Chapter 43: The Central City Underbelly
"Hey." Eddie smiled and looked up, seeing Iris' smiling face.
"Hey. You up for dinner tonight?"
"Always, babe. I'm thinking Japanese – what about you?"
Eddie's smile widened. "Sounds great. Pick you up after our shift is done?"
Iris walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. "You know where to find me."
Eddie hummed to himself as he turned off the stovetop, taking the frying pan and sliding out the delectable-looking chicken onto his plate. Off to the side, the rice cooker steamed away silently; it wouldn't be long until his daily grains were done.
The door rang; frowning, Eddie made a silent apology to his cooling food and walked out into the hallway, opening his front door – and froze.
Iris was standing there, an unreadable look on her face. Eddie felt clammed up all of a sudden, feeling sweat on the palms of his hands.
"Iris."
"Eddie. Can I come in?"
Eddie blinked, having already beginning to move to the side before she could finish her statement. Iris took that as a yes, and walked in, surveying the décor. She had been to Eddie's apartment a number times, staying over for most of them, but never long enough to really settle in. Even so, she could not deny her familiarity with place, and knowing that, steeled her resolve.
"Iris…"
"I've been thinking a lot over these last few weeks. About what you said. And…" Iris trailed off.
"And?" Eddie prompted, heart racing.
Iris sighed. "You're the first guy I've ever really been with, you know? And what we had together – it was good, Eddie. Really good. And I want that back. A lot. But…"
"But?" Eddie felt himself panicking.
"But I don't want us to make the same mistakes we did before. I know that our work is important; that, sometimes, our relationship will have to take the backburner. At the same time, however, I don't want it fall so far to the wayside that it might as well not exist at all."
"It won't, Iris." Eddie moved forward, taking her hands in his. "From here on out, it's us first. Nothing and no one else will ever come between us again; I promise."
Iris smiled at him, leaning forward for a chaste kiss on the lips. It began to deepen, and probably would've evolved into something more had it not been for the tell-tale beeping of the rice cooker separating them. They reluctantly broke apart, Eddie giving out an awkward laugh while Iris giggled.
"Sorry about that – I was making dinner."
"It's alright. I need to go anyway. Barry and I are having a movie marathon at Dad's, and I promised to pick up some snacks."
Eddie felt the familiar spark of jealousy at the sound of Barry's name, but buried it deep. He had just gotten Iris back, and there was no need to jeopardize it all for a man who had yet to make a move even after Eddie screwed things up.
"Okay then. I won't hold you any longer." Eddie moved away from the door, giving Iris a clear path. Iris moved to leave, only to stop suddenly. She quickly opened her bag, reaching in for the familiar cool metal of the key Eddie had given her so long ago. She had agonized over this key while thinking over her relationship with Eddie, and, after making her choice, had decided what she wanted to do with it.
"Here." She handed it over to Eddie, who took it, confused.
"You're not moving in?"
Iris smiled, a little sadly. "Like it or not, Eddie, we did break up, if only for a little while. I think we should wait a bit more before taking that step."
Eddie stared at her, then gave a short nod. "If you think that's best, Iris."
Iris, glad he hadn't taken it too badly, kissed him one more time, this time on the cheek, and then left. Eddie watched her go, heart significantly lighter than before.
Eddie smiled at the memory. Things had been great between him and Iris ever since, with Eddie taking extra effort to be a better boyfriend to make up for his abysmal behavior prior. Flowers, chocolates, constant texts and talks (but not overbearingly so) – it was like the beginning of their relationship all over again. He had never been happier.
"…Just in! The Flash arrived at Central City Park after strange packages started dropping from the sky. These packages, wrapped as gifts, where each packed with explosives that detonated upon contact. Thanks to the efforts of the vigilante, there were no casualties, however the park itself has suffered significant property damage as a result…"
The detective felt a twinge of anger at hearing the Flash's name, but calmed himself, expressing his displeasure through a frown rather than making a mess of his desk and pissing off the captain again. Ever since his debut with the Justice League, the speedster, originally an extremely divisive figure in Central City, had been gaining more popularity with every 'heroic' feat he committed, sometimes with the aid of either Supergirl, Green Arrow, or both. Support for the vigilantes had been higher than it had ever been, and the thought of it disgusted Eddie, knowing that the Flash's many crimes were lost to public memory, replaced with what were clearly PR-driven acts.
