#10: A Dark Knight in Central City

The Flash
#10: First Steps Part 10
“A Dark Knight in Central City”

”Barry Allen, we need to talk.”

Barry had believed in urban legends, mythic figures, and wacky superstitions his entire life, but actually coming face to face with one was a far more bizarre experience than he could have imagined. There stood Batman and Robin in the flesh. Even the younger caped crusader seemed like some larger than life hero out of Barry’s daydreams. They were everything he wanted to be. Not just celebrities or superheroes, but symbols.

So, naturally, all he could stammer out was, “You, uh, you want to talk to me?”

“Hey, yo, is the Uncanny Unconscious Man okay?” Robin wondered, looking around the bed at Elias’ motionless form on the ground. The scientist let out a weak moan.

“Yeah, he’s just melodramatic,” Gehenna mumbled, unable to take her eyes off of Batman.

“We don’t have time for pleasantries. The nurse will arrive in less than three minutes to check on you, Barry. We need to leave now,” Batman demanded like a drill sergeant.

“Why…?” Barry uttered, although he could guess.

“The big ol’ broodster wants to get you your powers back,” Robin explained, before adding, “Team Flash is welcome to tag along of course.”

Chester began, “‘Team Flash…?’ That’s exactly what I call—”

“I can’t,” Barry blurted. “I’m still recovering. I—I’m also not—”

“You’re the hero Central City needs right now. Act like one,” Batman growled.

“Come on, speedster.” Robin stepped up onto the ledge and slowly allowed himself to fall backwards like a trapeze artist. “Take a leap of faith.”

With that, Robin disappeared from the window, falling to the ground below. Before anyone could react, the Boy Wonder rose back into view on what appeared to be thin air. Slowly, a black jet decamouflaged beneath him, hovering silently in place.

Chester’s jaw dropped. “Dope.”

Batman extended his hand to Barry, “It’s now or never.”

Barry hesitated for a moment, then took his hand. Batman quickly unplugged him from the hospital equipment, slung him up and carried him like a newlywed bride to the jet. As the top opened up to reveal five seats, Robin looked back at the others.

“You coming?” the Boy Wonder called.

“Oh, hell yes!” Chester grinned and ran to the window’s edge.

“But Dr. Elias—” Gehenna protested.

“Leave him. He’ll be fine,” Chester pointed out as Robin helped him into a seat.

Gehenna paused for a moment, then shrugged. She quickly took a moment to plop a pillow beneath Elias’ head, then hurried over to the window.

“After you, beautiful,” Robin offered his hand. Gehenna smiled, and took it, stepping into the plane.

Within moments, they had all settled down and Batman kicked the jet into (silent) overdrive, sending them hurtling through the air. Chester whooped. Robin laughed. Barry just couldn’t shake one question from his mind.

“So, how’d you know about us…about me?” Barry wondered.

Batman shot him a look through the rearview mirror that spoke volumes.

“Right…” Barry nodded, understanding the unspoken implication.

Chester pumped his fist into the air. “LET’S GO! SUPERHERO TEAM UP, BABY!!”

…

Batman landed the camouflaged jet somewhat unsurprisingly in the small airfield behind STAR Labs as the storm roared overhead. While Barry had hoped to see the hero’s regional headquarters, it was likely a bit naïve to assume he had bases everywhere, but he went ahead and asked about it anyway.

“Don’t you have like a Batcave somewhere in the city?” Barry asked.

Batman hoisted him up and hopped out of the plane. All he offered in response was a grunt.

“Batman’s a kiss, don’t tell type of guy,” Robin said, helping the others out of the jet before he grabbed a decent-sized contraption from the back. “His secrets have secrets.”

Hopping down, he pulled on the sides of the device, creating a black wheelchair.

“A Bat-wheelchair?!” Chester exclaimed as Batman gently set Barry down in it. “What else have you got in there?”

“Shark repellant,” Batman dryly said, before marching off, allowing Barry to roll himself forward.

“Was he—was that a joke?” Chester stammered.

