Chapter 49:  Fire vs Lightning  

Chapter 49: Fire vs Lightning

The tension in the air was palpable as Myles and Deathstorm locked eyes in an intense stare-off. The world around them seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the first move. Myles, his body crackling with black and white electricity, faced off against Deathstorm, whose form was engulfed in sinister black and blue flames. Their standoff was a clash of cosmic forces, each waiting for the other to make the initial move.

Myles' muscles tensed as he detected something amiss within the demon before him. There was a faint whisper of familiarity within Deathstorm's essence, a sensation that sent a shiver down his spine. But there was no time to dwell on it, not when they were on the cusp of confrontation.

With a swift step forward, Myles closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His intention was clear – a powerful clothesline aimed at Deathstorm's form. However, to Myles' surprise, the demon's body phased through his attack, like a ghostly specter. Myles' eyes widened in disbelief, his mind racing to catch up with the unexpected turn of events. He hadn't recalled Deathstorm possessing the ability to become intangible.

Myles muttered under his breath, his thoughts racing. "Phasing? Since when?"

His instincts screamed at him, urging him to evade danger. Without hesitation, he propelled himself backward, reaching the top of a nearby building just in the nick of time. The space he had occupied a mere moment ago was now consumed by a fierce explosion, sending shockwaves through the air and rattling the surrounding structures.

Myles steadied himself, his heart pounding in his chest. He cast his gaze downwards, his eyes narrowing at Deathstorm, who stood at the epicenter of the blast, his form unscathed. The demon's finger glowed ominously, a telltale sign of impending danger.

Adrenaline surged through Myles' veins as his instincts guided him once more. Without wasting a second, he leaped further back, distancing himself from the growing danger. The ground trembled beneath him as a second explosion erupted, the force of it rippling through the air.

As the smoke and debris cleared, Myles regained his composure, his mind racing with strategies. He couldn't afford to underestimate Deathstorm – not when new abilities were coming to light. His eyes locked onto the demon, a mixture of caution and determination evident in his gaze.

"You've got some tricks up your sleeve, don't you?" Myles taunted, his voice laced with a hint of defiance.

Before he could react, Deathstorm was upon him once more, his form suddenly materializing in front of Myles. The demon's foot pressed against Myles' face, pinning him in place. Myles' eyes widened as he felt the weight of Deathstorm's presence, an overwhelming sensation of danger that sent a shiver down his spine.

A sadistic grin spread across Deathstorm's face, an unsettling sight that sent a chill through Myles' core. Flames erupted from the demon's form, engulfing Myles' vision in a torrent of heat and darkness. The searing flames danced before his eyes, their intensity threatening to consume him.

In the midst of the flames, Myles' mind raced. He had to act, to find a way out of this dire situation. The black and white electricity that coursed through his veins crackled with newfound intensity, his powers surging to life.

With a surge of willpower, Myles unleashed a burst of energy, forcing Deathstorm to stagger back. The flames momentarily subsided, allowing Myles to regain his footing. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his mind racing with a mixture of determination and frustration.

"You're not the only one with surprises," Myles declared, his voice carrying a steely resolve.

Deathstorm's assault was unrelenting, his fist striking Myles' gut with a force that reverberated through his body. Flames erupted once again, enveloping Myles in their scorching embrace. The searing heat clawed at his skin, threatening to seep into his very being. Yet, Myles remained steadfast, a smirk dancing on his lips even in the midst of the fiery onslaught.

The demon, Deathstorm, watched with an unsettling intensity. His intentions were clear – to consume Myles' very soul. His mouth opened wide, ready to draw in his prey's essence. However, to his bewilderment, nothing entered his gaping maw. Confusion flickered in Deathstorm's eyes as he waited for the flames to subside, his impatience growing palpable.

A click of annoyance echoed in the air as the flames extinguished, revealing Myles standing unharmed before him. Deathstorm's frustration was palpable, his plans foiled by the unexpected resilience of his opponent. It was an infuriating setback for the demon, whose cold and apathetic demeanor clashed with the arrogant playfulness that Myles radiated.

