Short on Time

Chapter 97

"This really doesn't sound like a good idea," Iris said doubtfully.

That just about summed up my day. The last month, last year, last four years, my whole life basically. Most likely, the words my father said when he married my mother who tends to bring the saying that ginger's have no soul to a flat end with how dramatic she ca be.

Bad ideas seem to sum up my life.

"Look, I love Inception as much as the next guy, but sending Barry into DeVoe's mind?" Cisco asked.

"His mind is the only one fast enough to survive the linking process without any harm," Marlize explained.

"Yeah, but how would this help us to stop him?" Cisco asked.

"If we can find the good left in Clifford and help it retake control of his mind, that good could overpower the bad," Marlize said.

"You think there actually is good left inside him?" Barry asked.

"There is always good left in someone," I told him.

"I know that this is hard to imagine, but there was a time when Clifford was nothing but good, when he truly wanted to help the world," Marlize said. "It's the dark matter he infused in his brain that changed him. So yes, I do believe that there is some good in him. Someway we just need to find it."

"This is crazy," Barry said. "I mean, why don't we just call someone we trust? Kara, Oliver, Wally..."

"All of which are busy," I reminded Barry.

"You could bring a legion of your friends, but they would pose no challenge," Marlize explained. "Clifford created the bus metas and the combination of the abilities to ensure that he could defeat anyone whose assistance you might enlist."

"How long until our minds are wiped?" I asked as Barry began to pace even more.

"Once the permeation grid hits one-hundred percent," Marlize said.

"How would we get me inside his mind?" Barry asked.

"We need to find a way to transfer your consciousness into his," Marlize said.

Barry glanced at Cisco, "no, you know what happens every time I try to vibe him. I can't do it."

"I do. But I don't think it's your power we need, Mr. Ramon. I believe it's hers," Marlize said.

"You go and help them?" Barry asked glancing at Cisco who was glaring daggers at Marlize.

"I don't think they need my help," I told him.

"Just make sure he doesn't kill her or something," Barry muttered, so I followed Marlize.

"Thank you, Mrs. Allen," Marlize said as she grabbed what she needed.

"For what?" I asked.

"For trusting me," Marlize said.

I smiled at her sadly, "you just wanted to try to make the world a better place. I doubt your husband would have done this if he were in his right mind."

"Still," Marlize said. "I did some horrendous things."

I shrugged, "scars heal." Marlize didn't say anything else as I began to get things ready for Cecile and Barry, wouldn't want any problems. I know what it is like to give birth, so Cecile is not very comfortable right now.

"This will amplify Ms. Horton's telepathic ability to link The Flash's consciousness to Clifford's, wherever he may be," Marlize said as Cisco walked in. "It could also provide a one-way link so that he doesn't realize that someone is inside his mind."