ꜰᴏʀ ᴀʟʟ ᴛɪᴍᴇ

Chapter 12: The End of Time

End of The World: Skeeter Davis

AN: (I've been cooking) JK, so sorry AGAIN for taking forever. I got severe writer's block and re-wrote this scene so many times trying to figure out how I wanted it to play out and set up for a sequel. Finally I am pretty satisfied with this version so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do as this pulls everything together but also gets everything set up for the next book. (This one is a long chapter with some angst/romance so I hope this makes up for it)

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The purple light fades away revealing the familiar TVA to be replaced with a dark marble room. The dominant colors of gold and purple give the room a regal and mystical feel. An elevated golden throne lies in the center of the room with what looks to be a desk in front. A rush of dizziness washed over me as I glance around the office. My eyes are drawn to a large floor-to-ceiling window- framed by elaborate, golden arches and filigree, matching the overall opulence of the room, the glass is clear and pristine, allowing a crystal-clear view of what lies beyond.

As I approach the window, I'm mesmerized by the stunning panorama. Instead of showing a typical landscape, the view is surreal and otherworldly. It presents a swirling, kaleidoscopic display of colorful lights and patterns that shift and blend, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic effect. I realize I've seen this scene before as a voice cuts me out of the trance.

"Why hello again, Miss '27." A familiar, sweet, southern accent sounds from behind me. Whirling around, I see the floating orange clock I know so well as Miss Minutes. "You've had such a long journey to get here. Shame, you almost missed it."

"What are you doing here?" I ask, confused and warry to see a familiar face in a not-so-familiar place. No, that wasn't what I wanted to ask. Why are you here? Luckily Miss Minutes seems to know exactly what I mean.

"I am His assistant." Miss Minutes simply raises her hand toward the ceiling above us. "Though, I wasn't too keen on His decision to bring you along as well. He was very adamant on that."

"Who was?" I ask, circling Miss Minutes til my back is no longer facing the window. It feels exposing having such a vast view looking back on me and I am not in a place wanting to have any underhand or feeling of being exposed.

Miss Minutes only turns along with me to keep her gaze attached at all times. A small smirk appears on her face as she folds her hands behind her. "They're here." She answers quietly to herself, ignoring my questions. "Don't you worry Miss, He is a gentleman. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some guests to greet."

With that, a bright flash of orange takes over as she thins out into a line before disappearing altogether. The room has a brief moment of silence and time to re-adjust before an elevator ding goes off.

Directly across from me, a portion of the once solid marble wall opens up to reveal a man sitting cross-legged on a black padded bench. He's wearing a purple robe that drapes across his chest. A child-like giddy grin is plastered across his face as he uncrosses his legs just to start swinging them above the ground.

"My, oh, my." His voice is smooth and velvety yet holds a commanding presence that instantly grabs my attention as he speaks. He cautiously stands, keeping a fascinated gaze on me as if he's watching my reaction. His movements are slow and wary like a child trying to sneak up on a woodland animal, full of curiosity. "T-27... Evelyn." I tense up hearing that he knows my name. He chuckles to himself as he makes his way around me and towards his desk. "Sorry, just... just actually seeing you in person is wild. I mean- I've seen this day come billions of times but, you know, actually experiencing it. That, you can never feel. You, actually, were never a part of the plan. The original plan. Now that..." he reveals, almost giddy. He quickly composes himself and waves a finger toward me, "never happens. And yet... here you are."