A/N: Here we are. The second book. I can't believe that we've come this far.
Sorry for the extremely long wait. I needed time to plan as well as a break from writing, and a bit of a warm-up in the form of Hunter & Vampire.
I probably won't have a consistent update schedule for a bit as school is starting literally two days from when I am writing this author's note. When I do, I'll say.
By the way, this story will come in greater importance to Hunter & Vampire, so don't expect that to keep me from writing this that much.
I actually have a beta-reader now! His name is GlisteningAorticArches.
Either way, I think I've kept you waiting for far too long.
I hope you all enjoy...
The Seeds of Rebellion.
Disclaimer: I do not own DC, CW, or any of their shows or characters. I do, however, own the plot of the Resurrection Series.
Light.
A streak of light moved atop the iced-over ground. The ice clinging to the blades of grass quickly melted from the heat.
The light moved around the ground, hoping to find a hiding place. After pondering a good location, the light moved to it's desired hiding spot.
Not too long after, a voice called out from the surrounding trees.
"You know hiding won't help you! Come on out already."
A man, cloaked in flames of various colors and winged like an angel, stepped out into the opening in the abandoned town. Any ice that the light didn't melt was quickly obliterated by the man's flames.
He appeared to be holding two intricate swords, both made of what appeared to be the same fire covering himself. He dispelled them and moved his right hand out as if to grip the air. A symbol glowed on his hand, shining a bright blue. Not a moment later was a beautiful blue sword held in his grip, flames dancing off the back.
"Come on out, Barry. Let's continue our-"
A white flame appeared in the center of his chest. As it did, a voice entered his head that only he could hear.
"He's up there! On the Ferris Wheel!"
Sam spun around and looked up at the infamous Chernobyl Ferris wheel. As soon as he did, a large lightning bolt moved toward him originating from the top cart. With the little time he had to react, he clumsily created a shield and blocked the attack. Despite the sudden defense, Sam was thrown back 10 meters, his sword vanished as he hit the ground. Where the lightning bolt hit appeared Barry, clad in leathery rags, far from the high-quality leather he was used to years ago. It seemed as though he was the bolt.
"Impressive," Barry remarked. "Even with the little time you had to react, your shield absorbed most of the attack. Let me guess, Penny gave away my location?"
"Guilty as charged!" Penny's voice came from the white flame on Sam's chest as he rose from the ground. "Although, he should have seen you. But, that's Sammy for ya, always needing my help." Even without a physical body, Barry could still hear the smirk she was wearing.
"She's not wrong. We've been hiding here for, what, 5 years now? You should know how I think by now." Barry scolded sarcastically.
"Hey, without me learning how to cook with heavily irradiated animals, we would have starved by now!"
"And I am eternally grateful!" Barry said, walking toward sam. "But knowing how to cook with two-headed cows won't help us in our fight against Riser."
"Who knows, maybe I'll convince him into a diplomatic surrender through my delicious cooked hydra beef!" Sam exclaimed.
The best friends both laughed. Laughter helped them through a lot, especially when isolated in the only place the Riser wouldn't risk to send his troops to. Whats the point anyway? It's not like anyone would be crazy enough to hide out next to the elephant's foot.
"I'm gonna go prepare dinner," Sam said. "What are you gonna do for the rest of the evening?"
"I think I'll try to contact the Speed Force, see if it has anything to say about the outside world."
"I doubt they'll respond. They haven't in months. But whatever, I trust your judgment. See ya." With that, Sam flew back to their hideout.
Barry was desperate to speak with the Speed Force. Like Sam said, he hadn't in months, and he needed to find out what was going on with his old team. He still felt a little guilty, not just for making them think he's dead, but for leaving them with Riser 5 years ago.
Well, would you look at that?
I won.
Barry's face darkened. He needed to find out how his friends were doing.
Riser rose from Barry's corpse. As much as he wanted to dance for victory, he had to keep up the ruse with Caitlin and Cisco. Just for a little while longer.
He turned to the pair, both crying over Barry. He gave them a moment before speaking.
"I hope both of you know, I didn't want it to end this way." Riser spoke softly. It took another moment for someone to respond.
"Yeah," Cisco said. "I got it." For some reason, he sounded cold. Riser thought it was simply over the loss of his friend, but quickly realized it was directed solely toward himself when Cisco spoke to Caitlin.
