A FEW MONTHS AGO, STAR LABS, KEYSTONE CITY, EARTH-2
It was his moment, after years of hard work and setbacks, the particle accelerator was finally ready to go online. Harrison Chambers was busy making final checks on the particle accelerator after giving his big speech outside, making sure that nothing would go wrong.
"Are you certain that nothing would go wrong?" Belle asked Harrison, her husband, who was concentrating hard at the screen.
"I'm sure," Harrison answered hurryingly not looking at Belle. "Stone, everything ready to go?" asked Harrison over the coms.
"Everything set and ready, awaiting your orders, Chambers," the man answered confidently.
"Belle, trust me, we are this close to accomplishing greatness, the particle accelerator is a technological breakthrough and marvel," Harrison replied as he looked at the screen as his wife held his hand.
"Do you trust me?" asked Harrison as he looked at his wife who clutched his hand tightly.
"You know I would trust you with my life," Belle replied, smiling at Harrison.
"Urgh… can you two don't be so lovey-dovey, I'm here you know?" Jesse said sarcastically as she strolled carefreely into the room where she and her parents were going to observe the particle accelerator go online.
"When you find a boy that you love, you won't be saying that Jess," Harrison quipped as Belle chuckled.
"Oh, I doubt it," Jesse shrugged. "Hardly ever been into boys."
"You'll see Jess, I used to think that way until I met your father," Belle said.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, mum," Jesse said carefreely. "I thought we are going to turn this thing on?" asked Jesse looking through the window panel chuckling. "When did this become about my potential love life?"
"Jess is right. We can talk later during the celebration. You two ready?" asked Harrison, turning around to look at his wife and daughter.
"Ready whenever you are, dad," Jesse said.
"Ready, dear" Belle answered, smiling at Harrison.
"Well, then, fire it up, Stone," Harrison announced smilingly as he looked at his achievement, unaware of the disaster that was about to strike.
Harrison couldn't have anticipated the sudden change of the weather that sent a lightning bolt, striking the lab, overloading the circuits, causing the particle accelerator to malfunction and explode. Harrison watched helplessly as his colleague got caught in the blast. The last thing he remember before waking up on a hospital bed was shielding his wife and daughter from red clusters of lightning bolts that were charging towards them.
Upon waking up, Harrison learned that his wife was dead, and his daughter was in a coma. Stricken by grief, Harrison lost his will to continue to his work at S.T.A.R. Labs. The only thing that Harrison hoped for was for his daughter safety and well-being.
PRESENT DAY, THE PIT STOP
"Good, use your hips, Alex," Rick called out before blocking an attack by Alex.
"Great job, but you can do better. Put more force into it," Rick advised. "Let's go again!"
"Alright," Alex answered before striking.
Barry smiled as he looked at the two teenagers training against each other. In his mind, Barry still couldn't believe that they were teenagers so young willing to step up and take the mantle of being a hero. Barry was feeling both impressed and worried for his newfound friends. Impressed by their abilities and will, but worried about the enemy. The more Pat and the others told him about the ISA, the more Barry wondered how exactly did they, a couple of teenagers and a giant robot, defeat a hulking monster, a telepath, a seemingly immortal man and their leader who had cryokinesis powers. It seemed that it was vaguely impossible that these group of people had managed to pull off such a feat at that time. A loud grunt from Alex interrupted Barry's thoughts. Barry watched as Alex managed to knock Rick down.
"Better," Rick said as Alex pulled him up. "You've improved."
"Thanks, my sis has also been giving me pointers, helped me too," Alex said.
"Of course, she did," Rick chuckled. "What do you think Barry?" asked Rick loudly.
"Well, I say you guys are fit for hand to hand combat," Barry said as he walked over to the two teenagers. "What about facing a speedster?" asked Barry smilingly has he gotten an idea.
"Well, we got you," Rick answered.
"Yeah, but I'm not always around to help," Barry reminded.
"Wait, how can you fight someone that is fast?" asked Alex curiously.
"You can't," Barry answered confidently.
"Is that a challenge, Allen?" asked Rick jokingly.
"Maybe it is," Barry said as he chuckled.
"Alright, Alex step aside. Let me and Barry have a go," Rick said. Alex nodded and walked over to the bench and sat down.
"Wait is this dude serious?" Barry thought as his walked forward. "Seems like it." "You sure?" Barry asked Rick.
