CHAPTER 17: FALLEN HERO
Enter Zoom.
Hi guys! I'm back with a new chapter and I apologize in advance!
***Warning: violence/ Barry whump***
Brace yourselves! I'm sorry I'm not sorry! :O Having said that… enjoy! :D
Let me know your thoughts!
"Missed me?" Zoom asked with his distorted voice.
Barry's hazel eyes widened watching his worst nightmare appear in front of him. He felt his blood run cold. He had expected to find some enemies but definitely not Zoom. At least not yet…it was too soon. He couldn't fight him alone. He wasn't ready and he knew it. He needed to escape.
"Hunter…" Barry murmured trying to hide his paralyzing fear. Zoom was wearing black leather armor and a terrifying black helmet covering his face. Barry took a step back. The taller man was truly intimidating.
"How's your back Barry?" Hunter asked with a smirk losing the helmet. His eyes travelled up and down, studying the young prince. "Does it still hurt? I still remember the beautiful sound it made when I broke it."
Barry glared at the black speedster and shivered with the memory of his broken back.
"Where's my family Hunter? Release them! Your problem is with me not with them!"
Hunter laughed. "Are you worried that I am going to kill them? No… you see I thought about it…I really did… but killing them would have been really boring... there's no fun in that." Zoom explained walking towards Barry. "No… I have a better idea…"
"Where are they Zolomon?" Barry said taking a step back.
"They are… safe." Zoom said mockingly. "I am here to offer you a deal."
"A deal?" Barry scoffed rolling his eyes skyward. "More like a trap?"
To his surprise, the other man threw his head back and let out a howl of a laugh and the prince glanced to the side and watched the clear path to the lakes and to the Winter Palace. Maybe he could try to outrun the evil speedster, if he managed to enter the palace he could have the help of Len, Oliver and Ronnie. He needed to run. Zoom noticed Barry's plan. The young prince was so easy to read.
"Thinking of esca-"
Zoom wasn't finished when Barry ran leaving a trail of yellow lightning.
Hunter sneered thrilled. "Oh…this is going to be fun…" Zoom murmured excited and he ran cracking with blue lightning.
Barry had never run so fast in his live before. Everything was blurred. The cold wind and rain was hard on his face. He could feel the ground and the lightning. He could feel the electricity pumping through his veins, crackling and making him fast. But not fast enough. Quickly he felt Zoom catch up with him and the evil speedster grabbed Barry's arm and pull it backwards to stop him. Barry tumbled back from the momentum. The two speedsters collided and with a loud sound they both fell to the ground rolling on hard wet ground. They rolled down a small hill onto cold water. Barry gasped hard. The water was like ice. He opened his eyes and he realized he was at the lake bank of the Azure Lakes. He kneeled in the cold water. He was so close from the castle. He needed to continue running. He stood up shakily and suddenly he felt a hand grab his shoulder and turn him. He could feel his panic rising. With incredible speed Zoom grabbed Barry's neck and squeezed hard strangling him. Barry gasped. His heart was beating so fast he thought it was going to explode.
"Ah, you've gotten faster." Hunter murmured lifting Barry to his eyes level. "Good. There'll be more speed for me to take."
Barry moved swiftly his hands to Zoom's arm to try to release the strong hold choking him. He couldn't breath. He was starting to feel dizzy and his eyes were watering.
"Sorry are you trying to say something Barry? I can't understand you if you just whine…"
Barry closed his eyes. He was choking and the darkness was overwhelming.
"Pain looks good on you Barry…" He said releasing the prince who fell again to the cold water with a loud splash. Barry started coughing feeling a painful tightness in his throat. The prince fought to kneel and Zoom observed the younger speedster entertained.
"Kneeling in front of me suits you, Your Highness…Do you want to do something more useful with your mouth? Or… maybe you could beg for your life? I love when people beg."
"If you're going to kill me Hunter, just do it already." Barry spat annoyed with a hoarse voice and in between gasps. Hazel eyes full of hate looking in to the piercing deep black eyes of his enemy. Zoom smiled pleased with himself, he loved the power play.
"I'm not here to kill you…"
Barry stared at the demon confused. "What?"
"Now that we have stated that you can't escape from me Barry and that I want you alive…let's talk like normal speedsters" Hunter added trying to grab the prince by the arm to help him up but the prince flinched from the touch.
"Don't touch me…" Barry hissed quickly with his rough and strained voice. His throat was really damaged.
Zoom sneered and lifted his hands playfully. "Fine…not touching…for now…"
Barry glared and slowly stood up. His clothes were damp and sticking coldly to his lean body. He could hear the thunderstorm approaching. The rain had started to fall hard and he felt the cold drops hit him with fury. Barry shivered he was freezing.
"By the way…tell me did Leonard enjoy my early wedding gift?" he asked through a sinister and mocking smile.
"Yes we did thank you…" Barry said flatly. He wasn't going to give Hunter the satisfaction of thinking he had hurt them.
Zoom raised an eyebrow surprised. "Never thought that you liked it rough Your Highness…I am going to definitely keep that in mind …"
Barry scowled.
"I must say that you amaze me Barry…I could only imagine the rage Leonard had bottle up…specially with his disgusting and abusing father…did he turned like him? Did he hit you? Did he try to fuck you against your will?"
Barry swallowed hard trying to hide the fact that Zoom's words were getting to him. Barry clenched his fists angry.
