Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Act 1: Hidden Affections & Disappearing Lightning

• The story begins with Barry Allen, unaware that five of the most powerful beings in the world—Batman, Superman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, and Black Adam—harbor secret feelings for him.
• Each of them has subtly tried to get Barry’s attention, planning their own way to ask him out. Bruce invites him to a gala, Clark subtly hints at taking him on a scenic flight, Arthur suggests a deep-sea adventure, J’onn tries telepathically understanding Barry’s emotions, and Black Adam, in his own intense way, considers simply declaring Barry as his.
• Just as one of them is about to make their move, Barry vanishes without a trace. At first, they assume he’s just on a mission or off doing something reckless—but as days turn into weeks, concern grows into dread.

Act 2: The Hunt for the Flash

• The Justice League launches a full-scale investigation, but their efforts lead nowhere. Barry seems to have disappeared completely.
• As time passes, the five suitors start working separately and sometimes together, driven by their love for him in different ways.
• Batman relentlessly analyzes every possible lead, losing sleep as guilt gnaws at him.
• Superman scours the Earth and beyond, searching for Barry’s unique energy signature, his concern hidden behind a calm demeanor.
• Aquaman questions the undersea networks for any word of an abduction, his anger growing with each dead end.
• Martian Manhunter uses his telepathy to search for any trace of Barry’s mind, but he keeps hitting a mysterious void.
• Black Adam? He’s tearing through villains, demanding answers with all the wrath of a god.

Act 3: The Revelation & the Rescue

• After months of searching, a breakthrough—Barry is being held in a hidden dimension, an ancient prison constructed to trap beings of pure energy. The culprit? Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash.
• Thawne reveals he has been torturing Barry, siphoning his Speed Force, keeping him in a constant state of pain and exhaustion.
• When the team arrives, Barry is barely clinging to life—weak, injured, and unable to even recognize them at first.
• Black Adam and Aquaman are the first to react with raw fury, tearing through Thawne’s defenses with unchecked rage.
• Superman, though enraged, keeps his focus, breaking into the prison itself.
• Batman and Martian Manhunter work together to disable the dimension’s traps, their worry manifesting in quiet determination.

Act 4: The Aftermath & Confessions

• Barry is rescued but is severely weakened. As he recovers in the Watchtower’s medical bay, he finally learns about his five secret admirers.
• Each of them shows their affection in different ways—Bruce watches over him silently, Clark brings him comfort, Arthur swears vengeance on anyone who would harm him, J’onn mentally soothes his trauma, and Black Adam… well, he just outright declares that no one will ever take Barry from him again.
• Barry, overwhelmed but touched, realizes he has to make a choice. But who will he choose?

Themes & Notes

• Romantic Tension: Each of the five loves Barry in a different way. Clark is gentle and protective, Bruce is brooding but deeply devoted, Arthur is passionate and intense, J’onn is deeply understanding, and Black Adam is possessive and fierce.
• Mystery & Suspense: Barry’s disappearance and the effort to find him drive the plot, keeping the romance and action intertwined.
• Barry’s Perspective: He doesn’t realize how loved he is until he’s rescued, adding emotional weight to the story.

Chapter Text

Act 1: Hidden Affections & Disappearing Lightning

Scene 1: The Unspoken Rivalry

• The Watchtower hums with activity as members of the Justice League go about their duties, but a certain red-suited speedster remains the center of attention—at least for five individuals.
• Barry Allen, cheerful and oblivious as ever, cracks jokes with teammates, completely unaware of the longing glances from Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Arthur Curry, J’onn J’onzz, and Black Adam.
• Each of them watches Barry in their own way:
• Bruce keeps his gaze neutral, but internally, his analytical mind constantly finds excuses to keep Barry close.
• Clark casually engages Barry in conversation, hoping to catch his interest with stories of Metropolis.
• Arthur has a habit of playfully challenging Barry to friendly competitions, eager to impress him.
• J’onn, ever the quiet observer, senses Barry’s emotions but hesitates to reach out directly.
• Black Adam stands apart, arms crossed, eyes sharp—watching. He doesn’t do subtlety; he simply waits for the right moment to claim what he desires.
• A subtle yet unspoken tension brews among them. They all want Barry’s attention, but none have acted yet.

Scene 2: The Plans Begin

• Over time, each suitor privately formulates a plan to ask Barry out:
• Bruce invites Barry to a high-profile gala in Gotham, thinking a refined, intimate setting will allow them to connect.
• Clark plans to take Barry on a scenic flight through the clouds, a private moment above the world.
• Arthur wants to take Barry on a deep-sea adventure, showing him the hidden wonders of Atlantis.
• J’onn, using his telepathic abilities, has subtly sensed Barry’s loneliness and intends to reach out emotionally, offering comfort and understanding.
• Black Adam doesn’t believe in subtlety—he intends to declare his intentions outright and challenge anyone who gets in his way.
• Each one believes they’ll have the perfect opportunity soon.

Scene 3: The Last Time They Saw Him

• The League gathers for a mission debriefing, but something feels off. Barry had checked in earlier but hasn’t responded for hours.
• Batman, always the first to notice patterns, questions Barry’s absence. Superman, usually calm, feels an unease he can’t explain.
• They assume Barry might just be occupied or running late—but deep down, there’s an odd sense of worry creeping in.
• Black Adam, who rarely interacts socially, simply mutters, “He’s missing,” and walks off, already deciding he will hunt Barry down himself.

Scene 4: The Search Begins

• A day passes. Then another. Barry still hasn’t returned. The Watchtower’s surveillance has no record of his departure.
• The League begins to mobilize, and soon, it’s clear—Barry Allen is gone.
• Concern shifts into outright dread. The five suitors take separate approaches to finding him:
• Bruce scours security footage and crime reports, his obsession growing by the hour.
• Clark searches from the sky, scanning the globe for Barry’s unique energy signature.
• Arthur dives into the ocean, seeking out any rumors from the hidden corners of the world.
• J’onn attempts telepathic searches but encounters only silence—a terrifying sign that something is blocking Barry’s mind.
• Black Adam? He doesn’t investigate. He interrogates. Villains, mercenaries, even gods—someone knows where the Flash is, and he intends to break them for answers.
• The romantic tension shifts into desperation, and their love for Barry—once hidden—fuels their relentless pursuit.

Closing of Act 1: A Terrifying Revelation

• After weeks of searching, a grim realization sets in: Barry isn’t just missing—he’s been taken.
• But by who? And why?
• And worst of all… what if they’re already too late?

Chapter Text

Batman (Bruce Wayne) – The Strategist Unraveling

Bruce is the first to suspect something is wrong. He notices small, unsettling details: Barry’s last communication timestamp, the uncharacteristic silence, the fact that there are no traces of his Speed Force signature anywhere.

At first, Bruce tells himself to be logical. Barry’s The Flash—he vanishes all the time. But as hours turn into days, unease settles into his bones.

• He buries himself in surveillance footage, looking for anything—any trace of where Barry went. But there’s nothing. Nothing.
• It gnaws at him. Barry was right there, laughing, making dumb jokes. And then he was gone.
• As the days stretch on, Bruce starts skipping meals, ignoring sleep. Alfred has to force him to rest, but his mind keeps circling back.
• Deep down, a terrible, ugly emotion stirs: Guilt.
• He could have asked Barry sooner. He could have watched him more carefully. He could have—should have—done something before Barry disappeared.

When Bruce finally admits Barry is missing , his voice is quiet. Controlled. But his hands tighten into fists as he stares at the screens in front of him. The world’s greatest detective, and he missed it when the person he—

No. He doesn’t allow himself to finish that thought. He just keeps looking.

Superman (Clark Kent) – The Silent Fear

Clark initially convinces himself that Barry is fine.

Barry is fast, after all. Maybe he’s just… somewhere else. Maybe he needed time alone. Maybe—

But Clark’s gut tells him otherwise. And Clark always trusts his gut.

• When he takes to the skies, he searches the entire planet. His super-hearing hones in on every possible voice, but Barry’s is missing. It’s like he never existed.
• A cold, unfamiliar fear grips Clark’s chest.
• He’s lost people before. But Barry? Barry is sunshine, energy, life itself. The idea that someone could just… take him—erase him from the world—fills Clark with an unsettling mix of rage and helplessness.
• It’s not until Lois finds him on the Watchtower, standing motionless, staring out at the Earth below, that he finally speaks.
• “He’s not just missing,” Clark murmurs. “He’s been taken.”
• His fists tighten at his sides. And I don’t know where he is.
• That realization kills him.

Clark doesn’t get angry often, but when he does—nothing in the universe can stop him.

Aquaman (Arthur Curry) – The Growing Fury

Arthur is the last to suspect something is wrong. He wants to believe Barry is just being Barry—zipping around, getting into trouble, not thinking things through.

But the moment Bruce tells him Barry has been missing for days, something shifts inside him.

• He goes back to the last conversation they had—Barry had teased him about being a “grumpy fish king.” Arthur had rolled his eyes and told him to watch his back.
• And now? Barry is gone.
• Arthur storms back to Atlantis, demanding his spies and informants search the oceans.
• The deeper he searches, the angrier he becomes. He hates feeling powerless, and nothing makes him angrier than knowing someone took Barry—his Barry—from him.
• When he returns to the Watchtower, his patience is gone. His voice is sharp when he growls, “Whoever did this is going to regret it.”

And Arthur never makes empty threats.

Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz) – The Hollow Silence

J’onn realizes something is deeply wrong the first time he tries to reach for Barry’s mind—and finds nothing.

• Not silence. Not static. Nothing.
• It terrifies him. Even when someone dies, there is always something left—a memory, a trace. But with Barry? It’s as if he’s been erased from existence.
• J’onn keeps trying, reaching deeper into the collective consciousness of the universe.
• Each attempt makes his worry morph into dread. He’s never felt Barry’s mind so empty before. He should be able to sense his fear, his thoughts—anything. But all he finds is a terrifying void.

When he finally speaks, his voice is calm, but there’s an edge of cold certainty:

• “Barry is in a place where even thoughts cannot reach.”
• He doesn’t need to say the rest. They all understand what it means. Whoever took Barry didn’t just hide him. They buried him in a prison meant to keep him completely alone.

And that thought shakes J’onn to his core.

Black Adam – The Unforgiving Wrath

Black Adam doesn’t bother with speculation. When he realizes Barry is missing, he assumes one thing:

Someone has stolen what is his.

• Unlike the others, he doesn’t waste time worrying. He acts.
• He hunts. He tears through criminals, villains, warlords—anyone who might know something. He gives them one chance to talk. If they don’t?
• Lightning splits the sky.
• Unlike the others, Black Adam isn’t afraid of going too far. He doesn’t care about restraint. If someone dared to take Barry, then the world will feel his wrath until he gets him back.

It’s only when he’s alone, fists clenched, electricity crackling at his fingertips, that he feels something foreign—something he hates admitting to.

Fear.

Not fear of the enemy. Not fear of what he must do.

But fear that Barry is gone forever.

And that? That is unacceptable.

Final Scene of Act 1: A Silent Vow

• The Watchtower is unnervingly quiet.
• Five of the most powerful beings on Earth—Batman, Superman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, and Black Adam—stand together, each lost in their own turmoil.
• They rarely work together like this. But now? There’s no question—they are united in one mission.
• Find Barry Allen. Bring him home.
• No matter what it takes.

Chapter Text

Scene: The Growing Concern Among the League

The Justice League has faced losses before. They have fought gods, witnessed destruction, and even mourned fallen comrades. But this time… something feels different .

Barry Allen has been missing for weeks , and the League is growing restless. At first, they assumed he was off on his own—maybe caught up in the Speed Force, maybe dealing with a threat he hadn’t yet reported. But as time stretches on, and there’s still no sign of him, the concern deepens.

More than that… the League begins to notice a change in five of their strongest members.

Wonder Woman – The Watchful Guardian

Diana has always been perceptive. She notices the shift immediately.

• Bruce Wayne, who is normally calculated and composed, has become obsessive. His usual sharpness has turned into relentless, sleepless determination.
• Clark Kent, the ever-hopeful and controlled Superman, has started to carry a quiet, uncharacteristic anger just beneath his voice. His smiles are forced. His patience is thinner.
• Arthur Curry, usually brash but lighthearted, has grown distant and brooding, speaking less, his temper razor-thin.
• J’onn J’onzz, the calmest of them all, now radiates a sorrow so deep it unsettles even her.
• Black Adam, already a force of destruction, has become even more merciless. His usual arrogance is gone—replaced by pure, unrelenting rage.

Diana watches them closely. She sees the tension, the way they refuse to give up, the desperation lingering behind every move they make.

She recognizes that kind of determination, that devotion, that love .

She has known for a long time that these five men love Barry Allen.

And now, seeing them like this? It only confirms what she already suspected.

One evening, she approaches Bruce, who is poring over surveillance footage for the hundredth time.

• “Bruce,” she says gently, but firmly. “You need to rest.”
• “I can’t,” he mutters, barely looking up. “There’s something I’m missing.”
• Diana crosses her arms. “You’re no good to Barry if you collapse from exhaustion.”
• Bruce finally meets her eyes. His usual guarded expression is there—but beneath it, there’s something raw. Something broken.
• Diana softens. “You love him,” she states, not as a question, but as a fact.
• Bruce doesn’t deny it. He just exhales, turning back to the screen. “…I should have seen this coming.”
• Diana places a hand on his shoulder. “You are not the only one who feels this way.”

Bruce doesn’t respond. He doesn’t have to.

Lois Lane – The One Who Already Knew

Lois is no fool. She’s the best investigative journalist in the world, and it doesn’t take a genius to notice that her friend— Clark Kent, the Superman —has been off.

• He still goes to work. Still saves people. Still acts like the perfect symbol of hope.
• But she knows him better than anyone.
• She sees the way his shoulders tense when he scans the city. The way his jaw tightens when another dead end surfaces. The way he doesn’t talk about it—because talking about it makes it real.

One night, as they lay on the grass by the yard of his farmhouse, Lois finally speaks.