"Well, I'm interested to try," Rick said, gesturing Barry to fight. "Try me."
"Well, I did warn you," Barry muttered before speeding around Rick and stopping in front of him, surprising Rick enough to make him stumble backward.
"Okay… maybe it is impossible," Rick stuttered as Alex and Barry snickers. "Hey you try Montez!"
"No thanks, I think I'll pass," Alex said.
"Wow, I have to say, seeing you up close Barry, it is unbelievable," Rick said as Barry pulled him up.
"I know," Barry said. "You wanna another goes?' Barry asked jokingly.
"Nope, no thank you. I think I almost had an heart attack just now," Rick answered.
"So much for the bravery just now," Alex quipped chuckling.
"Hey! Why don't you try, Alex?" Rick challenged jokingly.
"Guys, what is all the racket?" Courtney called out as she opened the door. Behind her was Cameron, Beth and Yolanda. Yolanda leg was unbandaged, but she still sat on a wheelchair.
"Well, Mr. Harris here wanted to fight a speedster, so he fought me," Barry explained jokingly.
"Well, it wasn't much a fight though," Alex added.
"Wow, you're as dumb as you look Rick," Yolanda said as she chuckled. "What had gotten into you, fighting a speedster? Wow."
"This is not going to go anytime soon is it?" asked Rick tiredly.
"Nope!" The three girls said in unison, making Rick groan.
"So, how is your leg now sis?" asked Alex. "I see the cast has been removed."
"The doctors say that my leg is fine, but I'm not advised to walk anytime soon yet," Yolanda informed.
"Well, that is great," Barry said. "What about the other guy… Henry?" asked Barry.
"Still in a coma. Showing signs of improvement though," Cameron said.
"That's great news," Barry said.
"How is my little brother doing?" asked Yolanda cheekily.
"Well, he just managed to knock Rick down," Barry said as Rick was about to say something.
"What?" the three girls say in unison.
"Rick, I think you're the one that needs training now," Courtney quipped as the others laughed.
"Yeah babe, aren't you supposed to be the best fighter out of all of us?" asked Beth.
"I was going easy on him," Rick said in midst of all the laughter. "Oh, I'm never going to hear the end of this, aren't I?"
"I don't think so bro," Cameron said amused.
"Oh, forget it. Let's get dinner," Rick said, walking out the door annoyed.
"Come on, babe. We were just kidding," Beth cooed as she followed after Rick.
"Hey! Wait of us!" Yolanda called out as Courtney pushed her.
Barry chuckled. Staying and hanging out with a new group of friends that were younger than him is certainly a breath of fresh air. Perhaps it was the less stressful environment of the town that made him so comfortable. As Barry followed the group, he made a mental note to pay them occasional visits after he found a way to get back to his earth.
BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Artemis and Jesse were walking out of school after practices, both tired and exhausted from the tiring practice. The two braided girls were chatting like usual after the practices as they changed and left the school together, headed to the diner in town to eat dinner together like usual.
"You totally owned them just now Art!" Jesse complimented as the two girls walked out of the changing rooms.
"I know right? You did a good job too," Artemis complimented. "Did you see Stone's face? It was priceless."
Jesse chuckled along with Artemis. It has been months since Jesse had moved here, and it had been mostly a good change.
"So have any plans for weekend?" asked Artemis casually.
"Well, homecoming is this week," Jesse said, as if it was not obvious enough.
"Oh! I almost forgot," Artemis said in surprised.
"Girl, the coach has just told us that," Jesse reminded.
"Well, you now me. I hardly listen to the coach 'speeches' during practices," Artemis said chuckling.
"So, planning to ask anyone to dance?" asked Jesse casually. It was one of the questions she wanted to ask Artemis.
"You know… it's funny. I never asked anyone to the dances before. But this year, I have someone I want to ask," Artemis revealed.
"Oh, wait. Artemis Crock wants to ask someone to the homecoming dance. I wonder who is that lucky person," Jesse wondered aloud.
"Shut up," Artemis chuckled as she nudged Jesse lightly. "In our class."
"What really. I wonder who though. The boys in our class doesn't seems to suit your taste if I remember correctly," Jesse said.
"What about you? Asked the lucky guy out yet?" asked Artemis, interrupting Jesse.
"You're changing the topic," Jesse noted.
"I truly am," Artemis admitted smilingly. "So, have you asked him yet?"
