Central City.
Nine months ago, at the cutting-edge laboratory, Dr. Harrison Wells launched the much-anticipated particle accelerator.
It was a stormy evening. The success of the particle accelerator was short-lived. The electron volts became unmeasurable, and the containment system suddenly failed. Unable to cool and shut it down, the energy from the particle accelerator exploded, sending a shockwave that spread across Central City in an instant.
The explosion forced the cutting-edge laboratory to close. Countless people were affected, but none more so than Barry Allen—The Flash.
There have been many iterations of The Flash, but the most famous is Barry Allen. He is either the creator of the Speed Force or is intrinsically connected to it, as the Speed Force is the source of all speedsters' powers. When Barry Allen was a child, he witnessed a speedster murder his mother, and his father was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for the crime. Barry was raised by Central City police officer Joe West and grew up determined to find his mother's killer.
Nine months ago, the particle accelerator exploded, leaving Barry Allen in a coma after being struck by lightning.
Nine months later, Barry Allen woke up.
And now, Su Sheng had arrived in Central City.
For Riley, Valentina, and Laura, this era was far more advanced than anything they had experienced. The bustling streets, the modern clothing, the towering buildings, and the electronic devices were overwhelming. They needed time to absorb and adjust to it all.
"Master, how long are we staying this time?" Riley asked after they had landed the Disciple in an open space and activated stealth mode.
Su Sheng thought for a moment. "We'll probably be here for a while."
"Should we find a place to stay?" Riley asked again.
Su Sheng glanced around and noticed a discarded beverage can nearby. He picked it up, and as he held it in his hand, he activated Firestorm's ability. Instantly, his palm emitted a hot flame, and the can began to change.
The flame vanished, and Su Sheng tossed the now-golden can to Riley. "Go find a place to buy some clothes, shop around, and find somewhere suitable to stay."
"This... this is gold?" Riley exclaimed in surprise, examining the can. "How did you do that?"
"Firestorm can rearrange subatomic particles to change the atomic composition of different substances. Practice when you have time, and you'll never be short of money," Su Sheng said casually.
"Is that even possible? You could turn a stone into gold!" Riley gasped.
Valentina pouted but remained silent.
"You three go shopping; I'm going to meet a friend."
Despite the era's modernity, it was natural for the women to indulge in shopping. Even Laura, who had been reluctant to leave the Soviet Union, seemed interested. Though their clothing was somewhat retro, it wasn't outlandish enough to attract undue attention. The only minor hiccup occurred when they sold the golden can, leaving the shopkeeper baffled at seeing a gold can used as a beverage container.
As they shopped, Su Sheng made his way to the cutting-edge laboratory.
The last time he was here was when he helped Laurel obtain her sonic equipment. Back then, the laboratory was a high-tech marvel. Now, it was locked behind an iron gate, with a sign warning people to stay away due to the dangers within.
"I wonder if Caitlin's inside," Su Sheng mused.
Just as he was about to jump over the gate, he heard the screech of brakes behind him. Turning around, he saw a red car parked on the roadside.
The door opened, and a woman hurriedly stepped out.
"Su Sheng? Is that really you?"
It was Caitlin Snow.
"Speak of the devil," Su Sheng said with a smile, pointing to the laboratory. "I was just about to go in and find you."
"I just came out," Caitlin said, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement. "The parking lot is at the back. When I saw you standing at the gate, I thought I was imagining things. But it's really you! Did you come to see me? Why didn't you call ahead? And where have you been all this time? Do you know how much trouble you've caused me?"
"Trouble? What happened?" Su Sheng asked, genuinely surprised.
"I was kidnapped because of you!" Caitlin exclaimed, still shaken by the memory.
"Kidnapped? Because of me? Who kidnapped you?"
"A woman, wearing a uniform like Robinson's and using a crossbow, demanded to know if the sonic equipment was made at the cutting-edge laboratory and if I knew you. I really got into trouble because of you," Caitlin huffed.
"Huntress Helena?" Su Sheng guessed, a smile playing on his lips. "And then what happened?"
"You're laughing?" Caitlin snapped. "Then I was rescued by someone claiming to be the Black Canary, who was also using the sonic equipment."
"I later found out they were both from Starling City, and that Black Canary is a hero there."
"It sounds like you were indeed caught up in my mess. How about this—I'll treat you to dinner as an apology?" Su Sheng offered with a grin.
"Of course, you need to apologize and compensate me. But first, tell me why you've suddenly reappeared after all this time. I'll decide whether or not to help you based on that—so I don't get dragged into more trouble," Caitlin said, still annoyed.
"It's probably what you're thinking," Su Sheng replied with a smirk.
Caitlin's eyes lit up. "Can I examine you?"
"Of course, Miss Nurse," Su Sheng said, feigning seriousness.
"Then... come with me," Caitlin said, inviting Su Sheng into her car.
But instead of driving back to the cutting-edge laboratory, Caitlin took a different route.
"Where are we going?"
"My place."
"Your place? Isn't that moving a bit fast?" Su Sheng joked.
…
PS: Finally, it's time to "tune" The Flash. Since not everyone may be familiar with the DC universe, the story of The Flash will be based on the American TV show The Flash as much as possible.