27

Strike A Note

Thanksgiving went by without much fanfare. But the weeks of the Christmas season came faster than any of Team Flash imagined. One minute, they were training as hard as they could, working to come up with a plan to stop Savitar. The next, they split their free time with buying gifts as much as they wrapped them, set up the Cortex with as many Christmas decorations as it could handle—complete with Barry running around the roof to set up lights around the satellite.

The Wests planned their annual Christmas party and the rest of Central City moved in on Christmas overdrive. Lights adorned every store window while soft music played in the corner speakers of every store. Even Jitters got in on the Christmas cheer with their themed drinks taking on a festivity that even Team Flash found interesting. A Killer Frost was a new drink added to the menu—much to Caitlin's horror—even though she loved the mint flavored iced coffee. The Flash was known as the 'Festive Flash' where green food coloring was used to create the flash logo along the foam, the drink dispensed in a 'Flash Red' cup. A Zoom was served in a bright blue cup covered in lightning that appeared to be Christmas lights. And the 'dash of Flare' then became the new seasonal drink complete with an added back of candy canes and cinnamon discs.

Though the festivities didn't seem to be making their way into Team Flash as easily. What was once a happy holiday that'd have the team come together to celebrate was replaced by more and more practices and training at Barry's insistence. Even Cisco, who had been one to enjoy the time f the day that'd have them scouring the city for criminal activity was starting to become frustrated. And yet, it was all needed.

Wally and Jesse slowly yet surely became better speedsters, taking in everything Barry said to learn his moves; how to phase, how to throw lightning, the formations that'd get them to catch their opponents off-guard. All the while Cadence trained Caitlin, Cisco, and Brady. With her elemental training; Caitlin and Brady were seriously progressing with the different uses of their powers; creating different attack patterns that were working when she and Barry would fight against them. Cisco's breaching was becoming more powerful as time went on—a few times his nose would start to bleed from the effort, but as the days progressed, he got stronger. Eventually able to use his breaches as traveling points; open a breach in one spot and appear behind his target in seconds. Could even open a breach and hold it long enough for Caitlin to shoot an ice spear through, no movement necessary.

When it came to working the field, Team Flash operated differently. Without his job at the CCPD, Barry put all his time and effort into keeping Central City safe. From petty crimes to bigger metahumans, he was the first to jump into the fray. Insisting he didn't need any help, Cadence found herself diving into her work. Her gymnastics training fell by the wayside, she found someone to take over her Zumba classes for the time being, and made herself available to work at STAR Labs when her help was needed.

When she and Barry did work together, the change in their partnership was evident to everyone around them. Caitlin and Cisco tried not to mention it, Harrison and Tess would give them pointed looks but otherwise stayed silent. HR was the one who tried to force them to talk.

"A team that communicates is a happy team," HR would say, throwing his arms around their shoulders. "There's something to be said about the perfect harmony of those that can work together." He steepled his fingers. "Now, I know things may be awkward between you two right now, but—"

"Shut up, HR," Barry and Cadence would then cut him off, to which he, thankfully, would do with little irritation to the way he was snapped at.

Yes, they still worked together in the field but worked as individuals rather than partners. At one point they even stopped to argue with each other, allowing a petty bank robber to get away with thousands of dollars in cash, irritating them even further.

Thankfully, Cadence thought, the holidays came around, giving them all something to put their attention on than anything else. Ryder had mentioned looking for some Christmas gifts, and Brady immediately jumped on the chance to go with him. Not just because he was trying to find something to do while he was on Christmas break, but because he needed to find a gift for Conner.

"I already have something for Leah," he explained, walking through the department sore, glancing at every little thing they passed. "And I've got stuff you guys."

"It's not another homemade ornament, is it?" Ryder asked. Cadence elbowed him in the side, giving him a disapproving glance. "I just meant there's only so many of them I can fit on my tree, Cade, relax."

"I thought you weren't bothering with decorating this year," Brady said to his father. He looked over a row of hi-tech toys that sat in front of him. Cadence glanced at them herself, knowing there was a good chance—almost 100%-that she'd be the one buying whatever he picked out.

Ryder hesitated, glancing at Cadence. He cleared his throat, pulling at the collar of his shirt. "That was before…when we were going to the Wests' place for their Christmas party."

Cadence shook her head, keeping her eyes away from her ex-boyfriend. "You can still go, you know."

"I just didn't know if things would be too weird." Ryder looked his ex-girlfriend in the eye, startling Cadence with the realization he still knew her very well despite the years they'd been apart. (She thought she'd been pretty good at keeping everything on the backburner while she worked. Not ignoring it, but putting a pin in it to address it later). It comforted her. "You know, with you and Barry."

"Is that why you keep pulling at your neck?"

"'No, it's because I'm standing too close to you." Ryder grinned when Cadence placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him away from her. "Careful, I don't think my bruise has healed yet."

"I said I was sorry," Brady mumbled under his breath. He faced his parents and slapped his hands to his sides. "How was I supposed to know that lacrosse balls actually hurt?"

Ryder rolled his eyes. "Clearly, you haven't seen any of my pictures from high school. I don't know how many times I had a black eye from getting a ball to the helmet."

"Or the stick," Cadence added.

