CHAPTER 10: The First Major Save (and a Near Miss)
Central City was just starting to get used to the idea of "the Streak," the blur of red that sometimes zipped past, preventing minor crimes. But the metahuman threats were escalating. Adam's "psychic" warnings became more frequent, more urgent. And his internal system was constantly nagging him about the need for more deaths and more money.
" Seriously, it's like my life is a video game where the only way to level up is to get repeatedly annihilated. And the economy of this universe is really putting a dent in my upgrade plans. I need a villain who holds stock options, or something. "
The next major threat came in the form of Danton Black, also known as Multiplex. A metahuman who could create perfect, physical duplicates of himself. He was targeting the prominent geneticist, Dr. Tina McGee, a former colleague he blamed for his disgrace.
Adam knew this was a critical moment for Barry. His first major save against a truly dangerous, tricky foe. And it was also an opportunity for Adam to try and "farm" another death. He wasn't looking for a skill from Multiplex (duplication wasn't high on his desired list), but rather a death from another low-level threat he could maneuver into the situation.
"My 'future insights' are telling me that Multiplex is going to be a real pain," Adam announced in the Cortex, pacing with exaggerated urgency. "Lots of him. Very confusing. Like a really bad family reunion. And he's definitely going to target Dr. McGee at the Central City Convention Center. Probably during her big presentation on, like, quantum entanglement or something equally brainy."
Barry, now faster and more confident, clenched his fists. "We'll stop him. I can handle duplicates."
"Oh, I'm sure you can, Flash," Adam said, patting his shoulder. "But he's tricky. And my instincts are screaming that there might be… collateral damage. Innocent bystanders in the wrong place at the wrong time. Specifically, near the emergency exits. We need someone to clear the perimeter. Someone… expendable." He looked pointedly at Cisco. "Just kidding, Cisco! You're far too valuable. Perhaps… someone who's naturally good at being in the way. Someone like… me."
Caitlin frowned. "Adam, what are you planning?"
"Planning? Me? Never!" Adam said innocently. "I'm merely offering my services as a highly effective distraction. And perhaps a human shield, if the situation calls for it. Besides, someone needs to make sure the escape routes are clear. And maybe snag a few free samples from the catering. It's for the mission!"
Wells, observing the exchange, seemed to catch a glimmer of Adam's true intent. A knowing, almost amused, look crossed his face. "Mr. Stiels does have a point, Barry. While your speed is paramount, we need someone to manage the periphery. Ensure civilian safety. Your 'insights' could be… useful, Mr. Stiels."
Adam beamed. "See? Wells gets it! Strategic brilliance, people! Now, let's go save the day. And maybe I'll find a way to 'accidentally' get myself killed by some random, non-important henchman with a really lame power. Just for the system, you know."
The mission was chaos. Multiplex lived up to his name, creating dozens of duplicates that overwhelmed security and tried to corner Dr. McGee. Barry was a blur, phasing through walls, disarming clones, but the sheer numbers were a challenge.
Adam, meanwhile, was doing his best to be a strategic nuisance. He was guiding civilians, yelling directions, and generally drawing attention to himself. "Run, people! Run for your lives! Unless you want to be replaced by a creepy clone! Then, by all means, stop and take a selfie!"
As Barry engaged the main cluster of duplicates, Adam found himself in a hallway, leading a group of terrified civilians towards an exit. Suddenly, one of the Multiplex clones, disoriented by Barry's speed, stumbled, tripped over a loose wire, and landed hard, activating a hidden, low-level stun gun that had fallen from a guard's belt. The stun gun, still active, discharged. The low-voltage shock, intended to merely incapacitate, hit Adam squarely in the chest.
His body seized, muscles locking up, and he collapsed, the world blurring into a static-filled haze. " Seriously? A stun gun? That's how I go out? Not a heroic sacrifice, not a super-powered blast, but a glorified taser? The universe has a cruel sense of humor. " The pain was a sharp, electric jolt, followed by numbness. He heard the faint, panicked shouts of the civilians, then Barry's distant, angry roar as he redoubled his efforts.
[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: HOST DECEASED. SKILL ACQUISITION INITIATED. ACQUIRING: MINOR BIO-ELECTRICITY MANIPULATION. ]
[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: REGENERATING... ]
A moment later, as Barry finally captured the prime Multiplex, he rushed back, his super-speed senses having picked up Adam's collapse. He found Adam already pushing himself up, groaning theatrically.
"That was… shockingly effective," Adam gasped, rubbing his chest. "Literally. Who knew a rogue stun gun could be so… shocking? Get it? Because it shocks you? I'm here all week, folks!"
Caitlin and Cisco arrived, their faces etched with relief and bewilderment.
"Adam! Are you okay?!" Caitlin exclaimed, immediately scanning him for injuries.
"Oh, just a little tingle," Adam said, flexing his fingers. A faint, almost invisible spark flickered between them. "Looks like I got a new party trick! Minor bio-electricity manipulation! I can probably charge my phone with my fingers now. Or give people really uncomfortable static shocks. The pranking possibilities are endless!" He grinned, and then paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Though, honestly, I was aiming for something a little more… kinetic. Maybe next time I'll provoke a guy with a really big hammer."
Barry, still catching his breath, looked at Adam with a mixture of awe and exasperation. "You… you did that on purpose, didn't you? You got yourself shocked?"
Adam shrugged innocently. "Me? Never! Just a happy coincidence. Or maybe my 'future insights' were telling me I needed a little… spark in my life. Get it? Spark? Because electricity? Fine, I'll work on the puns later. But hey, mission accomplished! Multiplex is down, Dr. McGee is safe, and I'm one step closer to unlocking the full potential of my bizarre, death-defying existence. Win-win-win!"
The team stared at him, bewildered but also undeniably impressed. Adam had, in his own convoluted way, been incredibly helpful. And he had, yet again, defied all logic. They were starting to realize that with Adam Stiels around, chaos was not just an event; it was a way of life. And sometimes, it was even a good thing.
" Three deaths down. Seventeen to go for the first upgrade. This is going to be a fun, electrically-charged ride. Literally. "