AM I SUPERMAN?

"The body of steel...!" Cisco exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement as Barry described the metahuman they'd encountered.

Caitlin Snow rolled her eyes. "Cisco, 'the body of steel' is Superman's tagline. Say that, and everyone will think you're talking about the Man of Steel." She gave him a pointed look. "Focus."

Barry, sitting on the medical bed with his arm still in a brace, sighed. "This isn't the time to argue about nicknames. If we don't stop this guy, he's going to hurt more people. But... how do I fight someone who can turn their skin into steel?"

Harrison Wells, calm as ever, rolled forward in his wheelchair and placed a reassuring hand on Barry's shoulder. "Don't worry, Barry. We'll come up with a plan. Cisco, pull up the surveillance footage. Let's figure out who this guy is."

"I'm on it!" Cisco hurried to the main control console, cracking his knuckles before typing furiously. "Let's see... after stealing the Hummer, our metal man hit three ATMs. Classic metahuman greed. I'll cross-reference his image with the criminal database..."

As the database searched for a match, Barry leaned back, wincing slightly from his injuries. Then, a thought crossed his mind, and a small smile played on his lips. "What if," he began, "we called in some backup? Someone stronger than him?"

Cisco froze mid-typing and turned to Barry, his brow furrowed. "Stronger backup? Barry, are you suggesting we call Superman? Wonder Woman? Or maybe, I don't know, the Avenger?" He chuckled sarcastically. "I mean, Green Arrow's just a phone call away in Star City, but I doubt he has anything for a guy made of metal."

Barry's expression remained serious. "I'm not joking, Cisco."

Cisco blinked, his face suddenly paling. "Wait... Barry, you're not serious, are you?"

Barry stood up, gingerly testing his movement. "Of course I'm serious. I know someone who can help."

Cisco and Caitlin exchanged wide-eyed glances. "Wait a second," Cisco said, his voice trembling. "Barry, are you saying you actually know Superman or Wonder Woman?"

Caitlin, incredulous, added, "How is that even possible? Before you were the Flash, you were just a forensic scientist!"

Barry grinned as he pulled his phone from his pocket. "I didn't say I know all of them. Just one. And I've met another... let's just say she might remember me if I say hi first."

Without waiting for further questions, Barry headed toward the hallway with his phone in hand. "Don't wait up," he called over his shoulder.

Cisco turned to Caitlin, slack-jawed. "Did he just say she? He knows Wonder Woman! Oh my god, how does Barry know Wonder Woman?!"

Caitlin, equal parts awestruck and annoyed, muttered, "And he never thought to mention this to us. Typical Barry."

In the corridor, Barry leaned against the wall and dialed a number. After a few rings, the call connected. On the other end, a familiar voice greeted him, though it was almost drowned out by a howling wind in the background.

"Barry! You're awake!"

Barry smiled. "Hey, Kaius. Yeah, I've been up for a while now. I heard you came to visit me while I was out. Thanks for that—it means a lot."

"You're welcome, Barry. When you're free, feel free to visit me in Metropolis," Kaius said with a casual tone.

"Hey, Kaius, it's like this…" Barry hesitated, trying to find the right words. "Uh, I woke up one day and discovered I had superpowers—super speed. Inspired by you, I decided to use my abilities to help others. But, uh, I'm in a bit of a jam right now."

Kaius chuckled softly on the other end of the line. "I see. Don't worry. Wait ten minutes—I'll be there."

Barry frowned, confused. "Ten minutes? Didn't you say it takes only three minutes to fly from Metropolis to Central City?"

"True. But I've been in the Arctic recently…"

Ten minutes later, at S.T.A.R. Labs' backyard

Cisco Ramon, Caitlin Snow, and Dr. Harrison Wells stood outside, waiting with varying degrees of curiosity. Suddenly, a thunderous boom echoed across the sky. A black figure descended rapidly, landing with enough force to crack the ground beneath him.

Cisco's jaw dropped as he immediately recognized the figure. "The Avenger!!!" he exclaimed, vibrating with excitement. Pulling out a pen and notebook, he sprinted to Kaius. "You're really here! Oh my god, I'm your biggest fan! Can you sign this for me?"

Kaius raised an eyebrow but smiled graciously. He took the pen and paper and wrote quickly before handing it back. "To my friend, Cisco Ramon," the note read.

Cisco stared at the note, frozen in disbelief. Caitlin peeked over his shoulder, puzzled. "What's wrong? What did he write?" Her eyes widened. "Wait… how does he know your name? You're not wearing a badge, and you didn't introduce yourself!"

Cisco gasped as realization dawned. "Kaius! You're—you're Kaius! The Avenger is Kaius!"

Caitlin's jaw dropped as well. "You're telling me that the mild-mannered guy in glasses and a suit—the one we met months ago—is the same person who fought alien armies? Barry, why didn't you tell us?"

Barry coughed awkwardly. "It's kind of the same reason you don't go around telling everyone I'm the Flash, Cisco. Some secrets aren't mine to share."

Cisco paced back and forth, muttering to himself. "Oh my god. I've been hanging out with Kaius, and I didn't even know it. I've met an actual legend!" He paused, looking at Kaius with wide eyes. "You're not just famous; you're a superhero's superhero."

Kaius laughed softly, waving a hand. "Let's not get carried away, Cisco. I'm here because Barry called for help, and that's what I intend to do."

Caitlin, regaining her composure, stepped forward. "We're grateful you're here. Barry's up against a metahuman who can turn his skin into metal. We've never seen anything like it."

Kaius nodded thoughtfully. "I'll need a full breakdown of his powers and weaknesses. Cisco, Caitlin—any data you have would be helpful. Barry, you did the right thing calling for backup. Now let's solve this problem together."

As the team worked together, the atmosphere shifted. Cisco and Caitlin felt a newfound connection with Kaius—not just because of his heroic feats, but because he trusted them with his identity.

Ding!

"Congratulations! Friendship between Kaius and Cisco Ramon has increased to trust level. Primary card effects increased to 55%; secondary effects increased to 30%."

Ding!

"Congratulations! Friendship between Kaius and Caitlin Snow has increased to trust level. Primary card effects increased to 55%; secondary effects increased to 30%."

Ding!

"Congratulations! Friendship between Kaius and Barry Allen has increased to trust level. Primary card effects increased to 55%; secondary effects increased to 30%."

Kaius's decision to come to Barry's aid had not only strengthened his friendship with the team but had also solidified their trust in him. While the challenges ahead loomed large, the Flash and his team now had an unexpected ally to tip the scales in their favor.

Visit patreon.com/shirokendama for more chapters