Even so, Eddie knew there was nothing he could do about it right now. Like it or not, public approval was on the Flash's side, and thus, so was the local government. And, though Eddie found it hard to admit, the city needed the Flash. While the new anti-metahuman technology provided by S.T.A.R. Labs was sufficient in detaining metahuman criminals, subduing them was another matter entirely. Said criminals had proven themselves willing to use lethal force, and while their technology might be able to keep up, Central City's Finest could not themselves. Their bodies were still baseline human, and nothing (short of another outbreak of dark matter, according to Mr. Ramon) would change that. Unless other metahumans joined the police department, things were in the hands of the Flash until technology advanced far enough for them to catch up.
Eddie didn't like it at all, but he was powerless to change it, and now that he and Iris were finally back in a good place, he didn't have that same inclination to try anyway. The Flash had come between him and Iris once before, and Eddie was determined to make sure it didn't happen again. And besides, the Flash was still a criminal at heart, no matter his intentions. There was no doubt in his mind that he'd slip again one day and turn the people against him in the process. And when that day came, Eddie would be waiting, power-dampening cuffs in hand.
Patience was a virtue, after all, and Eddie was nothing if not virtuous.
Iris felt her good mood gradually evaporate as she watched the scene before her. Her partner for this case had made a not insignificant number of paper airplanes with their collective paperwork and was trying to fly them into a makeshift goal of books on the other side of their work room.
Ralph Dibny may be one of the best detectives the CCPD had ever seen, but God, the man could be such a child at times.
"Detective Dibny."
"Iris!" Ralph twirled away in his spinning office chair to face her, an innocent grin on his face. "Ready to get to work, partner?"
Iris wasn't fooled but knew calling him out on his behavior wasn't going to change anything. The rest of the precinct had already tried, long before she started working here officially, and it had never taken. She had no reason to believe that her words would succeed where theirs didn't. "Yes. I've gotten the latest reports from UC, and they've finally got a name for our mystery mastermind."
"Oh?" Ralph's steeled, demeanor finally serious. It was times like these that reminded Iris why Dibny got to keep his job despite his many quirks and bouts of unprofessionalism. After all, childish he may be, Dibny wasn't an idiot, or he wouldn't have been able solve the many impossible cases that ensured the security of his job for many years, such as the Gimlin and Roqueward cases.
"Yeah." Iris set down a file, opening it to reveal a grainy photo of a Caucasian woman with long blond hair. "Amunet Black."
"Lisa, darling, it's been far too long." Amunet got off her makeshift throne to greet the brunette-haired woman, giving her kisses on the cheeks. Lisa returned the gesture, smirking.
"Amunet." A sly voice called out from behind Lisa. Amunet turned her smile to Leonard Snart, who had his own smirk. She held out her hand for a shake, which Leonard complied, before lifting it up for a kiss to her fingertips.
Amunet giggled, amused. "Oh Lenny, a charmer as always."
"What can I say?" Leonard shrugged, letting go of her hand. "I'm a real hit with the ladies."
"I'd imagine so." Amunet nodded at him, then went back to her throne, leaning back into the soft plush couch, chin in her hand. "So, what brings you here?"
"Can't this be a social visit, Amunet? Aren't we all friends here?" Lisa asked, sitting down. One of Amunet's men had pulled up two armchairs for the siblings to sit in, a luxury both had taken for granted without second thought.
"Cute, Lisa, but you and I both know that's not how things work in our world."
Leonard nodded. "Indeed. And you've done quite well for yourself in the last year, Amunet, despite how…dangerous our world is."
Amunet shrugged. "I had a little bit of help." Silently, she held up her hand. Both Snarts were startled to see bits of metal start to coat it, forming a glove.
"So, the rumors are true." Lisa spoke, stunned. "You're one of them."
"Yes." Amunet gave a vicious grin. "It's been quite useful, these abilities – though, you understand why I need to keep them under wraps, yes?"
"Yes." Leonard nodded, eyes narrowed. "Last thing anyone here needs is his attention."
