Earth 76

National City 2020

DEO Headquarters

Barry sped forward, sliding under a robot, twin blasts of roaring fire ran aside him, smashing into two other robots. Barry phased his hand through the robot, flashing onto the roof before coming to rest beside a smirking Agent Junior.

Kara, Alex, and Winn stood up in the control box, watching as the men were surrounded by robots. Alex watched with strategic eyes, and Winn was fanboying hard, Kara observed calm, concern evident by her pacing.

"Do you only use fire? I've only seen you use lightning one other time" Barry asked, running around a group of robots, the crossfire destroying several robots.

Lawrence huffed out a small plume of fire, uppercutting a drone, placing his hands on his hips. A drone flew by, He grinned, doing an unnecessary spin in mid-air, flicking his fingers, A burst of condensed fire blasting a hole through its midsection.

"It's more destructive than anything else I got," Lawrence replied defensively, "Besides there's not like there's any water in here" Not like that would help, his province with water was nonexistent. He could push the water back and forth - that was it.

Lawrence grunted as a mental arm smashed into his chest, taking him off his feet, onto the floor. Barry couldn't help but flinch, that looks like it hurt.

"Did you boys say water?" Alex's voice settings off alarm bells in the other agent's head. Alex had been suspiciously in a good mood today. She didn't have him do anything uber embarrassing yet.

Alex stepped forward pressing a blue button. Panels on the wall opened, water started gushing in from both sides. Kara jumped from her spot in surprise, not expecting that.

"Hey! I didn't know that was there" Kara spoke in wonder.

Alex chuckled, "I know sis, this room was made for you to use originally,"

"What else can this room do?" Kara asked intrigued, the need to practice her skills started and stopped with training with Alex in the Red Sunroom.

"Tons, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of this room from now on" Alex commented excitedly, they could have team-building exercises in this room. The whole squad, Kara, her, Barry, and Lawrence, all they needed was a few more teammates, and they'd be set.

Kara nodded, next time she'll join the boys, it looked pretty fun...

Barry yelped, Lawrence gave a nervous grin, Barry having to speed away from some robots. He ended up behind Lawrence who was just laying in the water, floating lazily. He looked done with the whole exercise.

"You gonna do something?" Barry asked with a little snark. They had done a pretty good job so far, destroying plenty of robots but more just seemed to come without an end in sight. In hindsight, it was foolish to cockily taunt Alex in bringing everything.

Lawrence gave him a look as he stood up, "Like what? I haven't practiced with water before" A bit afraid, he didn't wanna drown himself or something.

Barry's memories brought him back to Martin Mardon, the giant tsunami that almost wiped out Central City, the first time he'd ever time traveled, that was a bad day.

"Why don't you create a mini tsunami, and I'll show Alex why water and electricity don't mix" Barry suggested, shrugging, he wasn't planning on being The Flash full time here but it wouldn't be acceptable to slack off on his abilities.

Or work with potential teammates if the need arises. He wasn't naive. Barry and Kara worked pretty well together last time, he had no doubt they'd work even better now.

"Sounds good" Lawrence grinned, his pupils turning a deep blue, throwing out his hands, he commanded all the water into the air, just as the remaining robots charged them.

Barry began running just as the water descended on the robots, smashing them down hard into the floor, not giving them a chance to recover, Lawrence moved his hands, the water rising, pushing all the robots into a holding position, right in front of the spectators' box.

Barry threw his lightning bolt, crashing into the water. A miniature explosion boomed, It dealt severe damage, short-circuiting all of them, slightly charring them in the process. The agent let his hands drop to his side, letting all the water fall harmlessly to the floor.

Barry dusted off his hands, looking at his handiwork, not bad for a semi-retired speedster. Turning to Lawrence the two men exchanged a high five.

"That was good work you guys, next time we'll have Supergirl join and make it a party" Alex's voice echoed from the pa system.

Barry simply gave a thumbs up, pulling down his cowl as he headed to the door. Food sounded amazing right now, his stomach agreeing.

The two men met the rest of the group outside, Kara dressed as Supergirl, Alex, and Winn.

After making drawling down some points to work on in the future, Alex gestured for Lawrence to follow her, telling him fun was over, the time for work was now. He saluted mockingly,

"It was nice to meet you, Barry," Grasping Barry's hand firmly in an embrace.

"Likewise" Barry smiled, watching the agent walk away, Alex Danvers following, she gave a small wave. Winn passed by him, clapping him on the shoulder, presumably going back to work.

