MARVEL: THE SCARLET SPEEDSTER

-DATE: DECEMBER 21,1999, S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility "Recovery Room" -

Wally West sat propped up in a hospital bed, his body wrapped in bandages and his movements restrained by the heavy brace protecting his healing spine. The sterile hum of the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility surrounded him, the faint beeping of monitors and soft shuffle of agents outside the room filling the silence. His usually vibrant energy was dulled, though his emerald eyes still carried their characteristic glint of wit.

The door slid open, and Jimmy Woo stepped inside, his expression a mix of relief and mild concern. He approached Wally's bedside with a cautious smile.

Jimmy Woo: How are you holding up, Wally?

Wally chuckled softly, wincing as the movement tugged at his injured back.

Wally: Oh, you know, just peachy. A broken spine does wonders for your sense of humor. Guess I'll have to skip the limbo contests for a while.

Jimmy chuckled lightly, shaking his head.

Jimmy Woo: Well, for what it's worth, I'm thankful you're alive. You pulled off something incredible back there, and you saved a lot of lives. That doesn't go unnoticed.

Wally: Thanks, Jimmy. But I don't think my chiropractor's gonna be as impressed.

Jimmy Woo: You'll bounce back you always do. Speaking of which... someone's here to see you.

Wally raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

Wally: Oh? Who's my surprise visitor? Please tell me it's not Fury coming to chew me out.

Jimmy stepped aside, revealing a tall figure standing in the doorway. Kevin Plunder entered the room, his expression a mix of guilt and determination. Beside him, his son Matthew clung to his leg, peeking shyly at Wally from behind his father's knee.

Wally's grin widened as he leaned back against the pillows, his playful tone masking the flicker of unease in his chest.

Wally: Wait, let me guess. You're here to beat me up for what happened on the yacht, right? Gotta say, Kevin, the timing's not great I'm a bit out of commission here.

Kevin shook his head, a faint, apologetic smile crossing his face.

Kevin: No, Wally. I'm not here to fight you. I'm here to apologize.

Wally blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Kevin's voice.

Kevin: What I said and did back on the yacht... it was wrong. I let my emotions get the better of me. I blamed you for something that wasn't your fault, and for that, I'm truly sorry.

Matthew stepped forward hesitantly, his small voice breaking the tension.

Matthew: Dad said you're a hero... and heroes help people.

Wally's expression softened, his gaze shifting between Kevin and Matthew. Despite the pain and exhaustion weighing on him, a genuine smile spread across his face.

Wally: Well, kiddo, your dad's right. That's what heroes do. And for the record, Kevin... apology accepted.

Kevin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his shoulders relaxing as relief washed over him.

Kevin: Thank you, Wally. I know I've been hard on you, but seeing what you did out there... risking your life for people you barely know... it reminded me what being a hero is all about.

Wally: Hey, it's all part of the job description. Besides, someone's gotta keep you guys on your toes.

Matthew smiled shyly, and Kevin reached out to place a hand on Wally's shoulder, careful not to disturb his injuries.

Kevin: Get better soon, Wally. The island owes you more than I can ever repay.

Jimmy Woo watched the exchange with a satisfied nod, stepping back into the room to break the silence.

Jimmy Woo: Alright, Kevin, Matthew give Wally some time to rest. Knowing him, he'll be back on his feet causing trouble in no time.

Wally: You know it, Jimmy.

As Kevin and Matthew turned to leave, Wally leaned back with a sigh, a faint smile lingering on his face.

Wally sat up slightly in his bed, still wincing from the pain of his injuries but looking more alert as Jimmy Woo entered the room, holding a tablet in his hand. Jimmy's face was calm, but his eyes carried a subtle hint of something he wanted to share.

Jimmy Woo: Got some news for you, Wally.

Wally tilted his head, his green eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.

Wally: What is it, Jimmy? Another mission waiting for me once I can walk again?

Jimmy chuckled softly and shook his head.

Jimmy Woo: No, it's about Pearl. She's fully healed. She's safe at home in Cebu.

Wally exhaled deeply, a wave of relief washing over him. He pressed his hand against his chest as if trying to contain the emotions bubbling up inside him.

Wally: Thank God... she's safe. That's all I needed to hear.

Jimmy leaned against the edge of the bed, crossing his arms as he looked at Wally.

Jimmy Woo: Yeah, but Wally, you've got to start being more careful. You're running headfirst into these fights like you're invincible. It's not like you're The Flash or something.

