Legends of the Flash #12

[spiritofvengeance]

Legends of the Flash #12
"A Gorilla's Glory"

Written By: Nikolai Peter Fomich
Edited By: Mike Bowen


Gorilla City

The African sun casts unflinching light into the stately tower. The "Great King of Gorillas", the benevolent and wise Solovar, peers through a large, unblemished window. His kingdom lays before him, an achievement of genius engineering and honest, hard work.
Solovar surveys the empire of peace he had helped build so many years ago, proud of its prosperity. Its technological and artistic marvels were truly something from another age — a distant, sophisticated age, where plague and famine and disease were nothing more than strange curiosities from a savage, forlorn past.
It is a bittersweet existence, the King often mused, that his empire should remain hidden from the human world... that those poor outsiders remained unaware of all the fantastic good his kingdom has to offer. More than once had he been tempted to share the richness of his world with those only able to dream of cures for cancers and alternatives to fossil fuels. But Solovar's goodwill had always been tempered by his realistic nature, a trait developed after a long life of court intrigue and the occasional betrayal.
Yet never once had the king been privy to desperation, to the thought that the world was a bleak, heartless place, devoid of all the joys and all the trappings that love can bring. Even with the death of his wife, Solovar strived on, knowing that his spirit and hers would be joined in the afterlife. All this Solovar believed and more, the sole cause of his heavy heart's uplifting taking form in his only son. His son, a magnificent ape whose very ideas brought about change in Gorilla City life. His son, a scholar, an athlete, an ape of the people. And now his son was dead.

"Sire." The cool, calculating voice cuts into the somber atmosphere.

Solovar continues to rest his forearm upon the window pane overlooking the city, keeping his eyes shut. He does not have to open them to recognize the only one who would address him so curtly.

"What do you wish to speak of, Grodd? Make haste, for mourning and sorrow are quickly replacing all other pastimes, including our little...chats."

Heavy footsteps intrude boldly, Grodd casting a larger shadow with every edging motion.

"It is not an idle discussion on politics or the sciences which concerns me, but rather a peculiar development in the disposition of the people. Your people, that is."

Grodd chooses his words carefully, as he always does. Indeed, at times Solovar thought of him more akin to an oily snake rather than a gorilla. He was quick with his wit, remorseless with his actions, and confident with his abilities. Grodd had always unsettled Solovar in his mannerisms, but the depth and breadth of his knowledge more than made up for any un-pleasantries.

"What sort of 'peculiar development' do you speak of? Come Grodd, you know me. I have never been one for riddles, and now with Nnamdi gone... Say what you mean, Grodd. I would rather you leave the flowery exposition for the masses."

"Always the direct one, Sire. That is why the people love you. But it is that exact love of which we must speak of. There have been rumblings among the populace, of what happened on the diplomatic excursion and of the prince's...untimely death. I apologize, my King, I know it is too soon to speak of this with any comfort-"

"I will never speak of my son with any sense of that word again. But continue and be quick...I grow tired."

"Of course. I just wish to say that though all gorillas under our utopia wish peace, their views on justice demand that the humans be punished. Already there have been whispers of war..."

"War!?"

"Just a few, rash comments, the immediate reaction to such a momentous tragedy...if you'll forgive my speech."

"How can they even know of Nnamdi's death? We've just learned of it ourselves..."

"Not everyone in the palace holds the same... regard for such private matters as we do. Gorillas talk, rumors get spread..."

"And what is it exactly you suggest I do?"

"I've never been one to back down from an argument with you, my King, which is why I alone hold such a respected position in your court..."

More and more does Grodd reveal his arrogance. With each passing day his remarks grow more bold. I wonder if I did the right thing letting him latch onto the power he holds...

"My suggestion is as follows: you speak with the people. They know something is amiss and that tragedy has struck. There have been only rumors so far of what threatens us. You must speak to them about the threat of the humans, about how we will avenge your son. We must strike now, we must wage- "

The King turns to face Grodd for the first time, getting close enough to his minister's face so that he can smell the stink in Grodd's breath.

"My son's death was tragic, and justice will be served. But not by you. I decide policy in Gorilla City, and I will not be led into a war with humans by a scientist who wishes to play general. However, I do agree with your idea on addressing the people and plan to do so shortly. But don't push me Grodd...I'm still king."

"Of course...Sire."

