11 Chapter 11: Beach Training

A powerful right straight sent the man sprawling, a satisfied smile crossing Barry's face before he noticed his ringing phone. Recognizing the ringtone as a signal of trouble, he knew a crime was unfolding somewhere.

The coach was astounded, realizing the man Barry had just knocked down was in the heavyweight category.

"This kid is extraordinary. I wonder what would happen if he entered the heavyweight division," the coach mumbled.

"Coach, I need to take this call first," Barry said.

"Go ahead," the coach replied.

Barry took off his gloves and hurriedly answered the phone outside, away from prying eyes and CCTV cameras. After swiftly leaving the scene, he suited up at Star Labs and dashed through the city.

Dr. Wells informed him of the location, and Barry raced there to find a group of motorcyclists robbing a jewelry truck.

Effortlessly dispatching them, Barry wasted no time tying them up and instructing the truck driver, "Take care of them until the police arrive," before giving a two-finger salute and heading back to Star Labs to change out of his suit and return to the gym.

"What kept you?" the coach inquired.

"It's about the building that I bought," Barry replied.

"Alright, get back in the ring. Let's work on some combos," the coach said.

"Yes, coach," Barry agreed.

....

Barry strolled back to the Cortex after showering, using a towel to dry his hair.

"Hey, Felicity," Barry greeted as he headed to his usual spot and opened a container of food containing chicken tikka masala and rice.

He dug into his meal, showing little interest in Felicity's presence.

Caitlin intervened, explaining, "Don't mind him. His personality might be different due to memory loss, but it's gradually coming back. He does remember you, which is a positive sign."

Felicity nodded in understanding and approached Barry. After a moment of silence, she asked, "You remember me, right?"

"Yeah," Barry replied between bites.

"Then why haven't you reached out to me at all?" Felicity inquired.

"I've been busy," Barry explained.

"What could keep you so occupied that you couldn't even message me?" Felicity pressed.

"I've been training in boxing and Taekwondo, and dealing with paperwork for a new building I purchased," Barry revealed.

Surprised, Cisco and Caitlin exchanged glances. "When did you buy a building?" Cisco asked.

"A few days ago, but it's not a big deal," Barry dismissed.

Cisco persisted, questioning, "How do you have the money for that? Forensic scientists don't usually earn much."

"I earned it through hard work, and I'd rather not discuss it further," Barry replied, finishing his meal, closing the container, and disposing of the trash before leaving.

"She's just wasting my time," Barry muttered as he tossed the trash. "I'm sure she wants to talk, but I'm too tired for conversation."

Barry headed to the nearest library, eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. He delved into various subjects, determined to learn all he could.

"Hmm, I should incorporate beach training into my regimen. The resistance from the sand will enhance my ground kicks, potentially boosting my speed," Barry pondered, closing the book and returning it to the shelf.

Considering his options, he contemplated going to Metropolis Beach, although he knew the chances of encountering Superman were slim given the universe's lore.

Barry phoned his coach, seeking permission to train independently for a week.

"Coach, can I train on my own for a week?" Barry requested.

"Why?" the coach inquired.

"I want to focus on improving my ground kicks to enhance my speed," Barry explained.

"Hmm...alright, but I'll provide you with a specific exercise routine to follow while you're away," the coach agreed.

"Thanks, coach. I'll make sure to stick to it," Barry assured.

"Don't slack off," the coach warned sternly.

"I won't," Barry promised before bidding his coach farewell.

"Time for Taekwondo class," Barry declared, ready to continue his training regimen.

As Barry headed to his training session, Felicity sat in Star Labs, wondering about his whereabouts.

"Felicity, are you waiting for Barry?" Caitlin inquired.

"Yes," Felicity replied.

"He's already gone to his Taekwondo class," Cisco informed her.

"He left without saying anything?" Felicity exclaimed.

"Yeah, he's been pretty preoccupied lately," Cisco explained.

