#clockmaker!janus

[naminethewriter]

Reality Shift

We reach the end of another @loceitweek. It was very fun participating again, thank you mods for organizing 🥰 I hope you enjoy this last story of mine! 💛💙

Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3

Summary: Janus is a Clockmaker with his own shop. When a particular customer comes in, things change in a ways Janus doesn't know - yet.

Content Warnings: Philosophical discussions, Death mention, Afterlife mention, Mention of burning and fire

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Janus was in the middle of installing a gear into his newest work when the bell above the shop entrance rang.

“One moment, please!” he called out, steadying his hand once more before moving the piece into place. It fit perfectly. With a sigh of relief, he pushed the magnifying lens away from his eye and wiped away the sweat on his brow. He allowed himself a short moment of rest before placing his tools aside and walking towards the front.

“Sorry about that, I was in the middle of an assembly,” he explained to the customer who was closely examining his wares. “How can I help you?”

The customer turn to face him and Janus was immediately struck by his deep blue eyes that almost seemed to draw him in. The other man must have noticed him staring because he quickly broke eye-contact and cleared his throat.

Janus shook his head. What just happened? Sure, he had had gay moments before but never like this. This felt different. It had felt… unnatural.

“I simply came in to browse. It is rare to see a proper clockmaker shop these days,” the man explained in a smooth tone that was very pleasing to Janus’ ears. In an attractive way this time, not that weird floating feeling he had got from looking into the man’s eyes.

“Yes, indeed. I doubt I would be able to do this if not for my uncle owning the building. I would never be able to afford the rent, but he’s always been very supportive of me.”

“I see. An understanding and supportive family is a great blessing indeed,” the man nodded. “If you don’t mind my asking, why are you making clocks and watches? With the advance of modern technology, most simply rely on their devices to tell the time. Some of the younger generations don’t even know how to read the time without a digital display anymore.”

Janus eyed the man. That was quite the personal question and he was normally not keen on sharing such details with strangers, but he was also a good judge of character – at least he thought so – and something told him that he could trust this man. Well, what was the harm in telling him?

“I always found clocks fascinating, the hands ever moving, the gears ever turning, everything needs to move precisely how it should for it to work. My grandfather had a small collection of watches, some quite valuable antiques actually. They were so pretty; I could hardly take my eyes off of them. And to just imagine of much effort and precision went into making them, it was like a miracle to me. I wanted to try it for myself, and now, here I am,” Janus smiled, leaning against the counter of his shop and watched his own creations tick away.

“Time is such a fascinating part of our lives, don’t you think?” he continued, absentmindedly stroking his finger across the face of his own watch. “An unstoppable force that dictates everything we do. The fact that we have limited time to live, to do the things we want to do, is what drives us forward the most and I don’t think people appreciate it enough. They’re afraid of death to the point that they curse the passage of time that brings them closer to the brink and I can’t think of anything more beautiful than to watch it pass and change our surroundings. Imagine how dull it would be if everything stayed the same if time didn’t pass. I don’t think enough people appreciate that about time passing. And I think having a watch, a separate tool dedicated to time, is a reminder to be grateful for the life we get to live, no matter how short or long.” He looked up and was met by those deep blue, captivating eyes again. Quickly, he looked away.

The movement seemed to startle the man out of his own thoughts and he cleared his throat again.

“That is some profound reasoning. I’m impressed.” Janus shrugged.

“It’s simply my opinion. Not many I’ve spoken to about it agree with me.”

