Chapter 3 Her Decision
Hey, guys. I'm sorry, I know it's been a while. I've had a lot of stuff going on in my life lately and, sadly, my writing had to be put on the back burner. Hopefully, I can still meet your expectations. Now without further delay...Chapter 3!
It had been several weeks since Vivvy had joined up with Team Flash. She rarely participated in the field, but rather would hang back as "back-up." She was pretty sure by this point that was code for her to stay out of Barry's way, which was rather irritating. Honestly, Vivvy didn't even care if she was Barry's sidekick, but by this point it should be well established she was on their side. Hell, even the Arrow had teammates he had help him and he was supposed to be this dark, broody vigilante. All of this added up to make a very angry Vivvy that she couldn't have one night off from being "back-up."
The girl crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Dr. Wells. Everyone seemed to worship the guy, but he just irritated Vivvy. "Explain to me, again, why I have to stay and be Barry's back-up when I don't even do anything instead of spending one night with a friend?"
"Because, Miss Balsa, contrary to your previous statement, you do do things. You have helped the Flash numerous times and I am certain it puts everyone's mind more at ease knowing Barry has someone that can jump into the fray and help." He gave her a polite smile that she found all too fake.
Who does he think he is denying me this? This cocky, arrogant man... Why if Caitlyn weren't here... Vivvy gritted her teeth as the voice echoed around her head. She took a breath and managed to squash it...for the time being.
Caitlyn looked between the two of them nervously. When Vivvy and Dr. Wells clashed it was better to lock your doors and ride out the storm than try and brave it, but, bless her, she tried anyway. "Dr. Wells? Perhaps it wouldn't be the worst thing for Vivian to have one night to herself?" Vivvy was annoyed at how timid the request was, but she did appreciate Caitlyn trying.
Dr. Wells frowned at her, but before he could argue, Cisco and Barry walked in, laughing at something amusing. They had taken but three steps into the room before sensing the tension in the room and freezing. Cisco's eyes darted around. "Uhhh...so what's going on...?"
"Apparently, I can't have one night off to have fun with a girlfriend because I'm so so crucial." She rolled her eyes and snorted.
The speedster in the room sighed. He hated when they fought. It honestly was habit for him to work alone and he had basically agreed with the good doctor to let Vivian stay on the sidelines for a while. After the whole Ice Queen incident, Barry had explained how he recognized Vivvy's necklace and they wondered Vivvy's relation to the Ice Queen. Dr. Wells had thought it best to keep Vivvy out of the action as much as possible, but that they shoold keep an eye on her. Everyone had reluctantly agreed that until everything was figured out that Vivvy should avoid the battlefield as much as possible, while being Barry's back-up.
But if she wasn't in the action she should be able to take one night off. She wasn't in the pipeline for a reason. Vivvy wasn't a criminal. He glanced at Dr. Wells, slipping a hopeful smile on his face. "Well, if it's just one night I don't see the harm... Besides she'll have her cell in case we actually do need her help for some reason."
He saw Cisco's eyes widen and that's how he knew he'd screwed up. "Huh. 'In case we actually do need her help for some reason.' Gee...thanks Barry." Vivvy scowled and spun on her heel. She had thought Barry was on her side. Evidently Mr. Ego had things under control and didn't need her. Fine. "Later." In a mocking voice she repeated Barry's words. "I'll have my cell on if you need me."
Caitlyn sighed as the girl strode from the room. "Wonderful..."
Barry ran a hand through his hair in frustration and turned to Caitlyn. He didn't like the idea of her angry with no one keeping an eye on her...just in case. "So, I have a favor to ask..."
"Are you sure this is okay to wear?" Vivvy looked at herself in her full length bedroom mirror. She had on fitted jeans that hugged her butt and legs a bit much for her typical taste. Her top was a low, light gray v-neck tank top that seemed average enough for a night at bars, but fancy enough she would catch some eyes. It hugged her chest, but flared out beneath her chest. Her hair was tied in a matching gray scarf that trailed down her back.
"Totally!" Mindy smiled at her happily before blocking Vivvy's view of the mirror to apply some make-up on her. Vivvy resisted so Mindy just settled on a little mascara. "Come on you have beautiful eyes! Once a person looks into those beautiful blue eyes and they're hooked."
Vivian laughed. "We're just going to have fun, aren't we? Dance and drink and hang out?"
