Chapter 26: "Regulation and Control"

The steady hum of machinery filled the lab, with its soft, rhythmic beeping offering a sense of quiet anticipation. Flash floated inside a transparent water capsule, the faint glow of his body indicating the lingering effects of the Compound V coursing through him. His unconscious form appeared peaceful, but Marshall knew better. The energy in Flash's body was far from under control, and they were running out of time to figure out a solution.

Marshall stood beside the pod, eyes locked on the vitals monitor that displayed Flash's fluctuating energy levels. It was clear that Flash's body had absorbed more energy than it could handle, and it was only a matter of time before the power surged again, possibly in a far more dangerous way.

He rubbed his temples, frustration growing. The chamber they'd built had calmed Flash for the moment, but it wasn't enough. Marshall needed to do more. He had to come up with a way to stabilize the energy permanently, so Flash's body could regulate it naturally, but the task was too complex to tackle in his current state.

And then, a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning: Gray Matter.

He couldn't ignore it any longer. Marshall had never considered using the Omnitrix for this—he preferred to keep his transformations reserved for extreme situations—but he had no choice now. He needed Gray Matter's hyper-intelligence to design a solution.

Marshall glanced at the console once more, gathering his thoughts. He was pushing the limits of his mind as it was, but with Gray Matter's brainpower, he might just have a chance.

"Alright," Marshall muttered, stepping away from the pod. He tapped the Omnitrix on his wrist, and the familiar green light enveloped him, shifting his form into the diminutive alien with an immense intellect.

In an instant, Marshall was Gray Matter, the tiny alien with the vast intelligence that could process vast amounts of information in the blink of an eye. His tiny hands immediately went to work, accessing the console and scanning Flash's vitals. His oversized eyes flicked from one data point to the next, the calculations running through his mind in hyper-speed.

"This energy's too volatile," Gray Matter mumbled to himself, focusing on the problem. "I need to reprogram his biological system to regulate the energy more effectively. His cells are acting like capacitors, but they're overloaded. He can't handle the current levels."

Gray Matter's tiny fingers moved quickly across the console, adjusting settings, recalculating, and reprogramming. He then turned to the large schematic of the containment chamber. "I'll need to enhance the chamber to siphon off the excess energy gradually... but I also need to find a way to stabilize his energy output."

He paused for a moment, his tiny body buzzing with thought. "If I build a secondary containment unit—like a stabilization chamber—he'll be able to gradually discharge the excess energy, instead of it building up uncontrollably."

The plan was forming in Gray Matter's mind. He began to input commands into the system, using his advanced intellect to design a new chamber. The device would siphon off the excess energy while Flash's body adapted to the increased power. If successful, the chamber would allow Flash to regain control over his abilities, preventing him from losing it again.

Scene Two: Building the Chamber

Gray Matter moved with purpose, his hands working faster than the eye could follow as he adjusted the chamber's internal systems. The team watched, standing back as he did the majority of the work.

Peter, Billy, and Marshall (still in his Gray Matter form) provided input when needed, but Gray Matter was truly in his element. His intelligence alone was enough to make the adjustments necessary for this delicate task.

"I'm designing a mechanism that will absorb the energy Flash generates," Gray Matter said, his voice small but filled with intensity. "The chamber will act as a secondary regulator. It'll keep the energy in check and prevent another surge."

Billy raised an eyebrow. "But can we really pull this off in time?"

"We don't have a choice," Gray Matter replied, his voice now tinged with determination. "The longer we wait, the more dangerous it gets."

He worked tirelessly, adding containment fields, energy pulsing mechanisms, and biochemical sensors that would adjust to Flash's energy surges. The chamber had to be built precisely—too much power siphoned too quickly, and it could fry Flash's cells. Too little, and the energy would remain, constantly threatening to overwhelm him.

Scene Three: Testing the Solution

Hours passed before Gray Matter finally finished the chamber. It was a sleek, streamlined device designed to fit seamlessly around Flash's containment pod. Gray Matter stood back, his tiny form feeling a sense of accomplishment as he surveyed the newly completed apparatus.

"Alright," Gray Matter muttered, activating the system. The chamber hummed to life, and energy began to flow into it from Flash's body. A display appeared on the monitor, showing the steady flow of energy being siphoned away and regulated.

