Central City.
Nine months ago, in S.T.A.R. Labs, Dr. Harrison Wells launched the particle accelerator amidst great anticipation.
It was a stormy evening. The particle accelerator's success only lasted for a short time before the electron volts became immeasurable, and the device catastrophically exploded. Unable to shut down or cool off, its unstable energy surged into the sky, releasing a shockwave that engulfed Central City.
The disaster forced S.T.A.R. Labs to close. Thousands were affected, but none more importantly than Barry Allen.
Barry had grown up under tragedy. As a boy, he witnessed a mysterious speedster murder his mother. His father was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for the crime, leaving Barry to be raised by Detective Joe West. He dedicated his life to science, working as a forensic expert for the Central City Police Department, all while searching for the truth about his mother's death.
When the particle accelerator exploded, Barry was struck by lightning. He fell into a coma that lasted nine long months. But when he awoke, Barry Allen would become something extraordinary—the Flash. The Speed Force's chosen.
It was around this time that Jack Kadere also returned to Central City.
For Jack's companions—Kate, Valentina, and Laura—this city was dazzling. The modern world around them, the vibrant lights, bustling cars, people dressed in colorful clothes, and gleaming skyscrapers—it was a culture shock that they were still struggling to absorb.
"Master, how long will we stay this time?" Kate asked as their ship, the Disciple, landed in a concealed spot and shifted into stealth mode.
Jack stepped out, gazing at the familiar skyline. "We'll stay for a while."
"Then… should we find a place to settle down?" Kate pressed.
Jack considered it, then noticed an empty aluminum soda can on the ground. He picked it up, and with a flicker of Firestorm's matrix-like power burning in his hand, flames burst forth. The can glowed, atoms shifting and rearranging before their eyes.
In seconds, the worthless can had become pure gold. Jack casually tossed it to Kate. "Sell it. Get yourselves some clothes, explore the city, and find somewhere decent for us to stay."
"This… this turned into gold?" Kate stared in disbelief, turning the can in her hand.
"Firestorm's ability lets me restructure subatomic particles and alter atomic composition," Jack explained calmly. "Practice enough, and money will never be a problem."
"Turning trash into treasure… that's insane," Kate muttered, still astonished.
Valentina pouted, unimpressed, but said nothing.
"You three go enjoy yourselves," Jack told them. "I'm going to see an old friend."
Shopping, of course, came naturally to the women. Even Laura, normally reluctant to leave her homeland, didn't resist the chance to wander in this modern world. Their style of dress was outdated by local standards but not enough to draw suspicion. If anything, they drew stares because of their striking beauty—three tall women striding through the streets together was bound to turn heads.
The only real complication came when they sold the golden soda can. The pawnshop owner was baffled, having never seen anyone use gold to make a beverage container. He hesitated but, in the end, accepted it with only a suspicious shake of his head.
Meanwhile, Jack walked toward S.T.A.R. Labs.
The last time he had been there was to help Laurel Lance with her sonic device. Back then, the labs had looked impressive—gleaming, high-tech, the crown jewel of Central City's scientific community. Now it was abandoned, its gates chained and locked, warning signs plastered across the entrance: Danger. Do Not Enter.
"I wonder if Caitlin's still inside," Jack murmured.
Just as he was about to leap the gate, the screech of tires rang out behind him. A red car had stopped abruptly on the side of the road.
The door opened, and a woman quickly stepped out.
"Jack? Jack Kadere? Is that really you?"
Jack turned—and couldn't help but smile. "Speak of the devil."
Caitlin Snow.
"I was just about to head in and look for you," Jack said, pointing to S.T.A.R. Labs.
"I just left. My car's in the back lot." Caitlin walked closer, still staring in disbelief. "I thought I'd imagined you when I saw you at the gate… but it's really you. Where have you been all this time? And why didn't you call me? Do you know how much trouble you've caused me?"
Her relief quickly turned into frustration.
Jack blinked, taken aback. "Trouble? What are you talking about?"
"I was kidnapped because of you, Jack!" Caitlin snapped, the memory clearly still fresh.
His eyes widened. "Kidnapped? By who?"
"A woman in some kind of vigilante outfit—looked almost like Robin's costume. She had a crossbow. She asked if the sonic weapon was built here at S.T.A.R. Labs… and if I knew you." Caitlin crossed her arms, exhaling sharply. "I don't know what kind of enemies you've made, but you dragged me right into it."
Jack's expression darkened slightly. "A crossbow, dressed like a Robin…" He muttered the name under his breath. "Huntress. Helena Bertinelli."
"And then?" he asked.
"You think this is funny?" Caitlin huffed, clearly not amused. "After that, I was saved by someone else—a woman calling herself Black Canary. She used a device that unleashed a sonic scream, just like the one the other woman was after."
Jack tilted his head with interest.
"Later I did some checking. Both of them came from Starling City, and Black Canary's even considered one of that city's vigilante heroes."
Jack chuckled. "Well, sounds like you really did get caught up in my business. How about I make it up to you with dinner?"
"Of course you're paying. That's the least you can do. But first, you owe me some answers," Caitlin shot back, crossing her arms. "Why show up out of the blue after disappearing for so long? Convince me you're not just going to get me in danger again."
Jack's smile softened. "Let's just say—it's something you've been wanting for a while."
Caitlin blinked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "You mean… a chance to examine your powers?"
Jack nodded, his expression perfectly straight. "Yes, Doctor."
Her lips curled into the faintest smile. "Then… come with me. But not back to S.T.A.R. Labs." She unlocked her car and motioned for him to get in.
Jack slid into the passenger seat. "Not the lab? Then where are we headed?"
"My place."
Jack grinned. "Your place? Isn't that moving a little fast?"
Caitlin rolled her eyes but didn't answer, turning the key in the ignition.
…
PS: At last, the stage is set to "train" the Flash. For clarity, the events moving forward will follow the TV series The Flash as the main reference point.