I am Wally west

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The halls of STAR Labs were eerily quiet, the ticking of a clock echoing through the stillness. The unusual gathering was a departure from their routine; typically, they'd have retired to their homes by now. Yet tonight, something demanded their attention.

Most of Team Flash was present, even Julian, who had only recently joined their ranks. The only absentee was Pietro, who, despite his willingness, was unable to attend due to unavoidable constraints.

The group stood in tense silence, their gazes fixed on HR. It was Iris who finally broke the quiet, her tone a mix of curiosity and seriousness. "HR, this Gypsy... who exactly is she? Why is she after you, calling you a fugitive who needs to be brought to justice?"

For once, HR was uncharacteristically subdued, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with a somber expression. "Gypsy," he began, his voice lacking its usual vibrancy, "is someone known as a collector on my Earth."

"A collector?" Caitlin's brow furrowed as she tried to piece together the implications of his words, recalling the fragments of information Gypsy had already revealed.

HR nodded, his gaze shifting between his teammates. "On Earth-19, dimensional travel is strictly outlawed. It was banned after a series of invasions that nearly destroyed us. Collectors like Gypsy are tasked with enforcing those laws. They capture and bring to justice anyone who violates the ban."

"And the punishments," Cisco inquired hoping their were any other alternatives than death as Gypsy had said.

"Death," HR replied grimly.

Joe, ever the lawman, spoke up, his tone steady but inquisitive, seeking to understand HR's motives. "Why did you do it? Why did you come here, knowing the risks of being discovered?"

HR shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the floor. For a moment, the usual spark in his eyes seemed to fade. "On my Earth, I was revered as a genius scientist," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession. "But then... my scandals were uncovered. Everyone knew—everything. My image, my reputation, it was all shattered. I couldn't show my face in public anymore. My life... it was over."

He paused, his voice trembling slightly. "I came to this Earth—your Earth—for a fresh start. A chance to escape the humiliation I faced back home. I thought I could build something new here, far away from my past."

"But you don't have to worry about me anymore," HR said, attempting to sound nonchalant, though the resignation in his voice was clear. "Gypsy is known for her perfect record. She's never failed a collection. With the time I have left, I'll pack my things and prepare to leave."

Barry opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, the words dying on his lips. If they resisted, wouldn't that go against the laws they worked so hard to uphold? Even if the law didn't apply to their Earth, harboring HR would still make them complicit in aiding a fugitive.

Time marched forward relentlessly, indifferent to the tension in the room. Before they knew it, midnight loomed—only a few minutes remained before Gypsy's deadline. HR had packed the few belongings he considered valuable, donning the same hat he'd worn upon his arrival.

The atmosphere in the lab was heavy. The team barely interacted, each lost in their own thoughts. Despite HR's short time with them, bonds had formed. His antics, his infectious energy—it all made his departure feel like losing a piece of their family.

Cisco, in particular, struggled. He'd already begun brainstorming ways to stop Gypsy, but every idea clashed with his sense of right and wrong.

Barry, wrestling with his own turmoil, finally broke the silence. "HR, are you sure there's no way out of this? Nothing at all?" His voice carried a glimmer of hope as he searched HR's expression.

HR hesitated for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "There's... none," he replied solemnly. Barry's shoulders sagged, his hope dimming—until HR added, almost reluctantly, "Unless I invoke a trial by combat."

Barry's head snapped up, and the team's attention sharpened. "Trial by combat?" Cisco echoed, the hint of hope returning to his face.

"It's a provision in our laws," HR explained. "I, or someone on my behalf, can challenge her. Whoever wins determines my fate. But…" He paused, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Many have tried to defeat Gypsy. None have ever succeeded. It's a fruitless endeavor."

The flicker of hope dimmed in some, but not in Barry and Cisco. HR's warning flew in one ear and out the other. Neither spoke of it, but their determination was clear—they would fight for HR's freedom, no matter the odds.

The remaining minutes stretched unbearably, each second dragging longer than the hour that had already passed. Finally, the entire team gathered at the outskirts of STAR Labs, tense and silent, awaiting Gypsy's arrival.

Right on cue, the familiar blue shimmer of a portal began to form. Space twisted and warped as the breach solidified. Gypsy stepped through with purposeful grace, her presence commanding.