"Wanna go see him?" This time his voice was soft and caring. In stark contrast to his tone with Riser.
"Did he hear what I said?" Riser thought to himself.
"Yeah." Caitlin managed to get out. They both walked over to Barry and knelt down beside his corpse. They began whispering to each other is a tone too quiet for Riser to hear.
"Listen," Cisco whispered, "I don't know how, probably has to do with my vibe powers, but I heard what Riser said to Barry when he was beside him. "
"What... what did he say?" Caitlin whispered back.
"He said something about him finally winning. As if Barry's death made him win." Caitlin felt a sledgehammer hit her in the chest. She should have listened. She should have trusted Barry and Sam. She should have rejected Riser and fought against him.
Quickly the sadness in her heart and the tears on her face turned red hot. Cisco knew what she wanted to do.
"Wait!" Cisco whispered, grabbing Caitlin's wrist that was about to attack Riser. "Are you sure you want to do that? Wouldn't killing him undermine everything we were trying to accomplish here?"
"I don't wanna kill him, I just wanna see him suffer!" With that, Caitlin broke free of Cisco's hold and jumped up.
"Do you want-" Riser began to speak but was stopped when a crude spear of ice impaled his stomach. He grunted in pain, doubling over. The forces surrounding them began to close in.
"No, don't approach us!" Riser shouted to the army. He looked up and saw Caitlin's face. It was full of anger, full of rage. Her eyes were a brighter blue than they have ever been before. Not a second after, Caitlin's knee made contact with Riser's face.
"You Bastard!" A fist shrouded in ice connected with Riser's jaw. "You dishonest sack of shit! How could you do this?!" She readied another blow, but Cisco held her back, wrapping his arms around her.
"No, stop Caitlin! No more! Don't let her take over!" Cisco shouted. Caitlin struggled before the anger wore off and was replaced with a repulsion unheard of. Riser spat blood and chuckled.
"Strong as ever, Caitlin Snow. I see your corruption is trying to break free."
"Shut up, you freak." Cisco released his grip on Caitlin and stepped up to Riser. Cisco knew Riser wouldn't die from what he was about to do. He placed his hand on Riser's chest and summoned all his energy into a blast.
Riser was flung back by the force of the blast. Cisco opened a breach while Riser was still in the air. Riser entered it and came out the other one, just a few meters above Cisco. He projected another blast, sending Riser to the overhang of S.T.A.R. Labs. He slammed into it, falling back to the ground, colliding with a loud thud and a few cracks. Cisco walked over and placed his foot on Riser's head.
"So... are you gonna... kill me?" Riser struggled out.
"No. I just needed you to hurt."
"That... that's too bad." Riser smirked. Cisco raised an eyebrow, about to ask what he meant. Before he could, an arrow went straight through Riser's head. Cisco jerked his head over to where the arrow came from to find a man dressed in a suit standing beside the rest of Barry's team holding Oliver's bow.
"Thanks!" The man said to Oliver, setting the bow down in front of him. The man walked over to Cisco and Caitlin.
"Come on, you really thought I would actually show my face, let alone allow you to even make an attempt to attack?" Riser snapped his fingers and nodded in the direction of the other "Riser" that had an arrow in his head. Before their eyes, his face changed into that of a stranger's.
"Damn you!" Caitlin yelled, blasting a stream of ice at Riser. The stream moved magically moved around Riser as if it was hitting a sphere around Riser instead of the man himself.
"I'd advise you to not try that again. It'll make your imprisonment an easier process." With that, Riser snapped his fingers. The surrounding army converged on Cisco and Caitlin. They struggled but were powerless against an army of superpowered "zombies".
"Take them all to holding cells in the Interloper." With the order, the army did what it was told and took the rest of the team along with Cisco and Caitlin to their cells.
Barry left the field and went to find a secluded place, preferably one closed in to hide the energy from the Speed Force's appearance, and strong enough to withstand the force of the appearance. After some searching, he found a small house that looked like it would work. Even so, the years of isolation left the house decrepit.
Normally, if Barry wanted to speak with the Speed Force, all he had to do was enter into it. However, because of the energy needed to do so, he would create a big enough anomaly to warrant investigation by Riser's henchmen.
Barry did what he had done many times before. He began to vibrate. First slowly, then faster as he gathered the strength. Barry raised his hand out in front of himself and began channeling the energy into the air around him. The whole room began to teem with electricity.