"Hey guys, by the way, whatever happened to MouseFlash?" Barry called out at the last second, watching Alex and Lawrence freeze. They turned around, Alex elbowed her partner.

"Oh, uh, well haha, funny story about that, MF, we left him at an animal shelter," Lawrence winced, lying through his teeth, not wanting to reveal they had MouseFlash here, who was very dead.

Lawrence ran after that, not wanting to stick around and blow his lid about the mouse. Alex sighed, wanting to facepalm.

Barry nodded a bit sad, he turned to Kara who looked a little nervous for some reason, he wondered if she too was concerned about MouseFlash.

"You okay Kara?" Barry asked worriedly, getting a bit closer to the Girl of Steel. Her forehead was lined with a crinkle.

Kara snapped out of whatever trance she was in, quickly nodding,

"Yup! Sorry, I was just really in thought about something.." Kara trailed off,

Barry went to take off his gloves, figuring if she wanted to talk about it she would, Kara wore her feelings on her sleeves after all.

"If something's ever bothering you, you can come to me Kara, I'm always here for you..." Barry smiled, looking at Kara.

Kara zoomed into his arms, surprising him. Not an unwelcomed one by any means.

"Thanks, Barry" Kara mumbled softly.

He squeezed her in response, starting to walk with her,

"No problem, now how about we get something to eat, I'm starved" Barry was always hungry, especially after a day of flashing.

Kara dragged Barry out of the building after that, the Scarlet Speedster barely keeping up.

"That was delicious!" Barry exclaimed his hands behind his head. The sun was setting, it would be dark in an hour, the entire day had been spent at the DEO,

"Mhmm" Kara murmured in agreement, tucked into Barry's side, hands around his waist. Kara seemed a little off today, often lost in thought, not focused. Barry was admittedly really worried about the Kryptonian, it had been three days after their day-long conversation had come to an end.

Their encounters with the doppelgangers were precise to a tee, even down to the advice Barry gave Kara about superhero publicity. Barry would've thought she would be as ecstatic as he was, now they could forge new memories with each other in the present.

Today, however, Kara was subdued, he lowered his arms, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Barry didn't mind, he liked having Kara close, he felt whole when she was nearby, it was a strange feeling, it was getting harder each day to not acknowledge the attraction, but he had no idea if she had a boyfriend, they hadn't gotten that far in catching Barry up on her life, they barely had gotten through Barry's first year as The Flash.

At this moment, Kara and Barry were slowly strolling through National City Park, a peaceful breeze could be felt. Barry guided them to a park bench, Kara sat down without a word, Barry sat with a heavy heart, he wasn't sure what was bothering Kara, but he would get to the bottom of it and hopefully deal with it.

"Kara...?"

"Yes, Barry?"

Barry mused on how to approach, just asking what was wrong wasn't going to cut it, she would never tell him, he would have to take another approach, a more honest approach.

Barry dropped to the floor, spinning to his knees, he stopped right in front of Kara, her eyes widened with surprise, he took both her hands with his.

"Barry! What are you doing?!" Kara shot a passing stranger a nervous smile, the two beings looked at them weirdly.

"Kara... I know something is bothering you, I can see it in your beautiful eyes, please, tell me what it is - I'll do everything in my power to correct it, I can help you get through whatever you are going through"

Kara blushed at Barry calling her eyes beautiful, a more noticeable flutter of nerves bundled in her stomach, she pushed it down, her eyes downcast.

"It's so stupid.."

Barry gripped her hands a little more firmly, "No, no don't do that, it's not stupid if it's bothering you"

Kara fought an internal battle in her mind if she wanted to tell Barry or not, looking at the sincerely his eyes, she decided

"Will... Will you be going back to Central City..?" Kara whispered, not looking at him, Barry felt confused, he didn't quite - then it hit him. This morning, Winn had finally gotten around to set up Barry with everything he needed, and I'D, social security, the works, an actual new life, technically speaking.

A Barry Allen didn't exist in the world, not for a lack of trying, it was discovered Nora and Henry Allen did exist, and did have children - a daughter, through adoption. This version of his mother couldn't have children.

The thought made him sad, from the looks of things his family couldn't be whole, on any earth, he shook his head, ridding himself of the thought. No use in dwelling on spilled milk.

"No, no I'm a proud citizen of National City, part-time sidekick of Supergirl and more importantly, a friend of Kara Danvers" He finished, squeezing her hand reassuring.

