Chapter 23: Zoom

Chapter 23: Zoom

As Myles leaned back in his chair, he wiped the last of the greasy pizza from his fingers. Across from him sat Harrison Wells, whose stoic expression showed he was far from impressed by Tachyon's insatiable appetite.

"What's up, Wells?" Tachyon asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Harrison let out a heavy sigh. "I was hoping that you would be more disciplined and focused. But it seems that food is all you care about."

The speedster shrugged. "I have to keep my energy up, man. Besides, you only live once. Might as well enjoy it, right?"

Harrison shook his head. "You're not taking this seriously. Zoom is a grave threat, and we need to stop him before he destroys everything we've built."

The fastest thief of Earth 1 grinned, undeterred. "Don't worry, I got this. I may not be as serious as you, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Harrison's expression softened slightly. "I hope you're right. We're going to need all the help we can get."

Tachyon's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You can count on me, Wells. When it comes to speed, no one can beat me."

Harrison nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "We'll see about that. But for now, let's focus on the task at hand. We need to stop Zoom, no matter what it takes."

The young man grinned, his optimism undimmed. "You got it, Wells. With me on your side, you have nothing to worry about... except for your wallet getting flat."

The exchange between Myles and Harrison was tense, as the former's easy-going demeanor clashed with the latter's serious disposition. However, Tachyon's confidence in his abilities was unwavering, and he was determined to do whatever it takes to stop Zoom. With his lightning-fast speed and unconventional tactics, the duo would surely give the villain a run for his money.

Harrison leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Tachyon. "Alright, let's hear it. What's your plan to attract Zoom?"

Myles took a deep breath and leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "Well, first things first, we need to get into his head. Does it ever occur to you that maybe just maybe there's a reason why Zoom hasn't killed Flash?"

Harrison blinked and thought it over and noticed that the young man was right. Someone like Zoom wouldn't take it kindly that someone could have the potential to be fast as him. He first thought it was because Jay was a coward who runs away when Zoom is around. But with that much speed, that much malice... how in the world did Jay survive?

Myles smirked and said, "Now you're getting it. Why would a psychopath let someone who has the potential to become a threat live? Illogical, no? Unless..."

"...Unless the Flash has something he needs." Harrison concluded. "Zoom wants his speed."

"Bingo! Score one for the rich man. Zoom wants his speed, but here's another question. Why? Why does he want it? Why hasn't he taken it?"

Again Tachyon raised a good question and Well's had to admit for the first time that Tachyon's demeanor heavily contrasted with his intelligence. Yet, how was he seeing all of this for the first time? Every day he mocked Flash for not standing up against Zoom but he never once questioned why Flash was still alive when it's clear Zoom can kill him at any time.

Only for some kid to start asking the real questions. Myles noticing this continued, "Now I have three theories." He raised three fingers, each holding a donut. "One he needs someone smart enough to build a tool to take a speedster's power." One donut was eaten. "Two, there's a compatibility problem. This means he needs the right speedster or it won't work. Three..."

"Flash's speed isn't enough for him." Harrison finished. "Which means it's only a matter of time before goes after you."

Myles nodded. "And how exactly do you know all this?" Harrison asked with skepticism. Myles' childish demeanor vanished and leans forward. "Because it's what I would have done." He whispered.

For a brief moment, Wells instinctively felt fear as nearly mistook Tachyon for Zoom. "Relax, man. I'm just messing with you. Now with that out of the way, we can finally fish him out with bait."

Harrison's expression softened, impressed by Tachyon's strategic mind. "That's not a bad plan. But do you think you can take Zoom on your own?"

Tachyon scoffed. "Please, I've taken on the best of them. Zoom doesn't stand a chance against me."

Harrison nodded slowly. "Alright, I'll give you that. But how do we know he'll take the bait?"

Tachyon leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with mischief. "That's where it gets interesting. See, Zoom is a speedster, but he's also a predator. He's always looking for his next meal, so to speak. I say we give him what he's looking for."

Harrison frowned, confused. "And what's that?"

