Those Seconds Were Years (Sequel to Fastest Men Alive)

And So.. (unedited)

WAYNE GARDENS

BRUCE POV

I watch as the sun begins to set. The air around me becomes cold as the red and orange sky mixes together around the sun.

This is the last night before it all happens. The last night of some hero lives. The last night of some villain lives. I let out a sigh. I am much too old for this. I should have hung up the cape a long time ago. Thinking back, if I had, would there be a leader for an army against ARGUS?

I shiver as a chilled breeze passes next to me. I turn around just in time to see Rip Hunter coming towards me.

"We need to talk." He speaks. His eyes serious. I stop and wait for him to come closer. We silently agree to walk through the darkening garden. "You do understand that once this all happens, none of this will have existed?"

"Of course, I would hope it wouldn't." I respond.

"And if it doesn't work, everyone will die."

I take a second to  think before I answer.

"I am aware, as are the people fighting."

"Good. Then there is one more thing."

"Yes?"

"We will have to sacrifice someone in order for this to work."

I already knew that. I already know who it is.

"I know." I speak bluntly. I turn away. 

"Good. I'll go back inside then. I have to sleep, as will you Bruce." He turns and walks back up to the mansion.

I let out a deep breath before going into the mansion myself. 

I forgot how noisy it was.

Most of the people who are local are here, and so is most of HIVE and The Green Lantern Corps. They all are preparing tomorrow, giving stories to each other, smiles, and hope. You would almost think that they all thought they were going to die.

I go in through the kitchen, Alfred is showing Kate how to cook some kind of French dish. They are too busy with the instructions to look up, which is fine. I walk out into the main dining room. Wally and Iris West sit next to Caitlin, exchanging stories from the distant days. Eobard sits by himself. He sees me and stands up. I don't make a scene as he comes right next to me as I stand by the wall. People notice us anyway. The room falls silent.

"We've been waiting." He smiles in a way that makes me nervous. Waiting for me?

"Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce a very important person." A voice from my past calls out. I turn and see Dick Grayson walk in. I stop breathing as I see him in his Nightwing outfit. Then Jason walks in, followed by Damian. Both in their outfits.

They've been gone for so long I hardly recognize them. I must looked rattled because everyone stares at me with a sad look.

"Looks like most of us are here." I say. Then I hear a wheelchair.

"Oh please, you really don't think I'd keep hiding did you?" Barbara Gordon comes out from behind the three boys. I give a grin.

"Not you Barbara, maybe Dick though." I smirk. 

"Well now, should we raise a little hell and beat some ARGUS ass?" Jason speaks. I hear sounds of approval.

This fight isn't just for the future, it's for the past.

ARGUS HEADQUARTERS

WALLER POV

"Again!" I yell. The X goes through a simulation chamber. The lasers of the guns in the room aim towards her. She easily maneuvers through them and lands on her hands. She throws herself up at an incredible speed and dismantles the guns by ripping them apart. I give a faint smile.

"I want her to fight the Flash." I tell one of the combat men. He nods and grabs a combat female. They leave the room. I smile as Johanna stands in the room. She's frozen at attention. I decide to play a game.

"Raise your right arm." I say into the microphone. She does so. I smile. "Now stomp your foot."

She obeys.

"Now yell out 'The Flash is not a hero'." I sneer.

There is only silence. I become uncomfortable.

"AG6732 yell out 'The Flash is not a hero'." I say again. 

She doesn't move or speak.

"Perhaps there is a faulty earpiece." One of the tech women speaks. I glare at her as she shrinks down in her seat. Before I can say anything else, the door opens to reveal the Scarlet Speedster.

"Commence battle." I say into the microphone. A red flash runs at the X. She flips over him and kicks off his back.

"Incredible." I hear a whisper.

The Flash turns around and picks her up. She fights as he brings her to the ceiling and drops her. She grabs his hand and pulls him down with her. They fall, but the X with more grace. She rolls across the ground and takes out her sword. The Flash evades her sword, but she finally cuts his leg. He drops slightly. She cuts his other leg and throws him to the floor. Her sword is at his throat. Her legs straddle his body.

"Finish him." I say into the microphone. The room around me lets out a gasp. I sneer as she lifts her sword. 

"Do it."

Her sword clatters to the floor. She moves her body away from him. She looks up at me.

She doesn't move.

"Kill the Flash." 

She stares upwards. I'm just about to speak again when suddenly an army general bursts into the room.

"They're here." He's out of breath. I realize who he is speaking about.

"Get everyone ready for a battle." I speak to everyone and press a button on a nearby computer. The intercom dings as my voice goes through."Brace yourselves, it seems we have company." 

I grab my things and look down into the simulation room. Johanna keeps her eyes fixed on me.

"Do not let her out." I point to her. I look at the Flash who has dragged himself against a wall. "Keep both of them in there."

I exit the door just as I hear the sirens going off in the city.

It seems they've brought an army.