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"I think you should be more worried about the military keeping an eye on STAR Labs than trying to figure me out," I told Dr. Wells, my voice steady despite the weight of what I was about to say. This was either the smartest move I've ever made—or the dumbest.
His brow furrowed in interest. "What do you mean, Barry?"
"Your particle accelerator just released a wave of radiation that could mutate organic material on a cellular level. Some people might develop… powers."
Dr. Wells opened his mouth, but before he could object, Ralph interjected, "What kind of powers?"
Joe shot him a look, as if to ask why he'd even bother with that question. Iris stayed quiet, while Dr. Wells scrutinized me with unsettling intensity. He had such a good poker face—it was impossible to tell what was really going on in his head.
I rubbed my temples, trying to push through the headache brewing behind my eyes. "If I had to guess? Super strength, accelerated healing, heightened senses. That kind of thing."
"What about teleportation?" Ralph asked.
"Teleportation's possible," I replied, already suspecting the reason for his question. "Why?"
"Because earlier tonight, Chyre got shot," Ralph answered.
"Shot? Is he okay?" I asked, my heart tightening. I hoped this time he made it through.
Ralph nodded. "The doctors say he'll make it, but he's gonna need a few days in the hospital."
"That's good," I said, relieved. "But what does that have to do with teleportation?"
"I never took him to the hospital," Ralph admitted.
Joe stiffened. "What do you mean, you didn't take him?"
Ralph hesitated before continuing. "When Chyre was shot by the Mardon brothers, I tried to stop the bleeding with my tie. But… he just disappeared."
"What do you mean, disappeared?" Joe asked, his voice sharp.
"Exactly what I said. One moment he was on the ground bleeding out, the next he was gone."
"Were you touching him when he disappeared?" I asked, an idea forming.
"No. Why?" Ralph asked, confusion lining his face.
"Then it wasn't teleportation."
Ralph blinked. "If it wasn't teleportation, then what was it?"
Joe moved to speak, but I cut him off. "Joe, you've seen Chyre at the hospital, right? Now tell me—do you really think Ralph had enough time to get him there before he bled out?"
Joe opened his mouth, then closed it, realizing I had a point. Ralph couldn't have made it in time, even in the best of circumstances. There had to be another explanation, and as crazy as it sounded, teleportation made more sense.
"Alright," Joe conceded. "Let's say I believe you. How did Chyre get to the hospital in time?"
"It could've been someone who can move at super speed," I said, "but that's impossible."
"Why's that?" Dr. Wells asked, his interest piqued once more.
"Because Ralph said Chyre disappeared and reappeared at the hospital. That kind of speed would tear someone apart on a cellular level."
"What do you mean?" Joe asked, bewildered.
I stifled a sigh. "To put it simply, Joe—if Chyre had been carried by someone moving at super speed, he'd have turned to dust."
Dr. Wells broke into a slow, measured smile. "Incredible deductive skills, Mr. Allen."
"Thanks, but you don't seem all that surprised."
For a long minute, Dr. Wells simply stared at me, studying me. Then, without warning, he spoke. "I had my suspicions that the accelerator might have unique effects on people."
"Unique is an understatement," Joe muttered. "If people start developing powers, things could get catastrophic."
He wasn't wrong. "This could change the world forever. We have no idea what kind of abilities people might end up with. Super strength, shapeshifting—hell, someone could turn into steel, or worse, into tar."
"Tar?" Iris finally spoke, confused.
"Construction sites," I clarified.
Joe rubbed his forehead in frustration. "So what do we do with this information?"
I shrugged, uncertain. "Honestly, Joe? I don't know. Best case scenario, the military covers it up."
"We should tell the public," Iris suggested, her tone firm. "They have a right to know."
I was about to argue, but Dr. Wells beat me to it. "No. We can't. It would cause mass panic."
"But—"
"I'm sorry, Iris," I cut in. "But he's right. If people find out about this, it'll cause fear, hatred, and distrust."
Ralph looked puzzled. "Hate? Why would it invoke hate?"
"Humanity fears what it doesn't understand," I explained. "And when people are afraid, they lash out."
Iris' shoulders tensed. "So we're just supposed to keep quiet?"
"Iris," I began gently, "how would you feel if someone had the power to read your mind whenever they pleased?"
She frowned. "I'd feel vulnerable."
"Exactly," I said. "That's what people would feel like if they knew others had powers. Scared, vulnerable, paranoid."
"But we can't keep this a secret forever, Barry," Iris insisted.
"I know," I conceded, but I didn't have a solution.
The conversation fell into an awkward silence until Joe finally spoke again. "Barry, we need to talk about Wally."
I nodded and followed him to the room where Wally lay, unconscious and wrapped in bandages. The sight made my stomach twist.
"Oh my god," I muttered, staring at him.
"He's got second and third-degree burns," Joe said quietly, his voice thick with guilt. "How did this happen, Barry?"
I didn't have an answer, but I knew what needed to be done. I hated the idea, but it was Wally's best shot. "Maybe we should let Dr. Wells help."
"You can't be serious!" Joe snapped, glaring at me like I'd lost my mind.
"I know you're angry, but Wells might be Wally's only chance. STAR Labs has the best tech in the world."
Joe stared at Wally's unconscious form for a long moment before sighing heavily. "Dr. Wells, you better save my son."
Wells remained calm, unfazed by Joe's anger. "I'll do everything I can, but I make no promises."
---
Hours later, I returned to the West house. I'd spent some time at STAR Labs, ensuring Joe didn't do anything rash. I also managed to sneak a blood sample from Wally. I wasn't sure if he was a speedster yet, but it was worth checking. My injuries from earlier had bought me a few days off work, so at least I had time.
"You sure you're okay?" Iris asked for what felt like the hundredth time.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine. I'm more worried about Wally."
"Yeah… me too," she admitted.
I gave her a look. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," she said, but her voice wavered.
"Iris, if something's bothering you, you can talk to me."
She sighed. "I'm just really scared for Wally."
"I know, but he's strong. He'll pull through," I said, hoping to sound more confident than I felt.
"How can you be so sure?" she asked, her voice small.
"Because I have faith," I replied simply.
"It's not fair. We were just starting to get to know each other, and now…" Her voice broke, and tears filled her eyes.
I pulled her into a hug, running my hand gently through her hair. "Hey, don't think like that. STAR Labs will help him. He's gonna be fine."
Iris wiped her tears and gave me a shaky smile. "Thank you, Barry. You always seem to know the right thing to say."
I smiled back, though inwardly, doubt gnawed at me. "Thanks, Iris."