Lucky for Barry, what he needed to happen did. In front of him, a tear appeared. It grew larger and it's pull grew stronger. It grew and grew until it collapsed in on its own power.
A small burst of energy later and Barry was no longer alone in the room. With him stood Nora Allen, the Speed Force. Barry let out a gasp and a chuckle. Finally.
"Hello, Barry," Nora said. She was smiling, and an apologetic look swam in her eyes.
"Hey, Mom. What took you so long?"
"Lots. Much has happened in the past months. But first..." Nora opened her arms for a hug. Barry smiled and gladly accepted it. It wasn't fully his mother, but it was as close as he would get.
"It's good to see you," Barry said.
"Likewise," Nora responded. She pulled away and looked long at her son. "My have you grown. Even though I've seen you many times since your fall, you still surprise me."
"Yeah. I've changed." Barry responded. He had. Living in near-isolation has changed him, along with the 5-year timeframe. Granted, he has aged less than a normal human would because of his connection to the Speed Force, but the harsh conditions have made him look much older than he should. A rough dark beard has grown and several lines from fatigue have formed on his face. His eyes no longer have the shine that they once held. Deep down though, he knew that shine would return once he freed this world and his friends.
"Not just physically too. Your mind is drastically different. No longer are you the naive little boy who thought he could be a superhero, nor the cold-blooded assassin with no remorse for killing. You're both. The kindness of Barry Allen and the strength of the Wraith. The empathy of the Flash and the wisdom of the Speed Force's strongest warrior." Nora smiled. "I am so proud of what you've become. If anyone can save this world, it's you."
"Keep talking like that and my head will pop from my ego." Barry chuckled.
"Anyways, let's get to all that's happened."
"Yeah." Barry pulled up a worn and rusted chair covered in dust and sat down. Nora did the same.
"So, as you know, Riser has been wildly successful in his conquering of the world. From what we've gathered, he either wants to enslave no further than this world, or he wants to make sure that the homefront is secured and will not rebel the moment he leaves to expand his empire across this universe. It's pretty easy to know which one is the case."
"Well, he finished taking land in 2026 and spent a year or so putting down the initial rebellions. I would assume that there are still many underground networks of resistance fighters." Barry suggested.
"Correct. Problem is, none of them are unified. The resistance communities are swarmed with in-fighting. They need one unifying force to get any work done."
"Ideally, that would be me, right?" Barry said not realizing his showing ego.
Nora chuckled. "Soon, yes."
"Soon?" Barry asked. "Why, is a catalyst about to occur?"
"For you, yes. This is where the reason for me being unavailable comes into play.
Your team has lost their usefulness to Riser. Sure, he still uses them as examples of what happens to defectors and rebels, but the risk of them leading a rebellion is too great for Riser. So, he's decided to set them up for execution. All of them."
"WHAT?! Why the hell didn't you tell me this when it happened?" Barry's usually calm demeanor was washed away by panic, sending him to his feet.
"Because it would have happened in a way that no one could have prevented. So, I used some of my voices on the inside to change the execution, while also drawing Riser's attention away with a small rebellion that would happen a few days before the execution, just to make sure he wouldn't be there. Don't worry, by the time you are ready, they will still be alive."
Barry sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and sitting back down. "When is the execution date?"
"10 days. That should give you and Sam enough time to plan."
"Yeah." Barry stopped for a moment and let it all sink in. "This is really it, isn't it? After all this time, I'm finally going to take out Riser and win back the land."
"Yes. Question is, are you ready?" Barry looked up at Nora as she said this. Was he? All this time the prospect of taking back his home always felt like a dream, a far-off notion of hope. But now that it was actually here?
"Yes. I'm ready."
Barry and Nora left the worn down building and made their way to the makeshift home Barry and Sam had been living in for the past 5 years. As they walked, they spoke a little more.
"Is the prophesy still strong?"
"Yes. I've made sure of that. Even in the hearts of those not in a resistance, it echoes loudly."
"And my team?"
"Them as well. 'Riser shall fall at the last clap of thunder.'"
"We're lucky Riser took Mark Mardon. Since he controls the weather, Riser doesn't have to worry about there being a riot every time the rain falls. Granted, that has meant that when I'm training I can only run below the speed of sound or run so fast that I literally phase through the air. If I do otherwise then bad things could happen."
"Yeah. Luckily, that means that by saving your team you can simultaneously help jumpstart your rebellion."
