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Description
Central City

The ever vigilant protector of Central City, the Flash, zipped around the streets on patrol. So far everything was quiet, which in this line of work Barry Allen knew meant that any minute now things were going to turn south fast.

Just then he felt something other than himself vibrating and stopped, seeing it was his cellphone ringing. A good thing he managed to make pockets for the suit, otherwise it would have been hard just to carry some loose change around.

Recognizing the caller ID as Joe West, his friend and detective partner for the CCP, and answered “What’s up, Joe?”

“Barry, you might want a heavy jacket for this one. We just got word of a storm brewing.”

“It’s summer, Joe.” Barry replied coyly. “That’s usually what happens.”

“I’m talking about a snow storm, wise guy.” West replied. “Call just came in. Looks like Mardon’s back in town and he’s decided to make a stop over by the national bank.”

“The Weather Wizard? I thought Iron Heights had him.”

“I’ve got people looking into it now but we need to get over there before the place goes from a robbery to a case of death by bad weather.”

“Got it.” Barry responded, already looking towards the general direction of where the bank was. “I’ll meet you there, Joe.” As soon as he hung up he finished with “But the Flash will get there first.”

With that he zipped off, using as much of the Speed Force as possible to reach the area before it was too late. Already he could see what Joe had meant about the freak snow storm as a single black cloud hung over the building of the bank itself, heavy winds mixed with snow and rain blowing all about as people either ran or watched as on-lookers to the bizarre sight.

As Flash stopped and realized what was happening he commented “Joe was right. Should have brought a coat.”

Up above he could see the shape Weather Wizard, using his metahuman abilities to create the unnatural storm. Oddly though he didn’t seem to be trying to steal anything from inside the bank. It was more a show of destruction than anything else.

Despite the blowing wind and battering weather Flash was quick to think of a plan against him. He began to run counterclockwise to the storm being created, the acuminating wind soon forcing it to turn opposite before going against Weather Wizard’s commands. He noticed this and looked down as he could see the streaks of the Scarlet Speedster interrupting his plans.

Weather Wizard focused a bolt of lightning towards the Flash but missed, giving enough time for the speedster to finally clear away the storm. He stopped as a crowd of people nearby cheered at their city’s hero yet again saving the day. Wizard’s only form of congratulations seemed to be more attempts at electrocuting him, more bolts fired while all were dodged easily by the Flash.

“Thought you’d have worked on your aim, Mardon.” Flash quipped. “I hear Iron Heights have great dartboard tournaments.” Weather Wizard’s only reply was a sneer, making Flash comment “Not very talkative this time around? Or are you trying to think of something clever to say?”

A sudden cry of “LOOK OUT!” came from behind from a woman in the crowd. Flash turned in time to see as a stream of ice was fired at him, barley managing to zip out of the way. It turned out one of the bystanders wasn’t an ordinary citizen but another old foe of his in disguise.

“Captain Cold!” Flash stated. “So you and the Weather Wizard decided to team up? Never picked you for a team player, Snart.”

No response from either as both Cold and the Wizard attacked the flash with combined efforts. Snart fired off more shots with his cold gun while Mardon tried to create another blizzard. Both were using the cold to their advantage to try and slow the Flash down. If not to try and dodge being hit by ice than Flash had to endure the cold winds beating against him even at his speed.

After ducking behind a nearby car Flash felt his phone go off, commenting aloud “Dammit, Joe. Can’t it wait?”

He peeked out only to see both Cold and Wizard approaching, both ready to attack the moment he was in sight. Thinking fast the Flash came up with an idea of his own, spinning himself around until he was like a mini-tornado. His plan seemed to work as he spun fast enough to surprise both villains, coming up to them and entrapping them in his miniature whirlwind before both were knocked to the side.

Finally stopping the Flash looked at the two, both seemingly defeated, and yet again quipped “Don’t worry, boys. I’ll make sure you’ll have a cell to share. Don’t want to ruin a good partnership after all.”

