MARVEL: THE SCARLET SPEEDSTER

-FLASHBACK-

The cold, sterile environment of the Weapon X facility was a stark contrast to the savage, tropical climate of Savage Island. Shanna, the Queen of Savage Island, was strapped to a chair, her wrists bound tightly, her eyes narrowed with defiance. She sat across from Mr. Sinister, who stood calmly, studying her with a sinister smirk.

Mr. Sinister: You've been a difficult subject to... break, Queen Shanna.

He stepped closer, the shadows around him making his figure appear even more ominous. In his hands, he held a small device that hummed menacingly, its purpose clear.

Shanna: You'll never get what you want from me.

Mr. Sinister's smile didn't falter, but there was a coldness to it that made Shanna's blood run cold.

Mr. Sinister: Oh, I think I will. You see, you have two choices, my dear. You can either tell me the name of the speedster, the one who's been causing such trouble... or I can choose to experiment on you. You'll never see your island, your people, or your family again.

He held up the item, a tool designed for experiments, its sharp metal gleaming in the harsh light.

Mr. Sinister: This device will strip away everything you are, piece by piece. Your body, your memories, your very soul... it will all be mine to study.

Shanna's eyes flickered to the device, but she didn't flinch. She had been through far worse, and nothing would break her.

Shanna: I will never tell you.

Mr. Sinister's expression darkened. He slowly paced around her, savoring the moment.

Mr. Sinister: You misunderstand me, my dear. I'm not asking for your cooperation. I'm offering you a deal. If you tell me the speedster's name and describe his appearance, I will let you go free. I will have Omega Red escort you back to your island, back to your people... your family.

Shanna's heart skipped a beat. The thought of seeing her island again, of being reunited with her people, her family, was tempting, but she couldn't give in. She wouldn't betray her allies.

Shanna: You'll never break me.

Mr. Sinister chuckled softly, almost as if he were humoring her. He stepped closer, his voice low and persuasive.

Mr. Sinister: A queen's resolve is admirable. But you know as well as I do that every queen has a breaking point. Tell me his name, and I'll ensure your family and your island remain untouched. Your people will be safe. No more bloodshed. No more experiments. I will have Omega Red take you home.

Shanna's gaze hardened. She thought of her people, her family. She couldn't bear to think of them suffering because of her stubbornness.

Shanna: Fine...

Her voice was cold, her pride still intact despite the choice she had to make.

Shanna: I'll tell you his name.

Mr. Sinister's eyes gleamed with triumph. He leaned forward, intrigued.

Shanna: But know this, Sinister... As a queen of Savage Island, I'll never forget this. You may have won today, but my people will rise again. The deal is a deal... but remember, you're dealing with a queen.

Mr. Sinister smiled, savoring the victory.

Mr. Sinister: I'm sure you'll be a worthy opponent one day, Shanna. Now, tell me, who is the speedster?

Shanna hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, her voice cold and resolute.

Shanna: His name... is Wally West.

The name left her lips like a heavy weight, and as soon as it did, a dark look crossed Mr. Sinister's face, one of both curiosity and intrigue.

Mr. Sinister: Wally West... Interesting. You've made the right choice, Shanna. Omega Red will escort you back to your island, and I will keep my promise... for now.

He motioned to one of his subordinates, who stepped forward with a cold, metallic expression. Shanna's heart burned with a sense of anger and betrayal, but she knew she had done it for the sake of her people.

The trap was set.

-PRESENT: NEW YEAR, JANUARY 1, 2000, S.H.I.E.L.D BASE-

The room was tense, filled with the faint hum of advanced technology and the subdued murmurs of other Agents of Atlas members waiting for Jimmy Woo to begin. The round table glistened under the overhead lights.

Jimmy Woo stood at the head of the table, his stern face set like stone, his arms crossed. He turned his sharp gaze toward Kevin Plunder, who was seated opposite him, his expression equally defiant.

Jimmy Woo: Are you telling me... that your fucking wife told Mister Sinister about Wally?

The room fell silent, the question hanging heavily in the air. Kevin's jaw clenched, and his fists tightened on the edge of the table.

Kevin: Hey! Mind your manners, young man! Don't use curse words in my presence. And yes, she did tell him, but I want you all to know this because it matters!

Jimmy's calm demeanor cracked as he slammed a hand on the table, his voice rising.

Jimmy Woo: Don't call me "young man!" I've been through World War I and World War II! I fought alongside the original Agents of Atlas and stood toe-to-toe with the Yellow Claw! I've earned my place at this table, Kevin. Have you forgotten that?

The tension between the two men was electric. The other members exchanged uneasy glances but didn't dare interrupt. Kevin leaned forward, his tone low and challenging.