Myles sat at the edge of a building, his legs dangling casually over the side. He fanned himself with a nonchalant air, as if he were enjoying a leisurely day at the beach rather than a life-and-death confrontation. He tilted his head at Deathstorm, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Trying to give me a heatstroke, huh? Gotta admit, it's working... a little," Myles taunted, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

The contrast between their personalities couldn't have been more stark. Myles exuded confidence and a devil-may-care attitude, while Deathstorm's demeanor remained chillingly composed. Manipulative tendencies were their common thread, an undercurrent of cunning that ran beneath their clash.

Amid the banter, a thread of confusion wove its way into Myles' thoughts. The way Deathstorm fought was unexpected, a departure from the strategic approach Myles had anticipated. The demon's willingness to engage in close combat, to meet Myles head-on, raised questions in his mind. It was as if Deathstorm was toying with him, teasing at a hidden truth that lay just out of reach.

A thought flickered in Myles' mind – a speculation that he pushed aside for the time being. Did Deathstorm somehow have a connection to the Primal Force, the cosmic power that Myles himself was attuned to? The idea was intriguing, but there was no time to unravel such mysteries in the heat of battle.

Myles' eyes gleamed with a mixture of curiosity and arrogance as he regarded Deathstorm. "You know, I thought we could have a civilized conversation before trying to burn each other to a crisp. But hey, if this is how you want to play it..."

With a surge of energy, Myles propelled himself back into action. The air crackled with electricity as he charged at Deathstorm, his movements fluid and controlled. As he closed the distance, he unleashed a rapid flurry of strikes, each one calculated to exploit any weaknesses in Deathstorm's defenses.

As the clash intensified, it was clear that this encounter was far from over. Myles and Deathstorm were locked in a battle of wits and power, each striving to gain the upper hand and unravel the other's secrets. The cityscape around them bore witness to their clash, an epic confrontation that held the potential to reshape destinies and tip the scales of power.

Myles' eyes locked onto Deathstorm, a spark of challenge in his gaze. The demon's movement was swift, almost instantaneous, as he blinked towards Myles. But the speedster was ready, his reflexes honed to a razor's edge. In a split second, Myles' hand shot out, fingers closing around Deathstorm's gaping maw. With a forceful motion, he slammed the demon's skull onto the rooftop, the impact resonating through the air.

Myles grinned mockingly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Going down, big guy?"

Without hesitation, Myles manipulated the very fabric of gravity itself. The force of gravity intensified around Deathstorm, a crushing weight that pressed down on him relentlessly. Myles watched as each floor of the building gave way under the immense pressure, the structure collapsing like a house of cards. Dust and debris filled the air as the building crumbled, a testament to Myles' power.

Amid the chaos, Myles and Deathstorm emerged unscathed, standing amidst the wreckage. Myles' grip on Deathstorm's essence remained firm as he tossed the demon aside with casual disregard. His mind worked swiftly, conjuring constructs that materialized in the air around him. They struck Deathstorm with calculated precision, each blow resonating with cosmic energy.

A giant spiked glove projection materialized in Myles' hand, his intention clear. With a surge of power, he propelled the construct towards Deathstorm, the impact resounding with a satisfying crunch. Yet, even as the blows landed, Myles sensed something amiss. Deathstorm's lack of reaction, his almost eerie stillness, sent a chill down Myles' spine.

Myles sidestepped just in time as Deathstorm unleashed a torrent of flames, a searing beam that scorched the air and consumed an entire block of buildings. Heat and destruction swept through the area, leaving chaos in its wake. Myles wagged his finger playfully, a wry smile gracing his lips.

"Tsk, tsk. You missed the mark," Myles chided, his tone dripping with amusement.