"No. Len is not like that."
"Too bad…"
Zoom leaned forward and touched Barry's face. Barry lifted his face up to avoid the disgusting touches and he watched the dark sky hang above them menacing.
"But I think you are lying Barry…and I don't like liars."
Zoom grabbed Barry's face with a strong grip, digging his nails in to Barry's skin piercing and drawing fresh blood. Barry closed his eyes tightly in pain and gasped. He wasn't going to scream.
"That's it…Barry…beautiful." Zoom said leaning forward to lick the prince's blood on the right side of his face. Barry angrily pushed the man away with all the strength he could muster and Zoom laughed amused. Barry lifted his hands to either sides of his face and saw the crimson liquid stain his fingertips. His hands were trembling.
"Playing with you is going to be so much fun…Scarlet."
Barry felt his heart drop and eyes widen. "How?"
"Yes I know that your precious King calls you Scarlet…quite a good nickname I must add…red looks really good on you." Zoom said watching the red trails of blood he left on the Prince while licking his lips. "I know everything Barry… I will always be ahead of you. I know about Thawne killing your father and mother, he almost raped you and then he became obsessed with you…I know how he died killed by the Winter King… I know everything about the wedding… I know Leonard has a cold wave that your friend Cisco invented….and I know he used it on you last night."
Barry felt his stomach drop. The cold wave was their "secret weapon" against Zoom. They were doomed.
"So you have been spying me…" Barry added.
Zoom nodded "I have a perfect spy in the castle…"
"I'm not surprised…you are sick…"
"That statement is quite true… I am sick." Hunter added annoyed. "And you are my only cure and I assure you Barry you are going to heal me."
Barry sighed. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't outrun Zoom and the monster still had his family. He was trapped. He couldn't fight his way out.
"So like I was saying earlier…. " Hunter continued excited. "I want to make a deal with you…"
The prince was uneasy he knew that making a covenant with Zoom was like a death wish.
"What do you want from me Hunter?" Barry asked dryly.
"You know what I want…"- Zoom said smirking. "I want everything…"
"You are going to need to be more specific…" Barry replied annoyed.
"I want your speed… I want you to cure my disease…I want your speedforce…"
Barry shivered. He knew that losing his speed would make him more vulnerable…no scratch that it would kill him.
"So…you are asking for my life…" Barry added. "You know that if I lose all my powers I don't turn in to a normal human…I will die. My body will lose all of the energy."
"No. I would never let you die…." Zoom added watching intently at the handsome speedster. "You are too interesting to let you die just like that… while you were playing house with the Winter King I found a way to separate the powers from any meta-human from their bodies… I did it for you...all the research…all the fail attempts… everything for you."
Barry was now completely freaked out. Every word that came out of Zoom's mouth sent him cold shivers down his spine.
"So many metas died for you my Prince…but I finally achieved the secret. I finally discovered how to transfer the speed without killing you…I must add that it is a very painful process but I assure you it is a lot less painful than seeing all your family and friends die."
Barry felt his body tremble. Zoom really didn't care how many innocent people died and that was disturbing. He was really scared. Hunter was irrational. He needed to run away from the monster.
"If you agree to give me all your speed I will release your family immediately."
Barry laughed with skepticism. "I don't trust you…"
"Yes that's good…you shouldn't…"
"So why on earth would I accept your stupid deal?"
Zoom leaned forward almost touching Barry's nose with his own invading Barry's personal space. "Because if you don't Barry I will break the neck of your father, I will rip the heart of your pregnant sister, and that won't be the only persons you love that I'll take from you… I will kill Leonard so slowly that he would be in agony for weeks bleeding in front of you…he will call your name again and again and you won't be able to save him…"
The prince was so angry he could feel the rage on his veins. Barry clenched his right fist full of yellow lightning and hit the black speedster square in the jaw. Zoom didn't see it coming and felt the hard impact on his face. The evil speedster tumbled and laughed surprised with blood pouring from his mouth.
"That's it Barry…your rage is beautiful. Become like me. Show me your pain and anger."
Barry felt his warm tears trail down his face mixing with the cold water of the rain.
"Don't touch my family! Stay away from them!"
"Well that's completely up to you Barry…I am giving you the option. You just need to give me your speed and I will give you your family back and I promise I won't touch Leonard or his sister, or your friends. I won't cause a war…everything is up to you…"
Barry hesitated and Zoom grabbed Barry's left arm. His hand was charged with blue lightning and Barry screamed in pain. He could feel Zoom's electricity burning his arm.
"But if you don't take the deal Barry I promise I will drag you in to an endless hell…and I will keep you alive for my pleasure and everyday you will beg me to end your miserable life. Do you understand?"
"W-What do I have to do?" Barry said submissive and Zoom grinned satisfied.
"It's quite easy…do you know the old temple?"
Barry nodded remembering it was Lisa's favorite spot in the realm. "Yes…"
"Good…after we end talking here I will immediately go and order my men to leave your family with low surveillance… I will let them escape on their own or at least make them think that they did...they are probably going to run to the castle and you are going to receive them like nothing has happened…you won't tell anyone that you have spoken to me or that you made a deal with me…if you tell Leonard I am going to kill him. At the blue hour you are going to meet me at the old temple and you will start giving me your speed…we will keep meeting there until I have taken it all."
Barry was trembling and a sinking feeling filled Barry's stomach. He couldn't say no but the idea of meeting the evil speedster alone at twilight made his fear increase.
