A/N: Readers that are familiar with the original story from the 80s will notice a lot of similarities, I hope. I've tried to stay true to the format. Enjoy!
April 24th, 2024
T = –00.00.45
Barry Allen could hardly believe what had just happened. He'd fought Mark Mardon, the Weather Wizard, again, and won. In under a minute. He'd gotten so much faster every time he faced his old enemies. Barry could still remember when breaking the sound barrier was a challenge. Now he was flirting with faster-than-light speeds.
While he waited for the police to arrive with the right containment gear, Barry almost congratulated himself before he looked up and saw something impossible.
The sky was red.
Not sunset red, where the color changes closer to the horizon. Just a solid, blood crimson, as if the atmosphere had always meant to be that color and the traditional robin's egg blue was only an elaborate joke to be played on humanity.
The sight triggered a memory at the back of Barry's mind, something from so long ago he'd almost forgotten.
FLASH MISSING, VANISHES IN CRISIS
Before Barry could wonder any more about this development, he sensed a massive change in the surrounding air pressure and sprinted backward, just in time.
A blinding flash of light engulfed the space where he'd just stood.
He had no time to ponder what had just happened before he heard a small beeping sound from the emblem on his belt.
The Justice League of America was gathering.
So Barry sprinted away. Whatever his friends needed help with could come before his investigation into all these strange events.
The Flash watched the buildings of Central City go by in a blur of color. Then he turned his head, and saw… himself.