It seemed the fight wasn’t over however as the sound of something charging up from behind caught Flash’s attention. He turned in time as a stream of fire came at him, he only managing to slip away before part of his costume was singed in the surprise attack.

Seeing who it was he stated “Heatwave?” And next to him “And Boomerang? What’s going on here? You guys all get together to form a ‘sewing circle of doom’ or something?”

Flash didn’t have time to think on it before both new villains attacked. Heatwave charged another stream of fire while Boomerang used his namesake weapons, all sharp and deadly enough to pierce through his skin, throwing several at a time. He managed to escape the range of the fire but the boomerangs flew through the air as it locked on him. He ducked and dodged away from them before managing to at least make a sharp turn that sent them into a nearby wall.

Flash stopped behind a nearby alleyway, poking his head out to see as Heatwave and Boomerang were joined by the recovered Captain Cold and Weather Wizard. All of them were looking towards Flash’s general direction with their weapons and powers ready.

“Damn. It’s like football try outs all over again. Only I might wind up with worse than a concussion when this is over.” He felt his phone vibrate again, making him reach at the pocket while saying to himself “Not the best time, Joe. If it’s more than just these four I’m still trying to think of who…”

His answer seemed to appear on its own as the jingle of a jack-in-the-box could be heard nearby. He turned his head to see it, already having a sinking feeling who put it there and what it was about to do.

Flash only managed a small “Oh crap…” before the box exploded.

He only managed to get to his feet before the blast sent him flying back out into the streets. He groaned after falling on his front before barley managing to stand back up. Not only was he in sight of the first four villains but now he looked nearby in the alleyway as the last member of the little group made himself know.

“And now there’s the Trickster.” He stated. “Now I have seen everything.” With all the villains surrounding him he looked around and said “So let me guess, you’re all holding grudges which is the only reason you’re all working together. Why take me on alone when it’d be better to gang up on me, right?” They didn’t respond which made continue with “So if you guys actually manage to beat me does that mean you’re all getting drinks later? Who’s got the tab, Cold?” When none of them spoke still Flash now a little frustrated asked “Seriously? What’s wrong with all of you?”

“Don’t mind them, Flash.” Heatwave finally said, though his voice sounding odd. “They don’t speak unless I want them to.”

Flash tried to ask what was wrong with him before Weather Wizard then said “I was thinking the poetic justice would not only be for me but for your gallery of enemies. Even if they don’t fully know what’s going on.”

Flash questioned yet again before now Captain Cold stated “Human minds are so easy to control. Unfortunately yours has developed since we last met. Not bad for an inferior mammal like you. No matter. I find it better to have them tear you apart from the outside rather than me from the inside.”

As it dawned on Flash he said “I know that voice. That speech pattern….”

“That’s right, Flash.” Trickster chuckled. “Search your memories through that primitive mind of yours. And tell me if you don’t feel a sense of awe, a sense of dread, at the idea of meeting your old foe.”

“Where are you?” Flash asked, already putting together who was behind this.

In response all of the Rogues pointed up to the nearby rooftop. Looking down on the scene was the unmistakable sight of one of Flash’s greatest enemies, one he’s thought he’d never see again. The great hairy form, the dominant animal presence, and while not human he wore a very satisfied smile on his primate face.

“Grodd.” Flash finally said. “But…how? I thought you were dead.”

Grodd, using his powers to speak through the others, as it was his only way to speak verbally, he said through Boomerang “Not quiet, Flash. Although your interference with my plans in Gorilla City forced me to go into hiding. I couldn’t risk Solovar and his hapless followers looking for me after my coo failed. Thanks to you of course.” Now working through Trickster he continued “Thankfully the last time we met I found images of your city. Your home. Your ‘Rogues Gallery’, as it were.”

“How much else do you know?” Flash asked, a little worried on the answer.

The chuckle from Weather Wizard made him look to the puppet at Grodd answered “Don’t worry ‘Barry’. These meat puppets won’t know a thing. For all they know they’re in a deep, unending sleep.” Flash’s stomach sank at the revelation that Grodd knew his real name before he looked back up to the telepathic gorilla, who now spoke through Captain Cold and explained “Once I had enough information I came here, hoping to use your enemies to lure you out. You hero types can never say ‘no’ to a challenge like this after all.”