• “It’s killing you, isn’t it?”
• Clark doesn’t pretend to misunderstand. He swallows hard, staring at the ceiling. “He’s out there, Lois. Somewhere. And I can’t find him.”
• “You’ll find him,” she says firmly. Then, after a pause: “You love him.”
• Clark closes his eyes. His silence is his answer.
• Lois smiles softly, brushing his hair. “I’ve known for years, Smallville.”
• Clark lets out a shaky breath. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. It just matters that I bring him back.”
• Lois leans over, kissing his forehead. “Then go get him.”

And Clark swears, in that moment, that he will.

The Rest of the League – The Unsettling Realization

The other League members begin to notice the change in their strongest warriors.

• Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) tries joking with Arthur over drinks—only to be met with silence and an icy glare.
• Cyborg (Victor Stone) watches as Batman ignores even his own limits, pushing himself beyond exhaustion.
• Zatanna tries to reach out telepathically to J’onn—only to feel a sorrow so deep it nearly overwhelms her.
• John Constantine, of all people, mutters, “Bloody hell. Never seen that lot so worked up.”

They start whispering among themselves. What is happening? Why are they taking this so personally?

It’s Hal who finally confronts them.

• “Alright,” he says, arms crossed. “I get it. We’re all worried about Barry. But you guys—” he gestures at Bruce, Clark, Arthur, J’onn, and Adam, “—you’re acting like this is personal.”
• Bruce doesn’t even look up. “Because it is.”
• Hal blinks. “…What?”
• Arthur scowls. “What part of ‘we need to find him’ don’t you understand?”
• “I understand that you’re all about one bad day away from losing it,” Hal retorts. Then realization dawns. His eyes widen. “Wait a damn second.” He looks at Bruce. Then Clark. Then Arthur. Then J’onn. Then—“Oh my god. You’re in love with him.”
• Silence.
• Then:
• “And?” Black Adam asks, his voice sharp as thunder.
• Hal just stares. “Oh, this just got complicated.”

Final Moment of Act 1 – A Shared, Unbreakable Vow

Despite the tension, despite the emotions running high, one thing is clear :

They are going to find Barry Allen.

• Not because he’s their teammate.
• Not just because he’s their friend.
• But because they love him—and they refuse to let him be lost forever.

And whoever took Barry?

They’re about to pay the price .

Chapter Text

Scene 1: A Desperate Search in the Dark

Weeks have passed. Every lead has been a dead end. Every attempt to locate Barry has turned up nothing . The frustration is mounting, and tensions are running high.

• Bruce is practically living in the Batcave and Watchtower, running every possible analysis.
• Clark has searched every inch of Earth with his vision and hearing.
• Arthur has interrogated contacts in the darkest corners of the world’s oceans.
• J’onn has scanned minds across the globe, but Barry’s presence remains eerily absent.
• Black Adam has left destruction in his wake, demanding answers—but even he has come up empty.

The League is losing patience. They need a breakthrough.

Scene 2: The First Real Clue – The Ghost Signal

It’s Cyborg (Victor Stone) who finally catches something strange.

• “Guys,” Vic calls out from the Watchtower’s command center, eyes narrowed at the holographic display. “I think I found something.”
• The others immediately crowd around as he pulls up the data.
• “About two hours ago, there was an anomaly. It was subtle—almost impossible to detect—but I found a disrupted energy pulse in the Speed Force’s frequency.”
• Bruce leans in. “Barry?”
• “It could be, but the weird thing is… it wasn’t natural. It was forced.”
• J’onn’s expression darkens. “Someone tampered with the Speed Force.”
• Clark clenches his fists. “Can you trace it?”
• “Already did,” Vic smirks, typing rapidly. “It came from a facility in an off-the-record location—a place that shouldn’t exist.”
• The screen lights up with coordinates.

They’ve got a starting point .

Scene 3: The Facility & A Chilling Discovery

The team wastes no time. Within the hour, they arrive at the facility—an underground bunker in a desolate region.

• The moment they breach the entrance, they know something is wrong.
• The air feels off—thick with residual energy. The walls are lined with Speed Force inhibitors and containment devices designed for one purpose only:
• To hold a speedster prisoner.
• Arthur growls, cracking his knuckles. “Someone built a damn cage for Barry.”
• J’onn reaches out telepathically—his expression suddenly shifts. “This place… it reeks of old magic.”
• That single statement makes them pause.

Magic.

That changes everything.

Scene 4: The Villain Revealed

In the heart of the facility, they find something chilling— a symbol burned into the ground. An ancient, forbidden mark.

J’onn’s voice is grim.

• “I recognize this. It belongs to Neron.”

The room falls dead silent .

• “Neron?” Hal asks, looking between them. “You mean the actual demon Neron? Lord of the damned? That Neron?”
• J’onn nods. “Yes. And if he has Barry…”
• Clark’s eyes glow dangerously red. “Then we’re running out of time.”

Scene 5: Enter John Constantine – The Man with the Key

They need help. And there’s only one person who can help them breach the boundaries of the mortal world and reach Neron’s domain.

John Constantine.

• They find him at a dingy bar in London, whiskey in hand, cigarette dangling from his lips.
• When he sees the group of furious superheroes enter, he sighs dramatically. “Bloody hell. What now?”
• Bruce doesn’t waste time. “We need you to open a portal.”
• Constantine takes a drag of his cigarette, unimpressed. “I’m not a bloody taxi service, Bats.”
• Clark steps forward, his tone sharp. “Barry’s been taken by Neron.”
• That makes Constantine pause. He exhales slowly, stubbing out his cigarette. “Ah. Well… that’s a right pain in the ass, isn’t it?”
• Arthur scowls. “Can you do it or not?”
• Constantine smirks. “Course I can. But if we’re going into Neron’s domain…” He eyes them knowingly. “Then you lot better be ready for a fight.”

The portal to Hell is about to open.

And they’re going in together .

Act 2 Closes With:

• The team now knows who took Barry—Neron, a demon lord known for making twisted deals.
• They’re about to enter his realm to find Barry before it’s too late.
• And this time? They won’t leave without him.

Chapter Text

Scene 1: The Devil’s Bargain

Deep within the infernal pits of Neron’s domain , Barry Allen is barely clinging to life.

He doesn’t know how long he’s been trapped here. Days? Weeks? Time moves differently in this cursed place. His body is weak— the Speed Force has been drained from him , his strength stolen by dark magic. His once vibrant energy is now a flickering ember.

And standing before him, smiling like a predator toying with its prey, is Neron .

• “Still breathing? I must say, Barry Allen, you’re more resilient than I expected.”
• Barry glares, voice hoarse. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
• Neron chuckles. “Oh, you misunderstand, my dear boy. I don’t want you dead. Not yet.”

Barry has spent weeks tortured, starved, denied his connection to the Speed Force —but Neron hasn’t killed him. That’s what scares him the most.

Scene 2: Eobard Thawne’s Involvement – The Birth of a Cruel Idea

Flashback to before Barry’s disappearance —to a conversation held in the depths of Hell between two of his greatest enemies.

Neron wasn’t originally interested in Barry Allen. He was far too concerned with souls of the damned , deals of power, and the suffering of mortals.

But then Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash , came to him with an idea .

• "You're a demon, aren't you?” Thawne sneered. "You enjoy making people suffer?"
• Neron smirked. "Comes with the job description, mate."
• “Then you’re going about it all wrong,” Thawne said, eyes gleaming with malice. “Killing someone? That’s easy. But breaking them?” He leaned in. “Now that’s an art.”
• Neron raised a brow. "Go on."
• Thawne’s grin widened. “I know the perfect soul for you to toy with. A paragon of hope, a man filled with unwavering light. If you break him, his suffering would be legendary.”
• “And why would I care for one mortal?”
• Thawne chuckled darkly. “Because he’s Barry Allen—and there’s one thing you demons love more than anything.”
• Neron tilted his head. "And that is?"
• “Corrupting the incorruptible.”

Neron’s interest was piqued. A hero as pure as Barry Allen, stripped of his speed, tortured until he begged for release ? Until he lost hope ?

Now that was something worth investing in.

Thawne smirked.

• “Just promise me one thing, Neron.”
• “What’s that?”
• “Make him suffer. Make him scream. Make him want to die.”
• Neron’s grin was wicked. “Now that I can do.”

And so, the deal was struck.

Scene 3: Barry’s Suffering

Barry never saw it coming.

One moment, he was running through Central City—the next, he was ripped from reality , his body yanked through a vortex of darkness . The Speed Force screamed in agony as something unholy wrapped around him, dragging him into Neron’s grasp .

Now, trapped in Neron’s personal hell , Barry has endured:

• Torture of the mind and body—forced to relive his worst failures.
• Isolation beyond comprehension—cut off from every friend, every love, every connection.
• The slow decay of his soul, as the Speed Force is siphoned away, leaving him weak and vulnerable.

Neron looms over him, relishing his suffering.

• “How long do you think you can hold on, Flash?” Neron taunts.
• Barry grits his teeth, refusing to answer.
• “I must say, I admire your resilience. Even now, on the brink of death, you refuse to break. How tragic. How delicious.”
• Barry swallows hard. He won’t give Neron the satisfaction of seeing him beg.
• But his body betrays him. He is weaker than he has ever been. And for the first time in his life…
• He wonders if he can survive this.

Scene 4: The Heroes Learn the Truth

Back in the mortal realm, Constantine has opened the portal.

The heroes prepare themselves for war, but before they enter, Constantine warns them.

• “If we’re going in there, you better be ready for what we’re about to find. Hell isn’t kind to the ones it keeps.”
• Clark’s jaw tightens. “We’re ready.”
• Constantine exhales. “No, mate. You think you’re ready.” He looks at them grimly. “But you’re about to see what true suffering looks like.”

As the portal flares to life, the team steps into the abyss —knowing full well that what awaits them on the other side is a nightmare beyond comprehension .

But no matter what they face— they are bringing Barry home.

Act 3 Ends With:

• The truth revealed: Neron took Barry as part of Thawne’s sadistic plan to break him before delivering the final blow.
• Barry is on the edge of death, barely holding on.
• The heroes are going to Hell itself—and they will tear the underworld apart if that’s what it takes to bring Barry back.

Chapter Text

Scene 1: The Endless Nightmare

Barry Allen has always been a man of hope .

No matter how many times he’s faced death, no matter how many loved ones he’s lost, no matter how much pain he’s endured—he has always kept moving forward. Because that’s what the Flash does.

But in Neron’s hell , time has no meaning. Pain is eternal.

Barry doesn’t know how long he’s been here. His body is weak, his connection to the Speed Force is nearly gone, and the worst part?

Neron never lets him rest.

Every time he closes his eyes, he wakes up to a new nightmare .

Scene 2: The Ghosts of Barry’s Past

Neron doesn’t just torture Barry physically— he shatters him mentally .

Barry finds himself trapped in realities that feel real, memories twisted into horror shows.

• His mother’s death—he sees her again, hears her scream, but this time, it’s his fault. His hands are covered in her blood.
• Iris West, torn from him—he runs to save her, but the Speed Force abandons him. She falls into the abyss, screaming his name.
• Wally West, blaming him—“You let me down, Barry.” His nephew looks at him with disgust, before vanishing into darkness.
• His friends, his team, his League—all turning their backs on him. Bruce calls him weak. Clark shakes his head in disappointment. Diana says, “You were never worthy of us.”
• The worst nightmare of all? He finally escapes. He runs back to Central City. He sees his team waiting for him—Bruce, Clark, Arthur, J’onn… But they don’t care.
• They never loved him.
• “Why would we risk everything for you?” Bruce’s voice is cold.
• “You were just a teammate, Barry,” Clark says, arms crossed.
• “A replaceable one,” Arthur mutters.
• Barry tries to run, but his speed is gone. He screams their names, but they vanish like ghosts.

Scene 3: The Breaking Point

Each time he fights back, Neron resets the cycle.

Again. And again. And again.

Days. Weeks. Months.

Barry starts losing himself. He can’t tell what’s real anymore. His hope is slipping.

And Neron watches with pure delight .

• “You thought they would come for you, didn’t you?” the demon purrs.
• Barry trembles, staring at the endless void. His voice is weak. “They will.”
• Neron grins. “Will they? Or have you finally realized the truth?” He leans closer. “No one is coming, Barry. You were always the one who ran to save others. But who runs for you?”

Barry doesn’t answer.

Because for the first time in his life…

He doesn’t know.

And that’s when the first crack forms in his mind .

Scene 4: The Final Temptation

Barry is dying.

He can feel it—his body isn’t healing , his energy is nearly depleted. He is one step away from breaking completely .

And that’s when Neron makes his final move .

The demon kneels beside him, voice soft like a serpent.

• “You don’t have to suffer anymore.”
• Barry barely looks at him. His breathing is shallow.
• “I can take it all away,” Neron whispers. “No more pain. No more loneliness. No more running.”
• Barry’s lips barely move. “No… deal…”
• Neron chuckles. “Oh, Barry. You don’t understand.” He cups Barry’s chin, forcing him to meet his eyes. “You will beg me for this deal. And when you do? I’ll make sure you forget them all.”
• Barry’s heart skips a beat at those words.
• “Forget…?”
• Neron nods. “Forget the pain. Forget the League. Forget them.” His smile is sharp. “Bruce. Clark. Arthur. J’onn. Even Black Adam. Gone. Like they never existed.”
• Barry’s eyes widen. He can’t lose them. Not even in memory.
• Neron sees his hesitation. “Just say the word, Barry. And the suffering ends.”

For the first time, Barry almost considers it.

But then—

Scene 5: The Light Pierces Through

A crack of thunder splits through Hell.

Barry gasps. Something new burns inside him—faint, but there.

His speed.

It’s weak, but it’s still there .

Neron’s expression darkens. “No. No. ”

Barry looks up, something familiar flickering in his broken gaze.

Hope.

The Speed Force hasn’t abandoned him. He isn’t alone.

And then—

A voice.

A voice Barry knows better than his own heartbeat .

• “Hang on, Barry.”

His breath catches.

• “We’re coming.”

Bruce.

Barry’s eyes widen. He knows that voice. He isn’t dreaming—he isn’t in a nightmare—

They found him.

They’re coming for him.

And for the first time since he was taken… Barry Allen believes he can be saved.

Act 4 Ends With:

• Barry is at his breaking point—nearly giving in to Neron’s corruption.
• But a flicker of the Speed Force returns—a sign that his team is close.
• Bruce’s voice reaches him, breaking through the nightmare.
• Barry finally believes in rescue.

