MARVEL: THE SCARLET SPEEDSTER

-Location: Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines-

-Pearl's Home, Living Room-

It was a quiet afternoon. The sound of a cartoon blared from the TV as 7-year-old Pearl sat on the couch, her small legs dangling off the side. Her eyes were glued to the screen, lost in the vibrant colors and the antics of her favorite animated characters. She hummed along to the theme song, oblivious to the world around her.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door, followed by a familiar voice.

Grandfather: "Ablihi ang pultahan, Pearl." (English: Open the door, Pearl.)

Pearl's head turned toward the sound, her brow furrowing in confusion. She wasn't expecting anyone. She turned off the TV, stood up, and padded over to the door on her little feet.

As she reached for the handle, she pulled the door open to reveal a tall figure standing in the doorway. The sunlight from outside cast a glow around him, making him look almost larger than life. Pearl blinked, surprised to see him standing there.

Wally smiled warmly, his bright blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

Wally: Hello, Little Pearl. How are you?

Pearl's eyes widened in recognition as she gazed up at the man in front of her. It was her uncle Wally, though she hadn't seen him in a long time.

Pearl: Uncle Wally?! Is that really you?

Wally chuckled, crouching down to her level with a grin.

Wally: Yes, it's really me. You've grown so much since the last time I saw you.

Pearl blinked again, still trying to process. She had heard so much about her Uncle Wally, but seeing him in person was something else entirely. She took a step forward, still unsure, and then ran her hands through her hair.

Pearl: I thought you were... busy?

Wally smiled, his expression softening as he straightened up again.

Wally: Well, I had a bit of free time, and I thought I'd drop by to say hello to my favorite niece.

Pearl beamed up at him, her enthusiasm barely contained.

Pearl: I've been good! I'm watching cartoons! Want to watch with me?

Wally laughed, glancing inside the house and catching sight of the TV.

Wally: Cartoons, huh? I think I can make time for that. Let me just…

Before Pearl could even react, Wally zipped inside the house in the blink of an eye, leaving a gust of wind behind him. He reappeared beside her in a split second, making Pearl gasp in delight.

Pearl (laughing): Wow, Uncle Wally, you're so fast!

Wally grinned, ruffling her hair.

Wally: Guess you can say I'm pretty good at catching up with family.

Grandfather (calling from inside): Who's at the door, Pearl?

Pearl ran back to her grandfather, excitement bubbling over as she tugged on his sleeve.

Pearl: Grandpa, guess who's here! It's Uncle Wally!

Grandfather (smiling warmly): Ah, my son. Let him in, then!

With a nod, Pearl ran back to Wally, who was still standing in the doorway, waiting.

Pearl: Come in, come in! Grandpa wants to see you!

Wally stepped inside, his presence a little imposing but comforting at the same time, as if he carried the weight of many adventures, but always made time for family.

Wally: Thank you, Pearl. Lead the way!

And with that, Pearl proudly led her uncle into the living room, the two of them laughing as they headed toward the TV for a fun afternoon together.

Grandfather sat on the worn sofa, the soft creaking of the cushions as he settled in, his hands resting on his knees. The faint afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on the room. The television was muted now, the cartoons forgotten as Pearl dashed out the door, leaving Wally standing near the entryway.

Wally turned to Pearl, who was eagerly waiting to go outside.

Wally: "Pearl, pwede ba ka mupalit ug 1 litro nga coke kay mag kay kinahanglan ko ug lolo magstorya?" (English: Pearl, can you buy 1 liter of coke for me because I need a grandfather to talk to?)

Pearl nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with excitement.

Pearl: Okay, Uncle Wally! I'll be right back!

As Pearl hurried out of the house, Wally turned his attention to the sofa where his grandfather sat, looking up at him with a calm expression.

Grandfather (looking at Wally): What's wrong, my apo?

Wally hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting to the window, watching Pearl's figure fade into the distance. When he spoke, his voice was serious, the weight of his words sinking in.

Wally (quietly): Lolo... I'm a mutant.

Grandfather's eyes widened slightly, his hands tightening on the armrest as he leaned forward in his seat, a mix of concern and curiosity on his face.

Grandfather: What do you mean, you're a mutant, Wally?

Wally let out a slow breath, leaning against the wall as he tried to find the right words.

Wally: It was about 9 months ago... I got struck by lightning while there were chemicals nearby. I guess it... it gave me superpowers or mutant powers. Something changed in me that day.

Grandfather: What kind of power, Wally?

Wally glanced down at his hands for a brief moment, as if trying to remind himself of the incredible speed and energy that flowed within him. His eyes met his grandfather's, a mixture of pride and hesitation in his gaze.

Wally: Speed, I guess. I can move so fast now that it feels like time slows down for me. And... the lightning gave me some physical changes, too. I've got... well, 8-pack abs now.

Grandfather raised an eyebrow at that, his expression a blend of surprise and amusement.

Grandfather (chuckling): 8 packs, huh? Sounds like you've been working out more than just your speed.

Wally couldn't help but chuckle nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

Wally: Yeah, guess so. But... it's more than just the physical stuff. I'm different now, Lolo. And it's hard to explain. But I wanted to tell you because I trust you.

The older man's expression softened, and he gave a slow nod. He seemed to be processing everything Wally had just shared, before speaking again, his voice low and steady.