Mindy nodded as she spun around and applied some lipstick to her lips. "Sure, but if we score some dates in the process I'm alright with that." Mindy was dressed in a simple black skirt and a frilly top. Her hair cascaded in waves, making Vivvy wonder how long it had taken to get that way.
Vivvy smiled to herself. They did look pretty hot... she was glad she had stood up for herself and Mindy had gotten a babysitter. The girls hadn't had a girls' in forever. She definitely needed a day off. Vivvy had been skeptical when Caitlyn had conveniently called asking if she could tag along, it screamed of Barry's or Dr. Wells's influence, but she agreed. Caitlyn was nice and after all it was girls' night. The more the merrier!
She grinned at the two dressed up girls in the mirror. The girl in the mirror with a blue streak in her hair grinned back at her confidently. "Let's go."
Vivvy closed her car door and nervously regarded the outside of the bar. She had been there once before with Mindy, but it had been a while ago. Mindy, however, acted as if it had been yesterday and strolled to the door with eagerness. Caitlyn took in the exterior and followed close behind.
Once inside, the trio looked around the place. It was fairly reserved inside. There was karaoke and a small dance floor with booths on the outside of the building and scattered takes between the dance floor and the booths giving the place an organized look. Mindy grabbed their hands. "Let's get some liquid courage!" She tugged her friends to the bar and ordered some girly concoction along with Caitlyn. Vivvy ordered a sangria that she wasted no time in downing. Mindy seemed tipsy halfway through her pink drink, which made the other girls smile. Vivvy picked up the plastic sword that had skewered her drink's fruit and idly held it between her lips as she watched some guy talk to the large man in charge of the karaoke. She hoped he'd sing decent to a good song so they could dance. The guy looked like he'd sing country, which she liked, but could he tough to dance to. It'd be nice to work off some of this nervous energy. Mindy finished her drink and, after Vivvy had downed another sangria, and Caitlyn had finished sipping her drink, they seemed more at ease. Vivian wasn't feeling drunk like Mindy seemed to be, but she was feeling buzzed enough to have confidence to dance at the very least.
The burly man stepped to the stage and announced the younger guy would be singing "Honey, I'm Good by Andy Grammer." Vivvy grinned. She loved that song. It was bouncy and perfect to dance to. The burly man walked off the stage and the young guy started off, slightly timid, though surprisingly, in key.
Mindy squealed. "I love this song!" She nearly ran to the dance floor making the other girls give chase. Mindy staggered and swayed, the drink clearly having taken affect. Vivvy began to sway, smiling a little, but Mindy's happiness was contagious and before long she was laughing and moving eagerly to the music. Even Caitlyn was laughing and dancing a bit. Vivvy spun Mindy and the girls danced through the song, giving the guy more confidence in his singing as he saw people enjoying his singing. The girls were really starting to enjoy their night.
At the bar, a man picked up his shot glass, raising it to his lips, but paused as he noticed three girls out of the corner of his eye dancing. There was a brunette who seemed far too drunk, a pretty girl he had seen somewhere before, and a black-haired girl with a blue streak through her hair. The girl with the streak seemed fairly carefree, but not drunk like her friend. He watched the trio silently from his seat. There weren't many girls here tonight and something about them...drew his curiosity. The girl with the streak seemed to be laughing and relaxed, but he could see her eyes flitting around, checking for trouble. He downed his shot and ordered another as he glanced at the girl again. There was something about her...that he grudgingly admitted he liked...though he wasn't sure what it was.
As the song finished, Mindy let out a final twirl staggering and Vivvy laughed hard at the amusing sight. Her gaze drifted around the room as her laughter slowed. She noticed a couple guys by the bar talking, eyeing the trio. Guys checking out girls at a bar was natural, but something about the way they were staring at them seemed...hungry. "Mindy..." Vivvy took her wrist. "Let's go sit..." Caitlyn followed Vivvy's gaze and nodded when she saw the men, following close behind Vivian.
"What's wrong?" Vivvy turned to see one of the men in front of her. He was grinning a little too much for her taste. "Thought you girls wanted to dance?" The other two men from the bar strolled over to their friend.
Vivvy's eyes narrowed. She spoke slowly, cautious. "Not anymore. One song tired us out. Thanks anyway..."
"Awww...come on... Your friends look like they still want to have some fun, after all." She wondered how he could lie so smoothly because Mindy definitely needed to sit down and Caitlyn looked fairly terrified.