And now? The fight for his soul begins.

Chapter Text

Act 5: The Final Battle – The Justice League Storms Hell

Scene 1: Entering the Inferno

The portal rips open, and the Justice League steps into Hell itself .

The landscape is a nightmare given form —a twisted, ever-changing domain of agony, where the very air feels like it’s trying to crush their souls. The skies burn red, the ground pulses with unnatural energy, and monstrous figures lurk in the shadows.

Constantine tightens his trench coat. “Right, then. Welcome to Hell. Try not to lose your bloody minds.”

• Bruce’s face is set in grim determination, his fists clenched.
• Clark’s eyes glow red, radiating barely contained fury.
• Arthur grips his trident so tightly his knuckles turn white.
• J’onn is scanning everything, his mind bracing against the overwhelming waves of suffering.
• Black Adam hovers just above the ground, his body crackling with magic, his rage dangerous.

There is no hesitation.

They are getting Barry back.

Scene 2: Neron’s Army vs. The Justice League

The moment they step forward, Hell reacts .

The ground shatters , and an army of demons, wraiths, and lost souls rise before them. Neron isn’t going to make this easy.

• “You dare challenge the lord of the damned?” a voice booms from the darkness.
• Superman steps forward. “We don’t challenge you,” he growls, heat vision igniting. “We end you.”

The battle erupts .

• Superman tears through demons like a vengeful god, his fury shaking the realm itself.
• Batman moves like a shadow, taking down creatures with ruthless precision, using Hell’s own darkness against them.
• Aquaman wields his trident with godlike power, splitting the earth and drowning demons in floods of cursed water.
• J’onn shifts and phases, striking with terrifying force, his telepathic abilities turning the minds of demons against each other.
• Black Adam is a storm of fury, lightning turning the battlefield to ash, his rage unrelenting.

But it isn’t enough . The army is endless. They need to find Barry—now.

Scene 3: Neron Reveals Himself

A thunderous laugh cuts through the chaos.

Neron steps forward , his massive, demonic form towering over them. He is the embodiment of nightmares, eyes burning with eternal malice .

And behind him, in chains, barely alive— Barry Allen.

• His body is emaciated, bruised, and scarred from weeks of torment.
• His usual golden lightning is dim, barely flickering.
• His head is bowed, his breath ragged, his spirit nearly broken.

But when he hears them fighting—when he feels their presence —his eyes flutter open. They came.

Neron smirks.

• “Ah. You finally made it. But I must say… you’re a little late.”
• Bruce takes a step forward. “Let him go.”
• “Why would I do that?” Neron tilts his head. “He’s mine now.”
• Clark’s hands tremble with fury. “You have no idea what you’ve done.”
• Neron laughs. “Oh, but I do. I have broken your dear Flash. And I will finish what I started.”

He raises his clawed hand —and dark energy begins to consume Barry completely .

Barry gasps, his body convulsing , his mind slipping.

Bruce’s eyes widen in horror . “No—”

Clark launches himself forward with a roar—

But they aren’t fast enough .

Scene 4: The Moment Barry Should Have Broken… But Didn’t

Barry is slipping.

The darkness closes in . The Speed Force is nearly gone. His body is dying.

But then—

A voice cuts through the void.

• “Barry.”

His breath catches.

He knows that voice.

Bruce.

More voices follow.

• “Hold on.” (Clark.)
• “We’re here.” (Arthur.)
• “You are not alone.” (J’onn.)
• “You are ours.” (Black Adam.)

Barry’s fingers twitch . The memories come flooding back—

• Bruce, watching over him after long battles.
• Clark, smiling at him after victories.
• Arthur, calling him ‘brother’ after saving Atlantis.
• J’onn, always understanding him in ways others couldn’t.
• Black Adam, respecting him as no other ever had.

Barry’s eyes flicker with golden light .

Neron’s magic surges— but suddenly, Barry resists.

• “No,” Barry whispers.
• Neron’s eyes narrow. “What?”
• Barry lifts his head. His lightning starts to crackle again.
• He grits his teeth. “You don’t get to take them from me.”
• And then—

The Speed Force returns.

A shockwave of gold and red light explodes outward, shattering Neron’s hold.

Barry rises .

And he is furious.

Scene 5: The Speedster Unleashed

Barry doesn’t just escape— he takes the fight to Neron.

• The ground cracks apart as Barry’s full power returns.
• Lightning erupts from his body, surging like a storm through Hell itself.
• He is done running.

Neron lunges —but Barry moves faster than ever before .

• He weaves through attacks like a phantom, appearing in different places at once.
• He hits Neron with a thousand strikes in seconds, each one carrying pure Speed Force energy.
• The Justice League joins the assault, fighting with everything they have.

And then— Barry delivers the final blow.

• A punch laced with the Speed Force, cracking reality itself.
• Neron screams, his body ripped apart as his domain begins to collapse.

The League grabs Barry , and Constantine opens the escape portal just in time.

Scene 6: The Aftermath – Barry is Home

They return to the Watchtower.

Barry collapses, exhausted—but alive .

And for the first time in months, he finally feels safe.

His team is there—his family .

• Bruce stays by his side, silently watching over him.
• Clark places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
• Arthur grumbles about how stupid it was for Barry to get captured—but his voice is thick with emotion.
• J’onn simply nods, his relief evident in his glowing eyes.
• Black Adam doesn’t say a word—but the way he stands protectively near Barry speaks volumes.

Lois and Diana exchange knowing looks.

• “Took you all long enough to admit it,” Lois mutters.
• Diana chuckles. “Men can be idiots sometimes.”

Barry, weak but smiling, looks at his team and finally says:

• “Told you I wasn’t going anywhere.”

And for the first time in a long time, he believes it.

Act 5 Ends With:

• Barry is saved.
• Neron is defeated—but Thawne is still out there.
• The Justice League is closer than ever—especially those who love Barry.
• And maybe, just maybe—Barry finally sees what was there all along.

Chapter Text

Scene 1: Barry is Home… But Not Whole

The Watchtower’s medical bay is quiet.

Barry Allen lies on a recovery bed, bathed in soft blue light. His body is healing—but his soul is another story.

Clark, Bruce, Arthur, J’onn, and Black Adam stand nearby, watching over him in various states of unease .

• Clark had already scanned him with X-ray vision multiple times, but the results were the same—Barry’s body is recovering, but his Speed Force signature is unstable.
• Bruce has done his own analysis. Barry’s reflexes are slower, his energy doesn’t replenish as fast, and worst of all? His smile doesn’t come as easily.
• Arthur keeps pacing. He hates feeling helpless. He’s used to Barry bouncing back—always being the energetic one, the light of the team. Seeing him like this? It doesn’t sit right.
• J’onn can feel it more than anyone. Barry’s mind isn’t the same. The light that once shone so brightly in him? It flickers.
• Black Adam? He says nothing. But his fists remain clenched, his golden lightning crackling faintly, as if it’s responding to his simmering rage.

Barry finally stirs.

His eyes flutter open, and for a moment, there’s panic . His breath quickens, his muscles tense—he’s still in Hell —

Then he sees them.

And the panic fades.

“…Hey,” he murmurs, voice hoarse.

The tension in the room eases—but just barely.

Clark is the first to speak. “You’re awake.” His voice is calm, but there’s something tight in his throat.

Barry blinks, trying to sit up, but his body doesn’t respond the way it should. A flicker of frustration passes through his expression, but he covers it with a tired grin.

“What, no confetti?” he jokes weakly. “Some rescue party you guys are.”

Arthur snorts, but there’s no real amusement behind it. Bruce, as usual, doesn’t react —but Barry can see the tension in his shoulders.

J’onn steps forward. His voice is gentle . “How are you feeling?”

Barry hesitates.

He wants to say I’m fine. He wants to flash a thumbs-up and crack a joke about how Hell was overrated.

But he can’t.

Because when he closes his eyes , he still hears Neron’s voice.
He still feels the chains.
The endless nightmares.
The moment when he almost gave up.

“…Tired,” he finally says. It’s the safest answer.

The room is silent .

Bruce studies him closely. Too closely. He can read Barry like a damn book. But instead of pushing, he just nods. “Then rest.”

Barry lets out a breath. He’s grateful for that.

But as he closes his eyes , he doesn’t sleep.

Not really.

Not anymore.

Scene 2: The Wounds They Can’t See

Days pass. Barry gets better—but not really.

Physically, he’s healing. His bruises fade, his body regains strength, and his Speed Force connection stabilizes— for the most part.

But mentally?

Barry Allen is not okay.

And his team knows it.

• Clark notices it first. Barry doesn’t talk as much. When he does, there’s something off about his voice. It lacks its usual lightness. Clark sees the dark circles under his eyes, hears the slight hesitation before Barry responds to things.
• Bruce watches how Barry moves. He’s slower—not just in speed, but in body language. Like he’s more aware of his own vulnerability. Like he expects something to go wrong.
• Arthur is used to Barry’s sarcasm. But lately, his jokes feel… forced. Like he’s using them to deflect.
• J’onn can feel the unease rolling off Barry in waves. The way his mind never fully settles. The way his thoughts pull away from certain memories.
• Black Adam sees it in his eyes. The flicker of self-doubt. The fear Barry tries to hide.

They don’t talk about it outright.

Because they know Barry.

They know he’ll try to pretend he’s fine .

But this time? They won’t let him fall alone.

Scene 3: The Love Barry Still Doesn’t See

Lois and Diana watch from the sidelines.

They see it clear as day —the way Bruce, Clark, Arthur, J’onn, and Black Adam are all watching over Barry in their own ways.

Lois crosses her arms. “They still haven’t told him.”

Diana smirks. “Of course not. They’re men.”

Lois sighs. “It’s going to take them forever, isn’t it?”

Diana just smiles knowingly.

Barry has no idea how deeply he’s loved.

But he will.

One day.

Setting Up Thawne’s Next Move

Scene 1: The Man Who Wanted Barry to Break

Far from the Watchtower, in the shadows of time itself , a lone figure watches the aftermath of Barry’s rescue.

Eobard Thawne smiles.

“Oh, Barry,” he murmurs. “You really thought you could escape what I set in motion?”

He had known exactly what he was doing when he whispered in Neron’s ear.

He wanted Barry to suffer.
To break.
To lose everything.

And while the Justice League saved him…

Thawne could still see it—the fractures.

Barry wasn’t the same.

And that?

That was beautiful.

Because now, when Thawne finally makes his move…

Barry Allen won’t be fast enough to stop it.

Final Lines: The Storm is Coming

As Barry tries to heal, as his team watches over him, as love lingers in unspoken words…

Thawne waits.

And when he finally strikes?

Barry will never see it coming.

Chapter Text

Act 6: The Fractured Flash – Barry’s Recovery & The Team’s Struggle

Scene 1: The Speedster Who Doesn’t Run

Barry stands in the Watchtower’s observation deck, staring out into the void of space. It’s quiet here. Too quiet.

He used to love this place. The view of the Earth, the infinite stars—it always reminded him of how small but important he was.

But now?

Now the silence is suffocating .

His fingers twitch at his sides. His body feels heavy , his legs sluggish. He should be training , should be moving —but for the first time in his life, Barry doesn’t want to run.

Because running doesn’t feel safe anymore.

Scene 2: The Team Notices – But They Don’t Know What To Do

The Justice League has saved the world from gods, monsters, and the impossible.

But they don’t know how to fix Barry.

• Clark keeps checking in, but Barry brushes him off with forced smiles and “I’m fine.”
• Bruce watches him carefully, noting every hesitation, every flinch. He’s been where Barry is. He knows the signs.
• Arthur tries to get him to spar, to push him back into his usual energy. But Barry just shrugs him off.
• J’onn is patient, offering quiet support—but he can feel Barry’s mind is fractured.
• Black Adam says nothing, but his anger simmers. Not at Barry—but at what was done to him.

The unspoken truth?

They love him.

And watching him suffer is killing them.

Scene 3: The First Break – Barry’s Reality Slips

It happens in the training room.

Barry is supposed to be doing reflex exercises, but then—

A voice.

“You’re still mine, Barry.”

His heart stops .

The room changes —suddenly, he’s back in Hell.

Neron’s chains tighten around his wrists. His legs won’t move. The heat scorches his skin, the screams echo in his ears—

Then hands grab him.

Barry lashes out, panicked , his Speed Force sparking wildly—

And suddenly, he’s not in Hell.

He’s in the Watchtower.

Clark is on the floor, stunned. Bruce has his hands raised in caution . Arthur is staring at him in shock.

Barry blinks, breath heaving, body trembling.

“…What just happened?” His voice is small.

Bruce steps forward carefully. “You—” He hesitates, then softens . “You weren’t here, Barry.”

Barry stares at his hands. They’re shaking. The room is spinning.

He doesn’t know what’s real anymore.

Scene 4: The Team Confronts the Truth

That night, they gather.

Barry is asleep—exhausted from the episode.

But the others?

They finally talk.

• Clark speaks first. “We can’t pretend this isn’t happening.” His voice is strained. “He’s not okay.”
• Arthur grips his trident tightly. “No kidding. Did you see the look in his eyes? He didn’t even know where he was.”
• J’onn nods. “His mind is fractured. Neron did more than just hurt him physically. He left… echoes.”
• Bruce is quiet, but his jaw is clenched. “Barry’s experiencing trauma-induced delusions.”
• Black Adam’s voice is low, dangerous. “Then what do we do?”

The room is heavy with silence.

Because the truth is— they don’t know.

They have fought demons and gods. But this?

This is a battle Barry has to fight on his own.

But that doesn’t mean they will let him fight it alone.

Scene 5: The First Step – Someone Stays With Him

The first night, Clark stays by Barry’s side.

When Barry wakes up gasping, Clark is there, steady and warm.

The next day, Arthur pulls Barry into a mission , not letting him stay isolated.

J’onn quietly strengthens his mind, easing the worst of the nightmares.

Bruce? He doesn’t say much , but every time Barry blinks, he’s there in the shadows, watching over him.

And Black Adam?

One day, when Barry thinks he’s alone, he hears a voice.

• “You are not broken.”

Barry turns—Black Adam stands in the doorway, arms crossed. His golden lightning flickers softly.

Barry laughs weakly. “Could’ve fooled me.”

Black Adam steps closer. His voice is firm.

