Chapter 34: Advances
If you want to read more check out my check out my Patreon.
[Patreon.com/VelocityV]
----
Chirp~, chirp~. The blissful sound of birds echoed through the sky, gently prompting Wally to wake just in time. Stretching, he rose from the bed, feeling particularly refreshed. It had been two days since the defeat of the three notorious metahumans.
In the end, only Charna was confined by A.R.G.U.S., while the other two were returned to Iron Heights' meta wing. Meanwhile, Wally's original plan to proceed with the second stage of the regeneration enhancement had been postponed.
The delay was due to his ongoing research into the "green" meta-gene—a unique variant that had captured his attention. Cisco had taken a liking to the name, even though he generally disliked color-based labels.
Through his deep study of this gene, Wally had gained advanced insights into regeneration technology. Combining this knowledge with his work on the bio-regenerative serum, he was on the cusp of groundbreaking achievements.
As a result, he had even managed to develop a temporary regeneration serum—a prototype resembling a healing potion. Wally planned to showcase this innovation to A.R.G.U.S. tomorrow, hoping to elevate their partnership to new heights.
The potion was created by synthesizing the bio-regenerative serum with an artificial compound derived from his study of the green meta-gene. To his surprise, the resulting concoction granted temporary enhanced regeneration—an unexpected yet remarkable outcome.
What made this innovation even more valuable was its exclusivity. Even if A.R.G.U.S. knew the components he used, they would never be able to replicate it. The unique properties of the green meta-gene made finding comparable materials virtually impossible.
Still, this wasn't Wally's ultimate goal. His true objective was to enhance the bio-regenerative serum to achieve permanent effects. He was tantalizingly close to success and was determined to finalize it today.
Beyond the healing serum, Wally's arsenal for tomorrow's A.R.G.U.S. presentation included a simplified pulse reactor, advanced energy weapons, and a state-of-the-art combat suit.
The suit boasted thermal sensing, anti-thermal detection, a metahuman detector, an energy shield, refractive light technology for invisibility, a sound absorber for stealth, Night and X-ray vision.
Each of these innovations was designed to make A.R.G.U.S. increasingly reliant on his expertise and technology.
On top of that, today marked an important milestone: the reopening of the S.T.A.R. Labs Museum. Wally, Cisco, and H.R. had been preparing for days.
They had hired a team of staff to manage the museum, though access was restricted to the lower floors for security reasons.
Adding to the day's events, Pietro had arrived yesterday and was quickly taken under Barry's wing. Wally had already prepared a suit for him—complete with a ring deployment system. For someone with his skills, creating the suit had been a breeze.
On the same day, Barry had come to Wally seeking guidance—a gesture that both surprised and shocked him. Knowing Barry, the pride and ego he must have set aside to ask for help weren't lost on Wally. It was a rare moment.
Today was also the day they had scheduled their training session. Even Pietro would be joining them, and Wally could only hope he had enough talent to keep up. The thought of mentoring not one, but two speedsters added to the weight of his responsibilities.
All of this combined to create an overwhelming schedule: overseeing the S.T.A.R. Labs Museum reopening, helping Barry and Pietro deepen their understanding of the Speed Force, and wrapping up his research on the serums—all before the day's end.
Sigh... With a heavy sigh, Wally closed his eyes, exhaling the stress he was bracing himself to face. Steeling his resolve, he headed to the shower for his usual morning routine.
This time, however, he didn't rush. Instead, he allowed himself a moment of calm, savoring the rare peace that came with simply taking it slow.
---
After a long night of tossing and turning, Pietro woke to the gentle morning light filtering through his window. He stretched lazily, letting the warmth of the sun coax him from bed. Today was important, and for once, he felt an odd mix of excitement and nervousness as he got ready.
Slipping into a simple hoodie and jeans, Pietro brushed his silver hair back, muttering to himself as he did. "A new day, a new start." He wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure himself or set the tone for the day.