“No, I imagine they wouldn’t. Thank you for your explanation. I will come by again.” With that the man hurried out the door and Janus wondered if he had just imagined the pink tint to the stranger’s cheeks.

~~~

Janus didn’t know what happened. One moment he was struggling to breathe, the smoke suffocating him, unable to move to escape the heat of the flames, and then, suddenly, everything had vanished. Or maybe he had vanished. The floor – or whatever was under him now – felt cool to the touch but not uncomfortably so. The air was clean and carried a hint of something he couldn’t identify.

He could breathe again. He wasn’t burning anymore. What the hell was going on?

“I’m sorry for my abrupt actions,” a voice he found familiar but couldn’t quite place, suddenly spoke above him, “but I couldn’t remain idle. Can you stand?” Slowly, because he still didn’t know what was happening and felt very disoriented, Janus pushed himself up.

“Where am I?” he asked before looking at where the voice had come from. He was met by a face he recognized though he didn’t know from where until he focused on the eyes. Deep, blue, and captivating. “You’re that customer from a few years back.”

“Indeed.” The man offered him a hand to help him completely to his feet which Janus accepted. He was wary of the stranger, but something about him felt so unthreatening he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Janus reminded once he was standing. Looking around he found himself in an observatory of some kind, with a glass dome surrounding them and a sea of stars as long as the eye could see. Wherever he was, it was not Earth.

“It is not an easy question to answer.”

“I imagine it wouldn’t be. Am I dead?”

“Yes, in a sense.”

“Elaborate.” The man sighed before motioning Janus to follow him towards the giant telescope in the middle of the dome.

“Your human perception of death… I do not understand it fully, I must admit, but if I were to use terms that relate to what most of your kind believes, then I would be what you would call a deity. My domain is the passage of time and the movement of space. And in the moment of your death, I pulled away your essence from the world you know to here.”

“My essence? As in my soul?” Janus asked as they climbed the steps up to the lens of the telescope.

“It is not entirely similar to what you would call ‘a soul’ but close enough to make the comparison, I suppose.”

“Then what happens to me now?”

“That is up to you,” the man – no, god, apparently – shrugs as he motions for Janus to take a seat in one of the chairs placed beside the telescope while the god – feels weird to call him that, Janus thinks – places himself in front of the lens. “It was my thoughtless action that brought you here, but I will not force you to stay.”

“So I wasn’t supposed to be here?”

“No, you weren’t. This is a space of my creation, for me alone.”

“Then why did you bring me here?”

“I… am not quite sure of that myself. Unlike what you humans believe, even as a deity, I am not all-knowing. Especially you humans confound me often. Which is why I travel to your world every once in a while. I have watched you for millennia. Watched you curse my domain for ending your lives and keeping you from reaching what goals you strive towards, but you, you were so different that day in your store. You understood the value of my work and I found myself wanting to converse with you longer, but I am not supposed to interfere with your world. There are others – other deities if you so will – who care for your kind and do not wish for ours to change yours.

“So I kept an eye on you from afar and when you were on the brink of death, of disappearing from my sight, I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out and bringing you here.”

“Won’t the other deities reprimand you for that? If you aren’t supposed to interfere?” Janus questioned.

“I did not interfere with what was supposed to happen. You still died. Your body will still be found and mourned. Time will continue the same as if I had not acted.”

“What about where I was supposed to go from there? Shouldn’t my ‘essence’ as you call it not be somewhere else?”

“No. It would have simply disappeared.”

“So there is no life after death?”

“There is not.”

“I see.”

“You are quite accepting of this shift in your perceived reality.”

“I suppose I am,” Janus smiled, coyly, as the deity faced him again after having looked through the lens for the last part of their conversation. “I never saw much sense in committing to a believe I couldn’t prove, so religion didn’t interest me. If you are a deity and you say this is how reality works, then I can accept that.”

“You truly are strange.”

“So I’ve been told.”

The deity laughed.

“I truly hope you will stay a while. I haven’t had good company in so long.”

“I have no where else to be, apparently. So why not.”

“I am grateful.”

“I’m Janus.”

The deity smiled and reached out a hand.

“Logos. But I would like you to refer to me as Logan.”

“Sure. Thank you for bringing me here, Logan. I look forward to learning about this reality from your perspective.”

[mimssides]

Words are hard and there are only so many Ways to misinterpret a Hug: Part 2

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___

Janus didn’t sleep well that night. He had been ecstatic after Thomas listened to him for the very first time in years. Maybe even for the first time ever, since it had been the first time that Thomas actually was aware that it was him who made a suggestion. And it felt great. Amazing even. In that moment at least.

Then reality had to hit and he was back in the Mindscape watching Patton ponding against the twins’ door and crying and pleading for Roman to open and please just let him talk to him. Coldly reminded of the truth he went back into the lounge in the cellar, where he expected to find Remus. But there was no Remus in sight, which was rather unusual since the Duke was always eager to hear him talk about what idiocy the others had in store and made fun of them to cheer Janus up. But now there was no Duke.

Guilt. The comparison. Remus could take on about anything. Just not the shattered and twisted relationship with his brother.

Stupid Janus. Who was idiotic now? Who was the fool now?

Saddened he had gone to bed next and tossed and turned for the whole night without getting as much as an hour of sleep. His stomach felt crampy and his guts hurt in a way that should not be allowed but there he was. In pain and alone because he could not shut his mouth.

Which led to him getting up early and hiding in the shadows of the Mindscape and observing the others, as he often did in the past. Quietly he stuck close to the walls as Patton opened the door. He looked like he had cried quite a bit but it didn’t seem so dire as it had been the last night. He looked back into his room over his shoulder and –

Logan followed him out of his room. The teacher yawned and gave Patton a side hug, which made the latter smile.

“You’re gonna try and talk to him?” Patton asked quietly.

Logan just nodded and released Patton from the hug. Patton nodded back and was about to walk towards the kitchen, as Logan heartily patted his back as a sign of reassurance. Patton smiled a bit more, more genuine, and then left, while Logan walked towards the twins’ door.

Closely Janus kept an eye on him and watched how he rhythmically knocked on the door four times. Nothing happened. Logan repeated the pattern. Again nothing. Another repetition. No reaction. And the fourth time knocking pointlessly, Janus thought.

But the doorknob turned and the face of the miserable prince appeared.

“Tell Pat I- I don’t know. Just say I didn’t open the door or something. I can’t-”

“You can. He’s sorry and he just wants to see that you’re eating. Don’t lock yourself out.”

Roman huffed and looked to the side. Just a second longer and he would have slammed the door shut in front of Logan’s face.

But then Logan’s hand raised up to Roman’s cheek and he turned him to face him. Janus heart stopped, as the logical side carefully leaned his head forward and oh so carefully met Roman’s forehead. Logan’s other hand landed on Roman’s shoulder and Janus saw how he rhythmically drew circles with his thumb.

Flabbergasted Janus watched as Roman’s shoulders sagged down just a little and he placed his hands on Logan’s hip for a minute. The sound of almost silent crying. With the delicacy of a clockmaker Logan brushed away the wet spots on Roman’s cheek and then they gently parted.

“I’ll be there in a moment. Just getting dressed,” Roman said and Logan squeezed his shoulder before he let him get back into his room.

Logan then turned and got back on his way to the kitchen blissfully unaware of Janus’s flushed face in the shadows and his racing heart. What had that been?! This display of affection and gentleness from Logan had caught him completely off guard. And judging of how natural this seemed to come to Logan, Janus now knew exactly why the others had caught on so quickly when he had impersonated Logan before. This changed what he had believed to have known about the teacher and he felt his insides squirm and turn in ways he refused to recognize.

As the door clicked Janus gulped and retreated back into his room. He didn’t want to face Roman right now. And he totally wasn’t in need of some time to collect himself. Of course not.

___

@varthandi

@sickeningly-deceitful

@sammy-is-obsessed / @exhaustedfander

@unoriginalgayboyalex

@alexisrealgay

@softie-sushi

@wolfs-feder

@just-a-neoclassical-painting

@winter-jay-official

@a-ghostlight-for-roman

[limitededitionsanderssidesblog]

The Stacks Two Year Anniversary Thing’a’ma’jig

Hey, ya so two years ago, today, August 11th 2018, I published the first chapter of The Stacks. I realized a bit too late that the anniversary was coming up, but I wanted to do something. So first I wanted to make this:

If The Stacks ever were to become an actual book, I would like to think the cover would look something like this (please excuse the poor coloring)

Secondly, I just wanted to talk about the story, how I came up with it and all, so yeah let’s do that-

So I didn’t have any actual plan for the book when I started writing it. The only ideas I had were: steampunk, and Virgil is a clockmaker. That was all I had. Then when I started to write the first chapter and began world building I realized two things: this isn’t steampunk, and Virgil being a clockmaker doesn’t make sense.

I honestly didn’t know what or where I was going with the story when I started it, and I only got an idea around chapter 15 (which was around where I had originally planned to end it.) But I credit @impatentpending‘s Powerless as inspiration and drive for my story. Her take on societal issues (although a superpowered one) really inspired me to continue my story and gave me a bit of direction (also what’s not to love about enemies to lovers). My other inspiration was John Steinbeck, one of my favorite authors, specifically his book Grapes of Wrath, since my story had a lot to do with poverty and social class issues that were similar to the Great Depression and the plight of the Oakies.

Once I had this goal of what I wanted to portray in mind I started to delve deeper into the main four characters.

Virgil: I wanted to show the anger and strife of the oppressed, as well as showing the comradery that tragedy often brings out in people. This as well I also wanted to portray the feeling of helplessness and entrapment that abuse situations often brings, but also the kindness that can come out of it. In addition: his ‘romance’ (or lack of one for the majority of the story) was meant to display how looking to other people in romantic entanglements due to trauma can often be harmful to one or both parties. I wanted to show that Virgil first took the time to work on himself and heal from old wounds BEFORE he went into a relationship.

Patton: I wanted to mainly use him as a way to show the differences of social class, since he was the only one two live in both worlds as a Stacker and as a Non-Stacker. His interactment with new ideas and technology was meant to show just how little the Stackers have and know due to their confinement.

Logan: He was a tricky one to develop, as he kind of had his own subplot all together and didn’t interact much with the other main four besides Patton. However, I decided to use him to show how ignorance of other’s issues while being in a position of power can actively cause damage for the suffering minority. Those in power should know the intimate lifestyle of all citizens so that everyone has their needs met and recognized. I also used his perspective to show the corruption in Politics, and how some politicians actively choose do to evil to specific groups because they view them as less than another.

Roman: I said that Logan was tricky, but Roman was a whole ass struggle to write. Roman’s role is similar to Logan’s but taking a different approach. He’s ignorant to the struggles of the Stackers not because he doesn’t know anything about them, but rather because he was raised and taught perpetuated stereotypes about them. This was to demonstrate how generations of people who look down on or abuse certain groups act because of conditioned thinking taught to them by parents/school/media, etc. Not to excuse the bigotism that these people exude, but rather to show that this way of thinking can be unlearned if given time and self-checking. (This and also that when it comes to romantic pursuits with someone who deals with trauma, to never pressure them into anything or make them feel bad for not being able to give themselves to you the way you’d want.)

Bonus!:

Damien: Although I love and adore Janus, Damien can go burn in a pit of fire. Nevertheless the reason I wrote him to be so despicable was to portray those who take advantage of the suffering around them to benefit themselves. People who come from a harsh background and come out of it can sometimes shun those who live in similar situations that they did, or even make their lives worse, due to a lack of empathy, a feeling of superiority, and being a sociopa- I mean a dick.

Q/A Time! :D

 @dreamyzworldlove​ asked: do emile and thomas ever call logan dad??

A: Yes they do, they did in the last chapter. I tried to show the difference by having them call Logan ‘dad’ and Patton ‘pa’

Anonymous asked: Weird question I know but, in the stacks, if things had (from whatever point) played out differently, what other pairings do you think could’ve ended up together or you might have paired together in the World you built??

A: If Virgil hadn’t ended up with Roman than I like to think he wouldn’t date, at least not anyone from the main cast. I also think Patton and Roman would have made a cute couple if they interacted more in the beginning. 

Anonymous asked: did you have an idea in mind for Damien’s age?

A: I never thought too much on it but I had the idea that Damien took to power at age 17 or 18, ruled the Stacks for about three-four years before Virgil came to him to help Patton. That would mean he’s about 25/26, so around the same age as Roman and Patton

Final Thoughts:

The Stacks is my favorite work I have done so far, and I credit it for being the reason why I realized I wanted to be an author and what helped me develop my skills the most. It’s hard to believe it’s already been two years, and that it took took two years to write the damn thing. Nonetheless I am eternally grateful to all of you for being with me along the journey, and if you’re new, thank you for reading, and if you haven’t read it, then the story just got spoiled for you. Sorry.

[vertiny-main]

BOOK 3, CHAPTER 12

Masterlist here.

LAST CHAPTER OF BOOK 3 AND OF THE ENDLESS SUMMER TRILOGY.

Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn​, @roonarific​, @sceptilemasterr​, @endlessly-searching-for-you​, @irrelevanthough​, @likethetailofacomet​, @indiacater​.

Reactions under the ‘Keep Reading’ cut.

- We’re at the end of the trilogy y’all. Damn.

- I feel like this chapter will be very short.

- Rourke stay-- Wait, what? MC, why let him up??

- It might mean everything to you Jake, but I can’t let Rourke take over the world.

- As great as it’d be that we’re all safe and together on the island, I can’t take you guys from your families.

- Let’s get these memories!

- I think I know which ending I’m picking... Why does it hurt? Woooow.

- WAIT?? FIDDLER SAVED MICHELLE??? HUH

- Zahra becomes the new Clockmaker??

- PUSH HIM OFF THE BUILDING AL!

- WELL. FUCK.

- WAIT WHAT? MC IS THE SECOND OMEGA??

- Jake’s working a taco truck with Mike and the King Crab??

- Hey! Purple Polaris!

- DA FUCK? MALATESTA, GET OFF OF CETUS’ HEAD!

- Craig had the heart that time?!?!

- JAKE NO WTF?!?!?

- GRACE DIED??

- Awh nooo.

- CRAIG NOOOO!

- I wanna punch Rourke.

- Wait, is The Endless showing me ALL 2000 odd scenarios?!

- WAIT, HOW IS ALEISTER AN UNCLE TO TAARI???

- Michelle and Craig, huh.

- JAKE AND YVONNE??

- Estela and Zahra?????

- Awh, Quinn and Kele.

- I AM ALWAYS GONNA LOVE YOU TOO, SEAN!

- I’m not letting Rourke take over the world, and I’m not letting you guys hide away here on the island, either.

- As I said earlier, I know which ending I’m picking. I’m gonna rejoin with Vaanu.

- As much as I say that I cried in the other chapters, this chapter is getting to me.

- Fuuuuuuck. Sean told me to “think about us” when I make the decision, and I am. If I finish Project Janus and Rourke alters the world, all our memories ill be lost, so we won’t know each other. If I stop Rourke and stay on La Huerta, I’m taking Sean away from all his family, as well as the others, and if I merge with Vaanu, they’ll have a normal life again, I just won’t be a part of it.

- I’m so sorry Sean, but I want you to have a normal life with your family and friends and go on to do great things.

- I just recorded a message for them I assume?

- dontcrydontcrydontcrydontcry

- Screw you big time, PB.

- “You’re in my heart forever, MC.” And you’ll always be in mine, pixelized or real.

- Well, Earth is back to normal.

- Bitch, I’ve made my choice, and you can’t change that.

- I mean, I might replay the last chapter (for myself?) and see how the other endings pan out, but I dunno)

- Well, Rourke finally got his comeuppance.

- “I wanted to make things right.” And this truly was the only way. I might've made friends and found love, but I am not a real human. I was wished into existence, and Vaanu needed me back.

- I’m sorry, Jake.

- DAMMIT PB, WHY YOU MAKE ME FEEL THINGS??

- Good on Grace and Aleister for being Valedictorians!

- I AM SO SORRY SEAN!

- I'll miss you too, Quinn.

- Awh, they all made their Embers a reality. I’m so proud!

- Story complete. Clues: 67 of 67 found. Dossiers: 12 of 12 found. Rourke discovered. Catalyst Idols: 12 of 12 found. Endless met at Threshold. Embers of Hope: 11 of 11 found. Communed with Vaanu.

- Handfasted: Sean (with devotion flower). Top Friendships: Sean (Three hearts), Jake (best friends), Diego (close). Lowest friendships: Aleister (friends), Lila (friends), IRIS (like).

- Well, we've reached the end, my friends. What a ride! Thank you so much Mar, for convincing me to do this. I’ve loved it so much, and I understand the meaning it has to you and so many others. And to you guys! Thank you so much for reading/liking/reblogging these! You’ve been so sweet. Seriously, thank you, I love you guys!

- Oh! If you guys want me to do this for another book/series let me knw! I know Mar wants me to do this when I play LoveHacks, but if there’s any you guys want from me, let me know! (TC&TF, TF Series, #LH, RoE)

- Official end of Sarah’s Liveblogging and playthrough of Endless Summer.

[ladyseaheart1668]

Endless Summer Fan Novel (Book 3, Chapter 12)