Marshall, back in his human form, looked over the results. The readings were promising.

"It's working," Marshall said, his voice filled with a mix of awe and relief. "The energy is being siphoned off and stabilized. Flash's body is handling it."

Peter stepped forward, watching the pod carefully. "Is this enough?"

"It's enough for now," Marshall replied. "We've bought him some time. The chamber should allow him to discharge the energy safely without harming himself. But we need to monitor him closely."

Billy checked the vitals, his fingers flying over the console. "It's still a little unstable, but I think we've got this under control for now."

Gray Matter, despite his small size, let out a satisfied hum. "It's not perfect, but it'll work. Flash can rest while his body adapts. Once the excess energy is gone, he'll be able to start regulating it himself."

Marshall exhaled deeply, relieved. He had done it. But his mind raced, knowing that this was only the first step in dealing with the long-term consequences of Compound V. There was no telling how Flash's powers would evolve—or if this stabilization would hold in the long run.

But for now, it was enough.

"We'll keep monitoring him," Marshall said. "This isn't over yet."

As the team gathered around the newly stabilized chamber, Marshall couldn't help but think to himself, The last thing this world needs is a Homelander situation... He didn't say it out loud, but the thought lingered. They had to keep Flash's power under control, or things could spiral out of control fast.

But for now, they had a chance to fix the damage done.

Chapter 26: "Energy Unleashed" (Part 2)

The lab was still, the only sounds being the low hum of machines and the faint beeping of monitors. Flash's body, now floating inside the containment chamber, was calm for the moment. His energy levels had stabilized, the chamber's siphoning system slowly drawing off the excess power that had been wreaking havoc on his system. Marshall, along with the rest of the team, watched as the readings on the monitors remained steady.

But there was still a lingering unease.

Marshall approached the glass, watching Flash carefully. Despite the success of the new stabilization chamber, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Flash's energy was unlike anything they had seen before, and Marshall knew that it wasn't simply a matter of stabilizing the excess—it was a matter of controlling it for good.

Flash's eyes flickered open, his pupils adjusting to the light. His breathing was steady, and for a moment, he looked almost peaceful. But Marshall could see the tension in his muscles—he could feel the residual power bubbling just beneath the surface.

"Flash, you okay?" Marshall asked, his voice calm, though his mind raced with questions.

Flash's eyes darted around the lab before locking onto Marshall. "I feel... weird," Flash said, his voice low. "Like there's too much inside me."

Marshall nodded, taking a cautious step closer to the chamber. "That's the energy from Compound V. We've got you stabilized for now, but we need to work through it slowly. The last thing we need is for this to get out of hand."

Flash's expression darkened as his hands clenched. "I don't want to hurt anyone."

Marshall placed a reassuring hand on the glass, trying to keep him calm. "You won't. We're going to keep you under control. Just take it easy."

But as if on cue, the machines began to hum louder, and the warning lights flashed on. The energy siphoning system seemed to be malfunctioning, unable to keep up with the sheer power Flash was radiating. The chamber's interior began to crackle with a dangerous, electrical energy.

"Marshall!" Billy shouted, rushing toward the console. "It's not working! The energy's spiking!"

Flash's body jerked in the water pod, his eyes wide in panic. He could feel the power rising within him—uncontrollable, threatening to explode out of him at any moment.

"No, no, no!" Flash yelled, his voice rising in panic.

The chamber's lights flickered as the containment field began to destabilize. Sparks flew from the consoles as the energy inside the pod surged uncontrollably. Flash's fists clenched tighter as a pulse of power shot from his body—blinding bolts of energy erupted from his hands, cracking the glass of the pod.

Marshall's eyes widened. "This is bad—he can't control it!"

Without thinking, Marshall tapped his Omnitrix, the green light flashing across his body as he transformed into Feedback—the energy-absorbing hero. In an instant, his body became a conduit, with his form radiating a sleek metallic sheen, ready to absorb and contain the explosive energy that Flash was about to unleash.

"Flash, listen to me!" Feedback shouted, holding up his hands. "I need you to calm down. I can absorb this, but you have to focus!"

