Ch - 9 Settling In and Keeping Vigilance?

Swayam stood on the porch of his new farmhouse, gazing out over the acre of land that stretched before him. The farmhouse, with its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roof, was a peaceful haven compared to the bustling life of Central City. The sound of the wind turbine in the distance was a soft hum, blending perfectly with the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. It was a far cry from the sterile environment of S.T.A.R. Labs, and it gave him a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.

It had been three weeks since he officially became a U.S. citizen, thanks to Eobard's connections, and just a week since he moved into this farmhouse. Cisco and Caitlin had helped him search for the perfect place, and when they found this farmhouse, it immediately captured his attention. The location was perfect, far enough from the city to ensure his privacy but close enough for him to visit when needed. He could still faintly see the skyline of Central City in the distance, a reminder of the world he was now a part of.

The inside of the farmhouse was cozy and welcoming. The bedroom, with its large wooden-framed bed and soft quilts, gave him a sense of comfort he hadn't experienced in a while. The kitchen, with its blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, was a perfect place to prepare meals and reflect on the events of the day. The dining room, with its fireplace, felt like the heart of the home, a place where he could imagine sharing meals with friends—if he ever let himself get too attached.

But even in this tranquil setting, Swayam couldn't shake his sense of caution. As much as he appreciated the space and the solitude, he knew that Eobard Thawne, or "Harrison Wells," could have hidden surveillance somewhere on the property. He had suspected that from the moment he moved in. After all, Eobard had monitored Barry's every move; it would make sense if he was doing the same to Swayam. And yet, after thoroughly sweeping the house with his enhanced senses, he hadn't found anything.

"Strange," he muttered to himself. "No cameras, no hidden devices."

He didn't relax, though. He knew better. Eobard was meticulous, and just because Swayam hadn't found anything didn't mean he wasn't being watched. Perhaps Eobard had decided he wasn't a threat anymore, or maybe he had found another way to keep tabs on him. The timing couldn't be a coincidence, especially since Barry was about to awaken. Eobard's focus was on his ultimate goal—to return to his own time. Swayam was just another pawn in his game.

Still, the farmhouse felt like a sanctuary. Despite his wariness, Swayam enjoyed the solitude. Ever since he had left the orphanage in his previous world, he had been used to living on his own. Even during college, when he had occasionally shared living spaces, he had longed for privacy. Here, he finally had that. The isolation gave him time to think, to plan, and to grow.

The team, especially Cisco and Caitlin, visited frequently. They seemed to enjoy the farmhouse as much as he did, often staying for dinner and marveling at the peace the place offered. For them, it was a break from the intensity of their work at S.T.A.R. Labs, and for Swayam, it was a chance to maintain his connection to them without feeling suffocated.

In addition to giving him this home, they had offered him a position at the lab as an assistant researcher. His main job? Researching himself. It was a strange situation, getting paid to study his own powers, but it was an opportunity he didn't mind taking. After all, he would have continued honing his abilities even without the paycheck. The money was just a bonus.

Swayam had learned to embrace his newfound abilities. Over the past few weeks, he had pushed his powers even further. His control over his body had improved to the point where he could regulate his own blood, ensuring it evaporated before anyone could study it too closely. His healing factor had also become more sophisticated, allowing him to recover from injuries almost instantaneously. He could manipulate his biology at will, slowing his aging process and even stopping hair and nail growth. Every day, he discovered something new about what he could do, and he kept most of these discoveries to himself.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Caitlin, Cisco, or even Eobard. They had given him a home, after all, and helped him integrate into this new world. But Swayam knew that his abilities made him a valuable asset—or a dangerous threat. He couldn't risk becoming someone else's experiment or tool. As grateful as he was, he wasn't naïve. This world was filled with meta-humans, heroes, and villains alike, and he was neither. He was something different, something that didn't quite belong.

I don't fully belong here, he thought, staring out at the horizon. Not yet, anyway.

The farmhouse offered him a buffer between the city and the chaotic life that awaited him there. He appreciated the quiet moments—like now, standing on his porch and listening to the wind—but he knew they wouldn't last forever. Central City was a magnet for danger, and sooner or later, something would pull him back in. His role as an observer and sometimes-participant in Team Flash's activities wouldn't remain passive for long. He could feel it.

For now, though, Swayam would take advantage of the calm. He would continue refining his abilities, building strength, and—most importantly—keeping his secrets. Because in a world where everyone had an agenda, the only thing that would keep him safe was his ability to remain one step ahead of everyone else.

With one last look at the horizon, Swayam turned and headed back inside the farmhouse, ready to continue his quiet but deliberate preparations for whatever the future held.