He watched as Deathstorm rose from the charred ground, the very earth beneath him melting from the intensity of his power. Myles' mind raced, processing the situation. There was an undeniable shift in Deathstorm's strength, a surge that went beyond their initial encounter.

Myles clicked his tongue, his gaze narrowing as he assessed his opponent. "Getting stronger by the second, are we? You've certainly got my attention."

Myles' steps took on a menacing rhythm as he advanced towards Deathstorm, the atmosphere around him crackling with anticipation. Above, the sky seemed to respond to his presence, as lightning forked across the heavens, striking him down with electrifying intensity. His figure was enveloped in a fusion of primal power and advanced technology as the God-Killer armor donned itself upon him.

The armor bore the resemblance of a demon and a beast, a fusion of dark and fearsome aesthetics. It was a visual testament to Myles' control over cosmic forces and his mastery of the Primal Force itself. The clash of lightning and power was a symphony of cosmic energy, an awe-inspiring display that left Deathstorm momentarily still.

At the same time, Deathstorm spread his arms wide, an eerie calm emanating from his form. Fire began to gather around him, swirling and dancing with malevolent grace. The flames absorbed into his being, each flicker enhancing his power as he levitated above the rooftop. His very essence seemed to resonate with the destructive energy he wielded.

Inside STAR Labs, Caitlin, Cisco, Joe, and Harrison watched the battle unfold on the screens before them. Tensions were high as they witnessed the clash between cosmic titans. Cisco's voice rang out urgently, calling for Barry to intervene before the situation escalated further. Barry's voice crackled through the earpiece, stating that he was pushing his limits, mindful of the device he was carrying.

Caitlin's voice followed, a note of urgency in her tone. "Barry, you have to hurry. We don't know what could happen if they keep going at this rate."

Barry's arrival was a blur of speed, as he inserted himself between Myles and Deathstorm. The two cosmic forces halted, their attention now on the Scarlet Speedster who stood as a barrier between them. Barry's eyes darted between Myles and Deathstorm, his voice firm as he addressed both of them.

Barry's voice cut through the stillness, his words carrying a note of authority. "Enough! We can't keep going like this. The city can't take much more."

Myles remained silent, his gaze steady as he exchanged a subtle glance with Deathstorm. It was a silent conversation, an unspoken agreement that seemed to ask: What now? Myles made a deliberate gesture, his movements commanding attention.

Barry, though puzzled by their unspoken exchange, took Myles' signal as an invitation to take the lead. "Alright, fine. I'll handle this. Just... stand down, both of you."

Barry's attention shifted to Deathstorm as he turned to face the demon, only to find himself seized by an iron grip around his face. With bone-crushing force, he was smashed into the unforgiving concrete of the road. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, leaving him dazed and disoriented. Before he could react, Deathstorm's onslaught began.

Blows rained down on Barry, each strike feeling like a sledgehammer against his body. He struggled to defend himself, his speed and reflexes put to the test as he desperately tried to evade the relentless assault. Deathstorm's attacks were methodical, each strike calculated to exploit Barry's vulnerabilities.

Myles, lounging on a makeshift couch conjured through his power, watched the beating unfold with a detached air. His fingers drummed idly on the armrest as he observed the one-sided battle. A hint of boredom danced in his eyes as he leaned back, clearly unimpressed by the spectacle.

Time seemed to stretch on as Barry endured the merciless beating. For a literal hour, he weathered the storm, his body battered and bruised, yet his spirit unyielding. Despite his valiant efforts, Barry's attacks were met with a chilling adaptability from Deathstorm. It was as if the demon had analyzed every facet of Barry's fighting style, countering each move with ruthless efficiency.

Growing weary of the drawn-out affair, Myles decided to introduce an element of public spectacle. He kidnapped a cameraman, instructing him to capture the entirety of Barry's struggle. As the beating continued, Myles simultaneously recorded the spectacle on his phone, his fingers dancing across the screen with a calculated precision. Within moments, the video was uploaded to YouTube, titled with a cheeky flourish: "Hero Taking Ass Whoopin'!"