"I'm not going anywhere, Kara.." Barry whispered, standing and gently pulling her in a hug. He could understand where she was coming from, being a superhero did not allow a lot of friends, it got too suspicious quickly, people had to be in the know, and the more that people knew, the more they could be used against them.

"Let's go home.." Kara breathed, looking deep into Barry's eyes. The man just smiling down at her softly before picking her up bridal style, looking around to see if anyone was looking, they disappeared in a yellowish flash.

Kara squealed in absolute delight, holding onto Barry. Her blue eyes were wide with childish amazement. Barry could only watch her, his expression one full of adoration. At that moment, he felt light, lighter than he'd ever felt before.

"And she was something called a world-killer?" Kara shook her head, smiling patiently, the speedster looking confused - not the first time today. After the small run, Kara seemed back to normal, her bubbly personality shining. Barry couldn't stop smiling, he feared his face would start hurting soon.

"No, that was just a silly little title they gave her, no her real name was Samantha Aries," Kara corrected, looking a little sad, Barry noticed, offering his hand in support. The man not reacting when she squeezed it a little too hard, he'd heal.

"She was - is a good friend, she moved to Metropolis, became CEO of L-corp of that division"

"And her villain name was Reign?" Barry wondered, taking a drink. He knew for a fact Cisco would throw a fit at the name, he thought it was pretty cool.

"Yes, but then Sam and Reign split - uber confusing I know" Kara decided on leaving the small details out, by Barry's facial expressions that were a good idea. She had to admit, they were a little cute, not that Kara would tell him that, nor Alex for that matter.

"Bodies? Like, or uh, um" Barry stuttered looking for an answer, luckily for him, someone knocked on the door, Kara used her X-Ray vision, confirming it was the pizza guy.

Kara giggled as a red-faced Barry went to the door, fishing the money out of his pocket, he paid the man his money, taking the four boxes of pizza.

"Thanks" Barry spoke, gently closing the door with his foot. Bless him - Kara would've smashed the door close, gently of course. She wasn't nearly as courteous when it came to food.

"It's pizza time!" Kara shouted, bouncing in her seat, Barry chuckled, setting the pizza down, they each took two boxes, max toppings.

"I love that damn movie"

Barry and Kara burst out laughing, Kara hid with the box cover, Spider-Man was such a classic.

After downing a couple of slices, Barry set down his box, looking over at Kara, bobbing her head, a slice of pizza by her lips, she looked at peace.

"So I got an Interview at the NCPD" Barry shyly revealed, hesitating to look at Kara, hoping to surprise the Kryptonian woman.

Kara rushed a napkin to her mouth, setting down the box.

"You want to be a cop?" Barry smirked, feeling deja vu wash over him, Joe had said the same thing when Barry told him about his intentions of taking criminal justice as a major.

"No, no, actually maybe, no no, I already applied to be a forensic scientist," As ironic as it was, Barry wasn't fast enough to be a cop,

"When did you find the time to do that?" Kara pondered, searching her memories of the day, Barry never strayed too far from her side, not that he needed to be by her side, he just seemed to prefer to - now she was rambling in her mind.

Barry grinned a bit goofy, "Oh I asked Winn if he could help me out and he told me no problem, they responded fast - guess the need for a CSI is high"

Kara looked happy, sliding the pizza into her lap once more, "I'm happy for you Bare, that reminded me - I have to go back to work tomorrow"

Barry pushed down a smile at the affectionate nickname, nodding, "You still work at CatCo? Assistant?" He asked, taking a huge bite of pizza. Kara could see a small shiver pass his body.

"Yes on the CatCo, no on the assistant, I'm a reporter now!" Barry fumbled his pizza box, trying to set it down, Kara laughing loudly at him the entire time. Scowling playfully he finally got it down safely, shooting the giggling Kryptonian a look.

"So not funny Miss Danvers" Barry snarked, scooting a bit closer to Kara, her azure eyes watching him carefully. Just as she put her pizza down, he sprung with super-speed surprising her, getting under her guard. Barry started to tickle her, Kara giggled, thrusting her hands behind her back so she wouldn't accidentally reach out.

"Still funny?" Barry softly asked, hovering over the blonde-haired woman. Kara's face slightly flustered, blue eyes looking up at him with merit, her chest heaving slowly as she caught her breath. She looked breathtaking.

"Yeah..." Kara replied just as soft, her eyes darting to his smoldering green, dark with emotion, then down to his lips. She tentatively moved a hand to Barry's chest; as if daring him to do something, anything.