"Of course. I swear, that one's been nothing but trouble since he got here." Amunet scowled. "Business has expanded, certainly, but not nearly as much as it could've if not for his…meddling."
Lisa shrugged. "People are scared. And can you blame them? The Flash is not pussy-whipped like the cops are, and us regular-types are lucky that he usually leaves us to them while he deals with you super-powered folk. That's the only saving grace, so of course nobody wants to associate with metahuman criminals and have the Flash on their ass. Especially now that we know that he has Supergirl, Green Arrow, and the Vixen chick up in Detroit for backup."
"Astute observation, Lisa, one that I agree with wholeheartedly. That, however, doesn't make it any less annoying."
"Didn't say it would."
"And thus, we reach the purpose of this visit." Leonard announced, trying to get the conversation back on track. "Amunet, I need a favor."
"Anything for you, darling." Amunet crossed her legs. "I owe you quite a few favors after all, though do keep it in reason."
Leonard took a deep breath. "I need you to get me something to help combat the Flash."
Silence.
Amunet and Lisa both stared hard at him. Leonard ignored them and continued speaking. "Before you start panicking and shouting at me, let me explain: I am not planning on picking a fight with him. I'm not suicidal. But recent events have showed me that I need a little insurance just in case my luck runs out. Something to keep him away while I make my escape and go to ground again until he forgets about me."
"This wouldn't have anything to do with your recent stint in Iron Heights, would it?" Amunet asked, her usual humor gone. Leonard said nothing, which was all the confirmation she and Lisa needed. She sighed. "Alright, fine. I've got something – but Lenny, use it as sparingly as possible. If the Flash discovers this or assumes you're a metahuman, we could all go down with you."
"Only as much as necessary." Leonard promised. "And in return, I'll score you something big for my next job."
"Alright then, we have a deal." Amunet held her hand out once more, which both Snarts shook.
Cisco groaned loudly as his back met the mat once again. Barry leaned over his head, smirking.
"Break?" The speedster asked teasingly.
"Break." Cisco confirmed, relieved. Barry sat down, a little out of breath but otherwise willing and ready to go. Cisco, tired and covered in bruises, was nowhere near as eager. "Do I really need all this training?"
"Yes." Barry stated bluntly. "If you really want to go out into the field, then I need to be able to know you can handle yourself without your powers or any gadgets you will undoubtedly bring with you. Smarts and energy blasts can only take you so far, Cisco."
Cisco groaned once more, clearly displeased.
"Complain anymore and I will bring Caitlin in."
Cisco moaned at that threat, sitting up to pout at his mentor. Barry patted him on the shoulder in a comforting manner. The engineer swatted his hand away and flopped back onto the mat, trying to enjoy his break as much as he could before his hellish training could continue. After a few more minutes of restful silence, Cisco spoke once more.
"So…when are we going to get around to reopening S.T.A.R. Labs?"
Barry sighed. "Not for another year at least, unfortunately. The front of the building to be fixed, but honestly, that's small potatoes compared to everything else we need to deal with. We have mountains of red tape to go through to get this place undeclared hazardous – and that will take months to get through, possibly longer if my connections can't work things out. Then there's our reputation, which is now back in the gutter thanks to dear old Eobard, which will affect not just contracts, but also recruitment. I'm working on something right now, but we can't use it until the place is ready to operate. So basically, no work for a while."
"That sucks." Cisco sighed. "…Cait and I still have jobs here, right?"
"You two will be two of my head scientists and S.T.A.R. Labs' public faces." Barry confirmed. "My lack of college credentials will not me endear me to the scientific community right now, especially after a ten year-disappearance. So, until I can build up my reputation as Barry Allen, I'll just be the mysterious owner of S.T.A.R. Labs and your anonymous benefactor for now."
Cisco blinked. "Oh yeah, you're starting college in the fall, right?"
"Yup. Double major and a few minors mixed in, since I managed to test out of my general courses." Barry held up a peace sign, grinning widely.
Cisco side-eyed. "You sure you can handle that much work while moonlighting as the Flash?"
Barry shrugged. "What's the point of having superspeed if you aren't going to use it to make life a little easier? It's all for the benefit of humanity in the end, Cisco."
