[2254] Doomsday Clock

The Needle ship on its trek reaches the Village Sanctum AFTER the Valentine's Day massacre. There is no welcoming waving slothes only SHARDS of broken multicolored glass and an active flow of volcano lava. The storm rages on above the attampere , the sun blotted out of sight... darkness.

I could not fathom the village facing a worst horror then what we just escaped from yet..somehow.. 
it did...

The crew begins to stir and quarantine is lifted to let out those in the Containment Chamber to see the HORROR for themselves. 

I try to radio into NEO or Mother's observation station, WHAT was going on??

Crystal:

*I look out at the strange destruction wide-eyed.

"Aunt Paingha's Tarot card reading! This! This is the Tower! The bad ending after a victory!"

*Is she even alive now??*

*I put a hand to my head wondering if I had just taken the time to think about it during the ride to the vampire's lair then maybe I could have realized the prophecy and put two and two together. If I had just looked and been vigilant! I had received the warning, it should have been my responsibility to have reported on it and followed up on it no matter how cryptic and vague! But I did nothing!*

Fritz:

OH MY DANE

I drop my bags, like... what could I even do.

 I was still worried about Crystal in this state and rush after her closely hearing her words.

(Tully): "Hey Hey!" The young soilder stumbled over to us from the rubble. 

"What happened?"

(Tully): "It was a TOWER a ..rainbow..tower.." He prattles on and I go COLD thinking of what Crystal JUST SAID.

.....


(Tully): "I think our minds got wiped I...dont remember... what happened.."

"Who could have done this?"



Boren's Ship attacking - in STYLE


...

Crystal:

*I lean over, lowering my head upset and taking in everything, as I hold my aching wounded side.

*We're told of a rainbow tower! A tower of all things! It was even more literal than just the representative meaning!

*I rest my forehead against Fritz overwhelmed.*

"It was there... The clues were all there. I just didn't see it." *I quietly say in shock.*

Fritz:

I clue in all this...glitter... glass ..shards? must be from this tower ship...
It was everywhere and there was a smell. I wasn't sure what it was. Chemical in nature. 
The morbid bodies of sloths and valentines day carnival just added to what looked like a 'after party' but was much darker. 

"I'm sorry Crystal.. but..who would have...thought it would...be this?"

People play with cards all the time, its not like..everytime its about a literal tower.
I stroke her back as she rests her forehead trying to comfort her. 

(Blythe): "The curse is broken everyone  , wake up!"

I tune into what the other Princess was saying as I notice people I thought dead were moving under rubbble. So many were knocked out, some sort of mind wipe?

(Blythe): "Bash broke it, The Overlord is dead. We might have lost the King but you still have your prince..dont give up! King Sorin wouldn't want us to quit now. "

The crowd is confused how Bash could have broken the curse. I blink slowly. How is the curse broken if its THIS bad.

Could the overlord really die...

I think trying , trying to find some good in the vampires and Boren's demise.. maybe?

It didnt feel like anything could be good news.

Crystal:


*What he said made sense, but a part of me figured we'll never know now. The time to try and see if it was possible was lost. A mistake that shouldn't be made again.*

*I feel a bit better at his touch on my back and I rub my head against him, soaking in the comfort and de-tensing a little, before wincing slightly and grimacing at the pain in my side.*

*There's talk of 'The curse' being broken. I try to think if I can possibly believe it given what's right in front of us.*

*The tower speaks of chaos, destruction, sudden upheaval, and unexpected change... Sure this fit all right... But it doesn't seem like the curse being broken resulted in a good thing then after all.*

Desmond:

*I finally slowly make my way over. Out of breath through a ragged burning raw throat, and leaning against a wall for support. My head swaying slightly. The outcome of a mixture of anemia, Starker blood reaction, and pain relievers.*

*Squints peering at the destruction and the rainbow tower.*

"Woah..." *Pants and leans my head which feels heavy against the wall.* "Huh... Wild... Wild vibes... All the... full spectrum..." *Takes a seat against the wall.* "Things will... get worse... before they get better.."

*I can see it now... People seizing the chance to grab everything they can while everyone struggles... Not cool, man. People need hope.*

William:

*Ugly cries in response to King Sorin's death.*

Nooooooooooooooooo!

*Snot bubble pops out of nose as I continuously SOB in the background.*

Bash:

I panic freaking out, people start waking up confused, ships arrive. I almost pass out from fright of how to handle this.  Too much happened all at once, so many dead. Forget the part where I found out and then accidently killed ..my father.