"So what are you going to choose Scarlet… your family? or your speed?"
Barry closed his eyes prepared to seal his fate. "Deal." It wasn't a hard decision. He would give anything for seeing Joe, Eddie, Iris and Jesse safe and free again, even if it was his life. Zoom's smile widened and it was frightening.
"Don't worry Barry I'm going to treat you really… really good."
Barry shivered disgusted. There was so much evil in Zoom's eyes.
"Can't wait to see you later Your Highness…and don't be late. I hate waiting. Oh and remember Barry if you dare to break our deal I'm going to kill them all slowly…"
The black speedster disappeared with blue lightning and Barry collapsed to his knees feeling completely doomed. Barry felt powerless…lost and insecure. He knew Zoom could easily destroy everything he loved. Barry shivered in the middle of the storm while the cold hard rain washed away all of his remaining strength.
Leonard was panicking. Two hours passed and Barry was still nowhere to be found. The King sent his better soldiers looking for the prince to the forest under the heavy storm and they returned without a clue. It seemed that following the track of a speedster wasn't easy. He ordered General Mardon to increase the palace's surveillance and sent also some soldiers to the town.
The King was getting ready to go to the woods with Cisco, Oliver and Wells when Barry appeared in front of them wet from head to toes. The prince looked pale and he was shivering. Leonard rushed to the Prince and hugged him so hard it seemed like Len was trying to break Barry's ribs. His heart was beating so hard that probably Barry noticed it. He was so scared. He was afraid of not seeing Barry again.
"Scarlet?" he said worried, lifting with his hands Barry's face tenderly. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm okay Len…" Barry murmured feeling the warmth of the strong King. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have disappeared like that but I needed to inspect the site before the rain washed everything away. Thankfully I was lucky and I didn't encounter any enemies… I'm sorry for scaring you all… I just wanted to find them."
"It's okay Barry. I'm just glad you are safe." Len added feeling his adrenaline drop.
"Did you find something?" Harry asked the Prince concerned. Wells voice was hiding the pain and fear he was feeling knowing his only daughter was in the hands of that blue lightning demon.
"Yes…" Barry turned to Cisco. "Rupture is here and Geomancer as well."
Cisco's eyes widened and he groaned annoyed.
Lisa stared at him confused. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Rupture is Cisco's brother…" Wells explained. Lisa gasped and Len looked surprised.
"Seriously?" Cisco asked irritated. "My brother is here? Are you sure Barry?"
"Yeah saw the marks of his scythe on the carriage." Barry explained. "I'm sorry Cisco."
"I can't believe that idiot pledged his loyalty to Zoom…. I can't fucking believe this."
Barry nodded. "Sorry…"
"It's not your fault Barry…" Cisco added furious. "When I see him I'm going to hit him so hard with my vibes that he is going to finally see reason…hopefully… or just have a black eye… whatever it is… he totally deserves it."
Lisa scoffed and grabbed Cisco's arm affectionately.
"So what are we going to do? We have to do something!" Wells asked anxiously fearing for his daughter life. "We still need a plan to save Jesse, Joe, Iris and Eddie. Zoom is dangerous. He could be killing them as far as we know."
The King turned to see Barry and he noticed that Barry's sides of his face were a little bit red. It was like a small fading rash. He frowned.
"We need to find Zoom's army quickly…" Barry answered oblivious to Len's scrutinizing gaze. "I think they took them to their camp and I don't think Zoom plans to kill them. I think he is going to use them. We need to wait for the storm to stop and send some scouts out."
"It's a bloody army…" Cisco said. "How hard can it be to find it?"
Oliver grunted. "We don't really know how big his army is…and how many magic users he has or what abilities they posses. If we find the army and we are not ready we are all dead."
Barry was hearing the conversation feeling uncomfortable. He couldn't help to feel like he was betraying their thrust hiding everything that he knew. He needed to find a way to hint them important information that could help them win the war without putting in risk their lives.
"Martin Stein and Caitlin made a list of some of the metas we know that are working with Zoom and their abilities." Wells added quickly. "I am going to ask them for the manuscript and review it, we could discuss it later at the War Council."
Barry nodded automatically. He wasn't really paying attention. He was so anxious thinking about his conversation with Zoom. "Was he really going to release his family? Maybe with Joe, Iris, Eddie and Jesse safe in the castle he could betray Hunter…something of the deal seemed to be off… Zoom wasn't that stupid…right?"
"Every second counts…" added Oliver warningly.
Cisco shook his head. "I agree with Barry… I don't think Zoom is going to hurt them. I'm assuming that he wanted them only as hostages. Valuable pieces in his sick game…They are going to try and trade something in return."
The King nodded and turned to see his fiancé lost in thought. Len suspected that if Zoom wanted to trade four lives it was going to be at the price of his fiancé.
"We will find them and save them." Len stated. "I promise. Barry you should go upstairs to our room and take a warm bath…"
"Yes we don't want you catching a cold." Cisco added playfully and Lisa scoffed.
"Seriously Cisco?" The King asked raising an eyebrow.
"My bad…"
Barry half-smiled and nodded. "Yes… I think I'm going to do just that…"
"We will have a meeting now, the sooner the better…I promise I will inform you everything."
Barry nodded. "Thank you Len…if you excuse me."
