Barry Allen Flash in 2 worlds, Marvel

Star Labs, 2017

Night

"Okay, you ready Barry?" Allen asked as he stood over Barry, who was lying, his back facing Allen, on a bed.

"Just do it," Barry said and Allen nodded.

Allen vibrated his hand and, in what appeared only as a blur of movement to the others, phased his hand into the back of Barry's neck, grabbed the small device, and yanked his hand back out. Opening his hand, he saw the device, which mostly resembled a computer chip.

"So that's the thing that caused all this trouble?" Ralph asked as he saw it. "I expected it to be smaller."

Silently, Allen closed his fist around it and vibrated it for a few seconds. When he opened his hand, all the remained of the device was dust.

"Well, that takes care of that," Cisco said as Allen tossed the remains of the device into the trashcan and Barry got to his feet.

"Thank you," Barry said, looking at Allen intently. "For everything."

Allen nodded, understanding what Barry was saying, even if Barry couldn't say it in front of the others.

"So, I guess you'll be heading home now," Joe noted a little wistful.

"That might not be possible," Strange said and everyone but Wanda looked at him confused. "You didn't end up here by accident."

"What are you talking about?" Allen asked confused.

"Barry," Wanda said lowly and both Allen and Barry looked over at her. "Sorry, my Barry. Mxyzptlk, he was working for The Monitor."

"The Monitor," Allen said blankly, remembering the whole body switch episode from a few months ago. "Why would he do that, was this some sort of test?"

"Yes, and until we know for sure that you passed, I fear we'll remain stuck here," Strange said grimly.

No sooner had he finished speaker then there was a bright light that blinded Team Flash. When they could see again, they saw that Allen, Wanda and Strange were gone.

"Uh, what just happened?" Ralph asked as they all stared at the spots were the trio had vanished in disbelief.

"If I had to take a guess, I believe this Monitor somehow transported them back to their own time," Harry said.

Unknown area in time and space, 2019

Allen, Wanda and Strange found themselves back in the place where Novu had brought them the first time. And like last time, Novu stood across from them.

"Well done Mr. Allen," Novu said, sounding pleased. "You have passed the test."

"What test? What the hell was this about?" Allen demanded angrily.

"I wanted to see if you were the man Oliver Queen believed you to be. And he was right," Novu said. "I put you in an environment where you were confronted with what you could have become had you never met The Avengers. Then, I offered you choices. And in every path, you chose to help the Barry Allen of that timeline, despite the fact you hated what he had become."

"Wait, I thought you said Barry was sent to guide that timeline's Barry?" Wanda asked confused.

"And so he did. Whatever steps your other self takes now, he will have to do it on his own," Novu said as he glanced back a Allen, who stared at him stonily. "You proved Oliver Queen right. You are the hero that we will need in the coming Apocalypse."

"This apocalypse, when is it coming?" Strange demanded.

"In less than one year's time," Novu said simply and the three heroes were horrified. "Treasure the days until the Apocalypse. They may be your last."

The next thing the three of them knew, there was a flash of light and they stood in the Playground, standing in front of the startled Steve, Caitlin, Cisco, Clint, Natasha, Sam and Bucky.

Star Labs, 2017

Night

"Well, it's passed three, so I'm gonna head home and get some shut eye," Joe said tiredly as he moved to head out.

"Wait, really, we're just gonna head home now?" Ralph asked surprised.

"Ralph, there's really nothing more we can do. Harry's probably right and this Monitor took them back to their own time," Barry pointed out.

"And even if we wanted to try and find them, we'd have no idea where to start," Harry pointed out.

"Plus, that weird light looked a lot like the same one that brought Allen here a few weeks ago," Cisco added and Harry nodded.

"Hopefully, Allen is back where he belongs," Caitlin said hopefully.

The Playground, 2019

Afternoon

"So this apocalypse will happen in less than a year?" Steve asked after Allen, Wanda and Strange had explained everything.

"Can't we ever get a break, just once?" Clint groaned.