I try to push Shard from my mind, the curse was always silly to me, not real but if HE was REAL in the flesh here 100 years later maybe maybe I just killed the only one who could have broken it. 

In my heart deep down I felt like I did somehow ..ruin everything. Sorin was gone..he wasnt my father but he raised me and I couldnt think of life without him.

Williams sobs was a big mood..

I find myself crying from the eyes but no sound could come out numb to it all. Blythe.. she..covers for me.

I suck in my breath not wanting to say I'm the Starker, how can I take credit for breaking the curse when I probably just made it eternal. 

(Blythe): ((Bash, you need to buck up... its now or never...))

((No..))

(Blythe): ((If you don't, there's no future, maybe you can break it...if you give up now there is no chance is there?. your Shard's only son..)) The way she said it only made my guilt about Shard intensify. He seemed terrible, really.. but 100 years of suffering could have done that. No matter the case too many died today and he shouldn't have. He was the King.

I cant let everyone down.
People wanted to know WHY it broke. I have to tell them, I have to admit to ..being a Starker...

"I. Learned from Boren and Jean.. I'm a Starker.. Shard..he was real and here not some story but.. they all went ..in the volcano.. one after another.. I'm so sorry..as Sorins ..adopted son.. and Shard's ..son.. I'll do the best I can to uphold their legacy."

I felt sick.. what legacy they both..lied. Now I was going to have to lie.

I slowly leave the crowd to process that and go to Will and Tam.

"What happened with the Xerns?" I ask them and see Desmond, Crystal, Fritz .. Meridieth was missing..and Beolan.

"Where are the others?" I ask only DEEPLY concerned with Meridith...not so much Beolan.
It hits me how...Beo could ruin all of this for me. Now I understand why Blythe seemed skeptical of him.

How does he fit? I'm not the last heir if he exists, what does that mean for the curse?

(Tamsin): "Your..highness?" He says regretfully sad before dipping his head.

"You dont have to do that....yet.. al'right.."

This is so awkward.

"Meradith?" I press WILL to talk since Sabel is dead and she was with Meridieth I was not overthinking the worst happened.

"Where is she?"

Crystal:

Bash tells ALL.

The details and complications of which are entirely lost on me, unfortunately.

All I can think of is, 'Okay... Well, I'm definitely not going to blame myself for not figuring out that family tree.'

That was a whole other species' religious cursed can of worms and quite possibly a convoluted, crazy history that I just did not even know the basics of.

And if it was ever taught, which, let's face it, it probably was. I just literally did not remember, despite my teacher's best efforts.

Should I have cared? Absolutely. 'The Curse' is a big deal after all...

But was I also just a kid who regularly got distracted in class in my own head about making different slash names of myself and my best friend and trying to decide which is the best one...?

Yes.

And I'm up to 6 incredibly amazing options by the way.

William:

Prince Sebastian unloads some pretty heavy family history on us. The stuff of legends really, and all revealed to him by those monsters??!?! (Boron and Jean) How terrible!!!

I sob again thinking about King Sorin's death but try to keep it together for his SUPERMODEL adopted kids.

"The Xern station.. was destroyed. That Beolan Starker kid stayed behind to make sure there was nothing left.. Meredith....."

I try to think of the young human girl that came with us.

"Last we know she was with Princess Sabel on the station."

I look around wondering why they weren't here yet.

Oh no....

Tamsin:


Our new..king asks of Meradith's fate. It did look bleak. At the time I felt we we're going into a dangerous area more so then where we left, and she was safer there. But now..seeing they weren't here yet.

....

Bash seemed to react to William's mention of my mother.

I grow cold, picturing her, so loyal, if she had been there she would have given her all to fight for grandfather Sorin.

Not that the others wouldnt but.. she did not know when to quit.
I wasnt here to stop her.

(Bash): "...Sabel...she...I think Boren killed her..first."
He winced and it felt like a heavy blow to the chest. 
I was to distracted in my own grief to hear Bash continue.

(Bash): "I didn't see Meradith, if she was with Sabel then... Boren must have captured her too. She could be at any of his planets.."  

Of course young Mer's well being would be top priority but I had to excuse myself. Walking into the rubble finding no comfort in this 'ucursed' world.

Desmond:


The whole vibe here was at such a low point already and then the terrible news about Meri!

Bash says she could be anywhere but... But she was with Sabel... And Sabel... Was killed by Boren... And... And Boren was... here... Right?...

I try to make sense of it all...

She must be here... Must be...

