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.)

22. Chapter 21

T2 = INFINITY

Beyond sound. Beyond light.

It's not enough, Barry told himself, pushing himself farther. Faster.

Beyond time.

Oliver?

His surroundings were a blur of light, but ahead of him he saw a distorted image of his friend.

"Flash?"

"Oliver? I have to keep running—" Barry tried to explain, but he was breathless with effort and pain. "The universe is dying, but there's—still hope. I have to keep running…"

"Flash, can you hear me? Where are you?"

"Got to keep running—"

Then, in an instant, Oliver was gone, and he was still running.

Beyond existence.

The surface beneath his feet melted away, and the Flash was still running, barely conscious of what he could feel happening to his body—to the universe. In the distance, on his horizon, he saw a glimmer. A flicker of gold, of lightning, and knew that if he could reach it, all would be well. If he could just get there, the world would be saved.

With every thundering step, the fragmented multiverse was sewn together in his wake, and what had been many became one. A new Earth—strong, whole, and healed.

And Barry Allen left the mortal world behind.