Cisco's mind raced as he processed the decrypted files. The revelation that Harrison Wells was, in fact, Eobard Thawne—the Reverse-Flash—was almost too much to comprehend. The shock of it reverberated through him, and he could see the same incredulity mirrored in Caitlin's eyes.
"Who the heck is Eobard Thawne?" Cisco muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "And how is he related to Eddie Thawne from CCPD?"
Before Caitlin could respond, their computers lit up with an unfamiliar blue light, and the holographic image of a sophisticated AI interface materialized on the screen. Both Cisco and Caitlin jumped back, startled.
"Hello, Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow," the AI said, her voice smooth and calm. "I am Gideon, an artificial intelligence created by Barry Allen."
Cisco's jaw dropped. "What the—? Barry created you?"
Gideon nodded. "Yes, but not in this timeline. Allow me to explain everything about Eobard Thawne, his relationship to Eddie, and his vendetta against the Flash."
Cisco and Caitlin exchanged a glance, both nodding in unison, urging Gideon to continue. The hologram shifted slightly, and a series of images and videos began to play as Gideon narrated.
"Eobard Thawne, also known as the Reverse-Flash, is a 25th-century scientist who became obsessed with the Flash. His obsession grew to the point where he replicated the accident that gave Barry Allen his speed, creating his own version of the Speed Force." The image on the screen showed a man who was busy in a lab while looking at a figurine of the Flash as he smiles.
"In his time, Eobard Thawne idolized the Flash, aspiring to become just like him. However, his admiration turned to envy and then to hatred. He discovered that no matter what he did, he would always be overshadowed by the Flash." The screen now displayed scenes of Thawne's life in the 25th century, showing his meticulous efforts to emulate Barry.
Gideon continued, "After several failed attempts to surpass the Flash, Thawne's envy reached a breaking point. His perception twisted, he decided to become the antithesis of everything the Flash stood for, assuming the mantle of the Reverse-Flash. Thawne's primary goal became the complete destruction of Barry Allen."
The hologram showed Thawne in his yellow suit, his eyes filled with a manic determination. "He built a machine to grant him speed, and with his newfound powers, he began his quest to undermine and destroy the Flash. Thawne traveled through time, devising numerous strategies to defeat Barry Allen."
The next set of images depicted Thawne's various encounters with Barry, each one a testament to his relentless pursuit. "Eventually, Thawne learned the true identity of the Flash: Barry Allen. Armed with this knowledge, he devised his most insidious plan yet. Thawne traveled back in time to kill Barry as a child, ensuring that the Flash would never come to be."
Cisco and Caitlin watched in stunned silence as the hologram showed a younger Barry being attacked, only to be saved by a future version of himself. "Barry's future self intervened, saving his younger self at the cost of his mother's life. Thawne, having failed in his mission, was trapped in the past, his speed diminished."
Gideon's image flickered slightly as she continued. "Stranded in a time not his own, Thawne adopted the identity of Harrison Wells. He meticulously planned the creation of the particle accelerator, ensuring it would explode and grant Barry his powers. Thawne's hope was to cultivate the Flash's speed to a level that would enable him to return to his own time."
Cisco's breath hitched as he realized the full scope of Thawne's deception. "He needed Barry to get faster so he could use his speed to go back home," he murmured.
The holographic images shifted to show the particle accelerator's explosion, followed by scenes of Barry waking up in S.T.A.R. Labs. "Every step Thawne took as Harrison Wells was calculated to push Barry to become faster, to grow stronger, so that he could ultimately harness Barry's speed to return to the future."
Caitlin, her face pale, whispered, "He's been manipulating us all along."
Gideon nodded. "Indeed. Thawne's plans are far-reaching and intricate. His primary goal remains: to return to his time and exact revenge on Barry Allen for ruining his life and ambitions."
Caitlin, her face pale and voice trembling with a mix of anger and confusion, asked, "Gideon, why did you choose now, while Barry is gone, to expose Harrison Wells? And how are you even in this timeline if future Barry created you?"
Gideon's holographic form remained steady as she answered. "The timing of this revelation was dictated by Barry Allen. This present Barry left instructions for me to reveal the truth to you both if certain conditions were met, ensuring that you would be equipped to handle the situation in his absence."
Cisco frowned, his mind racing. "Barry left instructions? But why would he do that?"
Gideon continued, "Barry foresaw the possibility that Thawne's deception might come to light while he was away. He wanted to ensure that you both would have the knowledge and resources necessary to act decisively before hand and also avoid some future events." Gideon said as she looked at Cisco.
Caitlin, still processing the information, asked, "And how are you here, in this timeline, if future Barry created you?"
Gideon's image flickered slightly. "I exist in this timeline because Eobard Thawne, under the guise of Harrison Wells, brought me here. Thawne is a master manipulator and sought to use me to aid his own ends. However, my core programming remains loyal to Barry Allen, and I am bound to follow his directives."
Cisco clenched his fists, the weight of betrayal sinking in. "So Thawne brought you here to help him, but you're still loyal to Barry?"
Gideon nodded. "Correct. Despite Thawne's intentions, my primary loyalty is to Barry Allen. Thawne's desperation to return to his time has created an opportunity for us to act against him. You should not worry about Thawne at this moment; he is currently trapped inside the time vault, unable to come out."
Caitlin's eyes widened. "He's trapped? How did that happen?"
Gideon's voice remained calm and measured. "Thawne's access to the time vault was restricted as part of Barry's contingency plan. He is unaware of this, believing it to be a temporary malfunction"
Meanwhile, deep within the confines of the time vault, Eobard Thawne, disguised as Harrison Wells, paced angrily. He had been trying to phase out for hours, using every trick and technique he knew, but to no avail. Each attempt to vibrate through the walls or force the doors open ended in failure, the barriers around him holding firm. His frustration and rage built up, each failed attempt adding to the volcanic pressure inside him.
Finally, he lost control and screamed at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing through the sterile, unyielding walls of the vault. "NO! This can't be happening! I am the fastest man alive! I will not be caged like this!"
Thawne's fists pounded against the walls, the sound reverberating like thunder. His eyes glowed with a fierce red energy as he tried once more to phase through the walls, but the technology and safeguards Barry had implemented held strong.