She wore her usual jet-black suit, sleek and perfectly fitted to her form, accentuating her curvaceous figure with a precision that was both elegant and intimidating.

"Time's up, HR," Gypsy declared. "I hope you've handled your affairs because it's time to go home. Hand him over, Flash."

It wasn't surprising that Gypsy knew Barry's identity. If her abilities were anything like Cisco's—combined with the mastery she'd demonstrated—uncovering such a secret would be child's play for her.

For a moment, silence reigned. The team stood still, the weight of impending farewell settling heavily on them. It was as though they were all mentally saying their goodbyes. But Gypsy's sharp gaze shifted, landing on Wally.

Her expression, though controlled, betrayed subtle cracks—curiosity, caution, and something deeper. The young man standing before her radiated an air of unshakable confidence, as if she were no threat to him.

But it wasn't just his demeanor. There was something more. Wally was the only one who seemed to evade her vibe. When she tried to sense him, all she got was… nothing. A blankness so absolute it was as though he didn't exist within her abilities' reach.

Her restrained expression did not go unnoticed. Wally's calculating gaze dissected her every reaction, reading her like an open book. What he saw intrigued him—a mix of thoughtfulness, wariness, and unease.

There, buried under her professional composure, was a flicker of fear. Not of him directly, but of the unknown he represented. To someone like Gypsy, used to having the upper hand, Wally's presence was a disquieting anomaly.

Without the usual information about whoever she was up against. She knew she was at a disadvantage, but eitherways it won't stop her from doing her job.

HR glanced at the team behind him and nodded silently. They had already said their goodbyes, some had teary eye while other like Barry and Cisco remained resolute. They were about to invoke the trials.

"HR, wait!" Barry called out, his voice firm and resolute. The sudden outburst drew confused stares from everyone, including Gypsy, who furrowed her brow in irritation.

"What is the meaning of this?" Gypsy demanded, frustration evident in her tone. "Do you want me to take him by force? Or do you think you can stop me?" Her words dripped with pride, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips.

"No," Barry replied, stepping forward to place himself protectively in front of HR. "But HR is not going anywhere with you today."

The tension in the air grew thick, almost suffocating. Gypsy's expression darkened as she raised her hand, ready to incapacitate the team and take HR by force if it came to that.

Wally tensed, his body coiled like a spring. His eyes locked onto Gypsy, a silent promise burning within them—if she dared harm anyone in their circle, he would act. Consequences be damned. Whether it sparked a conflict between Earth-19 and their Earth didn't matter to him anymore. Protecting his team came first.

Gypsy, sensing the weight of the standoff, lowered her hand slightly, though her irritation was evident. "And why is that?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Barry hesitated, searching for the right words. But his pause gave Cisco the opening he needed.

"I'd like to challenge you to a trial by combat," Cisco interrupted abruptly, his voice cutting through the tension. "Whoever wins determines HR's fate."

The room fell silent, the sheer audacity of Cisco's words stunning everyone—including Barry.

Gypsy turned to Cisco, her lips twitching as if suppressing a chuckle. Her arms dropped to her sides, and the oppressive tension began to ease. "I don't know what you've done to these people, HR," she said, shaking her head in a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "For them to be willing to die for you…"

HR sighed internally, the relief he felt mingled with a heavy sense of guilt. He couldn't shake the weight of knowing Cisco didn't stand a chance against Gypsy.

Everyone present knew it too. Cisco, though brave and brilliant, was still learning. His powers were unrefined at best, and in comparison to Gypsy—who wielded her abilities with the precision of a master—he was clearly outmatched.

It wasn't courage HR saw in Cisco's face; it was reckless determination.

Gypsy's gaze locked onto Cisco, her tone cold. "You have twenty-four hours to prepare," she said, her words cutting through the quiet like a blade. "Decide the location, and I'll come find you."

The subtle edge in her voice carried a chilling truth: no matter where he chose, she would find him. Her mastery left no room for doubt.

She turned to HR, "And HR," she added, her voice laced with cruel finality, "enjoy the last twenty-four hours of your life."

Without another word, Gypsy stepped into a shimmering breach that materialized before her. The portal closed behind her as swiftly as it had opened, leaving the team in a heavy, suffocating silence.