Damn, this chapter was hard to write up! But I’ve included a lead in and a little preview of the fanfic I’m working on, which I will begin posting tomorrow. Stay tuned! 

Rourke. The Endless. Vaanu. Their voices echo in my mind, terrible and inescapable.

You don't understand, do you. Of course not. But you will. In time.

In the end, it's up to you to decide who you truly are.

To be alive is to never know what will happen next.

Choose. I must choose. Rourke. The Endless. Vaanu. The world. My friends. Or both, at the cost of myself...

… As quickly as I vanished, I find myself back on the rooftop of The Celestial. Above me, the vortex whirls faster than ever, a malevolent clock counting down the last fleeting moments before the end of everything. The crystal pillar shimmers serenely beside me. My husband is at my other side, tenderly stroking the back of my head.

“Still with us, Alodia?”

“Y-yeah. I'm...here...” I doubt I was ever really gone. Not in a way that he could see. Sean and Kele still have Rourke pinned firmly down. He struggles against them.

“If – I – may...just--”

“Let him up,” I say flatly.

Sean and Kele exchange a glance before reluctantly releasing their grip. Rourke stands and brushes himself off. He clears his throat pointedly.

“Thank you. Now. Project Janus was designed to purge the Earth of time anomalies. It can fix all of this. Estela has given us the chance we needed. All that remains is to allow the process to bring the Earth to an optimal state.”

Anger and disgust bubble up in my gut. “You're a liar!” I spit the words, seething. “You've almost killed my friends. You've left others heartbroken and despairing. Go on, I want to hear you try to talk your way into this so I can spit in your face when I refuse!”

“And when Alodia is done, I'll carve out your lying tongue!” Estela adds.

“We're gonna need his help to get out of here, guys,” Sean cautions.

“We can help each other,” Rourke declares. “And thereby help the world. Whether or not you respect me is inconsequential. I always knew you were different, Alodia. You have a connection to the Island's Heart. You can drain its remaining energy into the Omega Mech and finish this. The world will be restored, save for ignorance, suffering, and death. Qualities that have limited mankind for eons. It's all a matter of strategically revising Earth's history.”

“That sounds bad, guys,” Raj says shakily. “Real bad.”

“You can't just tamper with history!” Grace agrees. “Countless carefully balanced equations have made the world the way it is!”

“There will be differences, yes, but you will remain together. And those you've lost will be returned to you.”

I feel Jake freeze beside me. “...You mean...”

“Your friend Mike will be alive.”

A stunned silence grips him for a moment, broken by a ragged gasp. His hand finds mine. “Alodia...if that's true...it would mean everything to me.”

Rourke's gaze passes to Aleister. “Imogen, too, would be as she once was.” Aleister hesitates, his jaw tightening.

“Guys, we can't do what Rourke wants!” Diego cries. “What about Varyyn?!”

Varyyn shakes his head. “Do not be concerned with me, my love. The Vaanti have prepared for this moment for generations.”

“I'm not talking about the Vaanti!” Diego cries angrily. “I'm talking about you! I'm talking about us!”

Varyyn draws Diego into a tender embrace, cradling his head against his chest. “We are joined as one. If our bond is meant to last, what happens here will not change that.”

“I can ensure that you all survive,” Rourk declares. “That's a promise.”

“The promise of a snake,” Estela growls.

“I suppose skepticism is...understandable. Iris, confirm setting's regarding Alodia's friends.”

“Only if that is what Alodia wishes,” Iris answers firmly. I nod.

“Go ahead, Iris.”

“Project Janus will return the Selected to the beginning of their freshman year at Hartfeld University. La Huerta will not exist, nor any trace of its impact remain. Further, Alodia's past will be altered, giving her a family and also placing her at Hartfeld.”

“Huh? That's how Alodia's past already is, though.” Zahra looks at me questioningly. “...Isn't it...?”

“But...” Diego protests, “If we go back, won't we lose everything that's happened here?”

“You'll be alive. You'll have your families. And you'll all be together.” He pins me with a gaze that makes me shrink. “No one is offering you a better deal than that.”

He is a clever bastard, I will give him that. I do not know how long he has known what I really am, but it is clear he does. He knows what I am and he knows what that means for him. He needs me to complete his vision, and this is how he plans to tempt me. With the promise of an existence of my own. A past. A place in my friends' lives. And he will tempt my friends with their own losses to push me toward it. ...Of course it's my Diego who is the first to be the angel on my shoulder...

Aleister looks achingly at Iris, exhaling slowly. “...If the Mech's energy is returned to the Heart, it should reverse the vortex, allowing us to stay on La Huerta,” he says softly.

“Then I say we stay,” Raj replies. “The world's gone anyway. Maybe it's okay in another timeline, but in ours we just gotta accept that we lost it.”

“Yeah,” Craig sighs. “And I don't wanna try to go home only to have it blow up in our faces again.”

“We can make a life for ourselves here,” Grace agrees. “We have everything we need.”

“But...what about the people we've lost?” I ask uncertainly.

“I'd...really like to see my family again,” Jake concedes. “And Mike...”

“I promised my ma and sis I'd come back from the war one day,” Kele adds. “I'd hate for my last words to them to be a lie.”

“There were so many things I wanted to do,” Quinn murmurs. “To see the world, and go on new adventures...”

Zahra nods. “I already gave up on all of that once, back when I holed myself up in the ruins. Kinda hard to do it all over again.”

“I can understand,” Estela assures her. “But isn't this what the Endless wanted for us? To be safe here forever?”

“She spent decades trying to give us that,” I say softly. “...And now she's gone.”

I find my thoughts drifting back to her. To the last moment I saw her, underneath Mount Atropo, her last words to me:

“Alodia, please...wait! Rourke will promise everything...then take away the very thing we've fought so hard to protect...”

It's all impossibly vivid. I can see the rock walls around us, the gleaming red magma reflecting off the joints of her spacesuit as she crawls desperately toward me. I can feel the heat coming off the lava, hear every scrape of her metal arm against jagged stone. It hits me like a lightning bolt.

...This is real. Whether she or her suit on my body has done it, I'm here. I'm back at that moment underneath Mount Atropo.

“Endless, are you doing this?”

“Let me show you, Alodia. All that I've seen. All that I've lived. Every variation of our lives on La Huerta over my two-thousand one-hundred thirty-nine attempts to save everyone.”

She struggles to pull herself upright, reaching toward me with her intact hand. I can already see images starting to flicker to life in my mind. Swallowing, I approach, kneeling before her. Her hand brushes my forehead, and I experience the familiar brilliant flash that heralds the beginning of a vision...

… I find myself deep in the jungle. Laughter and the sound of splashing trickles through the foliage. I follow the sound, brushing back leaves and branches as I go.

“No way!” Sean protests. “That was totally out!”

“If it hits the water, it counts!” Quinn retorts.

I see my friends, playing volleyball in The Celestial's pool, sending a colorful beach ball back and forth over the net. And I am among them.

“Yes!” I crow. “That's another point!”

I stagger back, dazed by the sight. For the first time, I look properly down at my hands. One is gloved in red. The other is skeletal steel. I raise my flesh and blood hand to my face. The glove is thick, but I can still feel the wrinkles on my skin, the sparse hair on top of my head. It's an unnerving feeling, to be in the body of the Endless, but the laughter of my friends is soothing. At that moment, Sean spikes the ball a little too hard. It bounces over to the edge of the jungle, nearly at my feet.

“My bad! I'll get it.” Sean pulls himself out of the pool and jogs over to the treeline, chuckling to himself as he picks up the ball. As he straightens, his eyes find me among the trees. He gasps, retreating a few steps, his easy smile giving way to shock. “Who are you?”

I swallow. “Sean...it's me.”

He stares at me for a moment, his eyes going wide as he starts to place my features. “...Alodia...?”

I step toward him. But as I do, reality shimmers and ripples around me. I'm on a snowswept mountain now. A bellowing roar shakes the pine trees. Grace and my younger self come barreling down the slope on skis, Murphy clinging to my shoulder.

“Come on!” I shout. “She's gaining!”

“Oh god, oh god!”

The Yeti burst through the treeline after us, thundering after us with a furious howl...

… Under the volcano, Michelle makes her way toward the observatory, struggling to keep her balance as she tiptoes across the narrow catwalk. The metal groans beneath her feet, buckling and bending towards the magma beneath her. She screams, and I can't hold back a cry.

“I've got you!”

Out of nowhere, Fiddler appears, diving toward Michelle and tackling her to safety as the catwalk crumples into the gleaming pool of magma.

“Jeanine...you saved me...”

“Yeah, well, we're even now,” Fiddler snaps. “So don't expect it to happen again.” …

… In Quarr'tel's workshop, Uqzhaal addresses a small crowd of Anachronists. “It is a joyous day, brothers and sisters. We finally have a new Clockmaker!” The shaman kneels in front of the chair in the center of the workshop. The Anachronists follow suit. “We are yours to command, Clockmaker.”

Zahra grins, leaning back in the chair. “Dope.” …

