by Hitman 44077
Kid Flash walked slowly inside the majestic Flash Museum, noticing the many artifacts that made it unique among other shrines to crime-fighters. Displays among displays showcased the Flash’s most famous encounters and the Rogues that contributed to those ventures. Several keepsakes that had been used against the Flash were displayed as well, such as the guns of Captain Cold and Heat Wave, mirrors and boomerangs from the similarly named Mirror Master and Captain Boomerang, among other infamous devices used by other foes of the Flash over the years. Even equipment from reformed foes were found there, such as the costume, mask, and weapon of Mister Element. Quite simply, it was a beautiful site.
Continuing his walk, he noticed several cases in which he’d participated with his mentor, and those brought back old memories. He finally stopped in front of a case that displayed Kid Flash’s original costume. I remember it like it was yesterday, he thought with a small smile, recalling the adventure where Barry transformed his old costume into the costume he was currently wearing. I was so proud of the new costume Barry made for me. But the very first costume Barry made for me, the same day I became Kid Flash, I donated it to the Museum after that mission. I was so proud to contribute to the Museum, and I think Barry was just as proud.
“Well, I haven’t seen you in a while,” said a voice behind Kid Flash. He recognized the trained voice as he turned around. Sure enough, it was the man whom Kid Flash had arrived to see — Dexter Myles.
“Dexter, I’m glad to see you,” Kid Flash said, offering his hand to Dexter. The two men shook hands.
“I am glad to see you as well,” Dexter said with a smile.
Kid Flash realized he had to get to business. “Dexter, I’m afraid I came over here for a reason. I need to talk to you… in private.”
“I saw you enter as I was readying to close the Museum for the evening. We are the only two men here,” Dexter said.
“I didn’t know. This has been a busy day for me,” Kid Flash confessed. “I don’t know if you’ve heard of the unconfirmed reports–”
“Of the Flash’s supposed death? I have indeed heard of the rumors, but I also know the Flash. He has defied death several times, and I’m confident that he’s done so once again,” Dexter said with pride.
“Dexter… I’m sure you know of the events that have plagued our Earth, among other worlds. It’s been referred to as the Crisis. The mastermind behind the Crisis was a creature known as the Anti-Monitor. He captured the Flash and held him prisoner. The Flash escaped and discovered one of the Anti-Monitor’s trump cards, an antimatter cannon that was poised to destroy our Earth, among others.” Kid Flash paused, took a breath, and continued. “The Flash knew he had to destroy the cannon, and he knew that to do that, he’d have to run at incredible speeds. He was successful, and he saved our world, but it also killed him.”
Dexter listened, expressionless, as his memories of the Flash raced in his head.
“You were one of the few that was a friend to the Flash, both in and out of costume. His family is having a funeral to bury him. They wanted a private funeral, but they also wanted all of his friends to attend, both hero and civilian, before publicly revealing that he was the Flash. As for you, I think you deserve to know just who he was. His name was Barry Allen,” Kid Flash said solemnly.
“‘Tis a tragic irony. None ever suspected that the two were connected. Barry suffered through many tragedies, more than one man should suffer from, both in and out of costume. He was Central City’s greatest champion… and my friend,” Dexter said, a single tear dropping from his right eye. “It’s also ironic to note that it would seem that he still lived these past few months. Crime was at an all-time low, the Rogues had left the city alone, and the citizens were all at peace. I thank you for the invitation.”
“We’ll be burying him tomorrow after a set of calling hours, but I need to make sure everything’s finalized. Either Henry Allen or I will contact you with more details tonight,” Kid Flash said. “Before I go, I’d like to ask a favor of you. You’re the caretaker of the Flash Museum. I wanted to set up a memorial service to the Flash here, where all of the heroes could say goodbye to him and where we could reveal that he’s the Flash. Would that be all right with you?”
“Of course it would. He deserves nothing less,” Dexter said with a smile.
“Thank you,” Kid Flash said as he and Dexter walked toward the front doors of the Flash Museum. “Like I said, one of us will contact you later. I’d better head off. Thanks again.” The two men shook hands.
Dexter opened the door. “Thank you for allowing me to say goodbye to my friend, Kid Flash. I will be grateful to you and the Allens forever,” he said as Kid Flash walked outside. “I will talk to you soon.”
“All right, Dexter,” Kid Flash said, waving to Dexter. He then sped off to Blue Valley. Opening the door to his home, Kid Flash walked inside and removed his costume. I’d better call Henry, just to make sure it’s all straightened out, Wally thought. Picking up the phone, he dialed Henry Allen’s phone number. Henry answered.