Brady's eyes shifted back and forth between his parents. "You know, you're not really helping this whole confusing time in my life where I'm supposed to get clear reinforcement. One minute you want me to play lacrosse and the next it sounds like you don't want me to."

Amused, Cadence folded her arms. "I see you've been listening to your teachers for once."

Brady gave a smug smile in response. "When I'm bored enough." He darted to the other side of the aisle and picked up a package that read Nightzoom Goggles on the front. He turned it this way and that before addressing his parents. "What about this?"

Cadence looked over the gift in Brady's hands—then at the expectant look in his eyes—and sighed. Ryder, who stood by her side, shook his head and said, "How many times do we have to tell you, buddy? You get a gift for the person not a gift you'd give yourself."

Brady looked offended as he put the box back on the shelf. "If I wanted a pair of night vision goggles, I'd just ask Cisco to make them for me."

"Don't get any ideas," Ryder warned. "I think that souped up ATV is the last of the hi-tech gifts you'll get for a while. Bar a computer."

Brady looked back at his father, one that exactly mimicked the one Ryder was given. "You gave me that hi-tech ATV, remember?"

"Point taken." Ryder ruffled his son's hair then pushed him forward. "Keep looking." Cadence stepped out of the way as Brady did as he was told, then running to another display that held numerous books and card games. He switched the conversation back to Cadence. "I'm just saying if you don't want to go to the Wests, my place is always open for you."

"Thanks. I appreciate that." And she truly did. The last thing she wanted to do was pretend that nothing was going on. On the same token, she didn't feel like being alone, either. Funny how there was so much she was avoiding lately. She couldn't remember the last time she was happy, now that she thought about it. Christmas was her favorite time of year, always had been, and now… "But you'll have to account for the fact that you'll need a lot of food."

"That metahuman physiology thing?" Ryder guessed. His face scrunched up as he spoke, remembering a few things of his short amount of time around STAR Labs. "I mean, I know you guys eat a lot but—"

"The whole 'your body is changing' thing," Cadence interrupted, using air quotes. She motioned to Brady. "Don't know if you've noticed, but since his birthday, he's gotten a little taller and eats like a freaking horse."

"So do you."

"Yeah, but I have the excuse due to my powers, calories burn up fast. Same with Barry. Brady doesn't."

"Is this your way of telling me that you want me to give him the talk?" Ryder guessed. He paused in thought then said, "I kind of figured Barry would've done that." Offended, Cadence stopped in her tracks. Ryder shrugged. "I'm just saying he and Barry are really close. I didn't know if he would've been the one to do it."

"I kind of beat you to it," Cadence said. She tucked her hair behind her ears. "I never wanted to worry about him inevitably asking."

"What about—" Brady stopped. His eyes narrowed, looking between his parents. "What are you talking about?" He understood the hesitation on his parent's faces and rolled his eyes. "Oh, that. Yeah, they're starting to talk about that in school. In our Health class." He shook his head. "It's surprising to know how little my teachers know about this stuff." Ryder turned a look to Cadence, who shrugged sheepishly.

"So, maybe I was a little…" She pursed her lips, trying to find the right word to defend herself. "Forthcoming with my responses when he'd ask a question. But it's better than telling him that the stork dropped him on the front porch."

"You're not going to get all weepy again are you?" Brady asked. He eyed his mother. "I mean, during my birthday you kept saying you had to go check on the food but we were mysteriously out of tissues by the end of the day." Cadence lifted an eyebrow, placing her hands on her hips. Brady quickly changed the subject and held up a tiny box with a necklace inside. "What about this?"

"Does Conner look like the kind of guy that wears necklaces?"

"Not for Conner, for Deity," Brady replied. He rolled his eyes. "I mean, Debby. For a gift for Debby. We got Kara's gift already but we need to get one for Debby, too, right?" He turned it back and forth in his hands. "I think she'd really like it."

"It's nice," Ryder agreed. "'How much does it cost?"

"Umm." He turned it over and read the price out loud, then lifted his gaze. "So, can I get it?"

"It's a lot of money, bud," Cadence said slowly. She had an idea why he wanted it so badly. That much more than what he was looking for, for Conner. Nevertheless, his allowance was only so big. "About a month's worth or so."

"That's okay, I've been saving up," Brady said quickly. He backed towards the register. "And Mamaw gave me some money for my birthday."

"How much is 'some'?" Ryder asked suspiciously. Cadence smiled. He'd been around her family enough to know how Maya Nash worked as well as how much she spoiled their son. Certainly much more so than his own parents, who wanted nothing to do with him or their grandson.

"I don't know, a couple hundred, I think." Brady started to move faster towards the register, keeping his back away from them. Cadence's and Ryder's eyes nearly bugged out of their heads.

"A couple hundred?!" Cadence repeated.

"Buddy—"

"I'm going to go pay, alright?"

Brady raced to the register before his parents could stop him, giving them no choice but to follow. "You know, your mom really spoils him," Ryder remarked.

"I'll say." Cadence pouted, folding her arms. "She didn't give me any money for my birthday." Ryder laughed. "I know, I know. I'm being a brat."

"You've always been special, Cade, but you're definitely not a brat." Ryder nodded to the register and the two went over as Brady took his bag and receipt from the cashier. "You ready to go?"