Robin cackled and continued after his mentor, leaving Chester to yell after him, “Hey! Don’t stop talking now! Do you guys actually have shark repellant? Is that even a thing??”

…

As the group settled inside the main lab, Gehenna had to answer a call from Elias. She explained away the situation and convinced the man to slow down the hospital staff while they figured out what to do next. Praying he could weasel his way out of this, Gehenna hung up, just as Batman plugged a flash drive into the computer system.

“Savitar, as you may be aware, is the name of the Hindu god of motion,” Batman began, drawing their attention. Two images popped up onto the monitor near the back of the room: one of an Indian icon and another of a cave painting. The figures in both appeared to be men, but otherwise looked completely different. While the Indian icon featured a gaudily dressed figure on a chariot of snow white horses, the cave painting boasted a lean, silver armored man, who had lightning tracing behind him.

“As the story goes, Columbus and the early European colonists mistook the Americas for India, and the natives for Indians. That included their beliefs. While the gods and spirits of many of the tribes didn’t outright affect the colonists early on, by the mid-1500s some settlers had moved further into what is now known as the American Mid-West and encountered a being they called—”

“—Savitar,” Barry finished, staring intently at the image of the armored man.

“Correct,” Batman agreed, clicking to the next slide: a Spanish painting of the armored figure slaying Conquistadors.

Chester leaned over to Robin and whispered, “I love the Bat-slideshow,” causing the Boy Wonder to chuckle.

“For decades, Savitar halted colonial progress and ruled over many of the Midwestern Native American tribes as their god. A unifier of disparate people. Even some of the settlers began to worship him.” Next slide, a cave painting of Savitar racing with a red figure whose chest was emblazoned with a yellow lightning bolt. Barry frowned, trying to comprehend the image as Batman continued.

“Until one day, a so-called Demon emerged, the only being to ever match Savitar’s speed. They fought and disappeared together, but not before Savitar left his people a prophecy. The day would come when The Demon would reemerge and they would use its Lightning to revive him within the body of The Chosen Son. This task would be accomplished by three of his followers—The Ghost, The Fallen, and The Distant Son. Having returned, Savitar swore to raze the kingdom of the ‘heretics’ who had fought him, and upon its ashes build a new civilization.”

“And now his prophecy is coming true,” Gehenna said.

“But how…?” Barry rolled over to the screen and pointed at the red figure. “Is that me?”

“That’s my guess,” Robin piped up, “Honestly, it’s impossible to know. Maybe there was another speedster. Maybe it’s just a coincidence. Maybe it’s Fate.”

“There’s no such thing as Fate,” Batman stated. “Regardless, now that you understand the situation, now that you know what you’re up against, we need to focus on recreating the accident that gave you your powers. You’re the only one fast enough to stop Savitar.”

“We can’t. The Blackout Generator’s been destroyed—” Barry began, only to be interrupted by Chester.

“That’s not what they’re saying,” Chester said, as realization dawned on him. “I mean, correct me if I’m wrong, but you’ve probably looked at all the data we’ve logged on Barry. His power…it came from somewhere else. Like, pretty far away.”

“What?” Barry muttered.

“It’s only a theory, but it’s the best we’ve come up with,” Gehenna added, supporting Chester with a nod.

The young man continued, “We think your power source is the same as the Blackout Generator’s: the space between universes. A whole other dimension of pure motion and energy. As I like to call it…the Speed Force.”

Barry remained silent, allowing everything that had just been said to sink in. His powers came from another dimension? This was like every wacky sci fi story Barry had adored as a child, but in the moment it just felt overwhelming.

Robin took this chance to chime in, “Ever heard of Hawking’s Black Hole Theory?”

Barry looked up and nodded. “He hypothesized that black holes are the gateways between universes.”

“So if you get caught in one…” Robin began.

Chester finished, “You’ll have access to the Speed Force for a split second. Hence the Blackout Generator’s name. Elias believed he’d created a gateway much like a black hole to the Speed Force, and I…I took it one step further. I outright built a machine that creates mini-black holes. It’s called the Chunk…don’t ask.”