The citizens of Central City were held captive by the grim spectacle, watching their beloved hero's struggle with a mixture of awe and concern. Unbeknownst to Barry, his battle was being broadcast for the world to witness – a display of his unwavering determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Just as Deathstorm seemed poised to deliver a final, devastating blow, a voice pierced through the chaos. Cisco's voice crackled in Barry's earpiece, urgency coloring his words. The meta – Deathstorm – was preparing to unleash a cataclysmic explosion that threatened to obliterate Central City.

Barry's panic was palpable as he turned to Myles, desperation in his eyes. "What do I do?"

Before Myles could respond, Deathstorm's form seemed to blur, vanishing in a flash. Barry's heart raced as the demon reappeared on the surface of Mars, flames condensing around him. The detonation was imminent, and there was nothing Barry could do to stop it.

Myles' attention shifted from the distant explosion back to Barry, who glared at him with a mix of frustration and anger. "Why didn't you help? You could have done something!"

Barry's gaze turned to Myles, a mixture of anger and disbelief in his eyes. "Why didn't you help? You could have done something!"

Myles, unfazed by Barry's glare, leaned forward with a mockingly sympathetic expression. "And miss the show? Nah… besides you wanted to handle it, didn't you? I simply obliged. After all, you're the security guard."

Barry's frustration boiled over as he demanded to know what Myles had done to the meta. Myles' response was casual, as if discussing a mundane topic. "Sent him to Mars at Mach 15 FTL (Faster Than Light). No worries, he'll live."

He couldn't say the same for the Martians though.

Barry's confusion was evident as he asked, "What's FTL?"

Myles' expression shifted, his voice filled with mock concern. " Faster than light. Oh and… Duck."

Before Barry could react, Deathstorm reappeared, his foot connecting with Barry's side. The blow sent him sprawling, his gaze locking onto Deathstorm who radiated fury. A growl of anger escaped Deathstorm's lips as he glared at Myles, who feigned a yawn, as though he had grown bored of the entire ordeal.

Myles let out a painful hiss. "Oooh! He's definitely not getting up after that." He chuckled before turning to the demon and asked. "Was that necessary? I feel like that that racially motivated. Hey cameraman, what do you think?"

"DON'T DRAG ME INTO THIS ASSHOLE!"

Myles pouted. "Rude much?" He asked before looking back at his enemy. Deathstorm's eyes bore into Myles with fury as a growl escaped his lips.

Myles, feigning a yawn, stretched lazily. "Round 3?" His only response was a roar. "ROUND 3 IT IS! C'MERE!" He yelled with savage grin.

Author Note:

Hey there, fellow readers and writers!

I've gotta be real with you – crafting a story isn't smooth sailing. This is my second time facing a challenge like this, and I'm here to share a bit of insight into my writing process. You see, I took a look at the original outline for THREE days and not one bit of it just didn't sit right with me. There were a few things that didn't click, like Caitlin's unprevented death, Myles' behavior, and Barry's absence in a crucial scene. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and give it my own spin.

Now, here's a little confession – I'm one of those who kinda missed the old Myles. I know, I know, the story's got "VILLAIN" in the title, but his character was my idea that Jake used when he made Cage Myles. So, I'm bringing back the essence of Cage Myles, but with a fresh twist. I won't spill the beans on the details. Let's just say that the Cage Myles is making a comeback, under a new name, with a bit more consistency in his character.

Probably make a spin-off while I'm at it.

But don't expect a complete resurrection – I'm not going for a total rewind here. Cage Myles will take on a new role as a recurring neutral side character. He's all about stirring the pot and causing some playful chaos, like a true troll. Who doesn't love a little mischief, right?

So, there you have it. Be sure to write a review, make some comments and leave a vote! It really helps me a lot. And look up my original story "Help the Demon King has a gun!" and tell me what I need to work with.

Catch you on the flip side,