Kevin: I haven't forgotten a thing, Jimmy. But don't act like I'm the one who betrayed Wally. I didn't make that decision. My wife did. And before you judge her, maybe you should ask why she felt she had no other choice.

Jimmy's eyes narrowed, his voice a dangerous growl.

Jimmy Woo: No other choice? That's a load of nonsense, and you know it. Do you even realize what Sinister could do with that information? What he's already done?

Kevin pushed back his chair and stood, his towering figure casting a shadow across the table.

Kevin: I know exactly what's at stake! That's why I'm here, telling you now, instead of keeping it to myself!

Jimmy stepped forward, his frustration boiling over.

Jimmy Woo: You should have stopped her, Kevin! You should have protected Wally, not sold him out because you couldn't control what's happening in your own damn house!

Kevin's eyes flashed with anger, but before he could respond, Amadeus Cho a new member of the team, seated nearby, raised his hands in a calming gesture.

Amadeus: Hey, hey, calm down, both of you. This isn't helping Wally, and it sure as hell isn't going to solve the problem. We need a plan, not a shouting match.

Jimmy exhaled sharply, his eyes still locked on Kevin, but he took a step back.

Jimmy Woo: Fine. But this isn't over. We need to track Sinister down and fix this mess before it's too late. And Kevin... you'd better pray your wife hasn't made things worse than they already are.

The tension was still palpable, but Jimmy Woo stood firm at the head of the table, his sharp eyes fixed on Amadeus Cho. The young genius, unfazed by the mounting stress, tapped a few commands on his tablet while exchanging glances with Kevin.

Jimmy Woo: What are you looking at, newbie?

Amadeus tilted his head, his expression thoughtful but slightly amused.

Amadeus: Umm... just wondering how you plan to fight Mister Sinister if he already knows you and the entire squad?

Jimmy exhaled heavily, rubbing his temple before responding.

Jimmy Woo: You're right. If he knows us, we're screwed. Saving Wally is already a long shot, and now it's New Year's Eve. But that little shitty Sinister isn't just messing with us. He's causing trouble for the X-Men too.

Amadeus nodded, his tone cautious but pressing.

Amadeus: And also, from what I've gathered, there's more. Sinister isn't just targeting us. He's been dealing with some heavy hitters M.O.D.O.K. and the Hellfire Club. If that's true, things are about to get a lot worse.

Kevin's face darkened as he slammed a fist onto the table.

Kevin: Shit. So what should we do then?

Jimmy straightened his tie, his demeanor shifting into full leader mode.

Jimmy Woo: If Plan A fails, then we move to Plan B.

Amadeus raised an eyebrow, leaning forward in his chair.

Amadeus: Okay, I'll bite. What's Plan B?

Jimmy's lips curled into a confident smirk as he began pacing.

Jimmy Woo: Plan B is simple. We recruit reinforcements four major heroes, according to my data.

Amadeus: Four? Who are we talking about here?

Jimmy held up a hand, ticking off his fingers as he spoke.

Jimmy Woo: Number one: A man who shoots webs, cracks jokes, and is downright deadly when he gets into his black suit he's silent but deadly.

Kevin muttered under his breath.

Kevin: Spider-Man...

Jimmy Woo: Exactly. Number two: A scientist who turned into a monster thanks to gamma radiation. These days, he looks more like a Mafia boss than a hero.

Amadeus: Hulk, huh? Banner's alter ego.

Jimmy grinned.

Jimmy Woo: Correct. Number three: A man with a flaming skull who shows no mercy while riding his bike and taking out the scum of the earth.

Kevin: Ghost Rider... good luck convincing him.

Jimmy raised his last finger.

Jimmy Woo: And finally, one of the X-Men. The best there is at what he does a Canadian with claws: Wolverine.

Amadeus leaned back in his chair, processing the names.

Amadeus: So, your Plan B is to assemble what's basically a rogues' gallery of badasses and unleash them on Mister Sinister?

Jimmy Woo: Exactly. Sinister doesn't know what's coming. Each of them is unpredictable in their own way, and that's our edge. If we can get them on board, we've got a shot.

Kevin stood up, nodding slowly.

Kevin: Fine. Let's make some calls and see if these legends are willing to join the fight. But if this doesn't work, we're out of options.

Jimmy glanced at the digital clock on the wall, its glowing numbers counting down to midnight.

Jimmy Woo: Then let's not waste any more time. The sooner we find them, the sooner we bring Wally back and take Sinister down for good.

-MEANWHILE-

The dimly lit room hummed with an eerie glow, illuminated by the flicker of advanced equipment lining the walls. Mister Sinister stood at a central workstation, a sinister grin stretching across his pale face. A large monitor displayed complex data, pulsing with progress bars nearing completion.

