It's time to see my version of the future. Enjoy.
NOTE: "Future Barry" and "Future Flash" refer to 2024 Barry Allen, just in case you might get confused here. 2017 Barry Allen will still be referred to as "Barry" and "Flash" in this chapter.
Leave a review after reading, please.
jessicabiggs16 and godspeed 251, thanks for the reviews... I guess...? Oh, and special thanks to Steve993 too.
At the West household, Barry was doing some calculations, trying to see when in the future he should travel to. He was interrupted by a knock on the door. He opens the door and sees Crystal.
"Hey," greeted Barry.
"May I come in?" asked Crystal.
"Of course," said Barry, letting his friend in.
Crystal immediately sees the papers on the coffee table, filled with mathematical equations, triangles, angles, and the name "Savitar".
"You're trying to find out what time to travel to," guessed Crystal.
"And you're not skeptical about this?" asked Barry.
"The world's changed. Nowadays, time travel sounds pretty normal. I wouldn't be surprised if we ever see aliens," said Crystal.
Barry sits down on the floor and continues his calculations. After a few more minutes of thinking, he figures it out.
"2024," he said. "That's where I need to go."
"You mean 'when'," said Crystal.
Barry smiled, amused.
"Nice to see you smiling," said Crystal, smiling as well.
"Only because you're helping me," said Barry.
"It's only been a week," said Crystal.
"Maybe that's because you're really good at your job," complimented Barry.
Crystal can feel her cheeks burn as her smile grew wider.
"I'm just surprised, really," said Crystal. "You lost the woman you love to your best friend and it broke you, so much that you lost touch with the world. And now, you're asking a woman who looks like the person who took the most important person in your life away from you and, suddenly, you're recovering faster than you should be."
"I guess that's because you're more than just my therapist. You're my friend," said Barry.
"Is it because I look like... 'her'?" questioned Crystal.
"I'm trying to see pass that," said Barry. "It's not easy, but I'm trying. We all are."
"Another thing that surprises me is that you're handling seeing me better than the others," said Crystal. "Caitlin Snow did a lot of terrible things, but you suffered more than any of them, I can tell. Even I don't understand why you've warmed up to me so fast."
"You're full of curiosity, aren't you?" replied Barry.
"It's part of the profession," said Crystal. "But I am proud of you, Barry. You're talking to your friends and family again. You're trying to help Detective West get back together with D.A. Horton."
"You can call them Joe and Cecile," said Barry.
"What does it feel like? Traveling through time?" asked Crystal.
"It's a... wonderful feeling," said Barry. "Once you cross a breach, you can see... everything. Many potential futures right in front of you. Even if knowing about your future can be dangerous, the sense of wonder when you're running through the time itself, it's amazing."
Crystal smiles as she listened. When she turned her head, she saw a picture. It was a picture of Barry, Cisco, and Caitlin. This made her think of something.
"You know, Barry, you never told me why Caitlin hated you," said Crystal. "I just want to understand. How can someone who sees you like family turn on you like that?"
Barry's smile dropped as he prepared himself to relive the pain of the story. "You know about my mother, don't you?"
"Yes," replied Crystal. "You were only 11. Your father was wrongfully arrested for her murder."
"I traveled back in time to save her and I did," continued Barry. "In doing so, I created an alternate timeline. We call it 'Flashpoint'. A time where my parents were alive. I was so happy, until... something bad happened. So, I ran back in time and let the man who murdered mother finish his job to reset the timeline. When I got back, things were different. Caitlin became a metahuman because of me. She blames me for turning her into a killer. She wanted to make me suffer for it."
"And assuming what happened six months ago, she sort of succeeded," said Crystal.
Barry hangs his head as his eyes began to tear up. One tear falls down his cheek, but Crystal wipes it off his face.
"I think I figured out the real problem," said Crystal.
"What do you mean?" asked Barry.
"You blame yourself for Iris' death," said Crystal. "But a part of you also blames her for making that choice."
"I don't blame her. It was all my doing," said Barry.
"I know you don't believe that completely, Barry," said Crystal.
Barry hangs his head again as he tries to understand what Crystal is saying. Crystal reaches for Barry's hand and grabs hold. Barry looks down at his hand before looking back at Crystal.
"Forgiveness is the key," said Crystal.
"Forgiveness," muttered Barry. "Caitlin once said that our conflict rides on that word."
"But she never forgave you, did she?" asked Crystal.
Barry nods. "No."