… A sharp clang brings me to the edge of a roof on top of a burning building, where Rourke and Aleister face off, fencing sabers singing in their hands.

“Not bad at all,” Rourke purrs. “Perhaps I underestimated you.”

“Your observations regarding me have been summarily wrong, Father,” Aleister snarls. “But I'll afford you no time to regret your errors! En guarde!” …

… A battle rages at the base of Elyys'tel's tree. Arachnid soldiers are struggling to defend the city from hoards of furious Vaanti, led by Varyyn's mother Ximaedra.

“To me, warriors!” the queen roars. “Let us slay the Hydra and the Spider and reclaim our home!”

The Omega Mech strides across the beach, charging its weapons. Estela glares out from the cockpit. “Let's do this.”

A thousand feet above the fray, Tetra tosses Rourke's lifeless body from the branches. He watches it pinwheel for a moment, sneering, before he turns and strides back toward the audience hall.

“They're getting close, boss,” he says nervously. The red glow on the end of a smoldering cigar illuminates the face of the man on the throne.

“Let 'em come,” Lundgren growls. “And when they do, we'll burn this damned tree to the ground with them inside it.” …

… My friends are gathered in the LHO laboratory. Gurgi is on the table, pinned down by mechanical restraints.

“Help! You must help Gurgi!”

Raj's eyes scan the computer terminal. “There's gotta be a way to—”

“I'm sorry, Raj,” Iris intones, flickering to life. “I can't let you do that.”

Raj whirls to face her, his expression registering shock and alarm, but no recognition. Perhaps we never found Iris in this timeline. “Woah! Who the hell are you?!”...

… In the jungle, Quinn walks with Taari, who fiddles with a charm hanging around his neck.

“Taari, where did you get that necklace?”

“Oh, this?” Taari holds up the golden key. “I found it! Do you like it?”

Quinn kneels to get a closer look, and her eyes fall on the dolphin-shaped rune engraved on the side...

… Lila stands outside the hangar where Jake's plane was stored, inserting her key into the padlock. She gives it a twist and it drops open obligingly.

“I hate to mess with private property,” she mutters to herself. “But I have a job to do.”

Checking over her shoulder, she hastily douses the plane with gasoline, splashing a trail leading outside the hangar. Tossing the empty can into the hangar, she bends and flicks open a lighter, setting the flame to the shining puddle at her feet. The flames race along the gasoline trail as she drags the hangar doors shut.

“That should keep them from leaving...”

She hurries away, forgetting the padlock in her haste...

… In The Celestial's ballroom, Estela flips open a pocket knife and slashes at a painting of a sailboat, reaching behind the torn canvas. She withdraws a folded piece of paper, pinched between her first two fingers. Carefully, she opens it, her eyes scanning the page.

L,

There's a second Omega Specimen. Whatever it takes, we have to make sure Rourke doesn't get his hands on her.

--O

O. Oliva. Olivia Montoya. And clipped to the note is a photo of me.

“He won't, Mom,” Estela murmurs. “I promise.”...

… A rusty taco truck rumbles down ruined jungle roads with Jake at the wheel.

“I've got it! I've got it!”

“You're gonna get us killed!” Mike protests from the passenger seat. “Again!”

“We'll be fine!” Jake replies blithely. He adds, turning to call over his shoulder at the back of the truck, “Ain't that right, Sebastian?”

The Shore Guardian clicks his claws in what sounds like a reply...

… At MASADA, I stand in a laboratory beside a complex machine, staring at Michelle and Aleister.

“Hold on. You're telling me that--”

Michelle groans. “For the love of...Alodia, we've discussed this protractedly. I'm Aleister!”

My gaze shifts warily to Aleister. “And you're--”

“Michelle,” he sighs. “Can you please just get us out of this nightmare?”

“What surprises me most,” Grace says, studying the machine, “is that Rourke literally labeled this machine 'Freaky Friday Device'.”

The Michelle body with Aleister inside winces. “It's his favorite movie.”...

… Outside the remains of Rosencraft Manor, we all stand staring at the little creature before us.

“Uh, guys?” Raj finally breaks the silence. “...WHY IS MURPHY PURPLE?!”

Murphy trills curiously at us, apparently unconcerned that he has suddenly shifted from icy blue to bright violet...

… On the deck of The Dorado, struggling to stay on our feet as the storm rages around us, we stare out at the angry waves.

“How did he even get up there?!” Sean cries.

“Is he gonna be okay?” Diego asks.

“Just like Malatesta,” Yvonne grumbles. “The fool never understands when it's time to let go!”

Cetus breaches the surface again, Malatesta riding atop his head like a cowboy on a bull.

“Will one of you bloody fools do something?!” he bellows. Cetus roars, lightning blooming in his teeth...

… A figure levitates over the frozen, rapidly cracking surface of Lake Tethys, blazing with time energy.

“Run!” Tetra yelps. “That freak's gonna kill us all!”

Emerald light blazes in Craig's eyes. He laughs dazedly, and the sound rings with the power of Vaanu.

“Chyeah-heh-heh boi!” …

… In Rourke's barren marble office, Lundgren smirks, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction in the light of his cigar. “I knew you'd come around eventually. Welcome back...Wolf.”

Jake stares hollowly back at him. There is something haunted in his gaze, something broken. “What can I do for you, Commander?” …

… Aleister steps through the Lernaean Gate, Grace's lifeless body cradled in his arms. He falls to his knees, clutching her to him as tears trickle from his eyes.

“...This is your fault.”

“Aleister,” Quinn whimpers. “I'm so sorry...it was an accident...”

“Oh, Grace...” Diego murmurs, his voice soft and heavy with grief.

“Her blood is on all of you!” Aleister snarls. “And soon yours will be, too!” He lays her body down and draws a snake-hilted knife...

… Varyyn sits alone on the moonlit shore, cradling a florescent-colored seashell to his ear. Sobs bubble up in his chest as tears leave tracks on his cheeks. A voice echoes faintly in the shell, a voice from long ago.

I'll always love you, Varyyn... Diego's voice whispers. I'll always love you, Varyyn...I'll always love...

And then the echo is gone forever...

… Craig dangles over the edge of a sheer cliff, gripping Sean's hand. Sean strains to keep his grip, sweating with the effort.

“I got you, Craig! I can pull you up!”

“Bro...I'll just pull you over with me!”

“Craig, no! Don't!”

“Face it, Sean,” Craig answers mournfully, wearily, “I've been dragging you down my whole life. I'm done.” He releases his grasp and drops like a stone into the empty air, plummeting toward the rocky ground below. Sean's wordless scream of anguish follows him...

… In The Celestial's restaurant, Rourke cuts a slice off a thick steak, twirling the tender, juicy morsel on his fork.

“I must say, it's lovely to finally have a family dinner together.” Across the table, Estela sits perfectly still, her eyes blank. At her temple, a vicious device pulses with light. Rourke pins her with a steely gaze. “Wouldn't you agree, my dear?”

Estela blinks, but she does not move any more than that. “Yes. Father.” …

… Back on the moonlit beach, Taari skips over to Aleister, throwing his arms around his legs.

“I love you, Uncle Al!”

Aleister stiffens uncertainly, but softens after a moment, laying a hand on the back of the child's head.

“I...love you, too, Taari.” …

… In The Celestial's game room, an arcade machine flashes a message: HIGH SCORE! Craig whoops with delight, hoisting Diego onto his shoulders.

“Chyeeah! My boy Diego just crushed the all-time leaderboard!”

“Aw, yes!” Zahra pumps her fists. “Billy Mitchell who?”

“Hey, I couldn't have done it without you guys,” Diego replies, grinning...

… On the rooftop of Elysian Lodge, Grace sits beside the hot tub with her knees drawn to her chest, sniffling. Michelle sits beside her. She reaches out, gently brushing away a tear as it rolls down Grace's dark cheek.

“I don't think you're timid at all. You're probably the bravest person I've ever met.”

Grace turns a watery gaze on Michelle. “R-Really...?”

Michelle smiles tenderly, her fingers lingering on Grace's cheek. “Really.”...

… Outside The Celestial, Jake pulls the slide on a pistol.

“You seriously think I'd let you go it alone? I told you, I've got your back. For life.”

“I know, Jake,” Sean answers solemnly. “And you know I've got yours.” The men embrace like brothers, clapping each other on the back. Jake pulls back, smirking.

“But if you tell anyone I said that, I'll kill you myself.” …

… I watch myself raise a glass, my friends surrounding me.

“So this toast is to all of you,” I say, an impossibly happy grin splitting my face. “You're like family to me. And more than that, you're the best family I could ever hope for.” …

… On the glistening beach, Sean lifts Michelle into his arms, dancing in circles across the sand.

“I can't believe I ever let you slip away.”

“I can't believe I ever watched you go,” she whispers, beaming.

“Never again. I'm yours, Michelle. And you're mine.”

Framed by the sunset, their lips meet in a fierce kiss...

… In a bedroom at Elysian Lodge, Estela sits up sharply. Her breath shudders with anxiety. She pushes back the covers, but before she can rise, a hand grasps her wrist.

“Where do you think you're going?” Zahra mumbles.

“Just...got stuff on my mind.”

“Then talk to me about it. That's what I'm here for.”

“I know.” Estela settles back in bed, drawing Zahra into her arms...

… “Like this?” Outside the temple in the jungle, Quinn frets a chord on Kele's guitar. Kele grins.

“You're a natural. So what makes you wanna learn guitar anyway?”

“Well, because...” Quinn's cheeks flare with color. “I want to write a song for you.”

Kele smiles, leaning forward to brush her mouth with his...