****

[spiritofvengeance]

The crowd bustles with energy, and it seems that every ape in the city had made his or her destination the palace's public courtyard. The King had proclaimed an emergency address, promising to shed light on certain unsettling rumors. Apes of all ilk, from tailors to lawyers to school teachers had now come together, awaiting their King. The noise soon becomes deafening, each ape wanting to give an opinion on the matter despite not one being aware of a single fact. Hushed silence suddenly falls as the King emerges from his chambers. The veranda he takes as his station of speech is far too high for his tastes - Solovar had never found pleasure in addressing his people from above. He had always preferred to talk amongst them, as he did in his youth. Nevertheless, Solovar's mood now is not one for company. His mind is on his duties as a father, not a ruler. But the people deserve to know the truth and he remains their King.

"People of Gorilla City. There have been rumors of strife come unto our diplomatic endeavors. There have been rumors of death, even war. I am here to tell you what you all deserve to hear. As venerable and deserving citizens of our great city, it is only fair that your King keep nothing from you that which you should know. But it is with a heavy heart that I do so." Solovar pauses, surveying the crowd. "First and foremost, I must speak of my son, your Prince. Nnamdi, son of Solovar, is dead. And the world is a darker place because of it."

In the crowd, someone faints. Then come the tears.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

"Weaklings! Fools! What are we, humans?"

Hidden in his personal laboratory, Grodd scoffs at the view-screen as he completes his favorite pet project.

The true crime is how long I let that fool lead...he cries over his son like some she-ape. He should've realized that this day would come. A day when the people would grow tired of your cowardice and learn that our true path lies in glorious conquest. You could never comprehend the brilliance of my vision. We were born to rule, and I shall lead our people to what you could never dream of. I almost pity you, Solovar...I'll miss our little 'chats'.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

In the shadows of an alley, two individuals take refuge, avoiding the crowded courtyard. From their position, they strain to see the King, thankful that they can at least hear him perfectly.

"...despite these dreadful circumstance, there will be no war with the humans! We are no barbarians. We are apes! A proud, noble people. I cannot and will not be dragged into any serious situation without first considering the consequences to you, my people. I want no more ape blood to be shed. I will, however, seek retribution. There will be an investigation, and I vow on the spirit of my son that justice will be served. This I promise to you, my pe-"

Above the palace, a searing rocket comes briefly into view. It plunges toward the veranda, cutting short the King's speech, leaving nothing but rubble and dust.
On the view-screen, shrieks and calls for aid constitute pandemonium. Dozens of royal guards and security officers rush around frantically, trying to maintain order and uncover their King. Chaos soon becomes the norm. Exiting his laboratory, a scientist who dreamed of recognition prepares for his new career as ruler.

Smirking, Green Lantern shakes his head, bemused by his compatriot. "I told you I could have got him..."

"Huff...huff...GL...it's fine. I just didn't...realize he'd weigh...so much."

"A gorilla? Heavy?"

"Funny guy."

"I try. Ring: Medical Analysis."

A green glow emanates from the Green Lantern's weapon, showering the unconscious King. After half-a-minute of computing, an intelligent voice chirps from the space cop's ring.

"Sentient: hominid, of the ape class. Unnatural advancement due to interference by exposure to non-native forces. Major injuries: none. Minor injuries: fractured left arm, blood rush to the head-"

Non-native forces? I wonder what Appa Ali will have to say about this..."That's enough. OK, so we've saved the king. Now what?"

Moaning, Solovar awakens to the sight of the two costumed homo sapiens. The bewildered King back-flips and takes hold of some nearby branches.

"Where have you taken me? What are you humans up to?"

The Flash races to Green Lantern, clasping the ring-slinger's right forearm with his hand as a sign not to attack.

"We're not here to fight. You just survived an assassination attack, and we've taken you to your city's park. We don't want-"

"Why should I believe anything you have to say? Your people have caused me nothing but pain. Killing my son wasn't enough? You had to try and rid my people of their King as well?"

"Your Majesty, I swear to you that we mean your people no harm. We've been caught up in this just as you have. It was Grodd who attacked us...and who I'm certain plotted against you and your son."

King Solovar thoughtlessly swings closer to Barry. "You lie!" His voice is firm, but filled with uncertainty.

Approaching the weary King slowly, the Flash gazes confidently into the gorilla's eyes. "Read my mind if you don't believe me."