• “You survived Hell, Barry Allen. Do not let it keep you there.”

For the first time in weeks , something inside Barry shifts.

Maybe—just maybe—he’s not as alone as he feels.

End of Act 6: The Road to Healing

• Barry’s struggles with PTSD are worsening.
• The team finally acknowledges his suffering.
• They don’t know how to help—but they refuse to let him fight alone.
• Black Adam, especially, refuses to let Barry believe he is weak.

Chapter Text

Act 7: The Lightning That Won’t Break – Barry’s Struggle & Black Adam’s Guidance

Scene 1: The Weight of Silence

Barry wakes up in his quarters on the Watchtower. It’s dark. Too quiet.

For a moment, he wonders if he’s still in Hell.

His breathing quickens . His fingers tremble.

The memories come fast—chains digging into his skin, whispers slithering into his mind, the cold certainty that he would never escape.

Then a voice cuts through the haze.

• “You are here.”

Barry gasps, twisting toward the sound.

Black Adam stands in the doorway, arms crossed, watching him closely.

“…What?” Barry croaks.

Adam steps forward, his expression unreadable but his tone firm.

• “You are here,” he repeats. “Not there.”

Barry blinks. Reality settles.

He’s in his room. Not in Neron’s grasp. Not in chains.

He exhales shakily, running a hand through his hair. “…Right. Yeah.”

Adam doesn’t move. He doesn’t press , doesn’t tell Barry to talk. He just stands there, an unmoving presence— solid, steady.

And Barry finds himself grounding in that.

“…Thanks,” he mumbles.

Adam nods once. He doesn’t leave.

For the first time in weeks, Barry doesn’t feel completely alone.

Scene 2: The Body Remembers What the Mind Wants to Forget

Days later, Barry tries to run.

It’s a simple test. Just a quick sprint around the training area.

The others watch from the control room—Bruce monitoring vitals, Clark keeping an ear open, Arthur leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

Black Adam stands near the track, watching closely.

Barry takes a breath. Then he runs.

Or, at least, he tries.

The instant his speed kicks in, his body reacts violently.

Pain sears through his muscles. His breath hitches . The world warps around him —suddenly, he’s not in the Watchtower anymore.

He’s back in Hell.

The chains slam down. The fire burns his skin. He hears the laughter—Neron’s voice whispering: Did you really think you could escape, little lightning?

Barry collapses mid-run, skidding across the ground.

Clark is the first to move, but Black Adam gets there first.

Barry trembles , his chest rising and falling in short, shallow gasps. His eyes are wild, unfocused.

Adam crouches beside him, not touching—just waiting.

• “Barry.” His voice is calm, unwavering.

Barry grips his head, struggling to pull himself out of the illusion.

• “You are here,” Adam says again. “Not there. Look at me.”

Barry does.

And slowly, reality returns.

His breath steadies. His muscles unlock. His hands are still shaking—but he’s here.

“…I can’t do this,” Barry whispers.

Adam narrows his eyes. “You can.”

Barry laughs bitterly. “Didn’t you see that? I can’t even—” He cuts himself off, shaking his head. His voice is raw. “I should be better than this.”

Adam studies him for a long moment. Then, to Barry’s surprise—he sits beside him.

The others are still watching, but Adam doesn’t seem to care.

• “I have been broken before,” he says. His tone is measured, deliberate.

Barry turns to him, frowning. “…What?”

Adam’s gaze is distant. He rarely speaks of his past. But now, for Barry, he does.

• “I have known powerlessness. I have known pain. And I have known… the shame of surviving.” His golden lightning flickers softly.

Barry’s throat tightens. Because he knows that feeling.

• “But,” Adam continues, “I did not stay in that place. And neither will you.”

Barry swallows hard. He looks down at his hands—his fingers still trembling slightly.

“…I don’t know how to move forward.”

Adam nods. “Then you will learn. And I will help.”

Barry looks at him, searching for mockery, for doubt.

He finds none.

Just steady, unwavering certainty.

Something inside Barry eases.

For the first time in weeks, he believes—just a little—that he might be okay.

End of Act 7: A New Kind of Lightning

• Barry struggles deeply with his PTSD, experiencing vivid flashbacks and breakdowns.
• Black Adam becomes a grounding presence, showing Barry a gentler, steadier side of himself.
• Adam relates to Barry’s pain in a way no one else does.
• Barry begins to trust him.

Chapter Text

Act 8: The Lightning That Seeks Shelter – Barry & Black Adam’s Growing Bond

Scene 1: A Safe Place to Fall

It happens late at night.

Barry hasn’t slept in days—not properly. The nightmares won’t stop.

He tries everything. Meditating with J’onn. Flying with Clark. Sparring with Arthur. Nothing works.

Then, without thinking, his feet take him to Kahndaq.

Black Adam finds him on the palace balcony, sitting against a marble pillar, knees pulled to his chest.

The moment Adam steps outside , Barry looks up —and something inside him just… breaks.

Adam says nothing.

He just walks over and sits beside him.

Barry exhales, shaky. “I don’t even know why I came here.”

Adam doesn’t answer immediately. Then, quietly—

• “Because you feel safe.”

Barry’s breath catches.

He should deny it. Should laugh it off. But he doesn’t.

Because Adam’s right.

For the first time since escaping Neron, Barry doesn’t feel like he has to pretend.

“…Yeah,” he admits, voice barely above a whisper.

The silence stretches. But it isn’t heavy. It isn’t crushing.

Then, hesitantly, Barry leans against Adam.

At first, Adam tenses—unused to such casual closeness.

But when Barry doesn’t move away, when his body remains exhausted and trusting , Adam slowly relaxes.

For the first time in centuries , someone leans on him without fear.

“…Rest,” Adam says quietly.

And Barry does.

Scene 2: More Than Just Strength

After that night, it becomes a pattern.

Barry seeks out Adam whenever the walls feel too tight, whenever his skin feels too raw, whenever he needs something solid to hold onto.

And Adam… lets him.

They don’t talk much. They don’t need to.

But when Barry leans against him after a hard day—Adam simply lets him stay.

When Barry’s hands shake, Adam takes them, grounding him.

When Barry wakes from nightmares , gasping and lost, Adam places a steadying hand on his back.

• “You are here.”
• “Not there.”
• “You are safe.”

And slowly, painfully, Barry starts to believe it.

Scene 3: The Others Take Notice

The team notices the change.

Barry still struggles, still flinches at shadows. But when he’s with Adam?

• He breathes easier.
• He sleeps longer.
• He leans into touch instead of away.

Clark watches with careful interest. Bruce raises an eyebrow but says nothing. Arthur mutters something about Barry’s “odd taste in company.”

J’onn, however, simply nods in understanding.

Because Barry isn’t just healing.

He’s finding comfort in a place none of them expected.

And Black Adam allows it.

No arguments. No questions. Just patience and unwavering presence.

Because Barry has been lost in the storm for too long.

And for once, he’s found someone willing to stand in it with him.

End of Act 8: The Unexpected Sanctuary

• Barry seeks out Black Adam for comfort, both emotional and physical.
• Adam, despite his nature, allows this closeness—a rarity for him.
• Their bond deepens, offering Barry a place to heal without judgment.
• The rest of the League notices and reacts in different ways.

Chapter Text

Act 9: Healing in Shadows, Danger in the Distance

Scene 1: Meditation with J’onn – The First Steps to Clarity

Barry sits cross-legged in the dimly lit Watchtower meditation chamber. Across from him, J’onn watches with quiet patience.

• “Breathe in,” J’onn instructs.

Barry inhales. His hands tremble. His mind is a battlefield.

• “Breathe out.”

Barry exhales. His chest is tight , but the weight eases just a fraction.

For weeks, J’onn has been guiding him through these sessions. At first, they were unbearable. Every time Barry closed his eyes, Neron’s whispers clawed at his mind. The past felt too real —more real than the present.

But J’onn was steady. Unwavering.

• “Your thoughts do not own you, Barry. You own them.”

And now?

Barry is starting to believe it.

Not fully. Not yet. But it’s a start.

Scene 2: Black Adam’s Presence – A Different Kind of Healing

That night, Barry finds himself back in Kahndaq.

He doesn’t mean to go there—it just happens.

Black Adam isn’t surprised anymore. He simply opens the palace balcony doors, allowing Barry to enter without a word.

Barry exhales, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know why I keep coming here.”

Adam watches him. Then—

• “Because here, you are not weak.”

Barry stops. He turns, frowning. “What?”

Adam crosses his arms. “You think of yourself as fragile now. Broken. The League treats you as such, even if they do not say it.” His golden lightning flickers. “But when you come here, you are not the Flash who was taken. You are simply… Barry.”

Barry stares at him. Because he’s right.

Black Adam doesn’t tiptoe around him , doesn’t watch him like he’s made of glass. He simply lets Barry exist.

And tonight?

Tonight, Barry needs more than just silence.

So, cautiously, hesitantly—he steps closer.

Adam tenses at first but doesn’t move away.

Barry exhales, then rests his forehead against Adam’s shoulder.

A moment of stillness.

Then, slowly, Adam relaxes.

His large hand rests lightly against Barry’s back. Not pushing, not restraining—just there.

And Barry?

For the first time in weeks, he lets himself lean into it.

Scene 3: The Whisper of Yellow Lightning – Thawne Makes His Move

Somewhere in the void of the multiverse, Eobard Thawne watches.

He’s been waiting. Watching.

He wanted Barry to suffer. He wanted him to break. And for a while, he did.

But now?

Now Barry is healing.

And Thawne can’t allow that.

• “Not yet, Barry,” he murmurs, lips curling into a smirk. “You don’t get to move on.”

His yellow lightning crackles as he vanishes into the Speed Force.

Barry Allen isn’t ready.

And that’s exactly what Thawne is counting on.

End of Act 9: Shadows of Healing, Storms of Conflict

• J’onn’s meditation sessions begin to help Barry regain control of his mind.
• Barry continues to find comfort in Black Adam, seeking him out for quiet moments of physical and emotional grounding.
• Thawne prepares to strike before Barry can fully recover.

Chapter Text

Act 10: Strength in Bonds, Shadows at Their Heels

Scene 1: A Silent Understanding

Barry finds himself back in Kahndaq more often than he admits.

It’s not just the quiet. It’s Black Adam.

The way Adam doesn’t look at him with pity. The way he doesn’t hesitate when Barry leans into him. The way his presence grounds Barry in reality when his mind starts slipping into places it shouldn’t.

Tonight, Barry doesn’t say much. He just sits beside Adam on the palace balcony, staring at the desert under the moonlight.

Then, he does something different.

Carefully, cautiously—he rests his head against Adam’s shoulder.

Adam tenses, not used to softness.

But then?

He simply allows it.

No words. No questions.

Just presence.

And for Barry?

That’s enough.

Scene 2: The Speedster Sleeps

That night, Barry sleeps without nightmares.

It happens slowly.

He’s curled on one of the guest chamber couches in the palace— not quite ready to sleep alone in his quarters back at the Watchtower.

Adam watches from the doorway. He debates leaving, but then Barry shifts—his breath uneven, his hands twitching.

A nightmare trying to take hold.

Before he can wake, Adam steps forward. He places a hand on Barry’s shoulder—firm, steady.

Immediately, Barry’s body relaxes.

His breathing evens out.

Adam exhales.

He stays.

Scene 3: The First Strike – A Flash of Yellow Death

Elsewhere, Thawne is ready.

Barry thinks he’s found safety. He thinks he can heal.

Pathetic.

Thawne moves through the Speed Force like a shark circling blood.

Then—he strikes.

Barry jerks awake.

Pain explodes through his ribs before he even registers what’s happening. A blur of yellow lightning slams him through a stone pillar in the palace.

The impact steals his breath. He gasps— air knocked from his lungs.

Then he hears it.

• “Hello, Barry,” Thawne sneers, standing over him, eyes glowing red.

Black Adam is already moving. Lightning surges through his fists, fury crackling in his eyes.

Barry barely has time to process before everything erupts into chaos.

End of Act 10: A Moment of Peace, A Storm of Chaos

• Barry and Black Adam grow even closer, their bond becoming a source of comfort.
• Barry sleeps peacefully for the first time in months under Adam’s watch.
• Thawne attacks without warning, catching Barry off guard.
• Black Adam steps in immediately, ready to fight.

Chapter Text

Act 11: The Return of the Nightmare

Scene 1: The Lightning Clash – Black Adam vs. Eobard Thawne

The moment Thawne appears, Black Adam doesn’t hesitate.

Lightning surges through his body as he lunges forward, fist crackling with divine power. He strikes , but Thawne is gone before the blow lands— a streak of yellow flashing across the battlefield.

• “Tsk, tsk,” Thawne mocks, appearing at Adam’s side. “Too slow, King.”

Before Adam can react, Thawne’s hand is already at his throat.

A boom of thunder sounds as Adam is slammed through another stone pillar , dust and rubble flying.

But Adam doesn’t stay down. He rises immediately , golden lightning flashing in his eyes.

He doesn’t care about the damage. Doesn’t care that his palace is crumbling around them.

All he cares about—

Is the trembling speedster behind him.

Scene 2: Barry’s Paralysis – The Return of Fear

Barry hasn’t moved.

His breathing is ragged. His chest is tight.

His mind is fracturing.

Because Thawne is here.

He’s here.

And suddenly, Barry isn’t in Kahndaq anymore.

He’s back in that void. Back in Neron’s grasp, where time twisted and broke, where pain was endless and mercy never came.

Thawne took him.

Thawne made it happen.

And when that realization settles in— Barry shakes.

His legs won’t move. His hands won’t clench. He’s frozen.

And Thawne knows it.

• “You look awful, Barry,” Thawne sneers, his voice dripping with amusement. “Did Neron break you already? And here I thought I was supposed to finish the job.”

Barry can’t breathe.

Adam notices immediately.

• “Get away from him,” Adam growls, lightning surging through his veins.

Thawne just laughs.

• “Oh, I intend to,” Thawne grins, his eyes glowing with malice. “Right after I finish what Neron started.”

And then— he moves.

A yellow blur speeds toward Barry— too fast for Adam to intercept.

But just as Thawne’s hand reaches for Barry’s throat—

A red and blue blur slams into him, sending him crashing through the walls of the palace.