"And you never forgave her," assumed Crystal. "Barry, if you really want to feel better, even if the pain will never go away, there are two people you have to forgive. Caitlin and yourself."
"But... she's not here anymore," said Barry sadly.
"The people we love are never really gone even if it feels like they are," said Crystal. "You don't have to do it now. You have this time travel stuff to do. But once you get back, you'll figure out."
Barry looks at Crystal's eyes. Her smile was her way of telling him that she believes in him.
"I'm really glad I met you," said Barry.
"Me too," said Crystal. "We all need help."
The two smiled at each other for a long time. The moment was interrupted when Crystal's phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Oh, really?"
"Sure."
"I'll be there."
"Work?" guessed Barry.
"Someone wanted to book an appointment," said Crystal. "I'll, uh, see you later. Have fun in the future."
"I'll try," said Barry.
Crystal gets up and walks out the door. She looks at Barry with a smile for one more second before closing the door. She was still smiling, as was Barry.
Barry arrived at Mercury Labs. When he arrived at Team Flash's lab, the only person he saw there is Cisco.
"Hey, Cisco," greeted Barry.
"Hey," greeted Cisco.
"Where's Wally?" asked Barry.
"Out with Jesse," answered Cisco.
Cisco appeared to be too focused on whatever he was doing on his computer.
"You look busy," said Barry.
"Remember the tests Jesse and I ran on your friend Crystal last week? I've been analyzing the data for that long and I always get the same result," said Cisco.
"Which is?" asked Barry, confused.
"Nothing. Medical records. School records. There is no mention of Crystal Frost." said Cisco. "The only thing available is a DNA record."
"Given her nightly job at Hub City, maybe she needed to make herself invisible," guessed Barry.
"If that's the case, then why would she tell you her name?" wondered Cisco. "What if Crystal Frost isn't even her name? What if it's just an alias? What if she just used the name 'Frost' to hide in plain sight, especially since she looks like Caitlin?"
"Dude, calm down," said Barry. "I'll ask her about this soon, but right now, it's time."
"So, you figured where, or more appropriately, 'when' you need to travel to?" asked Cisco.
"2024," answered Barry.
"The day you vanished fighting the Reverse Flash?" asked Cisco.
"No, just before that," said Barry. "Look, Cisco, I know seeing Crystal is... difficult... but there's no need to be paranoid. She's not her. She's not Caitlin."
"I know that. I'm just wondering if she's really this nice, sweet angel she appears to be," said Cisco. "I mean after everything we went through with the first Wells and Jay... I mean... Zolomon, I just want to be careful about who we trust."
"You can be careful if you want, but all she wants to do is help me get better," said Barry.
"And how is that working so far?" asked Cisco.
"Faster than expected, at least according to her," said Barry.
"Well, that's good," said Cisco. "Iris would be happy to hear that."
"Yeah, she would," agreed Barry.
Later that day, Kid Flash meets Flash outside Keystone City.
"So, how does this work?" asked Kid Flash.
"Just run in circles at your top speed. I'll be right behind you, siphoning your speed. It should be enough to propel me to the future," said Flash.
"But you ran to the future without any help, not to mention with an injured leg," said Kid Flash.
"I barely did it. My leg almost gave out," said Flash. "This way, it'll be must faster. In case I encounter danger in the future, I won't be too winded."
"Okay, let's do this," said Kid Flash, warming himself up.
Kid Flash started running in circles as fast as he can. Flash started running right behind him, siphoning the speed force from Kid Flash's speed trail. Flash started running faster, overtaking Kid Flash. Kid Flash stops running and watches as Flash runs at speeds he can only dream to reach. It didn't take long until Flash disappeared into a breach, running into the future.
"Good luck, Flash," said Kid Flash, hoping his mentor will be okay.
Flash comes out of the breach and runs into an alley. He skids along the pavement as he tried to stop. He eyes his surroundings. He was in Central City. It appeared to be the same as before, except part of the city was rebuilt. Despite this, the city overall was still a wreck and very few people lived in there. Flash finds a newspaper in the trash can and takes it out. He reads the date:
March 14, 2024
"2024. I made it," said Flash. "Okay, where do I go first?"
Flash takes a few steps forward as he tried to think.
"I know," he said. "The one person I can always count on."
Star City, 2024
Felicity Smoak was in her apartment, working on her laptop, as usual. She had a pile of papers stacked next to her. While she typed, she signs her signature on the papers. Suddenly, a streak of lightning zooms into her room, causing all the paper to fly off the table and scatter on the floor.