"Mhm." Brady nodded. "I'll get Conner's gift later. I have to go back and wrap this one."

"I'll take him back to my place," Ryder said. "Make sure that he doesn't decide to spend the rest of his money on a car or something else that'd suddenly show up on my doorstep."

"Mmm." Cadence tried not to smile. "How long were your parents mad when you decided to buy a new car without asking them first?"

Ryder sucked air between his teeth. "I think, if I still lived there, I'd still be grounded." Cadence laughed.
"Do you need a ride somewhere?"

"No, I'm meeting Caitlin and Cisco for dinner. It's just up the street. But I'll see you guys later." She gave Ryder a quick peck on the cheek and ruffled Brady's hair. "I've still got to get some of my gifts anyway."

"Okay, but remember, I like anything chocolate," Brady said.

"And expensive, I know." Cadence gave him a salute then waved as they walked away.

She folded her arms, letting out a sigh. Her eyes moved back and forth, taking in the sights of the Christmas lights and garland around her. Down the street, she could hear the ringing bell of a Salvation Army Santa. The moment was perfect and in the back of her mind, she knew it was only a matter of time until some meta attacked and ruined everything.

But in the moment, she allowed herself the moment of peace. She didn't get a lot of it as of late.

And maybe, just maybe, it'd at least keep her from remembering how lonely she was.

Barry tapped a remote against his forehead. His eyes shifted over the musical playing across the screen in front of him. It was useless. Musicals always used to cheer him up. A last way to stay connected with his mother. How many times had she taken off work when he was sick or had a day off school and watched musicals with him all day? Enough so that Barry had a memory of each one.

Knew his mother's favorites inside and out, had his own favorites he would use to cheer him up when the time came. And yet, none of it was working. Not even a quick jog—which brought him all the way to Vancouver before he realized how far he'd gone—could lift his spirits when running was one of his favorite things. No, he couldn't do much more on his downtime than go to the bathroom and get something to eat. Even focusing on STAR Labs and training wasn't doing it for him.

But Wally and Jesse needed his help. When they weren't spending time together, he ran them through the gauntlet of every speedster test he could think of. Everything he'd ever been put through by Harrison and by Eobard Thawne.

It was difficult, to think of them as two different people now, when he only knew them as a singular man. It was difficult to see how he could get through some of the toughest metas and villains by things Eobard had taught him. In many ways, he was glad Harrison was taking a back seat to STAR Labs, making Barry the leader of the team. Gave him the chance to come into his own as a hero. For the obvious reasons, he never had to worry that Eobard was still inside Harrison, waiting to come back and attack him. And, the more obvious reason.

He didn't know Tess that well, didn't truly know Harrison as well either, but didn't want to be questioned about his avoidance of Cadence. He hated the way everyone looked at him, hated the way they looked at each other when they were in the same room, hated how they said they wouldn't let their personal and private lives mix and couldn't work as partners in the field like they used to.

Worst of all, he hated how it felt like everything was being taken away from him. First his mother. Then his father. Now, if the future had any say in his life, he was going to lose some of his best friends, too.

"Don't!"

Barry heard a voice scream. It echoed around the alleyway he stood in. Lifting his eyes, Barry took notice of the street sign he stood under; the sign reading in bold letters INFANTINO STREET. He heard the voice scream again and recognized it immediately. It was his voice. Eyebrows furrowing, Barry followed the scream, moving at a fast-paced jog, running towards the front of the plaza. He stopped short, seeing the sight in front of him, seeing himself in front of him.

He, dressed in his Flash suit, slowly inched towards Savitar, who had a tight grasp on Iris's shoulder. Beside him, Killer Frost stood with an icicle pointed directly towards Cadence's—who was in her suit—heart, Flare holding onto a flaming sword pointed at Killer Frost as well.

"It's time to choose," Savitar growled. He tilted his head back and forth between Cadence and Iris. "Who will be saved?"

"No, no!" Flash cried, hand outstretched. He continued to inch towards Savitar. Barry watched, mouth dropping open as he inched closer as well. His eyes darted around the arena, seeing only Savitar, Iris, Killer Frost, and Cadence. He looked closer at Killer Frost, noticing the blank look to her face. "Please, I'm begging you."

"Make your choice," Savitar declared.

"Don't do it, Barry," Iris bravely warned. Tears slid down her cheeks, but she fought to keep her voice calm. Steady. "Don't worry about me."

"Please," Barry continued.

"Choose!"

"I can't!"

Savitar pulled his arm back. "You already have." And he thrust his arm forward, driving the spike directly through Iris's heart. Blood gathered on the tip of the blade and dripped to the ground as Iris's head lolled forward, her body falling limp. Savitar lifted his spike and flung his arm to the side, Iris's body slid off and dumped to the ground.

"No!" Barry yelled, squeezing his eyes shut. He turned, finding Killer Frost and Flare coming to their demise at that exact moment. He watched as the ice metahuman and fire metahuman shot forward at the same time. Both finding just the right opening. He watched as the spear of ice and the tip of the flame sword slid through each other like butter. Blood sprayed the air, in a wide sprinkler arc as the two made low groans and slumped over.

