1 Chapter 1: A Deal with the Speed Force

What is this place? The vibrant flashes of light surrounding me bring to mind the Speed Force. And why am I here in the first place?

I was indulging in some luxury food, AKA KFC. It's been a while since I treated myself to such a meal. If I were wealthy, I'd opt for five-star cuisine, but as an average worker in customer service, that's not in the cards.

The job is fine, but dealing with annoying customers always manages to irk me.

Could this be a dream? It seems unlikely, given my past experiences, although the colorful lightning is a new element compared to the empty white space.

Enough speculation; let's explore. Perhaps my subconscious is trying to convey something.

After a few steps, I encountered a person. As he turned around, I was taken aback to see him.

"Grant Gustin? Is this some kind of joke my subconscious is playing on me?"

"No, I'm not Grant Gustin, and this isn't a dream," the figure replied.

"If it's not a dream, then what is this?" I retorted with a hint of sarcasm.

"This is the Speed Force, Barry."

Wait a moment...

He mentioned the Speed Force. Is my mind playing tricks on me?

I regarded him skeptically; logically, this couldn't be real. Yet, here we are.

"Barry, this is real. Stop questioning it as a dream. I'm the one who brought you here," he explained.

"Huh? I'm confused."

"*Sigh*, I'm real. Perhaps I should jolt you awake from this dream," he suggested, seizing my wrist. Suddenly, I was engulfed in excruciating pain, collapsing to the ground.

My body convulsed as agony coursed through me. Is this what it feels like to be struck by lightning?

Kudos to the old man who survived seven lightning strikes.

"ARGH!"

I need to focus; this pain is real, despite the absence of physical burns.

I glanced at him; he wore a knowing smile.

This fucker!!!

I struggled to stand, but the pain overwhelmed me, rendering my efforts futile. It persisted for a few more seconds before he released my wrist.

"YOU FUCKER!"

"Good, you're finally awake. Now I can explain why you're here," he said.

But I didn't care. I attempted to punch him, but my hand passed right through him.

...

Man, what is this bullshit?

Yeah, he's the Speed Force. I have to accept that, and this is real.

"Judging by your expression, you've finally come to terms with reality. Very good, Barry," he said, clapping his hands.

"Quickly, tell me, what do you want from me?" I asked, still irritated by the shock he put me through.

"I want you to become Barry Allen," he told me.

But I stared at him blankly because I am Barry Allen. My name is Barry Allen.

"Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed.

"I mean Barry Allen, the speedster from Central City. I want you to take his place," he revealed, dropping a bombshell.

"Which Barry Allen?" I asked, knowing there are many versions.

"The CW version, because he has messed up so many things beyond recovery," he explained, though it didn't make much sense. "And I want you to fix everything from the beginning."

"Why me out of all the people in the Multiverse or Outerverse? Who cares, but why me?" I inquired.

"Because you're the first one. That's it. Plus, your name is also Barry Allen," he clarified.

"That's the only reason? I'm a bit disappointed in myself for being just a regular person," I muttered.

"What do you expect from a guy who is lazy all day and does nothing until something important comes up that forces him to move?"

"Urgh," his words hit me hard. Every sentence rings true. "Goddamn, you know me that well?"

"Of course, I know everything about your daily life. Do you want me to recount it all?" he teased.

"No, no, no, please don't," I pleaded.

"Do you accept my deal or not? Leave behind your old life and embrace the new one, full of opportunities."

Damn, that's a lot of temptation for a mortal like me. Should I go? There's nothing left in that world but pain and suffering. But then again, isn't the DC Universe also filled with pain, suffering, and the possibility of an apocalypse?

Shit!

Can I handle it on my own? Of course not. Who do you think you are? You're just a regular man with loose morals.

"Can I reject the offer?" I hesitated.

"Of course, you can. I'm not some evil entity that will absorb you just because you said no," he reassured me with a smile that eased my nerves.

....

A few hours passed,

Shit! I don't know

What to choose? Do I want to live in that miserable world without power or live in limitless suffering with power?

You know what, screw this, I'm taking the deal.

I stand up with confidence, and he smiles as he asks, "Have you finally made your choice, Barry?"

"Yes, I accept the deal. Send me to that world," I said with no regrets.

"Good, but is there something else you would like to ask me for, like an extra power? Just think of it as a gift from me."

"Do I have the normal package of power?" I asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," he replied.

"Then, can you give me an additional ability to prevent burning calories while running?" I requested. This is important because the world will soon face a food shortage due to my large appetite.