"Suuuuure, Barry. All for the benefit of humanity." Cisco deadpanned.
BEEEEEP! BEEEEEP!
Any further conversation was broken when the alarm sounded throughout the Cortex. Cisco and Barry shared a look; a second later, a streak of yellow lightning sped out of the Cortex, towards the basement.
"What's going on?" Barry demanded Caitlin and Ronnie, who were standing in the middle of the room, gobsmacked. Beside him, Cisco walked, also intrigued. The couple pointed towards the center of the room.
Barry followed their gazes. At a glance, it looked as if nothing was there – but Barry knew better than to just assume. He looked a little closer, squinting, and then he saw it: a furl of air, reality wavering like a curtain. He immediately held out his arms, preventing everyone else from getting closer. And then –
A portal, eerily reminiscent of the one that had ripped away Eobard Thawne from the world, appeared. It was blue, oval-shaped, the edges like rolling waves. Everyone froze, staring. Suddenly, something flew from the portal into the basement, landing on the floor with an audible clang! before rolling to a stop.
The portal sucked into itself, before disappearing entirely, as if it had never been there to begin with.
Barry frowned. He walked over to the object, picking it up.
It was a helmet. Shining silver, circular like those used in the army. It's only other distinguishable feature where the golden wings that flared out on the sides.
He narrowed his eyes. All of his senses were on edge, his instincts on high alert.
It was just a helmet. But Barry knew, down to his bones, that it was dangerous. It was an omen.
And omens never led to anything good.
Another chapter! This was one was a doozy, much longer than I thought it was going to be. We'll be getting back to Starling City next chapter everyone, don't worry. And Zoom! I love Zoom – he's by far my favorite major Flash antagonist, though admittedly I have soft spots for the first three in general. Plus, I think it would be interesting to see the changes in his dynamic with Barry, since this Barry is far more similar Zoom than canon!Barry is.
Eddie and Iris are back together, though they will eventually break up, as I've stated before. The how and the why, however, I'm still keeping under wraps. As for Ralph, both he and Amunet were plotted to be in the story before Season 4 went downhill, and I can't remove them without compromising the plot. Amunet will only have major appearances in this arc, however, that much I can tell you. Ralph will be a supporting character, though I am still debating whether or not he will become Elongated Man. If he does, it will be in the second half of the story (after Arc V).
If you think it's strange that Leonard Snart isn't trying to pick a fight with Barry like he usually would, think of it like this: Barry doesn't usually target bank robbers unless they're metahumans. He still has enough faith in the CCPD to handle normal situations, seeing as Central, while far from perfect, is not a cesspit of corruption like Starling. He only captured Snart because he was passing by, essentially, otherwise he would've let the CCPD handle it. Not to mention, this Barry is perfectly willing to kill, and while, to the public's knowledge, he's only killed extremely dangerous metas, Snart obviously wouldn't want to be the one to change Barry's mind on that front.
A little elaboration on Central's criminal underground. This is information that didn't make it into the main story like I initially intended but needs to be explained all the same. Central is not like Starling. In Central, the wealthy elite are less self-serving, the cops more honest, and the politicians aren't as interested in lining their pockets. The city's healthier overall, and the criminals recognize that. As such, they aren't concerned with steady streams of profit like the criminals in Starling; instead, they're more interested in big scores: bank heists, priceless jewels, stolen technology, etc., and fading away into the night until their next job. The criminals are also significantly smaller in number and work with each more closely than the factions in Starling, who more-or-less war with each other. Thus, the bigger players aren't as interested in selling each other out unless they're that desperate, as they all rely on each other. For example, Amunet: prior to the Particle Accelerator Explosion, she was just a minor fence for stolen technology and other goods, and the Snarts were one of her main clients. After the incident, she used her powers to steal tech for herself, so she could keep most of the profit. She also keeps her status as a meta on the downlow, as a metahuman arms dealer/crime lord would assuredly catch the attention of Barry, and the type that Barry would probably kill.
That's it for now. All constructive criticism is welcome! Flames will be ignored/deleted!
And please, update the TV Tropes Page! The link is in the last note of the story, towards the bottom of the latest chapter (for you AO3 users). Go wild!