"NO!" The Flash raced over, kneeling over Killer Frost—Caitlin—pressing his violently shaking fingers to her neck. Dead. No pulse. Not even a chance. Then he moved to Cadence, hearing her gurgle and cough, blood spraying over her lips and chin. The Flash grabbed her and cradled her in his arms, tears sliding down his cheeks.

"No, no, no," he whispered, wheezed, gasping for air. "Cay. Cay! Stay with me." Barry shook her, Cadence's head lolling back and forth. Her eyelids fluttered, before her eyes focused on him. Barely focused. She didn't seem to recognize him for a second. Nevertheless, Barry managed a small smile despite noticing her healing not kicking in. "It's going to be okay," he whispered to her, voice hoarse. "You're going to be okay. We'll get you back to STAR Labs and…and…" his words died on his lips as he glanced at Killer Frost. Then he looked back at Cadence, whose breathing started to slow.

"Cay!" The Flash brought up his hand and ripped off his glove with his teeth. He ripped it off and gently stroked her cheek with his fingertips. "I love you, c'mon." He sucked in a deep breath, tears gathering on his chin, dripping onto her face. Washing away the blood. "Don't do this." He felt her body growing colder. "Don't do this, Cay. Please." He grabbed her hand and held it tightly in his before moving it to press against his cheek. Hoping it'd start their joint power. Maybe he could heal her. Maybe…

Her hand slid from his cheek and dropped heavily to the ground.

" Cay…don't…"

The Flash bent forward, howling in only the way a man could when he lost everything, his body violently racking with sobs.

Lose every good thing he'd ever had in his life. What was the point in continuing to be a hero if things weren't going to work out? What was the point of all the lights and the decorations when it wasn't bringing him as much cheer? What was the point in celebrating at all? Not even the upcoming West family Christmas party could lift his spirits.

It was his favorite time of year and…he felt nothing. The gifts he'd already gotten and had wrapped did much for his mood. Not even Cisco's promise of the best 'café con leche' he could ever have—Cisco'd even promised he perfect the drunk serum to add to it—was working. So Barry went with the next best thing.

Musicals.

As Gene Kelly danced across his screen, the corners of his lips turned up in a smile. His first smile in weeks. Singing in the Rain had always been one of his favorites. Not even the worst of his moods could rival Gene Kelly's dance moves.

"I told you, everything is better in song." He could practically hear his mother's voice. Hear the sugary sweetness of her voice. Could practically feel her snuggling up against his side as he lay on the couch, under a bundle of blankets. "When you speak, it's just words. But when you sing, it's when you open up your soul and let who you really are shine through."

Barry smiled up at her, squeezing her hand in his. "Thanks, mom."

"I love you, my beautiful boy." She pressed a kiss to the side of his head, pulled him into her side.

''I love you, too."

Barry's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door closing, and keys being knocked aside. He looked back over the couch as Cisco walked into his apartment, kicking off his shoes. He walked towards the living room then rolled his eyes, seeing what was on screen.

"This, again?" He demanded. Raising his hands, Cisco ran his palms over his face and through his hair. "What, are you going to spend the rest of your life on the couch?" Barry grunted in response. "You're the Flash for God's sake! Come on, let's get up. Let's do something."

"No." Barry shook his head, voice coming out hoarse. When was the last time he'd spoken to someone? He wasn't quite sure. "No, I don't feel like going out." He looked at Cisco. "Where were you?"

Cisco hesitated. "Uhhh." He walked around the couch. "I was having dinner with Caitlin and…Cade." Barry nodded. He focused on the TV once more. Cisco took the chance to change the subject. "What is it with you and musicals these days, anyway?"

"Everything's better in song," Barry pointed out. He ignored Cisco rolling his eyes. Cisco stood in front of the TV, folding his arms. Barry leaned back and forth, trying to get a glimpse of the screen. "Move! You're in the way!"

"Listen, dude, I know you've been going through a tough time since…what happened with you and Cade happened."

Barry grimaced. "You know I can move you myself, right?"

"Barry."

"She doesn't want to marry me, Cisco. That's not something 'that happened."

"Reddit would beg to disagree." Barry rolled his eyes. Cisco licked his lips, gently shook his head. "I just want to help."

"Nothing you can really, do, man," Barry said. There wasn't anything anyone could do. Not unless anyone knew how to change the future and could help him relax for once. But until then…he was perfectly content sitting on the couch and rotting away with musicals at his disposal.

"Then I guess I'll just let Mr. Gene Kelly take over because there's nothing I can do about that," Cisco said sarcastically. He yawned. "I guess those drinks got to me more than I thought. I'm going to bed. Don't forget to turn off the TV when you go to sleep this time. I don't want to wake up to Ricky and Morty again."

"I said I was sorry," Barry mumbled.

"Those spoilers are something I can never get back," Cisco growled. "It's not happening again."

"Alright, alright." Barry turned off the TV. "I'll just go to sleep, too." He turned off the TV, basking the living room into darkness. Stepping forward, Barry raced around the living room, setting up his makeshift bed on the couch then laid down.

The moment Barry's head hit the pillow, he was out like a light. Strange, as it typically took him long minutes of tossing and turning when he was in a new place. When moving in with Joe and Iris it took him almost a week to finally feel comfortable enough to fall asleep. Though that did nothing to stop the nightmares that plagued him for months at a time.

