2 Chapter 2: Settling

"Should this be placed here, right?" I asked Cisco, as I'm still a novice at building tech.

"Yes, be careful while putting it in position," Cisco said.

After a few more minutes, a small standing Gundam emerges on the table before them

"Let's give it a test, 1...2...3," I pressed the controller button to activate the Gundam.

Its eyes glowed, indicating that it had been successfully activated, and as I maneuvered the joysticks, the Gundam sprang into motion.

"Hell yeah, I did it!" I exclaimed, high-fiving Cisco in excitement.

This marked the first time I had managed to create something like this.

"Barry, you're incredible. I never imagined you could build something in just a matter of seconds after I explained it," Cisco said.

No wonder he was such a close friend of Barry's. He appeared genuinely delighted to see the Gundam working. You're going to be my friend too, I won't let you slip away.

Suddenly, something buzzed in Cisco's pocket.

"Wait, let me take this call," Cisco retrieved his phone and answered it, "Hm..hm..hm, okay."

He ended the call and looked at me, saying, "Your family has arrived."

"I guess we can wrap this up for today. Let me get your number, Cisco, so we can hang out again," I asked.

"Sure thing." Cisco swiftly jotted down his number on a small piece of paper, tore it off, and handed it to me. "Don't forget to give me a call, Barry."

"Of course, I won't." I took the piece of paper and extended my fist towards him.

He met my fist with his, saying, "Take care, Barry."

"Yosh, see you," I replied as I left the room and headed for the cortex.

I couldn't wait to spend time with Cisco. He truly seemed like the best friend I could have. Being around friends was one of the ways I managed to find peace, especially considering that my life was always hanging by a thread, with someone constantly observing me.

It was unbelievably crazy.

Barry reached the entrance of the cortex.

Joe West and Iris West appear happy as they engage in conversation with Dr. Wells and Caitlin in the cortex.

Finally, Iris notices me and rushes over, exclaiming, "Barry!"

She embraces me, but I don't reciprocate the hug. I catch a glimpse of Joe with teary eyes. He truly cares for me like a son; I realize I must handle his emotions with care.

"I've missed you, Barry," Iris says, peering at me. "Barry, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I reply with a smile. "By the way, who are you again? My sister, right?" I tilt my head inquisitively.

She steps back, visibly surprised by my words.

"You don't remember me?" Iris asks.

"No," I admit. "So, what's your name, sister?"

"Iris West," she replies with a touch of sadness.

Joe West approaches me and queries, "And what about me? Do you remember?"

"Unfortunately, no. I apologize for causing you both this distress," I say, bowing to convey my regret.

"Barry, it's alright. Come here, son," Joe opens his arms, and I embrace him. "I've missed you, son."

I pat his back and then we part. "So, are we going to return to our home?"

"Yes, son. Follow my lead," Joe pats my back and then expresses gratitude to Dr. Wells. "Thank you for taking care of my son."

"No problem, Detective," Dr. Wells replies.

Following that, Barry, Iris, and Joe made their way to the police car.

"Does Dr. Wells treat you well?" Joe asked as he got into the car.

"Of course," I replied, taking the seat next to Joe.

Iris also joined us in the car, settling into the seat behind me.

"They've already filled me in on everything that happened to you," Joe said as he inserted and turned the car key.

The car roared to life, and Joe continued, "Do you truly not remember us?"

"Yes, but I do recognize that you guys are my adopted family based on your family name," I said with a smile.

Joe let out a sigh and remarked, "Perhaps if you return to your original home, your memories will start to resurface."

"Maybe," I agreed.

"But here, take your wallet. Iris retrieved it from your apartment. However, since you've been absent for nine months, your belongings have been moved to our house," Joe explained, handing over my wallet.

It seemed like he wanted to say something more, but I accepted the wallet and looked at both of them. "Thanks."

After a few minutes of Joe driving the car, he glanced to his left and noticed that Barry had already drifted off to sleep. A warm smile spread across his face at the sight.

"Barry, wake up. We've arrived," Joe called out to me.

I tried to open my eyes and glanced out of the window. The house looked just like it did in the TV series. But where was Iris?

"Joe, where's Iris?" I inquired.

"She asked to be dropped off at her friend's house," Joe replied.

"Ah," I responded, rubbing my eyes.

I then stepped out of the car and closed the door. Joe walked to the front entrance of the house and opened the door.

"Come on in," Joe invited.