One of the men reached towards Caitlyn's hair and Vivvy's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist. "Don't touch her." The poor girl looked pretty scared as Vivvy glared at the man. It was understandable. These guys were big, drunk, and cocky, a really bad triple threat. Vivian suddenly remembered why they had girls' night so far and few between. Mindy was such a lightweight with alcohol and Vivvy always had to come to the rescue.
Vivvy spoke softly, but firmly. "Let us pass. Now." The man whose wrist Vivvy held glared and at that moment she knew things wouldn't be pretty. "Caitlyn. I can handle this. Go get Mindy in the car."
"Are you kidding?!" Caitlyn hissed at her softly. "I can't leave you with these three!"
"Somebody has to deal with them. And I can handle myself." She gave Caitlyn a sad look over her shoulder. "Please just trust me...?" Reluctantly, Caitlyn nodded and lead Mindy away. Vivvy smiled and turned back to her foes, smirking. "So you wanted to dance fellas?" The one whose wrist she held reached with his free hand. Vivvy jumped forward bringing her elbow down on his restrained arm, hard. The man let out a surprised cry as she let him go. Another tried to grab her from behind, but she grabbed his arm and swung him, making him collide with an empty table, effectively breaking it.
What are you waiting for? Drunken men attacking innocent girls? Such scum should be dealt with.
Vivvy desperately wanted the voice in her head to be quiet so she could focus.
The metahuman was panting slightly from the exertion, when she felt the last buffoon pounce at her from behind. She side stepped, but he swung at her legs angrily. Her head throbbed from the voice's angry words shouting in her head and she couldn't avoid his kick. Vivvy stumbed, the floor rushing up to greet her head. Suddenly, a hand grasped her shoulder, moving her upright. Vivvy glanced up at the man supporting her in surprise. He spoke softly, but with a smug confidence. "Don't you think you've caused enough trouble?"
Her attacker practically growled. "What the hell's your problem, man? Back off. This has nothing to do with you."
"That right?" The man chuckled, making Vivvy raise an eyebrow. "From where I'm standing, she was barely breaking a sweat tossing you around like ragdolls...yet you're still eager to fight?" His demeanor changed, eyes narrowing. He had seemed amused at the man's stubbornness, but now his body bristled with anger. "I suggest you leave because I'm not as...gentle as this girl." Something in his voice or the threat must have made the man decide this battle was a lost cause. Even though the three attackers had been huge men and this man wasn't, he seemed built, but not massive like them, his demeanor was that of someone who shouldn't be challenged. The large man gathered his friends, the man she had thrown through the table moving slowly, and they sulked to the exit, slamming the door open on their way out.
As soon as they had left, a man came running over. Vivvy recognized him as the man who had run the karaoke. "Are you alright, Miss?"
Hadn't he seen the fight? No, sir. You see I broke a nail throwing this guy through a table. Vivvy had to restrain herself from laughing. "No, sir. I'm fine. Thank you."
He nodded, seeming relieved. Then he regarded the table. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave, though, breaking property and all." He gave her an apologetic look.
Vivvy nodded glumly. She had felt the voice slip through, giving her the burst of angry energy to throw that guy so roughly. These weren't metahumans or robbers, just some dumb, drunken men. She shouldn't have lost control "That sounds fa..." But she was cut off as the man beside her raised a hand.
"Suppose I gave you the money to fix that table...then would this girl be allowed to stay?"
The karaoke man scratched his head. "Well...if you don't get involved in any more fights tonight, I guess that's okay."
Vivvy looked at the man puzzled. Why would he do that? He had nothing to do with this. It'd probably be a good chunk of cash too. "Sir? It's fine. I don't mind leaving..."
"But I do." His voice was firm, as if he was used to shutting down any and all arguments. "You're...interesting. Besides I recently came into some money." His secretive smirk made Vivvy wonder what the joke was. "If you feel guilty, then join me for a drink."
Vivian nodded, amused. "Alright, Mr. Moneybags. I'll go say goodbye to my friends, then you can buy me a drink." He didn't reply, merely gave a nod and a small smirk at his hand as it pulled a wad of bills from his jacket pocket.
The girl was confused, but she was...interested as well. Part of her thought she should just leave with Caitlyn and Mindy, but she found herself telling them to leave without her instead. Caitlyn didn't even attempt to hide her disbelief. "What? Why are you staying?"