"No," whined Felicity.
Felicity turns her head and gasps with shock at the sight of who came into her room. It was the Flash.
"Barry?" she said softly. "Is that really you?"
Flash takes off his cowl and shows his face.
"Hey, Felicity," greeted Barry. "You look great today."
"You look... different," said Felicity.
"What do you mean?" asked Barry.
"Last I remembered, your hair was longer and you had a scar on the left side of your face," said Felicity. "Not to mention all mopey and brooding. And what's with the old suit? Throwback Thursday? Wait, today is Tuesday, so it's more like... Throwback Tuesday. How come that's not a thing? I mean both Tuesday and Thursday start with 't'..."
Barry smiled as Felicity babbled. It was nice to know some things haven't changed, he thought.
"Why're you smiling?" asked Felicity.
"It's just good to see you," said Barry. "I, uh, have to tell you something."
And so, Barry tells Felicity about who he really is and why he's here.
"So, let me get this straight," started Felicity. "You're Barry Allen from 2017 and you've traveled here to 2024 to ask yourself some questions."
"That's pretty much it," said Barry.
"Okay, but why come to me first?" asked Felicity.
"You know I can always count on you," said Barry.
"At least one person in this world does," muttered Felicity.
"What do you mean? Are you still suspended from Team Arrow?" asked Barry.
"Well, you're from 2017, so, of course, you haven't heard," said Felicity. "They officially kicked me out on May 2018."
"What, why?" asked Barry.
"You really want to know?" Felicity asked him, making sure he wants to know the answer. "Let's just say it involved Helix, Vigilante, and Oliver's son, well, second son."
"I heard Laurel was pregnant," said Barry. "What did they name him?"
"Connor," answered Felicity.
"That's a lovely name," said Barry. "So, uh, what happened with you?"
"Barry, a lot has happened the past seven years. Are you sure you want to know?" asked Felicity, once again trying to be cautious with what details she should share with Barry.
"I came to you for a reason," said Barry.
With mysterious winged warriors guarding the streets of Star City, Barry and Felicity had to wear hoodies to keep themselves hidden. Felicity led Barry to the cemetery. Once they arrived, the former CSI was shocked to see what he found.
Gravestones carved with the names of his beloved friends.
Oliver Queen.
Thea Queen.
Laurel Lance.
Quentin Lance.
John Diggle.
Roy Harper.
Ray Palmer.
"What happened?" asked Barry.
"You remember those weird alien soldiers in the city? They work for a nutcase called Darkseid," said Felicity.
"Darkseid," muttered Barry, remembering the name. "I traveled to the future before. I found a newspaper that says 'Darkseid Conquers the World'."
"Well, now you know what you have to do when you get back," said Felicity.
"One problem at a time," said Barry. "What happened after the war with this Darkseid?"
"Well, besides prune face taking over the world, all the humans are turned into slaves," said Felicity.
"What about Connor?" asked Barry. "If Oliver and Laurel are... who's taking care of him?"
"Lyla," answered Felicity. "She's leading a resistance against Darkseid."
"And where is this resistance?" asked Barry.
"Working underground, like literally," answered Felicity.
"What about me? Am I a part of it?" asked Barry.
Felicity looks up and sighs. "I wish I can punch for saying that, but since you're from the past, it's pointless. Future you has been down in the dumps since the Savitar fiasco. You came out of retirement to help fight Darkseid, but after we lost the war, you went back into moping."
"Am I still living in Keystone?" asked Barry.
"No," said Felicity.
"Then where am I now?" asked Barry.
Barry runs back to Central City. He shows up where Felicity said his future self is. He was surprised to hear about, but he was even more surprised when he arrived. It was the house that once belonged to the West family, except it was no longer destroyed. It was rebuilt.
Barry knocks on the door three times, but no one answered. He decided to phase through the door. He was surprised to see that nothing has changed. The couch, the dining table, the television, the fireplace, it was all exactly where he remembered them. The only thing that's changed are the pictures. There were still some pictures of Barry with Joe and Iris. There were a few of Wally.
Barry then hears footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Why are you here?"
Barry turns around and sees himself, only different. His future reminded him of what he looked like after Iris died. His hair got longer and he speaks with the voice of a broken man. Barry also notices the scar the Felicity mentioned. Future Barry takes a close look at the man who looks like him.
"You're from the past," guessed Future Barry.
