Chapter 8
It was finally time. Barry Allen would face his biggest fear. He would face the woman he loved. The woman who had changed him during a difficult time for him. The woman who had lifted his spirts and given him hope, something he was supposed to do for others.
But now, he felt as if he wasn't good enough for her, and he was afraid. There was something telling him he wasn't good for her. From what he had heard, she had been a shadow of her former self. No longer was Anna cheerful and uplifting, caring and compassionate, but rather full of grief and sorrow, inconsolable and disheartened. If he had been worried with Patty Spivot before, he was terrified with Anna now. Sure, he protected her by sacrificing himself, but now that he had received a second chance, how could he ever leave her again? How could he leave her all alone in the case of his death?
He had plenty to think about while he ran across the Atlantic Ocean to Arendelle, especially with his powers being at a small fraction of what they had been. His thoughts only made him more nervous.
As he reached the border of the forcefield he himself had created for Arendelle, he started vibrating his body in order to pass by. Once on the other side, he resumed running towards her home.
Barry was hopeful Anna would be thrilled he was back, but he knew what someone dying close to you did to someone. He had experienced it twice, with his mother, and more recently, two years ago, his father. He also feared she had already moved on, or if she even wanted to see him. Barry knew it would be painful for her, but hoped she would at least let him explain himself.
And even if she did want to see him, where did that put them? Were they still dating? Were they still a couple? Or would they have to start again?
As Barry neared her residency, his heart started racing faster and faster. He took deep breaths as he knocked and waited for the response from Anna.
To his surprise, it wasn't Anna who greeted him, it was Elsa.
"Barry?" she said, shocked.
"Elsa?" Barry figured Elsa had been living with Anna ever since she and Batman had split apart. "Is Anna home?"
Elsa stood still, unable to comprehend who she was speaking to, even though Anna had told her he was back. "I'll fetch her, but come in."
As he walked through the house he once frequently visited, the memories were coming back, and the only one missing was her.
"He's here," he heard Elsa say from around the corner. Barry anxiously waited for her, as Elsa appeared first.
The look on her face said it all. From it, he instantly knew the rumors were true; she had changed, for worse. She didn't look like the upbeat girl she had been with him. But she immediately ran towards him and threw her arms around him.
"I was there when they brought you back," she said through tears. "I brought you back."
"You did?" he asked, feeling immense relief.
"You don't remember?" she asked, looking up to him.
Barry shook his head. "I don't remember anything except waking up in a bed, peacefully."
"Barry, I missed you so much," she said, sobbing. "I didn't want to believe you were gone. And then Elsa arrived, and told me everything..."
"I'll never leave you again," he promised, embracing her tightly. Though, it was something he didn't want to say, because he knew there would probably be a moment where he would have to break that promise. If the League failed on their mission, then he would have to certainly leave her.
"Why didn't you come sooner?" Anna asked, which broke his heart. How could he tell her he chose not to visit her immediately? How could he tell her he was afraid?
"The team kept me under surveillance, to monitor me," he lied.
Deciding his answer was good enough, she nodded. "Will you promise to stay with me tonight?"
"Anything for you, my dear," he smiled, and the pair kissed their first kiss in what had felt like forever.
As Anna went upstairs to change, Elsa grabbed Barry by his arm.
"Listen, Barry," she warned. "As much as she's grown, my sister is still very much naïve. You have a second chance with her. Don't waste it."
"Batman did a number on you, huh?" Barry mused, nervously. Elsa's face suddenly fell.
"How is he?" she shyly asked, her attitude completely changing.
"Not as strong as you think," Barry said. "What happened between you two?"
"It's best I don't say anything about it," she said firmly, as Anna came running down the stairs. She looked exactly how Barry pictured a princess.
"Alright then," Barry noted, smiling as Anna entered the room.
"I'm going to go on a walk," Elsa said quickly. She waved goodbye, and left.
"I want you to tell me everything that happened since I was gone," Barry said as he carried her to the couch.
"Well, they held a really big funeral for you, and everyone was there, at least-" she started.
"Everything about you, silly," Barry teased.