Scene 3: The Arrival of Hope – Superman Joins the Fight

Barry gasps as a powerful presence lands in front of him— broad shoulders, glowing eyes, the unmistakable red cape.

Superman stands between him and Thawne.

His jaw is tight. His fists are clenched.

And he is furious.

• “That’s enough, Thawne,” Clark says, voice calm but dangerous.

Thawne picks himself up from the rubble, grinning.

• “Ah, the Boy Scout,” he muses, rolling his shoulders. “You’re always so predictable.”

Adam steps forward, lightning surging violently around his fists.

• “I don’t need his help to kill you,” he growls.

Clark doesn’t look at him. Doesn’t take his eyes off Thawne.

• “Maybe not,” he says evenly, “but Barry does.”

At that moment, a boom of energy erupts in the sky.

A figure in dark armor lands beside Superman. Another with a trident materializes in the shadows. And a third, cloaked in green, emerges from thin air.

Bruce. Arthur. J’onn.

And behind them, the entire Justice League.

Thawne laughs.

But Barry knows—this isn’t over.

This is just the beginning.

End of Act 11: The Battlefield is Set

• Black Adam fights Thawne but struggles against his speed.
• Barry is frozen in fear, his trauma intensifying when he learns Thawne orchestrated his suffering.
• Thawne attempts to strike Barry, but Superman intercepts.
• The rest of the Justice League arrives, setting the stage for a full-scale battle

Chapter Text

Act 12: War of Lightning, The Breaking Mind

Scene 1: The Battle Begins – A Storm of Speed and Fury

The air crackles with tension.

Thawne stands, brushing dust from his suit, eyes glowing red. His grin doesn’t falter—even as the League surrounds him.

• “All of you?” he chuckles, voice dripping with amusement. “I must be more of a threat than I thought.”

Bruce steps forward, voice ice-cold.

• “You have no idea.”

In a flash, Black Adam is already moving— a bolt of divine lightning tearing through the sky.

But Thawne?

He’s faster.

In an instant, he sidesteps Adam’s attack and slams his fist into the warrior’s gut.

The force sends Adam crashing into a nearby wall.

But before Thawne can gloat— Superman is on him.

A sonic boom cracks through the battlefield as Clark’s fist connects with Thawne’s jaw , sending him skidding across the ruins.

Thawne barely has time to recover before Arthur’s trident slashes through the air, forcing him to dodge.

Then, a green energy construct forms around him— J’onn’s telekinesis locking him in place.

The League is relentless.

Thawne dodges. Weaves. Laughs.

Because no matter how strong they are— he’s still faster.

And he wants Barry to see that.

Scene 2: The Spiral of Fear – Barry’s Breaking Point

Barry can barely hear the fight.

His heartbeat is too loud.

His vision is swimming.

He should be moving. Helping. Doing something.

But all he can do is tremble.

Because it’s happening again.

He sees Neron’s shadow. Sees the endless torment, the cold grasp of hellfire, the feeling of losing himself.

And the worst part?

Thawne made it happen.

• This is my fault.
• I wasn’t strong enough.
• I should’ve fought harder.

The thoughts spiral, crushing him.

A scream builds in his throat—but never escapes.

Because suddenly—

Thawne is in front of him.

Just for a second.

A flicker of yellow lightning, a twisted smirk.

And then—Thawne whispers.

• “Still useless, aren’t you?”

Barry stops breathing.

His world shatters.

Scene 3: The Turning Tide – When Gods and Kings Fall

Before Thawne can strike, Black Adam grabs him by the throat.

• “Enough.”

His voice is thunder itself.

He hurls Thawne through the palace ruins, lightning chasing him.

But Thawne is smiling.

Because this is what he wanted.

A battlefield of chaos. A broken Barry.

The League presses the attack. Superman. Aquaman. J’onn. Bruce.

But Thawne— Thawne is everywhere.

For every strike they throw, he’s already moved past it.

And then— he disappears.

A silence falls.

Bruce’s eyes narrow. “Where—”

And then he sees it.

The blur of yellow lightning—rushing straight toward Barry.

Barry is still frozen.

And Thawne?

He’s going to finish the job.

• “Barry—MOVE!”

But he can’t.

The fear. The pain. The weight of it all—

Then—

A red cape moves in front of him.

Thawne’s fist connects with Superman’s chest.

And for the first time—Thawne’s smirk fades.

Because Superman doesn’t move.

End of Act 12: The Tipping Point

• The League battles Thawne, but he outmaneuvers them.
• Barry is completely paralyzed by fear, unable to move or fight.
• Thawne taunts Barry, pushing him further into his trauma.
• Just as Thawne is about to land the killing blow, Superman steps in—unshaken.

Chapter Text

Act 13: The Light in the Darkness

Scene 1: Superman’s Counterattack – The Unshakable Force

Thawne’s fist collides with Superman’s chest.

Nothing happens.

Superman doesn’t move. Doesn’t even flinch.

Thawne’s smirk falters.

• “That’s not possible.”

Before Thawne can pull away, Superman grabs his wrist.

And squeezes.

A loud crack echoes as Thawne grimaces in pain.

Superman’s eyes glow red.

• “You’ve done enough,” Clark says, voice like steel.

Then—he throws Thawne with all his strength.

The Reverse-Flash crashes through the ruins, skidding across the battlefield.

Black Adam is on him in an instant, fists crackling with divine lightning.

Arthur follows, trident glowing with power.

J’onn’s eyes burn with green energy.

Thawne laughs. Bleeding, bruised—but still standing.

The fight continues.

Scene 2: Barry’s Breaking Point – A Mind Lost in Fear

Barry doesn’t see the battle anymore.

He’s trapped.

Not in Kahndaq. Not in the Watchtower.

But in the darkness of his own mind.

A place where the screams of the past echo, where Neron’s whispers curl around his soul.

A place where he is helpless.

• You’re not fast enough.
• You’re not strong enough.
• You’re broken, Barry.

He clutches his head, shaking, gasping for breath.

Then—

A warm hand touches his shoulder.

And suddenly—

The darkness fades.

Scene 3: The Presence of Love – The Return of Hope

Barry blinks.

The hellscape is gone.

Instead, he’s standing in a field of golden light.

The air is warm. Safe.

And in front of him—

She’s there.

• “Mom?” Barry whispers, voice cracking.

Nora Allen smiles.

Soft. Gentle. Real.

• “Oh, sweetheart,” she says, stepping forward. “You’ve been so strong for so long.”

Barry chokes back a sob. He can’t believe it.

• “I—I don’t understand,” he breathes. “You’re—you’re not—”

She places a hand over his heart.

And suddenly, he does understand.

The Speed Force.

It’s protecting him.

Shielding him from Neron’s corruption, wrapping him in the purest memory of love he’s ever known.

His mother.

• “I know you’re scared, Barry,” she says softly, “but you don’t have to be.”

Her voice is warmth itself.

• “You are not broken.”
• “You are not weak.”
• “And you are never alone.”

Barry trembles.

• “I don’t think I can do it,” he admits. “Thawne—he—”

She lifts his chin.

• “Yes, you can.”

She presses her forehead to his.

• “Because you’re my son.”

A tear rolls down Barry’s cheek.

Then—light floods through him.

The pain. The doubt. The fear.

It doesn’t vanish.

But it no longer controls him.

His mother smiles one last time.

• “Run, Barry.”

And he does.

Scene 4: The Lightning Awakens – Barry Allen Returns

The battlefield is chaos.

Superman and Black Adam strike Thawne together, forcing him back.

Arthur and J’onn press the attack.

But Thawne—he’s still smiling.

• “You’re all wasting your time,” he sneers. “Barry’s done. He’s broken. He’s never getting back up.”

And then—

A red blur surges across the battlefield.

A streak of pure lightning.

Thawne barely has time to turn before—

Barry’s fist slams into his face at full speed.

The force sends Thawne crashing through the ruins.

The League stares in shock.

Because Barry?

Barry is standing.

Not shaking. Not frozen.

His eyes burn with determination.

His voice is steady.

• “You’re wrong, Thawne.”

The wind kicks up around him, lightning crackling.

• “I’m still here.”

And for the first time—

Thawne looks nervous.

End of Act 13: The Flash Returns

• Superman counterattacks, shifting the tide of battle.
• Barry is lost in fear, but the Speed Force protects him.
• Barry’s mother appears in his mind, bringing back his hope.
• With newfound strength, Barry returns—and lands the first real hit on Thawne.

Chapter Text

Act 14: The Final Race – Barry vs. Thawne

Scene 1: The Battlefield Clears – A Fight Only They Can Finish

The League stands frozen.

They’ve seen Barry run a thousand times.

But this?

This is different.

The way his lightning burns brighter. The way his eyes hold no hesitation.

This isn’t just Barry standing back up.

This is The Flash returning.

Thawne pulls himself from the rubble, wiping blood from his lip.

Then—he grins.

• “There you are,” he breathes. “I was worried I broke you too much.”

Barry’s expression doesn’t change.

• “You tried,” he replies, voice calm. “But you failed.”

The League watches as the two speedsters lock eyes.

And then—they’re gone.

Lightning explodes as they take off, vanishing into the storm.

Scene 2: The Final Race – Speed Against Speed

The world blurs around them.

Kahndaq disappears. The fight, the League—nothing exists but the race.

Thawne laughs as he runs.

• “That’s the spirit, Barry! I knew you wouldn’t stay broken forever.”
• “That would’ve been too easy.”

Barry doesn’t respond.

He just runs.

Faster.

Thawne narrows his eyes, matching his pace.

• “Come on,” he taunts. “You got your hope back, right? That little Speed Force trick?”
• “What did it do? Show you your mommy?”

Barry’s fist lashes out.

Thawne barely dodges, grinning wider.

• “Did I hit a nerve?”

Barry keeps running.

But inside—the anger rises.

Not the kind that blinds. Not the kind that clouds judgment.

This anger?

It’s focus.

Barry’s eyes lock onto Thawne.

And then—he vanishes.

Thawne blinks.

And suddenly—Barry is in front of him.

• “What—?”

Barry grabs Thawne by the collar—

And slams him into the Speed Force.

Scene 3: Inside the Speed Force – No More Running

They land in a realm of pure energy.

Lightning surges around them, time bending and twisting.

Thawne shoves Barry away, sneering.

• “You think this changes anything?” he spits.
• “You think you can stop me?”

Barry straightens.

• “I don’t think, Thawne.” His lightning crackles around him.
• “I know.”

Thawne lunges.

Barry meets him head-on.

A clash of speed and power. Fists colliding at impossible velocity.

Thawne grins, even as Barry lands another hit.

• “You’ve gotten stronger.”
• “Too bad it won’t matter.”

His speed spikes.

He moves past Barry, grabbing his throat—

Then suddenly—Barry vanishes again.

Thawne stumbles.

And Barry reappears behind him—fist already swinging.

The punch connects.

Thawne staggers, coughing up blood.

For the first time—his grin fades.

Barry rolls his shoulders. Lightning dances across his body.

• “You’re slowing down, Thawne.”

Thawne snarls.

• “No. I’m still faster. I’m—”

Barry moves.

No hesitation. No wasted motion.

Just pure speed.

His fist collides with Thawne’s chest—

And a shockwave erupts through the Speed Force.

Thawne screams—as time itself seems to pull him apart.

• “NO—THIS ISN’T—”

Barry steps forward, eyes glowing with pure, focused lightning.

• “Goodbye, Thawne.”

With one final punch, Barry sends Thawne spiraling into the void.

The last thing Barry hears is his enemy’s furious scream.

And then—silence.

Scene 4: Back to Reality – The Flash Stands Victorious

Barry emerges from the Speed Force.

The battlefield is still.

The League watches as he stumbles forward, lightning fading from his body.

For a second, no one speaks.

Then—

Clark steps forward.

• “Barry?”

Barry looks at him. At all of them.

And he finally breathes.

• “It’s over.”

End of Act 14: The Final Race

• Barry and Thawne battle at full speed.
• Barry overcomes Thawne, dragging him into the Speed Force.
• Barry finally defeats Thawne, ending the fight.
• Barry returns to the League, victorious—but forever changed.

Chapter Text

Act 15: The Aftermath – A Broken Speedster’s Road to Recovery

Scene 1: The Weight of Victory

The battlefield is silent.

Barry stands there, shoulders rising and falling heavily, his body trembling from exhaustion.

His suit is torn. His skin is bruised. Lightning flickers weakly around him.

The Flash has won.

But he doesn’t feel victorious.

His legs give out.

And before he can hit the ground—

Clark catches him.

• “I’ve got you,” Superman murmurs, lowering him gently.

Barry barely hears him. The world is a distant hum.

His vision blurs.

He sees the others—Aquaman, J’onn, Black Adam, Batman—all watching with expressions he can’t quite place.

Is it relief? Concern?

Their voices muffle.

The weight of everything presses down.

And for the first time since his rescue— Barry lets himself close his eyes.

Scene 2: The Watchtower – A Speedster in Recovery

Barry wakes up in the Watchtower’s medical bay.

The lights are dim, the room quiet.

His body aches.

Not just from the battle. From everything.

The torture. The fear. The weight of what Thawne and Neron did to him.

He turns his head slightly—and sees someone sitting nearby.

Black Adam.

The once-mighty ruler of Kahndaq sits shockingly still, arms folded, his expression unreadable.

Barry blinks sluggishly. “You’re still here?”

Adam’s golden eyes meet his.

• “Of course,” he says simply.

The answer shouldn’t make Barry’s chest feel warm. But it does.

There’s something so solid about Adam’s presence.

A force that doesn’t waver.

Barry shifts slightly, wincing as pain flares in his ribs.

Adam is instantly there, a steadying hand on his shoulder.

• “Rest,” Adam murmurs. “You are safe.”

Safe.

Barry lets out a shaky breath.

He wishes he could believe that.

Scene 3: The League’s Unspoken Worry

Outside the med bay, the League gathers.

Clark. Bruce. Arthur. J’onn. Diana. Lois.

None of them speak at first.

Because they all see it.

Barry is back. But he’s not the same.

Clark’s jaw is tight. His hands clench into fists.

• “Thawne and Neron did more than just hurt him,” he says quietly.
• “They took something from him.”

Arthur exhales harshly. His anger hasn’t faded.

• “We should’ve found him sooner.”

Bruce, silent until now, finally speaks.

