After a few quick tests, all of her eye functions remained intact: X-ray vision, telescopic vision, and fear emotion projection.
Short-term infusion of massive emotional energy could replicate Kryptonian heat vision, which was fine for occasional dramatic effect. But extended use wasn't feasible—the emotional energy cost was too high.
More importantly, when she'd first used it, the beams had been yellow. Now they matched her eye color—the beams had turned green. Most critically, these beams no longer traveled in straight lines. They could curve and bend according to her will.
She wondered if these were developing into something like Omega Beams. Besides the curving ability, she couldn't detect any other functions yet. Maybe they existed, maybe they didn't. After hours of research without getting anywhere, she decided to revisit it later.
Caitlin slept for a full three days in the high-tech medical pod before slowly awakening. This wasn't one of the commercial models available on the market—Thea had built this one specifically for friends and family. As long as someone didn't die on the spot, it could usually bring them back.
"Where am I?" Caitlin surveyed her surroundings. She'd definitely never been here before. Her mind felt like mush.
Thea waved a hand in front of her face. "Do you remember me?"
Caitlin stared at her for a long moment before the memory surfaced. "Thea?"
"That's right. Looks like your memory is recovering. That's good news."
"I remember... I was at S.T.A.R. Labs, and then... Ronnie? Who's Ronnie?" Caitlin frantically rubbed her white hair, her expression torn between pain and confusion.
Thea gave her a general overview of what had happened, omitting all the speculation and finishing with, "Two personalities merged. Although you're still you, it's essentially a brand-new personality receiving old memories. The original Caitlin doesn't really exist anymore."
Thea had actually liked the original Caitlin—honest, kind, responsible, full of good qualities. This new personality was still based on the old one, inheriting most of the good traits. But Killer Frost's influence was unavoidable. Her gaze now carried a coldness that sharply contrasted with the warm, friendly Caitlin who'd been welcoming to everyone.
"As for Ronnie, he should be your fiancé. I don't know much about him." Thea displayed some photos and videos for her, all compiled by Gideon from various sources. Following her orders, the AI had created a short film that replayed Caitlin's life experiences through images.
The effect was remarkable. Before the video even finished, Caitlin had an epiphany.
"Oh, I remember now! Ronnie is my fiancé, and you're my best friend." Caitlin spoke with absolute certainty.
Thea felt somewhat choked. Their relationship was merely casual at best—where did this "best friend" come from?
After asking a few probing questions, Thea understood. To facilitate the personality fusion, she'd infused a bit too much fear energy.
During the subconscious merging process, Caitlin had developed something similar to Stockholm syndrome. Combined with their existing acquaintance, the new personality had automatically constructed a false impression that they were best friends under extreme fear.
Calling it "false" was somewhat exaggerated. Regardless of the facts, the belief that they were good friends now formed the foundation of the new personality's fusion. Denying this would undermine Caitlin's entire new identity.
"That's right, you're a very good friend of mine. Um... a very good assistant!" Thea pivoted mid-sentence. She remembered how introducing Fiora as her "deputy" had made Diana suspicious for quite a while. The word "friend" could easily lead to misunderstandings.
The personality was still immature, flooded with memories. Caitlin didn't notice the distinction between the two terms. As long as they had a connection, she was satisfied. She calmly accepted the assistant position.
She moved around experimentally. With each gesture, the room temperature began to plummet. "Assistant" Caitlin seemed to realize she'd caused trouble and quickly stopped.
Too much power was also a problem—she couldn't control it at all. Thea used magic to seal several neural pathways in her brain that controlled her metahuman abilities.
Worried she might face danger unable to use her powers due to the seal, Thea gave her an imitation power ring. This replica had two functions: first, to hide the ring's existence, and second, to temporarily unlock the seal inside Caitlin.
As for the white hair, there was no need to conceal it. After disappearing for three days, there had to be some explanation.
Yes, Thea planned to send her back to Reverse-Flash. Nine months remained until Barry Allen's awakening. Though Dr. Wells' cover identity had been disgraced, at least Reverse-Flash had escaped public scrutiny. Who knew if he'd actually wait peacefully for nine months? If he pulled something unexpected, Thea would be at a disadvantage.
She instructed Caitlin: no matter what Reverse-Flash asked, the answer was "I don't know" or "I'm not sure." If he mistakenly assumed Caitlin had awakened teleportation abilities, that was fine too.
Thea invented over a dozen excuses on the spot and had Caitlin memorize them all for improvisation.
She then had Gideon simulate Reverse-Flash's thought patterns and behavior, running several tests. Caitlin perfectly portrayed a traumatized young woman.
Whether frowning while saying "I don't know" or struggling to think while unable to produce answers with "I'm not sure," the now less-honest Caitlin performed flawlessly.
Shortly after Caitlin returned, new information came back. Reverse-Flash had only briefly questioned her whereabouts before giving the entire lab extended leave—attendance optional. He was busy playing the role of a middle-aged scientist tormented by guilt and conscience.
Just like in the original timeline, the speedster Reverse-Flash now sat in a wheelchair, pretending to be paralyzed. Every day, his weathered face endured accusations and interrogations from all sides.
One day after Caitlin returned to Central City, Thea and Oliver also arrived at S.T.A.R. Labs.
The siblings had come to visit Barry Allen. Barry's foster father, Joe West, had learned that Thea was one of the world's foremost medical experts. After calling in countless favors through a convoluted network, he'd finally reached out to her. Oliver had also gotten wind of the news, which led to the siblings' visit together.
"Dr. Queen, please take a look. The hospital says Barry's dead—no heartbeat. But these lab people say he's still alive." The tall, sturdy middle-aged black detective Joe West truly treated Barry like his own son. Fearing the S.T.A.R. Labs team might be hiding something, he'd stayed by Barry's side almost constantly for four days.
"Please, just call me Thea. Let me check his condition first." Thea nodded politely to Joe West and to Iris West, Barry's childhood friend, standing beside him. Barry had always liked her, yet she remained completely oblivious. Still, their bond was genuine.