Flash, needing time to think, asked “How? How did you manage to find and control all of them? Half of these men were either locked away in prison.”

Speaking through Cold again he answered “Funny you should mention.” Before the gorilla pointed nearby.

Flash looked and was horrified to see an army of prisoners, all dressed in their inmate clothing, marching towards him. His shock at how powerful a force Grodd had mustered was enough for him to take steps back only to start to realize what Joe might have been trying to call him about.

“How? Your mental powers weren’t this strong before.” Flash stated.

“My mind is an ever growing muscle, Flash.” He explained through Trickster. “Like you humans I’m always evolving. Although not into something as disgusting as your kind.” Several people all controlled by Grodd spoke at once as he said “You humans have always thought yourselves the dominate lifeforms on Earth, well I’m here to change that.” All in unison they continued “Your speed can’t save you this time, Flash. And once I’m finished with you I plan to subjugate your entire species. Your Central City will be the first stone upon which I will build a new empire. The dawn of new age. The Age of Grodd, the Almighty.”

The army of prisoners and villains, most of which had been put away by the Flash, had him surrounded and outnumbered. If not for Grodd’s control some of them would probably do this out of their own personal vendettas against the Scarlet Speedster. Out of all the dire situations Flash had found himself in this one had certainly made top of the list.

“What will you do, Flash?” Grodd spoke again, now through only Captain Cold. “Outnumbered. Outmatched. And frankly without any help in sight. You hero types always have a plan. So tell me what’s yours?”

Looking around he had to admit Grodd was right. This was the chance that this could be it: the one he wouldn’t walk away from. But there was one thing he learned when he was granted this power, when Barry Allen became the Flash, inheriting the title from his hero and friend, Jay Garrick. Not only was the mantle of Flash passed on but the most important lesson to be learned.

With a confident smirk he answered “Same thing I always do: Run.”

The End

Description
Central City

The ever vigilant protector of Central City, the Flash, zipped around the streets on patrol. So far everything was quiet, which in this line of work Barry Allen knew meant that any minute now things were going to turn south fast.

Just then he felt something other than himself vibrating and stopped, seeing it was his cellphone ringing. A good thing he managed to make pockets for the suit, otherwise it would have been hard just to carry some loose change around.

Recognizing the caller ID as Joe West, his friend and detective partner for the CCP, and answered “What’s up, Joe?”

“Barry, you might want a heavy jacket for this one. We just got word of a storm brewing.”

“It’s summer, Joe.” Barry replied coyly. “That’s usually what happens.”

“I’m talking about a snow storm, wise guy.” West replied. “Call just came in. Looks like Mardon’s back in town and he’s decided to make a stop over by the national bank.”

“The Weather Wizard? I thought Iron Heights had him.”

“I’ve got people looking into it now but we need to get over there before the place goes from a robbery to a case of death by bad weather.”

“Got it.” Barry responded, already looking towards the general direction of where the bank was. “I’ll meet you there, Joe.” As soon as he hung up he finished with “But the Flash will get there first.”

With that he zipped off, using as much of the Speed Force as possible to reach the area before it was too late. Already he could see what Joe had meant about the freak snow storm as a single black cloud hung over the building of the bank itself, heavy winds mixed with snow and rain blowing all about as people either ran or watched as on-lookers to the bizarre sight.

As Flash stopped and realized what was happening he commented “Joe was right. Should have brought a coat.”

Up above he could see the shape Weather Wizard, using his metahuman abilities to create the unnatural storm. Oddly though he didn’t seem to be trying to steal anything from inside the bank. It was more a show of destruction than anything else.

Despite the blowing wind and battering weather Flash was quick to think of a plan against him. He began to run counterclockwise to the storm being created, the acuminating wind soon forcing it to turn opposite before going against Weather Wizard’s commands. He noticed this and looked down as he could see the streaks of the Scarlet Speedster interrupting his plans.