"Good."
They soon arrived at the home that Barry and Sam had made for themselves. It was built from an old school building that had worn down to only a few rooms. They had then made new rooms with the surrounding woods. Sam was in the makeshift kitchen, cooking some recently killed and skinned deer. Next to him was a bright blue figure with the outline of a human body. This was Penny. The figure looked much like a human was painted over with a bright blue paint as opposed to a floating fire, meaning that you could still see things like subtle facial features.
"Hey, guys," Barry called out. "Look at who I found."
Penny and Sam both turned to look at Barry and saw Nora standing beside him. Sam's face lit up as his eyes rested upon the Speed Force.
"You answered!" Sam exclaimed, walking over to Nora and hugging her.
"Yeah," Nora said after Sam pulled away. "Sorry for the wait. A lot has happened."
Nora filled the Fire Angels in on what she told Barry, minus the ego boosters.
"So we get to leave this dump soon?!" Sam exclaimed.
"If you want to save your friends, yes."
"Where is the execution taking place? Penny asked.
"It's going to take place at the capital. This is a big event, and you can be sure that they'll broadcast the execution to every living room in the world."
"Which is why this is such a perfect time to strike." Barry finished.
"Alright, but where is the capital?" Penny asked. Nora sighed. Sheepishly, she responded.
"...Berlin."
Barry's smile broke to a 'You've got to be kidding me' face. Sam noticed the strange expressions.
"Why are you making that face? What's wrong with Berlin?"
"Uh, back in the 30s and 40s, Berlin was the capital of the leading country trying to take over the world. I just didn't think Riser would choose such a historically ironic location for his world-controlling regime."
"Well, at least it's near to us, respectively," Sam reassured.
"Yeah. By the way, where are they being held right now?" Barry asked
"Supposedly, they've been held in Riser's Starship ever since the Battle of Central City."
"Well, there goes that idea." Barry sighed.
"We should probably leave in the morning," Sam said. "We can't use our abilities to get there without risking getting spotted since that would ruin 5 years of prep."
"We should spend the rest of the evening packing up shop. We have 5 years of stuff to sift through." Barry suggested.
"Alright. I'll leave you to that. I'll come back to speak with you when you are ready to go." Nora said.
"See ya soon," Barry said. Nora nodded as she vanished, flickering away into the air.
The two spent the night sifting through their few belongings and picking out only the necessary items. They left with one backpack each, packed with water, food, and basic survival tools, including Barry's Catalyst as a hunting knife.
When they left for their journey, it was just an hour or so before dawn.
Just as they were reaching the edge of their sanctuary from Riser, Nora appeared in front of the duo.
"I see you're ready for the journey. After all this time, Riser finally has a challenger."
"Maybe, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for the war," Barry said.
"Don't worry about that. You'll do fine. I do have one more thing for you two."
"What is it?" Sam asked. Behind Nora, two masked Speed Force warriors appeared with their arms outstretched. In their arms rested familiar suits. One a deep crimson red and one a black and blue color with flaming decals.
"Are these-"
"Yes. We made you both new suits, keeping after their necessary feel." Nora explained. Barry, almost in a haze, walked up and looked at his suit. It was a bit more red, than he remembered - almost crimson - causing the symbol on its chest to pop.
"Also, here." Nora opened her hands to reveal two rings. Both were golden, but with different symbols. One had the classic Flash symbol, while the other had a new one. A completely black background, with a bright blue minimalistic phoenix in the foreground. "They will contain your suits when not using them." The duo grabbed their respective rings and put them on, examining them.
"It works by swapping out your current outfit for the one stored in the ring. You activate it by channeling your respective energy into the ring."
Barry focused and pushed a little of his speed into the ring, while Sam pushed some flame into his. The two rings popped open and began to emanate energy. From Barry's ring came bolts of electricity. They reached out and struck the Flash suit, causing it to seemingly vanish into the ring, closing it. Out of Sam's came bright blue tendrils of his flame. The tendrils wrapped around his suit and pulled it into his ring.
"Now to wear the suit simply do the same. To take off the suit... well, you know the drill."
"Thank you." The two said simultaneously.
"Don't mention it. Now, go save the world."
With that, Barry and Sam walked past the speed force. They walked side by side on their journey to freedom.
In their hearts, they sang for the fall of Riser. In their hearts...
They sang for the rise of freedom.