SAVAGE ISLAND (3/7)

Wally's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurred and his body aching. The dim light of a flickering fire illuminated the rocky walls of the cave. He tried to sit up, groaning as a sharp pain shot through his abdomen. The faint sound of water dripping echoed through the cavern, accompanied by the quiet shuffle of movement nearby.

Startled, Wally's heart raced as he realized his mask was gone. He instinctively reached for his face before noticing a blonde woman crouched beside him. She had a calm, commanding presence and was gently working with what appeared to be medicinal herbs.

Wally: Where's my mask?! Who are you?!

The woman raised her hands in a calming gesture, her voice steady and soothing.

Shanna: Relax. You're safe here. My name is Shanna O'Hara, and this is my son, Matthew Plunder.

At that moment, a small boy with wild blonde hair peeked out from behind her, offering Wally a timid wave.

Matthew: Hi.

Wally blinked, still disoriented but slightly less panicked. He winced as he touched his abdomen, feeling the remnants of the injury that had knocked him out.

Wally: Where am I?

Shanna sat back on her heels, watching him carefully.

Shanna: You're in our hiding spot. When I found you, you were barely breathing. I was preparing to treat your wounds with herbal leaves, but then...

She trailed off, gesturing toward his stomach. Wally looked down and gasped. His stab wound, which he remembered vividly, was now just a faint scar. Sparks of blue electricity danced faintly across his skin. He gingerly touched the area and watched as a small spark leaped to his fingers, the energy crackling softly.

Shanna: ...you healed yourself. I've never seen anything like it. Your body has some kind of natural healing ability. It seems to be tied to that energy.

Wally stared at the faint lightning sparks, his mind racing.

Wally: My powers... they must be evolving. I didn't even know I could do this.

Matthew, wide-eyed with curiosity, pointed at Wally's stomach.

Matthew: That was cool! Can you do it again?

Wally offered the boy a weak smile, still trying to wrap his head around everything.

Shanna: You're lucky. That injury should have killed you. Whoever you were fighting didn't hold back.

Wally: Yeah... Blizzard.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Wally: Thanks for patching me up, though. Name's Wallace Rudolph West, but everyone calls me Wally West.

Shanna smiled faintly.

Shanna: Nice to meet you, Wally. You're the first person we've run into who isn't trying to kill us. For now, rest. You'll need your strength if we're going to survive this island.

Wally sat cross-legged on the ground, his body still recovering. Matthew Plunder, Shanna's young son, had made himself comfortable on Wally's lap, idly toying with a small stick while watching him with curious eyes.

Shanna, sitting nearby, eyed Wally with a mix of suspicion and gratitude.

Wally: So... you said your name is Shanna, right?

Shanna: That's right. Why?

Wally sighed, his expression shifting to one of realization.

Wally: Then you're the main objective.

Shanna furrowed her brow, her tone becoming more guarded.

Shanna: Main objective? What do you mean by that?

Matthew tilted his head, looking up at Wally.

Matthew: What's an objective?

Wally scratched the back of his head, feeling the weight of the situation. He glanced at the boy, then back at Shanna.

Wally: Alright, here's the deal. My team... we were sent here to rescue you and your family. Specifically, Jimmy Woo, the guy leading the mission, made it clear that getting you all out of the Savage Land was priority number one.

Shanna's expression hardened.

Shanna: Jimmy Woo? S.H.I.E.L.D.? You're one of Fury's people?

Wally quickly shook his head, holding up his hands in protest.

Wally: Whoa, hold on! I'm not with S.H.I.E.L.D. Fury dragged me into this mess, but I'm working with Jimmy's team now. He's not like Fury Jimmy actually seems decent.

Shanna folded her arms, skepticism evident in her voice.

Shanna: So, you're here to play hero and drag us out of our home? Is that it?

Wally: Look, I know how this sounds, but trust me, this isn't just about relocation. Your island's been overrun by Weapon X, Blizzard's turned it into a frozen nightmare, and people are dying. We're here to help. Jimmy figured you and your family needed saving.

Matthew tugged on Wally's sleeve, his innocent voice breaking the tension.

Matthew: Are you gonna take us away?

Wally looked down at the boy, his heart sinking a little.

Wally: If it's the only way to keep you safe, yeah. But I promise, we'll make sure you're together, no matter what.

Shanna let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her temples.

Shanna: I don't need rescuing. My family and I can handle ourselves. We've survived this long without anyone's help.

Wally: I get that. But it's not just about survival anymore. Blizzard's ice storm is tearing through the island, and Stryker's got his claws in this place. Even if you could fight them off, how long can you hold out?

Shanna didn't respond immediately, her gaze shifting to Matthew, who was now drawing little patterns on Wally's arm with his finger. Her expression softened, concern for her son clearly taking precedence over her pride.