Mister Sinister: It's time... This is the fastest progress I've ever made. With this power, I can finally do my thing!

He turned sharply, his flowing cape swirling behind him. Standing in the shadows was a figure clad in the iconic red suit of The Flash, but with a darker, twisted edge. The lightning insignia on his chest glowed a menacing yellow, and his eyes crackled with an unnatural energy.

Mister Sinister: Are you ready... Reverse Flash?

Reverse Flash stepped forward into the light, his expression a cold, calculating smirk.

Reverse Flash: Ready? Sinister, I was born ready. This suit, this speed... it's perfect. The Flash's legacy is about to be rewritten with me as the fastest and the deadliest.

Sinister's grin widened, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

Mister Sinister: Excellent. Wally West's powers are now yours, amplified and refined. You will do what he never could: bring the world to its knees.

Reverse Flash cracked his knuckles, the energy coursing through him creating faint sparks around his body.

Reverse Flash: First, I'll destroy his reputation. Then, I'll erase his very existence.

Sinister gestured toward the glowing monitor, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

Mister Sinister: Oh, they won't know what hit them. The Flash's legacy will be shattered. You will be their nightmare, their undoing. Now go, my creation. It's time to rewrite history... at light speed.

Reverse Flash: Consider it done. The question is are they ready for me?

The flicker of machines reflected off the shiny floor as the doors to the lab slid open with a hiss. Speed Demon strolled in, his cocky swagger on full display. The villain adjusted his goggles, smirking as he surveyed the ominous laboratory.

Speed Demon: Sinister, you called? Gotta say, your timing's perfect. Nothing screams "Happy New Year" like plotting some chaos.

Mister Sinister turned from his monitors, his pale face split with a menacing smile.

Mister Sinister: Ah, Speed Demon, you're finally here. Indeed, Happy New Year. Though I suspect your kind celebrates by outrunning fireworks.

Speed Demon chuckled, leaning casually against a nearby console.

Speed Demon: Something like that. So, what's the gig? Another scheme to take over the world? Rob a few banks? I'm all ears.

Mister Sinister stepped closer, his voice dripping with sinister intent.

Mister Sinister: This is far more important. I have a new... associate someone who will play a pivotal role in my plans.

From the shadows, Reverse Flash emerged, his glowing red eyes scanning Speed Demon. The sight of another speedster gave Speed Demon pause, but he masked his surprise with a smirk.

Speed Demon: Well, well, who's the new guy? Looks like Flash's evil twin. You got a name, buddy?

Reverse Flash: Call me Reverse Flash. And don't worry, Speed Demon, you'll get to see my skills in action soon enough.

Mister Sinister gestured toward the two speedsters, his voice commanding.

Mister Sinister: Speed Demon, your task is simple: assist Reverse Flash in destroying the Flash's reputation. He'll be wearing the Flash's suit, spreading chaos, and I need you to make sure his path is... unimpeded.

Speed Demon raised an eyebrow, his grin fading slightly.

Speed Demon: Destroy the Flash's image? That's bold, even for you, Sinister. But I've gotta admit, it sounds like fun. Count me in.

Mister Sinister: Good. Together, you'll dismantle the idea of the Flash as a hero. The world will see only destruction, betrayal, and failure all in his name.

Speed Demon exchanged a glance with Reverse Flash, the two nodding silently.

Speed Demon: Alright, Sinister, you've got yourself a deal. Let's make this New Year unforgettable.

Mister Sinister: Oh, it will be. Now go, my speedsters. The Flash's legacy awaits its doom.

The two speedsters vanished in a blur of lightning, leaving Sinister alone in his lab, his laughter echoing ominously.

Mister Sinister: Let the new year's chaos begin.

-BACK TO JIMMY WOO-

Jimmy Woo sat slumped over the table, his head resting on a pile of reports. The faint sound of a clock ticking was the only noise in the otherwise silent office. His exhaustion had finally caught up with him after the intense meeting earlier that day.

Jimmy mumbled in his sleep, shifting slightly as the dream began.

Suddenly, in the vast expanse of his subconscious, a bright light pierced through the darkness. A figure appeared, glowing and frantic Wally West, dressed in his Flash suit, but something seemed off about him. His voice was urgent and filled with desperation.

Wally: Jim! Mister Jimmy Woo! Listen to me now!

Jimmy stirred, his dream self turning toward the vision.

Jimmy: Wally? What's going on?

Wally stepped closer, his movements jittery and uneven, as if he were fighting to stay present.

Wally: It's Wanda! Wanda Maximoff! She's the key!

Jimmy's eyes widened in confusion.

Jimmy: What do you mean? Wanda's the key to what?

Wally's expression was frantic, his voice echoing with urgency.

