The Son of Speed (Completed)

Chapter 7:

Artemis left the room, her head now low, and in shock from what she had been told to do. Waller had just asked her, Artemis Crock, to betray Black Velocity, or her job would be cut. Not really sure how to handle it, the blond felt awful. Gaining trust from the deadly villain was certainly hard, but Artemis had done it. He trusted her with his story. Could she really turn on him, just like that, as if the moments they spent talking about their similar families weren't anything, but a scam to get higher up at Belle Reve? It was a moment, when Artemis' morality was at a crossroads. She could either do what Waller told her to do, and get many accolades, save millions of people, and get a possible promotion, or she could disobey the direct order, and be fired and lose everything, including any chance of her seeing Black Velocity again, if he made it back without her help. Both were risky moves, that could either destroy her, or make her, just like with becoming a hero. So desperately, Artemis wished she could think of what to do. Sighing, she reluctantly told herself what she would have to do, and she knew it wasn't going to be pretty, when he found out. Walking out of Belle Reve, still dressed in her uniform, she went to the Zeta-tube, and waited. While she waited, she called Waller, and told her she had spoken to the villain. She also requested for a couple guards to wait away from her, so she could do what she needed to do, to be the best she could be. After getting the guards, Artemis continued patiently waiting. Feeling a rush behind her, Artemis turned, and found herself face to face with Black Velocity again. The ginger and black haired teen grinned at her, and said, "That seemed to be a very short work day, Princess. Waller must like you." Artemis asked, craning her neck, to look at the villain, "What do you want this time?" Black Velocity said, his wide cheesy grin, becoming a sincere smile, "Come on, Princess. I'll show you." Black Velocity's arms were outstretched, and he seemed to want the blonde to climb into his open arms. Reluctantly, Artemis did so, not really sure what to expect. The next moments of her life were pure bliss, as Black Velocity ran with her in his arms, holding her gently. There was no roughness to his gait, which only seemed to quicken with each stride. Finally, the villain stopped, and carefully set Artemis down on a hill, that overlooked the entire city! Below her feet was a small wicker basket, and a ripped blanket, that looked like it had come from some open window. Immediately, she exclaimed, "What's this for?" Black Velocity blushed, and asked, "You like it? I wanted to find a way to thank you properly for acting so different around me. You aren't like the others, and I... Well, I like that. I know it's not much, but its all I could find on short notice." Artemis said, "You're a villain, Black Velocity. Why are you thanking me?" The teen responded briskly, "I may be a villain, but I do have a heart, Princess. I see kindness and reward it in due time." Artemis laughed, then took a seat on the ground. She turned her head, and watched the villain beside her sit down, as she said, "Well, I am sorry that Waller hasn't seen this side of you. Why do you act so different at Belle Reve? I bet if you acted like this there, they would let you out for good behavior." Black Velocity replied, "I did a lot wrong, and ruined many people's lives, so getting out faster legally, is out of the question. The person they see is someone I've had to become. My dad told me that I had to make people scared of me, so I played that role. No matter what, I didn't want to do it, but I had no choice. A villain is a villain, always. We always have to do what we do, because its what people expect. If I were to try to be good, people would think and would still be scared of me, and I wouldn't be pushed to be better." Artemis said, "Black Velocity, you don't have to scare people to make yourself great. If you're really serious about being a hero, then you do all you can to prove yourself. If it means anything to you, you don't have anything to prove to me. I know that you are good, but it's hard to show it, because of your bad rap sheet." Black Velocity smiled, then said, "Wally." Artemis asked, "What?" The villain continued, "My real name is Wally. Just so you know, my dad is the only one who calls me Black Velocity. I'd much rather be called by my own name." Artemis gave a smile, then turned her body to face the black and red haired teen, and stared into his bright, emerald colored eyes. Putting her hand in his, it was the first time Artemis felt a spark between them. He had told her his real name. Did that mean he trusted her completely? As the blonde stared at the villain teen, she saw him move his hand from the ground, and slowly move to brush a piece of hair from her face. Even the slightest touch like that, caused Artemis to give a small movement closer to him, until they were literally a few inches apart. She said, "Wally? I don't know how to say this but..." The teen grinned, then moved away, and said, "I'll be right back." Standing up, he raced off, only to come back a few seconds later, fighting two guards to break free. He cried, "What? Crock, you gotta help me! Tell these guys what I told you! How I don't want to be a villain." Artemis walked over to where the guards were, and said firmly, "Take him back to Belle Reve, and tell Waller Black Velocity is recaptured." As the guards started to pull the villain teen away, he screamed at Artemis, "How could you?! It was you all along!? I trusted you and you broke that! You told them about me!? You are despicable, you know that, Princess?! I can't believe you betrayed me! I thought you were different than the rest, but oh was I wrong! You were only in this, because of the raise!" Coming up to him, Artemis snapped, "Shut your trap, Black Velocity!" Immediately, the teen fell silent, anger obviously burning in his eyes. He gave a single rush at the blonde, but was halted by an inhibitor collar that was slipped around his neck. Growling viciously, he fought the collar, like a beast, until Artemis came up, and without forethought, punched him again in the face, making him black out. As he was dragged away, Artemis began to feel the same feeling she had felt the first time, only this time, it was worse. She asked herself, "Why do I feel this way about him? I mean, he's a villain who's getting what he deserved, but why did I have to be the bad guy in all of this? I don't know if this is real or not, but maybe, I wonder, if this is what love feels like. Do I love Black Velocity? Do I really love him, and want him to love me?" Deciding that what she was probably feeling was love, Artemis made up her mind to go to Belle Reve, and tell him how she felt. She only hoped he would understand and feel the same way. Following the guards, Artemis went back to Belle Reve, in hopes of fixing her wrong choice, and to apologize to Black Velocity, once and for all. She only hoped he would listen to her, after all she did.