Year: 2025 (The Future)
As the morning creeps through the binds, it awakens the house of a new day. Caitlin groans, as the blinding light forces her to wake up before her alarm. Out of habit, she looks over her shoulder and sighs, seeing the empty spot next to her. She turns to face it, imagining the man that is supposed to be there but hasn't been for over six months.
"I miss you, Barry," she whispers with sadness.
As her alarm finally blares throughout the room, she pulls back the covers to get ready for the day. She throws on a pair of skinny jeans with a simple dark top that matches her boots. Satisfied, she walks down the hall to a closed door - opening it slowly. She smiles, leaning against the door frame, watching a little girl soundly sleeping in her bed. The moment is so precious and rare, she doesn't want to ruin it. However, they have a long day ahead of them. Walking in, she settles on the edge of the bed, nudging the little girl to wake up.
"Val, baby, you have to get up. You don't want to keep Nora waiting, do you?" she coos.
The little girl groans, pulling the cover tighter as she buries herself deeper into the mattress. "Five more minutes, mommy, please," her small voice begs.
Caitlin lets out a small laugh, running her fingers through her daughter's loose curls. "Val, come on, sweetie. They will be here soon, and you are not going in your pj's," she reprimands with a soft scowl.
Val huffs, turning to face her mom to look her in the eyes. Caitlin's face softens, seeing the sadness in her daughter's eyes, and listens to the message Valerie sends.
"Val, I understand, but what did I tell you about using your powers? It's not safe for you," Caitlin stresses, pushing some hair out of the little girl's face.
She sighs, nodding her head. "I know, but I'm wearing the necklace Uncle Cisco made me. Besides, I'm only using a part of my powers, not all of it," Valerie adds with a whine.
Caitlin admires her now six-year-old daughter then looks to the necklace she is all but familiar with when it came to suppressing her abilities - so many years ago. Now, her daughter has to wear it to control her set of powers, which continues to grow stronger with each passing day. It's become even harder to control with Barry out of the picture - after his disappearance.
She sighs slightly, giving in. "Okay, just be careful. Don't overdo it."
"I won't. I promise," Val smiles to convince her mother to stop worrying about her.
At six years old, Valerie is considered one of the smartest and most powerful metahumans in the multiverse. Her unique meta DNA is one part, but it is mainly because of the powers she possesses. Unlike her half-sister Nora, Val is the product of two metas. Because of this, it was learned that her abilities could come about in one of three ways - gaining both of her parents' powers, no abilities at all, or receiving a completely different strand of meta DNA, aka a different set of meta powers.
With her parents' powers being opposites of each other, it became a relief - for her parents - that she didn't inherit their abilities. However, finding out about her new meta abilities - the gift of the mind - did cause uneasiness for them. Except for Cisco, who fangirls about the similarities with a comic book character by the name of 'Jean Grey' but with a twist. Her mastery of mind comes with the Speed Force still running through her veins - to which it communicates with her from time to time.
Aside from that, Valerie is just good at reading people - most notably her mother. She notices that her mom worries about her, just like how her mom would worry about her father - it's only natural for Caitlin. With that in mind, Val sits up in bed and pulls her mother in for a hug.
"I love you, mommy," Val whispers into her ear.
Caitlin tightens her hold before placing a soft kiss on her forehead, "I love you too, my sweet girl. Now get ready, Aunt Iris and Nora will be here any minute."
"It's times like this I wish I had Nora's power," Val grumbles then pulls the covers off.
Caitlin laughs, patting her daughter's leg, "Sometimes it's better to take things slow."
"Yeah, but not today," Val quips. "Now get out, I have to get ready," she adds, shooing her mother out the door.
With the door shut, Caitlin giggles to herself at her daughter's theatrics. Valerie is truly her father's daughter. She heads to the kitchen to whip up something for them to eat while waiting for their company but halts when there is a knock on the door.
A smile appears on her face, revealing her guests. "Hey guys, you're early! Come in, I was just about to make some breakfast," she gestures, closing the door after they walk in.
"Yes! Are you making waffles? I love your waffles!" Nora squeals with excitement.
