Chapter 102: Ch - 101 Vandalism?
Central City had experienced an unprecedented calm ever since the incident with Captain Cold and Heatwave. Crime rates plummeted drastically following the public appearances of both The Flash and Shadow. It seemed that criminals had begun to think twice before taking action, knowing that these two powerful metahumans were protecting the city. The calm was welcome, but every member of the team at S.T.A.R. Labs knew this wouldn't last.
The silence that had settled over Central City was unsettling in its own way. They all had a sense that it was the calm before a storm. No one believed the city's criminal element had disappeared entirely; they were simply biding their time, regrouping. When crime did return, it was likely to be more dangerous than ever. Anyone foolish enough to commit a crime now, knowing that The Flash and Shadow were watching, would either be incredibly stupid or have a confidence that would be backed by something dangerous.
For now, however, the team focused on healing. Caitlin, after her terrifying ordeal of being kidnapped by Snart and Rory, needed time to recover. The experience had left deep emotional scars, and Swayam, ever protective and caring, insisted that they both take a break from hero work. He knew Caitlin needed time to process the trauma and to better understand her newly evolved powers. In addition to helping her emotionally, Swayam took on the responsibility of helping Caitlin train and control her burgeoning abilities. It was a process that required patience and care, something he was more than willing to provide.
Days passed in relative peace. Caitlin began to regain her composure, and through their training, she slowly became more confident in her abilities. Together, they worked in isolation, away from the chaos of the city and the pressures of heroism. It was a time for rebuilding, for both her and their relationship. Swayam had been her rock throughout, and she leaned on him more than she ever had before.
When they returned to S.T.A.R. Labs after their brief hiatus, Caitlin seemed more at ease. She had regained much of her calm demeanor, though the shadows of her trauma still lingered. Everyone noticed the change in her, especially Cisco, who had been anxious about her well-being from the moment they had rescued her. Even Barry was relieved to see her smile again, albeit a little more subdued than before.
However, their reunion was cut short when Dr. Harrison Wells— or rather, Eobard Thawne in disguise—wheeled into the lab with a look of profound concern on his face. Though Thawne had played the part of the benevolent mentor for over a decade, the fear in his eyes seemed "genuine" as he relayed what had just happened.
"I was attacked last night," Wells said, his voice uncharacteristically shaken.
Cisco, standing by the workbench, blinked in surprise. "Attacked? Like… by who?"
Wells shook his head, clearly frustrated. "I don't know. It was an unknown assailant. They broke into my house—no, destroyed my house. They shattered everything."
"Shattered?" Caitlin asked, exchanging a concerned glance with Swayam.
"Yes, shattered," Wells replied, his tone sharpening. "Every glass object in my house was completely obliterated. Windows, mirrors, even glassware. And they didn't stop there. They tore through my security systems like they were nothing."
Swayam stepped forward, frowning deeply. "What about you? Are you hurt?"
Although he was inside the house when that had happened but since he shook his head in denial and said. "No, I wasn't home at the time. I was out running diagnostics here at the lab. But if I had been… I don't even know what would have happened. Whoever it was, they were meticulous. They didn't leave a trace behind. No fingerprints, no DNA, no surveillance footage. It's like they were a ghost."
Barry frowned, his brow furrowed in thought. "Breaking all the glass objects… that sounds oddly specific. It wasn't random vandalism, was it?"
Wells pressed his lips together in a thin line. "No. It felt deliberate. I just don't know why."
Cisco stepped closer, clearly concerned for the man he still believed was their mentor. "Do you have any idea who could have done this? Any enemies? I mean, aside from the obvious threats we deal with on a regular basis."
Wells's expression darkened, but he remained calm. "No. I've racked my brain trying to figure out why someone would attack my home, but I can't think of anyone with a personal vendetta. At least not one that would result in such… strange tactics."
"Do you think it's related to the metahumans we've been dealing with?" Caitlin asked, her voice measured but tinged with worry.
"Possibly," Wells replied. "But we've faced powerful foes before, and none of them have acted like this. This was different. Methodical. Precise."
Swayam folded his arms across his chest, deep in thought. "Whoever this is, they clearly have a plan. Breaking into your home and smashing everything, sounds too specific to be random. It's like they were trying to send a message."
Wells nodded grimly. "That's what worries me. If this was a message, then I fear what comes next."
There was a heavy silence in the lab as everyone absorbed the weight of his words. Barry exchanged a glance with Cisco, who looked just as uneasy.
"We need to figure out who did this," Barry said finally. "If they're willing to go after you like this, they could come after any one of us next."
Wells turned to the team, his voice steady once more. "I agree. But we need to proceed carefully. This person, whoever they are, is dangerous. They know how to cover their tracks, and they've demonstrated an ability to strike without warning."
Swayam narrowed his eyes. "You said they didn't leave any evidence behind. But we're not dealing with ordinary criminals here. There has to be something we can work with."
Wells gestured toward the main console. "I've already started combing through the data from my security system, but whoever did this was skilled enough to erase everything. There's nothing in the footage. No energy signatures, no thermal readings. It's like they were never there."
Caitlin frowned, stepping closer to Wells. "What about residue? Any traces of energy or matter manipulation? If they were using some kind of power, we might be able to detect it."
Wells paused, considering her suggestion. "It's possible. I haven't checked for that yet. But I'll need your help."
"I'm in," Caitlin said firmly.
Swayam nodded in agreement, already shifting into protective mode. "We'll help however we can. This isn't just about your safety, Wells. If someone's targeting you, it affects all of us."
Barry looked around at the team, determination settling on his face. "Let's get to work. Whoever this is, we're going to find them. Before they make their next move."
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