I breathe in trying to pick a scent, which only makes my burned-up throat feel like sandpaper, causing coughing fits.

Slowly heads towards some of the closer villager house's rubble. "Merrriiii!" I call out as loud as I can with a hoarse wrecked throat. Gets on the ground trying to peer under the ruins. "Merriiii!"

Crystal watches me distraught thinking I'm in some sort of shock given everyone going on all at once, that's also piled on by heartbroken denial because of our teenage famous trio-ness. Plus she knows I'm on pain killers, which probably isn't helping.

William:

It was so gut wrenching to feel the satisfaction of victory over the Xern vampires only to be met with the shocking blow of defeat at the hands of the Overlord.

We never even saw it coming..

The casualties at the station made it all the worse.

Princess Sabel and to think of that poor young girl (Mer)!

Her little friend goes off after her (Des) and the new K- *sobs* -ing speculates where she could be.

How horrible! Better to die than be sentenced to such a fate!

Fritz:

Oh no! I gap a little,  Mer and even Beo didn't make it?

I wasn't fully listening to the King and soldiers but saw Desmond going forward in a haze looking for Meradith.

I guess he wasn't going to Sorin's apprentice after all.. the MAJOR reward offered to him or Beo for whoever finished off the Xern Lord. 
 
I let go of Crystal worried.

"Maybe theres a chance for her if Beo is missing too?"

He could have protected her from a blast.
I...think?

Bash:


Desond seems to think Mer was here..since Sabel was....err that makes more sense then what I said... doesn't it?

Any Hope for Mer I had just looked .hopeless now. If Mer was on his ship...and the ship was...everywhere...

Poor Des....

It seemed like it just kept getting worst....

*CURSE GUILT*

The sky was dark and clouded from the explosion of the tower but I half expected it to snow too...
Maybe we would all just FREEZE.

At the rate things are going...

"William you meant alot to my father, I dont know where the elder Guildmasters are...but till they get back I am going to need your help. This is alot. I'm thinking of gathering volunteers to set up shelter sets and maybe we could move most critical into your ship."

Hopefully someone from NEO will get back to us...soon? 

The silence just made me start overthinking the worst could he happening over there.

Most critical.. OMD KLAUS..

Where did he GO?

The Overlord crushed him! I check where I left him worried.

William:

Wipe my eyes trying to pull myself together.

The young King's words hit me in the feels again and it takes everything in me not to break down again.

*Swallows hard .*

"Yes your Majesty."

I give him a heartfelt salute before setting off to work as instructed.

Klaus:

I must have passed out.

I groan slightly as my body heals and I remember the night events.

*Blinks*

What I saw... Bash did....

...........

Crystal:

I give a nod after his words.

"Right.. Right... They're..."

I imagine Beo with his wings flying though space cradling Mer while she's in one of those suit things from earlier. Right... The mental image seems plausible and also feels like a relief, so I cling onto that hope and say more confidently then how I started,

"He's probably flying her here as we speak... It's just taking them awhile longer... given he's... Probably slower than a ship?"

I guess and look to Fritz questioning, then add in with a nervous smile.

"Or purposely taking his time, showing her the stars, being all romantic while it's just the two of them. Having no idea about-" I look away towards the ruins and drop my smile. "All of this."

Blythe:

"Do tell Klaus..what did you see..?"

*whispers seductively behind him hearing his thought.
I kept a tight grip on his wounded arm so he doesn't flee and press it closer to me.

I struggled on 'getting rid of the witness' when he was sleeping...but.. he is too pretty  

I just watched him a bit.

Klaus:

I turn to Blythe at the sound of her voice.

The way she held my arm startled me.

I tilt my head at her.

"I think you know exactly what I saw... Blythe."

Blythe:

I struggle with conflicting thoughts, I really shouldn't let him go with what he knows.. but when Boren had him in his grip.. it was awful, I couldn't bare it! 

I already lost everyone else. 

"And what are you going to do about it?" My grip on him looses to a desperate cling as I was still reeling with everything I couldn't process and made the terrible mistake at looking into his BLUE eyes and only seeing Shard.

Klaus:

"I don't know.."

I catch her look finally understanding it now that I saw HIM and know what I know now.

To be caught up in such a twisted affair such as this made me sick.

"Don't look at me like that!"

I snap growing defensive with her.

Trying to get over who she was, was one thing but this was so much worse.

Blythe:

I repeal back from him mortified at his accusation. 