"October 2017," answered Barry.
Future Barry flinched a little from the response.
"You already lost her," said Future Barry.
"I came here to ask some questions," said Barry.
"You sure you want that?" asked Future Barry.
"Savitar," said Barry. "I need a name."
"I'm afraid I can't help you," said Future Barry.
"Why?" asked Barry.
"Because I don't know who he is," answered Future Barry. "Sorry you came here for nothing. Do yourself a favor. Go home. Spend as much time with your friends and family, because one day, you're gonna lost them."
Future Barry walks back upstairs. Barry was going to go after him, but decided against it. When he looked into the eyes of his future self, he could see himself after he lost Iris. He was broken, but he looked and sounded even worse than he was.
Barry shows up at the cemetery to see if what Future Barry told him is true. As it turns out, it was. He read the gravestones carved with the names of his friends and family.
Joe West.
Cisco Ramon.
Jesse Chambers-Wells.
H.R. Wells.
Just when he thought he's seen everything, he stumbles across another gravestone.
Crystal Frost.
It then hit Barry. He was kind of surprised to see his future self so broken because he has been getting help from Crystal. The gravestone in front of him tells him why he hasn't gotten any better over time. He lost the one person who can help him.
Before he can think about it any further, he notices that there's one name he didn't find carved on a gravestone.
Wally's.
"He's still alive," muttered Barry.
Barry runs into Central City, wearing his Flash suit. He can see the same winged alien-like warriors that he saw in 2020. They were capturing humans or trying to keep them in line. Before he can do anything, a streak of yellow lightning arrives at the scene. It was a speedster in a silver suit. While the color was new, the design of the suit looked familiar to Barry.
"Wally?" wondered Barry.
The speedster in silver started fighting the alien soldiers. He dodges their spear strikes and laser blasts, as well as tricking them into taking out each other. He speed punches all of them until they decided to retreat. The crowd cheered for the speedster. Barry was expecting for the speedster to smile and wave at the crowd, but he didn't. The speedster in silver saw Barry in the distance. He ignores him and runs away. Barry follows him.
Barry follows the speedster to, to his surprise, S.T.A.R. Labs. It was, however, shut down. He enters the building in search of the speedster.
Just like the West household, nothing was changed when S.T.A.R. Labs was rebuilt. When he arrived at the cortex, he sees the silver suit on the mannequin.
"What are you doing here?"
Barry turns around and sees a familiar face enter the cortex.
"You got some nerve showing up here," said Wally.
"Hey, Wally," greeted Barry.
"What? You're gonna act like you never abandoned me? That's not funny," said Wally with a bitter tone in his voice.
"Uh, sorry," apologized Barry. "Look, Wally, I'm not the Barry you know. I'm from the past."
"You think I'm gonna believe that?" Wally continues to act hostile towards Barry.
"Wally, look at me. Felicity said this is a 'Throwback Thursday' look. I'm guessing future me must have a new suit," said Barry.
Wally listens to every word Barry says. He did find it weird that Barry was wearing his old suit.
"If you are from the past, what are you doing here?" asked Wally.
"I just came here to ask my future self who Savitar is and how to beat him," said Barry. "He doesn't know who he is. Don't supposed you do?"
"Afraid not," said Wally.
Barry hangs his head in disappointment.
"I'm... sorry," apologized Wally. "I just... it's hard to look at you, well, your future self."
"How could he abandon you?" asked Barry.
Wally responds with a question of his own. "What did Felicity tell you?"
"That I've been isolating myself from others after this Darkseid war," said Barry.
"Then that's all you need to know," said Wally. "It hurts seeing him like this after Iris. If it wasn't for Crystal, he was beginning to become himself. Then Savitar killed her and he started to lose it again..."
"Savitar killed Crystal?" Barry asked, surprised.
"Yeah," answered Wally. "After he lost dad, Cisco, Jesse, and everyone, there is no way he's recovering. And so, I'm left to protect this city on my own."
"You don't look too good yourself," said Barry.
"Can you blame me?" replied Wally.
"I'm sorry," said Barry. "I know how much Jesse meant to you. But don't worry. I can save her. I won't let Darkseid take her away from you."
Wally hangs his head as he walked towards his suit, avoiding eye contact with Barry.
"Wait. Darkseid isn't the one who took Jesse away from you, is her? It was Savitar," realized Barry. "Wally, I promise. I can save her."
"Easier said than done," said Wally.