"Because someone needs to get Mindy home and well...I kind of...sort of...met someone?" She gave Caitlyn a sheepish shrug, but Caitlyn smiled at her. Vivvy had invested a lot of time and energy into Team Flash and she really didn't do much outside of her job and the team as far as Caitlyn knew. Besides, she didn't seem the type to stay for some random guy, unless he really had drawn her interest. She deserved to have a little fun, even if only for tonight.
Caitlyn smiled. "Go ahead. Have fun!" As she ushered Mindy out the door, she watched Vivvy go back to the mystery man. Through the crowd she caught a glimpse of the man Vivvy was talking to before he turned away. He seemed familiar from somewhere, as if she had seen him before, but she couldn't place it. She shook her head and helped Mindy to the car.
Vivian slid into a booth,setting her bag down, and the man sat across from her, putting drinks in front of them. Vivvy took hers, taking a sip and glancing at him from beneath her lashes. He was rather handsome in a dark, broody kind of way. Not usually Vivvy's type, but he had helped her out after all. It was only polite to give him a moment of her time. Admittedly, she was lying if she said she had only agreed to be polite, however.
It was also a relief the voice had fallen silent for the time being.
The pair sat drinking and she kept making small talk, thanking him for his help, but only getting nods or curt answers from him. He would listen or watch her, but barely speak. Vivvy was starting to wonder why he had asked to have a drink with her when he spoke. "I don't usually come looking to pick up women, or socialize for that matter."
She raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Then why would you come to a bar?"
He seemed amused by her question and chuckled quietly. "I need to eat like everyone else and everyone needs a drink sometimes."
Vivvy smiled. "Fair enough." She took another sip and bit her lip shyly. He watched the gesture, his eyes lingering on her lips before returning to her eyes. "If that is the case, though...why ask me for a drink? Was I really that interesting?"
The man seemed puzzled, as if even he didn't know the answer. Finally, he opened his mouth to offer an answer, but her phone lit up with an incoming call. She glanced to see Cisco's face on the screen. "Excuse me." He waved his hand in a gesture for her to take the call and she picked up the phone walking away a little bit. "Hello?"
Cisco's voice came through the speakers sounding as if he was straining to remain calm. "Vivvy?"
She tried to remember Cisco was one of the ones who hadn't upset her and to keep her voice from being snippy. "Yeah. What's up, Cisco?"
The three words Cisco said next chilled Vivvy and made her breathing quicken in fear. "Vivvy. It's Barry."
Vivvy wasted little time getting details from Cisco before hurrying to the table. When she picked up her small bag, the man's brow furrowed. "Leaving?"
She nodded and gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. A friend needs my help. Don't worry, though. After I help him out, he'll have to deal with my frustration for ruining my good time."
He chuckled. "I almost feel bad for him." He gazed at her steadily. "Almost."
Vivvy grinned. She truly had been having a good time. It really was such a shame this was the one night they actually needed her. "It was fun." Vivvy leaned down and gave the man a quick kiss. His eyes widened the smallest fraction at the kiss, but then a playful smirk slid on to his lips.
"I really don't like this friend of yours now."
She laughed. "Not surprising. You two are pretty different." Vivvy began to head off when he called after her.
"You never even gave your name."
Vivvy paused. If she gave a name and he decided to look her up and pursue something...well, she did kind of like him from the five minutes they had gotten to talk, but she had seen what the superhero game can do to your love life. Yet...it'd suck to miss out on a possible relationship with a guy, and a hot guy at that, that was into her... She spun and grinned at him. "How bout this? If we meet again, I'll give you my name and a date too because it will be meant to be. Sound fair?"
He smirked, intrigued. "Deal, if you throw in another kiss."
Vivvy laughed. "Deal!" She ran off, leaving the man to finish his drink and watch her go, mulling over what had just happened and how he felt about it.
Outside, Vivvy hurried to the back of the building. She slid a small container out of her bag and shot a burst of water into it. Instantly, it spit out a wad of material that expanded to form her suit. She changed in less than a minute, used to rushing into uniform. Once Vivvy had officially been allowed out in the field, she had begged Cisco for a suit as amazing as Barry's. After a while of flattery and puppy dog eyes, she ended up with the suit she had now. It basically was a navy long sleeve fitted shirt and pants with matching shoes, as well as a mask she pulled up over her nose so only her eyes showed. She kind of made her look like a stereotypical ninja, making Barry had suggest the name "Water Ninja," but Cisco and Vivvy had immediately disapproved. Cisco remarked that Barry should really stick to speed and not naming, which had gotten a laugh out of everyone. After a bit of thinking, Cisco had decided on Ripple. Vivian had approved of the name, finding it rather cute.