… The visions come on me all at once, wild and chaotic; images, colors, and sounds. Sometimes smells and tastes. Then, amid the chaos and the countless possibilities, one moment repeats itself over and over. Jake, clear blue eyes shimmering with emotion behind strands of shaggy brown hair, smiles softly at me, speaking words that echo across every timeline: I love you, Alodia...I love you, Alodia...I love you, Alodia...

And my answer: ...And I love you, Jake...

In the space of a single moment, I watch myself fall in love with Jake more than two-thousand times. When the light fades, I am back in the cavern with the Endless' hand still pressed to my forehead. My body spasms with helpless sobs.

“Are you...sad?” the Endless asks me.

“No. I've just...never been so happy...”

“You've seen everything now, Alodia. You know everything you can know. But this is where my sight ends.”

I am quiet a moment. “...Those false memories were very convincing.”

She nods. “You had many lifetimes to develop them. And I allowed you to believe them because I could not let you or the others discover the truth before you were ready.”

“...Am I ready, though? Am I ready to know what I am?”

“You were ready the moment you passed my test at the Threshold. If you think about it, you'll realize that's when the illusion started to break down. When your memory of life before La Huerta started to become clouded. And now that you know exactly what you are, you can...see the wires, so to speak. See how your memories were just like scenes from a play or a movie.”

“...Rourke won't give me that past, will he. The one I dreamt for myself. A childhood with Diego, being there for him every time he needed me...”

“It is hard to say exactly. I expect not. ...He certainly won't give Diego his lover. You know what sort of a man he is. Do you think you can trust what he is offering you?”

“But...if I reverse the vortex...”

“You'll all have each other. You'll have the Vaanti. You will have your family, Alodia, and your existence.”

I am quiet a long moment. I could have my family. All could be as it is now, except we would be safe. Jake and I would have our little cottage by the sea, Varyyn and Diego would reign over Elyys'tel...but while I would have my family, they would lose theirs. Craig's little brother, Quinn's parents, Raj's grandmother, Sean's mother...can I do that to them? To the people who love me and trust me above anyone else in existence? Can I look my own Jake in the eye and deny him his best friend's life? Can I look at my own best friend and deny him his lover? ...Can I look at any of them and deny them anything? ...What about myself? Can I deny them my presence? ...Can I deny myself existence?

“...They are worth it,” I hear myself murmuring. “...Aren't they.”

“You know the answer to that as well as I do, Alodia. They are worth everything.”

I draw in a shuddering breath and nod, wiping away the tears. And I feel myself wrenched back to the present. My friends are still arguing, weighing the merits of going or staying. Rourke scoffs at them.

“I can't believe some of you would simply wall yourselves up and consign the world to its fate! Think for a moment of those—”

Estela whips around, sending her fist into his jaw. He grunts in surprise, staggering back.

“You have nothing to tell anyone about selfishness!” Estela snarls, fury snapping in her eyes. “In my family, we don't tolerate hypocrites!”

Sean shakes his head. “It's almost impossible to decide this...but it sounds like Rourke's way is for the best...”

“I guess so far, we're evenly split,” Diego remarks fretfully, clutching Varyyn's hand. “Half of us want to stay, and half of us want to go home. ...What about you, Allie?”

I shrink under the question. A moment ago, I swear I knew what to do. But now I'm the tiebreaker. It's bad enough knowing that no matter what happens, it's going to be my decision, but when I have to be the tiebreaker...? I'm sure my terror shows on my face.

“...I...” My chest feels tight. Too tight to take in enough air. “I...need a moment to think about this.”

I turn away, taking a few steps away to grip the railing as I look out a the cosmos whirling around the rooftop. How can I choose? How could I ever choose? ...Somewhere in that swirling chaos is the world I saw in Vaanu's past. I wish it wasn't true. But it all makes too much sense. Vaanu brought me into being. It is my mother and my father. And if I give myself back to it, if I play the dutiful daughter and complete the Heart, it may be able to leave Earth. I'll be gone...but they'll be safe. And all of the timelines will finally merge. I picture my friends, and their frightened, weary faces.

I could save them. ...I could save them all...

Murphy trills at my feet. I look down at him to see him eyeing me worriedly.

“Don't worry, fella,” I murmur. “We're gonna figure this out.”

I feel a hand slip into mine, and look up to see Jake beside me. He cups my cheek in his other hand, brushing gently at the wetness under my eye with his thumb.

“Hey. I know you'll make the best choice. Whichever way you decide to go with this.” He frowns, and I can see fear nipping at the edges of his features. “But that look in your eyes has got me worried. Because it's telling me that I might lose you.”

I startle, staring at him like a deer in headlights. “Uh, no, I just--”

“Alodia, please.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Something's going on. I need to know what it is. Don't try to spare me. Just tell me the truth.”

I close my eyes, letting out a shuddering breath. “...There's another way.” The words well up in me, sticking in my throat. I gulp, fighting past the block. “I c-can complete the Island's Heart. By gi...giving myself back to it. The world will go back to normal...but Vaanu and I will be gone forever.”

Jake's head pulls back sharply. I open my eyes and look up at him, my heart sinking as I meet his anguished gaze.

“Dammit, Alodia...don't you know I'd come after you? I'd find a way! Cross every mile of space to get you back!” He chokes. “My heart is where you belong, not Vaanu's!”

A sob bubbles up in my chest and I can't hold it back. I fall into Jake's arms, pressing my face into his chest as I cling to him.

“I know...” I whimper. “I know...”

Jake clutches me, cradling my head and kissing my hair. He holds just a little too tight, but I won't tell him to loosen his grip for anything in the world. I hear footsteps, crossing the roof toward us.

“Alodia,” Rourke says almost gently. “I know what you are. I know you were cheated out of a normal life. If you see Project Janus through, you'll be able to make real memories with those you care about.”

I don't look at him, but I can't help snarling, “I have made real—”

“Whatever you may feel about my methods,” he interjects, ignoring me, “draining the Heart is the only means of staying with your friends and restoring the world.”

I don't answer, tightening my grip on Jake. ...Whatever else he would do, I cannot deny that Rourke is right. His way is the only way I keep my existence and save the world. I slowly turn my face to glare at Rourke. ...In spite of everything, I feel myself weakening. The carrot he's dangling in front of me is unfathomably tempting. A full existence...separate from Vaanu...everyone I love alive...everyone they love restored...

Aleister shakes his head. “A gamble at best. We know what we're getting if we reverse the energy and stay on La Huerta, Alodia. We've done well for ourselves here, and can do better still. I believe this is where we're meant to be.”

...Or I could fix everything. Give myself to the Heart and allow Vaanu to leave, taking away all the anomalies it created. ...Including me.

Reluctantly, I pull away from Jake, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision. I approach the shimmering crystal pillar, and clarity floods through my mind.

“...Time is inevitability,” I murmur. “It always wins in the end.”

“...Allie...? ...What's with that face you're making?”

I almost laugh. So Diego's picked up on it now, too. Now that I have made my choice. I turn back to smile at him. “Diego, can I borrow your phone?”

“My...phone?” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls it out, looking at it as if he's surprised to find it there. “Uh...sure. I'm still not getting a signal, though.”

“That's okay.” I take the phone in one hand, and stretch out my other toward my surroundings, willing a change into effect. It works. Time stops. The vortex, my friends, Rourke, even the plants and decorations writhing in the wind are frozen in place. But already, I can feel time slipping out of my control. I can only hope I bought myself enough time...

I draw in a deep breath, pressing the record button...

… When time resumes again, I hand Diego his phone and pull him into a tight embrace. “...Thank you.”

“...You're welcome, Allie. ...But...what's going on?”

I sigh, stepping back and turning toward the pillar. I don't answer immediately. But finally, I find my voice again, and the words come.

“I guess...most people spend their lives searching for a purpose. Something to dedicate themselves to. It's a beautiful journey, really. But it's one I'll never undertake. You see...I've only ever existed to serve my purpose: You. All of you.”

I turn back to them. My whole soul swells with love for them, and I let it shine through on my face. No more tears. Not now. I won't let their last image of me be one of fear or sorrow. They need to know that I am not doing this out of desperation or panic. They need to know that I am doing this because I love them. Because I believe in them. I look at each of them in turn, my eleven Catalysts, each one a beautiful, unique light. The world had better be damned grateful for every one of them.

“I'm not afraid,” I assure them. “I love every last one of you so much. Take care of each other. And if you remember one thing, please remember this: you're worth it. You're worth this. You're worth everything. And you deserve everything.”  