"C'mon, Wally, where's that optimism we all known you for?" asked Barry.
"It died along with Jesse!" yelled Wally. Realizing how he sounded, he apologizes. "I'm sorry."
Barry decided to change the subject. "Tracy Brand. What's her part in defeating Savitar?"
"She created a device that traps Savitar in the Speed Force," answered Wally. "But I'm afraid I can't tell you. Barry kept the plans for the device."
Realizing that there's nothing he can do, Barry decides to leave. He turns around and walks out of the cortex.
"Barry, wait!" called Wally. "Don't go. Please, stay here."
"What?" Barry is confused.
"I missed you, man," said Wally. "I can't protect this city from Darkseid's Parademons by myself. Central City needs the Flash. The world needs the Flash."
"You know I can't stay here, Wally," said Barry. "I have to go back."
"Why? Because to you, this is just a potential future? It doesn't matter because you can change it?" questioned Wally.
"None of this is going to happen, I promise you," said Barry.
Barry runs out of the cortex, leaving Wally to sulk.
Barry arrives at the pipeline. He was about to run back to the past. He opens the door and started running. However, there was something holding him back. He could hear how desperate Wally was when he asked for him to stay. He needed him. After seeing his future self, he can understand how much Wally needs him. Can he really just abandon him just like his future self did? Can he really just abandon Wally because this is only a potential future?
In the end, Barry stopped himself from running.
Barry returns to his future self's home. Future Barry was currently in the living room, holding a little device in his hand that projects images of him and Iris.
"Looks like I did create Gideon after all."
Future Barry turns around and sees his past self.
"I recognize that technology anywhere," said Barry, pointing at the projection device.
"What do you want now?" asked Future Barry.
"You abandoned Wally," said Barry.
"He's doing just fine on his own," said Future Barry.
"Just fine on his own? He's lonely," said Barry. "He lost his father and the girl he loves, and you just leave him alone because you think you lost more than anyone in this world?"
Future Barry turns off the device and stands up, looking at his past self with anger. "Who's to say you wouldn't do the same thing?"
"I almost did," said Barry. "But I'm still here. Possible future or not, I'm gonna help Wally."
"You have no idea what I'm feeling," said Future Barry.
"I think I do," said Barry.
"No, you don't!" yelled Future Barry, pushing Barry back. "Not yet, but you will. You can come up with whatever you can to stop him, but you won't be able to defeat him until after he kills her. On the night of October 24, 2017, she dies. When she does, you'll know exactly how I feel."
"I think I already do," said Barry. "When I lost Iris, I locked myself away from the world. I wouldn't talk to Joe or Wally or Jesse or Cisco or H.R. or anyone. Then Crystal came into my life and she beginning to help me get back in the world..."
"I remember," said Future Barry. "She really helped me. I was beginning to feel like myself again."
Barry studies his future self's face. There was something more on the look on his face than just grieving for a friend.
"You loved her," realized Barry.
Future Barry flinches and looks back at his past self.
"Patty once gave me advice about moving on," Future Barry. "You remember, don't you?"
"I never forgot," said Barry. "Do you also remember what Crystal said?"
Future Barry didn't say a word. He just looks away from his past self.
"If you can't move on, you're only gonna hurt yourself," said Barry. "I will never forget Iris, but I can't spend my life grieving for her. And you can't grieve for Crystal forever."
"Easy for you to say," said Future Barry. "You still have her. I don't."
Future Barry walks away.
"If you're not going to help Wally, then at least give me the plans," said Barry.
Future Barry stopped.
"I've met Tracy Brand. Savitar was trying to kill her. I read her work and I have a feeling that she may be the key to stopping Savitar," clarified Barry. "Just tell me how she did it."
"It won't do you any good," said Future Barry. "You'll lose her before you defeat him."
"Why would Savitar kill her?" asked Barry.
"I don't know for sure," said Future Barry. "He said he wanted me to suffer. He wanted me to slip deeper into the darkness. He knew killing her would do that." Future Barry then sighs and buries his face in his hands. "I don't even know why I'm talking to you. Just go home, Barry. Go home. There's nothing for you here."
"I'm not leaving here until I get those plans and help Wally," said Barry. "If you won't help him fight, I will."
"If you stay here too long, you'll be messing with time again," said Future Barry.
"It's up to you really," said Barry.
Barry runs out of the house, leaving Future Barry to think about everything they talked about.
Barry runs back to the cortex, where Wally was monitoring the city.