“Hello?” Henry said on the other end.
“Henry, it’s Wally. I’m sorry to bother you. I wanted to confirm that there were indeed calling hours, as well as the funeral time, so I could alert the others,” Wally said.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier,” said Henry. “Tomorrow, from noon to two PM at the Warner Funeral Home, will be the calling hours. Giving the eulogy will be Barry’s minister, Thomas Walken. Nora and I plan on saying a few words about Barry. I wouldn’t mind if you did, either.”
Wally felt a lump grow in his throat, but spoke. “Henry, I’d be honored.”
“Thank you,” Henry said. “After the eulogy, Captain Frye and the others on the police force will act as pall bearers for the police officer funeral Barry’s receiving. We’ll be meeting at the Central City Cemetery, where he’ll be laid to rest next to Iris.”
“All right. I’ll call Dexter and the rest–” Wally began to say.
“Wally, you’ve already done so much for us today,” Henry said appreciatively. “I’ve already spoken to Captain Frye earlier, so I’ll take care of Dexter and any others that fall in the civilian category. Just alert his friends… the friends he had as a hero.”
“I will. I’ll let you go, then. I’ll make the calls, and I’ll see you tomorrow,” Wally said.
“Thank you so much,” Henry said. “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.” Wally hung up the phone, then picked it up again. He then dialed Ralph Dibny’s phone number.
“Hello?” answered Ralph. Wally quickly conveyed the details about the calling hours and funeral service. “I’ll be there,” Ralph said in a serious tone. “Have you contacted the other heroes yet?”
“I just received the concrete information myself,” Wally said. “I plan on contacting the other League founders and–”
Ralph interrupted. “You’ve done more to help the Allens than anyone today. Look, I’ll contact the League founders, and I’m sure that Superman will contact other JLAers that were his friend, too. Take a break… don’t run yourself ragged. Barry was lucky to have you as a partner. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Are you sure?” Wally asked.
“I’m positive. I’d better get started, and Wally… thank you,” Ralph said.
“Listen, you and Barry were close. I’m glad you’re coming, and I thank you for alerting the League,” Wally said. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. ‘Bye.”
“‘Bye, Wally.” Ralph hung up the phone.
Wally dialed Frances Kane’s phone number. “Hello?” she answered with a question. Again, Wally went over the information about the calling hours and funeral. “Central City’s not too long of a drive if I leave before sunrise. I’ll pick you up early, anyway, so that we’re not late. I’ll be at your house at eight AM, and we’ll head out then,” Fran said.
“Thanks, Fran. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Wally said with gratitude.
“I’ll see you, too. I love you, Wally,” Fran said with concern.
Wally paused before answering. “I love you, too. ‘Bye.”
“‘Bye.” Fran hung up the phone.
Wally hung the phone up. He walked inside the kitchen, where his father was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a glass of soda. “How are you doing, son?” Robert West asked with concern.
“It’s been a hard day, Dad. Today has been pretty hard for me. Barry’s gone, and he was a good man, Dad,” Wally confided.
“I know. Dad’s having a hard time dealing with it, as well,” Robert said.
“You called Grandpa?” asked Wally. “I have to be honest. It was hard to say the words to the Allens… that Barry was gone, but I was at a loss for words when it came to him.”
“I know. That’s why I contacted him,” replied Robert. “He deserved to know, and I know you would have contacted him probably later today, but you already had so much on your mind.”
“I appreciate it, Dad,” Wally said.
“Your mother and I are picking him up tomorrow. Do you have any new information?” Robert asked. Again, Wally passed along the details about the funeral service. “That’s good to know. We’ll get an early start and be there in time. I’d like to give support to the parents of my brother-in-law. They’re good people,” Robert said.
“Yeah, they are. Look, Dad, I need to do one more thing, and then I’m going to bed,” Wally said.
“Okay, Wally. I love you son,” Robert said with compassion.
“I love you, too, Dad,” Wally said. The two men hugged. Then Wally walked back into the living room and picked up the phone. He dialed Terry and Donna Troy’s house, but the answering machine picked up the call. Wally left a message regarding the details of the funeral. “And, Donna… I’m so sorry about Diana. I give you my sincerest thoughts and prayers. I’ll talk to you soon. ‘Bye.” Wally hung up the phone and walked upstairs to bed, weary both physically and mentally from this agonizing day. He removed Barry’s Flash ring from his right hand and placed it on his dresser before going to bed.