“So…what? You want me to get struck by lightning and knocked into a black hole?” Barry said incredulously.

“Precisely,” Batman said.

“On the off chance that you open up the roof and I am struck by lightning, assuming the black hole doesn’t just kill me, and that I actually get my powers back, I’ll end up in another universe! I could pop up anywhere—in the middle of space, for instance,” Barry pointed out, the fear inside him turning anger.

“Dr. Elias believes you can actually boomerang out of a black hole,” Gehenna admitted.

“You’ll have to focus on the frequency of our universe. Think of one thing, and one thing only, and use that as an anchor to pull yourself back. Your powers should allow you to react fast enough that you’ll be able to return here,” Batman explained.

“Last time this happened, I was in a coma for three months,” Barry said.

Chester sighed, and nodded, “These would be different circumstances but…you’re right. I don’t want to say it’s impossible, but—“

“It’s impossible,” Barry muttered, placing his head in his hands.

Chester shrugged. “I was gonna say ‘extremely improbable’ to avoid that whole cliché, but yeah, rounding down it’s impossible.”

“I can’t—I’m sorry; I can’t do this,” Barry said, rolling away.

Nobody bothered to say anything for a moment. Gehenna, Chess, and Robin watched him go, concerned. Batman just stared on, his emotions masked beneath his cowl.

Finally, the Dark Knight spoke up, “I’ll be right back.”

…

Barry had stopped just around the corner outside the lab, taking a moment to process everything. He couldn’t do what they wanted. He hadn’t been smart enough or fast enough to save his father and Max back when he had powers. He didn’t have it within him to be a hero, no matter what Iris said, no matter what he wanted to believe. He wasn’t Batman. He wasn’t the real Flash. Barry was just a boy. A boy who couldn’t run.

“Is it your mother?” Batman’s voice came out of nowhere, frightening Barry.

He nearly fell out of his chair in shock, as the Dark Knight circled around to face him.

“How do you…of course you know. Never mind,” Barry said, shaking his head.

“My parents were murdered in front of me when I was a boy. I became the Batman to prevent what happened to them from happening to anyone else,” Batman began.

“You’ve done a hell of a job. No one ever gets killed in Gotham City,” Barry blurted, and instantly regretted it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

Batman interrupted him, “You’re right. I have failed my city…many times, just as you will if you choose to go down my path. But that doesn’t mean either of us should stop fighting. My crusade is not endless. There will come a time when Gotham and its citizens are safe, when they won’t have to worry about what awaits them around every corner. Until then…I rage.”

“I’m not like you,” Barry said, shaking his head. “My mother’s murder…it motivated me for a while. It steered me towards a life in forensics, but that isn’t why I still do it.”

“Then why do you?”

Barry paused, allowing the silence to sink in. “I guess…it just feels right. Knowing I can help in some way to get justice for those who can’t get it themselves. But that’s not…it’s not enough. Not for what you’re asking of me.”

“Isn’t it?” Batman began. “Your drive stems from a place of kindness. Compassion. Hope. I was motivated by anger, fear, and revenge. You have something within you that took me years to discover. A strength I only found in my darkest moment. Use it. Stop holding yourself back, and fight.”

Barry didn’t know what to say. Why the hell did so many people believe in him? How could he…?

“Central City needs you, Barry. Your friends need you. Your father needs you,” Batman paused, then finished. “You have an opportunity I never had: to save your father. Another day with him…that alone is worth any risk.”

Barry did not respond, lost in thought. Realizing he’d done all he could, Batman frowned and returned to the lab. However, before the door could close after him, Barry came zooming down the hall. Chester and Gehenna stopped working on the ring-shaped Chunk at the sight of him. Robin perked up, curious.

Emerging from the darkness of the doorway, Barry said, “I’m ready.”

So quickly that it came and went without anyone noticing, a smile flickered over Batman’s lips.