"Its not ..like that! "

*tears up in denial* 

"I ..care about you.. for you. ..when Boren had you ....when you were going to die I realized. I love you! I knew what you were all these years I kept the secret, you acted surprised I knew but you must have known I knew. I did it because you mean something to me Klaus."

Klaus:

I back away even further from Blythe, startled at her admission.

It was youthful ignorance which first led me to believe she did not know the truth. Over time I must admit I got a little too comfortable believing in that foolish notion and let my guard down.

Time blinded me to that among other things. We had known each other for so long now I became blinded to her feelings, for I truly did not understand them myself.

It only made SENSE she longed for another when she looked at me for I was a VAMPIRE.

But there was something else.. a sort of uncomfortablness I felt when I was around her, long before I knew about her father.

It did not make sense. I OWED her so much throughout the years for everything she has done for me.

She has always been a very good friend.

"Blythe... "

I pause in no position to properly handle this conversation after what just happened.

"I do not think you care for me in the way you think you do."

I inwardly cringe.

"I care for you alot.. as a friend, and I truly appreciate all you have done for me. I am so sorry to have let things hang between us for so long."

Blythe:

Klaus's reaction was indeed humiliating as he perceived to tell me I didn't understand my own thinking. That strikes a nerve as my stare intensifies angrily.  

"Is that so."

But what sense of self worth did I really have after everything that came out.  

His rejection did not sting as bad as loosing Bash as my little brother...
Dad... and Sabel...

Shard has been dead to me for a long time.

He does apologize in his oh so charging way giving me the impression he did not completely despise me for what I am and may not ruin Bash's reign with what he knows.

(Bash): "Klaus!"

I hear Bash looking for Klaus where he left him and move aside to hide further behind a rock.

((I dont need you to feel the same Klaus, I need to know you wont get.. my son driven out based on what you saw.))

Klaus:

Blythe disappears as her... son calls out for me.

"Right here!"

I call back as Blythe continue our conversation in secret.

Thinking: I would not dream of it.

Bash:

I was surprised how good Klaus looked.

"You look pretty good for going head to head with the Overlord." I joke..weakly because it was hard to be lighthearted right now. But still...not many survive being in the grip of Boren.

*stares at him awkwardly*

Bash:

I ALMOST let Klaus go and was ready to live with the awkward silence ..but if last night taught me anything ....and it did... I cant do that.

"Klaus..wait.."

I cut in front of him.

"I'm sorry you got dragged into that and ..everything you saw..and heard. I'll regret it forever.  I'm pissed off I'm a Starker but ..more so the other side..and what that means..."

Klaus:

I tilt my head at Bash's apology.

I did not know what to say to make any of this better for him. I hardly knew what to do about it myself.

Nor cared...

"I suppose we all have our burdens to bare."

Some more than others.

"All we can do now is.. work with what we got."

I pause a little on edge before changing my tone with him.

"But if you keep to your business as I do mine, I expect nothing but... great things for the future.

Bash:

I listen to Klaus's advice trying desperately to take it to heart but it was so hard. His change of tone makes me think back to ...the horrific moment.

 I was not really listening to what Boren was saying when he had Klaus, I was more freaked out about Dad and Sabel after he announced he killed them.

But.. he was talking to Klaus .. called him..a ...vampire.. 

I realize his last comment might be a threat. That all this time I thought he was just a little bit older then me... but maybe hes more 100 years older...

These few years in the village, certain things made sense now.  Certain ways he and Jospeh always kept to themselves and there wasn't room for me.

"Do you have a soul? Are you different then Raginbar?" I blur out in a whisper never considering him in this way before. 

It was obvious wasnt it.

Klaus:

I back up startled at Sebastian's responding question.

"I would imagine?"

Come to think of it perhaps I don't? I am dead afterall.

"I was cursed with this condition during adolescence. So in short, no.. I am not in any way related to the Xern vampires you are most familiar with."

Bash:

Klaus tells me he does have a soul, I try to believe that based on what I've seen over the years between our friendship but ..vampires.

 I've seen soldiers put down because they got bit and would turn, if we thought they had a chance they would have been given it. 

I was very confused. This was not something I ever considered being a grey area..

I wasn't sure if him being a cursed vampire and not one being controlled by parasites made me feel better about it. Curses seemed...worst..  

..or maybe I was just thinking about the big one..

"Well.... I'll make sure you dont end up like Raginbar if you make sure I dont go Boren?"

I flash him a morbid awkward grin before walking forward into th rubble looking for survivors who were..still alive..

Klaus:

I tilt my head slightly amused at his comparison before wandering off in my own direction to check on my underground base.