Caitlin and Iris giggle at the seven-year-old girl as she jumps up and down. "I will now," Caitlin smiles then turn to Iris. "Would you like anything?"
Iris waves her hand, "I'm good for now, maybe a cup of coffee."
"You got it," Caitlin winks.
"Where is Val?" Nora asks, noticing her sister's missing presence.
Pointing upstairs, Caitlin smiles, "she's just finishing getting ready, but you can go up if you want."
Nora smiles, then flashes out of their sight, causing Iris to groan. "Nora West-Allen, how many times do I have to tell you not in the house!"
"Sorry, mom!" the little girl distantly calls back.
Iris breathes out, rubbing her temples, "I'm starting to like Cicso's idea of putting a dampening chip in her until she's old enough to handle these powers."
Caitlin looks over at the tired mother, as she is pouring the batter into the waffle maker. "Iris -"
"I know, Caitlin. Barry wouldn't want me to do that to our daughter," she sighs, taking a seat in front of Caitlin at the kitchen island bar.
Caitlin bites her lip, wiping her hands before sitting next to her friend. "I was going to say, maybe look into a dampening necklace like Val's instead of a chip," she suggests reaching over to give Iris's hand a tight squeeze. "If anyone knows how you feel about a powerful child, it's me. I will never judge you on the decisions you make to raise your child. I can make suggestions, but at the end of the day, it's your choice. Nevertheless, we are in this together," she adds with a smile.
Iris smiles back, squeezing her hand. "Thanks, Caitlin. I needed that."
"No problem," she waves then walks back to finish up the food.
"How are you guys holding up?" Iris asks, examing the other mother.
Caitlin nods her head, "We have good days and bad days, but we are taking it one day at a time." She stops for a moment, thinking over everything in her mind before the words slip out her mouth. "I just miss him so much..." she explains as her voice cracks with tears building up.
Iris is quick to her side, pulling her into a hug. "Let it out, it's okay," she soothes as Caitlin breaks down in her arms. The friends stay in the embrace until the sound of footsteps fills their ears.
Caitlin quickly wipes away her tears as her daughter comes into view, a weak smile replacing her somber face. "Don't you look so cute, Val? I made waffles."
Val looks at her mother with concern - communicating through her mind. Mommy, what's wrong?
"Val, please. No mind-communicating," Caitlin sternly snaps.
Val sighs, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. "Fine, but we're not done here." She moves past her mom to join Nora as they grab their breakfast.
Iris' eyes pop open as she bites back a laugh while Caitlin stands speechless. She looks to Iris with a shocked look as the girls sit at the kitchen table - out of earshot. Iris can't help it and busts out laughing.
"Okay, she is definitely your kid," she laughs as tears start to fall. "Who knew you could have so much sass in such a tiny body."
Caitlin joins in with the laughter, "She's a miniature me."
They wipe away the tears, enjoying their coffee while sharing a bowl of fruit. When the girls finish, the duos head to the park for their hangout. The girls run off playing as the mothers sit on a bench, watching, talking, and enjoying the autumn breeze.
After Barry's disappearance, they agreed to hang out at least twice a month, aside from the daily phone calls and check-ins. With both daughters missing their father, the moms thought it was best to unite and create their own unique family with each other - to build a better bond. It has truly made a difference in their lives, and they couldn't be happier.
Iris looks over at Caitlin then to Val, seeing her teach Nora how to skip a rock on the lake. "Nora told me about Val's episode after her birthday party a couple of weeks ago."
Caitlin sighs, looking at her hands. "Yeah, that was a rough day..."
"Is she okay now?"
"Kinda, Cisco came over to help me insert this calming serum I've been developing; I'm still trying to work out the kinks. However, it slowed the episode long enough for Cisco to breach us to STAR Labs to sedate her properly." Caitlin shakes her head, "Her powers are getting stronger, and I'm worried." She bites her lip, "the mind can only take so much... You remember what happened with Harry."
Iris sadly nods as Caitlin continues.
"What if one day I lose her too..." Caitlin pauses as her dark thoughts start to consume her. "I can't..." she shakes her head as the tears begin to fall down her cheeks. "I can't lose my baby," she looks over to her daughter playing. "I can't lose her too."