Tachyon leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Meat. Fresh, juicy meat. We set up a trap, lure some animals to the spot where we want to ambush Zoom, and let nature do the rest."

Harrison raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly do you suggest we use?"

Myles grinned. "Me, of course. I'll put on a show of speed and agility, draw him out into the open, and then we'll ambush him."

Harrison's eyes widened in surprise. "That's...that's a lot of risk your putting yourself through."

Tachyon grinned. "Hey, I'm full of surprises. So, do we have a plan?"

Harrison nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "We have a plan. And with your help, Tachyon, we just might be able to take down Zoom once and for all."

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As Tachyon and Harrison discuss their plan to lure Zoom, they hear a voice calling out to Wells. Jay Garrick, the Flash of Earth 2, enters their office with a look of anger on his face. He immediately expresses his disapproval of Harrison's plan to involve someone so young in their fight against Zoom.

Tachyon holds back a laugh as he watches Jay's performance, recognizing him as the man he knows to be Zoom. He can feel that something isn't right with "Jay," but he doesn't let on that he knows his true identity.

As Harrison and Jay argue over the morality of involving Tachyon in their fight against a killer, Tachyon interrupts them by asking if he can leave now. Harrison agrees, and Tachyon heads out of the room with a smile on his face. He knows that he has successfully fooled both Harrison and Jay, and he's excited to see what his future interactions with them will be like

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As Tachyon leaves the office, the sun sets on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Star Labs building. Jay Garrick follows closely behind him, desperately trying to convince him not to get involved with Zoom.

"Listen, kid. I know you want to help, but Zoom is a powerful and dangerous killer. You don't want to get involved with that kind of evil," Jay pleaded.

Tachyon turned to face Jay with a smirk on his face, knowing full well that he had triggered something within him. Jay suddenly froze, his eyes wide with fear.

"What's the matter, Flash? Did I hit a nerve?" Tachyon taunted, acting ignorant about Jay's reaction to the word "monster."

Jay took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "No, it's just... I've seen some things in my time. Things that would make your skin crawl," he said, his voice shaking slightly.

Tachyon nodded sympathetically. "I understand. But you don't have to worry about me, Jay. My name is Myles Walley, and I am faster than light. Zoom doesn't stand a chance."

Jay's eyes widened in surprise. "Myles Walley? I've never heard of you before. Are you a new in town?"

Tachyon chuckled. "Something like that. But don't worry, Jay. I've got this under control." With that, he sped off into the night, leaving Jay standing alone outside of Star Labs.

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Harrison Wells stood at the center of the Star Labs control room, his face a mask of seriousness as he addressed his employees. "Alright, everyone. I need you all to head home now and take a day off," he said, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

The sudden announcement caused confusion to spread like wildfire throughout the room, with several of the workers turning to each other in bewilderment. One of the employees, Henry Hewitt, spoke up hesitantly. "Uh, Dr. Wells, is everything alright?" he asked.

Wells nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, everything is fine. But I need you all to leave now, and take the day off. It's important," he said, his voice brooking no argument.

Henry looked at Wells for a moment longer, then turned to the rest of the workers. "Alright, you heard the man. Let's pack up and head out," he said, trying to keep his tone light despite the tension in the air.

As the employees began to file out of the room, Wells turned to Henry. "Thank you, Mr. Hewitt. I appreciate your cooperation," he said, a note of relief creeping into his voice.

Henry nodded, his face serious. "Of course, Dr. Wells. Is there anything else I can do?" he asked.

Wells shook his head. "No, that will be all. Just make sure everyone gets home safely," he said, before turning and heading out of the room and into his lab.

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As Harrison Wells changed into his lab coat, he pulled out a pen and paper to sketch his design for the device that will hold Zoom. He knew he needed to be quick and efficient, as time was of the essence. He quickly drafted the plans and started gathering the materials he needed to build it.

With a determined look on his face, Wells began to work, constructing the device with the utmost care and precision. He soldered wires, tightened bolts, and double-checked everything he did. However, as he was wiring the power source, the current surged, causing a small explosion that sent him flying back into the wall.