Grandfather: Will you keep it a secret, or spoil it to Pearl?

Wally looked down, his mind racing with the weight of the decision. Pearl was just a kid too young to understand the complexities of being a mutant and the life that came with it. He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair.

Wally: I'd rather not tell her yet. She's just a kid. She's not ready to understand that her uncle... will become a superhero. I don't want to burden her with that kind of knowledge right now.

Grandfather studied Wally's face carefully, his eyes full of understanding. He could see the hesitation, the uncertainty, but also the determination in his grandson's expression.

Grandfather (softly): I understand, Wally. But just remember, you're not alone in this. You've got your family to support you, always.

His face was serious, his gaze fixed on the older man who seemed lost in thought.

Wally: Lolo... I need to ask you something.

Grandfather looked up from his cup of coffee, his expression curious but calm.

Grandfather: What is it, apo?

Wally hesitated for a moment, his voice lowering as if the weight of the question itself carried years of pain.

Wally: I want to know what really happened to my mom. Her death… and why you adopted me. I've been carrying these questions for years, and I need answers.

The older man sighed deeply, setting his coffee down on the table. His weathered hands rested on his knees as he leaned back, his face filled with a mix of sadness and memories long buried.

Grandfather: Your mother... she was a friend of mine. A close one. Her name was Cecilia West, and she was one of the brightest minds I ever knew. She worked at Oscorp Industries, handling advanced research and development. She was ambitious, always striving for something greater. But...

He paused, his voice trembling slightly as he continued.

Grandfather: One day, something went wrong. I remember getting the news she had died. The circumstances were... strange. The official report said there had been some kind of accident. But the truth, Wally? Nobody knows what really happened. Her body was never found.

Wally's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the revelation.

Wally: Her body... never found? How's that even possible?

Grandfather: Oscorp claimed it was due to an explosion, something powerful enough to leave no trace. But I always felt there was more to the story. I tried to dig for answers, but every door I knocked on was shut in my face.

Wally sat back, running a hand through his hair, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness.

Wally: And... me? Why did you adopt me, Lolo?

Grandfather's face softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite the heavy topic.

Grandfather: Because Cecilia trusted me. She told me once, before all of this, that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted me to take care of you. You were her world, Wally. She knew I'd love you like my own, and I always have. You're family, apo, no matter what.

The words hit Wally like a wave, the weight of his grandfather's love and loyalty settling over him. He leaned forward again, his voice softer now.

Wally: Do you think... Oscorp had something to do with her death?

Grandfather's gaze darkened slightly, his jaw tightening.

Grandfather: I've had my suspicions for years, Wally. But without proof, I didn't want to burden you with those thoughts. I just wanted to give you a chance to live a normal life.

Wally nodded, the determination in his eyes unmistakable now.

Wally: Thank you for everything, Lolo. But I think I need to find out the truth about her. For both of us.

Grandfather placed a hand on Wally's shoulder, his grip firm yet comforting.

Grandfather: Just promise me one thing, apo don't lose yourself in the search. Your mother wouldn't want that.

Wally nodded, his resolve growing stronger as the sun dipped lower outside, casting long shadows across the room.

Wally: Lolo... what about my father?

His grandfather stiffened immediately, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair. Wally's voice softened, almost pleading.

Wally: I want to know about him. Who he was... where he is. Anything.

Before he could continue, his grandfather abruptly rose from his seat and grabbed Wally by the shoulder, his face a mixture of anger and fear.

Grandfather: Don't talk about him!

Wally froze, stunned by the sudden intensity in his grandfather's voice.

Grandfather: Don't you ever talk about your father! Me and your mother... we knew about him. We knew who he was and what he is. But we will not—

He stopped himself, his voice trembling slightly as he released Wally's shoulder.

Grandfather: We will not say a word about him.

Wally: But, Lolo-

Grandfather: Enough!

His shout echoed in the small room, silencing Wally immediately. The younger man looked up, his expression a mix of confusion and hurt.

Grandfather took a deep breath, his tone softening but his words still firm.

Grandfather: One day, Wally. Just one day... you will know the truth about your father. But that day is not today.

Wally: But why? Why won't you tell me now?

Grandfather: Because you're not ready, apo. You think you are, but you're not. When the time comes, you'll understand. Until then... leave it be.

Wally sat frozen, a thousand questions swirling in his mind, but none he dared to voice. His grandfather turned away, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of the conversation had drained him.

Grandfather: Some truths, apo, are more dangerous than you think. Remember that.

Wally stared at his grandfather's back, his hands gripping the edge of the sofa tightly. His heart was heavy with unanswered questions, but the firm finality in his grandfather's voice told him there was no point in pushing further.

Wally: ...Okay, Lolo. I'll wait.

Pearl reentered the house, holding a bottle of Coke in her small hands, her eyes wide with curiosity as she saw the conversation between her grandfather and uncle.

Pearl: I got it, Uncle Wally! What were you guys talking about?

Wally gave her a smile, his heart lightening a little.

Wally: Just some grown-up stuff, kiddo. Nothing to worry about.

Grandfather winked at Pearl, a silent promise that the matter would remain between the two of them for now.

Grandfather: That's right. Now, how about we all sit down and enjoy some Coke?