…

Thunder boomed overhead as cloaked figures made their way into the church transept. They whispered excitedly to one another, making promises and dreaming of wishes their god would grant them. The head priest emerged from the back of the poorly lit room, followed closely behind by The Ghost and The Fallen, Max and Henry’s limp, shirtless bodies held between them. Instantly, silence fell over the church, as the two unconscious men were laid side by side atop an enormous bronze bench emblazoned with an icon of Savitar.

“Our preparation is complete. The Distant Son has renewed his strength, The Demon has been slayed, The Chosen is present,” the head priest indicated Max, “And our lord cries out to us from the sky, his return assured!”

The many cloaked worshippers cheered as loudly as the thunder.

“Tonight we welcome a new age. One in which Savitar will take back what is rightfully his, and unleash our wrath upon those who have wronged us! Our time is NOW!!”

The Ghost chuckled to himself as the crowd erupted again. The head priest took a moment to bask in the glory, and then extended her hand toward the white-haired man. The Ghost reached into his clothing and produced his lightning-shaped knife. Wasting not a moment more, the priest raised the blade.

“Emerge, our lord, from the heart of the Distant Son!”

She plunged the knife into Henry’s chest. Instantly, lightning tore through the open ceiling and into the wounded man. His eyes shot open, glowing with azure light, just as the lightning recolored itself to match it and soared into the blade. The priest then ripped the knife from Henry’s chest, only for it to emerge bloodless and unmarked. In fact, Henry’s chest wasn’t so much as scratched, although the man had since fainted from fatigue.

“And return to us in the flesh of your kind—within the body of the Chosen Son!!” The priest finished.

The priest carved a lightning bolt into Max’s chest. The second it was complete, blue lightning zoomed down from the sky and enveloped Max in its light. When, after a few moments, it faded, a man stood before the crowd. While most of his appearance remained the same, Max’s cold, stark blue eyes and the newfound scar on his chest that pulsed with energy betrayed the truth. This was Savitar in the flesh.

Nobody spoke as Savitar examined his new body. His lips remained locked in a frown.

“Thin, but strong. This will do,” Savitar paused, then added, “Only it’s missing something…”

His lips slowly creased into a smile as lean silver plating formed over most of his body, leaving but his mouth, eyes, and scarred chest uncovered. Two winged tips developed over his ears, providing a look not unlike the Flash’s.

Recognizing his pleasure, The Ghost took this moment to step forward. “I’m pleased to see your return, my lord. I only wish to remind you of our agreement—”

“Your powers can wait!!” Savitar boomed, although The Ghost didn’t so much as flinch. “I have waited nearly four hundred years for this day to come. We will spend it as I wish.”

“By reconquering America?” The Ghost glumly noted.

“By avenging your Children?” the priest prayed.

“No,” Savitar turned to the crowd before him and pumped his fists into the air. “Tonight we feast! Tonight we drink!! Tonight—we celebrate!!!”

The Children of the Lightning lost their minds, erupting into a chant of “Savitar.” Only the two cloaked figures remained quiet. The Fallen retained his death-like stare, and The Ghost massaged his temples.

Shaking his head, The Ghost muttered, “The great speed god Savitar…wants to party?”

…

Lightning flashed overhead as Gehenna prepared to open up the domed ceiling. Chester scurried this way and that, while he and Batman made final adjustments to the Chunk. Meanwhile, Robin helped keep Barry’s wound closed, and provided some basic moral support as the blond sat strapped to a lightning rod in the heart of the projector.

“You’re not gonna die. The good guys always win,” Robin promised.

“Right…” Barry mumbled, gazing up at the storm.

“It’s morphin’ time, people,” Chester said, standing up straight, the Chunk switch in hand. Barry looked blankly at him. “Bad time for a reference? My B.”

“Tell me when, Chess,” Gehenna called from the side.

“Your call, Barry,” Chester offered.

Barry took a deep breath, steadying himself, then said, “On three…two…”

“Good luck…Flash,” Batman said, as he and Robin stepped back.

Barry shot him a timid smile. “One.”

