Forward ϟ The Flash

Chapter 21: Brave New World

"Just one more..." Merlin muttered. Rose could feel the magic returning back to her, almost knocking her back with how strong it was. It was almost like being hungover. Whatever Theo had done to the cuffs this time was going to take forever to recover from. As the last rune gave way and the cuff could be removed, Rose stuck her fingers underneath the leather and rubbed the skin there. "There you go."

"Thanks, Pops," Rose tried out. Unlike the twins, Rose wasn't a huge fan of calling him Father and Dad was reserved for the man who raised her. She shook her head. "That one doesn't feel right either."

Merlin shrugged. "You'll figure it out. I wish I could stick around longer..."

"Arthur should see the other Headquarters. At least Coast City isn't far. They've got the pizza."

"I'll be sure to get some then when Kol and I come for dinner."

"Alright. I love you." She kissed on the cheek before hugging him.

"I love you too," he replied. "Stay safe." She watched as he created a portal and was gone in a matter of seconds. Rubbing her wrist some more she walked back into the main area of the cortex, finding Cisco pulling off his goggles, his other hand holding Jay's helmet.

"I really wish we didn't have to keep Jay's helmet around. I hate this thing. Just want to put a dent in it," he told the group.

She flicked her hand at the helmet, making Cisco jump at the noise as part of the helmet caved in. He shot his startled eyes her way. "Sorry."

Iris asked, "Cisco, did you see Caitlin in your vibe?"

Cisco set the helmet down on the desk and let out a sigh. "Zoom's got her in his lair. She's scared, but she's okay."

Rose breathed a sigh of relief as Barry said, "Oh, thank God. All right, we need to get her back."

"I know. But without your speed, there's no way any of us can get through that breach that Cisco found at the hospital. I just don't think there's anything we can do right now," Joe told him.

"He's right," said Harry as he entered the room. "And it's thanks to you, Allen."

"Enough. We're all suffering here," Joe told him off.

"That's right. That's right, Detective. We're all suffering. We've lost Snow, you've lost your speed, and now... now Zoom can come through that breach anytime he wants. And that, Allen... that's on you." He pointed at Barry.

Rose crossed her arms in front of her chest. "You do remember I have an affinity for punching your face, no matter who's wearing it, right?"

Iris got in the middle, "Hey, that's on all of us, okay? We made these decisions as a team."

After a pause, Harry looked at Barry before saying, "No we didn't."

"Where are you going?" Barry asked him as Harry went all over the room collecting things into his bag.

"I'm gonna go find Jesse before Zoom does... again."

"Wait, you found her? How?" Cisco questioned him.

Rose answered, "Remember how on his Earth, we couldn't do certain things unless we were at the right frequency?" Cisco nodded. "It's the same here. They vibrate at a different frequency and for them, they leave cellular dead zones."

Cisco turned to Harry. "That's why I'm always dropping calls around you?"

"Okay, so... so wait, how did that help?" Iris asked.