Barry slowly started leaning down, his eyes still locked with hers, a thousand thoughts running wild. Kara bit her lip, wondering if this was happening. The closer he got, the more Kara realized she wanted him to kiss her, her eyes fluttered closed.

Barry's eyes closed also, an inch away, suddenly pizza boxes flew everywhere as Chewie the Supercat flew through the air, meowing, not realizing what she just interrupted.

The action startled Kara so bad, she sat up quickly, her forehead smashing into Barry's mouth. The speedster flying off the couch in a heap on the floor, dazed.

Barry blinked away liquid, feeling no pain even though he was certain his jaw was broken. He attempted to stand, Kara immediately at his side helping him up.

"I'm so sorry!" Kara shrieked, for once Barry was glad he couldn't talk, he had no words - truly, and he wasn't fast enough to think of any to make her or himself feel better. Barry just nodded numb, speeding around picking up all the pizza and left it in the kitchen.

Moment and appetite dashed, Barry walked back into the living room where Kara stood with Chewie in her arms, Kara was looking everywhere but him, confirming a few thoughts he had.

Kara stuttered out that she had to get to sleep early for work tomorrow, blowing past him into her bedroom. Barry didn't stop her, not sure if he even had the guts to try after that. He simply walked back to the couch, sinking into it, looking out into space.

Metropolis

Somewhere in an alley, the pulsing sound of a breach materialized. A dark blue streak blasted from the portal, tearing up the road with his speed.

The Streak ran all the way out to the countryside, stopping right as they got out of the city. The grass all around was scorched, flickers of lighting shooting off small bolts of electricity.

A man in a cracked glowing blue suit with white glowing eyes looked around, he pulled up a hand. A hologram of a woman's head appeared,

"Gideon," The disorienting sound of vibrating vocal cords spoke. His tone was impatient. The man was like a lighthouse in the light, he was so exposed, he purposely stood in front of a camera.

"Yes Flash?" The surprisingly human-sounding voice echoed.

"Where are we?" The voice questioned, A hint of eagerness in his voice. He had a mission, a mission he would complete.

The AI was silent for a few seconds before responding.

"Metropolis, 2020"

The man laughed, a low vibrant rumble, "Ahhh, so he just arrived, excellent," Gideon vanished as the man started running, internally pleased he already was where he wanted to be.

Slowing down, the man arrived at his location: a townhouse, located outside the city of Metropolis. The speedster slowly walking up the porch.

A gloved hand went to the doorknob, a brief thought of how easy it could get, gently tugging it.

Nope, locked. The speedster phased his hand through the door, breaking the lock. Pushing the door open gently, walking in.

The house was quiet, the low buzzing of television in the background. Everything looked normal, a modern home, pictures filled with loved ones, the intruder recognizing every single person in the photos.

Beer cans littered the floor, the speedster crouching down and picking one up. The man in blue crushed the can, fuming. He stormed into the living room, all pretense of being sneaky gone, furious rage rolling off him in waves.

The man that was peacefully snoring on a lazy boy recliner was wide awake, already shooting a firearm. The Flash was impressed, even retired the old general still had some fight in him.

Not that it'll help him channeling the speed force he easily sped around catching every single bullet.

Retired general Sam Lane was by now out of bullets. He tripped over the small table, spewing beer cans everywhere as the man in blue got closer. The Flash relished in the raw fear, taking a certain demented pleasure in it.

"W-who are you... what are you! are you an alien?!" The man yelled, hoping someone would hear and call the police, hell he'd even take Superman and Supergirl at this point.

The Flash chuckled darkly, "No, General, I am not" His eyes seemingly glowing brighter, the man was terrified at this point. Sam Lane backed up to the wall, nowhere else to go.

"What do you want with me?" Everything, he wanted everything, he would take everything, just like they took everything from him.

"Years ago, you signed off on a project called Red Maelstrom - Red Tornado, a robot designed to kill and cripple Kryptonians," Sam's eyes widened, wondering how this mysterious unknown even knew about that. He stuttered out a response, saying he didn't know exactly what he signed off on.

The man in blue seemingly didn't care, essentially face to face by this point, in a quick fluid motion - powered by super speed, a vibrating hand pierced his chest. It was a shame, he wanted the man to suffer, he wanted them all to suffer - they would suffer he'd make sure.

"For that, you die"

The Flash stood in the dark, his glowing white eyes narrowed, waiting. After a minute, cursing as nothing happened. He tossed away Sam Lane's body to the side, speeding away in the night. His blue lightning trail the only visual of what was left.