If there was any other time in his life that'd be considered a nightmare, it would've been lately. No matter what good seemed to happen, it wasn't long before something came to make all that happiness crash and burn. Exhaustion made his eyes fall shut. Barry fell through a darkened abyss in a state between asleep and awake.

He felt himself lying on Cisco's couch, a blanket tucked between his legs and his arm propping up his pillow while simultaneously feeling himself falling further and further through the darkness. Finally, the darkness skirted away, as if blown by an industrial fan and Barry found himself jerking in surprise at a shout in his ear.

"Two minutes till curtain everybody!"

He glanced down, noticing something in his hand. Frowning, Barry turned it to face him and frowned at the words that jumped out on the page to him. A script. He was holding onto a script. What the hell? Everything came to him at once, the show they were putting on. It as opening night and the director, Cisco, was a nervous wreck. He'd made it very clear his career was on the line with this one and that if anyone cost him lively hood they'd have hell to pay.

"You alright there, Allen?"

Barry looked up from the spot of the floor he had been staring at to find Hank eyeing him curiously. "Yeah, I'm fine," Barry said to one of his supporting actors with his usual smile.

"Did you hear the call?" Hank added, still frowning as he pointed off towards the stage.

"There was a call?" Barry said in a quiet startled voice. Hank merely nodded, and Barry took off like a man in a burning building, making his way towards the nearest exit. Arms flying this way and that while his legs pumped furiously back and for beneath him. He never should have listened to Winn, why had he thought getting a bit to eat before the show had been a good idea. Already he could feel his stomach turning, about ready to push up what he'd just eat instead of sending it down the normal route.

Suddenly Alex and Lucy stepped out from behind a corner and Barry whacked Alex with his arm sending her back into Lucy as the two fought to stay on their feet. "Sorry!" Barry shouted back as he continued to run, the two women shouting profanities behind him. It would have been nice to get through one day without pissing off someone on the project, though at this stage that seemed like an impossible mission.

Thankfully he made it to the stage just as Kara arrived to join him, taking their marks alongside each other. "You okay, Barry?" Kara asked with a concerned frown as she looked the heavily breathing man up and down.

"Yeah…just…need to…catch…" he said in between heavy breaths only to skip a heartbeat when the curtain started to lift.

From off to the side he heard Cisco hissing at him to stand up straight, so Barry did so, feeling as if his body was moving on its own. He gulped down one last breath as the curtain finished raising. The full beam of the light hit his eyes, momentarily blinding him, and even when the black circles vanished the audience was still hidden behind the curtain of white light. Probably for the best, seeing a hundred or so eyes staring back at him was hardly going to help with his stage fright.

A glance off to the side of the stage told Barry he'd gone too long without doing anything, since Cisco was already pulling out his hair while Cadence buried her face in her hands and Caitlin mouthed him the words he was supposed to be singing. Then a sharp nudge from Kara sent him into action, muttering his first of presumably many unscripted lines. "Right."

The piano then kicked in. "At times like these, when life is getting me down. And the world seems like it's gonna end…ship." The faint cries of Cisco's ending career floated in from the side of the stage. Oh, well, he was here now. Might as well have some fun with it.

It was all a dream anyway, he could still feel himself curled up on Cisco's couch, gently pulling his blankets up over his shoulder. It was a strange feeling; feeling himself dancing while at the same time lying down. Exhaustion weighed heavily over his eyes, which felt they were falling closed while simultaneously staring wide open at the audience in front of him.

"There's at least one power that we both still have. And that's the power of-"

"Friendship…" Kara winced as she said the line. Barry smiled. That made him feel better, knowing she was just as clueless as him.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I was gonna say!" Barry said cheerfully as the music cut out.

"Well, it's an easy rhyme," Kara shrugged before the piano started up again.

"I'm your super friend. Your super friend," Barry sang as his feet began to move just like Cadence had taught him…for hours on end. As Barry spun in a quick circle he glanced over to the choreographer, who watched the show with an air of disinterest. They'd spent a lot of time together to get the steps down and now…The tapping of Barry's shoes lightly echoing around them, adding to music and his vocals while not over powering it or getting lost in the background.

Barry mimicked his running stance while maintaining the rhythm to his tapping as he sang,"I'll be there in a nick of time, if you're ever in a spot,"

"And if not there in time, you can just go back in time. And give it another shot," Kara sang as she too joined in on the tapping until Barry suddenly stopped along with her.

"I'm actually not supposed to do that anymore," Barry pointed out quickly.

"Oh," Kara said with awkward little wide eyes before the music picked up again. "I'm your super friend, super friend," Kara sang as she and Barry danced around the stage.

"When you need a compliment, I can rattle off a dozen. For instance, I have to say, I'm not impressed by your more famous cousin," Barry said as he leaned over to Kara who turned to him with a joyful look. Barry's only met him once, and in actuality it wasn't Kara's exact cousin as she was from a different Earth, but so far he hadn't seen too much to be too impressed.

"Thank you! No one ever say that," Kara said with an added put before quickly whiping away as the song picked up pace again. Two top hats flew their way and the two stars caught them gracefully like they'd done the show a hundred times…which they basically had by this point.

"I'm your super friend, super friend," the two sang as the danced about in unison with gleeful smiles.