Shanna: If what you're saying is true, then maybe... maybe we do need help. But I'm not leaving without my husband.

Wally nodded.

Wally: Fair enough. We'll find him. But for now, we need to regroup with my team and figure out the next step. The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it gets.

Shanna hesitated but finally gave a small nod.

Shanna: Alright. But if this goes sideways, I'm holding you responsible.

Wally grinned faintly, ruffling Matthew's hair.

Wally: Deal. Now, let's get moving before Blizzard or Stryker's goons show up again.

Wally expression darkened as he glanced over his shoulder. Matthew, blissfully unaware of the tension, was happily playing with a group of ducks near a small icy pond, giggling as they waddled around him.

Wally: Hey, kiddo, keep playing over there, alright?

Matthew: Okay!

With the boy occupied, Wally turned back to Shanna, his tone dropping to a more serious note.

Wally: Alright, Shanna. No more distractions. What the hell happened here? Before this place turned into a giant popsicle... what went down?

Shanna's face grew grim, her gaze dropping to the fire as memories seemed to overwhelm her.

Shanna: It started like any other day. The Savage Land is no stranger to chaos, but this... this was different. Blizzard came out of nowhere, unleashing a single, devastating ice attack that turned half the island into this frozen wasteland.

Wally's fists clenched, but he stayed silent, letting her continue.

Shanna: After that, Weapon X stormed in like vultures. They took advantage of the chaos, occupying what was left of our home. Stryker and his team turned the Savage Land into their base of operations.

Wally: You keep saying 'Weapon X' like it's common knowledge. What exactly are we dealing with here?

Shanna sighed heavily, clearly reluctant to relive the horrors.

Shanna: Weapon X is... was... a secret program designed to create living weapons. They experiment on mutants, enhancing them, twisting them into monsters. They're not just soldiers they're killers, each one worse than the last.

Wally: How many of them are here?

Shanna: With Stryker leading them? Let's see...

She began counting on her fingers.

Shanna: Sabretooth, Toad, Blizzard, Lady Deathstrike... and Blob.

Wally froze for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the cave walls.

Wally: Blob? Seriously? That's his name? Blob?

Shanna narrowed her eyes at him.

Shanna: This isn't a joke, Wally. Don't let the name fool you. Blob is a walking tank. He's practically immovable, and his strength is off the charts.

Wally wiped a tear from his eye, trying to stifle his laughter.

Wally: Okay, okay, I get it. Blob's dangerous. It's just... man, these villain names are something else. What's next? "The Pancake"?

Shanna: You won't be laughing when he crushes you like one.

Wally's grin faded as the weight of the situation settled back in.

Wally: Point taken. So, Stryker's got an army of freaks, and Blizzard's turning this place into Antarctica. Great. Anything else I should know?

Shanna: Only that they won't stop until they have complete control. They're not just here for power they're here for domination.

Wally leaned against the cave wall, absentmindedly rubbing his chin in thought.

Shanna: But how do you plan to defeat them if do you have fire resistance against Blizzard? You've seen what he can do. One wrong move, and you're popsicles.

Wally tilted his head, his hand still on his chin, a thoughtful look on his face.

Wally: Huh… yeah, that's a good question.

Shanna stopped mid-step and turned to him, her eyebrows raised in disbelief.

Shanna: That's a good question?! Are you kidding me right now?

Wally: Hey, I'm working on it! Give me a sec.

Shanna pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling sharply.

Shanna: Fine. Humor me, then. How many of you are there? Maybe sheer numbers can make up for your lack of, I don't know, a fire hero!

Wally held up his hand, ticking off each member as he spoke.

Wally: Okay, so there's Jimmy Woo, our fearless leader. Then there's me, Blink, Tigra, Photon, and Falcon.

Shanna blinked, her expression deadpan.

Shanna: Six. You're telling me there are six of you going up against Blizzard, Stryker, Sabretooth, Toad, Lady Deathstrike, and Blob?

Wally nodded, grinning nervously.

Wally: Well, when you say it like that…

Shanna: Oh.

The single syllable hung in the air like a frozen icicle, dripping with disbelief.

Wally scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

Wally: Hey, don't underestimate us! We're scrappy. And Blink's got those portals. Plus, I'm fast. Like, really fast. Falcon and Photon can fly, Tigra's got claws, and Jimmy... well, Jimmy's got plans.

Shanna: Plans? That's it?

Wally: He's really good at them! And if things go south, Blink can portal us out.

Shanna sighed, shaking her head.

Shanna: I hope you all know what you're doing, Wally. Because from where I'm standing, it sounds like you're walking into a death trap.

Shanna sighed again, looking at the fire crackling in the center of the cave.

Shanna: You're going to need more than just speed and portals. If you want a chance at saving this island, let alone me and my family, you need a better plan.