“It’s showtime,” Chester declared.

Gehenna triggered the glass roof, which opened up. Chester then flicked a switch to his right.

“Super lightning rod, warming up,” he said.

The pole behind Barry suddenly hummed with energy. He closed his eyes, his breathing becoming more erratic. The wound in his side ached like there was no tomorrow. Hell, maybe there wouldn’t be…not for him.

“Lightning in five, four—“

Batman interrupted Chester by triggering the other switch without warning. Out of time and in shock, Chester had to turn on the Chunk as well.

It happened faster than you could blink. Lightning raced down to Barry, striking him just before the Chunk activated. Barry then felt himself being pulled inward, as if he were imploding. However, a newfound energy coursed through his veins, distracting him before he could focus on the black hole for too long. Innumerable images flashed before his eyes.

Barry locked onto one: his mother. Not her corpse, or the bittersweet pictures she left behind. No, Barry focused on the way she would hold him up as a child, as he’d swing his legs awkwardly forward, trying to achieve some semblance of walking. He thought only of the love he felt for her, and the love she gave to him even now. A feeling so powerful, so eternal that it overcame everything else.

Liberated, Barry stepped forward.

The others hadn’t even had time to process what had happened. One instant, Barry was gone. The next, he stood before them. Slowly, everyone smiled, including Batman.

“Ho. Ly. Shit,” Chester muttered.

Barry offered a quick smile, and then zoomed out of the room. In a split second, he returned, dressed in his costume.

“No time to waste,” The Flash looked over at the Dynamic Duo. “You two ready for a superhero teamup?”

Batman remained contemplative for a second, but nonetheless shook his head, much to Robin’s chagrin. “We have a situation back in Gotham. Ordinarily we would have remained in the city in the first place, but—”

“He knew you needed help. A little kick in the behind to get you going,” Robin finished.

Batman merely grunted in respond.

The Flash paused for a moment, and then nodded, smiling, “Thank you. I don’t know if I could have done this without you.”

“In the words of Diana Ross, believe in yourself, Barry,” Robin said, before stepping back. “Anyway, it’s been real. It’s been fun. And screw it, it’s been real fun.”

“Next time, we’re coming to Gotham!” Chester said.

“Thank you, both of you,” Gehenna said.

Before Batman could leave, The Flash stopped him and extended his hand to be shaken. The Dark Knight took it in kind, his grip like a vice, causing Flash to wince in pain.

“Any more advice you can spare for a rookie?” Flash wondered.

“Vamanos, boss man! Gotham awaits!!” Robin called from the back of the room.

Flash could have sworn that he saw Batman roll his eyes beneath his lenses. However, the Dark Knight made no mention of it, and offered only a simple deadpan:

“Never get a sidekick.”

And with that, the Dynamic Duo left STAR Labs and the lives of Team Flash…for now.

…

The church of Savitar had been transformed into a rave. The thunder boomed to the beat of the music, as the Children of the Lightning ate, drank, and partied below.

“This Big Belly Burger...I like it!!” Savitar cheered, munching down on the aforementioned delicacy. He tossed back another beer and burped.

“I’m so glad—” the head priest was interrupted by another of her god’s belches, “To hear that, my lord. There’s more where that came from.”

“There certainly is!!” Savitar burped again, causing a few of his followers to chant his name. The god of speed patted The Ghost on the back, demanding, “Time traveler, fetch me another—”

Before the command could be bellowed, lightning arced overhead and the Flash emerged in the doorway, immediately silencing the room.

“You…you’re alive?” Savitar wondered as he rose to his feet, glancing venomously at The Ghost, who shrugged, before returning his gaze to the Scarlet Speedster.

“And better than ever,” The Flash said, “You’re looking pretty good for a five-hundred-year-old man. Question is: are you still fast enough to catch me?”

Savitar grimaced as energy began to course from the scar on his chest. The Flash’s eyes lit up with golden electricity. In the blink of an eye, the two were off, leaving behind nothing but an enormous gust of wind.

The race had begun.