17 Meeting Bart Allen (Impulse)

2004 - Metropolis, Kansas - Outside Game Stadium

Tires screeched on pavement and a truck careened, and a load of PVC pipes were sent flying. The driver swerved and drove on the sidewalk towards a news stand.

I watched as Bart Allen (known in the future as Impulse) grabbed one of the potential victims, picking his pocket as he moved him out of the way of the truck.

I vanished in a blur, following Bart. I tapped his shoulder, and he turned slightly and made eye contact with me, looking shocked. He sped up, and I matched his speed. He got a determined look on his face and went faster and faster. I continued to match his speed until Bart lost his patience and applied rapidly accessed Speed Force energy to disappear in a red streak. As he started to get away, I did the same thing, white bolts of energy appeared throughout my body and I ran past Bart, stood in front of him, grabbed him in a bear hug and flew into the sky. Bart struggled in my grasp, then finally stopped.

"I think I proved my point. Not only am I as fast as you, if not faster, but I can fly. So if I catch you being a criminal, I can always take you above the clouds and see if you can fly, too." I threatened.

Bart gulped and said, "Hey Amigo, that's totally not necessary. I was just living large and so what if I picked a few pockets here and there. It's only money. People can always make more."

I glared and he looked apologetic, "If I let you down, will you try to run away again?"

"No." Bart answered.

In super speed mode, I landed next to Jonathan, then I resumed to normal time and said, "Dad, this here is Bart Allen. He's going to be joining us to watch the football game."

Jonathan looked skeptical and said, "There must be something going on with him, am I right?"

"Yes, dad. He's special," I emphasized.

Jonathan had a knowing look and we walked towards the stadium.

2004 - Metropolis, Kansas - Outside Shark's Stadium - After the Game

"Well, I watched the game. Gonna chase me if I take off now?" Bart asked.

"Relax a bit. Come back to the farm. When's the last time you had a good home-cooked meal? Have dinner with us." I said.

"Free food? I'm game!" Bart said enthusiastically.

2004 - Smallville, Kansas - Kent Farm

"You sure you don't want to spend the night?" Martha asked.

"Thanks, but no thanks. I don't like to stay in one place for long. At my speed, there's no way I could adjust to the farm life. It seems way too laidback for my taste. Maybe when I'm ready to retire." Bart cracked.

Martha smirked and handed him a bag filled with food.

"The offer's always out there for you. Any friend of Clark is a friend of this family," Martha enthused.

"I should get going before I end up wearing flannel and husking corn," Bart joked.

"Remember to stay out of trouble. If you ever need anything, come to me." I said. "Take care, Bart."

"See ya, big guy," said Bart and vanished in a flash.