Chapter 35: Going To The Past 1
Barry sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and old blueprints. He opened his laptop and began reviewing the data from the night of his mother's murder. He needed to find a way to intervene without creating a paradox or changing the timeline in a way that would lead to a Flashpoint.
He studied every detail of that fateful night, looking for the precise moment he could change events without causing a ripple effect. His thoughts raced as he considered the possibilities. If he could isolate the exact moment when his mother was attacked, he might be able to save her without disrupting the flow of time.
Barry's mind wandered back to the various techniques they had used to separate Stein and Ronnie. The concept of precision, of isolating quantum states, resonated with him. If he could apply the same principles to time travel, he might have a chance.
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As Barry fought meta-humans across Central City, he continued to refine his strategy. His encounters with the villains became more frequent and intense. One night, he found himself face-to-face with Leonard Snart, a notorious criminal known as Captain Cold. Barry had learned that Snart had acquired a prototype cold gun, a weapon capable of generating intense cold and ice.
The confrontation was not intense. Snart, with his signature smirk, aimed the cold gun at Barry. "So, the Scarlet Speedster finally shows up," Snart taunted. "You think you can stop me?"
Barry's eyes narrowed. "I don't just think it, Snart. I know it."
With lightning speed, Barry disarmed Snart, taking the cold gun prototype from him. Snart barely had time to react before he was out cold, waking up later in a prison cell in Iron Heights.
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The next challenge came from Snart's partner, Mick Rory, who had obtained a hot gun capable of producing flames. Together, Snart and Rory, as Captain Cold and Heat Wave, attempted to stop the Flash. However, Barry was too fast for them. In a matter of moments, both were disarmed and defeated, waking up in the same prison cell in Iron Heights, unsure of how they had been beaten.
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Throughout these encounters, Barry continued to protect Central City, fighting meta-humans who used their abilities for evil. His reputation as the Flash grew, and Central City knew they had a hero who would stop at nothing to protect them.
Meanwhile, Martin Stein and Ronnie Raymond discovered that their separation was not permanent. They needed to merge periodically to stabilize their condition, thus becoming Firestorm. Barry, using his knowledge and skills, reengineered the Quantum Splicer to help them merge safely and effectively. Together as Firestorm, Stein and Ronnie became valuable allies in protecting Central City.
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Barry's relentless pursuit of justice continued. He fought meta-humans who used their abilities for evil, ensuring they were brought to justice. His reputation as the Flash grew, and Central City knew they had a hero who would stop at nothing to protect them.
One evening, after a long day of fighting crime, Barry was running at super speed on his way back to STAR Labs. Suddenly, the Reverse-Flash, Eobard Thawne, appeared, trying to corner him. But Barry, with his enhanced perception and combat abilities, used his incredible speed to swiftly pin Thawne against a nearby wall.
Thawne laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed through the empty street. "You are really fast," he said, his eyes glinting with malicious amusement. "I don't have to worry anymore about you not meeting up with speed."
Barry's grip tightened, but he remained silent, his eyes locked onto Thawne's.
Thawne's laughter subsided, but a smile remained on his face. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm done with my preparations, and it is all on you now. So when are you going to decide to save your mother? Right now? Or never?"
Barry's jaw clenched, but he didn't say anything more than, "Follow me."
With that, Barry took off, racing back to STAR Labs. Thawne smiled before following Barry, the chase exhilarating him.
Inside STAR Labs, the atmosphere was tense as Barry and Thawne arrived. The team was on high alert, their eyes flicking between Barry and the man who had caused them so much pain. Barry took a deep breath and stepped forward, addressing his friends.
"I know this is hard to believe, but we need Thawne's help to save my mother," Barry began. "I've thought this through a thousand times, and this is the only way to ensure we don't create a paradox or a Flashpoint. I trust all of you with my life, and I hope you can trust me on this."
Caitlin, Cisco, and Joe exchanged uneasy glances. Caitlin was the first to speak. "Barry, we trust you. But this is Thawne we're talking about. He's not exactly known for his altruism."
Cisco nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the guy waited years just to make sure you gained your powers so he could use you for his own plans. Who knows what else he's capable of?"
Joe placed a reassuring hand on Barry's shoulder. "Son, we're with you. But we need to keep our eyes open. Thawne's always got something up his sleeve."
Thawne stood back, his smirk never fading, watching the exchange with amusement. "Touching. But we don't have time for sentimentality. Every moment we waste is another chance for history to unravel."
Barry nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I understand your concerns, and I don't trust him either. But this is the only way."
Just then, Henry Allen approached Barry, calling him to a corner of the room. He looked his son in the eyes, concern etched on his face. "Barry, are you sure about this? You're risking everything, including your own life."
Barry took a deep breath, meeting his father's gaze. "Dad, I've thought about this every day since it happened. If there's a chance I can save Mom and not destroy the timeline, I have to try. I can't live with myself if I don't."
Henry sighed, then pulled Barry into a tight hug. "I respect your decision, son. Just promise me you'll be careful."
Barry nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I will, Dad. I promise."
They returned to the group, and Barry turned to Thawne. "Alright, let's get started."
A few minutes later
Barry and Thawne stood in the particle accelerator chamber, the hum of the machinery filling the air.
Thawne activated the tachyon device he had been using to increase his speed, and the air crackled with energy. The plan was simple: use the particle accelerator to generate enough speed for Barry to travel back in time.
As the machine powered up, Barry could feel the energy coursing through him. He glanced at Thawne, who was watching him with a mix of anticipation and impatience."Remember, Barry," Thawne said, his voice carrying a sinister edge. "You only get one shot at this. Don't screw it up."
Barry nodded, his determination unwavering. He stepped onto the track, the energy building around him. He focused on the moment, on the exact time he needed to reach to save his mother.
Barry started running around the particle accelerator chamber, the force of his speed building with each step. The team watched in awe as he easily passed Mach 2, then approached Mach 3. The air around him crackled with energy, and the ground seemed to vibrate with the intensity of his movements.
Suddenly, another flash of lightning appeared within the chamber, causing everyone to gasp in confusion. It was another Barry—his time remnant. Thawne's eyes narrowed, a mix of confusion and intrigue crossing his face. He had an inkling of what Barry might be up to, but he couldn't be sure.
"Barry, what are you doing?" Caitlin shouted over the noise of the particle accelerator.
The real Barry, still running, did not respond. Instead, he focused on the plan he had devised. He had created a time remnant to help execute his strategy without Thawne fully understanding his intentions. The time remnant moved in sync with the real Barry, their combined speed generating even more power.
Inside the Speed Force, Barry saw the events of the timeline flash before his eyes. He focused intently on the specific night his mother died, pinpointing the exact moment he needed to reach. The images of that fateful night burned in his mind as he pushed himself faster.
Back in the control room, Stein turned to Cisco. "Now, Cisco! Inject the hydrogen particles!"
Cisco nodded and quickly activated the mechanism, releasing the hydrogen particles into the particle accelerator. The particles collided with Barry, creating a blinding flash of light and energy.
A wormhole began to form, its swirling vortex growing larger and more intense by the second. Barry's time remnant ran alongside him, ready to play its part. Thawne watched with a mixture of amazement and concern, still trying to piece together Barry's plan.
As the wormhole stabilized, both Barry and his time remnant took off, heading directly into the vortex.
A/N
Just decided to use this medium to let those who loved The Omnipotent System that I have began rewriting it and I am going to release the chapters tonight and would like you all to support me by adding it to your collection.