Barry turned and kissed the King in the lips, smiled and started walking slowly down the hall to reach the marble staircase to the second floor. Every step he took away from his friends made his heart feel heavier. He could feel the darkness following him. He was alone in this fight and he was aware that this was exactly what Zoom wanted. He felt like he was fading away.
After a long meeting Len entered the prince's room, Barry had already took a long bath and now the prince was seating on a couch next to the fireplace watching the rain pour with Winter over his legs. At the sound of the door creaking Winter jumped from Barry's lap and ran happily to Len. The King lifted the white ball of fur and walked towards the Prince. Barry looked tired and sad...and it was reasonable. His family was in danger and they couldn't do anything. Barry looked like if was holding the weight of the world.
"We are going to save them Scarlet..." Len offered trying to give his fiancé some encouragement. "By the way Hartley is free and decided to help us in our fight against Zoom."
Barry lifted his head and hazel eyes met Len's blue eyes.
"Thanks Len…I'm really glad Hartley decided to help us."
"I know you are worried about Joe, Iris, Eddie and Jesse, but I promise that they are going to be okay." Len continued not knowing how accurate his words were and at what price that was going to happen. Barry nodded silently.
Len kneeled in front of Barry and released Winter to take in his cold hands the prince's warm hands. "Barry…I know you care about your family and I know how it feels to lose the ones you love… so I won't allow nothing bad to happen. We can do this together. We will find Zoom and stop him."
"I know…" Barry said smiling, but the smile was weak without the light Len loved. The King leaned forward and kissed Barry it was slow and sweet. The prince felt his heart beat fast and smiled in to Len's lips. Len's touch always managed to make him feel safe. They stared at each other without saying anything. Len felt that their silence was saying more than words could ever express.
A loud desperate knock on the door made them turn their attention to the room's entrance.
"Come in…" The King said standing up and Lisa and Cisco entered the room beaming.
"They are here! They escaped!" Cisco exclaimed loudly and thrilled. Barry felt his heart halt. He was so happy to know that his family was alive and safe… but he was terrified with his fate. He was now under Zoom's power. There was no going back. His hands were trembling.
"Barry?" Lisa asked. Len turned to see Barry who had his eyes full of tears.
The prince quickly stood up and felt his heart beating again when he saw Joe, Iris and Eddie entering the room. They were worth his life and more. They were safe and that was the only thing that mattered. They looked so tired, wet and dirty but uninjured. Barry flashed through the room and hugged Iris and Joe so hard they almost tumbled against Eddie and the open space of the door.
"Barr!" Iris said hugging back her younger brother. "Barr I missed you so much!"
"Oh God…I thought…" Barry said trembling. "I thought I wasn't going to see you guys again…"
"Barr…we are okay… we managed to escape from Zoom!" Iris explained with tears in her chocolate eyes. They didn't hurt us…we are safe...we are okay."
Barry nodded crying. "I missed you guys so much!"
"We missed you too Bar…" Joe confessed. "And we were so scared with the news that you and Princess Lisa were kidnapped by Santini ... and that Thawne was alive."
Barry nodded frowning. "Long story… but we are okay!"
"I don't doubt it…" added Joe interested hugging his son again. "I was so worried."
"I'm okay Joe…" Barry said smiling feeling like finally at home. The room now was warmer and brighter. He loved his family so much.
Barry hugged Eddie as well. "Thank you for protecting Iris…"
"Of course!" Eddie added. "I'm glad you and Lisa are fine also!"
"Joe, Iris, Eddie… this is King Leonard Snart my fiancé." Barry said turning to Len.
The King walked towards Barry's family.
"It's an honor." Len said bowing courtly.
"The honor is ours Your Majesty…" Joe stated. "Thank you for saving Barry…"
Len smiled. "No need to thank me Lord West…Barry has also saved me time and time again."
"Call me Joe...we will soon be family." Joe said turning to Barry who smiled with the gesture.
"Of course…" Len said warmly. "Thanks Joe…"
Joe bowed courtly and Len moved in front of Iris and grabbed her hand and kissed softly.
Iris flashed a beautiful smile at Len.
"Lady West…"
"Your Highness…"
Barry suddenly panicked noticing that there was someone missing in the room. He feared that Zoom decided to kept one of the hostages against him. "Where is Jesse? Is she okay?"
Cisco nodded "Yes…she is fine. She is with Wells. They were crying and hugging in the Great Hall. It was a really messy thing… You have no idea of how angry Harry was with her for coming to the Winter Realm…"
"Jesse didn't wanted to miss the wedding …" Iris explained tired sitting on the bed.
Barry nodded. "Did you guys meet Wally?"
Joe smiled brightly. "Yes we saw him in Keystone. We stayed there for a day. He is already a grown man and doing a great job keeping the city safe."
Barry smiled and exhaled relieved. "Yes he is indeed… and I'm really glad that you are all safe…and here now"
"How did you guys escape?" Cisco asked with curiosity sitting on the divan next to Winter and Winter climbed to Cisco's lap. "Escaping from Zoom…that's badass! I really want to know that story!"
Barry suddenly tensed but no one noticed and Eddie started explaining the story.
"We were taken to an isolated tent in the woods near the enemy army. After a couple of hours Zoom returned and argued with the guards about something. We couldn't hear the rain was too loud."
Len, Cisco and Lisa nodded listening intently to the story.