"Haven't asked," Jesse said, trying not to blush.
"Why not?" asked Artemis.
"Scared," Jesse admitted. It was the truth. Jesse was feeling nervous to ask her out. "To be honest, I have no idea how to ask someone to a dance."
"Come on, woman up, girl. Just walk up to him and ask the question," Artemis encouraged. "Just walk up to him and say, 'Hey there, my name is Jesse Chambers, I'm in love with you, would you like to go to the dance with me?'" Artemis imitated Jesse's voice jokingly.
"Art!" Jesse chuckled and nudged Artemis, who is snickering.
"But seriously though. I think if anyone rejects you, that person is definitely blind and delusional," Artemis said.
Jesse blushed at Artemis words, feeling the heat crawl up her cheeks. "You really meant that?" asked Jesse.
"Of course, Jess. You're my best friend," Artemis said.
"T-thanks-" Jesse stuttered. Jesse took in a deep breath and continued the conversation, telling herself not to get nervous.
"So, are you going to tell me who is the lucky guy? I might be able to help you a bit there," Artemis asked curiously.
"Nope, I don't think I will," Jesse said smiling.
"Hey… Jess, can I a- "
The conversation was interrupted by a Artemis's ringing phone. Artemis groaned as she picked up her phone and saw the screen. "What now?" Artemis groaned. Jesse could tell that whoever was calling her, Artemis seemed to be very annoyed by it.
"What is it? What? Today? Alright… I'm heading over right now," Jesse heard Artemis talk quickly over the phone.
"What is it?" asked Jesse as Artemis slipped her phone back into her pocket.
"Family matters," Artemis said hastily. Artemis always hated it when she has to lie to Jesse. "I'm so sorry, Jesse, I have to head home now. Can't join you for dinner," Artemis apologized.
"Don't worry about it. I'm cool with it," Jesse said. "I'll be fine. Family is more important after all. I'll be fine," Jesse said understandingly.
"Alright then, text you tonight?" asked Artemis.
"Sure," Jesse said brightly.
"Bye then," Artemis said. "Stay safe."
"I will, see you!" Jesse replied before seeing Artemis turn around and rushed towards her house quickly.
As Jesse walked home, she could feel her chest thumping. She was feeling so nervous around Artemis these days. Partly because the person she wants to ask to the dances was her, Artemis Crock. Ever since Jesse arrived at Blue Valley, Artemis Crock has always stood out to her as a person. Perhaps it was because how similar the two girls were. It was no secret to the class and the football team that the two girls had gotten pretty close to each other, rumors even had it that the two girls were dating each other. Not that Jesse minded those rumors.
Jesse walked towards the diner as she thought about how to ask Artemis to the dance. She had just learned that Artemis was going to ask someone to the dance too, wondering if there was a slight possibility that the person was her. Then, a voice inside her head told her not to get her hopes up and be realistic. Then, a familiar set of voices distracted the girl as she got closer to the diner.
"Rick! Do you even know how to park?"
Jesse looked straight and recognized the group to be what Artemis once referred to as the outcast group. It was Courtney, Cameron, Beth, Rick, Yolanda with two unrecognizable faces, a younger boy and an older man, presumably in his twenties. Then, Courtney turned around and seemed to notice Jesse as she walked closer.
"Hey, Jesse. Fancy seeing you here," Courtney said brightly.
"Hi," Jesse greeted as the others took notice of her.
"Sup, Jess," Rick said as he got out of the car.
"Hi, Jesse. What are you doing around here alone?" asked Beth friendly.
"Well, just finished football practice. Came here to have dinner," Jesse said.
"Oh, really. We're about to have dinner here too. You're welcome to join us," Courtney invited.
"Yeah, don't hesitate. Rick will pay for us," Yolanda interjected jokingly, making the others laugh.
"Ahem… I'll only pay for Beth guys," Rick reminded, draping his hands around Beth.
"Yeah… sure, why not. I would like some company anyway," Jesse agreed chuckling.
"Let's go in then," Courtney said.
Jesse followed the group inside the diner and sat down. She sat on the side of the table, beside her as Beth and Courtney. After taking her order, Jesse then realized that Courtney and Beth were quick to pick up a conversation with her.
"Do you usually come here alone?" asked Courtney curiously.
"No, actually. Usually Artemis will come here with me. But today, she says she got family matters to attend to," Jesse said.
