with Iris and always had been. She sighed to herself.
"…I've decide I'm going back to change my past. And I guess my future."
Caitlin snapped her head back up. He was going to do it! He was going to save his mother. A smile grew on her face. She was genuinely happy for him.
"I'm happy for you." She choked out her mouth so dry she could hardly speak.
"I don't know what kind of life I'll have or where I'll be, but this is what I wanted you to know. What I need you to know before I do this…"
"Okay." Was all she could say.
Caitlin waited for him to continue. She stared into his eyes. They glowed with a burning intensity that bore into her soul. She never looked away as he drew closer to her. With the little distance that remained between them, Barry lifted his hand, gently stroking her cheek before tangling them in her hair as he looked into her eyes.
"I'm going back to change my past. I'm going to change my future too. And I know it'll be with you. No matter what life, no matter what universe… this I know. I will always love you."
With those last words Barry pulled her down placing a kiss on her forehead. She didn't move. She didn't want to. When he pulled away he just smiled and left her paralysed. When she finally spoke, he had already left. Her voice was a small and broken thing. What emerged was the only thing she could say. I love you too… always.
Barry's POV
After the vows were spoken, Barry excused himself, a smile on his face to hide how he was really feeling. Although his heart was breaking, he knew that he had the power to change everything. And he was going to do it.
Barry trudged into the cortex where he sat himself down on one of the many computer chairs in the room. In the distance he heard the laughter and voices of the wedding party slowly approach where he tried hiding away.
He didn't hear her, but she was alone when she placed a hand on his shoulder. Barry spun around in the chair his eyes looking up into hers.
She wore the dress beautifully. It took his breath away.
"Hey." She said her voice light and somewhat unsure.
Barry smiled pushing himself off the chair and pulled her into a hug.
"Congratulations Cait- I hope you'll be happy."
He pulled away almost immediately. Looking away, Barry moved towards his suit just as everyone else joined them in the room.
"Looks like should get ready." He laughed.
He watched over as Ronnie settled himself beside Caitlin, his hand massaging her shoulder as he pressed his lips to her temple. Barry turned away, hurting that he wasn't the one beside her.
But he knew that if he changed his past, he'd change his future. To a future he hoped brought him and Caitlin back together.
*Pipeline*
This was it. Barry turned his back on the metal door that stood between him and his past.
He looked around him, to everyone he loved. Caitlin was the first one to step forward.
Barry snaked his arms around her pulling her into him tight. She buried her head into his shoulder as tears began to spill down her cheeks.
Barry took a moment long, taking advantage of having her in his arms. Before he pulled away, his lips brushed against her ear where he whispered. "Always." He promised.
As Caitlin stepped back, Barry nodded over to Ronnie in a silent agreement that he keep her safe. Make her happy. With a smile in return, Cisco stepped forward.
"Okay there is going to be three yous back there... you from the future, who saved younger you from the Reverse Flash and now 'you' you. Remember, wait until future you gets younger you out of there and then you can go save your mom."
"Piece of cake." Barry laughed, grabbing onto Cisco's shoulder and pulling him into a bear hug.
"May the speed force be with you." He finished before making his way to stand besides Caitlin.
This time it was Barry who stepped forward. He looked at Joe, his eyes heavy with tears. As much as he wanted to get his family back together, he hated the fact that he would lose another father.
"Goodbye, dad." He cried as he tightened his arms around his father.
"Goodbye, son." Joe choked.
As he pulled away, Barry looked over to Iris.
"Iris…"
"You don't have to say anything… I already know." She says cutting him off.
"I hope whatever life you get it's enough for you… and makes you happy." She finishes, pulling his head down to kiss his forehead.
"You too." He smiled in return. With a nod towards Eddie and a final glance at his family, Barry turned his back on them as the door opened.
Taking a deep breath, Barry stepped forward and began to run.
With Wells voice in the back of his mind pulling him to where he needed to go Barry felt as the force of electricity coursed through his body, electrifying every cell making him faster. As the force of his speed broke him through the time barrier, Barry saw flashes of his life before him.