"Suddenly Zoom pushed one of the guards against the jail where we were trapped" Eddie explained. "The keys fell from the guy. Jesse took them and we waited for Zoom to leave and the others guards to be distracted. Joe knocked the guards unconscious and we escaped. We started running through the forest under the storm towards the castle. We asked for help in the village and they brought us in a carriage."
"Incredible!" Lisa added surprised. "Len we need to reward the villagers that helped them."
"Indeed" Len added turning to see Barry who had a frown in his face. "I will ask General Mardon to do so."
Barry noticed Len observing him and he quickly smiled gratefully.
The King frowned worried and turned his attention to his new guests. They were clearly tired from their dangerous adventure and cold from their wet clothes.
"Joe, Iris, Eddie you should go take a bath and rest." said the King concerned. "Lisa and Cisco can show you your rooms. We are going to have a War Council in an hour if you wish to attend and later we will have a small feast celebrating your safe arrival."
Joe smiled grateful. "Thank you Leonard that sounds great and we will."
Lisa opened the door of the room and everyone followed her except Cisco who quickly approached his best friend.
"Barry please tell me you didn't use the cold wave for sex? Are you for real?"
The Prince blushed crimson and turned to Len and the King flashed an evil grin at him.
Barry gasped in shock.
"So?" Cisco continued.
"Yes…we did try it…"
"Oh god! I am really disappointed! Seriously What the hell!"
Barry laughed and carefully avoided any contact with his friend. He couldn't let Cisco touch him. If Cisco vibe him they were all doomed.
"I hate you so much." Cisco said moving to hit Barry with his fist playfully and the Prince avoided the hit and Cisco glared.
"Too slow…" Barry said grinning playfully. "Besides…Cisco…you asked…"
"I thought the King was joking!" Cisco added flustered. "I thought you were going to deny it!"
"Why on earth would the King joke about that?"
"Ugh I don't know…why on earth he told his sister and me and General Singh and Mardon."
Barry's eyes widened. "He told Singh and Mardon?"
Cisco nodded flustered.
"Oh God!" Barry murmured turning crimson and Len smiled from the distance.
"Exactly!" Cisco said walking towards the door. "Believe me Barry all the royal court and servants know…just wait until Caitlin, Iris and Joe hear about this…you are dead."
Barry groaned ashamed.
"You guys are the worst and I'm scarred for live." Cisco yelled.
The King laughed and closed the door in Cisco's face.
Barry sighed and Len smiled mischievously.
"Totally your fault." They said at the same time and they laughed together.
Len moved to the four-poster bed and motioned to Barry to accompany him for a while before the meeting. He needed to rest for couple of minutes. Barry smiled and lazily cuddled beside the King. Winter moved in between them and Barry easily drifted asleep followed by Len.
A couple of hours passed and the storm continued enveloping with darkness the realm. Len left the bed to get ready for the meeting and Barry was already standing up staring at the mountains from the high arched windows. The rain poured harshly and Barry was starting to get anxious. The reality of his fate finally sinking in… he didn't want to meet with Zoom. He didn't want to give him his speed.
"Barry I will go to the war meeting... Are you coming with me?" Len asked putting on his silver crown.
"I…no." Barry said admiring his handsome future husband. "I think I will stay here. I'm going to sleep a little bit more before the feast… I have a really bad headache maybe it's from all the concern… I was so scared of losing my family."
Len nodded worried. "Of course… I understand… I will order the servants to stay away and don't disturb you."
"That would be perfect…" he said turning to see the landscape again.
Len stood behind Barry and he slowly embraced the Prince's back… his hands traveled from Barry's waist to the front of the speedster's chest, enveloping him with his arms. Barry's back was now pressed against the strong chest of the King. Barry closed his eyes and shivered under Len's electrifying touch. The King's warm breath on the prince's ear sent shivers down the young speedster. Barry's heart clenched thinking that maybe this could be the last time he was going to see Len again. Maybe his promise of forever was until this moment. Zoom was unpredictable, deranged, wild and impulsive. He really didn't know what to expect anymore. Barry turned slowly to kiss the King. It was a soft and sweet kiss. He wanted to convey all the love that he deeply felt for Len. He was going to keep Len and his family safe, no matter the cost. The King felt a shiver run through his spine and he broke the kiss.
"Hey…Scarlet… are you okay?" Len breathed against Barry's lips.
Barry nodded. "Yes…" he lied smiling trying to hide his pain. "I'm just… really tired and I was thinking that you look so handsome in blue."
Len smirked with the compliment. "Well maybe tonight when I return from the meeting we could attempt some of that rough sex you wanted to try?" He offered trailing his hands down from Barry's neck to the prince's lower back. He wanted to see Barry blush and now he had the perfect way to tease his Scarlet Speedster forever.
"You wish…" Barry said laughing shaking his head blushing. "I still can't believe you told them that! My best friend is now scarred for live with that information by the way…and your sister too! What were you thinking…"
"I wasn't thinking…and it's your fault…it was your idea Scarlet" the King said playfully.
"I never thought that you were actually going to use that excuse… you said you were going to think of something better…"
"I got lazy and I blame you…" the King said jokingly.
Barry rolled his eyes. "I hate you!"
Len laughed and kissed Barry deeply until he left the young prince breathless.
"No…you don't, Scarlet."
"No…I don't…I love you."
"Barry…" Len said gazing deeply in to Barry's eyes. "I wanted to say thank you."
"Why?"