• “We failed him.”

J’onn, ever calm, looks at the closed med-bay doors.

• “Then we help him heal.”

Diana nods.

• “However long it takes.”

Lois folds her arms, glancing between them.

• “And what about the other thing?”

Clark sighs.

Because Lois knows.

She and Diana have known for a while.

• “You all love him,” she says simply. “And he has no idea.”

Silence.

Because it’s true.

Bruce. Clark. Arthur. J’onn. Black Adam.

All of them fell for Barry in their own way.

And now?

Now he’s back. But broken.

How do you tell someone you love them— when they can barely hold themselves together?

Clark closes his eyes.

• “We wait,” he says. “And we help him heal first.”

End of Act 15: Recovery Begins

• Barry wakes in the Watchtower, physically weak and mentally struggling.
• Black Adam stays by Barry’s side, offering silent comfort.
• The League realizes Barry is still deeply affected by his trauma.
• They also acknowledge their feelings—but know Barry isn’t ready to hear them yet.

Chapter Text

Act 16: The Weight of Healing

Scene 1: Fractured Pieces – Barry’s Struggle

Barry’s body is healing.

But his mind isn’t.

Nights in the Watchtower aren’t peaceful.

When he closes his eyes—he’s back there. The chains. The pain. The whispers in the dark.

Sometimes, it’s Neron’s voice. Other times, it’s Thawne’s laughter.

The League notices.

Clark hears Barry’s heartbeat spike in the dead of night.
Bruce watches him flinch at sudden movements.
J’onn feels the storm of emotions buried beneath his skin.

And Black Adam?

He’s the only one Barry lets close.

Scene 2: A Speedster Seeking Solace

It happens gradually.

At first, Barry doesn’t realize it.

But when the weight becomes too much—when the memories claw at his mind— he always finds himself near Adam.

• He doesn’t understand why.
• Maybe it’s the steadiness Adam radiates.
• Maybe it’s because Adam never asks, never pushes—he just stays.

One night, after another nightmare, Barry stumbles out of the med bay.

His hands won’t stop shaking. His chest feels too tight.

He finds Adam sitting in the shadows, arms folded, watching the stars outside the Watchtower’s window.

Barry hesitates. But then— he moves closer.

Adam notices, of course. His golden eyes flick to Barry, but he says nothing.

He simply shifts— making space for him.

Barry takes it.

For a moment, they just sit in silence.

Then— Barry leans against Adam’s shoulder.

It’s subtle. Barely there.

But Adam notices.

And instead of questioning it—he allows it.

A slow, gentle moment of understanding.

Barry doesn’t say anything.

But for the first time in weeks, he feels like he can breathe.

Scene 3: The League Tries to Help

The others don’t miss Barry’s shift toward Adam.

Clark watches with a mix of relief and something deeper.
Bruce takes note, but doesn’t interfere.
J’onn understands— everyone heals differently.

Still, they all try.

• Clark tries to bring Barry comfort through familiarity. Stories from home, reminders of the world outside the pain.
• Bruce trains with him—slowly, carefully—offering stability.
• J’onn helps with meditation, guiding Barry’s fractured mind toward healing.

And Arthur?

Arthur is furious that Barry won’t let him in.

One night, he finds Barry alone in the Watchtower’s training hall, just staring at his hands.

• “You know,” Arthur says, crossing his arms. “You can talk to me.”

Barry doesn’t look up.

• “I know.”

Silence.

Arthur clenches his jaw.

• “But you won’t.”

Barry exhales, tired.

• “It’s not that simple.”

Arthur’s anger softens—just a little.

• “Then let us help make it simple.”

Barry doesn’t answer.

Because deep down—he doesn’t know how.

End of Act 16: Healing is Slow

• Barry struggles with nightmares, trauma, and the weight of recovery.
• He unconsciously seeks out Black Adam for comfort.
• The League tries to help in their own ways—but Barry still keeps some distance.

Chapter Text

Act 17: The Bonds That Hold & The Walls That Won’t Fall

Scene 1: A Silent Understanding – Barry & Black Adam

Barry still doesn’t talk about it.

Not the nightmares. Not the fear that lingers in his bones. Not the way his own mind betrays him.

But Adam sees it anyway.

One night, Barry finds himself in the Watchtower’s observation deck again.

He doesn’t remember walking there—his body just moved.

And, as always, Adam is there.

This time, Barry doesn’t hesitate. He sits beside him, their shoulders brushing.

Adam glances at him. He waits.

After a long silence—Barry speaks.

• “I can’t tell what’s real sometimes.”

It’s quiet. Barely above a whisper.

But Adam hears it.

Barry swallows hard, staring at the stars.

• “I think I’m awake, and then—suddenly I’m back there.”
• “Or I see things that aren’t real.”
• “Or I hear Neron’s voice when I close my eyes.”

He clenches his hands into fists.

• “And I hate it.”

A beat of silence.

Then—a warm, grounding hand covers his.

Barry exhales shakily.

Adam doesn’t say “you’re safe”—he knows those words don’t mean anything right now.

Instead, he says—

• “Then we will find a way to remind you what is real.”

And Barry—for the first time—lets himself believe that might be possible.

Scene 2: The League’s Frustration

The rest of the League is struggling.

Barry won’t let them in.

Clark tries. Bruce tries. Even Arthur tries.

But Barry keeps them at arm’s length.

J’onn is the only one who truly understands why.

• “Barry is afraid that if he lets us close, we’ll see how broken he really is.”

Arthur clenches his jaw. “We already see it.”

• “He doesn’t believe we should.”

Clark rubs a hand over his face, frustrated.

• “But he lets Adam in.”

Bruce notices that too.

It stings more than he’ll admit.

But Diana—who has been watching quietly—sees something the others don’t.

• “Perhaps it is not about who he lets in, but who he feels does not expect him to be strong.”

They all fall silent.

Because she’s right.

Scene 3: A Need for Comfort – Barry & Black Adam

Barry doesn’t sleep much.

The nightmares are always waiting. Cold hands dragging him back to the darkness.

But on the rare nights when exhaustion wins, he finds himself doing something new— seeking out Adam.

It starts small.

Barry falls asleep in the Watchtower’s lounge one night, curled up on the couch. Adam stays nearby, watching over him.

The next night, Barry sits closer to him.

And then— one night, Barry simply reaches out.

It’s hesitant at first.

A brush of fingers. A silent question.

Adam doesn’t move away.

Barry shifts— pressing against Adam’s warmth, resting his head against his chest.

Adam still doesn’t speak.

He just lets him.

And when Barry falls asleep like that— it’s the first time in weeks he doesn’t wake up screaming.

After that, it becomes routine.

Until, eventually— Barry stops sleeping alone.

Scene 4: The League’s Search for Help

The others notice.

Clark watches from a distance, his heart aching but understanding.
Bruce files it away as something to monitor.
Arthur grumbles, but ultimately says nothing.
J’onn sees it for what it is— a necessary step in Barry’s healing.

But they all agree on one thing.

Barry needs more than just comfort.

Bruce is the first to act.

He seeks out Dr. Fate.

• “What Neron did to him lingers. The Speed Force heals, but this—this isn’t just physical.”

Dr. Fate nods.

• “His soul was wounded. That is not so easily mended.”

Bruce’s jaw tightens. “Can it be healed?”

• “In time. With help.”

And so Bruce keeps searching.

Scene 5: John Constantine’s Perspective

John understands Barry’s pain.

Because he’s been there.

• “You don’t just walk away from Hell, mate.”
• “It leaves a mark.”

Barry doesn’t talk much about what happened to him. Neither does John.

But one night, when Barry is staring blankly at his hands, lost in memories—John sits beside him.

• “You’re not crazy.”

Barry flinches slightly, looking up.

John takes a drag of his cigarette, exhaling.

• “That feeling, the one where you think you’re still there, even though you know you’re not? That doesn’t mean you’re broken.”

Barry swallows hard. “…Then what does it mean?”

John looks at him— really looks.

• “It means you survived.”

And for the first time, Barry thinks maybe that’s enough

End of Act 17: The Fragility of Healing

• Barry deepens his reliance on Black Adam, finding comfort in his unwavering presence.
• The League struggles with Barry keeping them at a distance.
• Barry starts seeking physical comfort from Black Adam, slowly relying on him more.
• The League searches for ways to help, with Bruce turning to Dr. Fate.
• John Constantine relates to Barry, offering insight from his own experiences.

EXTRA:

Act 18: Mending the Soul

Scene 1: The League’s Search for Answers

The League knows that Barry’s body is healing.

But his soul? That’s a different battle.

Bruce continues consulting Dr. Fate, determined to find a way to counteract the damage Neron left behind.

• “There has to be something—some ritual, some magic that can help.”
• “His soul is fractured, Batman,” Fate says. “You cannot force it to heal. You can only guide him toward it.”

Bruce hates that answer. He wants something tangible.

J’onn takes a different approach.

He tries to help Barry through his mind.

• “If you are willing, I can help you navigate the chaos within.”

Barry hesitates. He wants to, but he’s afraid.

Still—he agrees to try.

Clark, Diana, and Arthur look for ways to remind Barry of who he is.

• Clark takes Barry to Smallville, hoping familiarity will ground him.
• Diana offers training—not to fight, but to regain control of his own body.
• Arthur keeps him moving, taking him to the ocean, forcing him to be in the present.

They all do their part. But the one Barry talks to the most—

Is John Constantine.

Scene 2: Barry Talks to John

It’s easier with John.

Maybe because John doesn’t offer false hope.

Maybe because John knows.

One night, Barry finds him alone, flicking ash off his cigarette.

Barry hesitates— then sits beside him.

John raises a brow. “Something on your mind, Speedy?”

Barry exhales sharply. “It doesn’t stop.”

John nods slowly. “Aye. It won’t. Not for a while.”

Barry grips his hands together.

• “I feel like I should be over it by now. Everyone keeps trying to help, but I—I don’t know how to let them.”

John leans back, watching him.

• “You’re not supposed to ‘be over it.’ That’s not how this works.”
• “You don’t fix it. You just learn how to carry it without letting it drown you.”

Barry closes his eyes.

• “What if I can’t?”

John smirks—but there’s no humor in it.

• “Then you find someone who’ll carry the weight with you.”

Barry is quiet for a long time.

And when he finally speaks, it’s barely above a whisper.

• “…Is that what you did?”

John hesitates.

Then, softer than Barry has ever heard from him—

• “No.”
• “But I wish I had.”

Barry looks at him.

And for the first time— he really understands.

He doesn’t have to do this alone.

End of Act 18: Finding a Way Forward

• The League continues looking for ways to help Barry heal his soul.
• Barry starts opening up to John Constantine, finding it easier to talk to someone who understands.
• He realizes that healing isn’t about ‘getting over it’—but learning how to carry the pain.

Chapter Text

Act 19: Pieces of Healing

Scene 1: Barry & John – The Talks That Matter

Barry finds himself seeking out John more often.

Maybe because John doesn’t push.

Maybe because he doesn’t expect Barry to be okay.

One night, Barry sits across from him, fiddling with his hands.

• “I hate sleeping.”

John exhales, tapping ash off his cigarette.

• “Yeah. That makes sense.”

Barry lets out a humorless chuckle.

• “You’re supposed to say something helpful.”

John smirks.

• “Alright, mate. Try drinking. Works for me.”

Barry snorts—but there’s no real humor.

He rubs at his temple. “Every time I close my eyes, I’m back there.”

John nods slowly.

• “Then don’t fight it.”

Barry looks at him, confused.

John flicks his cigarette away, turning to face him fully.

• “If you fight it, it controls you.”
• “If you face it—really look at it—you start taking that control back.”

Barry swallows. “…That sounds awful.”

John smirks. “It is.”

A pause.

Then, softer—

• “But it’s how you win.”

Barry exhales shakily.

He’s not sure if he’s ready.

But maybe—he’s closer than before.

Scene 2: J’onn’s Guidance – Navigating the Mind

J’onn guides Barry through his first real meditation session.

It’s harder than Barry expected.

His mind is a battlefield—half of it still caught in the horrors of what happened.

But J’onn’s voice is steady.

• “You are here. With me.”
• “Not there. Not then.”
• “Feel the present.”

Barry’s breathing evens.

The darkness doesn’t vanish.

But for the first time, it doesn’t swallow him whole.

Scene 3: Black Adam – An Unshaken Presence

Barry still doesn’t sleep alone.

On the nights when the memories are too much—he finds Adam.

It’s wordless. No questions. No judgment.

He climbs into the bed, curling against the only warmth that feels safe.

Adam always lets him.

Sometimes Barry speaks. Other times, he just needs the silence.

But every time—Adam stays.

One night, as Barry rests against him, he murmurs—

• “You’re not what people think you are.”

Adam glances down at him.

• “And what do you believe I am?”

Barry shifts slightly, eyes closing.

• “Safe.”

Adam stills.

Then, quietly—he holds Barry closer.

End of Act 19: Steady Steps Forward

• Barry and John’s talks become more meaningful, helping Barry confront his fears.
• J’onn’s meditation begins to help Barry regain control over his mind.
• Black Adam remains Barry’s anchor, offering him the quiet, steady presence he needs.

Chapter Text

Act 20: Strength in Healing, Strength in Love

Scene 1: The League Watches, and Wonders

The League notices the change.

Barry is getting better.

The haunted look in his eyes is fading. His shoulders are less tense. The panic attacks are less frequent.

But what catches their attention the most?

His closeness with Black Adam.

Clark is the first to bring it up.

• “Have you noticed how much time Barry spends with Adam?”

Bruce doesn’t look up from his work. “Yes.”

Arthur crosses his arms. “And you’re not worried about that?”

J’onn speaks calmly. “Why would we be?”

Arthur huffs. “Because it’s Black Adam.”

Clark sighs. “And yet, Barry trusts him.”

Diana watches from a distance. She’s known from the start— the way Adam looks at Barry isn’t just protectiveness. It’s devotion.

She smiles softly. “Perhaps we should trust Barry’s heart.”

Bruce remains silent.

Because despite everything— even he can see it.

Black Adam isn’t just protecting Barry.

He’s loving him.

Scene 2: Black Adam’s Walls Lower

Adam never thought he could be gentle.

But Barry brings something out in him.

Something soft.