Iris pulls Caitlin into a hug letting the tears stain her shoulder. "We will figure this out together. You, me, Cisco, Cecile, Joe... all of us. We will find a way to protect that beautiful soul."
A smile forms on Caitlin's lip as she pulls away, wiping her tears. "Thank you for being there for us."
"Anytime."
At that moment, Caitlin's phone goes off. Cisco's name flashes on her screen. She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, answering the device.
"What's up, Cisco?"
"Caitlin! I need you at the lab now!" He demands with panic in his voice.
"Cisco, what's going on?" She asks with concern, hearing the beeping alert noise in the background.
"Just get to the lab now," he pushes before hanging up.
Before Caitlin can say anything, the girls are by her side with Valerie's hand on her shoulder. "Mommy, we need to get to Uncle Cisco now," she pushes.
Caitlin nods her head, grabbing her daughter's hand while Iris grabs Nora's, and they dash for an alley with a breacher in hand. Stepping into the portal, they teleport in front of the elevators at STAR Labs.
"Hey, why don't you girls go play in the Lounge while we talk with Uncle Cisco," Caitlin explains with a half-smile as Iris nods, gesturing down the hall.
"And afterward, we will get you guys to finish our hangout, okay?" Iris adds.
Valerie observes both their faces, trying to get a reading from their minds, but her mom snaps at her with her eyes glowing - signaling Aunt Frosty taking control for a moment. Val sighs, nodding her head then turns to face her sister.
"Race you to the lounge?" Val asks as Nora nods with a smile. "No, using your speed!"
Nora groans, "you're no fun! But fine."
The mothers giggle as the girls run off - out of sight. Valerie looks back to see her mother no longer there and stops running.
"Nora wait, I have a better idea," she speaks, waving her sister to come back.
"Val, we are not going to eavesdrop on our moms. It's not right," she shakes her head.
She stomps her foot, crossing her arms. "Nora, they are keeping something from us, and we deserve to know. What if it's about dad? Shouldn't we know?" Valerie questions.
Nora sighs, nodding her head. "I know just the place where we won't be detected..."
"Let's go."
Standing in the bubble wall room, the girls stare as Giden appears greeting them. "Good afternoon, Nora West-Allen and Valerie Snow-Allen."
"Giden, show us the live feed in the Cortex," Val commands.
A screen appears showing the three adults talking around the command panel. Their faces show signs of stress, worry, and concern. Caitlin's voice fills the small room as a hand runs through her hair.
"Are you sure about this, Cisco? Like really sure," she stresses.
Cisco licks his lips, "Caitlin, it's him. I have been keeping an eye on any irregularities within the Speed Force. This amount of energy can only be from one person. It's Barry," he smiles. "I know it, I can feel it."
"But what if you are wrong?" Iris asks. "What if it's a different speedster? What if it's Reverse-Flash?"
Cisco moves his head, side-to-side. "Yes, that can be a possibility, but I know one way for us to be certain. Or better yet, someone who can know if it's him or not," he says, slightly looking at Caitlin nervously.
"No," she snaps. "Absolutely not. You are not dragging my daughter into this. No way," Caitlin shakes her head, taking a stand. "You are not putting her through this; you know how unstable her powers are, and this can only cause more damage."
Cisco steps in front of Caitlin, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Caitlin, your daughter can have her father back, Nora can have her father back, and you can have your husband back... isn't that worth it to try?"
Caitlin looks away, biting her lip as she debates with her thoughts. Before she can say a word, a swooshing sound interrupts the group of friends. The little girls stand by their mothers' side with a look of determination.
"Mommy, I want to do it," Val states.
Her mother's eyes widen in disapproval, "Valerie no."
"Please, mommy, for daddy, for us," she begs.
Caitlin sighs heavily, looking into her daughter's eyes before nodding. "Okay, but that necklace comes off for two minutes, not a second more."
Val nods her head then looks to her Uncle Cisco on what to do next. Before she can take off her necklace, a feeling runs through her. Valerie stands still, taking deep breaths as she feels a disruption within the speed force. As it passes, Val glances over at everyone standing in the Cortex. Her sights lock with Caitlin, looking into her mom's eyes with fear.
"Somebody is coming..."