Upon hearing this, Cameron immediately wondered about what 'family matters' could Artemis be talking about. Cameron had spent quite a lot time around Artemis recently, and to be honest, she doesn't seem like a bad guy to him, but one can't judge a book by its cover anyway.
"By the way, who is that man with you?" asked Jesse curiously, gesturing towards Barry, who had been thinking hard ever since he heard the name 'Jesse'.
"Oh, how rude of us to forget the introductions," Beth said. "This is Barry Allen. A friend's of Courtney's dad."
"Y- Yeah, you can just call me Barry," Barry stuttered, returning to focus. "And you are?"
"Jesse Chambers," Jesse said, smilingly.
"She is the daughter of Harrison Chambers?" asked Alex suddenly.
"Harrison Chambers?" Barry asked, wondering if his ears are playing tricks on him. "Jesse Chambers and Harrison Chambers?" Barry wondered.
"Yeah, I am," Jesse said sheepishly.
"I'm sorry. I may not have caught up with the latest news but, who is this Harrison Chambers?" asked Barry curiously.
"He was the head of S.T.A.R. Labs in Keystone City," Alex informed.
Barry was now confused. "S.T.A.R. Labs? I didn't find much about it when I search for information…" Barry thought.
"Was?" asked Barry confused now. At the corner of his eyes, Barry then saw Cameron shot him a glare, gesturing for him not to ask too many questions. Fortunately, Jesse didn't get suspicious of anything.
"Heavens Barry, where were you? Living under a rock?' asked Rick jokingly, at the same time, trying to throw off any suspicion that Jesse might have.
"Actually, what is this S.T.A.R. Labs?" asked Courtney, she genuinely had no idea.
"Scientific and Technological Advanced Research Laboratories," Beth explained.
"So, what happened to it?" asked Barry, wondering why there was not much information on the Internet about it when he had searched for it.
"Well, according to what I heard, something caused the place to implode right?' asked Cameron, remembering hearing the incident from his father.
"Implode?" Barry asked in disbelieve.
"Yeah, well, my father built a particle accelerator," Jesse added. "Which went wrong."
"Oh, I'm sorry… Jesse… for bringing up this conversation," Barry apologized quickly. Seeing the look in the girl's eyes, Barry knew that he shouldn't have asked too much about S.T.A.R. Labs.
"Nah, I'm fine," Jesse shrugged.
As the teenagers continued with their conversation, Barry mind was racing with thoughts. The more he looked at Jesse Chambers, the more she resembled the Jesse Wells he once knew. "What if his father is another Harry Wells doppelganger? He worked at S.T.A.R. Labs, maybe he can help me? The particle accelerator? Why I couldn't find anything about it?" thought Barry. "Wait… a female speedster was seen by them… what if?" Barry looked at Jesse suspiciously, wondering if his theory could be right.
"So… homecoming is this week," Rick casually brought up the topic as their food arrived.
"Oh yeah. Time flies doesn't it?" Cameron asked.
"Yeah, I still remember how Courtney… got into an accident the night before the dance," Yolanda recalled, correcting herself as she just remembered at Jesse was with them.
"What? An accident?" asked Jesse curiously.
"Yeah, dad's car crashed," Courtney explained briefly.
"Oh, that's must had sucked," Jesse said.
"Yeah, and to think that Cameron had already mustered his strength and courage to ask me to the dance," Courtney chuckled.
"Yeah, I remember that. But hey, we're together now. That's all that matter," Cameron said, looking at Courtney smilingly, making the blondie blush shyly.
"Well, look at the cute couple here, stop with that, you're making Jesse feel awkward," Yolanda reminded jokingly.
"I'm fine," Jesse chuckled. "On the topic of homecoming dances, who are you all asking?" asked Jesse curiously.
"Well, it is obvious that I'm going with Beth," Rick said.
"Well, it is no less obvious that I'm going with Cam," Courtney added. "Oh, I' m sorry Yolanda. We really shouldn't be speaking about this in front of you," Courtney apologized, realizing Yolanda couldn't go to the dance at all.
"Don't worry about it. I'm fine. I'll probably stay at the hospital with Henry. Keeping him company," Yolanda said.
"Aww… That's sweet," Jesse said. "By the way, how is his condition?" asked Jesse concerned.
"He's getting better," Yolanda said.
"Happy to hear that," Jesse answered smilingly.
