Dark Angel ϟ Barry Allen

i: banquet

"Barry, I want you to meet one of my college friends. Her name is Melanie Cross," Iris said, tossing her hair back as she stared down the brunette drinking champagne. "She might look nice and pretty and defenseless, but that girl has taken so many martial arts classes she could probably just look at you and break your arm."

Barry made a face at his best friend, unsure about this girl. From behind, Melanie seemed to be a small, yet strong woman. The way she carried herself in conversation evoked a sense of pride and confidence, one Barry felt comfortable with.

"She's the sweetest girl you'll ever meet." The two approached Melanie, who spun around at the mention of her name.

What Barry saw wasn't what he expected. Her hair was done up in a nice low bun that accentuated her round face, earring that weren't too overly flashy dangled from her ears. Her face was coated in a thin layer of foundation and concealer, and her eye makeup was done minimally, mostly being smoky eyeshadow and mascara, but Barry couldn't tell. On her wrist were a few tied strings, and while there were rings on her finger, none signified marriage. On her fingernails, a nice black coat of polish was visible.

"Hey, Melanie, this is my friend Barry, the one I told you just got out of a coma a few weeks ago," Iris explained, emphasising the fact he was recently recovered.

Barry shifted uncomfortable as she gazed at the young man. "Forensic scientist. Big nerd on everything science. Nice to meet you, Barry Allen. I've heard a lot about you," Melanie said, her silky voice hitting him like a wave of water.

"Nice to meet you as well, Melanie," Barry stated as Iris walked towards someone else. "So what're you doing here at Simon Stagg's award ceremony?"

Melanie smiled with no just her lips, but her eyes. "Well, recently, I've discovered it's essential for me to understand science with all the changes that have been going on in my life." She brought the champagne glasses up to her lips, taking another sip. "I would ask you the same, but as I know why you're here, it seems irrelevant to ask."

Moments later, an applause bounced off the walls, and Simon Stagg walked on to the platform to begin speaking. "I find it quite remarkable that having once been a timid freshman at Central City University to be standing before you the region's choice for Man of the Year. While I very much appreciate the award, the real honor for me is knowing that my work in organ transference helps give people a second chance at life. Thank you all very much for coming." Stagg strutted off the stage, his trophy gripped tightly in his hands.

Barry went to go say something to the girl who was standing next to him moments ago, but she had disappeared. "Where did Melanie go?" he asked.

Iris shrugged. "She has a way of disappearing. Probably in the bathroom or something," she muttered, waiting to hear what Barry had to say on the topic of Stagg's award.

"Alright, first things first. Simon Stagg's work in cellular cloning has led to huge advancements in the future of organ replacement--" Barry began as Iris pulled two glasses of champagne off of a tray.

She smiled. "Are journalists allowed to drink on the job?"

Tearing them out of her hand, he set them back down, ready to delve back in on transference. "Okay, if you are bored already, just wait till we get to the science behind cellular regeneration." He gave his friend a small smirk.

"I have missed this, Barry," Iris laughed, linking her arm with his. "I feel like we haven't spent any quality time together since you woke up from the coma." Guilt settled at the bottom of his stomach as she turned to look him in the eyes.

"Yeah, I've had a crazy few weeks, I know."

Relief was clear on Iris's face. "I thought maybe you'd been avoiding me because of Eddie." She wrung her hands nervously. "I know you think it's wrong, me dating my dad's partner, and I just-- "

Barry cut her off. "No, that is not it-- at all."

Iris directed her attention to the man walking by her. "Oh! Oh! Mr. Stagg, I was wondering if I could get a quote from you for my article."

"Not now, miss." Stagg paid Iris no attention. It was almost as though he was trying to flee the area. His bodyguard trailed close behind him.

The barista shrugged. "I'll just make something up." Iris's attention shifted again. "So, what were you gonna tell me? You looked like you were about to say something."

Barry began to say something but was quickly interrupted by a few gunshots and many screams. Everyone in the room lowered to the ground, leaning over their loved one to shield them from any possible bullets. Someone was pushed off the stage as one of the men, identity concealed with a face mask, yelled, "Quiet down, all of you."

No one listened, but Iris and Barry both lowered to the ground.

"How considerate," the same man hollered, "you're all wearing your finest jewelry. Almost like you know we were coming to rob you." A few long moments were passed before he forced them all into a line, forcing them to place their jewelry into large bags.

Barry wanted to do something, but he knew it wouldn't be a good idea, even Iris knew this.

"Freeze!" A guard yelled, holding his gun up as he rounded the corner. The robbers faced him, all holding their guns up. His facade fell. "Drop your weapons." All of the men fired their guns at the security guard, and before Barry knew he was saving the man and trying to chase down the criminals.

When barry reached the outside, he became tired. His breathing was so irregular that had to stop running, but this gave him time to see a girl, cloaked by a black suit, toss something onto the car's exterior before it drove off.

The girl gave him a quick glance before taking off into the air.

Barry fainted, knowing that there were other people like him. Metahumans who would do the right thing-- or at least he hoped that this dark cloaked girl was a good person. He desperately hoped someone else was on his side. 

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