The particle accelerator in Central City exploded, drawing in lightning. Barry Allen was struck by that lightning and gained legendary power. From a struggling forensic cop, he became the Flash.
But when Liu A'dou tried to recruit his first superhero, he ran into a wall. The Flash just couldn't trust Kaitou Kid because of his reputation. So A'dou had to show up in person for round two, determined to win him over. But Kaitou Kid's persistence was putting a lot of pressure on Flash and his friends.
That's when Professor Harrison, the director of S.T.A.R. Labs, wheeled himself out. "What's going on?" he asked.
Cisco quickly explained the whole Kaitou Kid situation to Professor Harrison. The professor frowned. His true identity was Reverse Flash—a Flash superfan from the 25th century. He had recreated the accident that gave the Flash his powers and ended up with the Speed Force too, but his heart wasn't in the right place. After that, he traveled back in time, killed the Flash's mother fifteen years ago, and got stuck in this timeline. Reverse Flash took on Professor Harrison's identity, guiding Barry to get the Speed Force—not out of kindness, but because he wanted to steal Barry's power and return to the 25th century.
Kaitou Kid... Professor Harrison didn't recall there being an enemy or friend by that name in the Flash's life. In his 25th century, there was no such thing as Kaitou Kid. For once, Reverse Flash—who always thought he was in control—ran into something he couldn't predict.
"Hey, everyone. Don't be nervous. You guys aren't worth millions, so relax—I'm not here to steal from you," Kaitou Kid joked.
He was right. He was a thief, but they didn't have anything worth stealing, so what was there to worry about? That thought was oddly comforting… and then just kind of sad. 'Why am I not rich enough for a thief to bother with?' Cisco and Caitlin were left speechless.
"You must be Professor Harrison, the man in the wheelchair—head of the particle accelerator disaster. And these two are probably your star students, Caitlin and Cisco," Kid said.
Everyone was startled at being called out by name.
The Flash stepped in front to shield them. "What do you want?"
Kaitou Kid looked totally innocent. "I'm just here to invite you to join the Justice League. Right now, it's just Batman and me. I'm in charge of recruiting, and you're the first on my list."
Justice League? Even in the 25th century, the professor knew that name. It was the greatest organization in human history—had saved the world countless times, true protectors of humanity.
The Flash was definitely a core member, but he was never recruited by someone like Kaitou Kid. And there was definitely no thief on the team.
It was clear that history had already changed. Normally, the Justice League would have formed in response to a crisis, not like this.
Yeah, if not for Kid, Batman would just have kept an eye on other heroes in the shadows. But with a guy like Kaitou Kid with free time and connections, Batman actually put the idea into motion early. History was already off track.
"The Justice League will be led by Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and they'll handle all sorts of crises. Like the sun exploding, alien invasions, the Earth stopping, monster attacks, time-travel disasters, parallel universe rescues, you name it—it's an unimaginably great organization."
"…" Even Flash's friends were speechless. That sounded way too over the top.
"Mr. Kaitou Kid, I think you should leave. We need time to think about this," Reverse Flash said. He'd already made up his mind—he would just kill Kaitou Kid later and save the future from being changed.
Liu A'dou glanced at this "disabled man" bursting with life energy. He figured this guy probably already hated him. A'dou never liked making enemies, but if someone came after him first, he was never going to just let it go.
"Flash, haven't you always been looking for the truth about your mother's murder? If you join the Justice League, I'll tell you who killed your mother."
"What?" Flash blinked and was suddenly standing right in front of Kaitou Kid. "You know the truth?"
Flash's friends got nervous—if Kid knew about Barry's mom, that meant he also knew Flash's real identity. Only someone who knew that could make such a threat.
The professor's hands tightened on the wheelchair's armrests. If he had to, he was ready to take action—even if it meant exposing himself.
"Tell me—who was the killer?" Flash demanded.
"Don't rush," Liu A'dou said. "You get it. Agree to join the Justice League, and I'll tell you everything."
"Barry?" That was a dangerous temptation—could their friend resist? The others looked at Flash, worried he might be joining a team run by a thief.
Liu A'dou could hear the professor's heart pounding, and thought, 'So even Reverse Flash gets anxious?' Truth was, the professor was terrified the future might change and he'd be trapped here forever.
Flash was struggling with himself. In the end, that question that haunted him for fifteen years finally made him choose. Barry Allen had spent fifteen years searching for the truth, never believed by anyone. Only he knew that fifteen years ago, someone who could turn into a streak of light killed his mother. His father had been wrongly blamed.
That's why Barry had to know. "I'll join the Justice League."
'Guess I really am a bad guy,' thought Kaitou Kid, seeing the look on Flash's face, 'I pretty much blackmailed him into joining, huh? But oh well—as long as he agreed.'
"Great," Kid grinned. "Then I'll tell you the truth."
Everyone's heart was pounding—Kaitou Kid could hear every beat. "Fifteen years ago, the person who killed your mother was a speedster from the future, just like you. His name is Eobard Thawne. Isn't that right, Professor Harrison?"
Why was Kid looking at the professor? The three young people still had no idea that the professor was actually Reverse Flash.
The professor forced a smile. "What are you trying to say?"
"Why not just admit it, Professor Harrison—or should I call you Mr. Thawne? You're from the 25th century, the one who killed Barry's mother."
"No way!" Cisco and Caitlin couldn't believe it. Their strict mentor, a murderer and a time traveler? The name didn't even sound right.
"Kaitou Kid, you may be my idol, but if you keep talking nonsense like this, I'll never be your fan again. I'm quitting your fan club," said Cisco.
"Why can't you see it? This isn't the real Professor Harrison. The real one died fifteen years ago. For the past fifteen years, he's been waiting for Barry to get the Speed Force, hiding like a snake for his own evil plans. Because he's the biggest enemy Flash will ever face—a speedster criminal, Reverse Flash."
Silence. Kaitou Kid sounded way too convincing to be making it up. Everyone turned to the professor, hoping for some kind of denial or proof. But the professor just lowered his head, his face slipping into shadow.
And then, a chilling, twisted laugh echoed out—from the professor himself.