"Oh," Anna's smile quickly disappeared. "Well there was nothing fun that happened. Everything was rather gloomy."
"That's alright. You don't have to talk about it, then," Barry reassured her.
"No, no! I mean, they may have been some of the worst days of my life, but they led right into the best day of my life!" she said excitedly.
"When?" Barry asked, puzzled.
"Today," Anna answered, the smile returning. "Would you want to go on a date?"
"Right now?" Barry said, surprised. He knew she was very straightforward, but this was very direct.
"No, silly," she said, recalling his phrase. "Tomorrow, or whenever."
"Of course!" Barry said enthusiastically. "Where do you want to go?"
"How about your hometown?" Anna thought. "We can walk through Central Park."
"Have I ever told you I love you very much, Anna?" he said, as he playfully nudged her.
"Not enough," she responded, grabbing him and kissing him. Just for that night, Barry knew everything was going to be fine.
Elsa was another story, however. Barry knew he needed to find a way to break the news to her. Batman and the rest of the League were out of the universe; how would she take it?
As Anna lay sleeping peacefully on his chest, he gently put her down, and went out to look for the icy sister. He used his super speed to search for her, and sure enough, she was sitting on a bench on the sidewalk. He slowed down as he approached, and she heard him.
"Rough night?" he asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Please leave me alone," she requested.
"I have some news I think you'll probably want to hear," he said, as he sat down on the bench.
"What could you tell me that I would want to hear?" she scoffed.
"The Justice League left on a mission to another universe," he said, getting straight to the point. "Including Batman. They won't be back for a few weeks at most, probably, but that's only if they defeat Thanos. And there's a good chance they won't return."
As Elsa raised her hand to cover her mouth, she accidentally set off a blast that would have killed Barry, had he not reacted with his speed.
"I'm terribly sorry," Elsa apologized. "I just wasn't expecting that."
"It's fine. Try not to kill me again though, will you?" he joked. Elsa smiled for a brief moment.
"What was it that brought you and Bruce apart?" Barry wondered.
"He showed me that he had made a plan to kill me," Elsa said, while her voice was cracking. "Since the day we met."
"Oh." He inhaled deeply before speaking. "You know, my reaction to that was similar to yours."
"He made one for you too?" she asked, amazed.
"Ha!" Barry laughed. "We kicked him out of the League that day for that."
"I don't understand," she said, confused.
"We were attacked by the League of Assassins, led by a man named Ra's Al Ghul. He had orchestrated perfect attacks against us, and we stood no chance. Later, after defeating him, we confronted Batman, and he confirmed they were his plans that were stolen and used against us," Barry finished.
"That is incredible," she said, shaking her head. "You said you kicked him out of the League-?"
"Yeah, we put it to a vote, but before the last vote was casted, he walked out. He later returned to the League, but we like to joke it's the only battle he's ever lost." Barry let out a chortle.
"What did you vote for?" Elsa asked.
He thought for a moment before replying. "I voted to keep him in the League."
"But why? He made a plan to stop you!" she argued.
"That may be true," he acknowledged, "But it goes beyond that. Bruce is just a man. As strong as they get, but he's still only a man. Imagine being in his shoes. Imagine walking among these men and women who can move mountains. It makes sense he would be afraid of us. There have been times when we've discovered mind control devices, technology that could control us. Batman only took the next logical step."
"Having a plan that stops your team doesn't sound like a good friend," Elsa held.
"Remember when you were afraid of everyone being afraid of you when you revealed your powers in Arendelle?" Barry asked her.
"Yes, why?" she said curiously.
"Switch the roles, and that's how Bruce felt. He was afraid of everyone else with powers. What if one day, someone controlled Green Lantern to destroy a city? Or what if one day, Superman finally broke, and committed a terrible act?"
"I guess that makes sense," she admitted.
"Don't worry, everybody got around to it. He may still have those plans, but he's our friend, and we know he would never use them against us without a good reason," Barry said.
"So Batman is gone?" she asked him, and he nodded.
"He decided to take the fight to Thanos, wherever he is, to stop it him from ever invading here," Barry explained. "At least, that's the plan."