"..You need to focus on where you want to go… so think about that night… think about your mother..." he heard Wells whisper.
Closing his eyes, Barry focused on the last memory of his mother. Racing towards the pain Barry began to run faster than he ever had before.
"Arrrggghhh!" Barry screamed forcing him to break the barrier and into the past.
Barry stopped. He was in his room. Looking around everything was as he remembered it. The memory hit him hard as the loud screams just like out of his nightmares pulled him back to the reality of when and where he was. As he raced downstairs, Barry cautiously pulled open the door to the living room. Hidden out of view all he could do was relive the worst night of his life until it was safe to do what he came back to do. Save his mom.
"Mom!" he cried.
"Barry!" She cried her voice strained.
"Mom!
"Barry, get back! No!" She pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
"Nora, Hold on!" Henry screamed holding back his son.
As time slowed around him, Barry pushed the door open further steadying himself for the moment he'd race his mother out of there. As Barry saw his mother, he broke. Suddenly he caught eye of himself. He was warning himself off. Barry froze. No. He didn't understand. But deep down something told him to listen. As his future self, raced his past self away, something in Barry broke as he tore himself back behind the door.
"Barry!" His mother's screams brought his eyes back to her.
"No! No! No!" She cried her eyes reaching out for her little boy.
As he caught the last sight of his mother, he closed the door behind him, shielding his eyes from what he knew would come next. Collapsing to the floor, Barry heart clenched in agony as he heard the muffled sounds of her screams as she pleaded for her life. And then, just like that, his heart broke. His face crumpled in agony as he yelled out.
After a moment passed, Barry curled his hand around the door. As he struggled to open the door, time slowed and stilled. Barry moved over to her. She was finally with his mother. Barry didn't say much. He just held her tight. As much as he had wanted to change things, there was nothing he could do. And it broke him.
"Hey." Barry whispered as a tear fell from his cheek.
As his mother moaned in pain, Barry gripped onto her tighter willing the pain to go away.
"It's okay, it's okay. You're okay." He cried.
"Please. My husband. My son. Are they—" she pleaded.
"They're okay. They're both safe. I promise." He managed to choke out.
"Who are you?" she coughed struggling to speak.
"I'm…. I'm the Flash." Barry stammered, his mouth dry he couldn't form the words.
"I don't understand." She shook under his touch.
As he stared at his mother, Barry let her go, taking a deep breath he pulled off his mask. He smiled down at her.
"You look just like my father." She stammered confused.
Tears clouded up his eyes, Barry chuckled offering her a weak smile as he held his mother in his arms.
"This won't make any sense… But it's me. Mom."
"What?" she slurred slowly fading away.
"It's Barry." he whispered.
"Barry?"
"Your Barry."
"Oh my beautiful boy. Yeah."
Hearing her voice, it overwhelmed him, tearing at his heart and stomach and head as this last moment with his mother pulled him under.
"I got a second chance… to come back here and… to tell you I'm okay. Dad and I are both okay. And we love you, mom. I love you." Barry cried.
"My baby boy." She murmured cooing him gently.
He nodded pressing his head into his mother's touch. As held onto his mother tightly he stopped caring that she could feel the shudder of his sobbing body as his guilt and grief consumed him.
"I love you. Oh, my sweet boy. Goodbye… Goodbye. Goodbye Barry."
He screwed his eyes shut and shook his head.
His cheek was pressed to her chest. He could no longer feel the beating of her heart. Barry tightened his hold around her hand, trying to bring her back.
No. No. No. Not yet! He screamed to himself as he searched her eyes pleading for her to come back to him.
"Mom?! Mom?! Mom?"
*Present Day*
With every cell in his body burning with electricity, Barry screamed as he ripped through the time barrier and back into the present day, punching straight towards Wells.
As Wells regained his balanced, he recoiled attacking Barry, pinning him against the wall.
"Why didn't you save her? You could have had everything you wanted!" Wells screamed.
"I already do." Barry coughed out as he fought to breath.
"Not for long."
As Barry struggled against Wells' iron grip, Wells speed up his hand angling it down towards Barry's heart.
