Meeting Someone Unexpected

Barry Allen was in the Metropolis city library, moving at super-speed through every science-related book he could find. His goal was to absorb as much knowledge as possible, preparing himself for any future challenges. He read about quantum mechanics, advanced robotics, materials science, and more. Each book provided new insights, sparking ideas and blueprints in his mind. He wanted to innovate and create tools that could help him and his friends in ways he hadn't yet imagined.

Finally, feeling he had enough, Barry took the last book and sat down, slowing his movements to normal human speed, pretending to read. The library around him was peaceful, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts in his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone approaching. Barry looked up to see a tall, well-built man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes standing before him. The man wore an impeccable suit, exuding an air of authority and confidence. Barry immediately recognized him as Bruce Wayne.

"Reading up on something interesting?" Bruce asked, a curious smile on his face.

Barry smiled back, slightly amused. "You're a long way from home."

Bruce chuckled softly. "The same could be said about you."

Barry nodded. "That's correct. So, what brought the Bat to this part of town?"

Bruce's eyes narrowed slightly, surprised but quickly masking it. "A certain speedster is in town," he replied with a slight smirk.

Barry's calm demeanor caught Bruce off guard. Instead of showing surprise, Barry remained composed, as if he had been expecting this encounter. "I expected nothing less from Batman," Barry said, his tone even and knowing.

Bruce's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly recovered. The fact that Barry knew his identity was unexpected. "You knew?" Bruce asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Barry leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I knew you were Batman before you figured out I was the Flash. It wasn't hard to piece together. You have a distinct presence, Bruce. And you leave quite a trail if one knows what to look for."

Bruce was impressed but also wary. Barry's insight meant he had to rethink his approach. He sat down across from Barry, studying him intently. "You're full of surprises, Barry. I came here to see for myself what you were up to. Your activities haven't gone unnoticed."

Barry wanted to answer, but suddenly, the lights in the library flickered and went out. The hum of electricity died, leaving the room in an eerie silence. Bruce's expression shifted from curiosity to concern as he and Barry stood up simultaneously, their senses alert.

Across the city and the world, the same thing was happening. Lights went out, screens flickered to black, and the hum of modern life ceased. Panic began to spread as people realized this was no ordinary power outage. Barry and Bruce exchanged a glance, understanding that something catastrophic was unfolding.

In the sky above Metropolis, a massive, black, circular ship appeared, hovering ominously. The ship emitted a low, resonant hum that sent shivers down the spines of those who looked up. Suddenly, every electronic device that still had power buzzed to life, displaying the same image—a symbol that was unknown yet felt foreboding.

Then, a voice echoed from every screen and speaker. Deep, authoritative, and filled with an unsettling calmness. It was General Zod, making his first terrifying announcement to Earth.

**"You are not alone."**

The message repeated, the words sending ripples of fear through the populace. Then Zod's face appeared—stern, intense, and utterly devoid of compassion. His eyes bore into the camera, as if he were staring directly into the souls of every viewer.

**"My name is General Zod. I come from a world far from yours. I have journeyed across an ocean of stars to reach you. For some time, your world has sheltered one of my citizens. I request that you return this individual to my custody. For reasons unknown, he has chosen to keep his existence a secret from you. He will have made efforts to blend in. He will look like you, but he is not one of you."**

Barry and Bruce stood in the darkened library, their attention fixated on the screen displaying Zod's menacing visage. The tension was palpable as Zod continued his speech.

**"To Kal-El, I say this: surrender within 24 hours, or watch this world suffer the consequences."**

The message ended abruptly, the screens going dark once more. The power remained out, plunging the city and much of the world into darkness. People began to panic, unsure of what to do next. Barry turned to Bruce, his face serious.

"I guess that answers your question" Barry said as he carried his bag and looked at Bruce, "want to tag along to save the world?"

Bruce stood up and walked to the window, his eyes narrowing as he saw the massive, ominous spaceship hovering over Metropolis. The city below was in chaos, with people running and cars at a standstill. He turned back to Barry, who was gathering his things with a determined look on his face.

"How did you know about this?" Bruce asked, his voice calm but edged with urgency.

Barry slung his bag over his shoulder, meeting Bruce's gaze. "I have my ways. Let's just say I've been keeping tabs on unusual activity, and this... well, this definitely qualifies."

Bruce studied Barry for a moment, weighing his words. He nodded slowly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Alright. Let's go."

As they exited the library, Barry glanced at Bruce. "Do you have a plan?"

Bruce's lips curved into a slight smile. "I always have a plan. But first, we need to get back to Gotham. I have some equipment that might come in handy."

Barry raised an eyebrow. "Gotham? We don't have time for a road trip."

Bruce's smile widened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Who said anything about driving? Follow me."

They made their way to a nearby alley, where Bruce revealed a hidden passage that led to a sleek, black vehicle parked in a concealed garage. The Batmobile. Barry's eyes widened with admiration.

Barry's eyes widened with admiration as he took in the sleek, black vehicle. "The Batmobile. I've read about it, but seeing it up close is something else," he said, impressed.

Bruce activated the vehicle, and the garage door slid open. "Get in. We'll be in Gotham in no time."

Barry hesitated for a moment, then shook his head with a smile. "I can get us there faster. Why don't I just take you to Gotham and then we come back here?"

Bruce raised an eyebrow, considering Barry's offer. "And why not face Zod from Gotham?"

Barry's expression grew serious. "Because the alien Zod is looking for is here in Metropolis. If we're going to help, we need to be where the action is. I can get us to Gotham and back before you know it."

Bruce thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, but we need to be quick. Time is of the essence."

Without another word, Barry reached out, grabbing Bruce's arm. In the next instant, they were a blur, speeding across the cityscape and beyond. The world around them transformed into streaks of light as they traveled at lightning speed. Within moments, they arrived in Gotham, standing before the entrance to the Batcave.

Bruce adjusted his suit, clearly impressed despite himself. "That's... efficient."

Barry grinned. "Told you."

They made their way into the Batcave, where Bruce quickly gathered the equipment they needed. He handed Barry another device, this one designed to disrupt alien technology. "This should help us get an edge against Zod."

Barry nodded, strapping the device to his belt. "Ready to head back?"

Bruce took a deep breath, his mind already racing through potential strategies. "Let's do it."

In another blur of motion, Barry whisked them both back to Metropolis. They arrived just outside the library, where the city was still in a state of panic. The ominous presence of Zod's ship loomed overhead, casting a shadow over the skyline.