He lets Barry lean against him. He lets him rest against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

And sometimes— he speaks.

One night, Barry is curled beside him, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion.

Adam watches him for a long moment before murmuring—

• “When I lost my family, I lost all reason to be kind.”

Barry stirs slightly, looking up at him. Adam rarely talks about himself.

• “Yet, you bring it out of me.”

Barry blinks, his heart tightening at the admission.

He shifts closer, his fingers brushing against Adam’s hand.

• “Maybe it was never gone.”

Adam doesn’t respond.

Instead, he turns his hand over— and lets Barry’s fingers intertwine with his.

For the first time in centuries, Black Adam allows himself to hold on.

End of Act 20: A Love That Heals

• Barry’s healing is progressing—his strength returning, his mind clearing.
• The League notices his closeness with Black Adam and has mixed reactions.
• Black Adam opens up to Barry, showing his soft, caring side.

Chapter Text

Act 21: Realization in the Quiet Moments

Scene 1: Black Adam’s Past, Unveiled

Barry doesn’t push.

If Adam wants to talk, he will.

And one night, as they sit beneath the quiet sky, Adam does.

• “I once believed power alone would bring justice.”

His voice is steady, but there’s an old ache in it.

• “That belief cost me everything.”

Barry watches him, listening intently.

Adam stares ahead. Unmoving.

• “I was a man. A husband. A father.”

Barry’s breath catches. Adam never speaks of them.

• “They were taken from me.”
• “And in my grief, I became something else. Something… merciless.”

Barry sees the tension in his jaw, the way his fingers curl slightly.

• “For centuries, I only knew anger.”

Then, finally, Adam turns to Barry.

• “And then you.”

Barry’s lips part slightly, his heart skipping.

Adam exhales.

• “You are not afraid of me.”
• “You see what others refuse to.”
• “And I do not understand why.”

Barry swallows hard. His chest feels too tight, his pulse too fast.

He knows the answer.

But saying it—that’s the terrifying part.

Scene 2: The Heart That Betrays Him

Barry always thought love was something that happened gradually.

But this—this snuck up on him.

Because every time Adam looks at him with that quiet intensity—his heart aches.

Every time Adam says his name—his breath catches.

And each time Adam touches him, even in the smallest way—his chest tightens in ways he doesn’t understand.

Or rather—ways he refuses to understand.

Barry grips the fabric of his suit, his hands shaking.

I’m in love with him.

The realization hits him like lightning.

And now—he doesn’t know what to do.

Who to tell.

Or if he even has the courage to say it out loud.

End of Act 21: The Fear of Falling

• Black Adam opens up more about his past, revealing his pain and how Barry changed something in him.
• Barry realizes he’s fallen for Black Adam—but doesn’t know what to do about it.

Act 22: The Weight of Hidden Feelings

Scene 1: Barry’s Struggle – A Love He Can’t Ignore

Barry tries to act normal.

But he isn’t.

Every glance at Adam makes his heart race. Every moment alone with him makes his hands shake.

He tells himself it’s nothing. He’s just grateful. That’s all.

But deep down, he knows.

This isn’t just gratitude. This is love.

And it terrifies him.

Scene 2: Someone Notices – The Eyes That See Too Much

Clark is the first to notice.

Barry is distracted. Flustered.

And most importantly? He avoids Adam.

Which is strange—because for weeks, Barry was never far from his side.

One evening, Clark corners Barry in the Watchtower.

• “Are you okay?”

Barry forces a laugh. “What? Yeah. Of course.”

Clark crosses his arms. “You’ve been acting… different.”

Barry shrugs. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Clark sighs. “Barry.”

Barry swallows hard.

Clark doesn’t say it. But Barry knows he knows.

And the worst part?

Barry doesn’t deny it.

Scene 3: Adam Sees the Distance

Adam notices, too.

Barry is pulling away.

Less touching. Less seeking him out. Less… everything.

At first, Adam assumes it’s part of his healing.

But the way Barry won’t meet his gaze?

Something is wrong.

One night, Adam speaks.

• “You are avoiding me.”

Barry stiffens. He doesn’t turn around.

Adam steps closer. “Tell me why.”

Barry clenches his fists.

He can’t.

Because saying it means it’s real.

And he’s not sure what’s scarier—admitting his feelings or not knowing if Adam feels the same.

End of Act 22: The Unspoken Truth

• Barry struggles with his growing feelings for Black Adam, trying (and failing) to ignore them.
• Clark notices something is off, suspecting Barry’s feelings before Barry can even admit them.
• Black Adam notices Barry pulling away and directly confronts him.

Chapter Text

Act 23: The Breaking Point

Scene 1: The Conflict Within

Barry tells himself he can handle this.

He’s been through hell— literally. He’s survived trauma, fought demons, and faced Thawne.

But somehow, this is what leaves him breathless.

Every time Adam enters the room, Barry’s heart clenches. Every time Adam looks at him, Barry feels exposed.

So he avoids him.

He tells himself it’s for the best. Adam deserves someone stronger. Someone whole.

Not… this.

Not someone who still wakes up screaming.

Not someone who is afraid.

But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t stop loving him.

And it’s breaking him.

Scene 2: The One Who Sees Through the Lies

Clark gives Barry time.

But enough is enough.

After a League meeting, he pulls Barry aside, arms crossed.

• “You’re going to talk to me.”

Barry tenses. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Clark sighs. “Barry. Come on.”

Barry opens his mouth to argue, but Clark just stares.

And suddenly—Barry can’t hold it in anymore.

His shoulders slump. His voice comes out small.

• “Clark… I don’t know what to do.”

Clark places a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder.

• “Talk to him.”

Barry swallows hard.

• “What if he doesn’t…” He trails off, unable to finish the thought.

Clark gives him a knowing look.

• “Barry. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”

Barry’s breath catches. Because he has.

And that terrifies him even more.

Scene 3: The Confession That Wasn’t Meant to Happen

It happens by accident.

Barry is exhausted. His mind is foggy, his body aching. A nightmare had shaken him awake again.

So without thinking, he goes to Adam.

Adam lets him in without a word.

Barry sits beside him, staring at nothing. His heart is still pounding from the dream.

And then, before he can stop himself, he says it.

• “I think I love you.”

Silence.

Barry freezes. Realization slams into him like a train.

Oh, God. He wasn’t supposed to say that.

He can’t even look at Adam. What if this ruins everything?

But then— warm fingers curl around his wrist.

Adam’s voice is low. Steady.

• “Say it again.”

Barry slowly lifts his gaze.

Adam is staring at him, eyes softer than Barry has ever seen.

The lump in Barry’s throat tightens.

His voice shakes.

• “I love you.”

Adam exhales. As if he has been waiting to hear those words forever.

And then— he pulls Barry into his arms.

End of Act 23: Love Spoken Aloud

• Barry continues to struggle with his feelings, believing he isn’t worthy of love.
• Clark pushes him to stop running from it, making Barry confront the truth.
• In a moment of exhaustion, Barry accidentally confesses—and Black Adam responds in a way Barry never expected.

Act 24: The Aftermath of a Confession

Scene 1: The Weight of Words

Barry doesn’t run.

Not this time.

Instead, he stays—pressed against Adam’s chest, feeling the solid warmth of him.

He expects Adam to say something. To question him.

But he doesn’t.

Instead, Adam simply holds him.

And somehow, that means more than any words could.

Scene 2: Processing What It Means

The next morning, Barry is a mess.

• “Oh God. I said it. I actually said it.”

Clark, who had been expecting this, just sips his coffee.

• “Yep.”

Barry groans, burying his face in his hands.

• “What do I do now?”

Clark raises a brow. “Barry, do you want to be with him?”

Barry hesitates.

But only for a second.

Because the answer is yes.

He just… doesn’t know how.

Scene 3: The League Finds Out

Barry tries to keep it quiet.

But the League is full of detectives, telepaths, and nosy friends.

Diana is the first to notice.

• “You’re glowing.”

Barry nearly chokes on his water. “I—what?”

She smirks. “And Adam… he looks at you differently now.”

J’onn simply nods. “It is… obvious.”

Bruce doesn’t comment. But his gaze lingers longer than usual.

And Arthur?

Arthur just grins.

• “Took you long enough, kid.”

Barry groans. This is his nightmare.

Scene 4: A Moment That Changes Everything

That night, Barry finds Adam again.

They don’t speak right away.

Instead, Adam watches him, his expression unreadable.

Then, he steps closer. Slowly. Carefully.

And Barry— Barry doesn’t move away.

Adam lifts a hand, fingers brushing lightly against Barry’s cheek.

• “You fear this.”

Barry exhales shakily. “I do.”

Adam nods. “So do I.”

Barry blinks. Adam? Afraid?

But then Adam’s touch lingers, his thumb tracing the edge of Barry’s jaw.

• “But I will not let fear stop me from having what I want.”

Barry swallows hard.

• “And what do you want?”

Adam’s gaze darkens— not with danger, but with something far more intense.

• “You.”

Barry stops breathing.

And then— Adam closes the distance.

The kiss is firm, yet careful.

Adam is always careful with him.

And Barry— for the first time in forever—allows himself to melt into it.

Because this time, he’s not running.

Not anymore.

End of Act 24: The Beginning of Something Real

• Barry and Adam process their feelings, neither used to the idea of love but willing to try.
• The League finds out—some amused, some unsurprised, and Bruce being Bruce.
• Barry and Adam share their first real moment, finally choosing each other.

Chapter Text

Act 25: Love, Loyalty, and Letting Go

Scene 1: The Confessions Barry Never Expected

It happens naturally—like the weight of unspoken words finally becoming too much.

The League gathers, a quiet understanding among them.

Bruce is the first to speak.

• “We all care for you, Barry.” His voice is steady, but his eyes are softer than usual. “Some of us… more than we should.”

Barry blinks. More than they should?

Clark steps forward next, his usual calm, reassuring smile in place.

• “We love you, Barry.”

Barry’s heart stops.

Arthur chuckles, shaking his head.

• “I figured you should know by now. You’ve always been important to me, Barry.”

J’onn, ever composed, simply nods.

• “You are loved more than you realize.”

Barry’s lips part, but no words come out.

He looks at them—at all of them.

And he understands.

This isn’t a competition.

They aren’t trying to win him over.

They’re simply… letting him know.

Because for so long, Barry has felt broken, unworthy.

And yet—here they are.

Loving him anyway.

Scene 2: Adam’s Reaction

Barry is still reeling when he feels a familiar presence beside him.

Adam.

The room falls silent as Adam steps closer to Barry, his presence commanding yet unwaveringly gentle.

His gaze sweeps across the others—assessing, understanding.

And then he speaks.

• “I know.”

The others don’t flinch. They expected this.

Adam turns to Barry, meeting his eyes.

• “They love you. As do I.”

Barry’s throat tightens.

Adam lifts a hand, brushing his knuckles against Barry’s cheek.

• “But I will protect what is mine.” His voice is low, filled with certainty.

There’s no jealousy, no possessiveness. Only a promise.

One that the others respect.

Because they trust him.

They trust Adam to keep Barry safe—to cherish him in ways they never could.

And Barry?

Barry finally lets himself believe it.

That he is loved.

That he is safe.

That no matter what comes next, he will never be alone again.

End of Act 25: The Love That Surrounds Him

• Bruce, Clark, Arthur, and J’onn confess their love for Barry—not to change anything, but so he knows he is deeply loved and supported.
• They acknowledge Barry’s impact on Adam, softening him, making him better.
• Adam, understanding their love, makes a quiet yet powerful promise to protect Barry—and the others trust him to do so.

Act 26: Navigating Love and Firsts

Scene 1: Adjusting to the Unspoken

Barry never thought love would come to him like this.

He’s still getting used to the fact that his closest friends—his family—love him in ways he never realized.

And then there’s Adam.

Strong, unwavering, but now… different.

Softer, in the quietest ways.

Like the way he watches Barry when he thinks he isn’t looking.
Or the way his hands linger just a little longer when they touch.

And Barry?

Barry is falling deeper.

Scene 2: A King Asking for Help

Superman is stunned.

Adam—Black Adam—asking for advice?

Clark keeps his expression neutral as Adam crosses his arms.

• “You are the closest thing to an ideal partner in this world, Kent. I need your guidance.”

Clark blinks. “Guidance?”

Adam exhales, clearly not used to this. “I wish to plan a date for Barry.”

Clark takes a moment to process that.

• “You’re serious?”

Adam glares. “Would I waste time on something I do not mean?”

Fair point.

Clark smiles. “Alright, let’s make it perfect.”

Adam’s brow furrows. “It does not need to be perfect.”

Clark chuckles. “For Barry? It should be.”

Adam doesn’t argue.

Because for Barry?

He wants to get this right.

Scene 3: The Date Plan

Clark lays out options.

• A sunset flight over the world’s most beautiful cities.
• A private dinner somewhere Barry would never expect.
• Something simple—intimate, just them.

Adam listens carefully.

Then, he decides.

He will show Barry something only he can.

Something that will make him feel safe, cherished… loved.

And when Barry finally experiences it—he’ll know.

That Adam isn’t just here to protect him.

He’s here to love him.

End of Act 26: The Preparation for Something Real

• Barry adjusts to the overwhelming love around him, growing closer to Adam.
• Adam, uncharacteristically, asks Superman for help in planning a date.
• With Clark’s guidance, Adam prepares something meaningful—something that will show Barry how deeply he is cherished.

Chapter Text

Act 27: A Love Written in Lightning

Scene 1: The Invitation

Barry isn’t sure what to expect when Adam approaches him that evening.

• “Come with me.”

Barry blinks. “Uh, where?”

Adam doesn’t answer— he only offers his hand.

Barry hesitates.

Not because he doesn’t trust Adam.

But because… this is different.

Something in Adam’s eyes feels heavier.

Like a promise waiting to be spoken.

And so, Barry takes his hand.

The world disappears in a flash of lightning.

Scene 2: The Place Meant for Them

Barry feels the wind first.

Then the warmth.

When he opens his eyes, his breath catches.

The skies stretch endlessly, stars glistening like scattered diamonds.
Below them— the ruins of an ancient kingdom bathed in golden light.

It’s quiet. Serene. Timeless.

Barry turns to Adam.

• “Where are we?”

Adam watches him, his gaze unreadable.

• “Home.”