Wally: Got any ideas? Because I'm all ears.

Shanna: I might. But first, we need to find my husband. He knows this land better than anyone. If we're going to have any hope of surviving and winning he's going to be key.

Wally: Hey, Chaos can be surprisingly effective.

Shanna shook her head, muttering under her breath.

Shanna: We're all going to die, aren't we?

Wally: Not if I can help it. Besides, if things get too cold, I can always just run really fast and warm us up.

Shanna stared at him again, her disbelief palpable.

Shanna: I can't decide if you're brave or just insane.

Wally: Why not both?

He flashed her a cocky grin. Shanna groaned, turning away to check on Matthew.

Shanna: We're doomed.

Wally: Hey, optimism is my thing. You'll see. We've got this.

Shanna: So, what's the plan?

Wally looked up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Wally: Well, here's the thing. You're going to ride me.

Before he could explain further, Shanna's expression turned furious, and she slapped him across the face.

Shanna: HELL NO! I will NEVER ride your goddamn dick!

Wally immediately threw up his hands, his face red from both the slap and embarrassment.

Wally: Wait, wait! That's NOT what I meant! I was talking about piggybacking! You and your son! Piggyback!

Shanna blinked, lowering her hand as realization dawned on her.

Shanna: Oh... okay. Well, next time, phrase that better.

She gestured for him to continue.

Shanna: Anyway, what's the rest of the plan?

Wally, rubbing his cheek, tried to regain his composure.

Wally: Right. So, the ground here is a nightmare sometimes snowy, sometimes pure ice. I can't run properly on this terrain. What I need are... ice skates. Somehow.

Shanna raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident.

Shanna: You mean like these?

She reached behind some rocks in the cave and pulled out a pair of sleek, white ice skates.

Wally's jaw dropped.

Wally: Wait, what? How?! Where did you get those?!

Shanna shrugged as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Shanna: When my husband and I were in New York City, we had a run-in with Hercules. Long story short, we ended up with these.

Wally froze, his face a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

Wally: Hold up. Hercules? As in the actual demigod Hercules?

Shanna smirked, a hint of pride in her voice.

Shanna: Yep. He's real. And he owes us a favor, by the way.

Wally, still processing, muttered under his breath.

Wally: First dinosaurs, now Hercules. My life just keeps getting weirder.

Shanna: Weirder or not, are these skates going to help with your plan?

Wally grabbed the skates, inspecting them with excitement.

Wally: Oh, these are going to be perfect. Alright, here's the deal. You and your son piggyback, I'll put these bad boys on, and we'll zip right through the ice fields. Trust me nothing's faster than me with some speed and a good pair of skates.

Shanna handed him the skates.

Shanna: Put these on. They'll help you move faster on the ice. As for the rest of the plan, we need to find my husband. He's the key to taking down Blizzard and getting off this island.

Shanna hesitated for a moment but then nodded.

Shanna: Fine. But if you drop my son, I'm feeding you to the dinosaurs.

Wally nodded, determination setting in.

Wally: Fair deal. Let's get moving.

Wally: (Thoughts) I hope betty was okay...

-Meanwhile in New York City-

Betty Brant and Ned Leeds walked side by side down a quiet alley. The world seemed distant as they shared a quiet moment away from the chaos.

Betty, her breath visible in the cool night air, turned to Ned with a playful glint in her eye.

Betty: You know, Ned... it's been a while, hasn't it?

Ned, slightly unsure but drawn to her, glanced around nervously, his mind still torn.

Ned: Are you sure about this, Betty? What if Wally finds out?

Betty stopped walking, looking up at him with a confident smirk, her fingers brushing against his arm as she leaned in closer.

Betty: Wally? Oh, don't worry about him. He's been in a coma for ages now. He won't know... not between us.

Her words hung in the air, bold and final, and she reached up, closing the distance between them. Betty kissed Ned gently at first, then deeper as the tension between them grew.

Ned pulled away, his heart racing. He was caught between his feelings and his guilt.

Ned: But... if he wakes up?

Betty laughed softly, pulling him back toward her.

Betty: If Wally wakes up, we'll deal with that then. Right now, we have this moment. And you don't have to worry about anything else.

Ned stood there for a moment, torn. But the promise of the moment, the dangerous thrill, took over. He kissed her back, his doubts momentarily forgotten.

As they pulled away again, Betty smiled at him with that same confident glint in her eye, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Betty: Relax, Ned. What happens here stays here. And I'm sure Wally would never know the difference. Now, come on... we have time to enjoy ourselves.

Ned hesitated but nodded, the weight of the situation settling in his chest. However, he couldn't help but be swept away by Betty's charm, the temptation of her words, and the growing sense of danger between them.

Betty: Trust me, he'll never know. I promise.

TO BE CONTINUE