Wally always wanted to be The Flash. What kid didn't? Being able to run at the speed of light while stopping the bad guys was every kid's dream. And fortunately for him, he was able to become the second best thing, The Flash's partner.

Running around and breaking the sound barrier in his sneakers was exhilarating. He was faster than anything on Earth, except for his mentor and Superman. Sure, sometimes being a hero could suck, like getting the snot beaten out of you, but it was a Flash fact that the hero always won.

Thinking like The Flash always helped him, even in the most dire of situations. In those moments, he would envision himself in the red, taking the role as a leader.

It was this little fact that allowed Wally to run face first into danger, no matter how big or scary. It's what allowed him to shake past the ominous feeling of doom as the skies turned red just as he crossed the Atlantic.

Hearing that Barry had disappeared chipped away at this belief. He liked joking around that he was The Flash whenever Barry was off world with the League or in another country, leaving him alone in Central. But this time, it was different.

It didn't matter, he thought, Barry could take care of himself, his efforts were most needed around the world, saving countless people from the natural disasters that were happening all at once. A hollow reassurance.

When the sky itself ripped open, he was a child once more, wishing for the warmth and safety of his mother. He wanted to use the amazing gift of speed to leave. But that's not what The Flash would do. He had to think like The Flash… he had to BE The Flash. And so he ran towards it, afraid of what was to come, but ready.

-'-

Wally wanted to die… when he found Barry's costume. His whole world came crashing down on him.

Years of love, of laughing, of mentorship were now dead with his idol. How would he break the news to Iris? How could he face her knowing he felt responsible? Knowing that if he had just stopped thinking like The Flash and instead searched for him, maybe he'd be here.

Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to grieve, the multiverse was falling apart around him and he needed to help the others.

-'-

Safe. The world was safe. Singular. One Earth. One history. But at a terrible cost. The Flash.

Putting the costume on felt horrible. He felt like a fraud. This wasn't his. But the world needed The Flash. The legacy needed to live on, and he was next in line.

Wally always wanted to be The Flash. What kid didn't? Being able to run at the speed of light while stopping the bad guys was every kid's dream. But who knew that becoming The Flash could come at such a cost?

Wally West always wanted to be The Flash, and now, he was.