And Barry understands.

This is Adam’s home.

Kahndaq, in all its forgotten beauty.

A place he has never shared with anyone… until now.

Scene 3: A Moment Meant to Last

They sit atop a high temple, overlooking the land below.

Adam is quiet at first. Contemplative.

Then, finally—he speaks.

• “I was not always the man you see before you.”

Barry listens.

Adam tells him of his past.
His failures. His regrets.
The weight of his kingdom and the loss that broke him.

But then— he speaks of Barry.

• “You have changed me in ways I did not think possible.” His voice is low, steady. “I do not know when it began… but I know it is real.”

Barry’s heart skips.

He doesn’t know what to say.

But when he looks at Adam, he knows what he feels.

So he speaks without thinking.

• “My heart hurts when I look at you.”

Adam stills.

Barry swallows hard.

• “Not in a bad way. Just… it aches. And I don’t know what to do about it.”

Silence.

Then— a hand on his cheek.

Adam leans in, close enough that Barry can feel the warmth of him.

• “You do not have to do anything.” His voice is gentle. “Only accept what is already there.”

And Barry does.

Because in this moment, nothing has ever felt more real.

End of Act 27: A Love Realized

• Adam takes Barry to Kahndaq, sharing a part of himself no one else has seen.
• He opens up about his past and his feelings for Barry.
• Barry realizes his own feelings—his heart aches for Adam in ways he doesn’t fully understand.
• Adam reassures him, offering not just love, but patience.

Act 28: Love, Reactions, and a Looming Threat

Scene 1: The Shift Between Them

After that night in Kahndaq, everything changes.

Barry and Adam aren’t just close—they move differently around each other.

Barry lingers in Adam’s presence more than before.
Adam’s touches, once brief, now stay longer, softer.

The League notices.

And they react.

Scene 2: The League’s Response

Bruce is the first to speak.

• “So it’s true.”

Barry rubs the back of his neck. “Uh… yeah?”

Clark smiles knowingly. “You look happier.”

Arthur smirks. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”

J’onn, ever perceptive, only nods. “You are at peace with him.”

There’s no jealousy. No bitterness.

Because they all love Barry.

But more than that— they want him to be safe, to be loved.

And Adam?

He is unwavering in his devotion.

So they accept it.

Because Barry deserves this.

Scene 3: The Shadow on the Horizon

But peace never lasts.

Something lurks at the edges of reality.

A presence unseen, but felt.

Barry senses it first— a shift in the Speed Force.

And Adam?

He feels the storm brewing in the distance.

A threat that neither of them fully understand.

Not yet.

But soon— they will.

And this time?

Their love will be tested like never before.

End of Act 28: The Calm Before the Storm

• Barry and Adam’s bond deepens, their love becoming undeniable.
• The League reacts, accepting and supporting Barry’s happiness.
• A new external threat begins to emerge, hinting at an imminent danger.

Chapter Text

Act 29: The Storm Breaks

Scene 1: The First Strike

It happens suddenly.

One moment, Barry and Adam are together—the next, the world turns to chaos.

A ripple tears through the Speed Force.
Lightning cracks the sky with unnatural fury.

Barry stumbles, clutching his chest. Something is wrong.

And then—they come.

Shadowed figures, twisted echoes of speedsters that should not exist.

Wraiths. Hunters.

Speed Force abominations sent to rip Barry from this world.

Adam reacts instantly, lightning surging through him as he moves to protect Barry.

But these creatures?

They are fast.

Too fast.

Even Adam struggles to keep up.

Barry’s hands shake as he forces himself to focus.
The fear, the trauma— it claws at him.

But he won’t freeze.
Not this time.

Because he’s not alone.

Scene 2: The League Joins the Fight

The call for help is barely sent before they arrive.

Superman. Batman. Aquaman. J’onn.

They don’t hesitate. They fight.

But these creatures—they aren’t normal enemies.

They phase through attacks.
They move in ways that distort time itself.

And in the center of it all, Barry realizes something terrifying.

These creatures aren’t just hunting him.

They are erasing the Speed Force.

If they succeed?

He won’t just die—his very existence will be erased.

And Barry isn’t sure if even Adam’s power can stop it.

Scene 3: A Familiar Laugh in the Dark

Then, through the chaos—a voice.

Cold. Mocking.

“Did you really think I’d let you be happy, Barry?”

Barry’s blood runs cold.

Because he knows that voice.

Knows it better than he wishes he did.

Eobard Thawne.

He’s back.

And this time?

He’s come to end Barry’s story for good.

End of Act 29: The Threat Revealed

• The attack happens without warning, forcing Barry and Adam into immediate action.
• The Speed Force is being targeted by monstrous wraiths.
• The League fights, but the creatures are unlike anything they’ve faced before.
• Thawne reveals himself, proving this is only the beginning.

Act 30: The Fight for Barry’s Existence

Scene 1: The League’s Desperate Battle

The battlefield is chaos.

Wraiths move like lightning, tearing through reality itself.

Superman fights in the air, his blows shattering the creatures, but they reform instantly.

Arthur’s trident cuts through them, but each time one fades, two more take its place.

Batman, tactical as ever, tries to analyze their patterns—but there is none.
They move outside of time, shifting unpredictably.

J’onn’s telepathy is useless.

These creatures have no minds to break.

And Adam?

He is rage incarnate.

Lightning crackles around him as he destroys wraith after wraith, his fury unmatched—

But it’s not enough.

They aren’t fighting to win.

They’re fighting to buy time.

For Thawne.

Scene 2: Thawne Breaks Barry

Barry can barely breathe.

Thawne stands before him, smiling.

The way he always does. Cruel. Amused.

• “Look at you, Barry.” Thawne shakes his head, laughing. “You really thought you could escape me? Be happy?”

Barry’s hands tremble.

• “I beat you before.” His voice isn’t steady. “I’ll do it again.”

Thawne’s smile widens.

• “No, Barry. You won’t.”

And then—he moves.

Faster than Barry can react.

A fist in his gut.

A snap of electricity through his skull.

Barry hits the ground hard.

Thawne crouches beside him, voice almost… gentle.

• “You don’t get it, do you?” He leans in. “This isn’t about winning.”

Barry struggles to move. To focus.

• “Then what the hell is it about?”

Thawne tilts his head.

• “Suffering.”

Then, he presses a hand to Barry’s chest—

And the Speed Force screams.

Barry chokes, arching off the ground.

It’s like being burned from the inside out.

Like every part of him is being unraveled.

Thawne watches. Enjoying every second.

• “I gave Neron the idea to take you, you know.” His voice is soft. “He wanted power. I wanted you broken.”

Barry gasps, vision fading.

• “And look at you now.” Thawne whispers. “You’re already halfway there.”

And then—

The world explodes in golden lightning.

Scene 3: Black Adam’s Wrath

Adam doesn’t hesitate.

The second he sees Thawne torturing Barry—

He loses control.

Lightning crashes as he rips through the battlefield, reaching them in an instant.

Thawne barely dodges before Adam’s fist nearly takes his head off.

Adam stands between Barry and Thawne now.

A guardian. A force of fury and vengeance.

• “You die here, demon.” Adam’s voice isn’t human anymore.

But Thawne?

He just laughs.

• “Oh, I was hoping you’d say that.”

And the battle truly begins.

End of Act 30: Love and War Collide

• The League struggles to hold off the wraiths, realizing they can’t be stopped so easily.
• Thawne breaks Barry down, revealing he orchestrated everything just to make Barry suffer.
• Barry nearly loses himself—until Adam arrives, furious and unstoppable.
• Now, it’s Black Adam vs. Thawne. A battle of gods and speed

Chapter Text

Act 31: The Breaking Point

Scene 1: Black Adam vs. Thawne – A Clash of Titans

Adam moves like a storm—raw power, unrelenting fury.

His fists crackle with divine lightning as he swings at Thawne, but the speedster is too fast.

Thawne dodges effortlessly, laughing.

• “Too slow, old man.”

Adam doesn’t care.

He doesn’t need to catch Thawne—he just needs to strike at the right moment.

So he waits. Calculates.

Thawne circles him, taunting—until Adam sees his chance.

Lightning erupts from his eyes, forcing Thawne into a dodge—

And Adam is already there.

A thunderous blow lands square in Thawne’s chest, sending him crashing through ruins.

For a moment, there is silence.

Then—Thawne emerges.

Bruised, but grinning.

• “That actually hurt.” He wipes blood from his mouth. “Good.”

Then, he vanishes.

And Adam realizes—he’s not the target anymore.

Scene 2: Barry’s Desperate Struggle

Barry barely gets to his knees before Thawne is on him again.

A strike to the ribs. A blow to the head.

Barry sees stars.

• “You always get back up, don’t you?” Thawne sneers. “Let’s see how much more you can take.”

Barry pushes past the pain.

He can’t let Thawne win.

He tries to run—but his body won’t move fast enough.

The torture, the trauma—it’s still weighing him down.

And Thawne knows it.

• “You feel that, Barry?” His voice is almost gentle. “That fear? That hesitation?”

Barry clenches his fists.

• “That’s you breaking.”

A hand closes around Barry’s throat.

Thawne grins.

• “And I think it’s about time I finish the job.”

Scene 3: The League’s Final Stand Against the Wraiths

The battlefield is falling apart.

The wraiths are growing stronger.

J’onn tries to contain them with telekinesis. Fails.

Arthur and Bruce fight back-to-back, exhausted.

Superman burns through them with heat vision—but they just keep coming.

Then, J’onn hears it.

A whisper.

The wraiths aren’t here just to kill Barry.

They’re here to consume the Speed Force itself.

If they succeed—Barry will be erased from existence.

And so will everything he’s ever done.

• “We have to stop them—NOW!” J’onn shouts.

But no one knows how.

Then, a familiar voice cuts through the chaos—

• “You lot are absolutely bollocks at this.”

John Constantine arrives.

A smirk. A cigarette. A spellbook in hand.

• “Now, let’s fix this bloody mess before the kid disappears forever.”

End of Act 31: The Edge of Oblivion

• Black Adam fights Thawne with all his strength but realizes Thawne’s real target is Barry.
• Barry is too weak to keep up, and Thawne is breaking him down, piece by piece.
• The League is struggling against the wraiths, realizing they’re trying to erase Barry from existence.
• Constantine arrives, ready to turn the tide.

Act 32: The Battle for Barry’s Existence

Scene 1: Constantine’s Plan – A Gamble with the Unknown

Constantine flicks his cigarette away, stepping into the chaos like it’s just another Tuesday.

• “Right, you lot, listen up.” His voice is sharp, unwavering. “These wraiths? They aren’t just mindless specters. They’re feeding off the cracks in Barry’s soul.”

Superman, battered and bruised, lands beside him.

• “Can you stop them?”

John scoffs. “Yeah, if you give me five minutes and a pint.”

Bruce, still fighting off the creatures, growls. “We don’t have five minutes.”

• “Then we’re gonna have to cheat.”

Constantine kneels, drawing symbols in the dirt. His fingers tremble slightly—he knows what this will cost him.

Zatanna had warned him before. Mess with the Speed Force? It messes back.

Arthur glares at the wraiths swarming toward them. “Whatever you’re doing, do it fast.”

John doesn’t have a choice.

He bites his thumb, smears blood into the sigils. Speaks the words.

The air shimmers—twists.

The wraiths hesitate.

J’onn’s eyes widen. He can feel it. Something’s shifting.

• “What did you do?”

John exhales. “I’m tethering Barry’s existence to something stronger than him.”

Superman’s brows furrow. “What?”

John clenches his jaw.

• “I’m tying him to all of you.”

And then—the wraiths scream.

Scene 2: Barry’s Internal War – A Light in the Dark

Barry’s body is failing.

Thawne’s grip is too strong.

The world is dimming, slipping away.

But then—

A warmth.

A hand in his hair. Soft. Familiar.

Barry’s eyes flutter open, and for a moment—he is home.

• “Mom?”

Nora Allen smiles at him. “Oh, sweetheart.”

Tears burn in Barry’s eyes.

• “I… I can’t.” His voice cracks. “He’s too strong.”

She kneels beside him, presses her forehead to his.

• “Barry, listen to me.” She cups his face. “You are my son. My bright, beautiful boy. And you are not alone.”

Barry sobs. He feels like a child again.

She places a hand over his heart.

• “You’re stronger than this pain. You always have been.”

The memories come flooding back.

His father’s laugh. Wally’s grin. Iris’s warmth. The League’s unwavering support.

Adam’s arms around him when the nightmares were too much.

Barry’s fingers twitch.

He can feel it—his speed.

It’s still there. Waiting.

His mother smiles.

• “It’s time to wake up, baby.”

And Barry opens his eyes.

Scene 3: Black Adam’s Last Stand – Defying Fate

Thawne tightens his grip.

• “Say goodnight, Barry.”

And then—

A golden blur.

Adam slams into Thawne with everything he has.

The ground craters. The air shatters with thunder.

Thawne is ripped away from Barry, sent flying into a ruined building.

Adam doesn’t give him a chance to recover.

Lightning erupts from his fists as he launches forward, fists faster than bullets, rage hotter than the sun.

Thawne barely dodges—but he’s not smiling anymore.

• “You’re really starting to piss me off.”

Adam snarls. “Good.”

He moves again—faster. More brutal.

Thawne tries to counter, but for the first time, he’s struggling.

Adam is relentless.

Then—Barry stands.

His knees shake, his breathing ragged—but his eyes burn with lightning.

Adam glances back. Sees the spark in Barry’s gaze.

And he smiles.

• “Come back to me, habibi.”

Barry does.

Lightning erupts around him—his Speed Force fully awakened.

Thawne sees it. His expression twists.

• “No—NO, I BROKE YOU!”

Barry wipes the blood from his lip, smirks.

• “Guess you’re not as good at that as you thought.”

And then—he runs.

Faster than he has in months.

Adam steps back, letting Barry take the fight.

Because now—Thawne isn’t facing a broken man.

He’s facing The Flash.

End of Act 32: Lightning Strikes Back

• Constantine binds Barry’s existence to the League, giving him an anchor to fight back.
• Barry reconnects with the Speed Force through the love of those who matter to him.
• Black Adam saves Barry from Thawne and nearly overpowers the speedster.
• Barry finally regains his strength—and he’s ready to end this.