As Vivian slid up her mask and shot into the air, using water to rocket her along, she smiled. Even though only a handful of people even knew that Ripple existed she enjoyed having this other side to her. Plus, she would actually get to be in the field tonight.
Ripple's feet lightly touched the ground and she spoke into her com link, looking around. "Okay! I'm at the address. What now?" She looked around the warehouse, cautious of any lingering enemies.
Cisco's voice was suddenly in her ear. "Barry is inside, in the basement. But his vitals are dropping fast. Hurry, Vivvy..." Cisco's worry was doing nothing to calm Ripple's racing heart. She was just grateful Dr. Wells had yet to chime in.
Ripple slid into the building, creeping quickly through the shadows. The inside was freezing... Her eyes adjusted quickly and she found the stairwell, hurrying downstairs, heart racing with her steps. "Barry!" Her voice, a misty cloud in front of her, echoed in the cold basement and she felt a shiver race down her spine both from the cold and from fear that she wouldn't find Barry in time. No. She would. She had to! "Barry!" What was going on? Usually she could sense him...was it because...
It wasn't a voice she heard so much as a groan, but it was the noise of someone alive. The noise was coming from behind a strong looking steel door. She raced over pressing her ear to the door. Nothing. "Barry!" Again that same noise, though softer. The door was thick, but still...maybe she could do some damage. She had to get it away so she could get to Barry. "I'm going to knock the door loose! If you can, move away from it!" She drew water from the air creating a blade and focused. With a deep breath, she whipped it through the air. For an instant, nothing seemed to happen, but then the door slowly began to creak and fell to the floor with a deafening thud. The room was instantly filled with dust from the fallen door, but Ripple charged forward anyway. She stepped past the door, coughing lightly, and saw a room encased with ice on every surface. The air was foggy from the cold, but she instantly spied Barry laying on the ground. "Barry!" Ripple helped him to his feet. He seemed terribly weak. "Are you alright...?"
He nodded, teeth chattering. "Fr...freezing... Ba...bad guys...g...gone...?"
She nodded. There hadn't been any that she had seen, but honestly she didn't know. All she knew was that they had to get Barry out of the cold. "Let's get you back to S.T.A.R. Labs..."
"So what even happened?" Vivvy was regarding Barry from across the room in exasperation. She was leaning on the wall, arms crossed, as Barry drank some hot tea. He had started healing as soon as they got out of the building, but Vivvy had brought him back anyway to play it safe. Caitlyn had met them at the lab and checked Barry over. He had been okay aside from scaring everyone half to death.
He shrugged helplessly. "My head wasn't in it I guess. I was thinking about our fight before I went in. One of the guys clubbed me over the head and tossed me in there. I couldn't run because I was too cold by the time I came to."
Vivian nodded as she listened. Cisco had briefed her as Caitlyn had looked Barry over. Apparently Barry had tried to stop some robbery, but a few of the guys had gotten away. They tracked them to the warehouse that turned out to be their rather chilly base. "You could have called."
He sighed. "I know...but you're right. If we keep you on the bench all the time of course you'll want to quit the team. That's why I asked Caitlyn to go with you. In case..."
"Wait...what?" Vivvy pulled away from the wall, looking at him in confusion. "Did you really think I was quitting the team?"
"Kind of. Yeah." His eyes held such painfully sad honesty.
Ouch. "Barry just because I'm mad I'm always on the sidelines doesn't mean I'm done altogether. I just needed a night off to think. That's all." She walked over to him and smiled. "If I was leaving I'd tell you, but I'm not leaving so no worries." Vivvy gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
The relief in Barry's eyes was all too obvious. He gave an embarrassed laugh. "Yeah...my bad."
Vivvy smiled at her loveable, yet ridiculous friend. Barry was one of her best friends, how could he think she would leave? She wasn't mad though. Who could be mad at someone who was that worried about you?
So it wasn't for this reason that she smacked Barry upside the head.
"Ow!" Barry rubbed the back of his head and looked at her in annoyance. "What was that for?! You said you weren't mad!"
"If you ended my evening by calling for help fine, but you ruined it by nearly dying. Don't ever do that again! Besides. I promised someone."