Wally's expression froze. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he simply stared at Jimmy as if the words had unlocked something in his mind.

Wally: Wait... say that again?

Jimmy raised an eyebrow, confused but humoring him.

Jimmy Woo: I said, it's not like you're The Flash.

A slow smile crept onto Wally's face, and he snapped his fingers, wincing slightly at the motion.

Wally: Yes... yes, that's it. You know, Jimmy, I've been looking for something like this for a while.

Jimmy tilted his head, his confusion only growing.

Jimmy Woo: What are you talking about? What's "it"?

Wally leaned forward as much as his injuries would allow, the grin on his face growing wider.

Wally: My hero name. You just gave it to me.

Jimmy's jaw dropped slightly, and he blinked a few times, trying to process what Wally had just said.

Jimmy Woo: Wait, what? The Flash? That's your hero name?

Wally nodded, his expression now full of excitement.

Wally: Yep. It's perfect. Quick, catchy, and it pretty much sums me up, doesn't it?

Jimmy ran a hand over his face, shaking his head in mild exasperation.

Jimmy Woo: You're unbelievable, West. I make an offhand comment, and suddenly it's your brand.

Wally chuckled, leaning back against his pillows.

Wally: Hey, it's got a nice ring to it. Besides, if I'm going to keep saving the day, I might as well have a name that sticks.

Jimmy Woo: Well, just don't let it go to your head.

Wally: No promises, Jimmy. No promises.

Jimmy couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head as he left the room. Wally lay back with a smirk, silently mouthing the words to himself.

Wally: The Flash... yeah, that's it.

The soft sound of footsteps echoed through the quiet recovery room as the door opened. Dr. Linda Carter, wearing her white coat and a kind smile, stepped inside, holding a tablet.

Linda: Good afternoon, Mr. West. How are you feeling today?

Wally glanced up from his bed, his trademark smirk in place despite the lingering pain.

Wally: Oh, you know, just your typical "got my back broken by a guy with metal tentacles" kind of day. How about you, Doc?

Linda chuckled softly, walking closer and checking the monitors beside his bed.

Linda: Well, you're healing faster than expected. At this rate, you might be released from the facility soon.

Wally's eyes lit up, and he sat up slightly, wincing but still grinning.

Wally: Really? That's the best news I've heard all week. Thanks, Doc.

Linda smiled warmly, crossing her arms.

Linda: Just don't push yourself too hard once you're out of here. You still need time to fully recover.

Wally nodded, then his expression shifted to one of curiosity.

Wally: Hey, Doc, I've got a question for you.

Linda: Of course. What is it?

Wally: Do you happen to have a wheelchair lying around?

Linda raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the request.

Linda: A wheelchair? Yes, we have a few. Why do you ask?

Wally leaned back against his pillows with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Wally: Let's just say I've got an idea, and it involves me getting out of this bed without anyone freaking out about it.

Linda laughed softly, shaking her head.

Linda: You're certainly one of the more... creative patients I've had. I'll bring one to your room shortly. But promise me you won't overdo it.

Wally held up his hand in mock solemnity.

Wally: Scout's honor, Doc. I'll behave... mostly.

Linda gave him an amused look before heading toward the door.

Linda: Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes with your ride.

As she left, Wally leaned back with a satisfied grin.

Wally: A wheelchair, huh? This could be fun.

-LATER OUTSIDE IN THE FACILITY-

The sun shone brightly over the garden outside the facility. Wally West, sitting in his wheelchair, pushed himself along the paved path. Beside him was Angelica Jones, also in a wheelchair, her fiery hair catching the sunlight. The two moved leisurely, enjoying the fresh air and some downtime.

Angelica: So, Wally, how's the back holding up? Still feeling like you got hit by a freight train?

Wally chuckled, rolling his shoulders lightly.

Wally: More like a freight train backed up and ran over me twice. But hey, I've had worse.

Angelica smirked.

Angelica: You mean there's worse than getting slammed by Omega Red? I've got to hear that story someday.

Wally: Maybe someday. Right now, I'm more interested in figuring out what's next for us. Got any bright ideas, Firestar?

Angelica's smile faltered slightly as she leaned back in her chair.

Angelica: You know, Wally, I don't know if you'll believe me, but... don't you think it's suspicious?

Wally raised an eyebrow, turning his chair to face her.

Wally: What do you mean?

Angelica hesitated, her fingers tapping the armrest of her wheelchair.

Angelica: Don't you find it suspicious that Omega Red went through all the trouble of kidnapping the queen, only to drag her back to the island injured? Like... why not keep her as leverage or something?