"When it comes to buddies, pal, you're the best," Kara said, playfully hitting Barry's shoulder.

"I love you more than the lightning bolt I wear on my chest," Barry added as he tapped his chest with the top hat in his hand.

"If you're ever sad, I'll bring you flowers," Kara said as she snatched the hat from Barry and threw it off to the side of the stage while they continued to dance around each other.

"And you can list 'soprano' as one of your powers," Barry added as behind them, James and Ryder quickly wheeled a fancy looking couch onto the stage before running off silent.

"If you're ever broke-" Kara began.

"I've got the cash!" Barry finished as the two twirled around each other before Kara sat down on the wheeled-out couch.

"On my couch-"

"You're welcome to crash," Barry sang as he dropped down next to Kara.

"And if you ever need a hand," Kara continued.

"I'll be there in a Flash!"

"Barry!" Kara snapped as she gently whacked his knee before getting up.

"That was funny," Barry exclaimed as he followed her up before they quickly tapped their feet and got back to the song.

"I'm your super friend! I'm your super friend! I'm your super-that has a double meaning-friend!" the two finished before striking their finishing poses. Each with a hand on their waist while the other hung up in the air, both smiling out to the audience as the applause began.

Barry looked over to Kara who beamed back in relief at him, grateful they hadn't mucked anything up before looking back to the audience and both bowing gracefully. Then the light shifted from their faces, growing brighter and brighter as the seconds passed. Barry winced, bringing up a hand to cover his face. There was no stopping it, the light continued to increase, brighter and brighter. Dark spots appeared in front of his space, growing bigger as the seconds passed until he was swallowed by darkness once more.

Finally, the dark spots faded. Light filtered through the hand he still held over his face. He blinked a few times, wincing at the sudden shift in brightness to his eyes. When he could open them for more than a few seconds, he blinked rapidly, ready to find the agonizingly angry look of his director's screaming face in front of him, but found himself standing in the middle of downtown Central City. No, no Central City. National City? He recognized the stadium, the park, the shops of Central City that sprawled around him, his hometown for as far as he could remember.

And yet, there were buildings he'd only seen once, Cat Co, and other surroundings offices and shops that weren't entirely familiar to him. That weren't home. They weren't the buildings he'd grown to know and love throughout his life in Central City.

"Whoa," Barry murmured, bringing up a hand to run through his hair. Had Cisco been there he would've uttered a perfectly timed, "Trippy," that would've made Barry smile. Barry turned in a slow circle, eyebrows lowering further and further as the seconds passed. It felt so comforting and yet Barry's hackles continued to stay raised. The hair on the back of his neck standing up. The classic danger signs he'd grown used to feeling. Still, Barry didn't feel too unnerved as he looked around. "Where am I?"

Taking small steps, Barry rotated himself in another quick circle, doing his best to take in everything around him. The buildings continued to shift and change shape in front of him. More appearing as the seconds passed. Popping silently out of the ground like daisies. A world building around him. Then he saw a familiar head of blonde hair twisting about as she looked around as well. She turned and their eyes locked, making Barry smile.

"Kara?" He asked. Kara squinted at him for a moment, as if unable to place him, then she smiled as radiantly as the sun, making Barry's own smile widen. That explained why part of the city looked like National City. But was this really Kara? Not a dream Kara that seemed to understand the play that was going on around them?

"Barry?" Kara replied. The questioning in her voice answered his own mental one. This was…really Kara. "Hey!" Her footsteps increased in pace as the two excitedly moved to greet each other. She threw her arms around his neck, careful to hold back on her strength despite the squeeze she put to her hug. Barry squeezed her just as tight. He felt the pain. It was real. When the hug ended, Kara reached out and gently knocked him on the arm with her first. "What are you doing in my dream?"

Barry's smile faltered a little. "What do you mean? This is my dream! I'm asleep at Cisco's, or I thought I was." He looked around again. "I hope I am."

"But…" Kara frowned. She looked at Barry through a titled head. "Did you…did you just have a dream about some sort of play?"

"A musical," Barry agreed. "Where it felt like I was the only one who knew what was going on."

"I thought that was my dream," Kara said. She ran a hand through her hair. "Deity and I…we were watching musical before we fell asleep."

"I was watching some at Cisco's place," Barry agreed. He felt pain bloom through his chest and ignored it the best he could. "But…it was like you knew everything that was going on in there, the song and dance—"

"—I felt the same thing!" Kara cried. "But…that you were the one who knew what was going on."

Barry snorted. The last thing he'd ever wanted to do was put himself out there on stage like that again. He'd done it a few times in his life; helping Iris with her dance number she'd forgotten on stage when they were kids, when he did musical theater in high school…but that was in the past. When he knew everything that was going on, when his life made sense.

"So…we're still in a dream," Barry said, gesturing towards the buildings around them. "Or else, I hope our cities hadn't suddenly decided to merge together."

"Maybe it's just one of those lucid dream things," Kara said. She reached out to touch Barry again, as if for good measure. Poked him on the arm. She frowned, noticing his arm swing back and forth at the touch. "You seem so real. All of this seems so…real." She brought up a hand to tap her forehead. "I should be asleep in my bed at home but…I can feel myself still there."