"Wait, we have been talking about us for a while, what about you Jesse?" asked Yolanda as she dug into her food.
"What do you mean?" asked Jesse puzzled.
"Well, don't you have someone you want to ask to the dance?" asked Yolanda.
"Yeah, who is it?" asked Courtney curiously.
"C'mon Jesse, we're all friends. No need to be so secretive," Beth interjected.
"Alright, alright girls, I do have someone I want to ask," Jesse revealed to the girls.
"Ooh, who is it?" asked Courtney.
"Nah, I'm not telling in front of the boys," Jesse said.
"C'mon, me and Cam can keep a secret," Rick assured.
"I highly doubt that though. Remember last time with B-" Yolanda reminded.
"Alright Montez, no need to bring that up," Rick said embarrassingly as the others chuckled.
"You know, it's nice having you join us Jesse, perhaps you and Artemis should hang out with us more often," Beth suggested.
"Yeah, I'll ask her," Jesse said.
"By the way, you and Artemis are quite close, aren't you two?" asked Cameron curiously, attempting to dig up some information.
"Yeah, I seem to notice that too," Courtney agreed. "She sure likes to spend time with you."
"Wouldn't be surprised. I mean, ever since Artemis's parents left town, I am sure she is quite lonely. Plus, she hardly had any close friends before you, Jesse," Beth said.
"Really?" asked Jesse, her voice hopeful. Then, she thought about what Beth said. "Ever since Artemis's parents left town." Jesse then realized that Artemis has never told her why she lived alone. Jesse just assumed that Artemis didn't want to tell her. "But these guys seem to know about something… Maybe I should ask them," Jesse thought.
"Yeah," Yolanda confirmed. "I actually never seen her so bright and comfortable with another girl before."
"Wait, Beth. What do you mean by Artemis's parents left?" asked Jesse curiously.
"Oh, um," Beth then realized that she probably shouldn't bring up the topic of Artemis's parents who were ISA members. Beth could see Cameron looking at her, gesturing for her to let him explain.
"Wait, Artemis didn't tell you?" asked Cameron.
"Well, she did tell me that she lives alone," Jesse said. "Why?"
"Oh, nothing in particular, we don't know much either. We only know that Artemis's mother resigned from her post and her father's gym shut down. After that, we heard that her parents have left town," Cameron said.
"Oh, I see," Jesse said. She was getting a little suspicious of Courtney's boyfriend behavior, not understanding why the boy was asking so much question about Artemis.
The group continues to chat while they ate. Soon, the skies were almost dark.
"Me and Alex have to go now, curfew," Yolanda said as she looked at her phone.
"Don't worry," Rick said. "I'll drive you both back to your house," Rick offered as he got up. "Barry, you wanna help?"
"Y-Yeah, sure!" Barry said as he got up.
Cameron then looked at Courtney who smiled and gave him a silent nod, gesturing for him to follow them. Cameron nodded back and stood up. "Rick, I'm coming with you, you guys need help."
"Wait, what about the girls?" asked Rick concerned and puzzled at why Cameron would want to follow him.
"We will stay and keep Jesse company," Beth said.
"Really, there is no need-" Jesse said.
"Don't worry, none of us are rushing for time, plus Cam can give you a ride home later," Courtney said.
"You guys are too kind," Jesse said smilingly.
"Alright then it's settled," Rick said. "See you later."
"Bye girls," Yolanda waved as Alex pushed him out of the diner. As Cameron and Barry followed them, their minds obviously distracted by something.
"Bye," the girls chorused.
Barry, Yolanda, Rick, Alex and Cameron settled in the car before Rick started the car and headed towards Yolanda's house. The teenagers were chatting brightly on the way, but Barry's mind was thinking hard about the possible existence of the doppelganger of Jesse Wells and Harry Wells on this Earth. It wasn't long until they reached Yolanda's house and helped her into the house before leaving the siblings.
"So, Barry… Something on your mind?" asked Cameron casually as he entered Rick's car and sat down.
"W- What?" Barry stuttered, wondering if he was that obvious.
"What do you mean Cameron?" asked Rick confused.
"Barry seemed to tense up upon hearing Jesse's name," Cameron explained.
"Hmm… Really didn't notice," Rick shrugged as he started the car.
"Gosh, Pat was right about you… really an observant guy," Barry exclaimed. "It's complicated. I rather explain to the full team."