"Who?"
"Dunno. A guy that was into me..." Vivvy trailed off and sighed, not really wanting to discuss boys with her male friend. Conveniently, there was something she had been meaning to talk to Barry about anyway. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you..."
Barry frowned at her. Vivvy suddenly seemed so serious. "What is it?"
Vivian sighed. "Actually...let's gather everyone so I don't have to explain four times."
Team Flash sat staring at Vivvy in shock. Cisco finally spoke up. "So you're...Ice Queen? Man...what am I gonna do for names...? You have two now!"
Caitlyn looked at him in disbelief. "Really, Cisco? That's what you took away from this?"
"Perhaps we should let her explain?" Dr. Wells gestured to Vivvy to continue.
The girl nodded. "I realized a while ago. See, my ex and I had been out and she cut her lip. I wiped it and gave her a kiss, but some of the blood ended up inside me, I guess. My metahuman powers are to manipulate liquids. The water in the air or the blood in people's bodies for instance."
"People's blood?" Caitlyn looked slightly queasy at the thought.
Vivvy nodded. "Blood is a liquid after all." She walked over to Caitlyn's medical kit and removed a small scalpel. Gently, she pressed the blade into her finger, letting some blood bubble up. The blood sat on her finger for a moment before floating into the air. "See? I can use anyone's blood, but I didn't want to cut any of you to prove it." She cleaned off the scalpel and slid it back into its home. "After the incident with my girlfriend's cut it was strange. I would always know how to find her, like a homing beacon. Came in pretty handy when she got lost in a corn maze. That's why it threw me when I couldn't track Barry, but I think the cold threw everything off so it took a little longer."
"But what does this have to do with Ice Queen?" Barry looked at his friends, puzzled if he was the only one missing something.
Vivvy sighed. "I kind of lied earlier...that while I was mute and out of it? That was me and Ice Queen battling, I guess you could call it, inside my head. It's hard to explain. After I had seen some footage of her wearing my outfit, the one I was making in case I decided to go in public and help people, like Barry, I realized it was me. Subconsciously, she must gave been the reason I put a snowflake on the back too. The reason I'm bringing this up is because she's been...stirring. I want to see if there's a way to merge us, so I can better control my powers and I can get a grip on this before she hurts someone." She looked up at the group, her eyes pleading. "Please...I'm sure you guys can think of something. I don't want to hurt anyone..."
Cisco gestured in the air as he thought. "Maybe...if we stimulate her brain in just the right way..."
Caitlyn nodded. "It could react just right and combine the two personalities!"
"You do realize, however, that any strategy we may divide will hold a high risk factor, correct?" Dr. Wells regarded Vivvy as he posed the question.
"I can handle that. I just...can't handle this anymore...tonight it could have gotten me or someone else injured..." She looked away and the poor girl looked so lost.
"Hey..." Barry stepped close and squeezed her shoulder, comforting her in the same way she had comforted him earlier. "We're gonna figure this out...I promise." Vivvy nodded at him quietly, but her eyes still held worry...and fear.
"Are we sure this is going to work?" Vivvy was laying on a table as Cisco stuck electrodes to her skin. Most of them were her face and head, but some he stuck to the other parts of her body.
He nodded, responding casually, as he stuck one to her collar bone. "In theory..."
"Greattt..."
Caitlyn and Dr. Wells were finishing checking the machine and making sure everything was set to go. Barry moved close and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's going to be okay..."
She nodded, but the fear was still evident in her tense body. Plus it probably didn't help that her body had been strapped to the table in case she moved around during the experiment. They didn't want her hurting herself after all. Due to her hydrokinesis, they worried the electric stimulation may be extra painful due to water conducting electricity, but Vivvy had agreed anyway.
"We're all set." Everyone started to head out of the room at Caitlyn's command, but Dr. Wells hung back.
"I just want to check one last configuration." He rolled back into the room, making Vivvy narrow her eyes in annoyance. "I hope you find what you're looking for Miss Balsa."
"That right?" She watched him as he fixed part of the table by her head, a soft tinkering as he worked.
"Yes. You see, I don't mind if you receive what you seek, but I won't be here to see whether you do or not."
This puzzled Vivian. "Is the good doctor going on a trip?"
He chuckled before meeting her eyes. "No. I simply need you out of the way for a while."
Something was wrong. "What are you talking about...?"