"Because I didn't tell you before and you saved me from becoming my demons. You took all the pain away. You healed me. You make me feel so high and you make everything okay…and I can't live without you."
Barry embraced the King hard. "I will always fight for you Len…whatever it takes I will always protect you and come back to you…you are my lightning rod." he whispered.
The King felt his heart flutter and he returned the embrace tightly. They stayed like that for a couple of minutes until Len released Barry from his embrace.
"I'm going to be late…I should leave…"
Barry nodded and Len gave him a sweet kiss and he slowly left the room. Barry sighed watching Len disappear from his sight but he didn't notice that Len hesitated before walking away.
The prince opened the balcony door and a strong wind pushed his body and the rain started to damp all his clothes. He stared at the mountain and at the darkness enveloping the area. He was afraid. He felt his resolution waver. Maybe he didn't need to risk his life. Maybe with everyone safe in the castle he has the upper hand. He wasn't going to fall in Zoom's trap so easily. He was going to fight. He needed to tell everyone Zoom's plan. Barry ran to the door and he opened it to find Len in front of the door. They almost collided. Len smiled surprised and Barry laughed.
"Oh God! Len! …sorry I was going to-"
"I know.. I came back…I know that something is wrong…"
Barry smiled relieved. "I need to tell you something…it's about Zoom…"
The King nodded and entered to their room. Barry walked towards the middle of the room next to the fireplace. Winter was comfortably asleep.
"When I went to the forest earlier to look for some clues I lied…I told you I didn't encounter enemies… but I found Zoom and I made a deal with him. I know it was a stupid idea, but I didn't know what to do…" Barry explained flustered. "He offered to release Iris, Eddie, Jesse and Joe and I agreed…I wanted to save them. He released them in exchange for my speed. And I needed to warn you that Zoom already knows about the cold wave."
Len frowned. "So that's how they escaped from Zoom…You helped them with the deal and Zoom let them go."
Barry nodded. "Yes…exactly, but I never thought Zoom was going to keep his part of the deal…"
"And now you are betraying Zoom?" Len added and Barry nodded. "Are you that fucking stupid Scarlet? Are you really trying to trick the fastest man alive Barry? Do you know the consequences…Do you want me dead so badly? Do you want to see your father and sister dead?"
Barry's eyes widened hurt. "W-what?"
"Oh! I can see clearly now… your speed is more important for you than all of us." Len said dryly. Len suddenly shape-shifted. The Winter King turned into Iris.
"How cold Barry…I don't want to die! I'm pregnant! This is all your fault!"
"Hannibal!" Barry said startled and quickly taking a couple of steps back. He knew the man back from Central Kingdom. He was a traitor of the crown and he knew he couldn't let the man touch him. Barry's back collided with something strong, cold and wet.
"Your balcony is open…Scarlet" - a distorted voice whispered from right behind him.
He quickly turned and saw Hunter smirking down on him.
Barry felt sick. Zoom was inside the castle. "How?" Barry's fear was evident in his features and Zoom chuckled in amusement.
"You need to learn that nothing is really what it seems Barry…" Zoom turned to his follower. "Thank you Hannibal."
Bates nodded.
"Oh Barry…you never cease to impress me…It seems you can't be trusted." Zoom whispered displeased. "What a naughty prince…I honestly expected more from you. I thought that the perfect prince of Central Kingdom was honorable…but in the end I will have to teach you some nobility…maybe the deaths of your parents caused this lack of manners."
He couldn't breath. The prince was panicking. Winter started growling at the two unknown men. Barry turned to see Winter and Zoom watched Barry's distress and moved smiling heartlessly to grab the pup in his left hand.
"Cute wolf…"
Barry gasped worried and Winter threw his ears back scared.
"Don't…"
"Don't what Barry? I need you to be more specific…" he chuckled in pure amusement.
Barry glared feeling his heart beating wildly. This was all a sick game for Zoom.
"Please don't hurt the wolf."
Zoom's hand started to vibrate with blue lightning.
"Please…" Barry whispered faintly with tears in his eyes. This was a nightmare and he needed to wake up.
"Your Highness I need you to behave yourself…you need to learn soon enough that you can't disobey me without consequences."
"Okay! I understand… I understand…please stop."
"No you don't understand yet…"
Hunter moved to kill the pup when Barry flashed taking Winter from Zoom's hand and Hunter hit Barry instead. The prince groaned feeling the blue lightning hit him. He fell down to the floor with the pup in his hands and he felt a terrible pain in his shoulder. Winter whined.
"You dare to interrupt me Barry?" Zoom growled with rage. "I'm trying to teach you!"
"I won't let you kill my wolf." The Prince said firmly trying to sound intimidating.
Hunter saw Barry slowly struggle to finally stand up and he flashed in front of the prince and darted swiftly his hand to grab Barry by the chin and force him to look in to his eyes.
"Say you are mine Barry and I won't kill anyone in the palace...pledge yourself to me completely and I will spare them all."
Barry couldn't say it. The prince shook his head. And Zoom glared annoyed.
"SAY IT! OR I WILL KILL THEM ALL!" Zoom howled with his distorted voice.
"Okay!" Barry cried turning his head to the side and Hunter looked at him expectantly.
"Alright you win… I'm yours."
"Say it again like you mean it and look me in the eyes." Zoom whispered.