"Well, lucid dreaming can be controlled," Barry supplied, feeling his heartbeat start to quicken. He felt himself turn over on Cisco's couch, trying to become more comfortable. "It's a natural state of the REM sleep cycle, where you're close to the point of falling into deep sleep." He lifted a finger as he continued to explain. "Scientists have tried to debunk it for years, the most famous being Stephen LaBerge who thinks lucid dreaming is a point of micro-awakening while most know it is where the dreamer may be able to exert some degree of control over the dream characters, narrative, and environment."

Kara blinked quietly at him as he continued through his explanation. "Right, yeah," She agreed. It was obvious she didn't quite follow him. Nevertheless, she trusted his judgement. Then, sucking in a deep breath, Kara placed her hands on her hips. "Well, I guess we'll see what we can do in this dream, right?"

"Yeah, let's see what else is weird with this city," Barry agreed. He turned on his heel and streaked through the streets with Kara flying behind him. He ran and ran for a few moments, taking the familiar streets that he'd grown to know like the back of his hand. But as the seconds passed and he continued to run around, Barry realized something unsettling. He kept seeing the same buildings over and over.

"Um," Kara said after a few moments. Her arms stretched in front of her, hair whipping around her face. "Haven't we already been this way before?" Barry came to a stop, stretching out his right foot to slow himself down. Sparks blew around the heels of his Converse, of which he calmly stamped out when he finally came to a stop. Kara gently floated next to him. She pointed to the buildings around her. "I'm sure we've been here before."

"Maybe the city is smaller than we thought?" Barry asked.

"Or maybe it's a figment of your imagination," A sing-song voice wafted over them. Barry whipped around to find the source of the voice. "Oh, don't worry, I don't want you to have to work too hard to find me." A bright blue vortex swirled in front of the two. Similar yet different from Cisco's breaches. This man's breach came from the ground and had a more fantastical hue to it, shining specks like glitter moved throughout, before it accumulated into the shape of a curly haired man who smiled at the two. "Barry Allen and Kara Danvers—sorry, Kara Zor-El, I must say it is so nice to finally meet you both." He held up his hands. "Big fan, really." He brought up his fingers to his temple then moved it forward like a salute. "And that music number. I've got to say," he started to clap. "bravo. Definitely worth a standing ovation."

As the stranger walked towards them, Barry looked to Kara with a frown, not sure as to what was going on. She matched his look. The man's last step before stopping in front of them was a skip, an unflappable smile on his face. "And I must say it's a true honor to meet you both." He Barry's hand, shaking it firmly before doing the same to Kara. "It's not every day you get to see two legendary heroes such as yourself put on a full-fledged musical. Honestly, it makes me want to squeal like a school boy at times."

"And you are…?" Barry asked, trailing off as he waited for the man to introduce himself.

"Oh, that would be far too confusing for your little mind to comprehend. Let's see, you can call me…Music Meister." The man threw up his hands up for dramatic effect. "That has a nice ring to it, right? Real bit of flair." His eyes widened in surprise before reaching one hand out towards Barry, the other on his chest. "Oh, sorry, didn't mean to step on your girlfriend's toes. Or is she still your girlfriend?" Barry glared, hands clenching into fists. "I'm a bit fuzzy on that area."

"What's he talking about?" Kara asked as sudden the Music Meister was on her, grinning away. His eyebrows danced up and down.

"And Ms. Danvers. You know I have a friend who I think would be very interested in you. A Mr. Mxyzptlk, would you like me to set you two up? Or are you still pinning over that sad little IT boy?" Hurt flashed across Kara's face as the timid girl stepped back.

Still glaring, Barry stepped over, grabbing Music Meister's arm and turning him so that their eyes connected. "Hey, man, what's your problem?" He demanded.

The Music Meister merely shrugged off, Barry's hand, raising his hands as he backed away, still grinning. "No problem. Just wanted a little show and a chat before I said goodbye."

"Goodbye? You only just said hello," Kara pointed out as she stepped up to Barry's side, arms folded as she eyed Music Meister suspiciously.

"That I have, and still I must be off. I've got what I came for and now it's time for me to woo a certain lady." He then leaned forward, bowing as he tilted an invisible hat to the two heroes.

"Wait!" Barry demanded. "How do you—"

"—Know your names? You true identities? I know a lot of things," Music Meister replied, pressing his fingertips together. He chuckled and started to pace, kicking up his feet with each step he took. "But let's be honest here, Flash, you don't do a great job of keeping your identity a secret. How many people know your identity now?" He didn't give Barry the chance to answer. "Yes, I know a lot of things. But I can do a lot of things, too," he added, almost as an afterthought. Barry and Kara exchanged glances. They'd faced a lot of different metas and aliens before and knew not to judge one by its cover. But this guy seemed to be a bit too happy. A bit too casual. "But this is so exciting to have you both here."

"What do you want?" Kara asked, clenching her hands into fists.

"Nothing more than to sing a little song," The man replied. He spread his hands. "A little…ditty if you will. I'm sure you'll find to be very pleasant. Please…leave your applause for the end."

Music Meister started to step forward, this time a more menacing movement, making Barry and Kara immediately jump into action. Simultaneously, they shot towards the man. Barry running at top speed and Kara taking flight. The man smirked, his eyes starting to glow a silvery white that pulsed from his irises to the whites of his eyes.