"No, because the universe hates us," Natasha said dryly.

"I'll be in touch," Strange said, and they looked at him as he opened a portal. "If this apocalypse is coming, The Masters of the Mystic Arts must be prepared. Unless you have some information, do not contact me again."

Strange then walked through the portal, which closed behind him.

"Well, as good as it is to have you back buddy, I wish you had better news," Cisco said and Allen sighed.

"Yeah, so do I," Allen said glumly.

"We can't stop the apocalypse from coming. All we can do is be prepared for it and face it when it comes," Steve said.

"So the usual," Sam said dryly.

"Cap's right. Until then, we just gotta treasure the time we have with the ones we love," Allen said as he wrapped an arm around Wanda.

"I couldn't agree more," Steve said, looking over at Caitlin.

Barry and Iris' loft, 2017

Morning

The next morning, Iris woke up alone in bed. Worried, she made her way out into the living room to see Barry sitting on the couch, wearing an intense look that seemed like it belonged on Oliver Queen's face rather than her husband's.

"Hey, you okay?" Iris asked as she walked over and he shook his head.

"No," Barry said with a sigh. "I've been thinking a lot about the last few weeks...about the things Allen said."

"Barry, he was wrong," Iris insisted but Barry shook his head.

"No, he was right, about all of it. I've forgotten who I am…I've lost myself in you Iris," Barry said, looking up at her with an unreadable look on his face. "I need to figure out who I am outside of you."

"What are you saying?" Iris asked as her heart began to race.

"I don't want you coming around Star Labs for a while," Barry said as he got to his feet.

"I'm leader Barry!" Iris sais shocked.

"Because I let you be," Barry said as he looked her in the eyes, for once not flinching to her demands. "If it comes to it, we ask the others to vote, but I don't think you want it to come to that."

And Iris knew he was right. If Cisco, Ralph, Harry and Joe's mutiny from last night was any indication, they didn't have a high opinion of her ability to lead. Either way, it appeared she was no longer leader of Team Flash.

"Barry…we're The Flash," Iris said, feeling him slipping away.

"No Iris, I'm the Flash. That is one thing that you don't seem to get. I am out there, risking my life to save the city, not you. You will never understand what it is like, out there, fighting for your life, to be inches from death, knowing one mistake and it's over. Not just for me, but for the people I'm trying to save to," Barry said as he turned and walked towards the door. "This isn't about you Iris. For the first time in months, maybe years…this isn't about you. It's about me."

Barry then walked out, leaving Iris alone in an apartment that suddenly felt too big.

The Playground

Afternoon

"She's already gotten so big," Caitlin said, smiling as she saw the photo of Freya on Wanda's phone. "Has she started walking yet?"

"She tried to stand the other day, but she didn't quiet manage it," Wanda said with a smile. "She misses you you know. Last week, she called 'Caiy' when she saw your picture."

"I miss her to, I miss all of you," Caitlin said wistfully as she looked over at Cisco laughing with Sam and Allen talking quietly with Steve in the corner.

"But you're happy," Wanda said knowingly and Caitlin nodded.

"Yeah, I am. That doesn't mean I don't miss you guys," Caitlin said sadly.

"We miss you to," Wanda said and the two women hugged.

"So, you want my permission to ask Caitlin to marry you?" Allen asked, staring at Steve blankly.

"I would like your blessing but, yeah," Steve said, trying not to fidget.

"Of course you can have my blessing Steve," Allen said and the knot in Steve's stomach loosened. "Just do one thing for me."

"What's that?" Steve asked curiously.

"Make her happy. Because if you don't, you better make sure I don't find out," Allen said, only half joking.

"I'll do my best," Steve promised.

"I know. That's why I'm not worried," Allen said with a smile as he placed a hand on Steve's shoulder.

Bar, 2017

Night

"Man, it's been a while since we've done this," Cisco mentioned as he, Barry and Caitlin all sat at a table.