The massive surge of power continued to spiral out of control, and Flash—now visibly struggling—looked at Marshall with wide eyes. "I can't stop it!" he cried, his voice cracking. His body radiated with chaotic energy—heat waves rippling off his form, eyes glowing with raw power.

With a swift motion, Feedback positioned himself between Flash and the rest of the room. Bolts of raw energy shot out from Flash's body, crackling in every direction, but Feedback was able to absorb the bursts, his body humming with energy as it coursed through him. It wasn't enough, though—there was too much power to contain.

"Marshall, it's too much!" Billy shouted, panic in his voice.

But Feedback gritted his teeth, absorbing as much as he could. "I need to stabilize him, now!"

And then, with a shockwave of energy that rattled the entire lab, the excess energy that Flash had been holding back exploded in all directions. The power surged in a violent, uncontainable wave that hit Feedback full force.

For a moment, the lab was a blur of light, electricity, and sheer force. Then, just as suddenly as it had started, the surge of energy stopped.

Feedback stood, slightly disoriented, his form flickering with energy as he absorbed the last of the overload. He staggered slightly, but he managed to keep his balance.

Flash, now standing outside the containment pod, took a few steps back, breathing heavily. His body was radiating with an intense energy—swirling, crackling with power. His eyes were glowing with energy, and there was a strange aura around him.

Marshall, still in Feedback's form, stared at Flash in disbelief.

Flash's appearance had changed. His powers were now unlike anything Marshall had seen before. His energy surged uncontrollably—bolts of electricity sparked from his hands, and his eyes emitted brilliant beams of energy. His body had become a constant burst of raw force, like a supercharged being capable of unleashing destruction.

"You... you did it," Flash said, his voice now more confident, though still filled with awe. "I feel... I feel like I could tear this whole place down."

Marshall, still absorbing the last of the energy, looked up at him. "You're not alone in this. We'll get this under control. But for now, we need to figure out how to help you regulate this power."

Flash's body hummed with raw potential, his form a strange combination of raw physical strength and energy-based abilities. His powers seemed limitless, but completely out of control.

Marshall, his mind racing, knew they had to find a solution. Flash's power was like something out of a nightmare—a being with abilities far beyond the average human, capable of wreaking havoc with little to no effort. He thought to himself, The last thing this world needs is a ticking time bomb with that kind of power... But he didn't voice his concern aloud.

They had a lot of work ahead of them.

But for now, they had to focus on one thing: stabilizing Flash—before the energy inside him consumed everything around him.

Chapter 26: "Power Unveiled" (Part 3)

The lab hummed with quiet efficiency, the bright lights casting an artificial glow over the space. Flash was lying in a reinforced containment pod, his body surrounded by the sterile glass, the hum of machines monitoring his vitals in the background. The chamber had worked; the excess energy that had once raged inside him was now being stabilized. He was no longer a threat to anyone, at least for now.

Marshall, Peter, and Billy stood nearby, eyes glued to the various screens displaying Flash's vital signs. The data was fluctuating, but it wasn't nearly as chaotic as it had been earlier. Flash's body was adjusting—albeit slowly—to the power surging through him.

Flash, now calm and composed, glanced at the monitors, still fascinated by the changes in his body. He flexed his fingers and then his arms, watching as tiny sparks of energy danced along his skin. He couldn't help but smile a little. His new abilities were incredible, but they were still so unfamiliar. There was a sense of awe in his eyes, mixed with a touch of uncertainty.

"I'm not gonna lie, this is kind of amazing," Flash said, his voice tinged with a sense of wonder.

Marshall, standing near a workstation, watched him carefully. Despite the progress they had made, he couldn't shake the feeling that Flash was still only scratching the surface of what his body was capable of. The excess energy had been siphoned away, but now they needed to understand what kind of power they were dealing with. Flash was still adapting.

Peter, pulling up more detailed data on his tablet, spoke up. "We're still reading fluctuations in your bio-signature, Flash. It's more stable, but there are some inconsistencies. We need to see how your body adapts to this power before we can clear you for full activity."

Flash's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. "Inconsistencies? What does that mean exactly?"

Billy, standing next to Peter, looked over the readings. "It means your powers are still in flux. We'll need to keep testing and running simulations to see how your body adjusts to everything you've just gained."