"Changed your mind?" asked Wally hopefully.
"I won't abandon you. Ever," said Barry.
Wally started to smile.
Barry and Wally suit up and head for the heart of Central City. The Parademons were about to begin transforming Central City into a city fit for the world of their master. There was a crowd of people surrounding the group of Parademons. They were protesting against the transformation of their city. They want to rebuild it themselves, not for it to be another victim of Darkseid's reign.
One angry citizen gets past the security and fights the Parademons, only to be instantly killed.
"This is getting out of hand," said Wally.
"You ready, Kid Flash?" asked Barry.
"Actually, I'm the Flash now, in case you haven't heard," said Wally.
"Not while I'm here," smiled Barry.
The Parademons were about move in on the humans, until the two speedsters got in their way. Barry and Wally moved from one Parademon to another, punching them as fast and hard as they can before moving to the next. The crowd cheers for them as they continue to deliver the punches. The Parademons couldn't hit the speedsters because they were too fast.
One Parademon contacts Darkseid, asking him to send reinforcements. A portal appears out of nowhere. More Parademons arrive. Someone else comes out of the portal. It wasn't a Parademon. It appears to be a woman wearing blue and gold armor, a red cape, and holding a golden staff in her hand.
"Who is that?" asked Barry.
"Big Barda," answered Wally. "That rod of hers. It fires energy, powerful energy, so don't get hit."
Before the two speedsters can engage the Parademon army, a breach pops up near them. Coming out of the breach are some familiar faces that Barry is happy to see. White Canary. Captain Cold. Firestorm. Ragman. Artemis. Gypsy. Lyla Michaels, who was accompanied by some A.R.G.U.S. agents. Two more individuals come out of the breach, those who Barry don't recognize. One is a man wearing a different-looking green suit, a hood, and holding a bow in his hand.
"Uh, who's the Green Arrow wannabe?" asked Barry.
"It's Oliver's son, William," answered Wally.
White Canary started batting Parademons with her bo-staff. Captain Cold started firing his Cold Gun, freezing his targets. Firestorm flies in the air and blasts fire at any Parademon in his sight. Ragman started tossing Parademons around like rag dolls. Gypsy uses her vibrational blasts to fend off the Parademons. Lyla and her fellow agents used specialized energy blasters to cause damage to the alien soliders. Artemis and the other archer started shooting arrows.
"Nice to see you out of your shell, Flash," said Captain Cold. "Didn't expect the old suit, though."
"I, uh, have some explaining to do," said Flash.
"Another time," said White Canary, whacking on Parademon in the face.
Flash looks at Kid Flash and says, "Okay, you and me against the big one."
Flash and Kid Flash approach Big Barda. The woman puts two hands on her staff and stretches it, increasing its length.
"I've been waiting for the chance to face you again, Flash," said Big Barda.
"Well, here's your chance," said Flash with a smile.
Flash and Kid Flash run towards Big Barda. Big Barda quickly slams her staff on the ground, sending a wave of energy that knocks down both speedsters. Kid Flash was about to get up, but Big Barda blasts him with an energy beam, knocking him out. Seeing Flash getting back on his feet, Big Barda swings an energy blast at him, sending him back down on the ground.
"This was easier than I thought," said Big Barda, looking down at the speedster in silver. "Goodbye, Kid Flash."
Before Big Barda can unleash the killing blow, a streak of yellow lightning knocks her down. Flash looks up and is surprised to see who it was. It was his future self, wearing a different suit. It had a brighter shade of red and gold piping.
"I see you changed your mind," said Flash.
Future Flash helps his past self up and says, "You're right. I can't abandon Wally."
Kid Flash was beginning to wake up. The first sight he sees is the Barry Allen he knows. Future Flash offers him a hand. Kid Flash takes it and stands up.
"Nice to see you again," said Kid Flash.
"You too, Kid Flash," said Future Flash.
Kid Flash rolled his eyes but smiled.
"Okay, guys, let's do this," said Flash.
Flash, Future Flash, and Kid Flash stand close to each other as they faced Big Barda, who was getting back on her feet. Barda was about to slam her staff to the ground again, but Future Flash flips her to the ground again, causing her to drop her staff. Before she can grab it, Kid Flash zooms over and picks it up.
"Looking for this?" Kid Flash teased.
"I could use a little assistance," said Barda.
