Chapter 4: A Change in Costume
Summary: Zoom was quite proud of his plan, really. Kill Henry Allen in front of the Flash, and then Barry Allen would be broken. He would become just like Zoom. What Hunter Zolomon forgot to account for was that Barry loved his Flash suit more than his father. Post 2x23 Episode
Hunter Zolomon was broken from a young age. Watching your father kill your mother in front of your eyes can leave a lasting impact on a malleable child's mind. So, when he heard of Barry Allen's similar situation, he was happy. A speedster with a tragic background.
Except, Barry didn't have a tragic background (not tragic enough, in Zolomon's head); Zoom thought to correct that wrong. He was quite proud of his plan, really (he even wrote a screenplay and script). Kill Henry Allen in front of the Flash, and then Barry Allen would be broken. He would become just like Zoom.
He pulled his black cowl over his head, disguising his human face. Sometimes he wondered if Jay was disguising Zoom – but that wasn't the question now. He raced into the West's house, crashing into the victory party like an uninvited guest. Well, he was an uninvited guest.
Should have saved celebration for after actually defeating me, Zoom thought as he grabbed Henry around the neck. "My story continues Flash," he growled out, as he gazed at 'Team Flash'. They were all well dressed, and he had to admit, Barry looked good in a suit. He smiled under his mask, before zipping out, leaving blue lightning as the only evidence that he was there.
And he expected Barry to follow, as he rushed into the living room of Allen's previous house. It's poetic returning to your childhood home, Zoom recited in his head. He had written all his lines the prior night, and was incredibly excited to try them out. He turned around, facing the living room entrance.
Something was wrong. Why did it take Barry so long to catch up to Zoom? He was faster now, if anything he should be here before him.
Zolomon pulled down his cowl, taking a step forward while dragging Henry with him, an attempt to look out the nearest window. After what seemed like speedster eternity, the Flash zipped into the house, holding his hands out.
"Zoom, don't," Barry begged, spurring Zoom into his lines. Barry advanced slowly as if he were approaching a dangerous animal.
"Quite poetic," Zoom started, smirking. "Returning to your childhood – " And Zoom would have said more, if he wasn't being observant. Barry was wearing his flash outfit. "Okay, you better have a good explanation to why your wearing your Flash suit."
Barry stopped his slow advances, a curious look on his face, as he straigtened. "Because I'm the Flash?"
"No, I mean, when did you have time to run back to STAR labs and change, before coming to catch up with me?" Zoom growled out.
"Actually, I had this emergency bag with me –" Barry started, almost like a five-year old providing his dad an excuse for a misdemeanor.
"You still changed your outfit before rescuing your dad!" Zoom finally yelled.
"Important to fight you as the flash." Barry shrugged in response. He gazed between his father and Zoom, just as he saw Zoom loosen his grip. His father, on the other hand, looked a little angry as well.
"More than your father's life?" Zoom asked, genuinely upset. "I thought you loved him! What if I killed him before you could make it?"
"Yes, Barry, what if?" Henry mustered out.
"He wouldn't," Barry dismissed, talking more to his dad then to Zoom. "He wants me to see you die. If I didn't show up at all, he wouldn't even kill you."
Zoom let Henry go, and pushed him towards his son. "I give up. Flash doesn't actually care for you if he thinks changing his costume is more important than your life. Hell, I should have targeted that shitty red outfit in STAR labs instead." Zoom stomped out of the house, mimicking a child on tantrum.
"I think Cisco would be more upset if you do that," Barry called after him, before turning to face his father.
And he was met with a sight that made him wish to fight Zoom instead. "You know I love you, right?" Barry asked hesitantly. "Besides, I saved your life, albeit indirectly." At the incredulous look he received, he decided to run out instead.
Might as well save that spare suit in STAR labs, Barry thought. After all, he didn't want angry Cisco on his tail as well.
A/N: Just a fun chapter that I thought about when I first watched the episode. Actually, second watch. The first watch, I was too disturbed by Henry getting killed. The second time I noticed that Barry had his suit on (he really does!) when he didn't initially; hence the birth of this fic!
Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Reviews will be very much appreciated!