Marshall, who had been quietly observing, frowned. He was running through the possibilities in his mind, thinking of ways to help Flash control and fully understand his newfound abilities. But there was one thing he had to admit: Flash was adapting faster than anyone could've anticipated.

"How are you feeling?" Marshall asked, glancing at Flash through the glass.

Flash stretched his arms again, smiling. "I feel... powerful. But I'm still not sure what all this can do." He clenched his fists, and suddenly the tips of his fingers crackled with electrical energy, causing the air around him to vibrate. "I can feel the power—just ready to explode if I let it."

Marshall's eyes narrowed, considering the situation. Flash's powers weren't fully understood, but they were getting there. They had stabilized him, but the true extent of his abilities remained an unknown.

Peter began running some additional tests, adjusting the settings on the pod and tapping through the results. "We'll need to run more tests to track your energy output. Your body's adapting well, but we have to be sure it's not causing any long-term damage."

Flash nodded, then turned to Marshall. "You've been quiet. What are you thinking?"

Marshall hesitated for a moment. He knew the dangers of unchecked power all too well, having seen it in his own world. He knew what could happen if things went wrong. But for now, it was all about making sure Flash could control himself.

He stepped forward, glancing at the equipment and then back to Flash. "I'm just thinking we need to make sure you have complete control over this energy. The last thing this world needs is a situation like... well, like some of the powerful threats I've seen."

Flash raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? What kind of threats?"

Marshall shook his head, waving it off. "It doesn't matter. Let's just focus on keeping you stable."

Peter, still monitoring the pod, looked up. "Alright, we're ready for the next phase of the test."

Marshall turned to him. "What's next?"

"We're going to need to push your limits a bit," Peter replied, adjusting a few dials on the machine. "We'll start small and work our way up, tracking your body's responses to the energy being exerted. The goal is to get a baseline for your output."

Billy nodded, tapping away at a console. "We'll be watching everything—your bio-signature, any fluctuations in energy, and physical changes. We need to see what's going on beneath the surface."

Flash nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Let's do it."

Marshall took a step back, crossing his arms. As much as he wanted to keep a tight rein on things, he couldn't help but admire Flash's bravery. This was uncharted territory for all of them, but Flash was embracing it head-on.

Peter hit a few buttons, and the pod's interior began to pulse with light, sending waves of energy through Flash's body. At first, the energy seemed to stay contained, swirling around Flash in a controlled pattern. But then, as the energy began to build, a small tremor ran through the pod.

Flash's body reacted, his veins glowing brightly as a surge of power rippled through him. He clenched his teeth, holding his breath, feeling the weight of it all.

"Easy, Flash," Marshall said, his voice calm but firm. "Just focus on controlling it."

But it was clear Flash was struggling. The energy continued to build, and soon small cracks of energy were beginning to form around his skin. It was like a storm contained inside a single person—powerful, unpredictable, and almost uncontrollable.

Peter and Billy exchanged looks, quickly recalculating the data. "We're seeing some elevated spikes," Billy said. "But it's holding steady. His body's absorbing the energy rather than expelling it."

Marshall observed carefully. It seemed that the energy was contained for now, but it was still unstable. They needed to ensure that Flash's control over it wouldn't slip.

"Keep pushing," Marshall urged. "We need to know if he can handle this under pressure."

As the energy swirled around Flash, his muscles tensed, but this time, he was more focused. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, calming himself. Slowly, the erratic energy began to settle, the light in his veins dimming as his breathing evened out.

"How's that?" Flash asked, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips as he relaxed.

Marshall nodded, his own gaze sharp. "It looks like you're starting to get a handle on it. But we're not done yet."

As the tests continued, Flash was finally beginning to understand the extent of his abilities—and the responsibility that came with them. Marshall, Peter, and Billy stood in quiet determination, watching carefully as the young hero learned to control the force inside him.

But Marshall couldn't shake the thought from his mind. This was only the beginning. They had stabilized Flash for now, but the real test would be whether he could master the power within him before it tore everything apart.

They had a lot of work ahead of them.