Barry slowly, very slowly, felt his legs slowing. He pumped his arms as fast as he could but found them moving sluggishly to his sides before he was…jogging. The same top-speed jog he had before having received his powers. The same jog that Joe and Iris not-so-secretly made fun of him for. He hadn't run like that in forever. He was running normally.

Startled, Barry came to a stop, leaning over to press his hands to his knees. He gasped for air, chest burning, sweat dripping down his face from the effort. "What….what's happening…?" Barry murmured. Then there was a loud crashing sound and a grunt of pain as Kara smacked the ground next to him. She pushed herself to her knees and stared at the blood that bubbled over the heels of her palms.

Wounds that wouldn't have happened before. Had she had crashed to the ground like that, it would've created craters in the ground of her handprints, not torn her skin apart. Frantic against the sting, Kara checked her knees, seeing they were in the same state. Kara struggled to her feet, really struggled. Her body burned as if it were being squeezed in a vice. Blood trickled down the side of her head.

Barry sucked in a deep, painful breath and looked to Kara, who stood in the same stance, hands on her knees, face flushed form exertion. They locked eyes, Barry's roving over her numerous scrapes and Kara watching him suck wind. They came to the same conclusion at the same time.

"Our powers…" Kara murmured.

"They're…" Barry couldn't get the word out.

"Gone?" the man prompted. He examined his fingertips, watching as the two realized their plight. "Yeah, that's always a nasty shock for some people." He waved his hand. "Don't worry, I'm just borrowing them. You won't even notice they're gone, I'll have them back to you in a jiffy."

"What?!" Barry demanded, only able to get the word out.

"But just to make sure I have some time…" the man shot forward and struck Barry and Kara in the chest hard enough to send them flying. As Barry fell through the air, he saw the man snap his fingers, the blue mist that announced his arrival swirling over him once more. "A pleasure, Scarlett Speedster and you've certainly made me squeal, Girl of Steel." An obvious wink then followed as Music Meister stood back up and faded away, leaving the two heroes behind. ""Tootles!" And he was gone.

The world around them shattered like glass leaving them in an abyss of darkness as Barry slammed hard to the ground. At the same time, he struck the ground, Barry shot awake on Cisco's couch. In a move that would've been aided by his super speed, Barry struggled to get off the couch. Rather than standing up straight and bolting to the side, Barry slid to the floor, striking his knee against the coffee table as he did so. Barry shouted in pain. His body curled up in shock. Barry brought a knee to his chest, pressing his palms against his kneecap to stave away the pain. It was such a shock, the pain that hit him. More pain than should've been from falling a short distance off the couch.

More like he…crashed to the ground, Barry thought. He brought a hand up to his chest, feeling the area where he'd been struck. It stung by even the slightest touch and when Barry pulled the collar of his shirt away, he saw a darkened spot stretching from his collarbone to his sternum. A bruise. A bruise that should've been healed by then. No. The realizations smashed all other rational excuses away. No, no, no, no, no!

Barry scrambled to his feet and gasped, he hadn't tapped into the Speed Force. Hadn't used his superspeed to right himself in a spectacular display. Couldn't use his superspeed as much as he strained to reach the familiar feeling of the Speed Force. Barry raised his hand, trying to make it vibrate rapidly, it only shook slightly. Not form his speed, from nerves.

Swallowing hard, Barry squeezed his eyes shut. No.

"Bare?" Cisco stumbled out of his bedroom, pulling down the bottom of his t-shirt to cover his boxers. He blinked rapidly and pressed a hand to his chest, clenching his jaws to stave off a yawn. "Everything better be okay or I'm going to seriously kill you for ruining my dream that had me married to JLo!" Cisco's eyebrows came together as he watched Barry gasping for air, staring at his hand. "Barry, what's wrong?"

Barry turned to his friend. He took a few deep breaths before saying, "We need to get to STAR Labs. Now!" He swallowed hard. "My powers are gone."

A/N: I did intend to have this updated yesterday, but work lasted a bit longer than I thought, there were storms…anyway, I hope you guys aren't too upset with the delay and enjoyed the chapter anyway. I'm really excited for this next part. Music Meister had to come early in this story compared to where it was in the show.

Anyway, let me know what you thought of the Juxtoposition of Cadence's and Barry's scenes in this chapter. I'm curious to know if I accomplished what I wanted or if anyone was confused.

Cheers,

-Riley

Review Replies

Ethan: No, Alicia doesn't know they're metas. She saw them when they were helping her during the Metapocalypse, but Brady was in his suit and Leah and Conner were helping her without the use of any powers, so she's in the dark. Just like in the show, anyone can see Savitar when he wants them to see him. Otherwise, only speedsters can.

DarkHelm145: Won't take much longer for everyone else to find out. That plot point/the second half of the show are going to be done differently.

PowerHero432: Killer Frost has no means to give Savitar any more sass or even a fight. He's not her enemy as he is Caitlin's, when she can use her powers but keep Killer Frost out. I'm still working out how Alicia will find out, but it'll be good when she does, I can promise that.

Guest 1: Yeah, he'll be mad.

Guest 2: They won't be apart much longer.

Cheers,

Riles