Juliet:

I don't remember what happened.

I wake up to find myself in dirt, ash, and dust, under wreckage.

My body tries to cough but it's difficult to even do that with a the weight on my back.

"Help!! Please!!! Help!!! Over here!!" I call out.

How did this happen?? There must have been an attack??... Or a planet quake?? Where was everyone?? Where they all stuck under rubble like me??

I try to look ahead for some way out and eventually, a miracle is gifted to me. I see eyes peering into the rubble and at that moment it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. It's my salvation! I'm saved!

Bash:

My mind was racing, everything was too much. Klaus being a vampire...
Just made me more anxious now.  Maybe I did the wrong thing so many time. Maybe I am bad like Boren..

I find a girl still live and she distracts me from it all. I swoop her up and brush off rubble, checking or injuries. I didnt smell alot of blood, just scratches.

"Are you ok? Can you talk?"

I ask her trying to gentley move her out of the way of many sharp shards.

Fritz:

I TRY to smile at what Crystal says about Beo and Mer. 

"Yes thats probably it. Imagine the rumors if they are gone any longer..together.."

It made sense.. though..poor Des.
I sorta shipped him more with her.. 

Beolan was kinda a jerk but I was very showy off of him to keep her for a midnight flight.

I was kind of jealous I could not do anything so impressive for a girl...

My eyes wonder to Crystal and I try to change the subject.

"Uh..was..your fam here? Can I help you look?"

I rub the back of my head not wanting to leave her alone with just her sick brother.

Crystal:

"My... Aunt was here..."

I pause just gazing at it all.

A part of me wonders if she could have teleported away from all this... But... There's unfortunately only one way to find out, barring the whole her suddenly appearing right in front of us option.

I start to head to where I saw her last.

"Thanks... What about you?"

I glance at him, before glancing at every pile of debris we pass, wondering if he was also looking for anyone specific at the same time.

I pass by an unmoving sloth hand sticking out of rubble. How many will there be once everything is sifted through... Or.. How many will be alive?

Juliet:

Takes a deep breath of air now that a roof is no longer piled on top of me.

... Though my saviour hunk certainly takes my breath away...

"Y-yes, thank you."

Gazes at him mesmerized. He's such a hero and gentleman!

But now that I'm out of the wreckage I can see just how terrible everything else is behind him and realize its everywhere around us.

Wow... I almost wonder 'what did we survive through', but I notice lava so... That's a bit of a clue to that natural disaster variety.

Oh no! Jem!

"H-have you seen anyone else?... M-my sister?..."

I peer around where I had been concerned.

"I hadn't heard her when I woke up... But... She could just be passed out... right?...." I plead teary-eyed as the terribleness of the situation starts to invade my initial relief and feelings of crush at first sight.

I can't even remember what happened though... Had she been here with me?... Was she... Somewhere else?...

Bash:

I was afraid to put her down with everything around us. But apparently there was another girl to save.

I find a clear spot by a rock and then give her my long jacket hoping to provide coverage. 

I totally passed my rescue with chivalry essay last week.

"I'll look for her m'lady please stay here, I can carry you the way back once I make sure..."

I start moving the rest of the rubble to make sure no other person dead or alive is under.

My heart sinks a little wanting so very bad to have reunited them. Do something..right for a change.

"Don't worry she could be..back at camp..the wounded are being taken to a ship too. We'll check them both!" 

I say as I come back up brushing glass off myself so I can pick her up again.

"Whats your name?"

Fritz:

I look at Crystal worried, for her sake I hope there's good news about her aunt. 

After all she and Desmond pulled off back there I had real HOPE for her aunt too. They were SO strong.

She reminds me of my own family.

"R..right.. I should.. look.."

I lived with my godfather Mr. Weston right now, he always was in the bunker so I'm sure they are ok.

"Goood luck.."

I say as she heads to their home and I begin to head towards mine. 

No bodies it was empty. I try to pry open the basement door to see if they are in the bunker..

Its  good thing they weren't..it was damaged by lava. I nearly burn myself and begin to walk back to where survivors seem to be gathering.

(Mr. Weston): "Frit!" The old man takes me by surprise in a hug.

"Hey you made it!"

His children give one another a look for their father's reaction to me over them. I try to ignore it. 

"Hey guys.."

**Jospeh just sits between Penny and Potekim while holding Echo - having NO attention to leave the humans and bring his son down to Klaus vamp trap right now***


I look around at many others sitting on tarps trying to process and more coming in every minute pulled from somewhere. I peer wondering if Crystal found her and came back here.