"Yeah, and I know that's because of me," Barry said and the other two looked over at him. "I'm sorry, I lost myself, forgot what was really important. I wasn't there when you guys needed me and I'm so sorry for that."

"Barry, it's okay, we all lose our way once in a while," Caitlin said as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Whenever you need us, we're here man," Cisco said and Barry smiled weakly, silently thinking he did not deserve such friends.

"So, anyone want more beers?" Barry asked.

Cisco said yes but Caitlin declined. Barry got up and headed over to the bar. As he waited for his drinks, someone walked up next to him.

"Martini please," they told the bartender and Barry wiped his head towards them at the sound of the voice.

"Patty?" he said surprised and she looked as surprised as he was as she turned to face him.

"Barry?...Hi," she said awkwardly.

"Hi," he said softly as he drank her in.

She was as beautiful as he remembered. Her blond hair was as long as it had been the last time he'd seen her and it fell down to her back in waves. Her blue eyes looked as shocked and unsettled as he felt. He'd never expected to see her again and yet, fate or whatever had brought her back into his life.

"I um, heard you and Iris got married," Patty said, bringing Barry out of his thoughts.

"Yeah, yeah we did," Barry said, feeling the urge to confess the strain he was currently experiencing on his marriage but bit his tongue.

"Congratulations," Patty said with the same fake smile he'd had when finding out about Iris and Eddie.

"Thanks," Barry said awkwardly and it was silent between them for a moment. "So are you moving back?"

"No, I'm in town for a friend's wedding," Patty said and Barry was surprised by the disappointment he felt. "It was good seeing you Barry."

"You to," Barry said as their drinks arrived. "You should drop by Joe's before you go; I know he'd love to see you."

"Maybe I will," Patty said before, to his surprise, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Take care Barry."

Patty then picked up her drink and walked over to a table, sitting down with some other people. Barry stared after her for a moment, almost forgetting his and Cisco's drinks on his way back to the table.

"Hey, you okay man?" Cisco asked as he and Caitlin noticed how rattled Barry seemed.

"No," Barry said honestly, sitting down and staring at Patty from across the bar.

Star City, 2019

Afternoon

Oliver was doing some paperwork when someone opened the door to his office. Oliver looked up to see it was his assistant.

"Sorry Mr. Mayor, but there's a Mr. Allen here to see you, he was quite insistent about it," his assistant said apologetically.

"Send him in," Oliver said immediately, wondering what Barry could want.

His assistant nodded, closing the door behind him. Not long after, Allen entered the room.

"Barry, what is it? Tell me you don't have another evil speedster after you," Oliver pleaded as he got to his feet.

"No, nothing like that," Allen said, briefly wondering if he should tell Oliver about what Novu told him but decided against it. "This is more personal."

"What's going on Barry?" Oliver asked, concerned by the look on his friend's face.

"This is going to sound unbelievable, and I know that is saying something coming from me. I've spent the last few weeks in an alternate timeline where I never met Wanda and the others on Earth-66," Allen said and Oliver look confused. "In this timeline, I never helped you against Chase…and Samantha died."

The words hung between them for a moment, Oliver staring at Allen's solemn face, digesting these words as his friend pulled out an envelope.

"This is a letter from the William of that timeline," Allen said as he held it out to Oliver. "I promised him that it would make it to his mother."

"I'll make sure she gets it," Oliver said lowly, taking the envelope and looking back up at Allen. "Thank you Barry."

The Playground

Night

Caitlin walked into her and Steve's room and paused, staring at the room. The lights were off but the room was dimly lit by candles placed on the shells and dresser. It was a rather romantic setting, Caitlin mused as Steve came out of the walk in closet.

"Steve, what is this?" Caitlin asked confused.

"I wanted tonight to be special for you," Steve said as he walked over, taking her hand.

"Please tell me this isn't about what The Monitor said," Caitlin pleaded and Steve shook his head.

"It's not, this is something I've been planning for weeks," Steve said and Caitlin noticed that he seemed nervous. "This is something I've wanted for a long time."