Barry slowly turned his face and lifted his hazel eyes looking deeply in to Hunter's unforgiving eyes. "I'm yours…"
Zoom felt a shiver through him and he glanced lustfully at the Prince. Barry was indeed beautiful. He could understand why Thawne lost his head for the young speedster and why King Leonard was in love with the young prince. He hummed pleased to see Barry obeying him. "That's better… next time you dare or even think of betraying me I won't be this merciful. I will breach the castle walls just to murder the Winter King while he sleeps. Understood?"
Barry nodded to the sadistic demon in front of him.
"If threatening your family was going to have this effect on you Barry… I think I should have done it since the beginning." Zoom murmured entertained and Barry stared with anger boiling in him.
Hunter turned to Hannibal. "Leave."
The man shape-shifted in to a random soldier and exited the room silently. Barry frowned worried knowing his friends were being spied. He needed to warn them.
"Now you and me have some work to do. A race to the old temple?" Zolomon suggested walking towards the balcony.
Barry glared but nodded. He carefully lowered Winter to the floor.
Zoom disappeared from the room and Barry walked to the balcony and turned to see his room feeling the cold wind and raindrops hit him. Winter was howling sad on the edge of the balcony's door.
"Hey…don't worry I will try to be back. I promise."
And with that Barry flashed in to the unforgiving storm.
The King was currently seating at the head of the table. General Singh and General Mardon were discussing about the location of Zoom's army with Eddie and Joe's new information. Wells was talking with Stein, Caitlin and Cisco about a device to stop the cold wave from affecting Barry during a battlefield and Lisa was talking with Clyde Mardon and Oliver about the castle's security.
The King couldn't concentrate. He was worried. He could feel that something was terrible wrong and he couldn't grasp what was exactly bothering him. He was so confused. It was just to easy how Zoom let four high valuable chess pieces escape from him. It made no sense. And Barry's face…the rashes on either side. It could be anything but it gave him a bad feeling. He sighed and leaned backwards in his chair thinking.
"Lenny? Listen to me when I'm trying to talk to you!"
The King turned to his sister.
"What the hell are you thinking?" Lisa asked worried. "You have a funny expression on your face."
"I am just worried."
"We all are…" she murmured sitting next to Len. She grabbed his cold hand.
"Yes I know… I'm sorry… It's just that I feel like something is wrong with Barry."
Lisa sighed concerned. "Lenny he must be tired… his family was kidnapped by Zoom he was terrified…he probably is exhausted."
"I know…It's just that I want to protect him from everything bad and I feel that lately I can't do it. I do the opposite."
Lisa smiled warmly. "You are so totally in love with him…"
Len half-smiled. "I haven't told him that I do…well I told him but he was asleep."
"W-what? Really?..." Lisa asked surprised raising her eyebrow. "Why?"
"I don't know…"
"Lenny did he already tell you that he loves you?"
"He did… but it was when I was controlled by Bivolo and I couldn't answer and then I just felt so guilty like I didn't deserve to love him and then I never feel that the moment is right…I don't know…and now just before the meeting he told me and again I couldn't say it."
"Lenny you should tell him."
"I know… I will… I will try tonight…"
Lisa smiled. "That's a good plan. After the welcoming feast you can kidnap him and tell him. I know that Barry knows that you love him, it's quite obvious and some times actions speak louder than words… but still you should tell him…and now that we have settled your love problems… we need you sharp… you are good with strategies and plans and we really need a hell of a good plan if we want to defeat Zoom."
Len sighed. "You are right sorry…"
Lisa smiled. "Don't worry…so…what do you think of an ambush?" she said pointing at the old map in front of them. The King observed the map and the wooden pieces representing his army and Zoom's army and he exhaled trying to concentrate, but his mind stubbornly always drifted to Barry.
The rain was unforgiving. Barry arrived to the old temple and turned to see the landscape that the day before offered him a perfect view to the castle and the northern town. But now everything was dark and there was a lot of mist covering the horizon. Everything was surrounded by shades of darkness. Barry turned again and saw Zoom already waiting for him.
"Welcome…Your Highness" Zoom said excited with his blue lightning sparkling around his buff armored body.
Barry rolled his eyes. "So…how are you going to take my speed?"
Zoom smiled pleased. "So eager my Prince…"
"I just want to end this quickly…" Barry confessed walking towards the tall man but in reality he just wanted to run to the palace, to his family…to Len.
"Follow me…" added Hunter dryly entering the temple.
Barry followed the evil speedster to the center of the old ruins. If he had to describe the place it would have to be green. Wild vines and moss covered the pillars of the temple and there were a lot of overgrown trees surrounding the place. In the middle of the temple there was a huge stone with runes that wasn't there when he visited the place with Len, Lisa and Cisco a day ago. Barry turned to see Hunter confused.
"I made that…" Hunter explained feeling proud of his work. "It took me awhile to discover this forbidden and ancient magic. As you can see it's a circle full of runes and symbols that would let me steal your powers away without killing you in the spot. It is a slow and painful process…but at least you are going to survive."
Suddenly lights started to appear from the forest surrounding them. They weren't alone. Barry stepped back when he saw at least ten of Zoom's followers appear. He was clearly outnumbered. He saw Rupture, Geomancer, Smasher, Sand Demon, Black Siren, Lady Light, Shark Knight and some others he didn't recognize.
"Your Highness…" Hunter said smirking. "I need you to take off your tunic."
Barry didn't want to. The rain was really cold and there were a lot of his enemies watching him intently. He was a Prince and he deserved to keep his fucking clothes on.