The Green Lantern of Earth observes quietly, wondering why he had not thought of that himself. Slowly, deliberately, King Solovar descends from his perch to join the two humans. The gorilla's countenance resolute, Hal Jordan doesn't have to be a mind-reader to discern King Solovar's thoughts.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

The masses begin to gather outside the palace gates, eager to regain some sense of the normalcy so very common just a few days earlier. Their prince, they believe, is as dead as the ideas he had stood for, and now their precious and humble King has been taken from them. But a new branch of thought, formed by a nationalist gorilla bent on preserving and promoting their unique way of life, seems to promise hope. Grodd's political philosophy had been gaining more support with every account of humanity's fumbling attempts at peace. Grodd repeatedly stated that only through action would Gorilla City be safe from the human warmongers. Now his fears had been justified, and, as chief advisor to the king, the charismatic genius appears to be the natural choice for successor. The only question left is that of how severe and widespread the punishments given out to the humans should be.

"Apes of Gorilla City! I stand before you today in mourning for the death of our great king, Solovar! Solovar the Wise, Solovar the Bold, Solovar the Just... none of these titles give such an individual his rightful due. He was my mentor...I am privileged to have even called him 'friend' on occasion. Yet these dark times force my mind back to a conversation we once held on the troubling, aggressive nature of humans. I suggested preemptive action, to safeguard ourselves and our way of living. I did not trust the humans, their backstabbing nature evident throughout their history. Solovar was an idealist, however, and that sometimes got in the way of clear judgment. He believed that diplomacy was the best course, and began to make plans for a diplomatic endeavor. Obviously things did not go as planned." Grodd pauses, as if allowing for a gathering of his thoughts. His face is a mask of solemn remembrance, coupled with an air of much desired authority. These apes are desperate for a hero.

"I wanted to believe in his ideals of peace, but I know now they cannot be gained without the price of war. And to war we must go. They killed out Prince. They killed our King. But they will not kill our way of life! They will not kill our ape spirit! For the future generations, each deserving of a life without the fear of human bombings and villainous assassinations, we go to war!" The crowd roars in approval, many apes beating their chests. "And fear not, for I shall protect you. To war, my friends. We shall not let evil triumphant! What say you?"

"I say - no!"

This time the crowd's collective voice is stilled. An apparition descends on top of a green platform from above. Grodd's face turns as white as an ape's can get.

"Sol- Solovar?"

Behind the king, two humans land, clad in colorful uniforms, each looking more than ready for a fight. "Yes, Grodd, it is your King. I hope you are done with your flowery speech. I know that I am sick of it."

"What- what human trick is this-"

Solovar roars, stopping Grodd mid-sentence.

"Don't speak to me of tricks, you misanthropic megalomaniac!"

Turning to his people, Solovar reminds them who is their true king.

"Don't believe his lies! Don't listen to his words - they are poison! There are many problems with the humans, yes. They are still underdeveloped and, at times, even barbaric. But I am almost ashamed to be of the same breed, nay, the same species of the one who stands before me! He caused the death of my son - and I will see him dead because of it!"

The crowd roars and gasps, many in disbelief. But the power of Solovar's words are not to be taken lightly. He was never a very good liar, and did not make a practice of it with his people. Who is Grodd, many think, compared to this icon?

"It is Solovar who wishes to see us under the heel of humanity! He will be our ruin! I live for a greater Gorilla City...one which will overcome these pacifist tendencies that hold us back from sweeping the rest of the world and turning it into the servant it should be! I can bring us to power! Don't you wish for a world in which we don't have to hide from those who would see us as nothing more than animals? Are we not as individuals deserving of better?"

"Your cost is too great Grodd...risk our civilization's destruction for...what? Glory? I can find glory within my own people, within our own city. I don't need to look outside to do so. I once found glory," Solovar continues, his voice suddenly a whisper, "and so much more, in the eyes of my son. I loved him."

Grodd looks around frantically, wondering how much longer he has until the crowd attacks him. Assaulting Solovar with a mind bolt, Grodd dashes back into the palace, the few minions loyal to him protecting his rear. Enraged by the revelations, the crowd begin to literally leap into action, tearing these traitors apart. One gets his head smashed through the palace floor, while another is thrown out a close by window. Green Lantern is quick to catch him, as he and the Flash exchanges looks bordering between surprise and concern. Inside the palace, Grodd races for a teleportation device in his laboratory. It had helped him when planning the attack on the humans, allowing him to smuggle weapons into the Pacific Coast. Now he would use it as a means of escape. I'll win yet.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

"Grodd! You are finished."

The villainous scientist turns, coming face to face with Solovar's leaping figure coming on top of him. Solovar grapples with Grodd, managing to throw him into some lab equipment and then pummels the madman with his mighty fists. Finally sensible enough to retaliate, Grodd smacks Solovar in the head with both hands, breaking free. Flipping Solovar over, he smashes his fists upon the king's chest in rage, and then slams him into a chemical cabinet, causing some acid to singe Solovar's fur. Making a run for it, Grodd is slowed down by psychic attacks, though he does his best to mentally fight back. Reaching into a drawer, he grabs a laser pistol and some sort of remote control. Firing, Grodd misses Solovar, who leaps away in the knick of time. Several more shots go off, as the king edges closer, using parts of the ruined lab as cover.

