Lightning Rod - A BIRDFLASH Story

Chapter 1

"Are you even listening to me," said Linda Park-West, my wife, as I stare dully out the window. We are in a local bat-burger joint (I love seeing the oily teens dressed as the boy wonder). Linda wanted to get away from the kids so we can talk seriously about our relationship. "Yes, honey I am," I tentatively respond, "Really what did I say then," she asks. As I fiddle with the plastic wrap that used to cover my plastic fork, I mumble, "You may want to say it again."

She starts with reluctant exhale then states, "Wally, I hardly see you nowadays whether you're  fighting villains back home or with the Titans in Blüdhaven you are never at the house. I miss you and so do the kids." "I'm so sorry I know I've been busy and that's not fair to you all. I really do miss you and the kids too" I respond guiltily. For the first in a long time me and Linda are completely silent. I really don't know how to fix this it's not like I can just stop being a superhero. I have a responsibility to all the innocent people out there to help anyway I can. After a few moments the smart watch I'm wearing buzzes indicating the Titans need me. "I'm really sorry, but I do have to go," I tell my wife, she responds with, "Fine go ahead and save the world."

I was kind of relieved to get out of there. I actually do feel really bad about what's happening I just have a hard time expressing it.  I get up from the leather booth of the diner and activate my ring which shoots out my costume. Faster than anyone can see I envelop myself into my costume and start my run to Blüdhaven.

...

As I arrive for debriefing, I notice no one is in the tower except for me. So I take a seat at the round table where we meet and lay my feet up on the table. "Hey Wally," says Dick Grayson spooking the hell out of me. "You're a dick, Dick," I say with a little frustration. As he smirks he says, "Everyone else is going to be a few minutes. Do you want a drink?" "Sure, I'll take a coke. Hey what's going on anyway," I ask. While he walks to get my coke he states, "Oh Doctor Light is going to invade the city at 4:00 p.m." "You called me all the way out for Doctor Light," I say disgustingly, "Also how do you know so specifically the time he's invading?" "Sorry I figured it'd be fun and a good chance to catch up with the team, and Oracle keeps tabs on our villains. Let's just say Doctor Light isn't too good at encryptions," Dick responds. "Wassup dudes, I saw the others walking up the steps just behind me," said Gar Logan, Beast Boy, as he enters the room. "Alright we'll get going shortly," Dick responds.

"Okay now that every is caught up, Wally we need you to scope out the area at Blüdhaven Mall," says Dick. "Okay will do," I respond. So we don't really know what's happening; all we know is Doctor Light is going to start his attack at the mall. I actually really like to scope out the scene it's a good exercise for not only running fast, but also having a fast mind. Blüdhaven really is a beautiful city and all thanks to Dick and his Alfred Pennyworth Foundation. I can't help but notice the beautiful architecture and all the plants, and also all the smiling people. As a superhero it finally feels like what I'm doing is having a lasting effect. I do love my family but I can't help but feel pulled to this city like it's my purpose to be here. Dick was right this really is reminding me of the old days. God I can just see him in his booty shorts and elf shoes now; that shit was hilarious.

While I'm going down memory lane I see a man in a trench coat holding a flashlight in broad daylight. Yeah I think I found our guy. I buzz the Titans my location signaling I found him. Even though I was told not to rush in. I think I'm gonna do it anyway cause it's just Doctor Light. What's he gonna do, flash me? I run up to him in lightning speed and grab him by the trench coat. "Arthur, what are you doing here," I say menacing in my best Batman voice. "I'm finally going to shine a light on everyone's sins even the heroes, Flash," the villain cackles. "What do you mean? How are you going to do this," I interrogated. "Why don't I just show you," Doctor Light draws the flashlight right in front of my face. I begin to laugh it off until he flips it on. I am blinded by this flashlight which is the brightest light I have ever seen. This is not a normal flashlight. I lose my grip on the trench coat and begin to fall back in a daze. I can feel myself going unconscious. However, I have to make sure the titans get here in time. I must stay awake. For my friends. For the people of Blüdhaven. "FLASHHHH" I hear Cyborg yell out. I can go now. I believe in my friends.