"But what?" Elsa asked curiously. She could hear the doubt in his voice.
Barry sighed before answering. "My arch nemesis, the one who caused me to lose control in Arendelle, he's locked up in the Watchtower. Not only that, but a man by the name of Lex Luthor has been in hiding ever since his failed invasion. From the information we could gather, he's rebuilding his army too."
"Will you need help?" Elsa asked suddenly. Barry raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Well, my powers have been much weaker than ever, so I wouldn't mind any help," he said thoughtfully. "But there's no way I'd put you in harm's way."
"Please? I need a way to keep testing my power," she pleaded. "It keeps growing in strength."
"It does?" he asked, intrigued.
"Yes," she nodded. "I feel more powerful everyday."
"How about we let Anna decide?" Barry came up with. "Is that a deal?"
She gave him a smile he could tell she needed. "Deal."
The next morning Barry awoke with Anna at his side, something he wished could be everyday. He wanted to wake her up to a breakfast in bed, and wanted to console her through the bad times. But if he had learned anything from Batman, it was that it would never work out. His heart told him one thing, but his mind told him another.
"Rise and shine, darling," Barry said in a sing songy voice.
"Just a moment," Anna snored, still half asleep.
"Come on, sleepyhead," Barry chuckled. "Today's our date!"
Anna's sleepy face instantaneously formed a grin with her eyes still closed. She got up and walked with her eyes still closed towards Barry. When she tripped over her shoes, and Barry caught her, she grabbed his face with her hands.
"Is this where your face is, Mr. Allen?" she asked, laughing. Barry returned the laugh, and said, "Yes it is."
Anna then opened her eyes, and gave him the most affectionate smile he had ever seen.
"What's this for?" he asked her.
"The first thing I want to see when I wake everyday is you, Barry," she said sweetly. Which frightened Barry a little. No, actually a lot. She was pouring her heart out for him. In that moment, Barry decided he could never leave her. No matter what happened. She chose to be with him, against all logic. He would always do anything for her. And besides, he was the Flash. Because of Anna, he felt like the most confident man on Earth.
"Well, I think it's time we got ready for our date, wouldn't you say?" he said to her, as he used his super speed to change into his civilian clothes.
"I say it is," she said, as she happily grabbed his hand, causing Barry's face turn red for a moment.
"Anna, I just want you to know," he began. "That whatever happens with us, I'll always be by your side. Through everything."
Anna looked at him, before yanking him towards her for a kiss. The two enjoyed it, until they heard Elsa clear her throat.
"Where would you lovebirds be headed?" she questioned, looking a little embarrassed having stumbled upon them.
"We're going to Central Park for a walk!" Anna said excitedly.
"I think it's very romantic," Barry added, which made Anna doubt her decision.
"Oh, but is it romantic enough? I mean, it's a very beautiful park, but-" she stammered.
"Anna, it's perfect," he reassured her. "And besides, it's not about the place we go to. It's about you."
Elsa had heard enough, and made her way to the kitchen, but made one last remark before leaving. "Shouldn't you be looking for Luthor, or training to regain your powers?"
Anna looked at Barry, confused. "What?"
Barry sighed, and turned to face Anna. "I didn't want to tell you, not yet."
"Tell me what?" Now Anna was worried. The only time his voice had changed like that was when he left to fight the invasion.
"I think we better cancel the date," he frowned.
"Why?!" Anna demanded.
"Don't you want to hear what I have to say before we get going?" Barry asked.
"Well," she hesitated. "Alright." By then, Elsa had already slipped out, not wanting to be around for what would come next.
"The entire League left yesterday to fight Thanos, a mighty being from another universe who conquered his universe, and he wants to do the same to our own," he explained to her. Anna's eyes widened in fear.
"Do you mean he's coming here? Will you have to leave again?" she asked fearfully, as she clutched his arm.
"No, the League will make sure they stop him from ever getting here. And even if they don't, they have a backup plan," he assured her.
"What is it?"
"Me," he said confidently.
"No, Barry, you can't go, not again," she begged. "Promise me you won't go."