As he picked himself up, he grumbled and muttered to himself before getting back to work, undeterred. The next challenge came when he realized he had forgotten to include a critical component, so he had to take the entire thing apart and start over.

Despite the setbacks, Wells was determined to get the job done. He worked tirelessly through the night, with only the hum of his machines and the clink of tools as his company. Finally, the device was complete, and he tested it with a small, fake speedster.

The device worked perfectly, and Wells allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. He knew that they had a chance to catch Zoom with this device. He packed it up, ready to take it to the location he had agreed to meet Tachyon, hoping that it would be enough to stop the evil speedster once and for all.

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As the night grew darker, Harrison and Myles stood in the lab, gearing up for the fight ahead. Myles started warming up, feeling the electricity of the speed force coursing through his veins. Harrison had donned a sleek black tactical suit, complete with an earpiece and various gadgets.

Myles looked around the room, noticing Jay's absence. "Where's Jay? I thought he was supposed to help us," he said, pretending to have a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Harrison shook his head. "Jay's always been a coward when it comes to Zoom. He's afraid of what Zoom might do to him."

Myles furrowed his brow. "I don't think that's fair. Jay's actually saner than us for not wanting to mess with Zoom."

Harrison paused, considering Myles' words. "You know, you might be right. Only madmen would fight demons, let alone invite them to their doorstep."

He then turned to Myles and showed him the containment device he had been building. "If you get caught in this with Zoom, I won't open it. Do you understand?"

Myles simply shrugged off the warning, feeling confident in his abilities. He began to stretch and warm up, feeling the adrenaline pumping through his body.

Wells stood behind the camera, adjusting the settings and triple-checking that everything was in order. "Remember, Myles, this is a trap. We need to lure Zoom in and contain him. Don't get too cocky out there," he warned.

Myles rolled his eyes and smirked. "Relax, Wells. I know what I'm doing," he said, tapping his fingers against his thighs. "Start the video already."

Wells nodded and pressed the record button. The red light blinked, signaling that the camera was now recording. Myles stood in front of the camera, his Tachyon jumpsuit shining under the streetlights. He took a deep breath and spoke into the camera, his voice calm and confident.

"Hey, Zoom. I know you're out there," he said, looking directly at the camera. "I'm the new speedster in town, and I'm here to challenge you."

He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of Zoom's presence. "I know you're looking for other speedsters. Well, here I am. Come and get me."

Wells held his breath as Myles continued to speak, hoping that their plan would work. But he couldn't help feeling a twinge of worry and doubt. Zoom was a formidable opponent, and they were taking a huge risk by baiting him like this.

Myles's words echoed throughout the empty streets, his voice amplified through the speakers of every phone, television, and radio across Central City. He paced back and forth, his lightning trail leaving a blinding trail behind him as he taunted Zoom with every word.

"Come on, Zoom! I'm waiting for you! You can't hide from me forever! I'm faster than you, and you know it!"

The citizens of Central City trembled in fear as they watched the spectacle unfold, unsure of what was going to happen next. Myles seemed to be enjoying himself, his bravado unchecked as he challenged Zoom to come and face him.

Wells watched with a grim expression, his eyes flickering between Myles and the containment device. He knew that if things went wrong, he would have no choice but to trap them both inside, risking Myles' safety in the process.

"Tachyon, be careful," Wells warned, his voice low and serious. "Remember what we talked about. Don't get too close to him."

Myles simply waved off the warning, a smirk playing on his lips. "Relax, Harrison. I know what I'm doing. Trust me."

Wells shook his head, knowing that there was no point in arguing with Myles when he was in this kind of mood. He pressed a button on his remote, and the containment device hummed to life, ready to capture Zoom the moment he arrived.

The night air was thick with tension as they waited, Myles taunting Zoom with every passing second. Finally, a gust of wind signaled Zoom's arrival, and Myles tensed, his eyes locked on the approaching figure.

"Gotcha," Myles muttered under his breath as he readied himself for the fight of his life.