"Just so we're clear… after I kill you, I'm going to kill them. And then I'm going to kill your father. I always win. Flash." He seethed as he moved his hand closer.
Suddenly there was a loud bang. Wells began to weaken backing himself away from Barry. Barry's eyes grew wide as he saw a smoking gun in Eddie's hands.
"Eddie! What did you do? What did you do? What did you do?" Joe screamed as he came running towards him.
Barry winced in pain as he pulled himself up, dragging his beaten down body towards Eddie and Joe.
"No such thing as a coincidence." Eddie choked.
"What's happening?" Barry breathed out, his arm holding himself across his abdomen.
"Cisco, help me!" Wells said falling to his knees, his being fading in and out.
"Eddie's his ancestor. If Eddie dies, he'll never be born and he's being erased from existence." Cisco exclaimed, bring his hands to his head.
At that moment, Iris came barrelling in screaming.
"No! No! Eddie? No, don't. Ed, Stay with me, okay? Stay-" She cried skidding to his side, holding him.
"He was wrong. Turns out I'm a hero after all." Eddie said coughing up blood.
"You are, Eddie. You are my hero."
"That's all I ever wanted to be. Your hero." He choked fading away.
"No… no…" Iris pleaded with him.
Barry's were glued to Wells as he flaked away revealing the Ebonard Thawne.
"I've controlled your life for so long Barry how I'll you get along without me?" Reverse Flash whispered as he faded away from existence.
As the Reverse Flash flaked away, the wormhole they closed began to re-open angrily in front of them.
"Guys that's not good?" Cisco yelled pointing forward.
"Iris we have to go." Joe stated, trying to pull Iris away.
"I'm not leaving him." She said struggling against Joe's hold.
"We have to go now sweetie I'm sorry."
And without waiting any longer, Barry drew a deep breath and gathered everyone and speeding them outside the building.
Caitlin's POV
*Outside S.T.A.R Labs*
"So that's what we didn't want happening." Cisco mumbled.
"What's it doing?" Barry yelled over the loud gust of winds.
"Feeding. The singularity won't stop, not even after the Earth is gone. I'm afraid the accretion disc is already assembled." Stein explained as they all kept their eyes on the large vortex in the middle of the city.
"What?" Joe yelled.
"Diffused material that's in orbital motion around the singularity." Stein added.
"What does that mean?" Caitlin asked as he tore his eyes away to look at Stein.
"We have to disrupt the motion. Basically, it's just like the tornado only upside down and bigger… and scarier" Caitlin's eyes shifted from the professor to Barry as he spoke.
"Barry that event has an energy level of at least 607 tera-electron-volts. It cannot be stopped." Stein stated to Barry.
Caitlin watched as Barry turned around to face them. His face worn with dry blood.
"I have to try." He whispered look at her.
Caitlin dropped Ronnie's hand stepping forward towards him.
"Barry—" she pleaded with him.
"Cait, whatever happens… remember always."
And with that promise, Caitlin watched as Barry ran straight into the eye of the storm.
FRIST CHAPTER OF SEASON 2 SNEAK PEEK
Like every other day Caitlin resumed to what her life was now accustomed to… analysing samples… generating chemicals and discovering cures and figuring out equations. For the first time in a long time Caitlin felt she was back to what she worked years off in college for. Pure science.
Sighing, Caitlin worked beside herself in the empty lavatory. As she focused on the sample before her, she froze. She felt the set of familiar eyes boring into her. A faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips, Caitlin spun around knowing exactly who it was. Her heart rate spiked at the sight of Barry leaning against the door frame watching her with cautious eyes.
"Hey" he whispered unsure as he took a step closer into the room.
"Hey" she called back, slightly kicking herself for smiling widely at the sheer sound of his voice.
"It's been a while." She whispered.
For those who are still invested in Snowbarry as much as I am, I will be continuing into season 2 however it will be under a new story name. Basically The Evolution of Snowbarry Part II – so look out for it if you still interested in their story. Until then, hope you guys enjoy. Let me know what your fave part of the chapter was or even the story as a whole. J