"Anna, I can't. It's my duty to help others, any way I can, and I've been entrusted the task of making sure the world is safe," he told her.
"But what if you die again?" she whimpered. "I can't go through that again."
"Anna, I probably won't have to fight. The Justice League will stop Thanos," he said to reassure her, but also himself.
"Okay," she said doubtfully.
"Are we still on for that date?" he said, changing the subject.
"You still want to?" she said, her eyes lighting up.
"Anything for you, Anna. Anything," he said to her, as he picked her up, bridal style, and started running, faster and faster, towards Central City.
"We're here," Barry said out of breath, as he set Anna down.
"Have you gotten slower?" she teased. "Because you were definitely slower."
"I actually have," he confessed. "Side effects of being revived, I think."
"Oh," she said, as they crossed the busy street to reach the park's entrance.
"Anna, there's something I wanted to ask you," he started nervously.
"Yes?" Her response was equally nervous.
"I'd been saving enough money before my death, and before Batman left, he gave me a loan, and well, the point I'm trying to make is, I'm going to buy a house for us, right here in Central City," he blurted.
Anna's hands went up to her mouth in shock, and before she could say anything, Barry began to talk again.
"But if you don't want to, or want to wait more time, I completely under-" he stammered.
"Barry, of course I want to!" she exclaimed, grabbing his hands and jumping in the air, relieving Barry immensely.
"You would?" he asked.
"Yes!" Anna giggled. "Why would you think I wouldn't want to live with you?"
"Well, we haven't been together for very long, and it is quite a giant step forward," he said, embarrassed.
"Barry, that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me," she said, touching her heart. "It's a sign that we were meant together if you're committed."
"I certainly hope so," he grinned. "I still haven't finalized the paperwork for the purchase, but-"
Anna put her index finger up to his lips. "We're going on a date, Mr. Allen, and we're going to live the moment."
"I like the sound of that," he smiled, as they walked along the park's path.
For half an hour, the pair made their way through the biggest park in Central City, surrounded by skyscrapers. They took long looks at the park's scenery, and enjoyed themselves, until they felt they were hungry.
"Maybe we should have eaten breakfast," Barry quipped.
"Ooh, I think you're right," she groaned. "What do you think we should-?" But before she could finish her sentence, Barry was gone, and she was left alone.
"Barry?" she called out, worried he had left to fight a monster or something. But it wasn't long before he had returned, with many things.
"Sorry to leave suddenly, but I wanted to surprise you," he said, as he placed down the blanket he was carrying on one hand, and then set down the basket from his other hand.
"A picnic, Barry?" she said excitedly. "How romantic!"
"I'm glad you think so," he said, before opening the basket, and laying out a wide assessment of food, including roast chicken, a loaf of bread, two different plates of pasta, chocolate, which he knew Anna loved, and more.
"This was my mother's recipe," Barry said, as he lifted a jar of lemonade. "I made it myself."
"You never talk about your mother, or your parents, Barry," Anna said curiously. "When will I get the chance to meet them?"
"You won't," Barry said, shaking his head. "They're both dead."
"Oh my goodness, Barry," Anna quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
"No, it's fine," Barry said, as he poured the lemonade into cups for the two of them.
"I'll tell you their stories, if you want," Barry offered, to which Anna nodded eagerly.
"My mother and father lived happily together with me in a house in the suburbs of Central City. Everything was like any other family, until when I was nine.
"It was a warm day in June, and I was running home after school," he continued. "I was excited because there weren't many days until summer, but when I reached my house, I saw police cars surrounding my house. I ran in, and saw my mother's still body laying there."
"That's horrible," Anna said softly.
"My father was taken away to prison, where he was given a life sentence. But I knew my father, and I knew he would never have done that. So I became a CSI to prove my father's innocence. Before I could though, he died of natural causes in prison, leaving me truly alone. I don't have any other family."
"I'm so sorry, Barry," Anna said, comforting him.
"Do you remember the man who kidnapped you when you were about to freeze?" Barry asked as he ate his sandwich. Anna nodded, recalling the memory of the yellow man.
"He was the one who killed my mother," Barry said bitterly. "I used to have a normal life before he changed history."