I entered the house and was somewhat surprised to see that it still looked exactly like the TV show.

"Could you show me where my room is?" I asked.

Joe proceeded to give a tour of the entire house, including Barry's room.

"I'm going to head back to CCPD. Give me a call if you need anything," Joe mentioned.

"Sure, no problem," I replied.

Once Joe left the house, I returned to my room. It was filled with an impressive collection of books.

There are numerous criminology and science books here. It seems like I have a lot to catch up on.

Barry spent three and a half hours reading and comprehending the content of the books.

The Speed Force certainly aids in processing information more quickly. If I had this ability in the past, I might not have ended up as a customer service.

But well, back then I was lazy as heck.

I believe I should read more. There must be a notebook or something belonging to Barry around here.

Barry began scouring his room for more reading material. Among the few things he found were a study notebook and a handful of his exam papers.

Let's just go over it.

After approximately 20 minutes, he finally completed reading through all of it.

Impressive! Barry has actually created comprehensive study notes. With that, my plans are set. I'll need to purchase a new phone, obtain a new number since Barry's phone was destroyed, and re-establish my bank account as I was a coma patient.

Firstly, I need to access Barry's past memories. Let's concentrate and try to recall his past.

In a matter of seconds, I retrieved every fragment of his memories, which were quite vivid. I even obtained his memory of his first kiss with a girl, as well as his first sex, both of which he found embarrassing.

"Haha, let's not dwell on that and handle my first problem."

Barry stepped outside and embarked on his pursuit to find the nearest phone shop. After a 30-minute walk, he stumbled upon one, but he decided to first reestablish his bank account, just in case it had been put on hold.

Barry headed straight to the nearest bank, relying on his memory to guide him, and then proceeded to take care of his banking needs.

This is intriguing as Barry seems to have a significant balance of at least $205,607 in his bank account. This amount is quite substantial, especially considering his intention to marry Iris. It's logical that he'd want to save up.

However, the money is now under my control. Sorry, Barry, but I have no intention of marrying that woman who appears to lack intelligence. Though that might be putting it mildly – she comes across as an unappreciative person.

I apologize if my words hurt your feelings, Barry. There are undoubtedly many other beautiful and wonderful women in this universe and beyond.

After addressing those matters, he purchased a faster phone and obtained a new number. He then utilized a transportation service to take him to the state library, as he desired to acquire more knowledge.

There, he delves into reading materials that hold potential significance for his future endeavors.

Around 8 p.m., after roughly four hours, he emerges from the library. His stomach protests audibly, having gone without sustenance during his intense reading session. Seeking relief, he heads to the closest restaurant and indulges in the meal he orders.

Upon finishing his meal, he employs a transportation service to return to his home. Upon arrival, he quietly enters his house, keen to avoid disturbing anyone. He stealthily slips into his room, ensuring to close and lock the door behind him.

His caution is warranted, as he's aware that Iris is asleep on the couch.

Alright, time to begin training my body, I suppose.

Barry tosses his shirt aside, his gaze fixated on the newly defined muscles adorning his body. He starts striking poses reminiscent of a bodybuilder

Nice, but I'm ready to take this to the next level and transform my physique into that of a fighter. But before that, let's begin with the fundamentals of calisthenics.

Barry delved into a series of diverse calisthenics exercises, relentlessly pushing his body to its limits. Following that, he engaged in shadow-fighting, pitting himself against an imaginary opponent for an entire hour.

The infusion of Speed Force had significantly bolstered his stamina and endurance, bestowing him with capabilities beyond those of an ordinary human.

With his training session now concluded, he proceeded to the bathroom to cleanse himself. On the journey there, he encountered Joe and Iris in the midst of their dinner.

"Barry, why are you sweating?" Joe inquired.

"I just finished working out," I replied.

"Did you read about it somewhere?" Joe asked.

"Nah, I just watched some YouTube videos," I explained.

"You already have a phone?" Iris seemed surprised.

"Yes, I know I lost my memories, but that doesn't mean I've lost all of my core memories to carry on with life. So, don't worry, I won't be a clueless child," I said with a smile.

"I thought you only knew a bit, Barry. But let's eat together, shall we?" Iris asked. She really wants to help me return to being the normal Barry.

But that won't happen because I don't plan to become him.

"Sorry, but I've already eaten. Thanks for the offer," I said as I left them both and headed to the bathroom to clean my sweaty body.