Ch - 105 Alternate timeline?

Swayam, who could fully perceive "Barry's" emotions, was impressed with how well he was suppressing his anger and loathing towards Harrison Wells. Despite these intense feelings, "Barry" managed to act as if nothing was wrong, even going so far as to approach Wells for a conversation.

Although Swayam stayed behind with Cisco and Caitlin to keep an eye on Hartley and prevent any trouble, his enhanced senses allowed him to eavesdrop on the conversation between "Barry" and Wells.

As Wells rolled his wheelchair towards the main part of S.T.A.R. Labs, where they monitored crime activity in Central City, "Barry" walked beside him. Noticing him, Wells complimented his observation, "That was quite an observation you made about Hartley in there, Mr. Allen."

"Barry" concealed his true emotions, acting as he would have before discovering Wells' true identity. When Wells complimented him, "Barry" feigned pride, responding as though it were no big deal. "Yeah, it just seemed too easy, taking him down, you know?"

Eobard Thawne, who had been masquerading as Harrison Wells for 14 years, was an expert at deception. However, he failed to notice the subtle changes in "Barry's" tone and body language. He easily believed what "Barry" had said. "Mmm-mmm. Well, the likely reason for that is your training. It's working wonders, and you're getting faster because of it."

After this exchange, Wells rolled his wheelchair deeper into the lab. "Barry," who had been told his training was the reason for his enhanced reflexes, reactions, and keen observations, internally questioned why things felt so different from what he remembered. He began to suspect that he hadn't traveled back in time but instead had entered an alternate timeline with events that differed from his own. This led him to wonder whether this timeline's Harrison Wells was even Eobard Thawne at all.

However, "Barry" didn't dwell on this thought for long and continued following Wells while maintaining the conversation.

As "Barry" and Wells spoke, Swayam continued to listen in. Suddenly, an alarm rang—one Cisco had installed for abnormal activity. The sound sent Cisco, Caitlin, and Swayam rushing to the monitoring bay.

Upon arriving, they spotted "Barry" in his Flash suit, ready to rush off to address the threat. However, he paused momentarily when he saw Swayam clad in his Shadow superhero suit—a person who didn't exist in the timeline "Barry" came from.

Though "Barry's" hesitation was brief, it didn't escape the notice of two people: Swayam, who was already monitoring his every expression and move, and Harrison Wells, who had also observed subtle differences in "Barry" during their earlier conversation.

Though confused by Swayam's presence and the significant differences in the timeline, "Barry" kept his behavior in check to avoid drawing unwanted attention to himself.

"Barry" and Swayam rushed to the CCPD headquarters to assist, but by the time they arrived, whatever had caused the panic had already fled. Swayam, still trying to figure out what was off with Barry, suggested in the familiar manner that Barry was accustomed to. "Barry, while I search and secure the perimeter, you go talk to Joe about what caused this destruction and panic." Without waiting for a reply, Swayam left.

This "Barry," who was unfamiliar with Swayam, wanted to know who this individual was, why he existed in this alternate past, and why he didn't exist in the timeline "Barry" was from. Additionally, he was puzzled by the differences in Caitlin compared to the one he knew. However, he couldn't voice these thoughts or ask questions without revealing that he might be from an alternate future, so he had to remain cautious.

After mulling over these questions, "Barry" changed into his civilian clothes and went to meet Joe to gather more information about what had caused the havoc at the CCPD headquarters.