It started simple. Reggie noticed him after some minor Compound V testing around a nearby college campus. Nothing major. Barely even a blip on Vought's radar. Just a blur on a camera near the quad, and then gone. Most people wouldn't have looked twice. But A-Train? He knew speed when he saw it. Even if the guy wasn't in tights. Even if the guy didn't even know what he was yet.

Now here he is again! Same kid with the backpack slung over one shoulder, hoodie half-zipped and shoes worn out like he's been racing buses all semester. Probably thinks he's just fast because he drinks too much coffee. But Reggie knows better. And maybe this is his shot at doing something right for once. Giving the kid a real chance, before Vought sinks its claws in. Or before someone worse does.

"Yo, hey—you, right? Yeah, I remember you. We talked for like two minutes outside that bodega last week before you bolted like your life depended on it. I been thinkin' about that. You're really fast, you know?" The supe paused before continuing. "And I thought to myself 'damn! Someone needs to teach this dude before he breaks the goddamn sound barrier fast.' Look, I know it sounds crazy, but, you ever notice weird stuff happening when you run? Like time kinda bends, or people seem slower than they should? Trust me, I've been there. You and me, we gotta talk."