Wally: Am I too soon? No... I'm too soon! Listen to me, Jim! You need to save me! My soul is stuck on something, but my body is not!

The urgency in Wally's voice grew as his form flickered, like a bad signal on a television.

Wally: Defeat Mister Sinister before it's too late! Save me, Jim! You have to save me!

Jimmy: Wait! Wally, what do you mean? Where are you?

Wally's voice grew louder, echoing as he shouted one last time.

Wally: JIM!

With a jolt, Jimmy woke up, his breathing rapid and his forehead damp with sweat. The room was silent again, save for the ticking clock. The vision lingered in his mind, Wally's desperate plea repeating over and over.

Jimmy leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

Jimmy: Wanda Maximoff… the key? What the hell does that mean?

He sat there for a moment, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Then, determination flashed in his eyes.

Jimmy: Alright, Wally. Message received. I'll figure this out. I swear I'll save you.

With that, he stood up, grabbed his coat, and prepared to dive back into the mission. Time was running out.

Jimmy Woo exited the dimly lit meeting room, the heavy weight of Wally's plea still fresh in his mind. He straightened his tie as he walked down the corridor, spotting Maria Hill and Phil Coulson standing by a digital display. They were engrossed in conversation, the holographic map of the world glowing between them.

Jimmy approached, his voice cutting through the low murmur of their discussion.

Jimmy: Maria, Phil, I need to know something where can I locate the Scarlet Witch?

Maria turned to him, her arms crossed. Her expression was sharp and measured.

Maria: The Scarlet Witch? She's in Genosha.

Jimmy's brow furrowed.

Jimmy: Genosha? That's Magneto's territory.

Maria: Exactly. If you go there uninvited, Magneto might attack you on sight. He doesn't take kindly to intruders, especially ones from S.H.I.E.L.D.

Jimmy frowned, pacing a few steps before turning back to them.

Jimmy: If I can't reach the Scarlet Witch, then what about Wolverine? Can you track him using the satellite?

Phil Coulson, who had been quietly observing, tapped a few commands into the holographic interface. A moment later, a red dot blinked on the map, centered over Japan.

Phil: Logan's in Japan.

Jimmy tilted his head, intrigued.

Jimmy: Japan? What's he doing there?

Phil shrugged.

Phil: Could be anything. Knowing Logan, it might involve old debts, samurai, or both.

Maria: Jimmy, are you sure about this? Going after either one of them is a risk. Scarlet Witch is unpredictable, and Wolverine doesn't exactly play well with others.

Jimmy nodded resolutely.

Jimmy: I don't have a choice. I'll handle Magneto or Wolverine if I have to. Just tell me everything you know about Logan's current location.

Phil: Alright. Give me a minute to pull up the details.

Maria sighed, giving Jimmy a skeptical look.

Maria: You're really diving headfirst into this, huh?

Jimmy smirked, though his eyes carried a hint of the pressure he felt.

Jimmy: When you've been to war twice and fought the Yellow Claw, this is just another day at the office.

Maria rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile as Jimmy stood waiting for Phil's information.

Phil Coulson returned, holding a tablet, the faint glow of its screen illuminating his face.

Phil: Got the intel. Logan's in Nagasaki.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow.

Jimmy: What's he doing there?

Phil glanced at the tablet, scrolling through the data.

Phil: He's dealing with Silver Samurai. Looks like an old grudge match. There's chatter about the Samurai reclaiming some stolen tech and Logan being in the way.

Jimmy let out a low whistle, rubbing the back of his neck.

Jimmy: Of course, it's never simple with Logan. Silver Samurai, huh? That's a volatile situation. Any idea how deep Logan's in?

Phil: Hard to say. It's Logan. He's either one step from finishing things or knee-deep in chaos.

Maria stepped forward, her arms still crossed.

Maria: If Wolverine's already in the middle of a fight, you could be walking straight into a war zone.

Jimmy: Wouldn't be the first time. I need to talk to him, Maria. If anyone can help me get closer to Scarlet Witch.

Phil: Fair warning, Jimmy: Logan's not exactly a team player. He's not going to jump at the chance to help S.H.I.E.L.D.

Jimmy smirked.

Jimmy: Good thing I'm not just S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm the guy who gets things done.

Phil chuckled, shaking his head.

Phil: Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. I'll send the coordinates to your Quinjet.

Jimmy: Thanks, Phil.

Maria: Be careful out there. Silver Samurai isn't someone to underestimate.

Jimmy: Neither am I.

With that, Jimmy turned on his heel, heading toward the hangar. The stakes were rising, but he wasn't about to let anything or anyone stand in the way of saving Wally West.

-ACT 2: SINISTER ARC-

NEXT ISSUE: THE IMPOSTOR & WOLVERINE!