"Alright then," Cameron answered.
Back at the diner, Courtney, Beth and Jesse were talking about the boys in the school while waiting for the others to come back. Which eventually led back to the topic of homecoming.
"So, you never asked anyone to homecoming?" asked Courtney casually.
"Nope, how did you know?"
"Well, only those that are too shy or afraid to ask will drag the question on for this long," Courtney said. "So, I guessed it was something like that."
"For us, it was the boys that made the first move," Beth recalled.
"I actually don't see the person I want to ask making the first move," Jesse said.
"If so, you should probably ask him first. What is your relationship status with him?" asked Beth curiously.
"It's actually a her," Jesse corrected.
"Ooh- Artemis?" asked Courtney chuckling. "That's the girl you want to ask?"
"Just go for it Jesse, what are you worried about?" asked Beth. "You're her best friend. I can't see her rejecting you."
"You do realize I'm talking about liking her more than as a friend, right?" asked Jesse.
"Yeah, we know. No wonder you were so hesitant to talk about it just now," Courtney realized.
"Look, I know you all don't know me very well, but I was hoping to ask some advice about asking Artemis to the dance," Jesse said.
"Well, have you asked her about homecoming dances, about who she's going to ask?" asked Beth.
"Wait, I don't remember her ever asking someone to the dances," Courtney recalled.
"Yeah, you're right Court. Artemis never asked anyone to the dances before," Beth realized.
"Yeah, she just told me that. Yet she says that she wants to ask someone to the dances this year," Jesse revealed.
"Jesse, I don't mean to give you false hope, but I do think that Artemis is planning on asking you out," Courtney said.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Well, first of all, Artemis has never anyone to the dances. Secondly, she seems different around you for some reason. To be honest, I never seen her this close to anyone before," Courtney explained.
"Yeah, I agree," Beth added.
"You should just ask her," Courtney encourage. "Maybe she is just anything for you to make a move."
"You are right Courtney. I should. Thanks for the advice," Jesse thanked.
"You're welcome. That's what friends for, isn't it?"
"Hey, the guys are back," Beth gestured as she spotted Rick's car stopping outside the diner.
"Let's go. I'll pay, you girls can pay me later," Courtney offered.
"Thanks, Court," the others said before heading outside.
Later, Rick, Beth and Barry headed to the Pit Stop while Cameron and Courtney dropped Jesse home.
"So, this is your house? It looks quite big," Cameron said impressed.
"Yeah, I think so too. I mean only my father and I live inside there, most of the room are for his projects," Jesse explained.
"Well, it was a fun chat Jesse. See you tomorrow," Courtney said.
"Yeah, it was. Thanks for the advice. Next time you want my help, just ask. I can help," Jesse offered.
"I will tell you if I need it. Bye," Courtney said she closed the car window while Jesse waved her hands before turning around and made her way towards the door.
"So, we're heading home?" asked Courtney.
"Not exactly babe. Barry has something to tell us," Cameron said.
"And it can't wait?" Courtney groaned.
"Nope, it's about Jesse," Cameron revealed.
"What about her?"
"We will have to wait and hear what Barry has to say," Cameron said.
THE PIT STOP
"Before the previous multiverse got destroyed by the anti-matter wave, I had a couple friends on another Earth, Earth-2, which I believe one of them is the doppelganger of your Jesse Chambers," Barry said as the other teenagers gathered around him.
"So, you're saying that you knew a Jesse Chambers?" asked Beth confused.
"Not exactly, the Jesse I knew was called Jesse Wells. But now I think of it, they look similar. If she is a doppelganger of the previous Jesse Wells I knew, her father Harrison Chambers could as well be the doppelganger of Harry Well. And if he is as smart as him, he can help me find my way home, and perhaps help you with your ISA problem," Barry explained.
"Well, the last time he came up with something, he caused his own lab to implode and killed many innocent people…" Cameron said skeptically. "I doubt we would need his help."
"Wait, a particle accelerator," Barry muttered as a though struck his mind.
"What about it?" asked Rick.
"Barry got his powers from a particle accelerator explosion," Cameron muttered as he remembered.
"Not totally, but that was one of the main factors," Barry corrected. "I think Jesse Chambers is the girl speedster you all have been facing lately," Barry realized.
"What? How are you so sure?" asked Courtney in disbelief.
"The Jesse Wells I knew was a speedster. If Jesse Chambers is a doppelganger of her, there is a high chance of her being one," Barry explained.