"I'm finished? I haven't even begun!"

Keeping Solovar in his sights, he presses a button upon the remote. Rumblings are heard throughout the palace, almost drowning out Grodd's maniacal laughter.

"You're as good as dead 'Sire'! The people chose you - now let them reap in the misery of their choice."

"Grodd no!"

"Sorry, dear king. I have another city to destroy."

Activating the teleportation device, Grodd makes his exit, leaving a near-dead king to his doomed kingdom.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

"Ahh!"

These monkeys aren't messing around.

Laser blasts populate the Flash's personal space with amazing accuracy as he races away from his failed attack. He had tried to confiscate one of the specialized guns only to find himself electrocuted. Electricity had never really bothered Barry much, but it could certainly slow him down. This had been the case just moments ago with one of Grodd's small but relentless followers, the Flash losing just enough momentum for his foe to get a good blow in. Grodd's ingenuity no doubt. The same ingenuity that produced these yellow-coated weapons. Maybe we should have let the crowd take care of them instead.

"Flash!"

Looking up, Barry sees his partner skillfully avoiding yellow bolts of energy. Tearing down a piece of the palace ceiling, Green Lantern makes sure it lands his three attackers.

"Their weapons - they have some sort of locking system. That's why they seem to follow us no matter how fast we maneuver!"

So that's it. Racing toward one of his opponents, the Flash is fired upon relentlessly. Moving quickly but easily, Barry keeps just ahead of the four pursuing shots. Maneuvering himself in front of four of his attacker's guns, each weapon explodes in rapid succession. But as the battle's tide turns in the heroes' favor, a rumbling is heard. Suddenly, the floor cracks and the building's foundation trembles.

"It's a tremor! Grodd must've created a small, artificial earthquake!"

"Don't worry about that Flash! You go after Grodd! I'll take care of this."

"What?! How?"

"Trust me."

He's fearless alright. Or just crazy. Racing away, the Flash enters Grodd's laboratory and finds Solovar injured and exasperated.

"Grodd...escaped. He said he was going to destroy another city. He wants revenge from all of us."

"Do you know which one?"

"The teleportation log says...Central City, Missouri. Does that mean anything to you, Flash? Flash?" Turning around, King Solovar finds himself in an empty room.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

Central City

Damn it! Daryl Frye curses his luck, and prays that he will not be late for the curtain. Punctual to the extreme, Captain Frye expects as much consideration for orderly and prompt behavior from himself as he does from his men. And the symphony performance was to start soon. Mrs. Frye could be even harder to please than the Captain at times. Finally, we're moving. Looks like I won't be that late after all...

BOOM!

His car becomes metal mesh as a 425 lb. gorilla materializes on the hood. Glaring in Frye's direction with eerie, intelligent eyes, Frye barely manages to escape the vehicle before the beast smashes the window-shield in. Thinking fast, Frye races to the trunk and pulls out his service revolver.

"Freeze!" he yells, a bare eight feet away from the behemoth.

Firing a shot at the animal's feet, the police captain cannot help but feel the ape's mal intent. Roaring, Grodd edges closer, snickering.

BANG!

Taken aback, Grodd looks at the gunshot wound in his arm. Leaping right in front of the human, he holds the man's firing arm with one hand and his head with the other.

"I hope you taste better than you look..."

Opening his mouth wide, Grodd is interrupted by a burning sensation. Looking down, he notices his fur has been severely singed...and his human meal is gone. Cocking his head to look over his shoulder, Grodd notices a red-clad figure, undaunted and determined. The Flash had managed to move fast enough to set fire to Grodd's fur, the distraction allowing him to get Captain Frye to safety.

"I won't let you destroy any more lives Grodd."

Grodd smiles wickedly. "Not even yours?"

****

[spiritofvengeance]

Gorilla City

The Green Lantern of Earth rockets into the lower atmosphere. Using his ring, Hal Jordan learns the exact location of the artificial fault line beneath the city. Hal wills the precious device to calculate thoroughly, believing that there is no room for error. Long pillars materialize, each strategically placed to hold the city together. The Green Lantern carefully begins to thrust the pillars through the earth, gaining as much support as he can. The unnatural earthquake strains against the imagined pillars, fighting against Hal with the power of Grodd's mechanizations.