"Is that all?" he inquired.

"Yes, I believe this is the best ability I could ask for as I already have other OP abilities," I affirmed.

"Good luck, and please help me fix the timeline." As we shook hands, he looked at me and said.

I see some static electricity, and suddenly I'm transported to a place with an unfamiliar ceiling that looks exactly like Star Labs in the CW show.

Hmm, there are a lot of wires stuck to my body. Interesting. Also, why is someone shining a light in my eyes?

I endure this pain as tears come out. Screw this, I'm closing my eyes.

"He seems to be both unconscious and conscious," a woman's voice. I'm sure it's Caitlin Snow. "This is good news, Cisco. He'll wake up soon enough, and he seems to have enough control over his body."

"*Sigh*"

"He can sigh, Caitlin? Are you sure he's unconscious and conscious at the same time? I'm pretty sure he's already awake," another voice, Cisco Ramon.

I should sit up before I accidentally go back to sleep.

The bed is very comfortable, better than any bed I've ever slept on, except for that one time when I was at my rich friend's house.

I sit up, wiping my eyes. As I open them, I'm greeted by the sight of Cisco and Caitlin.

These wires stuck to my body are stupidly uncomfortable. I pull them out, and it feels amazing.

My body and eyes suddenly feel very tired. I think I'm gonna go back to bed.

Before my body can lie back on the bed, Cisco introduces Caitlin and himself to me.

"The sleeping beauty finally woke up. My name is Cisco Ramon, and this is Caitlin, Dr. Snow. How are you, man? Are you good?"

"Kinda. My memory's kinda hazy. Did something happen to me? The last thing I knew was I got struck by lightning, then everything went black until today, before the light shine into my eye," I look at Caitlin, "Please, next time, don't shine that light in my eyes for so long. It hurts."

"Sorry," Caitlin apologizes, and she continues, "You mentioned your memory is a bit hazy. Can you elaborate?"

"Ah... Shit, I don't remember anything except the day I got struck by lightning," I say, acting like an amnesiac patient.

This is the only way to avoid suspicion from the Reverse Flash noticing my small change. If I tell them I've lost my memory, he'll let his guard down, and maybe he'll become somewhat happy or something like that.

Because he can influence me, but that's not happening on my watch, and I need him to be surprised when I decide to strike first.

That's the only opening I can create during this time because I'm pretty sure my speed isn't fast enough to contend with the Reverse Flash.

If that doesn't work, I'll need Green Arrow and Batman's help. But I don't think it would work, as I'm quite sure the Reverse Flash knows about Batman's existence.

Wait, why can I think so fast? Ohh, my powers are surfacing. Thanks, Speed Force.

"Do you really not remember anything?" Cisco asks worriedly.

"Yes, I'm quite sure," I say.

"Hmm, that's quite a problem," a man in a wheelchair says as he moves toward me, holding his chin.

He's really analyzing me, and I'm not surprised. For a person who hates Barry Allen just because of his fate.

A man from the far future named Eobard Thawne resides in Dr. Harrison Wells's body.

.....

After conducting a thorough medical examination and tests on Barry that took around two hours or so.

"So, any good news?" I asked them.

"The good news is that your body works perfectly fine. Do you want to know the bad news, Mr. Allen?" RF said.

"Nah, well now I just have to wait for my family to bring me home. Do you guys have anything I can do to pass the time? Perhaps some books?" I asked.

"Sure, follow me, Barry. We have a lot," Cisco said, leading the way as I followed suit.

After the passage of an hour, a multitude of books now graces the table, and Barry remains engrossed in his reading, his focus undeterred.

Damn, this is both incredibly boring and strangely intriguing. These books hold significant importance in helping me become more knowledgeable.

Hmm, Cisco appears to be occupied with something on the computer, and Caitlin is in the medical room. But where's RF?

He's not in this room; he might be in his secret chamber, which will eventually become mine.

I need to dedicate myself to hard work and training, honing my powers to the point where no one can match me.

"*Yawn*"

"You okay, buddy?" Cisco asks.

"I'm just tired, still waiting for my family to arrive," I reply. Curious, I ask, "Where's Dr. Wells?"

"He mentioned having some work to attend to. That's all I know," Cisco explains. "Why do you ask?"

"No particular reason, just curious. Do you have anything interesting here that I could learn about?" I inquire.

Every chance to learn is precious, and I plan to make the most of each opportunity as it will undoubtedly aid me in the future.

"I've got a collection of my gadgets. Want to take a look?" Cisco offers.

"Sure," I reply.