Dr. Wells gave her a pleasant smile. "Miss Balsa I have altered the procedure so everything should go as you wish, but I'm afraid I need you to stay out of the way until my plan is complete. Once I am home, I don't care what happens to you, frankly. It's a shame. You could have been an asset if you hadn't revealed how powerful you are."
Vivvy's head was spinning. "You're insane! I'll just cut the straps and tell..."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." He kept that same phony smile on his face as he cut her off. "Because you know without this procedure your other persona will resurface and possibly hurt Barry Allen or own of your other friends. If you think you can protect them from that, well..." He rolled closer so his back was to the others and gave Vivvy a dark look. "...can you protect Mindy Grimm and her son, Tyler...from me...?" He raised his hand, hidden from the few of the others and lightning fast brushed a strand of hair from her face.
Vivvy's eyes went wide. "You're...you're a speedster too...?"
Dr. Wells smiled. "Indeed I am, Miss Balsa.I hope I have convinced you to not resist the procedure." She grit her teeth and silently glared at him. He seemed amused by her anger. "Enjoy your coma, Miss Balsa." Then he turned again and left, closing the door behind him.
The trio waiting was watching him, confused. Barry's eyes darted to Vivvy with her heartbroken expression and back to Dr. Wells. "What'd you say to her? She looks realy upset."
Dr. Wells stopped beside them. "I simply said I hope the experiment goes well and I believe she got frightened at the prospect of it not working."
Caitlyn watched her, unsure. "Should we still do the experiment?"
"Yes. Vivian had been very adamant on her desire go through with this. We should respect her wishes." Dr. Wells reached towards the console and began the procedure. Cisco slid his chair over and began tapping buttons too. There was a soft whir and hum as the machine came to life.
Inside the room, Vivvy closed her eyes. She had faith in Barry. He'd figure out who Dr. Wells really was... She would do this if it meant her friends would be safe. A silent tear rolled down her cheek...
"Alright...here we go." Cisco hit a button and the machine started up. Vivvy's eyes flew open and widened. Her body trembled before slowly shaking more and more until she was thrashing against her binds. Team Flash watched nervously as suddenly her back arched and then lay still. Cisco hurriedly shut down the machine and they ran into the room.
Caitlyn checked the data as Barry undid the binds. "Well from what I can tell she should only have one personality now...though we will only know for sure once she wakes..." Caitlyn suddenly went silent, making the boys look up at her. Her voice shook slightly. "Based on these results...she's in a comatose state..."
"What?" Cisco and Barry looked at Vivvy's peaceful expression as she slept. No one even noticed Dr. Wells smile.
Caitlyn nodded slowly, sadly meeting their eyes. "She's in a coma..."
After a few days and a lot of explaining, Barry had Vivvy settled in Star City General Hospital. He watched her as if waiting for her to awaken at any moment. Of course she didn't. A heavy hand fell on Barry's shoulder. He looked up to see the sympathetic face of Oliver Queen. "Go home, Barry. I'll let you know as soon as there's any change."
Barry nodded, but he still felt awful for leaving her here. He had wanted to keep her at S.T.A.R. Labs or at the very least in Central City, but he was too worried if one of his enemies found out his friend was in the hospital. It was tough enough protecting his conscious friends, let alone one in a coma. At least here, she had Oliver and his team nearby to protect her, but because they didn't directly know her she should be safe from attack.
"Thanks, Oliver." He gave his friend a half hearted smile before heading out.
On the run home, he thought about Vivvy. She had been worried about hurting them and that's why she had agreed to the experiment. Now, she was in a coma for who knew how long. It could be forever...
As he ran, Barry was vaguely aware of it snowing as small flakes hit his exposed face. Despite his speed, a flake managed to land on the very tip of his nose. The cold of the ice crystals made him shiver before they melted into water. Huh. The snow was combining water and ice and reminded him of Vivvy's powers. It was like a sign. Barry smiled. He'd accept this as a sign that this wasn't the end of his adventures with his friend. They're meet again. He was sure of it.
At long last, the third and final chapter. I'm sorry this story was really short everyone. Just to let everyone know I am also planning a sequel where Vivvy may return, but this would be more of a romance story. (Not a romantic interest for Barry, but a different character.) With any luck, I'll be able to post the first chapter soon. As always reviews are greatly appreciated and I hope you stick around for Vivvy's next adventure with Team Flash! Bye for now!