Got it! Here's the redo for Chapter 26, Part 4:

Chapter 26, Part 4: Training Day

The training room was abuzz with energy as the team gathered. Marshall, now in his Gax form, stood before the group, his alien body shifting and adjusting to the gravity of the moment. He looked around, eyes scanning each of them, preparing to teach them how to harness their newly acquired abilities.

"Alright, team," Marshall began, his voice distorted but clear from his Gax form. "It's time to learn how to use your powers responsibly."

Flash, now with his energy-based abilities, was practically vibrating with excitement. His new powers were a mix of raw potential and unpredictability. His energy blasts could level a building, and he still had trouble controlling his output.

Peter, adjusting to his spider abilities, was focused and intent, although his movements were still more reflex than precision.

Gwen, looking confident, stood next to Peter. Her luck powers were something new for her to tap into, and she was eager to see how she could use them. Her charm of luck wasn't just about being lucky; it was about creating favorable outcomes in the most improbable situations.

Billy, in his robot suit, had already made progress, though there was always room to improve in how he used the technology to its full potential.

Kevin, his powers not as subtle as the others', stood with his arms crossed, still adjusting to the idea of having powers similar to his old self. He wasn't exactly thrilled about being compared to his younger, more reckless self, but he was at least open to learning.

"Gwen, let's start with you," Marshall said, his voice still carrying the cool confidence he had as a teacher. "Your luck powers can be unpredictable, but with the right control, you can turn even the worst situation to your favor. Try focusing on an object in front of you—your goal is to make the odds shift in your favor."

Gwen closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating. When she opened them, a small metal ball on the floor in front of her suddenly rolled towards her hand, as if magnetized.

"Nice," Marshall nodded. "You've got the basics down. With more control, you'll be able to make larger things happen. But don't rely on luck alone. Use your mind."

Next, Marshall turned to Peter. "Spider abilities, huh? You're pretty agile already, but we need to work on your speed and strength. I want to see you use your webs to swing across the room."

Peter grinned, shooting a web to the ceiling and zipping across the room in an impressive display of speed and finesse. Marshall watched, impressed, as Peter landed gracefully.

"Good. But speed isn't everything. You need to learn precision. Your strength can cause some damage if you're not careful."

Marshall moved on to Billy, who had been fiddling with his robotic suit, testing the various functions.

"Okay, Billy. You've got a suit that gives you a lot of options. But it's all about efficiency. Can you power it down and give me a demonstration of just your strength?"

Billy nodded and immediately powered down the suit. With his enhanced strength, he threw a punch at a target, the wall cracking from the impact.

"Good," Marshall said, nodding. "You're strong, but always focus on efficiency and control. A well-placed punch is better than a wild swing."

Turning to Kevin, Marshall's tone was firm but encouraging. "Kevin, we've seen what your abilities can do. You've got the power to absorb and manipulate energy. We need to test how well you can channel it. Let's see you absorb some of this," he said, gesturing to a power orb in the middle of the room.

Kevin stepped forward and, with a snap of his fingers, absorbed the energy into his body. The air around him crackled as his form pulsed with raw power.

"Nice," Marshall said, "but don't overdo it. You can get a little… unpredictable when you push too hard."

Finally, Marshall turned to Flash. "You've got a lot of raw energy. It's time to start controlling it. Try using small bursts of energy. Think of it like a tap you can turn on and off."

Flash nodded, focused on the task. He raised his hand and released a small but controlled burst of energy, the room shaking slightly at the impact.

"Good. Now keep practicing. We need to get your control steady before you can go full force with it."

The group spent the next few hours working through various exercises, honing their abilities under Marshall's guidance. Though they had their differences in skill and power, the team was starting to come together, learning how to work as one unit.

As the session drew to a close, Marshall surveyed the group, feeling a sense of pride. "You all did great today. We've got a lot of work ahead, but you're on the right track."

Flash, a grin plastered across his face, stretched his arms and looked at his friends. "This is awesome. I can't wait to see how far I can push these powers."

Kevin smirked. "Just don't break anything, Flash."

Marshall chuckled, glancing at each member of the team. "Next time, we'll step it up. But for now, take a breather. You all earned it."

With that, the team disbanded for the day, each of them feeling a little more confident, a little more in control of their powers.

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