"What's just wild guessing," Courtney said unapprovingly.
"That voice… "Cameron said suddenly. "Chuck, you there?"
"Yes, Cameron?"
"Pull up and replay the voice recording of the girl speedster during the night when the ISA ambushed us in the woods and when Barry encountered her in the woods." Courtney looked at her boyfriend for a while before understanding what he was going to do. The group were silent as they listened to the recordings.
"Guys, I think Barry might be right," Courtney said after the recording finished playing. "Their voice sound so similar."
"The speedster could've used a voice changing filter to disguise her voice though," Rick suggested.
"What the chances of the changed voice and Jesse voice being so similar?" asked Cameron. "She is the one."
"Still, we have no concrete proof its her," Beth said. "Like Rick said, it could be a voice changer."
"This is bad. Jesse could be working with the ISA," Cameron said.
"Uhm, the Jesse I knew was a heroine," Barry corrected.
"She was on the Earth 2 you knew, but this Earth is different. What if on this Earth she is bad?" asked Cameron
"She doesn't seem like the type," Beth said. "Plus, if she was really a speedster and really working for the ISA. She would've already known our identify and defeated us easily. So, this girl speedster couldn't have been working for the ISA."
"Wait, on the topic of the ISA knowing our identify, don't you all think it's strange that until now, the ISA haven't come after us yet? We set up so many precautions just in case the ISA attempts to attack our families, yet the ISA have not made a move to come after us," Rick realized.
"True, weird. They already broken out the adults. It would be easy for them to… unless they are waiting for something," Courtney said.
"Waiting for what?" asked Barry confused.
"I don't know. But they must be waiting for something before they attack us," Courtney said.
"Argh… All this thinking is giving me a headache," Rick groaned. "Ever since the red blur appeared in town and caused that accident, I swear that this year had been giving me as much headaches as last year."
"As if it's not giving us headaches too," Cameron added.
"Let's just go back and get some rest… and be careful," Courtney said.
"Yeah sure," Beth said. "Goodnight. See you tomorrow."
Courtney sighed as she followed her boyfriend towards the car. Things are getting more and more confusing with no solution in sight. Courtney wondered when this turmoil would ever truly end.
"Uhm guys…," Chuck suddenly said.
"Hmm?" Courtney asked tiredly.
"We have a situation."
The teenagers groaned upon hearing Chuck announcement.
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
It was carnage. Dragon King, Sportsmaster, Tigress, Shiv and Tigress Jr. attack left bodies spewed on the floor. Dragon King made his way down the hallway while the others were guarding him making sure that no one is hiding in the corner to ambush them.
"Coast is clear," Tigress Jr. motioned.
"More will come," Dragon King said. "Shiv, follow me. Sportsmaster, Tigresses, stay here and hold the fort."
"Gladly," Sportsmaster said as spun his bat.
Artemis gulped at the thought of more killing. Artemis has never killed despite the threats and injuries she given, there was always something holding her back from killing, which always caused her to be criticized by other younger members of the ISA.
"Sharpe, how does the armada coming looks like?" asked Sportsmaster.
"Not much, with your skills and weapons, you can definitely handle them," a feminine voice informed.
"Time for the hunters to go hunting again," Sportsmaster chuckled as the footsteps grow closer.
"It would seems so," Tigress snickered.
Artemis winced at her parent's words. "How could they have this much fun from this?" Artemis wondered. It was her first mission with her parents. She had never seen them in action, but now she's seen them, she has to admit, it has a bit scary the way her parents work.
Artemis watched as armed guards approached them, pointing their guns at them. Artemis gulped, wishing that she stayed with Jesse tonight instead of coming here.
"Drop your weapons!" One of the guards ordered. "Or we will shoot!"
"Well, time to test one of Zoom's little toys," Sportsmaster says as he took out a ball and pressed a button, throwing it towards the guards.
Artemis prepared herself to witness what was about to come next. She certainly hasn't expected a flash of lightning to come in and move the guard away and a blast of ice freezing the ball.
"Seems like the ISA can't just pick a nice time to attack huh?" Icicle Jr. said while Stargirl, Hourman, Dr. Mid-Nite and Flash stood besides him.
"Oh, this night got a lot more complicated," Artemis thought to herself as she and her parents faces the JSA.
To Be Continued In
Chapter 10