"Steve, what's going on?" Caitlin asked, honestly worried.

Steve reached into his pocket and, to her shock, pulled out a diamond ring.

"Caitlin Snow, before you, I had never truly loved someone. Not the way the poets and the singers always described it. It was like I was going through life with a missing piece of me until I met you. You consume me Caitlin Snow and I never want to imagine my life without you in it," Steve took her hand and got down on one knee. "I love seeing you smile and laugh and I want to spend the rest of our lives making you happy. Caitlin Snow, will you marry me?"

For a moment, it was silent and Steve began to worry. Then-

"Yes," Caitlin chocked out, tears of joy falling down her cheeks.

Steve smiles, placing the ring on her finger before standing up and pulling her into a kiss. The spent the rest of the night in each other's arms.

Star City

Same time

"Oliver," Samantha said surprised to see him on the other side of the door. "William's asleep."

"I know. I'm actually here to see you," Oliver said, surprising her. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure," Samantha said, stepping aside so he could enter the apartment. "What's going on Oliver?"

"This is going to sound…completely insane, but please bear with me," Oliver said as he turned around to face. "You know about Laurel, about the multiverse."

"Yeah," Samantha said wearily, wondering where he was going with this.

"Just like there are these parallel earths, there are these parallel timelines. Barry spent the last few weeks in one. In this other timeline…you died on Lian Yu two years ago," Oliver paused, letting the words wash over them.

Samantha stared at him, trying to absorb what he was saying. In truth, at times she felt it was a miracle that she had survived that nightmare on the island. So to hear there was a world where she hadn't…it wasn't a surprise to her. And after finding out about the multiverse, hearing about alternate timelines wasn't the shock it would have been two years ago.

"Why are you telling me this Oliver?" Samantha asked quietly and watched as he pulled out an envelope.

"The William of that timeline wrote you a letter. He wanted you to have it," Oliver said gently, holding it out to Samantha.

Samantha stared at it silently or a moment before taking it, staring at it. It had 'to mom' written in William's hand writing, which had always been neat, even from a young age.

"I can stay and read it with you if you want," Oliver offered but Samantha shook her head.

"That's okay, I'd like to read it alone," Samantha said and Oliver nodded in understanding.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Oliver said as he started walking towards the door.

"Oliver," Samantha called out and he paused. "I got lucky on the island…but you get lucky too much. One day, you'll find yourself in a situation you can't get out of and my son will lose his father."

"And what do you want me to do about it?" Oliver asked lowly.

"I want my son to be able to not worry that he won't see his dad again every time he walks out the door," Samantha snapped.

"And what about all the other Williams in this city? Should I just sit back and let them get hurt, let them become orphans when I can stop it?" Oliver asked pointedly and Samantha paused, not having a response. "I would love for William not to worry about me, but I wouldn't be able to look myself or him in the eye if I walked away. I have to be true to who I am and I want him to know it's okay to be true to who he is to."

Oliver then walked out, closing the door behind him. Samantha stared after him, musing on his words before looking down at the letter in her hand. With a sigh, she sat down on her couch and opened it. Pulling out the letter, she started reading, putting a hand to her face as tears began to fill her eyes.

Queen family loft

Later

Oliver opened the door to the loft and walked in. Following William and Samantha moving to Star City, he had moved out of his one bedroom apartment and back into the loft to make more space for William. Besides, his apartment was small for two to three people to live in.

As he walked in, he saw someone sitting on the couch. Due to his training, he could see who it was without turning on the lights. Even so, he flipped the switch and lights revealed Sara Lance sitting on the couch.

"Hey, when did you get back?" Oliver said as she got to her feet.

"Just now," Sara said as she walked over and they shared their first kiss in over a month.

After she had returned to Star City following the Legends disbanding, Sara and Oliver had gotten back together after some prodding from Laurel, to everyone's surprise. Even after the Legends had reformed, Sara had stayed in Star City, finally able to move on from her past and Laurel's death.