As he laced his sneakers, placed his white and silver ring on his middle finger, and prepared to head out, his sister Amanda appeared at the doorway. Her fiery red hair, tousled and falling just past her shoulders, glowed in the sunlight.
Amanda's green eyes held a sharpness that always made it seem like she could see right through him. She crossed her arms over her worn graphic tee, which read "Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys," with a quirked eyebrow.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her tone light but laced with suspicion. "It's Saturday. You never leave the house this early unless someone's paying you."
Pietro chuckled, though it came out a bit forced. "Just meeting up with some friends, Amanda. Nothing crazy." He avoided her gaze, pretending to fuss with his jacket zipper.
Amanda leaned against the doorframe, studying him. "Friends, huh? Since when do you have friends who get you out of bed before noon? Something's up."
"It's nothing," Pietro said quickly, grabbing his phone and shoving it into his pocket. "Just... trying to be social. You know, normal human stuff."
Amanda narrowed her eyes. "You? Social? Come on, Pietro. I know you better than that. Spill it."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I can't get into details, okay? It's just something new. Something I'm trying. Don't worry about it."
Amanda studied him for a long moment before shrugging. "Fine. But don't think for a second that I'm letting this go. You've been acting weird since last week, and I will find out why."
Pietro laughed nervously. "You're overthinking it, Amanda. Relax. I'll be back before dinner."
"Uh-huh," she said, stepping aside. "Go do... whatever mysterious thing you're doing. But don't do anything stupid."
He flashed her a grin as he walked past. "When have I ever done anything stupid?"
Amanda didn't answer, just rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath as she headed to the kitchen. Pietro, meanwhile, stepped out into the crisp morning air, taking a deep breath. His heart was racing—not because of Amanda's interrogation, but because he knew today was going to change everything.
Today, he wasn't just Pietro. He was a speedster in training, stepping into a world of incredible possibilities. And no amount of Amanda's skepticism was going to ruin that for him.
'To S.T.A.R. Labs.' Entering the quiet alley, he made sure no one was looking before dashing in the opposite direction in a flash of silver lightning.
---
S.T.A.R. Labs
It was 10 a.m. on Saturday, and the S.T.A.R. Labs Museum had opened just half an hour ago. It was already bustling with excited visitors. People poured in, eagerly admiring the display of advanced technology. Cisco had been a huge help, not only in setting up the exhibits but also in assisting Wally with the tech, including the holograms that now danced in the air, capturing the attention of everyone who walked by.
"Wow, I didn't expect so many people to show up!" H.R.'s voice was filled with a mix of surprise and excitement as he strolled around the museum, flanked by Cisco, Wally, and Caitlin.
"Well, I called the local elementary school and gave the principal discounted tickets," Cisco explained with a grin. "Figured if the kids love it, they'll tell their parents, and the rest will write itself." His words earned further admiration from H.R.
"You, Francesco, and Wallace are brilliant," H.R. complimented, though his enthusiasm quickly led him into another rambling monologue, which Wally tuned out, focusing instead on the smooth flow of the event.
By noon, everything was running smoothly. The staff were handling the crowd efficiently, refreshments were going fine, and Wally no longer felt the need to oversee every little detail. The museum was in good hands.
Meanwhile, Pietro had arrived early for the training session, though they were still waiting for Barry. Taking advantage of the delay, Pietro wandered around S.T.A.R. Labs, familiarizing himself with his surroundings. It wasn't long before Barry showed up, dressed in a simple, flexible outfit practical for training.
With Barry's arrival, the session began. In the speed lab, the group performed light stretches, preparing for the rigorous training ahead.
Wally glanced at the two speedsters, mentally noting their differences. Pietro, still new, required guidance to tap into the Speed Force itself. Barry, already experienced, was focused on mastering the Speed Force siphon, a technique Wally had used against Charna.
Sitting cross-legged—Wally's personal preference—he began the session. The two speedsters mirrored him, and the training commenced.