Frozen Flashpoint

Chapter 19: Speed Isn't Enough

Summary: The fight against DeVoe's forces has begun. How will it end, and what will the consequences be?

"Shit. Kevin, Mike, deal with the mini-boss and boss. I'll complete our quest," Simon spat and began running toward the building behind Barry.

Barry was about to stop him when the tall meta, Kevin—Barry thinks Simon called him—stood in his way.

Wanting to end the battle as quickly as possible, Barry used his super-speed to punch the man in the face, only to feel his hand break as if he had hit a wall.

Barry jumped back and noticed the man's skin had become the same color as a bare cement wall, and where Barry punched him, a few cracks appeared, like a dent in a wall.

Kevin gave him a sharp smile. "Sorry, man, but my power is the perfect defense. Nothing's getting through me."

Barry had another idea to try. He began running around the criminal in circles. Kevin snorted and called out, "Nah, man, surprise attacks won't do you any good. Once I activate it, my power stays on until I shut it down. And it's my entire skin too."

Barry hesitated for a moment before spinning in place and launching a lightning bolt at the hardened man's chest.

Kevin just stood there and took the hit. The lightning reached his skin without leaving any damage. The criminal laughed, showing his sharp teeth. "You're supposed to be smart, man. My skin's not so different from cement right now. It isn't conductive."

Barry frowned. He needed a little more time to consider his next move, so he asked, "Why are you doing this? What do you have to gain from breaking into a research facility?"

Kevin shrugged. "I just want to prove I'm the manliest man there is. Nothing else."

Okay, Barry wouldn't even try to understand what the hell that was supposed to mean. Instead, he asked, "And how does any of this prove that?"

Kevin waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, stealing stuff doesn't. But I knew sooner or later one of you heroes would show up, and I'd get the chance to beat you into a pulp to prove how manly I am."

Then the red-haired man laughed. "I'm actually happy you showed up tonight. I was worried it'd take a while before I got a shot at a hero."

With that said, the man began charging at Barry. Barry used his speed to get out of the way.

Kevin clicked his tongue and said, a little annoyed, "Well, we're at an impasse. You can't hit me, and I'm too slow to hit you. At least my skin isn't made of metal, or you'd have finished me off already."

Saying that reminded Barry of his first year as the Flash and how his old bully could turn into a metal man. Barry hadn't been able to throw lightning yet, but instead he used...

Barry smiled slowly before running back toward the city. Once he was sure he had moved at least five miles away, he turned around and used his top speed to rush back toward the fight.

When Kevin noticed him, he put his fists on his waist and struck a pose while laughing. "Another chance at a punch, huh? Give it your all, man."

With his right hand still broken from his previous attempt, Barry pulled back his left fist. Just before he reached the hard-skinned meta, a loud boom sounded from behind him, proof he had broken the sound barrier.

In his head, Barry heard Cisco's voice shouting, "Sonic punch, baby!"

Kevin's eyes widened when he heard the boom, and he began to move, but it was too late. Barry's punch connected with his gut, breaking through the hard shell of his skin and reaching the soft layer underneath.