Parademons aid their mistress and take on the speedsters. Flash and Kid Flash run circles around them, punching them and dodging their attacks. Kid Flash, however, gets hit by a blaster shot and falls down, dropping the staff. Big Barda reclaims it and faces Future Flash.
"I'm going to assume you're the real Flash," said Barda.
"That I am," confirmed Future Flash.
"You once said I don't want to do this," said Barda.
"And yet, you're still serving Darkseid," said Future Flash. "But we both know it's not what you want."
"I prefer to stay alive, thank you," said Barda.
"Round 2 then," said Future Flash.
Big Barda fires energy blasts continuously at Future Flash. The speedster dodges all the blasts with his speed. The errant energy blasts either hit Parademons or barely miss the heroes, mainly because they dodge them. Future Flash continues running left and right as Barda continues to miss. Big Barda spins and unleashes a wide blast. Future Flash, however, phases through the blast and tackles Big Barda, knocking her on her back again. He picks up her staff and looks down on her.
"Please, kill me. I'd rather die at your hand than Darkseid's," pleaded Big Barda.
"No," said Future Flash.
Future Flash tosses the staff back to her.
"Your choice. You can either join us or you can kill me right here, right now. I won't even try running," said Future Flash.
Big Barda aims her staff at Future Flash. Flash and Kid Flash were about to intervene, but Future Flash gestures for them to stay back. Big Barda was about to fire, but in the end, she hesitated and lowered her staff.
"You want freedom, don't you? I can give it to you. We can give it to you," said Future Flash.
Big Barda looks at Future Flash, reading his face, cowl and all. She raises her staff and fires. The blast flies by Future Flash and hits a Parademon, getting knocked down.
The fight continues on, but Flash and his allies were winning. The Parademons were falling faster with each passing minute. What's left of the Parademons retreated. The crowd cheers. Kid Flash, this time, smiles and waves at the crowd.
"Been a while since you did that," said Future Flash.
"Well, now that you're here, I have a reason to," said Kid Flash.
Gypsy takes all the heroes to the resistance's secret base, which was an old A.R.G.U.S. bunker.
"Nice of you to join us, Barda," said Lyla.
"Thank Flash here," said Barda, looking at Future Flash.
"So, uh, anyone want to ask why there's two Flashes?" said Firestorm, looking back and forth between the two speedsters in red.
"Long story short, I'm from the past," said Flash.
"Time travel," realized White Canary.
"That's good," said Firestorm. "That means you can fix all this when you get back."
"Don't worry. I will," promised Flash. "One question, though. Who's under the green hood?"
The man in the green takes off the hood.
"William Clayton, son of Oliver," said the archer.
"Wow," reacted Flash, surprised.
William looks at Future Flash and says, "It's cool to finally meet you."
"You too," said Future Flash.
"So, Barry, does this mean you're gonna stay?" asked White Canary.
"Or are you gonna go home and sulk?" joked Captain Cold.
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere," said Future Flash with a smile.
Everyone in the room smiled as well, happy to have the Flash back in the fight.
When White Canary took off her gloves, Flash noticed something shining on her finger than shocked him.
"Sara, you're married?" he asked.
In response, White Canary takes off Captain Cold's glove, revealing a wedding ring around his finger. Flash smiled, happy for both of them.
"So, Barry, any reason you decided to jump here to 2024 or are just passing by?" asked Captain Cold.
"Actually, I do have a reason for being here," said Flash, looking at his future self.
Flash and Future Flash walk away from the group to chat in private.
"Thank you," said Future Barry..
"Hey, the world needs the Flash," said Barry. "Iris would agree."
"Yeah, she would," said Future Barry.
"So, can I have the plans?" asked Barry.
"You don't need the plans," said Future Barry.
"What?" asked Barry, confused.
"Tracy Brand is a brilliant individual. She didn't need blueprints to build the device," said Future Barry. "I'm sure your Tracy can handle it. She created the plans on her own."
"Well, she is a few years younger," mentioned Barry.
"I have faith in her," said Future Barry. "True, she didn't figure out the technology until 2020, but I know she's more than capable of figuring it out earlier."
"So, basically, I came here for nothing," muttered Barry.
"Not for nothing," said Future Barry. "You helped me. You helped Wally. You helped all of us."
"Possible future or not, there's no way I would abandon my friends," said Barry. "This lightning bolt on my chest isn't just for show, you know?"
"It's a symbol of hope," said Future Barry.
"And you can be that again to those people," said Barry.
"I'll try," said Future Barry, looking at his friends.