Then, a few months ago, Ray and Nate had arrived, asking for her help with a new problem. Although reluctant, Sara had agreed to help after some prodding from Oliver and Quentin. It had taken longer than either of them would have liked, and though they had briefly reunited when Strange and Clint had gathered the heroes of Earth-1, Earth-38 and Earth-66, they had still missed each other greatly.

"You seem stressed," Sara noted breathlessly as they pulled back, getting a good look at her boyfriend's face. "What happened?"

"It's a long story, I'll tell you tomorrow," Oliver promised drinking her in. "Tonight, I just want to focus on us."

Sara didn't need much persuading as he pulled her back into a kiss. Tomorrow, there would be time to catch up on al the things they had missed. For tonight, it was just about them, Sara thought as she wrapped her legs around his waist and he carried her to their bedroom.

Allen residence

Same time

"She's asleep," Allen said as he walked into the living room, where Wanda is sitting on the couch. "I missed her. I missed both of you."

"I missed you to. I know it was a lot longer for you, but there wasn't a second that I wasn't trying to find you," Wanda promised as he sat down next to her.

"I know you did. And I spent nearly every second trying to get back to you," Allen promised as he placed his hands on her face. "You and Freya are my lightning rod."

Allen then pulls her in for a kiss and Wanda takes a moment to enjoy it but something is off. She doesn't need powers to know that he's distracted by something.

"Hey," Wanda breathed as she pulled back, looking at him curiously. "What's wrong?"

"I keep thinking about what The Monitor said," Allen said with a sigh as he let her go. "I know that the apocalypse isn't supposed to happen for months…but I can't sake this feeling that it's already started."

Argus prison, 2017

Night

Marlize Devoe sat in her cell in the Argus prison she had been shipped to, glaring hatefully at the two guards who stood on the outside of her cell. Oh, how she hated them. But even more so, how she hated Barry Allen. Not the one of this time, but the one who had come from the future, a different future. It was because of him and his friends that her husband was currently trapped in a pocket dimension, unable to get out. Oh how she hated him. If she ever got out of here, she would find a way to make him pay, she vowed darkly.

Suddenly, time seemed to stop, literally stop. The clock outside her cell stops and one of the guards' froze halfway to their radio. Marlize looked up, confused when something happened. A black portal opened up a few feet from her cell and out of it stepped a man.

He appeared in his mid-fifties with grey hair and blue eyes. He was dressed entirely in black, a black button up shirt with matching dress pants and even shoes that looked like they cost hundreds of dollars. He walked with purpose, his entire body radiating power. His blue eyes were locked on her, reminding her of a tiger, waiting to pounce on its prey.

"Marlize Devoe," he spoke, his voice taking on a silky quality that both sent shivers down her spine and drew her in. "I have waited a very long time to meet you."

"Wh-what do you want?" Marlize asked, hating that her vice stuttered.

But she couldn't help it. This man, this being, gave off such a feeling of power it overwhelmed her.

"Your husband is trapped in a pocket dimension for all eternity, and you want revenge on the man responsible. Barry Allen," he said and Marlize started. "Not the one of this time, but the one from a parallel timeline over a year into the future. I can help you take your revenge."

"How can you do that?" Marlize asked eagerly, her mind racing.

"I am far more powerful than he is. And I can make you more powerful as well," he said and Marlize is clearly tempted. "It will not be right away, revenge, it takes time. The best revenge is to destroy everything Barry Allen cares about. I can help you do that, but you must follow my lead."

"If you will help me take my revenge on Barry Allen, I will do whatever you ask," Marlize vowed and he smirked.

"Good," he said before, to Marlize's surprise, he waved his hand and the door to her cell was yanked open. "We must go; it's time to begin our plans."

"Wait. Before we go…who are you?" Marlize asked and he let out a sinister smirk.

"I have been known by many names over the centuries. But the one given to me long ago…was Apocalypse."