A Flash of the Lightning

by Techfish

On April 25th, 2024, the Flash engaged in battle with his oldest enemy: the Reverse-Flash, defeating him before disappearing in a flash of light. That was the second time. This is the story of how that day ended twice, and how, in the world's darkest hours and in the midst of its first true crisis, Barry Allen saved the multiverse. (Short chapters as separated by time and POV.)

15. Chapter 14

T2 = 14.57.42

"You've reached Iris West-Allen. I'm probably busy, leave a message!"

Beep.

"Hey, Iris, it's Barry. I'm just calling to let you know I'll be… out late. The world is… breaking… I have to fix it. Goodbye—I love you."

Beep.

Barry sighed. Then he heard static in his earpiece.

"Barry? Barry, I know you can hear me."

It was Kendra.

"Come home, Barry. Please. Let us help, you know we can."

"If that were true, I would, I promise. You know I would."

Barry Allen.

"J'onn?" Barry felt the Martian reach into his mind to make a telepathic link.

You are afraid. Please, share your burden.

"I can't. We all have our parts to play, and I finally understand mine."

I…

Barry felt J'onn scanning his thoughts for clues and tried to hide the truth, but he couldn't—he had never been a good liar, and he wore his heart on his sleeve.

No… No! Flash, you mustn't—

"I'm sorry, J'onn. Don't tell Kara and Alex. And whatever you do, don't give up hope."

Flash! Fla—

J'onn's protests tore at him, but Barry concentrated and sped up his thought processes, essentially thinking too fast for J'onn to follow. He knew J'onn wouldn't heed him—his friends had a tendency to respect his wishes only until those wishes affected him personally.

He'd been keeping an eye on the time as he sped around the world, fighting disasters and saving lives. It was almost time for the Reverse-Flash's confrontation. Barry knew what he had to do.