Weather Wizard focused a bolt of lightning towards the Flash but missed, giving enough time for the speedster to finally clear away the storm. He stopped as a crowd of people nearby cheered at their city’s hero yet again saving the day. Wizard’s only form of congratulations seemed to be more attempts at electrocuting him, more bolts fired while all were dodged easily by the Flash.

“Thought you’d have worked on your aim, Mardon.” Flash quipped. “I hear Iron Heights have great dartboard tournaments.” Weather Wizard’s only reply was a sneer, making Flash comment “Not very talkative this time around? Or are you trying to think of something clever to say?”

A sudden cry of “LOOK OUT!” came from behind from a woman in the crowd. Flash turned in time to see as a stream of ice was fired at him, barley managing to zip out of the way. It turned out one of the bystanders wasn’t an ordinary citizen but another old foe of his in disguise.

“Captain Cold!” Flash stated. “So you and the Weather Wizard decided to team up? Never picked you for a team player, Snart.”

No response from either as both Cold and the Wizard attacked the flash with combined efforts. Snart fired off more shots with his cold gun while Mardon tried to create another blizzard. Both were using the cold to their advantage to try and slow the Flash down. If not to try and dodge being hit by ice than Flash had to endure the cold winds beating against him even at his speed.

After ducking behind a nearby car Flash felt his phone go off, commenting aloud “Dammit, Joe. Can’t it wait?”

He peeked out only to see both Cold and Wizard approaching, both ready to attack the moment he was in sight. Thinking fast the Flash came up with an idea of his own, spinning himself around until he was like a mini-tornado. His plan seemed to work as he spun fast enough to surprise both villains, coming up to them and entrapping them in his miniature whirlwind before both were knocked to the side.

Finally stopping the Flash looked at the two, both seemingly defeated, and yet again quipped “Don’t worry, boys. I’ll make sure you’ll have a cell to share. Don’t want to ruin a good partnership after all.”

It seemed the fight wasn’t over however as the sound of something charging up from behind caught Flash’s attention. He turned in time as a stream of fire came at him, he only managing to slip away before part of his costume was singed in the surprise attack.

Seeing who it was he stated “Heatwave?” And next to him “And Boomerang? What’s going on here? You guys all get together to form a ‘sewing circle of doom’ or something?”

Flash didn’t have time to think on it before both new villains attacked. Heatwave charged another stream of fire while Boomerang used his namesake weapons, all sharp and deadly enough to pierce through his skin, throwing several at a time. He managed to escape the range of the fire but the boomerangs flew through the air as it locked on him. He ducked and dodged away from them before managing to at least make a sharp turn that sent them into a nearby wall.

Flash stopped behind a nearby alleyway, poking his head out to see as Heatwave and Boomerang were joined by the recovered Captain Cold and Weather Wizard. All of them were looking towards Flash’s general direction with their weapons and powers ready.

“Damn. It’s like football try outs all over again. Only I might wind up with worse than a concussion when this is over.” He felt his phone vibrate again, making him reach at the pocket while saying to himself “Not the best time, Joe. If it’s more than just these four I’m still trying to think of who…”

His answer seemed to appear on its own as the jingle of a jack-in-the-box could be heard nearby. He turned his head to see it, already having a sinking feeling who put it there and what it was about to do.

Flash only managed a small “Oh crap…” before the box exploded.

He only managed to get to his feet before the blast sent him flying back out into the streets. He groaned after falling on his front before barley managing to stand back up. Not only was he in sight of the first four villains but now he looked nearby in the alleyway as the last member of the little group made himself know.

“And now there’s the Trickster.” He stated. “Now I have seen everything.” With all the villains surrounding him he looked around and said “So let me guess, you’re all holding grudges which is the only reason you’re all working together. Why take me on alone when it’d be better to gang up on me, right?” They didn’t respond which made continue with “So if you guys actually manage to beat me does that mean you’re all getting drinks later? Who’s got the tab, Cold?” When none of them spoke still Flash now a little frustrated asked “Seriously? What’s wrong with all of you?”