Diego's face is pale as he begins to understand. “...Allie...”

I smile at him. “...Here's to adventure. ...Goodbye.”

Before anyone can stop me, I turn and grasp the pillar with both hands. A shockwave of time energy surges outward from my body, so painful it roots me to the spot. I can't even cry out. I barely manage a whimper as I cling to the pillar.

“Alodia!” Jake cries out, anguish in his voice. The vortex is descending, its spiraling arms winding ever tighter. The building buckles and begins to crumble under my feet.

“W-what's happening?!” Grace cries.

“The hotel's breaking up!” Craig yelps.

The Omega Mech rocks backward and teeters over the edge.

“No!” Rourke howls. “What have you done?!”

I feel every cell in my body vibrating. My bones feel like they're shaking to pieces as my teeth rattle in my mouth. I can barely keep my grip on the pillar. Then I feel Jake embrace me and the crystal from behind, bracing me against the shaking.

“Just...keep holding on...” he growls through gritted teeth. “If I can't go with you, at least I can get you where you need to go...”

“...Jake...”

“Just remember...you're in my heart forever, Alodia. That's a promise.”

“...I love you...”

He presses his lips to mine, and I kiss back desperately, tasting him for the last time, breathing in his scent, feeling his arms around me. Then, for the last time, I am overtaken by bright, white light. And I feel myself dissolve. Blindness is replaced by vast clarity, like looking out at the world from a mountain top on a cloudless day. I am falling into the sky, every future, present, and past occuring around me in a single moment as I rise. I can't help but be awed. I hear Vaanu's presence in my mind, echoing strangely familiar words:

Doesn't feel real, does it? But we are finally on our way...

* * *

Outside The Celestial, the sky is calm. The vortex that had dominated it only moments before has been replaced by tranquil stars, shimmering against a blanket of dark blue silk. Eleven Catalysts, Varyyn, Murphy, and Rourke stand in the courtyard, dazed.

“We...were on the roof,” Raj finally says. “How did we get down here?”

“A parting gift, I imagine,” Rourke spits bitterly.

Jake gazes up at a dark plume of smoke winding from the hotel's collapsing tower. Tears gather in his eyes and his lips quiver, struggling to form her name. “...Alodia...”

“Not to worry,” Rourke snaps. “We're all going back. And this time, Alodia will make the right choice!” He draws a portal gun from his sportcoat, aiming it at the group.

“He's gonna send us back in time!” Zahra yelps.

“Like hell he is!” Craig growls. He and Estela launch forward, but Rourke has already pulled the trigger. But nothing happens.

“What? I tested it only yest--” He is cut off as Craig drives him to the ground and Estela wrests the inert gun from his grasp. She tosses it aside. Rourke struggles to reach into his pocket, but he comes up empty-handed. “The crystals! Where...where are they?!”

“They're gone, Rourke,” Quinn replies flatly. “Forever.”

Rourke struggles out of Craig's grasp, backing away from the group. There is panic behind his eyes.

“Th-that's not possible! There were too many! I built everything on--” The rest of his words are drowned out as The Celestial's main tower finally gives out, collapsing into the rest of the resort. A massive cloud of dust billows out to envelope the area. Everyone rushes toward the beach.

“Wait!” Michelle suddenly cries. “Where's Kele?”

“I don't think he made it down,” Raj answers solemnly.

“Look, my friends!” Varyyn gasps, pointing out over the ocean. “The horizon no longer burns!”

“...Does that mean...the world's okay?” Diego asks.

Grace nods. “The anomalies, the crystals, the energy...it's all gone.”

“And the disparate timelines are finally unified,” Aleister finishes.

“I guess Kele's gone back to his own time,” Quinn concludes softly. As the group looks out over the ocean, Murphy paces nervously on the sand, gazing back at the ruined resort. Rourke falls to his knees and begins frantically digging in the sand.

“There are more! There must be more crystals...”

“Yo, I see ships out there!” Craig calls. “Two of them, coming this way!”

“Those are American Coast Guard cutters!” Jake confirms.

Gasping for breath, Rourke collapses onto his side, weeping brokenly. “No...no, no, no...Damn you! This island was mine! Now you've taken it! You've taken everything! My dream, my ambitions!”

A searchlight flashes across the beach from one of the Coast Guard ships. Estela gazes at Rourke, coldly observing his grief.

“Ambition, yes,” she sneers. “Hard work and thrift. But not dreams. Dreams come from the heart. They're for those who see the goodness in mankind and want to enlarge it.”

“You wanted only to enlarge yourself,” Aleister agress. “And here you are, weeping over handfuls of sand as they slip through your greedy fingers.”

“M-mine...” Rourke whines.

“You own nothing,” Aleister answers coldly.

The Coast Guard ships are approaching the shore, the first light of dawn brushing away the stars at the horizon behind them.

“How are we gonna explain this?” Diego wonders dazedly. “Where we've been? What we've seen?”

Jake sighs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Let's just say I have a feeling tomorrow's gonna be one hell of a news day.”

* * *

On the deck of the Coast Guard cutter, eleven Catalysts huddle together, exhausted and silent as they watch a distant shore grow closer under the rays of the morning sun.

“Do you need anything else?” an officer asks. “We'll be in Miami in a few hours.”

“I think we're fine for now,” Michelle replies, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her dark eyes. “Thank you.”

Diego gazes out in the opposite direction, back toward La Huerta. Varyyn had slipped quietly into the jungle before the ships reached the shore, leaving his lover with a soft kiss and a promise that they would meet again. Jake comes up beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Diego covers it with his own. Just like him, Jake has lost his lover and his best friend in the space of a single day. ...Though at least Diego has the hope of seeing his lover again...

His phone beeps softly in his pocket, distracting him. He pulls it out and sees the notification for a new recording. Heart pounding, he raises the phone to his ear, pressing play.

“Hey...it's Alodia...I hope you get this. ...And I hope you can forgive me for going on one last adventure alone...”

It's all he can do to keep from doubling over as a sob bubbles up from the core of his being and tears burn in his eyes. He presses his palm to his mouth.  

“God...” he whimpers. “...Goddammit, Allie...”

“She left a message, didn't she?” Zahra whispers.

Diego can barely nod. His fingers shaking as they move over the screen of his phone, he forwards the message. One by one, the Catalysts receive the recording and raise their phones to their ears.

… “This is what I was meant to do. You might even say it's why I was born. I've realized something that I think I must've known all along. You've probably all realized by now that you can't quite remember me from before La Huerta. There's a reason for that. There's a reason I've had trouble talking about parents or school. The truth is...I'm not who you think I am. I'm me. I'm Alodia. But I exist because Vaanu, and all of you, willed me into being.” …

… Eleven catalysts settle onto the plane, leaning back as the aircraft gathers speed and lifts off the tarmac. Jake glances at his phone. Sighing, he taps the message again, pressing the phone to his ear...

… “Jake, I promised you a year and a day, and I'm sorry I won't be able to fulfill that vow. What we had is very rare. I'm so grateful that I got to experience it. It's because of you that I'm able to face this decision. The strength and confidence you taught me...you gave me a lifetime worth of love in a few short weeks. I will always be with you, and I carry a piece of you wherever I am going now. I love you, my Jake. Forever.” …

… On the couch in a dorm apartment, Zahra and Craig snuggle together, watching TV.

“Zahra and Craig, on an island where nothing was what it seemed, your perspective grounded me. You never took anything at face value, and you taught me that the truth can sometimes be complicated. You're such an awesome team. I couldn't have made it without you guys.”...

The television screen flashes to a courtroom where Rourke is being restrained by security personnel. His face is slick with sweat, his eyes wild as they dart over the judge and jury.

“Don't you understand?!” he cries. “The crystal people are coming! They're coming for us all!”

“What a douche,” Craig mutters. Zahra snorts, poking him, but she grins with satisfaction at the screen.

Across the apartment in the kitchen, Raj puts the finishing touches on a platter of nachos loaded with melted gourmet cheeses, jalapenos, and avocados.

… “Raj, thank you for your big heart. You never took any credit for being the glue that held the group together, but I saw what you did. You made us more than a group of friends. You made us a family. I'm counting on you to make sure the Catalysts don't lose touch, okay? I would really hate to see you guys lose each other.” …

Raj sprinkles one last handful of cilantro across the nachos and kisses his fingertips. “Bon appetit!” With a flourish, he carries the platter back into the living room...

… In the Hartfeld University quad, the dean addresses the crowd of graduates and families seated in chairs across the lawn.

“I'm proud to present your Class of 2018 Valedictorians, Grace Hall and Aleister Rourke!”

Aleister and Grace approach the podium under a shower of applause and smile out at their classmates.

“Thank you all. Now, before we begin, we would like to share some words from someone very special to us...”