"I just wanted to spend time with him, but now I feel like I'm just wasting my time," Felicity lamented.

Caitlin offered comfort, patting Felicity on the back. "Maybe he'll be free tomorrow."

"Maybe," Felicity sighed, her hopes slightly lifted by the possibility.

Back at Barry's training session, he executed a flawless jump spin kick, effortlessly breaking a board.

"Are you sure you haven't trained in Taekwondo before? Your kicks are on point," Larry remarked. "And aren't you going to take the promotion test? It's embarrassing having a friend who's still a white belt."

"I'm not too concerned about belts. Once I've mastered all the kicks, I'm out. I'm just here to enhance my kicking skills," Barry replied.

"Planning to enter MMA or something similar?" Larry inquired.

"Nah, I'm sticking with boxing," Barry revealed.

"Then why bother with kicking skills?" Larry questioned. "Are you stupid?"

"I'm just expanding my skill set because I can, unlike you, who's been stuck at blue belt," Barry retorted with a smirk.

"For a beginner, you sure like to talk shit," Larry remarked.

"Of course, but give it your all, Larry. I know you're trying your best," Barry said.

"Shut up. Don't try to butter me up after insulting me," Larry replied, playfully nudging Barry's side with his elbow.

"By the way, I won't be around for a week. Got some other stuff to take care of," Barry mentioned.

"I guess it'll be quiet around here for a while," Larry remarked, and Barry smiled in response.

After wrapping up his Taekwondo class, Barry returned home and continued his training with calisthenics and shadow fighting.

At 10 pm, Barry headed to Star Labs to collaborate with Cisco on the suit.

"Barry, why did you let a beautiful girl like Felicity slip away?" Cisco inquired.

"Felicity? While she's beautiful, she's not someone I see a future with. Trust me, it's for the best," Barry responded.

"Why do you say that?" Cisco pressed, puzzled.

"That's something you don't need to worry about," Barry replied cryptically, a smile playing on his lips.

Once their work was done for the night, they parted ways, with Barry immediately returning home to pack his belongings before heading to Metropolis.

Running at top speed, Barry reached Metropolis in just under 58 minutes. After arriving he takes a break at a nearby motel.

Meanwhile, a bald figure in a suit sitting at his computer received a message alerting him to the arrival of a yellow lightning bolt in Metropolis through cctv footage.

"Hmm, I was merely in the process of delving into these so-called Meta-humans but then one has made an appearance right here, and it happens to be none other than the renowned individual, The Flash" the man mused, stroking his chin with a calculated smirk.

....

By 6:30, Barry had already intensified his training regimen, pushing his body harder than usual in preparation to confront the Reverse Flash.

To enhance his speed even further, Barry engaged in meditation, connecting with the Speed Force after completing several rounds of training—a routine he never skipped.

Pausing to catch his breath, Barry caught the attention of an elderly man nearby.

"Are you new around here, son?" the old man inquired.

"Yeah, just here for my boxing training," Barry replied.

"Ah, good luck to you. If I see you on TV, I'll be rooting for you, kid," the old man offered.

"Thanks," Barry acknowledged, resuming his running.

Afterward, he made his way to Metropolis Beach to continue his training regimen, determined to push his limits further.

In another part of the lab, Cisco stood silently, feeling the weight of Dr. Wells' anger while Caitlin stood behind him, unsure of how to intervene.

Dr. Wells' frustration boiled over as he confronted Cisco about the stolen ice gun.

"What's your plan, Cisco Ramon?" Dr. Wells demanded, his glasses removed in his agitation.

Cisco faltered, unsure of how to respond.

"We're here to protect Barry Allen, and your actions have only added to the risks he faces. So, what's your next move?" Dr. Wells pressed, his tone stern.

"I... I don't know," Cisco admitted, feeling the weight of his mistake.

"There won't be a next time, Cisco Ramon. I hope you understand that," Dr. Wells stated firmly before exiting the room, leaving Cisco to contemplate his error.