“Don’t mind them, Flash.” Heatwave finally said, though his voice sounding odd. “They don’t speak unless I want them to.”

Flash tried to ask what was wrong with him before Weather Wizard then said “I was thinking the poetic justice would not only be for me but for your gallery of enemies. Even if they don’t fully know what’s going on.”

Flash questioned yet again before now Captain Cold stated “Human minds are so easy to control. Unfortunately yours has developed since we last met. Not bad for an inferior mammal like you. No matter. I find it better to have them tear you apart from the outside rather than me from the inside.”

As it dawned on Flash he said “I know that voice. That speech pattern….”

“That’s right, Flash.” Trickster chuckled. “Search your memories through that primitive mind of yours. And tell me if you don’t feel a sense of awe, a sense of dread, at the idea of meeting your old foe.”

“Where are you?” Flash asked, already putting together who was behind this.

In response all of the Rogues pointed up to the nearby rooftop. Looking down on the scene was the unmistakable sight of one of Flash’s greatest enemies, one he’s thought he’d never see again. The great hairy form, the dominant animal presence, and while not human he wore a very satisfied smile on his primate face.

“Grodd.” Flash finally said. “But…how? I thought you were dead.”

Grodd, using his powers to speak through the others, as it was his only way to speak verbally, he said through Boomerang “Not quiet, Flash. Although your interference with my plans in Gorilla City forced me to go into hiding. I couldn’t risk Solovar and his hapless followers looking for me after my coo failed. Thanks to you of course.” Now working through Trickster he continued “Thankfully the last time we met I found images of your city. Your home. Your ‘Rogues Gallery’, as it were.”

“How much else do you know?” Flash asked, a little worried on the answer.

The chuckle from Weather Wizard made him look to the puppet at Grodd answered “Don’t worry ‘Barry’. These meat puppets won’t know a thing. For all they know they’re in a deep, unending sleep.” Flash’s stomach sank at the revelation that Grodd knew his real name before he looked back up to the telepathic gorilla, who now spoke through Captain Cold and explained “Once I had enough information I came here, hoping to use your enemies to lure you out. You hero types can never say ‘no’ to a challenge like this after all.”

Flash, needing time to think, asked “How? How did you manage to find and control all of them? Half of these men were either locked away in prison.”

Speaking through Cold again he answered “Funny you should mention.” Before the gorilla pointed nearby.

Flash looked and was horrified to see an army of prisoners, all dressed in their inmate clothing, marching towards him. His shock at how powerful a force Grodd had mustered was enough for him to take steps back only to start to realize what Joe might have been trying to call him about.

“How? Your mental powers weren’t this strong before.” Flash stated.

“My mind is an ever growing muscle, Flash.” He explained through Trickster. “Like you humans I’m always evolving. Although not into something as disgusting as your kind.” Several people all controlled by Grodd spoke at once as he said “You humans have always thought yourselves the dominate lifeforms on Earth, well I’m here to change that.” All in unison they continued “Your speed can’t save you this time, Flash. And once I’m finished with you I plan to subjugate your entire species. Your Central City will be the first stone upon which I will build a new empire. The dawn of new age. The Age of Grodd, the Almighty.”

The army of prisoners and villains, most of which had been put away by the Flash, had him surrounded and outnumbered. If not for Grodd’s control some of them would probably do this out of their own personal vendettas against the Scarlet Speedster. Out of all the dire situations Flash had found himself in this one had certainly made top of the list.

“What will you do, Flash?” Grodd spoke again, now through only Captain Cold. “Outnumbered. Outmatched. And frankly without any help in sight. You hero types always have a plan. So tell me what’s yours?”

Looking around he had to admit Grodd was right. This was the chance that this could be it: the one he wouldn’t walk away from. But there was one thing he learned when he was granted this power, when Barry Allen became the Flash, inheriting the title from his hero and friend, Jay Garrick. Not only was the mantle of Flash passed on but the most important lesson to be learned.

With a confident smirk he answered “Same thing I always do: Run.”

The End