"You don't need to try," said Barry.
Future Barry takes out a little device and gives it to Barry.
"What is it?" asked Barry.
"Everything you need to know about Tracy Brand in the future... well, you know what I mean," said Future Barry.
A few minutes later, Flash was ready to go back to 2017. Luckily for him, there's a speed lab in the HQ in case a speedster decided to join Lyla's resistance. Before Flash leaves, he decides to say goodbye to everyone.
He gives Lyla and hug and says, "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to be," said Lyla.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he survives," said Flash, referring to Diggle.
Lyla smiles in response.
Flash looks at William and says, "Oliver would be proud of you."
"Means a lot coming from you," said William.
Wally says to Flash, "Hey, thanks."
Flash puts his hand on Wally's shoulder and says, "I'm gonna save Jesse and that's a promise I'm going to keep."
Flash turns to Gyspsy and says, "Cisco would be happy you're here."
"I came here because of him," said Gypsy, smiling. "It's what he would want."
Lastly, Flash says goodbye to his future self.
"Remember. Don't lose hope," said Flash.
"Never again," said Future Flash.
Flash puts on his cowl and started running around the track. It didn't take long until he disappears into a breach, traveling back in time.
Keystone City, 2017
Just a second after Kid Flash saw his mentor disappear into the time stream, Flash shows up.
"I-It didn't work?" wondered Kid Flash.
"No, it worked," said Flash. "I'm back."
"But you just left a second ago," said Kid Flash.
"That's time travel for you, Wally," said Flash.
Flash gives Kid Flash a pat on the back before running back to Mercury Labs.
Back at Mercury Labs, Tracy Brand was called for a meeting with Team Flash. Tracy looks around the lab in awe.
"I always wonder how you kept the friction from building a lethal dose of static charge," said Tracy to Flash.
Flash looks at his own suit with a smile, happy to amaze her.
"Yeah, that's vulcanized Teflon," explained Cisco. "It neutralizes any electron imbalance."
After satisfying Tracy's curiosity of Flash's physiology and suit functions, they decided to brief her on what they need her to do. After the explanation, she was a little baffled.
"You want... me... to build you a device that can turn the Speed Force into a prison?" she asked.
"To stop Savitar, yes," said Flash. "I know this is a big ask, but we know you can do it, Tracy."
"Because I did it before... in the future?" asked Tracy, recalling what she's been told.
"That's why Lisa Snart and Trickster are trying to kill you. Savitar wants to make sure you don't build the device again," said Flash.
Tracy was clearly overwhelmed by all this information.
"We know it's a lot to take in," said Joe.
"Well, to be fair, you're basically telling me I'm Sarah Connor from Terminator," said Tracy.
Almost everyone in the room were unsure the reference fits her.
"More like Miles Dyson," said Cisco.
"Yeah, but good effort, though," said H.R. to Tracy.
Tracy says, "So, you're telling me that my ideas about the..."
"Speed Force," reminded H.R.
"... Speed Force. Being able to control it, manipulate it... I'm right?" finished Tracy.
"It appears so," said Flash.
Flash takes out a little device, which turns out to be a holographic computer, and turns it on. It shows Tracy Brand's profile in the future. It's safe to say that Tracy was shocked to read what she accomplished, or to be more accurate, "will" accomplish in the future.
"A Nobel Prize? Copley Medal?" Tracy started to blush.
Flash nods yes. H.R. silently claps for her.
"Look, Tracy, we need your help," said Flash. "We need you to build this trap now."
"What happens if I don't build the trap?" asked Tracy.
"Savitar kills everyone I care about," said Flash, hanging his head in sorrow.
Tracy can see how the Flash feels. Given that metahumans exist, there was no reason for her to not believe in time travel. If the Flash did go to the future and find out all his loved ones die, she can understand his pain. However, she was still overwhelmed by all the weight he's asking her to carry.
"I'm sorry. Excuse me," said Tracy.
Tracy leaves the lab in order to clear her head someplace else.
"Normally, one of you fells goes out for the chat, but, uh, I got this," said H.R., walking after Tracy.
Meanwhile, at Keystone Lincoln Hospital, Crystal arrives for her 7:00 patient. The patient enters the office and once Crystal saw who she was, she was shocked. It was Lisa Snart, a.k.a. Golden Glider.
"Hey, Frosty," she said with a smirk.
I hope you all liked it. If you do leave a review, please tell me what you think about my version of 2024. I would really love to know your opinion.