When Wally came too a few days after the explosion, he found his family looking very angry at him.
"What happened?" Wally groaned as he tried to block out the bright lights.
"Well you survived your experiment and the only reason for that is because it had the desired effect. You're a speedster." Barry said, glad that Cisco was looping security footage to keep that quiet.
"Wait, I'm a speedster, but I don't feel any different?" Wally asked.
"Trust me, it's the only way you could've survived that explosion. Speaking of which, what the hell were you thinking? You got lucky Wally. I don't want to think about what would've happened if you hadn't." Barry said.
"You never think about the consequences of your actions. You were so obsessed with getting powers, you didn't even think about the possible risks about what you were doing. I thought that when Iris came home from overseas, I was done having to worry about my kids putting themselves in danger. And the only reason I'm okay with what she did to get powers is because it was an actual medical procedure that was designed to help her walk that she decided to take further and I know that she had help on standby to keep her safe. You were doing this in secret and you didn't stop to think." Joe said angrily.
"Dad." Wally tried to explain, only to be cut off by his mom.
"Wally, I hope it was worth it, since once you get out of here, you'll be grounded for a long time and we'll be locking a power dampening cuff on your wrist to make sure you can't sneak out. The only time the cuff will come off is when Barry is training you, since if you're insistent on having powers, then you need to learn how to use them." Cecille said.
"And when it comes to your powers, I have final say on when you can start joining me in the field, which won't be until after you're done being grounded and if you try to go behind my back, the cuff goes back on for a whole week." Barry said, making it clear that this was not up for debate.
"I wasn't trying to cause problems." Wally said, looking down.
"No, you were trying to give yourself powers. And you did. But you can't keep doing this kind of stuff Wally. Acting without thinking first. You're too smart for that." Joe said.
"I'm sorry." Wally said, looking down as his mother placed her hand under his chin.
"Wally, we're just worried about you. Someday when you're a parent, you'll understand how scary doing things like this can be." Cecille said.
"Hell, they still worry about me and I'm an adult who's served overseas. And I'm pretty sure that dad's only gotten worse since I got hurt." Iris said and now Wally realized another reason why his dad was freaking out so much.
"My job is to protect both of you and I failed. I never should've let you enlist and I should've kept a closer eye on you Wally." Joe said.
"Dad, Iris chose to enlist in the military and I chose to do my experiment and we both went into it knowing the risks." Wally said.
"The difference is that I actually talked it out with mom and dad before I went behind dad's back to enlist with mom's blessing." Iris pointed out.
"And you were 18 at the time, a legal adult, which means that it was your decision. But Wally, you're only 15 and we talked about you putting off this kind of crazy stunt." Joe said.
"I know. But I just couldn't fight the feeling that I was supposed to be a speedster. It's like something was calling me to it." Wally said.
"The speed force wanted you to connect with it, though I don't know why it didn't wait until you were older is beyond me." Barry said.
"I wanted to talk to you guys about it, but I knew you'd just try to talk me out of it, since dad, you'd already made your position clear and I was pretty sure that mom and Iris would follow." Wally said.
"Wally, do you really think I have any right not to tell you not to sneak around, since I got my powers through going behind Barry's back and giving Morrow instructions, knowing how dangerous the process could be. And while I might have been cautious, I wouldn't have stopped you." Iris said.
"And you have to know that while I'm always going to be cautious Wally, I'll always listen to what you have to say and be on your side. But you have to talk to us." Cecille said as she looked at her husband.
"Wally, I'm sorry I made you feel like you couldn't come to me and I know that both you and Iris think that I'm being overprotective of you both and I always have been and I likely always will be, but I can't help it if sometimes I go a little overboard trying to keep my kids safe." Joe said.
"I know dad. And even though you drive me crazy like all the time, I know that you have my best interests at heart. You just need to learn to start letting go a bit. I know I deserve my punishment and I'm not going to fight it, since I get that I scared you, but I'm not going anywhere. And I have Barry watching my back. He'll make sure nothing happens to me." Wally said.
"I'll do my best, but I can't truly promise that, since the hero game is dangerous. But the Justice League has started a program for young heroes Wally's age. Once he's done being grounded, I'll introduce him." Barry said.
"What, like a Young Justice League?" Iris asked and Barry chuckled.
"Something like that. The current members are Power Girl, Wonder Girl, Superboy, Robin, Miss Martian, Spoiler, Lightning and Firestorm. And I think that they'll welcome Kid Flash into their ranks, since Cisco's already dubbed you that, since you are a kid and you're still a Flash." Barry said.
"I'll take it. Can I at least offer design input on my suit?" Wally asked.
"Ask me again in a month when you're done being grounded. But your suit will be considered your graduation present once you finish basic training." Barry said and Wally nodded.