Juliet:

Despite my whole worrying for my sister I can't help feeling weak at the knees and butterflies in my stomach.

He was so kind and such an amazing gentleman like out of a fairy tale. I'm not used to being around people... As sheltered as I was... Not that I could ever blame Jem. She had her reasons... Her being a famous actress and all. Plus, I've never really been that physically strong... Being a Lyratisan.

I hold onto the edge of his jacket draped over me. It was so warm. Comforting in all this scary, unfamiliar horror.

I sniffle, blinking away my worried, overwhelmed tears. "Thank you."

I watch from where I'm perched the best I can. Occasionally gets distracted watching him.

I look up at him and nod hopefully. "You're so kind... And amazing.. Helping me..." I look down shyly. "Thank you." Blink tears overwhelmed again. "Thank you so much."

I look back up at him, flushing. "Juliet." Gazes at him intently as he brushes himself off of the glass. My cheeks darkening even more. Red? Green? Whatever the colour flushing for Lyratisans would be. "Juliet Robinson."

Desmond:

I wasn't worried about Paingha. She was a witch who specialized in divination magic and a Trydein. She probably saw this coming a mile away and got to safety... If she was able to... figure out her readings and correctly decipher and interpret them that is... As vague and up to interpretation as divination was and all...

I was worried about Meredith though.. Being as human and helpless as she was.

And Ettie. I hope she and her family got somewhere safe...

I go over to Fritz and the gathered others to check.

I figured Meredith, if she wasn't trapped somewhere, would be trying to help rescue others at the moment. But maybe the Foxes or Paingha could at least be here.

I peer around.

"You all good?" I ask Fritz hoarsely since he was here. It seemed the right thing to do as I looked around. Not to ask wouldn't be very caring and communal.

Desmond:

I nod to Fritz.

Right... He's probably right... Hopefully...

I look to the lady who talked to me. They deserved hope and encouragement after all this.

"Right on." I continue with my scratchy, low voice, as well as make a YOLO hand gesture and shake it. "That's great. Keep on keeping on." I look from her to Fritz. "Positivity will keep us through."

Potemkin:

I heard about albinos before and thought Klaus was one but THIS guy..THIS guy.. is like what an albino is. 

He had dark bags under his eyes that just made him look paler too. 

Oh my God.

*gawks at Desmond*

(Penny): "What does that mean?" She giggles when he probably casts a curse on us with his hand voodoo stuff.

"Positivity.. in this.."

(Fritz): "Hey you guys took no losses better then some." He points out to me.

I look around, wondering WHEN we can get back to real civil society because this place sure went to hell in a handbasket. its amazing something hasn't eaten us all yet.

I eye Penny's boyfriend especially.  

He sits quietly staring at Desmond wide eyed afraid to speak.

Bash:

"Your very welcome!"

The girl thanks me and I start to feel sick at the praise, because.. because I dont deserve it. I wasted so much time fighting with Blythe and Dad..Sorin..needed.. help.. and..Bel.. and..

Then I...

I wanted to distract myself saving people but it wasn't helping. I didn't deserve for her to look at me like that. Im the reason her sister may be dead anyway. Boren did this.. and I'm his..

Juillet. Her name is Juillet.

I try to not be rude and refocus on her. 

"I'm..I..am.."

*freezes up at my name and just stares at her awkwardly mouth agap*

Juliet:

I can't tell if the poor guy is having memory problems like I am and is only just realizing it, or if he's just adorably shy and nervous.

"It's okay..."

I rub the back of my head.

"I'm having memory problems too... I can't remember how I got here..."

I add in hoping the whole him not being alone makes it less scary if it is memory loss.

"Maybe someone else will remember it for you?" I add, trying to give hope. "And if not, well, I'm sure we could come up with a good one."

Desmond:

"Oh. Right."

I hadn't really thought about how they might not know the hand signal. Now that I thought about it, I doubted many people knew it. I only knew it cause my old hybrid babysitter taught it to me.

"It called YOLO. It means you only live once, so we should live life to the fullest and try to do things that make us happy and not worry about the future."

I smile at Penny, then look over at the guy staring at me.

I look at myself wondering what he's staring at. I was in a battle with vampires after all. Maybe my aftermath look from the battle and all them vampire bites makes me look scary or he thinks I'm infected.

I look back at him.

"Don't worry. With everything going on, in the grand scheme of all that's happened on this eventful day, there's nothing to be scared about with me specifically, my dude."

I hold out a fist and pat it.

"Fist bump. We cool?"