… “I've learned that sometimes, when trying to get from one place to another, you can end up somewhere unexpected. It's all part of the journey. You might have already arrived where you were meant to be, whether you realize it or not. Savor every moment you spend there. Chances are, you won't be back.”...

… In an empty locker room, Sean sits on the bench with his phone on speaker beside him. He closes his eyes against the tears that threaten him as her voice washes over him...

… “Sean, you showed me what a true leader is. Compassion is strength. Selflessness is bravery. You made us all better just by knowing you. Don't forget how special you are, how important you are to the world. Even if you feel sometimes like you aren't doing enough, I know you. And I can promise that you are always doing your best.” …

… In London, Diego walks through the streets, his fingers entwined with those of the man beside him, a man with a braided ponytail and a long coat. Diego stops, reaching up to adjust the man's hat and glasses. Varyyn grins at him through his disguise. Diego smiles back, bringing a finger to his lips...

… “Diego, you more than anyone made me who I am. Literally. It was your will that provided the first spark that brought me into being. God, where would we have been without each other? I'm sorry that I wasn't there all those times I thought I was, but I don't believe you were ever alone. The piece of you that became me was always there. And you carried me through the nightmare on La Huerta. You mean so much to me, Diego. No one makes me laugh the way you do. You've always been the missing piece that completed my heart, and I carry you with me forever. I just want you to know before I go that you are my hero, and I love you.” …

… Quinn slides a tray of cupcakes into an oven and sets the timer. Pulling off her oven mitts, she sits down, staring at her phone. Michelle walks in, setting her purse on the counter.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Just a little baking for the trip...and listening to Alodia's message again.”

Quinn places the phone on speaker. Hearing her voice, Murphy leaps up from where he had been napping under the table and hops into Quinn's lap. Michelle pulls up a chair beside her...

… Michelle, I have no doubt you're going to get what you want out of life, and you deserve everything. And Quinn, more than any of us, you know what it is to fight for something with every fiber of your being. You weren't willing to give up on a better tomorrow, so neither could we. Whenever things felt bleak, the power of your hope was a beacon, reminding us to look toward the future with optimism.” …

… Quinn brings up a hand to finger an antique set of military dogtags hanging over her heart. “I miss Alodia,” she whispers. “And Kele.” …

… Estela places a pile of carefully folded clothes into a suitcase, gazing outside at the sunny shore of San Trobida. She picks up her phone, hesitating for a moment before pressing play...

… “Estela, you're a force of nature. Your unbridled fury can level mountains, evening out the landscape for all who reside within it. You taught me how to be fair, how to be true, and how to be just.

… I didn't get much time with all of you, but our memories will last forever, I can promise you that. ...My time is nearly up now. So before I go, let me just say one more time that I love you all. Our summer is over now, but another will come soon. When it does, imagine me there with you. Spending our days on the beach, watching every sunset melt into the sea, and gazing at stars that fill our hearts with wonder. Because with you is exactly where I will be.”...

… Her voice dies away. Diego puts away his phone and looks out over the other ten catalysts, gathered around a bonfire on the beach.

“Happy Reunion, everyone. Here's to five years.” He raises a glass, and the others lift their drinks in reply. “...And to Alodia.”

“...To Alodia,” the others echo.

Murphy dozes at Quinn's heels. His furry blue ear twitches, and he blearily opens one eye. Abruptly, he leaps up onto his paws, yipping excitedly.

“Hey, what's the matter, fella?” Diego asks. “You see something out th...”

Diego trails off, his eyes going wide. The others follow his gaze and freeze. The twelfth Catalyst stands at the treeline, the moonlight reflecting off her yellow hair and pale skin. Alodia laces her fingers behind her back, smiling almost shyly.

“...Hey, guys. Did somebody call me?”

Now, as promised, a sneak peak at my fanfic, Endless Summer Book 4: Daughter of Vaanu: “...I can remember it, Jake. ...I can also remember spending senior prom in my room watching old sitcoms.” He reaches across the table and taps the first picture. “That was the first day of third grade. The first year we went to school together. She went to one of the fancy private schools in Riverside for first and second grade. But one day her class was asked to draw pictures of their best friends. She drew me. But some snotty girl who had decided she was her best friend took offense, and insulted me. ...Allie got kicked out of school for sucker-punching her at recess.” 

 “...That sounds like her...” 

 “...Except it never happened. When I had to draw a picture of my best friend, I drew a blonde girl in a fancy dress and told everyone she was my friend who went to a different school. No one believed me, and my story fell apart under cross-examination. Plus the boys made fun of me for drawing a girl in a fancy dress.” 

 “...Diego, what the fuck is going on here?” 

 “Shit, Jake, I have no clue. ...But suddenly, I feel like I'm remembering two timelines. One where she existed, exactly as I imagined her, and one where she's just my imaginary friend come to life, who gave herself up to save us all...” 

 “Which definitely happened. ...And if it didn't, I'm frankly gonna be pissed as hell that I've spent five years mourning my wife for nothing.” 

 “...But now I have evidence of her existence. Photographic evidence. ...What's more is that I swear I can remember her address in Riverside. I can picture the house. I...haven't driven over there, or even Google mapped it, I admit. A part of me is too scared to...” 

 “...I don't get it, Diego...I don't understand...” 

 “I don't either.” His expression starts to waver, his dark eyes sparkling with tears. “...I miss her, Jake. I miss not knowing what she really was. I miss believing that she really was my childhood best friend who stood by me for years. ...I miss believing she would always be a part of my life.”

 “...Aw fuck, Diego...please don't make me break down in a diner...”

 “I had to see you. I had to show this to you. To the other person in the world who loved her as much as I did. ...I needed you to see it, too. Because if you can see it...if anyone can see it besides me who knows the truth...” He trails off. He's quiet long enough that I start to look in the box again. 

 “...What's the rest of this stuff?” 

 “...More keepsakes. More memories that I know don't really exist. ...The friendship bracelet she made me. ...A birthday card she gave me... There's a funny note in there, in her handwriting. With her signature.” 

 “...And your parents don't remember whether you went to your senior prom?” 

 “I haven't asked. I'm scared to, just like I'm scared to drive by the house where she grew up.” He bites his lip. “I don't want to ask and have my hopes dashed. I don't want to say what I'm thinking, either, because I don't want to get my hopes up. But...Jake...I think she's coming back.”

[astralune]

After checking out the board in the TF29 headquarters, we wrap one some more sidequests, before moving on with the main - we demand a conversation with Janus, the head of the Juggernaut Collective that we’ve infiltrated TF29 for, and he complies - sort of. We end up having to fight out way out when the cops find us.

Then it’s off to chase down the lead we discovered on the train station bombing - the clockmaker’s daughter, who has fallen in with the wrong crowd. We go out to save her, only to find she’s the head of the Church of the Machine God, intent on uploading herself and her closest disciples into a computer that we’re pretty sure isn’t going to work.

It takes some doing, but we talk her down and into providing the location of the once second-in-command, now leader of ARC - a secret facility in the Swiss Alps.

[naminethewriter]

Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost

Masterpost of my entries written for Loceit Week 2023 run by @loceitweek.

Series on Ao3

1: Birthday Roses (06/25/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Romantic Intruloceit / rated G / 582 words Janus goes to Logan's shop to pick him up for their dinner for their husband's birthday.

2: Enchanting Scales (06/26/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Pre-Romantic Loceit / rated G / 1,202 words Logan disliked masquerade balls but when he's approached by an enchanting stranger, he might just change his mind.

3: It's All Too Much (06/27/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Platonic Loceit / rated G / 381 words Logan doesn't understand his homework, Janus stops him from freaking out about it.

4: Mediator (06/28/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Romantic Loceit / rated G / 833 words Janus had an argument with Virgil and goes to Logan to cool off.

5: Blow-Up (06/29/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Loceit / rated G / 507 words Janus gets startled by a small explosion in the basement. Logan handles the aftermath all wrong.

6: Reminiscence (06/30/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Parental Loceit / rated G / 694 words Janus is about to move to college. It's a big change for both him and his fathers.

7: Reality Shift (07/01/23) Ao3 | Tumblr Loceit / rated G / 1,635 words Janus is a Clockmaker with his own shop. When a particular customer comes in, things change in a ways Janus doesn't know - yet.