Anna's jaw dropped. "Barry, the man grabbed me." Barry nodded sadly.
"So many years, I kept trying to figure out the greatest mystery of my life, the mystery that kept me going, only to not even discover the answer myself," he said, looking into the distance.
"Well, I say it's time you focus on the present," Anna declared. "Don't you?"
Barry grinned. "I do. I've got my reason for getting up each morning in front of me."
After a hefty lunch, the couple began to clean their space, ready for their next adventure.
"We have to do that again," Anna proposed. "Maybe tomorrow?"
"I think we should do it every day from now on," he said slyly.
"Really?" she lit up, before remembering something. "But don't you have to find the man named Luthor?"
"Yes, I do," he sighed, before grinning. "But that won't stop me from being with you."
"Aww," she said, as she tapped her foot on the grass. "I think that's sweet of you, Barry."
"Hey, Anna," he exhaled, thinking it was a good time to bring up his discussion with her sister. "There's something Elsa wanted-"
But Barry never finished his sentence, because at that moment, the pair heard an explosion not far away. Barry instinctively used his Flash ring to don the red and yellow, and carried Anna away to a safe distance. Then, he ran back to where the sound had originated.
As soon as he entered the scene, the perpetrator was gone. He asked one man standing shocked on the street, and he confirmed it to be Captain Boomerang's work. A villain who many disregarded as a joke, but one that Barry knew would do anything to get what he wanted. He was as dangerous as the Mirror Master, if properly motivated.
The Flash searched the path of destruction left behind by Boomerang, and finally found him in the middle of the street, looking panicked.
He looked at Flash, in shock to be seeing a dead man walk, and the Flash was about to make a comment on Harkness' latest scheme, when the Captain gave him an evil grin, confusing the scarlet speedster. Before Barry's mind knew what was happening, he was vibrating his entire body, and he saw a massive boomerang fly through him! The villain had managed to call in one of his creations without the Flash noticing, but it wasn't enough to bring him down, because he had automatically fended the attack off. It was strange; there hadn't been a warning- his body had just started vibrating as soon as it felt the boomerang touch him. It happened so quickly, Barry hadn't even felt contact from the massive contraption.
The swinging boomerang was headed straight to the Captain, who managed to evade it just in time. Before he could even get up, however, the shadow of the scarlet speedster was already upon him.
"Looks like you're taking a boomerang's path back to prison, Harkness," Barry said, triumphantly.
"But you were supposed to be dead," Boomerang stuttered, scratching his head.
As the police arrived to take the criminal away, a young reporter had just made her way to the scene, eager to ask questions.
"Mr. Flash, over here!" she called out. "May I have a moment with you?"
"Sure, he smiled, as he ran at super speed to her.
The woman in question was a small redhead, who could almost be described to rival even Anna in beauty. Her hair was well done, and she was carrying her recorder in one hand, waiting to have an interview with the fastest man alive.
"Are you really back?" she asked in awe. "I mean, is it really you?"
"You have the Justice League to thank," Flash said to the recorder. "Batman in particular."
"Do you have any comment on why you're back?" she asked, now in a more professional tone.
"I was brought back to protect this city, and the world when it needs me. The rest of the Rogues are next on my list to capture," he informed her. "Tell me, what's your name?"
"West," she breathed. "Iris West."
"I have a feeling I'll be seeing you around, Ms. West," he said. "Are you new around here?"
"Yes," she answered. "Just moved in last month."
"Well just remember, you're in the city that's always on the run," he said, saluting her with two fingers, as he sped off to rebuild what had just been destroyed.
As he did, however, he saw Anna had caught up to him from where he had placed her, and she looked very cross. She was standing on the corner of the street, presumably watching as the young reporter had interviewed him, and she had her arms crossed. Barry knew she had taken it the wrong way, and he hoped the truth would be good enough for her, because from her perspective, he knew it would look suspicious.
There wasn't much to repair, other than shattered windows and destroyed lamp posts. A few damaged cars as well, but at his current speed, he was certain he had taken at least a minute cleaning up. As he finally finished, he ran back to where he had last seen Anna, only to find she was gone. It didn't take long to find her, walking away, but she looked visibly angry. Barry found a deserted alley, changed back into his civilian clothes, and ran after her.