Wally frowned, waving off her concerns.

Wally: Stop saying nonsense, Angelica. Omega Red's a lunatic, sure, but he's not exactly one for deep strategy. He probably got bored or bit off more than he could chew. Happens to the best of us.

Angelica glanced at him, a conflicted look in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment before blurting out.

Angelica: It's not like your fiancée, Betty Brant, cheating on you or anything—

She stopped mid-sentence, her hands flying to cover her mouth as her eyes widened in horror.

Wally froze, his green eyes narrowing as he slowly turned his wheelchair toward her.

Wally: What did you just say?

Angelica shook her head, her face pale.

Angelica: I... I didn't mean... I just...

Wally's voice dropped, cold and sharp.

Wally: Angelica. Say it again.

Angelica looked panicked, fumbling for words.

Angelica: Wally, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just...

Wally's voice lowered, his tone sharp.

Wally: Angelica, what do you know?

Angelica fidgeted nervously in her wheelchair, the weight of her confession pulling at her as Wally's piercing green eyes locked onto her. She swallowed hard, then began to speak.

Angelica: When you were in the coma back in April... Bobby and I—

Wally: Saw what, Jones?

Angelica hesitated, then took a deep breath and let it out in a rush.

Angelica: We saw your girlfriend. She was... cheating on you. I'm so sorry, Wally.

Wally clenched his jaw, his hands tightening on the armrests of his wheelchair.

Wally: Tell me, Jones... how many?

Angelica lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper.

Angelica: Everyone in the X-Mansion knew, Wally. I didn't know how to tell you. We all thought you'd find out on your own, but then you were hurt, and—

Wally's breathing grew heavier, his body trembling with a mixture of hurt and rage. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.

Wally: She knew I trusted her... she knew everything I've been through, and still...

Angelica: Wally, I'm so sorry—

Wally suddenly let out a guttural scream, his anger and heartbreak pouring out in a raw, unrestrained cry that echoed through the garden. Tears streamed down his face as he slammed his fist onto the wheelchair's armrest, denting the metal.

Wally: Why didn't anyone tell me?! Why didn't YOU tell me?!

Angelica's own eyes brimmed with tears as she reached out, placing a hand on Wally's arm.

Angelica: We were scared, Wally. Scared it would break you. You were already fighting so much. I'm sorry... I thought I was protecting you.

Wally shook his head, his tears blurring his vision.

Wally: No one protected me. I gave her everything... and she...

His words faltered, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. Angelica sat silently beside him, guilt and sorrow etched into her face as Wally broke down.

-3 DAYS LATER, NEW YORK-

Betty Brant walked briskly down the hallway, her heels clicking against the polished floor as Ned Leeds followed closely behind her. He leaned in with a sly grin.

Ned: You know, Betty, since your fiancé never found out about us, I could—

Betty stopped abruptly, turning to slap the back of his head.

Betty: Watch your mouth, Ned. You're lucky I even let this continue.

Ned chuckled nervously, rubbing his head as they reached her apartment door. Betty pulled out her keys, unlocked the door, and pushed it open.

As the two stepped inside, closing the door behind them, Ned leaned in to kiss Betty. She reciprocated briefly before a voice cut through the air like a knife.

Wally: So it's true. You're cheating on me, Betty.

The pair froze, turning toward the living room. Sitting calmly in a leather armchair was Wally West, dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, a Rolex gleaming on his wrist. His green eyes burned with anger, though his demeanor was chillingly composed.

Betty: Wa-Wally... h-how long have you been out of the coma?

Wally raised a hand to silence her, leaning forward slightly.

Wally: Shush. I didn't come here for your excuses. I came here to cancel our engagement.

Betty's face turned pale, her lips trembling as she stepped closer.

Betty: Wally, please—

Wally stood up, towering over her, his voice cold and resolute.

Wally: Don't. You don't get to beg. I trusted you, Betty. I loved you. And this... this is how you repay me?

Betty's eyes brimmed with tears as she reached out, but Wally stepped back.

Wally: Save it for someone who cares. Oh, and Ned?

Ned flinched as Wally's gaze turned to him, a small smirk forming on Wally's lips.

Wally: You might want to invest in better locks. Next time, you might not get off so easily.

Without another word, Wally grabbed his cane, turned, and walked out of the apartment, leaving Betty and Ned stunned in silence the door clicked shut behind him.

NEXT ISSUE: THERE'S IS NO NEW YEAR WITHOUT THE FLASH*