One slip up and the whole city'll come apart. Got to press on...

After seventeen stressful minutes, the rock resigns to its natural composition, restoring relative order. Green Lantern smiles and swoops down to put to rest any other immediate dangers caused by the failed earthquake. He hadn't even broken a sweat.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

Black, hairy knuckles burst into Flash's face, bloodying the Scarlet Speedster even further. Grodd roars, taking a torn piece of a lap-post and hammering it toward Barry. The Flash regains consciousness in the nick-of-time, racing around several feet behind Grodd. Wary of possible psychic assault, the Flash does not allow Grodd a moment to think, quickly hitting him from every side. Grodd swings his arms around desperately but cannot seem to land a punch on Barry who hits him fifty times within forty seconds.

"Be still human! I need to feel your bones between my teeth!"

"And here I thought all gorillas were herbivores!"

Racing toward the remains of a Volkswagens Beetle, the Flash begins to disassemble it at rapid speeds, throwing each piece he removes at Grodd. The powerful opponent bellows in confusion, unsure how to respond. In a moment of desperation, Grodd psychically attacks his fleet-footed opponent, buying him time to leap up onto a nearby high-rise office building. The Flash buckles to his knees, but wills himself to get up. Grodd's still weak - his mental powers aren't all there. Picking up momentum and finding the right amount of traction, Barry races up the office building. Glass shatters at the exposure to such high speeds. Having reached the top of the building, Barry jumps down and lands his foot into Grodd's face. The two crash underneath the pavement and into the sub-basement of the building. Managing to get up first, the Flash quickly makes note of his surroundings. This must be where Central City's electrical reserves are stored. Two massive hands suddenly grab Flash's legs and smash him into a nearby console. Grodd then throws a powerful punch, only to hit the wall. Though he had ducked, the Flash cannot escape Grodd's psychic onslaught. Falling to the ground, Grodd makes note of his suspected victory.

"I shall break your legs and thus your pride. Then I shall feast on your loved ones."

Grodd grabs the Flash's legs to crush them just as the Flash punches his hand into one of the electrical generators. Violent waves of electricity burst through, surging through the Flash and into Grodd. The Flash holds firm despite the pain until Grodd's grip weakens, and the ape falls to the ground, defeated. Dizzy, Barry Allen rests against the wall, thankful for his victory.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

Gorilla City Palace

"...and to you, Flash for your exceptional bravery in the battle against the villainous Grodd."

King Solovar places the Medal of Dignity upon the Flash's neck, the highest honor to be received in Gorilla City. Green Lantern and the Flash stand before a crowd, just outside the palace gates. The sky is clear and the sun shares its warmth.

"He would have made enemies of us, but the two of you persevered. And because of it, justice prevailed."

The crowd's cheers brighten only the two honored heroes' disposition. The King's own smile remains slight. Looking away and into the setting African sun, all he can think about is Nnamdi.

"Quite a party, hun?" Green Lantern and Flash walk along the dusty planes outside the city. Hidden via computerized hologram, the two had promised to keep Gorilla City's existence safe from the rest of humanity.

"Not everyday you get to safe the world - from a lunatic, power-hungry ape that is."

Barry laughs at his friend's remarks, though only slightly. The battle with Grodd was still too fresh in his mind.

"Really? And here I thought out in space all you fought were lunatic, power-hungry ape creatures."

"Only on weekends, pal. Were you off to anyway?"

"Back home. I've got a date to keep."

"With Iris, right?"

"Yep."

Hal rubs the back of his neck, almost whimsically. "You know, if you're ever on the West Coast, hit me up. We could go to some clubs...Coast City girls know how to party. You can bring Iris too, if you two are that serious."

"Clubs...is that like dancing?"

Hal Jordan gives Barry a half-hearted quizzical expression, wondering if he is being serious. "Right. Well, give me a call if you're ever around."

"Will do, Hal. You do the same."

Green Lantern gives a slight salute in the air as he zips away into the distance. The Flash then races home, smiling brightly.

****

[spiritofvengeance]

Central City Zoo

The ape was said to be from the Congo Basin, a donation from some unknown third party. It did not speak much, nor did it interact well with the other apes. Placed in a cell alone because of its antisocial nature, the resident zoologist said that the ape was mentally defunct. Indeed, the gorilla spent most of its time drooling, occasionally plagued by strange dreams of a man in red. To add to the curiosity, the gorilla always seemed to get more bananas than any other ape. It was almost as if, by some sort of strange subconscious pull, the caretaker could not help but give him more than any other gorilla.

The End

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