"No…I won't." He said stubbornly with pride.
Zoom flashed and grabbed the prince by the collar of his tunic and pushed the Prince against the cold hard stone. Barry felt all the air of his lungs escape.
"You will fucking obey me!"
Zoom used the demonic claws of his armor to rip Barry's tunic in to pieces. The crowd laughed and he felt so defenseless. He wanted to hide from their dirty glances. Zoom grabbed the prince's arms up and he chained the prince to the stone. Barry lifted his head to see his bounds. There were black shackles. Barry tried to phase trough them but he couldn't.
"Don't bother…those chains are made of the same material of the rune necklaces." Hunter explained. "This is going to be fun…are you ready?"
Barry was trembling. The rain was so cold and he was really scared. He wanted to go back to the castle. He wanted Len to embrace him. He was feeling so exposed. His black pants and boots were now the only thing covering his lean white body.
Zoom sliced Barry's arm with his claw drawing blood. Barry groaned.
"I need your blood…Scarlet." Hunter said licking his own claw and the prince felt a cold shiver crawl through his body. Barry's blood started dripping from his arm to his elbow and in to the floor. Barry noticed that he was standing over a huge circle full of symbols. With Barry's drops of blood the circle started to progressively shine a yellow light. Zoom draw with Barry's blood a symbol on the Prince's chest and Barry felt his chest burning.
"This will awaken your speed."
Zoom moved in front of Barry in to another smaller circle.
"Do you see the those symbols Barry?"
The prince nodded weakly.
"When I let my blood fall on this circle. The runes are going to summon a magic that will translate your energy in to me…"
Zoom sliced a small cut in the palm of his own hand and let the blood drip to the ground. The circle started to shine a bright blue. Zoom rested his claw over Barry's chest over the young speedster's heart and Barry felt suddenly a void. He gasped involuntarily at the cold touch. Lightning started to radiate from them. Hunter's fingertips were suddenly crimson and Barry felt like fire licking at his skin. Zoom's touch burned. Barry was feeling hot and cold. He was sweating and trembling. His whole body was on fire. He was dying. He could feel the energy in his veins leaving his body. He saw his yellow lightning travel from the carved paths on the floor full of symbols and runes in to Zoom who started vibrating at an incredible velocity enveloped in blue lightning. Barry could feel his energy being drained from him.
Bending down, Zoom pressed harder his hand on Barry's chest and leaned to whisper.
"You are mine Barry…"
Zoom pushed his claws further on Barry's chest and the prince screamed in agony arching his back away from the cold stone. Barry closed his eyes and he was screaming so loud that the echo seemed to make the ruins vibrate. He was sure he was going to die.
Zoom's followers were awestruck with the sight before them. There was something beautiful in the unnatural ritual. They could see Barry's yellow lightning and Zoom's blue lightning colliding…the energy surrounding them…and the rain falling around the speedsters somehow seemed to be slowed down and every drop was sparkling with blue or yellow. It was an impressive scene.
Barry's body was trembling badly. He could feel every fiber of his being shattering apart. He was slipping away. The prince's vision blurred and there was no sound coming from him. He was falling to pieces. Zoom on the other hand was shrieking and groaning feeling Barry's energy run through his veins. The adrenaline. The life. The energy. He could feel the power…the speed. It was addictive. Zoom shrieked loudly. He was getting stronger and Barry was slowly fading away.
Zoom jerked his fingers away from the Prince but blue lightning marks remained on Barry's bruised skin. Zoom knew he could only take a small amount of speed without killing the prince. He needed to be careful.
Barry was breathless and his body was limp against the cold stone, his wrists holding all of his weight and his head lulled to the side. His eyes were closed.
Zoom released the speedster and Barry fell to the ground hard. He couldn't move. Barry breathed feeling the cold floor on his face, the smell of the mud invading his nostrils. He was dazed in pain and grimacing as his wounds slowly struggled to heal. He felt Zoom approaching him and he wanted to crawl away from the speedster but he couldn't even move.
Zoom grabbed Barry from his brown silky messy hair and pulled him up and Barry let out a cry of pain. Hunter leaned to whisper to Barry.
"Tell me Barry how does it feel to be a fallen hero?"
Barry's tears streamed down his dirty face while Zoom's cold dead eyes pierced his soul.
"How does it feel to be this helpless? This useless? How unsightly for a Prince…"
Zoom wanted to break Barry in every possible way.
"How does it feel to be mine?"
Hunter grinned satisfied. He wanted to humiliate the prince in front of his loyal followers. Barry could hear Zoom's men yelling to him, mocking him, and laughing at his doom.
"This is the beloved Scarlet Knight. A Hero and Crown Prince of Central Kingdom and now he is mine…" Hunter growled with his distorted voice and the crowd praised him. Hunter released the grip on Barry's hair and the prince fell unconscious to the floor.
"Never forget… I am the fastest man alive!"
Hi guys! Soooorrry for that mess and the Barry whump... don't kill me! It's Zoom's fault!
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I would really love to know what you think!
Feel free to comment and leave a review or feedback! :D
Thanks to everyone who has commented, read, followed and favorite this story so far.
You're the best! :D Thank you! I will try to update soon!
Ps. The Winter Palace has worse surveillance and security than STAR Labs
Ps2. I had less time to proofread than usual so I'm sorry for typos and grammar mistakes.
If you see any typos let me know! :3