"Anna wait!" he yelled, as he caught up to her. "Wait!"
"What, you think I didn't see you staring at that other girl?" she asked angrily.
"No, it's not what you think it was," he tried telling her.
"Barry, I'm going to give you one chance to tell me the truth," she huffed.
"Alright," he began. "The girl who I was 'staring' at is a reporter. Her job is to document live events to show to the public through newspapers, or the internet. She simply asked if I was really back, since, you're the only person who knows I'm back. Apart from your sister."
"So she's not special to you?" Anna asked, raising an eyebrow.
Barry laughed at this. "That was my first time meeting her."
"Well, you better not get any ideas," she commanded him.
"Hey, listen to me," Barry said seriously. "Everything I said to you today is true. I love you from the deepest part of my heart. You're the only one I will ever see."
"You mean it?" she asked.
"Of course I do," he replied honestly.
"Then make it up to me," Anna implored, and Barry grinned, as he reached for her hair, and gave her a kiss.
"That better?" he asked, as the kiss came to an end.
"Yes," Anna said in a dreamy voice, and then remembered something. "Barry, you were saying something before the explosion, what was it?"
"Oh," he said, as he mentally kicked himself. "I think we should get home first. Your sister might want to hear too."
"What could you have to do with Elsa?" she pondered.
"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," he assured her, as he looked at his ring. "Ready?"
Anna nodded, and before she knew it, she was flying across the Atlantic Ocean.
Once back home in Arendelle, Barry brought Anna to her room, while he searched for Elsa, who wasn't very far at all. She was in her room. He knocked on the door to let her know he was standing outside.
"Hello? Is anyone in there?" he called. "Elsa?"
"I'm in here," she stammered from the other side. "Just a moment."
After a moment had passed, she opened the door, wearing a beautiful blue suit that almost looked like the dress she had worn in the past, but modernized.
"Nice suit," Barry complimented. "What's it for?"
Elsa reddened. "It's for our mission. We're going now, aren't we?"
"Oh, no," Barry quickly said. "I was just about to invite you to come with us downstairs, to discuss that, actually."
"Discuss what?" she asked, confused.
"Our mission," he said. "Remember? We were going to let Anna decide."
"Are you sure?" she asked, doubtfully. "Anna can react pretty badly."
"That's true," he laughed, remembering the incident in Arendelle where Anna had made Elsa leave the kingdom. "But I think this time will be different."
"Why?" she asked curiously.
"Well this time it's you and me versus her," he joked. "But really, she's grown a lot since I first met her. She'll be fine."
"What?" Anna stumbled finding her words. "What do you mean?"
Anna, Elsa and Barry had all sat down together at the dining table, and Barry had told Anna what Elsa had told him, which caused her to panic.
"I'm going to help Barry in his quests to fight criminals," Elsa explained. "To make use of my powers."
"No," Anna stuttered. "You can't do that. What if you get hurt? I can't let that happen."
"Elsa's powers have been growing in strength," Barry told her. "And she needs somewhere safe to use them. If she helps me in battle, we can kill two birds with one stone."
"Barry, you can't let her," Anna protested, flailing her arms.
"I think it would help her, though. Ever since she left Batman, she hasn't been able to use her powers," he pointed out.
"Hmph!" Anna grunted, knowing she had lost the argument. "You better protect my sister, or you're going to have to face me."
"Anna, you know I wouldn't let harm come to your sister, or you," Barry said, as he reached out for her hand. Elsa watched and turned away.
"Alright," she groaned, and then smiled. "I like your new suit, Elsa. It has the design of those heroes that are always flying around."
"Thank you," Elsa said, almost absently. Barry knew Anna hadn't heard it, but he had noticed a hint of insincerity in her voice. He wondered why she would be acting in such a way, and then noticed that Elsa had acted like that the entire day. Since earlier in the day, during the morning. He decided to put the matter aside, and rather enjoy his evening with Anna. He had deserved it.
